“VIP” /Photo: Rashayla Marie Brown
Part of the 2020 Best of Chicago edition.
Best Exhibition of Black Forevermore
Nevermore Park
At Hebru Brantley’s Nevermore Park, a 6,000-square-foot interactive art experience, hidden in plain sight are the words, “We the people dark but equal.” The words resonate, even though I am not Black. As a Mexican-American woman, there aren’t many places I saw someone like me in a position of power—either in the fictional or real world. This is one of many reasons why I jumped at the chance to work on this project. Brantley’s work is influenced by how he moves through the world as a Black man, but it transcends racial lines. He refuses to accept social constraints on who he can be. His conviction to believe in the impossible is reflected in his creations. Nevermore Park is the manifestation of belief in oneself. When you experience this kind of work, you can’t help but be inspired. (Ximena Larkin, founder, C1 Revolution)
949 W. 16th
Best Innovative Use of Space By A Music Event
Back Alley Jazz
This year’s Back Alley Jazz was a smaller happening, with Sam Trump and Radius and other acts playing on the 7300 block of Paxton, or Isaiah Collier and The Chosen Few kicking it out on 79th Street. But it continues a tradition that goes back to fifties, sixties and seventies jazz alley jams. Revitalized three years ago by Norman Teague and Fo Wilson, founders of design studio BLKHaUS, it’s co-organized by Jonita and Jeannine Sharpe with Gail Mangrum. “We thought it would just be neighborhood folks or folks on the block and that’s not what happened,” says Mangrum, who saw attendees flock to the revived event, and anticipates it growing. “Next year, we want to add more hosts to what we have now.” (Michael Workman)
Best Transgender Rock Band Singer
Garnet Williams
Garnet Williams, leader of Crimson Wave, is a live performance force. Williams’ surf-rock compositions on SoundCloud only hint at the power of their voice and passionate energy. Their dark sense of humor is also palpable on compositions like “Butch Blanket Bingo” and “A.C.A.B.” (“All cops are bastards, Black lives fucking matter,” posted in 2017). Black, transgender and disabled (they call their walker “The Pussy Wagon”), Williams has so far overcome a trifecta of disadvantage. The Windy City Times reported this summer Williams was on the brink of homelessness, attributable to a lack of affordable and accessible housing, prompting a Kickstarter. (Craig Bechtel)
Best Unseen, Unheard Force in House Music
Kim Parham
What does a strong family, successful business and love have in common? A woman. Kim Parham is the glue for the Chosen Few DJs. She handles things behind the scenes including sponsorship, brand management and so much more. Every year before the House Music Festival, we have our pep talk: “You got this, don’t let anyone stress you out!” She comes to the park looking like a supermodel in the morning, she leaves looking like she’s been in a good fight and won. She works! She is the first lady of Chosen Few and we’re glad to see her finally getting her props publicly. (Terry Hunter, producer-DJ, The Chosen Few Inc. member)
Best Next Big Thing in Chicago Theater
Tyrone Phillips, Definition Theatre
“My art has always been my activism,” says Tyrone Phillips. “I am more than proud to be the artistic director of Definition Theatre as it guides and holds me accountable to my artistic goals. Our ensemble has always kept our community at the forefront of programming, productions and new initiatives as we know there is much work to be done to amplify the voice of BIPOC artists,” Phillips says. “America has once again been called to declare that Black lives matter and our company has continued to support our community on Chicago’s South Side, strengthen the accessibility and sustainability of our organization, while also teaching the next generation of BIPOC artists on and off stage.” It’s all about being in the frontline for change. “As a first-generation Jamaican American leader with advanced anti-racism training, I feel like my entire life has prepared me to cut through the distractions and policies that don’t put people first. Everyone must acknowledge the fact that our BIPOC community has endured and overcome a long list of social injustices and inequities, and the time for that to change was yesterday.” (Vasia Rigou)
Best Mural Community Investment Program
Dorian Sylvain, Mural Moves
Artist Dorian Sylvain turned heads this past year with her Mural Moves project to beautify the intersection of 71st Street and Jeffery Boulevard. “The disinvestment on the South and West Sides of Chicago is apparent in the blight and the psychological stress it adds to the neighborhood, as though it [the blight] is saying ‘you don’t deserve better!’” says Sylvain. Her project invites artists from the neighborhood and has had three major art events at the old South Shore Bank since 2017. “When the artist works in collaboration with schools, business leaders, developers and community organizations, they serve as the keepers and visionaries of community culture.” says Sylvain. “They can steer the conversation about identity, values, traditions and history and allow us to envision new possibilities for the next generation.” (Michael Workman)
Best Black-led Jazz Ensemble
Chris Greene and the Chris Greene Quartet
Evanston native Chris Greene began to play professionally as a teenager and attended the prestigious Indiana University Jazz Studies program. Since returning to Chicago in 1994, he’s played his saxophone with Common, The Temptations, Eric Roberson, Ed Motta, Sheena Easton, Andrew Bird, Jesse De La Pena, Liquid Soul and The Mighty Blue Kings. Today he’s best known for leading the Chris Greene Quartet, whose eighth album, “Boundary Issues,” released in 2017, was perfectly titled, given he leads his tight (no surprise, given his three bandmates average fourteen years playing together) ensemble through innovative takes on traditional jazz. (Craig Bechtel)
Best Black Burlesque
Jeez Louise
Until her recent relocation to New Orleans, artist and performer Jeez Louise was long the queen of Black burlesque in Chicago. In a world where distance is the order of the day, Louise sees strengthening her ties to the city despite her new home. “As burlesque has adapted to this new, online, touchless world, I’ve been able to stay connected to my community in Chicago,” she says. “I believe my work contributes in a way that brings focus to Chicago from the larger burlesque industry. I feel like such an ambassador for Chicago burlesque and nightlife wherever I am.” Despite the withdrawal from in-person shows, Louise remains enthusiastic and optimistic about the prospects of a future burlesque world that lives online. “Although we’re all eager to get back on live stages, we would be remiss to not take advantage of this opportunity to continue to grow the art and business of burlesque on a global scale via livestreams, videos and social media.” (Michael Workman)
Best Rhum Expert to Introduce You to Rhum Cocktails You’ve Never Had Before
Aaron Michael Wells at 14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar
Got Rum? Hell-to-the-yeah they do and lead bartender Aaron Wells knows the spirit and exactly what to do with it. Whether explaining the tri-island origins of Saison Rum or beautifying your Diplomatico-forward rum Old Fashioned with a pineapple leaf instead of an orange peel, he’ll have you leaving the bar with a whole new love for the spirit. (Raymond Alexander)
1644 E. 53rd
Part of the 2020 Best of Chicago edition: read the full feature here, or get a copy in print here.
