Looptopia Returns For Another Go-Round
By Marcus Gilmer in Arts & Entertainment on May 2, 2008 4:06PM
The Dusk til Dawn Cultural and Artistic Celebration that is Looptopia is upon us once again. Even though last year was sort of a let down, there was still plenty of cool stuff that happened and we've got hopes this year will be better, especially after officials said they'd scale things down and be better prepared for the crowd. Bank of America or no Bank of America, the show must go on. For a full schedule, click here or pick up one of their comprehensive brochures at various business establishments around the Loop. We're keeping an eye on the the weather and hoping it doesn't throw too big of a wrench into plans.
There's plenty afoot (hundreds of artists, dozens of locations, etc.) but check out a few that caught our eye after the jump.
One note - to stay after midnight, you'll have to procure a (free) Late Night Wristband at one of the many information booths located around the Loop.
Performance Art
The Rubber Monkey Puppet Company will perform their crazy shadow puppetry and percussion in the Nordstrom Storefront windows (24 State St.) from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Those amazing acrobats from Cirque du Soleil will be roaming the entire Loop from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. performing KOOZA Kite Action, where kite flyers will interact with dancers and acrobats as they move in character through the crowds. (Good luck with those kites in this weather, guys.)
Do you like breakdancing? Of course you do. So go see local breakdancing troupe Brickheadz throw it down Electric Bugaloo style at the Seventeenth Church of Christ Scientist, Chicago (55 E. Wacker) from 5:30 - 5:40 p.m. and 7:30 - 7:40 p.m.
Comedy
Comedy group and Friends of Chicagoist Schadenfreude will perform "How To Be A Cowboy" at The Fine Arts Building (410 S. Michigan Ave) from 6:15 - 6:30 p.m. and 6:45 - 7:00 p.m.
The popular musical comedy troupe The Cupid Players, will perform selections from their hit show "Cupid Has A Heart On" at the The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 E. Congress Parkway) from 1:40 - 2:30 a.m.
Music
Chicagoist faves May or May Not will be playing a whopping 30 minute set at Daley Plaza (Washington & Dearborn) from 7:20 - 7:50 p.m.
If Broadway is more your thing, check out the "Broadway in Chicago Cabaret," featuring performances from the cast of Wicked, Jersey Boys, and Shout! at the Palmer Hilton House (17 E. Monroe) from 11:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
Film
Look at Rubbish will present a Midnight Film Fest of short films at the Depaul Center (25 E. Jackson) from 12:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.
Flashpoint Academy will present a series of new student films at the First United Methodist Church at The Chicago Temple (77 W. Washington) from 2:00 a.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Readings
If you're looking for family-friendly late-night entertainment, there will be a reading of favorite children's stories at First United Methodist Church at The Chicago Temple (77 W. Washington) from 12:45 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Wacky Miscellaneous Stuff
The Chicago Architecture Foundation (224 S. Michigan) will feature models of the Hancock Tower, the Trump Tower, and the Sears Tower MADE OUT OF LEGOS. Hell yes, we say. Adam Reed Tucker of Brickstructures Inc. will also be building a model of Marina City throughout the night so be sure to check it out from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Local bluegrass favorites Tangleweed will throw down some bluegrass jams at Downtown Hoe-Down. They'll be joined by a traditional dance caller who will teach you, the audience, the moves of square dancing. Check out the fun at Daley Plaza (Washington & Dearborn) from 8:00 - 9:30 p.m.
And if you have any energy left at the end of it all, head down to Millennium Park at 5:00 a.m. where Elegant Mr. Gallery invites the entire city to come play a giant game of Hide and Go Seek.