When the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce presents its free Chamber Night concert Wednesday, it will be a chance to highlight a premiere south suburban cultural asset as well as a showcase for the quaint downtown Flossmoor area that is serving as this year’s venue.
“This concert is the perfect opportunity for everyone who doesn’t know the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra to be exposed,” says Terri Winfree, the chamber’s president. “And for season ticket holders — we always have several in attendance — it’s an opportunity to see them (the IPO) in a new environment, while also supporting local business.”
Local economic support was central to planning the event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, which will kick off with a, “Shop, Wine and Dine,” stroll available through area businesses including food offerings from Dunning’s Market, the Bistro on Sterling, and Flossmoor Station Restaurant and Brewery.
“During COVID, I had lots of (chamber) members figuring out how to pivot,” Winfree says. “I was hosting these roundtable Zoom calls, trying to brainstorm ideas to help these local businesses, who were basically just crying.”
One such meeting with IPO executive director Christina Salerno proved fruitful. The IPO’s own pandemic season, conducted virtually, was also minimized, Salerno said. The two decided an outdoor event, highlighting local restaurants while also reintroducing the IPO, would fit the bill.
The first year, socially distanced, with to-go offerings from the restaurants, blossomed with cooperation and buy-in.
“It was magic,” Winfree says, offering a favorite anecdote as an example. Dunning’s owner Maureen Mader provided an adult beverage cart for the inaugural year event, which went well. The second year, she passed it to another area establishment to help boost their visibility.
“This year, the Booze Buggy is going to Tracy (Cairo) at the Bistro,” Winfree says. “Maureen walks every person through using it from top to bottom.”
Wednesday’s music performances will open with the Bel Canto Community Choir performing a three-song set at 5:45 p.m.
“We are thrilled to get in front of the Flossmoor audience,” says Carrie Bonanotte, director of the choir.
Laura Bruni is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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