Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Compiled by Kyra Walker

Inside a Creative Mind!

20x2 Chicago

20x2 is a live event where 30 creative people from all different walks of life - writers, musicians, filmmakers, web geeks and other bon vivants - are asked the same questions and given 2 minutes each to answer in any way they choose. The results may take any form, from spoken word to music and film, and can be as varied as the emotions and reactions they evoke. This edition’s question is “W hat Did You See?” The show is hosted by Andrew Huff, featuring local artists Veronica Arreola, Lily Be, Keidra Chaney, Jasmine Davila, Amy Eaton, Noah Ginex, Connor Gorman, Theo Hahn, Jitesh Jaggi, Felix Jung, Edward Moses, Nikki Nigl, Alisa Rosenthal, Charles Peterson, Raven See, Scott Smith, Jenni Spinner, Moshe Tamssot, Don Washington, Brenda Wlazlo. See the answers at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 8 at GMan Tavern, 3740 N. Clark St $20 at 20x2chi.org or at the door. 21+.

Performance & Parade!

Firebird Parade at Caracol Gathering Space

As part of Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks, Guggenheim Fellow in Choreography Nejla Yatkin has surprised visitors in various parks with free pop-up performances of her Firebird dance, based on the mythical phoenix bird that purifies land and water, bestowing fertility. On Saturday, July 8, she will lead a concluding performance followed by a parade, 5-7 p.m. at the Caracol Gathering Space just south of the McCormick Place bird sanctuary. Roaming visitors are welcome to add their own Firebird flourishes – costumes, sounds and movements – to the event. Raindate is 5 p.m. July 9.

Keys Facing Off!

Chicago Duo Piano Festival

Celebrate the 35th anniversary season of the Chicago Duo Piano Festival. Founded in 1988 by Music Institute of Chicago piano duo Claire Aebersold and Ralph Neiweem, the July 7-16 festival's mission is to foster a deeper interest in the repertoire, performance and teaching of music for four hands and two pianos. Enjoy celebratory works by Schubert, Brahms, Holst, Richard Strauss, Chabrier, Ravel and more. Concerts will be at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. More information at www.musicinst.org/chicago-duo-piano-festival

The Godmother of Rock 'N' Roll!

Marie and Rosetta

Hailed as the “Godmother of Rock ‘n Roll” Sister Rosetta Tharpe influenced various rock icons, from Elvis to Jimi Hendrix. Rosetta was a trailblazer. She sang at church in the morning and the Cotton Club at night. This play with music showcases Rosetta’s first rehearsal with young protégée Marie Knight as they prepare for a tour that would establish them as one of the greatest duets in history. The play will run July 6-August 6 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd. Tickets are $35+ at northlight.org/events/marie-and-rosetta/

Wartime Gothic Novel!

'Author on Tap'

John Milas will be in conversation with Gus Moreno about his gothic horror novel, “The Militia House” on July 11, 7-8 p.m. at Exile in Bookville, 410 S. Michigan Ave. Milas served on active duty in the Marine Corps and was deployed in Afghanistan in 2010. The book focuses on Corporal Loyette and his unit, and their strange visit to the militia house. The story is a brilliant exploration of the unceasing horrors of war that’s no more easily shaken than the militia house itself. Milas will sign books after the event. FREE. Register on exileinbookville.com

Artisan Makers Outside!

Summer Artisan Fest

On July 8, spend a summer afternoon at Independence Park, 3945 N Springfield Ave. From 11 a.m.-5 p.m., shop over 40 artisans, from home décor, to jewelry, to clothing, vintage items and everything in between. Bring a blanket and enjoy music and food. RSVP on Eventbrite.com

Eye-Opening Cinema!

Film Screening: 'Crip Camp'

Kick off Disability Awareness Month with a revolutionary movie about those with disabilities on July 6. "Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution" is about a ramshackle summer camp for teenagers with disabilities. They talk about how the camp transformed their lives while igniting a landmark movement. This film will be shown at the Chicago Public Library’s Little Village branch, 2311 S. Kedzie Ave., from 1-3 p.m. Thursday, July 6. Masks are encouraged in all spaces of the library.

Beyond Storytime!

Harry Potter: Magic at Play

Every Thursday in July to Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave. Children can explore the Dursley’s living room, step onto a boat and cross the Great Lake to Hogwarts, take some of Hogwarts’ most beloved classes, practice quidditch, fend off a swarm of Cornish Pixies in defense against the Dark Arts, traverse the Forbidden Forest, and so much more. Tickets start at $19. Learn more and purchase tickets at harrypottermagicatplay.com/chicago

Growing Up in 90s Chicago!

Erika Sánchez

New York Times best-selling author Erika Sanchez (“I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter”) will celebrate the release of her memoir, “Crying in the Bathroom,” at 7 p.m. July 11 at Pilsen Community Books, 1102 W. 18th St. Sanchez grew up in Chicago in the ‘90s as the daughter of immigrants, a self-described pariah and melancholic rabble-rouser. Now an awardwinning author, she writes about everything from sex to white feminism to debilitating depression. Space is limited and masks are required. Register at pilsencommunitybooks.cm/events

Jazz For All!

The Courtyard Series: The Chris Greene Quartet

The Chris Greene Quartet has been a highly visible part of Chicago’s jazz scene since 2005. See the CGQ at 6:30 p.m. July 11 at Colvin House, 5940 N. Sheridan Road. Members Steve Corley, Damian Espinosa, and Marc Piane have been able to develop a true group sound and feel, harking back to bands from the classic age of jazz when groups could stay together for a long period of time, yet they still incorporate elements of funk, hip-hop, rock, pop, the blues and reggae. The CGQ has been honored at the 2018 Chicago Music Awards for “Best Jazz Entertainer” and was voted “Best Jazz Ensemble” in 2022. FREE. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite.com