On Monday nights throughout the summer, Millennium Park is covered in blankets, lawn chairs and various libations as people enjoy the latest Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays. The series is just one of many free musical events put on by Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. With a new mayor some wondered if this level of cultural programming would remain a priority for the City, but when the annoucement of the new Department head was met with high praise many corners of Chicago’s art world - especially the jazz community. After all, Michelle Boone has years of experience in the arts, including directing the City’s Gallery 37 and making arts grants at The Joyce Foundation. Boone, who is presiding over a somewhat new department after Cultural Affairs and Special Events merged earlier this year, joined Eight Forty-Eight to discuss Chicago’s cultural future.

Music Button: Rachel Ries, “Chicago” from the release Without a Bird (SoDak)