STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN

If there is one strategy I use to find what’s Free For All in Chicago it is to stop, look and listen. This post is all about some of the places and people we walk by every day that are FREE for all.
 
STREET PERFORMERS
Street performers are everywhere – in the subways and “L” platforms and on the street corners. It’s FREE to stop, look and listen, but many are very talented and certainly earn a donation.
 
I have two favorite musicians. One is a young man who plays the marimbas. You can hear the mellow tones a block away. He is usually on the southwest corner of Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue.
 
Another (and the one who inspired this post) is a 62 year old man I read about in an article in the Tribune this week. Saxophonist Levie Ball plays every day in the Lake Shore Drive underpass at Barry Avenue. He finds the acoustics there are just right for him to perfect each piece of music he plays.
 
THE PUPPET BIKE
The Puppet Bike is a unique experience. It is the creation of artist and inventor Jason Trusty. It is a puppet show on wheels and a nice surprise to run across. The Puppet Bike even has a Facebook page.
 
CTA
Keep your eyes peeled for art at the CTA stations. Many of the stops are adorned with creative photos, drawings, murals and more.
 
MURALS
I already told you about the murals along the Wabash Arts Corridor (2-5-2016 post), but there are murals and mosaics all around the city. Let me know where you spot one.
 
AIRPORTS
Stuck at the airport? There is a lot more to do there than people watch. Look around for the art, the exhibits and entertainers who are now part of the experience.
 
At Midway Airport you will find the permanent exhibit on the Battle of Midway. It includes “photographs, narratives and three interactive video kiosks with historical accounts and an SBD Dauntless aircraft hanging from the ceiling.” Temporary art and science exhibits are also on display there from time-to-time.
                                                                                                                                
O’Hare was once named Orchard Field (hence the ORD airport code) the facility was renamed for Lt. Edward “Butch” O’Hare a WWII pilot and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. The Butch O'Hare Exhibit includes a “replica of the World War II F4F-3 fighter plane O’Hare flew and is located in on the north end of Terminal 2, near the security checkpoint. Learn about his heroism there.
 
USO
Two USO facilities are located at O’Hare. One is located on the Mezzanine level of Terminal 2 and is open 24 hours a day. The other is beyond security and has limited hours. Both are open and FREE to service people and their families.
 
 
TRAVELERS AID
TRAVELERS AID is also located at O’Hare so if you have any difficulty, stop by and they will help you for FREE.
 
ART has long been an important part of the airports and is “reflected in dozens of sculptures​, paintings, murals and exhibits. Pieces were donated or commissioned specifically for O'Hare.
 
 The following information was taken from the O’Hare website:
“KIDS ON THE FLY" EXHIBITThe "Kids on the Fly" (KOTF) exhibit is a fun-filled space where little travelers can play and parents and caregivers can unwind before or after a flight. Children of all ages can enjoy the interactive, educational play area. They can explore an airplane, control tower and helicopter model. Each year the play area is updated with new inventive and fun activities for children to enjoy.  Terminal 2 past security Not leaving from T2, you can access T1, T2 and T3 w/o going outside security.’
 
Brachiosaurus Dinosaur
One of the largest mounted dinosaurs in the world is not found in a museum but right here at O'Hare. The four-story high, 72-foot-long Brachiosaurus skeleton model is on loan from Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History. You can't miss the Brachiosaurus dinosaur located on the upper level of Terminal 1 in Concourse B.
 
Yoga Room
The 15 x 16-foot Yoga Room features a sustainable bamboo wood floor, floor to ceiling mirrors on one wall and exercise mats as well as an area to place personal articles and garments, making it the perfect space for relaxation, meditation and yoga practice. Located in the Terminal 3 Rotunda next to the Urban Garden.
 
Hall of Flags
Visit the Terminal 3 Hall of Flags where each flag represents a country that American Airlines serves non-stop from O'Hare. The Hall of Flags is past the security checkpoint, in the common area of Concourses H and K.
 
Light Sculpture
"The Sky's The Limit" is a 744-foot-long kinetic neon sculpture of light and sound designed by Michael Hayden. It is located in the underground walkway between Concourses B and C in Terminal 1.
 
Painted Benches
Find the painted benches located throughout the terminals. Ask your kids to spot them and enjoy their themes.
 
Urban Garden
An aerop​onic garden is located between Terminals 2 and 3 in the Rotunda Mezzanine. The garden contains 26 plant towers and an exhibit display that describes the sustainability benefits of this system.”
 
GHOST SIGNS
 
Don’t be scared, but all around the city you will find “Ghost Signs”. These are the faded remnants of advertising signs painted on the sides of buildings. There is a great website for finding ghosts signs.  The home page is a map. Click on an area in the map and a detailed map with red dots identifying the locations of ghosts signs will come up. Then click on the red dot and you will find a picture and the address of that ghost sign.  But you don’t need a website to find ghosts signs; just stop and look up and you will see them wherever you go.
 
Wherever you are in the city, take some time to stop, look and listen for everything that is Free For All!
 
 All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the websites to get the most up-to-date information.
 
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If you know of a free event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at ChicagoFreeForAll@gmail.com
 
Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at www.chicagogreeter.com
 
Until then I hope to see you in Chicago!