ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Compiled by Emma Slings
Broadway in Millennium Park!
Broadway in Chicago Summer Concert After three long years, Broadway Chicago is back in Millennium Park, presented along with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events at 6 p.m. Monday, August 15. Selections at this free concert will come from Disney's "The Lion King," "Dear Evan Hansen," "Wicked," and "MJ," the four-time Tony Award-winning musical about Michael Jackson, as well as "1776", Disney's "Aladdin," "Chicago," "Les Miserables," "Tina" and "Jagged Little Pill." “Our favorite event of the year finally returns for the first time in three years, and we’re coming back with performers from favorite Broadway blockbusters! Mark your calendars – this is a night you do not want to miss,” said Eileen LaCario, vice president of Broadway In Chicago. Grab a blanket, some snacks and head over to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St.
Poetry in Play!
'My Brother Langston' Poet Langston Hughes entertained the prolific and profound legends of his time in his Harlem apartment. On this fascinating journey, accompanied by music from the Harlem Renaissance, we come to understand why Hughes was considered one of the greatest poets and civil rights leaders of his time and why his poetry continues to speak to us today. This play, by Reuben Echoles, is part of the four-play Season of Healing and Joy at the Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. Previews are August 19 & 20, with opening night August 21. Performances are 3 p.m. Sundays, 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with an additional 3 p.m. performance Saturday, August 27. The play runs 90 minutes with no intermission and the audience is limited to 150 people as a COVID precaution. The play closes September 18. More information at blackensembletheater.org or 773.769.4451.
An Evanston Tradition!
(HOME) ENTERTAINMENT
Art & Big Fork Festival Evanston’s annual Art & Big Fork Festival (800 Church St.) is back this weekend, August 16-18. Enjoy three days filled with artwork from over 130 juried artists from around the country, exhibiting unique, usable art like handmade jewelry, one-of-a-kind furniture and home accessories, along with more traditional media like paintings and photography. Featuring a range of price points, this festival is perfect for art connoisseurs and others who are just looking to fill the blank space on their wall. Art lovers also have the chance to see live demonstrations and join one-on-one booth chats. This free event runs Friday 4 - 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Beyond the art scene, enjoy tasty treats and live music from blues and light rock group Ron Steta Trio, an eclectic mix of old school jazz and rock from Brad Cole, folk and soul from Jeff Libman and more.
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Dances From West Africa!
Najwa Dance Corps’ Night Out In The Park Najwa Dance Corps will present a free one-hour program as part of the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks series, at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 20 at Schreiber Park, 1552 W. Schreiber Ave. Its "Dances of West Africa" will encompass the Sene-Gambia Region, Guinea and Liberia, with live drumming, narration and audience participation for all ages. Founded by Najwa I in 1977, the company's repertoire ranges from traditional rituals of Africa to the glamorous chorus girls of the swing era. Born Arnell Pugh in Clarksdale, MS and raised in Chicago, Najwa means "one who is spiritually in tune." Learn more at najwadancecorps.org
