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 Celebration of a Hero!

One Night Only: A Celebration of Román

The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., is celebrating Román Buenrostro’s life on October 5, from 3-6 p.m. Román Buenrostro was an activist for HIV/AIDS and served as co-founder of the Association for Latin Men for Action (ALMA) and the director of the AIDS Foundation Chicago. His activism started in 1989 by volunteering at STOP AIDS Chicago and grew from there. He went on to volunteer at Horizons Community Services and Erie Family Health, which led to Buenrostro being elected as an HIV-positive Community co-chair at Chicago Area HIV Integrated Services Council. Anyone interested in celebrating Román Buenrostro’s life can register for free at eventbrite.com. The Goodman Theatre kindly asks any guests to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. The family is also kindly asking for any donations to Howard Brown Health Center to try and name a room after Román Buenrostro.

Román Buenrostro

Be Creative!

Let’s Make Letters!

Are you interested in making your own font? Join Kelcey Gray on October 8 from 6-8 p.m., at You Are Beautiful, 3368 N. Elston Ave. Gray is a graphic designer from Texas who enjoys typography and letter making and has a published book called “Let’s Make Letters” that is all about exploring different artistic styles and helping people gain confidence with their graphic design skills. It is a fun way to create new designs and learn new skills. This event will include warm-up skills, learning how to distort letters, and create your own version of the alphabet. If interested please visit eventbrite.com to register for free.

Don't Get Spooked!

1931 ‘Dracula’ Movie Screening

The West Chicago Avenue Public Library, 4856 W. Chicago Ave., presents the classic movie “Dracula” (1931) on October 9 from 2-3:30 p.m. Dracula is rated TV-14 and is approximately 75 minutes long. The film is about a real estate agent named Reinfield who travels to Transylvania to arrange a purchase from Count Dracula. From there, Reinfield is bitten and turned into a vampire. This movie is suitable for all ages; however, some scenes depict a vampire biting someone's neck. “Dracula” is a great movie to get into the spirit of Halloween and get inspiration for your costume this year.

Local Art!

'Source Recursions': an exhibition combining art, dance & architecture

Don’t miss out on the last night of "Source Recursions" on October 9, from 6-9 p.m. at The Martin, 2500 W. Chicago Ave. "Source Recursions" is an exhibition that showcases a combination of art, dance, and architecture and aims to convey the deeper meaning of language that shapes our environment. In this hands-on experience, you can explore art throughout the neighborhood and enjoy live performances. The exhibit features works by Michelle Kranicke, Michael Workman, and Dave Sundry. Ticket purchases are on a donation basis, so give however much you can at eventbrite.com.

Comedic Opera!

‘The Elixir of Love’

No operatic hero is more endearing than Nemorino, who pines for the flirtatious Adina. She’s the owner of the town’s hotel; he’s her delightfully naive waiter. His only hope to win her is the “elixir” sold by the quack, Dr. Dulcamara — little does he know that it’s just Bordeaux wine! From start to finish we root for Nemorino, as Adina toys with him until she finally lets him know how she really feels. "Elixir" is opera’s most heartwarming comedy, filled with Donizetti’s delectable music that brings nonstop smiles. Sung in Italian with projected English texts. This production is a Chicago debut at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive. Showtimes are October 5 & October 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $39 at lyricopera.org.

The Elixir of Love

Craft & Beer!

Origami Fold and Sip

The Japanese Cultural Center is hosting an Origami Fold and Sip at Konbini and Kanpai, 1433 W. Belmont Ave., on October 7, from 6-8 p.m. At this free event, you will learn about origami, the Japanese art of folding paper into different shapes, and enjoy a free beer tasting! This event is open to all ages, but you must be 21 or older to partake in the beer tasting. There will be non-alcoholic beverages available, too. Ty Yamamoto, a photographer, filmmaker, and origami enthusiast, will be teaching the session. Ty has been an origami lover since a young child and started teaching online classes this past year. For more information and to register, please visit eventbrite.com.

Party On & Give Back!

8th Annual Purple Tie Affair: Concert & Silent Auction

E3 Radio is hosting its 8th Annual Purple Tie Affair on October 7 from 7-11 p.m. at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. Anna DeShawn is the CEO and founder of E3 Radio, who decided to celebrate her 30th birthday by creating a fundraiser for some of her favorite non-profit organizations. The Purple Tie Affair will showcase local musicians, drag queens, and silent auction items. This year’s proceeds will go to Sisters in Cinema, a non-profit organization that helps educate and support young Black women and girls to become media makers. General Admission tickets cost $35, and VIP tickets cost $45. Tickets can be purchased at e3radio.fm/the-purple-tie-affair/.

Genre Melding!

‘The 120 Project’ - an exploration in Jazz and House music

“The 120 Project” is a free concert that reflects on social issues through jazz and house music, playing on October 7, from 4-7 p.m., at the Black Wall Street Journey Pop-Up Gallery by Dorian Sylvain, 314 E. 51st St. Musicians include Corey Wilkes and Vick Lavender. Wilkes is a world-renowned jazz musician who is known for composing and producing music. Lavender is the CEO of Sophisticado Recordings, which fuzes a blend of jazz and funk with deep, soulful house and a splash of Caribbian rhythms. This event will showcase jazz, house, and a collaboration with other musicians. To register for this event, visit eventbrite.com.

Buy Local!

Back on the Block: L1 Grand Opening & Arts + Public Life 10th Anniversary

Arts+Public Life (APL) invites you to join them on October 9 from 1-5 p.m. to celebrate the grand opening of L1 Art’s Retail Store and its 10th anniversary. Arts+Public Life is a community for artists in South Side Chicago that centers on helping people of color channel their inner creativity and lets them showcase their artistic talents. APL also provides residency for artists of color, teaches youth art classes, and showcases artists-led exhibitions. APL is helping launch L1, a creative business and retail shop, located at 319 E. Garfield Blvd., under the Green Line, inside the first “L” station. L1 will showcase small businesses owners' products such as Hemp Heals Body Shop, ReformedSchool, Solo Noir for Men, and Zen Soul Apothecary. There will be live music, store specials, and free giveaways. To register for free, visit eventbrite.com.

L1 Art’s Retail Store

-Compiled by Paige Bialik