14 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 10, 2017 5:00PM
The legendary river dyeing, parade and South Side parade are just a few of the things to do this weekend.
FRIDAY MARCH 10
FEMALE COMEDY: the kates produce a semi-monthly line-up emerging female comic performers, and the next live showcase is at The Book Cellar at 7 p.m. Local comedian Mary Zee hosts. Entry is a $10 suggested donation.
CROSLEY CRUISER: Vinyl-philes should be on the lookout for the Crosley Cruiser this weekend as it makes it’s way through the city. The “mobile record store” is partnered with Dogfish Head Brewery and will stop at local spots like Decibel Audio, Audio Archeology and Dusty Groove, Eataly, Binny's Beverage Depot and Whole Foods.
2017 POEFF Preview from Peace On Earth Film Festival on Vimeo.
PEACE ON EARTH FILM FEST: The Peace On Earth Film Festival raises awareness of “peace, nonviolence, social justice and an eco-balanced world.” Running all weekend at the Music Box Theatre, the festival features and supports independent filmmakers with a conscience. For schedule and ticket information, visit the Peace On Earth Film Festival website.
SATURDAY MARCH 11
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE + RIVER DYEING: St. Patrick’s Day is a huge event in Chicago with crowds downtown for the parade, green river and plenty of flowing green beer. The river dyeing is a sight to see, as they color the water a bright emerald green at 9 a.m. from Columbus to Michigan, but it only lasts for a few hours. The parade itself steps off at noon at Balbo and Columbus. Hit some of the local pubs afterward and drink like you’re Irish. Free.
Thodos Dance Chicago. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
THODOS LAST DANCE: Thodos Dance Chicago celebrates their 25th anniversary along with the final company performance as founder and artistic director Melissa Thodos moves to focus on project-based work where she can have more creative freedom. This final Full Circle performance of the 12-dancer company will include the Chicago premiere of Bella Lewitsky’s Nos Duraturi and a new piece from Thodos herself. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $29.
Family Portrait courtesy of the Hideout.
SXSW SEND OFF: The Hideout is the spot to see up and coming bands and artists, and every year they throw a party for those making the trek to SXSW in Austin. The all-day party is basically a rehearsal for their showcase sets in a real live concert atmosphere. This year, catch OHMME, The Waco Brothers, Bleach Party, FEE LION and Lala Lala. Cover is $10.
ALAANA WINNING WORKS: This year marks the seventh annual Winning Works program from the Joffrey Ballet. Each year the competition invites ALAANA choreographers (African, Latino(a), Asian, Arab and Native American) to submit works for consideration and the winners get to place their works on dancers from the Joffrey Academy Trainee Program as well as a $5,000 stipend and guidance from Joffrey Artistic Director Ashley Wheater. This year’s performances on Saturday and Sunday take place in collaboration with the Chicago Public Library Harold Washington Library Center and are free to attend. For ticket information, visit the event website.
NATURAL WINE TASTING: Learn about what makes a wine “natural” in comparison to modern winemaking methods at Webster Wine Bar’s Natural Wine Tasting from 3 to 5 p.m. Sample wines from different levels on the “natural” scale and enjoy included hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are $45.
A FAMILY AFFAIR: Who would have thought Eisley would not only still be around but release one of their finest albums in 2017? A number of the original members are no longer with the band, but cousins Sherri DuPree-Bemis and Garron DuPree are still holding down the fort. I'm Only Dreaming is the first album without most of the other founding members of the band, and it continues the group's tradition of releasing mid-tempo pop with a melancholic edge. However where the band's earlier catalog sometimes felt a little weighted down, I'm Only Dreaming sparkles with a new energy and really pops to life. After years of being on the fence Eisley has won us over. See the music in action at Subterranean Saturday night.
SUNDAY MARCH 12
Photo via the South Side Irish Parade's Facebook page.
SOUTH SIDE IRISH PARADE: The South Side knows how to do it up for St. Patrick’s Day. Though the legendary South Side Irish Parade has toned down in recent years, it’s still a great time and fun for the whole family. The parade steps off at noon at Western Avenue and 103rd Street. Free.
LADIES NIGHT BAZAAR: Sunday night is ladies night at Slippery Slope beginning at 7 p.m. This bazaar is more than just drink specials to lure ladies out of the house, it’s a true celebration of female artists and music lovers. They’ll have paintings, shirts, pins and more for sale from Allie Marie of Revolution Tattoo and Anne Elliott of Side Show Gallery will have a tarot card booth set up. Tunes courtesy of Melisser Elliot, co-founder of Girl Pin Gang. Free.
312 DAY: Celebrate the 12th of March (get it? 312?) with Goose Island and 312 beers at their Fulton Street Taproom from 1 to 4 p.m. They celebrate everything that makes Chicago unique on the special date with a DJ, giveaways, $3.12 beers and Brugge Brothers food truck. Free.
BAROQUE FOLK: "Baroque" and "folk" aren't quite right words for what Jesca Hoop does, but then again what she does is hard to explain. We think most would describe her winding, wending songs with descriptors such as "woodland nymph" or "faerie" we think that's not quite accurate. Her music isn't really precious as much as it is delicate—like, emotional tears in psychic fabric kind of delicate. We admit we had to listen to her new album Memories Are Now for it's beauty to really graft itself to our bones, but now we can't keep turning to the album when we want to lose ourselves for a little bit. Hoop brings her compositions to Beat Kitchen on Sunday night.
JENNY LEWIS: Also part of 312 Day, indie it-girl Jenny Lewis will play at Thalia Hall at 8:30 p.m. She got her start with Rilo Kiley, but has gone on to have a kickass solo career collaborating with the likes of The Postal Service, Beck, Ryan Adams and more. Springtime Carnivore will also play. 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.