Arts and Entertainment Recommendations

Jazz For All!

Englewood Jazz Festival

The Englewood Jazz Festival is deeply rooted in the community, and performances there reflect the rich cultural heritage of Englewood. The festival’s goal is to support and increase the musical resources of the community while connecting the past and present through music, mentoring, and an exchange of intergenerational knowledge. Rain or shine, this show-stopping event will be September 14-17 at Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St., beginning Wednesday at 4:30-6:30 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair to this free event, and listen in on talented performers such as Ernest Dawkins (pictured) on "Tim Black Blacker than Black," Makaya McCraven, Endea Owens, and more! Visit englewoodjazzfest.org for more information on all of the performers and events.

Film Festival!

Aladerri International Film Festival

Film fans rejoice, and come on over to Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., to the Aladerri International Film Festival (AIFF). AIFF is an IMDb Award listing qualifier, whose focus is on celebrating "short films" over the course of several days. The festival gives various talented filmmakers a chance to showcase their inspiring and impactful work. AIFF will feature both national and international films by a mixture of both established and emerging artists who show a passion for the art. Along with sharing great stories from independent filmmakers, those attending AIFF will be given a chance to participate in a Q&A with on-site filmmakers. The festival runs from September 16-18. You can find more information, including official selections, schedule, and ticket prices, at www.aladerrifilmfestival.com.

Architecture Celebration!

DESIGNIGHT

Appreciate the architecture of this sweeping city? Why not attend a celebration of just that. On Monday, September 12 from 6 - 9 p.m., head for the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., for DESIGNIGHT: Celebrating Chicago’s Architectural Excellence. Hosted by the American Institute of Architects, this will be the premiere for this architectural celebration. The festival will celebrate the global design achievements of AIA Chicago members and the projects they’ve worked on, large and small. Design Excellence Awards will be awarded to the AIA Chicago members during this evening hosted by Peter Sagal. Come join in on this informational, comedic, free event, and learn all about the newest architecture both in this community and around the world.

Resilience Through Art!

Prince Nikolaos’ Photography Exhibit at the National Hellenic Museum

The world premiere of Prince Nikolaos’ major photography exhibition, “Resilience,” opens September 16 at the National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted St. “Greece’s past, present and future is intertwined and inextricably linked with nature. The recent pandemic has changed how we view the physical world and our space within it, and has forced us to go back to our origins to find inspiration,” says curator Marilena Koutsoukou. The central piece of the show, a mosaic of photos and upcycled ocean plastic debris titled “Sea Cred,” raises awareness of oceanic pollution. The exhibition will also feature “Together,” (pictured) life-size illuminated, embracing olive trees. Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. through December 30, $10.

Latinx Voices!

Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival

Presented by the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance, the citywide fifth annual Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, is unlike any other in the Midwest! Destinos puts various Latinx voices front and center on Chicago stages downtown and in various neighborhoods around the city in exuberant theatrical performances. From drama to comedy, there will certainly be something that will catch your attention. The festival will run through October 16, and the list of performances can be found at clata.org.

From Musical to Opera!

'Fiddler on the Roof'

World famous opera director Barrie Kosky’s production of the classic “Fiddler on the Roof” will be taking stage at the Lyric Opera House starting September 17. The play is described as a “completely original and unique experience created from the revered, Tony Award-winning masterpiece.” This take on "Fiddler" is one that you are sure to never forget, whether it’s the first time you’re enjoying the musical, or not. Experience the story of Tevye, his wife Golde, and their five daughters, accompanied by the full power of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus. $40+ at www.lyricopera.org until October 7.

The Life of a Legend!

Author Talk: David Maraniss

On Monday, September 12 at 6:30 pm, The Book Stall (811 Elm St., Winnetka) will host prizewinning journalist and acclaimed author David Maraniss as he discusses his newest biography. “Path Lit by Lightning” follows the life of Native American sports star Jim Thorpe (pictured). Maraniss will also discuss the book with bookseller and historian Jon Grand. Tickets start at $32.69 and include a copy of the book, available at www.thebookstall.com.

Pulitzer Prize Winning!

‘Stew’

Shattered Globe Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of “Stew.” The Tucker women are up early to prepare an important meal, or at least that’s what Mama says. As the day wears on, tensions simmer inside and around Mama’s kitchen. Zora Howard’s award-winning play is a hilarious and haunting drama that explores the unbreakable bond between kinswomen and reveals the power that loss holds over our lives when we refuse to share it with others. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sundays through October 22 at Theatre Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets start at $15 at sgtheatre.org/stew.

Healing Laughter!

‘Arsenic and Old Lace’

Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson directs this American classic as Court Theatre's season opener September 2-October 2, bringing some much-needed dark humor and healing laughter to the stage. Mild-mannered sisters Martha and Abby live in their spacious Victorian home in a quiet neighborhood in Brooklyn with their eccentric nephew. Famed for their hospitality, they are adored by their neighbors. But when their other nephew discovers his aunts' macabre secrets, a hilarious chain of events ensues in this character-driven farce. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Wed-Sun, 2 p.m. Sun and 2 p.m. Sat, Sept 17, 24 and Oct 1 at 5535 S. Ellis Ave. in Hyde Park. Masks are optional, but strongly encouraged. More information and tickets at CourtTheatre.org.

Coming of Age!

‘Girlfriend’

The Chicago premiere of the musical “Girlfriend,” by Todd Almond and Matthew Sweet, plays at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sundays through September 25 at Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broaday. Based on Sweet’s album of the same name, the play is set in Nebraska in the ’90s. Will, a bit of a social outcast, and Mike, the popular football player, figure out that there is more to life than what high school has taught them. Days after graduation, they explore their relationship and begin to ask themselves where their lives begin. Tickets are $35 at pridearts.org.