Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

Compiled by Emma Slings

A Trip Through History!

'Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II'

"Ghost Army: The Combat Con Artists of World War II" visually shares the stories of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, a top-secret operations group known as the “Ghost Army,” the first multimedia and tactical deception unit in U.S. Army history. This exhibition shares secrets kept 50 years after the war and honors the members who saved thousands of lives. See artwork, uniforms, and other artifacts, along with the 22 large-scale deceptions the “Ghost Army” launched between D-Day and the end of the war. Originally curated by The National WWII Museum, Ghost Army is at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (9603 Woods Drive, Skokie) through Jan. 2, 2023. This exhibition is free for members. Non-members can choose their museum experience. All Access Admission includes general admission to the museum, reservations for "The Journey Back: A VR Experience, Survivor Stories Experience Holographic Theater" and current special exhibitions at no extra cost. Visit ilholocaustmuseum.org for details and tickets.

Sounds & Scenery!

14th Annual Baha’i Choral Music Festival

Listen as over 200 voices in four-part a cappella soar up the 72-foot dome of the beautiful Bahá’í House of Worship, 100 Linden Ave., Wilmette. Since its 2006 beginning, the Bahá’í House of Worship Choral Festival has welcomed voices and harmonies of different cultures and faiths from around the world to share a broad range of choral music, including classical choral arrangements, new Bahá’í Gospel compositions, traditional folk songs and Black spirituals, all offering music as sacred devotional prayer. This festival is 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 8 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 10. Admission fee varies. Visit bahaichoir.org for details.

Feel the Rhythm!

Rhythm World 32 Performance

The Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents “America’s oldest and most comprehensive festival of tap” with Rhythm World 32 Performance! This event will feature Maria Majors, executive director at STL Rhythm Collaborative, the Eric Hochberg Trio, professional (and CHRP alum) Sean Kaminski and additional talent. Head to the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 9. This is a free event; tickets and seats are first come, first served. For the complete list of concerts, including locations like Navy Pier and Museum of Contemporary Art, see chicagotap.org.

Music for the Environment!

The EcoVoice Festival

The EchoVoice Festival works to build awareness and ignite action against climate change through music that “informs, connects, and inspires people to act for environmentally just causes.” From Friday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. to Sunday, July 10 at 5 p.m., enjoy a performance by New Earth Ensemble and other themed interactive concerts, join conversations at panels and discussions, mix in an outdoor soundwalk, and more at the University of Illinois Chicago, James Stukel Towers Auditorium, 718 W. James M. Rochford St. Ticket prices vary. For details, visit ecovoiceproject.org.

A New Culture!

Chicago Street Soccer tour

“IT'S NOT A SPORT. IT'S A CULTURE.” The Chicago Street Soccer Tour creates free, unstructured pickup games and encourages soccer as it was meant to be played – a game for everyone. CSS’s portable soccer pitches create a hub for community and fun where anyone can work on tactical skills, as well as interpersonal ones. By self-organizing, communities are creating bright spaces, encouraging social and physical development, building confidence and connection among players and neighborhoods, and building social equity. So head over to play and build community! Visit the McKinley Park tour through July 13. For future tour dates and locations, visit chicagostreetsoccercup.com.

Aloha!

Chicago SummerDance

Say “Aloha!” to Chicago’s SummerDance program as it comes to Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.) for Hawaiian fitness and dance exercises. All ages and skill levels are invited! Creative activities will start at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 6, followed by tutorials from the Aloha Center Chicago with Lanailoha Lee and Master Hula Teacher Kuma Hula of Ke Kula Kupa`a O Ka Pakipika. Pacific Soundz & Friends of Aloha will perform Hawaiian and South Pacific music. This free program is promoted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Future SummerDance sessions will be July 8-12 at Taste of Chicago in Grant Park, July 13 at Douglass Park, July 20 at Willye B White Park, and more. Visit chicago.gov for details.

Love Letters!

'Dear Jack, Dear Louise'

U.S. Army Capt. Jack Ludwig, a military doctor stationed in Oregon, begins writing to Louise Rabiner, an aspiring actress and dancer in New York City, and hopes to meet her someday if World War II will allow. But as the war continues, it threatens to end their relationship before it even starts. In "Dear Jack, Dear Louise," two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Ken Ludwig tells the poignant story of his own parents' unlikely courtship. It's playing one month only, July 7-August 7 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday; 1 p.m. Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday, with some exceptions. Call 847-673-6300 or visit northlight.org to verify.

Author Talk!

'Dele Weds Destiny'

Follow Tomi Obaro’s narrative of three friends-turned-mothers in "Dele Weds Destiny," which Women & Children First calls “a sensational debut from a dazzling new voice of contemporary fiction.” Obari is a senior culture editor at BuzzFeed News, The Morning News and The Toast. She will be speaking with Britt Julious, music critic for the Chicago Tribune and freelance writer for The New York Times, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vice, and more. Doors open for this event at 6:30 p.m. Conversation begins at 7 p.m. with a book signing to follow. Women & Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., requires masks and proof of vaccination for in-person events. Or, visit their YouTube page for later viewing. Check out womenandchildrenfirst.com for more.

Back to Festivals!

Southport Art Fest

Find Chicago’s most diverse artists all in one place at the Southport Art Fest! Come July 9 and 10 to experience what TimeOut Chicago calls one of the “best festivals in town” with a broad range of art forms including oil, acrylic, jewelry, photography, glass, wood and more. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., adults can enjoy artistic culture while kids join interactive games and activities. Proceeds of the fest go to the Southport Neighbors Association, the festival is at West Waveland and North Southport Avenues. Admission is free. Visit starevents.com for details.

Anatomy in the Gallery!

Opening Reception: James Wilke Artist in Residence 'Capstone'

The International Museum of Surgical Sciences, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, hosts an open reception for its esteemed Spring 2022 Artist in Residence, James R. Wilke, featuring his work "Pox Americana: How Smallpox Once Plagued America & The World." Wilke’s work is part of the “Anatomy in the Gallery” rotating contemporary art gallery, an IMSS program to support Chicago arts. Wilke spent his residency researching the smallpox pandemic, vaccines and the history of inoculation. The opening reception is at 6 p.m., July 9, followed at 7 by a play reading of "A Mercy by Wilke;" adapted from the novel by Toni Morrison. Light refreshments and wine will be served. Seating is free. This event is first come, first served. Register at eventbrite.com. The exhibition will be on display until August 28. Beyond his work with the IMSS, Wilke’s many roles include author, playwright and producer and he is known around the world for his print work and media.