14 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 11, 2016 3:11PM
There's lots going on this week, including RiRi herself—Rihanna—at the United Center on Friday.
MONDAY APRIL 11
BENEFIT CONCERT: Local musicians Sunken Ships, Dorian Taj and Ross Dimun & Anthony Rubino are holding a benefit concert for two young girls with Goldenhar Syndrome at Live Wire at 8 p.m. Amber and Jade are the twin daughters of Brandon "Sugarfoot" Thron, a buddy of the bands', and their condition includes numerous birth defects that they've needed many surgeries to correct. All donations at the door will go towards their medical bills.
SPAZ ROCK: Daniel Pujol caught our attention a while ago, and every time we've seen him perform in his band, cleverly named PUJOL, we've walked away sweaty and exhausted. His albums are generally stuffed with spastic, rowdy rockers, and the songs grow even larger in size and sound onstage. Last year's Kisses EP was a bit of a departure for Pujol, mixing spoken word with more languid rockers, so we're curious to see whether any of that material will be adapted for his frenetic live set. PUJOL plays Monday night at The Empty Bottle and the show is free.
TUESDAY APRIL 12
BEER DINNER: Harmony Grill is hosting a New Belgium Beer Dinner on Tuesday as part of the brewery’s Craft Beer Residency at Schubas and Lincoln Hall for the month of April. The meal will feature five-courses paired with New Belgium’s Shift, Fat Tire, Ranger IPA, 1554 Black Lager, and Blackberry Barley Wine. 6 p.m. Tickets are $50.
URBANBELLY OPEN HOUSE: Wicker Park is invited to say hello to the newest urbanbelly location at their Open House Party from 5 to 9 p.m. It was announced a few months ago that the four-time Michelin awarded Bill Kim restaurant would be taking over the former Penny’s Noodles spot under the Damen Blue Line station. They’ll have “samples and sips” for the offering and special pricing on select menu items from. The first 250 guests will also receive a complimentary gift bag. Free.
WEDNESDAY APRIL 13
The Smart Studios Story shows at CIMMfest for National Record Store Day. Picture courtesy of CIMMfest.
CIMMFEST: The Chicago International Movies & Music Festival returns for it’s eighth year with five days of screenings, premieres, performances and more. Bands Deer Tick, Taj Mahal Trio and Peter Murphy are among the live music lineup, and be sure to check out the official film of Record Store Day 2016, The Smart Studios Story, plus many more. Festival passes start at $79. Check the CIMM website for information on single event tickets and schedules.
FILM SCREENING: Join the Associate Board of Cinema for a screening of Rushmore at PUBLIC Hotel. The screening series from the presenters of the Chicago International Film Festival shows new “classics” in a relaxing atmosphere. Tickets are $15 and include free popcorn and two Stella Artois. Proceeds benefit the Board’s year-round Education Program.
RESTAURANT POP-UP: New Wicker Park restaurant Pork & Mindy's will have a pop-up inside Mariano's NewCity from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Their staff will be on hand serving up their creative BBQ and sampling their all-natural marinating and dipping sauces.
THURSDAY APRIL 14
Photo via Welcome To Night Vale's Facebook page.
NIGHT VALE LIVE: The creepy podcast Welcome to Night Vale is back in Chicago, this time for a live recording at Harris Theater at 8 p.m. The fictional narrative series follows the strange, spooky events of the mysterious desert town of Night Vale, and has a huge cult following in real life. Tickets start at $27.50.
STARVING ARTIST BENEFIT: It’s a night of art and culinary talent at the Chicago Artist Coalition’s annual benefit, Starving Artist. Sip cocktails and bid on works from local artists at Venue One from 7 to 11 p.m. On the Chef side, enjoy bites from Michael Coté of Balena; Nathan Sears of Das Radler, Evan Behmer of Mercat a la Planxa and many more. Tickets are $175.
CLASSICAL + ROCK: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra holds a pre-concert conversation with WXRT rock DJ Terri Hemmert they’re calling Classic Encounters. “Rock Meets Bach” in this lively discussion that spans from Beethoven to Beyonce. Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. with eats and drinks, and concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.
FRIDAY APRIL 15
My Body My Buisness by Michelle Pred. Photo courtesy of Weinberg/Newton Gallery.
PRO-CHOICE ART: Weinberg/Newton Gallery opens a new exhibit on Friday with a focus on pro-choice art. Your body is a battleground features sculptures, photographs, paintings and more in an exploration of art moving the feminist and pro-choice movement forward. Opening reception is from 5 to 8 p.m. and the exhibition runs through June 9.
RECORD RELEASE SHOW: Local brother and sister duo White Mystery are always a blast in concert, and Friday they're celebrating a new record release with a rockin live show at Emporium Arcade Bar. Dirty Fences, Archie & the Bunkers and Lifestyles also play. Tickets are $10.
LATIN MUSIC HOUR: Dance your you-know-what off at the Chicago Cultural Center with El Caobo for this edition of Wired Fridays. This “Salsa DJ” combines Latin music with steppin’ to heat up the noon hour. Noon to 1 p.m. Free.
RIHANNA: See pop vocal powerhouse Rihanna perform at the United Center at 7:30 p.m. The superstar comes to Chicago on her Anti World Tour. Travis Scott opens. Tickets start at $29.50.