September 27 - October 3, 2021

September 27 - October 3, 2021 Vol. 29 No. 38

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$1.10 goes to vendor

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Arts & (Home) Entertainment

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SportsWise

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Cover Story: Concert guide

We are replacing our usual calendar with virtual events and recommendations from StreetWise vendors, readers and staff to keep you entertained at home!

The SportsWise team discusses the exciting new faces at the U.S. Open.

StreetWise contributor (and live music addict) Kathleen Hinkel shares her picks of the upcoming best concerts this season, even as the pandemic rages on.

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From the Streets

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voice of the Streets Op-ed

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has updated her website to better show you how much debt from local government (City of Chicago and others) is attached to your property ahead of the October 1 payment deadline.

The Oriental Institute's Gil Stein discusses the preservation of artifacts from Afghanistan.

Inside StreetWise

Vendor A. Allen bids adieu to StreetWise intern Rivka.

The Playground ON THE COVER: H.E.R. (photo courtesy of RCA Records).

THIS PAGE: Sistazz of the Nitty Gritty play on the front stoop of The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave. (Kathleen Hinkel photo).

Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher

dhamilton@streetwise.org

StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI

Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief

suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com

Amanda Jones, Director of programs

ajones@streetwise.org

Julie Youngquist, Executive director

jyoungquist@streetwise.org

Ph: 773-334-6600 Office: 2009 S. State St., Chicago, IL, 60616

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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

Run for Life!

30th Annual AIDS Run and Walk The 30th annual AIDS Run and Walk is on October 2 at Soldier Field, 1410 Special Olympics Drive. The AIDS Run and Walk 5K/10K fundraiser helps promote awareness and raise money for HIV/AIDS treatment. This 5K/10K directly donates the money raised to programs, such as AIDS Foundation Chicago, to help provide treatment and services to individuals who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS or are susceptible to testing positive. Tickets cost $30 for the 5K walk/roll and $40 for the 10K. To purchase tickets, please visit soldierfield.net under the events and tickets section. Check-in time is at 9:30 a.m., the 5k/10k run starts at 10:35 a.m., and the 5K walk/roll starts at 10:50 a.m. AIDS Run and Walk asks every individual to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccine, and any unvaccinated individuals to provide a COVID-19 test at least 72 hours before the run/walk. Since this 5K/10K takes place outside, masks are not required but highly recommended.

Dance Lessons @ Home!

(HOME) ENTERTAINMENT

Salsa With Latin Rhythms Learn to salsa dance from the comfort of your own home! To celebrate Latinx History Month, the Chicago Public Library is hosting a free virtual salsa dance class via Zoom on September 27 from 5-6 p.m. This class is open to adults and teenagers, with all levels of experience. If you are interested in taking this salsa dance class, please register at chipublib.org under the events section. After registering, you will receive a Zoom link about 24 hours before the event. So grab a dance partner and register for this free online salsa class before it’s too late!

Pride on the South Side!

Pride South Side Come celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and the annual Pride Festival the South Side way! Bring your family and friends to the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, on October 2 from 2-8 p.m. Everyone of all ages is welcome! This pride festival will feature LGBTQ+ food and drink vendors.​​There will also be performances, games, dancing, and music courtesy of DJ Dapper and DJ Zolita. It is a free event, but Pride South Side is asking everyone to RSVP online at pridesouthside.org. So come out to have fun and celebrate pride!

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Local Art!

‘Local Vibe: An Art Event’ The Pilsen Art House, 1756 W. 19th St., presents “Local Vibe: An Art Event” on October 2, from 6-10 p.m. Local Vibe features an art show, music, and local food vendors. Local Vibe only happens once a month, so be sure to check it out before you have to wait another month! It is a great way to spend a Saturday browsing art and enjoying good local food and music. This event is open to everyone of all ages and any art lovers. Pilsen Art House requires everyone to wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. Get tickets for free at Eventbrite.com.

Pumpkin Spice & All That's Nice!

Pier Pumpkin Lights It's that time of year again where Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., transforms into its very own pumpkin patch! With nearly 1,000 pumpkins, Navy Pier is a must-see place this fall. On October 1, from 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., Navy Pier will be filled with pop-up pumpkin installations that will be a great way to get ready for Halloween. It is a great way to get some selfies with friends and family to prepare your Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook feed for Halloween. The pumpkin lights will be available every day for the whole month of October, but why not join on opening day!

This is Our House!

House City Be sure to check out House City's last free concert on October 1 from 3-9 p.m. House City is a series of pop-up concerts in Chicago neighborhoods that helped create House music. House is a genre of electronic music that predates modern electronic dance music (EDM). The lineup includes local DJs and musicians such as DJ Derrick Carter, DJ Heather, Michael Serafini, Garrett David, Celeste Alexander, and Cratebug.

House City’s last pop-up concert will occur at 3737 N. Clark St. (between West Grace Street and West Waveland Avenue). This concert is a great way to spend your Friday night!

Lifestyle Wellness!

Fun Run Please join Kayla Jeter for the last day of the Fun Run Series on September 30 at 6:30 p.m.! Kayla Jeter is known for playing professional volleyball and being a wellness coach, who works independently and also for WW (formerly Weight Watchers).

Jeter has dedicated her life to promoting lifestyle wellness and empowering others to embrace a healthy lifestyle. This 5K run starts and ends at Mariano’s Lakeshore East, 333 E. Benton Place. The 5K course will run through downtown Chicago and end back at Mariano’s Lakeshore East for refreshments. You can register for free online at eventbrite.com and follow Kayla Jeter on Instagram @fitandfullbykayla.

Come On Down!

Step Right Up: A Comedy Game Show The Lincoln Lodge, 2040 N. Milwaukee Ave., presents Step Right Up: A Comedy Game Show on September 29, from 7-9 p.m.

The comedians who will be performing are Jerry Tran, Katie Baker, Mandy Rodio, Marcus Cox, Mike O'Keefe, and Sonal Aggarwal. These comedians will be competing against each other and may even include some audience members. The winner of this comedy game show will be the headliner of the show! This show is unpredictable but guaranteed to make you laugh.

Tickets cost $12 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com.

New Comedians!

Bob Curry Showcase The Second City presents the Bob Curry Fellowship Showcase on September 28th from 8-10 p.m. at the E.T.C. Theatre, 230 W. North Ave. This two-act comedy show, in keeping with the mission of the Bob Curry Fellowship, introduces new comedians and showcases their talent. In the tradition of Second City, the show features both sketch and improv comedy. It is rated R for both language and innuendo. Second City requires any minor under the age of 18 to be accompanied by and adult, and also requires proof of full Covid vaccination upon arrival. Tickets can be purchased for $15 at secondcity.com.

-Compiled by Paige Bialik

www.streetwise.org

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Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Patrick: The 2021 U.S. Open was very exciting! We didn’t get to enjoy the talents of either Williams sister—Serena and Venus—as well as two of the top two men’s players in the world: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. In their places, we were served some exciting newcomers to the top of the charts, and the Open didn’t miss a beat. Donald, what do you think?

SPORTSWISE

Donald: It was amazing. I found myself rooting for someone outside the U.S. in 19-year old Leylah Fernandez. Initially, I thought she was Mexican, but she is Canadian with an Ecuadorian father and a Canadian mother with a Filipino background.

Not only that, but she speaks three languages: French, English and Spanish. On her way to the women’s final, she beat three top-5 opponents, including Naomi Osaka.

Patrick: Note that, unseeded, she was a big underdog in all of her matches.

Russ: Even more interesting is that both she and 19-year old Emma Raducanu, the eventual 2021 U.S. Open women’s champion, was unseeded. Some would like to think the championship was given to them because of the absence of the usual superstars of the game, but I feel it’s just

a sign of the changing times.

That the youth are here to stay.

John: I agree, Russell. Just as in the past, there once was Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert Lloyd and Steffi Graf, which eventually moved to the Williams sisters, Anna Kournikova and Martina Hingis—now, there is a new generation…and we’re now seeing the possibilities.

Donald: Even though Osaka lost to Fernandez, the eventual runner-up this year, she’s still running things in my opinion. She’ll be back at some point, and her talent will again shine bright.

Patrick: All right, fellas. I have to admit, as I watched the early rounds, I pretty much gave the Open to men’s mainstay, and number one in the world, Novak Djokovic—was I wrong. Number 2 in the world, Daniil

Medvedev beat Djokovic in straight sets to become the U.S. Open’s men’s champion.

Not that huge an upset on paper--#2 beating #1—but still huge.

race, your opponent at the same time running half a lap, then the two of you racing against each other—you may not have the legs that your opponent has. Just sayin’…

Russ: It’s tough for me to give big-big ups to Medvedev with both Nadal and Federer out with injuries, but I do have to give props when deserved. With that, big ups to Daniil Medvedev for pulling it out…and looking good doing it.

Patrick: Good point. So, does anyone have any last words on the subject?

Patrick: Right on.

John: It’s interesting to note, too, that, in the semifinals, Djokovic had a really tough battle with the 4th seed: Alexander Zverev, going 5 sets, while Medvedev won in 3 sets over 12th seed Felix Auger Aliassime. Could’ve possibly played a part in the finals.

Donald: It had to. Shoot, that’s like running a two-lap

Russ: I’m excited. I mean, I’m already missing the hell out of Venus and Serena, and I’m not even just talking about them not participating in this year’s U.S. Open. But, yeah, this new, young crop could treat us right for quite a few years.

Donald: I agree with all of that, so, shoot, let’s see what’s really going on!

John: The future’s bright.

Patrick: Indeed it is.

Any comments or suggestions?

Email pedwards@streetwise.org

THE ART OF PIZZA ON STATE STREET

by Rivka Benjamin

Steven Riggs has been a vendor with StreetWise for over 10 years now. As a big fan of cheese ‘n’ sausage pizza, Steven often eats at the ‘Art of Pizza’ pizza shop. It's near his location on State Street.

Steven first thought when trying their pizza was “Oh My G-d”.

He was shocked at how tasty the pizza was, especially for the price.

During all of his visits he has tried the cheese slice, pepperoni slice, and of course, the cheese 'n' sausage slice. Although there is more variety on their menu, Steven likes to stick to the pizza when stopping in for lunch. His mom, however, tried the sub sandwich when they went together. She really liked it, and even saved the leftovers for dinner.

Steven Riggs

What really impressed him was the kindness of the people there, the cashier and the owners. Steven always notices Danny and the other owners offer ice water to people who are homeless on hot days, and sometimes a slice of pizza.

THE ART OF PIZZA ON STATE STREET Steven recalls one very hot and humid summer day recently. He was working really hard, sellLocation: ing as many magazines as he could at his loca727 S. State St. tion. He stopped into the pizza store to catch his breath since he was feeling faint. Danny, Price Range: whom Steven calls "one of the nicest guys," Under $10 / per person asked if he was okay and offered some water.

“Ice water and a slice of pizza would be nice,” Hours: Steven responded. Danny didn’t flinch, and Sunday - Thursday brought him what he asked for, like a regular 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. customer. He was warm, inviting, and friendly.

Steven said he felt quite humbled in that moFriday & Saturday ment, and began to tear up.

11 a.m. - midnight In general, he said the atmosphere is extremely clean, friendly and inviting. There are always conversations going on between multiple tables, no matter how far they are from each other. The customers speak about current events, how tasty the pizza is, and Steven often speaks about StreetWise. Sometimes, people will buy magazines form him on the spot when they hear about it (although that isn’t his goal).

“Overall, it was GREAT!! I would highly recommend this place for the food, people, and atmosphere. If you’re ever in Chicago, stop by. Trust me, it’ll be a memorable experience. If you’re out of town, you will be back for this!”

The Art of Pizza on State Street: Steven Riggs with employee; interior; a slice of stuffed crust.

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fall 2021

CONCERT GUIDE

by Kathleen Hinkel

Live music is back! COVID is still here.

There are a lot of amazing acts coming through Chicago this fall. Most of these venues will require a proof of vaccine or a recent negative COVID-19 test to enter.

In order to enjoy the shows and make sure they happen, music lovers should plan to mask-up, even if you’re vaccinated! It will help prevent the spread of the Delta variant, keep the music playing and keep our city safe. There should be something for everyone in this mix of recommended acts coming through town.

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October 2 + 3

Josh Ritter

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United Center 8 pm $129 + 1901 W. Madison St. Grammy-winning rapper, songwriter and producer Jermaine Lamarr Cole just released his sixth studio album, The OffSeason. Pitchfork called the new album “refreshing and lively” and noted that it is more relaxed than his previous works. J. Cole made his name as a thoughtful lyricist and storyteller and it will be interesting to see how he delivers his newest work live on one of the biggest stages in town.

Thalia Hall 8 pm $22 1807 S. Allport St. Israeli singer-songwriter Noga Erez counts Bjork, Frank Ocean, Radiohead, Missy Elliott, PJ Harvey and Kendrick Lamar among her influences and her music is as eclectic as you’d expect hearing that. The music she produces is contemporary, political and catchy. This year she released the acclaimed album KIDS. As Flood Magazine put it, “The album’s 13 tracks are a collision of familial importance and generationrearing with the bliss and burnout of the pandemic restructuring everything.”

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October 7

J. Cole

October 13

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Old Town School Of Folk Music 8 pm $45 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. As the NY Times put it, “Harking back to Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and maybe a little Mark Knopfler, Mr. Ritter has always been a slinger of serious ideas and high-flown imagery.” Two decades into his career, there are no signs of his momentum slowing down. My personal favorite tune: “Love Is Making Its Way Back Home.”

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Martyrs' 9 pm $20 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. What was once a group of friends jamming cover tunes in a kitchen have evolved into a high-energy, psychedelic, progressive live act. The Kitchen Dwellers have had noteworthy collaborations with Railroad Earth and the Infamous Stringdusters. This year they released a live album, Live at Pine Creek, which is an excellent preview of what to expect on October 9.

Schubas Tavern 10 pm $15 3159 N. Southport Ave. Garcia Peoples is a psychedelic indie rock band that is uniquely fronted by three guitars and a seemingly incalculable number of effects on that sound. Their sound emulates a 1960’s Haight Street vibe and guitarist Danny Arakaki has described the music as “the Acid quiz” but don’t be fooled by these details and their name, they are not a Grateful Dead cover band. Their experimental sound is uniquely their own but they do carry on Jerry Garcia’s tradition of creating distinctive adventurous rock n’ roll.

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Kitchen Dwellers

October 15

Garcia Peoples

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Thalia Hall 8:30 pm $22 1807 S. Allport St. Do you believe in the power of the groove? If yes, then go dance to Cuba’s visionary funk ensemble led by former med student Erik Iglesias Rodríguez. The press has not been shy to call Rodríguez a visionary and the Chicago Tribune praised Cimafunk’s show saying, “His band has all the chops to make it all go, and the set was less a series of songs than a nonstop river of rhythm.”

About the name, “CIMAFUNK is a cimarrón, a free being defying classification, a pilgrim in search of new musical miscegenation and the reunion of Black music.

He believes in nothing but the power of the Groove and the cathartic communion of dancing bodies. A renaissance man, conscious of his roots and musical ancestry, CIMAFUNK’s music looks firmly to the future,” Rodríguez states. A UFO in Cuba’s music scene!

Riviera Theatre 7:30 pm $54+ 4746 N. Racine Ave. Known to be one of the hardest working artists in the rap genre, his rise to recognition has consisted of relentlessly releasing mixtapes over the past decade. This past spring his work paid off when A Gangsta’s Pain debuted at number one on Billboard 200. The album features a collaboration with Chicago's Polo G on the track “Free Promo." This tour promises to be a celebration of a decade of hard work being recognized and realized.

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October 1

Cimafunk

Riviera Theatre 7:30 pm $27.50 4746 N. Racine Ave. British rock band Idles invade Uptown with their hardcore show that cannot be described as punk or post-punk even when you really want to describe them that way.

Singer Joe Talbor has repeatedly rejected the tempting label saying, “we’re not a fucking punk band.” So who is Idles? In their words: “At a point of uncertainty, Idles bring you concise carnage. At a time of lies, Idles bring you honesty. At a time of body shaming and Photoshop, Idles bring you a visceral barrage of joyous bile. At a time of The Kardashians, Idles bring you a story of working hard for what and who you love. In a time of polarized politics and murky waters; Idles and bands like them are needed to remind people that it's OK to dance and laugh and sing in the face of adversity.” Gustaf will open.

October 15

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October 8

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November 2

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Sleeping Village 9 pm $12 3734 W. Belmont Ave. Japanese “poetry rapper” Heru Nemuri mixes J-pop, rap, rock and electronica in her music. This North American tour is long-awaited, postponed for over a year and a half. Her album LOVETHEISM arrived at the same time COVID-19 stopped live performances.

Plan on this show selling out, get tickets in advance!

November 3

music traditions of Chicago, these artists and active Chicago Black Artist Union Members perform intoxicating improvisational music. Angel Bat Dawid, who counts both Mozart and George Clinton among her influences, steers the ship with her clarinet and commanding vocals.

October 27

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October 17

Black Pumas

Thalia Hall 8:30 pm $35+ 1807 S. Allport St. This may be your only opportunity to see the Black Pumas in a cozy room such as Pilsen’s Thalia Hall. Four 2021 Grammy nominations for their debut self-titled album “Black Pumas” and a thunderous performance at the award show have thrust them to the brink of household name status. They are an Austin, Texas-based psychedelic and theatrical soul band, led by singer Eric Burton, who was busking on the Santa Monica Pier not long ago. The story of their deserved success is romantic and their music will make you move your feet.

October 27

Sistazz Of The Nitty Gritty

Old Town School Of Folk Music 8:30 pm Free 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. The Sistazz of the Nitty Gritty is a Chicago trio of improvisational musicians formed during lockdown who are quickly establishing themselves as one of Chicago’s most enthralling live music experiences. They are multi-instrumentalist Angel Bat Dawid, pianist/vocalist Anaiet and bassist Brooklyn Skye Scott. Emerging from the great Black

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Aragon Ballroom 6:45 pm $89.50+ 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. H.E.R. (pronounced “her”) is an acronym for “Having Everything Revealed.” At only 24 years old, Gabi Wilson has risen to singer/songwriter stardom over the past 5 years. Considered a child prodigy, she was featured on the Today Show at the age of 10 and had a record deal by 14. Today, her destiny has come to fruition as an accomplished and fully realized R&B artist.

October 29

Low Cut Connie

Thalia Hall 8:30 pm$25+ 1807 S. Allport St. Low Cut Connie is among the many artists who didn’t give up live performances during the COVID lockdowns, they just adapted to a new format. As we were all cooped up in our homes, they streamed performances to the gratitude of their fans. Their most recently released album is Tough Cookies: Best of the Quarantine Broadcasts. It features covers of classic songs like Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” and Neil Young’s “Helpless.” They also released a 2020 album called Private Lives which sounds more like classic rock than the hard rocking sound the band is known for. It’ll be interesting to see how they combine both sounds into a live show.

Elvis Costello Paul Moore photo.

Haru Nemuri courtesy photo.

My Morning Jacket photo courtesy of Big Hassle PR.

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

Chicago Theatre 7:30 Pm $43.50+ 175 N. State St. Elvis Costello’s acclaimed 40-plus year career and his multiple Grammys earned Costello a spot on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artist of All Time list. As Liz Phair wrote to celebrate him with that honor, “If you love Elvis Costello, it’s because you love what he’s thinking - the depth and breadth of his notice is astounding. He’s a poet with a punk’s heart.” His most recent project has been remaking his 1978 album This Year’s Model in Spanish for the album Spanish Model. The album features the original instrumentals with Spanish-speaking artists performing the vocals.

November 4

Melvin Seals & Jgb

Park West 8 pm $35 322 W. Armitage Ave. Melvin Seals is best known for his high spirited Hammond B-3 organ/piano work and long-tenure with the Jerry Garcia Band.

There are several beloved keyboardists who have played with Jerry and a regular topic among his fans is discussing their favorite. During the debate, you’ll hear the names of founding Grateful Dead member Ron “Pigpen” McKernan and Keith Godchaux and Brent Mydland but nobody played with Jerry for as many years as Melvin. There are many people carrying on the music of Jerry Garcia today but very few had as long an experience of friendship and collaboration as Melvin Seals.

November 4 - 6

My Morning Jacket

Auditorium Theatre 7 pm $45.50+ 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive My Morning Jacket will be touring on their self-titled album which will be released on October 22. More than two decades into their career, My Morning Jacket has cemented their reputation as one of the most consistently enjoyable rock bands to see live. They are surprising, funky, and have an at times whimsical sound that is rounded out by Jim James’ haunting vocals. Their latest single “Love Love Love” hints that

they are returning to the world of live performance ready to spread the love and help others do the same.

November 6

Glitter Moneyyy

“one of America’s defining voices of freedom and peace.” Her list of collaborators is endless, from Prince, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez to current collaborators Ben Harper, Jeff Tweedy and Brandi Carlile. In a career that has spanned over half a century, Mavis has not stopped releasing songs with messages of survival, love and understanding.

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November 28

Oux

Subterranean 8 pm $12 2011 W. North Ave. Oux is a Chicago-based art-pop duo, pronounced “Awe.” During the pandemic, they went to work in the studio, releasing a new single “Rise.” They often perform to fundraise for Black and Trans rights and their joy in performing live is evident at their shows.

rock follow-up to her more bluesy-sounding 2019 album Kill or Be Kind.

Her noteworthy fashions match the music and add to her stage presence.

December 7 + 8

December 28 + 29

Evanston Space 7:30 pm $22 -$35 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston One thing the typical StreetWise reader may appreciate about Allison Russell is that she began her adulthood as a social worker, helping the most vulnerable find housing in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Canadian singer has strong ties to Chicago as part of the duo Birds of Chicago, which formed in 2012 with her now-husband, JT Nero. The couple has since moved to Nashville and the group is on hiatus as Russell has just released her first solo album Outside Child, an album that addresses putting past trauma behind her. “It’s an album about art and community and chosen family.”

Thalia Hall 8 pm $32 - $60 1807 S. Allport Ave. Shakey Grave's music is a lo-fi mix of rock, country and blues. He rose to recognition 10 years ago as a one-man band with a kick drum, a guitar and a handful of wellwritten songs and he has remained a presence on the touring circuit ever since. He tours on the anniversary of Roll the Bones with the same stripped down kit but with a much larger catalogue and a decade of touring behind him.

Samantha Fish

Park West 7:30 pm $26.50 - $30 322 W. Armitage Ave. Fish’s powerful voice and impressive guitar skills draw comparisons to Bonnie Raitt.

Her newly released album Faster is a collaboration with producer Martin Kierszenbaum (Lady Gaga, Sting) and is a worthy

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Thalia Hall 8 pm $80+ 1807 S. Allport St. Iconic Chicago-born activist and singer Mavis Staples will be bringing her powerful voice to the intimate setting of Thalia Hall for a Benefit Concert for Beyond Hunger.

As NPR has correctly declared, Mavis is

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Evanston SPACE 8 pm $28 - $48 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston This is going to be a tough ticket because Evanston’s Space is a tiny venue and it is pretty well known that Shovels n’ Rope put on an unforgettable live show. This folk duo is composed of wife and husband Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent and has received acclaim since they debuted as a pair in 2012 with the album O’ Be Joyful. Both artists play multiple instruments throughout their set, each picking up weight with percussion, guitar, leading vocals, backing vocals and harmonica. It’s a lovely metaphor for the shared responsibilities of any relationship; a band, a friendship, a marriage.

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Aragon Ballroom 8:30 pm $46+ 1106 W. Lawrence Ave. Billy Strings is a dynamic live performer and rising star in the world of bluegrass string music who just released his newest album Renewal on September 24. His last album, 2019’s Home, won a Grammy. “I called my last record Home, and then a few months later that's where we all got stuck,” Strings says. “Right now, we're heading back into opening back up, and doing some more touring with real concerts and real shows. Hopefully, we can renew everything. I think it's an interesting word. It reminds me of how every morning is a renewed day and another chance.”

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Lincoln Hall 9 pm $15 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. Queen Trashley and TayyySlayyy made a name for themselves in Chicago as the “equality demanding, pussy poppin, dildo riding, nazi punching, rap duo GLITTER MONEYYY.” This duo gives a fire performance that is built on their love for each other, love for others, and desire to throw the party they want to be at! As TayyySlayyy told SHOUTOUT LA “We wanted to make music that we wanted to party to.

We were tired of hearing the same heteronormative bullshit.”

Shakey Graves

December 30 - January 1

Boy Harsher

Empty Bottle 9:30 pm $35+ 1035 N. Western Ave. Their music is often described as darkwave, and as NPR put it, their album Careful is “at once groovier and more unnerving than ever.” The music may be dark but you will be dancing.

Samantha Fish Alysse Gafkjen photo.

Mavis Staples Myriam Santus photo.

Shakey Graves Magen Buse photo.

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Cook county treasurer website shows debt on individual properties

by Judi Strauss-Lipkin

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PIN 19-15-318-032-0000

Total Debt: $111,737

In addition, the Cook County Treasurer’s website has been redesigned and updated to include information for you from the Debt Disclosure Ordinance enacted by the Cook County Board in 2009. Each taxing district of local government (such as the Water Reclamation District, the Park District, the Board of Education, the City of Chicago among others) is required to provide the Treasurer with audited financial statements, including all outstanding debts. The Treasurer’s Office then does an analysis of this debt-toproperty-value, and posts the results in percentage terms. You can find the total debt percentage attributed to your property value by putting in your parcel number on the website.

Why is this important? In areas with low debt-to-property-value percentages, smaller real estate tax increases can cover the debt burden. In cities and villages with high debt-to-value ratios (unless there are many commercial property owners - where they pay at least 2½ times as much as homeowners), the property taxes increase substantially each year. This page on the website also can show you the financial condition of your local government, including the debt burden of the schools, the county, and your municipality; and the increases in your property taxes over the last 20 years.

One excellent example from the website: a $1.3 million-dollar Water Tower Place condominium has a debt ratio of 41.5 percent. So does a small, $269,550 house near Midway Airport. Thus, the taxes for the first property could rise at the same percentage rate as the substantially less-valued second property. The big picture, according to the Debt Disclosure data from 2016 to 2021, is that the debt of all local government agencies in Cook County rose 16.6 percent to $153.4 billion, while the Consumer Price Index grew only 8 percent.

23

Yes, property taxes have gone up and are still going up, even during COVID, to cover the increasing debt -- including the projected $733 million shortfall for the City of Chicago’s 2022 budget. However, some taxpayers can more easily cover this increasing tax burden because they have more sources of income. The average wage growth since the 1970s is about 4 percent annually; the minimum wage in Chicago rose to $15 an hour on July 1.

However, many taxpayers who live in more affluent city neighborhoods do not count on wages to cover their real estate tax burden - the S & P 500 stock index finished 2020 up more than 16 percent.

The tech-heavy NASDAQ gained 43.6 percent to record levels, allowing many to pay their real estate tax bill from investment earnings, a luxury not possible for wage earners who have little or no savings or investments.

Finally, the city’s 2021 $12.8 billion spending plan hiked property taxes by $93 million and authorized the city to hike them each year based on an increase in the cost of living, (generating about $20 million in 2022). Next year’s budget should not likely require an additional property tax hike to balance, according to Mayor Lightfoot.

However, the inequities due to prior years’ taxes remain.

Judi Strauss-Lipkin, PhD, owns Strauss Tax Service in Chicago. She is an enrolled agent and was a professor of management at Benedictine University and George Williams College. She was president of the Phi Beta Kappa Association of Chicago and treasurer of the League of Women Voters of Chicago.

excerpt from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Debit Report.

FROM THE STREETS

Usually, the second installment of your real estate taxes for Chicago and Cook County shows up in your mailbox and online (www. cookcountytreasurer.com) in July and is due August.

But this year, partially due to COVID and mostly due to the controversy over questionable low-income senior citizen freeze exemptions, the deadline for paying the second installment has been moved to October. Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said her office has now audited over 40,000 exemptions for senior citizens and recovered about $11 million that was inappropriately claimed.

Residential Property: Chicago

The Oriental Institute: Cultural Heritage in Afghanistan - op-ed

by Gil Stein

The past month has seen a wrenching tragedy overwhelm the people of Afghanistan, with the collapse of their government and capture of the capital Kabul by the victorious Taliban forces. As one tiny element in these momentous events, the Oriental Institute ended the Afghanistan-based operations of the cultural heritage work we had been conducting for the last nine years.

In this human and cultural crisis, we have a strong commitment to our Afghan colleagues at risk, and have been trying to help evacuate them from the country, for their safety.

It has been a unique privilege for our team to have worked in this beautiful but troubled country. We believe that the OI’s projects have made significant contributions to preserving Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. That goal has never been more important or worthwhile.

Gil Stein is a University of Chicago Professor of Near Eastern Archaeology, Oriental Institute and Near Eastern Language and Civilizations and Director of the Chicago Center for Cultural Heritage Preservation.

Above: A partially rejoined Hadda head. Below: 3D scans (both images courtesy of the Oriental Intitute).

www.streetwise.org

VOICE OF THE STREETS OP-ED

Although we have ended our Afghanistanbased work, our international and Chicagobased team continues to carry out the OI’s heritage preservation projects. We have developed the first-ever complete inventory of the holdings of the National Museum of Afghanistan—documenting and photographing more than one hundred forty-six thousand pieces. The existence of this digital inventory means that even if the objects themselves were to be lost or destroyed, the cultural information would still survive. Our Afghan Heritage Mapping Partnership continues searching satellite images of Afghanistan to discover every archaeological heritage site we can. By documenting these sites, we can monitor looting and advocate for their protection. Our Hadda Sculptural Project has been able to partially re-assemble 432 rare Early Buddhist Sculptures from the monastic center of Hadda that had been smashed in 2001 by the Taliban in the months leading up to the 9/11 attacks. Finally, our Mobile Museum project has conducted in-class high school programs in Kabul and the five largest provincial capitals across Afghanistan, teaching more than twelve thousand students about the history of civilizations in Afghanistan.

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Vendor a. Allen: Goodbye Rivka!

Rivka Benjamin is a Loyola student who came to StreetWise in January 2021. She was pregnant with twins and came in with a friendly attitude and a big smile.

We at StreetWise were honored to have such a symbol of motherhood in our presence. Even though she was pregnant, she never stopped moving.

She worked hard at helping us with orientation of new vendors (preparing identifications and locations). She also had many innovative ideas that helped StreetWise as a whole.

INSIDE STREETWISE 14

She worked tirelessly until she took a maternity leave, and then came back in time for our welcome back celebration. She actively participated in the dancing and fun and games.

Sad to say, the last day came for her internship at StreetWise. We at StreetWise decided to give her a going away party.

It was sad, but because her husband Mike and her two babies, Elan and Xander, were there to help us, it was not so sad.

She and her family truly livened up our day August 13.

With that being said, we want to wish Rivka and her family Godspeed. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and joy with the StreetWise family.

You will be missed.

From Left: Front Desk Associate Shirley Baker, Executive Director Julie Youngquist, Program Manager Amanda Jones, Workforce Coordinator Rashawn Sanders, Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards, Vendor A. Allen, Intern Rivka Benjamin, and Magazine Sales Specialist Ron Madere (Plus, Rivka's twins (front)).

9/13/21 Sudoku

Streetwise 9/13/21 Crossword To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the Sudoku numbers 1 to 9.

wn

6 7 8 9 0

Breastbones Chubby Sleep disorder Jai ___ Daughter of Cronus Auth. unknown Pooch, to some It’s a wrap Wolf’s sound Sea eagle

11 Broke bread 12 River to the Mississippi 13 Spot 20 Falchions, e.g.

21 Historical period 24 Crow 25 Paddles 26 Bubble source 29 Tackle 30 ___ el Amarna, Egypt 31 Cherish 32 Kind of collar 33 Periphery 34 Wedding vows sites 35 Finito 36 From the top 37 Thai river

PuzzleJu

Crossword Across

©2021 PuzzleJunction.com

0 Defense’s excuse 1 Knight fight 2 Tempo 3 Brewer’s need 4 They, in Trieste 5 Storm center

1 2 3 4 5

PuzzleJunction.com

38 39 42 43 44 45 46 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57

Winner’s cry Recipe amt.

Routing word Present from birth Wiggle room Give expression to Slow on the uptake Characteristic ___ du Dales, cycling event Watch chains ___ Kringle Annexes Musical mark Articulate Draft choice Soccer star Hamm

Copyright ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com

Copyright ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com

©PuzzleJunction.com

lastSudoku week's Puzzle Answers Solution

Solution

Sudoku Solution

Find your nearest StreetWise Vendor at

1 One of the Arkins 5 Ceremonial splendor 9 Light source 13 Paul Bunyan’s ox 14 Common carriers 15 Oscar winner Kazan 16 Poet ___ Wheeler Wilcox 17 Ocean 18 Moving vehicles 19 Atkins ___ 20 “Indubitably” 21 Tool holders 23 Gardener’s need 25 Drawn butter 26 Trembling trees 53 Atomizer 29 Golf maneuver output 33 Swindle 57 Turkish dough 34 Pianist 58 ___ so often Templeton 60 Shevat 35 Epoch follower 36 Complex unit 61 Stick-to37 London’s Big itiveness ___ 62 Stair part 38 “Behold!”

63 “A Doll’s 40 Dashed House” wife 41 Exploit 64 Commotions 42 Fem. suffixes 65 Petticoat 43 Islands of junction Alaska 66 Meager 46 Humorous work Down 47 Unguent 48 Angel’s 1 Under the headwear covers 49 Costello’s 2 Bunuel straight man collaborator 52 Yoga class item 3 Qualified

©2021 PuzzleJunction.com

4 “All in the Family” nickname 5 Blender button 6 Elevator inventor 7 Calendar abbr.

8 Medium 9 Embankments 10 Wistful word 11 Money maker 12 Bridge call 14 Chasm 22 In the know 24 Savvy about 25 Capital of East Flanders 26 Capital on the Bight of Benin 27 Sand bar 28 Tubular pasta 29 Fresh from the shower 30 Port-au-Prince’s land

31 Flirtatious sort 32 Razz 34 Crosswise, on deck 38 Wiener schnitzel meat 39 Footstools 41 Furnace parts 44 Depth charge targets 45 Make lace 46 Nymph chaser 48 Sheik’s bevy 49 Pond organism 50 Wren or hen 51 Vivacity 52 Arizona city 54 Object of worship 55 Rani’s wear 56 Airport conveyance 59 Compete

www.streetwise.org

How StreetWise Works

Our Mission

Orientation Participants complete a monthlong orientation, focusing on customer service skills, financial literacy and time management to become a badged vendor.

Financial Literacy Vendors buy StreetWise for $0.90, and sell it for $2. The profit of $1.10 goes directly to the licensed vendor for them to earn a living.

Supportive Services StreetWise provides referrals, advocacy and other support to assist participants in meeting their basic needs and getting out of crisis.

S.T.E.P. Program StreetWise’s S.T.E.P. Program provides job readiness training and ongoing direct service support to ensure participants’ success in entering the traditional workforce.

Solution

THE PLAYGROUND

To empower the entrepreneurial spirit through the dignity of self-employment by providing Chicagoans facing homelessness with a combination of supportive social services, workforce development resources and immediate access to gainful employment.

15

Dr. Sharon Welbel

Dr. Ishmael Avery

Dr. Emily Zhao

Trust us.

We are your doctors.

You trust us.

You trust us with your life.

Dr. Rachel Rubin

Dr. Fidel Abrego Dr. Fidel Abrego

You trust us with those you love.

So trust us when we say: Please get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Dr. Kiran Joshi

Dr. Kiran Joshi

Dr. Jenny Lu

Dr. John O’Brien

Get vaccinated.

Dr. Juleigh Nowinski Konchak

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Learn more at

myshotcookc myshotcookcounty.com

Dr. Claudia Fegan

Dr. Claudia Fegan

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Dr. Pilar Guerrero