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6th Annual Archibald Motley Student Fund Auction
Thursday, March 5, 2009, 6 - 9pm
Please join us for the 6th Annual Archibald Motley Student Fund Auction! Works by School of the Art Institute of Chicago alumni, faculty and other artists of African descent will be available. Silent auction bids can be placed starting at 10am at the Lusensop Gallery. Proceeds from this auction will provide awards to SAIC students. We are also celebrating 20 years of the sculptor and master teacher, Professor Preston Jackson. Works by his former students and sculpture faculty will also be auctioned. Celebrate artists, buy art! For more information, contact KPinde@saic.edu or call (312) 322-2440.
Miracle at Saint Anna
Thursday, March 5, 2009, 6:30 - 9pm
Spike Lee's big screen adaptation of James McBride's Miracle at St. Anna chronicles the story of four black American soldiers of the 92nd Infantry Division who get trapped in a small Tuscan village on the Gothic Line during the Italian Campaign of World War II. The film deals with the Sant'Anna di Stazzema massacre, but is structured with a Titanic/Saving Private Ryan flashback plot device involving a priceless Italian artifact, which is discovered in a murderer's closet. The sculpted head from Ponte Santa Trinita, valued at $5 million, is a clue to a mystery that began 39 years earlier, when the soldiers found themselves trapped behind enemy lines and separated from their unit after one of them risks his life to save an Italian boy.
Soleil's Take: Call to confirm time!!!
Wait Until Dark (Preview Week)
Thursday, March 5 - April 5, 2009
The Classic Suspense Film Returns to the Stage . . . By Frederick Knott, Directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson
A cool-as-ice psychopath smooth talks his way into the home of an unsuspecting blind woman. Unbeknownst to Susie, she's harboring a dangerous prize, and he'll use every trick to get it. Spend an evening on the edge of your seat with the genre Hitchcock made classic. This psychological thriller probes which frightens us more - the evil you can see coming, or the one you can't? Click here for the latest Court Blog post.
Ray Silkman
Thursday, March 5, 2009, 8 - 10pm
He has been touted one of the best saxmen in the business; regularly performing in sold out auditoriums and festivals in Chicago and across the Midwest. Appearances with The Greatest Of All Time, Muhammad Ali, and repeat performances before tens of thousands at Chicago's United Center, Donald E Stephens Convention Center, and Poplar Creek, Ray Silkman is one of the most sought after and celebrated performers in the Midwest. Ray has independently released five CDs including Heartbeat, which sold out in 18 short months, A View of Love, which offers a tribute to the late Luther Vandross, and Steppers Serenade. His CD SoundCheck including the hit "So Saxual" can be heard on smooth jazz and NIC radio stations across the country, JAZZ-FM radio in Europe, as well as being featured on BET's Jazz Discoveries. Ray's most recent release, Ray Silkman LIVE! features the classic "If I Aint Got You" and "Europa", adding to his already impressive collection.
Music Without Borders: Goran Ivanovic and Andreas Kapsalis Duo
Friday, March 6, 2009, 12:15 - 1pm
Goran Ivanovic (pronounced Goran Ivanovic) is a native of Croatia, a Balkan country torn by the civil strife that engulfed the former Yugoslavia. The musical son of a Serbian father and a Bosnian Croat mother, he has crossed many boundaries in his life and in his music. While he was studying at the Mozarteum in Salzburg with masters such as Elliot Fisk and Joaquin Clerch, his parents were expelled from Croatia and were granted political asylum in the United States. Since his residence in this country, Goran's broad grounding in Classical music has been enriched by influences of Jazz, Balkan and the World Music. [more]
Soleil's Take: This weekend opener provides a perfect escape from the office. Bring your lunch or pick up a bite from the Cultural Center, join your fellow music enthusiasts and soak up a bit of culture!
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Fridays
Soleil's Pick: Tavis Smiley - Accountable: Making America as Good as Its Promise
Friday, March 6, 2009, 12:30 - 1:30pm
Accountable provides real-life examples of how crucial issues -- including health care, education, the economy, unequal justice, and the environment -- manifest themselves in our communities. The book demonstrates the urgent need to hold politicians and ourselves responsible, because the stakes have never been higher.
Soleil's Take: I am sooo looking forward to hear what Tavis has to say. Despite tremendous pressure from our community, on Tavis Speaks, he consistently set forth, and upheld the importance of, a critical analysis of Barack Obama's (and each candidates) candidacy. No doubt that it will be interesting to hear Tavis' thoughts and analysis of President Obama's performance, the current state of affairs and our responsibility for change.
Price: Free!
MCA's First Fridays
Friday, March 6, 2009, 6 - 10pm
Happy hour takes on a new meaning with First Fridays at the MCA. Relax after a long workweek with a cash bar featuring Absolut Vodka specialty drinks and free Wolfgang Puck appetizers. Enjoy live music from local DJs, the world's only iMac G5 digital dating bar, and creation stations right within our open galleries. Each month features an up-and-coming Chicago artist in a preview of the latest 12 x 12: New Artists/New Work exhibition. Keep the festivities going at our after-parties at Chicago's newest and hottest spots. First Fridays tickets include museum admission, live entertainment, and complimentary Wolfgang Puck hors d'oeuvres. Please call the MCA box office at 312.397.4010 or visit www.ticketweb.com. Cash bar until 9:30 pm. Guests must be 21 or older to enter.
Soleil's Take: MCA's First Fridays usually offers up some pretty interesting visuals, and a lively crowd. I wouldn't even call this crowd diverse, though, as it will be predominately white. Of course, you can't go wrong when Wolfgang Puck is catering!
Umoja Spring Fling
Friday, March 6, 2009, 6 - 10pm
Plan on being part of all the excitement as Umoja Student Development Corporation hosts its 7th annual Spring Fling Dinner and Fundraiser! Mingle with more than 300 Umoja friends and donors at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago's West Loop. Enjoy a delicious meal while bidding on fantastic silent auction prizes such as week-long stays in Breckenridge and El Salvador, weekends in Michigan and New Hampshire, a private dinner cruise for six on Lake Michigan, Cubs tickets, White Sox tickets, family outings and much, much more. Bring your friends to Spring Fling and enjoy an exciting night on the town while supporting a good cause!
The Audacity of Art (Reception)
Friday, March 6, 2009, 7-10pm
Saturday, March 7, 2009, 2 - 8pm
Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. invites you to Gallery D'Estee - a weekend of artistic expression, exposure and excitement, featuring Chicago's most illustrious artists with their pastels, oils, sculptures and photographs. Celebrating The Audacity of Art and honoring Nicole Smith, Chicago icon, ambassador, curator and patron of the arts.
African-American Speaking Series: Forest Whitaker
Friday, March 6, 2009, 7:30 - 9:30pm
Harlan Jefferson Band
Friday, March 6, 2009, 8 - 11pm
Saturday, March 7, 2009, 10pm - 1am
Potent as a saxophonist, flutist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and actor, Harlan Jefferson is a very dynamic, creative and soulful artist with a kind and beautiful heart. He explores new dimensions of contemporary jazz without relying simply on technique and gimmicks. Harlan has a way of sticking to the melody, while being spontaneous and exploring his soul with a combination of jazz, hip hop and funk. His music is delightfully soothing, as he extends voice-like sounds from his saxophone. The last year has seen Contemporary Jazz Saxophonist Harlan Jefferson moving onto the Chicago scene with his neo-soul group So So Tight. After headlining at Anthony's Jazz Club in Elgin, IL, Jefferson began playing regularly at Chicago's world-famous Cotton Club and the renowned Back Room.
Hip Hop ConnXion Family presents The One 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009, 8 - 10:30pm
Uniting the best in Chicago for one night only. The top urban showcase of the year featuring the best hip-hop, footworking, breaking and urban tap companies in Chicago and surrounding areas. Featuring: Hip Hop ConnXion Elite, Hip Hop ConnXion Chicago, Dance 2XS Chicago, Culture Shock Chicago, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, ReDefinition, Nonstop Productions, CODA, FootworkKINGz, House Arrest 2, Hip Hop Force, Phaze II - Crosstown Crew, Be the Groove, Purifyied, Chi-Town Finest Breakers
The Soulcial Connection
Saturday, March 7, 2009, 8pm - 12am
The Elect Ladies would like to cordially invite you to our first fundraiser event of the year, A Soulcial Connection. Come out and enjoy the best . . . Soul Food, Soul Music, and Soulful People. The Food is a Soul Food buffet (chicken, catfish, greens, mac & cheese, candied yams), the Music is Gospel, Jazz, Neo-Soul, Old-School, and the Drinks are a Variety of Fruit Juice Mocktails (The Holy Roller-Signature Drink). Proceeds from this event will go towards future seminars and events designed to build and empower young women! Thanks in advance for your support! Hope to see you there! The Elect Ladies
Funny 1st Saturdays: Damon's Laugh-a-thon
Saturday, March 7, 2009, 8:30pm - 1am
Every first Saturday of the month, Damon Williams Entertainment, in conjunction with Knock-Knock Productions, produces a monthly comedy event - Funny First Saturdays. Our comedy shows, which are hosted by Damon Williams, feature an array of nationally-acclaimed comedians and poets from HBO, Comedy Central, BET and more. Doors open at 8:30PM. Show time is at 9:00PM sharp. Immediately following the show, everyone is invited to hang out on the dance floor and enjoy the music of DJ Dolla Bill.
Other Times To-Do It: First Saturday of Each Month
Music Mondays - Tecora Rogers
Monday, March 9, 2009, 7 - 10pm
Great Black Music in an intimate cabaret setting, Hosted by Sue Conway, "Maven of the Microphone" and WVON Radio personality Cliff Kelley. Tecora Rogers is a talented "quadruple threat" (singer, writer, producer and actress) whose gift is her ability to reach into the soul of the listener and make them feel the warmth she feels as she communicates through song.
Other Times To-Do It: Second Monday of each month
Jazz, Blues & Beyond: Matt Pinizzotto Organ Trio
Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 12:15 - 1pm
Soleil's Take: Jazz up your week with this lunchtime getaway! Bring your lunch or pick up a bite from the Cultural Center and enjoy a much deserved break!
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Tuesdays
Interfaith Dinner Featuring Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 5:30 - 8pm
At the Chicago Bar Association Interfaith Dinner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu will provide the keynote address on the subject of gun violence. Archbishop Tutu is a world renowned human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Beginning with his opposition to apartheid in South Africa, Archbishop Tutu has worked tirelessly to spread peace, justice, and democracy, and to end racial divisions throughout the world. 5:30pm reception, followed by the program/dinner at 6:15pm.
The Cool Gent: The Nine Lives of Radio Legend Herb Kent
Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 6 - 7:30pm
Radio pioneer Herb Kent will discuss and sign his new book, The Cool Gent: The Nine Lives of Radio Legend Herb Kent. Known as the Cool Gent, the King of the Dusties, and the Mayor of Bronzeville, Herb Kent is one of radio's most illustrious and legendary stars. This fascinating autobiography details both the high and low points of Herb's life while providing a vivid picture of black music, culture, and personalities from the 1950s to today.
Price: Free!
M Lounge Live Music - Eric Allen Quartet
Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 7 - 10pm
This dynamic jazz quartet is one you won't want to miss! Tenor saxophonist Eric Allen is most influenced by the style of saxophonists such as Dexter Gordon, Hank Mobley and early John Coltrane. Breaking out on the Chicago jazz scene in 1997, Allen performed with noted musicans of the Barrett Deems Big Band, Metropolitan Chicago Jazz Orchestra & Jazz Members Big Band before forming his own consortium.
Price: Free!
Pulse
Wednesday, March 11, 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!
Other Times To-Do It: Wednesdays
Gary Tu Trio
Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 7 - 10pm
Around age 16, I heard my first jazz album. I think it was Miles' first Quintet. A bass player friend of mine also introduced me to an album with Jaco Pastorius on it called Bright Size Life. I heard Pat Metheny for the first time. I began checking out every jazz CD and vinyl I could get my hands on at the library and dubbing them onto cassettes at home. Some of these included: Miles, Coltrane, Monk, Bird, Blue Note stuff, Charlie Christian, Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, Sonny Rollins, Ornette, Metheny, Scofield, Mike Stern, Bill Frisell, John Abercrombie, etc. [more]
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Live Music Tuesdays & Wednesdays
World Music Wednesdays: Pistolera
Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 8:30 - 11pm
Pistolera released their debut album Siempre Hay Salida on November 6, 2006 to critical acclaim in both English and Spanish language media. The album, which went to the Top 10 of the CMJ charts and received features in Rolling Stone Mexico, Billboard, The New Yorker, and NPR's Democracy Now!, launched the band's international touring career with performances in the USA, Mexico, and Europe. Siempre Hay Salida was produced by Grammy-winning producer Charlie Dos Santos (Los Van Van, Barbarito Torres, Pedro Luis Ferrer) and featured guest appearances by members of Si*Se, Grupo Fantasma, Antibalas, and Slavic Soul Party. The album set the tone for what Pistolera is now known for: melodic and danceable songs sung in Spanish and the strong political content of their lyrics which often talk about border issues, the plight of immigrants, and female strength. [more]
Ongoing To-Dos
Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons - Life Has Not Even Begun (Closing Week)
Through March 5, 2009
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, Marķa 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 cross-cultural, 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!
topdog/underdog and True West (Closing Week)
Through March 8, 2009
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!
Just Responding to the Spirit
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!
"Talking Bones" - Love of Heritage and Tradition
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.
Beyond Forty Acres and a Mule: Black Farmers Since Reconstruction
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. These are people who are centered in their lives. They know their purpose. Perhaps their deep attachment to the land makes them so grounded. I was touched by the spirits of these people. The photographs are dignified and evoke the strong portraiture of the art of Charles White. The book of this exhibit is a welcome addition to the library of any history or photography buff or lover of great coffee table books. LGR
Price: Sundays, Free!
Song & Dance: A Journey in Blacknuss
Saturdays, January 3 - 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.
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.
