Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Art/Exhibit

Art Institute of Chicago - Regenstein Hall, 111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois (773) 373-8000

This summer, the Art Institute is the exclusive North American venue for the landmark exhibition Benin-Kings and Rituals: Court Arts from Nigeria, featuring the royal arts of the Benin kingdom in south-central Nigeria. On view will be spectacular works in brass and ivory from the 15th through the [more]

Other Times To-Do It: 

July 10-September 21, 2008

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Ongoing To-Dos! » Theater-Ongoing

Goodman Theatre, 170 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 443-3800

Based on an idea by Murray Horwitz and
Richard Maltby, Jr.
Music by Thomas "Fats" Waller
Directed by Chuck Smith

We're taking misbehavin' to a whole new level!
Bright lights. Glamorous gowns. And finger-snapping, toe-tappin' music. Travel back to Harlem's sassy, swinging '30s with this riveting, Tony[more]

Other Times To-Do It: 

June 21 - July 27, 2008

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Soleil's To-Dos! » Festivals

Grant Park - Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Illinois

6pm-7pm: Dance lessons led by Galia Miloucheva-Kuo & John Kuo (Oros, Horos, Kolos and Čočeks)

7:30pm-9:30pm: Slavic Soul Party! (Balkan Soul Gypsy Funk)
Fiery Balkan brass, hip-grinding American grooves, and ecstatic anthems both new and old: Slavic Soul Party! Brash and strong as slivovitz (brandy),[more]

Soleil's Take: 

The dance floor has gotten a little tight as this To-Do has grown in popularity, but it's still a fun time! Look out for other SummerDance listings at 63rd Street Beach, Navy Pier, Athletic Field Park and Humboldt Park Boathouse! The view is beautiful at each of the locations, so get out there - and don't be afraid to try a new style of music and dance.

Other Times To-Do It: 

June 12 - Aug 24: Thurs - Sat, 6 - 9:30pm; Sun, 4 to 7pm

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Festivals

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL (847) 835-5440

Soleil's Take: 

The gardens are absolutely lovely, so try your best to take it all in! There are regular activities for children and adults, including cooking demonstrations and wine tastings.

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Live Music

John G. Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60605

North Terrace: Guitarra Azul
Guitarra Azul creates an exciting, flavorful mix of Rumba Flamenco, Latin jazz, and world sounds, with intoxicating Latin percussion and the fiery sound of Spanish guitars. The melodious rhythm of Guitarra Azul features the unique blend of the sounds of composer and guita[more]

Soleil's Take: 

The views from the Shedd terrace are gorgeous - the perfect backdrop for a Chicago summer evening! Jazzin' at the Shedd draws visitors and locals and you can expect to find some children under-foot. Seating is a little limited, so try to get there early. Parking is a little walk from the entrance, so plan accordingly!

Other Times To-Do It: 

Thursdays, June 19 through Aug. 28

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Live Music

Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 55 North Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 742-5222

Don't miss this concert featuring an unprecedented roster of Sudanese musicians and performing artists in a gesture of peace and hope for a unified Sudan. This tour brings together Abdel Gadir Salem, Omer Ihas, Rasha, Abu Araki, Al Balabil Sisters, Yousif El Mosely, Emmanuel Kembe and Omar Bhanga, f[more]

Other Times To-Do It: 

Most Sundays, June 19-July 17 and August 27

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Live Music

Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 55 North Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 742-5222

Don't miss this Chicago premiere featuring an unprecedented roster of Sudanese musicians and performing artists in a gesture of peace and hope for a united Sudan. This tour brings together Abdel Gadir Salem, Omer Ihas, Rasha, Abu Araki, Al Balabil Sisters, Yousif El Mosely and Omar Bhanga, for the[more]

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Live Music

Close Up 2, 416 South Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 385-1111

Thursday the first set starts at 7pm; on Fridays, 8pm; and Saturdays 10pm

Other Times To-Do It: 

Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Theater

Kennedy-King College, 6301 South Halsted Street, Chicago, Illinois (773) 602-5000

Chronicles of a Fallen Hero, follows the life of a young Chicagoan, Obadiah, and his internal struggles with family, loss, race, and environment. This universal story allows us all to share in Obadiah's struggles, emotional angst, and victory to overcome the odds.

With a fresh new spin by Adrian[more]

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Ongoing To-Dos! » Theater-Ongoing

Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, 800 East Grand Avenue Chicago, IL

an "ad-rap-tation" of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing
created and directed by GQ and JQ

International hip-hop superstars MC Don Pedro and his crew emerge victorious from their long tour with a record number of rap battles, and accept an invitation to chill out at the mansion of the mad[more]

2nd show at 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday

Soleil's Take: 

Visit the Chicago Shakespeare website for trailors and background reading material . . .

Other Times To-Do It: 

June 26 - August 3

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Live Music

House of Blues 329 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 923-2000

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Ongoing To-Dos! » Theater-Ongoing

Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 North Halsted, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 335-1650

By ensemble member Tracy Letts
Directed by ensemble member Amy Morton
Featuring ensemble members Jon Hill and Yasen Peyankov

Arthur Pryzbyszewski owns a decrepit donut shop in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Franco Wicks, a black teenager who is his only employee, wants to change the shop for the[more]

3pm matinee, Saturdays and Sundays

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Ongoing To-Dos! » Theater-Ongoing

eta Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 South South Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 752-3955

by Jaye Stewart and Joe Plummer

Modeled after groups similar to The Dells and The Temptations, Get Ready tells the story of the fictional group, The Doves, who are well past their heyday but are preparing to get ready for their great comeback in hopes of recapturing the bliss of days gone by. Directe[more]

Other Times To-Do It: 

through August 17

Calendar: 

Ongoing To-Dos! » Family & Children-Ongoing

United Center (Parking lot K), 1901 West Madison Chicago, IL

KOOZA tells the story of The Innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the world.

KOOZA is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil: It combines two circus traditions - acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all[more]

8pm, Tues - Sat; 4pm matinee, Fri & Sat; 1pm and 5pm, Sun

Soleil's Take: 

My first exposure to Cirque du Soleil was breathtaking - and I was only watching it on tv! Literally hanging on the edge of my bed, I was completely captivated. Live? Completely stunning! It's far more than a circus - it's visually stunning, the acrobatics are extraordinary, the music is dramatic, the costumes and set are imaginative and creative. The whole experience is just a sensory delight! Got deep pockets? The Tapis Rouge VIP admission sounds very cool!

Other Times To-Do It: 

June 26-August 3

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Soleil's To-Dos! » Benefit/Charitable

Mix, 2843 North Halsted, Chicago, Illinois

Join the Congo Square Family at our 2nd Annual Birthday Bash Benefit, featuring DJ Boxx. Enjoy complimentary drinks until midnight. Light appetizers will be served. Please wear all white, come kick it all nite.

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Ongoing To-Dos! » Live Music-Ongoing

Velvet Lounge, 67 East Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 791-9050

The Velvet Lounge is the only place in the world where you can hear the Chicago sound seven days a week. The Sunday night jam sessions have been an effective way to promote younger members of the jazz community. Fred Anderson opened the Velvet Lounge in 1982 after his club The Birdhouse, on the near[more]

Soleil's Take: 

Every (practically) night! Visit www.velvetlounge.net for tonight's line-up!

Other Times To-Do It: 

Every night!

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Festivals

Grant Park - Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Illinois

6pm-7pm: Dance lessons led by Robert & Stacy Huval Morrow (Cajun Two-Step and Waltz)

7:30pm-9:30pm: Lafayette Rhythm Devils (Authentic Cajun Dance)
The Lafayette Rhythm Devils play Cajun music the way it sounded at the beginning of the twentieth century: fast, spontaneous and personal. The Lafayette[more]

Soleil's Take: 

The dance floor has gotten a little tight as this To-Do has grown in popularity, but it's still a fun time! Look out for other SummerDance listings at 63rd Street Beach, Navy Pier, Athletic Field Park and Humboldt Park Boathouse! The view is beautiful at each of the locations, so get out there - and don't be afraid to try a new style of music and dance.

Other Times To-Do It: June 12 - Aug 24: Thurs - Sat, 6 - 9:30pm; Sun, 4 to 7pm

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Art/Exhibit

1821 South Halsted, Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Arts District hosts "2nd Fridays", the monthly opening receptions at the galleries and artists' studios centered around South Halsted and 18th Streets.

Maps of the event will be available in the information booth at 1821 South Halsted and in each of the participating galleries. This[more]

Soleil's Take: 

This To-Do is definitely worth checking out! I finally made it this month and thoroughly enjoyed it. In addition to a wide range of art and mediums, you'll find different vibes goin' on at the many varied galleries - but there's some sort of party at every stop. You may find a special deal on the application of eyelash extensions, accessories, provocative clothing, a DJ rockin' old school beats so hard that the art clings to the walls for dear life, or perhaps a quiet, ambient vibe. There's something for everyone, so expect to see a great diversity of age and race!

Other Times To-Do It: 

2nd Fridays

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Festivals

Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 55 North Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 742-5222

Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus; Hannu Lintu, Conductor; Christopher Bell, Chorus Director; Jonita Lattimore, Soprano; Susan Platts, Mezzo Soprano; Quinn Kelsey, Baritone

SIBELIUS The Captive Queen
SZYMANOWSKI Stabat Mater
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 6

Soleil's Take: 

The festival runs from June 11th - August 16th, mostly on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Check the website for the full schedule - I've included only those To-Dos with a little extra flavor!

Other Times To-Do It: 

July 9 and 11

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Festivals

Country Club Hills Theater, 4116 West 183rd Street, Country Club Hills, Illinois, (708) 206-2165

Our beautiful new Country Club Hills Theater is an intimate, 2000-seat venue that combines stylish, modern architecture and state-of-the-art audio and video technology with the same kind of rustic, community charm that our City is famous for. With two seating levels in a sweeping semi-circle around[more]

Soleil's Take: 

I haven't been out to CCHT yet (it is, afterall, in a suburb), but a few questions come immediately to mind: (1) $45-65 is a lot of loot to sit on the lawn - is that grass padded or sumthin'? (2) No outside concessions?!?! That kinda takes the fun out of picnic-ing, doesn't it? Will I get out there and find $6 hotdogs and a $17 glass of white zinfandel and a $3 can of RC Cola? (3) How come Ravinia is sooooo much cheaper and let's you bring your own stuff? (4) You can't bring your own chair - you must rent one there? Come on, now - we must be up to $75 already - just to be on the lawn!

Tickets are generally $50-95, reserved seating; $45-65, lawn; $12-35, city hall lawn and pavillion seating. Visit the website for specific pricing and to purchase and print tickets.

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Soleil's To-Dos! » Live Music

Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1359 N. Sacramento Avenue, Chicago, IL

Three bands taking the stage include the Carlos Garcia's Cuatrissimo, vocalist Nythia Rivera, and Jose Papo Santiago's Infraverde.

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Soleil's To-Dos! » Food & Wine

Binny's, 1132 S. Jefferson Street, Chicago, IL

Sample the spectrum of cocktails made with Cachaça, a superior Brazilian sugar cane spirit! Add to your mixology repertoire as you learn to create a Cachaça Cosmo, a Tropical Kiwi Caipirinha and other delicious summertime cocktails. With music and appetizer too.

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Live Music

Close Up 2, 416 South Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 385-1111

Thursday the first set starts at 7pm; on Fridays, 8pm; and Saturdays 10pm

Other Times To-Do It: 

Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Art/Exhibit

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

Looking for something different [To-Do] on a Friday night? Get your hands dirty in the Ceramics Studio, enjoy drink specials from the cash bar, explore the exhibitions and dance all night in the Main Gallery.

Soleil's Take: 

What a cute idea!!! And how cool that they're keeping the gallery open 'til midnight - you gotta check this one out!

Other Times To-Do It: 

Second Fridays

Calendar: 

Ongoing To-Dos! » Theater-Ongoing

eta Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 South South Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 752-3955

by Jaye Stewart and Joe Plummer

Modeled after groups similar to The Dells and The Temptations, Get Ready tells the story of the fictional group, The Doves, who are well past their heyday but are preparing to get ready for their great comeback in hopes of recapturing the bliss of days gone by. Directe[more]

Other Times To-Do It: 

through August 17

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Fitness/Athletic/Sporting

Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 55 North Michigan, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 742-5222

WEEKLY
YOGA 8 a.m.
Start your day with Yoga in the Park, a class that helps to improve strength, balance, mental focus and flexibility through guided poses, mental imagery and breath work.

PILATES 9 a.m.
Strengthen the core muscles with Pilates in the Park and improve your posture, muscular[more]

Soleil's Take: 

What a fabulous start to a Saturday morning! At this time of day, the downtown streets are still pretty quiet. The 8am yoga class on the lawn is just such a wonderfully tranquil experience. Finish it off with the featured dance session and get your Saturday off to a great start!

Other Times To-Do It: 

Saturdays, June 7 through September 27

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Soleil's To-Dos! » Community Development

East 61st Street & South Blackstone Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60637

This To-Do will be updated as information becomes available. Choose "Notify me of changes" on the Other Event Action toolbar menu below to receive automatic e-mail or mobile text updates about this To-Do!

Other Times To-Do It: 

Saturdays through October 25

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos!

Heaven on Earth Dog Daycare and Spa, 450 East 43rd Street, Chicago, IL 60653, (773) 548-DOGS (3647)

Heaven on Earth Dog Daycare and Spa is having their grand opening, so get your canines ready to strut their stuff! There will be free food for humans, a doggie photographer, "Ask the Vet", games, and door prizes. If you think your Pet is the Best, enter your pooch into two contests where you can wi[more]

Soleil's Take: 

I'm sorry, but even butt-naked, Grace is still the best dressed! Really - check out the luxurious coat at that pretty doggie! But that l'il wannabe spoiled bitch will not hardly get any spa treatments!

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Festivals

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

For two very special days, the grounds outside of the DuSable Museum comes alive with art, performances and much more! A summer fixture for over 30 years; over 100 artists, artisans and vendors share their wares with the general public. Free to the public, there's something for everyone!

Soleil's Take: 

This is definitely one of the more subdued and mellow Washington Park festivals. There may be some performances, perhaps a little entertainment, but since it's free, you can certainly afford to come and chill out for a minute. I'll admit that I'm biased though - put me in the park around some black folk with some incense wafting through the air and it's all good!

Other Times To-Do It: 

Saturday and Sunday

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Festivals

Welles Park, 4200 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Folk & Roots Festival is a two-day cultural festival held in the heart of Lincoln Square, one of Chicago's most diverse neighborhoods. The artistic vision of the Festival is to showcase local and internationally known artists in various music and dance idioms in celebration of the divers[more]

Soleil's Take: 

As with the performances at the Old Town School, expect a nicely diverse group of performers, including performances at the "Nuestra Musica" stage. There's a kids tent with a steady stream of cool activities and a tent where you can learn Latin, West-African, Cajun and polka dance, among other styles. Expect a very family-friendly crowd.

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Author/Artist Event

Borders, 2210 W. 95th St., Chicago, IL

"Diva Alphabets" was designed to empower young ladies by enhancing their self-esteem, self-worth and self image. I would like to make a positive impact on young ladies self-image by giving them the highest level of confidence, motivation and determination to reach goals and overcome obstacles in lif[more]

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Soleil's To-Dos! » Theater

Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St., Chicago, Illinois

By Darren Candy
Directed By Derrick Sanders
A homecoming turns toxic when family secrets begin to unravel.

The Summer Reading Series is an opportunity for our patrons to experience new works Congo Square is interested in producing in conjunction with the August Wilson New Play Initiative for upcoming[more]

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Soleil's To-Dos! » Festivals

Grant Park - Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Illinois

6pm-7pm: Dance lessons led by The Galaxie (Zydeco)

7:30pm-9:30pm: Rosie Ledet & The Zydeco Playboys (Zydeco)
Hailing from the rural town of Church Point, Louisiana, Rosie Ledet has established herself as one of the leading voices in Zydeco. Singing in both Creole French and English, Ledet is known for[more]

Other Times To-Do It: 

June 12 - Aug 24: Thurs - Sat, 6 - 9:30pm; Sun, 4 to 7pm

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Soleil's To-Dos! » Dance

Harris Center for Music and Dance, 205 East Randolph Drive, Chicago, Illinois, (312) 334-7777

Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago is pleased to present our summer concert entitled, "Our Culture, Our Voice". The concert will feature the world premiere of a new work by Senegalese choreographer, Babacar N'Diaye with new musical arrangements by the Muntu Musicians. It will also feature the recently p[more]

Soleil's Take: 

Get 50% off concert ticket price!

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Comedy

IIT's Herman Hall Theater 3241 S. Federal St., Chicago IL 60616

Starring: Binkey, Harold Green III, UGLY, M'Reld, Kamal Williams, Jennifer Stutts, Jason Deatherage & Gary Rowe

Watch Binkey (All Hype Poetry Improv Show) as him and the rest of his troop, JUST US, make you laugh till you cry with their genius sketches and on-the-spot comedy. You Dont Want To Miss[more]

8pm and 10pm shows

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Live Music

Las Tablas Colombian Steakhouse, 2942 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, Illinois, (773) 871-2414

For those of you who think nothing could be better than good food AND good music, boy do we have an event for you! We are excited to bring you an evening of live Afro-Colombian music and cuisine at Las Tablas Colombian Steakhouse in Chicago. Enjoy a fabulous three-course meal of Chicago's best Colom[more]

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Soleil's To-Dos! » Community Development

4400 South Cottage Grove, Chicago, Illinois

The Bronzeville Community 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 C[more]

Other Times To-Do It: 

Sundays through October 26

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Festivals

Grant Park - Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, Illinois

4pm-5pm: Dance lessons led by Manny Lopez-Marquez (American Tango)

5pm-7pm: Bill Porter Orchestra (Big Band)
Bill Porter began his career in the Air Force Band and began to tour with Stan Kenton, Harry James, Buddy Rich, and Woody Herman. He soon became the number one trombonist in America and joined[more]

Soleil's Take: 

The dance floor has gotten a little tight as this To-Do has grown in popularity, but it's still a fun time! Look out for other SummerDance listings at 63rd Street Beach, Navy Pier, Athletic Field Park and Humboldt Park Boathouse! The view is beautiful at each of the locations, so get out there - and don't be afraid to try a new style of music and dance.

Other Times To-Do It: 

June 12 - Aug 24: Thurs - Sat, 6 - 9:30pm; Sun, 4 to 7pm

Calendar: 

Soleil's To-Dos! » Food & Wine

Carnivale, 702 West Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60661, (312) 850-5005

Featuring the Sam Fullerton Quartet

Other Times To-Do It: 

Sundays