The best concerts in Chicago this week

For classical music lovers who enjoy taking in a show set beneath Chicago's skyline, the annual Grant Park Music Festival is a perennial favorite summer event. This year's series of classical concerts runs through August 15 with performances ranging from symphonies by Mozart and Brahms to an evening of classic Broadway arrangements and the annual Independence Day salute. Take a look at the complete schedule of events below and find more information on the Grant Park Music Festival website.

The Shedd Aquarium's weekly summer concert series presents a rotating lineup of jazz bands on its scenic lakeside terrace, where attendees can dance, have a drink and get a great view of the Navy Pier fireworks. Guests also get access to the Shedd's exhibitions, meaning that you can gaze at the creatures that inhabit the Caribbean Reef, snap a picture of a cute sea otter or touch a sea star.

Spend enough time basking in the smell of barbecued meat, the twangy strains of country music and the sweltering heat at Windy City Smokeout and you might feel like you've been transported to Texas. The award-winning roster of BBQ pitmasters for this year featuring more than 20 pitmasters from across the country to right in Chicago’s backyard. Making their Smokeout debut is the legendary Terry’s Black Barbecue, ZZQ Texas Craft Barbecue and Tennessee’s own Blake’s at Southern Milling. Chicago pitmasters are returning this year as well, including: Chef Art Smith’s Reunion, Green Street Smoked Meats, Lexington Betty Smokehouse and Smoque BBQ.