24 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on May 16, 2016 3:46PM
Audience favorite Death & Harry Houdini returns this week. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
Get out there and enjoy the weather, Chicago.
MONDAY MAY 16
HOUDINI THEATER: A popular play returning to the House Theatre opens on Monday at 7 p.m. Death & Harry Houdini tells the story of the magician’s life and his constant dance with death and features real magic acts performed by by Company Member and professional magician Dennis Watkins. This award-winning play was the first play performed on the Chopin Theatre’s upstairs stage. Run continues through July 24. Tickets start at $45.
SAKE GENIUS BAR: Who wouldn’t want to be a Sake Genius? Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya are launching a Sake Genius Bar that will take place every Monday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Learn about the “depth and complexity of sake,” how it’s made and how it pairs with a menu while enjoying a four course meal. Tickets are $40.
Via Indie Boots' Facebook page. Photo by Marfa Capodanno.
INDIE THEATRE FEST: The Indie Boots Theatre Festival aims to present “underrepresented perspectives on whose stories are worth telling” in their fourth annual run at Stage 773. The short comedies and dramas selected from hundreds of submissions tackle a range of topics, and were all prompted by the word “Ava.” Shows are Monday through Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.
TUESDAY MAY 17
SPRING WINE DINNERS: ‘Talk, Taste & Savor’ spring wines at Intro during two special Spring Wine Dinners. Benanti Wines owner and winemaker Antonio Benanti will be the guest of honor on Tuesday, while Guy Davis of Davis Family Vineyard will be in attendance on Wednesday. Both nights include a reception with the winemaker at 6:30 p.m. followed by a three-course paired dinner. Tickets are $68. For reservations, call 773-868-0002.
STORYTELLING SERIES: Hear Cindy Pritzker tell the stories of her extraordinary life in Chicago at Chicago Athletic Association’s Storytelling Series in honor of their first anniversary. She’ll be joined by friend and moderator Bill Kurtis (Through The Decades, “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me,”) in her namesake restaurant, Cindy’s Rooftop from 2 to 4 p.m. Free, but RSVP is recommended.
WEDNESDAY MAY 18
HAPPY HOUR PERFORMANCE: Harris Theater’s happy hour performance series, MIX at SIX, returns with chamber music superstars Brooklyn Rider. Food trucks will be parked outside, signature cocktails available inside, and a one-hour performance for your enjoyment on stage. 6 p.m. Tickets are $10.
TRULY ITALIAN EXPO: This two-day expo takes "a journey into the marvels to the world" with restaurants and a supermarket featuring Truly Italian food products. There will also be workshops, tastings, and seminars at this free event at Venue One on the Near West Side. Doors open at 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
ASPARAGUS DINNER: Osteria Via Stato hosts a dinner featuring asparagus varieties of asparagus from Mick Klug Farms. Enjoy a four-course meal with beverage pairings by Chef David DiGregorio. Reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $68. For reservations, call 312-642-8450 or visit www.osteriaviastato.com.
SUSHI CLASS: Roll your own maki at Arami’s Hands-On Sushi Class at 6:30 p.m. Chef de Cuisine Nelson Vinansaca will teach the basics in a one hour class followed by a three-course prix fixe dinner. Cost is $60. For reservations call (312) 243-1535.
THURSDAY MAY 19
Photo courtesy of Garfield Park Conservatory.
BEER UNDER GLASS: Spring is officially in full swing when Beer Under Glass happens at Garfield Park Conservatory. Enjoy samples from tons of craft breweries while enjoying the beautiful outdoor gardens of the conservatory (or under the glass of the greenhouses) from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. This is the 7th year in a row for the event that coincides with Chicago Craft Beer Week. You’ll get a souvenir glass plus tasty small plates from local restaurants included. Tickets are $60 ($90 for VIP with early entry).
CRAFT BEER WEEK: Grab your passport and go to the city’s best craft brew destinations for Chicago Craft Beer Week. The week is made up of a ton of events from tap take overs to special release parties to happy hours and more. The extended celebration is bookended by Beer Under Glass at Garfield Park Conservatory and Welles Park Craft Beer Fest. They’ve even got a printable Sick Day / Tardy Note to get out of pesky obligations and make the most of the week. Visit their website for a full list of events and ticket prices.
CHEF’S PLAYGROUND: Join Tony Mantuano and other “Chicago Culinary Celebrities” as they prepare school-themed dishes at the Chef's Playground Charity Event at Terzo Piano. The evening of childhood-inspired dishes and signature cocktails benefits the Academy for Global Citizenship. Tickets are $250.
Photo courtesy of Abbey Road cover band.
BEATLES MUSICAL: “In My Life: A Musical Theatre Tribute to The Beatles” opens at Beverly Center at 7:30 p.m. The award-winning musical features cover band Abbey Road and chronicles the legendary band’s rise to fame through memorable moments and songs. Tickets start at $35.
FUSIONFEST: Exhale has teamed up with Women's Health for the fourth annual FusionFest. The event includes lite bites, goodie bags, giveaways, DJ’s and best of all, complementary Core Fusion classes. See available times and book classes on Exhale’s website.
NRA PIG ROAST: Celebrate the National Restaurant Association Show with a Kickoff Pig Roast at The Duck Inn. Network with chefs and restaurateurs before the show officially begins with a buffet and drinks. 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50.
OUT AT CHM: Out at CHM is back at the Chicago History Museum, now exploring the “History of Hooking Up.” Brian Mustanski, director of the new Northwestern Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, will moderate a talk about how dating websites and mobile apps have changed the way the LGBTQ community interacts. Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by the official program at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20.
FREE BEER TASTING: Get a complimentary beer tasting at Clark Street Dog from 6 to 8 p.m. Try samples from Upland Brewing Company out of Bloomington, Indiana. Free.
FRIDAY MAY 20
MAYFEST: Head to the outdoor beer garden at the 21st annual Mayfest where cover bands like Trippin Billies and Too White Crew will provide the entertainment. The main stage is under the big-top tent, so you’re covered in case of inclement weather. Admission is $10.
WIRED FRIDAY: Kevin Starke, better known as Kstarke, mans the decks at this edition of Wired Fridays at the Chicago Cultural Center. Starke is the man behind Kstarke Records, a mainstay of Chicago’s house music community. The mid-day party kicks off at noon. Free.
DAVID BOWIE COSTUME PARTY: Put on your red shoes and dance at Logan Theater’s opening night of Labyrinth. They’re throwing a David Bowie Best Dressed Party at 8:30 p.m. with prizes that include tickets to Pitchfork Music Festival. No cover.
CHARITY FASHION SALE: Shop designer resale fashion for charity at the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago where 100 percent of proceeds benefit Mary's Closet. The main “Encore” event is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but a preview party on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. gives you an early look with refreshments. Tickets to the sale are $5, and preview party tickets are $25.
WMG SPRING GALA: Woman Made Gallery’s 24th Annual Spring Gala Benefit is this Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Preview their new exhibition of code-based art, code/switch, and celebrate women’s STEAM achievements (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). They’ll have gala food and drink plus other surprises, too. Tickets are $50.
CRITICS FILM FESTIVAL: The Music Box Theatre hosts the fourth Chicago Critics Film Festival beginning on Friday. The festival brings in a wide range of films including recent festival favorites and as-yet-undistributed works. For schedule, tickets and more information, visit the festival’s website.
FERRIS FEST: Celebrate the iconic movie, from downtown all the way into Lake Forest during Ferris Fest this weekend. This summer marks the 30th anniversary of the John Hughes film’s release. The fest opens with the ‘Shermer High School 1986 Spring Dance’ where a few stars from the movie will be in attendance, and then continues with screenings of the film, a re-creation of the famous parade sequence and tours of filming locations (yes, including Cameron’s dad’s house) and the Ferris bedroom now on display at Virgin Hotels. Visit the fest’s website for more information on schedules and prices.