Bulletin
First Mayoral Runoff Debate
Rahm Emanuel’s failure to acquire a majority last Tuesday launches him and Jesus “Chuy” Garcia into an unprecedented runoff campaign. Between February 24 and April 7, Garcia and Emanuel will have to compete for the many Chicago voters—about one in five—who opted for neither of them in the first election. The campaigns have agreed to hold three debates in order to try and peel off some of these votes; the first will be held at the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics and broadcast on NBC-5 and Telemundo. Emanuel and Garcia have both released statements in anticipation. Garcia expresses hope that as the unlikely challenger, he will be able to properly introduce himself to Chicago residents, something he struggled to accomplish as one of five candidates in the February 24 election. Emanuel’s statement contains a promise to present a clear difference between himself and Garcia, and perhaps, in his mention of the “five healthy debates” already held, a note of exasperation. Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago, 5707 S. Woodlawn Ave. Saturday, March 16. politics.uchicago.edu (Adam Thorp)
Women Warrior Wednesdays: Accessing Resources for Female Veterans
Women’s History Month is upon us, and the Women’s Business Development Center is celebrating by hosting a unique open house event to raise awareness of the resources available to female veterans in Chicago. Partners will deliver short presentations about opportunities for veterans hoping to start businesses, continue education, or take advantage of social services. Both recognizing the service of female vets and providing a multitude of future prospects (entrepreneurial, educational and otherwise) for them, the casual event should be an invaluable aid for former servicewomen. Jackson Park Boardroom, 1452 E. 53rd St. Wednesday, March 18, 6pm-8pm. Free. (312)853-0145. wbdc.org (Zoe Makoul)
WTF Is the IWW
The International Workers of the World have spent more than a hundred years playing an important role on the left wing of the labor movement. Their goals include creating “One Big Union” and abolishing the wage system. The Chicago branch of the IWW is conducting a roughly three-hour, presumably well-run, workshop on how “to hold meetings that are shorter, democratic and more productive”. The workshop will also provide content for the meetings by introducing attendees to the IWW and the group’s arguments for the importance of class consciousness and workplace organizing. Chicago IWW Office, 1700 S. Loomis St. Saturday, March 14, noon-3pm. Free, donations encouraged. iww.org/branches/US/IL/chicago (Adam Thorp)
Citizenfour Screening
After interviewing international criminal and civil liberties demigod Edward Snowden in Hong Kong, the journalist and director Laura Poitras packed her bags and moved to Germany. Setting up complex security protocols to protect her data from surveillance, she began to edit what eventually became the basis for the Academy Award-winning docu-thriller Citizenfour, showing at the Logan Center on March 13. The global saga of the movie’s production matches the saga of its protagonist: from Hong Kong to Russia and Germany, Poitras’s team poignantly and eloquently dissects fears about the new role of technology and surveillance in society as it eludes the authorities in real time. Citizenfour is a fully modern take on what subversion looks like in the context of the twenty-first century security state. Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., Room 201. Friday, March 13, 3pm. Free with online ticket reservation. (773)702-2787. politics.uchicago.edu (Will Cabaniss)
2nd Annual Stop the Violence Talent Showcase
This Saturday, the Harold Washington Cultural Center will host its second annual talent showcase, created to raise awareness of and discuss solutions for local violence. Local Twitter and Vine star Pimp Tunechi will host, while twelve-year-old musician Dorian Adams, who founded the event last year, will perform, along with a number of other local artists. A community panel, “The Cause & Solutions for Gun Violence,” will take place afterward, moderated by Quincy Roseborough, executive director of EmpowerMen, Inc. The admissions ticket is twelve dollars, though it’s possible to become a “platinum sponsor” for $1000, and the vaunted “swag bag sponsor w/ social media mention” title is a mere fifty. Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. King Dr. Saturday, March 14, 2pm-6pm. $12. (773)916-7059. (Christian Belanger)
Stand Up for Reparations
The City of Chicago does not dispute that officers of the CPD, over the course of two decades, have tortured people. Lit cigarettes, beatings, and hand-cranked generators were used to force confessions, which led to convictions and long prison terms. Some settlements have been paid to victims, and some officers have been sentenced to time in prison, but most are protected by the statute of limitations. Activists have been pushing for a municipal ordinance that would include a formal apology, financial compensation for survivors, and funding for memorial programs. By filling City Council meetings with supporters of the ordinance, Chicago Torture Justice Memorials hopes to apply pressure to the city government—and, specifically, to Chicago’s runoff-bound mayor. His opponent Chuy Garcia has endorsed the ordinance and promised to give it a hearing. City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. March 16, 10:30am; March 18, 10am. chicagotorture.org (Adam Thorp)
Midwest Urban Farmers Summit
To early residents of Chicago, urban farming would have been nothing remarkable. When the city was little more than a trading post, residents ate what they could grow, trap, or hunt. Even as the city grew, many cottages surrounding its stockyards and lumberyards kept a small garden or chicken coop. Only in the second half of the twentieth century did supermarkets begin to dominate. In recent years, however, neighborhood gardens have replaced vacant lots with greenery, and chickens once again sun themselves in backyards. Shuttered factories and empty lots have found new life with commercial food production operations like The Plant, a “vertical farm” offering space for vegetable plots, cheese makers, and more. The Plant will soon host a conference offering presentations covering topics unique to farming in the shadows of great cities. Experienced farmers will offer presentations on practical agricultural topics including rooftop and small plot cultivation, urban beekeeping, and cold-weather farming, as well as entrepreneurial ventures like forming cooperative networks and marketing products. The conference will also offer networking and social opportunities. The Plant, 1400 W. 46th St. March 14, 9pm; March 15, 1:30pm. $10-$30 donation, preregister online. (773)772-4142. midwesturbanfarmers.org (Sean Maher)
Stage and Screen
Redmoon Theater’s The Devil’s Cabaret
In Dante’s Inferno, the third circle of hell is characterized by its never-ending rain. Cold and unrelenting, it extinguishes hope and happiness. After a brief experience with this circle earlier this year on the Chicago River, Redmoon Theater is determined to take back control of hell and orchestrate the fantastical fiery spectacle it has been working to create. This spring, Redmoon will present The Devil’s Cabaret, a spectacle recognizing “the Devil’s ‘greatest accomplishments’—The Seven Deadly Sins,” housed in the Redmoon warehouse. In the middle of the room, a rotating thirty-foot-tall crane equipped with stages for performances will serve as the centerpiece. Always ambitious, Redmoon promises aerialists, puppets, and craft beer, a “special appearance by God.” Whether you want to take advantage of the Lagunitas beer bar, or seek an experience with the Great One, the event is sure to be memorable. Redmoon Theater, 2120 S. Jefferson St. Fridays, March 27–April 10, 9pm-12am. $25. Tickets available online. 21+. (312)850.8440. redmoon.org (Lucia Ahrensdorf)
Whiplash
Fresh-faced jazzer Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller) wants to be the next Buddy Rich or die trying. And Terence Fletcher—Neiman’s teacher at the elite Shaffer Conservatory — seems perfectly willing to oblige him. Chairs are thrown. Faces are slapped. A surprisingly well-executed rugby tackle is performed. This, says second-time writer-director Damien Chazelle, is what greatness requires. You may not agree. Regardless, Whiplash is a gripping film, and, next week, it’s coming to a theater near you—the Beverly Arts Center’s fantastic BACinema (they sell beer at the concession stand, if that helps sway you). J.K. Simmons won Best Supporting Actor for his terrific turn as Fletcher, the film’s bald-headed, black-clad and bad-tempered Conductor from Hell, but Whiplash owes most of its success to the polish and musicality of its Oscar-winning editor, Tom Cross. With quick cuts and pathological attention to detail—the camera’s focus is divided, nervous—Cross turns musical performance into a kind of combat. “Easy listening” this is not. Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Wednesday, March 18, 7:30pm. $7.50, $5.50 for members. (773)445-3838. beverlyartcenter.org (Will Dart)
Kazuo Ishiguro in conversation with Aleksandar Hemon
Kazuo Ishiguro is a superstar of English prose. Blending American, Japanese, and British sensibilities, his work has sold millions of copies and been translated into over thirty languages. His best-known novel, The Remains of the Day, was awarded the prestigious Man Booker Prize for Fiction. On March 25 at the Logan Center for the Arts, Ishiguro will read from his latest novel, The Buried Giant. Set in a fantastical version of medieval England, it follows an elderly couple that seeks to reunite with their grown son and to reclaim their faltering memories, all the while exploring themes of love, mystery, and regret. Following the reading, Ishiguro will discuss his work with Chicago-based writer Aleksandar Hemon, an accomplished and original novelist in his own right. The Buried Giant is available (and heavily discounted) with the purchase of a ticket. Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St. Wednesday, March 25, 7pm. $10-$30. (773)702-2787. arts.uchicago.edu (Kevin Gislason)
Bound
Groups of people have the same skin color and facial features, so of course they have the same ideologies and behaviors, right? Surprisingly, or maybe not so surprisingly, this common misconception seems to happen more often than not when considering African and African-American cultures and identities. Considering the fact that Africa is a continent with defined borders and almost 2000 different languages, this idea that Africans and African-Americans are automatically best friends upon meeting is just ridiculous. Kenyan-born writer and director Peres Owino explores the tensions and disparities between these two groups in feature documentary Bound. Expertly combining a little history, some storytelling, and a few facts, Owino offers her audience a different kind of story about the lives of African and African-Americans. Be sure to come out and join Owino for a Q&A after the show. The DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Pl. Friday, March 20, 7pm-9pm. $10. (773)947-0600 (Patricia Nyaega)
High Art
Directed by Lisa Cholodenko (known more recently for The Kids Are All Right), High Art documents the roller-coaster relationship between Syd (Radha Mitchell), an editor of a photography magazine, and her neighbor, retired photographer, and celebrity Lucy Berliner (Ally Sheedy). A chance encounter slowly leads to friendship and the breakdown of Syd’s uninspiring relationship with James (Gabriel Mann) and Lucy’s with Greta, a heroin-addicted former actress played by Patricia Clarkson. An exploration into sexuality, power structures, and drug addiction, the textured characters and artful cinematography of High Art provide a thoroughly chilling but entrancing experience. It garnered widespread critical acclaim upon its release and received the 1998 Sundance Film Festival’s Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. The landmark film is presented by Chicago Filmmakers’ Dyke Delicious Series at Doc Films. Doc Films, 1212 E. 59th St. Saturday, March 21, 4pm. $5. chicagofilmmakers.org (Clyde Schwab)
Visual Arts
Marwen Lab 2014-2015
As far as titles go, “Marwen Lab 2014-2015” is not one to offer much confusion. The exhibit, presented by the Chicago Art Department, is a culmination of works completed by participants of the 2014-2015 Marwen Lab program. Founded in 1987, the program has been providing free art lessons, college planning, and career development for students in grades six through twelve at almost three hundred different Chicago schools. This year students were lead by teaching artists Matt Austin, Julia Klein and Christian Ortiz. With an appreciation for learning, a motivation for truth, and a pure and honest desire to share the experience of art and art making, “Marwen Lab” is sure to be a hit. Chicago Art Department, 1932 S. Halsted St, Suite 100. Opening reception March 13. 6pm-10pm. Closing reception March 20, 5pm-7pm. Free. chicagoartsdistrict.org (Patricia Nyaega)
Killed
For years, the question of Northern Ireland’s independence has plagued British and Irish relations. Otherwise known as “The Troubles,” this conflict has taken over 3,500 lives since its “official” beginnings in 1969. Colm McCarthy, an Irish-born, Wisconsin-based photographer and printmaker started to work on his series, “Killed,” in 2008, in response to the 250 children lost to the conflict. For this tribute, McCarthy researched each child extensively in order to separate them from the violence that ultimately took their lives. The purpose of “Killed” is not to make a political statement, but rather to display the pointlessness of the violence. Uri-Eichen Gallery, 2101 S. Halsted St. Opening reception Friday, March 13, 6pm–10 pm. Through April 3. (312)852-7717. uri-eichen.com (Jola Idowu)
Master Builders: Architecture, Art, and Autism
To celebrate Autism Awareness month, Project Onward is mounting “Master Builders,” an exhibition of work that engages the relationship between art and architecture as it is expressed by the work of artists living with autism. Project Onward is a nonprofit that provides studio and exhibition space at the Bridgeport Art Center for artists with mental and developmental disabilities, about half of whom are affected by autism spectrum disorders. The multimedia show includes meticulously crafted sculptural models, blueprints, and drawings representing architectural forms. Some of the work is locatable in the physical and cultural worlds, such as a detailed model of Hogwarts by artist Janno Juguilon, featured on the project’s website, and precise drawings of architectural landmarks; other pieces are inspired by the artists’ vivid architectural imaginations. A concurrent exhibition will be on view at The Cliff Dwellers, 200 S. Michigan Ave., on the 22nd floor. Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St., 4th Floor. March 20-May 9. Tuesday-Saturday, 11am -5pm. Opening reception Friday, March 20, 6pm-9 pm. Free. (773)940-2992. projectonward.org (Kirsten Gindler)
Music)
Jazz/Hip-Hop Exploration at the Promontory
The birth and growth of jazz was an integral part of the South Side’s history in the twentieth century, and the renaissance of hip-hop has been an integral part of its history in the twenty-first. David Boykin, a renowned saxophonist and Promontory regular, has put together a series attempting to show “the shared aesthetics” of these two genres. The latest installment in this series will pair South Side-based rap duo Primeridian, whose lyrics treat “harsh, contemporary themes with positive inspiration for the youth,” with Boykin’s own jazz-based group, the David Boykin Expanse. A DJ set from DJ Ayana Contreras will serve to round out this musical conversation between the “genius” of the two genres. The Promontory Chicago, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Thursday, March 12, 8pm. $10. (312)801-2100. promontorychicago.com (Jake Bittle)
Mariachi Night at Thalia Hall
If you’ve ever listened to Mariachi music, you know to expect a rich, brass-heavy sound and a bouncy rhythm that makes an excellent soundtrack for happy occasions. Next Friday, Thalia Hall invites Chicagoans to join Mariachi Aztlán for an evening filled with the music: a free jam session, and a night “of song and celebration.” Mariachi Aztlán is one of three student Mariachi groups from the University of Texas Pan-America and has performed extensively in and out of southern Texas (recent collaborators include the Chicago Lyric Opera). Attendees for the Thalia Hall show are encouraged to bring their own musical instruments and play along with members of the group. Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. Friday, March 20, doors 6pm. Free. (312)526-3851. thaliahallchicago.com (Elizabeth Bynum)
#OREOFEST at Reggies
DJ Oreo has plenty of famous friends: as the official DJ for rising stars Vic Mensa and Chance the Rapper, Oreo is at the center of the hip-hop collective SAVEMONEY’s local universe. His latest project is OreoFest, a Chicago hip-hop bonanza featuring famous and almost-famous pals alike, with special guests including Cago Leek, Katie Got Bandz, Alex Wiley, Leather Corduroys, and many more. “This line up for #oreofest is looking pretty good,” Oreo tweeted recently, adding, “definitely a first time in chicago that some things are going to happen,” and, “You’ll have to be there to find out.” Hard to find a directive clearer than that. Don’t miss this one. Reggies Chicago, 2105 South State St. Saturday, March 14, doors 9pm. $15-20. 18+. 312-949-0120. reggieslive.com Updates available @djoreo90 (Olivia Myszkowski)
Dazz Band at The Promontory
Created by a merging of two Cleveland funk bands in the seventies, the critically acclaimed group Dazz Band has hybridized funk, jazz, and soul to make an infectious, eclectic dance music that’s won them international acclaim. Their name, a portmanteau of “danceable jazz,” reflects the balance of synthesized, poppy rhythm and the impressive trumpet and saxophone talent of the band’s core members. With a number of hit singles, including “Let It Whip” and “Let It All Blow,” Dazz Band found great popularity in the eighties, winning a Grammy for Best Performance by a Group or Duo. To experience the best of 1980s funk-jazz-pop-soul, come to The Promontory this Sunday. Promontory Chicago, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. Sunday, March 15, 8pm. $20-$40. (312)801-2100. promontorychicago.com (Lucia Ahrensdorf)
Slum Village at the Shrine
Despite the absence of two of its founding members, Slum Village is still a more prominent group than usual for the Shrine, which usually features more locally-based artists. Hailing from Detroit, SV was founded in 1996 by high school buddies Baatin, T3, and the late J Dilla, and it quickly became a staple of the Detroit underground old-school funk-and-soul rap scene. Dilla gained recognition while working with the production team Ummah to produce hits for A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and Common, and in 1998, the group received further acclaim when opening for Tribe on tour. Over the next decade they released a slew of albums. Sadly, Dilla, who became wildly famous for his critically acclaimed solo work (especially Donuts), died in 2006, while Baatin, whose masterful beats guided the group’s rhymes, died in 2009. Since then, though, the band has forged onward, returning with the release of Villa Manifesto in 2010 and Evolution in 2013. Catch them this Sunday as they keep on marching. The Shrine, 2109 S. Wabash Ave. Sunday, March 15. $32. 21+. theshrinechicago.com (Clyde Schwab)
Get Out of the Car at Reggies
Get Out of the Car styles itself as a straightforward exploration into the heart of rock and roll. The band (and its name, perhaps?) originated from a discussion/argument/fight between founding members Mindy Thomas and Karl Kuhn about what makes rock and roll worth anyone’s time. Get Out of the Car released Mission, their first full-length LP, in 2014. With Kuhn on guitar, Thomas on vocals and bass, and Seagan Brien on drums, the group began producing jams bridging Detroit garage-rock and “Prairie School freak outs” to reflect all the grit of Chicago rock itself. Though the sound can seem harsh at first, a few quick listens to Get Out of the Car’s tracks reward the listener with catchy hooks, backlit atmosphere, and driving rhythm to send you on a nostalgic trip for some old time rock and roll. Let’s just hope those old days aren’t gone forever. Reggies, 2105 S. State St. Thursday, March 19, 9pm. $5. 21+. reggieslive.com (Clyde Schwab)