Taste of Chicago pop music lineup 2008

Although there are a few highlights every year, the pop music lineup at Taste of Chicago in Grant Park has long since lost its status as major music news. Nevertheless, it oughta be reported — and I haven’t seen it anywhere since the city quietly posted the announcement on its Web site on April 22.

The best thing about Taste is that it remains free — in keeping with the original mandate that Grant Park “remain forever open, clear and free of any buildings or their obstructions whatever.” The lineup follows the jump, with the notable exception of a headliner for the annual WXRT (93/1-FM)-sponsored July Fourth shindig.

Friday, June 27, 5:30 p.m.

CHAKA KHAN

ANGIE STONE

Saturday, June 28, 5:30 p.m.

STEVIE WONDER

Sunday, June 29, 5:00 p.m.

PLAIN WHITE T’S

JOSH KELLEY

Monday, June 30, 6:00 p.m.

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Tuesday, July 1, 5:30 p.m.

JOSS STONE

RYAN SHAW

Wednesday, July 2, 5:30 p.m.

FANTASIA

ESTELLE

Friday, July 4, 3 p.m.

“Special Guest”

GOMEZ

ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO

Saturday, July 5, 5:30 p.m.

BONNIE RAITT

Sunday, July 6, 2 p.m.

ALY & AJ

A CURSIVE MEMORY

KEKE PALMER