Bulletin
The Big Idea Show
BOP Biz Chatham Suites, 644 E. 79th St. Friday, March 30, 9amâ11am. Free. (773) 891-5939. bit.ly/BigIdeaShow3
Every Friday, the Big Idea Show provides a platform for business owners, activists, and entrepreneurs alike to discuss their big ideas. Hosts Linda Perez and Toure Muhammadâbusiness owners in their own rightâwill discuss the secret to succeeding in Chicago with their guests. Find out that secret for yourself by attending this Friday. (Michael Wasney)
Mental Wellness: Supporting the Whole Black Woman
Greenline Coffee, 501 E. 61st St. Saturday, March 31, 11amâ2pm. $12. (312) 880-9739. register at sistaafya.com/events
Sista Afyaâs founder Camesha Jones will lead this workshop on Black women trailblazers in mental wellness field. You will learn how a holistic approach to mental wellness can help you break down barriers in your life. (Adia Robinson)
Womenâs History Night
Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom, 2101 S. Carpenter St. Saturday, March 31, 5pmâ10pm. $5 suggested donation. RSVP online. (888) 404-2262. facebook.com/LoRezBrewing
Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom will celebrate National Womenâs Month with a night of live music, stand-up comedy, and improv. Come hungry and thirsty, tooâperformances will be accompanied with craft beer and food from Yvolinaâs Tamales and El Cucuy tacos. Donations will benefit Mujeres Latinas en AcciĂłn. (Michael Wasney)
South Shore – March Madness Round Tables
ABJ Center for the Art, 1818 E. 71st St. Saturday, March 31, 9:30amânoon. Free. (773) 644-1347. bit.ly/SouthShoreMarchMadness
The Southeast Side Block Club Alliance and the Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago will host a series of discussions to interrogate the reinvestment, redevelopment, and gentrification currently occurring on the Southeast Side of Chicago. They want landlords, renters, homeowners, and business owners on the Southeast Side to take part. At the first of these discussions, learn more about the changes taking place in your community and to share your unique perspective on the issue. (Michael Wasney)
Rocket Men Book Launch
Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. Thursday, April 5. 7pmâ9pm. $35 (includes a copy of the book). msichicago.org
Author Robert Kurson penned a new book, Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 about Americaâs second manned voyage to the moon. Apollo 8 crew members Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders will participate in a panel discussion at the Hyde Park museum, where visitors also can see the Apollo 8 capsule and mingle at a cash bar. (Joseph S. Pete)
Jackson Rising: An Evening Book Talk with Kali Akuno
Student Service Building, 1200 W. Harrison St. Monday, April 9, 6pmâ9pm. Free. RSVP required. (312) 355-5922. sji.uic.edu
The University of Illinois at Chicagoâs Social Justice Initiative will be hosting Kali Akuno, author of the recently published Jackson Rising: The Struggle for Economic Democracy and Black Self-Determination in Jackson, Mississippi. Akuno also founded Cooperation Jackson, which connects worker cooperatives in Jackson with each other. Come hear him discuss the contents of his bookâspecifically the history of radical social experimentation and institution building in Jackson, Mississippiâas well as the work that his organization does. (Michael Wasney)
Visual Arts
Monthly Arts Block Tour
Arts Incubator, 301 E. Garfield Blvd. Wednesday, March 28, 12pmâ1pm. Free, but registration is required. arts.uchicago.edu/arts-public-life/arts-block/tours. (773) 702-9724.
Tour the Washington Parkâs Arts Incubator gallery and the Currency Exchange Cafe at the corner of Prairie and Garfield Boulevard. Meet at BING at 307 E. Garfield Blvd. on the last Wednesday of every month to learn about how the spaces are being used for arts programs and community engagement. (Joseph S. Pete)
Weaving Patterns and Perceptions: Art Workshop
Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture, 5733 S. University Ave. Wednesday, April 4, 5:30pmâ7:30pm. Free, but RSVP is required. eventbrite.com/e/weaving-patterns-and-perceptions-art-workshop-tickets-43316612153
Victoria Martinez is an educator and transdisciplinary artist from Pilsen who explores textiles, printmaking, site-specific experiments, and more. As Artist-in-Residence both for the UofCâs Arts and Public Life initiative and its Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture, Martinez is hosting this workshop, which aims to highlight the history and importance of African and Mexican textiles. Come by and learn about weaving imagery as a hands-on experience. (Roderick Sawyer)
PoesĂa en Abril 2018
Contratiempo, 1011 W. 18th St. Wednesday, April 4, 7pmâ9pm, and Sunday April 15, 4pmâ6pm. Free. mpujols@contratiempo.net
Partnering with Spanish At DePaul, Poetry Foundation & Poetry Magazine, Open Books, and the Cultura in Pilsenâto name a few organizationsâContratiempo is hosting their tenth annual PoesĂa en Abril event. Come by for readings, workshops, performances, and much more. (Roderick Sawyer)
Cecilia Vicuña: PALABRARmas
The Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society, 5701 S. Woodlawn Ave. Opening reception Thursday, March 29, 6pmâ8pm. Free. 773-795-2329. collegium@uchicago.edu
Cecilia Vicuñaâs âPalabrarmasâ are described as âvisual anagramsâ that were created in exile in London and BogotĂĄ after the Pinochet-led coup of 1973. This monographic exhibition is dedicated to showcasing the different mediums that Vicuña used to bridge his work with poetry and visual arts. Mediums such as banner-like works, drawing, and more will be on display. (Roderick Sawyer)
Music
Lil Wop with Chxpo
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Friday, March 30, doors 6pm, show 7pm. $17 advance, $20 at door. All ages. (312) 801-2100. promontorychicago.com
With a cosign from Gucci Mane and the most elastic voice this side of Future, Lil Wop is making waves. The Chicago-raised rock star will have a perfect partner in Chxpo, whose bangers split the difference between web kitsch and horrorcore. (Christopher Good)
Chicago ’90s Block Party
Wintrust Arena, 200 E. Cermark. Friday, March 30, doors 6:30pm, show 7:30pm. $39â$89. (312) 791-6900. bit.ly/chicago90s
Catch new jack swing pioneers Guy with Teddy Riley, Jagged Edge, 112, Faith Evans, and SWV at a concert that promises to have you dancing all night long. (Adia Robinson)
The Artists Space Networking Event
Some Like It Black, 4259 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Unit D. Friday, March 30, 8pmâ11pm. (773) 891-4866. somelikeitblack.com
Calling all artists: 101Classic is hosting a free networking event for all Chicago singers, rappers, photographers, videographers, poets, writers, producers, DJs, painters, and any other kind of artist. Connect with other creatives, find your next project partner, share your ideas, and promote your work. (Adia Robinson)
NightStop with Pixel Grip, Spaces of Disappearance
Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan Ave. Friday, March 30, doors 8pm. $7. 18+. (773) 837-0145. coprosperity.org
Finnish synth-pop musician NightStopâwhose tunes are “specifically intended for your hi-fi stereo cassette player as you drive your Ferrari F40 into Miami nights”âwill debut his new LP, “Dancing Killer,” at the Co-Pro. He’ll be joined by local acts Pixel Grip and Spaces of Disappearance. (Adia Robinson)
Sip & Paint Open Mic
KaLab Bronzeville, 501 1/2 E. 47th St. Saturday, April 7, 4pmâ11pm. $7â$32, RSVP at bit.ly/sip-and-paint. 21+. (773) 675-4415. letskalab.com
KaLab will kick off April with a full evening of creation and expression. There’ll be “Sip & Paint”ââdrinking and painting, with all supplies includedââplus an open mic and free time to vent. Ticket includes a drink! (Christopher Good)
Workshop: Carving Out Your Own Place in the Music Industry
Arts + Public Life, 301 E. Garfield Blvd. Monday, April 9, 6pmâ7:30pm. (773) 702-9724. RSVP at bit.ly/carvingyourplace
Grammy-winning drummer and Juilliard School instructor Ulysses Owens Jr. will chair a conversation on the music industry next Monday. Whether you’re trying to get signed, or just want to play more gigs, come through and learn to hone the business side of your craft. (Christopher Good)
Stage & Screen
Songs of the Chicago Freedom Movement: A Concert Remix
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park West. Wednesday, April 4, 7pmâ9pm. $25. (312) 719-3740. addiewyattcenter.org
The Addie Wyatt Center for Nonviolence Training presents this all-ages concert commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the fiftieth anniversary of his assassination. With a call to action looking at the years from 1968 to now, this concert features jazz, gospel, folk, and choral ensembles. (Nicole Bond)
Mother George
Dorchester Art + Housing Collaborative, 1456 E. 70th St. Friday, April 6, 7pmâ10pm. Free. (312) 857-5561. rebuild-foundation.org
Nigerian photographer and filmmaker Andrew Dosunmu directs this story of a Nigerian couple living in Brooklyn, managing a small restaurant and defying cultural expectations. Starring Danai Gurrira, now most popular for her role as Okoye in Black Panther. As usual with Black Cinema House, there will be a discussion following the screening. (Nicole Bond)
No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks
Benito Juarez Community Academy, 1450 W. Cermak Ave. Tuesday, April 3âFriday, April 6,10 am. Free, but tickets must be requested, first-come first-serve. ynoriega@poetryfoundation.org. (312) 799-8008. poetryfoundation.org
Teachers from Chicago Public Schools and suburban districts are invited to bring their sixth through twelfth grade students to four special performances of the biographical puppet play by Eve Ewing and Nate Marshall about the Pulitzer winner who remains one of Chicagoâs most iconic literary figures. It includes music by Jamila Woods and Ayanna Woods inspired by the author of âA Street in Bronzevilleâ and âWe Real Cool.â (Joseph S. Pete)
Jackie Taylor Drama Series
DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl. April 7â22; Saturdays, 3pm and 8pm; Sundays, 3pm. $35. (773) 769-4451. blackensemble.org
Three dramatic playsâeach written during Black Ensemble Theaterâs Black Playwrights Initiative, an educational incubator for aspiring playwrightsâ all relevant to current events, will be presented at the DuSable throughout April. A discussion led by the actors about the topics explored in each play will follow each performance. The series opens with National Anthem by Ervin Gardner the first weekend, followed by Reginald Williamsâs The Plea, and closes the third weekend with In The Shadow of Justice, by L. Maceo Ferris. (Nicole Bond)
Blood Mural
The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Friday, April 13âSunday, May 27. ThursdaysâSaturdays, 8pm; Sundays, 3pm. $22-$40. (773) 609-4714. mpaact.org
Lauren âLLâ Lundyâs play follows Dr. E.J. Lockhart as she works on a mural about gun violence in a Chicago neighborhood suffering from gentrification. She confronts personal demons, a rival, and the institutional foundation that funds her work in a play that examines identity politics, art, and history. (Joseph S. Pete)
Comfort Stew
eta Creative Arts, 7558 S. South Chicago Ave. Friday, April 13âSunday, May 13, Friday through Sunday, 8pm Fridays and Saturdays, 3pm Sundays. $15â$35. (773) 752-3955. etacreativearts.org
Playwright and poet Angela Jackson weaves a tale of a missing child ripped straight from the headlines. Her play, directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce, concerns how parents love their children in an evening of âmemory and hopeâ and the âactions of the spirit.â (Joseph S. Pete)
Guess Whoâs Coming to Dinner?
Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. Through April 15. $38â$71. (773) 753-4472. courttheatre.org
The classic 1967 film about the latent racism that surfaces when an upper-class San Francisco couple hosts their daughter and her Black doctor fiancĂ© has been adapted for the stage by playwright Todd Kreidler. The acclaimed Marti Lyons, whoâs directed for several theaters in Chicago, makes her Court directorial debut with this still-topical adaptation. (Joseph S. Pete)
Lettie
Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Sunday, April 22, 1:30pm reception, 3pm show.. $60â$500. (312) 780-3192. slministries.org
All proceeds of this performance of the world premiere play Lettie, about a formerly incarcerated woman reentering society and struggling to make a fresh start, benefit Grace House, St. Leonardâs Ministriesâ womenâs residential program. Thereâs a reception before and a panel discussion (featuring the women of Grace House and the playâs production team) after playwright Boo Killebrewâs debut at Victory Gardens. (Joseph S. Pete)
Food & Land
Chicago Food Encyclopedia
Ruggles Hall, Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St. Thursday, April 5, 6pmâ7:30pm. Free with online registration. (312) 943-9090. newberry.org
A former Tribune food editor, a professor emeritus of Roosevelt University, and a food journalist and historian have assembled an encyclopedia of Chicago food. Its entries are ordered A-Z, and include Alinea, Rick Bayless, and, of course, hot dogs. Come to hear co-editors and contributor Bill Daley discuss their âultimate reference on Chicago and its food,â and stick around after to get a copy signed by them. (Joseph S. Pete)
Spring Seed Swap
Jane AddamsâHull House Museum Residents Dining Hall, 800 S. Halsted St. Sunday, April 8, 1pmâ3pm. Free. (312) 996-3`095. heritagegarden.uic.edu
Swap seeds, share stories of growth and failure, and celebrate the beginning of the growing season at UICâs Heritage Garden with your favorite artists, gardeners, organizers, and University of Illinois Extension educators. Seeds or no seeds, all are welcome; complimentary refreshments will be served. (Emeline Posner)
Play Garden Planting Day
McKinley Park Play Garden, 3518-28 S. Wolcott Ave. Sunday, April 15, 9amâ1pm. Free. bit.ly/McKinleyParkPlayPlant
Itâs time for the first planting phase at McKinley Park Play Garden, just south of the McKinley Park Library, and the organizers are eager for volunteersâespecially high-schoolers who need community service hours. Bring gloves if you have them! The organizers will have necessary tools and a free lunch on hand, as well as more information about the gardenâs official opening in June. (Emeline Posner)
Planting the Seeds of Curiosity: A STEM Make-a-thon on Botany
The Blue Lacuna, 2150 S. Canalport Ave. Saturday, April 21, 10amâ12pm. For kids ages 3 through 7. $25, parents free. (312) 778-6374. thebluelacuna.com
A workshop dedicated to growing young green thumbs, this STEM Make-a-thon will teach the essentials of âhow plants work.â Kids will go home with a signed storybook, Paige & Paxton Go Green, about kids who get their hands dirty, and their very own seedling. (Emeline Posner)