August 2010
10 Hot Things: August 20- August 28
Whether you’re a fan of Greek, Ukrainian, Arab or American food, we hope this week’s Top 10 Things will whet your appetite.
As always, we welcome your feedback. You can reach us on Facebook, Twitter (@Multi_Chicago) and of course, right here on our blog!
What: Fork and the Road Blue Plate Special Tour
When: August 21, 2010
Where: Starts & ends at Intelligentsia Millennium Park Coffeebar 53 E. Randolph St. Chicago
This week, Fork and the Road prepares for you an opportunity to explore American diner culture by bike! The two-wheel tour will start with some old-school hearty chili on the South Side, then move on to some soulful fried chicken and biscuits at a culinary landmark of the Civil Rights Movement, and then ends with a sweet treat of pie at a cozy bake shop.
What: Pearl Fest
When: August 21, 2010
Where: Mandrake Park, Cottage Grove & Oakwood Blvd., Chicago
Pearl Fest is an annual event held by Little Black Pearl Workshop for the Bronzeville, Kenwood-Oakland & Hyde Park neighborhoods. The festival will showcase are products from local artists, LBPW staff and students, art & apparel vendors, food vendors and local and national entertainment.
What: Ukrainian Festival – 27th Annual
When: August 21- August 22, 2010
Where: Smith Park, 2526 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
The 27th annual Ukrainian Heritage Festival features Ukrainian arts and crafts, music, dance, food and entertainment.
What: Women Empowerment Screenings @ Cultural Center
When: August 22, 2010
Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago
In partnership with the Chicago Foundation for Women and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and sponsored by Chicago Public Media, the Independent Television Service (ITVS) presents a film screening series highlighting stories of women and girls in the United States and around the world who are making real change on critical social issues in their communities.
What: The Great Midwest Ukefest
When: August 22, 2010
Where: Chief O’Neill’s Pub and Restaurant, 3471 N. Elston Ave., Chicago
The Great Midwest Ukefest, presented by the Chicago Ukulele Carabet, will feature eight hours of live uke music at Chief O’Neill’s Pub and Restaurant. In addition, there will be a BBQ, an outdoor beer garden, and raffle items with proceeds benefiting the Intonation Music Workshop.
What: “Taste of Ramadan” Iftar
When: Thursday, August 26, 7:00pm
Where: CAIR-Chicago 28 E. Jackson Blvd., Ste. 1700 Chicago
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) invites you to join their annual Iftar and Cook-off on Thursday, August 26. Meals will be made by CAIR-Chicago staff members in a potluck competition, and all the guests will vote on the best dish! This year, there will be a special ingredient used throughout all of the dishes. So go hungry and leave happy.
What: Latin Inferno: James Sanders Conjunto with Special Guests
When: August 26, 2010
Where: Millennium Park, N. MIchigan Ave. & E. Randolph St., Chicago
Steeped in the Afro-Cuban musical tradition, violinist James Sanders can be seen and heard across Chicago from symphonies to Latin clubs. This night, his Latin Jazz band, Conjunto, featuring Steve Eisen, Jose Porcayo, Luis Rosario and more will present an evening of fiery music making at Millennium Park. Featuring guest performers include members of Cerqua Rivera Dance Company, vocalist Papo Santiago and special guest saxophonist Fred Anderson.
What: Hidden Treasures: Graphic Art Collection
When: All Week
Where: Polish Museum of America, 984 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
For the first time in the United States—after presentations in Poland—an exhibition with 120 works on paper from 1919 to 1995 by 65 renowned Polish artists will be displayed through August. The exhibit features extremely valuable prints from The Polish Museum of America permanent collection, including unique woodcuts from the Polish Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair in 1939–1940, and a lithograph by Stanisław Szukalski, an artist admired by Leonardo DiCaprio.
What: Expressions of Michael Jackson
When: August 27, 2010
Where: DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl., Chicago
In memory of the ‘King of Pop’, Michael Jackson’s artistic and charitable contributions, For Children, By Children (FCBC) is proud to present Expressions of MJ, a dance extravaganza. From little Michael performing with The Jackson Five and later The Jacksons, to some of his most memorable music videos and dazzling live performances, the cast of FCBC puts on a highly energetic showcase of the life of Michael Jackson.
What: Taste of Greece 2010
When: Aug 28, 2010 – Aug 29, 2010
Where: Greektown, 100 S. Halsted St., Chicago
Chicago’s Greektown festival satisfies your appetite with an event filled with great Greek food, music and dancing.
10 Hot Things: August 13- August 20
The summer parade and festival fevers continue in Chicago this week. Hope this week’s list gives you great ideas for things to do around the city.
Oh and, don’t forget that Multilingual Chicago is offering a FREE kids language fair this Saturday, August 14!
What: PRAGUE: Dvořák – The Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus
When: August 13, 2010
Where: Jay Pritzker Pavilion Millennium Park, N. MIchigan Ave. & E. Randolph St., Chicago
Prague is one of the Chicago’s International sister cities. To strengthen the artistic connections between the two cities, the Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus provide a special opportunity for people in Chicago to hear Prague’s Dvořák’s richly expressive and passionate choral masterpiece, which was among the most popular choral works of his lifetime. Refreshments will be on a cash basis. A special section will be reserved at the tent as well as the pavilion seating bowl, on a first-come, first-served basis.
What: Ginza Holiday Festival
When: August 13 – August 15, 2010
Where: Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee St., Chicago
Are you a fan of Japanese culture? Then don’t miss the Japanese cultural festival! Come and meet master craftsmen from Tokyo, enjoy stage performances by taiko (drum) groups and Japanese classical & folk dance troupes, watch martial arts demonstrations by aikido, judo, karate & kendo (fencing) schools, sample some chicken teriyaki, sushi, udon (noodles), and get some good bargains for Japanese-style jewelry and kimonos.
What: FREE Kids’ Language Fair
When: August 14, 2010
Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite C, Chicago
Our Language Fairs are offered periodically as an opportunity for parents and kids (1-5) to come for a taste of our Spanish, French and Mandarin language classes. Kids rotate through all three language stations with their parents and play games, do crafts and sing songs – all the while laughing and having fun.
This is a free event, but please register in advance! Be sure to include your child’s name and age in the Comments section.
What: Bud Billiken® Parade and Picnic
When: August 14, 2010
Where: 39th & South Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr., Chicago
Robert S. Abbott, Chicago Defender’s newspaper founder, began the first Bud Billiken® Parade and Picnic in 1929 as a way to show his appreciation to the newspaper’s paper boys. The festivity is annually held on the second Saturday of August, and has developed into one the City’s premier Back-to-School event. Apart from the many celebrities, stars of stage and screen, entertainers and elected officials, the real star participants of the Bud Billiken® Parade and Picnic are the hundreds of local and out of state bands, drill teams, dance teams, car clubs and the like. At the end of the parade’s route in Washington Park is the After Parade Activities.
What: India Independence Day Parade
When: August 15, 2010
Where: On Devon from Western to California 2400 W. Devon Ave., Chicago
Following the warm-up festivities on August 11, the India Independence Day Parade will take place on Aug. 15th on Devon from Western to California in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood.
What: Dusk Variations: Lost In The Trees
When: August 16, 2010
Where: Millennium Park N. MIchigan Ave. & E. Randolph St., Chicago
Helmed by composer and songwriter Ari Picker, Lost In The Trees has grown from a solo effort to a full symphonic band. This inventive music collective from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was recently featured at this year’s SXSW music festival and will be re-releasing the album All Alone In An Empty House on August 10, 2010 through Anti-Records. This time, Lost In the Tree comes to Chicago and will showcase how they merge dramatic symphonic elements of classical music with the accessibility of American folk and modern pop, to create a sound that is simultaneously intimate and sonically ambitious.
What: Django: A Celebration featuring Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan with Special Guests
When: August 19, 2010
Where: Millennium Park N. MIchigan Ave. & E. Randolph St. Chicago
Jean “Django” Reinhardt, the Belgian-born Gypsy jazz guitarist, is well known for his unique and revolutionary style in guitar playing. To mark his centennial birthday, Alfonso Ponticelli, along with guests artists from France and New York will join Swing Gitan, to tell Django’s musical story and remind us why his style and sound reverberate throughout the jazz world today.
What: Chinatown @ Ravinia Festival
When: August 20. 2010
Where: 418 Sheridan Road Highland Park, IL 60035
Sponsored by the Negaunee Foundation, the Ravinia Festival will present a video screening of The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma, in celebration of Silk Road’s 10th anniversary.A buffet style picnic will be offered in the park. .THI
What: International Summer Screenings Program: Small Fish (Kleine Fische)
When: August 18-August 21, 2010
Where: Chicago Cultural Center 78 E. Washington St., Chicago
Can two brothers overcome their differences when facing one big challenge? Director Marco Antoniazzi has staged a funny and poignant observation of the intricacies and incongruities of brotherhood in Small Fish (Kleine Fische), an Austrian movie that will be presented in this week’s Cinema/Chicago.
What: Jamaican Independence Caribbean Festival
When: All Week
Where: Union Park 1501 W. Randolph St.,Chicago
To commemorate Jamaica’s independence on August 6, 1962, join this week-long celebration of Caribbean culture featuring reggae music, food and vendors from the Caribbean.
10 Hot Things: August 6 – August 13
This week’s list is chock full of special events such as parades to celebrate several countries’ independence, market days with good bargains, as well as street festival with great music and fun crowds. Plus, Multilingual Chicago is offering a FREE community Spanish session and an Italian wine tasting event for you. We hope you find something fun to explore!
What: Taylor Street Italian Festival
When: August 6, 2010 – August 8, 2010
Where: On Taylor St. at Ashland Ave., Chicago
Chicago’s Little Italy area will have continuous live entertainment, Italian food specialties from the authentic restaurants in the area. Come out for some wine, special merchandise from Italy and children’s activities.
What: Northalsted Market Days
When: August 7, 2010 – August 8, 2010
Where: On N. Halsted btwn. Belmont & Addison, Chicago
With a new theme, “Carnival”, Northalsted Market Days, the Midwest’s largest two-day street festival, will take place soon at North Halsted, one of Chicago’s most popular yea-round neighborhoods for both city residents and visitors. Market Days spans four city blocks and has 17 entrance gates. Besides joining the crowds to watch the live music performances on four stages, you can also expect a variety of unique food and arts and crafts vendors at the festival.
What: Ecuador Parade
When: August 8, 2010
Where: On Montrose Ave. from California to Kimball 4346 N. California Ave., Chicago
The Annual Ecuador Parade will take place on Aug. 8th in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood.
What: Pakistan Independence Day Parade
When: August 9, 2010
Where: Devon from Ridge to Western Ave. (2000 W. Devon Ave.), Chicago
Since 1947, August 14 has been a very important day in the lives of every Pakistani around the globe. It was on that day 63 years ago that Pakistan became an independent country. To celebrate the nation and the spirit of freedom, this year, the Pakistan Independence Day Parade will take place on August 9 on Devon Ave. in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood.
What: FREE Community Spanish
When: August 10, 2010 6-9pm
Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 Milwaukee Ave., Suite C, Chicago
Looking for some Spanish basics to help you get around the neighborhood, help you communicate at work or in advance of a trip? Think of this as a mini Bilingual Boot Camp in a 3-hour version, and this time, it’s free! Our Community Spanish class is designed as a fun and quick introduction to practical Spanish you can use everyday. Topics include pronunciation, greetings, courtesies, numbers and more. While this is designed for those with no background in Spanish, if you’ve studied Spanish in the past but your brain is feeling rusty, this will be a great review!
What: Under The Picasso: India Independence Day
When: August 11, 2010
Where: Daley Plaza 50 W. Washington, Chicago
Right after Pakistan gained independence, India also became a free nation, overthrowing colonial British rule. Since then, the Indian American community, spread across the United States, takes pride in celebrating India Day every year, honoring their mother land and deepening their commitment and bond to India. The Association of Indians in Chicago celebrates with parades, cultural events, parties and special prayers for their motherland.
What: Italian Wine Tasting
When: August 11, 2010
Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 Milwaukee Ave., Suite C, Chicago
You’ve tasted wines of the Spanish-speaking world with us, as well as the wines of France. Now it’s time to join us in our upcoming Taste of Italian Wine! We’ll be partnering with our Logan Square Neighbor, Provenance Food & Wine, to bring you an exciting, educational and tasty evening. Cost: $25 (includes wine, cheese and light snacks…and great company!)
What: Gallery Talk for “Stranger in Paradise: The Works of Reverend Howard Finster”
When: August 12, 2010
Where: Chicago Cultural Center Exhibit Hall, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago
The Reverend Howard Finster is one of the most widely known and prolific self-taught artists, having created more than 46,000 pieces of art before his death in 2001. Author and art historian Michael Bonesteel leads a gallery talk through the exhibition of Finster’s works.
What: Under The Picasso: Chicago Farmers Market
When: August 12, 2010
Where: Daley Plaza 50 W. Washington; Willis Tower 233 S Wacker Dr., Chicago
If you’re downtown, stop by the market at either Daley Plaza or Wills Tower for a great selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, cheese, breads, flowers, jam, pies and more.
What: Ihor Havryshkevych Art Exhibition: Ukrainian National Museum
When: All Week
Where: Ukrainian National Museum, 2249 W. Superior St., Chicago
The Ukrainian National Museum is to present the first solo exhibition in the United States of artist Ihor Havryshkevych, a native of Lviv, Ukraine. The exhibition showcases over 20 works representing various genres, historical themes, still-lifes and landscapes. Havryshkevych’s style is depicted by the bright boldness of colors influenced by the colorful landscapes of Yavoriv, his childood home.
10 Hot Things: July 30- August 6
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.
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.
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+
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.
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!
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.
