Arts & Entertainment

Chicago Dancers United!

Dance For Life Benefit

The Dance for Life 2022 World Premiere Finale is 6 p.m. on August 13 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells. Dr. This show features seven companies with an after-party at Venue SIX10 (610 S. Michigan Ave.). This event is presented by Chicago Dancers United (CDU), which supports the health and wellness of Chicago’s professional dance community. Enjoy the evening’s unique variety of dance traditions. Featured companies include Chicago Dance Crash (the Chicago premiere of “Us vs. Them”), Deeply Rooted Dance Theater ("Parallel Lives"), Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater ("Baile de Luis Alonso"), Giordano Dance Chicago ("Shirt Off My Back"), The Joffrey Ballet ("Élégie"), NAJWA Dance Corps (sections of "The Guinea Suite") and Trinity Irish Dance Company ("American Traffic"). These performances raise money for The Dancers' Fund to provide financial support for preventative health care and critical medical needs to Chicago’s dance industry professionals. “We dance for joy, community, love, and hope. This is the spirit of the dance,” said choreographer Randy Duncan. Tickets are $500 for the performance and after-party or $25 - $125 for the performance only, on sale at auditoriumtheatre.org. Visit chicagodancersunited.org for more information.

Block Party at the Zoo!

Lincoln Park Zoo Adults' Night Out

Head to the Lincoln Park Zoo for an after-hours, adults-only, block-party-style evening on August 18! From 6:30 to 10 p.m., take a stroll among the wildlife or partake in competitive yard games. Come dressed in your '90s best and ready to jam with the DJ playing your favorite ‘90s hits! There will also be animal chats and enrichment, free rides on the carousel, cash bars and food and a wide assortment of activities! Must be 18 or older to attend. Tickets range from $15 to $25 at lpzoo.org. Lincoln Park Zoo members receive 10% off General Admission tickets.

Revisit the Golden Age of Rock!

Rock Radio Revisited

Relive Rock Radio of the 60s and 70s with the Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) when John Records Landecker and Tommy Edwards share stories about DJs, fans, vintage air checks, gimmicks and more, steered by former WGN "rock jock" Wendy Snyder. This benefit for the MBC will be 3-4:30 p.m. August 14 at the Des Plaines Theater, 1476 Miner St., in Des Plaines. Landecker spent decades at WLS and the former WJMK. Edwards was heard on WLS, WCFL and WKQX, and was part of the famous “Animal Stories” (a.k.a. “Little Snot- Nosed Tommy”) with Larry Lujack on WLS and WRLL. They will be joined remotely and live by other personalities from across the U.S.: Gary Burbank (WLW), ‘Cousin Brucie’ Morrow (Sirius, WABC), Kris Erik Stevens (WLS, WCFL, KQV) and Connie Szerszen (WIND, WJMK, WJEX, WJJD, WUSN). Just close your eyes and imagine cruising in your car with the windows down – you can already hear The Doors, Jimi Hendrix and Fleetwood Mac! Tickets are $10 for students, $20 for virtual attendance, $40 for general admission and $80 for VIP access. See museum.tv for details.

The Legendary Swordman!

'Zorro: the Musical'

Experience the story of legendary swordsman and defender of justice in "Zorro: The Musical," brought to life with aerial acrobats, sword fighting and magic! Cisco Lopez plays Don Diego de la Vega, a wealthy caballero who lives a double life as a masked hero entangled in adventure and romance, fighting tyranny while trying to win the love of the beautiful Luisa, played by Laura Quinones. Ensemble Español creates an exciting environment with choreography and Flamenco-based score from international pop sensations, the Gipsy Kings. This regional premiere is at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts (9501 Skokie Blvd.) August 11 through 21. Run time is 2 hours and 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets range from $20-$106 at musictheaterworks.com.

Art as Protest!

Plan B Art Exhibition

Amphorae like those used by women throughout history to hold herbs that could induce abortion -- with sometimes deadly results -- are the subject of the “Plan B” art exhibition at Pistachios Jewelry (716 N. Wabash Ave.) August 11-September 18. The exhibition, which is touring the U.S. before ending up in New York City during Jewelry Week, features designs by 60 artists, who each use 1-inch to 1 1/2-inch amphora as a blank canvas for their voice. “Use of this imagery demonstrates the extreme measures tomorrow’s people may have to employ to have control over their reproduction,” officials said, in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's reversal of Roe v. Wade. Proceeds from jewelry sales will support Planned Parenthood’s efforts to protect sexual and reproductive rights. The opening reception is 5-8 p.m. April 11. For more information about this free event, visit https://www.choosechicago.com/event/plan-b-art-project/

What Remains After Natural Disaster?

Book Discussion: Adam Levin

Adam Levin discusses "Mount Chicago," his “polyphonic tale of Chicago-style politics and political correctness, stand-up comedy, Jewish identity, celebrity, drugs and animal psychology” at 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 10 online. After a "one-in-ten-billion natural disaster" devastates Chicago, a Jewish comedian, his most devoted fan, and the city's mayor struggle to find a way forward as the world literally caves away at their feet. It's a tale of laughter, love, art and resilience in an age of spectacular loss. Levin, a long-time Chicagoan now living in Florida, is the author of "Bubblegum," "The Instructions" and "Hot Pink." Register at semcoop.com/event/adam-levin-mount-chicago

Music with Madera Once!

Lot Jams

Lot Jams is a family-friendly music and dance series lasting all summer with free concerts and performances around Albany Park. On Thursday, August 11, Madera Once is performing their wide range of music from Mexico: regional, traditional and indie-pop, all with a contemporary spin! Bring a chair and some snacks to the Heartland Health Center (3737 W. Lawrence Ave.) for the 7 - 9 p.m. show. Doors open at 6:30. This free event is presented by the North River Commission and the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce. For future Lot Jams events, including performances by Radio Free Honduras and the Sama Sama Project, visit northrivercommission.org/programs/lot-jams/

Standing with Survivors!

Brought to Light: A Gathering of Voices

The Brought to Light: A Gathering of Voices exhibition displays paths to standing with survivors of sexual violence. Featured artists Merudjina and Annalise Castro represent narratives from individual and communal voices. Merudjina connects the physical body and inner-self to other survivors with painted canvases and soundscapes. Castro uses multimedia to uplift anonymous voices with an interactive feedback wall. She invites viewers “to live with the survivor’s words for a short while to honor their resilience.” Brought to Light’s closing ceremony is on August 12 from 6 - 9 p.m. at Awakenings, 4001 N Ravenswood Ave. Suite 204-C. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Register for this free event at eventbrite.com. For more information, visit awakeningsart.org.

A Gen X Haven!

Retro on Roscoe

The 25th annual Retro on Roscoe is August 12-14 at Roscoe and Damen. Known as a "Generation X haven," the event features live music on three stages over a six-block stretch. Headliners include Too Hype Crew, 16 Candles, The Boy Band Night, Dancing Queen: An ABBA Tribute, Hairbangers Ball, 7th Heaven, Rod Tuffcurls & the Bench Press, as well as Radio Gaga, Trippin Billies, American English and more. There's also food, artisans and antique vendors, a kids' area with inflatables, crafts, balloon artist, music, face painting, rides and more; and an Antique Car and Motorcycle Show. Hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday, and noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is a $10 suggested donation to the Roscoe Village Neighbors, a nonprofit organization of volunteers focused on the maintaining local quality of life for residents and merchants alike.

Compiled by Emma Slings