The new event focuses on plants that provide the key ingredients to our favorite sweet treats. The Garfield Park Conservatory, a veritable plant-based candy show, is home to many living sweets such as bananas, vanilla beans, cinnamon bark, and chocolate trees. Visitors of all ages can sample the facts, the flavors and the fun of some of the most tantalizing tropical treats. Experience any or all of the following sweet activities at each Sweet Saturday: [more]
World Kitchen: Asian Influence
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 11am - 2pm
Our Asian New Year class this year will focus on the influence Asians from all over the East have brought to Chicago menus. We will shop for ingredients from a variety of cultures and incorporate tradition into updated and useful ways to use these ingredients in your everyday cooking.
Price: $30, registration is required
Polar Adventure Days
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 12 - 4pm
Don't let winter slow you down. Come out and enjoy the fourth annual Polar Adventure Days. Watch as amazing ice sculptures are created right in front of you, meet a team of live huskies, and see birds of prey and other live animals. You can also make winter crafts; sip hot cocoa, and snowshoe, if there is snow. Don't forget to dress warm. These events are free and no registration is required. The following features and activities will be available at Polar Adventure Days: ·The first 500 visitors receive a complimentary Polar Adventure Day mug filled with hot chocolate. Limit one per person. ·Nadeau's Ice Sculpture carves magical creations on site. · Various live animals will be on site to discover such as birds of prey. ·An arctic camping demo by Northwest Passage. ·Siberian huskies will be present and adventurers will talk about their Iditarod dog sled race experiences., ·Live entertainment including winter storytelling. ·Arts and craft tables for making nature-inspired creations. ·Free snowshoe rental for exploration of the island (if there is snow).
Price: Free!
South Loop WineStyles 1st Anniversary
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 2 - 8pm
It's Our Anniversary! Can you believe it? February marks one year WineStyles South Loop has been open. Come join in on the fun as we celebrate with, food, wine and music.
Price: Free!
Senabella and The Human Experience Band
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 6 - 10pm
"The Bronzeville Diva" invites you to bring in the New Year with the music you love every Saturday thru February 28th. Musicians, Vocalist, Spoken Word Poetry. Come in and enjoy the warm atmosphere of creation with tasty treats, coffee, tea, sandwiches and vegetarian specials.
Soleil's Take: I first met Senebella in Cancún in 1992, where she was performing with Back In Time, and while this Diva hasn't aged a bit, her vocal stylings get better and better. Senabella's performance typically runs the gamut from jazz standards to R&B. KISS FM New York Radio DJ, Ken Webb, says "Senabella is a talent to be reckoned with." Earl Calloway of the Chicago Defender, writes: "Senabella, has developed a mastery of chirping that reminds one of legendary female singers who have been active on the stage since the second decade. In so many ways, she is a sorceress of song who takes the melody and conjures up a delivery that brings unsurpassed enjoyment."
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Saturdays, through February 28
Night of 100 Stars - Chicago African American History Makers Awards
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 6pm - 12am
A "star-studded" night is in store for the elegantly dressed Chicagoans who will be fortunate enough to be in attendance when the DuSable Museum of African American History presents its annual "A Night Of 100 Stars: Chicago African American History Makers" Gala on Saturday, February 21, 2009. Awards will be presented to the Galaxy's "Shining Stars" of Broadcasting, Religion, Government, Entertainment and Law who have been selected as "Honorees" during the 2009 black-tie, Black History Month celebration, which has become the most sought-after ticket in town. This year the flashbulbs will "explode" as guests walk the Red Carpet upon entering the Museum, indulge in the finest cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, partake of a lavish buffet supper, enjoy world-class entertainment and witness the presentation of the "2009 Chicago African American History Makers® Awards." [more]
Soleil's Take: This is one of the hottest annual events! The attendees are lively and gorgeous and the To-Do is definitely black tie!
Price: $300
Classical Tapestry: Lincoln Bicentennial Tribute
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 6:30 - 10pm
Chicago Symphony Orchestra, James Gaffigan, conductor, James Earl Jones, narrator, Bishop - Home, Sweet Home Root - The Battle Cry of Freedom Harris - Symphony No. 6 (Gettysburg) Bennett - Selections from Abraham Lincoln (A Symphonic Portrait) Copland - Lincoln Portrait Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 We honor the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth with music that embodies one of America's most eminent figures. The legendary James Earl Jones narrates Copland's inspirational Lincoln Portrait, written as part of the patriotic war effort in 1942. We also feature works by Robert Russell Bennett and the great American symphonic composer Roy Harris. Major support for this program is provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. [more]
Soleil's Take: Classical Tapestry is a great series that allows you to experience more than just the music. You get the opportunity to learn a little about the music (e.g., the composer, the history, etc.) and to share the experience with an intimate, diverse crowd! At $66 for the series you can't beat the price with a stick, but you can also buy tickets "a la carte!"
Price: $66 for the Series
Other Times To-Do It: February 21, March 20 and May 21, 2009
Kabiring to Now
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 7:30 - 9:30pm
"Kabiring to Now" is an exciting suite of African American dance history from the 1600s in Africa to contemporary times and engages the audience in experiencing African American life as depicted through dance. It covers the many eras of the African and African American experience as it tells of the triumphs and struggles through brilliant choreography, colorful costumes and extraordinary performers. "Kabiring to Now" is a wonderful event for the entire family. This production is directed by Najwa 1, Artistic Director and the Associate Artistic Director, Andrea "Najwi" Vinson. The popular blues artist Fernando Jones will narrate through song the "lives and times" of a people.
Door: $28
Advance: $25
Oscar Night America® - Chicago Benefit
Sunday, February 22, 2009, 6pm - 12am
Experience the magic and excitement of the 81st Annual Academy Awards® at the Gene Siskel Film Center, the venue of Chicago's only Academy-sanctioned Oscar Night® America party. The Film Center welcomes guests with Klieg lights and red carpet, and a delicious buffet will be served during a live telecast of the Oscars®. There will be a raffle and spectacular silent auction packages to add to the excitement, and guests will receive the same official Academy Awards® programs as the stars. For more information, please call 312.846.2072.
Price: $150 general admission, $250 VIP, $1,500 Angel
Soleil's Pick!
A la Carte: Candied Yams Edition
Monday, February 23, 2009, 6:30 - 9pm
Join us as we present Traditional vs. Urban Black Theatre. Who's your play[w]right? What is considered legitimate theater in the Black community? Think that August Wilson is more of a cultural icon than Tyler Perry? Then come and "duke it out" with another fiery discussion that will sure to keep you coming back for more! Our panel consists of Adrian Dunn and Byron Johns from Hopera World Music Inc.'s Chronicles of a Fallen Hero and Rashida Shaw, a Performance Study PHD Candidate from Northwestern University, among other notable panelist and participants. Come for the discussion and stay for the candied yams, as we share our favorite recipes! It doesn't get any better than this!
Soleil's Take: For the serious theater-goer, the "A la Carte" presents a great forum to share ideas with others who are actively engaged in or simply interested in the creative process. I find this topic particularly interesting as I have struggled at times with decisions regarding which performances to include in Soleil's To-Dos. Just as I have tried to steer people toward riesling and away from white zinfandel, I have tried to steer people away from "3-night only" plays that feature reality tv "stars" and tried to focus on plays with characters rather than caricatures. Come and weigh in on the discussion!
Price: Free!
Fat Tuesday
Tuesday, February 24, 2009, 5:30 - 8:30pm
We're having a Mardi Gras party loaded with beads, food, and drinks (and not just wine). This is going to be some evening.
Price: $15; Members, $10
BARCC: Condo Development Issues
Tuesday, February 24, 2009, 6 - 8:30pm
Special Guest Speaker: Illinois State Senator, Mattie Hunter. In Bronzeville we've had plenty of condo problems including poor quality workmanship, turnover issues, foreclosures, fraud, inactive associations, uninformed buyers, inadequate property management, etc. Senator Hunter is a member of the Illinois Condominium Advisory Board working on changing the condo laws to better protect condo buyers. Come hear the Senator's perspective and plans. Also:, * Introducing the 2009 BARCC Business Directory featuring Bronzeville's best local businesses. * Guest Speaker - Condo Attorney: "Foreclosures- Avoiding & Dealing with Common Problems", * Letter Writing Campaign - Bronzeville Community demands for SAFETY Correspondences to Chicago Police Dept
Price: Free!
M Lounge Live Music - Dave Van Der Laan
Tuesday, February 24, 2009, 7 - 10pm
Vocalist Dave Van Der Laan was born and raised in Chicagoland. Early on, he was exposed to a wealth of music, ranging from Beethoven to Sinatra to the Beatles. His eclectic musical tastes have led him to perform in diverse musical settings, as a professional chorister, rock frontman, and jazz singer. He has been influenced by great and expressive singers from across the musical spectrum, particularly Dean Martin, Harry Connick Jr., Chet Baker, Paul McCartney, and Billy Joel. He has a great affinity for the American Songbook, but just can't help crooning rock 'n' roll tunes. Van Der Laan has a B.M. in Vocal Performance from Hope College in Holland, MI and a Masters in Arts Administration from Indiana University. He can be heard singing with the Ken Arlen Orchestra and the Damian Espinosa Trio, and sitting in as often as possible with other fine Chicago jazz ensembles.
Price: Free!
All About Reds
Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 6 - 8pm
A beginner's guide to red wine loaded with all the facts you need to know on red wine. Fruity, mellow, and bold wines will be covered. Limit 12 per class, so register early. Class package rate available.
Price: $25; Members, $20
Wednesday Wine Around
Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 6 - 8pm
Every month on a Wednesday we'll be hosting a Wine Tasting in the Loft. This month we'll be featuring the new vintages of the BIN 36 Wines and introducing 3 new Varietals, including our 10 Year Anniversary Sparkling Cuvee. BIN 36 Winemaker Brian Duncan will be on hand to answer questions about the wines. Light nibbles paired with the wines will be served.
Price: $25
Pulse
Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 6 - 10pm
The Heartbeat of Chicago's networking scene. A free weekly networking event. Creatively connecting businesses to the resources they need to be successful. Featured entrepreneurs every week!
Price: Free!
M Lounge Live Music - Scott Burns Trio
Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 7 - 10pm
A native of Dayton, Ohio, saxophonist Scott Burns began his education and professional career in music in nearby Cincinnati. After graduating at the top of his class from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Scott became an in-demand performer in the greater Cincinnati / Dayton area. While attending the university, Cincinnatis own Blue Wisp Jazz Club provided him a supplemental, hands-on education in jazz music. Countless nights at the club were spent soaking in local and national jazz talent; in addition, Scott was a frequent performer as both leader and sideman at the renowned institution. Among his many performance credits in Cincinnati include the Blue Wisp Big Band, led by legendary drummer John von Ohlen, the PsychoAcoustic Orchestra, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and numerous small group performances with pianists Steve Schmidt, Phil DeGreg, and drummer Art Gore. Scott also performed in a quintet with legendary jazz trumpeter Clark Terry as part of a Cincinnati jazz series In 1996. [more]
Price: Free!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 8:30 - 11pm
Hewar (Dialogue in Arabic) is an extraordinary musical experiment first unveiled in Damascus in 2003. Using an unusual instrumentation of oud, clarinet, cello, percussion and soprano vocals, Hewar allows for an open-ended dialogue between Arabic music, jazz and western classical melodies. The band features Issam Rafea (oud), Kinan Azmeh (Clarinet), Omar Musfi (percussion) Kinan Abou-Afach (Cello) and Dima Orsho (vocals). The band has toured Europe, Japan, Lebanon and Egypt and returns for their second U.S. tour.
Price: Free! ($5 Suggested Donation)
Ongoing To-Dos
Just Responding to the Spirit
Ongoing through March 15, 2009
Milton Bowens, Wesley Clark, Andre Guichard and Bryan Keith Thomas, When it comes to telling the story of the African-American, one must not be afraid to delve into themes of race, class, injustice and loss, yet be brave enough to showcase truth & perseverance, faith and hope that shaped our history. Live music by Chicago's own, DJ Jack
Price: Free!
Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons - Life Has Not Even Begun
Ongoing through March 6, 2009; Gallery Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm, Thurs: 9:00am - 7:00pm, Sat. by appointment
Presenting new work by the acclaimed Afro-Cuban artist Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons. One of the most important artists to emerge from post-Revolutionary Cuba, María Magdalena Campos-Pons creates multimedia installations, large-scale Polaroids, sculpture, painting and performance that investigate history and memory, and their roles in the formation of identity. Drawing from her personal narrative as an Afro-Cuban woman living in the United States, Campos-Pons' work transcends individual experience to explore crosscultural, universal phenomenon. Issues such as cultural hybridity, displacement, ties to family and home, and the dualities present in each individual are themes that continue to permeate her work. In this new body of work, Life Has Not Even Begun captures the anticipation and tension inherent in exploring the unknown. From the artist re-discovering her Chinese ancestry, to her intensive study of midnight-blooming flowers, to the unexposed horrors of war, to the future of an imagined peaceful world, each work in this exhibition makes its own unexpected revelation. Life Has Not Even Begun is curated by Neysa Page-Lieberman, Director, DEPS A fully illustrated catalogue accompanies this exhibition.
Price: Free!
Black Creativity: Green Revolution
Ongoing through March 1, 2009
On Jan. 15, 2009, the Museum of Science and Industry will open Green Revolution, an interactive experience that explores the contributions of African Americans to ecology, conservationism and other environmental issues. The exhibit allows guests to investigate green technology and the African Americans supporting the green movement including: architects, designers, engineers, plant geneticists, business entrepreneurs and other newsmakers. The exhibit will open as part of the Museum's annual Black Creativity celebration-a six-week program that highlights the achievements and heritage of African Americans. As guests journey through Green Revolution, they will encounter fun and interactive workstations that will allow them to investigate the methods, materials and technology that are fueling test soil samples§the green industry. Guests will have the opportunity to: [more]
Price: Adults $13; Children $9
Beyond Forty Acres and a Mule: Black Farmers Since Reconstruction
Ongoing through May 17, 2009
Black family farms, formerly a way of life and source of pride for many, are fast disappearing. Explore the changes through the eyes of award-winning photographer John Francis Ficara. In five distinct sections, Distant Echoes follows Black farmers through their daily struggles and triumphs. In Legacy of the Land, family farms are brought to life through images of husbands, wives, and children at work on the farm. African Americans have come to equate land ownership to independence, wealth, and full citizenship. Believing that owning and working the land makes them masters of their own economic fate, Black farmers have frequently sacrificed everything to keep their land and remain independent farmers.
Soleil's Take: Lauren says: I encourage you to attend this exhibit. I found it sobering, humbling and enlightening. I was unaware of their plight. We may very well be witnessing the last generation of Black farmers in America. The photography exhibit features farmers from all over the U.S. These farmers have much to teach us about hard work, tenacity, pride, independence and entrepreneurship. Farming is not romantic - it is back breaking work. But these 70-80 year olds are healthy enough to do it. [more]
Price: $3; Children 6-13, $1; Under 6, free; Sundays, Free!
Living Green
Ongoing through March 1, 2009
By Gloria Bond Clunie Directed by Andrea J. Dymond A World Premiere The year is 1995. The Freemans, an upper middle class black family in an affluent, predominantly white Chicago neighborhood are contemplating selling their home to fund their daughter's college education When the men in the family return from the first Million Man March, the Freemans grapple with where to resettle their two children: another "safe" white community, or back to "the old neighborhood?" A modern-day homage to A Raisin in the Sun, this timely new work by ensemble member Gloria Bond Clunie (North Star, Shoes) asks "What happened to our families as we "moved up" and fled the black communities that once nurtured us?"
Soleil's Take: Wanna know more? Check out Lauren's Review!
Price: Monday - Friday, $39; Saturday & Sunday, $48
Discounts: Save $10 with Promo Code - FRIEND!! (See theater website for restrictions.)
Stage Black
Ongoing through March 1, 2009
Maat Production Association of African Centered Theatre (MPAACT) presents the world premiere of Stage Black, by Lydia R. Diamond; directed by Mignon McPherson Nance. Stage Black is about a well respected but under-produced African-American playwright who wants to write a "black play" that appeals to both black and white audiences. But, as she begins to script the play, her subconscious leaps to the forefront and her characters rebel. The rest, well, you'll just have to see for yourself.
Soleil's Take: Check out Sydney's Review!
Price: $20-23
"Talking Bones" - Love of Heritage and Tradition
Ongoing through March 22, 2009
Written by Shay Youngblood Directed by Runako Jahi, Choreography by Rueben Echoles, Directed by Runako Jahi. "Talking Bones" is a richly poetic work that focuses on three generations of women who own and run Ancestor's Books and Breakfast, a magical bookstore; and a daughter who ignores the wisdom and spiritual yearnings of her mother by refusing to be a vessel to connect with the ancestors. The cast includes Felisha McNeal, Delicia Dunham, Rhonda Marie Bynum, Darren Jones and Mark H. Howard. Shay Youngblood (Playwright) is a poet, playwright and fiction writer who is the author of The Big Mama Stories, a collection of short stories, the novels Soul Kiss and Black Girl in Paris and the award-winning plays, "Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery" and "Talking Bones," which was honored in 1993 with the Kennedy Center's Lorraine Hansberry Award.
Price: $30
True West and topdog/underdog
Ongoing through March 8, 2009Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8 - 10pm
Topdog/Underdog and True West, A collaboration between American Theater Company and Congo Square Theatre Company, American Theater Company and Congo Square Theatre Company team up to present one of Chicago's most intriguing theatrical projects. Artistic Directors Derrick Sanders and PJ Paparelli engage their Ensembles in two of America's most visceral plays about sibling rivalry. In addition to the plays alternating nightly, the actors playing the brothers will switch between productions. Audiences can see two versions of each play on one set at ATC. True West, written by Sam Shepard, directed by PJ Paparelli, Sam Shepard's most produced play tells the story of two brothers: Austin, an ambitious Hollywood screenwriter working on a potential million-dollar deal and Lee, a vagabond thief with a compulsion for six-packs and toasters, face off for control while venting demons from their dysfunctional past. Topdog/Underdog, written by Suzan-Lori Parks, directed by Derrick Sanders, Suzan-Lori Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece explores two brothers: Lincoln, ex-"3-card" player, now legitimate entertainer, and Booth, a petty thief who wants to learn his brother's game, struggle to make a new life that will finally lead them out of poverty.
Soleil's Take: Read Sydney's Review & Audience 101!
Song & Dance: A Journey in Blacknuss
Saturdays through May 30, 2009
Written & Directed by Runako Jahi, Choreographed by Rueben Echoles, An educational and fun-filled tribute to Black Music, performed by eta's Youth Performance Workshop
Price: $6
Quit your whinin' and embrace the winter season with a ski trip! 
Thursday, February 19, 2009, 5 - 7pm
Thursday, February 19, 2009, 6 - 8pm
Thursday, February 19, 2009, 6 - 8pm
Thursday, February 19, 2009, 6 - 7:30pm
Thursday, February 19, 2009, 7 - 9pm
Thursday, February 19, 2009, 7 - 8pm
Friday, February 20, 2009, 12:15 - 1pm
Friday, February 20, 2009, 3 - 5:30pm
Friday, February 20, 2009, 5 - 9pm
Friday, February 20, 2009, 7:30 - 9:30pm 
Friday, February 20, 2009, 8 - 11pm
Friday, February 20, 2009, 8 - 10pm
Friday, February 20, 2009, 9pm - 12am
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 8:30 - 11am
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 10am - 2:30pm
Saturday, February 21, 2009, 11am-4pm
