WildeMouth

Chicago Air & Water Show

Five planes fly in formation while trailing smoke high above the Chicago lakefront, the tall downtown buildings bearing witness behind.

The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest free show of its kind in the United States. Held since 1959 on the shore of Lake Michigan, it showcases daredevil pilots, parachute teams, and formation jet flyers, as well as water-skiing and boat-jumping demonstrations. The show also features both civilian and military pilots, and corporate sponsored flight teams.

The U. S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds alternate annually as headliners, with frequent participation by the U.S. Army Golden Knights.

We provided Extemporaneous Audio Description for both the Saturday and Sunday performances of the Chicago Air & Water Show in 2023 and 2024.

Logo: On a white background, words at the top in capital red letters read Chicago Air & Water Show 2023. On a white field inside a blue badge below, three blue jets fan out above a silhouette of the Chicago skyline.
Logo: On a white background, words at the top in capital red letters read Chicago Air & Water Show 2024. On a white field inside a blue badge below, three blue jets fan out above a silhouette of the Chicago skyline with the dates in white: August 10 and 11.
A laptop under a sunshade between two audio mixers, with a USB audio interface, stenographer's mask, and a WiFi hotspot.
Laptop, WiFi hotspots, mic, and shade.

Equipment setup

Zhen Heinemann (DCASE) and Martin on the flight line, both wearing hats and sunglasses, Martin with a stenographer's mask over his mouth.
With my colleague Zhen Heinemann – Director, Visitor Experience & Public Engagement at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), City of Chicago.

On the flight line

Contact us to explore Extemporaneous Audio Description for your next event.