Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Compiled by Kyra Walker

See Me, Feel Me!

'The Who’s Tommy'

Myth and spectacle combine in a fresh reinvention of The Who’s exhilarating 1969 rock concert "Tommy" at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., on August 2 & 3 at 7:30 p.m., August 4 & 5 at 8 p.m., and August 3, 5 & 6 at 2 p.m. After witnessing a traumatic event, Tommy Walker is lost in the universe, endlessly and obsessively staring into the mirror. An innate knack for pinball catapults him from reticent adolescent to celebrity savior. Tickets $45+ at www.goodmantheatre.org

MCA Discussion!

'Recapturing Memories of the Black Ark' in Chicago

Gary Simmons’s sculptural installation "Recapturing Memories of the Black Ark" consists of a stage and speakers that serve as a venue for live performances. August 5 from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago, join Dorian Sylvain in conversation with her artist sons Kahari, Kari, and Katon Black on the meaning of art and family across generations. Tickets are $15 for the in-person event or pay-what-you-can for streaming. More information at mcachicago.org

As If!

Millennium Park Summer Film Series: 'Clueless'

Bring a blanket and/or chair for this iconic 1995 film. Cher is rich, pretty, and considers herself to be a matchmaker. W hen a girl named Tai transfers to her school, she sees a new project and is determined to find her the perfect boyfriend. But in the midst of it all, Cher finds that she’s missing something from her own life that even money can’t fix. "Clueless" will be screened at 6:30 p.m. August 8 at Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. FREE admission.

Work It Out!

Millennium Park Workouts

On August 5, from 8-11:45 a.m., get your blood pumping with one or all of these free 45-minute workouts at Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. From 8-8:45 a.m., work your major muscle groups with pilates led by NK. Gutierrez. Deep breathe and rejuvenate your mind and body with yoga led by Rajv Nathan from 9-9:45 a.m. Get in some cardio kickboxing led by Ivo Boykov from 10-10:45 a.m. Dance away the morning with a Zumba session led by Melanie Nutter from 11-11:45 a.m. In the midst of these workouts enjoy music by Bill MacKay.

A Purrrrfect Event!

CatVideoFest

Enjoy a compilation of the latest and best cat videos at the Music Box Theater, 3733 N. Southport Ave., August 5 & 6 at 11:30 a.m. or August 8 at 7 p.m. CatVideoFest is created from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses. $12 at musicboxtheatre.com; 10% of all proceeds will be donated to Red Door Animal Shelter.

Author Talk!

Chicago Humanities | Novelist Zadie Smith

Zadie Smith is back with a new historical novel "The Fraud." Join Chicago Humanities at 8 p.m. September 19 at Francis W. Parker School and experience Smith's iconic voice in person as this beloved novelist and essayist discusses the relationship between truth and fiction, fraudulent and authentic, and the mystery of “other people.” The school is located at 330 W. Webster Ave. Tickets available on chicagohumanities.org

Live Music!

Skyline Sessions | Navy Pier

Enjoy live outdoor music, 5-9 p.m. August 3 and 4 at the Wave Wall Performance Platform of Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. The Skyline Sessions occur every Thursday and Friday. Take in skyline views and listen to different genres and styles of music performed by solo artists and small ensembles. FREE. More information on the lineup at navypier.org/events/skylinesessions

Shop Local!

North Lawndale Arts Festival

Join the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. August 7, for its seventh annual arts festival at Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Drive. The festival will showcase local performing artists, visual artists selling their original work, culinary artists, jewelry, and clothing. This event is suitable for all ages and admission is FREE.

A Paranormal Summer!

Field of Screams

Join Wendy Parris in celebration of her debut novel “Field of Screams” at The Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on August 3. This book is recommended for ages 8-12. "Field of Screams" is about paranormal enthusiast Rebecca Graff who isn’t happy about moving to Iowa for the summer to spend time with a family she barely knows. But when a ghostly presence appears, she finds that her summer will be anything but boring. The book release party is free with registration, at thebookstall.com

Swing Into Bronzeville!

Bronzeville Neighborhood Jazz Festival

The Bronzeville Jazz Fest will offer live music, noon-8:30 p.m. August 5. Music manager Frank Gross will curate sounds on Martin Luther King Drive, from 37th to 39th Streets. There will also be food trucks, a senior lounge, kids' zone, free parking, limited edition NFTs for everyone. The festival pays homage to the neighborhood, which is known for its rich history of jazz and blues. FREE admission.