ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Compiled by Emma Slings
Dance Inspired by Chicago Murals!
Mural Dances 2022 is the Year of Chicago Dance, and the Chicago-based Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation (GDDF) is supporting 28 small dance companies and their performances throughout the city! The Synapse Arts’ "Mural Dances" is on July 23 with local dancers and musicians performing “projects inspired by Chicago’s fascinating neighborhood murals” of Park #567 on the 606 trail. Featured artists include Anjal Chande, Felicia Holman and Rahila Coats. “Small dance organizations are part of the everyday rhythm of our city. With programs rooted in the global diversity of Chicago, these vital companies benefit the overall health and wellness of our communities,” said David Farren, executive director of the GDDF. The Year of Chicago Dance is far from over! Future dances include Momenta, an integrative performance for those with and without disabilities on August 20, a second performance of Synapse Arts’ Mural Dances on August 27, and more! Visit gddf.org for details.
Sweet 16!
Wicker Park Fest The Wicker Park Fest is returning for its Sweet 16 party at 1423 N. Damen Ave. with over 50 bands, interactive art, over 80 food and shop vendors and the popular Kids Fest! The fest runs from 5 - 10 p.m. July 22-24. A $10 donation at the entrance benefits the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce in its small business assistance. Visit choosechicago.com for more.
Back in the Loop!
Sundays on State Mark your calendars for what Time Out Chicago named the “Best New Event in 2021” as it returns to State Street on July 24! This interactive block party of Chicago neighborhoods is back with art, culture, food, shopping and recreation fit for every age and interest. Can’t make it on July 24? Future Sundays on State will be August 7, August 21 and September 4. Enjoy this free event presented by the Chicago Loop Alliance. This event runs 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on the closed-off street between Lake and Monroe. Don’t miss out on W hat the New York Times calls one of “eight great spots [in Chicago] to hit while the weather is hot!” .
ENTERTAINMENT
Unity in Hyde Park!
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Bantu Fest Promote cultural exchange and diversity through music, food, culture and history of over 30 different countries at the Bantu Fest! It’s Chicago’s biggest multi-cultural festival returning for its 6th edition to celebrate love, peace and unity. The Bantu Fest is at Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park (1130 Midway Plaisance near 60th and Ellis) from July 23 at 10 a.m. - July 24 at 10 p.m. Tickets start at $10 on eventbrite.com. For more information, visit bantufest.com.
A Chicago Story!
Conversation with author Tonya Wolfe Read about author Tonya Wolfe’s lived experience in her debut novel, "Last Summer on State Street." "Last Summer on State Street" authentically shares life from inside the projects, from gang life and predators to the power of community and family. Read this story to better understand the impact of “racist institutions, redlining, gentrification and the power of one’s past” on identity. Wolfe will be joined in conversation on Wednesday, July 20, with Chicago author and journalist Dawn Turner. Attend in person in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium at the Harold Washington Library at 6 p.m. or later online via CPL’s YouTube channel or Facebook page.
