Excursions

Thursday, August 15: Optional Millennium Park Event

Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Millennium Park is on Michigan Avenue
The Pritzker Pavilion is on Randolph St. (northeast corner of Millennium Park)
201 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601

1. Picnic in the Park

• Select a meal and pick up at the back of the Pritzker Pavilion between 5 and 5:30.
• Bring a blanket or towel to sit on.

2. Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz Series

• 6:30: Free Admission, Pritzker Pavilion
• In case of rain, bring an umbrella
• Dana Hall is an American jazz educator, drummer, percussionist, composer, bandleader, and ethnomusicologist. Shortly after the recent release of his highly acclaimed debut solo album, Into the Light, Dana was named a Chicagoan of the Year by the Chicago Tribune. http://www.danahallmusic.com/
• Black Fire: Jazz musical group that plays guitar, drums and sometimes brass

Background Information: Chicago is a major center for music in the Midwestern United States and is known for its jazz. The distinctive Chicago style of jazz originated when southern musician moved north after 1917 bringing with them the New Orleans "Dixieland" or "hot jazz" styles. Even in the 21st century, Chicago continues to have a vibrant and innovative jazz scene which is reflected in the annual Chicago Jazz Festival.

Friday, August 16: Optional Chicago Architecture River Cruise

U.S. News & World Report Travel rated Chicago Architecture Foundation #1 on the list of "Best Things to do in Chicago".

• $20 for conference participants
• $40 for guests
• Contact Connie Webber at as soon as possible to reserve a seat.

During the 90 minute trip, docents will interpret more than 50 buildings along the Chicago River, revealing how the city grew from a small back-country outpost into one of the world's most important crossroads in less than 100 years.

• Meet at the dock at 5:00 p.m.
• Boat leaves at 5:30 p.m.
• Southeast corner of Michigan Avenue bridge at Wacker Drive. Look for the blue awning marking the staircase that leads down to the river and the dock ticket window. Please arrive 30 minutes in advance of your tour to allow time to get your tickets and board the boat (3 blocks north of Millennium Park).

Dinner Suggestion

Travel and Leisure Magazine has rated Chicago number 1 in architecture/cool buildings and pizza!

After your boat trip, consider trying a Chicago style deep dish pizza at Ginoss at 162 E. Superior Street (about 12 blocks north of Millennium Park and close to Michigan Ave.). Phone for Gino'ss East is 312-266-3337. The wait to be seated is sometimes long, especially on a Friday. Gino's does not take reservations, but you could call for a carry out. More information on Gino's Pizza will be provided in the conference packet.