The 2021 season at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum kicks off this Thursday, February 4 at 2 p.m. with the first of six public events by the Fifth House Ensemble and the American Indian Center, culminating in two live performances of Sounds of the Chicago River. The performances are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, in partnership with Fifth House Ensemble and the American Indian Center.

These special, virtual events will integrate modern and indigenous Deep Listening activities with Native conservation practices, music-making, and storytelling/story gathering workshops. The workshops and performances use Deep Listening as a tool for observation and increased awareness of our environment, integrated with Native practices that explore the interconnectedness of humans, wildlife, plants, and place.

"In a year where we've experienced many changes and challenges, we're thrilled to be partnering with the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum and the American Indian Center to present a series of virtual workshops and a performance that use Deep Listening to reconnect ourselves to the natural world through sound,” said Alex Olsavsky, managing director of Fifth House Ensemble.

The performances will use nature and urban sounds to create musical experiences; stories will be shared through talking circles, and demonstrations of how musical instruments can replicate the sounds of animals and our environment are included.

“We are excited to partner with Fifth House Ensemble and the American Indian Center to offer these special performances and workshops this season,” said Josh Coles, director of the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. “Sounds of the Chicago River will celebrate the river system in a new way, and we are thrilled to offer this programming to Friends’ members and supporters.”

The virtual events take place at 2 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays in February, March, and April (February 4 through April 15). Final performances will be held on Sunday, May 30 at 2 p.m. Visit Friends’ website to register for these special performances and workshops.