“The bands are being prerecorded at various sites in the city,” explains Rich. “A longtime partner with SummerDance is the Chicago Park District. In light of that, we’ve used Millennium Park as a backdrop for some of our productions, the rooftop of the field house in Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown, and the lawn and the gymnasium at Calumet Park on the far south side. The parks are also available to people, so this has been an important partnership this year to encourage people to responsibly be outside and enjoy the spaces the city has to offer.”
This Wednesday night, with a house dancing lesson by Imania Detry and a set of music by DJ Deeon, accompanied by footworkers Marquis aka Adoniz and Tony (Wicked) Anderson, Mayor Lori Lightfoot offered an introduction to the series: “While we all reflect on America’s painful legacy of racial injustice, we invite you to experience the healing power of music and dance. This series is an opportunity for virtual connection and unity.” v
