International Festival of Life July 4th Weekend in Union Park

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“CARNIVAL OF NATIONS” JULY 4TH WEEKEND IN CHICAGO’S UNION PARK

3 Days of International Music, Food, Sports, Shopping & More

Live international music on three stages, a food court with an international flavor and a marketplace filled with cultural items are some of what you can expect at the 2015 International Festival of Life. Returning to Union Park for the July 4th weekend, the 3-day festival runs Friday, July 3rd through July 5th and will showcase the cultures of Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico.

The 23rd Annual International Festival of Life (IFOL), July 4th weekend, will showcase a massive lineup of world music acts, including some of Chicago’s most outstanding performers. Heading the lineup will be one of the most requested female vocalists in the country Tessanne Chin, the season 5 winner of NBC TV’s “The Voice; along with R&B Diva, Chante Moore; R&B hit-makers, Al Hudson and Oneway; Reggae Star, Mad Cobra; top dancehall DJ, Josey Wales; Blues great, Duke Tumatoe; Belize Punta/ Soca star, Lova Boy; Jazz legend, Diane Ellis and the Jazzy Ladies; and a host of other Caribbean, African, Latin, Gospel, Rock, Pop, Spoken Word entertainers on three stages.

The 23rd IFOL is a full family festival with several components and activities to make for an enjoyable July 4th independence celebration for Chicagoland residents and visitors. Table games and sports will be a part of the family-focused event. There will be a Soccer 3 v 3 competition for children 12-16 years old. Attendees can experience carnival rides and games for kids and adults on a separate pavilion, an additional fee may apply. Watch contestants compete in “Emerging Star” and “Know Your Pan-American and African Heritage” contests. Casper(“Mr. C” from V103) and DJ Sam Chatman(clubsteppin.com) will host a Line Dancing and Steppers contest on the Global Dance Stage. On July 4th there will be a “Carnival of Nations” presentation where flags from The Americas and Africa will be displayed celebrating each country’s independence. Dedicated to “Health Awareness” the IFOL Health Pavilion will feature speakers and offer health screenings and information for attendees.

In additional, nearly 200 foods, arts, crafts and other exhibitors/ vendors who will be branding, sampling, selling and showcasing products and services. Participating sponsors are: Chicago Park District, NBC 5 Chicago, Nissan, Urban Grind, TV, Gift of Hope, JAMAICA (Jamaica Tourist Board), Rogers Park Fruit Market, Kingston Mines Blues Club, Rasta Love Punch, WEPrint4Less.net, Chicago Crusader, Bronzecomm.com and others to be announced. The International Festival of Life is committed to “Bringing Nations Together” and “Living Together as One.” It is dedicated to Health Awareness.

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