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

Dance your heart out!

National Tap Dance Day

"Aisha": Celebrate National Tap Dance Day with the premiere of “Aisha,” Tuesday, May 25, at 1 p.m. The first time that choreographer Starinah “Star” Dixon (pictured) heard “Aisha,” written by McCoy Tyner and performed by John Coltrane, she was drawn to the song and could feel Coltrane creating a vivid visual with the music that, for Dixon, symbolized love. Later, Dixon found out Tyner wrote this song for his wife and it all made sense—the music, the energy and the feelings this song created inspired Dixon to move.

"The B.S. Shuffle": Charles Mingus’ music may seem chaotic, especially “Boogie Stop Shuffle,” whose underlying and catchy bass melody and rhythm belie its structural complexity. Tristan Bruns’ piece, “The B.S. Shuffle,” captures that sense of controlled chaos with his choice of syncopated and accented rhythms and a “dance-party-esque” vibe, where dancers seem to be coming at the viewer from every direction. There are also solo improvisations by the dancers of M.A.D.D. Rhythms using jazz-inspired expressions. May 25, at 7p.m.

Both performances stream live at www.youtube.com/user/brilbarrett for FREE!

A Rich Culture!

Chicago Japan Film Collective

The Chicago Japan Film Collective is proud to introduce the Midwest to some of Japan’s most original voices and to provide unique international screening opportunities for these talented filmmakers. With a focus on work created by women, the LGBTQ community, and minority filmmakers, the festival aims to introduce Midwestern audiences to the best in independent Japanese cinema, including narrative, documentary, and animation. Through these films, it hopes to connect Japanese and American cultures, create mutual understanding and respect, and expand exhibition and distribution possibilities within international, independent cinema. May 25 - 31, $15 for an all-access pass, full schedule at cjfc.us

A new type of "School Play!"

‘National Merit’

Six high school students are forced into the world of standardized testing. W.hat does it mean to be of “National Merit” status? W.hat is the cost of toiling for this title? Who even gets to achieve it? With humor and heart, Valen-Marie Santos’s new play "National Merit" scrutinizes academic achievement, socioeconomic privilege, and racial injustice within a private school setting. BoHo Theatre is partnering with Northwestern University’s playwriting department to present this in-development reading from an up-and-coming playwright. Presented by the BoHo Theatre, May 24, at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Learn more at bohotheatre.com

Dancing Live!

Chicago Dance Month Kick-Off Celebration

Featuring FREE in-person performances by Aerial Dance Chicago, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Mandala Arts, The Seldoms, in addition to an interactive lesson from May I Have This Dance. May 29, 3 - 4:30 p.m. at Navy Pier’s Lake Stage, 600 E. Grand Ave. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to receive refreshments and be entered into a drawing for giveaways from various dance companies in the Chicagoland area. A very limited number of folding chairs will be available. Learn more at www.seechicagodance.com/dancemonth

Local Performers!

Chicago Takes 10: Puerto Rican Arts Alliance

Chicago Takes 10 is a new virtual performance series sponsored by the Walder Foundation to provide support to performing artists and arts organizations that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The series highlights diverse performance styles throughout the Chicago region, featuring local musicians, performers, and dancemakers. This week, the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance is dedicated to preserving Puerto Rican culture by maintaining traditions, promoting Puerto Rican arts, providing educational opportunities in arts programming, and cultivating pride in Puerto Rican heritage for future generations. Watch Puerto Rican Arts Alliance’s live performance on May 27 at 6 p.m. on ChicagoTakes10.org.

Bird Watchers Unite!

Inspiration for a More Sustainable Birding Community with Tykee James

Tykee James is the government affairs coordinator at the National Audubon Society, co-chair for the National Black and Latinx Scholarship Fund, and sits on the board of directors of the DC Audubon Society, Wyncote Audubon Society, Audubon Maryland-DC, the Birding Co-op, and the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University. After moving to DC almost two years ago, he became grounded in his special role: organizing bird walks with members of Congress and congressional staff! Tykee has built residency in this work from his experience in Philadelphia, his hometown. His first job was as an environmental educator and community organizer in his own neighborhood. Tykee also served under a State Representative as her environmental policy advisor. He continues to develop himself as a leader through his fellowship with the Environmental Leadership Program and membership with the Green Leadership Trust. May 27, 6 p.m. This is a virtual event; Zoom information will be sent via email prior to the event. Register for FREE at eventbrite.com

Performance Festival!

Co-MISSION Festival of New Works

Links Hall is proud to announce the 2021 Co-MISSION Festival of New Works, representing some of the most talented young makers in Chicago from dance, performance art, puppetry, installation, and performance as social practice. Six artists present works developed while in-residence at Links during the 2020-2021 season. This year’s festival also features a performance of 2020 Fellow Darling Shear’s "Beatitude," a choreopoem of movement, fashion, and poetry. Shear and ensemble present work explored after COVID-19 caused cancellation of the June 2020 Fellows Showcase. All festival performances will be filmed and recorded at Links Hall’s white box studio, and streamed live via YouTube at 7 p.m. daily. Thursday, May 27 - Elliot Reza Emadian's “MASCCHAOS” & Vanessa Valliere's “Pool Party.” Friday, May 28 - Taimy Ramos Velázquez's “4 walls & 1 me” & Cherrie Yu's “A Translation Project.” Saturday, May 29 - Hannah Michal Santistevan's “The Brink” & Kierah King's “Viewership Intended for Re(Creational) use only.” Sunday, May 30 - Darling Shear's “Beatitude.” FREE, but donations to cover artists fees greatly appreciated at https://tinyurl.com/LinksHallEvents

New Art, from the Street!

‘Liberation Among The Stars: A Past & Future Dream’ by Tesh Silver

Ancestors no longer earthbound, suspended in infinite space. We long to be among them, finding a home that’s truly ours, where freedom is not a foreign word or long-sought goal, but finally made real. For as many times this world has turned against us, a new world awaits to embrace us in its abundance and let us call her home. Here we build anew. Here we heal. Here we will find joy! With illustrations that look both forward and to the past, I envision a new world that is not only fun, colorful and exciting but makes space to explore what Black liberation could look like in a hopefully not too distant future. Hop on the Mothership and see what’s possible! In the window of Co-Prosperity, 3219 S. Morgan St. from May 29 - June 28. Artist talk June 18. More information at coprosperity.org

-Compiled by Dave Hamilton