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Thursday, August 13, 2009, 6 - 9:30pm

The 13th annual Chicago SummerDance Series presents free African Expressions dance lessons by Amaniyea Payne and live music by Ghannata International.

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

Elegant Afterwork Jazz Situation

Thursday, August 13, 2009, 6 - 10pm

With style, grace and a stellar list of international jazz performances and awards, vocalist Nicole Henry performs in a most genuine fashion and sings powerfully to inspire and touch the heart. With three Top 10 CDs released in the last four years, young Nicole is an

Price: Free!

Hot Summer Nights: Dennis Stroughmatt & Creole Stomp

Thursday, August 13, 2009, 6 - 8pm

Creole Zydeco, Cajun & Blues, Dennis Stroughmatt and Creole Stomp travel the country carrying the long tradition of Mississippi River Valley French Creole music to audiences everywhere. Learn the Cajun two-step from the Garden's very own Monica Vachlon.

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

Jazzin' at the Shedd: Guitarra Azul

Thursday, August 13, 2009, 6 - 10pm

GUITARRA AZUL, Guitarra Azul creates an exciting, flavorful mix of rumba flamenco, Latin jazz and world sounds, with intoxicating Latin percussion and the fiery sound of Spanish guitars. The melodious rhythm of Guitarra Azul features the unique blend of the sounds of composer and guitarist David Chiriboga, fellow guitarist Steve Edwards, percussionists Miguel Cascio and Rueben Alertaze, also bass guitarist Antonio Mahoon Rotunda: The Tim Fitzgerald Trio, The Tim Fitzgerald Trio features an entertaining mix of straight-ahead jazz, funk, pop and soul music. Ernie Adams is one of the nation's leading drummers, having toured with Ahmad Jamal, Ramsey Lewis, Stanley Turrentine, Al DiMeola, and many others. The soulful organist Tom Vaitsas rounds out this fun guitar trio.

Other Times To-Do It: Thursdays, June 4 through Aug. 27

Black Harvest: Scarred Justice - The Orangeburg Massacre 1968

Thursday, August 13, 2009, 6:15 - 7:45pm

2009, Bestor Cram and Judy Richardson, USA, 57 min. Also Showing:, Silas Lynch 2002, Gregg Daniel, USA, 11 min. With Ken Johnson, Lisa Jeffrey Warrior Queen 2008, Hezekiah Lewis, USA, 22 min. With Mary Tirenkti, David Dontoh, The tragic 1970 Kent State shootings are known to all, but an equally devastating event that occurred two years earlier has been all but lost to history. In early 1968, black college students protesting segregation in their South Carolina town were fired upon by police, killing three and wounding 27. SCARRED JUSTICE meticulously examines both sides of the controversy, including the efforts of state officials to blame the tragedy on "outside agitators," and the 35-year struggle of the victims' families to reopen the investigation. DigiBeta video. (MR), Preceded by two shorts. SILAS LYNCH puts a new spin on history with a fictional tale of a black actor passing for white to play the notorious blackface villain in D.W. Griffith's THE BIRTH OF A NATION. WARRIOR QUEEN recounts, by means of animation and drama, the birth of the Ashanti nation's resistance when the British attempt to take their legendary Golden Stool by force. Both in 35mm. (BS)

Price: $10
Other Times To-Do It: August 7 through September 3

World Class Jazz: Robert Irving III and Sketches of Brazil

Thursday, August 13, 2009, 6:30 - 8:30pm

A Tribute to Miles Davis and Gil Evans, Composer/pianist Robert Irving III presents the world-premiere of his orchestral homage to his mentors, Miles Davis and Gil Evans' on the 50th anniversary of the recording of pair's classic, "Sketches of Spain." Featuring trumpeter Wallace Roney, guitarist Toninho Horta and percussionist Dede Sampaio. Every Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz concert kicks off with aspiring musicians from Chicago-area high schools, as part of the Jazz Institute of Chicago's Jazz Links Educational Program.

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Thursdays, July 30 - September 3, 2009

Organic Groov: Marshall Titus

Thursday, August 13, 2009, 7pm - 12am

Singer-Songwriter-Performer-Producer-Actor. And it all starts with that voice, the deep passion of it, the dark longing and fine gravel of it. Listen as it soars. Listen as it travels through triumphs, through loss. Hear how it captures moments like some aural camera snapping elusive photographs. See it, feel it, know it. Now, let it inside you. "I am an artist who is not dictated by current trends, or bound by tradition. I am guided by the yearning of my soul's creative desire and self discovery." Born and raised in Chicago, Titus is a four-time champion and finalist on the hit TV show Star Search, an award winning stage actor, critically acclaimed songwriter. His voice has been heard on numerous radio/TV commercials and jingles, and he makes a cameo appearance in the box office hit movie "Barbershop". "The Reality of Dreams Project" is his second full length CD (His first CD is entitled Titus Vol.1 and will be re-issued in the near future). The new CD contains nine self-written, performed and produced songs (co-produced by Keith Henderson) on his own Doc O Soc Entertainment Group label." - CD Baby [more]

Price: Free!

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

Thursday, August 13, 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

New Era In Jazz: Yaw w/ Corey Wilkes

Thursday, August 13, 2009, 8 - 9:30pm

YAW is the name everyone is chanting in the city of Chicago! His music and performance is far from ordinary, it's unforgettable! He has performed on both the theatrical stage and musical stage. He's not just an incredible singer but YAW is an aspiring actor that has had the privilege to work with such prolific playwrights as Ntozake Shange and Paul Carter Harrison while still embracing his other love music. In music YAW has shared the stage with the likes of Floetry, Jaguar Wright, Kindred, Amel Larrieux and has backed up Eric Roberson and Liz Fields in several concerts. Lately he is most noted and recognized as the young singer who recently appeared as a feature on VH1's Soul Cities, a show produced by Nelson George that showcases singers in cities all over the country. Whether you have experienced his music for the first time or a million times over, one thing is certain your ears will have a love affair with the soul of a man whose musical spirit unlocks a new sound and an unforgettable Funk!

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Thursdays

Black Harvest: Ran$um Games

Thursday, August 13, 2009, 8:15 - 9:45pm

Chicago connection Filmmakers in person! 2007, Parris Reaves, USA, 89 min. With Devin Wesley, Elise Neal, Wood Harris, In this tense, twisty, shot-in-Chicago thriller from director Reaves (THE EVIL ONE) and producer/co-writer William Pierce (THE ENGAGEMENT: MY PHAMILY BBQ 2), a former drug dealer is kidnapped for a $500,000 ransom, but his wife throws a monkey wrench into the proceedings by refusing to pay up. The plot thickens as the three kidnappers squabble among themselves and a hidden motive surfaces from an event that occurred eight years earlier. HD-CAM video. (MR), Director Parris Reaves and producer/co-writer William Pierce will be present for audience discussion at both screenings.

Soleil's Take: View the entire Black Harvest Film Festival Schedule!

Price: $10
Other Times To-Do It: August 7 through September 3

SummerDance: Mannix Martinez y su Orquesta

Friday, August 14, 2009, 6 - 9:30pm

The 13th annual Chicago SummerDance series presents free Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata dance lessons by Lisa "La Boriqua" of Latin Street Dancing and live music by Mannix Martinez y su Orquesta. One of Puerto Rico's legendary voices, Mannix Martinez is best known for his hit singles with Orquesta La Terrifica and Sonora Pocena., Manuel "Mannix" Martinez is a singer and musical director from Ponce, Puerto Rico. He is well known for his work with Orquesta La Terrifica and later with the legendary Sonora Poncena. He has performed in Madison Square Garden, Coliseo Poliedro in Venezuela, Bellas Artes in P.R., El Pascual Guerrero in Cali Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Panama, Europe and Brazil.

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

2nd Friday Gallery Walk Around

Friday, August 14, 2009, 6 - 10pm

Hey, it's 2nd Fridays again! Come on down to South Halsted and 18th Streets in Chicago, meet some artists, see some performance work, and enjoy a little Chicago summer weather. This month's featured event looks at one of my favorite subjects, the beauty, vastness, and wonder of our sky and her planets. Don't miss this opening at Logsdon 1909 Gallery. FEATURED EVENT, WonderSky Paintings by Marco Logsdon and Photography by Michael Wayne, August 14th, 2009 - Logsdon 1909, 1909 S. Halsted St. Logsdon 1909 Gallery is proud to announce the opening of a two man show titled WonderSky. The exhibition will feature paintings by gallery director Marco Logsdon and a new series of photos by Michael Wayne., The show opens at the Chicago Arts District during the Second Friday Event on August 14, 2009 from 6:00 to 10:00 PM with an artists reception open to the general public. The exhibition will be on view until September 5, 2009., WonderSky is an exhibition that features two artists whose current works deal primarily with the sky and the wonder associated with its vastness and beauty. The name of the show came about after a Netflix rental of the quirky short lived but interesting TV series 'Wonderfalls'. The artist processes are very different yet both deal with the idea of the individual and his relation to the planet and universe. [more]

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: 2nd Fridays
Image Credit: Marco Logsdon

Black Harvest: 13 Months of Sunshine

Friday, August 14, 2009, 6:15 - 7:55pm (Also showing August 19)

2007, Yehdego Abselom, USA, 98 min. With Sammy Amare, Tsion Fikreselassie, In the Los Angeles ethnic community known as Little Ethiopia, counterman Solomon dreams of someday starting a coffee shop of his own. He can raise the money by providing a green-card marriage for attractive new immigrant Hanna, but the deal turns out to be more complicated-legally and emotionally-than he had bargained for. Based on a true story, this romantic comedy-drama is boosted by snappy editing and appealing performances. In English and Amharic with English subtitles. DigiBeta video. (MR)

A Date on State! Join us for a revival of the popular event from past Black Harvest Festivals, "A Date on State." See the 6:15 show of 13 MONTHS OF SUNSHINE, and then use your ticket for admittance to a post-movie party in our gallery/caf�.

Soleil's Take: View the entire Black Harvest Film Festival Schedule!

Price: $10
Other Times To-Do It: August 7 through September 3

We Tree

Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, 2009

We Tree is a multicultural musical collective founded by African-American, Brazilian, Nicaraguan and Puerto-Rican composers and instrumentalists, all currently based in Chicago. Drawing upon band member's individual cultural heritage as well as their experiences in contemporary American society, We Tree has created a distinct musical identity, one which fuses elements of Rock, Hip-Hop, Brazilian, Neo-Soul, Electronica, Jazz, Funk, Free-Jazz, and Gospel music, all reflected and transformed through the musicians interaction with each other, both on stage and in the studio. We Tree has been featured at legendary Chicago clubs including Martyr's, Tonic Room, Velvet Lounge, Ice Factory, Red Line Tap, Elastic, Acme Art Works, and the Beat Kitchen, and was recently invited to appear at the Focus on the Arts Festival in Highland Park. [more]

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

Black Harvest: Family

Friday, August 14, 2009, 8:15 - 10:15pm (Also showing August 19)

Chicago connection Faith Trimel in person! 2009, Faith Trimel, USA, 112 min. With Charyse Monet, Leslie Gilliam, Fadiha Carmelle Marcelin, The director of BLACK AURA ON AN ANGEL returns to Black Harvest with a sexy, savvy comedy-drama about coming out of the closet in image-conscious L.A. Six independent-minded gal pals, including a doctor, a hair salon owner, and a personal trainer, share a secret: they're lesbians who have been forced to invent elaborate ruses to keep their love lives undercover. Actress Melanie throws down the gauntlet: for better or for worse they will all come out to family and friends within thirty days. Trimel keeps the plot bouncing between madcap comedy and pathos, with a gorgeous and able cast more than equal to the task. DigiBeta video. (BS)

Director Faith Trimel will be present on Friday for audience discussion. Trimel is also a featured member of the panel How to Get a Movie Made on Saturday, August 15, at 5:00 pm.

Price: $10
Other Times To-Do It: August 7 through September 3

Carifet

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 9am - 9pm

Carifete is masquerade on the street representing a kaleidoscope of colors, cultures and artistry and a celebration for people of every age, race and creed. The festive ambiance of this event is created through a colorful parade of costumed participants accompanied by mobile music (live, D.J's, or Steeldrums). Themes represent fictitious characters brought to life, which represents the domains of history, nature or fantasy. The entire parade exemplifies a cultural extravaganza including the musical genre of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Punta and Zouk; dances to match the music & cuisine from the Islands of the Caribbean and the Americas. For the past several years, Carifete has been an integral part of Chicago's multicultural heritage. It entertains and excites -- from the brilliant and dazzling costumes that add a myriad of colors to the city, to the pulsating rhythms of the steel bands, soca and calypso music - drawing people of all ages. Chicagoans and visitors alike are invited to witness this cultural extravaganza. Carifete entices willing onlookers to participate. It is the ultimate Caribbean experience!!!

Price: Free!

2009 Chicago Air & Water Show

Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2009, 10am - 4pm

2008 marked the 50th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show, strong in tradition and assured the lofty position as one of the world's premier aviation events. From simple beginnings as part of a "Family Day Celebration" in 1959, the show has grown to the oldest and largest free admission air and water exhibition in the United States. With audience numbers reaching an average of 2.2 million annually, it is one of the largest spectator events in the world. The first show was held under the direction of Al Benedict, a Chicago Park District Supervisor at Lakeshore Park. Held at Chicago Avenue and Lake Michigan, the show was titled the Lakeshore Park Air & Water Show, and was a part of a "Family Day" celebration for children enrolled in the Chicago Park District's day camp program. The budget was $88, and the show featured a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, water skiers, a water ballet, games and a diving competition. The following year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Golden Knights Parachute Team performed to a huge crowd and the event became a Chicago summer tradition. Eventually, the show was renamed the Chicago Park District Air & Water Show, expanded to two days, and moved to its current location at North Avenue Beach. Corporate sponsorship participation was incorporated in 1989, and now provides substantial support for the production costs of the show. The event has been managed by the Mayor's Office of Special Events since 1994. With Chicago's magnificent skyline as a backdrop, the Chicago Air & Water Show promises to be like no other.

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

Black Harvest: Pirate Pride

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 3 - 4:30pm

Chicago connection Filmmakers in person! 2009, Derek Grace, USA, 60 min., The reputation of Maywood, a small Chicago suburb, as a basketball powerhouse is examined with enthusiasm and pride in this documentary tracing the history of basketball at Proviso East High School. Interviews with NBA stars and Proviso East alums Jim "Papa" Brewer, Glenn "Doc" Rivers, and Michael Finley, among others, bring personal perspective to the story of how dedicated coaching, discipline, hard work, and, most especially, community support have for decades served to propel Proviso East grads to stellar basketball careers. DV-CAM video. (BS) FF, Director Derek Grace and producer David Grace will be present for audience discussion.

Price: $10
Other Times To-Do It: August 7 through September 3

Introductory Writing Seminar: Collect. Reconnect. Connect!

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 3 - 4pm

Four Chicago-area writers will conduct a FREE introductory writing seminar that will focus on how to turn various types of history into interesting fiction and non-fiction., The writers Michelle Duster, Cynthea Liu, Jen Cullerton Johnson and Trina Sotira have created a variety of work using history in different ways (fiction, non-fiction, adult and children's books). The one-hour introductory seminar will help writers get some ideas on how many different sources can be used to create work, and numerous ideas and examples on how history can be turned into books that both entertain and inform., Family History, Michelle Duster, author of Ida In Her Own Words: The timeless writing of Ida B. Wells from 1893 (Benjamin Williams Publishing, 2008), Childhood Memories, Cynthea Liu, author of The Great Call of China (Speak, 2009), Paris Pan Takes the Dare (Putnam, 2009) and Writing for Children and Teens: A Crash Course (Pivotal, 2008) Recent History or Current Events, Jen Cullerton Johnson, author of Seeds of Change: The Wangari Maathai Story (Lee & Low, 2009), Personal Journals, Diaries and Photos, Trina Sotira, Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators manuscript consultant and young adult novelist

Price: Free!

Black Harvest: How to Get a Movie Made

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 5 - 6:30pm

Our Black Harvest panel discussion, which annually debates issues relating to black filmmaking, will dissect the process of making a film, from getting the money to casting, production, post-production, and distribution. Black Harvest festival consultant Sergio Mims heads up a panel of filmmakers to include directors Archie Roper (BLACK GIRL); Faith Trimel ("FAMILY"); Lawrence Lee Wallace (IF YOU LOVE ME...); Parris Reaves (RAN$UM GAMES); and producer Natalie Perkins (SILAS LYNCH). The audience is invited to participate with questions in this provocative forum. (BS)

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: August 7 through September 3

SummerDance: The Flat Cats

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 6 - 9:30pm

The 13th annual Chicago SummerDance series presents free jitterbug dance lessons by Big City Swing and live music by the Flat Cats, who perform swinging jazz, jump blues, and more toe-tapping music., The Flat Cats are one of Chicago's most exciting musical acts. The group is comprised of local musicians with years of performing, arranging, and composing experience and has a classic appeal of top quality musicianship, look, and spirit. The Flat Cats' blend of vintage and modern music including the hottest swinging jazz, jump blues, steamy standards, modern classics, ballads, and toe-tapping western swing is guaranteed to entertain.

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

Angie Stone, w/ George Willborn

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 7 - 11pm

Angie Stone is beaming -- just one look at her expression and you know she's right where she wants to be, in Marvin Gaye's studio on Sunset Blvd. She's putting the finishing touches on THE ART OF LOVE & WAR, her debut CD for Stax Records, and the vibe surrounding this album feels like she's channeling the inspiration of her soul predecessors. "I'm happy and I'm blessed," Angie explains. "To me, this album and this opportunity, is a rebirth. Everything in life is a journey, and THE ART OF LOVE & WAR defines this time and this place in my life." When Stax Records' Collin Stanback entered Angie's life, she was feeling stalled in her career -- stuck at a plateau. The opportunity he presented to her to be one of the debut artists on the newly activated Stax label offered a challenge that she was more than ready to take on. "Collin made me stretch," Angie smiles. "Well enough was definitely not good enough. He encouraged me to go where he knew I could go. And even good enough was not acceptable." Angie Stone on THE ART OF LOVE & WAR is better than good enough - This is Angie as she is meant to be seen and heard, and the sentiment is all hers. Stone wrote over 90% of the album and the thirteen tracks on THE ART OF LOVE & WAR showcase every nuance of her vocal range. She is in turn powerful, playful, and coy, and her voice permeates every corner of every note.

Miscellaneous Info: Reserved Section B $75, A,C,D $65, E-F $55, Gen Admission $20 - $45; VIP Tower $150
Other Times To-Do It: Saturdays, June 13 - August 29

Black Harvest: Black Dynamite

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 8:15 - 10:15pm (Also showing August 20)

Special advance screening! Scott Sanders in person!
2009, Scott Sanders, USA, 90 min.
With Michael Jai White, Kym Whitley

"Raucous . . . a vastly entertaining film."-Rob Nelson, Variety, A runaway hit at the Sundance Film Festival, BLACK DYNAMITE mines the best and the worst of the blaxploitation era for a rollicking kick-ass parody of classics including THREE THE HARD WAY, DOLEMITE, and SUPERFLY, with a heaping helping of Bruce Lee thrown in for good measure. With a 44-Magnum, nunchucks, and fists at the ready, babe-magnet Black Dynamite (Jai White), a former CIA agent, ruthlessly works both sides of the law when "The Man" murders his brother, floods orphanages with heroin, and pours tainted malt liquor into the 'hood. 35mm. (BS), Director Scott Sanders will be present on Saturday for audience discussion.

Soleil's Take: View the entire Black Harvest Film Festival Schedule!

Price: $10
Other Times To-Do It: August 7 through September 3

Kinobe & Soul Beat Africa Live

Saturday, August 15, 2009, 10pm - 2am

Sound Culture Presents KINOBE & SOUL BEAT AFRICA LIVE from Uganda, w/ World Music Dance Party Afterset by DJ Sound Culture Spinning African Highlife, Cumbia, Afrobeat, Salsa, Bhangra, and Balkan beats., Soul Beat Africa is the new voice of Ugandan Music, the inspired synthesis of African roots and world music, of traditional and modern instrumentation. These musicians represent the vanguard of Ugandan performers, gifted instrumentalists steeped in the music of their homeland, but with ears opened to the sounds of the world at large. Driving poly-rhythms, adungus, endongos, and endingidis drums - blend with guitars, drawing on influences from around the globe. This is a new groove for a new world.

Door: $12
Advance: $10

A Force for Change: African American Art and the Julius Rosenwald Fund

(Closing Week!) Through August 16, 2009

A Force for Change: African American Art and the Julius Rosenwald Fund is the first exhibition to explore the legacy of the Julius Rosenwald Fund created by the Chicago businessman and philanthropist to foster black leadership through the arts, literature, and scholarship. From 1928 to 1948, the Fund awarded stipends to hundreds of prominent and emerging African Americans artists, writers, and scholars across such disciplines as history, sociology, literature, and the visual and performing arts. A Force for Change will present the artistic and scholarly products of Julius Rosenwald's support, and will include more than sixty paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by twenty-two Rosenwald fellows, as well as a selection of documentary and archival materials. Artists include Elizabeth Catlett, Aaron Douglas, Katherine Dunham, Jacob Lawrence, Gordon Parks, Rose Piper, Augusta Savage, Charles White, and Hale Woodruff, among others. This exhibition was organized for Spertus Museum by guest curator Daniel Schulman, in collaboration with Spertus Museum Senior Curator Staci Boris, and will travel to the Allentown Art Museum in Pennsylvania and the Montclair Art Museum in New Jersey following Spertus' presentation. A Force For Change is accompanied by a fully illustrated 175-page catalogue co-published by Spertus Museum and Northwestern University Press. Authors include Peter M. Ascoli, Kinshasha Holman Conwill, Julia L. Foulkes, Alfred Perkins, Darryl Pinckney, and guest curator Daniel Schulman. Available at the Spertus Shop on-site.

Miscellaneous Info: Free for everyone: Wednesdays 10am - 12 noon and Thursdays 2-6pm
Price: $7
Other Times To-Do It: Sun, Wed & Thurs through August 16, 2009

Soul Yoga Fest on the Lake

Sunday, August 16, 2009, 11am - 1pm

Free Series of Classes in Kemetic Yoga!, Join Master Intructor Yirser Ra Hotep and the Society of Kemetic Yoga including certified instructors Yeeskah Donna Radcliffe, Tywanna Ari Anka Ka and Calvin Muhammad for this continuation of the Kemetic Yoga adventure on the shore of beautiful Lake Michigan in Chicago., Soul Yoga Fest Chicago Lake Front is a series of free classes offered to all of those who seek health and well being., Yirser Ra Hotep will offer this fourth session in a series in order to help you to manage stress, restore energy, improve your overall health and fitness level and to experience the transcendance that comes with practicing Yoga and Meditation outside in nature. The healing power of the water will bring into a state of bliss and refreshness you have not had in a long time if ever., This class is beginner friendly and will combine movements and breathing with meditation and relaxation., Kemetic or ancient Egyptian Yoga and the Yoga Skills Method emphasize slow controlled movement performed in a geometrically precise manner to bring the 3 primary spheres of a person into balance and harmony. Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience this powefully unique system of rejuvenation., Bring your own Yoga mat and call 773 396-6613 if you have any questions or problems. The YogaSkills Instructional DVD and Journey to Amenta Meditation CD set will be available for sale for only $20.00 each.

Price: Free!

Black Harvest: Ballou

Sunday, August 16, 2009, 3 - 4:30pm (Also showing August 20)

2008, Michael Patrei, USA, 86 min., Ballou High School is located in the poorest and most crime-ridden section of Washington, D.C., but its celebrated marching band, with 100% graduation rates and top-three finishes in national championships, shows that environment need not be destiny. Big names like Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, John Lewis, Marion Barry, and Chuck Brown sing the band's praises, but first-time director Patrei keeps the film's focus on the kids themselves and their ability to overcome day-to-day challenges, whether they be untimely death or lack of air-conditioning. DigiBeta video. (MR

Price: $10
Ticket Link: Purchase Tickets!
Other Times To-Do It: August 7 through September 3

Black Harvest: Prince of Broadway

Sunday, August 16, 2009, 5 - 6:40pm (Also showing August 18)

2008, Sean Baker, USA, 100 min. With Prince Adu, Karren Karagulian, "The shiniest indie gem I've found this year so far."-Eric Campos, FilmThreat.com, Lucky, an illegal Ghanian immigrant who hustles knock-off handbags from a Manhattan shop's back room has his already-chaotic life turned upside-down when an old girlfriend resurfaces just long enough to thrust a toddler she claims is his into his unwilling arms. The baby, a serene little man, becomes the straight man to Lucky's blustering and often comic efforts to adjust to what he at first sees as an unjust twist of fate. The film's superb characterizations and poignantly real depiction of the seedy underside of New York's fashion district earned director Baker the Best Feature award at the Los Angeles Pan African Film Festival. HD-CAM video. (BS)

Price: $10
Other Times To-Do It: August 7 through September 3

SummerDance: The Weiss Brothers

Sunday, August 16, 2009, 6 - 9:30pm

The 13th annual Chicago SummerDance Series presents free foxtrot dance lessons by Bob & Penny Urbon of Chicago Ballroom Dance Co. and live music by the Weiss Brothers. The Weiss Brothers have been playing beautiful dance music for close to half a century. The Weiss Brothers Orchestra has been playing beautiful dance music for close to half a century, originally as the Freddy Mills Orchestra. The Weiss Brothers took over the band after Freddy Mills' retirement and have since played regularly at the Willowbrook Ballroom as well as many other venues in the area. Noted for their full sound and danceable music, the Weiss Brothers Orchestra have been featured at the Chevy Chase Country Club, The Martinique, Navy Pier and Grant Park.

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

Black Harvest: Nobody Smiling

Monday, August 17, 2009, 6:15 - 7:45pm (Also showing August 18)

2008, Jamal Dedeaux, USA, 83 min. With Shay Roundtree, Teck Holmes, An action drama set in the mean streets of L.A., NOBODY SMILING pulls Atlanta college teacher Jesse Ward (Roundtree) down into a dark and violent mystery when he comes home to bury his murdered brother Dante. A gangland debt, drugs, prostitution, and traffic in underage girls all appear to have been part of Dante's resume, but nobody who knows is talking, including the dead man's ex-wife, now a stripper who turns tricks on the side, a missing girlfriend, and best friends who may well be enemies. HDCAM video. (BS)

Soleil's Take: View the entire Black Harvest Film Festival Schedule!

Price: $10
Other Times To-Do It: August 7 through September 3

Black Harvest: Shorts Program - Urban Visions

Monday, August 17, 2009, 8:15 - 9:45pm

Filmmakers in person! 2008, Various directors, USA, 104 min., Five sketches of city life: A bipolar hip-hop producer and his long-suffering manager undertake a bumpy cross-town car trip in Khary Jones's HUG (2008, 16 min.). A pregnant teenager is driven to a desperate act in Rashaad Ernesto Green's PREMATURE (2008, 15 min.). An L.A. cabdriver is haunted by the events that caused him to leave his native Ghana in Edward Osei-Gyimah's KWAME (2008, 25 min.). A vengeful mugging victim re-encounters his attacker in Gershon Hinkson's SEVEN BREATHS (2008, 18 min.). An impotency-plagued West African in Los Angeles resorts to old-fashioned juju and animal sacrifice in Joey Sylvester's IN THE LAND OF OPPORTUNITY (2009, 32 min.). Various formats. (MR)

Price: $10
Other Times To-Do It: August 7 through September 3

Tuesdays on the Terrace: Jason Adasiewicz

Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 5:30 - 8pm

A prolific and visible member of Chicago's jazz and improvised music scene, Jason Adasiewicz is quickly gaining widespread recognition from his extensive work as a sideman as well as such high-profile honors as his strong showing in the Rising Star Vibes category of DownBeat's 2007 and 2008 Critics' Poll. Critics have called him "a remarkably adroit colorist" (Jay Collins, Cadence) and "a welcome new voice" (Chris Kelsey, JazzTimes), noting his "probing sound" (Michael McCaw, AllAboutJazz.com) and ability "to create cunning and subtle rhythmic suspensions" (Derek Taylor, Dusted)., Adasiewicz is a member of more than 20 working bands, including Rob Mazurek's Exploding Star Orchestra, the Nicole Mitchell Quartet, Mike Reed's Loose Assembly, the Guillermo Gregorio Trio, and Ken Vandermark's Index Orkest.

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

Music on the Esplanade: Fernandez + Kimball

Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 6 - 8pm

Hector Fernandez and Tom Kimball have been playing Spanish guitar-based music together since 1994. This Spanish guitar duo has had a great deal of success playing instrumental guitar music. Their repertoire includes flamenco pop as played by Gipsy Kings, Strunz & Farah, Ottmar Liebert; Latin American standards such as "Wave", "Guantanamera", "Sabor a Mi" to name a few; and traditional and classical flamenco. While they play all acoustic instruments, they also incorporate the use of drum machines and pre-recorded rhythm track to create a fuller sound if needed. In addition to corporate events and private parties, Fernandez + Kimball have performed at many public venues for a broad audience. They have studied in Spain, California, and New Mexico under recognized artists including Rafael Riqueni, Juan Serrano, Tomas de Utrera, Jacco, Norman Ruiz and Roberto Arce. So, it is no surprise that their musical interests include flamenco, classical and Latin American styles ranging from traditional to pop.

Price: Free! Parking, $20 per car
Other Times To-Do It: Tuesdays, June 9 - September 1

Chicago Outdoor Film Festival: Young Mr. Lincoln

Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 8:15 - 9:55pm

Henry Fonda, Alice Brady, A fictionalized account of the early life of America's 16th President as this year notes the bi-centennial of his birth. The story follows Abe Lincoln as he tackles one of the most significant trials in a young lawyer's life. This is the first film of many in a long term collaboration between director John Ford and Fonda. 1939 (101 minutes)

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

SummerDance: The Steve Butler Movement

Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 6 - 9pm

Chicago SummerDance in the Parks 2009 presents free Chicago Steppin' dance lessons by Pete & Linza Frazier of the Majestic Gents and live music by The Steve Butler Movement, performing R&B favorites. The Steve Butler Movement plays funky, smooth and soulful R&B that heralds artists like James Brown and Curtis Mayfield, and heralds the roots of R&B. The Steve Butler Movement is an eight-piece band composed of a full brass section and powerful vocalists that fuses the individual expression and flavor of each artist. His debut album with trumpeter Ron Haynes, Something for the People, has a nostalgic feel of 70s R&B, including the syncopated rhythms from that era recognized as the hallmark of Chicago's great Stepping culture.

Price: Free!