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CHICAGO CALENDAR

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2011 Snow Days Chicago: At Navy Pier’s Gateway Park, 600 E. Grand Ave. Jan. 28 through 30. See the snow sculpture competition, watch dog sled races, delight in Snowboard Rail Jam competitions and enjoy live indoor entertainment on Navy Pier’s Family Pavilion Stage. This event is free and open to the public. For detailed info, call 312-595-7437 or go to www.navypier.com.

Yo-Yo Ma and Friends: The Symphony Center Presents Chamber Music Series continues at 3 p.m. Jan. 30 when cellist Yo-Yo Ma is joined by clarinetist and Chicago native Anthony McGill and pianist Emanuel Ax to perform chamber music favorites by Brahms, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Schumann. This concert marks the debut of this all-star trio, which has never performed in this configuration. Tix $19 to $199. Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. 312-294-3000. www.cso.org.

America’s Outdoor Fishing, Hunting and Action Show: Chicagoland’s Largest and Longest Running Sportshow returns to the Stephens Convention Center, 9301 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont, from Jan. 26 through 30. This year the Show’s management has decided to expand the show to include local destinations. Shabbona Lakeside’s Bait, Tackle Boat Rental has been invited to present 4 fishing seminars. The Shabbona Lake Sportsman Club has also been invited to participate in a Local Fishing Guides Booth: # 409. For more info and tix, go to www.americasoutdoorshow.com.

The Boys Room: When the going gets tough, move in with mom! Middle-aged brothers Ron and Tim are running — one away from his marriage and the other is simply tired of running after the American dream. They return to the empty nest and set up a sanctuary in their boyhood bedroom. On the other side of the door, the women in their lives urge them to grow up. Runs Jan. 21 through Feb. 20 at Victory Gardens Theater, Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Tix at 773-871-3000 or www.victorygardens.org.

Sleep Under the Skyscrapers: Sleep among Lincoln Park Zoo’s amazing animals. The evening begins with dinner, followed by opportunities to explore the night life of the zoo’s residents. Enjoy stories from zoo experts and wind down with a movie and bedtime snack before you and the rest of the zoo—turn in for the night. Wake up with the animals and grab some breakfast before heading out for the day. 6 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Jan. 28 and 29 and March 18 and 19. For families with children age 5 through 12. $70/$60. Zoo is at Cannon drive at Fullerton Parkway. For more info or to register, www.lpzoo.org or 312-742- 2056.

Chicago Attractions

Brookfield Zoo: Brookfield Zoo is located at First Ave. between Ogden Ave. and 31st St., Brookfield. Metra stop is Hollywood. 866-GoToZoo or 800-201-0784. www.czs.org.

• Free Admission Days: In January and February, admission is free on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Also, admission is free to the Children’s Zoo and Hamill Family Play Zoo every day through February.

Lincoln Park Zoo: 2001 N. Clark St. 312-742-2246 or www.lpz.com.

Chicago Botanic Garden: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Open every day except Dec. 25. Admission free. $15 parking. (847) 835-5440 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

Navy Pier: Visit Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, east of the downtown area, at 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-7437 or www.navypier.com.

• Strictly Sail: The 16th Annual Strictly Sail Chicago Boat Show returns to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, Jan. 27 through 30. The latest in boat designs, sail gear, accessories, hardware and more. Show dates are Thursday & Friday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $12 weekdays/$15 on the weekend.

• Chicago Children’s Museum: At Navy Pier at 700 E. Grand Ave. For more info, visit www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/hours.html. Admission charged. Special dates:

— Kraft Free Family Night: Thursday evenings: 5to 8 p.m. Free admission for everyone.

Chicago Cultural Center: 78 E. Washington St. Toll free hotline 1-877-CHICAGO. 312-744-6630. www.cityofchicago.org/CulturalAffairs/.

Chicago Tourism Center: 72 E. Randolph, across the street from the Cultural Center. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. www.explorechicago.org.

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.

Visitor Information Centers: At Chicago Water Works, 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave. and the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Toll free hotline 1-877-CHICAGO.

Shows/Fests/Events

The 22nd Annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival: Each year, Curious Theatre Branch curates and produces the Rhinoceros Theater Festival, which provides production and exhibition opportunities to hundreds of artists. The longest-running, last-standing, multi-arts fringe festival in Chicago, the Rhino features works in theater and performance from Chicago companies and national artists alike. From Jan. 14 through Feb. 14 at Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston Ave. Tix $15 or pay what you can at the door, $12 in advance online at www.rhinofest.com or reserve at 773-508-0666.

Music

School of Rock presents Soul, Funk, and Reggae: The students of Chicago’s School of Rock will perform an anthology classics written by talents such as Stevie Wonder, Rufus and Chaka Khan, Sam Cooke,Bob Marley, and Earth Wind and Fire. The all-ages shows are at 6 p.m. Jan. 21 and 22 at Kinetic Playground, 1113 W. Lawrence Ave. in Uptown. Tix $10/advance, $12/at door. Purchase at the school, 3043 N. Ashland. For more info, call 773-857-3804 or e-mail Chicago@schoolofrock.com.

Mayne Stage: Mayne Stage is at 1328 W. Morse Ave. Red Line stop is “Morse.” Tix and Info at www.maynestage.com or 773-381-4554.

• Deals Gone Bad: Cold Water Mystic, The Crombies. 9 p.m. Jan. 21. $12,

• This Must Be The Band: Talking Heads Tribute. 9 p.m. Jan. 29. $15.

• Family Groove Company: Rough Cut, The Electric Boogaloo. 8:30 p.m. Feb. 4. $10.

• The Giving Tree Band: Hoots and Hellmouth. 8 p.m. Feb. 5. $15.

• Super Bowl Party: 5:30 p.m. Feb. 6. $20/advance, $25/day of.

Prine — A Tribute Concert: Prop Thtr of Chicago with Phoenix Theatre of Indianapolis present Prine from Jan. 14 through Feb. 6 at the Viaduct Theatre, 3111 N. Western Ave. The concert spans 30-plus years of John Prine’s music performed by talented musicians from the Midwest. Tix available atthe Viaduct Theater box office at 773-296-6024 or at www.viaducttheater.com.

Luther College Nordic Choir: One of the top college choirs in the nation, will perform at 5 p.m. Jan. 29 at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 East Chestnut St. The performance by the 64-member Nordic Choir is open to the public. Tix are $22 for adults, $15 for students at www.luthertickets.com or 1-800-4-Luther.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. 312-294-3000. www.cso.org. All concerts are at Symphony Center unless otherwise noted.

• Chamber Music Series: Pierrot Ensemble, David Crane Conductor. 2 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Art Institute of Chicago, Fullerton Room. Tix $26.

•Friday Night at the Movies: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Timothy Brock, conductor, performs the soundtrack of Chaplin’s “The Gold Rush.” 8 p.m. Jan. 21. Tix $30 to $104.

• In the Park with Civic: Civic Orchestra of Chicago MusiCorps Ensemble performs at 6:30 p.m. at 11 a.m. Jan. 22 at Kosciuszko Park, 2732 N. Avers Ave. and at 8 p.m. Jan. 23 at Washington Park Refectory, 5531 S. Russell Drive. Performances are free; no tix are required.

Dance

The Dance COLEctive: The 15th Anniversary Concert Series is at 8 p.m. Jan. 21 and 22 at Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn. Tix are $22/ $18 students/seniors. For more info or tix, 773-604-8452 or www.dancecolective.com.

Films

Blind Shaft: Saint Xavier University will screen the 2003 film “Blind Shaft” at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 in McGuire Hall, Warde Academic Center, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago. Set in the illegal coalmines in China, it is the story of two con men that run a scam on unsuspecting and desperate young migrants. Admission is free and open to the public. For more info, call 773-298-3083 or go to www.sxu.edu.

Theater

Cats: Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre in association with Michael James. The perennial favorite composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, is based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and introduced the popular song Memory. Cats is extended through Feb. 20. at No Exit Café, 6970 N. Glenwood. Tix are $30 and $35. Dinner package (optional), $50 and $55. New Year’s Eve package, $100. Tix available at www.theoubique.org or 800-595-4849. Theatre and show info at 773-347-1109.

“Church” and “Pullman, WA”: Red Tape Theatre presents the two Chicago premiers by Young Jean Lee opening Jan. 31 and running Thursdays through Sundays through March 5. Additional performances on Feb. 19, 26 and March 5. Tix $25/$15 are available at www.redtapetheatre.org or at the box office, Red Tape Theatre, 621 W. Belmont. More info at www.redtapetheatre.org.

Escape from the Haltsburg Boys Choir: The Ruckus Theater presents “Escape...,” a challenging, funny and inventive coming of age story at The Side Project Theatre, 1439 W. Jarvis Ave. Thursdays through Sundays, Jan. 6 through 30. Tix are $15 and are available at www.RuckusTheater.org or 773.769.RCKS (7257).

Goodman Theatre’s 2011 New Stages Series: New plays from six contemporary, diverse voices of the American theater come together for two weekends in Goodman Theatre’s Stages Series, Jan. 14 through 23. The series includes: Comm Comm by Seth Bockley; The Convert by Danai Gurira; Reverb by Leslye Headland; Black n’ Blue Boys/Broken Men by Dael Orlandersmith; Picked by Christopher Shinn; and Chicago Boys by Kathleen Tolan. The series of script-in-hand staged readings takes place in the Goodman’s Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, and are open to the public. Tix are free, but reservations are required at GoodmanTheatre.org or 312-443-3800.

Sex With Strangers: Steppenwolf Theatre Company continues its 2010-2011 season with Sex with Strangers. With blogs to hook-ups to dating, Sex with Strangers explores how we invent our identity – online and off – and what happens when our private lives become public domain. Jan. 20 through May 15 in Steppenwolf’s Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tix $20 to $73. For more info and tix, box office, 312-335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org.

Swimmy, Frederick and Inch by Inch: The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University presents Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia in “Swimmy, Frederick, & Inch by Inch” at 1 p.m. Jan. 22. Appropriate for families with children ages 3 to 7. Tix are $10.50, available at 708-235-2222 or www.centertickets.net. The Center is at located at 1 University Parkway, University Park. Parking is free.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?: On the campus of a small New England college, George and Martha invite a new professor and his wife home for a nightcap. As the cocktails flow, the young couple finds themselves caught in the crossfire of a savage marital war. Edward Albee’s tale runs Dec. 2 through Feb. 13 in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. 312-335-1650. Online ticketing available at www.steppenwolf.org.

Comedy

Zanies Comedy Club: 1548 N. Wells St. 312-337-4027 or www.ZANIES.com.

• Patti Vasquez: Jan. 22, 23. $23.

• Donnell Rawlings: Jan. 21. $25.

• Crystal Pistol Showcase: Hot new Chicago Comedians. Jan. 24. $10.

The Chicago Improv: 5 Woodfield Rd., Schaumburg, (inside Woodfield Mall). 847-240-2001 or www.improv.com.

• Pablo Francisco: Jan. 21, 22, 23. $22/$24.

• Jamie Kennedy: Jan. 28. $22/$24.

Comedy Sportz Theatre: An interactive improv experience. Most of the shows are for all ages. 929 W. Belmont (Belmont and Sheffield). 773-549-8080, www.comedysportzchicago.com, www.Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000. Late-night comedy, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

• Dirty Tricks: Award-winning comedy magician John Sturk presents an adult evening full of mind-blowing sleight-of-hand and a barrel full of laughs. Midnight Fridays through March 4, $5. Not recommended for all ages.

•More: At 9:45 p.m. in January and February, the comedy continues after the 8 p.m. show after an intermission. This second show is free, and it is not recommended for those easily offended or with young children.

• Snow White: The new children’s show is a fairy tale brought to life with humor, complete with Evil Queen, Magic Mirror, and the One Dwarf. One Dwarf!? Sounds like kids in the audience need to help out with the show. The show runs at 11 a.m. Nov. 20 through Jan. 15 and Jan. 29. Tix are $10/adults and $7/kids 10 and under.

Museums/Galleries

The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum: 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-922-7827 or www.adlerplanetarium.org.

• 3-D Vision — Imaging the Universe: 3-D Star Show in the 3-D Universe Theater.

• Journey to the Stars: Images from telescopes on Earth and from space, the program is a journey through time to experience the life and death of stars in the night sky, including the Sun. Open May 21 at Definiti Space Theater.

Art Institute of Chicago: At 111 S. Michigan Ave. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 312-443-3600 or www.artic.edu.

Chicago Architectural Foundation: CAF, Santa Fe Building, 224 S. Michigan Ave. at Jackson Blvd. 312-922-3432 or www.architecture.org.

DePaul University Art Museum: Located at DePaul University, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave. 773-325-7506. http://museums.depaul.edu/.

Dubhe Carreno Gallery: 118 N. Peoria St. 312-666-3150. info@dubhecarrenogallery.com.

• Distillation: Dennis Lee Mitchell. Jan. 7 through Feb. 26.

The Field Museum: 1400 S. LakeShore Drive. 312-922-9410 or www.fieldmuseum.org.

• Gold: The Gold Exhibit explores its natural beauty, scientific value and its power to shape history. The exhibit runs through March and includes, among more than 550 objects, coins from shipwrecks to the Chicago White Sox World Series Championship trophy.

• Dozin’ With The Dinos: From 5:45 p.m. to 9 a.m. Jan. 28, and Feb. 4, 11, 18, SUE the T. rex is having a sleepover. A night of family workshops, self-guided tours and fun activities. Explore ancient Egypt by flashlight, prowl an African savannah with man-eating lions and take a stroll through the Royal Palace in Bamum, Africa. The event includes an evening snack and continental breakfast in the morning. Standard Overnight: $63, $51 members and groups. Premium packages available. www.fieldmuseum.org/overnights

• Portraits of Resilience: Explore the photography of teenagers whose Arctic communities are experiencing the direct effects of global climate change. Photos taken for the public and decision-makers at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in 2009. Runs through April 3. Free with basic admission.

Illinois Artisans Shop: 100 W. Randolph St., Open Monday through Friday. 312-814-1794.

• Carole Floate: Floate has turned wood since the mid 90’s, and now focuses on sculptural pieces. Approximately ten of her current pieces are on display during January. All items are for sale.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center: 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. For info on hours and admission prices, call 847-967-4800 or visit www.ilholocaustmuseum.org.

• The MLK Project — The Fight for Civil Rights: This cross-cultural, multi-media performance interweaves poetry, hip-hop and history as it follows a young girl’s search for truth and self-discovery through the Civil Rights Movement. 2 p.m. Jan. 23. Free with Museum admission. Reservations required at 847-967-4889.

• Beyond Swastika and Jim Crow: An exhibition showing the story of Jewish professors who fled Nazism and came to America in the 1930s and 1940s, finding teaching positions at historically black colleges and universities. Daily. Feb. 4 through May 31. Free with Museum admission.

International Museum of Surgical Science: 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive. 312-642-6502 or www.imss.org.

Irish American Heritage Center: 4626 N. Knox Ave. 773-282-7035 or www.irish-american.org.

• Quiz Night: Test your trivia knowledge at the IAHC. $30 per team, limit of six players per team. Prizes. Food and drinks are available from the Fifth Province. Quiz Nights are at 8 p.m. January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15 and May 20 For more info or to sign up, 773-282-7035 or www.irish-american.org.

Museum of Contemporary Photography: At Columbia College, 600 S. Michigan Ave. 312-663-5554. mocp@colum.edu.

• Avenue Patrice Lumumba: Guy Tillim’s reflection of the influence of Patrice Lumumba, one of the first elected African leaders of modern times. Lumumba was elected in the Congo in 1960 and assassinated in 1961. Exhibit runs Jan. 10 through March 6.

• The Apollo Prophecies and Mars – Adrift on the Hourglass Sea: Kahn and Selesnik’s exhibitions involve complex fictional narratives based on real historical events and blending them with wry humor. Exhibit runs Jan. 14 through April 3.

Museum of Science and Industry: 57th Street and Lakeshore Drive. Extra charge on some exhibits. 773-684-1414 or www.msichicago.org. New: www.facebook.com/msichicago and twitter at msichicago.org/podcast.

• Free Days: Every weekday in January. Also, Tuesdays in February, as well as Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

• 40 Years of Black Creativity—1971—2011: Highlights of four decades of Black Creativity exhibits, programs and events with photographs, memorabilia and video, and hands-on activities. The annual Black Creativity juried art exhibition, featuring more than 100 original pieces of art from African-American artists around the country, will also be on exhibit. Runs from Jan. 26 through Feb. 28.

• Jim Henson’s Fantastic World: More than 130 original artworks including drawings, cartoons and storyboards. A timed-entry ticket is required. Exhibit ends Jan. 23, 2011.

• Online tickets: All tickets, — general admission, Omnimax and special exhibitions—can now be purchased online at www.msichicago.org.

Notebaert Nature Museum: 2430 N. Cannon Drive. naturemuseum.org or 773-755-5100. Across the street from Lincoln Park Zoo. Admission, including special exhibitions, is $9/adult, $6/child 3-12, $7/seniors and students. Thursdays are suggested donation days. Open weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Shedd Aquarium: Aquarium at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-559-0200 or visit www.sheddaquarium.org.

• Happy Feet 4-D Experience: A 12 minute 4 dimensional adaptation of “Happy Feet” makes its world premiere in Shedd Aquarium’s refurbished 4-D Theater. It is featured in digital 3-D and brought to life with 4-D multi-sensory effects.

• Fantasea: Dolphins soar, belugas dance, and penguins parade in Fantasea, the new aquatic show. Read more at http://www.sheddaquarium.org/fantasea.html#ixzz0WfMxjTLc.

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