20 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on May 9, 2016 3:16PM
Get creative with Manifest and ACTIVATE this Friday. Photo by Alexis Ellers.
Movies, music, and wine make up just a few of our favorite things this week.
MONDAY MAY 9
PURPLE RAIN: If you’ve somehow made it through the last two weeks without seeing Purple Rain, change that on Monday. City Winery is hosting a screening of the late Prince’s breakout film at 8 p.m. Free with RSVP.
TUESDAY MAY 10
The Messenger. Photo via Music Box's website.
FILM + SCIENCE: The Field Museum goes to the Music Box Theatre for another Cinema Field Trip. Watch a feature film, this time it’s the documentary The Messenger, and then stick around for a discussion with professionals on the subject matter. The lecture guest will be Director of Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center Dr. Peter Marra discussing the migratory patterns of songbirds and their uncertain fate. Tickets are $11.
CONCERT: Tortoise recently put out their first studio album in seven years, and it’s a welcome return for the quintet who we could only describe as eclectic. “Dub, rock, jazz, electronica and minimalism” have all touched their standout instrumental work, which spans a quarter century in Chicago. Tickets are $21.
WEDNESDAY MAY 11
THE BLUES BROTHERS: ArcLight NEWCITY & The Second City have teamed up for a film screening series spotlighting comedic alumni. This month, “Second City Second Wednesday" presents The Blues Brothers at 7 p.m. followed by a Q&A with Rich Moskal, Director of the Chicago Film Office, moderated by Mainstage Alum, Bruce Jarchow. Tickets are $14.50.
CALABRIAN WINE DINNER: Sample wines from the Calabria region of Southern Italy as they’re paired with a menu from Publican Quality Meats. 7 p.m. Tickets are $75. For reservations, email Kirsten@oneoffhospitality.com.
BOOK EXPO: Book worms should find their way to McCormick Place for BookExpo America in advance of Book Con this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The publishing event features conferences, exhibitors, author signings and more. Visit their website for more information.
The Joffrey Ballet's Cinderella. Photo via Auditorium Theatre's website.
CINDERELLA BALLET: The Joffrey Ballet closes their 60th anniversary season with the fairy tale Cinderella at Auditorium Theatre. The full-length, three-act ballet from Sir Frederick Ashton was originally written for the Sadler’s Wells Ballet (now The Royal Ballet) in 1948 and is “one of the most popular and lavish productions in the Joffrey repertoire“ according to Artistic Director Ashley Wheater. Tickets start at 32.
JEWELRY FOR PEACE: Shop jewelry from Andie K at “Partnering for Peace” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Rockit has partnered with the jewelry maker to support Ferrer Foundation, a non-profit organization “fostering a positive path to success for underserved youth in Chicago.” The event will include music, wine and hors d’oeuvres from Chef Amanda Downing. Tickets are $25.
WOMEN IN WHITES: Celebrate female chefs at The Boarding House’s “Women in Whites” dinner at 6:30 p.m. The evening will feature courses from Zoë Schor (of the soon-to-be Split-Rail) and Diana Davila (most recently of Cantina 1910 and in the process of opening her own restaurant) plus The Boarding House’s very own Chef Tanya Baker and Pastry Chef Julia Fitting. Owner and proprietor Alpana Singh will set the wine pairings. Tickets are $145.
THURSDAY MAY 12
FARMERS MARKET KICKOFF: If you’re itching for signs of summer as much as we are, you’ll be happy to hear that the Chicago Farmers Markets kick off their season at Daley Plaza this Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Shop healthy, fresh local produce and other products from regional farmers and businesses. For the full season schedule and locations, check the City of Chicago website.
CELEBRATE CHICAGO HEROES: Support Chicago’s heroes with Old Style and Joe Minoso from NBC’s Chicago Fire from 7 to 10 p.m. at Sluggers. They’ll have complimentary Old Style and food, plus swag giveaways and a vintage 1962 Mac firetruck on site. Free entry with RSVP.
POPULAR MUSIC: Nada Surf has come a long way since their '90s breakout hit "Popular." Over the years the group has transformed itself into a powerful force when it comes to merging emotionally resonant songwriting with powerfully driving melodies. On this year's You Know Who You Are, the band continues to prove they can craft music you want to pump your fist along to while feeling all of the feels. They play Thalia Hall Thursday night and tickets are $25 to $30.
OUTDOOR SAMPLE SALE: Sample sales are great for nabbing good-as-new products for a fraction of the price. This Thursday through Saturday you can shop for your patio at the Merchandise Mart’s Outdoor Sample Sale. More than 15 showrooms will open their doors to the public to shop outdoor tables and chairs, bar sets, loungers, lighting, accessories and so much more. Free.
COLLABORATION DINNER: Chefs from Osteria Langhe and Roka Akor come together for a “one-of-a-kind” dinner at 6:30 p.m. The six-course prix fixe menu features Piedmontese and Japanese fare and a portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Pilot Light. Tickets are $191.
FRIDAY MAY 13
LAKE FX SUMMIT + EXPO: The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events presents Lake FX taking place at the Chicago Cultural Center. The Summit and Expo includes more than 100 talks, panels and workshops for those working in the culinary, fashion, film and media, music, performing arts, technology and design and visual arts fields, but it also includes showcase performances from the likes of Lupe Fiasco, Rhymefest and MONAKR. Many other local artists will perform over the two day event, and it’s all free. Register on their website.
MANIFEST + ACTIVATE: Every year Columbia College Chicago’s Manifest festival takes over the Loop with art exhibitions and more than 100 free public programs. This year they’re integrating with Chicago Loop Alliance’s first ACTIVATE event of the year. This one day event kicks off at noon and includes live music, fashion shows, gallery walks and so much more. There’s even an adult ball-pit filled with 100 4’x8’ gold inflatables. Visit the Manifest website for the full schedule and more information.
GOOD VYBES FEST: Head to the Empty Bottle for some Good Vybes this weekend. It’s the third festival with the help of Eye Vybe Records, presenting heavy psych from all over the country, including bands from right here in Chicago like Rabble Rabble. Visit event page for lineup and ticket info.
TUSCANY WINE DINNER: Feel like you’re spending a “Night in Tuscany” with a wine dinner at The Florentine. The four-course dinner is presented in collaboration with family-owned and operated winery Marchesi de’Frescobaldi. Tickets are $75. For reservations, call (312) 660-8866 or email.
TWEEDY SOLO SHOW: It’s time again for Jeff Tweedy’s annual benefit shows at the Vic. The Wilco frontman performs to raise for the Montessori school. Expect to hear tunes from every stage of his career, from Wilco to Uncle Tupelo to Loose Fur. Tickets are $75.
RECORD RELEASE: Chicago's Twin Peaks release their latest album Down In Heaven this week. It shows the band further tempering their early sonic rowdiness without losing any of the manic garage rock energy they're known for. The '60s-style production makes it sound like the band is telegraphing their songs into the future, buoying melodies along a bed of scrappy pop hooks. Every time we've seen this band live, they've torn up the stage, so expect this new LP's more tempered sound to explode in a live setting when they play Lincoln Hall this Friday. Tickets are $20.