Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

World Premiere!

‘How Blood Go’

“How Blood Go” weaves the present and past together to explore the strained relationship between the healthcare system and African Americans in this country. Congo Square Theatre Company presents the world premiere of “How Blood Go,” a provocative story of two family members who are subject to medical experiments – 50 years apart – without their consent. Infused with Afrofuturism, “How Blood Go” debuts at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted St., as part of its LookOut series. The show will run Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. March 11 - April 23. Tickets $35 at steppenwolf.org/howbloodgo

Dance With Me!

Dance Residency Open Studio Series: Christopher Knowlton

The Chicago Cultural Center’s Dance Studio is hosting Christopher Knowlton at 6 p.m. March 14 in a residency that delves into how people can dance together remotely. Unlike Knowlton's previous research work, which explored memory, isolation and nostalgia, this session will aim to understand how digital dance can better connect people who are not sharing physical space. In addition to performing and choreographing, he is a biomechanical research scientist who manages the Motion Analysis Laboratory at Rush University Medical Center. The Chicago Cultural Center is at 78 E. Washington St. FREE. More information at chicagoculturalcenter.org

Meet & Greet!

Meet the Artists

Artists Scheherazade Tillet (pictured photo at right: "Playing With Makeup Birthday Gift With a Close Friend, 2022"), Leah Gipson, and Robert Narciso will be the artists in residence in The Learning Lab at the Chicago Cultural Center on the second and fourth Fridays and Saturdays from noon-2 p.m. March 3 - May 27. “The Black Girlhood Altar” was created by young Black women through “A Long Walk Home,” which honors and creates awareness for missing and murdered Black girls and young women, including Rekia Boyd, Ma'Khia Bryant, “Hope,” Breonna Taylor, Marcie Gerald, Latasha Harlins, and Lyniah Bell. “Meet the Artists” is a free event at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. More information at chicagoculturalcenter.org

To Be Heard!

‘Voices for Justice: Daring to Struggle, Daring to Win’

The Harold Washington library will host Helen Shiller, former Chicago City Council Member and community activist, who will speak about her book, “Daring to Struggle, Daring to Win,” at 6 p.m. March 15. The book tells the true story of her journey as an individual radical organizer-turned independent Chicago city council member, and her 40-year struggle for justice in Chicago. This event is part of the “Voices for Justice” speaker series, and in celebration of Women's History Month. Shiller will be in conversation with journalist Sylvia Ewing. FREE. The Harold Washington Library is at 400 S. State St. More information at chipublib.bibliocommons.com

"Drawing is the Honesty of Art!"

Salvador Dali

Salvador Dalí invented his own brand of Surrealism in the 1930s. "The Image Disappears," at the Art Institute of Chicago from February 18-June 12, explores "disappearing acts" undertaken by the artist at the height of his fame. The exhibit includes 50 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and collages, books and ephemera -- some wellknown pieces of the museum's Surrealism collection -- alongside extremely rare loans from leading public and private collections in Europe and the U.S. The Art Institute is at 111 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets are $14+ at artic.edu

Crafty Networking!

Women's History Month: Mosaic Night

The Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce hosts its third annual Women's History Month Mosaic Night, from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 8 at Tatas Tacos, 2826 N. Lincoln Ave. Unwind and engage with your creative side during this women-focused celebration that is also designed to foster empowerment, networking and community-building. No previous mosaic experience needed. Local artist Kamelia Hristeva and her team from Green Star Movement will teach techniques such as design, tile cutting, application and grouting. Tickets are $35 at https://www.lakeviewroscoevillage.org/womenshistorymonth and include a succulent plant and pot for decorating, chips and salsa, in-person entertainment and access to drink specials from Tatas Tacos.

U.S. Premiere!

‘Joan and the Fire’

“Joan and the Fire” examines the way in which history is constantly being rewritten to better serve those in power. W hen a group of performers staging their take on the myth of Joan of Arc are met by the myth herself, it becomes a battle of epic proportions to save history as Joan and the performers each fight to tell their version of the story. The play will run at the Trap Door Theatre at 1655 W. Cortland St. at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from March 8 - April 15. Tickets are $25 at trapdoortheatre.com/joan-and-the-fire/

Finding Her Way!

‘Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home’

This play is the story of one woman’s journey from Ireland to America, and her struggle with dementia in her later years. The show brings to the stage experiences that are often unspoken by many generations of immigrants and adults caring for their aged parents. Filled with laughs, tears and lots of tea, “Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home” is a joyous exploration of love, roots, and family. The show is one-night-only, 7:30 p.m. March 10 at the Baffes Theatre at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Tickets are $43 at thebeverlyartscenter.com

All in One Place!

Three Chicago Artists, One Venue

Visit the Chop Shop at 2033 W. North Ave. 8 p.m. March 10 to see three local Chicago artists in one venue. The band Chicago Loud 9, a nine-piece funk/hip-hop band with high energy performances, is up first. Following them will be the band Sneezy, a funk and soul jam band whose members have been friends since first grade. The first two acts have toured and gained followers outside Chicago, but the final act, Wyatt Waddell (pictured), is an up-and-coming artist with an infectious mix of R&B, pop and funk. Tickets are $15-20 at chopshopchi.com/calendar

Operatic Fatal Attraction!

‘Carmen’

The immortal tale of the free-spirited Carmen and the soldier who's drawn to her in a truly fatal attraction has long been one of the world's favorite operas, with music recognizable even to those new to the genre. "Carmen" returns to Lyric Opera of Chicago this season in a vividly colorful production with J'Nai Bridges, who is from Chicago, in the starring role. The show is sung in French with projected English supertitles, and will run 8 times from March 11 - April 7 at 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive. Tickets are $40+ at lyricopera.org

Compiled by Emma Murphy