Arts & (Home) Entertainment

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

Historic Yums!

'Era of Opulence: Chinese Fine Dining'

The Chinese American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC) kicks off a new exhibition with its "Era of Opulence: Chinese Fine Dining" mini-exhibit running through September 26. The main exhibition called "Chinese Cuisine in America: Stories, Struggles and Successes" is scheduled for opening next year in late February 2022. To whet your appetite, this mini-exhibit will focus on historic exquisite Chinese restaurants. It will highlight the immigrant struggles leading to the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, and the success story of restaurateur, Chin F. Foin. Early 20th century artifacts from the Museum’s collection such as King Joy Lo’s menu and lacquer food basket will be on display. Louis Armstrong’s milestone “Cornet Chop Suey” and Margaret Johnson’s “Who’ll Chop Your Chop Suey (W.hen I’m Gone)” will transport the visitor back to that era.

For more information, visit ccamuseum.org/category/current-exhibits/.

A Remarkable Career!

Celebrating Sir Andrew Davis

Music Director Sir Andrew Davis leads members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and star soloists in a rousing concert that celebrates his remarkable career at Lyric. The program includes selections from Mozart's beloved comedy, "The Marriage of Figaro" — the first opera Sir Andrew conducted at Lyric — and Stravinsky's English-language masterpiece "The Rake's Progress" — the last opera he would have conducted as music director this spring — with personal narration from some of your favorite Lyric artists. Join Lyric Opera to raise a glass to Sir Andrew — and to more than three decades of his glorious music-making! The event premieres Sunday, May 16 at 6 p.m. and is performed in Italian and English with English closed captions available. Visit www.lyricopera.org for more information.

Do you believe in magic?

The Magic Parlour at Home

Third-generation magician and mind reader Dennis Watkins’ popular virtual offering, “The Magic Parlour at Home” will continue on Saturday nights through June 30. W.hat began as a temporary pivot in response to the pandemic has now run for more than nine straight months. Audiences of all ages have been “wow-ed” by Watkins’ world-class virtual mind reading and interactive magic that has been brought directly to their homes for the past year. In a time when being physically together has not been possible, “The Magic Parlour at Home” has offered families, co-workers, and friends a joy-filled experience and sense of community. Tickets for “The Magic Parlour at Home” are now available for $49 and can be purchased online at themagicparlourchicago.com.

A Cleaner City!

Beach Clean-up

As the weather warms up, Adopt-A-Beach has started its 2021 program. Bottle caps, cigar tips, cigarette butts and straws are among the top 10 litter items, but traveling trash washed into the lake after storms can also mean broken bits of plastic and styrofoam. Team Leaders and volunteers must follow federal, state, and local coronavirus-related guidelines and should use their best judgement when planning and attending cleanups. Learn more and find a location at adopt.greatlakes.org/.

New Exhibit!

'Momentum'

The emergence from a turbulent season can be a time of positive change, fueling momentum to keep moving forward. In Springboard Arts Chicago’s new exhibit, “Momentum,” the idea of moving forward with strength and purpose is depicted in the vibrant work of the artists and in the subject matter they address. They hope you will take inspiration from the beauty of these works as we continue our steady march toward a joyful future. Open now through May 24, visit springboardarts.com/momentum-exhibit/ for more information on how to book tickets and when to view the exhibit. ("Under the Flamingo" by Lauri Novak, pictured).

Shop Local!

Andersonville Farmers Market

The Andersonville Farmers Market (AFM) is pleased to return for its 12th season on Wednesdays from 3 – 7 pm from May 12 – October 20, on Catalpa Ave. between Clark St. and Ashland Ave. Featuring more than 25 vendors, AFM will continue to operate as a hybrid market in 2021, giving shoppers the option of shopping in person or ordering in advance for pick-up. City and state COVID-19 protocols will remain in place to keep vendors, customers, staff and volunteers safe. Visit https://andersonvillemarket.org/#vendors to order online and find more information.

Fresh takes on Broadway!

'New Faces Sing Broadway'

Filmed on-site at Chicago’s historic Studebaker Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre’s New Faces Sing Broadway series returns, taking audiences on a musical journey from the start to the finish of an entire Broadway season in 90 minutes. Jeff Award-winning actor Kelvin Roston, Jr. (pictured) hosts and introduces the audience, virtually, to the next generation of Chicago music theatre artists while serving as the guide to the stars, songs and stories of the 1961 Broadway season. Tickets start at $25. Find more information on how to stream through May 16 at porchlightmusictheatre.org/events/new-faces-singbroadway-1961/