7 minute read
Calendar
Food is Family History
FEBRUARY 10
When: 6 - 7:30 p.m. Where: Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St. What: Chef Lamar Moore, Constance Simms-Kincaid, and Robert Kincaid (owners of 5 Loaves Eatery), as well as Batter & Berries executive chef Ken Polk, discuss the art of preserving family history, traditions and memories through cooking. More information at chipublib. org. FREE.
Black History Month Concert Series
FEBRUARY 10 - 12
When: 11 a.m. Where: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. What: 4,200 Chicago Children’s Choir singers from every ZIP code in the city will be performing together in an educational program honoring black culture. The series will feature the Choir’s world-renowned Voice of Chicago performance ensemble, along with thousands enrolled in the in-school program. More information at cchoir.org. FREE.
Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert
FEBRUARY 12
When: 12:15 p.m. Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. What: Thai-Chinese-American pianist Mayta Liu. More info at imfchicago.org. FREE.
The Latino Comedy Film Series Screenings
FEBRUARY 12
When: 6:30 p.m. Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. What: The Cultural Center will be showing "Corizon de Leon (Heart of Lion)," a romantic comedy that celebrates inner beauty. A tall and beautiful woman named Ivanna falls in love with a man over the phone, only to find out that he is very short when she meets him in person. She soon learns that height is not a barrier when it comes to love. More information at latinoculturalcenter.org. FREE.
The Times Are Racing
FEBRUARY 12 - 23
When: Wed - Fri 7:30 p.m.; Sat 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. Where: Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive What: The Joffrey Ballet’s latest show is a mixed repertory program featuring choreography from four of the most influential artists working today. The show is named after a piece by Justin Peck, which channels the power of protest and the process for creating change. Another piece will feature music by Grammy Award-winner Tom Waits. Both of these pieces will be making their Chicago premiere. Tickets start at $35 on Joffrey.org.
Titus Andronicus
FEB 13 - MARCH 14
When: Thurs - Sat 7:30 p.m.; Sun 3 p.m. (March 14 at 3 p.m.) Where: The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. What: Haven Theatre Company is putting on Shakespeare’s revenge-tragedy, promising a thrilling and bloody marathon. The show is about a Roman general who captures a queen and brings her back to his kingdom, but then she plots many terrible things including the murder of his children. Director Ian Damont Martin centers this production on the voices of marginalized people too often excluded from classical theater performance. It explores the impact of vengeance across the intersections of family, power and race. $35 at havenchi.org.
Champagne and Sparkling Wine Fest
FEBRUARY 14
When: 7 - 11 p.m. Where: I|O Godfrey Rooftop, 127 W. Huron St. What: The panoramic skyline views, fire pits, and shimmering water elements make this the perfect location to enjoy an evening of sipping champagne and sparkling wine. More info at chicagochampagnefest.weebly. com. Tickets start at $59.
Love and R&B Tour
FEBRUARY 14
When: 8 p.m. Where: The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. What: This concert features Tank, Eric Benét, Kelly Price, After 7 and Troop. The lineup is subject to change. Tickets start at $60 on msg.com.
'Mortified'
FEBRUARY 14
When: 8 p.m. Where: Sleeping Village, 3734 W. Belmont Ave. What: Featuring everyday people reading aloud their most embarrassing, pathetic and private notes in front of total strangers. Witness “personal redemption through public humiliation.” $20 at sleeping-village.com.
My Funny Valentine
FEBRUARY 14
When: 8 & 10 p.m. Where: Laugh Factory Chicago, 3175 N. Broadway What: Both shows will feature separate all-star comedian lineups. Comedians who have already been announced include Tim McLaughlin, Sarah Perry, and Daryll Schmitz. $30 at laughfactory.com.
Valentine’s Day Dance Party
FEBRUARY 14 - 15
When: Fri 6:30 & 8:30 p.m.; Sat 4 & 6 p.m. Where: Duet Dance Studio, 2412 W. North Ave. What: Two different dance parties created for couples to celebrate the holiday together, one called “Dirty Dancing” and one “Tango for Lovers.” The first class will teach moves inspired by the movie and will include hors d'oeuvres. The second will teach the sensual movements and dramatic poses of tango. Sign up online at duetdancestudio.com. Each class is $90 per couple.
Folk Festival
FEBRUARY 14 - 15
When: Fri 8 p.m.; Sat 7:30 p.m. Where: Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St. What: The University of Chicago will have two concerts with many folk performers on Valentine’s Day weekend. Performers include Bill and the Belles, Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass, and the Mariachi Sirenas. In addition to the concerts, free workshops will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. A schedule can be found at uofcfolk. org. Tickets start at $25.
Legally Blonde The Musical
FEB 14 - MARCH 1
When: Thurs-Sat 7:30 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m. Where: Northwestern University’s Wirtz Center, 1949 Campus Dr., Evanston What: America’s beloved blonde law student takes the stage at Northwestern’s campus starting on Valentine’s Day. The show is based on the 2001 movie, but according to director Chase Carter is still relevant today because the story continues to break down stereotypes. The play is complete with real canines. $30 at wirtz.northwestern.edu.
Pantyhose Puppets
FEBRUARY 15
When: 1 - 4 p.m. Where: Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave. What: This family event is a drop-in puppet-making workshop. It is inspired by the work of Ma Qiusha, one of the artists of “The Allure of Matter,” which is currently showing at the museum. Participants are taught to use nylons to make puppets and are invited to a Pantyhose Puppet show. Supplies are provided. More information at smartmuseum.uchicago.edu. FREE.
Dances from the Heart
FEBRUARY 15
When: 8 p.m. Where: Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. What: Showcasing the most romantic works from Dance Chicago performers, this piece features an array of dance styles such as aerial, tap, urban fusion, jazz, contemporary, Irish, Mexican folkloric, hip-hop and more. Audience members will receive complimentary treats courtesy of Eli’s Cheesecake Company. Tickets start at $18 on athenaeumtheatre.org.
Happy Together
FEBRUARY 15
When: 8 p.m. Where: North Shore Center, Skokie Blvd., Skokie What: Chicago’s own married musical stars Michael Ingersoll (Jersey Boys, Under the Streetlamp on PBS) and Angela Ingersoll (End of the Rainbow, Get Happy on PBS) sing together. Witness spousal shenanigans and hear signature songs. Tickets start at $34 on northshorecenter.org.
In Flux: Chicago Artists and Immigration
FEB 15 - MAY 10
When: Mon - Fri 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat & Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. What: This large-scale, multidisciplinary exhibition highlights the influence and impact immigrant artists have on Chicago, and responds to the current political climate. It features over 20 contemporary artists and illustrates a living and evolving legacy. Find out more at chicagoculturalcenter.org. FREE.
'Roe'
THROUGH FEB 23
When: Various Where: The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. What: Conceived in a pizza parlor and argued in the highest court, 1973’s Roe v. Wade legalized abortion, which is a topic still hotly debated still today. The young women behind the trial - attorney Sarah Weddington and plaintiff Norma McCorvey (“Jane Roe”) - embark upon separate journeys that mirror the current polarization over the landmark decision. The show illuminates the heart and passion that each side has for their cause. Tickets start at $20 on goodmantheatre. org.
'Emma'
THROUGH MARCH 15
When: Various Where: Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave. What: Jane Austen’s beloved novel is now a musical! Tony Award-nominated composer Paul Gordon and artistic director Barbara Gaines are reunited following their collaboration on "Sense and Sensibility." Privileged, pampered, and preoccupied with romance, Emma Woodhouse indulges in her pastime of misguided matchmaking, but remains quite clueless when it comes to her own feelings - and a gentleman named Mr. Knightley. Lora Lee Gayer stars as this imperfect heroine who learns that love defies prediction. Tickets start at $35 on chicagoshakes.com.
Growing Community
THROUGH MAY 31
When: Mon - Fri 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat & Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Where: Chicago Water Tower, 806 N. Michigan Ave. What: As part of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, NeighborSpace is highlighting many of the city gardens’ unique community stories in a public photo exhibit in one of the city’s most familiar and treasured landmarks. More information at neighbor-space.org. FREE.
-compiled by Rachel Koertner