Chicago Calendar for Aug. 17, 2012
By Kathy Russell August 17, 2012 3:32PM
Updated: August 18, 2012 1:32PM
Here is a look at top events in Chicago. Suggestions include jazz, fashion, parties and more.
The Featured Five
2012 JAZZ CLUB TOUR: Chicago Trolley Company presents the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s 29th Annual Jazz Club Tour 6 p.m. to midnight Aug. 29. The Tour kicks off the Chicago Jazz Festival festivities by giving visitors and hometown folks an opportunity to sample a wide range of music and venues before the free festival feast to come. Jazz Club Tour participants buy a promotional button that gives access to all participating clubs as well as trolley transportation between clubs. Tix are $25/advance, $35/door. Jazz Institute members get the discounted rate of $20/advance and $30/door. Tix available online and at participating clubs. $2 shipping and handling fee. www.jazzinchicago.org.
NORTH SIDE SUMMERFEST: This weekend is filled with food (the average hot dog will be put to the test as local spots from all over the city will serve up their interpretation of the classic); rock n’ roll and, of course, local art, unique vendors and cool stores. On Sunday there will even be an amateur Hot Dog Eating Contest at 2 p.m., call 773-665-4682 to enter. The North Side Summerfest is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Aug. 17; noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 18, and noon to 9 p.m. at 4000 N. Lincoln Ave. at Irving Park Road. Suggested $5 entrance fee to benefit the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce. www.starevents.com or 773-665-4682.
PARTY WITH THE ANIMALS: Enjoy bears and beers, lions and lagers, aardvarks and ales—all at Brookfield Zoo’s first annual Zoo Brew, held in collaboration with Burke Beverage, Inc., from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 26. The 21-and-over beer-tasting event will feature more than 40 craft beers in Brookfield Zoo’s Pavilions. For a complete list of beers that will be served during Zoo Brew, go to www.CZS.org/ZooBrew. Menu items such as hot dogs, brats, nachos, jumbo soft pretzels and chips will be available for purchase. Brookfield Zoo is at First Ave. between Ogden Ave. and 31st St., Brookfield. Metra stop is Hollywood. 866-GoToZoo or 800-201-0784. www.czs.org.
WYNTON MARSALIS SPECIAL CONCERT: Internationally acclaimed musician, composer, bandleader and educator Wynton Marsalis returns to Symphony Center for a unique small ensemble performance at 8 p.m. Aug. 28. Joined by saxophonist Walter Blanding, pianist Dan Nimmer, bassist Carlos Henríquez and drummer Ali Jackson—all members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra—this unique, small ensemble performance is presented in anticipation of the 34th Annual Chicago Jazz Festival. Tix are $25 to $80. In Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. 312-294-3000. www.cso.org.
IN-FASHION—THE MAGNIFICENT MILE SHOPPING FESTIVAL: The annual, and the country’s first and only, shopping festival is presented by MasterCard, Aug. 24 through Sept. 6. It’s two weeks of in-store offers and events, celebrity appearances, hotel packages, perks for MasterCard® cardholders, outdoor concerts, sweepstakes, culinary events and more. In-Fashion celebrates all things trendy in the categories of fashion and beauty, culinary, lifestyle, technology and culture. As the only event of its kind, In-Fashion is the perfect reason to book an end-of-summer getaway to The Mag Mile. More info at www.themagnificentmile.com.
Quick Notes
THE FABULOUS FORTIES AND FIFTIES: The music that became rhythm and blues and rock and roll! From the musical theatre hits to the Jazz standards. Sponsored by the Chicago Studio of Professional Singing. Janice Pantazelos, Director. Jeff Richards, Piano. Doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Aug. 19. General admission, $25. At Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. Red Line stop is “Morse.” Tix and info at www.maynestage.com or 773-381-4554.
IDOMENEUS: Idomeneus, King of Crete, has killed his son. Or maybe not. But he’s angered the gods. A kaleidoscope of monsters, mythmaking and sudden, striking humor, “Idomeneus” details the end of a war between nations and the beginning of a war between reason and superstition. Sideshow Theatre Company presents “Idomeneus” from Aug. 18 through Sept. 23 at the DCASE Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph St. Tix at www.sideshowtheatre.org, the Sideshow Box Office, 773-809-4782 and Brown Paper Tickets, 800-838-3006.
ONE GROUP MIND: Provide them with a suggestion and the improv group One Group Mind, with teams of up to ten actors, weaves together comedy and drama through a series of overlapping story lines. Performances at 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30 p.m. every Tuesday evening at the Mayne Stage. Tix are $10 each; $5 for students, improvisers, and local residents. One ticket grants access to all shows. Tix available at the Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave., 773-381-4554,info@maynestage.com. www.maynestage.com. One Group Mind, www.onegroupmind.com.
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METRA’S $7 WEEKEND PASS: Weekend passes are good for unlimited rides on both Saturday and Sunday for all stations. Weekend parking is available at all stations. Note: Boat taxis are available from Union Station to Navy Pier and/or the museum campus, Chinatown and other points along the river or lakefront. Reasonable pricing and fun.
