Author: Claudia

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How to have fun in Chicago: July 22-28

The Bean7/22-8/04: Rhythm World

Highlighting the depth and breadth of national and international tap artistry, Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) presents Rhythm World, the oldest and most comprehensive festival of American tap and contemporary percussive arts in the world. Showcasing some of the world’s greatest rhythm masters, the 23rd annual festival features performances at the Jazz Showcase and The Edlis Neeson Theater at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Read More

7/24: Chicago Public Library Foundation Networking Event at Instituto Cervantes

Join the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s Junior Board for an evening of socializing and professional networking amid Xavier Nuez’ photographic exhibit Alleys & Ruins, an exploration of urban decay in America. Enjoy wine and cheese from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Your $15.00 ticket benefits the Chicago Public Library. Get tickets here. Read More

7/24 : Rodrigo y Gabriela Concert

See Rodrigo y Gabriela live July 24 at 7:30pm at The Chicago Theatre! Read More

7/24-28 Afro-Mexican Music with Encuentro de Jaraneros

The Encuentro de Jaraneros includes concerts, workshops, and fandangos which are open to the public. Read More

7/25: Fiesta del Sol

It’s the largest Latino festival in the Midwest! Enjoy a huge lineup of entertainment and music, savor a variety of food including authentic Mexican favorites, browse works and engage with artists in the Arts & Culture Pavilion. Read More

7/25: Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz

Our city’s great jazz tradition returns to Millennium Park Thursday evenings this summer! On July 25 Dee Alexander’s Funkin’ is performing with Acoustic Soul: Tribute to James Brown and Jimi Hendrix. Read More

7/26: Chicago French Film Festival

Now in its third year, the Music Box expands to an entire week of the very best in contemporary French cinema, featuring special guests and film presentations. Read More

7/26 Home/Land

Home/Land is the final play in the Goodman’s Latino Theatre Festival 2013. Presented by Albany Park Theater Project teen ensemble, this critically acclaimed original play brings to life true stories of immigrant families who strive to stay together to make a better life. Read More

7/26 7-9PM – “AFRICOBRA: Art & Impact” – Opening Reception

The DuSable Museum celebrates the opening of their newest exhibit, AFRICOBRA: Art and Impact which honors the Chicago artist group, AfriCOBRA (African Commune of Bad Relevant Artists). AfriCOBRA’s founding members, Jeff Donaldson, Jae Jarrell, Wadsworth Jarrell, Barbara Jones-Hogu, and Gerald Williams, came together in 1968 on the South Side of Chicago and had a lasting impact on peers and subsequent generations of artists, writers, actors, dancers, and musicians. As part of this special evening, you will enjoy guided tours of the exhibition, a light dinner, and also music and dance performances inspired by the legacy of the AfriCOBRA movement.This is a FREE event. For more information, call 773-947-0600 ext. 290.

7/27: Underwear Fest

This event is for supporters of gender equality held on a private reserve outdoors in the heart of Chicago. Read More

7/27 12-6PM: Tomato Blast
This is a massive tomato fight modeled after Spain’s annual La Tomatina Fest. La Tomatina is an annual festival held in the Valencian town of Buñol, located 30 km from the Mediterranean, in which participants throw tomatoes and get involved in tomato fights for fun. Read More

7/27 12-6pm Chicago Scene Boat Party

Consistently voted the wettest and wildest event of the summer, this party is not to be missed. Thousands of Chicagoans in over 700 boats show up each year to party with friends and strangers on beautiful Lake Michigan. Read More

7/27: Venetian Night
Venetian Night is named and modeled after the popular boat parades in Venice that happen during Christmas. Boats get ornated with amazing light decoration and parade for the crowd on shore. There is also a display of fireworks during this festivityRead More
7/27-28 Intenso Sabor a Tango at Aguijon Theater

A show full of passion which tugs at the heartstrings through dance, music and the interpretation of beloved songs. Read More

7/28 Chaka Khan in Concert at Millennium Park

See Chaka Khan live July 28 at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park! She’ll be celebrating her 40th anniversary in music and 60th birthday! Read More

7/28 Enanitos Verdes Concert

See Enanitos Verdes con nuevo disco Tic Tac, part of the House of Blues’ 20th Anniversary, with special guest Vilma Palma July 28! Read More

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How to throw a block party

Summer is here! If you are a Chicago resident, you must have noticed that block parties are a summer tradition here. If no one on your street has taken the initiative to organize one by now, then why don’t you do it? They are a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors and strengthen ties with them. After all, the safest and best kept blocks are those with strong relationships.
Alderman Ray Colon from the 35th Ward recommends going to your local Alderman to assist you in the process of closing your local roadway 1-day a year so that everyone on the block can play and build a tight community network. He also suggests the following tips for a successful block party:

Get a Permit
Contact your Alderman to find out how to acquire a “Street Closure” permit. Ask about what resources might be available. The police and fire departments are always happy to conduct a presentation for the kids. A city-sponsored jumping jack or Bounce House can also be scheduled early in the summer on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Set a Theme
Setting a theme gives direction to the event and aids in planning the party. Determine whether you want to have it on Saturday or Sunday, afternoon or evening, or if you want to plan on an all-day Block Party. Some blocks encourage families or neighbors to wear distinctive colored t-shirts or hats to form a common block identity.

Be Inclusive
It can take years to get some people to participate if they don’t feel comfortable or if the main activities are on the opposite end of the street. Start the Block Party in the middle of the block and find ways for people on both ends of the block to contribute. By setting a time for a block Pot Luck Dinner, you honor the individual family parties while setting an inclusive tone for all your neighbors and their guests to share.

Be Safe and Respectful
It’s important for everyone to know and agree on safety rules. Minimize any tripping hazards and ensure that dogs or other pets are safely out of the way. Set a time limit for the block party so that it doesn’t get out of hand or disturb neighbors who need to sleep.

Delegate
Taking the lead does not mean one person or family should do it all. Avoid stress and be intentional about assigning party planning duties to neighbors on both ends of the street. Ask one person to make the invitation flyer, another to bring yard chairs and tables, someone else to be available to run store errands and dedicate a few others to work the grills. Most families will bring food and beverages for their own individual gatherings, but it is common to ask each home to donate a set amount to offset the cost of the prizes, children’s activities and entertainment for the entire block.

Cleanup Crew
Get a commitment from certain people to stay and clean up afterwards. Make sure each front yard is checked for litter or doggie debris. Have trash and recycling bins available throughout the street.

Have Fun!
Encourage the kids to bring out their bikes, skateboards, scooters or roller blades, but remind them to use safety gear. Consider scheduling pony rides, inflatable slides, popcorn machines, BBQs and lawn games. Since kids aren’t the only ones who need games to break-the-ice; plan adult activities geared towards introducing people to each other. Start off with a game of Egg Toss, play music everyone likes, dance, sing karaoke, do the Electric Slide and “Hey Macarena!”. If you want more ideas for adult activities, check the activities happening at the Sound System Block Party this Saturday July 20 on Milwaukee & Evergreen (Wicker Park Neighborhood).

A Block Party may take some work for planning, but the sense of community you build through them (and the fun you get!) are worth the effort.

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How to have fun in Chicago: July 15-21

July 15 6:30pm: Fatoumata Diawara+ Alasdair Roberts and Friends Concert at Millennium Park

Fatoumata Diawara‘s debut album, Fatou, is almost entirely her own work: self-composed and arranged, with her own backing vocals and percussion. The artist, raised in Mali, but now based in Paris, creates her own sound with a distinctly African spin. Inspired by Wassoulou tradition, jazz and blues, Diawara has overcome cultural prejudice faced by women to make her own music that is well-received by giants in the industry. Opening the stage this evening is Irish Folk group and Drag City Recording artists Alasdair Roberts and Friends. Free

July 16: Tuesdays on the Terrace

The Museum of Contemporary Art’s Terrace turns into a jazz concert every Tuesday this summer. Hosted by Al Carter-Bay along with Richton Guy Thomas, Linda Hall and Leslie Keros from WHPK 88.5fm, this live entertainment event will let you unwind while enjoying the company of others outside. Read More

July 17th 6-8:30pm: Sounds of History Jazz Series – A Tribute to Nancy Wilson, Nina Simone, & Abby Lincoln

Bring your blankets & chairs and enjoy a jazzy summer on the patio of the DuSable Museum! Jazz Treats will be available for you to purchase-Food, Spirits & Cds. Free. Click here for more information

July 19-20: Latin Jazz Festival at Humboldt Park Boathouse

Friday: 7 – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 1 – 8 p.m.

Celebrate Latino traditions old and new at the 7th Latin Jazz Festival. This year’s theme, Celebrating Community Through Culture, features music, dance, art making, parades and more for the whole family to enjoy. Read More

July 19 6-9pm: Steppin’ Under the Stars

Put on your dancing shoes and head to the DuSable Museum for a night of Steppin’ Under the Stars this summer! Each night features celebrity “Steppin'” DJs and host V-103 Personality Herb Kent. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Schedule July 19 August 16 September 20. Free. Read More

July 19-21: Pitchfork Music Festival

Pitchfork is considered one of the most comfortable and reasonably priced weekends of music in Chicago, featuring both emerging and internationally renowned acts. It’s all about positivity and fun so both the musicians and crowd can have a great time! Watch out for Bjork and R Kelly performances. Read More

July 20-21: Celebrate Clark Street

From vibrant rhythms that get you moving to flavorful treats from around the globe, Celebrate Clark Street will please your senses. Now in its eighth year, this street festival is all about showing off the unique Rogers Park community. It continually breaks the mold of Chicago’s street festivals. Read More

July 20-21: Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival

Dawes Park turns into a global village for the annual Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival! Flags of more than 100 nations will be flown to honor diversity. Experience the colors, sounds and tastes of countries represented by every continent. The free festival includes live music, dance performances, arts and crafts. Read More

July 21: Chinatown Summer Fair

Enjoy the best in Asian cultural entertainment including live music, food, Chinese arts and crafts exhibits, street vendors, and a children’s play area. Music & Dance Dragon and Lion Dance procession Old and New World music acts Folk dancing Martial arts demonstrations Food Participating Chinatown restaurants haven’t been announced … Read More

July 21: Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival

The 45th Annual Sheffield Garden Walk & Festival is the perfect event for anyone with a green thumb. You can enjoy the outdoors while taking in the sights and smells of lovely gardens, live music and fresh food. The Tours Self-guided tours of more than 80 gardens Guided Architectural. Read More

Chicago Skyline from a boat

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Clock Is Ticking to Buy Chicago City Sticker without Late Fees

If you live in Chicago and own a vehicle, you need to read this. The grace period to buy and display your annual City Vehicle Sticker is ending. Starting next Tuesday, July 16, failure to display a 2013/14 Chicago Vehicle Sticker can result in a $200.00 ticket. In addition to the ticket fine, violators are required to purchase a full-price Chicago City Vehicle Sticker and pay a late fee of $60, a total of at least $345 in tickets and fees for most passenger vehicles.So if you haven’t bought yours yet, the Office of the City Clerk recommends buying you sticker in person as the traditional two-week grace period comes to a close.

The City Clerk’s Northwest and Southwest Side satellite offices will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, July 15.

Motorists can also purchase 2013-2014 Chicago City Vehicle Stickers at one of nearly 400 community partner vendors, including currency exchanges and Dominick’s grocery stores. Many community partner vendors are open on Sunday. More information about Chicago City Vehicle Stickers and the store locator page can be found here.

The cost of a Chicago City Vehicle Sticker purchased before July 16 is $85 for most passenger vehicles and $135 for large passenger vehicles.

Click here for more information.

Chicago City Sticker

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July 13: Tour de Fat comes to Chicago

A Ballyhoo of bikes and beer, Tour de Fat is a fundraising event whose mission is to connect people with bikes, beer, and community, while having a good ol’ time. Ready or not, the Tour de Fat will be stopping at 12 U.S. cities this year, spreading the good word about the awesomeness of the mighty bicycle and a simple, honest way of living. Read More

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Save the Date: Novalima brings Afro Peruvian Dub, Beats and Soul on August 1st

Guys! Check this video where our friends from Novalima are sending us a shout out and personally inviting us to party with them this August 1st!

If you don’t know who they are, it is about time to get familiar with them. The band is visiting Chicago for a fourth time, and since its formation in 2001, Novalima has been breaking down boundaries, uniting seemingly irreconcilable genres, communities and generations to create an inspiring movement that has revolutionized the music scene in their native Peru. Founded by four friends from Lima with a shared passion for both traditional Afro-Peruvian music and modern DJ culture, Novalima searches for the common ground between past and future, between tradition and innovation. Their efforts have also helped bridge the divide between the Peruvian mainstream and the Afro-Peruvian community, a minority population that has struggled against discrimination and the threat of cultural dissolution for generations. Click here to visit their website and plan on coming to their concert at Old Town School of Folk Music (4544 N Lincoln Ave) on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 7:30 PM. Buy your tickets here

After the concert, come to a free after-party Barra ñ at 10:30 pm

(2977 N. Elston, Chicago). Keep your concert ticket stub for a free glass of ñ bar’s famous sangría.

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How to Have Fun in Chicago: July 8-14

Millennium Park

July 9: Millennium Park Summer Film Series

Head to Millennium Park on Tuesday evenings this summer to enjoy free movies at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. It’s now home to the latest and most sophisticated outdoor screen with sound projected from the Pavilion’s state-of-the-art sound system. The images are bright, clear and visible from the front row to the back of the Great Lawn, so there isn’t a bad seat in the park! Be sure to grab a blanket and pack a picnic dinner to enjoy with your friends and family. The chosen film for this Tuesday is Amadeus. Read More

July 11-12: Fanfare Ciorcalia in concert

The finest of Gangstabrass from the mountains beyond is coming to Chicago this week! Fanfare Ciocarlia are one of the world’s greatest live bands, their energy and ingenuity having won them fans everywhere. When Fanfare Ciocarlia – the brass orchestra from the “hidden” village of Zece Prajini in north-eastern Romania – take the stage the crowd receive 100% Gypsy music. I went to their show in Chicago last year and I can guarantee you will have a great time! Read More

July 12-13: Caminos del Inca

Take a musical journey through South America with this spectacular multimedia tribute to the vast empire of the Incas and the ancient melodies of the Inca Trail, created and conducted by Peruvian conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya. Read More

July 12-14: Square Roots Festival

The Old Town School of Folk Music and the Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce’s craft beer and music experience in Chicago’s Lincoln Square is right around the corner. Expect multiple music stages, both inside the Old Town School and outside on Lincoln Avenue, programmed with a vibrant mix of performers from local indie rockers to world music stars paired with the best local and regional craft breweries offering a wide variety of beers. Dine on amazing food from choice restaurants in Lincoln Square. Join in the fun with nightly dance parties, open jams, and plenty of family activities. Bring your whole family for a great weekend! Click here for more information

July 13: Bastille Day
Celebrate French National Day at Daley Plaza. 4-10pm. French Cancan and Paris La Nuit Jazz group mixing Edith Piaff chansons with jazz, gypsy, latin, tango and pop. Read More

July 13: Tour de Fat comes to Chicago

A Ballyhoo of bikes and beer, Tour de Fat is a fundraising event whose mission is to connect people with bikes, beer, and community, while having a good ol’ time. Read More
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Recommendations for the Week of July 4th

FireworksIndependence Eve Celebration at Grant Park Music Fest: Wednesday

Kick back and enjoy a beautiful evening in the park as The Grant Park Music Festival presents a free Independence Day Celebration featuring the Grant Park Orchestra in Millennium Park, 6:30 p.m.

7/3: Bhangra Party with DJ Rekha

She was named the Ambassador of Bhangra by the New York Times and is coming to Chicago this Independence Day week. Read More

Fourth of July Fireworks

Watch the sky light up during a spectacular fireworks show choreographed to a patriotic score on Lake Michigan. Read More

7/4-7/7: Chicago Tango Week

All night milongas, teachers, performers, live music + chacarera workshops. Read More

7/4-7/7: African/Caribbean International Festival of Life

Enjoy spectacular music, food, arts, crafts, and more at this family-friendly event, now in its 21st year. You can see over 70 acts, featuring the best of Reggae, Caribbean, Latin, African, Rock, Pop, R&B, Gospel and other world music entertainers! Read More

7/4:”Grease” Sing-along

The original high school musical returns to the Music Box Theatre this Independence Day! Wear your best poodle skirt and saddle shoes, biker jacket and shades, and bring your heartiest vocals for a rollicking ’50s sing-along. Read More

7/5: Wavefront Music Festival

Lather up the sunscreen, throw on your favorite swimsuit, rock your shades and get ready to dance as Montrose Beach turns into the hottest beach club in the city! This electronic dance music festival will feature the hottest DJs in the country. Read More

Ongoing: Chicago SummerDance Fest

Show your best moves on Chicago’s urban dance space! Enjoy two hours of live music and dancing on a 4,900 square-foot, open-air dance floor designed by artist Dan Peterman out of 100% recycled materials. Need a refresher? Each dance session is preceded by an introductory one-hour dance lesson. Read More

7/6: 4th pf July Dance Party with Sones de Mexico

Son Jarocho International Exchange project, this concert will feature Chicago bands Sones de Mexico Ensemble and Son Monarcas featuring the music of Veracruz. Special guest Andres Flores from the group Chuchumbe on jarana and pandero joins the cast direct from Veracruz. This concert is sponsored in part by a grant from the MacArthur Foundation and support from the Mexican Tourism Bureau, and it takes place at Martyrs’, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Admission is $15. For tickets go to portoluz.org

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Exclusive video: Fanfare Ciorcalia Invites Us To Party With Them At Their Upcoming Concert In Chicago

Fanfare CiorcaliaNational Geographic Magazine calls their music a “complete Balkan stew.” They call themselves “the finest of Gangstabrass from the mountains beyond.” Fanfare Ciorcalia is a 12-member Romanian gypsy brass band that started as a wedding and party band in their tiny rural town of Zece Prajini and whose repertoire includes rhythms from their own country, Turkey, Bulgaria and Macedonia. Their music is 100% gypsy, fast, powerful and contagious.
You gotta watch this video they sent me to invite their Chicago fans to their upcoming show. They promise to blow off the roof, and believe me, they will! I went to their concert last year and I can tell you that their live performances are explosive and turn into big dance parties.

Event Details:

Thursday July 11 – 8pm at Martyr’s
$15

Buy your tickets for this concert here.

Check Fanfare Ciorcalia music here

The band will also perform the following day at SummerDance Fest.

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How to Have Fun in Chicago Next Week

June 24 at 9:30pm: Divina Natura Italian light show. Free

This event promises to be super cool. To celebrate the Year of Italian Culture, the Field Museum’s grand façade will transform into a mesmerizing panorama of light created by internationally renowned Italian artist Marco Nereo Rotelli. Through a magical performance of music, poetry, and spectacular light projections, Rotelli will showcase his contemporary twist on Dante’s “Divine Comedy” that celebrates the history and achievements in Italian culture. Divina Natura will incorporate projected text and images that will interact with the building’s classical architectural elements, taking attendees on a voyage that delves into the mind of Dante and his struggle through the sinful circles of hell. The event will incorporate spoken word with readings by respected poets, both in English and a variety of global tongues, and the sonic atmosphere will include a soundtrack by soprano Karolina Dvorakova and a soundtrack by Adrian Leverkuhn and Thomas Masters.

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June 24: 1st day of Flamenco Dance Summer Sessions with Clinard Dance Theater. 20% off  beginning level lessons for Chicago Urbanite followers. 

If you have ever been to one of Las Guitarras de Espana show, you have seen Wendy Clinard, the Artistic Director of Clinard Dance Theater, perform with them (see below). Wendy is offering a  7-week Flamenco dance summer session that culminates in a performance at the National Museum of Mexican Art with special guest singer Alfonso Cid. Get 20% off when you mention Chicago Urbanite when you register. Click here for more information. 

June 25 (8-10:15pm): Chicago Full Moon Jam Chicago  at lakefront park, between Foster and Lawrence Avenues. Free

The Chicago Full Moon Jams began in 2004 with a group of friends coming together to celebrate a simple birthday. Since then, it has grown into a monthly celebration, bringing together a diverse community of performers, musicians and spectators. Once the sun sets, dozens of fire dancers perform to music provided by local percussionists, using performance tools such as poi (a set of chains with weighted ends), staff, hula hoops and fans. Fire spinners include everyone from hobbyists to professional performance artists. The whole thing feels very tribal and earthy. Bring a percussion instrument and join one of the drum circles or just joining them as a dancer in the middle! The jams take place during the warm months on the night of the full moon falling between Sundays and Thursdays. They begin at sundown and end at 10:15pm. Go HERE for detailed jam schedule.

June 27: 1st day of SummerDance Fest. Free

My favorite festival – and the largest annual outdoor dancing series in the United States – starts this Thursday.  This a great public space that congregates a very diverse crowd: you will see people from different ethnicities, backgrounds, and ages getting together to dance with music from around the world, and all for free! Thanks Chicago! My recommendation: Mark your calendar for Romanian Fanfare Ciorcalia concert on July 12. It will be a blast! Click here for the complete calendar.

June 28-30: Milwaukee Ave Arts Fest. $5 suggested donation

This fest is a celebration of the art, music and culture of  trendy Logan Square. It has  great drinks and food from some of Logan Square’s most renowned restaurants. There is also a global funk dance after-party happening on the 29th .Get all the scoop here.

June 29th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM  Bronzeville Historic Bike  Tour. $25-35

The bikes will be hitting the streets of Bronzeville to visit historical sites, like Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole Homes.  Enjoy food, jazz and big fun! Tickets are available through Eventbrite

June 30 at 1am: The L.A.T.E Bike Ride. Prices vary

Friends of the Parks’ L.A.T.E. Ride is a 25 mile, fun-filled tour of Chicago offering a unique nocturnal experience.  The LATE Ride starts at 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 30 at the Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park (Columbus and Congress Avenues).  From there, the course follows a route that winds through a dozen of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods including Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown, Bucktown, Humboldt Park and Lincoln Square, culminating in a sunrise trek down the Lakefront Trail. Click here for more information.

June 30 at noon: Chicago Pride Parade at the intersection of Broadway and Montrose. Free

I ALWAYS have a such a great time at this parade!  (see picture below). Funny, colorful, and loving people get together to celebrate Chicago’s LGBT community.  The parade will feature 200 registered entries such as floats, decorated vehicles and marching groups representing organizations, groups, businesses, elected government officials and individuals. Click here for more information.

Gay Pride Parade

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