14 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Week
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 6, 2016 3:46PM
Photo courtesy of Chicago Human Rhythm Project. They're offering free dance classes all week at the American Rhythm Center.
We're back to work and back to the grind, but the fun isn't over. Check out 14 of our favorite events for the week.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 6
FREE DANCE CLASSES: The American Rhythm Center is offering free dance classes all week, and not just in tap. The DANCE Free-4-All all levels in modern, ballet, Zumba, flamenco, break dancing and more. Check their website for the full schedule and more information.
FUNKY READING SERIES: Tuesday Funk is back at Hopleaf’s upstairs lounge at 7:30 p.m. Virginia Bell, Fred Sasaki, Ryan DiGiorgi, Gina DeLuca and Tori Szekeres are among the readers at the eclectic monthly series. Free.
INDEPENDENT FILM: It’s the first Tuesday of the month, so that means the Midwest Independent Film Festival will introduce us to another locally made film. This month only, First Tuesday will be held at the Music Box Theater for the Chicago premiere of Who Gets The Dog starring Alicia Silverstone. The romantic comedy begins at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a post-screening discussion with the filmmakers. Get there early for a pre-show cocktail reception at 6 p.m. Tickets are a $10 tax-deductible donation.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 7
OUTDOOR CONCERT: Chicago’s own whistling violinist Andrew Bird plays a special hometown concert at Pritzker Pavilion at 7 p.m. The popular songwriter is just coming off the release of his latest album, Are You Serious, and every ticket purchased includes a download. Margo Price also plays. Tickets start at $23.50.
WINE TASTING: Sip six Spanish wines at a III Forks "Sommelier for a Day" tasting from 5 to 7 p.m. Wine specialist Jessica Marshall-Bruckner will lead the tasting which also includes hors d'oeuvres from Executive Chef Cedric Harden. $20 per person. Call 312-938-4303 to RSVP.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8
LATINO MUSIC FESTIVAL: The 11th Chicago Latino Music Festival kicks off on Thursday with a free concert from Dúo Belcorde at Instituto Cervantes of Chicago. The festival featuring classical Latin American and Spanish music will continue through Dec. 1 at venues across the city including Harold Washington Library, Old Town School of Folk Music, Ravinia and more. Visit their website for the full schedule and ticket information.
Photo courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet by Todd Rosenberg.
BALLET LIVE STREAM: It’s a big year for The Joffrey Ballet with choreographer Christopher Wheeldon creating a new version of “The Nutcracker” for the legendary dance company. Get a sneak peek of the program with a live stream rehearsal from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Just visit their youtube channel to tune in.
ADULT SWIM DRIVE-IN: Adult Swim is hosting a Drive-In at Soldier Field and you’re invited. They’ll be showing unaired episodes of never before seen pilots and specials and RSVP is free. There will also be food trucks, trivia, prizes, and vouchers for a free meal from one of the food trucks. Car lineup begins at 5 p.m. and show is at 7:45 p.m.
ZOO AFTER HOURS: Explore the zoo after all the little ones have gone home at Adults Night Out. From 6:30 to 10 p.m. stroll through Lincoln Park Zoo’s animal enclosures with a glass of wine or beer for a different kind of night out. Tickets are $15.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 9
Occidental Brothers Dance Band International. Photo courtesy of DCASE.
WORLD MUSIC FEST: The 18th Annual World Music Festival Chicago features artists from around the world at venues across the city including Millennium Park and the Chicago Cultural Center. Some highlights include Ragamala: A Celebration of Indian Classical Music, The 606 Polyrhythmic Procession & Global Peace Picnic and a collaboration with Chicago SummerDance on the first weekend of the fest. Events continue through Sept. 25. Check the World Music Fest website for the full schedule. Free.
FESTIVAL DE LA VILLITA: Celebrate Mexican independence with the community of Little Village this weekend at the 27th annual Festival de La Villita. The fest will have more than 30 food vendors serving up authentic Mexican cuisine, plus live music, carnival rides, a rodeo and more. There’s also a stand-alone ticketed concert on Sunday with Latin Grammy Award winners Ramon "King of the Accordion" Ayala, and Conjunto Primavera. Entry to the festival is free. For more information on the ticketed concert, click here.
Photo courtesy of Qatar Airways Chicago Beach Polo Cup.
BEACH POLO: If you’ve ever wanted to see polo live, here’s your chance. The Qatar Airways Chicago Beach Polo Cup will be on North Avenue Beach this weekend. United States, Wales (The Royal Team), Buenos Aires, Canada, Chicago, and Washington will all be competing for the cup head to head and horse to horse. For the event schedule, visit their website. Tickets are $65.
THROWBACK MUSIC FEST: Gladstone Park welcomes a new retro street festival this weekend. The Throwback Music Fest will include music spanning generations from an Elvis impersonator and Fab Four tribute band to disco beats and a Bon Jovi tribute band. Purchase a daily tasting pass for the craft beer tastings. Entry is a $5 donation benefiting the Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce.
FUNNY READING SERIES: The literary humor series Funny Ha-Ha returns to the Hideout this Friday with an evening called “Get Lit.” Speakers include writer, performer, and beat poet JW Basilo, standup comedian and host of We Still Like You Tyler Snodgrass, co-Host of the podcast Vital Social Issues & Stuff Jasmine Davila and more. 6:30 p.m. Entry is a $10 suggested donation benefiting Sit Stay Read.