Festivals are Just Around the Corner

In honor of this rainy but unusually mild February day, we at Sloopin are getting anxious for the Spring and Summer. As you're well aware, this is the time when Chicagoans and Sloopers arise from the depths of winter hibernation and enjoy all there is to enjoy about the city.

One of our favorite things about the South Loop is it's proximity to Grant Park. With that comes an enormous amount of events in our front yard ranging from large scale productions like Lollapalooza to intimate smaller gatherings like Chicago's 'Movies in the Park' series. Stay tuned to Sloopin as we will do our best to update you on news, schedules and general information about the events.

Our first look is at something we unfortunately didn't get a chance to attend last year, Columbia College's Manifest Urban Arts Festival. There is a wide variety of activities and shows during the festival and in 2009 it looks like it will be primarily put on by the students, faculty and people associated with the College. The event will be taking part all over the Columbia campus which extends throughout the South Loop.
Mark your calendars because May 15th isn't that far away.

November 4th Revisited

It's been 12 days, but I was just thinking about the Obama rally and the spectacle it was to behold.  The whole thing was so surreal.  The craziest thing was the crowd after the rally. Everyone was peaceful, happy and plainly just enjoying the moment:

Dance Party at The Congress Theater

So I've never been to the Congress Theater or been to a Girl Talk concert, but judging by what I've read and watched in this video it looks like it would have been fun:

However, I did have a co-worker that went to the show and he said it was horrible.

A Legend at Legends

How often do you get to see a Grammy award winning, rock-n-roll hall of fame inductee play an intimate show at his own club? Well the answer is every January…but just to warn you the show sells out quickly. Buddy Guy invades his own South Loop club (754 S. Wabash) for his annual performances in January.

So with that said, consider this a favor to our avid Sloopin readers…tickets go on-sale on Saturday November 29^th, so mark your calendars.

In case you don’t know, here is a little taste of Buddy Guy (however Eric Clapton most likely won’t be backing him up at the shows in January):

History in the South Loop

We've heard the talk about it, but it is now being confirmed by Obama's staff. Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign will hold what it hopes will be an Election Night celebration in Grant Park in Chicago, a campaign aide confirmed this morning.

The celebration will be in the South Loop or more specifically the south portion of Hutchison Field. This area has been home to various historic events such as hosting a papal visit in 1979 and a Chicago Bulls NBA championship celebration in 1991. It more routinely hosts Lollapalooza, sporting events and the Taste of Chicago.

See you there and hopefully it will be a true celebration (know on wood)!

Country Fest Video

I don't love country, but regardless here is the scene if you were interested to see how the Chicago Country Fest went. They got some good weather and to be honest a pretty good amount of people.

Things to do in the South Loop this Weekend - 10/10

Need something to do this weekend? How about running 26 miles? If that sounds interesting, but intimidating you could just watch the Chicago Marathon which starts early on Sunday Morning (10/12) in Millennium Park and then wraps up in the South Loop on the south side of Grant park. The race goes all throughout the city, but the final stretch comes right through our back yard and down Michigan Avenue.

Or if watching people torture themselves by running isn’t your thing, you can check out the Chicago Country Music Festival which will be in the parking lot between Soldier Field and McCormick Place. Highlights include Gretchen Wilson and Taylor Swift among others.

Weather should be nice this weekend, so take advantage of it.