What: 175 Ways to love Chicago

When: January 16, 2012 to March 4, 2012

Where: All around town

The City of Chicago turns 175 years old on March 4, 2012! We’re celebrating this momentous occasion with “175 Ways to Love Chicago”, featuring notable Chicagoans’ Windy City favorites! From January 16 to March 4, we will offer notable locals’ unique perspectives on the things they love most about this great city.

More Info >>

What: Luminous Field by Luftwerk.

When: February 10, 2012 to February 20, 2012

Where: Millennium Park, Michigan Ave. & Washington St. Chicago, IL 60602

This February, Millennium Park is transformed into a digital canvas of light and geometrical form with its first-ever site-specific video and sound installation by the Chicago-based artistic ensemble Luftwerk. Created specifically for Millennium Park, the installation will illuminate Cloud Gate – known by many Chicagoans as “The Bean” – and its surrounding AT&T Plaza with dramatic images and colors set to music composed by Owen Clayton Condon, of the local avant-garde classical ensemble, Third Coast Percussion.

Luminous Field will be on view on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 – 10 pm, and Sunday - Thursday evenings from 6 – 9 pm.  This groundbreaking winter event will be complemented by fun family activities, including hands-on art projects, musical games and craft activities; and music and dance performances in a heated tent on the Park’s Chase Promenade North.

More Info >>

What: Chicago Park District Ice Rinks

When: through February 2012

Where: vary

Bring your own skates and skate for free at most Chicago Park District outdoor rinks!

Rinks open for the season the week of Monday, November 28 and are open through February 2012, weather permitting.  Rinks offer skate rentals for various fees and concessions are available at many of the rinks. Hours vary. All rinks are outdoors with the exception of McFetridge in California Park which is open year round except for the month of August. Admission fees apply at McFetridge and the Rink at Wrigley.

For a list of rink locations, hours and fees, click here.

For further information contact the individual ice rinks or the Chicago Park District at 312.742.PLAY (7529).

More Info >>

What: Spread the Word! The Evolution of Gospel from Chicago to the World

When:  through May 20, 2012

Where: DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl. Chicago, IL 60637

This exhibition at the DuSable Museum of African American History celebrates the rich history of gospel music, from its origins in Chicago to the contributions made to the genre by gospel legends such as Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, Thomas Dorsey, James Cleveland, Sallie Martin and many others. Legendary Chicago choirs, such as Reverend Milton Brunson and The Thompson Community Singers, along with Dr. Charles G. Hayes and The Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir (aka The Warriors) “testify” with the “First Families of Gospel,” The Yancy Family and the Staple Singers. Additionally, the renowned “singing “ preachers such as Reverend Clay Evans and Pastor Maceo Woods “minister” right next to award-winning soloist such as Mahalia Jackson and Albertina Walker, while contemporary artist such as Darius Brooks share the spotlight with Joshua’s Troop.

More info >>

If anyone has any questions, they can contact Adrienne.

Stay warm and stay safe!

We’re committed to helping open the minds and mouths of adults and children throughout the Chicago-land area on their journey to learn additional languages, and this screening is one small step to that end.

From the film-makers:

Our idea in making Speaking in Tongues was to showcase a world where these communication barriers are being addressed. An African-American boy from public housing learns to read, write, and speak Mandarin. A Mexican-American boy, whose parents are not literate in any language, develops professional-level Spanish while mastering English. A Chinese-American girl regains her grandparents’ mother tongue—a language her parents lost through assimilation. A Caucasian teen travels to Beijing to stay with a Mandarin speaking host family. Their stories reveal the promise of a multilingual America. Each kid’s world opens up when they start learning two languages on the first day of kindergarten; each is developing both bi-cultural and bi-lingual fluency.

Join us Friday January 13th at 7pm or Sunday January 21st at 10:30 (childcare provided!) – just send a quick note to msmithivas@gmail.com.  Hope to see you there!

What: Cabaret with a view – Millennium Park

When: Sunday December 11, 2011; from 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
312.742.TIXS (8497)

All performances take place on the enclosed, heated Jay Pritzker Pavilion stage.

Experience cabaret like never before with top Chicago performers in an intimate, climate-controlled environment with an exceptional view. Cabaret returns to Millennium Park with the popular series, Cabaret with a View, where audiences have a chance to sit on the enclosed stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion to experience music in an intimate setting and a climate-controlled environment.

More Info >>

What: Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light.

When: November 17, 2011 to January 9, 2012

Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 57th St. & Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637

Celebrate 70 years of Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, an exhibition that has brought holiday cheer and global festivities to generations of museum goers at the MSI. What began as a United Nations Day salute to America’s World War II allies in 1942 is now a beloved Chicago holiday tradition that features over 50 dazzling trees and displays that are decorated by members of ethnic communities across the city to reflect holiday customs from all over the world. Experience ethnic dancing and singing, storytellers, school choirs and other festivities to get everyone in the holiday spirit

More Info >>

What: Holiday Events in the Parks

When: November 26, 2011 to January 8, 2012

Where: Chicago Park District field houses citywide locations, Chicago IL 60611
Phone : 312-742-PLAY (7529)

The Chicago Park District hosts numerous holiday events this winter such as dinner with Santa, rollerskating with Santa, chocolate house making, and much more. Go here for a complete schedule of the holiday events.

More Info >>

What: The Black Ensemble Theater: The Jackie Wilson Story.

When: November 20, 2011 to January 8, 2012

Where: The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street Chicago IL 60640
Phone : 773.769.4451

The Black Ensemble Theater kicks off its 2011-12 “Legendary Season of Rhythm & Blues” with a production of the hit musical showcasing the rise and fall of the legendary performer, Jackie Wilson.  The Jackie Wilson Story is written, produced and directed by Black Ensemble Theater founder and CEO, Jackie Taylor, and is scheduled to run through January 8, 2012.

This high energy musical was first produced in 2000 to critical acclaim, and went on to tour the country in 2002 before culminating in a landmark performance at New York City’s famed Apollo Theater.  Though this production will differ slightly from the original version, the show will reprise many of Wilson’s favorite hits, such as (Your Love Keeps Liftin’ Me) Higher & HIgher, To Be Loved, Danny Boy and Doggin’ Me Around, as well as new songs by Frankie Lymons.

More info >>

What: Winter Solstice Festival at North Park Village Nature Center

When: December 17, 2011 from 6 pm to 9pm

Where:  North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Road Chicago, IL 60646

The Chicago Park District’s North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd., welcomes winter with a special annual event, the Winter Solstice Festival, which celebrates the change in season on Saturday, December 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Winter Solstice Festival, admission free and open to all ages, is a delightful opportunity to explore the North Park Village Nature Preserve during the evening hours. The festival includes walks along the nature trails lit by luminaries, a visit with critters from Big Run Wolf Ranch and chestnuts roasted on an open fire. Guests can help create edible holiday ornaments for the animals that make the Nature Center their home.

More info

What: Bilingual French Boot Camp

When: Sunday December 11, 2011; from 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618

We are very excited to offer a French Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of French in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.

More Info >>

What: Bilingual Spanish Boot Camp

When: Sunday December 11, 2011; from 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618

We are very excited to offer a Spanish Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Spanish in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.

More Info >>

What: Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest

When: December 2, 2011 to January 8, 2012

Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

The 11th annual Winter Wonderfest transforms Navy Pier into an indoor winter wonderland full of games, rides, music and a forest of beautifully decorated trees. New this year is an added week of family fun with 170,000 square feet of rides, inflatable slides, entertainment, stunning holiday lights and decor, and much more!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Winter WonderFest at Chicago’s Navy Pier! There’s more fun than ever before to be had in the 11th annual edition of Winter WonderFest, presented by Bank of America, a beloved Chicago holiday tradition that runs from December 2, 2011 – January 8, 2012.  This year, Navy Pier has extended Winter WonderFest by one week, to January 8, 2012.

More Info >>

What: National Hellenic Museum.

When: Closed on Monday

Where: 333 South Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60607

The National Hellenic Museum is the only major museum in the United States dedicated to telling the story of Greek history, culture and arts from ancient times to today. The Museum connects all generations – past, present and future – to the rich heritage of Greek history and the Greek American experience. The National Hellenic Museum opened its doors in a new home at the corner of Halsted and Van Buren, in the heart of Chicago’s famed Greektown, in December of 2011

More info >>

What: Maxwell Street Market

When: January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012

Where:  South Loop, Desplaines St & Roosevelt Rd Chicago, IL 60607

The Maxwell Street Market is a Chicago tradition of bargains and bargaining with an international flavor.

The Maxwell Street Market will be closed on Christmas Day (Dec. 25, 2011) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1, 2012).

Email us at maxwellstreet@cityofchicago.org if you would like to receive our Maxwell Street Market Newsletter.

More info

What: Chicago Gives

When: November 18, 2011 to January 8, 2012

Where: Expo 72, 72 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601

Chicago Gives is an exhibition featuring a variety of small-scale organizations that use culturally based actions to accomplish broad social good by employing a combination of traditional business and philanthropic practices. The more than 15 groups promote job training, life skills, community development, healthy living, urban agriculture/community gardening, reading, cultural literacy, art appreciation and more through direct involvement with constituents in need of services and the community at large. The exhibit will feature information about each group and images or products highlighting their efforts.

More info

What: Jazz City Concerts

When: December 9, 2012

Where: Chicago Park District Parks, various locations, Chicago, IL 60601

JazzCity is a collaboration initiated in 1997 by the Jazz Institute of Chicago with the Chicago Park District. The concerts present something for everyone—from jazz masters Von Freeman and Willie Pickens to a jazz and basketball improvisation with a hip hop poet, from classic big bands to a tribute to Chicago’s poet/lyricist Oscar Brown Jr.

Many young Chicago musicians have made their public debut with JazzCity and gone on to national repute, and several established musicians have presented projects on a grand scale. Numerous JazzCity projects have gone from the neighborhood parks to the grand stages at Millennium Park and the Chicago Jazz Festival. Come celebrate the past, present and future of jazz in Chicago.

More info

What: A Christmas Carol.

When: November 18, 2011 to December 31, 2012

Where: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60601

Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol has delighted Chicago audiences since the very first production over thirty years ago when the Chicago Tribune raved: “magic took over the show.”

Charles Dickens’ classic story, the exceptional actors and the miraculous stagecraft have made A Christmas Carol a beloved Chicago tradition. Every year, audiences look forward to the “Bah Humbugs,” the arrival of the ghosts, the music and dancing and Scrooge’s joyful discovery of life and love.

This timeless play will put the magic in your holiday season!

More info

What: Bilingual Italian Boot Camp

When: Sunday December 4, 2011; from 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618

We are very excited to offer an Italian Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Italian in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.

More Info >>

What: Caroling at Cloud Gate

When: November 25, 2011 to December 6, 2011

Where: Millennium Park, Chase Promenade Central

N. Michigan Ave. & E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60602

Celebrate the holidays in Millennium Park, when Caroling at Cloud Gate returns on Friday evenings from November 25 through December 16, 2011 at 6 PM during the holiday season. This free program, presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, showcases Chicago choral groups and invites visitors to participate in a holiday sing-along.

Now in its sixth season, Caroling at Cloud Gate has become a cherished tradition in Chicago, with hundreds of singers gathering each week in the Park. Complimentary warm beverages will be provided by Caribou Coffee. Following the 50-minute caroling session, everyone is encouraged to skate at Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, one of the most popular winter destinations in the city.

More Info >>

What: Zoolights at The Lincoln Park Zoo

When:             November 25, 2011 to January 1, 2011

Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, IL 60614

Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a dazzling wonderland with a series of free seasonal festivities for Zoolights, November 25 through January 1.  Enter a winter wonderland illuminated by approximately 2 million lights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Charter One. This holiday classic has become one of the Windy City’s must-see seasonal events.

Get your picture taken with Santa through December 23rd, prepare holiday crafts and watch ice carving. Then escape the cold and experience the climates, conditions and animals of four continents: South America, Africa, Asia and Australia in our Regenstein Small Mammal Reptile House. Animal exhibits stay open late.

More info >>

What: Santa Claus House

When: November 23, 2011 to December 24, 2011

Where:  Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. Chicago, IL 60602

Jolly Old St. Nick will again grace the plaza with his holiday cheer in his Midwest satellite workshop on Daley Plaza!

As part of UL’s ongoing partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, UL is also providing a Santa’s House on Daley Plaza, where children and families can experience the wonder of the North Pole and have their picture taken with Santa Claus throughout the holiday season. UL’s Santa’s Workshop will open in coordination with the City of Chicago Annual Tree Lighting and offer activities and important safety tips to enjoy while children wait to tell Santa their holiday wishes.

A photographer is on duty and visitors can download their free photos by visiting the UL website: SafetyAtHome.com. Personal cameras are welcome.

More info

What: Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing

When: December 2, 2011 to February 26, 2012; 10am-4pm

Where: Northerly Island, 1400 S. Lynn White Dr., on the Museum Campus, Chicago, IL 60605

On select weekends in December, January and February, you can come out and trek around Northerly Island on snowshoes or cross country skis. See the Northerly Island sites, track the animals that stay out in the cold, and take in the amazing views of the city skyline. Check-out snowshoes or cross country skis for $5 for two hours with an I.D. on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have your own cross country skis or snowshoes, it is free to ski and trek around the island! Please note: there must be at least 3 inches of snow on the ground. For more information call (312) 745.2910.

More info

What: Ice skating at the McCormik Tribune ice rink

When: November 18, 2011 to March 11, 2012

Where: Millennium Park, Michigan Ave & Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602

Kicking off Chicago’s winter season, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park will open on Friday, November 18, 2011 and will remain open through Sunday, March 11, 2012, weather permitting. The rink, now in its eleventh season, draws more than 100,000 skaters annually and is free and open to the public. Skate rental is available for $10. The ice rink is located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison streets.

More info

What: Christkindlmarket Chicago.

When: November 23, 2011 to December 24, 2012

Where: Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602

A month long traditional holiday market based on the centuries old markets in Germany, in the heart of downtown Chicago on Daley Plaza. This free event features German and international vendors who display handcrafted ornaments, toys, and unique gifts, as well as traditional German foods, sweets, and beverages.

More info

What: Bilingual Hebrew Boot Camp

When: Sunday November 20, 2011; from 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618

We are very excited to offer a Hebrew Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Hebrew in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.

More Info >>

What: Bilingual Russian Boot Camp

When: Sunday November 20, 2011; from 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618

We are very excited to offer a Russian Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Russian in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.

More Info >>

What: Living Green for a Cause with Unieros

When: November 19, 2011, 7-11pm

Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618

Join our friends at Unieros, a multicultural friendship group, celebrate their 2 year anniversary at our center. The event –Living Green for a Cause – will be a charitable food drive to help Chicago immigrant families eat healthy this holiday season.

To attend the party and meet a lively bunch of multicultural friends, please bring at least 2 non-perishable food items to donate or $5 cash.

For a list of items needed by the families, please visit Unieros’ website here.

If you won’t be able to make it to the party but you still want to help, you can drop off the food items at our center. We have a donation basket in our café area. You can also help out by donating online via Paypal.

More info >>

What: “Lope” Screening at the SAIC Gene Siskel Center.

When: Saturday, November 19, 2011, 3 – 5:45pm

Where:  164 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601

Multilingual Chicago is partnering with the SAIC Gene Siskel Center to present a special screening of the Spanish language movie, Lope (description below), in support of their annual Festival of New Spanish Cinema (Oct 27 – Nov 23). For more information, please visit their website here.

We will be hosting a special (1st) screening at the film center on Nov 19 at 3 p.m., followed by a reception from 5 – 5:45 p.m. Cost is $10 per person.

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to hilary@multilingualchicago.com. Space is limited, so reserve soon!

More info

What: Multilingual Kids Performance.

When: November 19, 2011, 11:30am

Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618

This Sunday, our At-school and Multilingual Chicago Kids students will put on a joint performance at our Logan Square center. This is a terrific opportunity to see what your child has learned during his/her class, so feel free to invite the whole family for a very special treat!

Special guest: Andrew Yearick!

Andrew teaches the ¡Canta conmigo! Spanish Music class at Multilingual Chicago. He has been teaching Spanish in the city for 6 years to kids from toddlers to adults. Andrew has a degree in Education from Lock Haven University. We’re proud and excited to have Andrew Yearick as this year’s performer!

More info

What: Bilingual Arabic Boot Camp

When: Sunday November 13, 2011; from 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618

We are very excited to offer an Arabic Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Arabic in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.

More Info >>

What: Bilingual Spanish Boot Camp

When: Sunday October 30, 2011; from 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618

We are very excited to offer a Spanish Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Spanish in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.

More Info >>

What: Brazilian Films in Chicago 2011

When:  November 9, 2011- November 16, 2011

Where:  Multiple locations

Mostra II Brazilian Film Fest begins November 9th and runs through the 16th.

Opening night is on November 9th at Columbia College Chicago, 8th floor. There will be a Festa beginning at 6pm with a screening of 5x Favela at 7pm. At the pre-show, there will be Brazilian appetizers. There will be a panel discussion with director, Cacau Amaral following the screening. Tickets are $30

General admission is $8 for each film. 5 Movie Passes are available for $35. Student discounts with valid Student ID are also available, (admission $5, Movie Passes $20)

Films will be shown at Columbia College, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Brazil in Chicago, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and Northeastern University.

More info >>

What: Chocolate around the world.

When: October 8, 2011 – January 8, 2012

Where:  Field Museum of Natural History, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

For thousands of years humans have been fascinated with the delicious phenomenon that we call “chocolate.” Discover the complete story behind the tasty treat that we crave in this traveling exhibition currently at the Field Museum. Through more than 200 objects and highly detailed replicas, immersive exhibitry, interactives, and media, this bilingual exhibition explores chocolate throughout history and around the world. Chocolate will engage your senses and reveal facets of this sumptuous sweet that you’ve never thought about before. You’ll explore the plant, the products, and the culture of chocolate through the lenses of science, history, and popular culture.

More info

What: From DP to DC, Displaced Persons: A Story of Ukrainian Refugees in Europe 1945-1952.

When: November 4, 2011 – January 31, 2012

Where: Ukrainian National Museum, 2249 W. Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60612

Having survived the brutal and bloody turmoil of World War II, Ukrainian refugees found themselves in DP camps facing an uncertain future. Many who faced forced repatriation to the Soviet Union with the certainty of torture, exile or death, chose suicide. Included in the exhibit are artifacts and photographs from the museum archives and items on loan from DP Camp refugees. Interactive aspects allow surviving DPs to share their stories.

From DP to DC, Displaced Persons: A story of Ukrainian Refugees in Europe 1945 – 1952, runs November 4, 2011 – January 31, 2012 at the Ukrainian National Museum. The public is invited to an opening reception Friday November 4 at 7 pm, with opening weekend guest speakers, including Doctors Wyman, Luciuk and Kuropas.

More info

What: Uptown Poetry Slam.

When: Weekly: Every Sunday from: July 17, 2011 to July 28, 2013
Upcoming Dates:

• Nov 13, 2011
• Nov 20, 2011
• Nov 27, 2011

Where:  The Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

For the past 25 years Marc Smith has hosted the Uptown Poetry Slam at The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge. Performance poets from around the world have featured at the famous speakeasy at the corner of Lawrence and Broadway.

The shows begin at 7 pm and has an open mic, featured performance, and the world famous poetry slam! All performers are welcome to come and share their work at the original slam that started right here in Chicago!

More info

What: Bilingual Italian Boot Camp

When: Sunday October 30, 2011; from 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618

We are very excited to offer an Italian Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Italian in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.

More Info >>

What: Bilingual Greek Boot Camp

When: Sunday October 30, 2011; from 10 am to 5 pm

Where: Multilingual Chicago, 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, Suite C, Chicago IL 60618

We are very excited to offer a Greek Bilingual Boot Camp this Sunday. This special class will have you understanding the basics of Greek in no time! For those that want to learn the basics of a language but don’t have a lot of time to do so, consider our 7-hour Bilingual Boot Camp: an intensive program for beginners looking to learn practical vocabulary and expressions in advance of a trip or for business. Curriculum materials will be included for you to use and take home.

More Info >>

What: Chicagoween 2011

When: October 28, 2011- October 30, 2011

Where:  Franken Plaza (Daley Plaza), Franken Plaza (Daley Plaza), 50 W. Washington St.
Chicago IL 60602

This Halloween, Daley Plaza becomes Franken Plaza for three days, October 28-30, with special performances, a Monster Bash – complete with prize give-aways, hayrides and trick-or-treating!

Entertainment from Midnight Circus, Magic Matt, Dave Herzog’s Marionettes, Storyteller Oba William King, the Batbuck$ Game Show, the Mad Science Show and fcbc educational theatre performing Thriller. Plus Arts & Crafts.

(schedule is subject to change)

More info >>

What: Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan: Water Stains on the Walls.

When: October 28, 2011 – October 29, 2011

Where:  Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St. , Chicago IL 60601
Phone : 312.369.8330

Asia’s leading contemporary dance company presents the Chicago premiere of Cloud Gate Founder and Artistic Director Lin Hwai-min’s newest work, Water Stains on the Wall.  Performed on a white raked stage (evoking rice paper) containing projected images of drifting clouds in different degrees of blackness. the projections are meant to evoke flowing ink, creating spaces that are constantly shifting, reminiscent of Chinese classical landscape painting. Dancers are deeply grounded on the floor, yet appear to be floating on top of the white space, with music using traditional Asian instruments. Suggesting a long process of natural evolution, “water stains on the wall” is a popular Chinese metaphor representing the highest state in the aesthetics of Chinese calligraphy.

More info

What: Festival of New Spanish Cinema 2011.

When: October 27, 2011 to November 23, 2011

Where: Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St. , Chicago IL 60601
Phone : 312.846.2600

The energy of Almodóvar. The risk-taking of Amenábar. The unadulterated exhilaration of Buñuel. The fourth annual Festival of New Spanish Cinema 2011, the biggest and riskiest yet, unveils the next generation of Spanish film legends. Featuring first-time filmmakers and established masters alike, the very best in contemporary Spanish cinema comes to Chicago. Join us for award-winning comedies, romances and dramatic masterpieces, and the special unveiling of a horror classic. Enjoy wine and tapas at the opening night reception on October 27th, with the Chicago premiere of the frothy cocktail of sex, scenery, and song-and-dance, Without or Without Love, including a Q&A with director David Serrano and actor Quim Gutierrez.

More info

What: GLOBAL WAKE-UP Festival of Film, Literature and Creative Arts.

When: October 28, 2011 – October 29, 2011

Where:  Columbia College Film Row Cinema, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., 8th Floor
Chicago IL 60605

The GLOBAL WAKE-UP Film Festival seeks to educate and enhance public awareness, and honor those who have sought to address the anti-poverty Millennium Development Goals by showcasing works of national and international artists, writers, filmmakers, and organizations, who seek justice and the end of disparity on both the national and international fronts.

The GLOBAL WAKE-UP Film Festival is a two-day event featuring free events including workshops, film screenings, creative art showcases, and panel discussions.

Film Screenings and other special events will be held on Friday, Oct 28 12pm-4pm, and on Saturday, Oct 29 10am-9pm – Admission is FREE. The Award Ceremony will be held on Friday, Oct 28 6pm-9pm (ticketed event for $25/Person).

More info

What: Navy Pier’s Really Big Halloween Party.

When: October 28, 2011 – October 30, 2011

Where:  Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Chicago IL 60611
Phone : 312.595.7437

Bring your family to Navy Pier’s Really Big Halloween Party every Friday through Sunday, from October 14 – 31, plus Halloween!  Enjoy fun chills and thrills along Dock Street and Pier Park; live music and dancing in the Family Pavilion; camel, llama and burro rides in Gateway Park; strolling sideshow characters, including the Bearded Lady and Conjoined Twins; fabulous photo opportunities and more.

Don’t dare miss Award-Winning Magician Dennis Watkins’ daily performance: Harry Houdini’s Dreaded Upside-Down Water Chamber Escape, presented in cooperation with The House Theatre of Chicago; and Navy Pier’s Really Big Costume Contest, every Saturday, to win prizes in the kids, teens, and adults categories.  Navy Pier’s Really Big Party Mobile will be handing out treats 1 – 4 pm daily. Stay for the free fireworks show on Saturday nights at 9 pm.

More info >>

What: Sunday Salon: Accessible Contemporary Music: Composers Alive

When: Sunday October 30, 2011

Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Preston Bradley Hall, Chicago IL 60602
Phone : 312.744.6630

Accessible Contemporary Music‘s innovative summer project Composers Alive: Toronto comes to its exciting conclusion with the world premiere performance of a new piece by Canadian composer Omar Daniel. Daniel’s piece, a set of Preludes, was composed and recorded in installments over the summer of 2011 but has never before been performed in its entirety. The concert, a collaboration with the Toronto Sister Cities committee, will also feature an eclectic array of new chamber works by other contemporary Canadian composers.

The Sunday Salon weekly series explores the rich landscape of classical music, from familiar Western orchestral compositions to contemporary improvisational forms and international classical traditions, plus family friendly programs.

More Info >>

What: Fashion Focus

When: Friday October 21, 2011

Where: Multiple locations.

Fashion Focus Chicago, a week-long celebration of Chicago’s thriving fashion industry, returns for a seventh year in 2011. Taking place Monday, October 17 through Sunday, October 23, Fashion Focus Chicago showcases some of the city’s top designers, and features runway shows in Millennium Park and at various locations around the city, plus a variety of free and affordable shopping events and industry happenings.

More Info >>

What: Chicago Artists Month

When: October 1, 2011 to October 31, 2011

Where: Chicago Cultural Center and venues citywide, 78 E. Washington St. Chicago IL 60602
Phone: 312.744.6630

Get an insider’s look at Chicago’s visual art scene this October! Visit artists’ studios, hear artists discuss their practice, and see the work of over 5,000 artists in 45 neighborhoods during Chicago Artists Month, happening October 1 – 31, 2011.  This year theme, Artful Networks, explores the communities that nurture and inspire Chicago artists and their work.

Each year, Chicago Artists Month spotlights a group of artists who embody the range of talent and diversity of the community. You can meet them or see their work in a variety Chicago Artist Month exhibitions and events that include open studios, discussions, and performances.

More Info >>

What: “Hope and Spirit” Series

When: June 18, 2011 to December 31, 2011; 10 am – 4 pm

Where:  Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, 6500 S. Pulaski Rd. Chicago IL 60629
Phone: 773.582.6500

The “Hope & Spirit” series opens with “Chronicle of Violence”, an exhibition combining a 20-panel installation of pictures and text from the Museum of Genocide Victims in Vilnius, Lithuania, with documents, publications and maps from the collections of the Lithuanian Research and Studies Center and the Balzekas Museum.

Concurrently, the Museum will host a juried children’s art exhibition entitled “Hope and Spirit: What my parents told me about deportations and life in Siberia” reflecting how American children of Lithuanian descent have come to understand the Soviet deportations and harshness of life in Siberia from their parents and/or grandparents’ reminiscences.

On September 25, Timothy Snyder, Yale University history professor and author of Bloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin, will participate in a book reading, discussion and signing at the Museum.

More info >>

What: Book Presentation “Aunque seamos maldits” by Eugenia Rico.

When: October 21, 2011; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where:  Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio St. Chicago, IL 60654

Coming out of a dark theater, everything seems brighter. Film illuminates the world. It opens our eyes. It shows us things we don¹t see every day, makes us feel things we don¹t always feel. For 46 years, The Chicago International Film Festival has been committed to taking viewers all around the globe to discover some of the most exciting cinema the world has to offer!

The festival began with one goal: to introduce Chicago and the world to new filmmakers, new stories, and new points of view. The festival has screened the first feature films by world-renowned directors such as Martin Scorsese (USA), Peter Weir (Australia), Mike Leigh (UK), Gregory Nava (USA), Bertrand Tavernier (France), Jan Troell (Sweden), Joe Swanberg (USA), and Rainer Werner Fassbinder (Germany).

More info

What: The Orion Ensemble.

When: October 5, 2011 to October 21, 2011

Where: Roosevelt University’s Ganz Hall, 430 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60605

The Orion Ensemble’s program, “Spanish Flair”, features piano trios by two Catalan composers: the Trio in C Major for Violin, Cello and Piano (1926) by Gaspar Cassadó, and the Trio for Violin, Cello and Piano, Op. 50 (1910) by Enrique Granados.  Also on the program are two early 20th century works: Trio for Clarinet, Violin and Piano (1932) by Aram Khachaturian and Three Pieces for Clarinet Solo (1920) by Igor Stravinsky.

The two Spanish composers, though a generation apart, had several similar influences on their compositional style. Both spent formative time in Paris. Another common influence is musicologist and composer Felip Pedrell, who encouraged young composers to find inspiration for their compositions in traditional Spanish music. Aram Khachaturian was also very taken with the traditional music of his native Armenia. He referred to Tbilisi, where he grew up, as the “surprising city of sounds”—sounds that influenced his Trio. Another style of popular music, jazz, made its way into Stravinsky’s Three Pieces.

More info

What: Asian-American Jazz Festival: Jeff Chan’s Chicago Clarinet Conglomerate.

When: October 22, 2011

Where:  Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Claudia Cassidy Theater Chicago IL 60602

Asian Improv aRts Midwest and the Chicago Cultural Center present a CD Release Concert for Jeff Chan’s Chicago Clarinet Conglomerate, part of the 16th annual Asian-American Jazz Festival. Featured performers include Jeff Chan, Mwata Bowden and Edward Wilkerson (clarinets) with special guest Tatsu Aoki (electronics).

For more information,visit www.aajazz.org.

More info

What: 22^nd Annual Festival of Films from Iran.

When: October 8, 2011 through October 31, 2011

Where:  164 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601  (312) 846-2600

The Gene Siskel Film Center presents the 22nd edition of our Festival of Films from Iran from October 8 through 31, providing a view on contemporary Persian culture through the eyes of Iran’s filmmakers. Featuring an array of U.S. and North American premieres, the eight-film series highlights the balance between tradition and modernity through diverse stories that may be grounded in the rituals of contemporary culture (ONE.TWO.ONE), or tied to the mysticism and customs of a past era (BELOVED SKY).

More info >>

What: A Fourth Sunday Musical.

When: October 23, 2011; 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where:  DuSable Museum of African American History740 E. 56th Pl. Chicago, IL 60637

“A Fourth Sunday Musical” features performances by Chicagoland Gospel artists, quartets, and choirs. Special guests include The Pilgrim Jubilees, The Victory Travelers, and many others to help make this already uplifting evening, a delightful, unforgettable experience. This event is in conjunction with the DuSable Museum’s new exhibition “Spread the Word: The Evolution of Gospel from Chicago to the World”, which celebrates the rich history and contributions of Gospel music, and is centered primarily on gospel’s Chicago origins.

More info >>