Looking for Something To-Do?
Click on any headline link for details about the To-Do (e.g., location, ticket and artist links, discount codes) 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!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Throughout all his art, Romare Bearden wove a rich tapestry of literary, biblical, mythological, popular culture, and western and non-western references informed by his African American cultural experiences. Possibly best known for his collage works, Bearden often worked and reworked those original images into astounding prints. He pushed the process with his artistic imagination using experimental techniques, sizes, and colors., The extraordinary versatility is visible in this exhibition's approximate 75 lithographs, etchings, and prints drawn from Bearden's three decades of graphic work., This exhibition is made possible with generous support from the Terra Foundation for American Art. It was organized by the Romare Bearden Foundation, New York, NY. Exhibition Tour Organization and Management by Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, CA.
Miscellaneous Info: Monday - Thursday 8 am - 7 pm; Friday 8 am - 6 pm; Saturday 9 am - 6 pm; Sunday 10 am - 6 pm; Closed holidays
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Apr 17, 2010 - Jun 27, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010, 6 - 8:30pm
World Kitchen director Judith Hines and Oriental Institute Egyptologist Emily Teeter present a richly illustrated slide lecture and private tour of Oriental Institute's Egyptian gallery. The lecture is based on the culinary clues hidden in the collection exhibits.
This is an once-in-a-lifetime chance to be immersed in the cuisine and culture of the ancient Egyptians. This event includes a light reception.
Price: Free!
Thursday, June 3, 2010, 6 - 8pm
Speaker: Dwain Speese, One of the keys to business success is an ability to interpret financial statements. In fact, a primary cause of business failure is poor financial management, including the misinterpretation of financial statements and inappropriate action taken as a result.
Through lecture, discussion, and case study this session will help you understand basic financial principles that must be applied to your business on a daily basis. By the time you complete the session, you will be comfortable with the functions of cash flow management, credit and collections, cost/profit/volume relationship, and business ratios.
Price: $25
Thursday, June 3, 2010, 7 - 8pm
5:30 pm reception; 6:30 pm screening, 8:00 pm discussion with filmmaker Laura Poitras and Joanne Mariner, Human Rights Watch Terrorism/Counterterrorism Director. A Q&A with the audience will follow. The Oath tells the story of Abu Jandal, Osama bin Laden's former bodyguard, and Salim Hamdan, a prisoner at Guantanamo Bay Prison and the first man to face the controversial military tribunals. Filmed in Yemen and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, The Oath is a family drama about two men whose fateful encounter in 1996 set them on a journey that would lead to Osama bin Laden, 9/11, Guantanamo Bay Prison, and the U.S. Supreme Court. The film begins as Salim Hamdan is set to face war crime charges at Guantanamo, and Abu Jandal is a free man and drives a taxi in Yemen. [more]
Soleil's Take: View the entire Human Rights Watch Film Festival Schedule. Price: $75-250
Other Times To-Do It: June 3 - 10, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010, 7pm - 12am
Live Music
Miscellaneous Info: Sets at 7pm, 8:30pm and 10pm.
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Wednesdays & Thursdays
Venue Info: Close Up (CU2) is a smooth jazz club which features live smooth jazz, in an environment with an ethnically diverse, professional clientele. In addition to the music, customers are drawn by the hospitality of the owner, Frank Goss, who is always a welcoming a gracious host. The intimacy of the club and the consistency of the music makes CU2 is a wonderful place that is frequented by "regulars" who enjoy a nice spot to relax after a stressful day, listen to great smooth jazz, network or participate in stimulating conversation. Street parking is allowed after 6pm and a self parking lot is available on a first come first serve basis at the end of the block.
Thursday, June 3, 2010, 7 - 9:30pm
Press play on A GOOD DAY TO BE BLACK AND SEXY. A mixed tape of deftly arranged vignettes on Black Love, Sex, and Reciprocity. What you hear may be unrecognizable at first . . . Neo-realistic intimacy between black people found in rare grooves previously drowned out by the sounds of modern hook-ups and bougie preoccupations, a cacophony of mass-produced beats created with drum machine loops and software. A Good Day to be Black and Sexy is that dusty LP you find in the crates. But as soon as you put the needle to wax, all the forgotten lyrics return to your lips in this dreamy love sonnet to the beautiful and chocolate coated. The intro track is a prelude into the heavily sensual world of expectations - the rhythm that drives the film. Erotic moments are lullabies that turn into syncopated groves without notice. This record skips, and jumps to the hook of a Millie Jackson remix. An anthem belted out by a minx who knows her limits, but can't resist testing the boundaries. It's a song a sistah can roll her neck and snap her fingers to [more]
Price: $5
Other Times To-Do It: First Thursdays
Thursday, June 3, 2010, 7:30 - 9:30pm
Matinee: Saturdays and Sundays, 2:30pm; most Wednesdays, 1pm
When the crowd goes home for the night, the real show begins! At least that's the case at one local Blues bar, where musicians gather after hours to swap stories and songs filled with passion, soul and an authentic love of the Blues that can't be described, but demands to be played. Inspired by Blues legends such as Muddy Waters, Ma Rainey, Sophie Tucker, Howlin' Wolf and Pearl Bailey, this low down dirty jam session pays tribute to a musical form that's steeped in Chicago history-and alive and thriving today! Get your tickets today for this Chicago Blues music extravaganza!
Price: $39-54
Discounts: Use discount code "ToDos" and save $10 off every ticket!
Other Times To-Do It: May 27 - July 3, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010, 7:30 - 8:40pm
Fridays and Saturdays, 2nd show at 10pm
FUERZA BRUTA LOOK UP is a non-stop collision of dynamic music, visceral emotion, and kinetic aerial imagery. Featuring mind-blowing visual effects that must be seen to be believed, FUERZA BRUTA: LOOK UP is a theatrical experience that floods the senses. Experience a 360° heart-pounding theatrical event, filled with flying dancers, pumping beats, engaging dream sequences and a multidimensional swimming pool above the heads of an audience who is standing on stage in the middle of the action.
Price: $50-80
Other Times To-Do It: May 21 - July 25, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010, 7:30 - 10pm
Matinee: Saturday, 2:30pm; Sunday, 3pm
Master playwright Fugard and the actors of the original South African cast collaboratively wrote the story of a man who pretends to be dead in order to live. This searing exploration of identity and the political power of storytelling is presented in a new, intimate staging by Court Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson.
Soleil's Take: Check out Larry D. Wayne's review!
Price: $38-56
Other Times To-Do It: May 13 - June 13, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010, 7:30 - 10pm
2pm Matinees on Sundays, some Thursdays and some Saturdays
By Tracey Scott Wilson
Directed by Chuck Smith
This gripping new play rips through the pages of history to uncover the human story at the heart of the 1960s American Civil Rights Movement. Tensions build in the increasingly hostile South as a trio of emerging black leaders attempts to conquer their individual demons amid death threats from the Ku Klux Klan and wire taps by the FBI. Through personal and intimate stories inspired by the political upheavals of the era, The Good Negro examines the human frailties behind the historic headlines.
Price: $16-61
Discounts: Mezztix are half-price mezzanine tickets available at 12 noon at the box office, and at 10am online (promo code MEZZTIX) day of performance; Mezztix are not available by telephone.
Other Times To-Do It: May 1 - June 6, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010, 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.
Door: $16
Advance: $11
Friday, June 4, 2010, 7 - 8:30pm
Thursday, June 10, 2010, 9 - 10:30pm
Back Home Tomorrow focuses on two children who confront changed lives in very different circumstances after becoming victims of war-torn environments. Yagoub has fled Darfur to the Mayo refugee camp in Khartoum, Sudan, where he waits for a heart operation to save his life. Seven-year-old Murtaza has lost his left hand to a land mine in Afghanistan and in heart-rending detail, filmmakers Fabrizio Lazzaretti and Paolo Santolini follow Murtaza and Yagoub from their initial admission into hospitals in Kabul and Khartoum, respectively, to their release months later. They expertly interweave these two fascinating and heartfelt stories without commentary to create a film of rich complexities and emotional resonance., Directed by Fabrizio Lazzaretti and Paolo Santolini, Italy, 2008, 90 mins. In Dari, Nuba and Arabic with English subtitles.
Soleil's Take: View the entire Human Rights Watch Film Festival Schedule.
Price: $9
Other Times To-Do It: June 3 - 10, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010, 7:30 - 9:30pm
Matinee: Saturdays, 4pm
Congo Square Theatre presents George C. Wolfe groundbreaking comedy The Colored Museum. Join us for a hilarious romp through Black history, and take a ride on this fast paced journey that explores larger than life images of Black culture from the middle passage to the present.
Price: $25
Other Times To-Do It: May 28 - June 27, 2010
Tad In 5th City
Friday, June 4, 8 - 9:30pm
To-Do!: Written & Directed by: Carla Stillwell, Adapted from the works of: Orron Kenyatta TAD IN 5th CITY walks us through the journey of young Tad Brown and his family. But this is just as much the story of a neighborhood, as it festers under the weight of poverty, gang violence and addiction in the aftermath of the '68 Chicago riots. Featuring: David Goodloe, Shayla Jarvis, Eddie Jordan III*, Sidney Miller, Andre Teamer*, introducing Destin L. Teamer and Sati Word*, *MPAACT Artistic Associates
Price: $21-23
Other Times To-Do It: April 30 - June 13, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010, 8 - 10:30pm
Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (CRDT) celebrates Matt Lamb, the acclaimed artist, peace activist and CRDT co-founder., CRDT will present signature works from its inaugural season and premiere a new work in honor of Matt Lamb titled In Service of Man, inspired by the artist's personal mantra: "Peace, Tolerance, Understanding, Hope, and Love." The concert will feature vocalists Bobbi Wilsyn, Joe Cerqua and the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Choir., For general ticket pricing and orders, please contact the Adventure Stage Box Office at (773) 342-4141. For Gala ticket reservations, please call Corrie at Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater at (773) 847-0305 or corrie@cerquarivera.org.
Price: $37
Other Times To-Do It: June 4 - 6, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010, 8 - 10pm
To-Do!: "The Man Who Saved New Orleans" follows the story of Arthur Prejean, an eighty-five year old blind man whose blood runs deep beneath the mansions and shotgun houses spread throughout New Orleans. A descendent of slaves whose hands helped to build the Crescent City, he suddenly finds himself uprooted by a storm, along with his family, and displaced from everything he knows. Inspired by the playwright's personal experience with his wife's New Orleans family, Meloncon "saw firsthand how they were affected by Katrina and the fallout afterwards . . . These people abandoned not only their homes, but their relationships, memories and dreams. I wanted to create a story about the emotional rollercoaster they lived through."
Price: $30
Other Times To-Do It: April 22 - June 13, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010, 8pm - 2am
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 8pm - 2am
Born into a family of academics in Johnstown, Pennsylvania (affectionately referred to as "Bumf--k, PA"), Jazmín Sky was exposed mainly to classical music as a child. Jealous of her older brother's piano lessons, she begged her mother to let her play an instrument and thus began studying the violin at age 6. In 5th grade she picked up the flute and joined the school chorus, where she was forced to sing such drivel as To All the Girls I've Loved Before as well as the insufferable You Light Up My Life. Jazmín Sky is an neo-soul/R&B artist based in Oakland, CA. Though her impressive pipes constitute the core of her appeal, she sets herself apart from the soul diva pack by writing her own songs, playing flute and violin, and singing in multiple languages.
Price: $5
Other Times To-Do It: Friday and Saturday
Friday, June 4, 2010, 9 - 10:30pm
Thursday, June 10, 2010, 7-8:30pm
While 100,000 people, including thousands of Buddhist monks, took to the streets to protest the country's repressive regime that has held them hostage for over 40 years, foreign news crews were banned to enter and the Internet was shut down. The Democratic Voice of Burma, a collective of 30 anonymous and underground video journalists VJs recorded these historic and dramatic events on camcorderss and smuggled the footage out of the country, where it was broadcast worldwide via satellite. Risking torture and life imprisonment, the VJs vividly document the brutal clashes with the military and undercover police - even after they themselves become targets of the authorities. Directed by Anders Ĝstergaard, Norway/Sweden/Denmark/UK, 2008, 84 mins. In English and Burmese with English subtitles.
Soleil's Take: View the entire Human Rights Watch Film Festival Schedule.
Price: $9
Other Times To-Do It: June 3 - 10, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 8am - 1pm
The Bronzeville Community Market, the first of its kind in the City of Chicago and now in its third year, 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 30
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 10am - 5pm
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 10am - 5pm
Once again, during the first full weekend in June, artists and art lovers will reunite at Chicago's oldest, juried art fair in the historic neighborhood streets of Hyde Park for a true celebration of art. Come meet and talk with the artists from around the country. This art fair is designed and dedicated to those that create and those that appreciate and purchase art of all varieties. Whether you are looking for glass, jewelry, leather, photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, wood, ceramics or fiber . . . you are destined to find art to fall in love with in this family friendly and alcohol free environment. There are hands on activities and playgrounds for the kids and food vendors to meet everyone's taste.
Price: Free!
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 11am - 7pm
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 11am - 7pm
The Hyde Park Community Art Fair (CAF) is an annual arts and crafts fair that runs concurrently with the 57th Street Art Fair. CAF is part of the City of Chicago's Neighborhood Festival Progam and is an integral part of the Harper Court Arts Council. CAF started many years ago as a group of unorganized artists and vendors who were set up at will in the park on 57th Street Art Fair Weekend. Later, it was organized a little more by an artist, Sophie Wessel, who had been in the 57th Street Art Fair and Artists from Artisans 21, a co-op gallery still in Hyde Park. As time went on, the CAF developed into an extremely well organized Art and Fine Craft only Fair.
Price: Free!
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 11am - 1pm
What did the ancient Egyptians eat and how has that influenced menus today? Emily Teeter, Oriental Institute Egyptologist, talks about what foods were grown and eaten in this long-ago culture. Many of those ingredients are still used every day. The class will cook a meal using those same ingredients in ancient and modern ways.
Soleil's Take: No demos here - this is a hands-on learning experience! The classes are quite popular and generally sell out early, so don't delay! View more World Kitchen To-Dos.
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 12:30 - 1:45pm
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 12:30 - 1:45pm
A program of short films created by filmmakers under the age of 19. Armed with digital cameras and their own creativity, young people across the globe are bravely exposing human rights issues faced by themselves and their communities.
Founding presenter: Adobe Youth Voices. (Total Running Time: 68 mins.)
Soleil's Take: View the entire Human Rights Watch Film Festival Schedule.
Price: $9
Other Times To-Do It: June 3 - 10, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 3 - 4:30pm
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 7:30 - 9pm
Afghan Star tells the story of an Afghan version of the "Pop Idol" TV series in which people from across the country compete for a cash prize and record deal. After 30 years of war and Taliban rule, "Afghan Star" takes the nation by storm. More than 2,000 people audition, including three brave women, as viewers vote for their favorite singers by mobile phone. For many, this is their first encounter with democracy and the organizers, Tolo TV, believe the program will move people from guns to music. But in a troubled country like Afghanistan, even music is controversial, as it is considered to be sacrilegious by the Mujahideen as well as banned by the Taliban. Music has come to symbolize freedom for the youth and Afghan Star follows four young contestants looking for a new life, but things take a terrifying turn when one young woman dances on stage, threatening her own safety and the future of the show., Directed by Havana Marking, Afghanistan, 2008, 87 mins. In English, Dari, and Pashto with English subtitles.
Soleil's Take: View the entire Human Rights Watch Film Festival Schedule.
Price: $9
Other Times To-Do It: June 3 - 10, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 5 - 6:30pm
Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 9 - 10:30pm
The Battle for the International Criminal Court, The International Criminal Court represents the most ambitious attempt ever to apply the rule of law on a global scale and to protect the most basic human rights. The Reckoning follows ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo for three years across four continents as he and his team tirelessly issue arrest warrants for Lord's Resistance Army leaders in Uganda, prepare to put Congolese warlords on trial, challenge the UN Security Council to bring Sudan's president to justice for the Darfur massacres, and shake up the Colombian justice system. Moreno-Ocampo has a mandate but no police force, and at every turn, he must put pressure on the international community to muster political clout for the cause. Will the court succeed and will the world ensure that justice prevails?, Directed by Pamela Yates, Paco de Onis, and Peter Kinoy, U. S.A., 2009, 95 mins. In English and Acholi, French, Spanish and Swahili with English subtitles
Soleil's Take: View the entire Human Rights Watch Film Festival Schedule.
Price: $9
Other Times To-Do It: June 3 - 10, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 6 - 10pm
2pm Matinee
Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (CRDT) celebrates Matt Lamb, the acclaimed artist, peace activist and CRDT co-founder., CRDT will present signature works from its inaugural season and premiere a new work in honor of Matt Lamb titled In Service of Man, inspired by the artist's personal mantra: "Peace, Tolerance, Understanding, Hope, and Love." The concert will feature vocalists Bobbi Wilsyn, Joe Cerqua and the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Choir., The June 5 evening Gala Performance will be preceded by a cocktail hour at 6pm, featuring intimate conversation with Matt Lamb. Don't miss this chance to meet Chicago's own National Treasure! Gala tickets, including the performance and cocktail hour, are $50. For general ticket pricing and orders, please contact the Adventure Stage Box Office at (773) 342-4141. For Gala ticket reservations, please call Corrie at Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater at (773) 847-0305 or corrie@cerquarivera.org.
Price: $17, Matinee; $37, Performance Only; $50, Gala and Performance
Other Times To-Do It: June 4 - 6, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 6 - 11pm
10th Anniversary Celebration, This black tie Gala promises to be a spectacular elegant event with a cocktail reception, dinner, presentations to special honorees, a live auction, and musical entertainment by Chaka Khan! The Harold H. Hines, Jr. Benefactors Award will be presented to Frank M. Clark, CEO of ComEd and the UNCF Black & White Ball Legacy Award will be presented to world renowned Chicago sculptor, Richard Hunt.
Dress Code: Black & White - Black Tie
Price: $500
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 7 - 8:30pm
Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 9 - 10:30pm
Freedom Park squatter camp, situated in the Northwest province, accommodates a migrant workforce that mines the world's largest single source of platinum. The women in this community service the needs of the male miners as a means of basic survival. A group of former sex workers living with HIV have created a network called Tapologo and have learnt to be home-based care-workers, joining in solidarity to care for others in the community living with HIV. As we learn each woman's story, we come to understand how she herself was transformed -- from someone who had lost hope into someone who decided to help others in the same situation., Directed by Gabriela Gutierrez Dewar and Sally Gutierrez Dewar, South Africa/Spain, 2008, 88 mins. In English and Tswana with English subtitles.
Soleil's Take: View the entire Human Rights Watch Film Festival Schedule.
Price: $9
Other Times To-Do It: June 3 - 10, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 7 - 11pm
With an impressive catalog of five albums (alongside 2003's best-selling Ultimate Collection), Toni Braxton has built a worldwide base of music lovers since she first burst onto the contemporary music scene in 1991 with "Love Shoulda Brought You Home" (from the soundtrack of the hit movie "Boomerang"). As the 'First Lady Of LaFace Records,' Toni's creative partnership with Antonio 'L.A.' Reid and Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds yielded a non-stop run of multi-platinum albums with 1993's Toni Braxton, 1996's Secrets and the 2000 set The Heat through to the 2001 Snowflakes holiday album and 2003's highly personal and thought-provoking More Than A Woman CD, which featured a number of songs written by Toni herself as well as production from The Neptunes and Rodney Jerkins among others.
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 8 - 10pm
Featuring Willie Pickens, Hanah John Taylor is a veteran member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). In 1990, he was commissioned by the University of Chicago to organize and direct its first improvisational jazz orchestra. Willie Pickens is one of Chicago's most in-demand pianists for visiting artists. He has performed several times at the famed Chicago Jazz Festival and has been the featured pianist on impresario Joe Segal's Jazz Cruises, where he has shared the stage with Clark Terry, Louie Bellson, and Red Holloway, among others.
Price: $10
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 9 - 10:30pm
Monday, June 7, 2010, 7 - 8:30pm
In 1994, hundreds of thousands of Rwandan Hutus were incited to wipe out the country's Tutsi minority. In 1999 the government began Gacaca -- open-air hearings with citizen-judges meant to try their neighbors and rebuild the nation. As part of this experiment in reconciliation, confessed genocide killers are sent home from prison, while traumatized survivors are asked to forgive them and resume living side-by-side. Filming for close to a decade in a tiny hamlet, award-winning filmmaker Anne Aghion has charted the impact of Gacaca on survivors and perpetrators alike. Through their fear and anger, accusations and defenses, blurry truths, inconsolable sadness, and hope for life renewed, she captures the emotional journey to coexistence. Directed by Anne Aghion, U.S.A., 2009, 80 mins. In French and Kinyarwanda with English subtitles.
Soleil's Take: View the entire Human Rights Watch Film Festival Schedule.
Price: $9
Other Times To-Do It: June 3 - 10, 2010
Gospel Music Festival
Saturday, June 5, 11am - 9pm
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 11am - 9pm
The festival features more than 50 performances on three stages and activities for the whole family to enjoy including a gospel art fair. Jay Pritzker Pavilion Stage, 4:30 pm - Ricky Dillard & New G., 5:20 pm - Bishop Darrell McFadden & the Disciples, 6:00 pm - Kathy Taylor, 6:40 pm - Byron Cage featuring Mark Hubbard & The Voices, 7:55 pm - Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Choir, Walgreens Day Stage, Noon - Slayton Palms and Little Mount of Hope, 12:45 pm - Mind Over Matter, 1:30 pm - The Brown Brothers, 2:30 pm - God's House of All Nations, 3:30 pm - Kenny Lewis & One Voice with Special Guest JJ Hairston, Inspiration Youth Stage, 12:30 pm - St. James Ministries Youth Choir, 12:55 pm - Dance - TBA, 1:10 pm - Takaira, 1:25 pm - Open Mic, 1:45 pm - Youth In Christ, 2:05 pm - Charles Middleton, 2:20 pm - Brandon Smith & Under Thee Influence, 2:45 pm - Open Mic, 3:05 pm - The Turner Sisters, 3:30 pm - Chrystal Harris, 3:45 pm - New Nazareth Youth Choir, 4:10 pm - Open Jam
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: June 5 - 6, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 2 - 4:30pm
Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (CRDT) celebrates Matt Lamb, the acclaimed artist, peace activist and CRDT co-founder., CRDT will present signature works from its inaugural season and premiere a new work in honor of Matt Lamb titled In Service of Man, inspired by the artist's personal mantra: "Peace, Tolerance, Understanding, Hope, and Love." The concert will feature vocalists Bobbi Wilsyn, Joe Cerqua and the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Choir., For general ticket pricing and orders, please contact the Adventure Stage Box Office at (773) 342-4141. For Gala ticket reservations, please call Corrie at Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater at (773) 847-0305 or corrie@cerquarivera.org.
Price: $37
Other Times To-Do It: June 4 - 6, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 3 - 4:30pm
Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 7 - 8:30pm
Filmmaker Naftaly Gliksberg sets out to investigate what anti-Semitism looks like today, crossing two continents to see how people react to direct questions about their attitudes toward Jews, Israel, and the notion that there is such a thing as anti-Semitism. It is a startling personal journey of painful discoveries as he explores representations and impressions of Jews and Israelis around the world. As he visits individuals in Poland, France, the United States, and Germany, Gliksberg discovers that people's responses to his pointed questions are often a mixture of their own culture, some version of history, and a certain collective psychology., Directed by Naftaly Gliksberg, Israel, 2008, 80 mins. In English and French, German, Hebrew and Polish with English subtitles.
Soleil's Take: View the entire Human Rights Watch Film Festival Schedule.
Price: $9
Other Times To-Do It: June 3 - 10, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 4 - 6pm
The evening includes performances by Muntu Dance Theatre and other guest artists along with an open dialogue on the life and works, of Dr. Pearl Primus.
Miscellaneous Info: Primus played an important role in the presentation of African dance to American audiences. Early in her career she saw the needs to promote African dance as an art form worthy of study and performance. Primus' work was a reaction to myths of savagery and the lack of knowledge about African people. It was an effort to guide the Western world to view African dance as an important and dignified statement about another way of life. Additionally, her work provided a knowledge and meaning for dances that had been plagued by distortion of movement and excessive hip shaking of the backside.
Price: Free!
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 5 - 7:30pm
Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 6:30 - 9pm
Mrs. Goundo's Daughter, Bridging two worlds, Mrs. Goundo's Daughter tells the moving story of one Malian mother's fight for asylum in the US to protect her two-year-old daughter from female genital cutting. Expertly interweaving scenes from Mali of girls preparing for an excision ceremony and scenes from Philadelphia where those who have survived the ceremony share their stories, the film demonstrates precisely why and how Mrs. Goundo fights for her daughter and her future., Directed by Barbara Attie and Janet Goldwater, U.S.A./Mali, 2009, 60 mins. In English and Bambara and French with English subtitles.
Remnants of a War The men and women of south Lebanon work to clear their land of unexploded cluster munitions left after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. One million cluster bombs were dropped on south Lebanon and hundreds of thousands remain strewn across fields, orchards and groves, injuring and killing civilians long after the war's end. An estimated 35 percent failed to detonate and one year later, teams of locally recruited and trained deminers race to make their land safe again, while their country endures the worst political and economic crisis in 15 years. Directed by Jawad Metni, U.S.A., 2009, 76 mins. In English and Arabic with English subtitles.
Soleil's Take: View the entire Human Rights Watch Film Festival Schedule.
Price: $9
Other Times To-Do It: June 3 - 10, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 7 - 11pm
Reserved seats are sold out.
Soleil's Take: You can take a chance and go out there without tickets. People frequently sell lawn tickets at or below cost at the gate. View our select Ravinia schedule!
Doors Open: 4:00 pm
Show Starts: 7:00 pm
Price: $70, Reserved (sold out); $22, Advance, $27, Gate (Lawn Seats)
Sunday, June 6, 2010, 7:30 - 11:30pm
The John Burnett Orchestra specializes in '40s-style big band swing - keeping alive the sounds of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and others. Each musician is highly professional and most have played with many of the top American big bands such as the Miller, Herman and Buddy Rich Bands. In addition to swing music the orchestra performs current big band jazz charts and many vocal ballads such as those of Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn., The orchestra is directed by John Burnett; morning host of 90.9fm WDCB - Public Radio From College of DuPage - Chicago's leading jazz radio station. John hails from England and attended the Royal Academy of Music. The orchestra consists of five saxes, four trumpets, four trombones, piano, bass, drums and at least one vocalist. It is rapidly establishing the reputation of being one of the best bands in Chicago; grabbing the attention of both old and young alike.
Price: $10; Students, $5
Other Times To-Do It: Sundays
Monday, June 7, 2010, 6 - 9pm
Monday Night Open Mic & Jam Session First 15 Guests Free, Food & Beverages Served, The event may be recorded-entrance grants consent.
Miscellaneous Info: Young People are encouraged to attend. There will be no alcoholic beverages served.
Door: $5
Other Times To-Do It: Mondays
Monday, June 7, 2010, 9 - 10:45pm
Three years in the making, this riveting new documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Joe Berlinger (Brother's Keeper, Paradise Lost, Metallica: Some Kind of Monster) tells the epic story of one of the largest and most controversial legal cases on the planet. An inside look at the infamous $27 billion "Amazon Chernobyl" case, Crude is a real-life, high stakes legal drama involving global politics, the environmental movement, celebrity activism, human rights advocacy, multinational corporate power, and the fate of disappearing indigenous cultures. Subverting the conventions of advocacy filmmaking, this award-winning film explores a complex situation from all angles, bringing an important story of environmental peril and human suffering into focus., Directed by Joe Berlinger, Ecuador/UK, 2009, 101 mins. In English and Spanish, A'ingae and Secoya with English subtitles.
Soleil's Take: View the entire Human Rights Watch Film Festival Schedule.
Price: $9
Other Times To-Do It: June 3 - 10, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 5:30 - 8pm
Kimbrough & Company is a consortium of the finest musicians in Chicago. It is the vision of its leader and founder, Brent Kimbrough, and the result of his many musical associations through the years. Kimbrough & Company was conceived primarily through the consolidation of talent from two of Brent's previous musical projects, Twisted Jazz & KP5. Their concept is simple: bring together seasoned professionals to create a musical hybrid capable of meeting the demands of any appreciative audience. Kimbrough & Company comes in trio, quartet, and quintet formats depending on the musical needs of the occasion. The band draws from a collective accumulation of backgrounds, disciplines, and educations as diverse as jazz, blues, rock, classical, R&B, and every Latin style and incarnation. Kimbrough & Company has the unique ability to please both listeners and dancers alike. An evening with Kimbrough & Company takes an audience on a non-linear journey from Be-bop, Swing, and Blues all the way to groove-laden Funk and R&B.
Soleil's Take: View complete Tuesdays On the Terraceschedule!
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: June 1 - September 28, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 6 - 8pm
Speaker: Dwain Speese, In order for any business to grow and thrive, the owners have to understand the 'financials' of their company. This includes cash flow, financial statements, break-even and more. This workshop will provide an overview of small business financials, and provide you with strategies for developing cash flow projections and preparing statements.
Price: $25.00
Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 6 - 8pm
Chicago Brass Band is a 30-piece brass and percussion ensemble that performs concerts throughout the year in the Chicago metropolitan area in addition to participating in festivals and competitions throughout the world. Composed of cornets, flugel and tenor horns, baritones, euphoniums, trombones, tubas, and percussion, the band's repertoire includes classical transcriptions, popular music, jazz, traditional, show tunes, marches, and original works for brass band.
Price: Free! (Parking, $20 per car)
Other Times To-Do It: Tuesdays, June 8 - August 31, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 6 - 11pm
Your host for the evening is Chat Daddy. This event is open to all mature singles- 30 yrs and up. My goal each week is to heighten the chemistry between the singles while offering dating tips that will aid in raising the bar for better relationships. Each week guests should come prepared to meet new friends, play singles games, meet relationship authors, experts and vendors.
Miscellaneous Info: Complimentary Admission Parking & Appetizers (7-9p.m.). Cash Bar w/ Drink Specials. For more information about Singles Mix & Mingle Tuesdays call (312) 543-7691or to reserve your special VIP Cabana with bottle service seating, please call (312) 225-7000 ext. 1013.
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Tuesdays
Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 6 - 10pm
Summertime in Chicago, Wednesday June 9th will play host to "OPENING NIGHT" of Music in E Minor, Summer Breeze 5th Year Anniversary Celebration. Showcasing some of the top jazz/music artists in the city . . . Summer Breeze 2010 will be a must attend event!
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, Malcom Jamal-Warner and so many more. In addition he performs extensively in Europe as well as Africa and South America.
Miscellaneous Info: First set, 6:30pm
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Wednesdays
Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 7 - 10pm
Dee Alexander: is one of Chicago's most respected female vocalist/songwriters. Her talents span every music genre, from Gospel to R&B, from blues to Neo-Soul. Her heart and soul can truly be experienced in her performance of Jazz. From a soft, sultry traditional ballad, to a contemporary Jazz-Funk groove, from a high flying swing, to a scat-filled romp, Dee Alexander delivers each style with a passion and love of music that comes across in each and every note, and in a style that is truly her own. Buddy Fambro's Takes on the jazz combo for the new millennium. A six-piece combo consisting of guitar, bass, drums, percussion, keyboards and sax. No computers or drum machines, just great Chicago area musicians playing tight well rehearsed arrangements. The groups music features provocative melodies layered upon ethereal synthesizer textures, driven by dynamically diverse rhythms from around the world. If you are into Smooth Jazz, Latin Jazz or New Age.
Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Wednesdays
Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 7:30 - 10pm
Matinee: Saturday, 2:30pm; Sunday, 3pm
Master playwright Fugard and the actors of the original South African cast collaboratively wrote the story of a man who pretends to be dead in order to live. This searing exploration of identity and the political power of storytelling is presented in a new, intimate staging by Court Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson.
Price: $38-56
Other Times To-Do It: May 13 - June 13, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 8:30 - 11pm
Join us for an exciting double bill as Finnish group Polka Chicks share the stage with old time music trio The Mostly Mountain Boys. The Polka Chicks are an award-winning duo (sometimes trio), featuring fiddle and accordion, that have recently released their long awaited debut album.
The Mostly Mountain Boys are a trio (of mostly boys) performing old time mountain music featuring banjo, banjo uke, guitar and fiddle.
Price: $5, Suggested Donation
This weekend, Tony Braxton opens the Country Club Theater outdoor concert season. (Where's she been?!?!) While I'm not a big fan of restricted access, über-expensive festivals, I am impressed with the 
