Don't Stop Here!
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To-Dos to friends!
Barley Wine and Strong Ale Tasting
Thursday, February 26, 2009, 6 - 8pm
Taste some of the season's most popular Barley Wine and Strong Ales from the U.S. and around the world. As a special treat we will feature a side by side tasting of multiple vintages of select beers. Reservations are required as tickets are limited. Contact katie@binnys.com or call (312) 768-4400 for more information.
Price: $20; $15, Members
Common-Unity - The Power of the Community
Thursday, February 26, 2009, 6 - 8pm
Please join Pat Dowell, 3rd Ward Alderman & Committeeman at the First Annual "Community Fundraiser." A special guest will be in attendance. Food and drinks. Music by DJ K-OZZ.
Door: $60
Advance: $50
Black History Month Film Series: In the Shadow of Hollywood
Thursday, February 26, 2009, 7 - 9pm
Santita Jackson, host of The Santita Jackson Show (airs M-F, 9a-12p), will host the showing of In the Shadow of Hollywood and post-film discussion. In this haunting new documentary, the era of early Black cinema has been resurrected. Featuring footage of recently rediscovered race movies, In the Shadow of Hollywood captures the sounds and images of a bygone era, profiles the fascinating lives of Black filmmaking pioneers and screen stars and explores the lasting legacy of this misunderstood and nearly forgotten film genre.
Price: $5
The Right Now
Thursday, February 26, 2009, 8 - 10pm
James Brown may have been the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, but the title of Hardest Working Woman in Show Business has long been up for grabs. That is, until right now. When vocalist Stefanie Berecz joined forces with guitarist Brendan O'Connell to form the nucleus of The Right Now, she had not yet found the perfect musical complement to her astonishingly soulful and virtuosic voice. Stefanie Berecz is 23 years old, but she has the talent, ability, and the work ethic of an industry veteran. She has achieved career peaks that performers twice her age never get to experience, opening for Mary J. Blige and appearing on MTV's hit series, "Making The Band." As fate would have it, O'Connell's songs had a quality at once both classic and contemporary-a description that applied equally to Stefanie's voice. The chemistry was instantaneous, and Stefanie agreed to join O'Connell's band, Eli Jones. [more]
Designing Your Website for Success: Create a Site that Wows Customers
Friday, February 27, 2009, 8:45am - 12:30pm
This website design workshop is geared toward business owners who are either getting started with their first website or have an existing website that they would like to improve. During this workshop, we will walk participants through the standard graphic design process for a website and show them how to make design decisions themselves or find and work with a graphic design professional to take their website to the next level of quality and customer satisfaction. Co-presented with Becky Davis, Becky Davis Design.
Course Outline, 1.The Basics, 2.Figuring Out What You Want, 3.Must-Haves vs. Would-Likes, 4.Getting the Quote, 5.The Contract and Scope of Work, 6.Mock-Up and Approval, 7.Now That You Have a Site
Door: $70
Advance: $60
Music Without Borders: Megitza Quartet
Friday, February 27, 2009, 12:15 - 1pm
(Polish Highlander/World/Gypsy), Based out of Chicago, Megitza Quartet performs energetic renditions of Roma and Eastern European folk music. Beautiful melodies and rhythmic variations on their debut album "Boleritza," turn the listening experience into a fascinating journey. Vocalist and composer Malgorzata Babiarz , is indeed a diverse musician. She recalls her earliest influential musical experiences witnessing firsthand the rich Gypsy culture in her mountain village and singing traditional Polish Highlanders' melodies with her Grandmother. Malgorzata's expertise is revealed in her vocal flexibility, strength, and authenticity. Her repertoire includes original compositions, music from Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, South America, and also songs in Romanes - the language of the Gypsies. She truly is a versatile musician with a distinctive gift for singing.
Price: Free!
Ashaki Black History Month Celebration
Friday, February 27, 2009, 6 - 9pm
Dr. Carter G. Woodson initiated a celebration of black history in 1926. Dr. Woodson chose the second week in February because it included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the Bicentennial (200th birthday) of the U.S.A., the week-long observance was extended to the entire month of February in order to have enough time for celebratory programs and activities. Throughout the month of February, the Chicago Park District celebrates Black History Month by hosting many festivals celebrating African style food, music culture and tradition.
Price: $2
Chamber Music Series: Circle of Life Suite
Friday, February 27, 2009, 7:30 - 9:30pm
Performed by the Mantra Blue Free Orchestra (14 members of the Sinfonietta) and written expressly for Shedd by Sinfonietta violist Reneé Baker, the Circle of Life Suite represents the full cycle of life contained in all waters - lakes, seas, rivers and oceans. Plus music by Handel, Sondheim, Satie, Gershwin, and Ellington.
Chamber Music Series at Shedd Aquarium - The beauty and mystery of the sea has been an inspiration to artists for millennia. Now the Sinfonietta joins with Shedd Aquarium in a three-concert series featuring ensembles comprised of orchestra members, dancers, soloists, and more, all taking place amid the wondrous and ethereal beauty of Shedd's world famous exhibits.
Price: $15
Audley Reid Band
Friday, February 27, 2009, 8 - 11pm
Saturday, February 27, 2009, 10pm-1am
Audley L. Reid a.k.a. "Reid" began his musical career 25 years ago. His passionate approach to Smooth Jazz magically takes listeners to an island of musical paradise, a direct result of his Jamaican/Cuban heritage. Although Jamaica proclaims Reid as a native countryman, the Windy City has been home throughout his musical career. Proficient on all saxophones, with a preference to the Alto sax, Reid has been described as a cross between David Sanborn and the late sax genius Art Porter, but with his own distinct style. He has performed with several entertainment greats including Buddy Guy, Phil Perry, Michael White, Kim Fields, Ray Fuller, Mike Mason, Nick Colionne Howard Hewett, A.J. Brown, Joe Williams, Melvin Miller, and Norman Connors. [more]
Price: $5
Jazz at Symphony Center: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
Friday, February 27, 2009, 8 - 10:30pm
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis, director and trumpet, The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, composed of many of the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players from New York City and around the country, has been under the leadership of its music director and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis since 1988. Their annual Symphony Center appearance is sure to feature jazz favorites performed with their usual precision, along with arrangements and outstanding solos from the band's impressive roster of phenomenal musicians.
Price: $39-148
Exploring African American History and Genealogy
Saturday, February 28, 2009, 10 - 11am
The Harold Washington Library Center/Social Science and History Division is offering Introduction to African American History and Genealogy Databases, a 1-hour class. This hands-on class will use newspapers, biographical and history databases, plus genealogical and census information to trace individual and family histories. Sample searches will be demonstrated with time for questions and personal searching afterward.
Price: Free!
Make-Up Artist Call
Saturday, February 28, 2009, 1 - 3pm
So You Want To Paint Faces? Pro Make-Up Artist Training Program. Part I: Many Avenues. Overview, Lecture & Registration. Facilitated by celebrity makeup artist/author Akua Auset.
Price: $30
South Shore Opera Company of Chicago Inaugural Concert
Saturday, February 28, 2009, 5:30 - 7:30pm
The South Shore Opera Company of Chicago performs its inaugural concert, featuring critically acclaimed soprano Elizabeth Norman Sojourner, presented in partnership with the South Shore Cultural Center Advisory Council. "The South Shore Cultural Center was recently refurbished with new carpet and furniture and will provide a beautiful venue for the debut of this new company," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Timothy J. Mitchell. The program will include selections from Handel's Giulio Cesare, Verdi's Falstaff, Strauss's Die Fledermaus and more. Other featured performers include baritone Martin Woods of the Chicago Opera Theater, the award-winning Kenwood Academy concert choir and baritones Brandon Brown and Antonio Watts. [more]
Price: Free!
Senabella and The Human Experience Band
Saturday, February 28, 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!
Caliente
Saturday, February 28, 2009, 8pm - 12am
The Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League invites you to attend CALIENTE. Caliente is the Spanish word for "hot." Indulge all your senses and experience the radiance of Chicago's preeminent young professionals. Eats, drinks, and music with Latin flavor will be provided.
Door: $40
Advance: $25
BIN School - Wine 101 Geting Friendly with your Bottle
Sunday, March 1, 2009, 6:30 - 8pm
An introductory class demystifying some comon wine misconceptions and covering the basics of wine: What wine is and how it's made, how to "taste" wine rather than "drink" it. Our most popular class!
Price: $36
Cuisine and Cookery of the Near East
Monday, March 2, 2009, 7 - 9pm
Join us to expand your culinary knowledge at Masouleh Restaurant, where you will savor the unique Persian cuisine of northern Iran. Named for the beautiful mountain village of Masouleh, a UNESCO World Heritage site high above the Caspian Sea, the restaurant features a menu distinctive to this special region. Enjoy dishes that feature meats, poultry, or eggs exquisitely combined with vegetables, nuts, spices, and special herbs found only in northern Iran. Your full course meal includes selected appetizers, an array of entrees, dessert, and choice of coffee, tea, or soft drink. Wine compliments of the Oriental Institute. Azim Nassiri-Masouleh is owner and master chef of Masouleh Restaurant. The village of Masouleh is his family home; as you dine, the chef will share its history and culture and provide one of his signature recipes to take home.
Price: $49
Jazz, Blues & Beyond: Greg Duncan Quintet
Tuesday, March 3, 2009, 12:15 - 1pm
Greg Duncan is an emerging artist and freelance jazz trumpet player. In addition to weekly gigs at the Green Mill with the Swing Shift Orchestra, he can also be seen performing with his own jazz quintet. His quintet plays contemporary straight-ahead jazz featuring some of the best jazz talent in Chicago.
Price: Free!
Intersections: Africa in Film - Lioness of Lisabi
Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 6 - 8pm
The representation of Africa in film continues to be problematic. Animated films consistently present animal characters; Hollywood films use Africa as a backdrop to focus on European or American heroes; and even the films emerging from the Nigerian based Nollywood industry create new paradigms that are disturbing. This presentation expands on these spheres of representation and will present an excerpt and discussion of Lioness of Lisabi, a 25 minute film written and produced by Stephanie Shonekan and directed by Vlady Oszkiel. The film is inspired by the life of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Nigerian women's rights activist and mother of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, musician and creator of afrobeat. [more]
Price: Free!
Pulse
Wednesday, March 4, 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!
Soleil's Pick! World Music Wednesdays: Esperanza Spalding
Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 8:30 - 11pm
The amazing Esperanza Spalding is a bass playing, band leading, scat singing prodigy. She has taken the jazz world by storm and is crossing over into the mainstream with recent appearances on David Letterman in addition to heaps and heaps of critical praise. This is a great chance to see her in such an intimate setting before her star fully ascends.
Artist/Artist Info: www.myspace.com/esperanzaspalding
Soleil's Take: If you haven't reserved your seats already, I'm afraid you're too late. L This one was "sold out" some time ago. Okay - you might be able to get a seat, but you will not get a reservation . . . (I tried to get seats for a group of us - but, I'll be there!) It sounds like this will be a nice set! The music has a nice, straight-ahead sounds and while Esperanza couldn't possibly out-weigh her bass, she sure works it - and works the vocals! Take a listen either at the link above, or on tonight at 8pm on PBS as she performs as part of "Stevie Wonder In Performance at the White House: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize."
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
Closing Week! 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
Closing Week! 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
Closing Week! 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
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
I've always been a little perplexed about the lack of cultural diversity at many of the culturally-themed performances that I attend. I wonder whether it's due to the neighborhood (typically northside), perceived haughtiness, or a simple failure to get the word out. Why is it that Tyler Perry can draw thousands, but Black Theater companies are struggling? Is traditional theater "superior" to "urban" theater? These are some of the issues that we have discussed at A la Carte and these issues have led me to contemplate the development of a cultural Theater Tour.
Program Details:
