Dance the night away under sometimes starry skies starting June 17, when the 8th annual Chicago SummerDance kicks off with Bandoleros, a popular ensemble specializing in Mediterranean rumba. The rest of the weekend lineup appearing at includes the Chicago Jazz Orchestra with Frieda Lee on June 18, Angel Melendez & Orquesta Arallue on June 19 and Franz Benteler's Royal Strings Orchestra on June 20.

Each evening begins with one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors, followed by two hours of live music and dancing on the 3,500-square-foot floor at the Spirit of Music Garden at 601 S. Michigan Ave. Continuing through Aug. 29, the fest features world music groups on Thursdays, "popular nights" of jazz, Latin, country and funk on Fridays and Saturdays, and ballroom on Sundays. New this year is the Wednesday DJ Series with top talent spinning three hours of various styles of electronic dance music (no lessons, though). First up, June 23, is local legend DJ Derrick Carter joined by special guest DJ Diz.

free; 312-742-4007; http://www.cityofchicago.org/Cultura...rs/SummerDance