Chicago – The City of Chicago announced today the launch of the Protect Chicago Music Series, a monthly series of music events exclusively for fully COVID-19 vaccinated Chicagoans. A partnership between the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), the Protect Chicago Music Series will include a variety of musical events taking place all across Chicago as an incentive and benefit for Chicagoans who receive a COVID-19 vaccine to protect their families, communities, and themselves. 

“We will never mandate that Chicagoans get a vaccine but this is a creative way to incentivize people to step up and get it, especially younger people,” said CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “If we’re to get out of this pandemic we need people to get vaccinated. It’s safe, it’s effective, it’s free, and it’s the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community.” 

Attendees must have received the final dose of a two-dose vaccine or a single-dose vaccine two weeks prior to each event to be eligible to attend. Each event will be ticketed, and attendees must also bring their CDC vaccination card as proof of vaccination and matching photo ID. Tickets will be distributed for each event via Eventbrite, designated vaccination sites, and will call. 

“The pandemic has had a huge impact on arts and culture in our city, and I know residents and artists alike are ready to move past the past year and get back to making and listening to music together,” said DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly. “These events are a great way to remind people of the importance of vaccination. Get vaccinated and get your free ticket.” 

The kickoff event will take place on Saturday, May 22, in Hyde Park. DJ Ron Trent and Duane Powell will perform. The Silverroom is a partner in the first concert. 

For the first event, May 8 is the last date to receive a single-dose vaccine, or the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, to be eligible to attend. Tickets will be made available first to those who attend a special vaccination event on May 8 between 9 am and 2 pm at Apostolic Faith Church, 3823 S. Indiana Ave. Anyone who is vaccinated at this event with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be offered a free ticket to attend the May 22 concert. Appointments are preferred, but not required, and can be scheduled at https://rebrand.ly/MusicSeries.  

“This is our chance to all be together listening to music like we used to,” said Eric Williams, Owner of The Silverroom. “For those of you who’re looking to get vaccinated and want to attend the event, go to the vaccination site at Apostolic Faith Church this Saturday and get your ticket.” Individuals who are already fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are also eligible for the music series. Tickets for the May 22 event will be released next Monday, May 11, at noon when The Silverroom goes live with an Eventbrite RSVP portal at https://thesilverroom.com/. 

Additional dates and artists in the Protect Chicago Music Series will be announced in the coming weeks throughout the summer.