Bulletin
Trump as Fascist?
Seminary Co-op , 5751 S. Woodlawn Ave. Wednesday, February 17, 6pm–8pm. (773) 752-4381. semcoop.com
Spy magazine famously described Donald Trump as a “short-fingered vulgarian” just as the real estate developer was breaking onto the national scene; since then, many descriptors have been tried out for the now-front runner for the Republican nomination. But is Trump a fascist? Journalist and historian Rick Perlstein will consider the question. (Adam Thorp)
Brazil 2016: The Politics of an Olympian Crisis
Saieh Hall for Economics, 5757 S. University Ave, Room 203. Friday, February 19, 3pm–5pm. clas.uchicago.edu
It’s a familiar story for Chicagoans: a tremendous opportunity is proffered, a chance to bring home international prestige—but sacrifices must be made. In Brazil, public opinion has turned against the trade-offs demanded by the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio. This roundtable will consider the shift. (Adam Thorp)
Architecture Lecture: Melvis & Van Deursen
S. R. Crown Hall, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3360 S. State St. Wednesday, February 17, 6pm–7:30pm. (312) 567-3230. arch.iit.edu.
Learn about the principles and inspiration of architecture from Armand Mevis and Linda van Deursen at the Mies Society Lecture during this spring’s Cloud Talks series. The founders of the Dutch design firm Mevis & van Deursen Design have been working together for thirty years, and are pivotal figures in contemporary Dutch design. (Anne Li)
Social Justice Fair
1456 E. 70th St. Saturday, February 20, 2pm–6pm. (773) 440-1578. on.fb.me/246Epah
Explore and network with social justice organizations at this walk-through event hosted by K. Carlton, Inc. Learn how you can get involved in changing the world, and who can help you do it. (Anne Li)
Building a Movement to Fight Racism
37 S. Ashland Ave. Saturday, February 20, 2pm. Free. (312) 620-2305. on.fb.me/1oltFEN
Get ready for action and join a discussion of the police state that black and brown people live under. Listen to speakers from various backgrounds who will share the experience of fighting for justice and learn how to strengthen existing social movements. (Yunhan Wen)
Phenomenal Black Women and Girls Symposium
UofC School of Social Service Administration, 969 E. 60th St. Saturday, February 20, 8am–3pm. $10 for general registration, $60 for three CEUs. Fees include breakfast and lunch. ssa.uchicago.edu
This weekend the African American Alumni Committee of the School of Social Service Administration’s symposium will consider issues affecting black women and girls. A prestigious panel of researchers and professionals, covering topics including the criminal justice system and behavioral health, will talk about how to help black women and girls thrive. (Yunhan Wen)
Foucault and Neoliberalism
Seminary Co-op, 5751 S. Woodlawn Ave. Monday, February 22, 6pm. (773) 752-4381. semcoop.com
To many, Michel Foucault’s role in shifting cultural paradigms was as obvious as his bald head or signature turtlenecks, but in his new book, Daniel Zamora questions the philosopher’s relationship with “the question of liberalism.” Zamora will be joined in discussion by Walter Benn Michaels, a writer and professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. (Christopher Good)
Chicago Education Expo
Crowne Plaza Hotel, 733 W. Madison St. Saturday, February 27, 9am–12:30pm. Free. (312) 504-0094. chicagoeducationexpo.com
Looking for some options for your Pre-K through eighth grader? Check out presentations from over fifty schools, education organizations, and childcare centers. The expo will also feature a panel discussion with representatives from non-traditional schools as well as guest talks about nutrition and early childhood education. (Hafsa Razi)
Visual Arts
Exhibition Walkthrough: Secrets of a Trumpet
The Renaissance Society, 5811 S. Ellis Ave., Cobb 418. February 7–April 3. Tuesday–Friday, 10am–5pm; Saturday–Sunday, noon–5pm. Tour Wednesday, February 17, 6pm. Free. (773) 702-8670. renaissancesociety.org
With everything from oil paintings of clotheslines to bronze sculptures of otters wielding baseball bats, “Secrets of a Trumpet,” German artist Peter Wächtler’s first stateside installation, “oscillates between the prosaic and the outlandish.” Join Chief Curator Solveig Øvstebø for a guided tour of Wächtler’s “homespun, heartfelt” work. (Christopher Good)
Photo Group Exhibition at Zhou B
Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St. Opening reception Friday, February 19, 6pm–9pm. Through March 12. Monday–Saturday, 10am–5pm. Free. (773) 523-0200. zhoubartcenter.com
At this February’s “3rd Friday” at the Zhou B Art Center, a group photo exhibition will feature the works of eighteen Chicago-based, prominent-on-Instagram photographers. Curated by Chicago artist Zespo, the exhibition will be the first time the works will be showing in a physical space. Reception to follow. (Isabelle Lim)
Midwest Clay Stories: Through the Eye of the Vessel
Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St., fifth floor. Opening reception Friday, February 19, 7pm–10pm. Through April 2. Free. (773) 247-3000. bridgeportart.com
This exhibition presents the people and themes that strongly influence ceramics around the world. It also provides journals throughout the exhibit where visitors, especially fellow ceramic artists, can share their thoughts and experiences for what will become a digital archive. (Mira Jaworski)
The Road Ahead at Project Onward
Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St. Opening reception Friday, February 19, 6pm–9pm. Through March. Tuesday–Saturday, 11am–5pm. Free. (773) 940–2992. projectonward.org
This traveling show presented by Project Onward (an organization dedicated to showcasing artists with developmental disabilities) will make the second of its four tour stops at the Bridgeport Art Center. Sixteen of Project Onward’s artists will display their recent work, which the event description says will encompass “one million emotions.” (Jake Bittle)
A Super Sunday at HPAC
Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave. Sunday, February 21, 1pm–5pm. Special toast at 3:15pm. (773) 324–5520. hydeparkart.org
The Hyde Park Art Center will pull out all the stops this weekend for an event-packed, four-hour showcase. This bonanza will feature not only the Center’s multiple current exhibits, which include “The Weight of Rage” and “Who Cares for the Sky,” but also an open house and meet-and-greet with its various artists-in-residence. (Jake Bittle)
Galán and Lezama in the Pellizzi Family Collections
Mana Contemporary Chicago, 5th Floor, 2233 S. Throop St. Opening reception Saturday, February 21, noon–4pm. Through August 15. Monday–Friday, 11am–5pm; Saturday, noon–4pm. Free. (312) 850-0555. manacontemporarychicago.com
The Mana Contemporary will be blowing the dust off art critic Francesco Pellizzi’s personal collection and exhibiting some hidden gems: namely, the work of Julio Galán and Daniel Lezama, two twentieth-century Mexican surrealists with unique styles and unorthodox approaches to their shared heritage and national identity. (Christopher Good)
Music
BJ The Chicago Kid
Reggies, 2105 S. State Street. Thursday, February 18, 8pm. 21+. Enter to win tickets online. (312) 949-0120. reggieslive.com
Some of us might be living The Life of Pablo right now—but on Thursday night, there will only be one Chicago Kid. The Kanye collaborator and Acid Rap mainstay will be celebrating his much-hyped new LP, In My Mind, which features Chance, Kendrick, and stunning artistic growth from BJ. (Christopher Good)
R.A. the Rugged Man
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Friday, February 19. Doors and show 9pm. $12 advance, $18 at door. (312) 801-2100. promontorychicago.com
Writer, rapper, and hip-hop historian R.A. the Rugged Man takes the stage February 19 at the Promontory. An underground rap superstar, R.A. aims to remind audiences why the Notorious B.I.G. thought he was “the illest.” With young freestyle prodigy A-F-R-O by his side, the past and future of hip-hop combine in a compelling performance. (Kezie Nwachukwu)
Shirley King’s Tribute to BB King
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Sunday, February 21. Doors 7pm, show 8pm. $15-$35. (312) 801-2100. promontorychicago.com
“Daughter of the Blues” Shirley King performs a special show for Black History Month at the Promontory. The artist will honor her father BB King and captivate audiences with expressive jazz. (Gozie Nwachukwu)
Pussy Riot: Punk Politics and Prisons
Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. Sunday, February 21, doors 7:30pm. $15. All ages. (312) 526-3851. thaliahallchicago.com
Illinois Humanities and the University of Illinois at Chicago’s School of Art & Art History will host a conversation about the Kremlin’s least favorite art-rock provocateurs, Pussy Riot, featuring former band member/political prisoner Maria Alyokhina and prison reform activist Ksenia Zhivago. Neon balaclavas are welcome, but not required. (Christopher Good)
Lynn Hilton
The Quarry, 2423 E. 75th St. Friday, February 26, 7pm–11:30pm. (773) 741-6254. mobetterjazzchicago.us
Internationally renowned vocalist Lynn Hilton will drop by Mo Better Jazz later this month. Having performed around the world, she returns to her native city of Chicago to share her multifaceted abilities. (Bilal Othman)
Wayne Wonder and Mýa
The Shrine, 2109 S. Wabash Ave. Saturday, February 27, doors 10pm, show 12:30am. $30 early bird, $40 general admission. 21+. (312) 753-5700. theshrinechicago.com
If the slush and sunshine of what feels like the warmest winter ever has you in a tropical mood, celebrate by seeing Jamaican dub and dancehall all-star Wayne Wonder. Wayne will be joined by R&B starlet (and one-time Dancing with the Stars contestant) Mýa, best known for her collaboration on the Moulin Rouge! version of “Lady Marmalade.” (Christopher Good)
Busta Rhymes
The Shrine, 2109 S. Wabash Ave. Saturday, March 26, doors 10pm. $37.50. 21+. (312) 753-5700. theshrinechicago.com
Fresh off his Christmas return-to-form mixtape The Return of the Dragon (featuring Chance the Rapper and BJ the Chicago Kid), Busta comes to The Shrine for a mysterious show. “Finally… The Shrine & The Conglomerate present Busta Rhymes,” the event page reads, offering little more information but leaving us with the feeling that we’ve been waiting for this without knowing it. Expect a show. (Sam Stecklow)
Stage & Screen
Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters with Philip Glass
Logan Center Performance Hall, 915 E. 60th St. Wednesday, February 17, 7pm. Free. (773) 702-2787. filmstudiescenter.uchicago.edu
To celebrate composer Philip Glass’s residency at the UofC, the Logan Center will screen a film with one of his finest scores: Mishima, Paul Schrader’s innovative portrait of the writer, nationalist, reactionary, and bodybuilder. Glass will be present for discussion afterward, so show up early—the audience is more likely to be half-full than half-empty. (Christopher Good)
Reading the Black Library with Kiara Lanier
Stony Island Arts Bank, 6760 S. Stony Island Ave. Thursday, February 18, 5pm-6pm. (312) 857-5561. rebuild-foundation.org
Former American Idol contestant and Chicago-raised soprano singer Kiara Lanier will perform readings from the current exhibition about DuSable High School, which showcases documents and books from the historic school’s library. A discussion to reflect on these readings will follow Lanier’s performance. (Ada Alozie)
Battledream Chronicle and Twagga
Studio Movie Grill Chatham 14, 210 W. 87th St. Thursday, February 18, 7pm. $6. blackworldcinema.net
Drop by SMG’s Chatham location this week to view two action-filled movies, Battledream Chronicle and Twagga. Whether you witness the thrill of a young Martinican slave fighting her way to freedom (Battledream) or watch a superhero story that takes place during the time of Marxist leader Thomas Sankara (Twagga), you can expect to have a night as wild as these stories. (Bilal Othman)
Viva La Causa
Kartemquin Films, 1901 W. Wellington. Friday, February 19 – Thursday, February 25. Free. (773) 472-4366. Watch online at watch.kartemquin.com
Celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Kartemquin Films by watching Viva La Causa, their short film which records the creation of a mural in Pilsen during the 1970s and addresses the important place this art form holds in Latino culture’s artistic heritage. The screening will feature additional content not in original film. (Sam Royall)
Jahaji Music: India in the Caribbean
Black Cinema House, 7200 S. Kimbark Ave. Sunday, February 21, 4pm–6:30pm. Free. (312) 857-5561. rebuild-foundation.org
In the gleefully multilingual Jahaji Music, musician and cross-cultural dilettante Remo Fernandes explores Indo-Caribbean music through calypso, dancehall, soca, and sega. A screening of the film will be followed by a conversation with multimedia curator and Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema co-editor Ashish Rajadhyaksha. (Christopher Good)
Skirts at Mana Contemporary
Mana Contemporary Chicago, 2233 S. Throop St. Sunday, February 21, 12pm–4pm. Free. highconceptlaboratories.org
Explore the boundaries of femininity and time while pondering the politics of beauty and humor through a collaborative work combining live performance with a dance-film exhibition, a playground for the audiovisual senses. The endeavor’s been in the works since last fall, so expect a developed showcase of artistic experimentation and contentious ideas. (Ada Alozie)
Blues for Mister Charlie
Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St. Monday, February 22, 6:30pm. Free. (773) 753-4472. courttheatre.org
The Logan Center and Court Theatre join forces for a joint reading of James Baldwin’s Blues for Mister Charlie, the first installment of Court’s new Spotlight Reading Series. Read by Northwestern lecturer, director, and actor Aaron Todd Douglas, the work focuses on the harrowing effects of racism in the 1950s—effects that have not completely disappeared in the present day. (Kezie Nwachukwu)
Lines in the Dust
eta Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. Chicago Ave. February 5 – March 27. Friday and Saturday, 8pm; Sunday, 3pm. $30, discounts available for seniors, students, and groups. (773) 752-3955. etacreativearts.org
“Who gets the best education in America?” This is the question asked by Lines in the Dust, playwright Nikkole Salter’s gripping look into education inequity, poverty, and its human cost. Join director Phyllis E. Griffin for the play’s Chicago premiere. (Christopher Good)