CITY LIFE

The To-Do Rock ’n’ roll, reproductive justice, soul yoga, and more

By MICCO CAPORALE

Summertime in Chicago really reveals the city’s range. When there’s so much to choose from, how to pick any one thing? Well . . .

From Friday, June 30, through Monday, July 3, the American Music Festival returns to Fitzgerald’s (6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn) for its 40th anniversary. What began as a small barbecue in 1981 has grown into one of the largest and longest annual celebrations of roots music in the midwest. This year’s headliners include Lucinda Williams , Steve Earle, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Dave Alvin, but true to tradition, there’s no shortage of up-and-coming talent to see, too.

Some standout openers include the Cactus Blossoms , a Minneapolis-based band with a stripped-down indie rock sound that continues a tradition of country music made by blood relatives. There’s also Thelma and the Sleaze, a queer, Nashville-based honky-tonk group with plenty of rock ’n’ roll grit, and locals Mucca Pazza , some 30-odd self-described freaks who combine elements of marching band pageantry, street theater flourish, and unbridled weirdo energy for an unmistakable spectacle that’s earned them a devout following. Sadly, advanced tickets are sold out—but each day Fitzgerald’s will release a small batch when doors open at noon. If you’re serious about attending, show up early! Children 12 and under get in free with a ticket-holding adult. Tickets range from $60 for single day to $1,199 for a patio suite; some days are sold out. Go to fitzgeraldsnightclub.com for full schedule.

Do you eat, sleep, and read rock ’n’ roll? Then check out City Lit Books (2523 N. Kedzie) on July 1. To celebrate the release of The Gospel of the Hold Steady (an oral history of the midwestern band that gave new life to heartland rock in the aughts), members of the band will be in conversation with rock critic and historian Jessica Hopper. While the book ocially drops July 25, attendees to the event will receive a signed copy, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and get their deepest fan mysteries solved. Tickets are currently sold out, but contact City Lit to see if any tickets become available before the event. The talk starts at 1 PM. citylitbooks.com/summertime-city-lit

If you want to get down for a cause, look no further than the Chicago Athletic Association hotel (12 S. Michigan) on Saturday, July 8. Chicago publication Hooligan Mag is teaming up with Kickstand Productions to host an Abba-inspired disco to raise money for abortion access. Join them in Stagg Court on the fourth floor of the hotel, where indie darling Liza Anne will host an evening of boogie to benefit the Texas-based mutual aid abortion advocacy group Big Bend Reproductive Coalition. Bella Peterson will provide a photo booth while Solar Intentions will provide nonalcoholic refreshments. Tickets are $18 ($15 in advance) and available to those 21 or older. The dance floor opens at 7 PM. instagram.com/hooliganmagazine

Also on July 8: free yoga classes and wellness workshops will be available 9 AM-5 PM at the Fuller Park Field House (331 W. 45th St.). They’re courtesy of the 12th annual Soul Yoga Fest , which describes itself as celebrating “yoga, wellness, and community, with a focus on highlighting the diversity within the yoga community and the various styles and practices of yoga.” In addition to yoga sessions, other activities and entertainment will be available that cater to children, seniors, and all ages in between. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just looking for an opportunity to unwind and vibe, it’s worth being flexible for. (See what I did there?) linktr.ee/Kemetic.yogaskills

The following weekend, Lillstreet Art Center (4401 N. Ravenswood) is hosting a fundraiser for Common Pantry, a Ravenswood-based nonprofit that provides both community and food to local residents looking for nourishment. From 5-8 PM on Friday, July 14, you can purchase a handmade ceramic bowl for around $30, which will include a scoop of ice cream from Jeni’s to be enjoyed among the Lillstreet community. Nondairy options will be available. This event is part of the Empty Bowls movement, which asks artists and art spaces to sell artisanal bowls to benefit groups working to end hunger. If you are a ceramicist looking to donate a food-safe bowl, Lillstreet will be accepting donations until July 13 during regular business hours. lillstreet.com/upcoming-events

Also on July 14, across town at the Haymarket House (800 W. Buena), the Chicago Poetry Center (CPC) will host its Summer Poetry Party. The event starts at 5:30 PM with an open mike outside in the Haymarket House garden. Then at 6:30 PM there will be performances and readings inside from a variety of poets including special guest Jane Wong , as well as CPC poets in residence Alyx Chandler, Ola Faleti, Luz Magdaleno Flores, Lisa Low, Maya Odim, C. Russell Price, Luis Tubens, and Christie Valentin-Bati. Later, DJ Ca$h Era will get the vibes flowing as folks mix, mingle, and snack both indoors in the main performance space and outside in the garden. This is a free event open to all ages that’s happening mostly outside at an ADA-accessible space. Organizers are expecting it to fill up fast, so you’re encouraged to reserve a spot at Eventbrite. Can’t make it? Donations to CPC are very welcome. poetrycenter.org/ cpc-summer-poetry-party-2023

The next day on Saturday, July 15, Bros Before director and Free Yr Dick curator Henry Hanson is programming a new block of sexy queer shorts at Facets (1517 W. Fullerton). Called Cybergrime , the screening features eight shorts depicting “hypersleazy technophilic homo-depravity.” There are showings at both 7:30 PM and 10 PM with a reception and mixer held in between (8:30-9:55 PM) featur- ing a live electronic solo set by Keikii, star of the short film A.I. Mama (which is included in the Cybergrime lineup). Note that these screenings are not for the faint of heart—or those under 18. There will be graphic depictions of sexuality and gore including content about suicide, as well as flashing lights. Also note that masks are required when not actively eating or drinking. Tickets are $12 ($10 for members) and should be purchased ASAP because these screenings sell very fast! Tickets purchased for either screening include access to the reception. facets.org/cinema

You know what the best part of art shows is? That they’re pretty easy to slot into your schedule between other things. Lately, I’ve been geeking on a lot of exhibitions at Roots & Culture Contemporary Art Center (1034 N. Milwaukee), and their current show, “El Brillo en Sus Ojos,” is no exception. Named after an expression that’s threaded through Mexican pop music, the phrase captures something about how the eyes dilate when overcome by passionate feeling. Artists Vani Aguilar and Juan Arango Palacios present ceramics and paintings on both canvas and textiles that ruminate on the gallops and sparkle of young queer Latinx love. The show is sexy and tender and on view through Saturday, July 15. Roots & Culture is open Fridays (4-7 PM), Saturdays (noon-6 PM), or by appointment, which can be scheduled by calling 773-580-0102 or emailing info@rootsandculturecac.org. rootsandculturecac.org v

@JuggaloReporter

Lorraine and Cognac

I asked you over for a dinner party.

Gwendolyn and Margaret are here too, but I’m shootin’ the shit with you in the corner. What’s it like, dying young?

Having your husband sit shiva for you?

Ms. Hansberry—what happens to Black girls like us?

Do we crust and sugar over our heavy loads?

I’m asking you, Lorraine.

Tell me about the Other Side.

Do Black girls like us get free?

It must be nice over there— like Chicago with her broken nose, not easy to love but necessary.

In the purgatory rooms, are Black girls sipping Moscato?

I hope so. Tell me what you want, Lorraine.

I’ll bring the Blacks and a bottle of Henny.

By Diamond Sharp

Diamond Sharp is a poet from Chicago. Super Sad Black Girl, her debut book of poetry, was published by Haymarket in 2022.

This Poetry Corner is curated by Raych Jackson. Rachel “Raych” Jackson is a writer, educator and voice actor. Her poems have gained over 2 million views on YouTube and have been published by many— including Poetry Magazine, The Rumpus, The Shallow Ends, and Washington Square Review. She co-created and co-hosts Big Kid Show, a monthly variety show in Chicago. Raych’s debut collection EVEN THE SAINTS AUDITION (Button Poetry) won Best New Poetry Collection by a Chicagoan in the Chicago Reader fall of 2019. RAYCH-JACKSON.COM

A biweekly series curated by the Chicago Reader and sponsored by the Poetry Foundation.

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