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Click on any headline link for details about the To-Do and to use advanced calendar features, such as e-mail or text reminders and to add To-Dos to your personal calendar! To-Dos are added daily, so be sure to visit www.so-LAZE.com for the most current listings!

Organic Groov: Tiaybe

Thursday, September 10, 2009, 7pm - 12am

TIAYBE (Tee-Yah-Bay) Tiaybe is a quiet, multi-faceted chanteuse from Chicago driven to share her eclectic vision of music with the world. Tiaybe eleased her 1st solo Cd project title "Soul Odyssey" featuring hits - Set Free, Moonlight & Stimuli 4 Ur Mind. Tiaybe has shared stages with mainstream artists such as Chico Debarge, Glenn Lewis, Dwele, Kindred, Patti Labelle, Tremaine Hawkins, De La Soul, Geno Young, Carmen Rodgers, Yahzarah & Sy Smith as well as local soul artists - Yaw, Tina Howell, Zzaje, Avery Young, We Hit and many talented others. Tiaybe's musical influences include many great Soul Divas - Minnie Riperton, Chaka Khan, Aretha and Natalie Cole just to name a few. Her unique brand of soul displays multi-genre influences from jazz, gospel, rock, pop, R&B & soul. Helping her along the way to push and develop her own sound was legendary Chicago vocalist coach Lena McLin (who also played a crucial part in helping Khan develop her unique style), Hortense Love, Denize Knox and Larry Robinson. In 2001, Tiaybe joined one of Chicago's forward thinking Neo Soul ensemble - the Soul People. The marriage of Tiaybe's warm, rich, honeyed vocals as lead vocalist to the collective's cohesive grooves, has kept Soul People's name at the forefront of must-see bands in the Windy City and in the neo-soul movement itself.

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

New Era In Jazz: The Imperial Band, f/ Marqueal Jordan

Thursday, September 10, 2009, 8 - 9:30pm

One of the most sought-after vocalists and saxophonists in Chicago, Marqueal grew up in a household where music from his parents' record collection was his first love and it fueled his desire to become a musician. In 2008, Marqueal got his big break when he met Smooth Jazz artist Brian Culbertson. After hearing him play and sing, Brian offered Marqueal a spot in his touring band. As part of Brian Culbertson & The Funk Experience, Marqueal has electrified audiences in the U.S. and abroad, and has performed with Will Downing, Gerald Albright, Earl Klugh, Stevie Wonder, Kenny G., Patti Austin, Lalah Hathaway and Ledisi. With his own band, The Marqueal Jordan Project , Marqueal sees himself as a musician ". . . humbly trying to carry on the tradition of great instrumentalists and vocalists. Guys like Ray Charles, Donny Hathoway and George Benson It's a challenge to juggle working with other cats and being true to your own vision, but it's time for me to make this happen on my own terms."

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

Windy City Wine Festival

Friday, September 11, 2009, 4 - 10pm

Join Us for a Celebration of Wine, Food, Music and Friends! The festival provides an opportunity to sample from more than 250 wines from around the world. Learn about new and exciting varieties from the experts in a relaxed festival setting. Wine seminars and cooking demonstrations are conducted by event sponsors, exhibiting wineries, area chefs and restaurateurs. Enjoy food from some of Chicago's finest restaurants and caterers. Local musical talent will perform live each day.

Soleil's Take: Check the Fest website for details regarding the live music schedule.
Price: $25; $10, designated driver
Other Times To-Do It: Friday and Saturday

2nd Friday Gallery Walk Around

Friday, September 11, 2009, 6 - 10pm

This To-Do will be updated as information becomes available. Choose "Notify me of changes" on the Other Event Action toolbar menu below to receive automatic e-mail or mobile text updates about this To-Do!

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!

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: 2nd Fridays

Flotsam & Jetsam - New Works from James Ferraro (Opening Reception)

Friday, September 11, 2009, 7 - 11pm

illustration . sculpture . stencil . miscellaneous media
Curated By Anna C. Butler

The TSR Artist Series hosts James Ferraro's first Chicago solo exhibition titled, Flotsam & Jetsam, featuring a collection of his most recent works. In an effort to expand upon his artistic influences 28-year-old Austin, Texas native, James Ferraro, relocated to Chicago in February of 2009. With Ferraro's move to the mid-west, the young artist brought his unmistakable style of mixed-media; which celebrates his passion for found objects, figurative illustration, stencils, sculpture and carpentry craft inherited from his father.

Artist Perspective on Flotsam & Jetsam . . . These words are traditionally maritime terms used to describe objects and cargo that have been voluntarily cast into the sea. Jetsam is often abandoned cargo used to lighten a vessel in an emergency, while flotsam describes goods that are floating on the water without having been thrown in deliberately, often after a shipwreck. Generally speaking, jetsam is the property of the finder, while flotsam remains the property of its original owner [more]

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: September 11 - October 23

the darkest pit

Friday, September 11, 2009 and Saturday, September 12, 8 - 9:40pm

a new play by kristiana col�n Featuring: Zarinah Ali, Brandy Brooks, Shannon Evans, Jennifer Lauren Glasse, Lina Jamoul, Erynn Mackenzie, Elise Mayfield. The ricochet of bullets breaks the hush of academia's ivory halls. Four students and a teacher are trapped in a classroom. Attempts to remain calm are shattered by each new wave of terror. Tension coils to the point of asphyxia, and then, the shooter enters the room . . .

Price: $15
Discounts: group of 10 - $10, group of 15 - $7.50, call for larger groups

Close-Up 2: Audley Reid

Friday, September 11, 2009 and Saturday, September 12, 2009

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
Other Times To-Do It: Friday and Saturday

Rock Ya Body (Fitness) Boot Camp

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 9 - 11am

Free Trial Training Session - Sign up by sending first/last name to RisqueGlobalGrooveGuru@gmail.com.

Price: Free!
Drop-Ins Permitted: Yes

Groovin' On the Grove

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 10am - 8pm

A community celebration for everyone! Live Music. Food. DJ Dance Floor. Spoken Word. Marching Bands. Marketplace. Fashion Show. This To-Do will be updated as information becomes available. Under "Event Actions," select "Notify Me of Changes" to automatically receive an update from Soleil's To-Dos!

Price: Free!

Chicago Neighborhood Tour: Historic Bronzeville

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 10am - 2:30pm

Join in Bronzeville's modern-day renaissance. It's happening in this African American community-among the 20th century's most influential-through commitment and cultural initiatives. Tap into past and present at DuSable Museum, a major independent institution. Observe youths and adults in action at Little Black Pearl, offering opportunities through cultural entrepreneurship. Finish up at the lovely Gallery Guichard., Tour Highlights: * Guided Tour of DuSable Museum of African American History, * Discussion/Tour at Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center, * Presentation at Gallery Guichard, * Light Refreshments Included

Price: $30

Breaking into the Entertainment Industry Seminar

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 11am - 2pm

The Breaking into the Entertainment Industry seminar is a one-day event where you will learn from successful industry professionals Craig J. Harris and Sharon King on how to enter and navigate the film and TV business., Craig and Sharon demystify the industry, providing invaluable information like: How to retain a legitimate talent or literary agent, What a casting director looks for in an actor, How to become a voiceover actor, How to query and submit your script to a production company, How to market your talent, How and when to join a union, Avoiding scams, and much more! This seminar is crammed with information from Craig's and Sharon's years in the industry. If you have ever wanted to get into the Entertainment Industry, or are an industry professional looking to better market your talent and skills, DON'T MISS THIS EVENT! [more]

Gospel On the Grove

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 12 - 4pm

A community celebration for everyone! Live Music. Food. DJ Dance Floor. Spoken Word. Marching Bands. Marketplace. Fashion Show. This To-Do will be updated as information becomes available. Under "Event Actions," select "Notify Me of Changes to automatically receive an update from Soleil's To-Dos!

Price: Free!

Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Youth Ensemble Auditions!

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 1 - 2:30pm

Come Audition for our premiere Youth Ensemble ages 13-17!

Windy City Wine Festival

Saturday, September 12, 2009 and Sunday, September 13, 2009

Price: $25; $10, designated driver
Other Times To-Do It: Friday and Saturday

Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Ensemble Auditions!

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 6 - 9pm

Come audition for the Emerging Artists Ensemble and the Community Ensemble!
Miscellaneous Info: Resume and Photo encouraged
Dress Code: Appropriate dance attire that shows the body

eta Annual Benefit Gala

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 7pm - 12am

Held annually on the first Saturday after Labor Day, the festive gala features a silent and live auction, live entertainment, a scrumptious soulful buffet catered by Fanfares by Faye, an open bar, dancing to live and recorded music and carriage rides. The centerpiece of the evening is the presentation of awards to outstanding individuals whose lives and work illustrate the theme. The 2008 honorees were TV personality Merri Dee, publisher Dorothy Leavell, author/actor Hill Harper, corporate executive Greg Hinton and motivational speaker Taylor Moore.

Price: $125

Cocktails & Clay

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 8pm - 12am

Looking for something different [To-Do] on a Friday night? Get your hands dirty in the Ceramics Studio, enjoy drink specials from the cash bar, explore the exhibitions and dance all night in the Main Gallery.

Price: Free! (Donations Suggested)
Other Times To-Do It: Second Fridays

Best of Blax - Late Night Show

Saturday, September 12, 2009, 10pm - 12am

Written by: Kevin Douglas, Inda Craig-Galvan and Carla Stillwell, Directed by: Kevin Douglas and Jonathan Keaton, Pulling from MPAACT's hit productions, Blaxploitation the Remix and Blax 2, You know how we Deux, THE BEST OF BLAX . . . is a collection of original sketch performances that are unabashedly courageous and provocative in their take on race, class, and American politics.

Miscellaneous Info: BYOB!
Price: $10
Other Times To-Do It: Saturdays, August 22 - September 12, 2009

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

Sunday, September 13, 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!

Music Mondays - Curtis Robinson

Monday, September 14, 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., Curtis Robinson plays the guitar as if his life depended on it . . . and it does. If not his biological life, then, without question, his creative life is inextricably bound to the instrument he began to play when he was in elementary school. His distinctive style is captured on his upcoming first CD, "Tribute to the Messengers."

Price: $15.00; 10 or more $12.00 (group reservations recommended)
Other Times To-Do It: Second Monday of each month

Tuesdays on the Terrace: Corey Wilkes

Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 5:30 - 8pm

A young lion with a roar being heard in several music genres; Corey Wilkes burst onto the music scene in 2002 and landed in the soul of the Chicago Jazz Club scene. For his next feat he took on the ghost of Lester Bowie and filled the vacant trumpet seat in the the Art Ensemble of Chicago. Big shoes to fill for a new musician but Corey isn't an ordinary musician. He began at the age of 10, made the Illinois All State Honors Jazz Combo in high school and honed his talent at Berklee College of Music., His soulful notes can be heard gracing a variety of projects such as DJ sets by Logic, Osunlade and Josh Deep; tracks on Hidden Beach's Unwrapped Vol 4, as well as Kahil El Zabar's Ascension Loft Series., Corey has shared the stage and knowledge with Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Ledisi, Soulive, James Moody, Meshell N'degeocello, Mike Phillips, Roscoe Mitchell, Von Freeman, Will Calhoun, Malcolm Jamal-Warner and so many more. In addition he performs extensively in Europe as well as Africa and South America.

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

M Lounge Live Music - Julia Huff & The Company Band

Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 7 - 10pm

has masterfully honed her vocal skills to extreme heights and has been compared to musical starlets like Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, Carmen McRae, and even Tina Turner and Gladys Knight. Her engaging interaction with the audience will make you feel like you are part of the performance, not just listening to it. Julia, along with her sizzling trio will leave wanting more long after the show is over.

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Live Music Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Jazz Wednesdays: Joan Colasso

Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 7 - 9pm

Emmy Award winner Joan Collaso is an international vocalist who hails from Chicago. Her smooth vocals are a fusion of her musical experiences, and her love of Jazz, R&B, Blues and Gospel, that have been enjoyed by music lovers all over the world.

Miscellaneous Info: Every Wednesday from 7pm-9pm, Park 52 will enhance your dining experience by featuring some of the very best jazz artists that Chicago has to offer. Please contact Events by Eve for more information in regard to the Wednesday roster at (773) 933-4781.

You and some friends stumble into a jazz club somewhere in Chicago. You are not quite familiar with the genre, but you have heard enough to know what to expect. You assume that the four guys who are preparing to play will do something that is mellow and cool, because that is what jazz musicians do. They will avoid anything that even resembles pop music, because that type of music has always been taboo in the more sophisticated jazz circles. But then the quartet begins to play, and you hear and see something that suddenly ruins all preconceived notions of what jazz music is supposed to be. The songs are spirited and melodic. The band's energy is contagious - enough so that the crowd is now standing and making an improvised dance floor out of the little bit of space in front of the band. More surprisingly, the crowd is composed of people who are young and old, black and white. Something different is going on here, something which causes you to want more. The young leader of the band, the one who has been wowing the crowd with his saxophone skills, then introduces himself as Chris Greene. [more]

Phil's tenacity gave him the opportunity to tour with Bernie Mac as a key member of Bernie's "Mac Men". Rarely satified with complacency, Phil went on to tour with Alfonzo Hunter and Dave Hollister while the lead guitarist for the band Detour JazFunk. Flexibility in all musical situations, Phil flows seamlessly through any genre of music, and that has lead to his performance with keyboard pioneers Stevie Wonder and George Duke; soulful R & B singers Chaka Khan and Will Downing; neo-soul artists Erykah Badu, Amel Larrieux and Lyfe Jennings; rappers Eric B., Rakim and Common.

Sister Carol is one of Jamaica's top entertainers. She is a Grammy-nominated reggae artist, movie and television actor and MC that has been a true trailblazer for women in the male-dominated reggae music industry. She began her professional singing career with the legendary Meditations and moved on to a solo career that established her as a cornerstone of the dancehall/DJ movement. Sister Carol has toured the world several times and returns to the Old Town School with the Yellow Wall Dub Squad. Sister Carol will offer a workshop on Rastafari in our Thursday Workshop Series.