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

A Celebrated Film!

Wes Anderson: ‘The French Dispatch’ Film Showing

The Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., is showing “The French Dispatch,” a film by Wes Anderson, on October 13 at 7 p.m. Wes Anderson is an American filmmaker known for his unique, symmetrical, and aesthetically pleasing film styling. The film brings to life a collection of stories from the final issue of an American magazine published in a fictional 20th-century French city. It stars Benicio del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Léa Seydoux, Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, Lyna Khoudri, Jeffrey Wright, Mathieu Amalric, Stephen Park, Bill Murray and Owen Wilson. This movie is rated R but has been described as a 20th-century historical comedy. “The French Dispatch” is part of the International Film Festival in Chicago. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased at chicagofilmfestival.com.

Indigenous Rhythms!

Indigenous Peoples' Day Concert

Old Town School of Folk Music is hosting a free Indigenous People’s Day Concert on October 13 at 8:30 p.m. The concert will take place at the Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, inside the Old Town School of Folk Music at 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. The purpose of this concert is to change Columbus Day into Indigenous People’s Day. It will include performances from Indigenous musicians, such as OPLIAM (pictured), NuFolk Rebel Alliance featuring Eugene Hütz (Gogol Bordello), Huguito Gutierrez, and Armando Bakle. They will also teach about Indigenous history and spreading awareness about how important this day is. This concert is important to many Indigenous people because it helps raise awareness of many problems their communities face as a result of colonization and also helps bring people together. To reserve a spot, please visit oldtownschool.org or call 773.728.6000. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required.

Alluring Fundraising!

‘Breast in Show: A Burlesque Breast Cancer Fundraiser Show'

The Newport Theatre in Links Hall, 956 W. Newport Ave., is hosting the 3rd annual “Breast In Show: A Burlesque Breast Cancer Fundraiser Show” on October 12 at 8 p.m. The women behind this fundraiser are Ramona Mourir (pictured) and Greta Von Tapp, who are both burlesque dancers and survivors of breast cancer. They teamed up to help raise money for nonprofit organizations such as Recovery on Water and Surviving Breast Cancer. This fundraiser will be in 3D, as they are finally able to hold the event in person and on their 3rd anniversary! The Newport Theatre is asking for anyone who attends to provide proof of being fully vaccinated. Tickets can be purchased for $20 on eventbrite.com.

Drag Brunch!

Jerry Tales: A Storytime Soirée with Drag Queens

Jerry’s Sandwiches, 4739 N. Lincoln Ave., is hosting a brunch and storytime soirée with drag queens on October 17 from 10 a.m. - noon. Ginger Forest will be hosting this event, with food and a full bar available. It is a family friendly event open to everyone of all ages. Reservations are highly recommended, as this is a popular event, so you can call Jerry’s Sandwiches at 872-208-6264. This is a great way to end the weekend by eating yummy sandwiches, watching a drag show, and spending time with family and friends.

Singing the Blues!

Logan Center Bluesfest

The third annual Logan Center Bluesfest is back on the weekend of October 15-17! On Friday, the Bluesfest goes from 5:30-9:30 p.m., on Saturday the times are 2:30-9:30, and on Sunday from 7-9:30 p.m. You can spend your weekend at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at The University of Chicago, 915 E. 60th St. This Bluesfest will not have you feeling blue! This event will showcase South Side blues musicians both in-person and online. The lineup for Bluesfest includes concerts from Daughters and Sons of the Blues and Bobby Rush (pictured). There will be interviews with Rick Kogan and Paul Natkin, book signings with Bobby Rush, and “Always the Queen: The Denise LaSalle Story.” The Logan Center Bluesfest is a great way to listen and learn about Blues music. For more information and to purchase tickets for $10, please visit logancenterblues.org.

Genre Fusion!

Mykal Kilgore

The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave., presents Mykal Kilgroe on October 14, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Kilgore is a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter who combines gospel, country, and R&B music. Kilgore was able to gain the attention of Billy Porter at an audition. From there, Billy Porter became a mentor to Kilgore and encouraged him to star on Broadway. His broad range has encompassed musicals such as "The Wiz Live" and singing with gospel groups. He recently released his debut album, A Man Born Black, which covers themes of faith, loss, and growing up. General admission tickets cost $15 at mykalkilgore.com.

Exploring Colonialism

‘Passage’

The UIC Theatre and Music Tv, 1044 W. Harrison St., present “Passage,” a play about colonialism on October 13 at 7 p.m. “Passage” is inspired by the film, “A Passage to India.” It discusses themes of colonialism in the past and present, and making human connections. The plot focuses on Q moving to Country X and realizing how much better it is than Country Y. Q wants to meet the native Country X-ers and live an authentic life there. However, Country X is fed up with Country Y-ers invading their homeland and taking over their land. Christopher Chen, the playwright of “Passage,” tries to answer the question of making human connections in an unjust world. General admission tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at uictheatreandmusic.live.

Yoga & Views!

Rooftop Silent Disco Yoga

This is your last chance to go to Rooftop Silent Disco Yoga! On October 17, from 10-11:30 a.m., The Ace Hotel, 311 N. Morgan St., is hosting a silent disco yoga. It is a great way to start your day and enjoy the good weather while it lasts! Amber Cook will teach this class. At the start of class, you will be provided with a set of wireless headphones that are synced up to the DJ. DJ Alissa Jo will be the DJ for this class, and she specializes in deep house music. Please bring your own mat and water bottle to this class and maybe even a sweater in case it is chilly outside. Tickets cost $27 and can be purchased at acehotel.com under the Goings-on section.

For the Children!

Red Jacket Optional

The Chicago Children's Choir is hosting its annual Red Jacket Optional fundraiser on October 16 at 6 p.m. This will be their 65th anniversary and their first time in-person in the last two years. Chicago Children’s Choir is a non-profit organization that encourages kids in Chicago to make a difference in their community through music. It was founded in Hyde Park as a result of the Civil Rights Movement, and has grown immensely over the years, now offering in-school and afterschool programs. There will be cocktails, dinner, and a concert at The Geraghty, 2520 S. Hoyne Ave. The concert includes performances from Kurt Elling, Natalie Bergman, the Chicago Children’s Choir, and many more. For more information and to purchase tickets please visit rjo.ccchoir.org.

-Compiled by Paige Bialik