The Grant Park Music Festival raised more than $325,000 at its annual Advocate for the Arts Awards event on September 17 at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. These funds will support the Festival’s ten week season at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, as well as help to underwrite its artistic and community engagement initiative, Festival Connect. 

Highlights of the evening include the presentation of the fourth annual Advocate for the Arts Awards to Illinois Arts Council Chair, Shirley Madigan, the Millennium Park Foundation and Sage Foundation. The evening was hosted by ABC7’s Ron Magers, a longtime Festival member.

Noted philanthropist and former Sara Lee Corp. CEO John Bryan presented the award to Shirley Madigan in honor of her lifetime of commitment to supporting and promoting the arts in Illinois. Donna LaPietra, Chair of the Millennium Park Foundation, received the award from Festival board member Sam Amelio, in recognition of the Foundation’s long-standing partnership with the Festival. Board members Vern Broders and Kate Donaldson bestowed the award to Melissa Sage Fadim, recognizing and thanking Sage Foundation for its vital role in cultivating the arts landscape in Chicago.

Event attendees were treated to outstanding performances by the Festival's Apprentice Chorale and Project Inclusion.

See photos of the event in our online gallery.

Looking for a way to be more involved with the Grant Park Music Festival? Consider becoming a Festival Docent.

We are looking for passionate music lovers to join our docent ranks. Docents provide Grant Park Music Festival visitors with a unique view of the music and history of the Festival, and the story of Millennium Park. They lead public discussions at open rehearsals and assist with select special events. Docents also participate in an exclusive series of pre-season learning opportunities and activities.

Ideal candidates believe in the benefits of lifelong learning, are committed to researching both individually and with others, and are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge with Festival audiences.

Visit gpmf.org/volunteer or download the application for more information.  Applications are being accepted through November 13.

Do you love free concerts? Make a donation today! Your gift supports free classical concerts of the highest artistic caliber, as well as education and community engagement programs, which reach over 800,000 people each year.

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Remember the days of summer when you send a note with photos of the Grant Park Music Festival performing at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Includes eight assorted note cards, four each of two designs.
 
Just $10. Call 312.742.7638 to order.

Metropolis Coffee Company, one of Food and Wine Magazine's top 12 coffee bars in the nation, is proud to support the Grant Park Music Festival. Its award-winning coffees are available at metropoliscoffee.com at a special price for Festival-goers. Use the code GRANTPARK for 10% off.