Slowdown

Public Workshop on Northerley Island @ Spertus

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600

The Chicago Park District is hosting a public workshop regarding the future of Northerly Island on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Spertus ( 610 S. Michigan Ave). An open house viewing will take place from 6-6:30 p.m. with presentations and focused discussions from 6:30-9 p.m. "The Chicago Park District strives to provide our communities an opportunity to have their voices be heard." said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Tim Mitchell. "We are interested to hear what Chicagoans have to say about the future of Northerly Island Park." The Chicago Park District and their consulting team will be present to share ideas and discuss potential improvements to the park as part of the ongoing Northerly Park Framework Plan. The history of the park will be showcased to the public and there will be a review of the public's input to date. A discussion will be held about the preliminary programming and design concepts in efforts to help the Park District get closer to obtaining a final design for Northerly Island.

Turkish Feast

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:10:46 -0600

Istanbul Restaurant (3613 N. Broadway) is hosting a Turkish Feast tonight. The reception starts at 6:30pm with dinner served at 7pm.

Owner-Chef Yasar Demir is presenting each course with a wine pairing. Starters of hummus, baba ghanoush, and ezme are paired with a 2008 Saint Clair Vicar's Choice Reisling, and an entree of chicken shish kebab or beef kebab are being served with 2006 Zwei.1 Zweigelt.

This dinner is presented by ChicaGourmets!, and you can find a PDF of the event menu and more information here.

The dinner is $39 all inclusive, and is limited to 40 diners.

Mrs. Charles Darwin's Recipe Book @ Ina's

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:22:37 -0600

Chicago Foodways Roundtable sponsors a lecture this morning at 10am at Ida's (1235 West Randolph Street) about the woman Chuck Darwin loved more than relativity--his wife, Emma, who had a mammoth cookbook for meals hearty enough for a deep thinker like her hubby. Learn more about Emma, Chuck, and the foods they loved. Admission $2. RSVP via email or call (847) 432-8255.

Coach House Sounds Launch Party @ The Whistler

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:53:53 -0600

Coach House Sounds hold their launch party with performances by Animal City, Zing! and Classical Revolution of Chicago. Raffle prizes from Bloodshot, Drag City, Contraphonic Records, Busy Beaver Buttons, and CHIRP. Proceeds from the raffle will go to The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir Recovery Fund. 8pm. 2421 N Milwaukee Ave. FREE!

Society of Midland Authors: Burnham's Plan of Chicago

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:50:55 -0600

The Society of Midland Authors joins in the celebration of the centennial of Daniel Burnham's Plan of Chicago with a discussion featuring four local authors. The panel discussion will feature Aric Lascher and Sam Roche, co-authors of Plans of Chicago, Janice Metzger, author of What Would Jane Say? City-Building Women and a Tale of Two Chicagos, and Donald Whitfield, director of higher education for the Great Books Foundation. Admission to the discussion is free, but donations will be accepted to help cover the cost of programs. A social hour starts at 6pm with the discussion starting at 7pm at the Cliff Dwellers Club, 200 S. Michigan Ave., 22nd floor.

Jorge Pardo @ AIC

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:52:44 -0600

Cuban-born Chicago-based artist Jorge Pardo's work walks the line between art and furniture. Check out this feature on him from the LA Times to get a sense of what he does. This lecture is part of SAIC's Visiting Artist Program.
Admission is $5 for the general public; $3 for SAIC alumni, non-SAIC students, and seniors; and FREE for students, faculty, and staff of the AIC. 6pm. Fullerton Auditorium: 112 S. Michigan.

Haptic and Lisa Slodki @ MCA

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:11:15 -0600

Experimental musicians Haptic (Steven Hess, Joseph Clayton Mills, and Adam Sonderberg) and video artist Lisa Slodki (a.k.a Noisecrush) discuss their work and ideas during this informal gallery talk, which is part of the MCA's 12x12 exhibition series. Their exhibit will be up November 6-29. The artist talk begins at 6pm, at the Museum of Contemporary Art: 220 E. Chicago. Admission is free. Call the MCA at (312) 280-2660 for more information.

Guerrilla Girls Lecture: Feminist Masked Avengers @ MCA

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:22:25 -0600

Since their first riotous appearance in 1985, the Guerrilla Girls have dedicated themselves to exposing sexism, racism, and corruption in the art world, the film industry, and popular culture. Adopting the names of dead women artists and decked out in full jungle drag, these anonymous avengers use facts, humor, and outrageous visuals to skewer institutional bias and inequality. In this program, the Guerilla Girls give a guided tour through the history of their many public interventions, perform satirical skits, and inspire us to create our own sophisticated acts of aesthetic resistance. Unfortunately this program is sold out, but you might try calling or just showing up at the last minute and begging to get in. The lecture begins at 7pm, at the MCA Theater: 220 E. Chicago. For additional information, call (312) 494-9509 or visit www.chfestival.org.

Re-Thinking Soup @ Hull House

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:59:16 -0600

UIC hosts Re-Thinking Soup, a free weekly lunch where participants eat soup cooked from ingredients found at Hull House's urban gardens and chat about an assortment of topics. Event runs today from noon-1:30pm at Hull House, 800 South Halsted.

Funny Ha-Ha @ Hideout

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:56 -0600

Funny Ha-Ha returns to the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, tonight from 6:30pm to 8pm. Tonight's show features Tribune TV critic Maureen Ryan, members of the AV Club, author Kevin Guilfoile, Bruised Orange Theater Company's "I Saw You", and films by Steve Delahoyde. Hosted as always by author Claire Zulkey. Admission is $5, benefitting the Neighborhood Writing Alliance.

Jaume Plensa @ AIC

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:08:53 -0600

Jaume Plensa, creator of Millennium Park's Crown Fountain (you know, the one with the faces) and William and Stephanie Sick, distinguished professors at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, presents a lecture entitled "In the Public Space." Plensa will discuss the creation of Crown Fountain and his collaboration with SAIC faculty and students on that project, as well as other projects he's installed internationally.

This event takes place in the Rubloff Auditorium of the Art Institute (280 S. Columbus Drive) at 6pm. For more information, please call (312) 899-5143 or visit SAIC Events on Facebook.

Jay Ryan @ Quimby's

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:30:26 -0600

Jay Ryan, the graphic artist sometimes better known by his screen printed poster shop name, The Bird Machine, kicks off a nationwide book tour at Quimby's Bookstore (1854 W North Ave) this evening, signing copies of his new book, Animals and Objects In and Out of Water, which features 120 of Ryan's favorite pieces of art from the last three years. The event starts at 7pm. Visit the Quimby's event calendar or call (773) 342-0910 for more information.

Stephen Bayley @ SAIC

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:26:26 -0600

Stephen Bayley is one of the world's best known and outspoken commentators on modern culture. Former Chief Executive of the Design Museum in London, Bayley's wit, humor, and keen observations on art and culture have brought him great success as a journalist, author, speaker, and design consultant for such companies as Absolut Vodka, Volkswagen, Audi, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. On this provocative evening of cultural history, Bayley explores why objects--from historic cars to the female body--convey meaning. Following the talk, Bayley signs copies of his two most recent books. The lecture begins at 6pm, at SAIC's Columbus Auditorium: 280 S. Columbus Dr. Email events@saic.edu for more information.

White Rabbits @ Schubas- SOLD OUT

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:10:29 -0600

From Columbia, MO via Brooklyn, White Rabbits play a brand of indie rock that at times seems like a hybrid of the Walkmen and Spoon. (It doesn't hurt that Spoon's Britt Daniel produced their latest record, It's Frightening). Returning to Chicago after a sold out Empty Bottle show earlier this year, the sextet opens for the Walkmen at Schubas tonight. The show is part of Schubas' 20th anniversary series. The bill also plays the 12th at Lincoln Hall.

The Lincoln Hall show is $18 for 21+ and begins at 9PM. Lincoln Hall is at 2424 N Lincoln.

Viento de Los Andes and Folklore ballet Pachacamac @ The Old Town School of Folk Music

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:00:00 -0600

As part of World Music Wednesdays, the Old Town School of Folk Music presents Viento de Los Andes and Folklore ballet Pachacamac. Viento de Los Andes is a musical group making their debut at the Old Town School. Pachacamac is a traditional dance troupe that returns to the stage with a new show called Shungo that encompasses dance from the coastal, Amazonian and mountainous regions of Ecuador. World Music Wednesdays are free, ticketed events, with a suggested $5 donation. The artists will also be at the Old Town School for a workshop on Thursday evening, 8:30pm. For information and tickets call (773) 728-6000 or visit the Old Town School of Folk Music.

War and Peace @ Th!nkArt Salon

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:20:48 -0600

War & Peace An Exhibition of Contemporary Artists: David Gista A, Dave Sheehan & Todd Narbey
opens tonight, 5pm to 9pm, poetry readings by award-winning poets Emily Calvo & Stella Vinitchi Radulescu.

Th!nkArt Salon
1530 N. Paulina St., Suite F
T: (773) 252-8672 Ext. 303
E-mail: thinkartsalon@gmail.com

SYGC Benefit Featuring The 1900s and Brighton, MA @ The Hideout

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:49:01 -0600

Local pop collectives The 1900s & Brighton, MA perform at a benefit show for The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir after they were involved in horrible rollover van accident. Tickets are $12. 9pm. 1354 W. Wabansia. 21+

White Rabbits @ Lincoln Hall - SOLD OUT

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:06:44 -0600

From Columbia, MO via Brooklyn, White Rabbits play a brand of indie rock that at times seems like a hybrid of the Walkmen and Spoon. (It doesn't hurt that Spoon's Britt Daniel produced their latest record, It's Frightening). Returning to Chicago after a sold out Empty Bottle show earlier this year, the sextet opens for The Walkmen at Lincoln Hall tonight. Tickets are $18. Show begins at 9PM. 2424 N Lincoln. 21+

Women Helping Women: Shopping & Cocktails

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:37:20 -0600

The Chicago Chapter of the Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails (LUPEC) are partnering with twelve boutiques in the West Loop for an evening of shopping and cocktails from 5-9 PM. At each store, enjoy a classic cocktail (ages 21+) while you shop. Monetary donations collected during the event will benefit the Greenhouse Shelter. Check out LUPEC's website for a full listing of participating boutiques. For more information, contact Sonja Kassebaum at 847-219-7442.

Girls @ Empty Bottle

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:18:20 -0600

Expect sweet beautiful songs tonight as San Fransisco based indie psych rockers Girls plays the Empty Bottle. The band released their debut album entitled Album in September and have been receiving amazing, well deserved reviews. Real Estate and Dominant Legs open. The show is $10. The Empty Bottle is located at 1035 N. Western. (773) 276-3600

Devo @ The Vic

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:48:24 -0600

Devo are back in action, whipping up an album of all new material planned for release next year. Their current tour, however, celebrates their early days and the recent re-release of their 1978 debut, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!, and their 1980 synth-pop masterpiece, Freedom of Choice. The band is playing back-to-back nights at the Vic, performing both albums in their entirety (Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! on 11/12 and Freedom of Choice on 11/13), plus assorted favorites. 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. Call (773) 472-0449 for more information.

Peter Bjorn & John @ Metro

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:08:30 -0600

Swedish indie rockers Peter Bjorn & John have had the luxury of a gigantic hit ("Young Folks") allow them to broaden their horizons with instrumental and some experimental avenues on the followups to their most popular album. At numerous concerts in Chicago over the past few years, they have wowed audiences as a band that achieves heights far higher live than on their records. Whether it's the promise of a cover or wild stage antics, they are not to be missed. They play Metro with El Perro del Mar. The show begins at 9pm, is 18+, and runs $20 in advance and $22 at the door. Metro is at 3730 N Clark and tickets are available at their website.

Tyler Florence @ Whole Foods

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:02:41 -0600

Food Network star Tyler Florence will be appearing at the Whole Foods at North and Kingsbury today from 4-6pm to talk about his new book, new line of baby food, and to give you his phone number. Just kidding about that third part.

Innervation Dance Cooperative @ Links Hall

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:07:10 -0600

Innervation Dance Cooperative presents Our Own Devices, a concert of ten eclectic dance pieces from eight choreographers. Innervation's theatrical roots bloom in this concert: each piece unquestionably tells a story. While some of the dances are more literally narrative than others, dance aficionados and novices alike will come to know each character and empathize with that character's experiences. Much of the music - from Etta James to John Lennon, from Bob Seger to Metallica - will also draw in those audience members who might otherwise dismiss the art form as inaccessible. Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL. Tonight @ 8pm. $15 ($10 students and seniors). Click here or call (773) 281-0824 for tickets.

Mrs. Gruber's Ding Dong School

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:13:09 -0600

Easily the best Robot vs. Dinosaur show to date, Mrs. Gruber's Ding Dong School takes the audience through a twisted, rollicking day at an academy run by a doddering but feisty schoolmarm with an age-addled brain and a passion for expanding young minds. Spot on casting, warped sensibilities and imaginative puppetry give it a Wonder Showzen feel, without a hint of a knock-off. Tickets are $15, and the show runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm through Nov. 21 at Gorilla Tango, 1919 N. Milwaukee (right under the Western Blue Line stop). For tickets, call 773-598-4549 or visit www.gorillatango.com.

GB Get-Together @ Clark Street Ale House

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:36:51 -0600

The holiday season is upon us, so we've moved our monthly Get-Together to mid-month to accommodate. Join us tonight at Clark Street Ale House, 742 N. Clark St., from 8pm to 11pm for drinks and good discussions. We'll try to be in the front by the windows, but otherwise keep your eyes pealed for GB stickers on tables.

Tipping Observation @ Mars Gallery

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:27:17 -0600

New artwork by Syndy Ziegenfuss with music provided by our friends at the Old School Records in Forest Park. Martini bar to benefit the Red Door Animal Shelter.

6-9pm
1139 W Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607

Devo @ The Vic

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:40:05 -0600

Handmade Chicago

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:36:57 -0600

About 30 of the city's greatest makers of handmade goods will be gathering today at Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Avenue) from Noon to 4pm for another Handmade Chicago. The sellers will help you you pick out a few gifts for others, or yourself. You can see who is selling at the show here. And one of the best parts of this show is that you get to sip a tall frosty something while you peruse fantastic products. If you don't leave with full shopping bags, you may leave inspired, or at least a little tipsy.

Innervation Dance Cooperative @ Links Hall

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:17:23 -0600

Innervation Dance Cooperative presents Our Own Devices, a concert of ten eclectic dance pieces from eight choreographers. Innervation's theatrical roots bloom in this concert: each piece unquestionably tells a story. And while some of the dances are more literally narrative than others, dance aficionados and novices alike will come to know each character and empathize with that character's experiences. Much of the music - from Etta James to John Lennon, from Bob Seger to Metallica - will also draw in those audience members who might otherwise dismiss the art form as inaccessible. Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL. Tonight @ 8:00 p.m. $15 ($10 students and seniors). Click here or call 773.281.0824 for tickets.

Zeppelin Tribute Band Heartbreaker @ Governors State University

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:35:36 -0600

Led Zeppelin Tribute Band--Heartbreaker--performs at Governors State University tonight. Tickets are $35. One University Parkway in University Park, IL 60466. 8pm.

Pinot Days Chicago @ Navy Pier

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:44:50 -0600

Explore the diversity of American Pinot Noir with this grand tasting at Navy Pier. The event includes over 60 producers and 300 wines from all major pinot regions in the country. Taste wine and food samples, and talk with the winemakers. It takes place this afternoon from 1-5 PM at Navy Pier's Festival Hall B (600 E. Grand Ave.). Tickets cost $50 and can be ordered online.

Melissa Oresky @ Western Exhibitions

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 14:13:57 -0600

Artist Melissa Oresky will conduct a discussion of her current exhibition "A Wildness of Edges" at Western Exhibitions today. The gallery talk begins at 4pm and is open to the public. A reception will follow, until 7pm. Western Exhibitions is located at 119 N. Peoria, Suite 2A. Call the gallery at (312) 480-8390 for more information.

Polish Golabki Workshop

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:54:10 -0600

Want to learn how to make Polish Golabki, the wonder that is stuffed cabbage? If Golabki tempts your tummy, chefs from the Red Apple Restaurant is holding a workshop today for you to learn the art. Two sessions will be held throughout the day: Session I is 11am-12:30pm, and Session II runs 1:30- 3:00pm. Admission is $18 for ages 16 and older. Event will be held at the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America, 984 N. Milwaukee Ave. Free parking. Call (773) 782-2600 ext 2639 to RSVP.

Ghetto Division's Southside Shakedown

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:45:29 -0600

Native southsiders, lifelong friends, and DJs/producers extraordinaire Ghetto Division take it to the Metro again, and they're bringing an impressive lineup with them: Kingdom (NY, Fool's Gold / Night Slugs / Acephale), Charlie Glitch, Rob Threezy, Rampage and more. First 250 in FREE, but show up fast- last time they sold the place out. 18+, 11:30pm - 4:30am, $6 before 12:30am - $8 after. Metro Chicago, 3730 N. Clark (at Racine in Wrigleyville). For more information head here.

Innervation Dance Cooperative @ Links Hall

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:30:38 -0600

Innervation Dance Cooperative presents Our Own Devices, a concert of ten eclectic dance pieces from eight choreographers. Innervation's theatrical roots bloom in this concert: each piece unquestionably tells a story. And while some of the dances are more literally narrative than others, dance aficionados and novices alike will come to know each character and empathize with that character's experiences. Much of the music - from Etta James to John Lennon, from Bob Seger to Metallica - will also draw in those audience members who might otherwise dismiss the art form as inaccessible. Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL. Tonight @ 7:00 p.m. $15 ($10 students and seniors). Click here or call 773.281.0824 for tickets.

Muppets Double Feature @ Film Center

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:00:00 -0600

The Gene Siskel Film Center presents two Muppet films this afternoon: a screening of the 1986 film Labyrinth at 2pm; and the original version of Emmett Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (along with additional shorts) at 4pm. Tickets are available for each film separately, or you can purchase discounted tickets for both programs. See the Film Center Website for details. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Food and Wine Entertaining Showcase @ MCA

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:06:28 -0600

Tons of Chicago culinary powerhouses (among them Carrie Nahabedian, Shawn McClain, Art Smith and Grant Achatz) will be Food and Wine magazine's annual Entertaining Showcase tonight at 6:30pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago. Food, wine and tips on food and wine are on the bill. Tickets start at $110.

Musicians at Work Forum: Stand Out in a Digital World

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:46:32 -0600

Learn how to make the most of MySpace, iTunes, Facebook, and Twitter by attending this Musicians at Work Forum, featuring Jim Goodrich, local musician and producer/host of the show "With a Voice Like This", and other experts. A networking session begins at 5:30pm, followed by the panel discussion at 6pm. Admission is free. Chicago Cultural Center - Claudia Cassidy Theater: 78 E. Washington. Call (312) 744-6630 for more information.

The Rebirth of Blues Benefit @ Bridgeview Bank

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:28:35 -0600

Preview selections of "RIPPED: The Living Newspaper Project," a new project by American Blues Theater founding ensemble member Rick Cleveland, at The Rebirth of Blues Benefit at Bridgeview Bank, 4753 N. Broadway tonight from 6:30pm-8:30pm. The evening's program will feature Academy Award-winner Olympia Dukakis reading a passage written by Eduardo Machado, Dennis Zacek reading a passage written by Rick Cleveland, and other special guests. Tickets are $75 ($125 VIP tickets include a 5:30 p.m. private reception with Dukakis). Proceeds will benefit the newly reborn American Blues Theater. For more information visit American Blues Theater.

Labyrinth @ Film Center

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:00:00 -0600

The Gene Siskel Film Center presents a screening of Jim Henson's 1986 film Labyrinth, with David Bowie as the Goblin King and Jennifer Connelly as the damsel in distress. The film screens tonight at 6pm. See the Film Center Website for details. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.