Looking for Something To-Do? To-DosLetters are Coming Back At Cha!

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!

Willard Wigan: Art In the Eye of a Needle - The Hollywood Collection

Ongoing through May 22, 2010

To-Do!: Born in 1957 in Birmingham, Willard Wigan began his artistic life at a tender age. Suffering from dyslexia and learning difficulties, he struggled at school, finding solace in creating art of such minute proportions that it virtually could not be seen with the naked eye. "It began when I was five years old," says Willard. "I started making houses for ants because I thought they needed somewhere to live. Then I made them shoes and hats. It was a fantasy world I escaped to where my dyslexia didn't hold me back and my teachers couldn't criticize me. That's how my career as a micro-sculptor began."

Willard's micro-sculptures have become so minute that they are only visible through a microscope. Each piece commonly sits within the eye of a needle, or on a pin head. The personal sacrifice involved in creating such wondrous, yet scarcely believable, pieces is inconceivable to most. Willard enters a meditative state in which his heartbeat is slowed, allowing him to reduce hand tremors and sculpt between pulse beats. Even the reverberation caused by traffic outside can affect Willard's work. He often works through the night when there is minimal disruption. Willard's work is described as "the eighth wonder of the world". One of the specifically commissioned works includes the replica of the iconic Lloyds of London Building. This piece was later auctioned by Eric Knowles of Bonhams. Willard was subsequently honoured with receiving an MBE from HRH Prince Charles for his services to art. Unsurprisingly, Willard's life is now attracting significant attention from the literary and film industries alike, each eager to secure his life story.

Price: $5; Children 10 and under, Free!

World Kitchen: Catering and Caring

Thursday, May 13, 2010, 6 - 8:30pm

To-Do!: Our friends at City Provisions have staked their reputation on using only local, sustainable products in their catering business. Today they share how they choose ingredients with care and serve great parties of all sizes "with a conscience". Check out the selection of local foods at Chicago's Downtown Farmstand, then join this class to find out how best to use them.

Soleil's Take: No demos here - this is a hands-on learning experience!

Forgotten History Lecture Series: Women In the Party

Thursday, May 13, 2010, 6 - 9pm

To-Do!: The Black Panther Party was responsible for instituting many social programs, such as: free breakfast for children, free community medical services, free clothing, free escorts for seniors, and free food programs ultimately became part of nationally public policy. Often overlooked in the history of the Panthers is the invaluable role of women in the Party. Had it not been for the presence of Black women, there would not have been a viable Black Panther Party. Join us as we discuss female leadership and the role of women in the Panthers. 6:00 PM - Lecture: Erica Huggins, Panther from California Chapter and the first woman and African American appointed to the Alameda County School Board. 7:000 PM - Panel Discussion: Moderator: Tracey Matthews - Black Panther Scholar Invited Speakers:, * Charlotte O'Neal (Mama C) - Black Panther, Kansas City Chapter, wife of Panther expatriate, Pete O'Neal. Mrs. O'Neal is also a poet, singer and quilter * Erica Huggins - Panther, * Joan Gray - Panther Field Secretary, * Dr. Yvonne King - Former Field Secretary, This panel will also explore: * Who Were Their Leaders * How did the Panther Experience Shape Their Lives * The complexities of gender issues

Price: $10; Members, $5

The Good Negro (Opening Week)

Ongoing through June 6, 2010

To-Do!: 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.

The Brother/Sister Plays

Ongoing through May 23, 2010

The Brother/Sister Plays will be performed in repertory.

To-Do!: Steppenwolf Theatre presents The Brother/Sister Plays: In the Red and Brown Water, The Brothers Size and Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet, By Tarell Alvin McCraney, Directed by ensemble member Tina Landau The Brother/Sister Plays will be presented in repertory, with In the Red and Brown Water on one evening in rotation with the two shorter plays, The Brothers Size and Marcus, on the other (with marathon performances on the weekends). The plays can be experienced in any order, although chronologically In the Red or Brown Water comes first, followed by The Brothers Size and then Marcus. On the banks of the bayou, a small community springs to life with stories of love, sexuality and coming-of-age. Influenced by lively Afro-Caribbean folklore, The Brother/Sister Plays explore the struggles that arise when the quest for self-identity is at odds with community values. [more]

Price: $48-70
Discounts: Twenty $20 tickets are available at Audience Services beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the day of each performance (1:00 p.m. for Sunday performances). Half-price rush tickets are available one hour before each show. Student discounts available.

Tad In 5th City (Opening Week)

Thursday, May 13, 2010, 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

Welcome to Arroyo's (Closing Week)

Thursday, May 13, 2010, 8 - 10pm
Saturdays and Sundays, 3pm matinee

To-Do!: Two DJ narrators spin a heartwarming and hilarious tale of two siblings' desire to transform their family-run bar into New York City's cultural sensation. Combining the adolescent wit of Season 23's Speech & Debate with the music and world of Broadway's Tony Award-winning In the Heights, ATC premieres this groundbreaking celebration of the urban rhythms of life and love.

Price: $35-40
Other Times To-Do It: April 15 - May 16, 2010

Kevin Nabors Quartet

Thursday, May 13, 2010, 8:30pm - 12:30am

To-Do!: Born and raised on Chicago's Southside, Kevin Nabors Jr. attended Gershwin Academy, where he began his unlikely music career. Influenced by the sounds of jazz he heard at home, he began to play in school. His band (Mr. Newsome Oatis, Sr.) director started him on the clarinet, but he quickly progressed to the saxophone. While in concert band he auditioned for the All-City High School Band. He was chosen and juggled the responsibility of All-Cities concert band and jazz band, as well as the coursework of Chicago Vocational High School. The youngest musician in All-City, Kevin set a record of nine years as a band member. Upon graduation from high school he attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where he majored in Music Performance. Kevin also attended Chicago State University where he majored in Music Education. He has studied under Von Freeman, Ernie Watts, Pharez Whitted, and Roxanne Stevenson. Kevin has also done theatre work with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company Gala, Jazz in the Alley, Black Ensemble Theatre, Muntu Dance Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Chicago Arts Building for the Performing Arts, Chicago Jazz Festival, Sons D Hiver, Vision Festival and The World Music Festival. These days you can find him sharing the stage with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Fred Anderson, George Freeman, Roy Hargrove, Ernest Dawkins, Ari Brown, Maurice Brown, Isaiah Spencer, Guy King, Chico Debarge, KRS-1 and Corey Wilkes. Still learning and forever growing, Kevin Nabors Jr. has a sound that will be heard.

Price: $10, Wednesday - Thursday; $20, Friday & Saturday; $5, Sunday
Other Times To-Do It: Wednesday - Sunday nights

2nd Friday Gallery Walk Around

Friday, May 14, 2010, 6 - 10pm

To-Do!: (re)cycle green(er)- In an urban environment, the bicycle is no longer just another mode of transportation; it is an icon of social responsibility. Those of us who commute in the city are aware of the bicycle's changing significance and rising popularity. With every revolution of the wheel, cyclists embody a growing movement towards sustainability. Now, more than ever, people are choosing to trade in their seat belts for helmets, and are embracing this responsibility.

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

PAVE 10th Anniversary Gala

Friday, May 14, 2010, 7 - 11pm

To-Do!: Join PAVE as we celebrate 10 years of shattering the silence of sexual violence held in the legendary Drake Hotel. Featuring gourmet cuisine, drinks, live jazz, silent auction and much more! This year our efforts will support our library series of educational materials and support the growth of PAVE's chapters and affiliates both in the United States and abroad., Special Guests Jesse White, IL Sec of State will be speaking at this exciting event at the legendary Drake Hotel., Hosted by WGN Anchor Robert Jordan and also featuring Laura Schwartz, former Director of Special Events at the White House and Television Correspondent.

Dress Code: Black Tie Optional
Price: $125

Friday Evening "Sit & Sip" f/ K.T.

Friday, May 14, 2010, 7:30 - 9:30pm

To-Do!: You'll love the sweet sounds of guitarist K.T. It's a great mix of Blues, Wine and Friends at WineStyles Solo. And, we're B.Y.O.F., so bring your own food and enjoy.

Price: Free!
Venue Info: Cozy. That's how I'd describe WineStyles in the South Loop. While fashioned like an old world wine cellar, with its warm, inviting feel, it's almost like stepping into someone's kitchen! In addition to wine, shop for various wine-related accessories - and stay a while! They're open late - 'til 9pm, M-W and 'til 11pm Th-Sat.

Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the South

Friday, May 14, 2010, 7:30 - 9:30pm

To-Do!: Dynamic performer and author E. Patrick Johnson seamlessly inhabits the many interviewees who comprise this fascinating oral history of black, gay southern life. The acclaimed book is brought to life in a co-production with Jane M. Saks and the Ellen Stone Belic Institute for the Study of Women and Gender in the Arts and Media, Columbia College Chicago, where Johnson has developed this project as a Fellow.

Price: $25
Other Times To-Do It: April 29th-May 29th

The Man Who Saved New Orleans

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."

To-Do!: 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.

Soleil's Take: What a cute idea!!! And how cool that they're keeping the gallery open 'til midnight - you gotta check this one out! Specialty cocktails by Chant in Hyde Park.

Miscellaneous Info: All art supplies are included and proceeds benefit HPAC programming. Bring your friends!
Price: Free! (Donations Suggested)
Other Times To-Do It: Second Fridays

To-Do!: Aarawak Productions presents Nyahbingi Drum Choir honoring François Mackandal & Boukman Dutty, featuring Douglas R. Ewart (vocals/ woodwinds/ percussion), Ni'Ja Whitson (Dance/ Choreographer), Ann E. Ward, (Voice/Shakere), Aquilla Sadalla, (Voice/Percussion), Edward Wilkerson (Reeds/Percussion); Darius Savage (Bass/Percussion), Clifton Robinson (Repeater/Djembe/Djun Djun/Funde), Paul Cotton (Funde/ Repeater/ Djun Djun), Keith Eric (Bass drum/Funde/Conch Trumpet)

To-Do!: Pasta: So much history, so many ways to make it! Chef John Coletta and Nancy Ryan have covered it all in their new book, 260 True Italian Pasta Dishes. Today, they share some of those key instructions, skills and recipes for authentic pasta dishes, both the old and the innovative. This culinary class is part of the World Kitchen Series. Classes begin promptly. Please wear appropriate clothing and non-skid shoes; bring an apron if desired. Pre-registration is required and can be made online, by phone or in person. Call the hotline at 312-742-TIXS or visit the box office located at 66 E. Randolph St.

To-Do!: Join Grammy® Award Winning Guitar Superstar Norman Brown along with 2009 Debut Artist of the year - Saxophonist Jackiem Joyner and our host for the evening - Nick Colionne, Norman Brown, This innovative and original guitarist has been front and center in the fast evolving fusion of pop, R&B and jazz that has captured the imagination of true music aficionados across the country and around the world. Norman is a Grammy® Award Winner in the prestigious Best Pop Instrumental Category., Norman has established himself as one of a handful of preeminent instrumentalists and composers in contemporary musical realms, setting a standard for virtuosity that has placed the Shreveport, La. native in a category of one. Jackiem Joyner. Saxman Jackiem Joyner has moved from being a sideman to center stage. He was named 2009 Debut Artist of the year, and his hit song "I'm Waiting for You" was voted the # 1 song of 2009 on the Smooth Jazz Radio Network. This is Jackiem's first Chicago area appearance as a headliner, but it won't be his last. You do not want to miss his Chicago debut. Nick Colionne - Show Host, With a jazz style that is both urban and contemporary, Nick Colionne has blazed a trail to the top of the ranks of today's stars. Combining all of the various influences of his music career from jazz to R&B to blues to rock, he has created an unmistakable sound and vibe that is instantly recognizable. With lightning fast speed and a distinctively silky sound, Nick takes the guitar to unexpected places each time he performs.

Miscellaneous Info: Shows at 6pm and 9pm; After-Set at Close-Up 2.
Price: $37.50 - 98.50

To-Do!: Featuring Ron Salter (saxophone), Larry Frazier (guitar), Roger Weaver (keys), Mel Davis (drums)

To-Do!: 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

To-Do!: The Harlem Quartet joins the Chicago Sinfonietta to present Harlem Renaissance. The dynamic all-Black and Latino ensemble (Ilmar Gavilán, violin; Melissa White, violin; Juan-Miguel Hernandez, viola; Desmond Neysmith, cello) are all First-Place Lauretes of the prestigious Sphinx Competition. Their freshness, energy, and sheer talent will have you cheering. (Check out their take on Duke Ellington's Take the 'A' Train.) The orchestra and quartet will electrify the stage with selections as varied as Michael Abels' twenty-first century Delights and Dances and Zoltán Kodály's gypsy-infused Dances of Galánta., You don't want to miss it!

Soleil's Take: The ticket price for kids aged 6-12 is only $10, making this, or the Sunday performance, a great family outing!

To-Do!: Barrelhouse Chuck is the only Chicago blues pianist to have studied under Sunnyland Slim, Pinetop Perkins, Blind John Davis, Detroit Junior, and Little Brother Montgomery. Barrelhouse Chuck draws on this distinguished lineage to create a blues, boogie-woogie, and barrelhouse piano style that places him at the forefront of this celebrated tradition.

To-Do!: Please join us for our 3rd annual KEENFest, an evening of friendship and fundraising, including heavy hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, a silent auction and a brief program. Your support will help us expand our reach in the Chicago community, while keeping our programs free-of-charge!

Miscellaneous Info: KEEN is a national, nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers. KEEN's mission is to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of its athletes through non-competitive activities, allowing young people facing even the most significant challenges to meet their individual goals.

To-Do!: This workshop is designed to instruct pre-venture and startup business owners on the step-by-step process of starting a business and workshop participants will receive a business startup kit and a step-by-step guide that includes other valuable counseling and financial resources that can be utilized for their entrepreneurial endeavors.

To-Do!: 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.

To-Do!: Together, Cécile Savage and Calvin Koco Brunson formed Komango, a musical group committed to bringing a culturally diverse music to a growing audience. Koco Brunson was the musical director for "Ain't Misbehavin", Oscar Brown Jr. "The Great Nitty Gritty" and "Journey Through Forever". He won a Jeff Award for the musical score of "In De Beginin" As a cultural ambassador for the city of Chicago. he performed in Japan and many European Festivals such as Moers in Germany, Nichelsdorff in Austria and Rome in Italy. He also performed with Arturo Sandoval, Jean Carne, Maggie Brown, Famoudou Don Moye and many more artists. The trio also includes drummer Toby Williams.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010, 6 - 7:30pm

To-Do!: with the Neighborhood Writing Alliance and Curtis Robinson

Miscellaneous Info: Passport to Jazz, This performance is part of Passport to Jazz, a series of events, workshops, and performances in Hyde Park's unique landmark and nationally renowned cultural and arts organizations. Pick up your personal "Passport" from participating HyPa organizations and start earning prizes by attending Passport to Jazz events. Do you want a front row seat at the 2010 Hyde Park Jazz Festival? Five (5) Passport to Jazz stamps will earn you a 2010 Jazz Pass for preferred seating at many of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival's indoor venues, on September 25, 2010. For details, visit the HyPa Website!

To-Do!: 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.

To-Do!: Even at the young age of three, when according to his father he climbed onto a chair to reach the turntable in order to put on and play John Coltrane's classic album A Love Supreme, it was evident that music would be an important part of Marqueal Jordan's life. A Los Angeles native, 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 first taste of national exposure 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 Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing, Kenny G., Lalah Hathaway, Earl Klugh and Ledisi. Marqueal also had the honor of performing in Japan as a member of an all-star group consisting of the legendary Larry Graham, Brian Culbertson and members of Earth, Wind & Fire., After " . . . playing with so many people and being a chameleon . . . " Marqueal is ready to fuse all his musical experiences and personalities into one voice with his band. He sees himself as a bandleader and a musician who is " . . . humbly trying to carry on the tradition of great instrumentalists and vocalists. Guys like Ray Charles, Donny Hathaway 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." Currently, Marqueal Jordan is in the studio working on his debut solo CD. It is scheduled for release in 2010.

Price: Free!
Other Times To-Do It: Wednesdays & Thursdays
Image Credit: Lisa Taylor

To-Do!: featuring Sura Ramses Dupart (drums/ percussion), Savior Faire (violin), Santez (tenor sax/percussion), Ed Wilkerson (woodwinds), Brian Smith (bass), CD release: Sura Ramses Dupart & the Sidepocket Experience, Live at the Velvet Lounge.

To-Do!: Keyvan Saket is an Iranian composer and tar and setar instrumentalist. Keyvan is a master of traditional Persian music who, after recording and touring extensively throughout Iran and abroad with traditional ensembles, began experimenting with creative arrangements of well-known Western classical music using the tar and setar. Keyvan Saket will give a Persian music workshop as part of the Thursday Workshop Series.