“I did want to clarify one point from your recent blog entry. At Grant Park we do have to raise 50% of our annual budget from concert sponsorships, fundraising events, targeted donations and memberships (our closest thing to ticket sales. Members receive a reserved seat in exchange for a donation.)

While the $2 million we receive from the Chicago Park District allows us to present the concerts free of charge, the other $2 million required to fully fund the Festival ($4 million total budget) is raised by me, a staff and a board of directors.”