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Chicago Artists Month
Through October 31, 2009
Chicago Artists Month is an annual celebration of Chicago's vibrant visual arts community during the month of October. Over 200 events take place including exhibitions of emerging and established artists, openings, demonstrations, tours, open studios and neighborhood art walks at museums, galleries, parks, neighborhood art centers, artists' studios and other locations throughout the city.
Chicago Artists Month 2.0, This year's theme, Chicago Artists Month 2.0, refers to the concepts of interactivity and connectivity associated with Web 2.0, and highlights the ways in which artists interact with their audiences, interface with other artists, and use technology in order to create and distribute their work - locally, globally and virtually.
Meet the Artists, Each year, Chicago Artists Month spotlights a group of artists who embody the diversity of the community. They all are associated with exhibitions or events where you can meet them or see their work in October. They are recommended by the organizers of these programs, and represent just a handful of the many artists participating in Chicago Artists Month. Learn more about them in the Featured Artists section
EMERGED: The Fresh Faces of Gallery Guichard (Collector's Preview)
Thursday, October 1, 2009, 5 - 10pm
Gallery Guichard will be hosting an exhibition featuring some of the hottest young artists in Chicago. This Chicago Artists Month Exhibition will feature intimate artists talks and Sunday Salons allowing you to have an open dialog with these incredible young artists., Featured Artists:, * Paul Branton * Jennifer Bridgeforth * Quentin Crockett * Tia Etu * Philippe Gibson, * Christopher Jarred * Nicole Malcolm * Asten Mosley * Kudzai B. Mutasa * Max Sansing * Delores"Buttons" Walker, * Darryl Westly
Price: Free!!
Traditional Minds, Modern Lives
Thursday, October 1, 2009, 6 - 7:30pm
Two-time Grammy winner Robert Mirabal presents music and a spoken word performance from his new novel Running Alone in Photographs. A Native American flute player and maker from Taos Pueblo, New Mexico, Mirabal was twice named the Native American Music Awards' Artist of the Year, and received the Songwriter of the Year award three times. He was featured in the Grammy Award-winning album Sacred Ground: A Tribute to Mother Earth in 2006 and won the 2008 Grammy for Johnny Whitehorse: Totemic Flute Chants. Mirabal also published a book of poetry and prose in 1994 entitled Skeletons of a Bridge.
Price: Free!
World Kitchen: Now You're Cooking Series
Thursday, October 1, 2009, 6 - 8:30pm
This class is for people who have mastered basic cooking skills and now want to learn more of the timesaving techniques that professionals use, including tips on menu planning and best kitchen practices. The insider secrets will increase students' kitchen confidence to go beyond basic recipes to make their own creative meals.
This culinary class is part of World Kitchen Series. Explore Chicago's diverse cultural heritage through ethnic cuisines, and focus on culinary skills and techniques in our state-of-the-art facility. World Kitchen offers opportunities to experience the true pleasures of food as nourishment for the body as well as art for the soul. Food industry professionals share their expertise with students at any level of cooking experience.
Price: $100 for series, registration is required
Other Times To-Do It: Thursdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 6-8:30 pm
Wine, Women & Shoes
Thursday, October 1, 2009, 6 - 9:30pm
Wine, Women & Shoes is the U.S. Fund for UNICEF's most creative and enjoyable fundraising event! Hundreds of guests will enjoy shopping for designer shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories from some of the nation's hottest boutiques including Angeleigh Anastasio, Gypsy Global Chic, Lisa Mackey Design and local favorites Akira, Aberle, Lori's Shoes and Shirise. All participating boutiques will donate 20% of proceeds to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Guests will also be able to sample wines from five of the country's finest vintners: Alexander Valley Vineyards, Gabrielle Collection, Martellotto Wines, Quintessential and Schweiger Vineyards. While you are there, rub elbows with some local celebs or try your luck in an exciting raffle and silent auction featuring designer apparel, international travel and luxury items. Whether you arrive with a group of girlfriends or a professional women's networking group, you are sure to have a wonderful evening!
Price: $85; $125 per Supporter ticket, includes listing in the program and a special gift
New Era In Jazz: Cheryle Jackson Meet & Greet w/ Soul Groove
Thursday, October 1, 2009, 7 - 9:30pm
Special Edition Meet & Greet for Cheryle Jackson, Candidate for the United States Senate from Illinois, featuring the amazing talent of SoulGroove Meet & Greet: 7pm Concert: 8pm Cheryle Robinson Jackson brings a commitment to public service focused on improving the lives of people and ensuring their rights to quality health care, a good education and economic opportunity. In support of her candidacy, we are asking guests to assist in fundraising efforts during the event or by making a contribution on her official website at www.cheryle2010.com, Checks can be made payable to "Cheryle for Senate", Contributions to Cheryle for Senate are not tax deductible. Contributions from corporations, foreign nationals and labor unions cannot be accepted. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in an election cycle. Individuals may not contribute more than $2,400 per election cycle, with the primary and general elections considered different elections.
Price: Free!
Organic Groov: Luciano Antonio
Thursday, October 1, 2009, 7pm - 12am
Brazilian guitarist, singer, composer & percussionist Luciano has placed his stamp on the Brazilian music scene in Chicago not just through his soulful renditions of some of Brazil's greatest compositions but through his original works and collaborations. He also performs with Cuarteto Sur, Bossa Tres, A Cor Do Brazil, Evanston Orquestra de Samba, Som Brasil and as a soloist.
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Wednesdays & Thursdays
Black World Cinema: Soul Power
Thursday, October 1, 2009, 7 - 9:30pm
2009, USA, 105 min., 35MM
Directed by Jeffrey Levy-Hinte
In 1974, the most celebrated American R&B acts of the time came together with the most renowned musical groups in Africa for a 12-hour, three-night long concert held in Kinshasa, Zaire. The dream-child of Hugh Masekela and Stewart Levine, this music festival became a reality when they convinced boxing promoter Don King to combine the event with "The Rumble in the Jungle," the epic fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, previously chronicled in the Academy Award-winning documentary WHEN WE WERE KINGS. SOUL POWER is a verité documentary about this legendary music festival (dubbed "Zaire '74"), and it depicts the experiences and performances of such musical luminaries as James Brown, BB King, Bill Withers, Celia Cruz, among a host of others. At the peak of their talents and the height of their careers, these artists were inspired by this return to their African roots, as well as the enthusiasm of the Zairian audience, to give the performances of their lives. The concert has achieved mythological significance as the definitive Africa(n)-American musical event of the 20th Century. SOUL POWER is crafted from the extensive "outtakes" that remained after making WHEN WE WERE KINGS, which documented the epic title fight, but relegated the music festival to a small, supporting role. [more]
Price: $5
Fedra: Queen of Haiti (Preview)
Through November 15, 2009
Written by J Nicole Brooks
Directed by Laura Eason
The king is dead. The son is lost.
The queen is mad.
Desire threatens the kingdom, and survival hangs in the balance.
Our 22nd season opens with an explosive retelling of Phaedra that would make Euripides, Seneca and Jean Racine blush. This story of power and lust is set in a re-imagined Haiti that stands as the world's greatest superpower. Only the fiercely mischievous pen of Ensemble Member J. Nicole Brooks (Black Diamond) could so ignite the hidden power of this enduring myth. Award-winning Ensemble Member Laura Eason (Around the World in 80 Days) directs Lookingglass' 51st World Premiere.
Price: $18-34
The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (Previews; Humanities Night)
Through November 1, 2009
A world premiere, By Kristoffer Diaz, Directed by Eddie Torres, Macedonio Guerra is a middle rank pro wrestler who may have discovered his ticket to the big time: an impossibly charismatic, hip-hop-influenced Indian kid from Brooklyn. Their boss has the perfect concept for their in-ring alter egos: pair them as a team of terrorists. Diaz' smart, comic look at pro wrestling, geopolitics, and refrigerator crispers is a theatrical smack down of dazzling hip-hop language presented with a fresh, funny, high-octane flair. Set in the world of professional wrestling, Chad also raises pertinent questions about racial identity and pop culture in our society. In addition to generating major buzz last summer at Ignition, Chad Deity was a finalist for the 2008 O'Neill Playwrights Conference, and subsequently won Arizona Theater Company's National Latino Playwriting Award. His other plays include Welcome to Arroyo's and Guernica, which have been produced and developed at American Theatre Company, The Orchard Project, Hip-Hop Theater Festival, The Lark, Summer Play Festival, Donmar Warehouse, and South Coast Rep. Diaz also was one of the creators of Brink!, the apprentice anthology show at the 2009 Humana Festival of New American Plays. He is a 2009-2010 Jerome Fellow, and a new playwright-in-residence at Teatro Vista.
Price: $30-48
Resurrection (Preview)
Through November 15, 2009
Written by Daniel Beaty
Directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce
Five African American men's lives are transformed through the wisdom of an exceptional ten-year-old boy. This is a play that explores the inner landscapes of Black men as they work through their issues, relationships and other human connections as they strive to become resurrected and whole again.
Price: $30
Ten Square (Preview Week)
Through November 22, 2009
Winner of the Theodore Ward Prize for African-American Playwriting
Written by: Shepsu Aakhu
Director: Mignon McPherson Nance
On the heels of the government's apology to African-Americans for slavery, the Reparations Movement was born. The movement was successful, checks were written to the descendants of slaves and the seeds for a new America were sown. Ten Square is one of the cities that emerged in "New America" and the life of the African-American community has been forever altered. We watch Roosevelt, a soldier duty bound to protect the new world order and a resident of Ten Square, negotiate his obligations to his lover, his family and his government., Featuring: Leonard House, Daryl Charisse, Earl Fox, Eddie Jordan III, Nambi E. Kelley, Carla Stillwell, Andre Teamer, Sati Word
Price: $15-25
EMERGED: The Fresh Faces of Gallery Guichard (Opening Reception)
Friday, October 2, 2009, 5 - 10pm
Exhibit Through October 31, 2009
Featuring the unique styles of DJ Dante Samson, Gallery Guichard will be hosting an exhibition featuring some of the hottest young artists in Chicago. This Chicago Artists Month Exhibition will feature intimate artists talks and Sunday Salons allowing you to have an open dialog with these incredible young artists., Featured Artists:, * Paul Branton * Jennifer Bridgeforth * Quentin Crockett * Tia Etu * Philippe Gibson, * Christopher Jarred * Nicole Malcolm * Asten Mosley * Kudzai B. Mutasa * Max Sansing * Delores"Buttons" Walker, * Darryl Westly
Miscellaneous Info: **With Sunday Salons Every Sunday in October starting Oct. 11 @ 2pm, ** Annual Art District Trolley Tour Friday, October 16 from 6pm - 9pm, Get more information on Chicago Artists Month at www.chicagoartistsresource.org.
Price: Free!!
MCA's First Fridays
Friday, October 2, 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.
Door: $16
Advance: $11
Close-Up 2: Keith Henderson
Friday, October 02, 2009 and Saturday, October 3, 2009
Keith has toured the world with many major artist like The Emotions, The Commodores, The Brothers Johnson, Ramsey Lewis and George Benson to name a few. He also wrote the title track to the Grammy winning double platinum album "Rejoice" for The Emotions and "Love Is Right On" for The Emotions Sunbeam album. In addition, he's done TV and Video work with Steve Wonder, B.B. & C.C. Wyans, R. Kelly, Bernie Mac and Art Porter.
Price: $5
Richer-sons Faith Based Lounge
Friday, October 2, 2009, 8pm - 1am
We provide an Inspirational entertainment facility. Richer-Son's Faith Based Lounge is a venue in which you can come and enjoy outstanding inspirational entertainment in a mellow atmosphere. Richer-Son's Faith Based Lounge was designed to meet and network with other individuals that share your same interests. The lights will be dimmed and the entertainment will be the center of attention. Smooth jazz, inspirational gospel and inspirational love songs will be played to set the mellow atmosphere.
Price: $10 at door, $5 ladies before 9:30 pm
Peek-A-Boo: An Ooky Spooky Halloween Burlesque Revue!
Friday, October 2, 2009, 10 - 11:30pm
(Special Midnight Performances October 30 & 31)
Directed by Chris O. Biddle, Choreographed by Erica Reid & Vanessa K. Hughes, Featuring Naughty Natanya, Siren Jinx, Natasha Minsk and Lula Hoop Garou!, Boys and Ghouls (of an adult age) are bound to be delighted by the onstage antics of Peekaboo! An Ooky Spooky Halloween Burlesque Revue! Your charming host, Mr. Bones, will be resurrecting some of the most haunting boooo-lesque you've ever seen! Thrill to the amazing mental feats of Dr. Percepto! Chortle to the hilarious antics of Frank-N-Stein and Dr. Acula! Enjoy the scintillating thrills of Halloween burlesque performed my Naughty Natanya, Siren Jinx, Natasha Minsk and Lula Hoop Garou! Also, Zombies!!! Every Friday and Saturday night in October, at 10pm at The Greenhouse Theater! Be there or Be Scared!!!
Price: $20
Other Times To-Do It: Fridays & Saturdays, October 2-31, 2009
First Fridays Chicago
Friday, October 2, 2009, 10pm - 4am
All Black Edition
Price: $10-40
Seize The Moment . . . Transform your Life
Saturday, October 3, 2009, 10am - 5pm
This season of crisis, transition and change is an opportunity for you to Seize the Moment to recreate, reinvent and transform your life, your career, your business, your health, and your finances. Join a dynamic and transformative team of speakers for this life changing event.
Price: $75
Discounts: To receive $10.00 discount use code SHIRLEY100309
World Kitchen: Curds and Whey
Saturday, October 3, 2009, 11am - 2pm
You may know those words from a nursery rhyme, but this is entirely different! Join in the fun as we guide you step-by-step through the process of making fresh cheese in your own kitchen, and then increase the pleasure when we enjoy the end result with recipes that let the cheese stand alone.
Miscellaneous Info: WORLD KITCHEN, Learn basic cooking techniques or specialized professional secrets in culinary arts classes offered by instructors and guest chefs in a state-of-the-art professional training kitchen located in the Gallery 37 Center for the Arts. All World Kitchen classes are hands-on unless indicated otherwise. Single classes are $30. Series classes (4 classes in a series) are $100. Students must 16 years or older. For reservations, call the hotline number at 312-742-TIXS (8497) or visit the box office, located at 66 E. Randolph St. The box office is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 pm and Sunday, noon - 4 pm.
Price: $30, registration is required
Authors and Artists Chicago
Varied
Saturday, October 3, 2009, 12pm - 12am
Literature, Art and Music - One day 3 Locations
Azizi Books and 220 Communications presents Authors and Artists Book Signing at Lincoln Mall. The event includes author readings, workshops on self publishing and much more. Featured Authors, *Sylvia Hubbard * Thea Sledge * Monique Mensah * Coach Dee Stokes * Liz Lampkin * Ranell Hicks * Brenda D. Taylor * Evie Wells * Linda Padgurskis * Dr. Cherli Montgomery * Kay Neal
Art And Book Reception, Sat October 3rd 6PM-9PM, Murphy Hill Gallery, 3333 West Arthington, Chicago, IL, Featuring over 20 Visual Artists, 8 Authors will appear to sign books,
Late Night Music, Neo Soul The Movement..Unplugged, Featuring Aniba Hotep, Spike Rebel, Paulette Passion Stinson and More, Ai Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Lounge, 358 West Ontario, Chicago, IL, 9PM - Midnight
"The Message Is In The Music" (God Is A Black Man Named Ricky) (Previews)
Saturday, October 3, 2009, 8 - 10:30pm
"The Message Is In The Music" (God Is A Black Man Named Ricky) is a new look at an old story, the fight of good against evil and the struggle between love and hate, where the battlefield is the universe and beyond. This is an old story with a new twist, and although we already know the ending, the road to victory is paved with rollicking laughter, devilish dance and a whole lot of heavenly sounds!
Price: $40-45
Funny 1st Saturdays: East vs. West Comedy Battle
Saturday, October 3, 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., The admission price for the comedy show and party per person is only $20. You can save money by purchasing discounted group tickets online for parties of 6 (at $108) and 10 ($160). For groups of 20 or more or to reserve a VIP table for 6 that include drink tickets, please contact Steve Capers at steve.capers@funnyfirstsaturdays.com or at 312-576-4890.
Other Times To-Do It: First Saturday of Each Month
15th Annual Black Theater Alliance/Ira Aldridge Awards
Monday, October 5, 2009, 6:30 - 11:30pm
Honoring African Americans in the Performing Arts, Hosted by 2-time BTAA winner Greta Oglesby; 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree Melba Moore 7pm - 3-course plated dinner; 8pm - Awards Presentation
Dress Code: Black-Tie Formal
Price: $65
World Music Wednesdays: Thomas Mapfumo & The Blacks Unlimited
Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 8:30 - 11pm
Thomas Mapfumo, "The Lion of Zimbabwe," is one of the best known African artists on the world music scene today. He successfully introduced the traditional sacred music of the metal-pronged Mbira and Ngoma drumming into the mainstream through his music. Known for championing African culture and causes, Thomas Mapfumo has been a driving force in African pride and identity.
The artists will offer a workshop in our Thursday Workshop Series.
Price: $5, Suggested Donation
Alex Cuba
Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 9pm - 2am
Alex Cuba is an outstanding Cuban musician who immersed himself in guitar, tres, percussion and bass as a teenager and went on to play bass with traditional Cuban artists recording and touring extensively. He fully discovered his extraordinary capacity as a singer/songwriter after moving to Canada. After recording an award-winning album with his twin brother (vocalist Adonis Puentes), he broke out of the Cuban mold to create a son-rock-soul style that is all his own. His releases Humo de Tabaco and Agua del Pozo both earned Juno awards for Best World Music Album and charted heavily on iTunes. Alex Cuba returns to Chicago after sold out shows in the 2008 World Music Festival and a stellar performance at the House of Blues in April.
Price: $15
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
Ongoing through October 9, 2009
Through October 11, 2009, 7:30 - 8:35pm 
Through October 18, 2009
hrough October 18, 2009 
Ongoing through December 30, 2009
Nightly
Mondays, 7:30 - 11pm 
Fridays
Saturdays through September 19, 2009 
Saturdays through October 31 
Saturdays through October 25 
