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Reader Info
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Archive for July, 2008July 31
by Irma Nunez at 6:25 p.m.
'Cause even Hemingway can't help you catch a fish, Chicago Public Library branches located near fishing lagoons* keep a stock of rods and reels available for check out. The loan period is three weeks. *Albany Park, Blackstone, Douglass, Hegewisch, Humboldt Park, McKinley Park, Rogers Park, Sherman Park, and Uptown by Reader staff at 5:59 p.m.
Get a free lower-body workout at Exhale spa (945 N. State). The one-hour class, called Core Fusion® Thighs + Gluteals, is designed to lift the butt and thin the thighs. Guests will have use of the changing rooms, towel service, and spa facility. Mats and equipment are provided; socks are required. The class schedule is: Monday, 8/11 9:15 AM Tuesday, 8/12 3:20 PM Saturday, 8/16 3:20 PM Class size is limited to 25 people and reservations are recommend. Call 312-753-6500. by Reader staff at 11:34 a.m.
The Chicago Fire Department is hosting a party with live music, safety demos, and free food and drinks this Saturday at the Quinn Fire Academy (558 W. DeKoven) to celebrate its 150th aniversary. There'll be a range of food (hamburgers, hot dogs, tacos), a chili cook-off, soft drinks, fire safety exercises, CPR demonstrations, and a display of new and antique CFD rigs. Everyone's welcome. Hours are 10 AM to 3 PM. July 30
by Reader staff at 12:59 p.m.
The Blue Moon Brewing Company is hosting a group exhibition of works inspired by its beer Thursday night at the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago). Free draft Belgian White and bottles of Honey Moon Summer Ale will be served throughout the reception, which runs from 7 to 10 PM. Click here for more info. by Reader staff at 10:53 a.m.
The Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble plays a free show Thursday night at Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion, joined by guests Steve Turre (trombone, shells), Paoli Mejias (percussion), Howard Levy (piano/harmonica), and Brian Lynch (trumpet). Music starts at 6:30 PM. Call 312-742-1168 for details.
July 29
by Monica Kendrick at 11:19 a.m.
The Kills, Black Kids, and Foals play a free Lollapalooza warm-up show at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue this Thursday at 7 PM. Kid Sister is MC.
by Reader staff at 11:19 a.m.
Akira is offering free food, drinks, and pampering from 5 to 10 PM this Thursday at the opening party for its new women's store in Lincoln Park (643 W. Diversey). There'll be free massages and hair styling by Zazu Salon, threading by the Spot, manicures by Nailbar, makeup consultations and gifts from Stila, Kamehachi sushi, finger foods by Moe's Cantina, a chocolate fondue fountain by the Melting Pot, and a range of summer vodka cocktails. No RSVP required. Call 773-649-9257 for details.
July 28
by Katie Buitrago at 4:23 p.m.
The Dials, Walking Bicycles, and Aleks and the Drummer (pictured) play a free show tonight at the Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western). Entry is 21+; music starts at 9 PM. Call 773-276-3600 for more.
by Reader staff at 10:17 a.m.
Bill Callahan of Smog plays a free show today at 12:15 PM at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The event is part of the Audible Architecture series, a joint venture by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Pitchfork Music Festival. The series continues through August 25; for a complete listing click here.
July 25
by Reader staff at 5:34 p.m.
Here's this weekend's free outdoor screenings. (Showtime is 8:30 PM unless otherwise noted.) Friday, July 25 Pride at Jackie Robinson Park (10540 S. Morgan) Stomp the Yard (pictured) at Kennicott Park (4434 S. Lake Park) The Great Debaters at Clarendon Park Community Center (4501 N. Clarendon) E.T. the Extra Terrestrial at Independence Park (3945 N. Springfield); 9 PM Saturday, July 26 Puerto Rican Film Series at Humboldt Park (1400 N. Sacrament) Shrek the Third at Skinner Park (1331 W. Adam) The Great Debaters at Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf) by Reader staff at 3:13 p.m.
A lineup of local alternative rock bands play a free concert tonight at Horner Park (2741 W. Montrose). Featured will be the Javelinas at 7 PM, Divebar at 8 PM, and Sundayrunners (pictured) at 9 PM. Horan Park (3035 W. Van Buren) hosts a blues concert at 6 PM, and Veterans' Memorial Park (2820 E. 98th) features the Latin jazz band Crosswind at 6:30 PM. by Irma Nunez at 12:15 p.m.
Matmos plays a free set at Permanent Records (1914 W. Chicago) this Saturday at 6 PM. Check out what our critics have to say here and here.
by Katie Buitrago at 10:53 a.m.
Chic-a-Go-Go hosts the Goblins (pictured) today for two free afternoon sets at Millennium Park's Family Fun tent (on the NW corner of the park). The band will play the Chic-a-Go-Go theme song and music from the new DVD Goblin Good Day. The first set's at noon, the second at 2 PM. Call 312-742-1168 for more information. For more Chic-a-Go-Go, stop by the CAN-TV studios (322 S. Green) Saturday at noon for a taping of the show. Yellow Fever, Brad Electro, Stanley Ross, and the Red Plastic Buddha will perform; campers from GIRLS ROCK! Chicago will be special guests. Click here for more. July 24
by Reader staff at 10:38 a.m.
Janet Fletcher, author of Cheese & Wine: A Guide to Selecting, Pairing, and Enjoying and The Cheese Course, will be signing books at Pastoral's Loop location (53 E. Lake) today from 3:30 to 5:30. Wine and cheese selections from her book will be served. Call 312-658-1250 for more info.
July 23
by Reader staff at 11:57 a.m.
Tonight's free outdoor movie screenings are: Feel the Noise at LeClaire Courts/Hearst Community Bring a blanket. Showtime is 8:30 PM. by Peter Jackson at 11:14 a.m.
AfriCaribe (pictured), Grupo Yubá, and Nuestro Tambó (see video below) give a free concert tonight at Humboldt Park (1400 N. Sacramento). The program is described as an "Afro-Puerto Rican jam session" and includes free bomba dancing lessons by members of AfriCaribe. Music starts at 6 PM. Davis Square Park (4430 S. Marshfield) hosts a free salsa show at 6:30 PM. For more information on either show, click here or call 312-742-7529. July 22
by Megan Roberts at 12:29 p.m.
Join the crew from Coudal Partners tonight at Fulton Lounge (955 W. Fulton Market) to celebrate the release of Field Tested Books, a compilation of 140+ essays by a range of writers, designers, actors, and artists reflecting on how our surroundings influence our appreciation of books and vice versa. Among the contributors set to attend and read are:
The event kicks off at 7 PM and is free with a cash bar; e-mail Michele@coudal.com to let her know you're coming. by Reader staff at 11:14 a.m.
Nu-disco DJ SR-71 (pictured) headlines and curates tonight's installment of the Minor Figure$ series at Sonotheque (1444 W. Chicago) featuring locally grown DJs. Also spinning are DJ Onefiftyone, Ross Kelly, Garo, and Scott Brandon. Doors open at 9 PM; entry is 21+. Call 312-226-7600 for more information.
July 21
by Peter Jackson at 2:59 p.m.
Musicians and instructors from the Old Town School of Folk Music play a free program of children's songs at the "Wiggleworms Pajama Party" tomorrow night at Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside). The music starts at 6:30 PM; bring a blanket and a teddy bear. For more information, click here or call 312-742-7529.
by Reader staff at 11:38 a.m.
Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, Lush Wine and Spirits in Roscoe Village (2232 W. Roscoe, 773-281-8888) hosts a free tasting of cheeses from the Dallas-based Mozzarella Company, which specializes in fresh mozzarella but also makes mascarpone, ricotta, queso fresco, feta, and queso Oaxaca (sometimes called Mexican mozzarella). Company owner Paula Lambert will be on hand to talk about the cheeses, which will be paired with wines.
by Reader staff at 11:28 a.m.
DeKalb's Light Pollution celebrate the release of their new self-titled album (left) tonight at the Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western). Opening are Skybox and Prairie Spies, the subject of Miles Raymer's latest Sharp Darts column. Music starts at 9 PM; entry is 21+. Call 773-276-3600 for details.
July 18
by Reader staff at 5:35 p.m.
Looking for an alternative to Pitchfork? The Silver Room (at Evergreen and Milwaukee) is hosting its 6th Annual Sound System Block Party this Saturday from noon to 10 PM. Performers include Leonard Part Sixx, Joe Bryl, DJ Demchuk, and stand-up comedian Sonny of Jokes and Notes. For the kids there'll be a mural installation, a paper art making workshop, and face painting from noon to 3 PM. Call 773-278-7130 for more info.
by Peter Jackson at 5:34 p.m.
Some free shows Sunday in local parks: Joe Davidian Trio (jazz), 11 AM, at Wicker Park (1425 N. Damen). The Cosmic Otters (Celtic folk; left), 2 PM, at Indian Boundary Park (2500 W. Lunt). Click here or call 312-742-7529 for more information. by Reader staff at 2:22 p.m.
The Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) is throwing a free dance party this Saturday to celebrate being named Best Rock Venue by the Reader and Best Dance Party by the Reader's readers in the inaugural Best of Chicago issue. Spinning will be some of the Hideout's favorite DJs, including DJ Treetop Lover, DJs John Ciba and James Porter of East of Edens Soul Express, DJ Logan Bay of Gutter Butter, DJs Bald Eagle and Mother Hubbard of Life During Wartime, and Smashing Time DJs Mary Nisi and Carrie Weston. Be sure to bring a bag for all the free swag other "Best of" winners will be handing out, including CDs from Dusty Groove, and T-shirts and stickers from Bloodshot Records and tattoo artist Dawn Grace Russell. Winners in the restaurants and food & drink categories Potbelly, Cellar Rat, and Intelligentsia will be serving free sandwiches, wine, and coffee. The party kicks off at 9 PM. Call 773-227-4433 for details. by Reader staff at 2:03 p.m.
The Protege Philharmonic, led by conductor Joseph Glymph, performs a free concert Sunday at 3 PM at the Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium (3701 W. Bryn Mawr). Musical selections include the Roman Carnival Overture by Berlioz, Espana by Chabrier, the "Polovtsian Dances" from the Borodin opera Prince Igor, and Enigma Variations, Op. 36 by Elgar. Click here or call 312-341-1521 for more info.
by Reader staff at 1:49 p.m.
Dozens of gardeners throughout Lakeview open up their yards and gardens to the public this Sunday for the 13th annual Lakeview Garden Walk. A free trolley service will shuttle participants from garden to garden. Hours are noon to 5 PM. Click here for a map of participating homes and trolley stops; call 773-348-8608 for more info.
by Reader staff at 1:29 p.m.
This Sunday's Chinatown Summer Fair (on Wentworth between Cermak and 24th Pl.) offers live music, food, arts and crafts, and more. Entertainment on the main stage kicks off at 10 AM; highlights include a contest for cutest dog at 11 AM followed by a performance by Cirque Shanghai (pictured) at noon. Click here for the complete main stage schedule. Other festival highlights include a lion dance procession starting at 12:30 PM, and free pony rides and a petting zoo from 1 to 7 PM. Admission is free.
by Reader staff at 1:12 p.m.
Victim of Time's three-day "Snooze Fest" includes a free, 21+ show Saturday at the Cobra Lounge (235 N. Ashland) with the Dutchess and the Duke (folk rock), the Dirges (with former members of the Baseball Furies and the Brides), Mother of Tears (a superduo with members of the Ponys and the Dirges), and Sang des Loups (a rotating cast of Chicago garage notables). Music starts at 10 PM. Click here or call 312-226-6300 for details. by Peter Jackson at 12:46 p.m.
North Avenue Beach (1600 N. Lake Shore Dr.) is the site of what might best be described as a health and fitness free-for-all this Saturday, with half-hour workouts (kicking off at 10 AM with "buff yoga," which incorporates strength training, and wrapping up with a Caribbean dance workout at 4:20 PM), beauty and spa treatments, golf-swing lessons, and rock-wall climbing. There'll also be a fashion show, live reggae band and a DJ, foosball, air hockey, and--that godsend to retailers of fitness everywhere--free beer. If you're in the mood for more punishment after happy hour, a mechanical bull and something called the "treadmill challenge" will be running all day. Click here for more info. by Reader staff at 12:21 p.m.
Self-described "cave pop" trio Box Elders, featuring Jeremiah McEntyre of the Afflictions and Dave Goldberg of the Terminals, plays a free set at Permanent Records (1914 W. Chicago) Saturday at 5 PM. The Omaha-based group specializes in meticulously recorded proto-punk compared to pre-VU Lou Reed. Call 773-278-1744 or click here for more info. by Reader staff at 12:06 p.m.
L.A. noise-electronic outfit Health (left) headlines a UPDATE: Apologies, tonight's show is not in fact free. Tickets are $10. Thanks for the catch, E. by Peter Jackson at 11:38 a.m.
Here's tonight's pick of free shows at local parks: Willie White (blues), 6:30 PM, at Harris Park (6200 S. Drexel). Morry Sochat and the Special 20s (swing--yes, dancing is encouraged), 7 PM, at Independence Park (3945 N. Springfield). David Munnelly Band (rock), 7 PM, and Backyard Tire Fire (more rock; look left), 9 PM, at Horner Park (2741 W. Montrose). Click here for more information or call 312-742-7529. by Reader staff at 11:21 a.m.
Perfect Peace Cafe and Bakery (1255 W. 79th) celebrates its first anniversary Saturday from 10 AM to 8:30 PM with free samples, face painting, a cooking class (seven-grain salad; 10 AM) and a cake-decorating demonstration (11:30 AM). Call 773-224-2233 for details; click here for the schedule.
July 17
by Reader staff at 6:58 p.m.
This weekend's Great Performers of Illinois festival showcases 90-plus acts from across the state, food (corn-heavy), Illinois wines, and plenty of family activities. Events are staged throughout Millennium Park; all are free and open to the public. Hours are 6-10 PM Friday, and noon-10 PM Saturday and Sunday. Aurora's Skandalo Musical kicks off the festival at 5 PM Friday with a set of dance music from Durango, Mexico. The Golden Horse Ranch Square Dance Band takes the stage from 8 to 10 PM. On Saturday, sample what Illinois vineyards have to offer at the Plaza at Park Grill tent from noon to 8 PM, then check out the giant corn maze, which is open Saturday and Sunday from noon. Abe Lincoln and Jean Baptiste Point DuSable impersonators will roam the festival both days. (If you spot someone in a giant corn costume, expect a "corny" joke.) Blues legend Buddy Guy (pictured) will be honored Sunday night at 8 PM with a tribute concert headlined by Jimmie Vaughan with his Tilt-a-Whirl Band. Go here for a complete festival schedule. by Reader staff at 5:13 p.m.
Learn to knit, purl, and design your own projects at Friday afternoon knitting classes at the Lincolnwood Library (4000 W. Pratt). Classes run from 3:30 to 5 PM all year round and are open to anyone over age ten. Supplies are provided for first-time students, but you must bring your own for future projects. Call 847-677-5277 for more info. by Reader staff at 11:16 a.m.
Nicholas Tremulis continues his monthlong Thursday night residency at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) celebrating the release of Little Big Songs. Born out of Tremulis's yearlong project "52 Reasons," where he wrote a new song every week for Internet label Reel to Reel, Little Big Songs is a collection of modernized folktales that reflect the rock 'n' roller's softer side. Gary Yerkins (Insiders, Julep) opens. Music starts at 6:30 PM.
by Reader staff at 11:06 a.m.
Here's what's screening free tonight at local parks: Bee Movie, 8:30 PM, O'Hallaren Park, 8335 S. Honore Happily N'Ever After, 8:30 PM, Mayfair Park, 4550 W. Sunnyside Pride, 8:30 PM, Moran Playground Park, 5727 S. Racine July 16
by Reader staff at 3:12 p.m.
Yasuzo Masumura's postwar classic Giants & Toys screens free tonight at the Co-Prosperity Sphere (3219 S. Morgan). The 1958 satire centers on three candy companies in a deadlocked competition to out-advertise each other and the inevitable losses suffered by individual players. In Japanese with English subtitles. Showtime is 8:30 PM. Click here for the English-subtitled trailer or here to see the whole movie (or at least check out the deranged opening song) on Youku, YouTube's laidback Chinese cousin. by Reader staff at 11:31 a.m.
Tonight musicians from the Paul Green School of Rock will play a free rock show by the fountain at Legion Park (corner of Petersen and Lincoln). Bring your own lawn chair, blanket, and lighter in case of ballads. Show starts at 6:30 PM. Call 312-742-7529 for more info.
by Reader staff at 10:52 a.m.
Millennium Park's Music Without Borders series and the Pitchfork Music Festival collaborate for a free Pitchfork preview on Thursday. Highlights include Thrill Jockey's Extra Golden and the acclaimed Balkan gypsy brass orchestra of Boban and Marko Markovic. Also on the lineup are Fleet Foxes and A Hawk and a Hacksaw. For more information on Pitchfork see this week's listings, our cover story on Pitchfork organizer Mike Reed, click here or call 312-742-1168.
July 15
by Reader staff at 1:30 p.m.
Greener Pastures, a documentary by local filmmaker Nick Martin (left) examining the connection between globalization, the AIDS epidemic, and the severe shortage of skilled medical workers in Africa, screens free tonight at 9 PM as part of the Minor Figure$ series at Sonotheque (1444 W. Chicago). After, DJ Andrew Rafacz, owner of the Bucket Rider Gallery, will spin till 2 AM. Entry is 21+. Call 312-226-7600 for more info.
by Peter Jackson at 12:33 p.m.
The Horner Park Jazz Band plays a free set tonight at Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside). Showtime is 6:30 PM. Click here or call 312-742-7529 for more info. July 14
by Reader staff at 5:09 p.m.
Saddle Creek's Son Ambulance will play a free 6 PM set tomorrow at Reckless Records (3161 N. Broadway) in case you can't make it to the later show at Schubas. Son Ambulance is primarily the solo project of Joe Knapp, a longtime Bright Eyes collaborator who ditched Oberst's overwrought whininess in favor of melancholic folk musings. Call Matt at 773-235-3727 or click here for more information.
by Reader staff at 12:39 p.m.
Local alt-country outfit Judson Claiborne & Six Sherpas, led by Low Skies singer-guitarist Chris Salveter (pictured), plays a free show at The Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western) tonight; experimental musician Jim Becker and The Glorious Vapors open. Show starts at 9 PM and is 21+. Click here or call 773-276-3600 for more info.
by Reader staff at 11:52 a.m.
Olympians, Paralympians, and Olympic hopefuls will give athletic demonstrations on Millennium Park's Great Lawn, followed by a concert featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The event is to raise funds for the city's 2016 Olympic bid, but lawn seating is free. The athletic demos start at 4:30 PM and the concert at 8 PM. Click here or call 312-861-4826 for more info.
by Reader staff at 11:30 a.m.
In celebration of Bastille Day, opera singer Susanna Phillips will perform a selection of French classics by composers Faure, Messiaen, and Debussy, and a tribute to singer Edith Piaf tonight at 6:30 PM at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington). For more info, call 312-744-6630.
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