GCM_VIBE_011525 by Wednesday Journal

CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS

Candlelight Concer t Series to Illuminate Oak Park with a mesmerizing Coldplay tribute, fusing classical masterpieces and iconic pop hits

returns to Oak Park with Coldplay Tribute

By: Hector Cervantes Contributing Reporter

Fever’s enchanting Candlelight Concert series returns to the Arts Center of Oak Park from Jan. 11 to Feb. 26, featuring a Coldplay tribute performed by the Metropolis String Quartet.

The tentative program for the Coldplay tribute includes hits like “Clocks,” “Fix You,” “Paradise,” and “Yellow,” along with “Something Just Like This,” “My Universe,” and more.

Candlelight is a series of live concerts produced by Fever since 2019 to democratize the access to classical music. This innovative format offers a unique musical experience through a diverse selection of programs, catering to all tastes.

Performed by talented local musicians in iconic venues illuminated by thousands of candles, Candlelight creates an immersive and intimate atmosphere. The Candlelight brand is present in over 150 cities worldwide and has delighted millions of guests since its launch.

“Candlelight draws in a broad audience, including those who may have never considered attending a classical music concert. Audiences can connect with the masterpieces of composers like Vivaldi, Mozart and Chopin, while also enjoying fresh interpretations of popular hits from artists like Queen, ABBA, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran,” Fever spokesperson Amanda Boucault said.

not only a testament to Chicago’s rich artistic heritage but also offers an intimate and visually stunning setting that enhances the audience’s connection to the music,” Boucault said.

Boucalt explains that a crucial aspect of Candlelight’s charm lies in venue selection, which plays a central role in creating the intimate and enchanting atmosphere that defines the experience.

“When selecting venues for Candlelight, we consider several factors: the venue’s historical significance and what it represents for the city, its accessibility to ensure convenience for attendees, and technical aspects such as the acoustics and lighting quality. The venues are deliberately chosen to transcend traditional performance spaces, providing extraordinary settings that enhance the appeal of classical music,” Boucault said.

When engaging with the community to promote these events, Fever believes engaging with the community is a cornerstone of Candlelight’s success.

“Our approach is centered on adapting the global concept to resonate with local audiences. In each city, including Chicago, we work to understand local tastes by leveraging data analysis and community feedback. This insight helps us design events that pay tribute to locally acclaimed musicians, fostering a deeper connection with the audience,” Boucalt said.

Thousands of candles illuminate the space, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere that enhances the listening experience. This visually stunning setup has captivated and amazed millions of people worldwide, proving that the uniqueness of Candlelight lies in the ambiance it creates When asked why was the Arts Center of Oak Park chosen as the venue for this specific concert, Boucault responded with because it exemplifies the perfect blend of cultural significance and architectural beauty that Candlelight seeks to highlight with its performances.

“This magnificent Neoclassical gem is

In order to balance Coldplay’s older and newer works to create a cohesive experience, Fever’s curation team regularly reviews feedback from attendees, local musicians and data analytics to update setlists, aligning with audience preferences and incorporating the latest artist releases

“Staying attuned to both audience expectations and the evolution of the artists’ music, we create dynamic and relevant programs that resonate across generations and keep each performance fresh and memorable,” Boucault said.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.feverup.com/m/185955.

Love and Laughs with Michelle Buteau

Star t the year with humor and romance from the comfor t of your own home.

By Dalal Or fali Vibe Assistant Editor

Illinois Libraries Present is bringing Love and Laughs with Michelle Buteau to the Forest Park Public Library this January. The show will be streamed online, with Michelle Buteau delivering her signature relationship humor—perfectly timed as the new year begins and Valentine’s Day proaches.

statewide collaboration of 213 braries, coordinates bringing nationally acclaimed speakers, authors, journalists, chef novelists, and pe for audiences. These ev for nities, make highprofile cultural and educational experiences accessible.

communities may not otherwise have an opportunity to hear them speak.”

“This is the first time Forest Park is hosting Michelle Buteau, and it’s also a first for Illinois Libraries Present,” Lavin noted.

bring in fabulous, really outstanding speakers who are beyond the ken of what any individual library could do because of speaker fees and the desirability of the speakers. So, together, we have more power,” said Skye Lavin, manager of adult services at Forest Park Public Library. Lavin explained that participating libraries sign up for a season or annual subscription to ILP’s programming.

“It’s Forest Park Public Library’s fourth season with ILP, a collaboration that has been going on for four years,” Lavin added. “They are brilliant and really popular folks that have nationwide prestige, and our patrons, our

Buteau is an actress, producer, and the creator, writer, and star of Survival of the Thickest, a Netflix series inspired by her autobio graphical book of essays with the same title. The New Jersey-born comedian, whose parents are of Caribbean descent, won the Critics’ Choice Best Comedy Special Welcome to BuAccording to the on the Public Michelle Buteau will Greta Johnsen, an interr and podcast for her 11-year tenure Nerdette podcast. Johnsen is also a contributor to podcasts such as Pop Culture Happy Hour and City Cast.

Keep an eye on ILP and Forest Park Public Library’s calendars for more events like this.

When you re gister for Love and Laughs with Michelle Buteau, you’ll receive a Zoom link to attend the show. If you’re re gistered but unable to attend live, you’ll gain access to a recording of the event, available for 30 days, offering added flexibility. This event takes place Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. You can re gister at Forest Park Public Library’s Event Calendar or directly at bit.ly/ILP_MichelleButeau.

Michelle Butea u Provided

Dry January Done Right: top spots for

By DALAL ORFALI Vibe assistant editor

Dry January is a challenge to kick off the new year away from alcohol. The behaviorchanging trend has been around since 2012, and depending on how much you used to drink before, studies have shown improvement in overall health within these first four weeks of the year if you join the challenge. Interested in joining but still want to hold a cool drink in your hand? Here is a collection of spots serving special hand-crafted mocktails.

BERWYN

Autre Monde Café

Their mocktail menu won’t let you miss out on the fun. Try Virgin Blood Orange Gimlet, N/A Gin and Tonic, and N/A Spritz.

■ 6727 W Roosevelt Rd., 708-775-8122

■ Visit www.autremondecafe.net

Fitzgerald’s

The old standby offers three spirit-free cocktails on its menu that include intriguing ingredients such as gochujang shrub and turmeric.

■ 6615 Roosevelt Rd., 708-788-2118

■ Visit www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com

BROADVIE W

The View Restaurant

There is something for everyone in this restaurant. Take It Easy and Bad Sisters are among their mocktail collection.

■ 1701 Roosevelt Rd., 708-540-8439

■ Visit theview1701.com

FOREST PARK

Shanahan’s

Shanahan’s has the most impressi of non-alcoholic beverages that fits all tastes including N/A wine, beer and mocktails, so make sure you try the Hurricane and Hot Toddy once you’re in.

■ 7353 Madison St., 708-366-0775

■ Visit shanahans.net

Rober t’s West Side

The live music venue and neighborhood bar is offering a spicy N/A mar Travels, a drink made of lemon juic

beer, hibiscus and grenadine juice. It also offers hot cocoa.

■ 7321 Madison St., 708-689-0486

■ Visit robertswestside.com

GARFIELD PARK , CHIC AG O

Gar eld Park Conser vator y

O.k. we concede that you can’t drink here. But if you need something fun to do, the

LAGRANGE

Kama Bistro

Enjoy a traditional Mango Lassi, or go wild with the Golden Elixir made of fresh ginger and turmeric root and sweetened with agave and a hint of mint and lemon.

■ 9 LaGrange Rd., 708-352-3300

■ Visit www.kamabistro.com