Ice rink, Chicago symphony featured on 'Cultural Mile'

One of Chicago's premier ice skating rinks is opening up in a sure sign the season is turning.

Skating at the McCormick Tribune Plaza & Ice Rink in Millennium Park begins Friday in conjunction with a program to draw more visitors to a less-traveled section of Chicago's iconic Michigan Avenue.

The Chicago Cultural Mile Association has sought to promote the stretch of Michigan Avenue from the Chicago River south to Roosevelt Road by offering free or discounted entertainment on the second Friday each month.

Among the other inducements on offer this Friday is discounted admission to the “Go Beyond the Score” with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It uses live theater, projections and orchestral excerpts to tell stories behind symphonic works.