ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Since being stuck inside, which shows have you been watching? Which movies? Have you read any good books lately? Any new music releases have you dancing in your living room? StreetWise vendors, readers and staff are sharing what is occupying their attention during this unprecedented time. To be featured in a future edition, send your recommendations of what to do at home and why you love them to Creative Director / Publisher Dave Hamilton at dhamilton@streetwise.org
Dance your heart out!
National Tap Dance Day "Aisha": Celebrate National Tap Dance Day with the premiere of “Aisha,” Tuesday, May 25, at 1 p.m. The first time that choreographer Starinah “Star” Dixon (pictured) heard “Aisha,” written by McCoy Tyner and performed by John Coltrane, she was drawn to the song and could feel Coltrane creating a vivid visual with the music that, for Dixon, symbolized love. Later, Dixon found out Tyner wrote this song for his wife and it all made sense—the music, the energy and the feelings this song created inspired Dixon to move. "The B.S. Shuffle": Charles Mingus’ music may seem chaotic, especially “Boogie Stop Shuffle,” whose underlying and catchy bass melody and rhythm belie its structural complexity. Tristan Bruns’ piece, “The B.S. Shuffle,” captures that sense of controlled chaos with his choice of syncopated and accented rhythms and a “dance-party-esque” vibe, where dancers seem to be coming at the viewer from every direction. There are also solo improvisations by the dancers of M.A.D.D. Rhythms using jazz-inspired expressions. May 25, at 7p.m. Both performances stream live at www.youtube.com/user/brilbarrett for FREE!
A Rich Culture!
(HOME) ENTERTAINMENT
Chicago Japan Film Collective The Chicago Japan Film Collective is proud to introduce the Midwest to some of Japan’s most original voices and to provide unique international screening opportunities for these talented filmmakers. With a focus on work created by women, the LGBTQ community, and minority filmmakers, the festival aims to introduce Midwestern audiences to the best in independent Japanese cinema, including narrative, documentary, and animation. Through these films, it hopes to connect Japanese and American cultures, create mutual understanding and respect, and expand exhibition and distribution possibilities within international, independent cinema. May 25 - 31, $15 for an all-access pass, full schedule at cjfc.us
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A new type of "School Play!"
‘National Merit’ Six high school students are forced into the world of standardized testing. W hat does it mean to be of “National Merit” status? W hat is the cost of toiling for this title? Who even gets to achieve it? With humor and heart, Valen-Marie Santos’s new play "National Merit" scrutinizes academic achievement, socioeconomic privilege, and racial injustice within a private school setting. BoHo Theatre is partnering with Northwestern University’s playwriting department to present this in-development reading from an up-and-coming playwright. Presented by the BoHo Theatre, May 24, at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Learn more at bohotheatre.com .
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Dancing Live!
Chicago Dance Month Kick-Off Celebration Featuring FREE in-person performances by Aerial Dance Chicago, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Mandala Arts, The Seldoms, in addition to an interactive lesson from May I Have This Dance. May 29, 3 - 4:30 p.m. at Navy Pier’s Lake Stage, 600 E. Grand Ave. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to receive refreshments and be entered into a drawing for giveaways from various dance companies in the Chicagoland area. A very limited number of folding chairs will be available. Learn more at www.seechicagodance.com/dancemonth
