SummerDance: Funkadesi

Thursday, July 9, 2009, 6 - 9:30pm

Soleil's Take: The dance floor has gotten a little tight as this To-Do has grown in popularity, but it's still a fun time! Last year, SummerDance expanded to 63rd Street Beach, Navy Pier, Athletic Field Park and Humboldt Park Boathouse. This year, it's further expanded to Washington Park! The view is beautiful at each of the locations, so get out there - and don't be afraid to try a new style of music and dance!, More SummerDance Dates!

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Thursdays - Sundays, June 11 - August 23

Hot Summer Nights: Lamajamal with Erika Ochoa

Thursday, July 9, 2009, 6 - 8pm

Lamajamal combines a wide variety of musical styles, instruments, rhythms, and songs into one universal expression. Along with Erika Ochoa, Chicago's premier belly dance instructor, this performance will transport audience members to the Balkans and beyond

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Thursdays, June 11 - September 3

Jazzin' at the Shedd: Soulio

Thursday, July 9, 2009, 6 - 10pm

North Terrace- SOULIO, Soulio is a funky, Chicago-based acoustic quintet that serves up fun, groovy, accessible jazz. Whether you call it jazz-soul, hard-bop, or instrumental funk, the jazz they play has a nearly universal appeal. People of all ages and backgrounds immediately respond to its warm blues and soulful vibe., Rotunda- ALEJANDRO URZAGASTE, Alejandro Urzagaste is working on a new recording due out in November. The recording features Dennis Carroll, George Fludas and Jodie Christian. Alejandro currently teaches at Geoff Benge's Guitar Shop and through the Thelonious Monk Institute. He plays a Hofner Jazzica guitar.

Price: $12; Members, Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Thursdays, June 4 through Aug. 27

Music Without Borders: Lura and Chiwoniso

Thursday, July 9, 2009, 6:30 - 8pm

Originally born in Portugal to parents from the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of West Africa, LURA draws on the islands' pungent blend of trade route cultures that have created a unique musical tradition embracing French Afro-pop, Brazilian rhythms and earthy, traditional African music. Just as Mariza has breathed new life into Fado as a contemporary heir to Amalia Rodrigues, so Lura does to this Cape Verdean music first made famous by Cesaria Evora. Lura brings to her music a street-wise, urban sensuality infused with the passionate roots of Africa. Riding on the tide of Cape Verde's rediscovery of its African roots, she has the star quality to bring this music to a wider audience. She mixes the familiar Morna style with the little-known rhythms of Funana and Batuque: styles brought to the fore by a talented new generation of composers such as Tcheka and Pantera. It is the music of women from the remote interior of Cape Verde, now infused with jazz and Brazilian influences.  [more]

Price: Free!

Les Nubians

Thursday, July 9, 2009, 7pm - 12am

Grammy Nominated international recording artists Les Nubians have intrigued audiences for almost a decade with their inventive and glamorous Afropean style. This distinctive sound embodies the timeless vibrations of Miriam Makeba, Ella Fitzgerald, Doudou N'diaye Rose, Fela Kuti, Edith Piaf, The Fugees, and Soul II Soul., Recognized for their colorful auras, Les Nubians' vogue is a fusion of Funkin' Fashion and Modern Amazon. Adoring fans pay tribute to the French/Cameroonian sister duo for their continuous flow of jazzy nuances, hard hitting drum n' bass lines, harmonious melodies, conscious proclamations and humanitarian endeavors.

Door: $30
Advance: $25

Robert Hines Presents . . . Some you've Seen & Some you Haven't! A Night of Laughter . . .

Thursday, July 9, 2009, 7 - 10pm

Robert Hines is a national touring headlining comedian who's been featured on Comedy Central's Comic Justice, NBC's Uptown Comedy Club, and BET's Comic View. (aka Toby Jones: owner of JonesBIGASS Truck Rental & Storage and Jones GOODASS BBQ & Foot Massage) . . . Robert Hines Presents . . . Laugh Til You Cry with some of the BEST including:, Detroit's loss & Hyde Park's gain C.SHARP Runner up in the Miller Comedy Search Ralphie Roberts & Internationally Recognized funny man Damon Williams, You never know what Rob has up his sleeve so it's bound to be an exciting night of comedy! Raffles, Prizes & Giveaways.

Price: $17.50; VIP, $22.50

History, Traditions, Legends - Negritude, by Dayo Laoye (Opening Reception)

Friday, July 10, 2009, 5 - 8:30pm

Africa International House USA, Inc. and the 20th Annual Chrysler Financial African Festival of the Arts invite you to History, Traditions, Legends! An Exhibition featuring "Negritude," by Dayo Laoye. A Collection of Paintings and Drawings Showing the Diverse Nature of Beauty.

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Monday - Saturday, through August 8, 2009

SummerDance: Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole

Friday, July 10, 2009, 6 - 9:30pm

The 13th annual Chicago SummerDance Series presents free Zydeco dance lessons by Buddy Bates & Rebecca Unger and live music by Cedric Watson & Bijou Creole, performing original Louisiana-style Creole music., Cedric Watson's eponymous CD release of 2008 has received a Grammy Nomination in the Best Cajun or Zydeco Music Record category. One of the most noted young talents to emerge in Cajun or Creole music in the past few years, Cedric Watson is a fiddler, vocalist, accordionist and songwriter of seemingly unlimited potential. Cedric has been making a name for himself reviving old Creole fiddling styles, injecting a healthy dose of his own personality and ingenuity, and bringing them to an ever-broadening audience. Cedric will also be playing at the 2009 Folk & Roots Festival presented by the Old Town School of Folk Music on Saturday, July 11, 2009.

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Thursdays - Sundays, June 11 - August 23

2nd Friday Gallery Walk Around

Friday, July 10, 2009, 6 - 10pm

Soleil's Take: This To-Do is definitely worth checking out - I thoroughly enjoyed it! In addition to a wide range of art and medium, you'll find different vibes goin' on at the many, varied galleries - but there's some sort of party at every stop. You may find a special deal on the application of eyelash extensions, accessories, provocative clothing, a DJ rockin' old school beats so hard that the art clings to the walls for dear life, or perhaps a quiet, ambient vibe. There's something for everyone, so expect to see a great diversity of age and race!

Friday Evening "Sit & Sip"

Friday, July 10, 2009, 7 - 10pm

Start your weekend by meeting up with friends at WineStyles. Enjoy wine, beer, board games, and more. And don't forget, we're B.Y.O.F. (that's Bring Your Own Food). Live music by Vo starts at 8pm, We're your cheap date night.

Price: Free!

9.9

Friday, July 10, 2009, 8 - 11pm

Sets at 8pm, 10pm and 12am

Price: $5
Other Times To-Do It: Friday and Saturday

Marqueal Jordan

Friday, July 10, 2009, 8 - 11pm
Saturday, July 11, 2009, 10pm - 1am

Marqueal's saxophone style . . . is inspired by Branford Marsalis, Maceo Parker, Grover Washington, David Sanborn and John Coltrane. In Fat Time, Marqueal developed his vocal style, which he claims " . . . is stolen from James Brown, Otis Redding, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Marvin Gaye, and D'Angelo and Maxwell, who were also my inspirations around that time." Fat Time released two independent CDs, performed with Morris Day & The Time, and Tower Of Power. They also appeared on The Jenny Jones Show and the WGN Morning Show. [S]ince Fat Time, Marqueal has performed with a veritable Who's Who of local and international artists: Blues legend Buddy Guy; Jazz great Von Freeman; trumpeter Corey Wilkes; former Miles Davis keyboardist Robert Irving III; and multi-instrumentalist Brother John.  [more]

Price: $5
Other Times To-Do It: Friday and Saturday

Chicago Folk & Roots Festival

Saturday, July 11 - Sunday, July 12, 2009

All year long at the Old Town School we focus on educating, learning, honoring, and presenting American and International artistic traditions and styles. Folk & Roots is great opportunity to take the School out for a weekend walk in Welles Park and to invite all of Chicago to join in as we celebrate not one, but two Anniversaries!

Soleil's Take: I think of this one as just a cool l'il north-side hippie fest. This fest is also incredibly family-friendly with tons of kids events. As with the performances at the Old Town School, expect a nicely diverse group of performers. View the Fest Schedule!

Price: Suggested donation $8; Seniors & Children, $4
More info: www.oldtownschool.org

Millennium Park Morning Fitness

Saturday, July 11, 2009, 7 - 11am

WEEKLY TAI CHI 7am: Start your day with this ancient Chinese martial art that has brought peace and discipline to its adherents for centuries.

YOGA 8 a.m.:  Start your day with Yoga in the Park, a class that helps to improve strength, balance, mental focus and flexibility through guided poses, mental imagery and breath work.

PILATES 9 a.m.: Strengthen the core muscles with Pilates in the Park and improve your posture, muscular imbalances and flexibility through a series of ground-based exercises.

DANCE 10 a.m.: Dance to the beat with a workout led by members of one of Chicago's outstanding area dance companies.  July: Capoiera with Marisa Cordeiro of Gingarte Capoeira Chicago, Learn the moves that combine elements of fighting with dancing, singing and musical instruments.

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Saturdays, June 6 through September 19

Bronzeville Community Market - The Art of Food & Life

Saturday, July 11, 2009, 8am - 1pm

The Bronzeville Community Market, the first of its kind in the City of Chicago, will offer locally grown products as well as tropical produce, prepared foods, and a vibrant array of entertainment and community activities. This farmers' market is a joint project between Quad Communities Development Corporation (QCDC), a local non-profit organization, and the Mayor's Office of Special Events (MOSE). The market will feature a wide variety of fresh and organic fruits and vegetables; a selection of meats, cooking oils, honey, and wine; a range of baked goods and prepared foods; vendors selling plants, beauty products and other non-food items, and a variety of fair trade vendors in cooperation with the Chicago Fair Trade Association. Market goers can also visit a wellness area that will feature a chiropractor and health screenings provided by a local medical facility.

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Saturdays through October 31

61st Street Farmers Market

Saturday, July 11, 2009, 9am - 2pm

From now until Halloween, the 2nd year of the 61st Street Farmer's Market will be bringing fresh and healthy foods to this community. Shoppers can purchase local sustainable fruits, vegetables, dairy products, eggs, meats, baked goods, flowers, and plants. There are lots of useful demonstrations as well. This market is run by the Experimental Station, a non-profit organization that is committed to building an independent cultural infrastructure on Chicago's South Side.

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Saturdays through October 25

19th Annual House Music Reunion

Saturday, July 11, 2009, 10am - 11pm

Now in its 19th year and attracting in excess of 10,000 people, the Chosen Few Picnic and Old Skool Reunion has become the largest House Music festival in the Midwest and probably the whole of North America. The legendary Chosen Few DJ Crew was originally formed by DJ Wayne Williams in the late 1970s with Alan King, Andre and Tony Hatchett, Terry Hunter and Jesse Saunders, and indoctrinated many to the new sound of House Music at seminal venues including Sauer's, First Impressions, Tree of Life and The Loft. For more information on the Chosen Few, visit chosenfewdjs.com. In 1990, the Chosen Few organized a party with 100 or so friends, which became the first Chosen Few Picnic. With Kim Parham, the Chosen Few still organize the picnic Independence Day weekend every year and pay most of the costs out of pocket to keep the outdoor event free to all.

Price: Free!

35th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival

Saturday, July 11, 2009, 12 - 8pm

Sunday, July 12, 2009, 12 - 8pm

Thousands of people converge on DuSable Museum's beautiful grounds on the second weekend of July each year for the Annual Arts & Crafts Festival. 2009 marks the 35th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival and we are celebrating our Children. This Call for Artists is an opportunity for all artists, art vendors, demonstrators, and workshop leaders, to exhibit and sell their art work and share their culture with the thousands of people who come to this event. The Festival is a showcase for local and national artists, a juried exhibition of fine art and uniquely crafted work which features artists working in traditional, ethnic and experimental fine arts and crafts that relate to African-American themes, identity, history and culture, and underscores our mission of preserving the history and culture of the African-American experience.  Festival Entertainment Includes: Merit School of Music Jazz Ensemble, Julia Huff and The Company Band, The Kids from Beasley Performing Ensemble, The Greater Metro Praise Team, Class Act Entertainment, Violinist, Jamila Clark, Kjdzjcjans and Jamiah on Fire & the Red Machine

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Saturday and Sunday

SummerDance: Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble

Saturday, July 11, 2009, 6 - 9:30pm

The 13th annual Chicago SummerDance series presents free Zydeco dance lessons by Buddy Bates & Rebecca Unger and live music by Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble, performing Zydeco., By age 25, Louisiana's Curley Taylor had played drums for some of Louisiana's finest legends including CC Adcock, Steve Riley, John Hart, "Lil" Bob of the Lollipops, and his uncles, "Lil Buck" Senegal and Wayne "Blue" Burns. While traveling with Louisiana legend CJ Chenier, Taylor started playing the accordion. Taylor's latest group, Zydeco Trouble includes himself (vocals, accordion); Matt Sonnier (rubboard); Charlie (rubboard); Errol Taylor (bass); Keith Clement (keyboard); and Erick Minix (drums). Curley will also be playing at the 2009 Folk & Roots Festival presented by the Old Town School of Folk Music on Sunday, July 12, 2009.

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Thursdays - Sundays, June 11 - August 23

Chocolate and Wine Tasting

Saturday, July 11, 2009, 6:30 - 8:30pm

This class is a high level overview on the proper way to taste chocolate and feel the "mouth feel" when tasting chocolate. Class will include six wine/chocolate pairings of wines from France, Spain, Germany, Italy and Australia; and fine chocolate from France and Belgium; sampling of Vino Cacao (chocolate wines: red and white) and Excellence (a chocolate Cognac) both made in France from the Bordeaux Region; sampling of The Chocolate Block - a chocolate wine made in South Africa. Students will also receive a list of wines tasted during the event.

Price: $39

Kem, w/ Vivian Green

Saturday, July 11, 2009, 7 - 11pm

Take a voyage somewhere free, grown up and sexy. Break away from the formulaic. Go somewhere pleasant, peaceful and soulful, where true love and lazy afternoons reign supreme. That's where Detroit native and singer/ musician KEM takes you on his sophomore LP KEM Album II. Filled with songs you can really ride to, he sticks to the critically praised R&B/jazz sound that made his debut album Kemistry, a certified gold hit. "To me, this album is better than the last one, because I feel better as an artist," KEM admits. "I stayed in the vibe of the first CD. I took the production up a notch. And I had more time to develop my songs." KEM knows singing songs for adult contemporary listeners is what drives his success. "I am not trying to market to that get naked crowd. My primary purpose is to serve people who like what I am doing.", Vivian Green "Vivian" , With the release of her new album, Vivian, the contemporary R&B singer/songwriter Vivian Green broadens the promise of her critically-acclaimed debut, A Love Story, with 12 irresistible new songs written, sung, and co-produced by Vivian Green. Vivian finds the artist acknowledging the complexities of love--from transcendent passions to poignant, yet liberating realities--in a series of lush musical settings evoking the vibe of classic soul music while showcasing a hard-won independence and fun-loving sensibility uniquely her own.

Miscellaneous Info: Reserved Sections A-D $95, E-F $65, Gen Admission $35 - $55; VIP Tower $150

SankofaSpirit Movies with a Mission: Sierra Leone's Refugee All-Stars

Sunday, July 12, 2009, 2 - 4pm

If the refugee is today's tragic icon of a war-torn world, then Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, a reggae-inflected band born in the camps of West Africa, represents a real-life story of survival and hope. The six-member Refugee All Stars came together in Guinea after civil war forced them from their native Sierra Leone. Traumatized by physical injuries and the brutal loss of family and community, they fight back with the only means they have - music. The result, as shown in Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars, is a tableau of tragedy transformed by the band's inspiring determination to sing and be heard.

Price: Free!

The Seated Stories of Hyde Park Hair Salon

Sunday, July 12, 2009, 3 - 6pm

The Official Barbershop of President Obama", Presents, The seated stories of Hyde Park Hair Salon, An art experience through the eyes of Hyde Park Hair Salon. Come celebrate the introduction of our touring art exhibition, showcasing artists from across Illinois as we take a stroll through the tradition of barbering, displaying art from 1927 to present day. Although President Obama holds the title of the Hyde Park Hair Salon's most prestigious client, many greats have passed through the threshold of Hyde Park Hair Salon, labeling the barbershop "A Lucky Charm". Is it a Truth or a Myth?, Come network with Art Collectors, Artists, Business owners, Media Personalities, Celebrity Guests, Non-profit donors and supporters of Hyde Park Hair Salon, as we invade the art society. Purchase Original Artwork and Limited Edition Prints & Network proceeds will assist 5 non-profit organizations in Illinois

Price: Free!

SummerDance: Chicago Grandstand Big Band

Sunday, July 12, 2009, 4 - 7pm

The 13th annual Chicago SummerDance series presents free East Coast Swing dance lessons by Arthur Murray Dance Center and live music by Chicago Grandstand Big Band, performing music from the Big Band era. Chicago Grandstand Big Band specializes in big band styles ranging from the 1940s to the present, with a library in excess of 1000 tunes. They focus particularly on music from the Stan Kenton Orchestra and also feature the music of Glen Miller, Artie Shaw, Woody Herman, Count Basie and Duke Ellington. They have been an integral part of Chicago's entertainment community for over 25 years.

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Thursdays - Sundays, June 11 - August 23

Chicago Botanic Garden Carillon Concerts

Monday, July 13, 2009, 5:30 - 

Enjoy an enchanting 45-minute musical performance of carillon bells on a warm summer evening and watch lights illuminate Evening Island., Through a regularly scheduled series of concerts each summer, carillonneurs from around the world delight Garden visitors with the captivating music of the 48-bell Theodore C. Butz Memorial Carillon. Meet the performers and enjoy a free carillon tour and demonstration before the concert - you can even try your hand at ringing the bells. Visitors can purchase snacks and a bottle of wine from the Garden Café, or grilled selections from the Garden Grille including burgers, hot dogs and barbeque. You may also bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on the lawn by McGinley Pavilion. Since 1986, the carillon has remained both a noted landmark and a source of remarkable music at the Garden. Crafted in Holland, the tower's bronze bells and playing device with a range of four octaves constitutes one of the few hand-played carillons in the nation.

Price: Free!; parking, $20 per car
Other Times To-Do It: Monday evenings, June 8 - September 7, 2009

Poetry on Perry

Monday, July 13, 2009, 7:30 - 11pm

This event delivers a fresh approach to a popular idea. Complete with a mood-setting DJ, this weekly open-mic adds old school flavor to south-side smothered soul. Come for the dynamic poetry workshop and advance your literary work with writing exercises facilitated by established local teaching artists. Stay for the open mic reading featuring well-known performers citywide, up and coming writers and you. All one has to pay is $5 and respect to the mic. Poetry on Perry is a safe space for all artists to cultivate their craft and build an artistic community of like minds and interests. The first rule is there are no rules . . . anything goes. This open-mic is open to poets, authors, songwriters and performers.

Price: $10; $5, on the mic
Other Times To-Do It: Mondays

Tuesdays on the Terrace: Kevin Nabors

Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 5:30 - 8pm

Born and raised on Chicagos Southside, Kevin Nabors Jr. attended Gershwin Academy, where he began his unlikely music career. Influenced by the sounds of jazz he heard at home, he began to play in school. His band (Mr. Newsome Oatis Sr)director started him on the clarinet, but he quickly progressed to the saxophone. While in concert band he auditioned for the All-City High School Band. He was chosen and juggled the responsibility of All-Citys concert band and jazz band, as well as the coursework of Chicago Vocational High School. The youngest musician in All-City, Kevin set a record of nine years as a band member. Upon graduation from high school he attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where he majored in Music Performance. Kevin also attended Chicago State University where he majored in Music Education. He has studied under Von Freeman, Ernie Watts,Pharez Whitted, and Roxanne Stevenson. [more]

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Tuesdays, June 2 - September 22, 2009

Music on the Esplanade: Banjo Buddies Dixieland Trio

Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 6 - 8pm

Chicago's nationally recognized Dixieland jazz band has entertained audiences across the country with their unique, eclectic style of Dixieland music and entertainment for more than two decades.

Miscellaneous Info: Unwind after your work day as you listen to relaxing performances by local musicians set on the Chicago Botanic Garden's front lawn. This live musical series showcases an assortment of genres including Spanish guitar, jazz, and blues. The Esplanade offers a beautiful setting for great entertainment and seating for a wide variety of guests - and only on concert evenings, you may have a picnic there as well! Top off the evening with light fare and a glass of wine, premium beer, or other beverages available for purchase on the Esplanade.

Price: Free! Parking, $20 per car
Other Times To-Do It: Tuesdays, June 9 - September

Chicago Outdoor Film Festival: Sunset Boulevard

Tuesday, July 14, 2009, 9 - 11pm

Gloria Swanson, William Holden, Director Billy Wilder's take on Hollywood offers a cynical look at an aging former silent screen legend, the great Norma Desmond (Swanson) who hires penniless writer Joe Gillis (Holden) to create her comeback film. This classic contains familiar lines such as, "I am big, It's the pictures that got small" and "All right Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close up." 1950 (111 minutes), To commemorate the Opening Night of the 10th Chicago Outdoor Film Festival, we will be giving away 10 "Room with a View" packages that include a Tuesday night stay at the Essex Inn, a picnic dinner to the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival and 2 VIP tickets to the John Hancock Observatory. These packages are courtesy of Essex Inn and John Hancock Observatory.

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Tuesday evenings (at sunset), July 14 - August 25, 2009

"Young Natives" Fundraiser Featuring Corey Wilkes

Wednesday, July 15, 2009, 6 - 8pm

Urban Aspirations" "Young Natives" fundraiser featuring Corey Wilkes with special guest Ken Chaney, is intended to raise seed money and awareness in order to jump start the continuation of "Young Natives" an open student jam sessions for Chicago area student jazz musicians, scheduled to resume October '09 at Sikia Restaurant on the campus of Kennedy King College. These sessions will provide student jazz musicians from elementary to college a central south side location where they can congregate, network, hone and display their music skills before a live audience of their peers, mentors and Chicago community residents. "Young Natives" Fund Raiser is a Buffet, Bring Your Own Bottle, Live Jazz affair featuring an encore performance by Chicago notable; jazz trumpeter Corey Wilkes, along with Chicago's premier jazz pianist Ken Chaney. This event will take place July 15th at Washburn Culinary Institute's Sikia Restaurant; Kenedy King campus. This is a great package for a ticket price of only $30.00., Menu includes:, African Salad Trio (Sweet potato Ambrosia, Broccoli and Cauliflower, Lentil), Jerk Chicken, Moroccan Salmon Cakes, Piri Piri Shrimp Skewers, Lamb Kabobs, Jollof Rice, Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Steamed Fresh Vegetables, Mini Dessert Variety:, Sweet Potato Pie, Chocolate Pound Cake, Cashew Cookies,, Also, Greg Stivers special blend of Stivers gourmet coffee.

Price: $30