Fröhliche Weihnachten! Merry Christmas!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...a German Christmas, that is!

Today marks the first day of the third annual Lincoln Square Christkindl Market and it takes place all weekend. December 3rd, 4th, and 5th will be filled with ice sculptures, shopping, 30 hours of live music, and tons of kids activities! St Nicholas will also be stopping by!

Enjoy all of this in the comfort of heated tents on the corner of Leland and Western Avenue. Visit the market during these hours:

Friday, Dec 3rd--Noon - 10 PM

Saturday, Dec 4th--9 AM - 10 PM

Sunday, Dec 5th--10 AM - 7 PM

Hosted by St. Matthias Catholic Church, sponsored by several local businesses, and featured in the November/December issue of Midwest Living magazine, this event is bound to be a success! Visit the website for even more exciting details: http://www.lincolnsquareck.com/

Make sure you do some Christmas shopping while getting in the holiday spirit this weekend at the Lincoln Square Christkindl Market. Can't wait to see you there!

Holiday Gala 2010

Join your Lincoln Square neighbors to celebrate the holidays at the 2010 Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce Holiday Gala! Attend the annual fundraiser and dinner next Friday on November 19th.

Start the night off right with a pre-party in the DANK Haus Skyline Lounge, presented by Bridgeview Bank, from 5-6 PM. Then enjoy Cocktail Hour with hors d'oeuvres provided by Lincoln Square Chamber businesses from 6-7 PM. Move the party downstairs to the Grand Ballroom for dinner, catered by LM Restaurant, at 7 PM. Choose from three delcious meals: beef brisket with potato gratin and parmesan gnocchi, roasted chicken breast with green lentils and baby vegetables, or a vegetarian option of herbed goat cheese whole wheat crepes with eggplant. You can also order bottles of wine for your table, donated by Provenance Food & Wine.

The night continues with live music and dancing with the Flat Cats at 8:00 PM. Play a round of Wine Roulette (with wine donated by The Book Cellar), honor your neighboring business owners at our Awards Ceremony, try your luck at our raffle buckets, or bid on items at the silent auction throughout the night!

Tickets are $75 per person or $650 for a table of 10. Please visit our website, http://www.lincolnsquare.org/, for more details and a copy of our RSVP form. This event would not be possible without our participating businesses who are donating hors d'oeuvres, gift certificates, and silent auction items, so thank you!

We can't wait to see you dressed in your holiday best next Friday!

Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Merlot, oh my!

Our 5th annual fall Wine Stroll occurred last Thursday on November 4th, from 7:00 until 9:30! It was our biggest one yet, with over 165 attendees, completely selling out the event. For the first time ever, we divided the destinations into three routes, so "strollers" could choose which businesses they preferred to visit.

The routes were playfully named after winter wines: Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Merlot, or attendees could pay a higher fee to visit The Vineyard (or all of the participating businesses). Guests checked in at the DANK Haus and then proceeded to retail stores, restaurants, and bars in the Lincoln Square area. Wine and appetizer tastings were provided at each destination and attendees left with a specially engraved Provenance Food & Wine (the event's gracious sponsor) and Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce wine glass. We will have another Wine Stroll this spring, so stay tuned for tickets!

FALL in the Square

Forgive us for not posting recently! Fall has been busy at the Chamber AND in Lincoln Square.

We hope that you were able to attend Apple Fest on September 25, but if not, please visit our Facebook page to view all of the pictures! We shut down the 4700 block of Lincoln Avenue for the first time and it was a huge success. We had the usual apple pies, apple cider, apple crepes, apples by the bushel, you name it! And this year, the Chamber sold caramel apple treats which were a delicious blend of Honeycrisp Apples with caramel, oreo crumbles, M&Ms and peanuts. We'll definitely have those again next year! Scooby Doo and the Mystery Machine also came to visit and neighborhood kids were able to enjoy that, a haystack maze, and foursquare. A Country Affair performed in the afternoon and transformed the block into a fall dance party. We had countless Lincoln Square businesses selling their products and local farmers selling fall-focused produce. If you missed it this year, don't worry, there's always next year, and we're already counting down the days!

Moving further into fall, we have some great events coming up, so mark your calendars! Halloween Happenings will occur on October 30th this year, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Come out to participating businesses for some traditional trick or treating! We are also having our biannual Wine Stroll on November 4th from 7 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. We're switching things up a bit, and offering two different routes for guests to pick from. Each route will feature seven Lincoln Square businesses that will provide both white and red wine tastings with light appetizers. Visit our website for further details and to purchase tickets for the Chardonnay or Shiraz route, or to visit all fourteen businesses with the Vineyard ticket!

We're getting ready for winter at the Chamber, so stay tuned for those winter events. There will be some great ones!

Where Chicago meets Germany: German American Fest

During the weekend of September 10-12th, Lincoln Square will be swarmed with Chicago-ites from all over the city as well as out of towners who will be glad they picked this weekend in September to visit. Similar to Maifest, which kicks off the summer, German American Festival is a way to celebrate the end of Summer and welcome the start of Fall. Whether its a pretzel you fancy, polka music, sauerkraut, or a gigantic beer stein, the German American Festival is always an enjoyable time and a way to see Lincoln Square at its most authentic (Where everyone, and I mean everyone, is German!).

The event takes place just steps away from the Western Brown line stop. Just look for the people waving little German flags and hats that resemble Peter Pan. The Fest kicks off on September 10th from 5:00 p.m.-11:00p.m. Then September 11th from 12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. and concludes on September 12th from 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Admission is free which allows anyone and everyone to enjoy the sites and sounds of the festival, however food and drinks must be purchased by tickets. This year the festival is celebrating its 90th year of German fun! So make sure to stop by, grab a brat, drink some beer and get ready to boogy down with an electric accordion.

Visit http://www.germanday.com for more info

Work the Wok

Mix an assortment of the Farmer's Market veggies to create a tasty chicken stir-fry meal in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

1 Tablespoon minced ginger

1 Tablespoon minced scallions

1 pound of boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, sliced into strips (also frozen strips will work to)

1 cup broccoli spears

1 cup string carrots

1/2 pound green beans, chopped

1/2 red pepper strips

1 cup quartered button mushrooms

3 heads of baby bok choy, chopped

*Add your own favorite veggie to the stir-fry

Low sodium teriyaki sauce

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in the wok over high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and scallions. Cook until aromatic, about 2 minutes

2. Add the chicken. Saute until the edges are brown about 3 to 4 minutes

3. Add broccoli, carrots, and green beans to the wok. Cook approximately 5 to 8 minutes until the vegetables begin to become tender

4. Add the red pepper, mushrooms, bok choy, and teriyaki sauce to the wok, cook approximately 5 to 8 minutes more, or until chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are done to your likeness

5. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately

Find this and other delicious recipes at http://www.foodnetwork.com

Jaw Potato-August 19th

When else can you hear Tangled up in Blue by Bob Dylan to Yellow from Coldplay to Save the Last Dance for Me, Jessica by the Allman Brother's? Nope, it's not the radio; it's Chicago's Jaw Dropping Jam Band Jaw Potato who will be performing this Thursday at 6:30. With the combination of Mike Zatezalo on Guitar and vocals, David Goldman on violin, Adam Krause on bass, Mike Jeffers on drums and Alex Grimes on Guitar, this cover/jam band is sure to please audiences. Because of their fun and popular covers, the crowd is always moving and singing along. However, they keep audiences on their toes by performing song that might not ordinarily be sung by your everyday jam band. Some of the bands that Jaw Potato covers are Bob Marley, John Mayer, Jimi Hendrix, Van Morrison, Oasis, and the Beatles. Recently, Jaw Potato has been described as "some of Chicago's finest musicians that utilize their extensive musical backgrounds and unique instrumentation to put new twists on familiar tunes making their performance different each time".

The bands myspace has a link to a live performance so take a listen! http://www.myspace.com/jawpotato

It seems as if Lincoln Square is in for a fun treat of familiar songs to sing along to with Jaw Potato this week in the square!

A Great Form of Fungus

Fungus often has a bad reputation but mushrooms are a tasty and versatile food that goes great in summer recipes and is easily found at the Lincoln Square Farmer's Market. They can be steamed, grilled or raw. This week pick up some mushrooms and try them in a delicious marinade to put with a grilled steak.

Ingredients:
1 cup dry Cabernet Sauvignon
2/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 New York strip steaks, 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick
4 large portobello mushrooms

Directions:
1. Whisk all the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl. Set aside. Transfer half of the marinade into 1 shallow non-reactive pan or bowl and reserve the other half of the marinade for the mushrooms.
2. Trim excess fat from the steaks and make small cuts with a knife into the fat around the edge of the steaks. Marinate steaks for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 6 hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat a grill to high heat.
3. Place steaks on the hot grill for 3 minutes on each side to sear and create nice grill marks. Reduce the grill temperature to low and close the lid. Continue cooking steaks an additional 5 to 10 minutes for medium-rare, turning them halfway through. Let steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving.

4. Meanwhile, dip the mushrooms in the reserved marinade and place on the grill, curved side down. Put the leftover marinade from the steaks and mushrooms in a small saucepan and bring to a boil for at least 3 minutes and cook until reduced slightly. Lightly coat the serving platter with extra-virgin olive oil and whole leaves of fresh rosemary, oregano, and basil.
5. Transfer the steaks and mushrooms to the platter and drizzle with the sauce.

Try this and other recipes at http://www.foodnetwork.com

Typhanie Monique-August 12th

They say she is Chicago's next major jazz artist to take flight, and we are lucky enough to have her in Gidding's Plaza this Thursday night at 6:30. Typhanie Monique has done her homework when it comes to genres and inspirations to draw from for her own sound, lyrics and performance. She is versed in Jazz, Funk, Hip-hop, Pop and Improvisation. Her voice has been compared to a modern-day Sarah Vaughan with traces of Lena Horne and Diana Krall. Monique has played in Jazz venues across the city as well as in neighboring cities jazz festivals and venues. According to her website, she is planning on collaborating with other singers, songwriters and musicians as well as continuing to break through gender barriers that many female Jazz musicians face. Monique is accompanied by her right hand man, Neal Alger on guitar whom she continues to collaborate with and has recorded two CDs with: Intrinsic, and Yuletide Groove. One of her songs, Smile, was even nominated nominated in the preliminary voting round for a Grammy in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category. We cannot wait to have this Chicago Jazz Star in the square!

Cherries: Better then Berries

One of the most tart and sweet fruits is the cherry. The prime season for Cherries is right now (June through August) so it is a great time to pick up a bunch and make a yummy treat. Cherries are full of antioxidants called anthocyanins that have a variety of useful health benefits such as lowering a chance of heart disease and diabetes. They also have a serving of Vitamin C which is vital for a balanced diet. Cherries can be eaten fresh, frozen or dried. So try them in a delicious Breakfast Parfait:

Ingredients:

1 (8 oz.) carton of low fat vanilla yogurt

1/3 cup of dried tart cherries

1 ripe banana, sliced

2/3 cup of low fat granola cereal

Process:

1) Combine yogurt and cherries; mix well.

2) Layer 1/2 of the yogurt mixture, 1/2 of the banana slices and 1/2 of the granola into 2 parfait or clear cups

3) Repeat layering once with remaining yogurt mixture, banana slices and granola

Makes 2 servings

Tip: The parfaits may be served immediately or chilled up to 2 hours before serving

You can find this and other great recipes for cherries at http://www.choosecherries.com/recipes

Karaoke Night: American Idol watch out!

This Thursday in the Square we are hosting our very own Karaoke Night! It has the potential to culminate both fun, musical talent and potential embarrassment for all who join, so why wouldn't you?! Karaoke is a time where anyone can be a star and belt out their favorite version of popular songs from the favorite decade (My personal tune is 'Living on a Prayer' by Bon Jovi), do dance moves and enjoy the praise of being an amateur singer. Karaoke became popular in Japan and quickly became a phenomenon in the U.S. While some people take Karaoke quite seriously, it is meant to be fun and silly. So warm up those vocal chords by singing in the shower and come sing the neighborhood a song on Thursday!

And please, do not sing like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RgL2MKfWTo

Te Esperare- Carlos Oretga

July 17th @ 6:30 in Giddings Plaza

This week, the square will be dancing to tantalizing, romantic and fun latin music to the sounds of Carlos Ortega. Ortega was born in Bogota, Colombia and moved to Chicago when he was four. He began playing guitar at a young age in a variety of different bands that ranged from a punk band to a surf band. Many of Ortega's lyrics are inspired by stories that Carlos was told by his father about life in South America during the 1930s and 40s. These stories "of a mood, a place, and a time after the bottle was empty and the old LPs were carefully placed on the turntable". In 1996, Ortega released a CD that combined all things great about classic Latin music with a new contemporary sound. Ortega does not play alone though, he is joined by Honduran guitarist Charlie Baran who Ortega met in a guitar shop. It has been said that Charlie has "more licks than the flashiest rock guitarist but knows as well as the value and beauty of measured restraint". We are thrilled to welcome this Latin Combo to the square this week!

Take a listen before you come on out on Thursday night http://www.myspace.com/casolandomusic

Zucchini: The Cucumbers Cousin

While it looks like a cucumber with its green skin, Zucchini's are a whole new flavor to add to your summer dishes. Zucchini's are best from May-July and are a common crop for Farmers. With an abundance of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium and several B Vitamins, Zucchini's are a delicious option if that Cucumber is not satisfying your taste buds. When shopping for a Zucchini, look for those that resemble the size of a cucumber and have a smooth exterior. It is suggested that you drizzle oil, salt and pepper if you eat them by themselves however, Zucchini is very versatile and can compliment many sweet and savory dishes. While most popular in sweet bread, it can also be used as a delicious and simple side dish option such as Baked Stuffed Zucchini.

Ingredients:

-1 Medium Zucchini

-6 large fresh mushrooms, finely chopped

-1 green onion, finely chopped

-1 tablespoon butter or stick margarine

-1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth

-1/8 teaspoon salt

-1 dash white pepper

-2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1) Cut zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/4 inch shell. Chop pulp; set shells aside

2) In a non-stick skillet, saute the zucchini pulp, mushrooms and onion in butter for 3-4 minutes or until tender. Add wine or broth. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes or until liquid has evaporated. Stir in salt and pepper.

3) Place zucchini shells in a saucepan and cover with water, bring to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes; drain. Fill shells with mushroom mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat for 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned.

This recipe is low in calories at only 130 a serving and 7 grams of carbohydrates. Brought to you by http://www.allrecipes.com/

Enjoy the Fourth!

We can't believe it's already July! And with this summer month, comes the always fun celebration of Independence Day.

The Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce wants to inform you of some fireworks display changes this year. The city will NOT be hosting fireworks downtown on the 3rd, but they will have them on the 4th between Foster Avenue and Lawrence (5000 North) at 9 PM. Limited parking will ONLY be available at the Foster Avenue parking lot and CTA services will be limited east of Sheridan Road from Lawrence to Foster Avenue. Keep this information in mind as you plan your evening!

Enjoy your time with family at annual gatherings, with friends at neighborhood barbeques, and with the city of Chicago at the fireworks shows. Featured below is a simple dessert to bring to these events (easily made by fruit from the Thursday Farmer's Market!):

Red, White, and Blue Trifle

Ingredients:

• 1 box of red velvet cake mix (if you can't find this, use chocolate cake mix with a bottle of red food coloring)
• 1 (16 oz.) tub of whipped topping
• 2 pints of bluberries
• 1 pint of strawberries, tops removed

Preparation:

1. Bake the red velvet cake mix according to package directions and let cool.
2. Using a serrated knife, cut the red velvet cake into 1 inch square pieces and line the bottom of the trifle bowl with half of the cake squares.
3. Using a spatula, spread about a 2-inch layer of whipped topping on top of the cake squares.
4. Layer about 1 1/2 pints of blueberries on top of whipped topping.
5. Layer the remaining cake pieces on top of the blueberries, forming a second layer of cake.
6. Using a spatula, spread the remaining whipped topping over the cake pieces.
7. Decorate the perimeter with the strawberries, placing the strawberries cut side down. Sprinkle the remaining blueberries on top of the trifle inside the strawberry perimeter.

Find this and other recipes at http://www.foodnetwork.com/

As always, LSCC wishes you a fun and safe 4th of July!

The Flat Cats: Cat Caught Your Ear

July 1st 6:30

This week the square will be swinging at 6:30 to the rhythmic sounds and energy of the Flat Cats. The Cats are a Chicago based band that has played throughout Second City as well as in the Midwest some include performances at Navy Pier and the Summer Dance series in Grant Park. They also play at many smaller events such as weddings.

There are six members in The Flat Cats: Amanda Wolf (Vocals), Jon Kostal (Tenor Sax), Kevin Gawthorp (Baritone Sax), Stuart Olsen III (Electric Guitar), Nathan Kawaller (Bass), and Barry Rose (Drums). When you hear Wolf's sweet and pleasant voice, you feel as if you are going back in time to a day of flappers, lounge singers and brass instruments being popular instead of Rappers or Techno dance music. With the Combination of Sax, Guitar, Bass and Drums, it is hard to not want to break out in a Charleston.

On the Cats MySpace page, two songs are featured, and I would suggest taking a listen. 'Exactly like you' is an upbeat song that could be on the Chicago soundtrack. 'Can you dig' is The Cats contemporary example of a traditional Swing sound. They have a fun sound and an energetic buzz about them.
http://www.flatcatsmusic.com
So come cut a rug with us on July 1st at 6:30 and be taken back in time for an evening.

Doko Benjo

Thursday June 24, 2010 @ 6:30 Giddings Plaza

One of the best parts of the Summer Concert Series is that the majority of artists play in Chicago frequently. And Doko Benjo is no different. The band has played at venues across Chicago including the House of Blues, The Metro, Double Door and at festivals across the city. With their funk, soul and pop inspired music, it is hard not to want to break out into your version of a funk inspired dance. The band consists of Cary Kanno, Amy Totch, Matt Spooner, Rusty BassEhler, Dave Schacht, Joey Bohlmann and Jerry Spiering a group of friends that formed the band in 2004. With a mix of guitar, drums, bass, sax, trumpet and vocals their sound is very fun and summery which is very appropriate for the venue.

The band is also releasing their new cd "I Say Disaster" out on August 20, 2010 and will have advanced copies available at our concert this Thursday! Their music is available to hear at their website http://www.dokobenjo.com/ and don't forget to join us this Thursday at 6:30 to get funk-a-fid.

Rhubarb: A veggie or a fruit

What is it?

A less popular produce that one might think of purchasing this summer is a mysterious item:rhubarb. Rhubarb has often been referred to as both a fruit and a vegetable. In most countries, rhubarb is considered a vegetable. However, in the United States in 1947, a court actually ruled it a fruit which led to a reduction in tax. Because of its tart taste, it makes for delicious pies of sweetness and tart all mixed into one.

Most fruit is high in carbohydrates but rhubard is quite low (like most vegetables) with only about 4.5 g of carbs in a serving. It also has a large amount of both Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Below is a description of how to cook rhubarb:

It is advised to cut the stalks into pieces and boil them in water. Then add sugar (about 1/2 a cup to 3/4 a cup) for each pound of Rhubarb, add cinnamon or nutmeg for further taste. Some also suggest adding citrus flavors such as lime and lemon to make the taste richer. Rhubarb can make great fruit spreads and jams, be mixed with other fruits, sauces, wines and most commonly in pies.

Rhubarb and Strawberry Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
About 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
About 3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine
2 Cups sliced strawberries
2 Cups sliced rhubarb (1/2 inch in thickness)
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

Preparation:
1. In a food processor or a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar and salt. Cut all but 2 teaspoons of butter into small pieces and add to flour mixture. Whirl or rub with your fingers until fine crumbs form. Add 1/4 cup water; whirl or stir with a fork just until dough holds together. Pat into a smooth 5-inch round. Wrap airtight and freeze until slightly firm, about 15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a bowl, gently mix strawberries, rhubarb, 1/2 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, and cardamom.
3. On a lightly floured board, roll dough into a 14-inch round. Slide onto a 14- by 17 inch baking sheet; if dough tears, press back together.
4. Stir berry mixture; spoon evenly onto pastry, leaving a 3-inch border. Fold dough border over edges of fruit, tucking to incorporate excess pastry.
5. Melt remaining 2 teaspoons butter in a microwave-safe bowl in a microwave oven at full power (100%) about 15 seconds. Brush pastry rim with butter and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar.
6. Bake in a 375 degrees regular oven or 350 degrees in a convection oven until pastry is browned and the fruit is bubbling, 40-45 minutes.
7. Let cool at least 30 minutes. Slide a long metal spatula under pastry to release. Slide pie onto a platter. Serve warm or cool. Cut into wedges. ENJOY

Find this and other recipes at http://find.myrecipes.com/

If you have a recipe you would like to share with the rest of those that visit the blog, email it to us at lincolnsquareccintern@gmail.com.

Berries, Berries Everywhere

Summer is here (even though it has been quite cloudy/rainy lately) and that means delicious fruit is out and in abundance! Nowadays we can get strawberries, blueberries and raspberries throughout the year, but they are always more juicy and delicious during the prime summer months.

Since this Thursday June 17th from 4-8pm is the kick off of the Lincoln Square Summer Farmers Market, we at the Chamber have decided to feature a recipe each week about a different spotlight
ingredient for fun summer recipies. When anyone thinks
of summer fruit, the first ones that come to mind is an array
or berries: strawberries, blueberries,raspberries and blackberries.

Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, and Blackberries not only add fantastic color to our tables but offer us nutrition as well. These luscious fruits are free of saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium, and a cup of raspberres offer eight grams of fiber for just 50 calories, while a cup of fresh blackberries provide half of your Vitamin C requirement for a day.

Eat these healthy fruits by themselves or incorporate into your diet in different ways:
- Add to bran muffins or whole wheat pancakes
- Try as toppings on your cereal or oatmeal
- Serve with low-fat yogurt for dessert
- Sprinkle on a spinach salad and serve with Vidalia onion dressing or balsamic vinegar
- Make a smoothie
- Use in salsas to serve with fish or chicken
- Add to frozen juice popsicles

For a fantastic smoothie, get creative and experiment with different berry combinations. To get started blend the following ingredients together:
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup low fat yogurt
1 cup fresh berries
1/2 cup of ice
For added sweetness, include a little honey or a splash of Orange juice
For extra fiber, include ground flaxseed

So get out to the Farmer's Market this Thursday and get some delicious berries!!

The Son's of the Never Wrong

Peformance on June 17th 6:30 pm

Sing, Take your Time, Sing, Let it Be, Sing, You Have Every Right, With or Without me"-From The Good Reason (1995)

The Chamber is very excited to introduce the start of the 2010 Summer Concert Series. Every Thursday throughout the summer at percisely 6:30 a different band will play in Giddings Plaza (4731 N. Lincoln Avenue) for the folks who come out for the entertainment as well as those who visit the Farmers Market that coincidentally also begins on the 17th from 4pm-8pm. Each week we will blog about the band that will be performing on Thursday to give you a taste before you come out and join us for them live and in action!

The first band of the summer is The Son's of the Never Wrong made up of Sue Demel, Deborah Lader and Bruce Roper. The Son's sound is a blend of Folk, Jazz and Rock influences that join together to create a version of sound that some have called "Turbo-Charged Folk Music". One review stated that the band's performance is "Eclectic, influenced, and crafted together witty lyrics that culminate in three-part harmony that creates a unique brand of folk music". The band has played in Lincoln Square before and we are thrilled to have them again as the opener to the Summer Concert Series.

http://sons.com/Video.html Click to have a listen

Website of the band http://sons.com/index.html

Summer Happenings

Summer Has Begun
Every summer is a great time to be in Lincoln Square and this summer is no different.

This weekend June 3rd-6th is the first festival of the summer, May Fest and everyone at the Chamber as well as many wonderful volunteers are ready for the masses to commence in the square. Lets hope for good weather!

Also we are very excited for both the Farmer's Market and Summer Concert series that begin on Thursday June 17th-September 2nd from 6:30-9:00.

Stay tuned for further info on bands, events and summer fun.

Check out Hungry Hound on ABC 7 tonight- LM Le Restaurant is being featured!

Chiquiteo is filling up! Make your reservations if you want to join our 2nd Annual Spanish Tapas Crawl in Lincoln Square.

Earth Day happenings in the Square! http://ping.fm/54Yce

Spring Wine Stroll registration is open! http://ping.fm/eoiZL