16 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on May 12, 2017 3:44PM
Call your mom on Sunday.
FRIDAY MAY 12
CHICAGO CRITICS FILM FESTIVAL: Music Box Theatre plays host to the 5th annual Chicago Critics Film Festival beginning on Friday. The week-long event presents unreleased works from a wide variety of filmmakers. Director Jeff Baena and co-stars Aubrey Plaza and Kate Micucci will be in attendance for the Opening Night film, The Little Hours. Tickets range from $12 for individual screenings to $150 full festival pass.
THINGS TO RUIN: Words I never thought I’d say: There’s going to be a theatrical rock production playing at “Chicago’s original punk bar,” Exit. Things to Ruin: The Songs of Joe Iconis comes to us from the same company that presented High Fidelity: The Musical in unexpected pop-up locations. Things to Ruin features 19 songs from musical theater songwriter Iconis, and garnered a review in The New York Times. Performances will run on weekends through February 28. Tickets are $20.
GET YOUR POWER-POP-PUNK ON: When we reviewed The Bombpops' debut album we said, "If Josie and the Pussycats had a bunch of cooler older sisters with tattoos and an addiction to three chords, tearing shit up and a really good time, they would be in The Bombpops." We stand by that and think Friday night's show is one not to miss. The band plays Cobra Lounge and tickets are $15.
VOICES FOR CHOICES: Metro has partnered with Planned Parenthood for Voices For Choices: A Benefit Concert for Planned Parenthood at 7 p.m. Psychedelic indie pop duo Wild Belle will headline the the event. There will also be local slam poets, plus performances from Chicago production duo Burns Twins X Kaina, singer-songwriter Kopano and neo-soul groove hunter Yadda Yadda. Tickets are $40 for GA.
SATURDAY MAY 13
Image via Wanderlust's Facebook page.
WANDERLUST: Yoga, meditation, a 5K...Wanderlust brings it all to Grant Park this Saturday. The full day celebration is part of the “mindful movement” with its very own “triathlon.” Nationally recognized teachers, spiritual leaders, and DJs will make the day one to remember. Tickets start at $21.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS: Chicagoist’s very own Tankboy (a.k.a. Senior Arts & Entertainment Editor Jim Kopeny) will be on the judging panel for Saturday’s local Battle of the Bands competition at Hard Rock Cafe. Finalists Arbor Creek, Gallery-81, The Giving Moon and Panic Switch will perform to vie for the title beginning at 9 p.m. Joining Jim on the judging panel will be Tom Barnas, WGN TV Around Town and Music Lounge Producer and Michael Heidemann, WGN AM Radio Executive Producer and Host of Sound Sessions podcast. The evening will be hosted by Lauren O'Neil from 101 WKQX. Free.
Image via Renegade's website.
CRAFT FAIR POP UPS: Shop more than 140 makers at the Renegade Craft Fair Chicago Pop Up in Pilsen this weekend. In addition to vendors, they’ll have eats, treats and live music and DJs. Free.
CHICAGO24 TOURS: The Chicago History Museum kicks off their summer tour series with 24 hours straight of different neighborhood tours. Take in the city’s diverse history during the ChicaGO24 event where you can learn about Logan Square’s street art and graffiti, Gold Coast architecture or the final resting place of city master planner Daniel Burnham in Graceland Cemetery. There are dog friendly walking tours, running tours, even bus, boat and CTA L tours led by curators, historians, authors, artists and other experts. Ticket prices vary by tour. For the full schedule, visit ChicaGO24’s website.
Image via Garfield Park Conservatory's Facebook page.
SEEDLING SALE: Get your spring planting started with a little help from Garfield Park Conservatory. Their Annual Seedling Sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will have 45 varieties of annual flowers, herbs, and warm-season vegetable seedlings, all grown on site. Choose from tomatillos, hot and sweet peppers, cherry and steak tomatoes, zinnias, sunflowers and many more. Free.
BIKE RALLY: The 606, Chicago’s own rails-to-trails park hosts the second annual Bike Rally from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Youth ambassadors from West Town Bikes and officers from the 14th and 25th police districts will conduct air, brakes, and chain safety checks, fit bike helmets, and help with minor bike repairs. Free.
GRUNGE POP: We saw Charly Bliss open for Veruca Salt in 2015 and were instant converts. Their super-fuzzed take on pop was right up our alley, but even that show couldn't prepare us for the genius that is the band's debut album, Guppy. This is one of those albums that we play so much it makes us feel slightly guilty that other bands aren't making it into the rotation, but when the hooks are this good, why would you turn it off? The band plays Schubas on Saturday and we can't wait.
#EB25: The Empty Bottle continues to celebrate their 25th anniversary with a two-night stand (Saturday and Sunday) featuring The Black Lips. On their new album, Satan's graffiti or God's art?, the band shook things up line up-wise and roped in producer Sean Lennon. The result is a wildly varied selection of musical styles, and a step in a whole new exciting direction for the band. We're not sure what to expect from these shows—the new material is less "YAAAAARGH!" than the band's previous work so it will be interesting to see how they channel it on stage.
SUNDAY MAY 14: MOTHER’S DAY
Image via Dose Market's Facebook page.
DOSE MARKET: Dose Market is the place for local shopping and small business makers and artists. They’ll be honoring moms everywhere this Mother’s Day by donating twenty-five percent of all ticket sales to New Moms, a nonprofit working with young, single mothers to provide hope, holistic care and stability, including homes and job training. Tickets are $10 ($12 door).
TEA TIME: Treat Mom to a real Mother’s Day Tea experience at Driehaus Museum’s Ballroom. In addition to teas from Chicago’s Rate Tea Cellars, they’ll have scones, cake breads and tea sandwiches. The Chicago Millinery Collective will also be in attendance showing off elaborate hat creations. Two sessions to choose from: 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Visit website for ticket information.
MAMA MIA: Break out the '70s threads with Mom at the The Music Box Theatre’s showing of Mama Mia at 2 p.m. Dick O’Day will host the interactive screening with a live pre-show 1970’s fashion contest. Tickets are $12.
STORY SESSIONS BRUNCH: Naturally, the theme for Sunday’s Story Sessions Brunch at City Winery is “Your Mom.” Hear seven stories about moms while sharing french toast and champagne with your mom. Live music begins at 11 a.m. and stories at noon. Tickets are $12.