Sophisticated To-Dos for Sophisticated Appetites |
| Greetings, Sophisticate!
I frequently play a little game with myself when I walk through the park: my goal is to walk only in the sunshine. So, I tend to take a somewhat meandering, circuitous path, following where the pattern of sunshine leads me. Tonight, I found myself in a constant race to stay in the sunshine. With the sun and a ridge of trees at my back, I found that I could not outpace the web of shade that stretched in front of me! As fast as I walked, the web of shade stretched ever quickly ahead of me. Finally, I stopped in disbelief and out of breath. I turned, annoyedly, to question the sun behind me and found that it was above the trees.
I turned forward again, perplexed by the web of shade in front of me. I was still, but not defeated. I realized that the web of shade was actually being cast by the robust grass. I was in the sunshine all along - and I almost missed it!
I don't want to race through life that way, missing the beautiful moments for failure to stop and appreciate the beauty of the moment. I'm sure you get that in the larger context. In the smaller context - get out and do something new! There are plenty of opportunities for you at www.SoleilsToDos.com - including plenty of free events that you can drop in on at your convenience. No excuses! The summer calendar is really bloated, so take some pressure off and download a To-Do to your Outlook calendar, forward a To-Do to a friend or send yourself a reminder by e-mail. And stay tuned for the summer events blow-out e-mail!
Whatever you do -
Make it a fabulous weekend!
Stephanie!
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| OUGHT TO-DO IT - Food Desert Be Gone! |
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 Bronzeville Farmers Market - and more!The Bronzeville Community Market (located on Cottage Grove Avenue between 44th Street and 45th Street) will launch on Sunday, June 15 and run weekly through October 26. The market, the first of its kind in the City of Chicago, will offer locally grown products as well as tropical produce, prepared foods, and a vibrant array of entertainment and community activities. This farmers' market is a joint project between Quad Communities Development Corporation (QCDC), a local non-profit organization, and the Mayor's Office of Special Events (MOSE). The market will feature a wide variety of fresh and organic fruits and vegetables; a selection of meats, cooking oils, honey, and wine; a range of baked goods and prepared foods; vendors selling plants, beauty products and other non-food items, and a variety of fair trade vendors in cooperation with the Chicago Fair Trade Association. Market goers can also visit a wellness area that will feature a chiropractor and health screenings provided by a local medical facility. Mongo Market, an antiques dealer exchange with over 20 vendors, will co-locate with the market the second Sunday of each month. "This market model is significant because it allows us to combine the best of all worlds and bring a wide variety of high quality fresh food to the community," says Bernita Johnson-Gabriel, Executive Director of QCDC. "We expect a lot of involvement from local businesses and members of the community" she says. www.Sustain/FamilyFarmed.org, a local non-profit organization that provides technical assistance to local producers, has assisted with identifying produce and prepared food vendors, with an emphasis on connecting African American farmers, like Will Allen from Growing Power, with the community. The market will be a Sunday destination for the entire community, which includes congregants from over 70 local churches. A survey of over 200 community members prepared by O-H Community Partners, an economic development consulting group, revealed that over 70% of residents have attended farmers' markets in the past and would shop at a market in Bronzeville. A majority of respondents spend more than $30 per week on produce, but do most of their shopping outside of the neighborhood. In fact, the area has been identified as a food desert - having little or no access to grocery stores - in researcher Mari Gallagher's report, "Examining the Impact of Food Deserts on Public Health in Chicago." According to a study completed by LISC/MetroEdge, an urban market research firm, local residents spend over $26.8 million annually on food purchased outside of the community. The development of a farmers' market in Bronzeville is part of a broader effort led by QCDC to expand retail and entertainment options in the community. The Bronzeville Community Market will be held every Sunday, 10am - 3pm, from June 15th through October 26th. www.QCDC.org. Also, check out the Woodlawn Farmers Market on Saturdays, May 19th through October 25th from 9am - 2pm at 61st between Dorchester and Blackstone. |
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TO-DOS! |
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To-Dos are added on a daily basis, so don't stop here! Visit Soleil's To-Dos for the most current information.
Friday, May 23, 2008
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Music Without Borders: Megitza featuring Andreas Kapsalis (Eastern European)
Friday, 5/23, 12:15 - 1:15pm
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Chicago Cultural Center, Randolph Café, 77 E. Randolph St., Chicago, Illinois |
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Vocalist and composer Malgorzata Babiarz also known as Megitza, is indeed a diverse musician. She recalls her earliest influential musical experiences witnessing firsthand the rich Gypsy culture in her mountain village and singing traditional Polish [more] |
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Kanye West
Friday, 5/23, 7 - 11pm
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United Center, 1901 West Madison Chicago, IL |
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with Rihanna, N.E.R.D and Lupe Fiasco |
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Kosi Dasa (Closing Week)
Friday, 5/23, 7:30 - 9:30pm
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Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago, IL |
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The lives of young couple No Eyes and Diata are changed forever as each must accept sacrifice in the name of community, family and spiritual beliefs. A coming-of-age story told through African storytelling, African and Indian dance, and Brazilian and [more] |
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Close Up 2 - Rick Parma
Friday, 5/23, 8 - 11pm
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Close Up 2, 416 South Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 385-1111 |
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Born, raised, and still residing in Chicago, Rick Parma is continuously setting a new standard for saxophonists everywhere. At just 27 years old, Rick has exploded with his 2nd solo album to be released in January 2006. With superb tone and fierce pl [more] |
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Access Granted
Friday, 5/23, 9pm - 3am
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Avenue M, 695 North Milwaukee, Chicago, Illinois |
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Hosted by Anthony Williams of A2 Marketing and Mark Fuller of enFULLAffect Marketing. Musical Purveyors - Mark Fulla Flava and DJ Mustafa Rocks. |
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Soleil's Take: |
This one may be a younger set, 23-33. |
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Pete Carney & Orange Alert
Friday, 5/23, 9:30pm - 12:30am
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Andy's Jazz Club, 11 East Hubbard, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 642-6805 |
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Larry Coryell is one of the world's acknowledged guitar masters. He has recorded more than 70 albums over the past 35 years as a bandleader, soloist and 'featured accompanist'. Hailed by his legion of fans as one of "the guitar gods" in the late 1970 [more] |
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Saturday, May 24, 2008
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660 Curries/The Gateway to Indian Cooking
Saturday, 5/24, 10am - 12pm
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Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614 |
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Curious about curry? Curry is the backbone of Indian cooking, the glory of Indian cooking. Curry has nothing to do with powder in a can and everything to do with amazing flavors. Join us as author and IACP Cooking Teacher of the Year, Raghavan Iyer, [more] |
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Chicago Antique Market
Saturday, 5/24, 10am - 5pm
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1350 West Randolph, Chicago, Illinois |
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The CHICAGO ANTIQUE MARKET is an indoor air-conditioned and outdoor European-style urban antique market located in the historic and distinctive Randolph Street Market District at the beautiful Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall complex on West Randolph Street. [more] |
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Wine Ed: "Wine & Cheese"
Saturday, 5/24, 12 - 2pm
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Wine Styles, 1240 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 431-9999 |
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Discover what makes an awesome wine and cheese pairing and learn how to arrange a cheese plate that is sure to impress guests at your next gathering. Class IV is in session, Saturday, May 24, from noon to 2pm. The cost is $45, $20 for wine club mem [more] |
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Pillow and a Movie: Premium
Saturday, 5/24, 4 - 10pm
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Artistic Jeanius, 1711 S. Halsted, Chicago, Illinois |
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Pillow & A Movie is an organic film showcase, featuring independent shorts and feature films from the greater Chicagoland area, the nation, and the world. The monthly event brings light to small, unique films and introduce them to art friendly audien [more] |
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Soleil's Take: |
It's far more than just an art gallery! You'll also find funky clothing, accessories and people! |
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The Experience with Donna Summer
Saturday, 5/24, 6:30 - 9pm
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Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 South King Drive, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 373-1900 |
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An Interview
CD Release Celebration
Autograph Signing
Each paid guest will receive the new CD by Donna Summer, CRAYONS |
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Kanye West
Saturday, 5/24, 7 - 11pm
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United Center, 1901 West Madison Chicago, IL |
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with Rihanna, N.E.R.D and Lupe Fiasco |
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Kosi Dasa (Closing Week)
Saturday, 5/24, 7:30 - 9:30pm
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Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago, IL |
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The lives of young couple No Eyes and Diata are changed forever as each must accept sacrifice in the name of community, family and spiritual beliefs. A coming-of-age story told through African storytelling, African and Indian dance, and Brazilian and [more] |
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Pete Carney & Orange Alert
Saturday, 5/24, 9:30pm - 12:30am
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Andy's Jazz Club, 11 East Hubbard, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 642-6805 |
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Pete Carney welds diverse styles and foreign elements together in his music, creating a new urban sound that extends the traditional perception of Jazz. As a hybrid jazz artist, Pete Carney brings a young generation into Jazz by incorporating new bea [more] |
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Close Up 2 - Rick Parma
Saturday, 5/24, 10pm - 1am
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Close Up 2, 416 South Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 385-1111 |
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Born, raised, and still residing in Chicago, Rick Parma is continuously setting a new standard for saxophonists everywhere. At just 27 years old, Rick has exploded with his 2nd solo album to be released in January 2006. With superb tone and fierce pl [more] |
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Sunday, May 25, 2008
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Bike the Drive
Sunday, 5/25, 5:30am - 12pm
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Grant Park - Butler Field, (located at Columbus & Jackson), Chicago, Illinois |
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Ride your bike on Chicago's famous Lake Shore Drive, car-free courtesy of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and the City of Chicago. Start/Finish and festival at Jackson Street, east of Columbus Drive. Helmets Required. For more information, visit [more] |
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Chicago Antique Market
Sunday, 5/25, 9am - 4pm
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1350 West Randolph, Chicago, Illinois |
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The CHICAGO ANTIQUE MARKET is an indoor air-conditioned and outdoor European-style urban antique market located in the historic and distinctive Randolph Street Market District at the beautiful Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall complex on West Randolph Street. [more] |
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Kosi Dasa (Closing Week)
Sunday, 5/25, 2 - 4pm
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Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago, IL |
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The lives of young couple No Eyes and Diata are changed forever as each must accept sacrifice in the name of community, family and spiritual beliefs. A coming-of-age story told through African storytelling, African and Indian dance, and Brazilian and [more] |
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Bubblicious Sparkling Wine & Chocolate Flights
Sunday, 5/25, 4 - 6pm
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Wine Styles, 1240 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 431-9999 |
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It's our sparkling wine & chocolate flights event, a perfect girls' afternoon together, but guys will enjoy it too. The cost is $20 per person, $10 for wine club members and includes selections of our fine sparkling wines, homemade truffles and othe [more] |
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Live Music, Wine Flights and Small Bites
Sunday, 5/25, 6 - 9:30pm
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Carnivale, 702 West Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60661, (312) 850-5005 |
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Featuring the Sam Fullerton Quartet |
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Soul Revival presents Amel Larrieux
Sunday, 5/25, 7pm - 12am
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Alhambra Palace Restaurant, 1240 West Randolph Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 666-9555 |
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with special guest, Lorenzo Owens |
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Soleil's Take: |
Expect a mellower (hey - ain't she always kinda mellow?), jazzier side to Amel from this new album and this performance. This is likely to be a "sit down and listen" performance. |
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CheckerJazz: Joan Collaso
Sunday, 5/25, 7:30 - 11:30pm
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Checkerboard Lounge for Blues and Jazz, 5201 S. Harper Avenue, Chicago, IL (773) 684-1472 |
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Joan Collaso is an international vocalist that hails from Chicago. Her vocal styles of Jazz, R&B, Blues and Gospel have been enjoyed by Jazz lovers all over the world. (Japan, Estonia, Montreal, Germany, Holland, and most recently, Italy). She receiv [more] |
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Sippin' On Sunday
Sunday, 5/25, 9pm - 3am
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Hotel Sax, 333 North Dearborn, Chicago, Illinois |
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Soul Selectors
For more info, call 312.431.8801. |
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Soleil's Take: |
This one definitely caters to a more mature crowd. Age seems to average around the 30s and 40s. |
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Tuesday, May 27, 2008
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Jazz, Blues & Beyond: Roosevelt "Hatter" Purifoy, piano, & Miss Val, vocals
Tuesday, 5/27, 12:15 - 1:15pm
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Chicago Cultural Center, Randolph Café, 77 E. Randolph St., Chicago, Illinois |
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Wine 102: Building Upon the Basics
Tuesday, 5/27, 6:30 - 8pm
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Parrot Cage Restaurant, South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 747-2536 |
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Train the brain with the aroma, learn various wine varietals, learn various wine regions, examine/taste 6 quality wines, appetizers, tasting notes and a fun, informative and interactive experience facilitated by a Wine Guide representative. |
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Eric Allen Quartet
Tuesday, 5/27, 7 - 10pm
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M Lounge, 1520 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605-2900, (312) 447-0201 |
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This dynamic jazz quartet is one you won't want to miss! Tenor saxophonist Eric Allen is most influenced by the style of saxophonists such as Dexter Gordon, Hank Mobley and early John Coltrane.
Breaking out on the Chicago jazz scene in 1997, Allen |
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Soleil's Take: |
This man is a powerhouse of a player and quickly draws in the crowd with covers of some R&B and jazz classics. |
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008
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Bronzeville Chamber of Commerce: Business After Hours Champagne Mixer
Wednesday, 5/28, 5:30 - 7:30pm
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Join the Bronzeville Chamber of Commerce for Champagne, Refreshments and Networking with colleagues, professionals and friends. |
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Soleil's Take: |
The location for this To-Do is updated monthly. But why keep checking back for updates? Under "Other Event Actions" select "Notify Me of Changes" to receive an update for this To-Do automatically! |
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Gary Tu Trio
Wednesday, 5/28, 7 - 10pm
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M Lounge, 1520 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605-2900, (312) 447-0201 |
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Around age 16 I heard my first jazz album. I think it was Miles' first Quintet. A bass player friend of mine also introduced me to an album with Jaco Pastorius on it called Bright Size Life. I heard Pat Metheny for the first time.
I began checking out [more] |
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Carnivale's Live Latin Wednesdays: Angel Melendez Sextet
Wednesday, 5/28, 7:30 - 11pm
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Carnivale, 702 West Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60661
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