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December 18, 2008
In This Issue
MUSIC REVIEW: Too Hot to Handel
RESTAURANT REVIEW: Ja' Grill
OUGHT TO-DO IT: TRC Open House
UPCOMING TO-DOS!
Greetings!
 

Tree ShoppingYes - I've been absent for a minute as I went through my annual ritual of bringing the Christmas spirit into my home!  With the help of my wonderful friend Marv (aka J'Romeo, aka Jerome Rochelle, aka photographer extraordinaire), who helps me get my tree every year, and a host of wonderful friends who help me decorate it and who fill my home with cheer and festive attitudes - my house and heart are definitely filled with the spirit!

 

As part of this spirit, this year my friends joined me in donating business suits to The Renaissance Collaborative's Clothing Closet.  Our donations will go a long way in supporting the residents of The Renaissance Apartments as they interview for and secure employment. 

 

Loading it up!There are a number of ways that you, too, can give this season!  Of course, in these difficult economic times, all nonprofits organizations are looking for money (and a lot of for-profit individuals are, too!).  Here are a few monetary and nonmonetary options for giving:

·         Find out about opportunities for giving some of your time to support the mission of The Renaissance Collaborative.  Join us at our first annual open house tomorrow evening!  (See below for more information)

·         Give the Gift of Theatre - donate to Congo Square Theatre.  By producing definitive and transformative theatre spawned from the African Diaspora, as well as other world cultures, Congo Square Theatre Company seeks to establish itself as an institution of multicultural theatre.

·         The 3rd Ward Aldermanic Office will be collecting gently used coats to be donated to needy children as part of Pioneer Gardens' Winter Coat Outreach 2008. Please take some time to rummage through your closets and bring whatever winter clothing you can part with to the 3rd Ward office as there are hundreds of children in need in our community.  The 3rd Ward office is located at 5046 S. State St. and is open M-W from 9-5, Thursday from 12-8, and Friday from 9-1.  They need all sizes for K-8th grade students. For more information, please call (773) 373-9273 or Pioneer Gardens at (773) 420-4100.

·         Contribute to Deeply Rooted Dance Theater.  As part of our Family of Friends, your contribution helps ensure the continued presence of dance programs that inspire human development, entertain, and ignite the souls of students and audience members of all ages.

·         The HotHouse is making its comeback and if you, like me, have been a HotHouse fan, give some of your time and expertise to assist them with short term or long term volunteer needs.  Contact info@hothouse.net or call (312) 957-6073 to offer up your skills!

Santa BabyCongratulations to Helena H., Billye D. and Iris B., each of whom won a pair of tickets to see Too Hot to Handel at the Auditorium Theatre!  I hope you had a chance to take it in as well, as it was a fabulous jolt of holiday joy!

I'll be back at 'cha early next week with some New Year's Eve suggestions, so if you've been holding out on me and know of some cool events - now would be a good time to send that info to me!  In the meantime -

 

Make it a fabulous weekend!

 
Stephanie!
Soleil@so-LAZE.com  
 
*All announced winners will receive a personal e-mail with instructions for obtaining tickets.
MUSIC REVIEW:  Too Hot to Handel
  

The Jazz Gospel Messiah

Review by Pete Smith
  
 

Too Hot to Handel is an eclectic fusion of classical music, opera, jazz and gospel; all with a twist.  The first twist you will notice is the ethnic diversity that is represented in all parts of the production. It is expressed from the opera soloists, to the classical orchestra, to the jazz band, to the 100 member choir and finally to the Audience.

 

Too Hot to Handel is an intriguing take on Handel's Messiah.  It attempts to blend the classical elements of Handel's Messiah with elements of jazz and gospel to spice it up!  This blend of extremes adds to the play on words, "Too Hot to Handle" (and "Too Hot to Handel" . . . where Handel is the original 16th  century composer).

 

Too Hot to Handel was definitely a "Hot" take on the classical version of Handel's Messiah, but with quite a bit of a twist.  However it is arguable that it did not live up to the play on the words, "Too Hot to Handle".  Too Hot to Handel is a great alternative to traditional Christmas holiday favorites like the Nutcracker, but it left this reviewer wanting more.

 

Too Hot to Handel could have easily been titled, "Not Too Hot to Handel".  Though the overall performances ranged from good to very good . . . they weren't all that "Hot" or even "Hot Enough".  Some were a bit "Spicy" . . . and one song even made it to the "Hot" category, but honestly most of the performances were rather "Mild."  [cont]

 
 
Comments?  E-mail me at: Pete@so-LAZE.com
© 2008 - Unauthorized use is prohibited.
 


Got a taste for more Handel?  Try Handel's Messiah Apollo Chorus or Chicago Sinfonietta Holiday Concert.  
RESTAURANT REVIEW:  Ja' Grill 
Ja'min' at Ja' Grill 
Check out the latest Fete Select TV segment, as special guest Jerry Azumah introduces us to Ja' Grill.  Ja' Grill brings Jamaican flavors to the Lincoln Park hood and is their hottest new restaurant.
 

Fete Select TV
Ja' Grill
 
Ja' Grill
1008 W. Armitage
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 929 - JERK (5375)

OUGHT TO-DO IT:  TRC Open House
Celebrating 8 Years of Moving Individuals From Homelessness to Self-Sufficiency!  
 

The Renaissance Collaborative Open House

 

For eight years, the Renaissance Collaborative has taken a holistic approach to assisting formerly homeless adults achieve self-sufficiency and I have been proud to be a part of that mission.  I am not wealthy, by any means, but I have been more than willing to give of my time, resources and commitment.  In return, I have gained a sense of community, a better understanding of the community I live in and fabulous friendships with past and current board members.  Whether you have a lot of time to give or a little, there is a role for you at TRC!  Come on over and find out who we are, what we do, the historic role our building has played in Bronzeville, what we have planned for the future and ways that you can participate.  On behalf of the Board and Staff of the Renaissance Collaborative, I invite you to join us and we look forward to sharing our experiences with you!

 
Stephanie!
Board Chair
 
 
Friday, December 19, 2008
5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
3763 South Wabash Avenue
2nd Floor Ballroom
Chicago, Illinois
 

 

 

 

 
TO-DOS!
Upcoming To-Dos!
As always, this is only an excerpt of To-Dos coming up over the next several days.  For the most current listing of To-Dos, along with great interactive features (such as search by keyword or calendar category, download events to your calendar, text or e-mail reminders or notification of changes), be sure to visit www.so-LAZE.com!   
 

Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light

Through January 4, 2009

The Museum halls will be decked, holiday singers and dancers will be joyously kicking off the festivities and the sparkle of more than 50 trees will greet you at this year's Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. We couldn't resist one more chance to pay homage to our "Diamond Anniversary" and more than seven decades of imagination, invention and inspiration with the theme "Celebrating 75 Years of Museum Memories." The Museum's grand 45-foot tree will be decorated with shimmering ornaments representing the Museum's iconic exhibits, while fun-loving "penguins" play under the tree and welcome Museum guests to our very own South Pole. (Or maybe just the South Pole of Chicago.) More than 50 trees-including the new Bulgaria tree-will be beautifully decorated by members of Chicago's ethnic communities. Stroll through the trees on the Main Level, enjoy intermittent falling "snow" and savor the performances of various dance and choral groups every day of the week on the Holiday Stage, adjacent to the East Court. In honor of our 75th Anniversary, you will be able to read favorite Museum memories that our guests have generously shared with us. If you still have a memory you would like to share, we will also be collecting them throughout the duration of the exhibit. More special holiday events, performances and, of course, new memories, await you at this year's Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, so be sure to check back here for further details (and to download our Trees and Traditions podcast) as the holidays approach!

Elizabeth Catlett - Works on Paper (Closing Week)

Through December 20th

Price: Free!

 
 

Porgy & Bess (Closing Week)

Through December 19, 2008

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.

Visit Lauren's Laudare Theater Review

Skinny Williams Band

Thursday - Saturday, December 18-20, 2008

A Chicago native, Williams embarked on his music career while still in his teens. Being 6'4" and 180 pounds, he was often referred to as "that skinny sax player," thus earning him his nickname "Skinny". And putting his first name William as his last name, hence Skinny Williams. Williams performed with some of the biggest names in the business- from comedian Bernie Mac, Chaka Khan, Brian McKnight, George Duke and Sheila E, Brian Culbertson Candy Dulfer and Paul Taylor to jazz and blues legends Buddy Guy, BB King and Bo Diddley. He has toured Australia, Japan, Canada, Holland, Germany, France, Belgium and Greece with blues greats Junior Wells and Lucky Peterson, the Chicago Storm Horns, and as part of the old-school funk band The Ohio Players. He also has a television commercial for the then NBA champions The Chicago Bulls to his credit. Williams is one of the industry's most respected and in-demand players, with critics comparing him to such greats as Stanley Turrentine, Ben Webster, Grover Washington Jr. and Boney James.

A House With No Walls (Closing Week)

Through December 21, 2008

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.

Soleil's Take: For Soleil's Take, visit Theater Review. For a $10 discount, mention Soleil's To-Dos by phone or at the box office!

Price: $25, Wed-Fri; $35, Sat-Sun

From the Mississippi Delta

Through January 11, 2009

From the Mississippi Delta is the inspiring, autobiographical story of Dr. Endesha Ida Mae Holland whose journey takes her from poverty and prostitution in the Jim Crow South to civil rights activism, academic achievement and success as a Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright. From the Mississippi Delta celebrates the triumph of the human spirit. After a rough early start, Ida Mae Holland's life was transformed when she walked into the local office of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in 1962. Encouraged by the civil rights workers, she completed secondary school requirements and went on to earn bachelors and master's degrees as well as a doctorate from the University of Minnesota in American studies, with a concentration in theatre arts (playwriting). The first of her plays, The Second Doctor Lady, is about her mother, whose skill and competency as the local midwife earned her the title. Holland taught at the State University of NY at Buffalo and was professor emeritus at University of Southern California's theater school when she succumbed to a hereditary, neuromuscular disorder in 2006.

Price: $30

It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play

Through December 28, 2008

Adapted from the film by Frank Capra, directed by Marty Higginbotham, The Chicago Holiday tradition is back! The classic story based on the Frank Capra masterpiece is lovingly performed as a period radio play complete with commercial breaks and live Foley sound effects. ATC's celebrated Ensemble brings the town of Bedford Falls to life, with free milk and cookies after every performance! In addition to our mainstage production, a second company will tour the Chicago suburbs. Don't miss out on the perfect holiday show for the entire family.

Price: $35, Thurs, Sat. Mat., Sun; $40, Fri & Sat

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

"Chicago Social Register" After Work Happy Hour

Friday, December 19, 2008, 5 - 9pm

Please join Stephen Mitchell & Bryan Wallace for the Inaugural Edition. Business card required for admission. The Social Register is made up of a group of prominent Chicagoans who form the business, social and political elite.

Price: Free!

Caroling at Cloud Gate: Chicago Children's Choir

Through December 23, 2008

Chicagoans and visitors are invited to Cloud Gate, the city's newest icon, to hear the beautiful voices of a variety of choral groups and a sing-along to holiday favorites. Each evening, both the choristers and those singing along will be invited to hold holiday candles. The reflection of the candles will twinkle in the stainless steel of Cloud Gate, creating a magical holiday scene in the center of the city.

Price: Free!

Welcome Yule!

Friday, December 19, 2008, 7 - 9pm

Members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Chorus, Duain Wolfe, conductor, Midwest Young Artists Voices Rising, Gary Fry, director, Welcome Yule! Dance Ensemble, Make your plans now for Christmas in Chicago! An annual tradition for Chicagoland families for the last 14 years, this full-length concert is filled with the musical joys of the Yuletide season. Surrounded by the warm glow of festive decorations, you'll enjoy Orchestra Hall's very own Christmas song "Christmas in Chicago," an audience sing-along of your favorite holiday tunes, plus dancing, musical surprises and a visit from the North Pole's most famous resident!

Black Nativity

Through December 28, 2008

Congo Square Theatre Company plans to once again reinvent its annual holiday tradition Black Nativity. With the help of longtime friend and fellow artist McKinley Johnson, Congo Square will put a rejuvenating spin on this powerful Langston Hughes classic. This is a performance not to be missed! By Langston Hughes Adapted and Directed by McKinley Johnson, Featuring Congo Square Ensemble Member Alexis J. Rogers

Price: $40

Songs of Good Cheer

Friday, December 19, 2008, 7:30 - 9:30pm

Songs of Good Cheer, an annual holiday caroling party hosted by Chicago Tribune columnists Mary Schmich and Eric Zorn, celebrates its 10th year with a move to the Harris Theater. Schmich and Zorn are joined onstage by a cast of top-flight musicians from the Old Town School of Folk Music, which coproduces this charity concert with Chicago Tribune Holiday Giving. Proceeds from the 10th Annual Songs of Good Cheer benefit Chicago Tribune Holiday Giving.

Price: $32-40

The Other Cinderella

Through December 28, 2008, 8 - 10pm

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

WVON 17th Annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration

 

Saturday and Sunday, December 20-21, 2008, 10am - 7pm

 

This year, Susan L. Taylor, former editor of Essence Magazine, will speak on Sunday, December 21st at 3pm on her crusade for her National CARES Mentoring Movement, which seeks to recruit 1 million mentors for 1 million African-American boys and girls. Taylor is recruiting those who are interested in becoming mentors for her Chicago CARES Circle, to which media maven, Oprah, donated $1 million. Visit the website

www.caresmentoring.com for more information.

 

In addition to Taylor, for the shoppers, there will be a holiday marketplace with 40 African-American businesses from across the country, with one-of-a-kind designer gifts; workshops & pavilions on celebrating Kwanzaa, dance, natural hair care and home decorating to name a few, a Food Court, as well as exciting activities, including: [more]

 

Price: Free!

 

Winter Wonderland - Hot Drinks , Desserts & Music

Saturday, December 20, 2008, 6 - 8pm

Join us for an evening of Russian hot cocoa (hot cocoa with Kahlua & Vodka), hot spiced wine, or non-alcohol hot cinnamon cider. This event is guaranteed to warm you from head to toe. Live music by singing sensation, Janelle. RSVP to SouthLoop@winestyles.net by 12/19.

Price: $5

One Woman, One Voice - A Musical Tribute

Saturday, December 20, 2008, 7 - 10pm

A Musical Tribute with Friends and Family. The one and only Terisa Grffin, Empress of Soul, Presents her "One Woman, One Voice, Tribute in the only way she could . . . Diva style., Griffin will bring to life the time-honored music that we all love. Paying homage and tribute in the only fashionable style that Terisa knows how. Featuring clothing from Chicago's top Fashion designers and the vocal pipes that blow only notes of melodic splendor., Dinner as always for the audience of Fan Family members from the catering of Melon Express. Champagne for the VIP and open bar for the General admission. Featuring Terisa Griffin with special guests: Jazz Violinist Lee English, Gospel Artist Adarian Griffin, Soul Artist Anitra Griffin, and Jerry "Ice Man" Butler, Reception, 7pm; Performance, 8pm

Price: $35

The Big Bailout - The Silver Room's Anniversary Party and Silent Auction

Saturday, December 20, 2008, 7pm - 12am

Over the past 11 years, The Silver Room has made a commitment to being a community participant, advocate and thought leader., With the crash of the economy forcing many to go without food and shelter, we decided this year to party for a cause. Along with our many friends from local businesses, we are hosting a Silent Auction that will benefit the Illinois Hunger Coalition., Music by DJ "?" and Vic Lavender. Food + Drinks + More.

Price: Free!

Will Downing's Soulful Christmas Tour

Saturday, December 20, 2008, 7 - 11pm

Also featuring Lalah Hathaway & Gerald Albright

Price: $42.50

Room Service

Saturday, December 20, 2008, 9pm - 3am

You requested an eclectic mix of hip-hop, neo-soul and house by resident DJs: Mark Fulla Flava, Vince Adams and Tim Buck 2.

Art Jazz Sunday Brunch

Sunday, December 21, 2008, 10am - 2pm

Come celebrate the holiday season and share good food with good friends. Enjoy the elegant surroundings of the Historic and beautifully revived Grand Ballroom. Indulge in the high quality, superior service of Catering Out The Box while surrounded by the beautiful artwork from Gallery Guichard., Live music featuring the trio of Rodney Gipson with Clyde Davis on drums. Vocalist Linda Taylor.

Price: $25, Adults; $15, Children under 14

Handel's Messiah Apollo Chorus

Sunday, December 21, 2008, 3 - 5pm

This holiday season, make plans for the Apollo Chorus of Chicago and the Handel Messiah at Harris Theater!, Chicago's Apollo Chorus presents one of the most powerful of Messiah performances in the country, full of joy, excitement and thrilling music. Under the direction of Stephen Alltop, Apollo continues a more than 100-year tradition of performing Handel's outstanding oratorio for downtown Chicago. The 140-member Apollo will be joined by world-class soloists, and the finest of musicians making up a stellar Baroque orchestra.

Price: $30-50

"Chocolate Party" - Annual Customer Appreciation

Sunday, December 21, 2008, 4 - 9pm

As we come to the end of yet another wonderful year, Kham'ryn B. would like to thank you for your continued support. Please join us for our 3rd Annual Customer Appreciation Party!, Chocolate Martini's * Chocolate Treats * Free Gift Bags * Live Mannequins * Food & Great Music, Shine Entertainment will also be in the house again, demonstrating some of the hottest new stepping moves! Shine Entertainment offers an array of stepping classes featuring a fabulous ladies only stepping course. Don't miss the fun - see YOU there!!!

Price: Free!

World's Largest Indoor Tailgate

Monday, December 22, 2008, 6 - 11pm

Watch the Bears vs. Packers game on the BIG screen! Wear Bears/Packers Gear or Bring an Unwrapped Toy or Canned Good for FREE ADMISSION until 10 PM. $2 Cuervo Shots & $5 Green Goblins, Half-Time Comedy Show featuring Lady Di & Casino. 3-Way DJ Battle. (Post Game): DJ Harold Mac, DJ Ced, & DJ Dee Lite. Catering by: Perfect Peace Cafe & Bakery, Quench! and Martha's Original Jerk Chicken., Relax & Just N'Joi . . . with N'Joi Entertainment.

Musician's Network Mecca Jam

Monday, December 22, 2008, 7 - 11pmMECCA 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

Chicago Sinfonietta Holiday Concert

Monday, December 22, 2008, 7:30 - 9:30pmThe Chicago Sinfonietta, under the baton of guest conductor Chelsea Tipton II, returns to the Harris for a special Holiday Celebration Concert for the whole family, featuring soprano Elizabeth Norman. Enjoy traditional favorites such as Carol of the Bells, Sleigh Ride, excerpts from Handel's Messiah, plus a sing-along of familiar Christmas carols, and much more.

Price: $23-35

Monday Masters Series: Corey Wilkes and Abstrakt Pulse

Monday, December 22, 2008, 9pm - 12am

(Corey Wilkes - trumpet/flugelhorn/percussion, Kevin Nabors - tenor sax/percussion, Scott Hesse - guitar, Junius Paul - bass/percussion, Isaiah Spencer - drums/percussion, Jumaane Taylor - tap dance)

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

Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 9pm - 12am

(Corey Wilkes - trumpet flugelhorn percussion, Kevin Nabors - tenor sax/percussion, Scott Hesse - guitar, Junius Paul - bass/percussion, Isaiah Spencer - drums/percussion, Jumaane Taylor - tap dance)

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

 

 

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