Taste of Polonia Festival - Chicago Music Fest

Minute To Win It Games
2025-08-31 16:00 (America/Chicago) | Copernicus Center, 5216 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, 60630, United States

Who's Who
2025-08-31 16:45 - 18:00
Who’s Who

Who’s Who, The Ultimate tribute to The Who, consists of talented musicians who recreate the sound, energy and excitement of The Who at its prime! Who’s Who covers The Who’s greatest hits and best-known classic rock songs! Who’s Who has had the privilege of playing at the best venues and festivals in Chicagoland and throughout the Midwest.

The Garfield Movie
2025-08-31 17:00
The Garfield Movie
Movie Screening

Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.

TABU
2025-08-31 17:00 - 18:30
TABU

Tabu to śląski zespół, który w swojej ponad 20-letniej karierze zagrał już ponad 2 tysiące koncertów! Wygrali wiele prestiżowych nagród na muzycznych festiwalach. Są m.in. podwójnym laureatem nagrody “Złoty Bączek” przyznawanej najlepszemu zespołowi festiwalu “Przystanek Woodstock” (obecnie “Pol’and’Rock Festival”). Do tej pory wydali 6 studyjnych oraz jeden koncertowy album. Najnowsza produkcja nosi nazwę “Lunapark”.
Każdy koncert Tabu to czysta energia, a sztandarowe utwory “Tyle mam”, “Jak dobrze Cię widzieć” czy “Sarny” porywają do tańca i powodują, że każdy koncert jest wyjątkowy!

https://topchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/tabu_long_promo1.mp4

https://topchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/tabu_long_promo2.mp4

Recaptured
2025-08-31 18:30 - 20:00
Recaptured

RECAPTURED features Bob Biagi, and features all of the lights, sounds, and Journey-esque atmosphere, with what you would expect from a show called RECAPTURED This is not a cover band, but a group of talented musicians and vocalists who have perfected every nuance of what made Journey the Super Group they are. RECAPTURED performs all the hits that made Journey famous one fabulous hit after another. It is time to be RECAPTURED. The definition of Tribute is: a gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or in acknowledgment of gratitude or esteem. “Recaptured” reflects that meaning with the attention to detail to make certain every note is played, and every harmony is sung, just like it was recorded by Journey back in the day. You will be “Recaptured” from start to finish. Journey is one of the most popular American rock bands of all time, creating some of the best-known songs in modern music. Sales have resulted in two gold albums, eight multi-platinum albums, and one diamond album, including seven consecutive multi-platinum albums between 1978 and 1987. They have had eighteen Top 40 singles in the US, six of which reached the Top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and two of which reached No. 1 on other Billboard charts, and a No. 6 hit on the UK Singles Chart with “Don’t Stop Believin’”. Today opinion poll named Journey the fifth best American rock band in history. Their songs have become arena rock staples and are still played on rock radio stations across the world. When you put this history of great music together, with a great band that has the talent, passion, dedication to perfection, the sound, and following “RECAPTURED” has, the night will turn into magic. And the songs, sounds, and memories it will bring back will be, “RECAPTURED”

VOO VOO
2025-08-31 19:00 - 20:30, 2025-09-01 18:00 - 19:30
Voo Voo

voo_voo_long_promo

Gentlemen of Leisure
2025-08-31 20:30 - 22:00
The Gentlemen of Leisure Band and Review, affectionately known as the ‘Gents,’ offer a musical smorgasbord to satisfy even the most discrete of palates. YES! They are back again for the Taste of Polonia Festival. So popular!
From the top 40 to popular music, from Jazz to Hip-Hop, from Motown to the best of Pop, they do it all! Their reputation and quality of music carry far in Chicago, an can be best described by their reviews.
See the video regarding their performance for the President Obama inaugural in Chicago below.
“Thank you for helping make my Chicago birthday celebration a wonderful success… It was a day I will treasure always and one so special it could have only happened in Chicago!”
Hillary Rodham Clinton

“More than 500 guests came to the wedding reception for “Star Wars” creator George Lucus and Chicago business woman Mellody Hobson . . . where Prince entertained the crowd. . . the Gentlemen of Leisure band kept the 500 to 700 guests moving on the dance floor.”

Allison Horton, Suntimes Staff Reporter, June 2013
The Gentlemen of Leisure Band is an icon whose purpose is to entertain by any means necessary. They play the types of music that will please your senses and make your body more, while presenting a visual show for those who like to sit and enjoy.
The Gents and Ladies have been together forever. The band is comprised of a total of 15 pieces, which includes a dynamic brass section, a smoking rhythm section and the hottest female vocalists in Chicago.
The G.O.L.B. was the musical lure used to bring the 1996 democratic convention to Chicago. The same tactic was used in San Diego for the republican convention. The Gents represented the musical talent available in Chicago. The band’s past clients include: Michael Jordan, Hillary Clinton, The Pritzkers, Governors Edgar and Ryan, Mayor Daley, The Mirage, Treasure Island and Belliago in Vegas.

Cezary Jurkiewicz - Stand Up Polska
2025-08-31 21:00
Cezary Jurkiewicz – Stand Up Polska
Czarek Jurkiewicz w swoich tekstach, wywala swoją brudną duszę na lewą stronę, wciągając nas w czarną otchłań beznadziei, zmarnowanych okazji i zatrutą zazdrością podejrzliwości.

Maciej Adamczyk – Stand Up Polska
2025-08-31 21:30
Maciej Adamczyk – Stand Up Polska
Jeden z bardziej doświadczonych komików w Polsce, stand-upem zajmuje się od ponad 10 lat. Niech nie zwiedzie was jego wieloletni staż – mimo walki z głupotą i zakłamaniem na samym froncie, nie nabawił się cynizmu czy zgorzknienia.

ADAM VAN BENDLER
2025-08-31 22:00
ADAM VAN BENDLER – ULTIMATUM
Stand Up Show

Adam Van Bendler to 38 letni stand-uper z Gdyni. Jego żywioły to komedia, zwierzęta, filmy oraz piłka nożna.
Założyciel Fundacji Psia Krew, wspierającej bezdomne zwierzęta w całej Polsce.
Współzałożyciel projektu ANIMAL HELPER, będącym pierwszym w kraju numerem 112 dla zwierząt.
Autor programu “PLACEBO” – pierwszego w Polsce programu komediowego, w pełnij poświęconemu walce z depresją.
Jego największymi skarbami życia są jego dziewczyna i piesek Rambo, z którym wspólnie przemierzają kraj, bawiąc ludzi i zaszczepiając empatię do zwierząt. Żeby nie zwariować od rozdarcia między światami show biznesu i ochrony zwierząt, zamyka się w domu w pracowni by oddawać się swojemu hobby – animacjom poklatkowym.

Urban Nature: CHICAGO
2025-09-01 12:00
Urban Nature: CHICAGO – docu. (WTTW)*
*Screening in English / Projekcja w języku angielskim

EXPLORE the WILD SIDE of CITIES

Ron Smolen Polka Band Trio
2025-09-01 12:00 - 13:00
Ron Smolen Polka Band Trio
Ron Smolen returns to Taste of Polonia in 2025 with his Polka Band.
Ron Smolen performed for Taste of Polonia for over 12 years with his 10 Piece Big Band Ballroom Orchestra, performing Nostalgic Memories of the 1940’s and Jefferson Park’s Historic — Holiday Ballroom.
Ron began Accordion lessons in 1960 right here in Jefferson Park at the Wilkins School of Music, once located on the site of the CTA Jefferson Park Terminal. Ron Smolen’s history with polka music includes performing with many Local Polka bands including Jolly Stan Lee (Wesoly Stas), Brighton Park Connection, Joe Walega and his Happy Hearts, Don Lucki Polka Band and others.
For over 30 years he was also the Accordionist (Cordovox) and Voice (Emcee) of The JOE PAT Orchestra.
Over the last 50 years along with playing with the above-mentioned bands, The Ron Smolen Polka Band has also played for Hundreds of Weddings and Parties and performed at many Club locations including VI’s Yellow Bird – Antioch, IL, Club 505 – Hegewisch, IL, Lone Tree Inn – Niles, IL, The Golder Earing, Calumet City, IL, Baby Doll Polka Club – Chicago, IL, Pierogi Fest – Whiting, Indiana and for events and dances hosted by The International Polka Association, Lets Polka USA, Senior Polka Association and others.

Junior Jam
2025-09-01 12:30

ABC Dance Academy
2025-09-01 12:30 - 13:30
ABC Dance Academy
Alina Kruk-Velazquez, the business owner, opened the door to ABC Dance Academy in late 2007. She has been assisting in many dance classes in Portage Park since 1996 and when the opportunity opened up, she formed ABC Dance Academy. Since 2007, the studio’s look changed bringing us new students and many new styles of dance classes were added. In August of 2013, the studio relocated to Jefferson Park, to offer more dance & fitness classes in renovated 2-dance floor store front.

The ABC Dance Academy offers various dance classes in Chicago for kids, teens, and adults:
*Hip hop dance classes
*Ballet for kids
*Tap dance
*Jazz
*Contemporary
*Break-dance classes
*Rhythmic Gymnastics
* Salsa, bachata, cumbia
*Argentine Tango
*Ballroom

The staff at ABC Dance Academy emphasize diversity and proudly teach students from numerous ethnicities and cultures. Their highly experienced and qualified staff members are eager to make the students the best dancers they can possibly be.

FUZE
2025-09-01 13:30 - 15:00
Santana Tribute, Classic Rock, Old School, Salsa and more

Be transported by percussion and bass with all pistons firing, driving a rhythm that feels like the heartbeat of the earth as gusts of fiery guitar and keyboard ignite the senses, and soulful vocals release the raw passion that courses through your being.
This is the electrifying essence of the Fuze band, a Latin rock band that melds pulsating energy with rich, soulful artistry. The sound is a celebration of the timeless and unforgettable sounds of Santana, classic rock, old school, salsa and more.
https://topchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/Video-Promo-_Vehicle_1.mp4

Ballet Folklorico de Chicago
2025-09-01 13:45 - 14:15
Ballet Folklorico de Chicago

Ballet Folklorico de Chicago is Chicago’s largest and most inclusive ballet folklorico organization. BFC is a non-profit Mexican folkloric dance organization. Our goal is to provide the most affordable cultural and artistic programming for our community. We aim to preserve traditions for future generations and improve our community’s involvement in the arts. We engage with each other in rehearsals and event participation to promote wholesome and family-friendly activities that elevate our reputation in the community. We cultivate and invest in our future generations and help our students achieve higher education goals by awarding college scholarships and maximizing leadership opportunities. Taste of Poland performances will include various regional dances from Mexico.

Limbo Contest
2025-09-01 14:30

Juchasi. Polish Highlander Folk Ensemble.
2025-09-01 14:30 - 15:30
Juchasi. Polish Highlander Folk Ensemble.

“Juchasi,” a Polish Highlander Folk Ensemble, was established in 2015 at St. Francis Borgia Parish in Chicago. The group consists of over 40 individuals, ranging in ages from 5 to 22 years old. During their performances, the group showcases traditional folklore dance, song, and music from the Podhale region in the Małopolska Voivodeship. The dance portion of the program includes solos, group, and “zbójnicki” dance. Each of these styles show off the performer’s different abilities and strengths. In the song portion of the program, we hear tales of young hearts longing for love and reminiscing about the picturesque Tatra mountains they left behind at home in the motherland. The performers dress in traditional highlander costumes which are hand-made by the most talented seamstresses. Many costume pieces are passed down from generation to generation as family heirlooms. The ensemble aims to keep the Polish highlander culture alive by fostering the traditions of song and dance and passing it on for years to come.

Dzika Fitness Show
2025-09-01 15:00
Dzika Fitness Show
This is an awesome workout while dancing to great music and burning a ton of calories without even realizing it. Join this family fun event led by MAGDALENA HUK, founder of Dzika Fitness, and excellent trainers.
This workout is pretty much the most awesome workout EVER! Dance to great music, with great people, and burn a ton of calories without even realizing it. Dzika Fitness Ltd. will lead a 30 minutes fitness class for adults & kids.
All ages and abilities can join in the musical fun. Please bring water, towel, and sport attire, as this will be a great workout.
Dzika has offered unique & small group fitness classes in: unique Dzika Fitness work, cycling, aerobic, abs, light weights training, stretching, fitness boxing, danceball, tabata bootcamp, body shred & body metamorphosis.
The staff is constantly looking for new ways to enhance class experiences, incorporating new routines and music into sessions. Their trainers will educate, motivate and keep you accountable. If you are new to exercise or having trouble staying fit, you need a personal trainer. Our goal is to get you exercising regularly and obtain results you want.
Current training sessions include:
Intense multi-dimensional dance infused training
Ab-centric sessions: creative and core-building focus
Combo sessions: a mix of Dzika Dance Fitness workout, aerobics and resistance
DXT: a Dzika exclusive and one of Chicago’s best workouts
Address: 6009 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago IL 60634 ~ CALL or TEXT: 773-230-8613 to book a group class or personal training with their certified trainers.
Email: dzikafitness@gmail.com

Magical Myster AJ
2025-09-01 15:30
The Magical Myster AJ is a whirlwind of comedy, music, and mind-bending absurdity, delivering a fast-paced, interactive magic show that leaves audiences of all ages spellbound. Named Best Magician in Chicago three years running by the Chicago Reader, AJ transforms every performance into a family-friendly spectacle of wonder and laughter.

Strung Out
2025-09-01 15:30 - 17:00
Strung Out

Strung Out is the 70’s! Playing everything from the greatest decade of popular music, Strung Out delivers a fun and unique show that will have you dancing and singing along. And the electric cello has to be seen and heard!

ODE
2025-09-01 16:00 - 17:30
ODE

In ancient Greek “ode” means “to sing,” in Bosnian it means “to leave,” in Chicago ode means a five-piece indie rock group that specializes in combining elements of Balkan folk, dark Americana and world punk.
Brothers Robert and Davor Palos decided to name their Chicago-based band Ode, Bosnian for “to leave,” as a way to memorialize their roots. They grew up in Bosnia, but sought a new life in Chicago, and this five-piece rock band decidedly embraces the sound of America in its smoldering grooves and moody atmosphere, with deft propulsion offered by drummer Daniel Crane, bassist Elliot Taggart and rhythm guitarist Nikola Dokic.
As heard on the band’s recent debut album Hotel Bristol, Ode draws influences from a variety of alt-rock icons such as Alice in Chains and Nick Cave, but there’s no missing the fact that the Palos brothers retain the strong flavor of their homeland, particularly in the nimble melodic guitar patterns played by Robert, which tap directly into a rich legacy of Balkan folk, while singer Davor mines a theatrical style somewhere between vintage Scott Walker and Bono.
Together the quintet moves seamlessly between shimmering balladry and muscular hard rock, as a dynamic lattice of guitar work pivots between airy arpeggios, beefy power chords, and elaborate unison runs in unusual time signatures. Ode doesn’t wear its Eastern European influence brazenly, but enfolds those ideas naturally within its highly tuneful, unapologetically dramatic attack. It’s no wonder its recent record release concert touched on a wide variety of multimedia elements, as the music seems to convey the full impact of a theater piece rather than a simple rock concert.

Glow in the Dark Party
2025-09-01 16:15

Mufasa: The Lion King
2025-09-01 17:00
Mufasa: The Lion King
Movie Screening

“Mufasa: The Lion King” enlists Rafiki to relay the legend of Mufasa to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala, with Timon and Pumbaa lending their signature schtick. Told in flashbacks, the story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, lost and alone until he meets a sympathetic lion named Taka—the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny—their bonds will be tested as they work together to evade a threatening and deadly foe.

Terrapin Flyer
2025-09-01 17:30 - 19:00
Terrapin Flyer

For the past 25 years Terrapin Flyer has been touring with the finest in the Grateful Dead community of musicians and has become a fixture of the national music scene, playing regularly at venues around the country and appearing at music festivals. The band has a dedicated following among fans of the Grateful Dead and other jam bands, and is known for their authentic interpretations of rare and classic Dead songs. Over the years, Terrapin Flyer has toured with many notable musicians, including Melvin Seals from the Jerry Garcia Band, Vince Welnick, Tom Constanten from the Grateful Dead and many other Dead-related musicians. Overall, Terrapin Flyer is a talented and highly regarded band that has made a significant impact on the national music scene.

Beatles vs. Stones - A Musical Showdown
2025-09-01 19:30 - 21:00
Beatles vs. Stones
– A Musical Showdown

The British Invasion brought us the two most popular rock groups of all time, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, as well as the liveliest debate in rock history – which band is the greatest? These two legendary bands will engage in an on-stage, mash-up duel featuring internationally renowned tribute bands, Abbey Road and Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show.
“Electrifying show!” said the O.C. Register.
“The most unique tribute show in decades,” said the L.A. Times.
“The crowd was on their feet screaming the entire time!” said the Idaho Statesman.
“If you missed The Beatles and The Rolling Stones live, here is your second chance,” said the San Clemente Times.
Alternating power sets with the two bands coming together on stage for an amazing encore makes this show a once-in-a-lifetime event.

KAMIL BEDNAREK
2025-09-01 20:30 - 22:00
Ticket price range: $10-$25
WYMAGANY OSOBNY BILET / ograniczona ilość miejsc /

Uwaga! Koncerty Kamila Bednarka wymagają zakupu
oddzielnego BILETU – dla DOROSŁYCH i dla DZIECI!
Bilety na koncerty BEDNARKA obejmują
wejście na festiwal Taste of Polonia w dniu koncertu.

Kamil Bednarek
Już w Labor weekend Day Kamil Bednarek wraz ze swoim zespołem ponownie odwiedzi Chicago! Zapraszamy WSZYSTKICH na DWA energetyczne koncerty podczas tegorocznego festiwalu Taste of Polonia – będzie się działo!
Kamil Bednarek to jeden z najpopularniejszych artystów polskiej sceny muzycznej, którego twórczość pokochali nie tylko fani reggae. Artysta nieustannie poszukuje nowych brzmień, eksperymentuje, a jego muzyka trafia do coraz szerszego grona odbiorców.
Nie może Was zabraknąć! Dołączcie do nas i wspólnie zaśpiewajmy największe hity zespołu: Cisza, Chwile jak Te, Dni Których Jeszcze Nie Znamy, Wojownik światła i wiele innych!
