15 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 18, 2016 4:15PM
King Sunny Ade performs at Millennium Park on Monday. Photo courtesy of DCASE.
More fun in the sun is in store this week in Chicago. We've also got some indoor events to keep you occupied, including a night market and a couple of concerts.
MONDAY JULY 18
MILLENNIUM PARK CONCERT SERIES: Millennium Park’s rockin Summer Music Series continues with performances from two artists with Nigerian ties. King Sunny Ade is described as the king of juju music and has released more than 100 recordings in Nigeria, and Afro-soul singer Ugochi will appear with The Afro Soul Ensemble (A.S.E.). These free concerts take place every Monday and Thursday on the Pritzker Pavilion stage at 6:30 p.m.
MYSTIC PIZZA BENEFIT: Find out your future while chowing down on pizza at Roots, all for Howard Brown Health. Mystic Kali Butterfly will be on hand for the pizza party reading tarot cards and (hopefully) giving you good news about your destiny. A percentage of proceeds will benefit the LGBT health center. 7 to 10 p.m. Free.
LET'S GET LOUD: DZ Deathrays may just have two dudes from Australia in the band but they make a hell of a racket. Turning the amps up to 12, these guys manage to pack equal parts aggression and hooks into their music. They just released a new single, "Blood On My Leather," which has made its place onto our Summer Angry With Swagger And Attitude™ playlist. They rarely make it to the states, so this Monday night show at Schuba's should be pretty amazing. Tickets are $10.
RHYTHM WORLD: Tap dance festival Rhythm World closes out with a week of performances including an anniversary and benefit concert with Maurice Hines and JUBA! featuring Jumaane Taylor's "Supreme Love" at the Museum of Contemporary Art. For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s website.
TUESDAY JULY 19
BLUES ROCK: A rock concert at the Civic Opera House is a special treat, and Tuesday another hot band takes the legendary stage. Grammy-winners Alabama Shakes are still riding high after their sophomore album debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and badass vocalist and leading lady Brittany Howard leads the charge. Emily King opens. The tour continues Wednesday with a second Chicago stop at Aragon Ballroom. Tickets start at $50.
WEDNESDAY JULY 20
SAUCED NIGHT MARKET: Sauced is back at Thalia Hall for it’s latest installment from 6 to 11 p.m. Shop local vendors in food, drink and retail at the indoor summer market as artists Roho Garcia and Jose Ramirez do live painting on stage. Free.
SUSHI CLASS: Arami Chef Nelson Vinansaca will lead an hour-long class on how to make maki and temaki, cleverly called Just Roll With It. Post-lesson, guests will be able to enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu plus dessert. Cost is $60. For reservations, call 312-243-1535.
THURSDAY JULY 21
IN-STORE CONCERT: Eyeglasses may be their main gig, but Warby Parker is hosting another kind of gig at their store on Armitage at 6 p.m. Stop in for a performance from local artist Jeán Deaux as part of their Summer Sound Sessions. Free.
MILLENNIUM PARK CONCERT SERIES: Head back to Millennium Park for more of their Summer Music Series with performances from New York jazz and gospel group Heritage Blues Orchestra and singer-songwriter Toshi Reagon. These free concerts take place every Monday and Thursday on the Pritzker Pavilion stage at 6:30 p.m.
ZOO NIGHT OUT: Explore Lincoln Park Zoo’s lions, tigers and bears after-hours sans kids at Adults Night Out. From 6:30 to 10 p.m. the zoo will be open to adults only with a cash bar, live entertainment and unique animal chats. Tickets are $15.
Photo via Adler's website.
ADLER AFTER DARK: Learn more about the our solar system’s biggest planet at this month’s Adler After Dark in the wake of Juno spacecraft’s arrival on Jupiter. The planetarium’s adults-only after-hours night features drinks, dancing and fun alongside special themed programming and access to exhibits. Tickets are $20 in advance.
WINE + VINYL: Wine & Vinyl is back with another evening of two of our favorite things, this time at Transistor Chicago at 8:30 p.m. BYO records and vino to the intimate gathering of vinyl lovers as Hifi Case debuts their new "Modern Boombox." Entry is a $5 suggested donation. RSVP here.
HARRY POTTER TRIVIA: Test your knowledge of the world of Hogwarts against other fans at Rockit Burger Bar’s evening of Harry Potter Trivia. The games go from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and they’ll have drink specials including half-off bottles of wine. Free. Make reservations here.
FRIDAY JULY 22
Photo by Women & Children First.
SIDEWALK SALE: Take your shopping outdoors this weekend in Andersonville during their annual Summer Sidewalk Sale. Books, fashion, antiques and more will all hit the sidewalk as almost thirty businesses take business outside. Free.
COMEDY EXPOSITION: Comedy Exposition enters it’s third year of celebrating independent stand-up comedy at venues across the city including Lincoln Hall, Schubas and The Apollo Theatre. The “grassroots” festival features performances, showcases and podcast recordings from more than 50 local and national comedians. Ticket prices vary by show. Visit the festival website for schedule and more information.