World Fusion Chicago

08/18/2026

World Music Wednesday! Starting Wednesday September 2nd: A weekly showcase of world music and dance featuring the best local and touring talent at Old Town School of Folk Music

September 2nd:
Olya Prohorova's “Soviet Jazz”

September 9th:
¿Qiensave? Summer Cumbia Chronicas

September 16th:
Bolokada Conde
Malinke Djembefola Guinea

September 23rd
Gadan
Italian musicians from the Irish trad and European folk/ rock scene

Founded in 1957, the Old Town School of Folk Music provides a wide range of music, dance, theater, and visual arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whatever one's interest, the Old Town School provides broad access to more than 700 accredited class offerings, private lesson...

08/14/2026

August 14th 6pm Free

07/12/2026

Sunday July 12th

THIS SUNDAY ‼️

Get your tickets before it’s too late, you don’t want to miss this! Performing for the first time ever as a collective ✨

presents:

✨Round Robin Improv Session✨

📅 July 12th | 6pm
📍iO Theater (1501 N Kingsbury St Ave)
🎟️ $20 Link in bio

Join us for a special night of improvisational music and dance by some of Chicago’s most creative musicians working in the field of South Asian music, both individually and as members of bands pushing the Chicago cultural landscape forward. Each guest performer is a noted and acclaimed musician in their own right and are all masters of their instruments.

Featuring:
Rahul Sharma (Funkadesi) on bass and sitar
Lucia Thomas (Ochin Pakhi) on violin
Krissy Bermark (Sprig of That) on tabla
Sonny Patel (Do the Needful) on bansuri flute
Siddharth Devarajan, mridanham
Raji Venkat, Dance

07/08/2026

July 15 th Kitt Lyles’ Arabic Jazz Project at Kolmar FREE
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Kolmar (Gertrud) Park
4143 N. Kolmar Ave. Chicago, IL 60641
Kitt Lyles’ Arabic Jazz Project features Chicago jazz and Arabic music mainstays Kitt Lyles (bass), Ronnie Malley (oud/percussion), Bryan Pardo (clarinet), Joaquin Garcia (piano), and Yuri Hevia (drums/percussion). Drawing on the unique musical expertise of each band member, from Arabic and Turkish Maqam to Chilean folkloric music, the band will present a bold repertoire of traditional Middle Eastern/North African songs, contemporary Arabic jazz, and original compositions. Their set explores rhythms and melodies from across the Arabic speaking world with influences from contemporary jazz, Afro-latin jazz, and South American folkloric music.
https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/kitt-lyles-arabic-jazz-project-kolmar

07/06/2026

Saturday July 11th:
4th Annual Mela with Kalapriya Foundation Center for Indian Performing Arts Inc

Get ready to experience the colors, sounds, flavors, and traditions of South Asia at Kalapriya’s 4th Annual Mela Festival!

Join us for a joyful day of live performances, cultural experiences, artisan vendors, interactive activities, delicious food, music, & community celebration as we explore the many cultures that make South Asia so vibrant and diverse.

From dance and music to storytelling, crafts, and cuisine, Mela invites families, friends, and neighbors of all backgrounds to come together in celebration, curiosity, and connection. 💛

🎶 Live Performances
🍛 Regional South Asian Food Vendors
🛍️ Artisan Market & Small Businesses
🎨 Interactive Cultural Activities
🌿 Community Gathering Spaces
🌏 Representation from across South Asia

Whether you come to dance, discover something new, support local artists, or simply spend a beautiful summer day with community — there’s something for everyone at Mela.

📅 Saturday, July 11, 2026
📍 Chicago Women's Park and Gardens
🎟️ Tickets will be on pre-sale soon - stay tuned!

06/24/2026

Friday, JUNE 27, 6pm – Riis Park 6100 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago Free!
ALMAFUERTE blends son jarocho, cumbia, Latin jazz, Afro-Latin rhythms, soul, and rock into a fresh, contemporary sound that is rooted in the traditions of the Americas.

Friday, JUNE 27, 6pm – Riis Park 6100 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago

Thursday, JULY 16, 7pm – Thursday Night Out, Downtown Oak Park

Saturday, JULY 18, 11am – Unity Park, 2636 N Kimball Ave, Chicago

Thursday, JULY 30, 7pm – Fitzgerald’s Patio, 6615 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn

Performers:
Jaime Garza Rodriguez – Bass/Vox
Brenden Cabrera – Keys
Peter "Maestro" Vale – Congas
Alexis Gonzalez – Guitar/Tres Cubano
Shair Alejandro – Drums
Victor M. Montañez – Turntables

ALMAFUERTE blends son jarocho, cumbia, Latin jazz, Afro-Latin rhythms, soul, and rock into a fresh, contemporary sound that is rooted in the traditions of the Americas.

The collective will be performing and improvising a few shows this summer. *All shows are free, all ages and outdoor*

Friday, JUNE 27, 6pm – Riis Park 6100 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago

Thursday, JULY 16, 7pm – Thursday Night Out, Downtown Oak Park

Saturday, JULY 18, 11am – Unity Park, 2636 N Kimball Ave, Chicago

Thursday, JULY 30, 7pm – Fitzgerald’s Patio, 6615 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn

Performers:
Jaime Garza Rodriguez – Bass/Vox
Brenden Cabrera – Keys
Peter "Maestro" Vale – Congas
Alexis Gonzalez – Guitar/Tres Cubano
Shair Alejandro – Drums
Victor M. Montañez – Turntables

06/24/2026

Wednesday June 24th: Vagando at Old Town School of Folk Music Free.