ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Compiled by Cora Saddler
The Way You Make Me Feel!
Janelle Monáe: The Memory Librarian To celebrate its fifth year anniversary, the American Writers Museum will host a discussion with artist, rapper, singer, actor and now author of her debut book “The Memory Librarian and Other Stories of Dirty Computer,” Janelle Monáe. Monáe has received eight Grammy Awards nominations, won an MTV Video Music Award and the ASCAP Vanguard Awards in 2010. Her book brings to life the world of her critically acclaimed albums, exploring how different threads of liberation—queerness, race, gender plurality and love—are entangled with memory, time, and the future and the cost of that freedom. “Whoever controls our memories control the future” and Monáe’s book offers a glimpse into a totalitarian society in which thoughts can be controlled and erased by a select few. The event will be at the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, on April 22 from 7-9 pm. Tickets are $45-65 and can be purchased at harristheaterchicago.org.
Barbra, Can You Hear Me?
Hello, Gorgeous! A Barbra Streisand Birthday Celebration Hello, Gorgeous! Head over to the Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave., for a Barbra Streisand birthday celebration. Streisand is the first woman to win an Oscar for composition, the only artist to have a number one album in six consecutive decades, the first woman to write, direct, produce, and star in a movie since the silent era and more. On April 24, Streisand will turn 81, but you can celebrate early at Chicago’s premier location for an intimate music showcase on April 22 and 23 at 8 pm. Hosts include Scott Gryder, Adam Hibma and Kimberly Lawson, with musical direction by Jimmy Morehead and arrangements by Nick Sula. For more information, see DavenportsPianoBar.com. Cover is $20 plus a two-drink minimum.
ENTERTAINMENT
It's in the Stars!
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Astronomy Day Travel to infinity from 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine. Experience the magic of telescopes of all different shapes and sizes for solar and nighttime viewing (weather permitting) as well as NASA mission updates, astro imaging and youth crafts. The event is presented by the Harper College Department of Physical Sciences and the Northwest Suburban Astronomers’ (NSA) club. With over 150 members, the NSA is one of the largest astronomy clubs in the Midwest. This FREE event is designed for young astronomers and seasoned amateurs alike. More info at nsaclub.org.
A Steve Martin Comedy!
Picasso at the Lapin Agile What happens when Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso walk into the same Parisian cafe in 1904? To find out, visit the Citadel Theatre Company, 300 South Waukegan Road in Lake Forest. Written by actor and screenwriter Steve Martin, this long running Off Broadway absurdist comedy is Martin’s first comedy for the stage and muses on the century’s achievements and prospects with an infectious dizziness and hilarity that Martin is known for. Taking place just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the painter challenged the art world with cubism, the play follows two geniuses on the verge of breakthrough and the momentum behind their greatness. Play begins April 20 and runs through May 22. Tickets are $40-45. For more information on times and dates, see citadeltheatre.org. .
