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November 13, 2008
In This Issue
FEATURED TO-DO: MADD ConnXions
UPCOMING TO-DOS!
FEATURED TO-DO:  MADD ConnXions  

MADD ConnXions 

For years, award-winning Chicago choreographers have been creating dances audiences love. Now they put it together on one magical night for one magical extended view. This year's focus is hip hop, jazz and tap dance. The evening is curated by industry notables, Bril Barrett and Suave. This high-energy show is titled MADD ConnXions!

Yes, two of Chicago's most prolific urban dance choreographers join forces to bring you M.A.D.D. ConnXions. Bril Barrett of M.A.D.D. Rhythms and Suave of Hip Hop ConnXion will Present Sole Survivors and The ONE...Preview - 2 shows in 1.

Sole Survivors is the newest offering from M.A.D.D. Rhythms and features internationally-known tapdancers, Hip Hop companies, percussive acts, poetry and the live music of contemporary jazz quartet Detour JazFunk.

The One . . . Preview is a sneak-peek at the wildly popular and often sold-out urban dance show THE ONE. Hip Hop, footworkin', breakdancing and tap are all presented as representations of the diversity and dynamic of urban dance.
 

Friday, November 14, 8pm
Athenaeum Theatre
2936 N. Southport
Chicago, Illinois
(773) 935-6860
 

 

Dance Chicago 2008

Chicago's most unique entertainment experience is back for its 14th spectacular season! You'll be mesmerized by over 130 companies performing 300 works. From Ballroom to Steppin', every genre of dance is represented and embraced. 
 
UPCOMING TO-DOS!
To-Dos are added on a daily basis!  Visit www.so-LAZE.com for the most up-to-date information and for a full range of calendar features such as text and e-mail reminders, notifications of changes to To-Dos and more! 
 

Sue Duncan Children's Center Annual Evening of Fine Wine

Thursday, November 13, 2008, 6:30 - 10:30pm

An evening of wines and eclectic hors d'oeuvres to please your palate. An evening to participate in live and silent auctions to support children's education. A relaxing evening after work to support a resource that has helped kids and their parents for over 45 years. Join the Sue Duncan Children's Center Foundation Board and the Sue Duncan Children's Center Auxiliary Board at The University Club of Chicago for our annual fundraiser. It's all for the kids! [more]

Price: $125

Close Up 2 - PMAC Band, w/ Lovie Blue

Thursday, November 13, 2008, 7 - 10pm
Thursday the first set starts at 7pm; on Fridays, 8pm; and Saturdays 10pm

A House With No Walls

October 29 - December 21

From the author of Bee-Luther-Hatchee and Permanent Collection comes this inspired-by-real-life drama. Philadelphia wants to build its new American Museum of Liberty on the grounds of George Washington's Philadelphia home and slave quarters. Soon a conservative academic star and a liberal political activist are confronting each other with polarizing questions of African-American legacy and identity. Elegantly juxtaposed with this contemporary conflict is the true story of one of Washington's slaves as she contemplates escape. The result is a thought-provoking drama that asks vital questions about where we've been and where we go next.

Price: $25, Wed-Fri; $35, Sat-Sun

Jesse Cook

Thursday, November 13, 2008, 7:30 - 10pm

Jesse Cook has recorded six critically acclaimed studio albums and traveled the world exploring musical traditions that he has blended into his style of rumba flamenco. In addition to headlining concerts and festivals, he has opened for such legends as B.B. King, Ray Charles and Diana Krall. He has performed with British soprano Charlotte Church on the Tonight Show and toured with legendary Irish band, The Chieftains.

Price: $20

Kafka on the Shore (Closing Week)

Closing November 16, 2008

Steppenwolf Theatre Company launches its 2008-2009 season, an exploration of the imagination, with the world premiere of Kafka on the Shore, adapted for the stage and directed by ensemble member Frank Galati, based on the work by Haruki Murakami. The production, featur[es] ensemble members Francis Guinan and Jon Michael Hill with Christine Bunuan, Gerson Dacanay, Mary Ann de la Cruz, Christopher Larkin, Aiko Nakasone, Andrew Pang, David Rhee and Lisa Tejero A young boy's coming of age parallels an old man's search for destiny in modern day Japan where the borders between everyday reality, dreams and imagination are constantly crossed. In this world premiere adaptation of the popular novel, encounter talking cats on the streets of Tokyo, World War II soldiers trapped in time, Colonel Sanders and Johnnie Walker. Experience the unexpected in this fantastical tale about waking up to your own life. [More]

For Lauren's Take, visit Lauren's Laudare Theater Review!

Price: $20-$70

Ruined (Preview Week)

Through December 7

Set in the present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ruined is the captivating story of Mama Nadi, a savvy businesswoman who, in the midst of a complex civil war, both protects and profits from the women whose bodies have become battlegrounds., MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Award-winner Lynn Nottage returns to Chicago with Ruined, which the Goodman produced as part of the 2007 New Stages Series.

Price: $10-24, Preview Week

Ravi Coltrane Quartet

November 13-16, 2008

Sets at 8 and 10 Mon-Sat, and at 4 PM and 8 and 10 on Sundays - Prices vary

Ravi Coltrane- tenor and soprano saxophonist, bandleader, and composer - has fronted a variety of jazz lineups, recorded critically-hailed albums as leader, produced recordings by other artists - including his mother, worked as sideman for jazz luminaries, overseen important jazz reissues, and founded an independent record label. Seventeen years since finding his life's path, it seems music was Ravi's destiny from the outset., In 1997, after performing on over thirty recordings as a sideman, Ravi entered the studio to record his first album as leader.  [More]

Live Jazz at the Velvet Lounge

Nightly

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 north side, closed due to city zoning ordinances.

Price: $10, Tuesday - Thursday; $20, Friday & Saturday; $5, Sunday

Toumani Diabaté

Friday, November 14, 2008, 7:30 - 9:30pm

At the vanguard of a new generation of Malian griots, Toumani Diabaté is responsible for introducing the kora -- 21-string harp unique to West Africa -- to audiences around the world. He is constantly looking for ways to modernize while honoring his traditional music. "He is a genius of African music, the finest living exponent of the kora." - The Guardian

Price: $22; Members, $20

The Other Cinderella

Through December 28

This holiday season, The Black Ensemble Theater Company is thrilled to bring back one of the all-time greatest hits in the company's repertoire, The Other Cinderella. The first production ever mounted by the Black Ensemble Theater, The Other Cinderella was an instant hit when it premiered in 1976 starring Black Ensemble Theater Founder and Artistic Director Jackie Taylor as Cinderella. The Other Cinderella is produced, written and directed by Taylor, who has continued to adapt and update the musical to keep it current with the times., Featuring some new twist, turns, and surprises The Other Cinderella joyously retells the familiar fairy tale with an Afro-centric twist. There's a "Stepmama" who works at the post office, two stepsisters who "don't do nuthin'," the brothers are from the 'hood, Cinderella was born in the projects and the "fairy Godmama" is from Jamaica. Just as in the "traditional" Cinderella, there is a King, a Queen and a Prince, but in this kingdom, everybody has soul. The Other Cinderella is appropriate for all ages, featuring original music, exciting dance and a heartwarming story that reminds audiences of the greatness of the human spirit.

Price: $45

Close Up 2 - PMAC Band, w/ Lovie Blue

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

Patti Austin w/ the Chicago Jazz Ensemble

Friday, November 14, 2008, 8 - 10pm

In her concert with The Chicago Jazz Ensemble, Patti Austin performs music from her 2008 Grammy® winning album Avant Gershwin, along with some other surprises., Photo by Carol Friedman

Price: $13-43

Cocktails & Clay

Friday, November 14, 2008, 8pm - 12am

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.

Your Take: Anchelle says:, I went to clay and cocktails and the Hyde Park Arts Center, Friday April 13th. It was great.. The D.J. played a variety of music from old school house music to contemporary R & B. There is plenty of room for dancing. The cocktails were basic ( No frozen drinks) but pretty good and are only $4. The art exhibits were interesting and thought provoking. The crowd is mixed, singles & couples. The art class is really fun and they keep the drinks coming while you are making your clay art masterpiece.. You never have to stop your creative flow.. They will bring your cocktail to you...., P.S. You can take your clay work of art with you it is yours to keep...., A great way to unwind on a Friday night !!

Price: $15, suggested donation

"Soul Men" Red Carpet Benefit Gala

Friday, November 14, 2008, 8 - 11:30pm

Champagne Reception from 8 - 9pm; Movie at 9:30pm. A portion of the proceeds will benefit "The Bernie Mac Foundation for Sarcoidosis." For tickets or additional information, contact Donna Pryor at (773) 510-8233., Presented by the CVS Class of '75

Miscellaneous Info: Tickets must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Advance: $25

How to Start or Expand a Day Care Business

Saturday, November 15, 2008, 10am - 12:30pm

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Hull House is offering a FREE workshop to people interested in starting either a home-based or expanding to a center-based day care business. Financing, certification, health regulations, and everyday operations will be discussed during this workshop. RSVP to Krobbins@hullhouse.org.

Price: Free!

Adornment: Jewelry from the Diaspora

Saturday, November 15, 2008, 10:30am - 7pm

Luxurious designs in copper, silver, gold, shells, crystals, semi-precious stones and much more!! Featured designers: Karen Joy, Babatunde, Churlz and Fort Smith. Fantastic pieces from South African Zulu women.

Elizabeth Catlett - Works on Paper (Opening Reception)

Saturday, November 15, 2008, 2 - 5pm; Exhibit continues November 15 - December 20

Price: Free!

Dance Chicago 2008: Jazz Cabaret

Saturday, November 15, 2008, 8 - 10pm;  Sunday, November 16, 2008, 2-6pm

Debuting for the first time, the Jazz Cabaret program features contemporary jazz, tap, hip-hop, modern and other cabaret-style dances.

Price: $25

Funkadesi Kids' Concert

Sunday, November 16, 2008, 12 - 2pm

Chicago-based Funkadesi is a dynamic and ethnically diverse ensemble that integrates East Indian music (Hindi film, folk, and classical) with reggae, funk, and Afro-Caribbean grooves. Come out and dance at this show geared towards kids of all ages!, "Funkadesi really knows how to get a crowd going. I can't say enough how energizing this band is. There's a lot of funk in that desi!" - Barack Obama

Price: $15; Members, $13

Dance Chicago 2008: Dance Romance

Sunday, November 16, 2008, 3 - 5pm

Love is in the air for the inaugural Dance Romance performance. Showcasing the best partner acts from around Chicago, this new program features modern, salsa, contemporary jazz, and ballroom dance. A great date night or special occasion event.

Price: $25

Musician's Network Mecca Jam

Monday, November 17, 2008, 7 - 11pm

MECCA Jam Session featuring: Maggie Brown, Joan Collaso, Nanette Frank, Josie Johnson, Keith Nunnally, Brienn Perry, Russoul, Samotta and more . . . with the MECCA Band. Hosted by Joan Collaso.

Price: $10

Developing a Solid Marketing Strategy for Your Business

Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 6 - 8pm

Marketing is everything you do to get your products or services into the hands of your customers. Becoming an expert on your target audience and the factors that drive your industry are keys to business success. In this session, you will also learn about core marketing principles, and tips for developing your marketing plan. Marketing has many dimensions; preparing and implementing a strong marketing plan will generate excellent returns.

Price: $20

M Lounge Live Music - Julia Huff

Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 7 - 10pm

Julia has masterfully honed her vocal skills to extreme heights and has been compared to musical starlets like Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, Carmen McRae, and even Tina Turner and Gladys Knight. Her engaging interaction with the audience will make you feel like you are part of the performance, not just listening to it. Julia, along with her sizzling trio will leave wanting more long after the show is over.

Price: Free!

Porgy & Bess (Opening Week)

November 18 - December 19

Summertime," "I Got Plenty o'Nuttin'," "Bess, You Is My Woman Now"... iconic American songs from the greatest American opera of them all!, The Washington Post lauded this sumptuous production as "Heaven the Whole Night Long." The Washington Times pronounced it "dazzling." And you'll call it wonderful as the glorious music and a top-notch cast sweep you away to Catfish Row., There's Crown, a murderous local thug who keeps the alluring Bess by his side through intimidation and his own sexual prowess; Bess, who falls for the good-hearted Porgy-but in the end can't resist the "happy dust" of dope-peddling Sportin' Life; and Porgy, the lame man who's the strongest of them all-an indomitable spirit determined to do whatever it takes to reclaim the woman he loves.

Price: $44-197

Intellectual Property: Copyrights, Patents, & Trademarks

Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 5:30 - 8:30pm

Intellectual property laws can protect your trade secrets, trademarks and product design provided you take the proper steps. Come to a free small business workshop co-sponsored by the Hull House SBDC and the Community Economic Development Law Project. Learn about the intellectual property laws surrounding copyrights, patents, and trademarks. We invite clients, potential entrepreneurs, and local businesses to attend our short/speed networking event before our workshop. You'll make new business contacts, exchange useful information, and grab a quick bite to eat. So bring your business cards. We'd love to see you again and meet up with new business owners. Please register by calling Curtis Roeschley at (773) 561-3500 x215, or RSVP to CRoeschley@hullhouse.org with your contact information.

Price: Free!

M Lounge Live Music - Roger Harris Quartet

Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 7 - 10pm

Keyboardist Roger L. Harris is a native Chicagoan, whose musical talents were evident at an early age. He began his formal piano training at the age of 6. After receiving his bachelor's degree in music education from Roosevelt University in Chicago, he taught band, orchestra, choir, general music and commercial music in various Illinois and Indiana school districts. As a keyboard artist, Roger played behind jazz greats Stanley Turrentine, Freddie Hubbard, James Carter and Orbert Davis. He also played behind R&B sensations Aretha Franklin, Melba Moore, Jean Karnes, Charelle, Angela Winbush, and The Jones Girls. [More]

Price: Free!

Carnivale's Live Latin Wednesdays: Angel Melendez Sextet

Immediately upon entering Carnivale, you'll find yourself swept up in its festive atmosphere! In fact, I can never manage to make it as far as the bar without having danced at least a couple of steps on my way over. The soaring ceilings of the main dining floor are grande and dramatically embellished with festive decorations on the walls, tables, chairs, staircases and ceilings! The design decadence continues in the upstairs loft, where you'll find another bar and several more intimate dining areas. The waitstaff is friendly, the food delicious and the raspberry mojitos to die for!

AfroFolk: Alisa Simms

Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 8:30 - 10:30pm

Alisa Simms has been dubbed "The Queen of Chicago Soul." This Chicago native has been singing professionally since 1989, performing with numerous bands and touring all across the country. She has been fronting her own band for years now and launched her recording career in 2006 with her debut CD "Remember." Alisa Simms possesses a commanding vocal style with extraordinary range and depth that begs her to sing the wide range of classic R & B and Soul.

 

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