Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

Photojournalism!

‘not all realisms’

The photography exhibit “not all realisms” is a collection of photography from Africa in the 1960s focusing on Ghana, Mali, and South Africa. The 1960s in Africa were a time of great transformation with postcolonialism. This exhibit bridges the divide between studio photography and reportage, showing resistance, revolution, nationalist and transnational movements, and the daily life. 'not all realisms' is at the Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., from February 23-June 4. More information at smartmuseum.uchicago.edu

How She Found Her Feet!

Keyierra Collins - ‘In Progress’

Keyierra Collins will perform an iteration of her multimedia project “How I Found My Feet Again,” featuring her movement-based solo performance, music by Jovan Landry, and real-time, first-person audio and video loops that immerse audiences in the performer’s experience. “In Progress” is a series designed to give artists a platform for developing new works with input from audiences and to give patrons a glimpse into the creative process. This event from 6 - 7:30 p.m. February 21 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., is free, but a $10 donation is suggested. More information at visit mcachicago.org

An Acient Land!

‘Pompeii: The Exhibition’

This exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, brings you into the bustling port city that was once Pompeii. Explore sculptures, jewelry, gladiator armor, weapons, ancient Roman coins, and full body casts of the volcano’s victims. Immersive multimedia experiences take you to Pompeii’s amphitheater floor for a holographic gladiator display or to Mount Vesuvius for a 4D eruption simulation. The exhibit opens February 23 and runs through September 4. Tickets are separate from museum entry and are $9-$18. More information at msichicago.org

A Familiar Tune!

‘World Music Wednesdays’

This Wednesday the Old Town School of Folk Music’s “World Music Wednesdays” showcase features Cecilia Zabala, an Argentinian guitarist, singer, and composer. Her original compositions are influenced by Argentinian folklore, jazz, tango, and Brazilian music. Cecilia Zabala has been a musician for over 20 years, has released 8 albums, and has toured internationally. The showcase is free with a $10 suggested donation.8 p.m. February 22 at the Old Town School of Music's Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. Reservations are recommended and can be made at oldtownschool.org

I Could Never Have Your Happiness!

‘Pride and Prejudice’

Jane Austen’s celebrated romance takes center stage in Kaela Mei-Shing Garvin’s adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice.” Marriage awaits all the Bennet Sisters, but Lizzie despises the most eligible bachelor in Hertfordshire – or does she? With extended focus on economic class, social hierarchy, and the novel’s beloved femme-identifying characters, this classic brings the best of its period to the 21st century. Performances are 7:30 p.m. February 2325, and 2 p.m. February 25 & 26 at the Newhart Family Theatre of Loyola University Chicago, 1020 W. Sheridan Road. Tickets are $25 or less at luc.universitytickets.com

A Melding of Genres!

‘The Puerto Rican Side of Jazz’

Puerto Rican jazz guitarist Richard Peña’s style intricately blends the traditional sounds of Latin music and the modern colors of fusion jazz. The 25-year-old was recognized as a Youth Jazz Ambassador by the Amigos del Jazz Association of Palmas Del Mar at age 15. As part of the “Desde mi Barrio” community concert series hosted by the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, Peña will perform at 6 p.m. February 25 at the Latin Music Project Center, 2958 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets are $10-15 at www.praachicago.org

Don't Throw Stones!

‘The Glass Menagerie’

The Hamburg Ballet performs John Neumeier's “The Glass Menagerie,” based on Tennessee Williams's play. It is a story of hope, dreams, and insatiable desire, set to music by Charles Ives, Philip Glass, and Ned Norem. A family of three struggles not only financially, but culturally, to keep up with a changing world and the decline of the middle class. The mother is stuck in the past, the daughter is too timid to socialize, and the son wants to be somewhere else. At the Harris Theatre, 205 E. Randolph, at 7:30 p.m. February 23 and 24, and 2 p.m. February 25. Tickets are $35+ at www.harristheaterchicago.org

Reimagining MLK!

‘The Mountaintop’

The play “The Mountaintop” is a reimagination of events the night before the assassination of the civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On April 3, 1968, after delivering one of his most memorable speeches, an exhausted Dr. King retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel and is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy to his people after the visit of a mysterious stranger. The play will be at the Invictus Theatre at 1106 W. Thorndale Ave. from February 16 - March 19 at 7 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $30, with more information at invictustheatreco.com/mountain

Free Historical Film!

‘Till’

Join the King Branch of the Chicago Public Library for a screening of the movie “Till” (2022), which tells the story of Mamie TillMobley's relentless pursuit of justice for her son, Emmett, who at age 14 was brutally murdered by white supremacists. 1:30 - 4 p.m. February 26, at King Branch Library, 3436 S. King Drive. FREE. Register at chipublib.bibliocommons.com

Nonprofit in Action!

Anixter Center Recovery Hub Open House

The Anixter Center Recovery Hub, 1751G W. Howard St., is hosting an open house on February 22 at 2 p.m. The Recovery Hub serves as a community safe space for individuals living with a range of mental illnesses. Whether someone is looking to relax with a game of pool, engage in discussion groups, or watch a movie, the Recovery Hub is here for them and the greater Rogers Park community. Anixter Center encourages all members of the community to stop in and learn what it is all about! Refreshments will be provided. FREE. Learn more at anixter.org

Compiled by Emma Murphy