Chicago French Market - Wednesday, August 28 Lunch Hour Music - Chris Goranson

Wednesday, August 28 Lunch Hour Music - Chris Goranson
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

Noted Chicago jazz guitarist and Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661; 312-575-0306) favorite, Chris Goranson returns 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 28 for the market’s lunch time entertainment. Goranson is a guitar teacher with a degree in Jazz Performance from Northern Illinois University. Currently, he plays in a rock band called OurGlass, who recently performed for JBTV.

Chicago French Market - Thursday, August 22 Rush Hour Music - Steve Justman

Thursday, August 22 Rush Hour Music - Steve Justman
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Complimentary

Folk musician Steve Justman will once again entertain lunchtime crowds this August.  Justman, a Chicago area musician who specializes in Americana music, has performed in many venues across the Chicago. Don’t miss his return August 22 at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661; 312-575-0306) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Chicago French Market - Wednesday, August 14 Lunch Hour Music - Maverick and T

Wednesday, August 14 Lunch Hour Music - Maverick and T
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

 

Don’t miss well known Chicago-native singing duo, Maverick & T this month. This duo, who both sing and play the guitar, offers a diverse array of songs. Enjoy classic rock and soul favorites in addition to some new, original compositions.  Come enjoy their lunch hour concert at The Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661; 312-575-0306), it’s the perfect musical escape for any hectic workday.   

Chicago French Market - Thursday, August 8 Rush Hour Music - Coventry Jones

Thursday, August 8 Rush Hour Music - Coventry Jones
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Complimentary

Coventry Jones, a Dylan-Esque singer and songwriter from Milwaukee, WI, combines critically acclaimed vocals with many different styles of music. His song list, which expands across a large variety of genres, is best known for its Delta Blues, Folk, and Celtic influences. Catch this talented artist from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 8 at the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago IL, 60661; 312-575-0306).

Chicago French Market - Wednesday, July 31 Lunch Hour Music - Dean Milano

Wednesday, July 31 Lunch Hour Music – Dean Milano
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Complimentary

If you missed Dean Milano earlier this month, or if you just wanted to hear his music again, today is your lucky day. Come listen from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 31 at the Chicago French Market.

Singer and songwriter Dean Milano engages in storytelling through his preferred medium, music. Having mastered many styles of music, Milano effortlessly moves between the musical genres of folk, country, rock, ballads, bluegrass and pop.  He spent four years touring with The New Seekers and has been the opening act for the Spencer Davis Group, Bo Diddley, The Kingston Trio in addition to many others.  Come listen from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 11 at the Chicago French Market.

Today at Chicago French Market - Lunch Hour Music with Steven Justman

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

A great way to finish up the month is to hear Steven Justman’s return to the market. The folk musician performs all around the Chicago area, specializing in American music. Justman has played in some of the most popular acoustic venues in Chicago and is happy to provide entertainment during everyone’s lunch hour.

Live Music This January at the Chicago French Market

Thursday, January 10 – Lunch Hour Music with Annalee Hooson
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary
A Chicago French Market favorite Annalee Hooson is back to perform her original and easy listening cover songs. Listening to a live performance by Hooson, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. January 10 is a perfect way to unwind during your lunch hour. 

Wednesday, January 16 – Lunch Hour Music with Dean Milano
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary
Dean Milano is a songwriter, musician and the author of The Chicago Music Scene: 1960’s and 1971’s and will be playing a lunch hour concert at the Chicago French Market. Make you lunch hour special, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. January 16 by mixing up your work day with a special performance by a talented artist. 

Wednesday, January 30 – Lunch Hour Music with Matt Cantlon
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

Chicago musician Matt Cantlon has been singing and playing rock, pop and country music on his guitar for more than 20 years. In addition to doing solo acoustic gigs he also plays in the popular duo, The Acoustic Generation. Cantlon averages about 200 live performances a year and is a prolific song writer spanning a variety of genres. Catch him from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on January 30.

Chicago French Market August concerts and events

Thursday August 2, 2012 - Rush Hour Music with Maverick & T
4-7PM FREE
Maverick & T are a well-known Chicago-native duo whose vocal talent with accompanying guitar spans every genre from classic rock to soul.  Come enjoy their rush hour concert.  It’s the perfect way to end a hectic day!   

  

August 6, 2012 ^- Taste of City Fresh Market

4-6:30PM FREE

Chicago French Market’s City Fresh Market is hosting the Taste of City Fresh Market where you’re invited to taste and enjoy a wide variety of fresh and local offerings from several national vendors - some right in your backyard! 

 More than ten vendors will be on hand to offer samples and discuss their products. Vendors will include i heart keenwah, offering naturally nutritious snacks and granola, Dietz Watson Meats, one of the largest preparers of Premium Deli Meats and Artisan Cheeses, and Made Drinks, offering MADE^® , a line of all-natural and organic green teas, flavored with real fruit juice.

August 8, 2012 - Lunch Hour Music with Steve Justman

11-2PM  FREE
Make your lunch more enjoyable with Chicago French Market’s free lunch hour concert by folk musician Steve Justman.  Justman hails from the Chicago area and has performed in many of the best acoustic venues in Chicagoland.  He is excited to return to the market to perform a lunch hour concert from 11- 2 pm.

 August 9, 2012 - Pastoral Monthly Wine Tasting

4:30-6:30PM FREE
Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine will be hosting its monthly wine tasting featuring several varieties of French wines.   Come taste some new French labels and they may become your new favorites.

 Thursday August 16, 2012 - Frietkoten Summer Beer Tasting

4-6PM $10
Nothing tastes better in the summer than a cold beer.  You’re invited to the Frietkoten Summer Beer Tasting 4-6 pm, Thursday, August 16.  Enjoy six 2 oz. beer samplings plus a cone of their famous Belgian fries with a dipping sauce for only $10.  Tasting options include Ace “Joker” cider, Avery “White Rascal” with beer, Krombacher “Pils”, Sixpoint “Bengali Tiger” IPA, Smuttynose “Star Island” Belgian style single and one beer on tap.

August 16, 2012 ^- Rush Hour Music with Coventry Jones

4-7PM FREE
Inspired by iconic musician, Bob Dylan, Coventry Jones is a singer/songwriter from Milwaukee, WI who combines critically acclaimed vocals with styles ranging from folk, Celtic and blues.  His song roster expands across a large variety genres and you are sure to know many of them. Come enjoy his free rush hour concert 4-7pm, Thursday, August 16.

Wednesday August 22, 2012 - Lunch Hour Music with Dean Milano

11-2PM FREE
Dean Milano is a songwriter, musician and the author of The Chicago Music Scene: 1960’s and 1970’s.  Make your lunch memorable by enjoying a free concert performed by this Chicago music legend.

August 25, 2012 - Momma Cuisine Buick Tour and Cooking Demo
11-12PM FREE
Come join us 11 am Saturday August 25 for the last stop in the Buick & Momma Cuisine French Market Tour!

 Check out the latest Buick model on display and See Momma Cuisine herself, Johanna Cook, create some of her “Great Everyday Meal” recipes using ingredients from The Chicago French Market.

 Johanna Cook is a mother of three from the western suburbs of Chicago.  She spent 10 years of her career in the restaurant industry as a corporate trainer and manager before starting her blog, www.MommaCuisine.com , a venture she created simply to express her love of food writing. Today, it has grown into a weekly cooking show with thousands of followers who find inspiration in her “Great Everyday Meals”.   Johanna has been featured on WGN America,  and in Kaia Magazine, Chicago Parent, and Suburban Woman Magazine, just to name a few.      

August 30, 2012 - Rush Hour Music with Dean Milano
4-7PM FREE
You have enjoyed his amazing performances before…. so come back, pick up dinner and enjoy a free rush hour performance by Dean Milano at Chicago French Market.

Make Music Chicago returns to Chicago French Market June 21

Chicago French Market (131 N Clinton, 312-575-0306) once again is proud to be a selected 2012 performance site for this year’s Make Music Chicago, a 24-hour musical holiday celebrated in over 110 countries and 460 cities around the world.  From 1 p.m. – 3.p.m. Thursday, June 21, the musical merriment will commence as amateur and professional musicians showcase their talents at the market.  Make Music Chicago is inspired by France’s “Fête de la Musique,” a national musical holiday encouraging musicians of all calibers to perform in the streets and allow patrons to enjoy different musical cultures from around the world.

Originating in Paris as an all-night celebration, this year’s festival will mark 30 years of musical appreciation for all genres across the board. Come and participate in the festival that will be heard throughout countries around the world including Germany, Italy, Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Australia, Vietnam, Congo, Cameroon, Fiji, Colombia, Chile, Nepal, and Japan. The event is complimentary for both musicians and audiences.

Upcoming Events at Chicago French Market

June 7, 2012 - Rush Hour Music with Pat Spaeth

4-7 p.m. Complimentary

Notable accordion musician Pat Spaeth will share her musical expertise at The Chicago French Market.  Cast your troubles aside and enjoy traditional French music before your evening commute

June 7, 2012 – Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine Monthly Wine Tasting

5-7 p.m. Complimentary

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine will be hosting its monthly wine tasting held the first Thursday of the month.  Come and enjoy a tasting of several varieties of artisan wines.

June 13, 2012 - Lunch Hour Music with Matt Cantlon

11-2 p.m. Complimentary

Chicago musician Matt Cantlon has been playing guitar and singing for over 20 years. The Chicago French Market is pleased to have him perform a lunch hour concert featuring a selection of classics, rock, country and pop songs for your enjoyment.

June 21, 2012 - Make Music Chicago

Throughout the Afternoon, Complimentary

Come and enjoy the musical talents throughout the day at Make Music Chicago. The festival is complimentary for both musicians and audiences.

June 21, 2012 - Rush Hour Music with Coventry Jones

4-7 p.m. Complimentary

Coventry Jones is a Bob Dylan-inspired singer/songwriter from Milwaukee, WI.  Coventry combines critically acclaimed vocals with style ranging from Folk, Celtic and Blues. Come and enjoy his complimentary concert before your commute home.

June 27, 2012 - Lunch Hour Music with Gabrielle Browdy

11-2 p.m. Complimentary

Thirteen year old Gabrielle Browdy will be performing a complimentary concert at The Chicago French Market.  While she may be young, Gabrielle is an accomplished and talented musician who has accomplished the art of singing a variety of styles.  This is a great way to spend your lunch hour with friends and co-workers. 

 

Saturday July 14, 2012 – Bastille Day Celebration

1-3 p.m. Complimentary

Come and enjoy the great Greta Pope for a Bastille Day celebration at Chicago French Market.  Cabaret and champagne will be the perfect way to spend your Saturday afternoon.

Live music and dining al fresco at Francesca's

Francesca’s Passaggio (3124 S. Route 59, Naperville, IL 60564, 630-946-0600)

Beginning June 1, Francesca’s Passaggio will begin its summer live music series featuring performances every  Friday and Saturday evening on the outdoor patio.  Its beautiful patio boasts lush greenery, seating for 68 and a table-top fire feature like nothing you’ve ever seen.  Patrons can kick-back and enjoy over a great Italian meal. 

 Check out other Francesca’s locations that will be offering patio dining -  Francesca’s Fiore (7407 W Madison Street, Forest Park, IL 60130; 708-771-3063); Francesca’s at the Promenade (641 E Boughton Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440; 630-739-6300); Francesca’s Vicinato (12960 S. LaGrange Road, Palos Park, IL 60465; 708-671-1600); Francesca’s Forno (1576 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60622; 773-770-0184)

Live Music at Francesca's restaurants this March

There are several opportunities to enjoy live music at Francesca’s this month. At Francesca’s on Chestnut (200 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611; 312-482-8800), guests can experience the piano and vocal styles of Elizabeth Doyle every Wednesday and Thursday. A singer, pianist and composer, Elizabeth will accompany your dinner with musical selections from 1930s jazz pieces to current hits. Fridays and Saturdays, the Jim Guter Trio will perform jazz music with a big band flair. Comprised of a bassist, pianist and saxophonist from the Jim Guter Big Band, one of Chicago’s exciting jazz groups, they play anything from jazz, big band, Latin and swing to current radio hits. The Jim Guter Trio will make your dining experience even more memorable.

Jazz bassist Marlene Rosenberg

Francesca’s Bellezza (75 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange, IL 60525; 708-579-3500) hosts the Jimmy Zito Trio 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. every Thursday. The Trio plays jazz standards from great artists like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Bobby Vinton. The Josh Miller Duo also will play at Francesca’s Bellezza Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m.

Francesca’s Bellezza is hosting the launch party for the Marlene Rosenberg Duo’s newest album 6:30 p.m. March 21. Featuring jazz bassist Marlene Rosenberg, the duo is a skilled jazz act. The launch party will feature a three course dinner for $25 and an appearance by the Marlene Rosenberg Duo. For more information about Marlene Rosenberg, visit www.marlenerosenberg.com.

March Events at the Chicago French Market

Check out what's happening this month at the Chicago French Market!

March 1, 2012 – Vanille Patisserie Dance Marathon Fundraiser

7am - 7pm
Dance until you drop! Team Vanille Patisserie will be participating in the Chicago Dance Marathon! On this day, Vanille Patisserie will donate 15% their daily sales at the Chicago French Market to the Children’s Memorial Hospital and dance alongside other participants as patient families cheer them on! Their participation in this event contributes to raising enough funds to benefit more than 146,000 children that the hospital treats each year.

March 1, 2012 – Rush hour concert with Asha & Martin Saville

4pm– 7pm FREE
Break up the middle of the day with some lunch hour music. Asha & Martin Saville will do just that by playing light rock, alternative and some R & B --The perfect way to avoid the rush hour crowd.

March 7, 2012 – Lunch Hour music with Asha & Martin Saville

11am – 2pm FREE
Inspired by musicians like Michael Jackson, Adele, and James Blunt, musicians Asha & Martin Saville will be performing a lunch hour concert at the Chicago French Market. Take a midday break and relax to their soulful tunes.

March 10, 2012 – Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine– Wine Tasting

12pm – 2pm FREE
Pastoral will be hosting their monthly wine tasting where they will feature several varieties of artisan wines.

March 14, 2012 – Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine– Beer Tasting
5pm - 7pm FREE
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Pastoral will be hosting a beer tasting where a sampling of artisan beers will be available.

March 15, 2012 – Rush Hour concert with Robin & Jenny Bienemann
4pm –7pm FREE
Creating the perfect harmony, Robin and Jenny Bienemann will be at to the Chicago French Market to perform a block of their original songs. Their quirky yet thoughtful music is sure to delight during the end of the work day.

March 21, 2012 – Lunch Hour concert with Americana musician Steve Justman
11am – 2pm FREE
Steve Justman is a collector of Americana artifacts and traditions that have spanned generations. He has been performing folk music in the Chicago area for years and is happy to share his gift with the Chicago French Market patrons. Stop in during lunch hour and enjoy a collection of traditional and popular folk music.

March 29, 2012 – Rush Hour concert with Robin & Jenny Bienemann

4pm – 7pm FREE
Stop in before your commute home to enjoy several original songs performed by Robin & Jenny Bienemann. Their combination of lyrical song-work paired with jazz guitar creates a relaxing but fun concert.

March 31, 2012 – Hop to the Bunny Train

11am– 2pm FREE
Come hop the train and travel around the Chicago French Market! The train will travel around the Chicago French Market from 11-1:30 pm, followed by an Easter Egg Hunt at 1:30 pm. Where participants can meet a very special guest: The Easter Bunny! The Chicago French Market will also be offering market-wide tastings. Don’t miss out on all of the Easter fun!

Chicago French Market Strawberry Festival

Join the Chicago French Market noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 4 for its Strawberry Festival! The perfect summer kickoff, the Strawberry Festival features everything strawberry -- strawberry cakes, strawberry crepes, strawberry smoothies, strawberry rhubarb tarts with toasted streusel, strawberry frasier, strawberry paczki and chocolate covered strawberries just to name a few!

Be sure to stop by the following vendors and check out their featured strawberry sweet treats!

Bowl Square is offering their new vegetarian dish; Green Rice Noodle, delicious cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, red cabbage radishes and strawberries served with rice noodles and homemade Korean style red spice sauce and sesame oil.

Stop by Canady Le Chocolatier for chocolate dipped strawberries and finish them off with a fizzy strawberry soda at Buen Apetito or an assorted beer made with delicious berries at Frietkoten Belgian Fries & Beer.

Pick up farm fresh strawberries from City Fresh Market or Produce Express Co. to complete any meal, and grab dessert from Delightful Pastries featuring fresh strawberry fruit tarts, fresh strawberry paczki, chocolate dipped strawberries, strawberry preserves, made-to-order strawberry shortcakes and strawberry Grand Marnier trifles.

Flip Crêpes will feature delicious strawberry filled crepes. Make it a meal with a strawberry infused smoothie from Juice Bar or Raw.

Hungry for lunch? Grab a strawberry caprese sandwich from Fumare Meats & Deli or a strawberry garden salad from Presto Café & Grill.

Saigon Sisters will feature a strawberry ice cream and Vânille Patisserie will offer strawberry rhubarb tarts with toasted streusel and a French dessert Fraisier: fresh strawberries, vanilla bean mousseline, passion curd & banana cake.


Lavazza Espression will feature Strawberry Choco Èspessone™, a double pleasure in honor of the festival: the delicacy of Èspessone, a light mousse with a soft and velvety texture, combined with the intensity of hot chocolate. Available in four perfect combinations: strawberry, vanilla, hazelnut and coconut.

Or pick up a strawberry plant from Les Fleur to enjoy home grown strawberries all summer long!

Make sure to check out the many cheeses from Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine that pair perfectly with a sweet strawberry or strawberry preserves such as an Alpine style cheese including Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Wisconsin, Comte from France, Tarentaise from Spring Brook Farm in Vermont or a fresh chevre from Prairie Fruit Farm in Illinois. Take some home from National Cheese Day on June 5 along with a strawberry pie or strawberry rhubarb pie from Provo’s Village Bake Shoppe or a strawberry specialty from Sweet Miss Giving’s.

While watching cooking demos and enjoying face painting for the little ones, enjoy live music from Rob Cunningham. A Chicago Lyric Opera and Chicago Symphony performer, his mix of vocal and acoustic guitar style spans across a wide range of pop, 70’s folk rock and even Broadway! The strawberries won’t be the only thing come for, kids will love meeting the strawberry mascot!

Dover Sole Special Starts the New Year at Restaurant Michael

The year 2010 may have passed but that doesn’t mean the most popular 2010 special has to. This Friday, Jan. 7, Restaurant Michael (64 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Ill.) features Dover Sole “à la Française”, finished tableside and served on a bed of Wild Rice Pilaf with Cognac-kissed Lobster Butter Sauce for $27.95. Available both à la carte and part of the prix fixe menu, only 30 fish will be available so be sure to make a reservation early and indicate your preference.

Guests will enjoy the cabaret song stylings of vocalist Petra Van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Please call (847) 441-3100 to make a reservation or visit http://www.restaurantmichael.com/.

About Restaurant Michael
Restaurant Michael serves classic haute cuisine in a contemporary presentation with French country flair. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Thursday 5:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. -11:30 p.m.; and Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Call for seasonal hours. Complimentary parking is available. Major cards accepted. Be sure to “Like” Restaurant Michael on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RestaurantMichael and follow Michael on Twitter at @RestoMichael. For more information, visit http://www.restaurantmichael.com/ or call (847) 441-3100.

Free Release Tuesday: Support the Greater Chicago Food Depository at ‘Sharing It Day’ November 23

Support the Greater Chicago Food Depository and help feed the hungry this holiday season by contributing to ‘Sharing It Day’ from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23 at the Merchandise Mart, South Lobby (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, Ill.). The Merchandise Mart, the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and Jewel-Osco have teamed up to make this one-day, indoor food drive possible.

Bring a non-perishable food or cash donation to ‘Sharing It Day’ and enjoy live music, warm drinks, holiday treats, a complimentary slice of Eli’s Cheesecake and a sample from Argo Tea while supplies last. Santa will be making a special appearance so don’t forget to bring a wish list!

All canned goods and cash donations collected at ‘Sharing It Day’ will help the Greater Chicago Food Depository to feed thousands of hungry people in the Chicagoland area. Most needed items include: whole-grain cereal, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, beans, canned meat, stew, soup, canned vegetables, canned fruit, and shelf-stable milk.

For more information or to make a donation, click here or call (312) 527-7600.

About the Greater Chicago Food Depository
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is a non-profit Chicago food bank that offers a food distribution and training center, providing food for the hungry people of Cook County. Not only does the Food Depository distribute donated and purchased food, they have also developed training programs to help provide the necessary tools needed for people to break their cycle of poverty.

For more information or to volunteer, visit chicagosfoodbank.org, call (773) 247-FOOD or e-mail chicagosfoodbank@gcfd.org.

Free Release Tuesdays at Kurman
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KCI is pleased to help you spread the news! Send all materials to kurmanstaff@kurman.com, and remember to follow us on Twitter @kurmanstaff.