The Thirsty Ears fest, set for August on Wilson Avenue, will celebrate classical music. View Full Caption DNAinfo/Jackie Kostek

RAVENSWOOD — Just when it seemed that every possible concept for a summer street festival had been exhausted, along comes Thirsty Ears.

Ravenswood's own Access Contemporary Music is presenting the city's first street fest devoted to classical music, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Aug. 13.

In addition to performances by soloists and ensembles (click here for schedule), Thirsty Ears will feature food trucks, beer and kids activities (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.).

The event will take place on Wilson Avenue between Ravenswood and Hermitage. Cost of admission is a $5 suggested donation.

Among the performers are percussionist Peter Ferry, the Black Oak Ensemble with guitar virtuoso Goran Ivanovic, violinist Desirée Ruhstrat and cellist David Cunliffe and the Calumet Chamber Musicians.

Access Contemporary Music is an organization devoted to making classical music more accessible, explaining that many "many still think of dead European men in wigs" when they think of it. On the flip side, many classical music fans "have a negative impression of contemporary music" and don't know that modern composers are producing new classical music.

The goal is to make the music more visible and "raise musical literacy in general."

"There are many otherwise extremely intelligent individuals who don't know basic things about music. This has to change," the group says on its website.

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