Pencil This In
By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 9, 2008 4:00PM
The listed events were chosen by the editors of Chicagoist and brought to you by the
2009 Toyota Corolla.
Here's a "Top Chef" spoiler for you: tonight's episode was taped at the 2007 Celebrity Chef Ball. The annual event at Macy's, whose proceeds go to support Meals on Wheels Chicago, raised over $200,000 last year. Tonight you can catch a preview of the episode at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap, which is hosting the kickoff party to the 2008 ball. The $15 admission includes appetizers from Jake Melnick's, Goose Island Beer, and drink specials concocted for the event.
49 E. Superior, 6-9 p.m.
World Music
Burkina Electric bills themselves as "the first electronic band from Burkina Faso." With members living in New York, Düsseldorf, and Burkina Faso's capital of Ouagadougou, the band combines West African dance, contemporary electronic music and high energy performance into a riveting live show. Unlike other bands such as Orchestra Baobab, Amadou Et Mariam and Kekele, Burkina Electric borrows from the past while at the same time attempting to expand their overall sound, using rhythms fans of African dance music might not normally associate with the general style. Burkina Electric performs this evening at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
4544 N. Lincoln, 8:30 p.m.
Improvised and New Creative Music
Ken Vandermark's weekly Immediate Sound Series at Hideout continues the exploration and embrace of avant garde jazz and new improvised music he started long ago at Empty Bottle and helped earn Vandermark a MacArthur Genius grant. This evening's concert features a quartet fronted by cornet player Rob Mazurek (Chicago Underground Duo/Trio), Kevin Drumm on electronics, Jason Stein on bass clarinet and Tortoise drummer John Herndon.
1354 W. Wabansia, 9:30 p.m., $6.
Beer and Wine
If traveling to Winnetka yesterday to see Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione and wine educator Marnie Old debate the merits of beer over wine (or vice versa) you don't have as far to travel this evening. they'll be at Lush Wine and Spirits' University Village location for a book signing of He Said Beer, She Said Wine, but only copies bought at Lush will be signed.
1306 S. Halsted, 7-9 p.m.
Photo of Burkina Electric from the group's Myspace page.