Soleil's To-Dos!
Sophisticated To-Dos for Sophisticated Appetites
Featured Business
Finder's Plus - Open House

Model Grand Opening - 4314 S. Greenwood - www.FindersPlus.com

With the recent reduction in interest rate - and possibly more to come, this might be the perfect time to invest in one of the luxury homes offered by African-American developer, Mitchell Urban Properties.  The interior has been designed by the African-American, mother-daughter company AHA Designs - and the open house is sure to inspire you!  Refreshments by Fox and Obel should be delicious!  The first five attendees will receive Valentine's Day Macy's Gift Cards!

In This Issue
Ongoing To-Dos! Beneath a Dark Sky is Illuminating
Featured To-Do: Mature H.O.T. Women
GetAway To-Do It: Sankofa Odyssey 2008 - Sicily and the Aeolians
Quick Links
Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
January 30, 2008
Greetings, Sophisticate! 

Black History Month is right around the corner and the harvesting of To-Dos is well underway!  But, Soleil's To-Dos also relies heavily on you to share information about quality events that should be included in the To-Dos - so keep those e-mails coming!  Look for a special e-mail on Tuesday, dedicated to Black History Month!
 
Stephanie!
 
ONGOING TO-DOS!
Beneath a Dark Sky Is Illuminating 
 

Willamena's father, William, and grandfather, "Paw-Paw," inexplicably drop in and out of her life.  Seemingly, father and son are of the same ilk and, of course, Willamena is confused and emotionally impacted by her relationship with both men.  Paw-Paw's relationship with her is loving and continuous, but sporadic.  He typically shows up in the darkness of night and quietly slips into Willamena's house - without waking her mother, Rebecca.  He then rouses Willamena and takes her out fishing - beneath a dark sky.  Then, as quietly as he slips in, he disappears again.

 

William has gradually eased himself out of the lives of Willamena and Rebecca.  His effort to provide financially for his family drives an increasingly deeper wedge into his ability to provide for them emotionally.  "You've got to lower your expectations," her mother reminds Willamena.  "If you don't expect too much, you won't get hurt."  But, there is an unspoken secret, and things are not as they seem.

 

I saw Beneath a Dark Sky at a time during which my family was discussing the effect of communication on family dynamics and the impact on the children in our family.  It seems that far too often, open communication within families is lacking.  We think that it's best not to discuss family difficulties such as drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, divorce, financial instability and death.  Adult family members may resist discussing these issues amongst themselves; and, children are left to create their own, potentially harmful, explanation.  We need to begin to realize that family challenges can present wonderful tools for important lessons. 

 

These thoughts left me wondering about the concept of a "Beneath a Dark Sky II."  Does Willamena allow herself to expect more?  What advice will she give her children?  Will she have healthy relationships with men?  How do we ensure that relationships are nurtured "in the light of day?"

 

Symphony Sanders gave a convincing portrayal of Willamena Levy - drifting between the adult Willamena, who narrates the play and the Willamena who begins the play as a youngster and ends as a young woman.  Her relationship with Paw-Paw, played by Arch Harmon, was also convincing and warm.  I found the play both entertaining and . . . illuminating!

 

Beneath a Dark Sky runs Thursday through Sunday, through March 2, 2008 at Victory Gardens Theater.

FEATURED TO-DO! 

The Mature H.O.T. Women's Program 1st Session of 2008

 

The Mature H.O.T Women's Program liberates the spirit of the dancer to reign free in every cosmopolitan woman. This workshop is designed to strengthen the body, challenge the mind, and nourish the soul through the synergy of modern, ballet and jazz techniques.

 

As part of my 2007 "exploration of creativity" mission, I decided to enroll in the Mature H.O.T. Women dance class with Deeply Rooted Productions.  Visit the Mature HOT Women page to view a slideshow for a taste of the experience!

 
GETAWAY TO-DO IT! 
Sankofa Odyssey 2008Sankofa Odyssey 2008: Sicily and the Aeolians
 

After several weeks of discussion and contemplation of other areas, such as the Cape Verde Islands, the Fall trip has finally been decided upon! And what a cool way of experiencing Italy. Visit the S.O.'s website to get a feel for what the trip will be like. You'll see photos and layouts of one of the several catamarans that will be used to transport you and your mates. You'll also be able to view photos of past trips.  Here's a brief overview of the S.O. voyage!  Ahoy, maties!

 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to rise with the sun as it peeped from the ocean's horizon? To stretch that first stretch and to breathe in the balm of an air that's as fresh as the waves?  To completely loose track of time?  To explore, a lush tropical island where you and your comrades are the only inhabitants? To hike to a scenic vista and swim in water so crystal clear you can see your toes? Well, now you have the opportunity to treasure such moments yourself.

It's time again to prepare for another sailing Bareboat Chartering Adventure. "Bareboat chartering" is a participatory means of travel/vacation. It is not a cruise. There are no waiters, maids, cooks, etc. We all sail the boat, we all cook, we all clean, we all party . . . together! If you've never done anything like this before, it's something like luxurious camping, only on water, and something like traveling in a developing country: think "simple, practical, and don't waste water" . . . above all, relax, have fun! Part of the overall experience is to be a part of the crew. In fact, many of us "Odyssey-ers", are more than "crew" we've established life long relationships by vacationing and exploring the world together.

 

For more, visit www.SankofaOdyssey.com.

To-Dos!
To-Dos  are added daily, so be sure to visit www.Soleilstodos.com often!
 

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

*Black Creativity 2007: The Magic of Television and Film - 9:30am - 4pm (Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 684-1414)

*Close Up 2 - Rick Parma - 7 - 10pm (Close Up 2, 416 South Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 385-1111)

*Carnivale's Live Latin Wednesdays: Afinca'o - 7:30 - 11pm (Carnivale, 702 West Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60661)

*Gee's Bend (Opening Week) - 7:30 - 9:30pm (Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Boulevard Skokie, IL 60077 (847) 673-6300)

*A Big Blue Nail - 7:30 - 9:30pm (Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 North Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois (773) 871-3000)

*Corey Wilkes Quartet - 9pm - 1am (Andy's Jazz Club, 11 East Hubbard, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 642-6805)

*Live Jazz at the Velvet Lounge - 9pm - 12am (Velvet Lounge, 67 East Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 791-9050)

Thursday, January 31, 2008

*Black Creativity 2007: The Magic of Television and Film - 9:30am - 4pm (Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 684-1414)

*Financing Your Business - 6:15 - 8:45pm (Chicago Urban League, 4510 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 285-5800)

*French Film & Networking - 6:30 - 9:30pm (Alliance Francaise de Chicago, 54 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois)

*Gee's Bend (Opening Week) - 7:30 - 9:30pm (Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Boulevard Skokie, IL 60077 (847) 673-6300)

*A Big Blue Nail - 7:30 - 9:30pm (Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 North Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois (773) 871-3000)

*Beneath A Dark Sky (Opening Week) - 8:30 - 10pm (Victory Gardens Theater, 2257 North Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois (773) 871-3000)

*Live Jazz at the Velvet Lounge - 9pm - 12am (Velvet Lounge, 67 East Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 791-9050)

*Close Up 2 - System 7 - 10pm - 1am (Close Up 2, 416 South Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 385-1111)

Friday, February 1, 2008

*Black Creativity 2007: The Magic of Television and Film - 9:30am - 4pm (Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 684-1414)

*MCA's First Fridays -6 - 10pm (Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 280-2660)

*First Fridays -7pm - 2am (TBD)

*Gee's Bend (Opening Week) -8 - 10pm (Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Boulevard Skokie, IL 60077 (847) 673-6300)

*A Big Blue Nail -8 - 10pm (Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 North Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois (773) 871-3000)

*Beneath A Dark Sky (Opening Week) -8:30 - 10pm (Victory Gardens Theater, 2257 North Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois (773) 871-3000)

*Live Jazz at the Velvet Lounge -9pm - 12am (Velvet Lounge, 67 East Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 791-9050)

*Close Up 2 - System 7 -10pm - 1am (Close Up 2, 416 South Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 385-1111)

Saturday, February 2, 2008

*Black Creativity 2007: Family Day -  9:30am - 4pm (Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 684-1414)

*Beneath A Dark Sky (Opening Week) -  8 - 10pm (Victory Gardens Theater, 2257 North Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois (773) 871-3000)

*Gee's Bend (Opening Week) -  8 - 10pm (Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Boulevard Skokie, IL 60077 (847) 673-6300)

*Cheat You Fair: The Story of Maxwell Street -  8 - 10pm (Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 846-2600)

*A Big Blue Nail -  8 - 10pm (Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 North Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois (773) 871-3000)

*Live Jazz at the Velvet Lounge -  9pm - 12am (Velvet Lounge, 67 East Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 791-9050)

*Close Up 2 - System 7 -  10pm - 1am (Close Up 2, 416 South Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 385-1111)

Sunday, February 3, 2008

*African-American Speaking Series: Cornel West - 10 - 11:30am (Saint Sabina, 1210 W. 78th Place, Chicago, IL)

*Black Creativity 2007: The Magic of Television and Film - 11am - 4pm (Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 684-1414)

*A Big Blue Nail - 3 - 5pm (Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 North Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois (773) 871-3000)

*WinterDancin' in Millennium Park I: Salsa Caliente! - 3:30 - 6:30pm (Millennium Park, Amex Heated Tent, 55 North Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 742-5222)

*Beneath A Dark Sky (Opening Week) - 3:30 - 5:30pm (Victory Gardens Theater, 2257 North Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois (773) 871-3000)

*Gee's Bend (Opening Week) - 7 - 9pm (Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Boulevard Skokie, IL 60077 (847) 673-6300)

*Live Jazz at the Velvet Lounge - 9pm - 12am (Velvet Lounge, 67 East Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 791-9050)

Monday, February 4, 2008

*Black Creativity 2007: The Magic of Television and Film -  9:30am - 4pm (Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 684-1414)

*A Legacy of Jazz and Poetry -  7:30 - 9:30pm (Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 North Halsted, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 335-1650)

*A Big Blue Nail -  7:30 - 9:30pm (Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 North Lincoln, Chicago, Illinois (773) 871-3000)

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

*Black Creativity 2007: The Magic of Television and Film - 9:30am - 4pm (Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 684-1414)

*Black Creativity - Family Values - 6 - 9pm (Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 846-2600)

*In the K/Now - Gentrification: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - 6:30 - 8pm (Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 642-4600)

*Jose Valdes Trio - 6:30 - 9:30pm (Green Dolphin Street 2200 North Ashland Chicago, Illinois, (773) 395-0066)

*Gee's Bend - 7:30 - 9:30pm (Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Boulevard Skokie, IL 60077 (847) 673-6300)