June 2010
10 Hot Things: June 23 – June 30
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 (@Multi_Chicago) 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
10 Hot Things: June 14 - June 20
Father’s Day weekend is approaching! With so many hot happenings around, how about celebrate with your beloved Daddy at one of the following fun events Multilingual Chicago picks for you?
1. What: Downtown Sound: Tony Allen with Great Lake Swimmers
When: June 14, 2010 6:30 pm
Where: Millennium Park
Born in Nigeria and living today in Paris, Master drummer Tony Allen has long been acknowledged as Africa’s finest kit drummer and one of its most influential musicians, who helped create the style of Afrobeat.
The sound of the Great Lake Swimmers is regarded as a welcome staple of the folk music scene. They are making multiple U.S. stops following the release of their fourth studio album, Lost Channels. Needless to say, their stop in Chicago will be a can’t-miss performance!
2. What: Lecture – A Parisienne in Chicago (In English)
When: June 15, 2010 6:30pm
Where: 54 W. Chicago Avenue entrance
Book launch and conversation with the translator of Madame Léon Grandin’s 1890 travel diary.
Mary Beth Raycraft, a Senior Lecturer in French at Vanderbilt University and the translator of the A Parisienne in Chicago, will read excerpts from the book, as well as discuss her research for the book which included an archival hunt for information about the author and the discovery of Madame Grandin’s surprising return to America.
A reception will follow the conversation, and the book launch will include a signing session with Mary Beth Raycraft.
3. What: Cinema/Chicago: Bye, Bye GDR! To Liberty via Warsaw (Zegnaj DDR! Przez Warszawe ku Wolnosci)
When: June 16, 2010 6:30 pm & June 19, 2010 2 pm
Where: Chicago Cultural Center 78 E. Washington St., Claudia Cassidy Theater
Aimed to foster better communication between people of diverse cultures through the art of film and the moving image, this week, Cinema/Chicago brings Bye, Bye GDR! To Liberty via Warsaw. The Polish documentary recounts the story of the escape of roughly 6,000 East Germans through Warsaw to West Germany in the autumn of 1989.
As always, seating is on a first come, first served basis and is limited to theater capacity.
4. What: Dandana: A Celebration of Muslim Voices featuring Tinariwen with Omar Faruk Tekbilek
When: June 17, 2010 6:30pm
Where: Millennium Park
Chicago’s year-round celebration of international music continues as Music Without Borders series features traditional folk and pop artists from around the globe. This week, the series brings music that combines traditional melodies with blues, rock and Arabic influences, featuring Tinariwen and Omar Faruk Tekbilek.
5. What: Bronzeville Cultural Festival
When: Jun 17, 2010 – Jun 19, 2010
Where: Columbia College 1104 S. Wabash, 8th Floor, 600 S. Michigan Ave.
Bronzeville Cultural Festival features the works of independent filmmakers that highlight the struggles and triumphs of the African diaspora, a star-studded award ceremony (tickets required), vendors, a bookfair, and over 20 free films and workshops.
This free festival is hosted by Third World Press Foundation to honor Bronzeville’s cultural heritage and to further affirm the outstanding African American contribution to Chicago’s rich artistic and literary foundation.
6. What: Raul Jaurena & Tangata featuring Eduardo Nijensohn
When: Jun 17, 2010 6pm – 9:30pm
Where: Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden
The exciting Chicago Summer Dance Series is back! This year, the series will kick off with a free Argentine Tango dance lessons by Tango 21, as well as live music by Raul Jaurena & Tangata featuring Eduardo Nijensohn, performing Tango and Milonga music.
7. What: Carpacho y su Super Combo
When: June 18, 2010 6pm – 9:30pm
Where: Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden
Wanna try something other than Tango? Then come out to learn Merengue, Bachata, Cumbia, and Salsa dance presented by the Chicago Summer Dance series – Lisa “La Boriqua” and Carpacho y Su Super Combo will bring you a great night of Colombian and Salsa music!
8. What: Presencia Michoacana: A Celebration of Music and Dance from the Mexican State of Michoacán
When: June 18, 2010 – June 19, 2010 – 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Where: Navy Pier Beer Graden
Come out on the Friday or Saturday night, and join the crowds for a celebration of art, traditional music and dance from Michoacán. Performances will be given by P‘indékuecha, Mexican Dance Ensemble, and special guests.
9. What: Festa!Pasta!Vino! Italian Street Festival
When: June 18, 2010 – June 20, 2010
Where: Heart of Chicago “Little Tuscany” area 2400 S. Oakley Ave.
A fan of the taste of Italy? The Italian Street Festival is waiting for you! There’ll be continuous live entertainment, Italian food specialties from the authentic restaurants on Oakley Avenue, beer/wine, merchandise from Italy, and children’s activities. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $3 – $ 7.
10. What : Takin’ It To The Streets Presented by IMAN
When: June 19, 2010 9am – 9pm
Where: Marquette park 6734 S. Kedzie Ave
You can’t miss Takin’ It To The Streets, a 20,000 people; 200 vendors; 100 artists; 4 stages; 1 day event produced by Inner-city Muslim Action Network (IMAN).
Takin’ It To The Streets bridges today’s cultural divides by connecting diverse racial, ethnic, and religious communities through a dynamic festival. The festival will enrich cross-cultural community not only in Chicago, but around the world. There, you’ll have the chance to see how artistic expression, spirituality and urban creativity inspire social change.
10 Hot Things: June 7 – June 13
Continuing last week’s launch of Hot Things in Chicago, Multilingual Chicago captures the following hot happenings for you in the week of June 7-June 13, 2010!
1. What: Cinema/Chicago : Scandal Makers (Gwasok seukaendeul)
When: June 9, 2010 6:30pm & June 12, 2010 2pm
Where: Chicago Cultural Center 78 E. Washington St., Claudia Cassidy Theater
Following last week’s Taiwanese film -Cape No. 7, Cinema/Chicago continues to present some best international cinema to Chicago. This week, Cinema/Chicago brings Scandal Makers, a South Korean comedy of family and fame about a celebrity hanging on to his fading popularity faces an unimaginable scandal.
Don’t forget – Seating is on a first come, first served basis and is limited to theater capacity.
More Info >>
2. What: Gallery Talk for “A Conversation with Chicago: Contemporary Sculptures from China”
When:, June 10, 2010 12:15pm
Where: Millennium Park N. Michigan Ave. & E. Randolph St.
In recent years, art from China has become one of the most dynamic trends of the global art scene. Starting from April 2009, the exhibition “Contemporary Sculptures from China” brings the global conversation into one of Chicago’s most popular public spaces, Millennium Park.
If you haven’t stopped by the Boeing Galleries to take a look of the four giant contemporary sculptures from China, come join the Gallery Talks series to explore what Chinese contemporary arts have to say. The program is offered every Thursday from June 10 – August 26, 2010.
More Info >>
3. What: Under the Picasso: Philippine Cultural Presentation & Fashion Show
When: June 11, 2010 12pm
Where: Daley Plaza 50 W. Washington
Following the 112th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Flag Raising Ceremony, the cultural program and fashion show will presents the different cultural Philippine gowns and folk dances.
More Info >>
4. What: Small World Music Party
When: June 11, 2010 9pm to 2am
Where: Subterranean Lounge 2011 W. North Ave.
Sound City and Urbanicity presents Small World Music Party, featuring DJ’s David Chavez & Shannon Harris & Rotating Local World Music Bands.
$5 Cover | 21+
More Info >>
5. What: Chicago Blues Festival
When: June 11, 2010 – Jun 13, 2010 11 am – 9:30 pm
Where: Grant Park Jackson Blvd. & Columbus Dr
The Chicago Blues Festival boasts itself as the largest free blues festival in the world and remains the largest of Chicago’s Music Festivals. Many blues fans therefore say that Chicago is the “Blues Capital of the World”.
This year’s 3-day|5-stage festival is right around corner – Make sure you are part of tunes!
More Info >>
6. What: Exhibit: “Mexican Graphic Arts In the 20th Century”. “Everyday Work”.
When: June 11, 2010 – 6:00 pm – 10:00 am
Where: Casa Michoacan 1638 S. Blue Island
An art exhibit displaying works by: Leopoldo Méndez, Pablo O’Higgins, Fanny Rabel, Fernando Castro, Alberto Beltrán, Raúl Anguiano, Alfredo Zalce among others.
Event is Co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Michoacán.
More Info >>
7. What: Andersonville Midsommarfest
When: June 12, 2010 – June 13, 2010 11 am – 10 pm
Where: 11 am – 10 pm
The Andersonville Midsommarfest is one of the region’s most eagerly anticipated and well-established summer festivals. Each year, approximately 50,000 people gather on Clark Street to enjoy great international food, stellar family activities, lively entertainment on four stages, and over 100 quality artisans showcasing their wares.
More Info >>
8. What: Chicago History Museum: My Chinatown
When: Any day in the week
Where: Chicago History Museum 1601 N. Clark St
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. My Chinatown presents a multimedia showcase where visitors experience the sights, sounds, and voices of this vibrant neighborhood to reveal a side that few ever see.
More Info >>
9. What: Singgalot (The Ties That Bind) Filipinos in America, From Colonial Subjects to Citizens
When: Any day in the 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.
More Info >>
10. What: We’re Still Here
When: Any Day In the Week
Where: American Indian Center – Trickster Gallery 190 S. Roselle Road, Schaumberg
An art exhibit by Linda Windell, an accomplished self-taught Native American artist of Creek/Cherokee.
More Info >>
10 Hot Things: May 31 – June 6
We’re proud to feature Yunzhi Huang for a new weekly Top 10 list of multicultural events around the city. And be sure to let us know if you have any suggestions!
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As Chicago’s brisk wind finally gives way to sunshine and warmth, it’s time to get excited about our city’s multicultural season!
During the upcoming week, May 31 thru June 6, Multilingual Chicago recommends the following to see, taste, listen to and enjoy.
Stay tuned for more next week, and start exploring the some off-the-beaten-path options!
When: June 1 2010 12:15pm
Where: Randolph Café, Chicago Culture Center
The Rockin’ Johnny Band plays modern Chicago blues, but is also known for a wide repertoire which ventures into funk, rock, and swing.
This upcoming LunchBreak’s Jazz, Blues & Beyond Tuesday features jazz, blues, and gospel music. After this concert, it will go on hiatus for the summer months, and will return in October.
When: June 2 2010, 6:30pm & June 5, 2:00pm
Where: Chicago Cultural Center
Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, brings the best in international cinema to Chicago through its year-round programming and events. Its mission is to foster better communication between people of diverse cultures through the art of film and the moving image.
This week, Cinema/Chicago brings Cape No. 7, a Taiwanese film that presents an affecting tale of love and mystery crossing cultures and time. The film will be co-presented by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago.
Seating is on a first come, first served basis and is limited to theater capacity.
More Info:
When: June 3 2010, 2010 6:30pm
Where: Millennium Park
The Very Best featuring Malawian’s Esau Mwamwaya singing in Chichewa, Swahili, Portugese and English, in a without-borders approach to music- making only possible in the 21st century.
- What: Maxwell Street Market
When: June 3 2010, 7 am – 3 pm
Where: South Loop: Desplaines St. & Roosevelt Rd
The Maxwell Street Market is a Chicago tradition of bargains and bargaining with an international flavor.
More Info:
- What: WORLD MUSIC LOUNGE
When: June 3 2010 8pm -11pm’ish
Where: ZOCALO 358 W. Ontario
Join Sound Culture for dinner or drinks and an exploration in world music. DJ’s David Chavez of Sound Culture & Mwelwa Musambacine from AKASUBA play global grooves in a relaxed environment.
No cover, drink and food specials
More Info:
http://soundcultureseries.blogspot.com/2007/01/culture-remix.html
- What: Exhibit Opening: 17 Swedish Designers
When: June 4 2010, 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Swedish American Museum
On Friday, June 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the traveling exhibit 17 Swedish Designers opens at the Swedish American Museum as part of its 2009-2011 U.S. Tour. Join for the free opening reception. Refreshments will be served.
17 Swedish Designers features 17 award-winning female artists and designers specializing in textiles, furniture, glassworks, and other mediums. The exhibit’s artists and designers each display three to ten pieces, celebrating female artists and designers as well as Swedish innovative design.
More Info:
http://www.swedishamericanmuseum.org/events/calendar.php?mo=6&yr=2010
- What: Exhibit Opening: Works on Silk by Youlia Diakiv
When: June 4 2010 – 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Where: Ukrainian National Museum 2249 W. Superior St, Chicago, IL 60612
Stop by to see works on Silk by Youlia Diakiv, featuring the themes of Ivana Kupala.
Event Cost: $5
More Info
http://www.ukrainiannationalmuseum.org
- What: Book Signing of Chicago Swedes: They Spoke from the Heart by Lilly Setterdahl
When: June 5, 2010, noon
Where: Swedish American Museum
On Saturday, June 5, at noon, there will be a book talk and signing with Swedish-American author Lilly Setterdahl at Swedish American Museum. Lilly Setterdahl will present her newest non-fiction book, Chicago Swedes: They Spoke from the Heart, which includes 340 oral histories and 300 photos produced by her late husband, Lennart Setterdahl. Refreshments will be served.
More Info:
http://www.swedishamericanmuseum.org/events/calendar.php?mo=6&yr=2010
- What: Exhibition: Part Asian – 100% Hapa
When: Every day in the 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.
More Info:
http://bit.ly/3QrZRF
- What: World Kitchen
When: Every day in the week
Where: Gallery 37 Center for the Arts
Explore Chicago’s diverse cultural heritage through the culinary arts. Learn about ethnic cuisines, and focus on culinary skills and techniques in our state-of-the-art World Kitchen facility.
More Info:
- What: Exhibit: Raising the Totem: Exploring Northwest Coast Indigenous Cultures
When: Every day in the week
Where: Mitchell Museum of the American Indian
An exhibit about the culture of Native peoples of the Northwest Coast, which “represent the best of the Mitchell Museum’s Northwest Coast collection,” according to the curators. On view are ceremonial cedar masks, totem pole models, flat art, baskets, rattles, and other items that help illustrate Northwest Coast spirituality, history, customs, and contemporary concerns.
The Northwest Coast cultural area is a narrow crescent of land extending approximately 1,500 miles from southern Alaska to the Oregon–California border, flanked by the Pacific Ocean to the west and inland mountain ranges to the east.
Event Cost: $5
More Info
http://www.mitchellmuseum.org/upcoming-events/
Questions? Talk to us!
