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 things you do at home and why you love them to Creative Director / Publisher Dave Hamilton at dhamilton@streetwise.org

Spanish Opera!

‘Florencia en el Amazonas’

“Florencia en el Amazonas” is Lyric Opera of Chicago's first Spanish-language opera. Performances are intermittent through November 28 at 20 N. Wacker Drive. This opera dives into the magical realm of the Amazon. It is about a journey taken by Florencia Grimaldi, a famous opera singer, on her way to perform at the opera house of Manaus, Brazil. She is traveling by boat when suddenly she is consumed with thoughts of her lover. Grimaldi, and her crewmates' experience life-changing experiences. Written by Daniel Catán, one of Mexico’s most famous opera composers, “Florencia en el Amazonas” is an unforgettable performance about magic and romance. Tickets start at $39 at lyricopera.org.

Party & Support!

Pure Imagination Fundraiser

Taste for the Homeless is hosting its annual Pure Imagination Fundraiser on November 20 from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. at the Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park. Taste for the Homeless was founded by Michael Airhart (pictured) who has dedicated his time to providing food, clothes, and shelter for people experiencing homelessness. The Pure Imagination Fundraiser helps raise money for Taste for the Homeless, which uplifts those living on the streets or shelters by providing hot food, clothing, hygiene items and social services. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased on eventbrite.com.

A Call to Action!

‘Fannie: The Music and Life of Fannie Lou Hamer ‘

The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., presents "Fannie" through November 21 at 2 p.m. "Fannie" follows the life of Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist. Hamer advocated for Black women’s rights, voters’ rights, and an end to segregation in the South. The musical is sung and performed by Chicago’s E. Faye Butler, and was created as a call to action. It shows the humor, bravery, and activism of who Fannie Lou Hamer. The performance is about an hour with no intermission. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased on goodmantheatre.org.

A Chicago Tradition!

Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Millennium Park treelighting will be at 6 p.m. November 19 near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington St. This is the 108th annual event! The in-person event will feature Mariachi Herencia de Mexico, an excerpt from Chicago Opera Theater's "Becoming Santa Claus," the Kenwood School of Ballet and special guests Dreezy and Sister Claus. The viewing space is expanded with areas across the park and a main stage on the Great Lawn. After the treelighting, there will be fireworks and a special concert from 6:35 to 7:45 p.m. headlined by singer-songwriter Brian McKnight. Face masks are encouraged. This year's 51-foot tree was donated by the Benavides Family of Logan Square. Free to the public.

A Winter Classic!

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., will be opening for its 20th year on November 19! The ice ink will be open daily through March 6. This is great for anyone who loves ice-skating or wants to have a fun night with friends and family. Free beginner to intermediate skating and hockey lessons are available from 8-9 a.m. most Saturdays and Sundays. Momentum Coffee's hot drinks and snacks will be available. Admission is free, but online registration and tickets are required at millenniumparkiceskating.showare.com, which also lists skate rental prices.

Holiday Shopping Jump-start!

Millennium Park Art Market

Kick off your holiday shopping with 30 local artists selling jewelry, clothes, paintings, pottery, and more. The Art Market will feature works created by BUDDY, the Chicago Cultural Center and After School Matters. There will also be pop-up cafes and live music. Masks are required except when eating or drinking. Hours are 3-8 p.m. on November 19, 12-8 p.m. on November 20 and 12-5 p.m. on November 21 at 201 E. Randolph St. FREE.

Zodiac Lovers!

Astrology Poetry

The Chicago Public Library will host an Astrology Poetry night, 6:30-7:30 p.m. on November 15. This online event is open to the public. A writing and poetry workshop for astrology and zodiac lovers., it will offer writing prompts for each zodiac sign. This workshop is meant to help people learn more about themselves and their identities. Kwyn Townsend Riley, “Kwynology,” a local poet, writer, and blogger., author of ‘And She Wrote” and for “And She Will’, will lead the workshop. Please register at chipublib.org to access the Zoom link.

Filmmaker discussion!

‘The Translator’: Film Screening and Panel Discussion

Northwestern University's Buffett Institute for Global Affairs will host a screening and panel discussion on "The Translator" from 3-6:30 p.m. November 17 at the Buffett Event Space, 1800 Sherman Ave., Suite 3-000, Evanston. The film is the story of a political refugee illegally returning to Syria at the start of the Syrian Revolution and risking everything to free his brother from the Assad regime. Panelists will include "The Translator" filmmaker Rana Kazkaz; Simon Adams, president and CEO of The Center for Victims of Torture; Zayd Dohrn, playwright and co-director of the MFA in stage and screen writing at Northwestern; and NU Professor of Political Science Wendy Pearlman. FREE, but registration required at eventbrite, whether attending in person or virtually.

A Collaborative Performance!

‘Dawtas | Mirror, Mirror’

The Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., will present “Dawtas: Mirror, Mirror" performance from 4-6 p.m. on November 20. Jamaican artist Yasmin Spiro will lead this collaborative performance, featuring sculptures she has worked on for 15 years and dances from local performers. With music by DJ Major Taylor, this performance is inspired by Jamaican and Caribbean culture, and it pays tribute to Jamaican dancer and cultural historian Rex Nettleford. It covers topics of dance, spirituality, gender, history, and identity. A reggae dance session will follow the 40-minute performance for those who joined in person. The event is FREE, but registration is required at eventbrite.com for both online and in-person attendees.

-Compiled by Paige Bialik