Chicago Artists Coalition Benefit Salutes Candida Alvarez And Monique Meloche
Chicago Artists Coalition will present Work In Progress 2022 on Thursday, September 22 at the Chicago Artists Coalition (2130 West Fulton Street). “Attire is Shimmer + Shine!” CAC advises in a release. “Work in Progress is CAC’s largest annual fund-raising initiative and is critical to the organization’s work. Proceeds from the benefit support CAC’s programs to ensure that artists and curators continue to live, work and thrive in Chicago. This year, we celebrate the luminosity and achievements of our honorees, artist Candida Alvarez and art dealer Monique Meloche.” Tickets are $60-$300 here.
“Citing Black Geographies” At Gray
The exhibition “Citing Black Geographies” presents the work of fifteen artists “whose practices examine ‘Black space’—a term describing the topographies, zones, scenes, and structures that portend Black cultural experience,” GRAY relays in a release. “Curated by Romi Crawford, a cultural theorist and professor of visual and critical studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, ‘Citing Black Geographies’ parses dichotomous and elusive notions of Black space. The group exhibition includes works by Amiri Baraka (LeRoi Jones), Dawoud Bey, McArthur Binion, the Black Arts Movement School Modality, Nick Cave, Coco Fusco, Theaster Gates, Rashid Johnson, Tony Lewis, the Staples Jr. Singers, Tavares Strachan, Jan Tichy, Jina Valentine, Carrie Mae Weems and Amanda Williams. Beckoning recognition and awareness of ‘signal Black landscapes’—a term Crawford uses to describe spaces that evoke Black cultural experience—the exhibition is conceived as an open-ended index of historical, speculative, and emergent instantiations of Black space. ‘Space, some will say, is not intrinsically racially specific,’ says Crawford. ‘And yet there are some locations and territories that read obviously and overtly as “Black space”—zones that have some connectivity to Black peoples’ lives, history, and culture. In this sense, Black space is cultivated or fostered regularly and variously.'” Gray Chicago, September 9-October 27. More here.
DESIGN
Part Of Lakeview Ghost Signs Preserved Before Demolition
“Preservationists were able to safely remove rare ghost signs that have brought people from across the country to a Lakeview building just days before it was set to be demolished,” reports Block Club Chicago. “This week, the painters got on scaffolding and pried each nail from the nearly century-old wooden boards and gently took down the massive ads.” An ad for Ward Soft Bun Bread was “taken to the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati by its founder.”
1,802 Parking Meters Added Since Mayor Came To Office
“Since Lightfoot took office in May 2019… new parking meter spots have collected nearly $14.6 million from drivers, with the amount going up each year as more metered spaces have been added to the grid,” reports the Tribune. “The new meters are the latest twist in an ongoing saga that has enraged Chicagoans for more than a decade, focused mostly on the city’s decision fourteen years ago to sell control of all citywide parking meters for seventy-five years to… private investment for $1.15 billion. The private firm already has recouped its investment plus another $500 million and counting.” As mayor-elect, Lightfoot “said she’d take a look at the meter agreement signed by former Mayor Richard M. Daley, with the City Council’s approval. …Lightfoot has not announced any changes to the contract with Chicago Parking Meters LLC [and] 193 new areas where drivers have to pay to park have been added.”
Lincoln Park’s $10 Million Mansion Sale Shows Growth In “Extreme Upper End” Sales
“The year-to-date number of homes sold at $10 million or more stands at five,” reports Dennis Rodkin at Crain’s. “The mansion, a seven-bedroom, 11,000-square-footer on Mohawk Street, sold June 30 for $10 million.”
After months of searching for a new location, Twisted Hippo, the Albany Park craft brewery that was burned out in February, takes up residency at District Brew Yards’ pour-your-own beer hall. Twisted Hippo will take over the former Bold Dog Beer Co’s wall at the Ashland location. Twisted Hippo will also be one of the five breweries launching at the District Brew Yards Wheeling location, which will open later this summer. More here.
Navy Pier Hosts Midwest’s Largest Lobster And Seafood Festival
Great American Lobster Fest will mark its seventh year at Navy Pier from Friday, September 2 to Sunday, September 4. Live lobsters will be flown in fresh from the East Coast. Beyond seafood selections, the event will feature non-seafood dining, sweets and vegetarian options. Live musical performances will be featured on the outdoor main stage. Bands include Who’s Bad (The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience), Aniba & The Sol Starz, Thornetta Davis (The Queen of the Blues), RICO! (a Tribute to Carlos Santana), The Smiley Tillmon Band, Kysia Live Band, Marlon & The Shakes, Vibe Music Live and Chicago’s Own Angela Martin. Live DJs will also perform. VIP ticketholder information and more here.
Pete’s Tiki Tiki Opens In Rosemont
Pete’s Tiki Tiki will open August 17 in Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district. “A modern take on the classic Tiki bars of yesterday,” Pete’s Tiki Tiki will feature more than thirty varieties of rum, dozens of fresh juices and ingredients, and more than fifty colorful cocktails, including favorites like the Mai Tai, the Zombie and the Jungle Bird. “Tiki bars are seeing a resurgence right now,” Kevin Killerman, Pete’s Tiki Tiki managing partner and owner says in a release. “What we’ve done here is put that unique Pete’s twist on the classic Tiki bar, developing a space that provides plenty of cozy corners while also providing a fun, social atmosphere where you can get to know your neighbor over a colorful cocktail.” More here.
DoorDash And GrubHub Drivers Organize
“Food delivery drivers who work for companies including DoorDash and Grubhub gathered with Uber and Lyft workers over the weekend to announce plans to join a nationwide group calling for improved working conditions, better pay, and the option to unionize. The news comes amid a sustained push for labor rights in the hospitality industry,” reports Eater Chicago.
FILM & TELEVISION
On “The Bear” Beat
The New Chicagoan says “The Bear” is a love letter to Chicago: “The Bear is not just set in Chicago—it is of Chicago, too. The city is used as a canvas for the characters, even though there aren’t too many scenes outside the restaurant itself. The characters are rich and filled out and feel familiar in their settings, and most of all, they remind you of the salt of the earth Chicagoans you encounter every day. The geography is correct, which shouldn’t be taken for granted in a show like this. And the details are immaculate, whether on sets designed for the show, certain wardrobe decisions, or just Mr. Beef items left in place.”
LIT
Vic Mensa’s 93 Boyz Cannabis Brand Will Support Books Before Bars
Among the community initiatives by Vic Mensa’s cannabis brand is “Books Before Bars, [which] will include using a portion of the company’s profits to buy books to distribute to incarcerated people in Illinois jails and prisons. 93 Boyz will partner with the Black-owned and Black women-led Semicolon Bookstore,” reports the TRiiBE. “Mensa said they’ve already begun to purchase books for the initiative that were influential to him. One of the books on the list is ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X.’ ‘We’ve purchased quite a few different titles that have been influential to me and have been impactful when I’ve sent them to incarcerated friends.'”
Semicolon Bookstore’s Wicker Park Lit Fest Set For October
“Semicolon Bookstore will hold its first Lit Fest October 22 on Division Street, which will be closed to traffic from Paulina Street to Wood Street for the day,” reports Block Club Chicago. “Semicolon owner Danielle Mullen said the idea for the festival grew out of a desire to expand in-store author readings in a fun and lively environment, inspired by Chicago’s vibrant street festival scene.”
MEDIA
WGN-TV Parent Company Nexstar Acquiring Control Of CW
Nexstar Media Group, the parent company of WGN-TV, announced that it plans to acquire a seventy-five percent ownership interest in the CW Network, reports WGN-TV. “Nexstar, the nation’s largest local television broadcasting company, already owned and operated thirty-seven CW and CW Plus affiliates… Company management said the move should solidify company revenue by increasing national advertising exposure and diversifying content outside of news. The arrangement will leave the current owners, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global, with 12.5% stakes.” The CW is home to “The Vampire Diaries,” “Gossip Girl,” “Riverdale” and “Smallville.”
MUSIC
Harris Theater Set “Somos Summer” Rooftop Event
The Harris Theater for Music and Dance has announced its season opener, “Somos Summer Set,” co-curated and presented in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art. This outdoor, all-ages event on August 26 will celebrate the richness of Chicago’s Mexican-American arts scene and highlight voices of the next generation. Co-headlining the event are Jesus Ramos, the versatile vocalist and Chicago native, and Sarah La Morena, the young Afro-Mexican singer who “embodies regional music that defies expectations” (Remezcla). La Morena will be accompanied by Chicago’s first all-women mariachi, Mariachi Sirenas. The lineup also features Jose Alfredo’s contemporary take on traditional Mexican music, singer-songwriter Rosalba Valdez, and DJ CEDEÑO spinning. “The National Museum of Mexican Art is very excited with this excellent partnership with the Harris Theater,” Carlos Tortolero, president and founder of NMMA says in a release. “Together we will create a synergy showcasing the beauty and richness of Mexican culture.” More here.
STAGE
Outdoor Performances Face Climate Change Challenges
“In the West, wildfires are stopping shows. Extreme heat has led to cancellations in the South. And changing weather patterns are hobbling performances in the Northeast,” reports the New York Times. “Around the world, rising temperatures, raging wildfires and extreme weather are imperiling whole communities. This summer, climate change is also endangering a treasured pastime: outdoor performance.”
ARTS & CULTURE & ETC.
Chicago Humanities Names Creative Co-Directors
Chicago Humanities Festival has hired two co-creative directors to lead its programming efforts: Michael Green and Lauren M. Pacheco. “This dual leadership model will enhance creativity, underscores the Festival’s commitment to collaboration, and will help CHF re-imagine the festival experience as it continues its return to in-person programming,” the group says in a release. “Green and Pacheco have long careers as curators, programmers, artists and educators in Chicago, and they both share CHF’s vision for connecting community and audiences with diverse vital voices of our time. Their joint responsibilities will include curating CHF’s year-round programming, including its cornerstone Fall Festival, developing distinctive events and dynamic social experiences, and strengthening its community partnerships. This model further supports our commitments to collaboration and to presenting a diversity of voices on our stages to inspire people across Chicago.”
Michael Green has served as senior programmer at Chicago Humanities Festival for almost a year, helping to shape both this year’s spring and fall festivals. He’s spent over fifteen years working as an arts programmer and curator in Chicago, including as a director of innovation and creativity in the department of Learning and Public Engagement at the Art Institute of Chicago and in the Education department at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago. Green says, “I’m excited to work alongside Lauren to make the Chicago Humanities Festival the most dynamic and provocative place for live events and critical conversations in the city.” Lauren M. Pacheco is a curator, civic practice artist, and community organizer. She was previously director of arts programming and engagement at the School of the Arts at Indiana University Northwest. With more than seventeen years of experience, Lauren has organized a range of cultural programs, festivals, and exhibitions. “As a third-generation Chicagoan, born and raised on the Southwest Side,” says Pacheco, “I’m excited to bring the Festival’s events to every corner of the city and to deepen our many programmatic and community partnerships. It’s a great time to be joining the Chicago Humanities Festival. At this moment, we have a unique opportunity to reimagine how the Festival can more fully engage with the city.” Phillip Bahar, the Festival’s executive director for nearly a decade says, “I’m eager to see the programs these innovative leaders create. With their energy and ideas, I’m confident that we will all have opportunities to experience the city and the Chicago Humanities Festival in new ways.” More CHF here.
Union Formed At Howard Brown
“Howard Brown leaders have said they will recognize the union and bargain in good faith,” reports Block Club Chicago. “The new bargaining unit will include nurse practitioners, other advanced practitioners, patient support staff, social work and behavioral health teams, retail workers and some administrative workers. More than 470 non-nursing employees voted. Leaders said ninety-seven percent were in favor of creating the union, which is one of the largest health care unions formed in Chicago over the past decade.”
Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest Returns
The twenty-first annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest – featuring more than a hundred artists, twenty-five live music acts, dance lessons, a KidsFest and food and drink from local restaurants – is this weekend, August 19-21, in Rogers Park. Details on the free event here.
Long Odds On River North Temporary Gambling Next Year
“Bally’s has filed its application with the Illinois Gaming Board seeking approval for a $1.7 billion riverfront casino-resort. The city is hoping a temporary casino can open by next summer. But the board has up to a year to review the application, with the possibility of an extension beyond that,” reports the Sun-Times.
