One of Chicago’s long running festivals—the Chicago Humanities Festival—kicks off on Sunday in Evanston.

From discussions about the perception of America in the Middle East, a performance of the play The Whipping Man, and a conversation about how Christopher Columbus really began to define and change history and culture, there are plenty of things for adventurous listeners and learners throughout the day.  This year the events of the festival center around America’s culture at home and abroad.

And for the classical music listener in particular, a conversation with acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma and a world-famous ballet dancer Damian Woetzel on Sunday also should be an amazing chance to learn more about the arts in Chicago (not just for the personalities but also because Woetzel and Ma are discussing what it means to be a citizen and responsible artist).

“It’s really important for any artist, whether they’re in high school or college or are in the later stages of their career and want to be an ambassador for their field, to really be involved in their society and see how their works contributes to the greater whole,” said Jara Kern with the Chicago Humanities Festival.

So mark your calendars for Saturday and stay tuned for event updates as we get closer to the two week festival at the start of November.  For details about Sunday and to reserve tickets now visit www.chigagohumanities.org