11 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 24, 2017 4:17PM
Lawrence Brownlee in Charlie Parker's Yardbird. Photo by Dominic M Mercier courtesy of Lyric Unlimited.
Lots to do this weekend, inside or out.
FRIDAY MARCH 24
YARDBIRD OPERA: Opera and jazz are two words you don’t usually hear together, but tonight they’ll combine for Charlie Parker's Yardbird at Harris Theater. Presented by Lyric Unlimited, the 90-minute chamber opera explores the life of jazz legend Charlie Parker after his death in New York City. Performances will be Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
PAWS PARTY PETS: Party with your pet at the 11th Annual PAWS Animal Magnetism at 7 p.m. The pet-friendly celebration at Morgan Manufacturing supports the non-profit’s efforts to save animals with an evening of cocktails, food, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are $150 for humans, $25 for dogs.
INDIE ROCK: Jay Som is generating a ton of buzz around her just-released Everybody Works, a winning collection of well-crafted pop. But the true gem on the Friday bill at Schubas is The Courtneys. The Courtneys II is filled with bouncy, fuzzy girl-group inspired indie pop. It's simple but effective and gets you humming along without realizing it long after the album is over.
SPEKTOR RETURNS: Regina Spektor's new album, Remember Us To Life, is her first in four years. While Spektor rose to prominence through the indie rock channels, she's more far-reaching and crisply composed pop chanteuse in the classic sense than touring vans and inventively tuned guitars. Her live shows can see her moving from brooding piano ballad to a quirkily dance jazz inflected orch-pop number. Spektor brings her class act to Chicago Theater Friday night. Oh yeah, she also contributed a track to the Hamilton Mixtape, so maybe she'll bust out a bit of everyone's Broadway musical while here.
SATURDAY MARCH 25
Image via Flowers for Dreams' Facebook page.
FLORAL ARRANGING CLASS + BRUNCH: Learn to make the perfect floral centerpiece for your brunch table at brunch. Travelle Kitchen and Flowers for Dreams will present a Spring Floral Arranging Class and Brunch at 11 a.m. The locally based flower company will host the workshop, which will be followed by a meal from from Chef Ricardo. Tickets are $50. Call 312-923-7705 to reserve a spot.
RANDOLPH STREET MARKET: The Randolph Street Antique Market is still indoors for the season with eats, drinks and vintage delights this Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to stop by the Market Bar for libations like the Tocayo wheat ale from Constellation Brands and Chef Rick Bayless. Tickets are $8.
Kelsie Huff. Photo courtesy of Simmer Brown.
SIMMER BROWN COMEDY: Simmer Brown simmers down with it’s second to last show at the Bughouse Theater at 8 p.m. The diverse comedy collective will honor Women’s History Month with two female headliners: Kelsie Huff and Rachel McCartney. The lineup includes several other stand-ups including Sameena Mustafa and Prateek Srivastava. Tickets are $10 in advance.
SAKE COCKTAIL CLASS: Shake and stir your own creations at The Art of Sake Cocktails at Imperial Lamian from 3 to 5 p.m. Beverage Director Paul Ballesteros will lead the hands-on class, plus there will be dim sum pairings to enjoy with your handmade beverages. Tickets are $30. Call 312‑595‑9440 to reserve a spot.
Photo by Josh Hawkins courtesy of Chicago Tap Theatre.
TAP THEATRE: Chicago Tap Theatre is joined by international companies Tapage, from Toulouse, France, Tap Olé from Barcelona, Spain for Liaison at 7:30 p.m. The program at Athenaeum Theatre is an exploration of tap dance with all three companies performing together and separately. Tickets are $37.
SUNDAY MARCH 26
WINE 101: Get back to basics with Wine 101 at ENO Wine Room from 3 to 6 p.m. Hone in on your palate learning high acid versus low acid, light body versus heavy body, fruity versus sweet, and more. An assortment of cheeses, charcuterie and chocolates are also included. Tickets are $55.
BLOODY MARY BATTLE: Sink|Swim's next Bloody Mary Battle features guest bartenders from Asrai Garden and Humboldt House from noon to 3 p.m. A sample of each is $11 with proceeds benefiting Planned Parenthood.