Bulletin
Kissinger’s Shadow
Seminary Co-op, 5751 S. Woodlawn Ave. Wednesday, November 4, 6:30pm. Free. (773) 752-4381. semcoop.com
If nothing else, Henry Kissinger’s political career was controversial—a topic Greg Grandin will explore as he talks about his new book, Kissinger’s Shadow, which theorizes that Kissinger’s policies paved the way for America’s ongoing overseas conflicts. (Christopher Good)
Painting the Path to ACCESS
UIC Latino Cultural Center, Lecture Center B2, 803 S. Morgan St. Wednesday, November 4, noon-3pm. (331) 996-3095. studentaccessil@gmail.com
On November 11, UIC students will lead a march in support of the Student ACCESS bill, designed to allow undocumented students to apply for higher education scholarships in Illinois. A week earlier, join this workshop to learn more about the bill, and deck out your kicks in preparation for the action. (Christian Belanger)
Household Workers Unite!
UIC Student Center East, Room: Illinois B, 750 S. Halsted Ave. Thursday, November 5, 11am-12:30pm. (312) 355-5922. socialjustice.uic.edu
Traditional histories of the labor movement have focused on the organization of workers in factories; domestic work, often done by women and people of color, has often been ignored. In her most recent book, Premilla Nadasen unearths the movement those workers built. (Adam Thorp)
Moments of Justice: Arts and Renaissance
Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St. Friday, November 6, 6pm-9pm. $80. (312) 435-1201. momentsofjustice.com
Chicago Freedom School pays homage to local activists and social justice movements in an Arts and Renaissance themed fundraiser for the School’s youth leadership programs. The event, which explores the influence of art on justice movements, inludes music, a silent auction and dancing. (Sonia Schlesinger)
Zona Abierta: Environmental Justice in the Little Village Community
UIC Latino Cultural Center, Lecture Center B2, 803 S. Morgan St. Tuesday, November 10, 3:30pm-5pm. Free. (312) 996-3095. latinocultural.uic.edu
Join UIC’s Latino Cultural Center and student organizations next Tuesday to discuss environmental justice in Little Village and to learn how to get involved. The program includes activist and historian Antonio Reyes Lopez’s presentation on the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization’s sustainability plan, and a “communal dialogue” led by UIC’s Freshwater Lab scholars. (Sonia Schlesinger)
The Role of TIFs in North Lawndale
St. Agatha’s Church, 3151 W. Douglas Blvd. Wednesday, November 11, 6pm-8pm. Free. Email frankbergh@gmail.com for more information. tifreports.com
St. Agatha’s Parish and Tom Tresser of the TIF Illumination Project will lead a discussion about Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and the allotment of taxpayer money in the 24th Ward. All attendees will leave with a free poster and a greater understanding of a difficult acronym. (Christopher Good)
We Too Sing America
Seminary Co-op, 5751 S. Woodlawn Ave. Tuesday, November 17, 6pm. (773) 752-4381. semcoop.com
In I Hear America Singing, Walt Whitman hears the gruff, virile sounds of working people; in I, Too, Langston Hughes asserts that he, “the darker brother”, sings America too. Deepa Iyer’s book We Sing America continues this history of expansion by reflecting on the American experience of South Asian, Arab and Sikh people in a time of discrimination and tension. (Adam Thorp)
Music
Babes
Reggies Chicago, 2105 S. State St. Wednesday, November 4, 8pm. $10. 21+. (312) 949-0120. reggieslive.com
If Wednesday’s got you down, cut loose with some candy-coated ballads from Babes and some wistful indie tunes from opening acts Modern Vices and Strange Faces. No, not “Babe: The Gallant Pig”—rather, Babes, the Los Angeles baroque pop outfit. (Christopher Good)
Jimbo Delta
Reggies Chicago, 2105 S. State St. Friday, November 6, 5:30pm. Free. 21+. reggieslive.com
Self-described as “true Americana,” blues musician Jimbo Delta presents classic delta blues combined with electric guitar and quick beats, blending new and old in a heartfelt appeal to the roots of blues. Jimbo released his debut Hypnotized a coule of years after arriving in Chicago in the late nineties, and will perform at Reggies this Friday. (Clyde Schwab)
Nanette Frank
Mo Better Jazz Chicago, 2423 E. 75th St. Friday, November 6, 7pm. $10 donation. (773) 741-6254. mobetterjazzchicago.us
A multitalented jazz musician, Nanette Frank has worked with Billy Branch, Brian Culbertson, Steve Cole and even Crest Multi-Care. This Friday, come see her live up to her upcoming album’s title, Revitalizing Jazz. (CJ Fraley)
Anjali Ray at The Promontory
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Saturday, November 7, 8pm. $50-$75. (312) 801-2100. promontorychicago.com
Anjali Ray weaves her experience in classical and jazz piano and Indian Hindustani vocals together to create an emotional and haunting style of music. Her concert on Saturday is a benefit for the Kalapriya Foundation Center for Indian Performing Arts and the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. (Jonathan Poilpre)
Somi
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Sunday, November 8, doors 1pm, show 2pm. $17 standing room, $20-$40 tables. (312) 801-2100. promontorychicago.com
Somi, one of the greatest voices in contemporary jazz and Huffington Post-proclaimed “High Priestess of Soul,” will bring her globetrotting blend of R&B and afropop to the Promontory for an intimate matinée performance. As she sings in “Ankara Sundays,” stop by and forget about things for a while. (Christopher Good)
Eric Roberson
The Shrine, 2109 S. Wabash Ave. Saturday, November 14, doors 8pm, show 9:30pm. $30 general admission. 21+. (312) 753-5700. theshrinechicago.com
With the most soul this side of Motown comes Eric Roberson (aka Erro), a singer and songwriter who is perhaps singlehandedly keeping R&B alive. It’s like someone put D’Angelo and Dwele in a blender, only impossibly smoother. (Christopher Good)
Jeezy
Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. Tuesday, November 17. Doors 8pm, show 9pm. $48 standing room, $58 seats. 21+. (312) 526-3851. thaliahallchicago.com
Atlanta trap juggernaut Jeezy—aka Pastor Young—will be stopping at Thalia Hall to deliver a “one-of-a-kind experience” in support of his upcoming album, Church in These Streets. Street disciples should expect powerful sermons propelled by equally powerful beats. (Christopher Good)
KRS-One
The Shrine, 2109 S. Wabash Ave. Sunday, November 29, doors 10pm. $22.50 early bird, $32.50 general admission. 21+. (312) 753-5700. theshrinechicago.com
As one of the most politically active and critically acclaimed MCs of the 1990s, KRS-One blazed the trail for socially conscious rap with landmark albums such as Criminal Minded and Return of the Boom Bap. Now, he’s touring the nation, and stopping in Chicago along the way. The self-proclaimed “Most Respected Name in Hip Hop Kulture” has plenty left to say. (Christopher Good)
Ryan Leslie at the Shrine
The Shrine, 2109 S. Wabash Ave. Saturday, December 5, 2015, doors open at 9pm. $32.50. 18+. theshrinechicago.com
Producer Ryan Leslie’s resume is impressive—coming from Seattle and graduating from Harvard at nineteen, he’s written and produced tracks for Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and New Edition as well as the 2006 Cassie’s hit “Me&U.” The crooning R&B and hip-hop artist will warm up Chicago on December 5 at the Shrine. (Clyde Schwab)
Visual Arts
Rear View with Road Cut
Slow Pony Project, 1745 W. 18th St. Opening reception Thursday, November 5, 7pm-9pm. Open through December 13; hours to be determined. Free. (815) 575-2023.
In “Rear View with Road Cut,” Liz Ensz embarks on a journey into the living landscape of memory. Through a combination of media, including sculpture installations and performance art, Ensz explores the intimate relationship between space and time, and geography and history, venturing to retrieve the forgotten past of the human species. (Jasmin Liang)
Traveler’s Sketchbook
Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. November 6–December 6. Monday–Friday, 9am–9pm; Saturday, 9am–5pm; Sunday, 1pm–4pm. Reception Sunday, November 15, 2pm–4pm. Free. (773) 445-3838. beverlyartcenter.org
The Beverly Arts Center will host a reception for George C. Clark’s new exhibition, “Traveler’s Sketchbook.” The picturesque plein air sketches draw inspiration from locales near and far, but consistently charm. (Christopher Good)
In Our Own Words: Youth Development and the Arts
Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake St. Saturday, November 7, 1pm–3pm. Free. (773) 947-7378. chicagoparkdistrict.com
Who better to facilitate discussion on the influence of art in kids’ lives than kids themselves? Youth from local arts and Chicago Park District programs will lead this conversation, which extends from Truman College’s “Arts in the Parks: The People’s Studio” exhibition. People of all ages are encouraged to attend. (Sara Cohen)
Paul McCarthy Drawings
The Renaissance Society, 5811 S. Ellis Ave., Room 418. Opening reception Sunday, November 8, 4pm–7pm. Open November 8–January 24. Tuesday–Friday, 10am–5pm; Saturday–Sunday, 12pm–5pm. Free. (773) 702-8670. renaissancesociety.org
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, what’s a show that’s sure to enthrall? Containing works from McCarthy’s 2009 “White Snow” series and 2013 “WS” installation, this exhibition presents deconstructed themes and dark elements from the Snow White fairytale. An opening reception with the artist, a curators’ walkthrough, and video screenings will contribute to the experience. (Sara Cohen)
Jefferson Pinder: Onyx Odyssey
Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave. November 8–January 24. Monday–Thursday, 9am–8pm; Friday–Saturday, 9am–5pm; Sunday, 12pm–5pm. Free. (773) 324-5520. hydeparkart.org
In “Onyx Odyssey,” interdisciplinary artist Jefferson Pinder examines the nuances of the black male figure in American history and culture. Through video, sculpture, and light installations, Pinder asks probing questions about racial identity and resistance. (Ellen Hao)
Giuliana Bruno
Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St. Thursday, November 12, 5pm. Free. (773) 702-2787. arts.uchicago.edu
In this talk, professor Giuliana Bruno, author of Surface: Matters of Aesthetics, Materiality, and Media, will discuss her latest research on the nature of materiality. In a time of ever-evolving visual mediums, Bruno examines the relationships between materials and media across the arts. (Ellen Hao)
Stage and Screen
Dream State: an improvised audiovisual performance
Black Cinema House, 7200 S. Kimbark Ave. Thursday, November 5, 7pm–9pm. (312) 857-5561. rebuild-foundation.squarespace.com
Percussion, video, and 16mm film collaborate to create an eclectic journey for the senses. A live jazz band will improvise a unique soundtrack to accompany the experimental films being shown. Expect a night of artistic risks and audiovisual stimulation, inspired by the Chicago Architectural Biennial. (Ada Alozie)
Agamemnon
Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. November 5–December 6. $38, discounts available for seniors, faculty, and students. (773) 753-4472. courttheatre.org
In the mood for tragedy? Renowned scholar Nicholas Rudall’s world premiere translation of Aeschylus’s Agamemnon brings back Sandra Marquez and Mark Montgomery from last year’s Iphigenia in Aulis as Clytemnestra and Agamemnon for Court’s “groundbreaking” second installment of the Greek Cycle. The gods invite our witness. (Rurik Baumrin)
Chi-Town Multicultural Film Fest
Black Cinema House, 7200 S. Kimbark Ave. Friday, November 6, 6:30pm–8pm. Free. RSVP available. (312) 857-5561. rebuild-foundation.squarespace.com
Hang out with local filmmakers at the red carpet premiere of the second annual CMFF, including Olayinka Hassan, El Porter, Mary Horan, Jessica Estelle Huggins, and Allen Nettles. Enjoy special screenings of documentaries, dramas, animation, and LGBTQ stories and stick around for the awards ceremony. Seating is limited. (Rurik Baumrin)
The Sunshine Boys Staged Reading
Augustana Lutheran Church, 5500 S. Woodlawn Ave. Friday, November 6, 8pm. $5. hydeparkcommunityplayers.com
This duo is exploring new frontiers of laughter and friendship. Scott Malpass and Wylie Crawford will act as the begrudgingly reunited Al and Willie in this staged reading of portions of The Sunshine Boys with Hyde Park Community Players. The reading will be followed by a discussion. (Jena Yang)
The Nutcracker Suite
Hamilton Cultural Center, 513 W. 72nd St. Saturday, November 7, 1:15pm and 4:15pm. Free. (312) 747-6174. chicagoparkdistrict.com
Hamilton Cultural Center, 513 W. 72nd St. Saturday, November 7, 1:15pm and 4:15pm. Free. (312) 747-6174. chicagoparkdistrict.com
Halloween may be over, but the holiday season looms. Ease into the celebrations with Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy at the annual Joffrey Academy of Dance production of the classic Nutcracker Suite ballet. (Jena Yang)
Borders and Islands
Cultura in Pilsen, 1900 S. Carpenter St. Sunday, November 8, 12pm–1pm. $5. (312) 494-9509. chicagohumanities.org
Curious about the intersections between sexuality and ethnicity through a transnational lens? Come hear Achy Obejas, a prize-winning writer, translator, and critic, discuss how her experience as a Cuban lesbian woman has influenced her work. A multimedia bilingual performance called “Crossing Paths,” performed by first-generation youth, will start. (Ada Alozie)
The Selfish Giant
Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Sunday, November 8, 2pm. Adults $22, children $12. (773) 445-3838. beverlyartcenter.org
It’s the classic case of a grumpy old man chasing children off his grass—with a few huge twists. For one, the beautiful garden withers until the marionette children sneak back to bring spring with them. For another, the grumpy old man is a giant. Come take in the possibilities of puppets, lest the giant should come scolding. (Anne Li)
Girlhood
Black Cinema House, 7200 S. Kimbark Ave. Sunday, November 8, 4pm–6pm. (312) 857-5561. rebuild-foundation.squarespace.com
Come hear what film journalist Sergio Mims has to say about race and history in Girlhood, a French film about a teenage girl in a poor Paris suburb. Mims also writes for Indiewire’s Shadow and Act, a blog devoted to the African diaspora featured in Girlhood, so the discussion after the film should be worthwhile. (Anne Li)