Hope you got a chance to enjoy some of the events we featured in last week’s list. Keep the summer fun moving with our picks for the last weekend of July and beyond.

What: Incised, Bitten and Gouged: Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art

When:  July 30, 2010 – September 12, 2010

Where: Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, 2320 W. Chicago Ave.  Chicago

This exhibit at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art presents 20 years of printmaking with a selection of works by artists from Anchor Graphics and the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, which represent a variety of printmaking techniques.  The public is invited to an opening reception on Friday July 30, from 6 – 9 pm. The exhibit is held through September 12, 2010.

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What: International Summer Screenings Program: Stones (Avanim)

When: July 31, 2010

Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.,       Chicago

This week, CinemaChicago and Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest will co-present the Israeli film, Avanim (Stones), an observed film about the ways in which a modern woman navigates her religion and culture in the wake of a tragedy.

The film is 110-minute long, in Hebrew with English subtitles.

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What:  Small World Music Party

When: July 30, 2010  

Where:  Subterranean Lounge, 2011 W. North Ave. Chicago

Sound City and Urbanicity presents Small World Music Party, featuring DJ’s David Chavez & Shannon Harris & Rotating Local World Music Bands.$5 Cover | 21+

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What: Bring the Movement 5K Run/Walk 2010

When: July 31, 2010

Where: River Park, Argyle St & Francisco Ave.        Chicago

Chicago Dance Institute’s “Bring the Movement 5K Run/Walk” helps to raise awareness and funding for Arts Education in Chicago Schools. Through such in-school partnerships, the CDI is dedicated to expose children to creativity, expression, culture, and self-confidence.

Participants are encouraged to register in advance to receive a discounted price and complimentary t-shirt. On-site registration begins race day at 7:30 AM. Dogs and strollers are welcome.

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What: Chicago Summer Dance: Western Swing dance lessons

When: July 31, 2010

Where: Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.      Chicago

Have you ever tried Western Swing dance, and if not, wondered how the moves are like? Join the instructors from Galaxie for some fun movements.  Western Elstons will perform Texas Swing and Western Swing music performed. Enjoy another night of dance, laugh, and sweat!

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What: Chicago Summer Dance: Cha-cha Dance Lessons

When:  August 1, 2010

Where: Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave.     Chicago

Ready for some Cha-Cha move this time? The award winning Kasper Dance Studio instructors will share their amazing skill and sheer beauty with you, while Nancy Hays & The Robert Benson Orchestra will perform classics by Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and George Gershwin along with Latin Favorites.

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Continuing with last week’s dining theme, this week’s How Do I Say? shows you how to ask your friends what they’d like to order. 

We understand that it’s hard to get a full understanding of the pronunciation and grammar via these tidbits, so we invite you to explore more with us. Multilingual Chicago offers a variety of language training group classes, private tutoring, play and conversation groups and cultural activities for adults and children. You can check out our schedule here:  http://multilingualchicago.com

How Do I Say: What would you like to order?

Mandarin Chinese:你想要点什么？- nǐ xiǎng yào diǎn shén me?

French: Qu’est-ce que tu voudrais commander?

Spanish: Que te gustaria? Que quieres? (opcional: ordenar)

German: Was willst du bestellen?

Portuguese: O que você vai pedir?

Arabic: ماذا تحب ان تطلب؟   maza toheb an tatlob?

This week’s list of hot things to do in and around the city focuses on one of Chicago’s most diverse thoroughfares–and Multilingual Chicago’s home base–Milwaukee Avenue. Whether you check out striking images at the Polish Museum of America, groove to hot sounds at the Sound System Block Party or join Multilingual Chicago for our fun and games sessions for kids at the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival, we hope you have some great summertime fun in the coming days. Hope to see you out and about! 

 As always, we welcome your feedback. You can reach us on Facebook, Twitter (@multilingchi) and of course, right here on our blog!

What: Film Screening: The Czech Legion

When: July 22, 2010

Where: Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave

Do you know that Chicago played an important role in the founding of Czechoslovakia? During the chaos of World War I and the Russian Revolution, 70,000 Czech and Slovak P.O.W’s switched sides. They became The Czechoslovak Legion – an Allied army fighting for a country of their own.

On July 22, the film, “The Czech Legion”, which documents the improbable story of the Czech legions as well as reveals the often overlooked role Chicago played, will be screened at Portage Theater.  Following the screening is a Q&A session with the film’s director, Bruce Bendinger. 

More Info>> 

What: Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival

When: July 23-25, 2010

Where: Spanning 2250-2850 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago

Logan Square’s premier arts festival, featuring dozens of art exhibitions, performances, and a spectrum of live music along Milwaukee Avenue (2250–2850 North Milwaukee in Chicago). Enjoy delicious local cuisine, sidewalk sales, outdoor cafés, the acclaimed Logan Square Farmers Market and more! A complimentary trolley will help you navigate this epic Festival!

Special note: Join Multilingual Chicago and Voice of the City for two afternoons of games, songs and fun for kids en espanol this Saturday and Sunday (1-4 PM) at the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival. These free sessions in the Paseo Prairie Garden (located just outside the Logan Square el stop at Kedzie and Logan Boulevards) also include cool giveaways and discounts for language classes at Multilingual Chicago. Hope you and your little ones come rock out with us!

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What: Chicago Summer Dance: Steppin’ Dance Lesson

When: July 23, 2010

Where: Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden

Chicago Summer Dance series keeps presenting fun dance lessons – Stepping Dance lesson is back this week! Whether you’d like to refresh what you’ve learned in June, or simply want to try something different than salsa, you’ll be able to enjoy another night of grooves, laugh and music! 

Live music will be performed by the Etcetera Band, a fun and soulful group from Chicago performing Top 40s jazz, soul, and pop rock.

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What: The Silver Room presents Sound System Block Party

When: July 24, 2010

Where: Milwaukee Avenue and Evergreen, Chicago

Celebrating cultural diversity, the annual Sound System Block Party, has become a highly anticipated day-long festival  of art, music, fashion, dance, and family activities. Hosted by the esteemed Wicker Park boutique The Silver Room, this free event brings together people of all ages and lifestyles from across the Chicago-land area.                                          

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What: 2010 Dragon Boat Race For Literacy

When: July 24, 2010

Where: Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W. 19th St., Chicago

This marks the 10th year of the Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy presented by the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District.

With a history spanning more than 2,000 years, the Chinese Dragon Boat Race has been a popular sport in Asia as well as in Chinese American communities all around the world. Started in 2000, the Chicago Dragon Boat Race has always been a family fun activity enjoyed by the residents of Chinatown and the surrounding neighborhoods. Besides the racing activities, there will also be other festivities such as Asian dance, caricature artists, acrobats, music from local bands and food.

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What: Stir-Frying to the Sky’s Edge & Book Signing by Grace Young

When: July 24, 2010

Where: Pui Tak Center, 2216 S. Wentworth Ave, Chicago

A food writer and the author of The Wisdom of the Chinese Kitchen and The Breath of a Wok, Grace Young has shared her thoughts and experiences in Gourmet, Metropolitan Home, Copia, Gastronomica, Eating Well, More, Fitness, Home, and Health magazine. This time, she’ll be presenting her stories with her new book: Stir-Frying to the Sky’s Edge. The book may be purchased at a discounted price for signing.

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What: Movies in the Parks – Five on the Black Hand Side

When: July 24, 2010

Where: DuSable Museum  740 E. 56th Place, Chicago

The DuSable Museum of African American History, collaborating with the City of Chicago and Chicago Park District, will host ‘Movies in the Park’ on the DuSable Museum plaza on Saturday. The movie begin at 8 PM. Free popcorn will be offered.

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What: Maxwell Street Market

When: July 25, 2010

Where: South Loop  Desplaines St. & Roosevelt Rd, Chicago

Come to the Maxwell Street Market this Sunday, for some Chicago-style bargains as well as samples of international flavor.

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What: We’re Still Here

When: All Week

Where: American Indian Center – Trickster Gallery   190 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg

An art exhibit by Linda Windell, an accomplished self-taught Native American artist of Creek/Cherokee.

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What:  Dazzling Colors: The Evolution of Plains Reservation Art

When:  All Week

Where: Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston

Highlighting dozens of artifacts from the Museum’s permanent collection, including beaded clothing, quillwork, dolls, beaded purses, and more, this art exhibit tells the story of continuity and change at a time of rapidly changing lifeways for Plains tribal groups.  

More Info>>

What:  Around The World In 36 Frames

When: All Week

Where: The Polish Museum of America, 984 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago

Believing that a moment of life captured in Sao Paulo might not look all that different from one captured in Osaka, Wojtek Gil, a Polish photographer, invented a “traveling camera”. This special camera has enough film for 36 shots, and has made its way to 36 cities around the globe. At every stop, one participant photographed just one striking image, and wrote a brief note about the shot. The camera’s global experience has made Gil’s project an innovative collection that contains unique and diverse perspectives of the participating photographers.

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What:  “Rediscovering Ukrainian Album Cover Art” Exhibit from the permanent collection

When:  All Week

Where:  Ukrainian National Museum, 2249 W. Superior St., Chicago

Marrying art and music, the Album Cover Art, is described to be nearing extinction.  This summer, you’ll get the chance see this precious artistic expression at “Rediscovering Ukrainian Album Cover Art”, an exhibit from the permanent collection of the Ukrainian National Museum, will exhibit over 110 album covers.

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We hope you all had a fabulous Independence Day holiday nd enjoyed watching World Cup Finals! As you might’ve realized, July 2nd marked the halfway point of 2010, but Chicago still has tons of fun things waiting for you to explore during the rest of the year. As usual, Multilingual Chicago picks 10 hot happenings in this week for you to plan, discover and enjoy.

If you go to any of these events, let us know how you liked them. Or, if you have suggestions for events we should feature here, let us know! You can reach us on Facebook, Twitter (@multilingchi) and of course, on our blog!

What: Film Screening: Wonderful Town

When:  July 17, 2010

Where:  Claudia Cassidy Theater, Chicago Cultural Center    

This week, Cinema/Chicago brings “Wonderful Town” a Thai film about a love that grows where there is no more love, and about a town that tries to destroy all the beauty that it cannot have for itself.

Co-presented by the Royal Thai Consulate in Chicago, the film is in Thai language with English subtitles, 92 minutes long. A post-screening discussion will follow the film on Wednesday, July 14.

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What: The Très Petite Concours: An Exhibition of Micro & Minicars

When: July 17 – 18, 2010

Where:  900 block of W. Armitage Ave.

What do microcars and minicars in 1950s & 1960s look like? The Très Petite Concours will answer  you by a display of small cars from Chicago collections. Some of the cars that will be displayed include Fiat Cinquecento, Citroen Deux Chevaux (2CV), and BMW Isetta. Car enthusiasts throughout the Chicagoland area are invited to participate and exhibit their vehicles!

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What: Family Fun Festival: Modern Art Adventures

When: July 19, 2010 – July 25, 2010

Where:  Chase Promenade North, Millennium Park

Sponsored by Target and presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Family Fun Festival is dedicated to create educational and fun-filled activities for children of all ages. This week, the festival partners with the Art Institute of Chicago with unique activities and performances in the Family Fun Activity Zone.

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What: Music Without Borders: Renato Borghetti with Boris Malkovsky

When: July 22, 2010

Where: Millennium Park

The Music Without Borders series will close out on July 22. The closing performance will feature Renato Borghetti  from Brazil, and Boris Malkovsky from Israel. Borghetti will play traditional gaúcho music, along with jazz and classical styles mixed with milonga, chamamé, vanerão, tango, baião and samba, while Malkovsky will bring the music that blends traditional Jewish themes and jazz improvisation with Gypsy and classical.

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What:  Chicago Summer Dance Series: Puerto Rican Bomba Dance

When:  July 21, 2010

Where: Humboldt Park Boat House    1359 N. Sacramento Ave

Devoted to promote and develop the Puerto Rican and Caribbean cultures and folklore, AfriCaribe, Grupo Yubá, and Nuestro Tambó will join the 14^th Annual Chicago Summer Dance, co-presenting a night of Puerto Rican Bomba dance and Afro-Puerto Rican Jam Session music at Humboldt Park Boat House.

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What: Chicago Afrobeat Project

When: July 22, 2010

Where: Grant Park

Following the Puerto Rican Bomba Dance lesson on July 21, Chicago Summer Dance will bring you something different – Chicago Afrobeat Project, a group that layers original Afrobeat’s with high-energy rock and experimental jazz, will be performing Afrobeat Dance Band musicat Grant Park.

At each of its 100+ live performances a year, the group’s frenzied songs are said to “hit audiences with a big enough one-two punch to tirelessly knock them onto the dance floor time and time again”. So if you are up for grooving to their unique Afrobeat music, don’t miss out this free dance lesson!

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What: Garfield Park Conservatory Summer Tropical Flower Show

When: All Week

Where: Garfield Park Conservatory   300 N. Central Park Ave. Chicago

As the weather further warms up, why not explore the beauty of the tropics at the free annual Summer Tropical Flower Show? The show offers an assortment of tropical plants, featuring various begonias and hibiscus.

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What:  Chicago History Museum: My Chinatown

When: All Week

Where:  Chicago History Museum    

My Chinatown continues to present a multimedia showcase where visitors experience the sights, sounds, and voices of this vibrant neighborhood to reveal a side that few ever see. From aromatic, golden hum-bao-buns at the Chui Bakery to the sound of myriad dialects to herbalists dispensing age-old remedies, uncover what makes Chicago’s Chinatown unique.

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What:  Singgalot (The Ties That Bind) Filipinos in America, From Colonial Subjects to Citizens

When: All Week

Where:  American Indian Center – Trickster Gallery   190 S. Roselle Road, Schaumberg

Singgalot (The Ties That Bind) traces Filipino presence in North America, from Colonial Subjects to Citizens. It celebrates 100 years of Filipino migration to the United States and vividly portrays the social history and the development of the Filipino community in America. This thirty panel presentation details the rich history, struggles, achievements and contributions of Filipinos, honoring early pioneers and the determined generations who came after them.

Singgalot was developed by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program and organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The national tour has been made possible by Farmers Insurance. ABS-CBN International is the national media sponsor.

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What: Exhibition: Part Asian – 100% Hapa

When: All Week

Where: The Field Museum

The exhibition includes a selection from 80 photographic portraits of people of multiracial heritage, from the 1,000 portraits taken by the artist Kip Fulbeck, along with the sitters’ responses to the most common question asked of people of mixed-race background — “What are you?”  There will be a opening party with a date to be announced.  A series of interesting programs will accompany the exhibit. 

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Chicago is a world-class dining city, and whether you want to dine al fresco at your favorite sidewalk café, check out some place new, or enjoy your neighborhood standby, this week, we show you how to invite a friend to dinner in Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish.

How Do I Say: “I’m so hungry. Shall we get dinner together?”

Mandarin Chinese: 我好饿。我们一起吃晚饭怎么样？wǒ hǎo è . wǒ men yì qǐ chī wǎn fàn zěn me yàng?

Spanish: Me muero de hambre, vamos a comer?

French: J’ai très faim, et si nous dinions ensemble?

German: Ich bin so hungrig.  Gehen wir essen? 

Arabic:  أنا جوعان كثيرا, هل نذهب للعشاء معا   -   ana jawa’an katheeran, hal nadhab lel’ashaa’ ma’an?

Portugeuse: Estou com muita fome. Vamos jantar juntos?

If you’d like to learn more, check out our schedule of classes, bootcamps and events at www.multilingualchicago.com.  

I’ve been spending the day going through my overflowing inbox (what a treat!), and I came upon a Tribune article that someone forwarded me about Chicago’s shifting linguistic landscape. Some highlights:

Chicago still has more Polish speakers than any other American city. Its enduring linguistic stew ranks it among the top four cities with speakers of Arabic (4th), German (2nd), Greek (2nd), Gujarati (2nd), Hindi (3rd), Hungarian (4th), Italian (3rd), Korean (4th), Russian (3rd), Serbo-Croatian (2nd), Spanish (4th) and Urdu (2nd).

The article notes that in the 1920s, 27% of Chicagoans were foreign-born.  As a result of the US government’s immigration quotas, that number fell to under10% by 1970.  Things have changed quite dramatically in recent decades:

The new census report, comparing data from 1980 through 2007, found that the number of U.S. residents 5 years and older who spoke a language other than English at home more than doubled in the past three decades to 55 million, or 20 percent of the population. The number grew at a pace four times faster than the overall population growth.

Looking at Spanish, it’s no surprise that the numbers are growing, but just how much?  I could make you read the article, or I could just tell you… Since 1980, Spanish speakers have grown by 211%!  That’s a pretty compelling reason to enroll yourself (or your kids) in Spanish classes!

We hope that our weekly “Top 10 Multicultural Events in Chicago” list has helped you discover some fun things to do in and around the city since we launched it last month. As July begins with a bang to celebrate the U.S.A’s birthday, we hope you’ll find time to fit these hot happenings into your calendar!

What: Chicago Summer Dance series: Greek Folk Dance Lessons

When:  July 1, 2010

Where: Grant Park

Chicago Summer Dance continues to bring fun and free dance series! This week, you’ll be able to learn Greek Folk dance taught by the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society, a Chicago-based Greek folk dance ensemble whose mission is to present and perpetuate the rich history and traditions of the folk music, songs, and dances of Greece. Their Music Ensemble will be performing the Greek Folk music.

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What: Orchestre Septentrional d’Haiti with Batata y Las Alegres Ambulancias

When:  July 1, 2010

Where: Grant Park

The Orchestre Septentrional d’Haiti and its big band of thirteen musicians bring the sounds of merengue, konpa and bolero to the stage at Millennium Park. Batata y Las Alegres Ambulancias, a representative of the culture of Colombia’s Caribbean area, will also join the performance with their unique Afro-Caribbean sound presenting Colombia’s legends, languages, stories, and songs that derive from their African ancestry.

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What:  Batata Y Las Alegres Ambulancias Concert

When:  July 2, 2010

Where: The Historic Logan Square Auditorium

If you enjoy the Afro-Caribbean sound by Batata Y Las Alegres Ambulancias on July 1, you will love their performance at Logan Square on July 2. They’ll demonstrate how the 500- year-old Afro-Colombian musical tradition is thriving in this globalized world.

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What: Summer 2010 Family Adventure Days: Bronzeville

When:  July 2, 2010

Where: Chicago Cultural Center

Plan an action-packed and guided day-trip adventure to explore Chicago with your family! This week, Family Adventure Days will take you to explore the sights, sounds and flavors of Bronzeville, one of the Chicago’s multicultural neighborhoods.

Taking place rain or shine, the adventure is recommended for families with children ages 6 and up.

More Info>> 

What:  Dazzling Colors: The Evolution of Plains Reservation Art

When:  July 3 – October 17, 2010

Where: Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

Highlighting dozens of artifacts from the Museum’s permanent collection, including beaded clothing, quillwork, dolls, beaded purses, and more, this art exhibit tells the story of continuity and change at a time of rapidly changing lifeways for Plains tribal groups.  

More Info>>

What: Osseny Art Exhibit

When: July 3, 2010

Where: Irish American Heritage Museum

In conjunction with the Rattlin’ of the Joists annual performance on June 16, the IAHC Art Gallery has been hosted an art exhibit on Joyce. Leonid Osseny: 30 Views of Ulysses is an art exhibit of 30 digital images on archival paper by award-winning Skokie artist and architect, Leonoid Osseny. The exhibit has run every Saturday since June 11, and will close up on July 11. So if you are interested, make sure you stop by and take a look at some different kinds of artwork.

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What: Family Fun Activity Zone- Cultural Exchange: China Week

When: July 5-11, 2010

Where: Chase Promenade North, Millennium Park

You’ve probably already enjoyed some days at the Family Fun Festival with your kids at Millennium Park this summer. Starting July 5, the festival’s “Cultural Exchange: China Week” will entertain your kids with hands-on craft projects and garden, science and environmental activities at the Family Fun Activity Zone, led by Chinese-American Museum of Chicago and Museums of Springfield, Illinois.

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What: Movie Screening: The Equation of Love and Death (Li Mi de caixiang)

When: July 7, 2010; July 10, 2010

Where: Chicago Cultural Center

This week, International Summer Screenings Program features The Equation of Love and Death, a Chinese film made in 2003. The film is in Mandarin, with English subtitles, and runs 96 minutes long.

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What:  Around The World In 36 Frames

When: All Week

Where: The Polish Museum of America    984 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Believing that a moment of life captured in Sao Paulo might not look all that different from one captured in Osaka, Wojtek Gil, a Polish photographer, invented a “traveling camera”. This special camera has enough film for 36 shots, and has made its way to 36 cities around the globe. At every stop, one participant photographed just one striking image, and wrote a brief note about the shot. The camera’s global experience has made Gil’s project an innovative collection that contains unique and diverse perspectives of the participating photographers.

More Info>>

What: Garfield Park Conservatory Summer Tropical Flower Show

When: All Week

Where: Garfield Park Conservatory   300 N. Central Park Ave. Chicago

As the weather further warms up, why not explore the beauty of the tropics at the free annual Summer Tropical Flower Show? The show offers an assortment of tropical plants, featuring various begonias and hibiscus.

More Info>>

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is in full swing, and Landon Donovan just made the magical last-minute score that continued the US’s World Cup dream! When chatting about the World Cup, an easy way to connect is to ask about others’ favorite teams. To make your discussions more fun, this week, Multilingual Chicago teaches you how to ask this question in six languages.  

Again, if these language tidbits inspired you to learn more, please check out our awesome course offerings at Multilingual Chicago!

How Do I Say “What is your favorite team at the World Cup?”

Mandarin: 你最喜欢世界杯里的哪支球队? – nǐ zuì xǐ huān shì jiè bēi lǐ de nǎ zhī qiú duì?

Spanish: Cual es tu favorito en el mundial?

French: Quelle est ton equipe preferee de la Coupe du Monde?”

Italian: Quale’ la tua squadra preferita alla Coppa del Mondo?

Korean: 월드컵 대회에서 어떤 팀을 가장 좋아하십니까?  – World Cup Dae Hoi-e-so Otton-tim-ul Ga-jang Joa-ha-sim-ni-gga?

Arabic: ماهو فريقك المفضل في كأس العالم    – ma howa fareeqak al-mofaddal fee ka’as al’alam

Questions? Suggestions? Don’t forget to tell us!

We hope you’re still on a Blackhawks Stanley Cup high as we welcome summer to Chicago. To help you get in the warm weather spirit, here are Multilingual Chicago’s top picks of hot happenings in Chicago this week.

If you go to any of these events, let us know how you liked them. You can reach us on Facebook, Twitter (@multilingchi) and of course, on our blog!

What: Chicago Summer Dance Series – Salsa, cha-cha & Mambo

When:  June 23, 2010   6pm – 8:30pm

Where:  Humboldt Park Boat House, 1359 N. Sacramento Ave.    Chicago

Did you get a chance to check out the first week of The Chicago Summer Dance series we recommended in last week’s Top 10 Multicultural Events? If not, don’t miss another salsa & Cha-cha lesson featuring Mambo Mike. The live Salsa, Cha-Cha, and Mambo music will be performed by Willie Gomez con Cache Orchestra. This event is also part of the Latin Street Salsa Congreso 2010.

More Info >>

What: Latino Theatre Festival

When: June 19 – July 25, 2010

Where:  170 North Dearborn St. Chicago

Presented by Goodman Theatre, Latino Theatre Festival offers five weeks of drama, romance, music, legends and celebrations. In this theatrical feast, you’ll be able to enjoy a dazzling array of local, national and international artists. 

More Info >> 

What: Beyond the Music with Sones de México Ensemble

When: June 24, 2010 12PM

Where: Chicago Cultural Center

Interested in exploring Mexican music in depth? Then come to the lecture and demonstration on Mexico’s musical geography, presented by Chicago’s own Grammy-nominated Sones de México Ensemble. As specialists in Mexico’s regional folk and dance music styles, they will give live demonstrations on Mexico’s major regional styles, and takes questions from the audience. This program is sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

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What: 17 Swedish Designers Family Night

When: June 25, 2010   4 pm – 7 pm

Where: Swedish American Museum

17 female Swedish designers who specialize in textiles, furniture, glasswork and other Swedish mediums, will present their award-winning artworks at Swedish American Museum.

Reservations are recommended.

More Info >>

What:  Chicago Summer Dance Series – Steppin’ Dance

When: June 26, 2010

Where:  Grant Park

If you’d like to try some other dances besides salsa, cha-cha and mambo, come join the Steppin’ dance lessons by Majestic Gents. The live music will be presented by the Chicago-based DJ Mellow Khris, one of the most popular Steppers DJs nationwide.

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What: Symposium Justice after Atrocity: Extraordinary Chambers of Cambodia

When: June 26, 2010

Where: Cambodian American Heritage Museum 

Join Northwestern Professor David Scheffer and John Marshall Law School Professor Stuart Ford for a discussion of the Khmer Rouge Trials.

More Info >>

What: Chicago Arabesque

When: June 24, 2010 – June 26, 2010

Where:  Daley Plaza 50 W. Washington, Chicago

As a non-religious, non-political festival promoting public awareness, Chicago Arabesque is a unique event that deepens your understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world.  You’ll be able to experience the dynamism and diversity of the Arab world via various workshops, calligraphy, artisan demonstrations, activity booths, Arab cuisine and a souq (bazaar). In addition, there will also be daily performances of Arabic music and dance, and children will enjoy storytellers, magicians and games.

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What: St. Josaphat Summerfest 2010

When: June 25- 27, 2010

Where: 2311 N. Southport Avenue,  Chicago

Looking for a festive weekend with great food, music and fun? Then come join the Summerfest2010 celebration! The exciting lineup of live entertainment features bands such as South of 80, Wedding Banned, The Swing Sets, and a lot more!

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What: Taste of Chicago

When: June 25 – July 4, 2010

Where: Various

Whether you crave American, Italian, Chinese, Mexican or Mediterranean food, Taste of Chicago has a fabulous list of restaurants and entertainment that offers a great ‘taste’ of Chicago’s multicultural landscape.

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What: Live Performance by Rebel Roots

When: Monday, June 28, 2010 1:15 PM – 3:15 PM CDT (End Time Estimated)

Where: The Illinois Lottery Taste Stage   Balbo & Columbus Dr.

Taste of Chicago not only features yummy things to eat, but also accompanies your taste adventures with awesome live music!

With members reigning from Jamaica, Poland, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Chicago, Rebel Roots boasts for their unique music style blended with both organic and multicultural elements. Having been performing at various festivals such as the African-Caribbean International Festival of Life, the Caribbean Festival, Navy Pier Beer Garden, and Taste of Polonia, the band will continue their popular reggae tones at this year’s Taste of Chicago. 

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What: International Summer Screenings Program: Seducing Doctor Lewis (La grande seduction)

When:  June 30, 2010; July 3, 2010

Where:  Chicago Culture Center

Cinema/Chicago aims to foster better communication between people of diverse cultures through the art of film. This coming week, the program will feature Seducing Doctor Lewis (La grande seduction), an award winning French film.

As a friendly reminder – the seating is on a first come, first served basis and is limited to theater capacity. Films are unrated, and viewer discretion is advised.

More Info >>