Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Compiled by Kyra Walker

Celebrate a Legend!

Celebrate Bronzeville at the 2nd annual Ida B. Wells Festival Saturday, June 24. Kick off the festivities 9-10 a.m., with a morning meditation and healing ritual led by Sylvia Ewing. Please provide your own folding chair or blanket, and drink. Meet at the Ida B. Wells National Monument, located at 3729 S. Langley Ave. From 10-11:30 a.m., join Bernard C. Turner on a walking tour of the Bronzeville Ida B. Wells sites. Meet Bernard near Sixth-Grace Presbyterian Church on 35th and Cottage Grove. The tour ends at the Ida B. Wells National Monument. Keep the fun going with a family-fun event from noon to 3 p.m. There will be performances, dancing, food, drinks and more at the Ida B. Wells Preparatory Academy, 249 E. 37th St. There will also be a film screening and discussion led by Rana Segal and Richard Hunt from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The screening will take place at Northeastern Illinois University Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd. FREE, but reserve your spot at Eventbrite.com

Free Ballet!

Joffrey For All

The Joffrey Ballet presents the first-of-its-kind, free-to-the-public Joffrey for All Celebration, featuring performances by Joffrey company artists, the Joffrey Academy of Dance, and students from the Joffrey Community Engagement programs. The mixed rep program offers the opportunity for Chicagoans to revisit, or experience for the first time, some of the most notable works in Joffrey’s canon, showcasing a range of styles captivating to audiences of all ages and featuring live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, music director of The Joffrey Ballet. Sunday, June 25, 5:30 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. FREE.

The Sound of Chicago!

Make Music Chicago: Brian McGrath

Chicago native Brian McGrath will perform original folk and Americana music at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 21 on the 8th floor of the the Harold Washington Library Center as part of Make Music Chicago. The event is meant to bring Chicagoans together to make music no matter their age, musical preference or ability. Age 18+. No registration or tickets required, but masks are strongly urged in the library.

On the Move!

On The Move - Chicago Dance Month Event

On The Move is a wandering, two-part series of dance and movement performances. From 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, June 27, audiences can make their way around Promontory Point Park, 5491 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, with a map to discover different performances. The lineup includes a variety of dance genres with Hot Crowd, Wildest Productions, Darvin Dancers, and more. Reserve your spot at eventbrite.com

Lakefront Celebration!

Navy Pier Pride

Celebrate Pride month at Navy Pier June 24. Navy Pier will encourage divesity, inclusivity, and support, with performances by LBGTQIA performance groups, live music, educational programs, resources from community partners, and so much more. The festival will be 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. at 600 E. Grand Ave. FREE admission, no registration required.

A Music Showcase!

'A Film Called Black'

Join Cam Be and Neak as they showcase their virtual, "A Film Called Black," followed by a panel discussion. This isn't the typical film you'd see in theatres. It's full of muisc, including historical gospel, jazz, soul, hip-hop and funk. There will also be a live performance. The film and live performance will be 7-11 p.m. Friday, June 23 at the Green Line Performing Arts Center, 329 E. Garfield Blvd. FREE, but RSVP at eventbrite.com

One for You, One for Me!

Lit Book Swap

Meet new people and discuss the books you love. Swap books you'd be willing to part with in exchange for something new. If you'd like to swap more than one book, go ahead! Books must be wrapped beforehand so the cover isn't visible, with three words of quick description on the wrapping. The event is an LGBTQIA+ support, but friends are welcome. Masks are encouraged and full vaccinations required. The swap will be 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24 at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, 2051 N. California Ave. FREE, but reserve your spot on Eventbrite.com

Unleash Your Creativity!

Hyde Park Sketch Club

Connect with other artists and build the habit of putting your work in your sketchbook. Artists at all skill levels are welcome to this 1 p.m. June 24 event at 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. This is a club that meets weekly, so whether you want to just stop by for one visit, or want to become a member of an art club, this is the place. The event is free, but artists must supply their own media. Register at Eventbrite.com

Spill the Tea!

Hear My Story: An Evening With Chicago Drag Performers

As Pride Month comes to a climax, hear the stories from the LGBTQ+ community. Speakers include drag performers Jakki Love (pictured), Starr Stallion and Allegra Dee Love, followed by a lively performance. They will tell “Why I do drag.” Join them as they stand against discrimination for the LGBTQ+ community, and its performers. The public is welcome and tickets are free. The event will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 27 at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. RSVP on eventbrite.com

Symphony of Life!

Concert For Chicago

Join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as it closes out the 2022-2023 season with the Concert for Chicago, 6:30-7:45 p.m. June 27 at Millennium Park, 201 W. Randolph St. Listen to performances of the Andante moderato, composed by Chicago's very own Florence Price; and Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony. All ages welcome. FREE.