January 21 - 26, 2020 Vol. 28 No. 3
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Calendar
Experience what Chicago has to offer!
SportsWise
The SportsWise team chats about the New England Patriots.
Cover Story: Concert Guide
Chicago is a major concert destination in the U.S. StreetWise values the music economy because it supports the tourism and hospitality sector, which provides a wide range of jobs. In our 17th concert guide, StreetWise celebrates music and the arts by supporting new and up-and-coming artists along with classic favorites. Just like StreetWise vendors, musicians often have to sacrifice the "frills" in life until they have attained their dreams.
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From the Streets
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The Playground
The "Massimals in the Loop" installation presents colorful bear sculptures in the pedway. Also 16-year-old author Jae'la Leavy creates a new safe space for young authors.
inside streetwise
StreetWise Vendor Robert Johnson thanks his customers for providing him with a new lifestyle. ON THE COVER: King Princess at Lollapalooza 2019. Photography by Kathleen Hinkel. THIS PAGE: GZA (a.k.a. The Genius) photograph provided by United Talent.
Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher
dhamilton@streetwise.org
StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI
Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief
suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
Julie Youngquist, Executive Director
jyoungquist@streetwise.org
Amanda Jones, Director of programs
ajones@streetwise.org
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Chicago Polar Bear Club photo
Chicago Polar Bear Club Polar Plunge: See January 25
JANUARY 23
First Bites Bash When: 6-9 p.m. Where: Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive What: Celebrate the city’s acclaimed culinary scene at the official kick-off event for Chicago Restaurant Week, featuring bites from more than 70 of Chicago’s most celebrated chefs. Guests can enjoy tastings from top Chicago restaurants, plus wine, beer, and spirits. This year’s event will feature Host Chef Thai Dang and Host Mixologist Danielle Dang of the James Beard Award-nominated HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen. $125 at choosechicago.com (VIP tickets available with full-sized beverages and an exclusive lounge for $175).
JAN 23 - FEB 29
Evil Dead The Musical: The HD Tour When: Tues - Sat 7:30 p.m. Where: Greenhouse Theatre, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. What: "Evil Dead The Musical" takes all the elements of the cult classic films “The Evil Dead,” “Evil Dead 2,” and “Army of Darkness” and combines them for one of the craziest, funniest, and bloodiest theatrical experiences of all time. Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. Is it scary? No! Is it gory? No.
This is a pure comedy start to finish. With a combination of blood, jokes, cheesy effects, and really awesome musical numbers, “Evil Dead The Musical” is unlike any live show you’ve ever seen. $30-$35 at evildeadtickets.com
JANUARY 23 - 26
Chicagoland Fishing, Travel & Outdoor Expo When: Thurs & Fri 12 - 8 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Where: Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive N, Schaumburg What: Plan all of your outdoor adventures in one convenient stop. Check out a 5,000 gallon fish dank, a fishing simulator, a boat yard, a bird watching seminar and more! $13 at chicagoland.sportshows.com
BEGINNING JAN 23
‘The Allied Race to Victory’ When: Mon 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Tues - Thurs 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Fri & Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun 12 - 4 p.m. Where: Pritzker Military Museum & Library, 104 S. Michigan Ave. What: Focusing on the air, land, and sea actions of the United States Army, Army Air Forces, Marine Corps, and Navy, the new exhibit will provide an overview of the battles and actions that led to the Allied victory in Europe and the Pacific in WWII with documents, oral histories, photos and video from
collections donated by those who fought the battles. These personal items lend an intimate and firsthand account to the efforts and sacrifices of millions of American servicemembers. The closing date of this exhibit is TBD. Included with $5 museum admission fee.
JANUARY 24 & 25
SoxFest When: Fri 4 - 10 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Where: McCormick Place West, 2301 S. Indiana Ave. What: The 28th annual fan event is the unofficial start for the 2020 Chicago White Sox season, providing opportunities for autographs, photos and unique experiences with past, current and future stars of the Chicago White Sox. José Abreu, Tim Anderson, Lucas Giolito, Yasmani Grandal, Eloy Jiménez, and Yoán Moncada headline a list of 15 current White Sox players scheduled to appear. Friday $45 ($10 children age 3-14) at whitesox. com/soxfest. Saturday-only and two-day passes sold out. Chicago Danztheatre’s Stories of Chicago When: 7 p.m. Where: Ebenezer Lutheran Church Auditorium, 1650 W. Foster Ave. What: Stories of Chicago highlights the socio-political limitations and cyclical systemic oppression that people of color experience by exploring the
Civil Rights movement, migration and heritage, and acknowledging the influence of white privilege on a broad and local scale. Featuring performance works by Dance Loop Chicago, South Chicago Dance Center, and Re:Dance. $25 at the door or $19 in advance at danztheatre.org
JAN 24 - FEB 9
Chicago Restaurant Week When & Where: Various What: During Chicago Restaurant Week, diners can enjoy special prix fixe menus at more than 400 restaurants throughout Chicago and nearby suburbs. These multi-course meals are $24 for brunch or lunch, and $36 and/or $48 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, and gratuity). For a full list of participating restaurants, visit choosechicago.com
JANUARY 25
Uchi-Con When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Where: Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 E. 59th St. What: Anime festival featuring gaming, cinema, and Asian culture with vendors, speakers, panels, workshops, and a cosplay contest at 1:30 p.m. FREE. Mac & Cheese Crawl When: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Where: Starting at Moe’s Cantina River North, 155 W. Kenzie St. What: Hot servings of mac &
cheese from area restaurants during a bar crawl through River North. $10 admission includes seven mac & cheese servings, drink specials, and giveaways at macandcheesecrawl.weebly.com Chicago Polar Bear Club Polar Plunge When: 12 - 1 p.m. Where: Oak Street Beach, Lake Shore Drive & Division Street What: Throw on your best costume, and check a crazy item off your bucket list -- all while doing some good: helping to fundraise for local families in need of our support by jumping into icy Lake Michigan! Registration is $40 at chicagopolarbearclub.com Polar Adventure Days When: 12 - 4 p.m. Where: Northerly Island, 1521 S. Linn White Drive What: Explore Northerly Island and come face-to-face with live animals (Siberian huskies, wolves, birds of prey and more), engage in winter activities (exploring in snowshoes, hot cocoa stroll) and create nature-inspired crafts. Dress for the weather as events take place both outdoors and inside the visitor center. FREE. $3 cash-only parking available.
Global Connections: Chinese New Year When: 1 - 5 p.m. Where: Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. What: Usher in the “Year of the Rat” with a traditional Chinese New Year celebration presented with the Chinese Fine Arts Society, this vibrant display of cultural expression features festive décor, bold costumes, customary music and more. Authentic Chinese cuisine from participating restaurants will be available for purchase. FREE. Winter Brew 2020 When: 1-4:30 p.m./6:30-10 p.m. Where: DANK Haus German Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave. What: Each winter the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce takes the Chicago Street Festival scene indoors! The event takes place with local breweries from around Chicago who set up in the 5th floor ballroom and 6th floor skyline lounge. Each brewery will showcase at least two different craft beers, with some limited releases being offered. $15 at lincolnsquare.org. 21+. Cash for Kids When: 5 p.m. - 1 a.m. Where: Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. What: Chicago's only Johnny Cash Festival and fundraiser for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Cash for Kids is a
celebration of the creativity, vibe and spirit of Johnny Cash and the Carter Family’s contribution to American music. Enjoy 10 bands on 3 stages and join musicians and music lovers as they come together in the fight against pediatric brain tumors. Featuring the Waco Brothers, Hayden Thompson, Iron Horse, the Dark Passengers and more. $25 at the door or $20 in advance at team.curethekids.org.
JANUARY 25 & 26
Bald Eagle Watch Weekend When: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where: Starved Rock Lodge, 2688 E. 873rd Road, Oglesby; Illinois Waterway Visitors Center, 950 N. 27th Rd., Ottawa; Starved Rock Visitors Center, 2668 E. 873 Rd., Ottawa What: The two-day event offers many programs, activities and exhibits occurring simultaneously at three locations. They are all within a short driving distance or take the trolley that conveniently connects all venues. Hop on and hop off with a $2 all-day armband available for purchase on the trolley. FREE.
JAN 25 - MAY 10
Pure Drawing: Seven Centuries of Art from the Gray Collection When: Sat - Tues 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Wed - Fri 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Where: Art Institute Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. What: One of America’s
foremost art dealers, Richard Gray, along with his wife, the art historian Mary L. Gray, amassed over the course of nearly 50 years a remarkable collection of drawings representing 700 years of Western art. Included with Art Institute admission.
JANUARY 27
#MeToo founder Tarana Burke for MLK Celebration When: 12 p.m. Where: Northwestern Chicago Campus, Thorne Auditorium, 375 E. Chicago Ave. What: 2017 TIME Person Of The Year Tarana Burke shares the story behind the genesis of the viral #MeToo Movement, and gives strength and healing to those who have experienced sexual trauma or harassment. FREE.
JANUARY 28
MLK Commemoration Celebration When: 6 p.m. Where: Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave. What: Join the University of Chicago as it honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on our collective responsibility to work toward a more equitable society. Keynote speakers include Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr., who marched in Selma with King, and Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ. FREE.
-compiled by Dave Hamilton
Danztheatre's Stories of Chicago: See January 24 & 25
Global Connections: Chinese New Year: See January 25
Chicago Danztheatre photo
Navy Pier photo
www.streetwise.org
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Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat with StreetWise executive assistant Patrick Edwards about sports.
The
end of the
New England Patriots
dynasty?
SPORTSWISE
Have comments or questions for SportsWise team? Please send them to dhamilton@streetwise.org
Donald: Hello and welcome to another installment of SportsWise. I’m Donald Morris, and I am here with Russell Adams, John Hagan, and Patrick Edwards. Today we are talking about the New England Patriots, Tom Brady, and whether or not their recent wildcard loss to the Titans marks the end of their dynasty. I think as the Patriots go through this transition, with Brady entering free agency, a team like the Chicago Bears could capitalize. Tom Brady is still playing at a high level and is a better quarterback than Mitch Trubisky. If the Bears brought him in and added some pieces around him, they could win a Super Bowl or two in my opinion. I say let’s see what he can do! John: Taking a step back, I
don’t believe you can say the Patriots dynasty is dead yet. As of now, Brady and head coach Bill Belichick are still in New England. If either of those guys leave then we can talk. Belichick says his dream job would be the New York Giants, but that job is taken. That being said, I think both men are staying put on the Patriots. If they can sign some receivers and tight ends the dynasty may continue, otherwise they are marching slowly toward irrelevance. Russell: It was a sad ending for the Patriots in the playoffs this year, but I don’t think it’s over for them. We are talking about Bill Belichick here, so you never know what’s going to happen. They didn’t have the receivers they had in the past or the running game for that matter, so of course a
team would struggle in that situation. If they can get players to fill those holes I think the dynasty will continue. Patrick: I agree, Russell. It reminds me of the Spurs. They went back and forth year after year. You can never count Tom Brady out and after one down year I don’t think it’s fair to say the dynasty is over. Donald: Comparing Brady and his longevity to other great quarterbacks is interesting. Some guys knew they were done when they started to hit their late 30s, early 40s, but Brady, much like Peyton Manning, has a chance to find success somewhere else. I’ll stress again that his change of scenery could be here in Chicago. If we sign him for three years, that could be three more rings.
John: I’m going to have to disagree with Donald. It’s not going to happen and it’s a bad idea. The Bears are too invested in Mitch Trubisky to make a move. Ryan Pace tied his career to Trubisky much like Jerry Jones had tied himself to ex-coach Jason Garrett and that relationship went on long beyond its success. Russell: The Bears are going to stick with Trubisky just like they did with Jay Cutler. As for Brady, he will bounce back. Acquire some new playmakers, because Brady can’t do it on his own, and we will see what they can still do. I think he stays in New England. Donald: Time will tell, but this is something to keep an eye on, especially as a Chicagoan hoping to see Brady in a Bears uniform.
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We’re spoiled here in Chicago when it comes to music. Our central location and massive population make our town a potentially lucrative and always practical stopping point for touring musicians of various genres looking to collect New fans. As we ride out the winter weather there are plenty of live music options to keep us entertained. If you’re looking for an astounding vocalist, a hiphop pioneer, a jazz innovator, a psych rock astronaut or perhaps just a place to go shake your bones - you’ll likely discover some sonic treats if you start your live music with our guide. Here are 25 upcoming concerts that are bound to be a unique and inspiring night of music.
Winter 2020
CONCERT GUIDE by Kathleen Hinkel
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d an sB ck iT ru ch es Te d January 25
GZA
Concord Music Hall 8 pm $20 2047 N. Milwaukee Ave. Legendary hip-hop pioneer and founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan GZA will be performing his acclaimed 1995 album Liquid Swords with a live band. GZA is often referred to by his nickname, the Genius, an appropriate tag for this American rap innovator known for his cerebral lyrics. Liquid Swords is widely recognized as a timeless masterpiece and remains among hip-hop’s most relevant treasures 25 years after its original release. It’s hip-hop 101. Treat yourself to a this refreshing revisitation of the roots of rap. January 22
MIKE GORDON
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Thalia Hall 7 pm $32 - $50 1807 S. Allport St. A founding member of the genrebending rock band Phish, Mike Gordon brings his band of gifted collaborators to Pilsen to showcase their unique brand of experimental funk rock. Setting the pulse for the show is Gordon’s signature bass, which leads the crowd through two solid sets of danceable funk grooves and exploratory space jams. Longtime Gordon collaborator and bandmate Scott Murawski provides a scorching guitar while acclaimed improvisational jazz and funk pianist Robert Walter adds his innovative piano and organ sounds over the top. Drummer John Kimmock and percussionist Craig Myers complete this lively band that Gordon often seems happy creating music with.
January 22
YOUR SMITH
Schuba’s Tavern 8 pm $17 3159 N. Southport Caroline Smith is a singer/songwriter who presents catchy pop sound with fashionable swagger. With a rocking all-female band and a growing catalogue of laid-back tunes, she's an artist on the rise. Your Smith’s spectrum of rock and pop influences include David Bowie, David Byrne, Michael Jackson and Bonnie Raitt and they are all subtly represented in her style and sound. The song “The Spot” off her 2018 EP Bad Habit was accurately described by NPR’s Stephen Thompson “as a breezy jam that morphs from Sheryl Crow-style summer pop to a kinetic chorus with agreeable echoes of Luscious Jackson.”
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January 24 + 25
TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
Chicago Theatre 7:30 pm $39.50+ 175 N. State St. Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, the first couple of blues rock n’ roll, bring their talented 12-piece band to the Chicago Theatre for the second half of their annual local residency. Tedeschi is one of the most stunning blues vocalists of our time while Trucks is one of the world’s greatest living slide guitarists. Married for 20 years and touring together for the past 10, the couple delivers an astonishing two set show with their 12-piece band that features two drummers, a keyboardist and a horn section. Their inspiring catalogue is played with heartening passion, the best of Americana being played today.
January 31
EMILY BLUE
Beat Kitchen 8 pm $12 2100 W. Belmont Ave. With a gift for writing authentic lyrics, Emily Blue is one of Chicago’s most promising rising pop artists. Voted Best Pop Artist in 2019 by the Chicago Reader, Blue’s catalogue of quality songs seems to be experiencing constant growth. This past year she also released a fiery rendition of Blondie’s “Call Me.” Aside from an exciting solo act, Blue is also known as the lead singer of Tara Terra, a member of the local LGBT community and an advocate for LGBT rights. This past December, she organized a queer music festival called ICONIC that raised funds for trans rights. January 31
MAKAYA MCCRAVEN
Chicago Symphony Center, Orchestra Hall 8 pm $24+ 220 S. Michigan Ave. “McCraven, a Chicago-based drummer, producer and beat maker, has quietly become one of the best arguments for jazz’s vitality,” says the New York Times. Self-described “beat scientist” Makaya McCraven will be making his CSO debut to perform the ambitious In These Times, a mixed-media program that embraces socio-political themes accompanied by historical footage and spoken word. McCraven will improvise with longtime collaborators in this breakthrough performance. Influenced by jazz masters and hip-hop pioneers, McCraven is known for delivering an original sound that is rooted in an appreciation of a variety of artists. Alt-J
THIS PAGE: Emily Blue courtesy photo. Mike Gordon courtesy of Red Light Management. Tedeschi Trucks Band by Shervin Laine. OPPOSITE PAGE: The Wailin' Jennys by Art Turner. Baby Rose by Donte Maurice. Stonefield courtesy photo.
February 25
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Sleeping Village 9 pm $14 3734 W. Belmont Ave. The four Findlay sisters hailing from rural Victoria make up this exciting Australian psych rock quartet. The band has been releasing music since its inception in 2006 but the trio of albums they have released over the past three years have
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S.P.A.C.E. 8 pm $35+ 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston Shakey Graves initially caught people’s attention in 2011 with a one-man band setup that included a guitar and a modified old suitcase that served as a kick drum. His bluesy Americana sound easily gave way to a foot-stomping good time and he quickly began selling out large venues nationwide. In the years since, his set-up and sound have evolved and his most recent album, 2018’s Can’t Wake Up, has a dreamy pop feel. This trio of acoustic Shakey Graves shows at Evanston’s intimate SPACE are likely an intriguing opportunity to see the artist strip down his set-up once again and hear an adventurous musician trying something new.
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SHAKEY GRAVES
BABY ROSE
The Empty Bottle 8:30 pm $18 1035 N. Western Ave. The R&B world is buzzing about this Atlanta-based soul singer’s captivating, sultry, emotive vocals and melodic style. Jasmine Rose Wilson released her debut album To Myself in August and it’s a stunning introduction to the singer and her textured voice. Since beginning to release music over the past year, Baby Rose has drawn valid comparisons to her iconic influences like Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse. A focused young artist with a relaxed, soulful sound, Baby Rose is one of those rare singers who has the vocal talent combined with the passion to potentially become a household name.
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February 16, 17, & 18
February 20
RAILROAD EARTH
The Vic 8 pm $26.50 - $44 3145 N. Sheffield Ave. One of the top bluegrass acts of the past two decades, Railroad Earth plays the sort of whimsical upbeat Americana that makes you want to kick off your shoes and dance barefoot in the grass on a summer day. Unfortunately it’ll be March in Chicago so the barefoot dancing in the grass won’t be happening but their joyful improvisational sound will be and it is known to get crowds grooving in a euphoric bluegrass dance party. The excitement of this band’s faithful followers often rubs off on those checking out the New Jersey act for their first time.
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KING PRINCESS
Riviera Theatre 7:30 pm $31.50 4746 N. Racine Ave. Proudly queer, Mikaela Mullaney Straus exploded in 2018 with her single “1950” about unrequited queer love. This young genderqueer artist organically weaves identity into both the name and music. "When something is your identity, if you're writing in a way that is authentic, then that identity is embedded within the music. There is no choice. There is no separation ... you can't remove that part of yourself.” King Princess released the debut full length album Cheap Queen with legendary pop producer Mark Ronson in 2019 and brings a wildly fun stage presence to the live act.
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FEBRUARY 5
TOVE LO
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Riviera Theatre 7 pm $30 4746 N. Racine Ave. From ABBA to Robyn, the Swedes have developed a reputation for delivering dance pop superstars to the world. Tove Lo is among the country’s most impressive pop exports of the past decade. The Swedish pop star is currently touring in support of her fourth album, Sunshine Kitty, which has lyrics reflecting on her relationships with men and women. Lo is known as a pop artist with a dark edge, keeping space for melancholy in her music “to not make it too sugary or too bubblegum.” Sunshine Kitty embodies this description yet still is one of Tove Lo’s most uplifting albums to date.
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Patio Theatre 7 pm $15+ 6008 W. Irving Park Road Gorgeous three-part harmonies are the signature of this female Canadian folk trio. Their most recent album, Fifteen, reached the number one spot on Billboard’s Bluegrass chart and the group had appeared several times throughout their earlier career on NPR’s Prairie Home Companion. The demands of motherhood have kept the Jennys out of the studio in recent years but it sounds like they’ll be finding the time to record soon enough as they’ll be road testing new material for an album.
THE WAILIN’ JENNYS
cemented their identity as a sophisticated group of musicians whose sonic growth should not be ignored. Their 2017 album As Above, So Below hit #19 on Austrailia’s charts and 2018’s Far From Earth followed by 2019’s Bent have established them as rising rock stars making a global name for themselves. Expect thorough provocative explorations of psych grooves and melodic dance-able beats from this family band.
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March 28
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Radius Chicago 10 pm $70 640 W. Cermak Road The American Rap prodigy, discovered in 1996 at the age of 13, will be one of the first to perform at Chicago’s newest music venue. Lil Wayne is a beloved hip-hop artist whose massive catalogue has consistently lived up to the hype that follows. As Mosi Reeves wrote in Rolling Stone, “His place on rap’s postmillennial Mount Rushmore is assured.” Lil Wayne’s most recent album Carter V is no exception. As Rolling Stone put it, “It’s an album full of fire and passion from an artist who doesn’t have anything left to prove.”
opener as the joyful Tank and the Bangas will be setting the tone for the evening. A fusion of funk, hip-hop and rock, Tank and the Bangas have a deserved 2020 Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and have been earning fans nationwide since winning NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2017.
April 1
MDOU MOCTAR
Empty Bottle 8:30 pm $22 1035 N. Western Ave. The Hendrix of the Sahara and the Prince of the Desert are nicknames for Nigerbased Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar. In reviewing Moctar’s 2019 album Ilana (The Creator), NPR’s Bob Boilen said “Mdou Moctar has made the most insane psychedelic guitar album of the 21st century.” Like his influencer Jimi Hendrix, Moctar plays a left-handed Fender Stratocaster. He is one of the most skilled Tuareg guitarists and grew his style playing weddings in a small village on the edge of the Sahara desert, hence the nickname the "Hendrix of the Sahara." The Tuareg guitar style, with its quick repetition and whimsical melodies, could accurately be described as desert guitar trance to those who are unfamiliar.
March 14
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LEFT: Bob Weir by Jay Blakesburg. Pussy Riot Facebook. Tank and the Bangas by Gus Bennett Jr. CENTER: Revivalists courtesy photo. Lil Wayne courtesy photo. King Gizzard photo courtesy of Big Hassle PR. RIGHT: Thom Yorke by Greg Williams. Sofi Tukker by Shervin Lainez. Dan Mangan courtesy photo.
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Aragon Ballroom 8 pm $46 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. Some of New Orleans’ most electrifying modern musical exports will be sharing a ticket in Uptown this spring. The charttopping Revivalists are known for their soulful uplifting rock n’ roll and exceptional live performances that typically evolve into a euphoric dance party. Don’t miss the
Metro Chicago 7 pm $31 3730 N. Clark St. Russian feminist protest punk rock performance artists Pussy Riot will perform as part of their North American tour that benefits Planned Parenthood and they will be fronted by founder Nadya Tolokonnikova. Pussy Riot began to gain attention by staging guerrilla pieces of performance art set to their music in public spaces as political protest. The themes address social justice and feminism, LGBT rights and opposition to Vladimir Putin. Tolokonnikova and Pussy Riot remain defiant activists
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March 14
REVIVALISTS with TANK and the BANGAS
March 26
PUSSY RIOT
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Chicago Theatre 7pm $59.50+ 175 N. State St. Weir, Grateful Dead founding guitarist, explores the band’s massive catalogue with just an upright bass and a drum kit. The Wolf Bros are bassist Don Was and drummer Jay Lane. Weir is clearly having fun as his life proceeds by his own design, playing the songs he has been playing for over 50 years in this new stripped down format. “This is more fun than a frog in a glass of milk,” he told Rolling Stone.
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BOB WEIR and WOLF BROS
City Winery 8 pm $85 1200 W. Randolph St. As a person Sinead O’Connor has evolved quite a bit since her rise to fame with her 1990 album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got. While Sinead’s legal name and religious affiliation have changed, her celestial singing voice and bold political convictions remain. The Irish singer still possesses the exquisite vocals that gave the world its most recognizable version of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” a song she recently started revisiting live after abandoning it for several years. An opportunity to hear Sinead’s unique and uncompromising voice presents itself now.
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SINEAD O’CONNOR
March 11 + 12
for free speech and social justice even after spending two years in a Russian prison for singing a song critical of Putin in Moscow’s main cathedral.
April 2
DAN MANGAN
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Schuba’s Tavern 8 pm $15 3159 N. Southport Ave. Revered Canadian singer-songwriter Dan Mangan presents us with a unique opportunity to catch his show in an intimate setting at Schuba’s. He’s touring to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his acclaimed album Nice, Nice Very Nice and has graciously included Chicago as one of his four United States stops on the cross-Canada tour. He’ll be playing the album front-to-back to begin the show before revisiting the rest of his catalogue of lyrically brilliant and relatable British Columbia campfire songs. “Robots” off his 2009 album is the song that elevated Mangan to a household name among CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) listeners and is a good place to start exploring his music.
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THOM YORKE
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April 4
United Center 8pm $35+ 1901 W. Madison Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke performs selections from his solo catalogue as part of his trio Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes, which is named after his 2014 album of the same name. Completing the trio with Yorke are longtime Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, who plays multiple instruments including bass, guitar and keys in the show, and visual artist Tarik Barri, who live mixes video projections. The show will draw from Yorke’s entire discography from 2006’s Eraser through 2019’s ANIMA.
April 3
STURGILL SIMPSON
April 8
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Riviera Theatre 8 pm $25-$27.50 4746 N. Racine Ave. This smart electronic duo is guaranteed to make you dance. You’ve likely heard their most popular song “Best Friend” in an Apple commercial when they unveiled the iPhone X. Their music has a worldly feel with lyrics sung in multiple languages and a sound that incorporates various musical stylings to convey empowerment and unity
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SOFI TUKKER
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KURT VILE and CATE Le BON Thalia Hall 8:30 pm $33+ 1807 S. Allport St. “Cate Le Bon is pretty much my favorite artist. I’m mesmerized by her output over the last 10 years.” Beloved Chicago musician Jeff Tweedy said this to Rolling Stone about Welsh musician Cate Le Bon, who will be touring with Kurt Vile this spring. Kurt Vile, touring without his band the Violators for the first time in 10 years, is a skilled lyricist with a distinct voice and an enthusiasm for collaborating with other indie musicians. This upcoming tour with Cate Le Bon is anticipated to be an exciting collaboration between two adventurous artists.
among other things. The pair is German Sophie HawleyWeld and American Tucker Halpern who met attending Brown University in 2014. Sofi Tukker earned a Grammy nomination for their 2018 album Treehouse and their 2019 album Dancing on the People is an equally impressive follow-up.
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United Center 7:30 pm $50+ 1901 W. Madison St. Progressive country rocker Sturgill Simpson doesn’t always follow Nashville’s rules. In 2017 he won the best country album Grammy for his 2016 album A Sailor’s Guide to Earth. That same year he busked on the street outside the Country Music Awards to raise money for the ACLU in protest of the CMA’s rule that would not allow the media to ask questions about politics or guns. Outlaw country may be the best way to describe Simpson’s sound. He's a progressive musician with progressive values who brings bold lyrics and synths to music that is country at its core. Simpson’s tour supports his most recent album Sound and Fury.
April 24
KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD
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Radius Chicago 8 pm $37+ 640 W. Cermak Road This group of genre-bending, wacky Australians are likely the most prolific, talented musicians churning out psychedelic rock today. They have an appetite for experimentation, which has resulted in creating a massive 15 album discography in their 10 years together, including five albums released in 2017 alone. They released two albums in 2019. The first album Fishing for Fishies sounds influenced by classic rock and blues and is a stunning contrast to their other 2019 album, Infest the Rat’s Nest, which is a thrash metal narrative about attempting to survive the end of the planet. Needless to say, expect to be surprised at a King Gizzard show.
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Colorful bear art installation invades the downtown pedway
The "Massimals in the Loop" installation in the pedway by Macy's (left), Daley Center (above) and the Thompson Center (below). Photos by Eric Masi for the Chicago Loop Alliance.
realm,” Scroggin said. “I think the Pedway is a great place for them to bring a little color and playfulness to people moving through the underground spaces during the colder months in Chicago.”
The Massimals are 1:1 design objects that examine how physical form can engage the public. The abstract animal forms were built in the manner of study models produced in an architectural design practice and are part of Chicago Loop Alliance’s efforts to draw attention to the Pedway. “Massimals in the Loop” is by artist Jason Scroggin/Scroggin Studio and was curated by Space p11, an art gallery at 55 E. Randolph Street in the Pedway.
Scroggin is an associate professor of architecture at the University of Kentucky College of Design and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture and advanced architectural design from the University of Kentucky and Columbia University, respectively. Scroggin Studio is an architectural research practice he leads that focuses on the design and realization of projects that present new ways to interact with the built form, from the scale of the city to interior environments.
FROM THE STREETS
A series of colorful sculpted bears will be roaming Chicago’s Pedway this winter as part of the “Massimals in the Loop” art installation under the Daley Center, Macy’s and other locations.
“Chicago Loop Alliance’s mission is to make the Loop as vibrant as it can be through various programs areas and initiatives and the Pedway is a part of the Loop that can certainly use a little attention,” said Chicago Loop Alliance Director of Planning Kalindi Parikh. “It’s been a blast to see how the Massimals are brightening people’s commutes. Folks have been doing a lot of double takes.” “While I enjoy presenting the Massimals in a museum or gallery context, they really want to mingle with people in the public
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Space p11 is an independent gallery for off-grid art, architecture and culture directed by David Hays and Jonathan Solomon. The gallery explores divergent futures and brings people and ideas together through exhibitions, performances, talks and reading groups. Chicago Loop Alliance also partnered with Space p11 in December 2018 on “Short-Cuts,” a series of Pedway pop-up art activations. -Suzanne Hanney, from prepared materials
Young Author creates a support group and creative space for other young authors The 16-year-old author of “Unraveled: A Millennial Classic,” has founded Junior Writers Block to provide teens a safe place where they can create original works. The writers’ support group had its first meeting in December at the repurposed Florence B. Price School, 4351 S. Drexel Blvd. “My idea was to help people like me because I know writing can grow into a career,” Jae’la Leavy, a junior at De La Salle Institute, said in a telephone interview. “I wanted to offer a safe place from the violence all around Chicago. People with artistic minds should not be tarnished by it.” The first participants in Junior Writers Block were young women, 11-, 12- and 15-years old who were mostly interested in magical themes similar to Harry Potter. As facilitator, Leavy gave them a “no judgment” creativity exercise she learned at a Yale University creative writing camp in which a would-be author writes a first sentence and a second person adds another. The original author can then accept the new sentence or change it. Leavy’s “Unraveled” features a main character who is tough, sarcastic and standoffish until she goes through events that give her new insight into the meaning of friendship, self-happiness and love. The material was not taken from her life except for her feelings in her first year of high school, “just a phase of me going through puberty, learning to adapt to my body being different.” She self-published the 331-page novel using Amazon and Barnes & Noble. She is now working on a book about a girl just starting high school who has also just lost her grandmother. The material resembles her own family life except for the grandmother. Leavy, her mother, Michelle Murray, her older stepsister and younger brother live in the Park Manor neighborhood. Leavy cites “The Catcher in the Rye” as a favorite classic book. “You can never tell until the end what kind of character Holden [Caulfield, the protagonist] is, when you know he’s in a psych ward. He’s way ahead of his time in the way he thinks.” Her more recent favorite is “The Way I Used to Be” by Amber Smith, about a girl who was raped by her brother’s best friend at 14 and doesn’t tell anyone until senior year. “It’s relatable. You feel the emotion come right through the book on a deeper level. It feels like you’re watching a movie.”
Leavy, who writes about sports, theatre and club activities for the De La Salle student publication, said she wants to go to college in New York or California for writing or journalism. “I like the feeling of being able to put something out that is true to my word, not anyone else’s.”
16-year-old author Jae'la Leavy (top) and the cover to her book "Unraveled: A Millennial Classic" (below). Photos provided by Emily Tillman PR.
by Suzanne Hanney
Junior Writers Block meets every third Saturday, 10 to 11 a.m. at the Price School, hosted by the Timothy Community Corporation NFP (TCC). Pastor Michael Neal, founder and CEO of TCC, said he is happy to provide space because he believes Junior Writers Block supports TCC’s mission to strengthen communities by providing collaborative resources and access to literacy programs. TCC also offers programs for health and wellness, leadership development and the arts. TCC incubates programs in the shuttered Chicago Public School named for Price (1887-1953), who was the first black female composer to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra under music director Frederick Stock played Price’s Symphony No. 1 in E minor on June 15, 1933. Price earned a bachelor’s degree in music from the New England Conservatory. She created works for singers Marian Anderson and Leontyne Price and for WGN Radio.
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numbers 1 to 9. Sudoku
To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the
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66 King topper 67 Woman’s silk or lace scarf 70 He was in the dell 72 “A Chorus Line” number 73 Fleur-de-lis 74 Balderdash 75 Tavern 76 Use a keyboard 77 Sounds in pounds
8 Singer 41 Scrutinizer Vaughan 42 Shipshape 9 Hockey feat 44 “Mi chiamano 10 Dedicated Mimi,” e.g. lines 47 Wurst 11 Herd of seals 50 Catcall 12 Increase 52 Beast of 15 Deteriorates burden 17 Spring bloom 54 Holy terrors 20 Very 55 Mike holder 23 Harbor vessel 56 Prophet 25 Unfeeling 58 Fleet 27 Pocketbook 60 Peachy-keen 28 No longer 63 Comrade in secret Down arms 30 Big bag 1 Fleece, e.g. 65 Prefix with 32 “You betcha!” 2 Cuckoo bird graph 35 Middle East 3 Hammer part 67 Unruly crowd 4 More than bad native 68 Bibliophile’s 37 Eye drop 5 Dishes the dirt suffix 6 Matterhorn, e.g. 39 Fish bait 69 Race unit 40©2019 AorticPuzzleJunction.com plexus 71 Rend 7 Very smooth Copyright
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Solution Puzzle Answers Last Week’s
Solution
Solution
Find your nearest StreetWise Vendor at
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Crossword Across 1 Clobber 4 It keeps an eye on TV 7 Plumbing problem 11 Cotton fabric 12 Scarce 13 Elliptical path 15 Church denomination 17 Stun gun 18 Vietnamese holiday 19 Wandering 21 Old World vine 22 Handbills 23 Wiener schnitzel meat 24 Blood-related 27 Chess pieces 28 Easy on the eyes 30 Drop-off spot 33 “Iliad” city 64 Scientific 36 Country study of food bumpkin preparation 38 Bar request 66 Folk dance 39 Parches 67 Big name in 41 Off-color pineapples 42 High society 68 Hand or foot 44 Worry 69 Spotted 45 ___ of Wight 70 Mos. and mos. 46 Acquired kin 71 “Wanna ___?” 48 Bird of myth 50 Greek salad Down cheese 1 Two-footed 51 Snob 2 Leaves off 53 Bank letters 3 ___ seul (dance 56 Former French solo) coin 4 Director of 58 Soap opera, “Meet John e.g. Doe” 60 Asian language 5 Small fishing 61 More net competent 6 Narcissist’s love
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7 Realtor’s offering 8 Baseball stat 9 Strong green liqueurs 10 Ukraine’s capital 11 Anti-fur org. 12 Agoutis 14 Give it a whirl 16 Bat’s home 20 Toni Morrison’s “___ Baby” 25 Door opener 26 Slanted text 27 Grit 28 Combustible pile 29 Cry of pain 30 Compass pt. 31 Pastrami purveyor 32 ___ employed 34 Some whistle blowers 35 Crew tool
37 40 43 47 49 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 62 63 65
Flowery verse Streaked Dine Took place Lothario’s look Rap sheet listing Cambodian currency Skirt style Understood Lion’s share Gullible one Mitch Miller’s instrument Small whirlpool Supplement, with “out” “Way cool!” Place to unwind
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How StreetWise Works
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Streetwise 12/16/19 Crossword
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To empower the entrepreneurial spirit through the dignity of self-employment by providing Chicagoans facing homelessness with a combination of supportive social services, workforce development resources and immediate access to gainful employment.
Orientation Participants complete a monthlong orientation, focusing on customer service skills, financial literacy and time management to become a badged vendor.
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S.T.E.P. Program StreetWise’s S.T.E.P. Program provides job readiness training and ongoing direct service support to ensure participants’ success in entering the traditional workforce.
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Robert Johnson: on the the fast track to a better life
I was once a part of the fast track life. I grew up on Chicago’s South Side in the Robert Taylor Homes Housing Complex. And I used to be involved in a lot of negative things. But I have made a 180-degree change and turned over a new leaf. For the past year and a half, I have been committed to making my earnings selling StreetWise magazines. The money that I profit from sales enables me to take care of my responsibilities. From Monday through Friday, you can catch me at my location on the corner of Fullerton and Sheffield in front of Whole Foods with a warm and friendly smile on my face and a handful of StreetWise magazines, greeting the passersby with, "Good morning, support StreetWise, today!"
I look forward to the beginning of the work week when I return back to work and see all of the familiar faces. It is business as usual! Since being a StreetWise vendor, I have met some new friends and some very important people who have impacted my life. And I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them for supporting me and StreetWise Magazine. Thank you all!
INSIDE STREETWISE
I usually take the weekend off to stay at home with my lovely wife of seven years, Adrianne. Together, we attend church services every Sunday afternoon at Labor of Love Apostolic Church, which is the church that we were united together in holy matrimony. I am not a religious fanatic, but I do believe that it takes a power greater than myself to help keep me on the right and positive path.
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