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We're still waiting to hear more about the extent of the city's plans for this summer, which were alluded to last week when Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the Open Chicago initiative, heralding the return of street festivals, expanded outdoor dining and other large-scale events like Movies in the Park. There's still no word about the return of free concerts at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, but the city has revealed plans for a series of concerts that will only be open to the fully-vaccinated.
Dubbed the Protect Chicago Music Series, the summer concert series has been devised as a way to encourage Chicagoans (especially younger residents) to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The first concert in the series will feature house legend DJ Ron Trent and soul selector Duane Powell, partnering with local business the Silver Room to present a live performance in Hyde Park on May 22. All attendees must have received their vaccine two weeks prior to the event (on or before May 8), and will need to bring their CDC vaccination card and a matching photo ID to be admitted to the show.
Tickets will go on sale via the Silver Room's website at noon on May 11. If you haven't yet received your vaccine, you can get the Johnson & Johnson shot at Apostolic Faith Church (3823 S Indiana Ave) on May 8 from 9am to 2pm and snag a free ticket to the show. Appointments are preferred, but the church will also be welcoming walk-ups.
Previously, Mayor Lightfoot and Chicago Department of Public Health commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady have spoken about the launch of a Vax Pass at some point in May, which would allow residents to verify their vaccination status and could offer incentivizing perks like discounts and access to special events. Currently, it's unclear why the city hasn't integrated the launch of the Vax Pass with its Protect Chicago Music Series.
The city is promising additional Protect Chicago Music Series concerts throughout the summer, but dates, locations and participating artists have yet to be announced. if you're interested in attending and haven't been vaccinated yet, you should be able to walk up or make an appointment at all of Chicago's mass vaccination sites.