Posted 3 years ago
Press contact: Jessica Cabe | PR and Communications Manager, Chicago Loop Alliance jessica@chicagoloopalliance.com | 815-713-8909
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SOCIAL: #SundaysOnState #BackInTheLoop
@loopchicago @ChicagoLoopAlliance @ChiLoopAlliance @Chicago-Loop-Alliance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | AUG. 17, 2021
CHICAGO—Chicago Loop Alliance is announcing the lineup for the Aug. 22 Sundays on State event, taking place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on State Street from Lake to Madison. Sundays on State is an open streets celebration of arts, culture, active recreation, food, drinks, shopping and more that is free and open to the public. Subsequent Sundays on State events will take place every week through the end of the series: Aug. 29 and Sept. 5 and 12. Those who register to attend Sundays on State at LoopChicago.com/Sundays will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Loop staycation package.
“We’re officially halfway through our Sundays on State season, and we plan to go out with a bang over the next four events,” said Chicago Loop Alliance President and CEO Michael Edwards. “This Sunday has more participants than ever—everything from live music, to retailers, to local music celebrities, to interactive activations like a roller skating rink show and dance party, to the most food of any event so far. State Street is uncharacteristically wide, making it the ideal venue for an event like this at a time when people are looking for safe outdoor activities. This is your chance to hang out in the middle of one of Chicago’s most iconic streets; you don’t want to miss it.”
So far, Sundays on State has accomplished all three goals Chicago Loop Alliance set for the event series: to accelerate the economic recovery of the Loop, unite the community and create joy. Retailers have reported as much as a 20-percent jump in Sunday sales during the event, and attendees have come together from every Chicago neighborhood. Feedback in attendee and participant surveys has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We could never have imagined how transformative the Loop could be,” said Denise Dunham Brown of Family-ism Face Paint Factory. “We will never see it the same way again after Sundays on State.”
Vendor Sylvia Moore of Sylvia's BackRoom and Friends said, “Sundays on State contribute[s] nothing but positive energy for the city.”
The Aug. 22 Sundays on State event will feature about 130 on-street activations – the most to date – throughout the day. These activations were submitted by community members and organizations from all over the Chicagoland area. Aug. 22 will feature the following list of activations, plus even more surprises. The event’s schedule, participants and acts are subject to change. Visit LoopChicago.com/Sundays for the most up-to-date details.
Performance Schedule – Lake-Randolph
- 11 a.m.-8 p.m. – The Freakeasy
- 11 a.m. – Fit and Fly Fitness
- 3 p.m. – DJ Lady D
- 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. – BreakSK8 performance
- 3-8 p.m. – Open skating for experienced street skaters who bring their own equipment and safety gear
Performance Schedule – Randolph to Washington
- 11 a.m. – Seasonal Frequency
- 2 p.m. – Millar Brass Ensemble
- 6 p.m. – Pop Up Karaoke
Performance Schedule – Washington-Madison (on stage)
- 11 a.m. – Global Booty Dance
- Noon – Comedy Sportz
- 1:45 p.m. – Highland Park Players
- 3 p.m. – The Dynamix-Ultimate Classics Cover Band
- 4 p.m. – Porchlight Music Theatre
- 6 p.m. – Andre Gibson & SoulJazz Revue
- 7 p.m. – DJ set by Joe Shanahan of Metro Chicago and Smartbar
Arts and culture
- 1Evalution – business and life coaching, with a space for discussions on how to move forward and make choices to live your best life
- American Writers Museum – a celebration of Ray Bradbury’s legacy with biographer Sam Weller for a 2 p.m. presentation
- Amoz of Art LLC – artworks for sale that highlight love and Black culture
- Andre Gibson & SoulJazz Revue – performing an all original array of compositions in soul, jazz and Chicago style steppers groove
- Brown Books and Paint Brushes from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to celebrate the life and legacy of Toni Morrison as part of the Free Black Children's Library summer pop-up series
- Ballet Folklorico de Chicago – musical performance of all ages
- Be The Match – a bone marrow drive that can help save a life
- Cabinet of Curiosity – water-themed spectacle with motorized boat and quirky surprises
- Chicago Doctor Who Meetup – a Cosplay Congregation in which Doctor Who fans can socialize, interact and enjoy shopping
- Chicago Mobile Makers with Global Citizenship Experience Lab School – a series of short educational workshops/discussions centered on project-based and real-world learning, like demonstrating donut economics, building models with Chicago Mobile Makers, exploring sustainable design or public art
- Chicago Queer Creations – a welcoming space for those who are in the LGBTQ+ community, and those who would like to support a queer human
- Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation – a kid-friendly space with different summer science projects for all ages, featuring Chicago Mobile Makers design and problem-solving mobile workshop
- CIRCLE Foundation/Innovations High School – gaming station to help build community awareness of their school and other services, with swag giveaways
- Comedy Sportz – improve comedy troupe with a competitive twist
- The Dynamix-Ultimate Classics Cover Band – a group of musicians age 16-20 who perform hits from the ’50s-’80s
- eATLAS – free self-guided tours and treasure hunts in the Loop using the eATLAS app
- Family-ism Face Paint Factory – professional face painting and a photo backdrop for selfies
- The Freakeasy – an art collective inspired by the Burning Man Arts Festival, which will be bringing their Augmented Reality Sandbox and The Freakeasy Lounge, in addition to special music performances by Freakeasy Resident DJs
- Freelife Records / A Logic Electric – State Street Collective Cyphers podcast, featuring intern hosts with a culturally uplifting, no-violence music mandate
- Free Lunch Academy – live performances of their touring stage play entitled “Be A Buddy Not A Bully,” which addresses the various types, leading causes, and how to intervene and even prevent bullying-related behaviors
- Gene Siskel Film Center – selling popcorn outside the theater
- Haute Society – live cooking classes to create healthier habits while creating time for friends and family to connect
- Highland Park Players – Broadway-style performance, including song snippets from their upcoming production of "Matilda the Musical!
- Illinois Science Council – examine real brains from different animals up close, enjoy an exotic insect “petting zoo,” chat with scientists (e.g. soil ecologist, neuroscientist, immunologist, etc.) and learn about science outreach opportunities in Chicago
- Jimmy Williams Gallery & Studio – pop-up abstract art gallery
- Joe Shanahan of Metro Chicago and Smartbar – DJ set
- K Elizabeth Décor – demonstrations on how to make home decor items using repurposed and/or recycled items
- Kraneil Fine Art - live painting
- LeonMechelle Artist Studios – 3D interactive artwork
- M.A.D.D. Rhythms – tap jams, a gathering of tap dancers who come together in a cypher/circle and just jam
- Metrix, Chicago’s New Hero – book promotion for a child-designed, mother-supported comic book superhero named Metrix, along with a youth literacy campaign
- Millar Brass Ensemble – live light classical, pop and jazz music
- OperaGram.com – mini-concert of operatic arias, followed by an improvised operatic number with audience participation, and a free singing telegram awarded to an audience member
- Paint the City – 1970s-themed disco photo booth and BreaksK8 interactive performance
- Plein Air painters – artists live painting an iconic Loop scene – the Chicago Theatre and State/Lake 'L' station
- Pop Up Karaoke – karaoke for all in the street
- Porchlight Music Theatre - popular Broadway and pop songs sung live
- ReadySetLearn.io – an interactive computer science workshop where youth can learn about binary numbers by creating their own bracelet or necklace and other activities with small technology prizes for winners
- Revolution Club – activist group advocating for equality among different people, cultures and languages
- Sarah J Wilson art – pop-up art show of work depicting painted signage and painted stickers/everyday objects from around Chicago
- Seasonal Frequency – electronic music
- S.H.E. Gallery – Pop-up live painting, along with merchandise benefitting mental health and wellness workshops
- THUG Hippie – a gently guided drum and dance circle that embraces diversity and models what true inclusion looks like
- Tours with Mike – free, 20-minute architecture and history tours of State Street from Lake to Madison, from 2-5 p.m.
- Workers Center for Racial Justice – opportunity for public dialogue on how neighborhoods can create real safety and commit resources toward achieving a vision of equity, opportunity, and liberation
- Zaller Brothers – affordable entertainment for kids and adults meant to build confidence
Active recreation
- BreaksK8 – audience interactive roller skating performances, as well as an open skating area from 3-8 p.m. for experienced street skaters who bring their own equipment and safety gear
- CHI-SOCIETY – outdoor fitness classes featuring workouts from Chicago's top fitness instructors in cycle, boxing, yoga, Pilates, strength, barre and meditation
- Dzika Fitness – Chicago-made, trademarked training program bringing pop music-fueled fitness classes to the street
- Fit & Fly Fitness, LLC – Hula Hoop demonstrations and fitness classes from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., along with handmade, padded weighted hoops and apparel for sale
- Global Booty Dance – movement classes to help empower and encourage people to dance and move again
- Playbound – kids’ activities like tag, chalk, music and dancing, all led by counselors
- Reign Body Fuel – fun photo opportunities and complimentary samples of Reign Body Fuel, a performance drink, along with complimentary workout classes
- YogaSix – yoga classes for every body
Food and drink
- Adams Street Brewery – beer and root beer sales from the Berghoff’s sister brewery
- CForce Bottling Company by Chuck Norris – premium alkaline water giveaways
- City Water Hard Seltzer – new hard seltzer flavors for sale with giveaways
- Cynthia’s Gumbo Express – Louisiana-style food truck serving seafood, chicken, turkey and vegan gumbo
- The Fat Shallot – classic sandwiches food truck
- Good 2 Go Veggie – wholesome vegetarian food
- Happy Lobster – lobster rolls food truck
- Harold’s Chicken – food truck
- Ms. Tittle’s Cupcakes – dessert food truck, serving your “Favorite Cake in a Cupcake”
- Pita Heaven – Family-owned, local Greek restaurant
- Rose’s Aguas Frescas – two stands serving non-alcoholic fruit- and rice-based drinks with authentic tacos
- Staypineapple, an Iconic Hotel – pineapple treats like pineapple shortbread ice cream sandwiches and pineapple lemonade for sale
- Sundays on State beer tent – Goose Island beer and seltzer favorites
- thrd.coffee company, LLC – mobile coffee bar
- The Walnut Room – alcoholic beverages and customer favorites, like Mrs. Hering’s chicken pot pie available as a walking pot pie
Retail
- Activate Your Impact – pop-up shop for AYI Beauty, offering product samples and complimentary skincare consultations and job opportunities
- Aspire Brands, Inc. – ASPIRE Healthy Energy Drinks and live music
- AT&T – pop-up shop featuring brands like Samsung, FirstNet and AT&T services
- Barb-N-Gear – African jewelry, apparel, hand bags, cell phone cases and commercial jewelry
- The Body Shop – sidewalk shop with new beauty product releases and demonstrations and kids coloring activities
- Book Driver – a book display promoting this free book and media donation pick-up service in Chicago
- Botanica Chicago – education on cannabis history, safety, consumption methods and how to grow at home
- Brewja Co. – art, merchandise and coffee for sale
- Broadway In Chicago – collectable banners from past shows for sale
- Brown Babies Books, LLC – an online children’s bookstore specializing in children’s, teen and young adult literature written by authors of color will have a storytime space with readings from select books
- Brown Girl Loves Vintage – a pop-up boutique part of the Vintage Village network with unique jewelry, accessories and fashions
- BWYB Life – a new apparel brand (“Black-White-Yellow-Brown”) designed to bridge racial divides, stop racial hate and bring good people together regardless of their race, culture or ethnicity
- Chanellie – a self-care DIY day where you can make your own coffee clay masks, use their paint and sip kit, write on their Tanuki writing kits and be in a safe space to decompress, mingle and self-care
- Chicago Cannabis Company – cannabis education and DIY infusion demonstration
- Chitiva by Prescribd – a CBD pop-up shop with infused products, tinctures, drink additives and more
- Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL) – a pop-up shop with exclusive merchandise with proceeds helping preserve 14 of Chicago’s most iconic independent entertainment venues
- Divinity Seven Apparel – pop-up boutique with hanging apparel racks, mannequins and tables displaying apparel
- Dunbar College Barbers – live haircuts right on State Street
- Equal Clothing – a minority-owned urban fashion line geared toward empowering a generation to speak out for, fight for and strive for equality
- Giveashirt – hand screened designs by local artists and musicians, with 100 percent of profits donated to Streetwise
- Half Day CBD – educational sessions and one-on-one consultations around hemp-based CBD products
- Herbal Maintenance – natural organic products for the entire body
- Highly Unique – Chicago-based streetwear clothing brand that showcases Chicago-inspired designs and graphic tees that express individuality and uniqueness
- Indelible Bliss Candle and Soap Co. – candles and other products for sale that carry a message/mantra serving as a daily reminder to the user
- Insurance Navy – free giveaways and representatives to answer insurance questions
- It’s Oksana – a pop-up store based in linen fabrics, featuring Ukrainian-based products
- Lady Kai-hi Clothing & Accessories – jewelry and women’s clothing
- Lolita’s Bodega – BIPOC small business pop-up featuring 5-10 small businesses and artisans
- Loop Wear – a leading online destination for men and women’s contemporary fashion and streetwear
- Macy's – pop-up sidewalk shop
- nineteen99art – an up-and-coming community-based clothing company with an emphasis on giving creatives of all forms a spotlight and platform
- Nordstrom Rack – a sidewalk sale in front of the store featuring their best grab-and-go, festival-ready items
- Old Navy – a summer pop-up shop with exclusive discounts.
- Open Profile – an online boutique that curates a selection of vintage women, men and children's clothing.
- Passion Lily Boutique – women’s clothing, accessories and sandals
- Piel Bella by Jazz – a Mexicana-created eco-conscious and sustainable beauty boutique selling 100%-handcrafted, plant-based body and face oils, scrubs, and hair care products
- PinkPoshBeautyWorld – beauty products and accessories with inspired diamonds for decoration and lots of pink
- PRIMERICA – a financial services company for families
- Rahalah – bespoke vintage fashion and one-of-a-kind shoes
- Staypineapple, an Iconic Hotel – free photo booth with pineapple props like coffee mugs, hats, robes and Dash, the Pineapple Pup, plus Pineapple treats like pineapple shortbread ice cream sandwiches and pineapple lemonade for sale
- Sylvia’s BackRoom – a collaboration of vintage sellers all in one place, bringing you the best in vintage, artsy and oddities. Find one-of-kind treasures from days gone by including racks of clothing and accessories, art, textiles, jewelry, accent furniture, home decor, eyewear and so much more.
- The Water Station – a health and wellness pop-up shop offering kidney health books, seamoss gel, alkaline water and personal consultations
- Walgreens - offering walk-up COVID-19 vaccinations in front of their State and Madison location
East-west streets within the program area will remain open so that retail, hotels, restaurants and residential spaces will still have access by vehicle. Signage about the street closure will be placed at the sites of the closure and two blocks out to provide ample notice to vehicles. State Street from Wacker to Lake will be used as a drop-off zone. Sundays on State will follow public health guidelines in place at the time of each event.
Sundays on State is planned to occur rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather during the events, Chicago Loop Alliance encourages guests to take a moment to enjoy the bountiful indoor shopping, dining and attractions on State Street and throughout the Loop including special discounts and promotions available at LoopChicago.com/LoopDeals.
Sundays on State is a project of Chicago Loop Alliance in partnership with Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation, City of Chicago, and SSA#1-2015. Event sponsors are Hilton, Allstate, Macy’s, PNC, Target and Walgreens. Community sponsors are Block 37, Cabrera Capital, Clayco and Millennium Garages. Captivate, The Chicago Crusader, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Firefly, Me-TV FM, Power 92.3, Rejoice 102.3, Soul 106.3, Vocalo, WBEZ, WGN, WLS-AM 890, 94.7 WLS-FM, 101WKQX and WVON are media sponsors. Star Events is the event production company for Sundays on State.
About Sundays on State
Chicago’s most iconic street, State Street, closes to traffic from Lake to Madison on select Sundays this summer and transforms into an open street full of surprises. Come together with neighbors from every Chicago community and beyond for this free, interactive block party, while safely enjoying art, culture, active recreation, food and drink, shopping and local attractions. Experience everyone’s neighborhood, the Loop, like never before! For more information, visit LoopChicago.com/Sundays. #SundaysOnState
About Chicago Loop Alliance
Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA)’s mission is to create, manage and promote positive and inclusive programs that attract people to the Loop and accelerate economic recovery. CLA is a membership organization as well as the sole service provider for Special Service Area#1-2015, and the Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation produces public art projects and events. For more information, please visit LoopChicago.com.
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