Chicago Calendar

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Updated: June 3, 2011 4:28PM

Chicago Calendar

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Sounds of Memphis: Saxaphonist Kirk Whalum leads the audience through a musical journey through the the music of Memphis, featuring William Bell, Ruby Wilson, Wendy Moten, Al Kapone and Garry Goin. 8 p.m. June 16 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. 312-294-3000. www.cso.org.

Toast of the Town — Chicago: Hosted by Wine Enthusiast, the Toast of the Town brings together more than 500 wines, spirits and beers and 35 local restaurants with thirty-five signature Chitown dishes, at the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. From 6 to 10 p.m. or from 7 to 10 p.m. on June 17. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Field Museum’s educational progam. Tix are $109/$169 ages 21 and older, and are available at www.ToastoftheTown.com.

Brookfield Zoo’s 10th Birthday!: June marks the 10th birthday of Hamill Family Play Zoo. In honor of the occasion, admission to Hamill Family Play Zoo will be free on June 11 and 12, as the zoo hosts a very special birthday party. The zoo is at First Ave. between Ogden Ave. and 31st St., Brookfield. Metra stop is Hollywood. 866-GoToZoo or 800-201-0784. www.CZS.org/events or 708-688-8000.

Segway Experience of Chicago: With the Chicago Architecture Foundation, trace the development of the lakefront park system from a whole new perspective — on a segway. Stops include Grant Park and the Museum Campus. Brief training on how to use the Segway Human Transporter. 10 a.m. Mondays and Saturdays through October. $85/$75. 2 and a half hour tour. Reservations recommended. Segway Experience of Chicago, 224 S. Michigan. 312-663-0600 to reserve. www.architecture.org. 312-922-3432.

6/06/11 Day in Zip Code 60611: Celebrate one of America’s most unique, important, and exclusive destinations – the 60611 neighborhood – on the perfect date: 6/06/11 starting June 6 and throughout the week. The Kickoff is at River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois and showcases what 60611 has to offer — lakefront, Navy Pier, The Mag Mile, and more. A week of events, activities, shopping and dining discounts, “A Taste of 60611,” live music, and a tour of art galleries. More info at www.60611day.com.

Chicago Attractions

Brookfield Zoo: Brookfield Zoo is located at First Ave. between Ogden Ave. and 31st St., Brookfield. Metra stop is Hollywood. 866-GoToZoo or 800-201-0784. www.czs.org.

• Stingray Bay: Get up close to cownose rays at the zoo’s seasonal Stingray Bay exhibit with more than 50 cownose rays housed in a 16,000-gallon saltwater touch pool that is landscaped with its own waterfall. Open daily through Labor Day. After Labor Day, open weekends through September. Additional admission.

Lincoln Park Zoo: 2001 N. Clark St. 312-742-2246 or www.lpz.com.

• Garden Tour: From April through September zoo visitors can enjoy a free garden tour at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. • Nature Boardwalk: Free daily seasonal educational programs are offered at Nature Boardwalk. Learn more at www.lpzoo.org/nature-boardwalk.

• Sleep Under the Skyscrapers: Sleep among Lincoln Park Zoo’s amazing animals. The evening begins with dinner, followed by opportunities to explore and learn about the night life of the zoo’s residents. 6 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Next date is June 10, 11. Families with kids 5 through 12. $70/$60. Registration required. 312-742-2056. www.lpzoo.org

• Run for the Zoo: Registration is open for Run for the Zoo USATF-certified 5k and 10k chip-timed race at 8 a.m. June 5. There’s also a 5K Fun Walk, and a free event for children 10 years and younger. Registration fees (discounted until April 30) between $15 to $36 at www.lpzoo.org.

Navy Pier: Visit Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, east of the downtown area, at 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-7437 or www.navypier.com.

• Let the Shows begin! Summer fireworks back at Navy Pier: Fireworks every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m., sponsored by Fresh FM, and every Saturday at 10:30 p.m., sponsored by B96. Navy Pier is the exclusive site of the 4th of July fireworks at 9 p.m. The grand stage on Chicago’s beautiful Lake Michigan has been set to salute America on its 235th birthday with a patriotic soundtrack.

• Chicago Children’s Museum: At Navy Pier at 700 E. Grand Ave. For more info, visit www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/hours.html. Admission charged. Special dates:

— Kraft Free Family Night: Thursday evenings: 5 to 8 p.m. Free admission for everyone.

— Target Free First Sundays: Free admission for children 15 and under the first Sunday of every month.

The Second City’s Neighborhood Tour: This humorous and historic walking tour begins at 1 p.m. every Sunday and Wednesday at 4 p.m. through Sunday Oct. 30. $15/person available at the Box Office, 312-337-3992 or www.secondcity.com. Reservations recommended.

The Underground Poetry Jam: At a “jam,” poets are free to explore in a non-competitive environment without fear or ridicule. 10:30 p.m. Fridays at The Greenhouse Theater - Downstairs Mainstage, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. $10. 773-404-7336. www.greenhousetheater.org.

Chicago Cultural Center: 78 E. Washington St. Toll free hotline 1-877-CHICAGO. 312-744-6630. www.cityofchicago.org/CulturalAffairs/.

Chicago Tourism Center: 72 E. Randolph, across the street from the Cultural Center. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. www.explorechicago.org.

• Urban Excursions: Explore Chicago, showcasing hundreds of treks, tours, itineraries and other urban adventures downtown and throughout the neighborhoods, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Complete schedules at www.ExploreChicago.org/summer.

Metra’s $7 Weekend Pass: Weekend passes are good for unlimited rides on both Saturday and Sunday for all stations. Weekend parking is available at all stations.

Visitor Information Centers: At Chicago Water Works, 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave. and the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Toll free hotline 1-877-CHICAGO.

Shows/Fests/Events

“From the Studios of: ...”: I am Logan Square’s June exhibition will feature works by a group of longtime residents, established artists living and working in the neighborhood for over a decade — Beth LeFauve, Jane Michalski and Monica Rezman, will open from 6 to 9 p.m. June 4 at the I Am Logan Square Gallery, 2648 N. Milwaukee Ave. With Craft beer and seasonal hors d’oeuvres. Musical entertainment by Resident DJ, Nick Kusiak. www.iamlogansquare.com.

Second Friday: From 6 to 10 p.m. on the second Friday of each month, this month is June 10. The neighborhood at S. Halsted and 18th Streets presents artists, performance work, and more. The multi-location event is in the format of a self-guided walking tour. The info center for maps and details is at 1821 S. Halsted St. Info on more than 30 galleries of the Chicago Arts District and a preview of the June 10 Second Friday is at www.chicagoartsdistrict.org.

Music

School of Rock Tribute — Iron Maiden vs.Judas Priest: The all-ages shows will take place at 2 p.m. June 4 and 5 at Reggie’s Rock Club, 2105/2109 S. State St. Tix $10. The school is for kids ages 8-18. More info at 773-857-3804 or Chicago@schoolofrock.com.

School of Rock Tribute — The Beatles White Album: 6 p.m. June 11 and 12 at The Kinetic Playground, 1113 W. Lawrence Ave. Tix are $10. The school is for kids ages 8-18. More info at 773-857-3804 or Chicago@schoolofrock.com.

Some Enchanted Evening — The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein: Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s extended through July 3. Tix are $25 on Fridays and Sundays and $30 on Saturdays and can be purchased online at www.theoubique.org or www.theo-u.org or by calling the ticket service at 800-595-4849. Tix are $25/$35. Three-course dinner optional for $20. Free parking available. Red Line — Morse Stop. Theo Ubique Information Line: 773-347-1109. www.theoubique.org.

Emma-Kate Tobia: The classically trained Irish Soprano performs in concert at 8 p.m. June 3 at The Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox, Tobia will appear with Chicago musicians Cormac McCarthy on piano and Kevin Carey on flutes and whistles and perform songs from her debut CD, Aisling na nGael (An Irish Dream). Tix are $15 and can be purchased at the door. 773-282-7035, or visit www.irish-american.org.

Mayne Stage: Mayne Stage is at 1328 W. Morse Ave. Red Line stop is “Morse.” Tix and Info at www.maynestage.com or 773-381-4554.

• Jim Liban Trio: Featuring singer/songwriter and stellar blues harmonica player Jim Liban with Joe Filisko and Eric Noden. Jim Liban is best known throughout the Midwest as the former leader of Short Stuff. 9 p.m. June 3. $12

• Earth/O Paon — Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light: Earth is an American musical group based in Seattle, formed in 1990 and led by guitarist Dylan Carlson. Earth currently features a markedly different sound, slow-paced and lengthy, but now with a drummer and featuring strong elements of country music and jazz. 8:30 p.m. June 5. $15.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. 312-294-3000. www.cso.org. All concerts are at Symphony unless otherwise noted.

• United Sounds of America — Route 66: 8 p.m. July 11. Guitar and vocals performed by Arlo Guthrie, Vance Gilbert, Eliza Gilkyson, and Chris Smither. Tix $25 to $70.

• Jazz Series — Lloyd and Hussain: The Jazz Series concludes its 2010/11 season with a performance by legendary saxophonist Charles Lloyd and classical Indian tabla king Zakir Hussain at 8 p.m. June 3. $21 to $72.

Theater

Aces: In the summer of 1975 Saigon has fallen, the Watergate scandals continue, and Bobby Fischer refuses to play chess, but in Vegas, casino employees still run their scams. Blackjack dealer named Samantha comes around and these losers are forced to take a close look at their lives. Signal Ensemble Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice Ave., presents ”Aces,” Thursdays through Sundays through June 18. Street parking available. Brown line EL stops Irving Park and Addison. Tix and info at 773-347-1350 and www.signalensemble.com.

Brigadoon: The Lerner and Loewe musical will be staged at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston, on June 4, 5, 8, 10 11 and 12. Tix range from $32 to $92. Half price for those under 21. 847-869-6300. www.LightOperaWorks.com.

Murder for Two—A Killer Musical: A mix of Agatha Christie mystery, old-fashioned musical comedy and modern panache, this whodunit comes with a killer twist — one actor investigates the crime, the other plays all 13 suspects, and they both play the piano. Through June 19 upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare in the The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-5600. www.chicagoshakes.com.

NEXT UP: Three productions from Chicago’s next generation of artists presented in rotating repertory May 31 through June 19 in The Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St. Presented in collaboration with Northwestern University’s MFA programs in Direction and Design, and features the work of graduates of those programs with casts of professional Chicago actors. NEXT UP includes: “Animals Out of Paper,” By Rajiv Joseph, directed by Jaclynn Jutting. Through June 19. “Where We’re Born.” by Lucy Thurber, directed by Brad Akin, June 1 to 18. “Venus,” By Suzan-Lori Parks, directed by Jess McLeod. June 2 to 19. Tix $20/performance, $45/all plays, available at www.steppenwolf.org, 1650 N. Halsted St. or at 312-335-1650.

Stage Kiss: A romantic fantasy by Sara Ruhl and directed by long-time Ruhl collaborator, Jessica Thebus. ‘It is about the heart, and the dance the heart does when we are drawn to, or away from another person,’ Thebus. Ends June 5 in the Goodman’s Albert Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Tix are $25 to $78 and are available at the box office, 170 North Dearborn, by phone at 312-443-3800, or at www. GoodmanTheatre.org.

Supernatural Chicago: True Chicago stories of the paranormal, and blended with a array of elements: improv comedy, psychic demonstrations, magic shows, and haunted houses. An intimate and critically acclaimed one-man performance with Neil Tobin, Necromancer. 7:30 p.m. Fridays in the basement of Excalibur nightclub, 632 N. Dearborn at Ontario. $25, includes two free beverages and general admission to Excalibur nightclub for the evening. Seating is limited to 50 people. Check availability at Zerve and purchase tickets at www.SupernaturalChicago.com or 800-979-3370. Good value. Recommended.

Tragedy: a tragedy: The sun has set over streets, houses, government buildings and backyards everywhere. The world is dark. A news team is on the scene. Nobody knows if the sun, once set, will ever rise again. But there is a witness, and the witness will speak. Ends June 4 at Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont. Tix at box office or www.redtapetheatre.org.

Comedy

South Side of Heaven: The Second City, 1616 N. Wells St. opens its 99th Mainstage revue, “South Side of Heaven,” at 7 p.m. April 10 at The Mainstage Theatre, 1616 N. Wells St. South Side of Heaven is a thought-provoking, irreverent and hilarious new show exploring the many fates that propel our world and universe. Tix are $22/$27 and are available at the Box Office, 312-337-3992 or www.SecondCity.com.

Fair and Unbalanced: Every Monday night and Saturday afternoon at The Second City Chicago Mainstage. Featuring original and some of the best sketches, songs, and improvisations from their fifty year history, No institution escapes the satiric eye of The Second City — from the blowhards of the Beltway to the Hollywood elite. Ripped from the stages of Second City’s legendary theatres in Chicago and Toronto. Tix $16/$22 at 312-337-3992. or www.secondcity.com.

Zanies Comedy Club: 1548 N. Wells St. 312-337-4027 or www.ZANIES.com.

• Rising Star Showcase: June 6, 13. $10.

• Michael Palascak: June 3, 4, 5. $22.

. Oh!Mary: Mary Kennedy with Paul Jacek. June 6 and 7. $20.

• Tim Walkoe: June 7 through 12. $23.

The Chicago Improv: 5 Woodfield Rd., Schaumburg, (inside Woodfield Mall). 847-240-2001 or www.improv.com.

• Frank Townsend: June 5. $10.

• Billy Gardell: Stars in “Mike and Molly.” June 3 and 4. $24.

• Tammy Pescatelli: June 10, 11 and 12. $19/$22.

• Pauly Shore: June 16, 17, 18, 19. $24/$27.

Comedy Sportz Theatre: An interactive improv experience. Most of the shows are for all ages. 929 W. Belmont (Belmont and Sheffield). 773-549-8080, www.comedysportzchicago.com, www.Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000.

• Smashed! The Improvised Bachelorette Party: Opening May 6 at midnight and closing Sept. 2. Tix $10. 18 and older. Replaces The Nightcap in the Friday at midnight slot.

• ComedySportz: Open run, Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m.and 10 p.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.. Tix: $22

• Battle-Prov: Moves from Wednesdays at 9 p.m. to Thursdays at 10 p.m. Runs through June 16. See a ComedySportz Farm Team take on local colleges and special guest teams. Your vote decides the winner. Tix $5.

Museums/Galleries

The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum: 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-922-7827 or www.adlerplanetarium.org.

• Adler after Dark: Adler’s 21+ event — cocktails, appetizers and the skyline view, plus a peek through the largest public telescope in the Midwest. June 16. Open 6 to 10 p.m. every third Thursday. Tix include general admission, unlimited sky and space shows and more. $7/$10 advance tickets or $10/$15 on site.

• 0ne World, One Sky - Big Birds Adventure: The Adler Planetarium and Beijing Planetarium’s joint program with Elmo’s mend, Hu Hu Zhu who visits from China. On Sesame Street, Big Bird, Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu take viewers on a discovery of the Sun, Moon and the stars. Presented in English, Spanish and Mandarin.

Art Institute of Chicago: At 111 S. Michigan Ave. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 312-443-3600 or www.artic.edu.

• Highlights of Italian Art: Free gallery guide to direct museum visitors to the more than 20 Italian paintings on display in the permanent collection. Produced in Partnership with the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy

Russell Bowman Art Advisory, 311 W. Superior, Suite 115. 312-751-9500. www.bowmanart.com.

• Vivian Maier Photography Exhibition: A recently uncovered collection of vintage photographs by Chicago street photographer Vivian Maier (1926 ‐ 2009) reveals an intimate portrait of midcentury life in New York and Chicago, where she moved to in 1956. She died at 83 in a nursing home in 2009. 10 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Chicago History Museum: Museum is at 1601 N. Clark St. 312-642-4600 or www.chicagohistory.org.

• Abraham Lincoln: As president, Abraham Lincoln faced our nation’s greatest crisis—the Civil War. His resolve to save the Union and radical decision to end slavery transformed America. This intimate exhibition highlights Lincoln’s election in 1860, his leadership during the Civil War, and his tragic assassination.

Field Museum: 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-922-9410. www.fieldmuseum.org.

• Whales—Giants of the Deep: Explore the amazing world of whales through a unique blend of science and storytelling. The new exhibit opens May 20 and runs through Jan. 16, 2012.

• Dozin’ With The Dinos: From 5:45 p.m. to 9 a.m. June 10, SUE the T. rex is having a sleepover. A night of family workshops, self-guided tours and fun activities. Explore ancient Egypt by flashlight, prowl an African savannah with man-eating lions and take a stroll through the Royal Palace in Bamum, Africa. The event includes an evening snack and continental breakfast in the morning. Standard Overnight: $63, $51 members and groups. Premium packages available. www.fieldmuseum.org/overnights

• Ernst and Young 3D Theater: Chicago’s only completely digital 3-D theater. Permanent Exhibition. Recommended for kindergarten through adults.

• Target Free Second Monday: Free general admission and free (subject to availability) admission on special exhibits on the second Monday of each month.

Frank Lloyd Preservation Trust: Wright’s Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. Robie House, 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave. 708-848-1976. www.GoWright.org.

• Pedal Oak Park Bike Tour: Experience Oak Park’s wealth of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings with the Pedal Oak Park two-hour Bike Tour at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday, June 4 through Aug. 27. The bike tour includes stops at 22 Wright-designed structures in Oak Park and at other structures designed by Wright’s contemporaries. $30/$35 at GoWright.org or at the Home and Studio Museum Shop. Participants must provide their own bicycle. Tix available at www.GoWright.org or at the Home and Studio museum shop.

Illinois Institute of Art: 180 N. Wabash. 312-280-3500. www.gallery180.com.

Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery: James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, second floor. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 312-814-5322 or www.museum.state.il.us.

• Father’s Day Art Spree: Thirteen artisans. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 16 and 17.

• Luminous Ground—Artists With Histories: The exhibition highlights the work and careers of eleven elder Chicago artists who are, or were, creatively active into their later decades. April 4 through Aug. 26.

Inspire Fine Art in Chicago: 435 E. Illinois St. www.thewallart.com.

International Museum of Surgical Science: 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive. 312-642-6502 or www.imss.org.

• pulling.reaching./onging: A large-scale, site-specific installation by contemporary artist Elissa Cox, from April 1 through June 24. This exhibition, the latest in the Museum’s ongoing “Anatomy in the Gallery” program, conjures a fantastical dreamscape of the body’s interior that is both grand and grotesque.

Museum of Contemporary Photography: At Columbia College, 600 S. Michigan Ave. 312-663-5554. mocp@colum.edu.

• Public Works: Public Works examines geographically and chronologically diverse examples of the built infrastructure captured through the lenses of mid-20th century and contemporary artists. Photographs and videos by over 50 international artists. from the Museum of Contemporary Photography’s permanent collection and Midwest Photographers Project along with loans from other institutions and private collections.

Museum of Science and Industry: 57th Street and Lakeshore Drive. Extra charge on some exhibits. 773-684-1414 or www.msichicago.org. New: www.facebook.com/msichicago and twitter at msichicago.org/podcast.

· Summer Free Days: The Museum will offer free general admission on June 6, 7, 8 and 9.

· General Extended Summer Hours: From May 27 - Sept. 5, 2011, the Museum will offer extended summer hours, from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. every day.

• Suited for Space: See the creativity and ingenuity behind of the spacesuit. Through rare photography, inluding unique xray images, learn about this modern invention that keeps astronauts alive in outer space. April 6 through Sept. 25. Included in general admission.

• OMNIMAX: “Tornado Alley,” March 11 through the end of 2011.

• Body Worlds and The Cycle of Life: The US premiere at the MSI opens March 18 and runs through Sept. 5. Requires an additional timed-entry ticket.

Notebaert Nature Museum: 2430 N. Cannon Drive. naturemuseum.org or 773-755-5100. Across the street from Lincoln Park Zoo. Admission, including special exhibitions, is $9/adult, $6/child 3-12, $7/seniors and students. Thursdays are suggested donation days. Open weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Shedd Aquarium: Aquarium at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-559-0200. www.sheddaquarium.org.

• Jellies: Pulsing, translucent sea jellies and their mystifying natural history. More than 10 species of jellies throughout the new temporary special exhibit.

• Penguin Encounter: Have a penguin waddle up to meet you, and even touch its sleek, slick feathers during Shedd Aquarium’s new 30-minute penguin encounter. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Penguin Encounter admission and packages start at $30.

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