ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Shop Local!

Live Love Shop Rogers Park

The nonprofit Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA) announces that its annual Live Love Shop Rogers Park holiday rebate program becomes virtual this year, kicking off on Small Business Saturday, November 28. Dozens of unique independent businesses in the neighborhood will offer special discounts and promotions both in-store and online from November 28 through December 31. Customers who shop at independently owned Rogers Park stores are eligible for a rebate based on the total amount spent. Those who collect $150 or more in receipts will receive a $50 rebate, and those with receipts totaling

$200 or more will receive a $75 rebate. A virtual holiday kickoff hosted at XO Marshmallow will take place on Small Business Saturday, November

28, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. live on RPBA’s Instagram account (@rogersparkba). During the live stream, shoppers will meet local businesses while learning about their special offers for Small Business Saturday and the holiday season. For more information and official rebate rules, visit rpba.org/live-love-shop.

Limited Run!

'The Bowmakers'

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO) presents the Midwest premiere of the new, feature-length documentary "The Bowmakers," debuting Thanksgiving Day for 11 days only, November 26 – December 6. A live Zoom conversation featuring the film’s director Ward Serrill and other filmmakers takes place Friday, December 4, at 6:30 p.m. and is free to the public with advance registration required. Early bird tickets for the film are $15 and are now available for purchase at ipomusic.org. The price increases to $18 on Thanksgiving. Those who wish to elevate their cinematic experience and live in the Chicago Southland region have the option to purchase a dinner delivery package as well. Proceeds for the “Dinner and a Movie” package provide much needed funds to make future events, broadcasts, and concerts possible. The Bowmakers follows the journey of the “Cinderella” of the orchestra, the bow—the overworked and overshadowed ally to its more glamorous instrumental partners. The film is an artful exploration of one of the most esoteric corners of the music world, the art of bowmaking, as unknown to the public as it is essential to professional musicians.

A Holiday Tradition!

Goodman Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ Audio Play

As the holiday season approaches in Chicago amid a global pandemic, Goodman Theatre is partnering with public media stations WBEZ 91.5 FM and Vocalo 91.1 FM to bring its iconic Chicago tradition to Chicagoland homes this year. WBEZ and Vocalo will broadcast Goodman Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol” audio play in two special airings on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Directed by Jessica Thebus and starring Larry Yando in his 13th year as Ebenezer Scrooge, the Goodman’s 43rd annual production of Charles Dickens’ classic has been recreated especially for audio consumption—voiced by an all-Chicago cast of 19 and featuring the show’s signature soundscape. The audio production will broadcast on WBEZ 91.5 FM and Vocalo 91.1 FM over the Christmas holiday—Thursday, December 24, at 3 p.m. and Friday, December 25, at 11 a.m. The production streams FREE December 1 – 31 on GoodmanTheatre.org

Local Artist

EAC Exhibition: Barbara L. Sykes: Ethereal Abstractions

"Ethereal Abstractions" is a solo watercolor painting series that premieres at the Evanston Art Center (1717 Central St., Evanston) through December 20. The paintings are colorful abstractions reminiscent of organic shapes, evocative impressions of the spiritual and elemental worlds. The paintings were created by Barbara L. Sykes, who was born into a family of artists, designers and inventors. Sykes became one of Chicago’s pioneering video and new media artists, known for her tapes, multimedia installations and performances. She established herself as an independent video producer, exhibition curator, and teacher. This exhibition includes her collaborations with Tom DeFanti and their first, live computer performance together. Sykes began her painting career in 2017. In 2019, she was chosen by the Evanston Art Center Exhibition Committee for a solo watercolor exhibition, “Ethereal Abstractions." Social distancing protocols will be followed. For more information, please visit evanstonartcenter.org

Virtual Sightseeing

Virtual Holiday Happy Hour

Chicago Detours is taking viewers to the city’s most beloved holiday landmarks and hidden gems, all while telling the historical stories that celebrate Chicago’s festive spirit. The hour-long “Virtual Holiday Stories Happy Hour” will stream live on Zoom beginning November 27, with virtual events taking place Mondays at 6 p.m., Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 4 p.m., through Dec. 28. Instead of having to navigate a trip to one or two attractions, participants can experience bits and pieces of all that the city typically has to offer during the holidays. The expert event host narrates a virtual tour down State Street along with Google Maps 360-degree street views. Sights range from The Palmer House to view the lobby decorations, to Macy’s on State Street to gaze at the window displays and visit the Walnut Room’s Great Tree, to catching a glimpse of the Magnificent Mile’s Lights Festival, Art on theMART and more. Hidden gems of Chicago neighborhood life include Simon's of Andersonville, the CTA Holiday Train, the history of Kwanzaa in Chicago, the Mexican La Posada tradition of Chicago and the Toys for Tots massive motorcycle parade that crosses the South and North Sides: about 20 stories in all. Tickets for the “Virtual Holiday Stories Happy Hour” are $20 / $35 per household and can be purchased www.chicagodetours.com/virtual-tours/holiday-event/

American History!

'Sacagawea: Adventures with Lewis and Clark' Recording

This virtual event will be hosted by the Prospect Heights Public Library through November 30 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily (except on Thanksgiving). Martina Mathisen, performing as Sacagawea, will immerse you into her life, experiences and journey into the Louisiana Purchase. FREE. To register, visit: www.phpl.info/

Holiday Lights!

Let It Shine: Drive-Thru Light Show

Located at Northbrook Court Mall (1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook), this light show will allow families to experience a holiday season tradition in a safe way. Let It Shine is excited to present a wonderland of smart pixel LEDs, all synchronized to your favorite holiday classics. This event will take place through January 9 (closed Christmas Day) from 4:30 - 10 p.m. Tickets are sold for 30-minute increments starting at $29.99. For more information, visit: www.eventbrite.com/o/let-it-shine-31281779303

-Compiled by Dave Hamilton, Suzanne Hanney & Nina Rothschild