Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

Genres Collide!

‘Chicago Sings Broadway Pop’

Since its earliest days, songs that appeared on Broadway have crossed over to the music charts, and popular songs heard on the radio have found their way to Broadway stages. “Chicago Sings” is Porchlight’s signature fundraising concert, featuring live performances by Chicago music theater’s best-loved artists, the presentation of the 2023 Guy Adkins Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Music Theatre in Chicago, and more. This one-night, annual event will be at the House of Blues Chicago, 329 N. Dearborn St., at 7 p.m. March 27. Tickets are $50 - $175 at porchlightmusictheatre.org

Nat Geo Live!

‘How to Clone a Mammoth’

National Geographic speaker Dr. Beth Shapiro is one of the scientists investigating if extinct species, like mammoths and passenger pigeons, can be brought back to life. The technical challenges and ethical considerations of de-extinction are substantial, from deciding which species should be restored, to anticipating how revived populations might be overseen in the wild. Join Shapiro at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, for a vivid exploration into the cutting-edge—and controversial—science that is being used today to resurrect the past. This talk will be at 2 p.m. March 26, with tickets $32-55 at www.nationalgeographic.com/events

Classics on the Big Screen!

Pickwick Theatre's Classic Film Series

“Mad Max 2" (aka "The Road Warrior," 1981) will be shown as part of Pickwick Theatre’s Classic Film Series. This film series is a monthly event with “Mad Max 2” being the last of the series shown on the mega screen. Programs are hosted by film historian Matthew C. Hoffman, who through lecture and documentary, helps audiences discover the context and reevaluate the classic movies’ relevance. Showtimes are 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 29 at the Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. Tickets are $10-12 at parkridgeclassicfilm.com/film-schedule/

A Comedy Icon!

Paula Poundstone

A master of observational comedy, Paula Poundstone is a rare comedic talent that can cleverly poke fun at someone without demeaning her comic target. Each of Paula’s shows is unique. She was the first female comic to perform at the White House Correspondents’ dinner and the first to win the ACE Award for best comedy special on cable TV. Paula will perform at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, at 8 p.m. April 1. Tickets are $48+ at northshorecenter.org/event/paula-poundstone

Growing Together!

Seed Swap

N. Troy St., is hosting a seed swap. Want to grow some plants but not sure what? Have more seeds than you need? At the seed swap, you can pick up free seeds or drop off your extras. A variety of seeds are available including vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native plants. The Field Museum donated native seeds, great for butterflies and other local wildlife as well. The event is 10 a.m. - noon March 25, and is free to attend. More information is at chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events

The Bond of Motherhood!

‘Cry It Out’

An honest look at the absurdities of being home with a baby, the power of female friendship, the dilemma of going back to work, and the effect class has on parenthood in America. “Cry It Out” shows how unifying the experience of motherhood can be, following the budding friendship of first two, and then three, new mothers from vastly different social classes. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 3 p.m. Sundays from March 10 - April 2, at The Jarvis Square Theater, 1439 W. Jarvis Ave. $15-25 at theatreatl.org

Dance with the Fish!

‘Ritmo del Mar’

Enjoy a night of Latino music, cuisine, culture, and mesmerizing animals with an aquatic backdrop like nowhere else in Chicago. Dance to the sounds of salsa, cumbia, merengue and Latin jazz with special performances by Projecto 7 and Carpacho y Su Super Combo. Admission includes all aquarium exhibits and entertainment. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Must be 21 years or older to attend. This event is 7 p.m. March 25 at the Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Tickets are $15-40 at sheddaquarium.org/ programs-and-events

Celebrate Spring!

Fair Trade Nowruz

Join the Chicago Fair Trade Museum for an evening of Persian-inspired mezze (appetizers), music, dancing, mocktails, and cocktails! Nowruz, meaning “new day,” coincides with the first day of spring and is a celebration of the renewal of nature. Special guest Mohammad Salehi, founder of Heray Spice and a CFT business member, will talk about his experience working directly with fair trade saffron and spice farmers in Afghanistan. This event is at the Chicago Fair Trade Museum, at NEWCITY Lincoln Park, 1457 N. Halsted St. Admission for 6 p.m. March 25 is $39 in advance at chicagofairtrade.org, or $49 at the door.

Local Businesses Together!

‘The Exchange 2023’

“The Exchange” is the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s annual showcase, convening Chicago’s diverse business community. This event includes booths highlighting various local businesses, including small, midsize and enterprise companies from Chicago’s major industries. The event also includes a Culinary Showcase featuring unique samples from some of Chicago’s best restaurants and bars. The Exchange will be from 3-7:30 p.m. March 29 at Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Drive. Food and drink samples included. Advance registration is $80-100 at chicagolandchamber.org/the-exchange

Author Talk!

‘A House Called Tomorrow’

Michael Wiegers, executive editor of Copper Canyon Press (pictured), will lead a discussion of its 50th anniversary and its anthology, “A House Called Tomorrow: Fifty Years of Poetry” with Chris Abani, Tishani Doshi, Alison C. Rollins, Arthur Sze. This free event will be at 2 p.m. March 25 at the Poetry Foundation, 61 W. Superior St. It will also be live streamed for those who pre-register at www.poetryfoundation.org. Copies of the Copper Canyon anthology will be available for sale.

Compiled by Emma Murphy