Baby It's Cold Outside!

A couple of weeks ago, I reported on one of several upcoming Sno-Gophers ski trips.  Well, www.BlackSkiExpress.com also has a cool (no pun intended) trip coming up on February 1st - the Leather and Lace Superbowl Ski Party at Fallsview Spa and Nevele Resort, Ellenville, New York!  Whether you're a snow bunny, diehard skier, sports fan or you live for the Après ski - activities abound on this trip!  No ski trip would be complete without some night life - so how 'bout Chuck Brown, the SOS band and your host - Doug E. Fresh?

Looking to escape the cold weather?  It's not too late to make plans for the Jazz & Blues Festival in Montego Bay, Jamaica, mon!!  The weather is great in Jamaica this time of year and you'll no doubt find that every'ting's irie, mon!  January 24th isn't so far away, so make your reservations now!

Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah

Saturday, January 19, 7:30pm

Sunday, January 20, 3pm

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and the Pasquinelli Family Foundation are thrilled to bring back last year's hit Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah.

This uplifting and dynamic take on Handel's Messiah features tenors Rodrick Dixon and Victor Trent Cook (of Cook, Dixon and Young), soprano Alfreda Burke, the 150-voice Too Hot Choir and a symphony orchestra and jazz combo under the baton of Suzanne Mallare Acton.

You won't want to miss the performance the Chicago Tribune calls, "an inspiring object lesson on the genius of black music in America" and the New York Post terms, "perhaps the jazziest, most soulful reinterpretation of Handel's Messiah you'll ever hear."

Location:  Auditorium Theatre, 50 East Congress Parkway, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 922-2110

Price:  $29-59

More Info:  www.auditoriumtheatre.org

Martinmas Day Celebration

Monday, January 21, 10:00am

A celebration of the life and triumphs of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Join us for a day filled with remembrances, films and celebration! Come together to commemorate the contributions of the dreamer: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. [Highlights are] listed below!

Whatever Happened to the Dream?: by Eva D. and Cynthia Maddox, 11am & 12:30pm

Journey to a nightclub in the inner city where a teenage dance group learns a hard and dangerous lesson as they search for fame and fortune. Watch them learn that their trials and tribulations cannot be solved with violence as their loving grandmother shares testimonies of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What You Did NOT Learn In American History: His Story or Our Story!: A Conversation with Bernard Kinsey, 2:30 pm

Why is it important to study the accomplishments of our African American ancestors? Bernard Kinsey, an authority on African and African American history will discuss the accomplishments of African Americans, including Dr. Martin Luther King, in the making of America.

Bernard Kinsey

A former Vice President at XEROX and trailblazer in his own right, Bernard Kinsey holds the distinction of achieving top status at a national level in every sales and marketing position he held with the company. At a time when structured programs for minority recruitment were still in their infancy, he helped develop a program focused on bringing African Americans and other minorities into the company and training them for jobs with opportunities for advancement. Mr. Kinsey also created the XEROX Black Employees Association.

4 Little Girls: 4:30pm, Directed by Spike Lee

(not recommended for children under 12 years of age)

A graphic recount of the bombing of the 16th Street Church in Birmingham, Alabama; one of the most memorable hate crimes from the height of the civil-rights movement.

Craft Workshops: $4.00 per project, 10am-4pm

Explore your creativity as you make one of these civil rights themed projects. Workshops include: Dr. King Banner, Bookmarks, Puzzles, Civil Rights Buttons and a Dr. King placemat.

Location:  DuSable Museum, 740 East 56th Street, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 947-0600

Price:  $8; All Children, $5

More Info:  www.dusablemuseum.org

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Monday, January 21, 11:00am

Commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Chicago History Museum. The Chicago Chamber Choir will perform an inspirational collection of songs and spirituals. Dramatic performances will reflect Dr. King's messages of peace and justice.

Location:  Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 642-4600

Price:  Free!

More Info:  www.chicagohs.org

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Service & Reception

Monday, January 21, 12:00pm

With Keynote Address: Loretta J. Ross

Loretta J. Ross, founder and the National Coordinator of the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Health Collective, will reflect on the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For more information on Loretta J. Ross, please visit www.speakoutnow.org.

MLK Day Reception - 1:00pm- 3:00pm, Ida Noyes Hall - Cloister Club, 1212 East 59th Street

All Memorial Service attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments and meet the keynote speaker, Loretta J. Ross. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Location:  Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 1156 East 59th Street, Chicago, Illinois

Price:  Free!

More Info:  mlk.uchicago.edu

Martin Luther King, Jr. Documentary

Monday, January 21, 5:00pm

Join us for an evening of films and documentaries with a special showing of Marlon Riggs' Black Is, Black Ain't. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Location:  Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615, (773) 324-5520

Price:  Free!

More Info:  mlk.uchicago.edu

The Dream Lives On: Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Monday, January 21, 7:30pm

Dr. King's message is too grand for any one art form to fully express. Recognizing this, the Sinfonietta combines dance, gospel music, and orchestral pieces both ancient and modern in this joyful annual celebration. Sphinx competition winners Christina Castelli and Melissa White join the Chicago Sinfonietta on violin, while the Deeply Rooted Dance Theater presents a World Premiere piece set to the music of Samuel Barber. Then, the Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir will rock the house with their gospel fervor.

Christina Castelli, violin

Melissa White, violin

Deeply Rooted Dance Theater

The Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir

Paul Freeman, conductor

Location:  Chicago Symphony Center, 220 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 294-3333

Price:  $26-50

More Info:  www.chicagosinfonietta.org

Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere

Tuesday, January 22, 5:30pm

Examining & Exposing the Continuing Violence and Discrimination of the 21st Century

Faculty panelists will discuss how various forms of violence in our society continue to inflict injustices upon us. Expect provocative presentations and lively discussion. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Panelists:

Cathy Cohen, Professor of Political Science, Deputy Provost for Graduate Education, The University of Chicago

Craig Futterman, Clinical Professor of Law, The Law School, Mandel Legal Aid Clinic, The University of Chicago

Susan Gzesh, Senior Lecturer in the College, Director, Human Rights Program, Center for International Studies, The University of Chicago

Richard Hellie, Thomas E. Donnelley Professor of Russian History, Chair, Russian Civilization course and College program, Director Emeritus, East European, Russian, and Eurasian Center, The University of Chicago

Location:  UofC Graduate School of Business, C25, 5807 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

Price:  Free!

More Info:  mlk.uchicago.edu

"Something the Lord Made"

Wednesday, January 23, 6:30pm

The film, "Something the Lord Made," is set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow south and tells the story of two men who defied the rules of their time to launch a medical revolution. The film will be followed by a panel discussion led by medical school faculty and students. Light refreshments will be served following the film.

Location:  University of Chicago, Biological Sciences Learning Center - Room 001, 924 East 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois

Price:  Free!

More Info:  mlk.uchicago.edu

Angela Davis: How Does Change Happen?

Thursday, January 24, 7:00pm

As part of the Organization of Black Students (OBS) annual Kent Lecture, civil rights icon, Angela Davis, will address the issue of "unfinished work in the struggle for equality" in America. This lecture will focus on the current state of democracy in America, and the social challenges that remain for its multicultural citizens. The goal of this lecture is to open up a dialogue on how citizens of all races might work together to make progress towards racial equality and solid political influence.

Location:  Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 1156 East 59th Street, Chicago, Illinois

Price:  Free!

More Info:  mlk.uchicago.edu

Lost Boys of Sudan

Friday, January 25, 3:00pm

Members of The Lost Boys Rebuilding Southern Sudan will share their life experiences as orphaned boys in war torn Sudan. Their inspiring stories include overcoming hunger, dehydration, disease, and attacks by wild animals, as well as life in Kakuma, Kenya as refugees. They will share how today they build schools and community centers for their children living in Sudan. These amazing men exemplify the principles and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King through their courage, refusal to accept injustice, and an everlasting hope for a brighter future. Reception to follow.

Location:  UofC - Social Service Administration - Lobby, 969 E. 60th Street, Chicago, Illinois

Price:  Free!

More Info:  mlk.uchicago.edu