Soleil's (so-LAZE) To-Dos! Running Out of Summer, but, There's Still Plenty To-Do!

I loooooooooooove the World Music Festival because it presents so many opportunities to experience the music of another culture! Performances take place all over the city - Old Town School of Folk Music, Millennium Park, Jazz Showcase, UofC's International House and Common Ground - to name a few venues (because there are actually over 20 venues). With over 70 events and here is something for everyone during this Fest that takes place from September 19-25^th! In addition to the incredibly diverse music, you'll find diverse crowds just about everywhere you go - young and old, black and white, red, yellow and brown! Many of the performances are free, making this a fantastic opportunity to experience something new! Check in with Soleil's To-Dos for some World Music "picks."

Caroline, or Change at Court Theatre and Kafka On the Shore at Steppenwolf begin their previews this week. If you're money's tight, a preview performance is a great way to experience top-quality productions at a fraction of the normal cost! Chicago is home to numerous theater companies - all over the city - which gives us ample opportunity to move beyond the common "dinner and a movie." Even the multi-award-winning Steppenwolf is within reach for most during preview week! Stay tuned for Lauren's Laudare (theater review) in the coming weeks as she shares her perceptions of these performances.

The Historic Bronzeville Gallery Trolley Tour will be coming to an end soon - if not this month, likely October. The Trolley makes rounds between the particpating galleries, with a reception hosted at each one. If you, like me, have yet to partake in this To-Do, make this your month To-Do it! You also must make this the week to visit the Benin-Kings and Rituals: Court Arts of Nigeria exhibit because the exhibit closes on Sunday. You've heard the radio clips, seen the images on buses, train platforms and billboards - now be sure to see the exhibit. You can do that for free on Thursday or Friday between 5 and 9pm.

Urban County Fair Grab the kids and head on out to the 8th Annual Urban County Fair! "Experience the excitement of a county fair in the middle of the city - the original urban hoedown! Garfield Park Conservatory's County Fair is an annual event celebrating both the annual harvest and healthy communities in an urban setting on Chicago's West Side. The event will illustrate for visitors traditional harvest practices and new possibilities in urban agriculture.

Attendees can experience agricultural traditions, the best in urban gardening, and horticultural exhibits and demonstrations. The connection between plants, food and American heritage are highlighted through a variety of activities, demonstrations and entertainment planned for the day. As a family-focused event, the day is filled with the following down-home fun activities." (www.Garfield-Conservatory.org) Last, but definitely not least,

Faie African Arts The Congo Square Summer Reading Series concludes this Saturday with In the Red and Brown Water. Boasting modern beats on top of mythic rhythms, Tarrell Alvin McCraney's play is a sexy, intoxicating portrait of a dynamic young woman. The Summer Reading Series gives you to a chance to participate in the creative process by providing feedback to the performers and director and suggestions for staging. You'll be treated to an informal performance, along with light snacks and libations. And you can't beat the price - it's free!

Last, but definitely not least - Cassandra Wilson! Got To-Do It Early in order to stand any chance of seeing her perform as part of the Jazz at Symphony Center Series. A few years ago, I walked in late on a Cassandra Wilson concert (Jazz at Symphony Center) as she was singing You Move Me, and I was immediately immersed (slam dunked!) into the lush, rich tapestry of the sultry, seductive sound that is Cassandra Wilson's voice! Tickets are selling out quickly, so don't wait!

I've given you a few highlights - find more To-Do at www.so-LAZE.com!