Taste of Chicago

Chicago IL- The "Windy City", kicked off the annual "Taste of Chicago" on 26 June 2009 this year. Daily events include activities for both young and old. Daily concerts, family fun activities, food vending booths and concerts name just a few of the events in the day long schedules. For more information on daily scheduled and activities (click here).

Main Entrance Off Congress Drive

Taste of Chicago kicked off with style as vendors had their hands full as crowds grew throughout the day. Summer heat seemed to have little effect keeping people away while event officials expected crowd attendance estimated between 225,000 and 500,000 daily this weekend. Event staff will have their hands full as great weather will be inviting for those who plan attending.

Group of Happy Taste of Chicago Attendees

Assorted music artists will play throughout the day in several Taste locations. Located in either the Best Buy Live Stage (or) Illinois Lottery Taste Stage, Artists continually draw crowds throughout the day. Good music, good food and some shade keep many content and ready for more as these music artists take the opportunity to play the venue and gain exposure.

Not everything started as planned opening day, a vendors semi-trailer was left with rear wheels in the air and needed a responding large tow-truck to correct the problem. Responding Chicago Fire Department Officials stated, "There did not appear to be anyone injured in the incident."

Semi Trailer with tail in the air.

Featured Music Artist's who performed at the Patrillo on opening day at the Taste included, Cameo and Charlie Wilson of The Gap Band. Both groups played to standing room only crowds who sang along, dance with and had a blast during every song. Before the Artists took the Stage, a moment of silence was observed for Michael Jackson and his songs were played before, and during intermission of the scheduled groups.

Larry Blackmon Singing.

Cameo combined new and old with a progression of songs that many responded loudly with when asked if they remember the song. Songs from great albums like, Cardiac Arrest, Ugly Ego, Cameosis, Word Up and Sexy Sweet Thing caused the audience to ungulate as a single large mass, to say the performance was enjoyed does not do it justice. I would suggest that Cameo played a Great Venue, to an appreciative crowd based on the crowds reaction and being on their feet through almost the entire performance.

Although Cameo kicked off the event, the crowed erupted when Charlie Wilson took the stage. Song after song the audience responded with cheers and clapping loud enough to wake the city. Old and young alike, the audience responded to songs like "There Goes My Babe", "One Time", "Love, Love, Love" and more. From beginning to end Charlie Wilson met expectations for a great performance and was the icing on the cake for a great opening day at the Taste.

Charlie Wilson of The Gap Band