ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Since being stuck inside, which shows have you been watching? Which movies? Have you read any good books lately? Any new music releases have you dancing in your living room? StreetWise vendors, readers and staff are sharing what is occupying their attention during this unprecedented time.

To be featured in a future edition, send your recommendations of what to do at home and why you love them to Creative Director / Publisher Dave Hamilton at dhamilton@streetwise.org

Interactive Digital Fest!

‘The Map of Now’

Lucky Plush Productions pairs the aesthetics of retro video games with a turbo-charged lineup of Chicago dance, theater, music and comedy performers for the company’s next major work, “The Map of Now,” a radically new, interactive digital festival premiering 5 - 9 p.m. June 25 and 26, daily. This festival-style event will be hosted on an interactive online platform called Gather.Town, through which audience members (as avatars) can choose their own adventure on a digital map of Chicago that highlights the richness of Chicago’s performing arts ecology in four performing arts venues across geographically diverse corners of the city. Each venue will be mapped out in a way that accurately represents the physical space in a retro game-like world, and when you find a seat in the venue, you can click on interactive objects that link to performances recorded in the actual venues. The event will explore community connectivity in a brand new way. W.hen an audience member’s avatar gets close to someone else on the map, there’s a video chat function that allows them to engage in passing conversations. People can also watch performances together or sign up for guided tours to watch a curated selection from each venue. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, starting at $10 at luckyplush.com/map-of-now.

Fresh Brewed!

Cafe Cortado

Chicago's independent coffee shops are some of the most unique businesses in the city with one thing in common: they all serve up a good cup of joe. Choreographer Mariah Eastman seeks to highlight these small businesses that are essential to the surrounding communites by creating pieces to be live streamed from the coffee shops. Starting in Back of Yards, and then commuting to Old Town, doing interviews with baristas and patrons while a dance film plays, Eastman draws inspiration from coffee culture and the shops themselves. Stream live, June 24 at 7:45 p.m., $15 at eventbrite.com

Activist Theatre!

Moonset Sunrise: A Fundraiser for Collaboraction Theatre Company

Collaboraction Theatre Company is celebrating its 25th anniversary at 6 p.m. June 24 at Rockwell on the River, 3057 N. Rockwell St. The in-person event is outdoors and socially-distanced, and celebrates the social justice theatre company’s history, present, and future with live performances. Tickets come with a $25+/monthly CollaborActivist membership or are available for purchase for $150, and include dining and beverages. The event will also be live-streamed for CollaborActivist members. Learn more and get tickets at collaboraction.org.

Real Life on Film!

Chicago International Film Festival: ‘Champions’

Marco, an assistant coach in Spain’s top basketball league, has both attitude and anger issues. One night, after a particularly bad game, he finds himself in hot water with the law. In court, the judge sentences him to the worst possible punishment for a man with his oversized ego: coaching a team of young men with disabilities. Through their guilelessness, tenderness, and good humor, they will teach Marco about the things that really matter. This comedy with enormous heart is a celebration of the true champions of life. (Spanish with English subtitles.) Available to stream for FREE for 24 hours starting 6:30 p.m. June 23. Register at chicagofilmfestival.com/film/champions.

Music to your ears!

The Music Institute of Chicago's Free Virtual Jazz Lecture Series

The Music Institute of Chicago is extending the success of the past year’s virtual lectures with a summer series spotlighting jazz luminaries. Faculty from the Music Institute’s Jazz Studies program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, will lead each session. The series is FREE and open to the public. Hosted by Jazz Studies Director Audrey Morrison, each lecture includes recordings, video clips, historical information, and the presenter’s personal insights. Lectures, which run from 7 to 8:30 p.m., are as follows: Monday, June 21 Saxophonist Juli Wood (pictured): “Unsung Heroes of the Jazz Saxophone”; Thursday, August 12 Pianist Ron Surace: “Six of the Most Influential Big Bands”; Monday, August 30 Pianist Fred Simon: “Celebrating Jazz Piano Legend Herbie Hancock.” To receive a Zoom link, RSVP no later than noon on the day of each event at musicinst.org/summer-jazz-lectures. All programming is subject to change.

Home is Where the Heart is!

Raíces to Roots

A theatrical production that celebrates and examines the Chicago Puerto Rican experience. Using “home” as a central theme, a cast of Puerto Rican artists embody stories of pride, struggle, and resilience through original Afro-Latin dance, spoken word, and music. An interactive segment invites the audience to explore their own connection to home through a creative workshop at Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cutural Center, 4048 W. Armitage Ave. June 24 & 25, 7 p.m.; June 26, 3 & 7 p.m.; June 27, 1 & 5 p.m. Tickets start at $30 at segundoruizbelvis.org

Flights of Fancy!

‘Searchlight’

"Searchlight" is an evening of kinetic artistry inspired by personal life journeys, and the ways in which crossing, connecting or unifying paths electrify and transform the experience of being alive. The event takes place on June 25 & 26 at 8 p.m. for $25 at Aerial Dance Chicago Studio, 4038 W. Irving Park Rd. Masks and physical distancing of 6+ feet required by all audience and artists regardless of vaccination status. The June 26 performance will also be livestreamed for $10. Learn more and purchase tickets at aerialdancechicago.org

Drink Up!

Seltzerland

Spend the afternoon tasting 50+ hard seltzer flavors, indulge in mouthwatering munchies, and bust out the ‘gram for the most insta-worthy moments. In-person at the Marovitz Golf Course, 3701 N. Recreation Drive. The event is on Saturday, June 26, with time slots available 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29 (and include multiple samples) at seltzerland.com/chicago-2021

Story Time!

CAC Story Time

Join the Chicago Architecture Center 10 a.m. June 26 for a unique story time at the inspiring Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana Ave., and learn about the impact of women in architecture. Let your child’s imagination come to life when “The World Is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid” by Jeanette Winter is read. Each child will leave with a special CAC goodie bag. Tickets are $5 per child, adults are free. Free for CAC members. Preregistration is required at www.architecture.org/programs-events/ detail/cac-story-time. Stick around for Kids' Yoga hosted by the Chicago Women’s Park Advisory Council. Masks required for all attendees. Please note: An adult chaperone is required for the duration of the event, and one adult may bring multiple children.

Virtual World Premiere!

‘Dingleberries’ virtual show

Interrobang Theatre Project presents "Dingleberries," a virtual world premiere by Susan Chenet. Jonie, a middle school theatre teacher, is standing at the threshold of her playwriting dreams when a regional company selects her new, avant-garde work to debut. Rehearsals seem to be going smoothly until the week before previews, when she receives a video call from the artistic director. W.hat happens next would be funny if it weren’t so sad. This crappy comedy is based on actual events. Opening performance on June 24 will stream at 7 p.m. All subsequent performances through July 18 will be available on demand. $15 at interrobangtheatreproject.com

-Compiled by Dave Hamilton