Culture Cousins The People Festivals Flavors of Chicago YouTube

Welcome back to all for the love of Chicago. I'm Kristen Lisa. So glad you're back. Well, thank you for having me People thought they were rid of me and I'm like, no Here I am just in time for summertime. Shy love that. Yes, but I I was on on a family vacation Uh through ireland and I did a little weekend in london before I came back Um, because you know, we were talking about Uh st. Patrick's day. Yeah, and the amazing connection that chicago has to ireland So I was like I gotta go check it out. And did you spread the love of chicago? Doesn't it feel like a small world sometimes when you're like, it's so like first of all We didn't even say when people are like, oh, where are you from? You know, what country are you from canada? But I wouldn't even say mark. I was like chicago. Yes, and they're like, oh, yeah Yeah, do you know like do you know i'm like, I know the o'malley's here's who I know I know the o'malley's I know patricia tracy the Global violinist. I know maddie moore I took a picture of maddie moore from chicago restaurant in dublin. I can't wait to see him I'm gonna go there. I'm like, here's your restaurant. Yeah, I did not go in They looked really bad, but I did take a picture of it. I love that. Um, no, it was Great, and there were so many connections and actually I took pictures with friends of friends And the second you do that They're like, oh, do you know my friend? I mean, here's my friend when you go to the next town call my friend um, it was hilarious beth gave me a driver as name to drive around because you're not it's not really that great and drive and You post on your instagram like in the book of drivers in the dictionary. He is 100 Textbook adorable. What was his name? Craig? His name was craig and He was so funny. So my girls are my daughters are 18 and 21. Yep. So they're very like About their content creation and about like the tiktoks and everything being perfect and they're they're quote secondhand embarrassed by everything Right. Do you know that term? No, should I start? So when someone does something that is like cringe or embarrassing you're like i'm secondhand embarrassed. You don't think cringe anymore No, okay. Thank you for keeping me second embarrassment, which means like everything that anyone does is like embarrassing them Got it. So we're sitting driving through The irish countryside and craig our driver all of a sudden Just burst into irish song Start singing at the front of the car My they're crying. My daughters are full crying from like in the back like they can't understand what's happening He's singing and it was amazing. I loved it. We got he was so cute. He was a good singer I was like, whoa, I mean what a jolly old soul. Oh my god, it was so cute Um, but then he was like, oh chicago i've never been And then he goes we met the right gal, right? He goes what's the climate like and i'm like Nobody knows no I mean like today. I don't know. What is it going? What is it? Is it is it hot? Is it rainy? Is it it's humid? Is it what it's gross? I got here. I'm like, what is the climate? Yeah, but it was rainy and cold and all the things but we had a great time But i'm happy to be home and back and i'm excited about being I was fully watching like the clips of the pod Yes abroad and I was like I was having fomo. I tried To do you justice sitting in that chair, um, but it's hard. I mean it was i'm glad you're back Matt was such an excellent. I missed you co-host and he was great and it is Pride go go go. Yeah, chicago. We're in it Oh, wow, and you were at the blues fest. So I went to blues fest recently It was a great time with my kids and we were there for like this like women in jazz lineup that was in the in the millennium park amphitheater and um, it was around celebrating mama yancey who was basically the female originator of Blues music and she wrote hound dog Velvet seriously never got any royalties for it, of course And the women on the stage had a lot to say about it So I felt like I was like i'm here for this so it was so fun Hit the merch tent and now she's getting her Global. Yes. There you go. Thanks to mama. Yeah and all for the love of chicago merch tent loved got you some goodies for that You brought me a sweatshirt. Yeah, so sweet. I love it. Um, and it was so I remember this moment Sienna my five-year-old came to me and she goes do you know what's so special about our city and i'm like what she goes people gather oh and I looked around and there was just like So many different walks of life so many different ages so many people just by themselves with families with partners just Taking a load off Listening to music. It was like the best way To experience a sunday and I just was like very I just felt very fortunate. It was great And free awesome. I I do love our city and how perfect edition Yeah, we love to gather and be outside and and soak up all the art. We're talking a lot about art today But man, I came back back in and I just like hit the ground running I was today And we're obviously filming this at a different time. Yeah I was at a press conference because we have the naacp Convention next month and I just think it's really interesting. I've been doing a lot of convention You know meet and greets because it's prime convention season in chicago And we do have the largest convention center in north america mccormick place So, um, so last right before I left I was meeting with asco and they while they were here in chicago they made global news for having a groundbreaking pancreatic potential cure for Incredible cancer. Yeah. I mean that's what happens at these conventions Not it's not just economic impact and they're here like meeting and greeting It really is incredible work that goes on in the showroom floor and right before that convention I went to the restaurant national restaurant show Oh my god, so cool. I love wandering over to the mccormick place. I mean like what's what free samples. Can I? Yeah zing and free samples. First of all, they had an entire I know it's way more No for me i'm taking pictures of the slurpees pizza robot. Oh my god, the robots were so cool And then they had this whole section of like dishware and things because it's about how restaurants can promote themselves And then I was going to tell you the story I don't even know if we have time, but I saw this like display of fake food, okay fake restaurant food that looks like Really realistic and I was so triggered Because I have to tell the story. So when I was in china, I went to china several years ago for a work thing Yeah I'm, like a very picky eater. Okay, so Just so you know, i'm just like don't take me and i'm not a fun person to travel with unless you know, you know And so I go to china i'm starving we get to this one place it was like the hospitality school I was starving and so they had this bread basket And I put this beautiful Braided bread with sesames on it and i'm walking around and somebody in my team was like And my group was like, where'd you get that? I'm, like no I got over there, but there's only one and they're like i'll split it with you. Let me get the table I'll split it with you cool So then somebody somebody else comes up and they're like, can I have it? I was like, but i'm walking around this huge thing. I was like, let's just just share it right now. We go to tarot It's rubber Not real bread. Not real bread. So realistic this happened in my life, right? It was like Crying laughing I was like no I was so excited. I was so excited. You're like it's everyone wanted it too It was it was the desire and then i'll never forget. We're at the airport leaving I'm, just like waiting for the plane to come and One of my colleagues came over and was like I just pulled a kristin At the gift store i'm like you did a what and they're like I tried to buy a fake orange Like He's like i'm trying to buy it. It's so realistic. It's so realistic. But uh, yeah Anyway, I was like the back to the conventions. It really is amazing. I ever get you in a secret santa I'm getting you fake food. I'm telling you that's a total story that it's legendary for people that were on that trip everybody just dying Salivating over this bread that was actually rubber and we didn't it took us we were like so confused We're like what is happening? You made eye contact with the fake food Yeah, and you know everybody at the school or everybody else in that building was like why is she walking around? No one baked bread. No one helped you, but no nobody Like i'm sure That was the highlight of their day is just watching me attempt. Thank god. I didn't try to just bite it. Yes I know anyway, but it I mean those things are important because they you know, they add to the display Yes, and I saw them and I was like here we go well it's so So, um, I the conventions that are in town right now and you see them everywhere people with their little lanyards on they're getting on The shuttles they're everywhere and I was telling kristen that I hope that this podcast is like inspo for people that are coming here We call it leisure Yes, but business travelers that are coming for for they're like in chicago for a few nights and they want to add in a day or they have a break in between because Right outside the convention center there's so many things you've got chinatown you have opc that's about to open there's amazing food and You know bars all around the city to go check out museums And so I hope this is well and I live downtown and I see the lanyards Yeah all over and by the way, I heard that when I was in Europe people were like posting pictures of michigan avenue and where they were like chicago is at capacity Yeah, because we had the blues fest. They were like, oh and the pokemon go the pokemon go thing. So I So at the blues fest there was this convergence of blues Best I always said blues travelers blues best people and pokemon go fans And they were like living, you know, like copacetically together, but this guy was running I and his pokemon cards Went everywhere. Oh, no the panic that this man had that someone was going to take this pokemon Everybody was helping and it was really cute. But I also was like I don't get it. I don't understand it, but I love it I think I would have walked right by and been like, sir, you're right I'm, not that nice, but I was like where are you running to slow down people were like it was great This is it. It is summertime. It is and this is why we you know, this is peak season It is and i'm so excited because we have a very special guest today. Yes Yeah, but we're going to talk about all things like culture food everything in the city But I want to talk a little bit about james beer. Yes I know I was gonna say I was like before we get to that like let's talk about james Yeah, so when this airs it'll just have happened. Yeah But that is this weekend and speaking of things happening in chicago James beard is like the oscars of the food awards for restaurants chefs food media Everything and they come this is we are the home of the james beard awards Obviously we are the culinary destination of america And what I love about I got the chance to go last year is my first time and so i'm really excited to go back Because now I have a better idea what I love about it is when you go and you see the award winners It's life-changing. It changes their lives because when you put james beard award winner just to be nominated Automatically alone. Yes, but when you win, that's it. You're the pinnacle I mean everybody wants to come to your restaurant or experience your food or you're the chef that can go anywhere And there's stories about being immigrants and about coming, you know Starting at dishwashers and having a dream and fulfilling that dream restaurant ownership is hard It is and the one thing that I do love about the james beard awards is throughout the weekend They're obviously the awards are like the big enchilada Food pun. Oh, I didn't even mean to do that. But I just nicely I did that. Um But they have leadership awards media awards community like they literally celebrate the restaurant community as a whole Um, but I love that the awards are the lyric opera house because it really showcases such a beautiful Um institution in chicago and then there's like so many after parties. Oh my gosh the parties the whole weekend all the different parts I the I got the list i'm like And this one was like starts at 11. I'm like p.m No Who does wear your stretchy pants? No Anyway, but it is an incredible weekend that we look forward to all year and so we just want to give a big shout out to all of the james beard nominees and Um, and of course the winners that will be announced. Um on monday So very exciting and I want to fast forward. Okay, we're going back and back in time It's like a book that's like jumps. Yeah, july 4th weekend. Ah It's coming america 250. I can't believe it. Um red white and blue. Here we go. Here we go So there's so many things to do Around july 4th regardless of america 250 and we are partnering with navy pierre They're going to have an incredible firework show. I got this email when I was on my vacation and I was like i'm, so excited I know because I mean 4th of july Anytime navy pierre fireworks epic. Yes, but this year Beyond epic it is and so they marilyn gardner who was on the podcast a few episodes ago Shocked about all the programming at navy pierre. We're going to be partnering with navy pierre. They're doing this amazing Dedication to the united states. We're going to be activating on site But even up around the fireworks, um, please make sure you get out and about in july 4th We have tons of free things to do that entire weekend. So we'll put the information here And then and then right after that is windy city smoke out Which is huge Darius rocker blake shelton. I mean gonna blow fish. Oh my gosh Anyway, this is the craziest time of year to be here This is when people were posting on our instagrams and people are like do you sleep? Like how are you at all these things and you're like what i'm like i'm gonna miss it. Yeah, like i'm not gonna go Yes, I mean it's crazy. It's great. So speaking of so many things happening one of the partners that makes A lot of these things happen in our city Is d case? Um and kenya merit as their new commissioner And we have her on the show today. All right, so let's move to we're loving it Now is the perfect time to plan your next visit or staycation in chicago through june 26th Only amazon prime members can unlock 20 off stays at chicago hotels as part of amazon prime day travel deals Miss the prime day window You can still take advantage of 10 savings on chicago hotel stays when you find your deal today at choosechicago.com back to the show We are so excited for our special guest joining us on the pod today Kenya merit commissioner of the city of chicago's department of cultural affairs. We like to call it d case for short Commissioner merit brings over 25 years of professional experience to the role much of it spent working across city departments But most recently as deputy mayor for business economic and neighborhood development Commissioner merit is also a lifelong chicagoan who grew up in the north lawndale neighborhood We're so thrilled to have her here talking about all the amazing public events Celebrations public works of art her department is doing so much this summer and we are beyond excited. Welcome. Thank you I'm, so excited to be here for this good girlfriend. I know right the work that's what it feels like Collectively together. So thank you for having me. Well, um, this is gonna be a special question because I feel like you have So many ways that you can answer it, but we ask every guest. What do you love the most about chicago? So for me chicago is home Um, it has a special place in my heart just not only being a lifelong chicagoan but I think what's so unique about our city and our neighborhoods is Whether you have recently moved here or you've been here forever Or you were born and raised here. We make it feel like home Um, and so it's home for me I love that you you've actually to kenya. You've made it feel like home for me You were one of the first people that I met in chicago when I was interviewing for the job and you were interviewing me um as deputy mayor And i'll just never forget even on the phone when I was in new york anywhere You know, I was like nervous everything and you just make You made me I think you make people feel so at peace And um, so I want to thank you for making that, you know home for everyone. You just always have that beautiful smile And you are so Perfect in your new position as commissioner of d case I can't tell you how many people tell us how excited the entire city is to have you in this role So can you just for the people that listening from around the world tell us what d case does? And maybe a little bit about your journey. Yeah, so it's a little bit of a coming back home For me to d case this is the second time that um, I will be joined that I have joined the team I'm now leading the team And so d case is an amazing City department that sometimes doesn't feel like a governmental entity and we like it that way Um, so d case is responsible for leading and stewarding culture in chicago Um, and we take that charge very seriously and we do that in a numerous numerous ways one is that we produce events So we just had blues fest. I mean it was incredible and it's so just to really quickly like I can't remember how millennium park looked before you all have it was a foreign parking lot. It was amazing It was a parking lot and now it is a cultural destination for everyone that's coming to chicago So we have public art, but we also activate millennium park in really cool ways So we kick off the summer with blues festival. We have nearly 200 000 people Join us over the course of three days. It is an international festival It is one of the largest free blues festival festivals in the world But that's not all that we do we hit all of the genres. So we have blues. We have gospel We have our food festival, oh taste of chicago Can't wait and I don't have to tell you two experts but like Chicago is quickly becoming a culinary destination And to be able to have over 80 vendors In one location it is the right spot not only for our residents But for people that are visiting chicago and want to get a little taste it's going to be it's so awesome I went last year and it was like a smaller version. It's going to be bigger. It's going to be a bigger version We're taking it back to the old school version of taste of chicago Five days in july. We're super excited about it Um, but just back to our festivals in millennium park so excited. So all these genres house jazz all the things Um, that's one aspect of what d case does but we're also responsible for visual art And so that shows up with the various public art pieces that we have throughout our city We also are responsible for activating a cultural center, but we're also investors in the art So we support our artists as well as cultural organizations and we love that. I can't tell you How many people we're such we work in lockstep? We're such strong partners as you mentioned But I can't tell me how many people reach out to me to do things and i'm like that's d case Yes called dk, I know they'll they make dreams come true, you know what we should call each other culture cousins That just happened that just happened. We are Culture for chicago, I love it. Yeah, I love it Trade market, let's trade market. Yeah. Yeah, but you know Our partnership is so incredibly important, right? Like we have the thought partnership where we're able to share Um, and you know exchange ideas around ways that we can elevate the city through events through culture through the activations Supporting our neighborhoods and you guys are experts at storytelling Right, and so to the extent that like we're in lockstep with one another I think that's one of the things that sets our city apart Um, and you're now home. Oh, I know you're not going anywhere And so we're it's it's so important for us like to be able to show And to be an example and a model around like what choose is doing But also what um our city department in terms of producing events and sorting culture like how important that that connectivity Um is for our city and and you know having haven't been someone who's lived in multiple cities to your point earlier of what d case does and how it doesn't feel like a government entity and it doesn't operate like a government entity in a positive way I've never seen another city invest in culture and art At the level that chicago does and make it such a priority and that's what I do really love about this city Yeah, I mean, I think that for us It is a part of who we are It is Integral to how we show up, right? So some of the events that i'm responsible for leading now, I remember attending them when I was little Right you remember going to taste Dad it was a thing we did corn on the cob rainbow cone Had to the pizza like just these and so that's why there's nostalgia there But also people who are new or visiting chicago. It's like you can be part of that very easily So i'm so glad to see chicago's going back, but you're right like air and water show All of those things while evolved are very much the fabric of the dna of chicago Yeah, yeah, and I think that like those events create moments they create memories And I don't think that they're unique to people that live here But like our visitors too, so when you go around the world and you talk to people Everyone talks about an experience that they've had right like and a lot of times It's something that they've experienced culturally Like they'll talk about the taste of chicago and having the big turkey leg Oh in the summer, that's right. Talk about visiting the lake. They'll talk about our music They'll talk about cloud gate and millennium park um And I am just lucky That we play a small part of allowing people to experience chicago in a really cool way. That's really sweet I think you play a huge part critical integral part in that but You know one of the things and I don't want to speak for you put words in your mouth But one of the things that I think you have prioritized since becoming the new leader of dk's Is not only all those wonderful, you know iconic traditions But I was floored when I went to your office the first time And how beautiful the chicago cultural center is and there is so much happening there It's such an incredible facility and you're really taking that as a priority and and opening it up in new ways Yeah, and I was happy to have you. I tell people don't spill the beans about how beautiful the office is I am Lucky that the og cultural commissioner of the city of chicago Carved out that space. So the cultural center actually used to be a library And we actually saved it from being demolished can you imagine no, it's so beautiful and so it's home to the largest Tiffany dome in the world. I mean, can you imagine demolishing you? Imagine and now it is also a cultural destination not just for visitors But for our residents and one of the things that we're excited about is thinking about how do we elevate and amplify? this amazing building in a way where it becomes an extension of millennium park Everyone is so accustomed to going to millennium park and visiting and taking the pictures But we also want them to stop by the cultural center. We have amazing things that are happening in the building It serves a little bit as a mini museum if you will But there are no barriers to entry because it's free. Yeah Um, and so we have great exhibitions, but we also have activations that we do throughout the summer one of the things that I am Excited and also a little bit anxious about is Changing how people perceive the cultural center. So we want it to be a place of belonging Whether you're a baby or you're a more seasoned individual Like you can find your place in the cultural center something that you enjoy something that you're interested in learning about Um, and we want to make it a space also for families And so i'm having fun with the team and reimagining what this beautiful space can be for our city. I love that I will say too that um I sat by the cultural center a lot for like a break to look at like yeah, even just as a chicagoan just be able to look at the domes and Be in such a beautiful space, but the staff and volunteers that work at the cultural center are so helpful We love our resources that they provide are great. So shout out to to your team on that. Thank you I will when I get back I will be sure to tell them that Um, but they take that work serious Like it when we talk about chicago being home and just the hospitality of the people that live in our city that shows up with our team that is responsible for welcoming people to the cultural center whether it's Um our security that's greeting you when you walk through the door our team that's leading tours We just love welcoming people into our space Um, we enjoy people seeing the tiffany dome for the first time, but we also enjoy people seeing visual art For the first time in being able to experience it. So we have three different areas throughout the cultural center where people can um can partake in some of our exhibitions right now We have an amazing exhibition that will go through september called tangible sounds So jazz is like one of the genres of music that chicago just owns and we do really well The other part that we do really well are lounges And so in our neighborhoods Yes in our neighborhoods Lounges are a thing. Yes And so I love yeah, and so there is a lounge As a part of our exhibition and the cultural center where people can experience what we're going to find Experience lounge culture in chicago right in the cultural center, but also experience jazz and so that's a little bit of a taste of the exhibitions that we have at the cultural center that we want people to explore I love that you're doing that to the cultural center because I just You walk in there and you're just like wow wow wow Yeah, and you know You are very sweet and kind and humble and all these things as you can tell from listening to kenya But you're also a force And a visionary and and i'm really I love hearing what you do next like we brought together We brought dick clark's rockin eve. That's right for the first time you know under your leadership and It's you know transforming even chicago to a winter destination and showing people That we are a place to be for all iconic events What was that like and tell me about yeah You and I are definitely on the same page when it comes to an opportunity For chicago and people to visit during the winter time. It is our best kept secret like chicagoans do not hibernate We are still moving and grooving in the winter time and we want people to be able to experience that and so new year's eve It's just one aspect of it. We had an amazing time this summer Chance headlined our performance along the river walk. The fireworks were just outstanding. So for those that watched it um the live broadcast like No shade to the other cities that were apart but But chicago showed up as the best city of course that night like beautiful performances were amazing And so we're looking forward to new year's eve again this year But there's so much more that I think we could be doing during the winter time And so i'm looking forward to exploring that with you and your team. Oh my gosh Thank you. And so I I can't wait how we take it to the next level because you know, we're never done never out done We didn't even plan that I do want to talk a little bit about the neighborhoods and public art and around because you know As everyone knows we talk about all the time the neighborhoods are, you know, really what adds so much to chicago's charm So talk to me a little bit about you know, any of the new public art installations you all are working on We want people to get out and about yeah, so what people don't know again Tk says a governmental entity, but we don't act like one and I love that about us Um, so we're responsible responsible for stewarding our entire public art collection and so that includes existing pieces But what's so fascinating is the ability to create new pieces Or to reimagine existing pieces And so one of my favorite neighborhoods is on the south side It's a neighborhood called bronzeville Um, and as a part of america's 250th commemoration We are partnering with amanda williams through a grant from the mellon foundation And for those that don't know amanda williams, she is a global phenom when it comes to Public art but public art that creates dialogue That asks the right questions That encourages curiosity and so she's reimagining public art in a really cool way Doing during an opening called the other washington's And so for those that don't know like bronzeville is a historical community in chicago folks that migrated from the south Migrated largely to bronzeville on the south side. So it's a largely african-american population that lives there. And so Washington is a name that's synonymous with black folk And so as we think about monuments in chicago and Reimagining them her take is the other washington's. How are we thinking about the other washington's that are part of our life? Yeah, we want to memorialize that we want to hold up that we Want to honor and so on july 4th, we'll be having an opening. Oh my gosh chills. Yeah Yeah, so we're we're excited. That's just a small piece of some of the public art Activations that's happening throughout the city. We're reimagining dusable park and the origins of chicago So lots of cool installations that will be happening this summer We encourage people not only to visit millennium park. But again, we have extensive public art that's installed throughout our city So get out to our neighborhood. I Chicago is such a culture rich city. I mean art theater dance festivals Indoor outdoor all seasons all year round. Yeah, and it's amazing And you're not limited to summer while we want people to come for the summer. There is something to do Year round in terms of culture. Wow, I will brag all day All night as you should 24 7 365 about what's happening in millennium park and the cultural center One of the really cool things about our city is our cultural community so if you're Um a person that loves large cultural institutions. We have the art institute We have the presidential center, which I went this weekend with my family and was there for three hours I mean it is I could spend days Amazing good enough time. I feel like like five hours is like a good so this was my second time Okay, and even on my second time I felt like I needed more time. I almost want to go back by myself to go back. You know what I mean? Yes, just ditch your family and friends And I was like You guys go like I need to be yes by myself so that I can like have the space to process and to take it all in but you know, what's next to The presidential center is the griffin museum And they have an amazing exhibition that they just opened around and frank incredible another one where You just need a moment. Wow, right and I think like that's indicative of You know what our cultural institutions bring to chicago to the residents visitors It it allows the space For you to take it in to appreciate it to absorb it and there's so much that's happening in our neighborhoods We have so many different other, you know other museums from the national museum of mexican art museum around puerto rican history neighborhood theaters Music venues which are my favorite. I know you can't have a favorite child But what is like one of your favorite music venues? So here's the thing I will give us a hot tip for people who are looking at you So I and I will say this only because it is the one that I just visited The rimova. Oh, okay. I don't haven't been there. So the rimova just went through a renovation The owners are absolutely amazing and they were our partner with blues festival. Okay, I feel like I just read about that So but there are so many more we have our outdoor music venues The salt shed but then also some of our smaller venues that we want people to get to as well Like that's where you have the opportunity to really see the authentic version of chicago Um, there's just so much to experience and dk just plays a small role And that's what I love about the work is that like we're a small piece to a bigger puzzle That makes chicago what it is and I think that like we are um A leader a global leader when it comes to culture around the world And I want to plug so dk's and to chicago have a very great resource. It's our cultural calendar so we'll put the information right here and it's I use it as a chicagoan But if you're looking for something to do big or small all those hot tips that kenya gave us make sure you check it out Also one more plug one thing that we just launched together as well is our new big bus Yeah, that'll take you from downtown to the museum The griffin museum of science industry and the obama presidential center at a discounted rate because we're underwriting it Yeah, so it makes it affordable attainable accessible all of those things. Yeah, we want people to hit all the places Yes, right So for those that are visiting for a day or two Like we want you to come back and experience it for a week You really need a lot of time to hit it all Yeah, but we want to make it easy right and so we're happy because we have because of this partnership It makes it easier for people to be able to get around and to have all the experiences We want them to enjoy we anything we can do to get people to experience everything our city has to offer And I think that's what makes chicago so special is the community Yeah, and the the people of this that care so much about culture you leading that that pack. So, thank you I do want to give one more plug before you leave us we could talk to you all day but for those that don't know and I don't even know if you are connecting this or realizing this kenya, but You know all for the love of chicago started last summer when chicago was in the global media uh being misrepresented Misunderstood, um, you know, it was it was a crazy time for our city That these images were coming out that had zero reflection as to what people were living and doing in the city and we saw every day and um, so With lisa nightly, I think it was 12 hours starting at 4 p.m Right in the middle. We're like we've got to do something and we came up with this crazy idea To launch a brand new social media campaign called all for the love of chicago And as the deputy mayor, you know, you're you're our go-to We I went to you for everything and made sure like we don't do anything without making sure we have mayoral approval and the city's approval And I called you and I was nervous to see like like kenya. This is what we want to do And do you remember what you said? I don't what did I say? You i'll never forget it because I had no idea how you were going to respond to it and you said Way to meet the moment. Yeah Yeah, and of that I just we're so grateful and it was amazing. I will tell you like it was certainly above and beyond way to meet the moment, but also the visuals that Accompanied the campaign Were spot on it felt like it took What everyone in chicago was feeling? Yeah, especially lifelong chicagoans And wrapped it in a bow and told that story like no one else could have and so watching the visuals Just the sense of pride And also a little bit of anger, but certainly like a sense of pride like this is who we are You don't get to tell our story We tell our own story and so you and your team did that in an amazing way And so one year later now you're here on the all for the love of chicago podcast telling your story And we're so grateful for you and the work that you contribute to the city and your partnership with choose chicago And just you as a friend We really we adore you and thank you so much for being with us and um and all the work that you do for dk Well, thank you, thank you for being a culture cousin And your entire team and our entire team. Yes, we're all uh, you know, we're all like family So, um, we appreciate you and if you want to let people know we'll put it on the thing But how people can reach out to dk's or get a hold of you? Yeah, I encourage people to follow us on instagram on all of our social media platforms. I'm an instagram girl But it is chicago dk's Or they can check us out online at chicago.gov forward slash dk's Awesome. Well, thank you so much kenya. And now we are going to kick it to let's chicago with fabi and joni Want more follow all for the love of chicago on instagram tik tok and youtube Join in by using the hashtag all for the love of chicago Or submit your videos at the link in our instagram bio for a chance to have your content featured Welcome to let's chicago. I'm steve. I'm fabiola I'm filling in for joni and we're gonna get right into it, right? We got a bunch of stuff to highlight for the next couple weeks of the can't miss things in chicago Fabi, you want to take us away? I'm gonna let chicago to the michelada go ahead Windy city smoke out and I I brought out the the boots on theme celebrate But this is live country music. Also some of the best barbecue you're gonna try. Love it I've been there before and I mean like it's it's a little overwhelming with all the barbecue you could try But it's it's a good vibe. I mean like high energy everyone's there all day They have like various like seating and activations. I think I got like my hair braided there one time Really cool a few of the lineup there uh, we got blake shelton hooting the blowfish and Lainey wilson, I know those names. I don't listen to a lot of country, but I I do know those notes They're probably some of the most popular artists in the world right now for sure So that's my lineup. Lots of music. Lots of food. I'm excited. Love it. Okay I've got two things too. All right, number one grant park music festival um, this is one of the signature events of chicago, I think right so like People think of grant park music festival as being all classical. It is classical plus the grant park orchestra is a world-class ensemble They are incredible. But what i'm really looking forward to this year Ben folds an evening with ben folds at the grant park music festival tons of great performances to see all completely free Great place to just like go with your friends go with your family Go alone and bring a book and just listen to some classical music while you're laying on the lawn at the pritzker pavilion Yeah, what could be better? Uh second thing I got for you taste of chicago. I already said it common is one of the headliners Who else do we got though? We got beach bunny and we have Truly all of the food in chicago. Yeah Uh, you're gonna have all of your staples like your hot dogs your deep dish your tacos your uh, Whatever chicago flavors whatever else truly whatever else you want Uh, you're gonna find it at taste of chicago and people are so excited that it's moving back to july this year, right? I was in september last year but the calendar is coming back around and We're stoked gosh, what a busy june with food music fun I love busy june busy july busy august busy january through december. There you go. Yep. That's it All right. Well, thank you so much for listening If you need any more events, please visit to chicago.com or follow us on our socials at choose chicago or All for the love of chicago on instagram and tiktok. Thanks for joining us. Thanks That's a wrap on this episode of all for the love of chicago Thank you for joining us and sticking around to the end Be sure to rate review and subscribe to our show on your podcast streaming platform of choice And visit our youtube channel to watch each episode follow choose chicago and all for the love of chicago on all the social channels Let us know what you want to hear about in the show comments You can visit choose chicago.com to find details on concerts festivals and events and performances of every kind all year round Our producers are lisa nucci and me steven crano from choose chicago Our theme music is by blake daniels want to share your all for the love of chicago story post a video and tag us on social Don't forget to use the hashtag all for the love of chicago. We might just feature it on our accounts. See you next time