A few hundred onlookers watched raptly as the sounds of a violin and cello from The Confluence Quartet filled a one-block stretch of the Uptown neighborhood Saturday.

From a small stage Saturday afternoon, Davis Butner, a violinist and violist, explained they were inspired by the city of Chicago, naming the group after the Chicago River confluence. He said the group, which met through the Lakeview Orchestra, brings together its varied professional backgrounds — from development to architecture — to make music.

Violinist Grace Liu performs as part of the Confluence Quartet at the 10th annual Thirsty Ears Festival on Wilson Avenue in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood on Aug. 23, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

A person dines outside at Fin sushi bar while enjoying classical music at t

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