This year's Taste of Chicago gave everyone a little Taste of everything. From soul food to Vegan Style, you name it. You could either get a taste of it, or even a full portion. (My favorite was the Chicago style deep dish pizza made w/ turkey sausage, and BBQ Tofu)... But Thousands of folks packed Chicago's Grant Park and filled the downtown streets for a Tasteful time at the 2008 Taste of Chicago. And not only did you get to experience the famous flavors of the world, 'Taste-goers' were entertained with more than a taste of music. And better yet; all of the concerts were Free!
For this year’s opener, R&B soul Sistah Angie Stone opened the stage Friday night and rocked the house with a few of our favorite numbers. A casual and laid back Stone, connected with the crowd, performing new and old cuts. Sista girl gave it all and ended with 'Brother' making all the Brothas get up out their seats. And she also gave recognition to the White and Latino 'brothas' in the crowd too. Go head girl!
But that wasn’t the end. R&B Legend CHAKA KHAN brought the house down….!! Ms. Sweet Thang, gave it all to her fans; taking no prisoners! Chaka not only connected with the mature crowd, but had folks of all ages up out of their seats grooving to the hits from the old days, and during her performance, Khan gave a testimonial before singing the new cut, “Angel.” She spoke how she had written that song back in the 70’s when she frequently “altered her consciousness,” but now recognizes her self worth, and shared with the crowd. Our ‘Every Woman’ truly worked it out!
But, if you didn’t get your money’s worth on Day 1; you were in for a treat on the second Day. That’s right, celebrated artist, and humanitarian STEVIE WONDER performed for the Taste-goers. For almost a solid three hours, Stevie played, sang (and did the famous nod) for tens of thousands of fans in Grant Park. It’s hard to try and re-live a Stevie Wonder concert. You really just had to be there….. Another highlight was when Stevie introduced his daughter, Aisha (also a background singer) whom he wrote “Isn’t she Lovely” for after she was born. And indeed, she definitely was LOVELY. After being given a Proclamation from the City of Chicago’s Mayor’s office in recognition of his returning to the festival after a 20 year hiatus, Stevie dedicated his last song to his fans…. ALLWAYS
Featured points were when Jesse Jackson joined on stage and spoke of us Keeping Hope Alive and Stopping the Violence (RIP Mr. Lee)
This Year’s ‘Taste of Chicago’ runs from June 27th through July 8th featuring world class food, soul-stirring music and fun for the entire family. If you haven’t been, there’s still time to make your way down to experience the love…
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