New Chicago concert series is only for the fully vaccinated

City officials hope the Protect Chicago Music Series will encourage vaccinations.

Dr. Allison Arwady, Chicago’s public health commissioner, got praise for her handling of the city’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. — Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady was among those announcing a new concert series — but attendees must be fully vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated? Like live concerts?

You’ve now got some options. The city on Wednesday announced the Protect Chicago Music Series, which will bring monthly musical events to both indoor and outdoor venues across the city — but you have to be vaccinated to attend.

“We will never mandate that Chicagoans get a vaccine but this is a creative way to incentivize people to step up and get it, especially younger people,” Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady said in a statement. “If we’re to get out of this pandemic, we need people to get vaccinated. It’s safe, it’s effective, it’s free and it’s the best way to protect yourself, your family and your community.”

The first event is scheduled for Saturday, May 22, in Hyde Park, with DJ Ron Trent and Duane Powell. Tickets for that event and others in the series will be available via Eventbrite, at designated vaccination sites and will call.

Tickets for the Hyde Park event will be released at noon on Monday. For tickets, go to https://thesilverroom.com

Additional dates and artists are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Those planning to attend concerts must bring their CDC vaccination record card and a matching photo ID.

Arwady had hinted just last week that the city was considering a sort of “vaccine pass” program, using the chance to attend certain concerts as an incentive to get young people vaccinated.

Wednesday at the Goodman Theatre, Lightfoot highlighted a series of summer events and portrayed the return of the arts as a “reward” for the “persistence of all Chicagoans over the last year” to stay home, wear face masks and maintain social distance.

She also announced various vaccination opportunities at theaters and other summer events. If you’re over 16, you can schedule an appointment, drive up or “just walk in and get vaccinated” against the coronavirus, the mayor said.

“Please don’t hesitate any longer to get vaccinated,” she said.