The MAC's 2016 Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series Kicks Off in July

McAninch Arts Center, located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage (COD) in Glen Ellyn, is pleased to announce the 2016 Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series. Programming runs July 14-Aug. 26 and includes a Friday evening Pop Music Series, a Thursday evening Jazz Concert Series and Thursday evening Family Movie Series. Parking is always free.

"We are thrilled to present the 3rd Annual Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series," says MAC director DiAna Martinez. "It has become a signature event for the community and it's so exciting to see how it has grown to be such a community favorite in such a short time. This event beautifully displays our mission in action: to connect the community to culture. The gorgeous surroundings, engaging entertainers, and sense of community that exudes from this event each week is so gratifying. As early as this past December, patrons were already asking what the 2016 schedule would be, so we're thrilled to be able to share some of the exciting events featured in this year's series that offer a nice eclectic range and style of music from pop to jazz."

The 2016 Pop Music Series begins Friday, July 22, with a concert by the internationally acclaimed Chicago-based Beatles tribute band, American English. The '60s flashback continues Friday, July 29 when Chicago's-own The Buckinghams takes the stage to perform their classic hits including "Kind of a Drag," Don't You Care" and more. Then on, Friday, Aug. 5, the Doo Wop Project, featuring five current and former stars of Broadway's smash hits "Jersey Boys" and "Motown: The Musical," performs the tight harmonies of groups like the Belmonts, Flamingos and the Four Seasons, plus covers of hits by legendary solo artists including Michael

Jackson and some of the biggest hits on the radio today. New Philharmonic, the MAC's resident symphony orchestra under the direction of Maestro Kirk Muspratt, entertains with a delightful mix of light classical, Broadway pops, patriotic and movie themed music Friday, Aug. 12. On Friday, Aug. 26, Toronto's Brass Transit brings their crowd-pleasing, studio-tight tribute to the legendary rock group Chicago to the Pavilion stage to wrap up the Pop Music Series and kick off COD's 50th Anniversary celebration festivities with a concert capped with t-shirt bombs and an appearance by Chappie, the COD mascot. All Pop Music Series concerts are free and begin at 7:30 p.m.

By popular demand, WDCB, Chicago's station for jazz, located on the campus of College of DuPage, returns with its Thursday Evening WDCB LIVE Jazz Concert Series. The series opens Aug. 4 with the funk, rhythm and blues sounds of New Orleans' Walter "Wolfman" Washington & the Roadmasters. Then, on Aug. 11, it is a double bill of genre-bending Hammond Organ hedonism with jazz fusion trio organissimo and award-winning jazz organist Brian Charette. Acclaimed Chicago-born trumpeter and composer Marquis Hill completes the series on Aug. 25. Admission to WDCB LIVE Jazz Concerts is free and all performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

The 2016 Family Movie Series begins Thursday, July 14 withWalt Disney's five-time Academy Award-winner "Mary Poppins" (1964) starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Then, on Thursday, July 21 it is Disney's "Aladdin" (1992) featuring the Academy Award-winning song "I Could Show You the World" and the voices of Robin Williams as the Genie and Gilbert Gottfried as the parrot, Iago. The film series wraps up Thursday, July 28 with the most recent film in the popular Star Wars series, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (2015). All movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.). Costumes are encouraged for all films.

All concert and movie events take place rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, concerts will be moved indoors to the Belushi Performance Hall and notice will be posted on the MAC's website: AtTheMAC.org.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring a blanket and picnic to enjoy at the event. Holding of space for late comers or groups is not permitted. To host a special event or reserve space for a group, contact: Melissa at 630.942.3026. Concessions available for purchase on site include wine, beer, soda, gourmet sandwiches, hamburgers, hotdogs, ice cream, popcorn and snacks. Outside alcohol is not permitted onto the property as well as coolers, kegs, umbellas, tents and skateboards.

Vendors for the 2016 Lakeside Pavilion Free Outdoor Summer Series include Weber Grill Restaurant and Heavenly Hot Dogs.(Dining Partners and menu items may vary and are subject to change. Visit AtTheMAC.org for updates.)

Also on the Lakeside Pavilion this summer: COD College Theater production of "Moustache Tales," Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 at 5 p.m. COD Professor of Theater, Amelia Barrett directs this free hour-long, family-friendly show, featuring three stories about the world above your lip, that asks the question: "Do you see yourself the way you are, the way others see you or, the way you want to be?"

In addition, throughout the summer, the MAC continues to offer programming inside the venue. Events include COD College Theater production of the hit musical "Grease" directed by COD Director of Theater Connie Canaday Howard in The Playhouse Theatre, Thursday-Sunday, July 7-17, 7 p.m.; and plus two exhibitions in The Cleve Carney Art Gallery: "Known Unknowns" featuring the paintings of eight high-profile Chicago artists (June 2-July 29) and "Long View/Long Game" an exhibit curated by Brandon Alvendia in honor of the upcoming MAC's 30th Anniversary (Aug. 22-Oct. 1). For more information about these and additional MAC Summer 2016 events call 630.942.4000 or visit AtTheMAC.org.

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