National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

This summer the Chicago Department of Public Affairs will present a new World Music series in the city's Millennium Park. The series, scheduled to run from June through November 2006, will be titled "World Without Borders," and will present acts from around the world in the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

"Millennium Park acts as a meeting ground or town square, where people can enjoy music from all over the world," said Program Director Michael Orlove, according to the event's press release. "This new summer series, which was inspired by the success of our annual World Music Festival, gives people a chance to see world-class music in a world-class venue. Plus all concerts are free, making the series accessible to everyone."

The series will include concerts from Brazil's Seu Jorge, Zanzibari taarab ensemble Culture Musical Club, Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, and a South Asian fusion set featuring Anoushka Shankar and DJ Karsh Kale, as well as other programs showcasing Chicago's ethnic diversity. All events in the Music Without Borders series will be free to the public.

Music Without Borders was inspired by, and held in collaboration with, the city's annual World Music Festival. Now in its 8th year, the Chicago World Music Festival is one of the most influential events of its kind in the United States – tapping into Chicago's wealth of ethnic neighborhoods while bringing artists from around the world to perform on local stages.

For a complete festival dates, listings and ticketing information, consult the Millennium Park website.