Beats on the River Brings the Sounds of the Chicago River to Life

Nearly 150 people explored all five floors of the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum on August 28 during Beats on the River, a free, artistic event that explored how sound and music can deepen our connection to the Chicago-Calumet River system and the natural world. Presented in partnership with Planet Chambo and Solidarity Studios, the event offered a unique, interactive way to experience the river.

The high-energy event transformed the museum into a progressive experience through the beat-making process as guests worked their way up the five historic floors of the Bridgehouse Museum. These special listening stations invited participants to listen to the energy of plants and the bridge gears turned into sounds, create beats and music using sounds from the river, and experience the submissions for the second round of the Sounds of the Chicago-Calumet River Remix Competition. The remix competition winner, Luciana Diaz, was also announced and shared her love for Chicago and the river that inspired her piece entitled “River Escape.”

WBEZ Interview 

The event was also featured Tuesday on WBEZ Radio’s In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons who interviewed Friends’ Director of Engagement Becky Lyons, executive producer of Beats on the River, Cesar Almeida, and WBEZ reporter Somer Van Benton, who has reported on the music making process using river sounds.

Beats on the River was partially funded by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Individual Artist Program and the Crossroads Fund Youth Grant.