March 13 - 21, 2023

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Arts & Entertainment Event highlights of the week!

SportsWise

Baseball is coming back in season!

Cover Story: Concert Guide

Chicago has no shortage of impressive bands that come through town on their tours, and there is also a long list of beloved local venues where we can wander out and catch music any night of the week. Here are some suggestions for shows to check out this spring!

From the Streets

Five existing shelters are awarded grants for new "noncongregate" shelter model that allows more privacy, better health and better outcomes. Also, the Chicago Continuum of Care receives an additional $60 million to improve its homeless outreach and for additional housing vouchers.

The Playground

ON THE COVER: Janet Jackson (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Filmmagic photo). THIS PAGE: A member of the band Magic Giant performs (courtesy photo).

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of StreetWise.

Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher dhamilton@streetwise.org

Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com

Amanda Jones, Director of programs ajones@streetwise.org

Julie Youngquist, Executive director jyoungquist@streetwise.org

Ph: 773-334-6600 Office: 2009 S. State St., Chicago, IL, 60616

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Compiled by Emma Murphy

Chicago Premiere!

‘Describe the Night’

Ensemble member Rajiv Joseph’s thriller ricochets through time, following the unlikely lives of seven individuals –soldiers and poets, KGB agents and grandmas – as they unearth mysteries buried by decades of history. In 1920, Jewish writer Isaac Babel begins a journal while serving in war. Ninety years later, this same journal is found in the wreckage of a suspicious plane crash. W hat did Babel write, and why does it matter? Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday March 2 - April 9 at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets are $20 - $86 at steppenwolf.org

Midland Authors Presents - ‘Distilled in Chicago: A History’

Brewing up History!

The Midland Authors presents David Witter, author of “Distilled in Chicago: A History,” in conversation with Bill Savage and Gerry Plecki. His book follows the trickle of alcohol through Chicago’s history – starting with the town’s first three permanent businesses –and explores how liquor has influenced nearly two centuries of Chicago’s existence. Cocktails and appetizers will be available from 6-7 p.m., with the talk beginning at 7 p.m. March 14 at The Cliff Dwellers, 200 S. Michigan Ave., 22nd floor penthouse. The event is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. More information can be found at midlandauthors.org/events-upcoming/

Discovering Our Past!

‘The Great Chicago Fire in Focus’

This exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center is part of a citywide commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. Photographic prints from this era have deteriorated over time, but the original negatives from the cameras have stored details that never showed in print copies – until now. Historian and collector David R. Phillips has reprinted these photographs with modern technology to show the devastation of the Chicago Fire as never seen before. Admission to this exhibit is free through April 9 at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. More information at chicagoculturalcenter.org

New Works x3!

‘Proximity’: A Trio of New American Operas

“Proximity” is a gripping trio of new works that confronts head-on some of the greatest challenges affecting us as a society: yearning for connection in a world driven by technology, the devastating impact of gun violence on cities and neighborhoods, and the need to respect and protect our natural resources. The story zooms in and out from the individual to the community to the cosmic, giving a snapshot of 21st century life in three parts. Performances are at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive, from March 24 - April 8. Tickets are $40+ with more information at lyricopera.org

Piano in the Afternoon!

Alexander Reyes in Concert

The Bezazian Branch of the Chicago Public Library will host Alexander Reyes, a Chicago-based classical pianist, for a free concert. Reyes studied piano at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with acclaimed Greek pianist Maria Asteriadou. He is interested in 20th century classical music, and his performances often include jazz and popular songs. This event will feature compositions by Philip Glass, Carla Bley, Frederic Chopin, and more. Join the Bezazian Branch, 1226 W. Ainslie St., at 2 p.m. March 18 to enjoy this free event!

A Tragic Tale

‘The Life and Death(s) of Alan Turing’ Chicago Opera Theater continues its 50th year with this world premiere about one of the most fascinating figures in modern history. Alan Turing was a renowned computer scientist ahead of his time. He saved England from Nazi U-boats during World War II, but despite his innovative feat, he was chemically castrated after being found in a homosexual relationship. Two years later, he was found poisoned alongside a cyanidelaced apple. This retelling of Turing’s life is at 7:30 p.m. March 23 & 3 p.m. March 25 at the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets are $50+ at chicagooperatheater.org/season/turing

Choose Your Own Adventure!

‘Think Fast, Jordan Chase!’

The play “Think Fast, Jordan Chase!” follows Jordan as she navigates the difficulties of making a decision that may jeopardize her relationship with her best friend, Mahari, and possibly harm the new student, Ryan. Jordan will rely on the audience to help her choose the right path through her magical adventure. Performances are 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays March 11 - April 16 at the Filament Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. The play is intended for audiences ages 8+ with tickets $10-15 at filamenttheatre.org/thinkfast/

‘MIA’

Gone Missing

“MIA ‘W here Have All The Young Girls Gone?’” is an original theatrical production taken from interviews and research on girls and women who have vanished into the world of the missing in America. The play goes beyond the statistics to portray the crisis in personal and human terms, mirroring the plight of the missing and their loved ones trying to solve the mystery of their disappearance. The show, produced by Her Story Theatre, will run at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 2 p.m on Sundays from March 9 - April 9 at the Greenhouse Theater Center at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets are $26 at greenhousetheater.org

Classic Irish Theater!

'The Shaughraun'

“The Shaughraun” is a must-see classic filled with surprises and one unforgettable vagabond-turned-hero. After a string of betrayals, brawls, romances, and red herrings, the main characters are met with marriage, arrest, and the edge of a cliff. The play was one of the most popular of the 19th century and is credited with giving birth to Irish Theatre, where playwrights wrote for their own people to celebrate their heritage. At the Athenaeum Center, 2936 N. Southport Ave., from March 9 - April 2 at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays. $30 at athenaeumcenter.org/events/

The Stories We Tell

‘A Town Called Progress’ - World Premiere

Ourselves!

On a dusty road between Backwards and Conspiratorial is a town called Progress, where Ida, the mayor, hopes to create a utopia where women are on top. But - the water pump doesn't work, the tumbleweeds have eyes, and the new citizens have other notions. Chicago playwright Trina Kakacek's modern-day fable explores the stories we tell ourselves about gender, economics, and family in this world premiere comedy. Performances will be 8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays March 16 - April 15 at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets are $20+ at prometheantheatre.org/project/a-town-called-progress/

Patrick: Let’s do it, fellas! Baseball is upon us, and I know I’m ready. How are y’all feeling about it?

Russ: So, I’m happy to see baseball again. There isn’t much going on right now, so it’s kind of boring, so I say “Play ball!”

Donald: Sir Russ, now you do know we still have the NBA, Tiger’s back playing, and… March Madness is right around the corner….

Russ: Good point. All true… but the NBA season is nearly over, and the All-Star play kinda bummed me out a bit. Tiger’s back playing, but, remember, golf—well, at least golf I will watch—isn’t constant and, of course, while March Madness is the greatest anything in the world, I’m still looking forward to an entire season of Major League Baseball.

Patrick: And I recently realized that this is the first full season we’ve had in the last three years—well, four counting this one. COVID impacted baseball as well as other sports with delayed and cancelled seasons, limited or no fan attendance, postponements, and other restrictions in 2020 and 2021. And then we had the lockout in 2022.

John: Good point, Patrick. Unfortunately, not only COVID will bring down our season: The Cubs and the White Sox are not even close to a championship, perhaps not even close to a playoff berth. The Cubs are

still in rebuilding mode, and the White Sox can’t find what direction they want to go in. Half-rebuild/half-reload just won’t work.

Patrick: So, who’s winning this year?

John: In the National League, the teams with the best chance of winning the 2023 World Series are the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Diego Padres, the Atlanta Braves, the Philadelphia Phillies, and the New York Mets. In the American League, it’s more top-heavy, so only the Houston Astros, the New York Yankees, and the Toronto Blue Jays have a realistic shot at winning the Series.

Donald: About the Cubs and White Sox, I believe we can be competitive. More effort and both of these teams could be on the path to success. Just heard on the news this morning there’s room for hope.

Russ: Well, Don, as you know, we never know who’s going to win. Everyone starts off tied for 1st place and, last season, the favorite—the Dodgers—didn’t even make it to the World Series; the Phillies triumphed, beating out 3 100-win teams in the Mets, Dodgers, and Braves. This season, I predict the St. Louis Cardinals are coming out of the NL Central, the Mets out the NL East, and the Padres out the West.

Patrick: Good choices. And the American League?

Russ: The White Sox out the AL Central, Astros out the West, and the Yankees out the East. It’ll come down to the Mets and Houston.

Patrick: All I know is I don't want to have to suffer through that defeat at Guaranteed Rate Field last year—

Russ: The last game of the season, mind you.

Patrick: Yes. Before we sat down, the score was 6-0 Minnesota Twins.

Russ: It was a good time, though. Not working…just relaxing and enjoying the game and hoping our squad doesn't get shut out.

Patrick: Right! All right, fellas, any final thoughts?

Donald: I’m excited to see what goes down this year. Find out what’s really going on.

Russ: Houston over the Mets in 6. That’s a stacked team.

John: Wow…good call, Russell. I have Houston defeating the Mets in 6 as well.

Patrick: In that case, I have to rock with my guys and call it the same. Good deal, fellas.

Any comments or suggestions?

Email pedwards@streetwise.org

Rashanah Baldwin

Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

THISPAGE:¿Téo?(APAAgencyphoto). NessaBarrett(WarnerBros.Recordsphoto). Wizkid(RobRuslingphoto). ColonyHouse(OneinaMillionMediaphoto). OPPOSITEPAGE:TheJuJuExchange(courtesyphoto). Ber(TheLineofBestFitphoto). JohnMayer(courtesyphoto).

Spring 2023

CONCERT GUIDE

by Emma Murphy

Chicago is a wonderful place to experience music. Between local artists and venues, and big names that stop only for a show or two, it’s impossible to run out of live music to hear. Regardless of whether you prefer large or small venues, or what your favorite genre is, there’s something in Chicago for you. Even if the show is only here for a night. While it’s impossible to make it to every show in the city, here are some suggestions to make your spring a bit more lively. Don’t forget to support your local Chicago acts!

Wizkid

¿Téo?

NessaBarrett

March 13

NESSA BARRETT

ColonyHouse

Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom | 7:30 pm | $39+

1106 W. Lawrence Ave.

Nessa Barrett recently released her first album young forever, which will be featured on her tour. The album features edgy, gothic pop grounded in stories about heartache, mental health, and accountability. With young forever, Barrett embraces her internal and external conflicts, and bluntly addresses bleak thoughts. Punctuated by her grit-glam style, Barrett's music has intrinsically always been about empowering people who feel isolated. "Growing up, I was very ashamed of my struggles, so the second I got a platform, I knew what I had to do with it because I didn't want anyone to feel the way I felt - alone," said Barrett.

March 14

COLONY HOUSE

House of Blues | 7 pm | $26+

329 N. Dearborn St.

Colony House first captured attention in 2014 with their lead single "Silhouettes" off their debut album When I Was Younger, which became the #1 played track on SiriusXM's Alt Nation for four months straight. The band’s second album Only The Lonely was included by Entertainment Weekly on its "Must List." Their newest album, The Cannonballers, explores memories of the band growing up in Tennessee and was released February 3. Colony House describes their music style as “landlocked surf rock” which is inspired by their hometown of Franklin, Tennes see. The band has performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers, CONAN, TODAY show and more.

March 15

BER

Schubas Tavern | 7 pm | $20 3159 N. Southport Ave. Ber has a knack for writing about universal topics from fresh angles, expressing herself in a way that resonates with listeners — a lot of listeners. Since she posted “Meant to Be” on TikTok in September 2021, the song has amassed nearly a million views, while surging past 50 million Spotify streams. “It’s all real,” she says. “It’s my way of processing my emotions, and being able to bring that into songs — I’ve found that the style of writing I love is really conversational. I could just be standing in front of you saying these things out loud.”

March 16

THE JUJU EXCHANGE

Constellation | 8:30 pm | $15 3111 N. Western Ave. The JuJu Exchange is a musical partnership of three childhood friends from Chicago: Nico Segal, Julian Davis Reid, and Nova Zaii. They create exploratory and nuanced music that call us all to wonder and trust. Their music, mostly instrumental, blends acoustic and digital instruments to further meaningful exchange among seemingly disparate cultures. The JuJu Exchange is a band with a foot in jazz and a foot in everything else. They create music that draws listen ers of all backgrounds into the rich world of improvised music. They hope their music inspires the listener to participate in the kinds of exchange the world desperately needs.

March 17 ¿TÉO?

Lincoln Hall | 8 pm | $25

2424 N. Lincoln Ave.

Mateo Arias (¿Téo?) is the son of Colombian parents and was brought up bilingual in Spanish and English. ¿Téo?’s admiration for his culture and international background deeply influences his music and explains his transcendent career around the world. ¿Téo? has developed a genre that draws elements of Bossa-Nova, Hip Hop, and Alternative complemented by his very distinct and hypnotizing voice; it's a genre that he and his fans refer to as “Neo-American.” Since the release of his debut single “Uno Dos” (2017), featuring longtime friend and collaborator Jaden Smith, ¿Téo? has garnered millions of listeners and has captured audiences during his concert tours.

JohnMayer

March 24

Wizkid

| 7:30 pm | $35+

1901 W. Madison St. Wizkid’s More Love, Less Ego tour is coming to Chicago this March after the More Love, Less last November. Wizkid is one of Nigeria's biggest R&B crossover acts, having worked with Drake, Skepta, and Chis Brown, among others. Singer/ songwriter Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (aka Wizkid) began his musical career at 11 years old, and reached international success in 2016 after collaborating with Drake. Now Wizkid is well known on his own and had the first Nigerian song, “Essence,” to chart in the Billboard Hot 100. His new album reached number 59 on the Billboard 200.

EzraCollective Michigander

March 31

JOHN MAYER

| 8 pm |

Price varies

1901 W. Madison St. Known for an effortless blend of mind-blowing guitar playing, soulful voice and impeccable songwriting abilities, Mayer has lit up the charts with numerous massive hits such as “New Light,” “Gravity,” “Love on the Weekend,” “Heartbreak Warfare,” “Daughters,” “Waiting on the World to Change,” “Last Train Home,” and “Your Body Is a Wonderland.” The 2023 tour has been 20 years in the making and will feature rare, full acoustic sets from John Mayer performing on acoustic guitar, piano, and electric guitar. The set includes old favorites, newer songs, and songs that have never been heard before.

April 2

EZRA COLLECTIVE

Lincoln Hall | 7 pm | $20 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. Ezra Collective is an instrumental British jazz quintet made up of drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso, bassist TJ Koleoso, keyboardist Joe ArmonJones, trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi, and tenor saxophonist James Mollison. Their second album, Where I’m Meant To Be is a thumping celebration of life, an affirming elevation in the Ezra Collective’s winding hybrid sound and refined collective character. The album’s multigenre-spanning songs – which range in tempo and tone from the steady bop of dub reggae, to the two-step of funk, to the rush of body-shifting samba, reflect the band’s multitude of inspirations.

April 6

KATE NV

Sleeping Village |

8 pm | $18

3734 W. Belmont Ave.

Kate NV is the pseudonym of Moscow-based artist Kate Shilonosova. When composing, NV takes inspiration from her surroundings while adding an abstract electronics twist. Her songs are recorded around Moscow with friends and collaborators, creating a frothy distortion of nostalgic atmospheres cast in sax, base, marimba and MIDI. Singing is at the foreground-- beaming with assurance, delivered in multiple languages and characters. Her live concerts are full of improvisation, including bells and water glasses amidst compact synthesizers and cables to create otherworldly sounds. Kate NV’s wide range ensures that audiences won’t know exactly what to expect from her shows, but will find a memorable experience.

April 7

MAGIC GIANT

Reggies Rock Club | 7:30 pm | $20+

2105 S. State St. MAGIC GIANT is a Californian alt-rock band that has gained international attention. The nationwide tour kicks off March 11 accompanied with the release of a new EP. Carrying the hopeful outlook of the alt group’s debut full length record In The Wind and sophomore studio album The Valley forward, their upcoming EP contains equal parts depth and optimism. Not only does the group write and produce their records and direct their music videos, they plant a tree through a non-profit partner with every album sold. The Die With Zero

KateNV

MoLowda&TheHumble

April 8

JUKEBOX THE GHOST

Thalia Hall

1807 S. Allport St.

Piano-rock trio Jukebox the Ghost formed in 2006 and has been a steadily growing cult favorite and a globally touring band ever since. Composed of Ben Thornewill (piano/ vocals), Tommy Siegel (guitar/bass/vo cals) and Jesse Kristin (drums/vocals), they have played over 1,000 shows around the world over the course of their career. This alternative pop band has a variety of upbeat songs, including their latest EP I Got A Girl, which was released Nov. 17, 2022. While the tempo is upbeat, the lyrics are often heavy, like in the fan-favorite song “Under My Skin.”

April 9

LIL WAYNE

Radius Chicago | 7 pm | $200+

640 W. Cermak Rd.

As the newest venture on Lil Wayne's imprint, his album Tha Carter II is bound to thrill those who have watched this veteran rapper from the beginning. "Everyday I experience new things, and it's these experiences I express creatively in my songs," said Wayne. The new album features cameos from other rappers, and Lil Wayne pays homage to an artist who influenced his style, Rakim, in the song "I'm A Dboy" featuring Birdman. Fans of Lil Wayne can expect more of what they’ve come to love through his almost 30-year career, both in his new album and his live performance.

April 14

JukeboxtheGhost LilWayne

MICHIGANDER

Lincoln Hall | 8 pm | 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. Buzzworthy indie rock artist Michigander, the sonic alter ego of Michigan native Jason Singer, has released his new single “Stay Out Of It” and announced the "The It Will Never Be The Same Tour" with opener Abby Holliday. Named one of TuneCore’s Top 10 Rock/Alt Artists for 2021, Michigander delivers elevated and eloquent songcraft, uplifting instrumentation, and plainspoken heartland storytelling punctuated by alternative flare. The now Nashvillebased singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist has gotten the acclaim of NPR, Paste, SPIN, Forbes, BrooklynVegan, Guitar World, KCRW, and many more, plus over 50 million career streams globally.

April 15

NOAHFINNCE

Bottom Lounge | 7 pm | $20 1375 W. Lake St.

As part of his U.S. tour, NOAHFINNCE is performing with Bears In Trees, and Chicago’s own Action/Adventure.

NOAHFINNCE is a 23-year-old British singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, pop-punk artist, and YouTuber. Many of NOAHFINNCE’s songs and online presence address his personal experiences with mental health and being in the LGBT+ community. His lyrics are often introspective and reflect on his experiences growing up, while the songs stay pop-punk with heavy beats.

April 22 MO LOWDA & THE HUMBLE

Lincoln Hall | 8 pm | $20 2424 N. Lincoln Ave.

NOAHFINNCE

The band just released its fourth selftitled LP on March 3, preceded by five singles. Since their debut album in 2013, they’ve vastly expanded the sonic exploration of their recorded ma terial while developing a dialed-in, yet energetic, live show through persistent touring. Their latest album is their most versatile and ambitious work yet, while still providing the thoughtful, creative songwriting their fans have grown to love.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Kate NV (Tailored Communication photo).

Michigander (Kris Herrmann photo). Ezra Collective (Sonic PR photo).

CENTER: Mo Lowda & The Humble (Bell Tower Music photo).

THIS PAGE:

Jukebox the Ghost (Stunt Media photo).

Lil Wayne (United Talent Agency photo).

NOAHFINNCE Rachel Kiki photo).

April 30

THE INTERRUPTERS

House of Blues | 5 pm | $37+

329 N. Dearborn St.

The Interrupters formed in the band’s hometown of Los Angeles in 2011 and include Aimee Interrupter (vocals), with brothers Kevin Bivona (guitar), Justin Bivona (bass) and Jesse Bivona (drums). Their latest release was in December 2022. When considering The Interrupters, take a moment to kindly forget jargon like “SoCal punk rock” or “next wave ska” or whatever perimeter you want to secure around them. Ignited by frontwoman Aimee Interrupter and the Bivona brothers’ indefatigable enthusiasm, attendees can see joy in action blur the enthusiasm between band and audience in a way that’s equal parts dance party, cardio workout and personal therapy.

HayleyKiyoko

May 4

HAYLEY KIYOKO | 5 pm | $55+

329 N. Dearborn St. Hayley Kiyoko has become one of the most celebrated pop artists since Ex, which according to Rolling Stone, placed her “at the forefront of an unapologetically queer pop movement.”

Kiyoko released her second album, PANORAMA, in July 2022. Kiyoko's music is focused on her story and emotions she has experienced while coming to terms with her identity as a lesbian.

May 5 MAC AYERS

| 8 pm | $27+

3730 N. Clark St.

Mac Ayres is a self-taught singersongwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Long Island, NY. His style is breezy, sometimes lo-fi, and tastefully blends Soul, R&B, Jazz, and Hip-Hop. He takes inspiration from great singer-songwriters such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Amy Winehouse. His four previous albums have received attention from Vogue, Billboard, Complex, the BBC, and more. Mac Ayres is an independent artist and will release his next album, Comfortable Enough, in early 2023. The Metro show is 18+.

May 6 LUKE COMBS

Soldier Field | 5:45 pm | $25+

May

5

& 6 HALF ALIVE

House of Blues | 6 pm | $32

329 N. Dearborn St. Half Alive is a band from Long Beach, California. The band was formed in 2016 and the trio are best known for their single "Still Feel." The band's musical style has been described as having elements of indie pop, alternative rock, R&B, funk, and soul.The band began what they described as a new era with the release of a spoken word track, "Night Swims (poem)" in September 2022. "Did I Make You Up?” was released on Oct. 13, 2022, with the announcement of the release of their second album, Conditions of a Punk, on Dec. 2, 2022.

1410 Museum Campus Dr. Luke Combs has become a household name in country music since his debut in 2016. He became the first artist to simultaneously hold the top position on all five of Billboard's main country charts: Top Country Albums, Hot Country Songs, Country Airplay, Country Streaming Songs, and Country Digital Song Sales in 2019. Combs released his third album, Growin' Up, last June, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums. He will release another album, Gettin’ Old, on March 24. Known for his electric live shows, Combs will kick off his massive World Tour this spring, which includes 16 North American stadium shows.

Luke Combs (Jeremy Cowart photo). Hayley Kiyoko (Atlantic Records photo). Blink-182 (Jack Bridgland photo).

Half Alive (Yulissa Benitez photo).

OPPOSITE PAGE: Waterparks (Jawn Rocha photo). Lizzo (AB+DM photo). Theo Katzman (Nicol Biesek photo).

LukeCombs

May 6 - 7 BLINK-182

United Center

7:30 pm |

1901 W. Madison St.

Multi-platinum, award winning rock band Blink-182 has announced its biggest tour ever, a global outing with Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker reuniting for the first time in nearly 10 years. The worldwide trek includes their first-ever performances in Latin America, along with stops in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, starting March 2023. Though DeLonge left the band in 2015, he ultimately returned and the reunited trio released the single "Edging" in 2022. One of the most prominent bands to emerge from the Southern California punk scene, Blink-182 gained mainstream success in the early 2000s.

May 12 WATERPARKS

House of Blues | 5 pm | $35

329 N. Dearborn St.

Waterparks is a rock band trio from Texas that formed in 2011. Members include Awsten Knight (vocals & guitar), Otto Wood (drums), and Geoff Wigington (guitar). Waterparks is known for constantly trying new things with their music, and switching between genres of rock, alternative, electronic, and hip-hop. “You don’t have to stick to one thing,” exclaims Awsten Knight, “Over the years, we’ve gotten better at switching it up.”

Awsten has stated that he considers the group to be a rock band that has garnered significant inspiration from pop music. Their newest and fifth Intellectual Property is being

May 13

THEO KATZMAN

The Vic Theatre

3145 N. Sheffield Ave.

Waterparks Lizzo TheoKatzman

Theo Katzman is an American multiinstrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer based in Los Angeles. His musical style is a fusion of pop, jazz, funk, folk, and indie rock. Katzman’s newest album, described as his most honest, raw, loving, and painful work yet. Katzman’s songs are introspective and reflective on his life, while sticking with feel-good beats. He is a member of funk band Vulfpeck and has contributed to the works of several artists as songwriter and producer.

May 17

LIZZO

United Center | 8 pm | $69+

1901 W. Madison St. 3-time Grammy and Emmy Awardwinning, RIAA multi-platinum certified artist Lizzo is heading out on the second North American leg of her wildly successful 2022 tour. Lizzo was the third female rapper to top the Hot 100 without a featured artist. She also became the first Black solo female R&B singer to claim the top spot on the Hot 100 since Rihanna's 2012 hit "Diamonds." Her most recent album Special peaked at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart. Her performance will feature songs from her fourth album Special like “Special,” “Birthday Girl,” and “About Damn Time.”

May 27

JANET JACKSON

Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

8 pm | $39+

19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee has received 6 Grammy Awards, 2 Emmy Nominations, a Golden Globe Award, a nomination for an Academy Award, along with dozens of Ameri can Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. Her tour Together Again will begin in April and run through June. This will be her first tour since her Black Diamond World Tour was canceled in 2020. Jackson is known for having elaborate performances and dances in concert.

Five shelters get grants for new, more private model

North Side Housing and Supportive Services is among five grantee finalists for a Shelter Acquisition program funded through the Chicago Recovery Plan to help existing shelters develop freshly rehabbed, non-congregate environments. The Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) and Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) jointly announced finalists on February 24.

The non-congregate shelters are a continuation of work at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when DOH, DFSS and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) leased space in hotels for people who lived in traditional shelters. The more private accommodations greatly improved their physical and mental health.

North Side Housing secured a Special Use Permit February 17 from the Zoning Board of Appeals for conversion of a long-vacant health center at 7464 N. Clark St. into a shelter. The new shelter was approved after extensive community meetings and a survey by Ald. Maria Hadden (49th ward).

The 72-bed shelter will offer more privacy, with 18 shared sleeping rooms of four beds each. There will also be five bathrooms, a shower facility, a kitchen, communal space and offices for support staff. The men will have access to three meals a day and additional wrap-around services.

North Side now operates a temporary, 50-bed shelter in a rented motel at 7300 N. Sheridan Road, after moving out of the Preston Bradley Center in Uptown because of building code violations.

The four other Shelter Acquisition grantee finalists are:

• Cornerstone Community Outreach, which plans a North Side shelter for 28-65 single adults;

• Franciscan Outreach, for a West Side shelter for 50-100 single adults;

• La Casa Norte, whose youth shelter for 30 to 75 persons aged 18-24 could be on the West, Southwest or Northwest Sides;

• Unity Parenting and Counseling, Inc., which proposes a youth shelter for 24 to 30 persons aged 18-24 on the Southeast, Southwest or Far South Sides.

DOH officials said they expect each of the grantees to acquire their shelter and rehab it this year, as the first step in the city’s transition to a noncongregate model.

Sites were still being finalized as of February 24, according to DOH spokesperson Rima Alsammarae. The exact dollar amounts of grants would also be announced at closing.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, over 80 percent of Chicago’s shelter beds for single adults were in open space shared by at least 20 people. Research by University of Chicago Medicine and Lawndale Christian Health Center showed improved health and fewer self-reported mental health symptoms for people who were moved to hotels. More than half of participants moved to longer term housing.

–Suzanne Hanney, from prepared materials

Federal funds to improve homelessness outreach

Chicago has received $60 million in new federal funds to strengthen outreach to people living on the street and for 700 units of permanent housing without time limits.

U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge made the announcement in Chicago with Mayor Lori Lightfoot, All Chicago, and other members of the Chicago Continuum of Care (CoC), which coordinates the city’s response to homelessness. Chicago’s was the highest grant among $315 million to 46 communities announced on February 2.

The Chicago CoC’s plan will leverage health, behavioral health and supportive services from partner organizations, and housing vouchers administered by the Chicago Housing Authority.

City officials in February estimated over 2,600 Chicagoans staying in homeless shelters every night and another 1,200 on the street, as well as 58,000 people staying with friends or family.

Homelessness worsened during the pandemic, HUD officials said, so the American Rescue Plan (ARP) signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021, delivered some historic investments against it:

• $21.5 billion in emergency rental assistance;

• $10 billion to help homeowners behind on mortgage and utilities;

• $5 billion for emergency housing vouchers;

• $5 billion HOME Investment partnerships to build housing.

In late 2022, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) released “All In,” the strategic plan behind President Biden’s goal to reduce homelessness 25 percent by 2025.

-Suzanne Hanney, from online sources

$60m in

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