Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Compiled by Dave Hamilton

Avengers Assemble!

‘Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross’

The Elmhurst Art Museum announces the summer blockbuster exhibition, “Marvelocity: The Art of Alex Ross,” celebrat ing one of the most renowned artists in the field of comic books. From his home in the Chicago area, Ross has revitalized classic superheroes into works of fine art for 30-plus years, illustrating characters such as Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, Storm from the X-Men, the Avengers, Black Panther, and many more. Appealing to families and fans alike, the dynamic and richly engaging the exhibit will be on view at Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst, from June 3 – August 20. The museum will carry a variety of Marvel merchandise, including posters signed by Alex Ross, as well as the expanded edition of “Marvelocity,” which includes an original story featuring Spider-Man vs. the Sinister Six, plus contributions by Chip Kidd, Geoff Spear, and J.J. Abrams. The Museum is open Wednesday and Thursday from Noon – 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Regular admission is $18 for Adults (ages 18+), $15 for Seniors, $10 for Students, and $5 for Children. For more information, please call 630.834.0202 or visit elmhurstartmuseum.org

Sounds of Home!

‘The State of Sound: A World of Music from Illinois’

Created by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, "The State of Sound" showcases the achievements of Illinois’ finest musicians. The Land of Lincoln has produced some of the most celebrated artists in music history, from Muddy Waters to REO Speedwagon, Smashing Pumpkins to Earth, Wind & Fire, Chance the Rapper to John Prine. This one-of-a-kind exhibit explores 13 musical genres through photos, videos, and artifacts on loan from the artists themselves. It traces the state’s monumental impact on gospel, blues, jazz, and hip-hop. You’ll get new perspectives on household names and encounter some amazing musicians totally new to you. Visitors can even listen to interviews with some of those artists and the people who knew them best. The exhibit will be in the lower lobby of Festival Hall A at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.

Reduce, Reuse, Rebuild!

Rebuilding Exchange Summer House Party

Join neighbors from all over Chicagoland for the Rebuilding Exchange Summer House Party 5:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 3 at Rebuilding Exchange, 1740 W. Webster. You can expect craft beer from local breweries and bites from the food trucks; shopping among local artisans and makers; the first ever REMake Invitational competition where top makers and artists from around the region will show what they can do with $100 of reclaimed materials from our reuse retail store; scraptacular challenge team competition — join in to see what you can (re)make in 90 minutes or less; opportunities to tour the facility and learn more about its programs and partnerships. $10 suggested donation. Your donations and tickets support the Rebuilding Exchange, a nonprofit that invests in Chicago and the region by reusing building materials, reducing construction waste, and training, supporting, and connecting people seeking careers in the building trades.

Kickoff Dance Month!

See Chicago Dance Annual Chicago Dance Month Kickoff: 60 performances around Chicago

Now in its 11th year, Chicago Dance Month provides more than 60 performance opportunities for artists and companies to celebrate the myriad talents that make Chicago’s dance scene so strong. It kicks off with a free opening celebration at Navy Pier’s Lake Stage, 600 E. Grand Ave., featuring a dynamic mix of performances from companies and artists, on June 3, from 3 – 4:30 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to bring a blanket and have a picnic while enjoying the performances. Featuring performances by Ajumma Rising, Center of Peruvian Arts, Chicago Korean Dance Company, Hedwig Dances, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, MOMENTA Dance Company and Surabhi Ensemble.

O.K by Me in America!

‘West Side Story’

Leonard Bernstein’s music and Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics will once again transport Romeo and Juliet to the backstreets of New York City in this timeless Broadway musical. Tony and Maria are wide-eyed teenagers from two communities in conflict who fall in love. As their friends and family battle with one another, Tony and Maria long for “a place for us…somewhere.” Running June 2- 25 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, at 7 p.m., with 1:30 p.m. matinees. Tickets start at $30 at lyricopera.org

Feel the Spirit!

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Kicking off the summer season in Millennium Park, this FREE inspirational music festival brings audiences of all ages and backgrounds together to celebrate the power of Gospel music. The 2023 lineup features Praize Production RIZE Youth Company, Choir Nation and Grammy Award winners Karen Clark Sheard (pictured) and Tye Tribbett on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage. Noon–9 p.m. June 3 at Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. Event entrances on Randolph or Monroe streets.

The Future is Female!

‘Call Her by Name”

“Call Her By Name” is a multidisciplinary, theatrical production by Praize Productions, Inc. that is a call and response for the modern-day woman. In a society that labels women and holds them to traditional societal norms, this production allows today’s woman to take a spiritual journey in discovering who she truly is and who she wishes to become. FREE. 6:30 p.m. June 4 at Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St.

Rhythm & Movement!

‘Synesthete’

Chicago Tap Theatre's Artistic Associate Sterling Harris curates an evening-length production of new work for the conclusion of its 20th Anniversary season. Tap dance lies at the intersection of dance and music; tap dancers are simultaneously dancers and musicians. W hat you see is what you hear, what you hear is what you see. Instead of just dancing to music, tap requires that one also becomes the music – opening the door to deeper expression, connection and exploration. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets start at $35 at ChicagoTapTheatre.com

Book Talk!

‘Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law’

Join in a conversation and book signing featuring Richard Rothstein, distinguished New York Times bestselling author renowned for his groundbreaking work on race and segregation in America. Joining him will be his daughter and co-author of his latest book, “Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law," Leah Rothstein, a housing policy consultant. This event is sponsored by btcRE, LLC, in partnership with Seminary Co-op Bookstores and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) on June 1 at 6 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. While this event is free, your support helps the National Public Housing Museum promote housing as a human right. Any donations made for this event will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Register at Eventbrite.

A Classical Tradition!

Rush Hour Concerts Season Opener: A Night of Firsts