A week’s worth of developing stories, events, and signs of the times, culled from the desks, inboxes, and wandering eyes of the editors
Notes
#NoCopAcademy is a #NoGo
On November 6, the Chicago City Council’s Committee on Housing and Real Estate authorized the city to pay $9.6 million for 30.4 acres of land at 4301 W. Chicago Ave. that have stood vacant for forty years. This means that Mayor Rahm Emanuel has cleared the first hurdle toward building a $95 million public safety training campus with a giant pool on the West Side. This passed despite three and a half hours of debate and outcry from the public about abuse at the hands of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), ideas for how taxpayer money could be better used, hundreds of citizen calls to their aldermen, and a widely trending “NoCopAcademy” hashtag on social media. At the Council meeting, concerned citizens, community activists, and a lone alderman, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa of the 35th Ward, took the floor in protest. They spoke about how Chicago citizens need their money to go toward schools, mental health services, and employment rather than the construction of new police academy facilities that don’t even promise training to reduce police abuse—especially when the city already spends forty percent of its budget on CPD, according to Forbes. Chance the Rapper was among those who took the floor, and later blocked the media from taking photos of his departure so as not to detract attention from the issue at hand. Emanuel left the room, but Chance spoke anyway. “I guess the mayor had to step out when I came up,” he said. “But it’s cool, I’m here to talk to you guys right now.” He continued, “What are we doing? I’ve been asking for money for over a year now to fund these classrooms, and…they have $95 million, they’re proposing $95 million for a cop academy.” “What are you doing?” is right.
High Time for a Referendum on Recreational Weed
4/20 may come to Illinois sooner than expected: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced her support for Commissioners John Fritchey and Luis Arroyo Jr.’s plan to introduce the legalization of recreational marijuana on the March 20 primary ballot. Both Preckwinkle and Fritchey believe the current law places unnecessary strains on the court system and on the people who are left with an arrest record for possessing a plant used as a medicine in twenty-nine states—including this one. Even if the referendum results in favor of legalization, it won’t affect the law directly, but it may influence lawmakers down the line. Maybe they’ll realize that green begets green; the Marijuana Policy Project estimates that Illinois could generate between $350 and $700 million in government revenue every year.
Sick of Corruption
20th Ward Alderman Willie Cochran announced he would not seek reelection next year, while claiming that his recent collapse in City Council and somewhat-less-recent federal indictment for corruption and bribery had no effect on the decision. “That was my plan anyway. Three terms and out. I believe in term limits,” Cochran, who the Sun-Times described as “chomping on a banana,” told City Hall reporters this week during a committee meeting break. When a Tribune reporter pointed out that Cochran had never publicly discussed his belief in term limits, Cochran was defensive: “I’ve said it many times. Perhaps you just weren’t at the occasion where I said it.” (An in-depth review of news clippings from his nine years representing parts of Woodlawn, Washington Park, Englewood, and Back of the Yards shows no previous public comments on the subject.) At the very least, after he is replaced, there will no longer be a federal corruption indictment hanging over the ward office—he is the second consecutive 20th Ward alderman to face bribery charges, and one of thirty-plus aldermen indicted since the seventies.
Calendar
BULLETIN
Wasted Market: VISION
Plant Chicago, 1400 W. 46th St. Thursday, November 16, 6pm–8:30pm. RSVP online. Free. (773) 847-5523.
What happens to leftover materials when buildings are demolished? VISION and its panelists sought to answer the question. Now, they want to discuss the local and regional future of a reuse marketplace of building materials. Guests will have a chance to brainstorm ideas for future development. (Yunhan Wen)
S.E.T.U.P Your Network
Robust Coffee Lounge, 6300 S. Woodlawn Ave. Thursday, November 16, 6pm–7:30pm. $5. bit.ly/SETUPNetwork
No more writing delicate emails for a coffee meeting that lasts for ten minutes, after you waited for five. Here is an end-of-the-year networking opportunity that gets straight to the point—S.E.T.U.P Your Network connects you with a group of fascinating professionals and entrepreneurs from various industries. (Yunhan Wen)
Curious City: Building Interracial Relationships in the Muslim Community
Auditorium, American Islamic College, 640 W. Irving Park Rd. Thursday, November 16, 7pm–8:30pm. Free. bit.ly/InterracialMuslims
Islam is one of the most diverse religions, a diversity which sometimes leads to tension. How should Chicago’s diverse Muslim communities transcend differences at a time when divisions are highlighted and taken advantage of? A panel of four Chicago-based Muslim leaders will lead the discussion. (Yunhan Wen)
La Cultura Cura: Cooperative Market in Pilsen
La Catrina Café, 1011 W. 18th St. Friday, November 17, 6pm–10pm; Saturday, December 9, 2pm–10pm. (312) 473-0038. bit.ly/LaCulturaCura
A cooperative market organized by ChiResists, La Cultura Cura promises to restore, heal, and uplift Black, brown, and indigenous artists. Find botanical supplies, zines, art, reclaimed copper jewelry, and more; contribute to ChiResists’ organizing fund and show support for a local and sustainable model. (Emeline Posner)
R.A.G.E. Last Bi-Monthly Village Meeting
Johnson College Prep, 6350 S. Stewart Ave. Tuesday, November 21, 6pm–8pm. (866) 845-1032. ragenglewood.org
R.A.G.E invites Englewood residents and visitors to join their last bi-monthly village meetings of the year. Show up for information on R.A.G.E’s current projects, important community news, and a chance to talk and connect with other concerned residents. Refreshments will be served. (Yunhan Wen)
Story Club South Side: FEAST
Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St. Tuesday, November 21. 8pm–9:30pm, with a free workshop at 6:30pm and open-mic signup at 7:30pm. $5 in advance, $10 at the door. storyclubchicago.com
Instead of the usual eight-minute-long open-mic stories in the Bridgeport art gallery/radio station space, Story Club South Side is giving everyone five minutes to talk about community issues at a potluck. Don’t worry, there will still be two talented featured performers, Kay “KT” Thompson and Andrew Marikis, as well as a bar to drown out any stage fright. (Joseph S. Pete)
The Pre-Thanksgiving Skate Jam
The Rink, 1122 E. 87th St. Wednesday, November 22, 9pm–midnight. $10. Skate rental included. idlskatejam@gmail.com. Tickets at bit.ly/SkateJam
The night before Thanksgiving, the Iota Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., is hosting its annual skate jam and fundraiser. The brothers ask that you also bring non-perishable food items to be donated to a local food pantry. (Rachel Kim)
Giving Tuesday: Rewrite the Narrative with Donda’s House
Virgin Hotels Chicago, 203 N. Wabash Ave. Tuesday, November 28, 6pm–8pm. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door. (773) 305-4064. bit.ly/DondasHouse
The local arts-focused nonprofit Donda’s House is hosting a fundraising social to discuss reclaiming narratives of low-income communities and youth of color on the South Side. The event promises food, drinks, and exclusive announcements regarding its new home, partner, and upcoming event with a Chicago hip-hop legend. We can only hope it’s Kanye. (Rachel Kim)
VISUAL ARTS
YCA On The Block: Pilsen
La Catrina Café, 1011 W. 18th St. Through December 1. Fridays, 6pm–8pm. Free.
In collaboration with Yollocalli Arts Reach and La Catrina Café, Young Chicago Authors will be hosting free open mics and workshops every Friday. Come through and learn how to write poems and hear others perform. (Roderick Sawyer)
Folk Art of Mexico: Alebrijes of Oaxaca Workshop
Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. Saturday, November 11, 2pm–4pm. Free. Children 10 and up. Registration required. (312) 747-0511. chipublib.org/blackstone
Join the Blackstone Library as they welcome Oaxacan artist Carlos Orozco for a workshop on the traditional Oaxacan art form of alebrijes. Also known as Mexican folk art, alebrijes are colorful carved wooden animals. Orozco will present the history of alebrijes, and participants will be able to paint their own wooden animals. (Roderick Sawyer)
7th Annual Beautiful Coffins Show
The Surreal Rabbit, 2059 W. 18th St. Friday, November 17, 6pm–10pm. Free. (312) 285-2795. facebook.com/surrealrabbit
Every year, at the behest of the all-woman art collective Mujeres Mutantes, painters, poets, artists and other community members can decorate fifty handcrafted mini coffins to honor loved ones in a celebration of both Dia de Los Muertos and Halloween. This year’s theme is the number seven and the search for truth. (Joseph S. Pete)
Alejandro Cesarco at the Renaissance Society
The Renaissance Society, 5811 S. Ellis Ave. (Cobb Hall, 4th floor). Saturday, November 18, 5pm–8pm, artist talk at 6pm. Free. Exhibit through January 28, 2018. (773) 834-8049. renaissancesociety.org
The Renaissance Society presents a conversation and an exhibition with artist Alejandro Cesarco. Cesarco’s newly commissioned work combines video, sound, and photography as an exploration of elements such as time, memory, and meaning. Cesarco will lead a conversation on his work starting at 6pm. (Roderick Sawyer)
Self-Care Sip and Paint
South Side Community Art Center, 3831 S. Michigan Ave. Saturday, November 18, 2pm–5pm. 21+, BYOB/W. Doors 2pm, class 2:30pm. $25 early bird, $30 general admission. bit.ly/SelfCareSipAndPaint
Join artist Dionne Victoria for a self-care session using painting as a tool to express self-love. The session begins with a tour of the Black Love Matters!™ Exhibition and a class offering basic instructions will follow. Take the Saturday afternoon to relax, express, and love. (Yunhan Wen)
Backyard Series III
2733 W. 37th Pl. Saturday, November 18, 8pm–11pm. BYOB. $3 minimum. bit.ly/Backyard3
The Verbs and Vibes Co. brings us the third installment of the Backyard Series, inviting the prolific poet and performer Bonafide Rojas to share his work in addition to the usual open mic. Rojas has most recently published Notes On The Return To The Island and Renovatio. (Yunhan Wen)
MUSIC
Isaiah Sharkey
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West. Thursday, November 17, 8pm. $15 and up. 21+. (312) 801-2100. promontorychicago.com
Grammy award-winning songwriter, South Side legend, and guitarist extraordinaire Isaiah Sharkey is coming to The Promontory to celebrate the release of his debut album, Love.Life.Live. Come through to enjoy his idiosyncratic, finger-snapping style that mixes soul, R&B, rock, gospel, and jazz. (Michael Wasney)
The Dojo Presents: Queendom Come
The Dojo, message on Facebook for address. Saturday, November 18, doors 8pm, workshop 8:30pm, music 9pm–1am. $5 donation. BYOB. thedojochi.com
The queens in question at the Dojo next month will be Jovan Landry, Tee Spirit, Freddie Old Soul, DJ Gr-illa, and host for the night Fury Hip Hop. In perhaps less queenly but reliable fashion, F12 Network will be hosting a workshop again at 8:30pm, and nonprofit organization Activist In You will be vending throughout the night. (Julia Aizuss)
Zine Not Dead VII: A New Comics Reading and Chicago Art Book Fair After-Party
Archer Ballroom, 3012 S. Archer Ave. 3rd floor. Saturday, November 18, 8pm. $5–$10 (“slithering” scale admission comes with poster and mystery prize). perfectly-acceptable.com
Love losing yourself in the latest graphic novels? Comic book artists like Aaron Renier, Bianca Xunise, Xia Gordon, Molly Colleen O’Connell, and Elevator Teeth will give readings of their new comics. Afterwards, catch music from the band Lilac and the Baltimore-based band Permanent Waves. (Joseph S. Pete)
The Jeff Gibbs Quartet
Reggies, 2015 S. State St. Friday, November 24, 8pm doors. 17+. $10–$25. (312) 949-0120. reggieslive.com
The Jeff Gibbs Quartet thinks that without music we would be “emotionless,” which is probably why they are also, apparently, “a chameleon to all types of music.” If you come to Reggies in a couple weeks, you’ll find out what music that means for saxophonist Jeff Gibbs, bassist James Carter, keyboard player Cleo Bryrd, and drummer DJ Abernathy—and what emotions you’ll feel. (Julia Aizuss)
Marquis Hill
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West. Friday, November 24, 7pm doors, 8pm show. $15–$40. 21+. (312) 801-2100. promontorychicago.com
Chatham native Marquis Hill has been described by the New York Times as a “dauntingly skilled trumpeter” and the Tribune has said that “his music crystallizes the hard-hitting, hard-swinging spirit of Chicago jazz.” But even beyond Chicago jazz, his music incorporates elements of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, soul, blues, and even spoken word. For this tape release party for his new release Meditation, Hill will be joined onstage by Mike King on keyboard, Junius Paul on bass, and Makaya McCraven on drums, with guest DJ Jamal Science on MPC and J.P. Floyd as an opener. (Andrew Koski)
Twin Peaks, Knox Fortune, and Sun Cop
Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St. Friday, December 29, doors 7pm, show 8pm. $25–$35. All ages. (312) 526-3851. thaliahallchicago.com
It’s a locals’ night at Thalia Hall, with three Chicago bands on display. Come to watch Sun Cop rise. Stay all night with Knox Fortune, of Chance the Rapper’s “All Night” fame. And in the end, come home with Twin Peaks of indie rock acclaim. (Lewis Page)
STAGE & SCREEN
Making Space: 5 Women Changing the Face of Architecture
Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave. Thursday, November 16, 1:30pm–2:30pm. Free. (773) 324-5520. hydeparkart.org
As part of HPAC’s Films Inspired by Architects/Architecture series, Making Space (2014) “captures the compelling stories and outstanding designs” of five female architects—Annabelle Selldorf, Farshid Moussavi, Odile Decq, Marianne McKenna, and Kathryn Gustafson. “Without script or narration, each woman tells her own story, enhanced by the insights of commentators.” Still not sold? In addition to the architectural experts, Meryl Streep will also make a special guest appearance onscreen. (Andrew Koski)
Black Cinema House Presents: Hav Plenty
Black Cinema House, 7200 S. Kimbark Ave. Friday, November 17, 7pm–9pm. (312) 857-5561. rebuild-foundation.org
Inspired by the life of its director, producer, writer, and editor Christopher Scott Cherot, “90s classic and indie gem” Hav Plenty tells the story of a struggling writer who attends the New Year’s Eve party of his wealthy crush. Come for the screening and a discussion of its themes, like depictions of Black love on screen. (Adia Robinson)
Rashomon
University Church, 5655 S. University Ave. Friday, November 17-Saturday, November 18, 8pm; Sunday, November 19, 2pm. Advance tickets $12, $10 for students and seniors; tickets at the door $15, $12 for students and seniors. hydeparkcommunityplayers.org/tickets
Taking on the classic Akira Kurosawa samurai film based on the short stories of Ryūnosuke Akutagawa, the Hyde Park Community Players present their rendering of Rashomon. The story of a Japanese feudal murder trial told from multiple perspectives, this telling, written by Fay and Michael Kanin, promises to be “full of swordplay, music, and movement.” (Sam Stecklow)
No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks
Pritzker Auditorium, Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St. Friday, November 17 and Saturday, November 18, 6:30pm; Sunday, November 19, 2pm. Free. (312) 747-4300. chipublib.org
Eve Ewing and Nate Marshall’s No Blue Memories debuts at the Harold Washington Library. Puppet theater Manual Cinema stages the retelling of the famed South Side poet’s life with paper-cut puppetry, with music composed by Jamila Woods and Ayanna Woods to celebrate Poetry Day on November 17, a long-running tradition that was inaugurated by Robert Frost in 1955. (Joseph S. Pete)
Meet Juan(ito) Doe
Free Street Storyfront, 4346 S. Ashland Ave. Through Friday, December 15. Mondays and Fridays, 7:30pm. Free or pay-what-you-can; advance tickets starting at $5. (773) 772-7248. freestreet.org
Free Street Theater’s latest play, created by multidisciplinary artist Ricardo Gamboa in collaboration with Ana Velasquez and “an ensemble of brown and down Chi-towners,” was supposed to close last week, but now that its run has been extended for a month. You have no excuse for missing out on this play based on the true stories and input of Back of the Yards residents—you won’t find anything like it anywhere else in the city. (Julia Aizuss)
An Evening at Chez Nous
Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St. Room 901. Saturday, November 18, 7pm. Free, RSVP encouraged at ticketsweb.uchicago.edu. (773) 702-8596. filmstudiescenter.uchicago.edu
For fifty years, the West Berlin cabaret Chez Nous was the place to be for drag—especially if you were Bronzeville native Marlow La Fantastique. Now retired and back in Bronzeville, she’ll be sharing stories of the famous dance club at this event, which will also feature clips of Chez Nous in film and revue and a recreation by Chicago dancer Darling Shear of Marlow’s fan dance. (Julia Aizuss)
The Belle of Amherst
Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. Through Sunday, December 3. $25–$68, discounts available for seniors, students, faculty, and groups. (773) 753-4472. courttheatre.org
Emily Dickinson could not stop for death, but you should stop by the UofC’s Court Theatre to see William Luce’s play about the revered poet’s reclusive life in Massachusetts. Kate Fry stars as the prolific Dickinson who “dwells in possibility” and famously characterized hope as a “feathered thing that perches in the soul.” (Joseph S. Pete)
FOOD & LAND
Gumbo Battle Benefit
Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St. Friday, November 17, 7pm–10pm. $30. (773) 837-0145. coprosperity.org
Who cooks up the finest gumbo bowl of them all? You have the opportunity to play the judge at the My Block, My Hood, My City benefit, where Chicago chefs led by Aninn Stewart will be participating in this “epic battle” to support the nonprofit. A ticket secures unlimited servings of gumbo, complimentary beverages, and a raffle entry—you won’t want to pass this one up. (Emeline Posner)
Take Root Program for Vets
Applications through Dec. 1. Free to apply, Military veterans only. (815) 389-8455. learngrowconnect.org/takeroot
Military veterans who want to trade their arms for plowshares can learn the trade of sustainable farming at established farms across Chicagoland, including in Southeast Wisconsin. Those selected will receive training in organic production while working for an hourly wage, a yearlong membership to Upper Midwest CRAFT, and admission to the MOSES Organic Farming Conference in February. (Joseph S. Pete)
Get Sliced!
Co-Prosperity Sphere, 3219 S. Morgan St. Friday, December 1, 7pm–11pm. $30 in advance, $40 at door. (773) 837-0145. coprosperity.org
It’s “frickin horribly hard” to make Lumpen Radio, Bridgeport’s beloved low-fi radio station. Fortunately, the folks at Lumpen have made it easier than ever to help you help them keep their “psychomagical” programs on the airwaves: with a local pizza–local media fundraiser. At the Get Sliced! benefit, a $30 ticket will get you a slice from every Bridgeport pizza joint and land you a spot on the pizza jury. (Emeline Posner)
Beginning Farmer of the Year Nomination
Submission due by January 12 to Advocates for Urban Agriculture, info@auachicago.org. Details: bit.ly/FarmerOf208
New to sustainable farming, and want to share your accomplishments to date? The Advocates for Urban Agriculture (AUA) wants to hear from you in the form of three-minute video submissions. All videos received will be posted on the AUA website and voted on by viewers. The winning submission will be nominated by AUA for a $1,000 prize. (Emeline Posner)