12 Of Our Favorite Events This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 21, 2015 3:08PM
Solarise launches on Wednesday. Photo via Garfield Park Conservatory's website.
We've found 12 awesome events to help make your work-week a little less boring.
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21
DOWNLOAD RIGHT NOW: Ryan Adams covered Taylor Swift's 1989—lord knows why, but we're not gonna question this move of his—and he just released the results today. We got a sneak listen over the weekend and hoo boy is it good. He made T-swizzle proud. Grab it here.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22
LIVE PODCAST TAPING: We’ve touted the excellence of the Chicago appearances of the Slate Political Gabfest in the past, so it shouldn’t surprise you we’re just as excited it’s younger sibling The Slate Cultural Gabfest is making it’s Chicago debut this week. The weekly podcast features Slate editor-in-chief Julia Turner, movie critic Dana Stevens and critic at large Stephen Metcalf. Each episode grapples with topics both high and low culture, dealing with every one with thoughtful discourse shot through with sharp wit and delicious insight. They roll into town to tape this week’s episode at the Music Box, 3733 N. Southport Ave., at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $25.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23
LIGHT INSTALLATION: Solarise: a sea of all colors launches today at the Garfield Park Conservatory. The light art installation from Luftwerk (the team behind Luminous Field at the Bean in 2012) will be on display with several different pieces across the many greenhouses for the next year. The Conservatory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday evenings until 8 p.m. and admission is free year round.
ROCK CONCERT: Heartless Bastards released their fifth album, Restless Ones, this June and tonight they make the Chicago stop on their tour at Metro. Led by the deep vocals of Erica Wennerstrom, this rock band crosses garage rock and blues into an affecting musical attack. Alberta Cross opens. Tickets are $20 ($22.50 day of). 8:30 p.m., 18+
TOMATO DINNER: Sit down for a special Heirloom Tomato Dinner at Osteria Via Sato with Nick Nichols from Nichols Farm & Orchard. Guests will have the opportunity to talk with Nichols while enjoying passed appetizers before sitting down for dinner. 6:30 p.m. $68 per person plus tax and gratuity.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24
John Hodgman, photo by Bex Finch
COMEDY: Funny guy John Hodgman (The Daily Show, Judge John Hodgman Podcast) brings his latest one-human show, Vacationland, to Thalia Hall. Among the topics to be discussed are the evolutionary purpose of the weird dad mustache and other ambiguities of life. Tickets are $25 in advance ($28 door). 9 p.m., 17+
BURGER BENEFIT: It’s cops against firemen in the Pig Out For Charity burger eating competition at 25 Degrees. Funds raised go to the 100 Club which provides emotional and financial support for the families of fallen first responders. The annual event features live music from Chicago Players, raffles and open bar and eats from 25 Degrees. Tickets are $30 in advance ($40 door). 6:30 to 10 p.m.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25
BREAKDANCE: Classical music meets breakdance in Red Bull Flying Bach at the Chicago Theatre. The innovative performance pairs four-time World Breakdance Champions Flying Steps with renowned opera director Christoph Hagel for a groundbreaking show. Tickets start at $29.50. Shows are at 8 p.m. tonight, 8 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday.
ROCK BENEFIT: Rock in Chicago hosts “Songs For Shelter” tonight at Red Line Tap. Faces of the Bog, Psycho Sister, Jan King & Medicine Ball and White Night Satellite will all play to raise funds for Teen Living Programs, a non-profit that provides support for Chicago’s homeless and vulnerable youth. $5 suggested donation. 7 p.m.
WRITING CONFERENCE: Channeling your inner Salinger? Head on over to The Chicago Writers Conference this weekend for inspiration through workshops and panels while connecting with other writers and publishers. This year’s talks feature award-winning authors like Karen Abbott (Sin in the Second City) and Rebecca Makkai (Music for Wartime). Conference admission is $300.
CLASSIC ALTERNATIVE ROCK: Revisit some of your favorite alternative tunes from the '80s and '90s with 10,000 Maniacs at the Beverly Arts Center. The band may be best known for songs like “These Are The Days” and “Candy Everybody Wants,” but they’re still making music with a new album out this year. Tickets are $36-$40.
OKTOBERFEST CRUISE: “Beers, Brats & Boats” are what you’ll find on this special Oktoberfest cruise by Shoreline. Paulina Market serves up a traditional German dinner with brews are provided by Leinenkugel and Revolution Brewing. Music from Euro-Express. 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $49 and include a souvenir stein.