August 4, 2003 -- Prompted in part by the success of the movie "Chicago," the city tourist fathers and mothers have put together a big bundle of musical offerings, many of them free, that began this summer but continue through the fall. Along with the dozens of events, the tourist industry has joined in by cobbling together some pretty neat hotel rates, from as low as $89 per room in one of the 50 establishments participating.
"Play On Chicago" emphasizes many musical styles, from blues and zydeco to arias, a cappella and scat. The festival itself ends September 21, 2003, but some events "play on," as it were. Here are a few of the events highlighted (free admission unless noted otherwise):
Grant Park Music Festival through August 16, the Chicago Blues Exchange through September 21, The Lion King (admission $19-82) through January 18, 2004; Summerdance through August 31; World Music Festival (some venues charge, other venues do not) September 18-21; Maxim's Cabaret ($15).
Special rates in hotels feature the following double room prices: The famed Palmer House Hilton from $99 to $179; the ritzy Hotel Monaco from $119 to $189; the Inter-Continental from $139 to $179; the Ritz Carlton from $305 to $380.
Immersion weekends, featuring two-night stays in a leading downtown hotel, tickets to some of the hot events and access to exclusive receptions hosted by leading arts experts, include the Jazz weekend from August 29-31, 2003, at the Hilton Chicago, costing $495 for a double room. You get, with the room for two nights, VIP Pavilion seating, an exclusive reception and lecture, and the Dave Holland Big Band on Friday night. On Saturday night, you will see Elvin Jones' Jazz Machine, along with four other headliners. Each night following Jazz Fest, you visit a local jazz club and a late night set and jam session.
The Visual Art Immersion Weekend takes place from October 17 to 19, 2003, based at the Hotel Burnham. Double room for two nights $470. The price includes a private tour of The Art Institute's new retrospective, "Manet and the Sea" and the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum's "Day of the Dead" exhibition. Also: a VIP tour of SOFA Chicago before it opens to the public.
To reserve your special rate hotel rooms or an Immersion Weekend, call 877/CHICAGO (same as 877/244-2246) or visit www.877chicago.com.