Chicago Air & Water Show Opening Entertainment
Chicago Actors Bill Murray & Gary Sinise Perform at 50th Anniversary
The Chicago Mayor's Office of Special Events has announced the entertainment lineup for the 50th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show to be held starting on Friday, August 15 at North Avenue Beach on the lake front of Lake Michigan. Chicago actors Bill Murray and Gary Sinise will be joining the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights for the show's opening on August 15.
The Air and Water Show is one of the most popular events in the Windy City. The weekend event, which takes place on August 15 through 17, 2008, offers the excitement of daredevil stunts in the air and on the water. Crowds gather along the shoreline to enjoy the excitement of daredevil jumps, aerobatics and precision flying.
Florence Henderson Sings the National Anthem
The show has been expanded into a three day event. The Friday afternoon show will kick off at 3 pm, with Florence Henderson, of "The Brady Bunch," singing The National Anthem.
Bill Murray Parachutes With The Golden Knights
After the Natonal anthem, Bill Murray and theThe U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team will perform in the sky. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the popular show on the lake front, funnyman Bill Murray will jump out of a airplane with the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, The appearance of Chicago native Bill Murray doing a daredevil stunt is sure to bring out additional crowds.
Bill Murray will take a cue from his movie, "Stripes," and jump out of an airplane with the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights onto North Avenue Beach. Murray's jump will benefit the USO of Illinois.
Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band
At 5:00 PM, Gary Sinise, another famous Chicago native, and the Lt. Dan Band will perform a free concert at the North Avenue Boathouse. Gary Sinise is an award winning actor who has founded Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre. Sinise plays bass in Lt. Dan's Band, named afer his character in the movie "Forrest Gump."
Friday Evening Airshow and Fireworks
The air show, with aerobatics, precision flying and daredevil stunts, will continue immediately after the concert. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly in formation, amazing the crowds. The Opening Day festivities culminate with a magnificent fireworks spectacular over Lake Michigan. The fireworks display starts at 8:45 PM.
The Chicago Air and Water Show Saturday and Sunday
The Chicago Air and Water Show continues on Saturday and Sunday. The water portion of the show, featuring the Shell Extreme Watershow, begins at 9:00 pm each day. At 11:00 the airplanes hit the great blue skies over Lake Michigan and perform until 4:00 pm. The weekend features F-22 Raptor, U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team, AeroShell Aerobatic Team, The Firebirds, Lima Lima Flight Team and Sean Tucker and Team Oracle.
Public Transportation Recommended
The Chicago Air and Water Show is a popular, heavily attended event. Fans are encouraged to use public transportation into the Windy City and to get around within the city. Getting Around City of Chicago is an article with tips about public transportation in the city.
In order to get a good place to view the show, early arrival is encouraged
Information is subject to change. See the Chicago Air and Watershow Official website for additional information.
