BEDNO.COM - THE BEST Chicago Guide Visit bedno.com for details, more events, photos, etc. Flame On! RECOMMENDED EVENTS THIS WEEK: Movie: "I Hate Valentine's Day" now playing at Theaters... Movie: "Ice Age 3" now playing everywhere. Movie: "Public Enemies" now playing everywhere. Ongoing: Chicago Summerdance at Grant Park. Ongoing: Fireworks at Navy Pier (We+Sa). Ongoing: Summer Vacation at Chicago Public Schools. Ongoing: Bike Chicago at Various City Locations. Th: Under The Picasso at Daley Plaza. Ongoing: Farmers Markets at Various city locations. ..-Su: Lisle Eyes to the Skies Balloonfest at Lisle Com... ..-Sa: American Music Festival at Fitzgerald's. ..-Su: Naperville Rib Fest at Knoch Park. ..-Su: Godzilla Fest at Crowne Plaza O'Hare. ..-Su: Taste Of Chicago at Grant Park. Ongoing: Bang Bang You're Dead at The John Waldron Arts... Ongoing: Grant Park Music Festival. Ongoing: * Cirque Shanghai at Skyline Stage. Ongoing: Wolff's Flea Market & Antique Mall at Allstate. Ongoing: Pleasant Outdoor Concerts daily at Ravinia. Ongoing: Neighborhood Tour from Cultural Center. Sa: * Independence Day. Sa: Earth at Aphelion. Sa: Hair Banger's Ball at Joe's Sports Bar. Sa: * Beacon of Freedom parade at North Evanston. Sa: Give Peace a Dance at MKP. Sa: "Twisted" at Berlin. Sa: Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind at Neo-Fut. Su: Yogathon at Hilton Chicago. Su: "Adult Swim" on TOON. Su: Madonnarama at Berlin. Mo: Old School Hip-Hop Karaoke at Joe's Sports Bar. Mo: "Wanted" at Gorilla Tango Theatre. Mo: Boom Boom Room at Green Dolphin Street. ... *********************** Movie *********************** "I Hate Valentine's Day" now playing. Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Stephen Guarino, Amir Arison, ... http://imdb.com/title/tt0762105 Theaters Everywhere. http://bedno.com/movies.php "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" now playing. Voices of John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, ... http://www.iceagemovie.com Theaters Everywhere. http://bedno.com/movies.php "Public Enemies" now playing. Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Billy Crudup, Stephen Dorff, Stephen Lang, ... http://www.publicenemies.net Theaters Everywhere. http://bedno.com/movies.php Now playing. My Sister's Keeper, Transformers 2, Whatever Works, Food Inc, The Proposal, Year One, Imagine That, Moon, Taking of Pelham 123, Land of the Lost, My Life in Ruins, The Hangover, Up, Dance Flick, Night at the Museum 2, Terminator 4, Angels & Demons, Management, Star Trek XI, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, X-Men Origins Wolverine, Earth, ... Theaters Everywhere. http://bedno.com/movies.php Movies and Beer. Movies, drinking, heckling, FUN! -Thursday 18+ (ID reqd) $5. 7:30p Fr-Sa,Mo-Th; 5+9p Su: X-Men Origins: Wolverine - Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Liev Schreiber, Dominic Monaghan, Lynn Collins, ... 9:30p Fr-Sa,Mo-Th; 7p Su: Darkman - Liam Neeson, Frances McDormand, Colin Friels, Larry Drake, ... Brew & View, 773/929-6713, 3145 N Sheffield. Around the corner from the Red line Belmont stop. http://www.brewview.com *********************** Seasonal *********************** Chicago Summerdance (since 1997). Lessons, dancing, big bands, different style everyday. -2009.08.23 Yearly. All ages. Free Su 4-7p, Th-Sa 6-9:30p. Salsa, Swing, Waltz, Bamboleo, Cha Cha, Polka, Tango, Mambo, Fox Trot, etc. Lessons first hour. http://egov.cityofchicago.org/SummerDance/ Grant Park, 312/742-4007, 601 S Michigan. Between Harrison and Balbo, easy by train, bus, trolley, bike or blade. FIREWORKS!!! Sa/We -2009.08.29 Yearly. All ages. Free We 9:30p, Sa 10:15p. Visible anywhere near the lake. Navy Pier, 312/222-9328, 600 E Grand. Take the free trolley. http://www.navypier.com Summer Vacation. -2009.09.01 Yearly. Chicago Public Schools. http://www.cps.k12.il.us Bike Chicago (since 1991). Five months of events to promote the health, economic and environmental benefits of bicycling. -2009.09.30 Yearly. Participate in any of the over 150 events. Helmet sale and Police auction, workshops and safety checks, lectures and clinics, neighborhood tours and family events, contests and stunt shows, parades and more!! Bikes temporarily allowed on certain train and bus lines at certain times. Mayor's Office of Special Events, see site or call. 312/744-3315 http://www.bikechicago.us Various City Locations. http://biketraffic.org Under The Picasso. All ages. Free 12p. Interesting free performances almost every week day at noon. Go to the spectacular Thompson Center nearby (100 W Randolph) for more good art. http://tinyurl.com/underthepicasso Daley Plaza, 312/346-3278, 50 W Washington. Washington and Dearborn. http://www.cityofchicago.org Farmers Markets (since 1980). Fresh and charming. -2009.10.31 Yearly. All ages. Free. Tu: Lincoln Square, Lncn/Llnd/Wstrn 7a-2p 06.09-10.27. Tu: Federal Plaza, Adams/Dearborn, 7a-3p 5.12-10.27. Th: Daley Plaza 7a-3p 05.14-10.15. Th: Hyde Park, 52nd&HarperCourt 7a-2p 06.04-10.29. Sa: Austin, Madison&Central 7a-2p 07.11-10.24. Sa: Lincoln Park, Armitage&Orchard 7a-2p 05.16-10.31. Sa: Near North, Dearborn&Division 7a-2p 05.16-10.31. Sa: North Cntr, BellPln/Damen/Lncln 7a-2p 06.13-10.31. Su: WickerPark, WickerPark&Damen 7a-2p 06.07-10.25. http://www.chicagofarmersmarkets.us Various city locations. *********************** Ongoing *********************** Lisle Eyes to the Skies Balloonfest (since 1981). -2009.07.05 Yearly. All ages. $3 11a-11p. Major hot air ballooning event, includes nationally known bands, food, carnival, fireworks, etc, weather permitting. http://www.eyestotheskies.org/ Lisle Community Park, 630/575-9798, Hwy. 53 and Short Street. Near I-88 and I-355. American Music Festival (since 1981). -Saturday Yearly. All ages. $25 We-Th 4:30p-1a, Fr-Sa 1p-3a. See website for massive schedule of great acts. Fitzgerald's, 708/788-6670, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. 6blks from Forest Park Blue Line stop at Oak Park Ave. http://www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com Naperville Rib Fest. -2009.07.05 Yearly. All ages. $0-10 12-10p. Big fest with over a dozen barbeque vendors (Ribbers) and other treats and merchandise. Also carnival rides, and diverse kids entertainment including dog acts, tumblers, magic and more. "To promote Americanism, enrich community life through leisure activities ... promote a strong family unit and support prevention of child abuse and domestic violence in all forms." http://ribfest.net Knoch Park, Martin Ave at S West St, Naperville. Godzilla Fest (since 1994). -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $0-30. Largest regular gathering of Godzilla and Japanese monster fans in the world (over 1000 attend). A family-oriented convention catering to the "kaiju" genre. Features fan presentations, sessions by actors and crew from the Godzilla series, contests and gaming, new and classic movies, large dealers room, more. http://g-fan.com Crowne Plaza O'Hare, 847/671-6350, 5440 N River Rd, Rosemont. http://www.chi-ohare.crowneplaza.com Taste Of Chicago (since 1981). Beer, meat, people, major bands. -2009.07.05 Yearly. All ages. Free entry. 11a-9p. Around 70 quality restaurants represented. Bring money and sun screen. Variety of special attractions including flume ride, kid fun, Fox stars, high diving, much more. Good bands at several stages all day. http://www.tasteofchicago.us Grant Park, 312/744-3370, Columbus and Balbo. Easy by train, bus, trolley, bike or blade. http://www.cityofchicago.org Bang Bang You're Dead. Drama about Teenage Violence in Schools. -2009.07.26 Sa 1:30p, Su 7:30p. James Downing Theatre's moving production of William Mastrosimone play. WIth the power to lance, heal, and cleanse the soul, hopefully leading to discussion, insight, revelation, answers, hope and awakened senses and heightened consciousness to see tragedy before it happens. Features talented direction, production, and ensemble talent. 773/792-3030 The John Waldron Arts Center, 6740 North Oliphant Avenue. http://www.edisonparkumc.com Grant Park Music Festival (since 1935). -2009.08.14 Yearly. All ages. Free Various We/Fr/Sa 6:30p. World-class orchestra, chorus and conductors, and an outstanding roster of local and international guest artists perform classical. 312/742-7638 http://grantparkmusicfestival.com Grant Park, Columbus Drive and Jackson Boulevard. Train, bus or cab. * Cirque Shanghai. -2009.09.07 All ages. $12-30+ We-Su various time. The best acrobats from the most acclaimed troupes direct from China thrilling audiences with a stunning combination of circus arts set in a breathtaking full-scale theatrical performance. 312/902-1500 http://cirqueshanghai.com Navy Pier, Skyline Stage, 312/595-7437 (PIER), 600 E Grand. http://www.navypier.com Bristol Renaissance Faire (since 1988). Party like it's 1599!!! Sa/Su/Mo -2009.09.07 Yearly. All ages. $8-16+ Coupons online. 10a-7p. Open just nine enchanted weekends, rain or shine. Spend all day. Hundreds of costumed performers (about a dozen stages) including Queen Elizabeth & Court, over 160 unique artisans all within a recreated 16th Century village. Mouth watering foods of all description (several dozen booths) and aroma & fine imported ales. Big, fun, joyful, semi-realistic, classic goth outing, costumes encouraged, sometimes hot. Renaissance Village, 847/395-7773, 12550 120th, Kenosha WI. 94 North to Russell Rd (Exit 1), left (W) to Frontage Rd, right to 128 then follow signs. http://renfair.com/bristol Wolff's Flea Market (since 1991). Sa/Su -2009.11.01 Yearly. All ages. $1 Most weeks. 6a-3p. 500 market spaces. Clean, comprehensive, entertaining, with free parking, food and restrooms. 847/524-9590 http://www.wolffs.com Allstate Arena, 847/635-6601, 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont. http://www.allstatearena.com Pleasant Outdoor Concerts almost daily. Su: Zukerman Chamber Players, Pianist Yefim Bronfman Mo: Pianist Conrad Tao Tu: Bronfman Plays Brahms, James Conlon, Cso We: Juilliard String Quartet Th: Cellist Gary Hoffman. Ravinia, 847/266-5100, 400 Iris Lane, Highland Pk. Served my Metra. http://www.ravinia.org WAY too much great theater and comedy and dance to cover. Pickup Reader and NewCity and TimeOut magazines. Hundreds of city locations. Chicago Neighborhood Tours. Bring a snack. $20-45 4hr 10a. Th: Greek Town, Chinatown & Little Italy. Chicago Cultural Center, 312/742-1190, 77 E Randolph. http://chicagoneighborhoodtours.com Different rock, experimental, jazz, ethnic bands almost every night. 21+ $? Metro / SmartBar, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark, Near Red Line Addison stop, metrochicago.com Darkroom, 773/276-1411, 2210 W Chicago, darkroombar.com Double Door, 773/489-3160, 1572 N Milwaukee, Wicker Park near Blue line Damen stop, doubledoor.com Empty Bottle, 773/276-3600, 1035 N Western, dive-ish, emptybottle.com Martyrs', 773/404-9494, 3855 N Lincoln, martyrslive.com Ravinia, 847/266-5100, Highland Pk, ravinia.org *********************** Saturday 2009.07.04 *********************** * Independence Day. Yearly. Legal holiday. The Declaration of Independence from Great Britain was passed by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on this day in 1776. Typically observed with picnics and evening fireworks. http://www.holidays.net/independence Earth at Aphelion. Our orbit's farthest point from the sun. Yearly. Fortunately by cosmic standards we're close (3.4%?) to circular at 147.5-152.6Mkm (91.7-94.8Mmi). http://aa.usno.navy.mil Hair Banger's Ball. Monthly. 21+ $? "The greatest tribute to The Decade of Decadence you have ever seen! Bring your lighter for classics by Bon Jovi, Poison, Motley Crue and more." http://www.hairbangersball.com Joe's Sports Bar, 312/337-3486, 940 W Weed. http://joesbar.com/event.php * Beacon of Freedom parade (since 1922). Yearly. All ages. Free 2p. Evanston has an extraordinary Independence Day parade, rated among the nation's best. Over 100 floats many representing alternative interests. Come early, bring sunscreen. http://www.evanston4th.org North Evanston, Central Street and Central Avenue, Evanston. Marches East to Ashland. Easily reached by Purple line and Metra. Give Peace a Dance. 1st Saturdays 18+ $10 9p-1a. Multiple spaces of fun, in and out, drums, fire, spinning, healers, music and dance until late. No alcohol. http://www.givepeaceadance.com MKP, 1900 W Fulton. "Twisted" Saturdays 21+ $0 -11p, $5 -1a, $7+ 9:30p-5a. "Meet and mingle with a truly diverse crowd. Dress up or dress down... this is the place to be what you want to be!" Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop. http://www.berlinchicago.com Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (since 1988). Fr/Sa All ages? $6-11 (also Su 7p) 11:30p. 30 plays in 60 minutes, lots of improv, very welcoming, often topical. Neo-Futurarium, 773/275-5255, 5153 N Ashland. http://www.neofuturists.org *********************** Sunday 2009.07.05 *********************** Yogathon. $$ 9a-7p. A day of yoga, meditation, and service for all skill levels and ages. http://www.iahvyogathon.org Hilton Chicago, 312/922-4400, 720 S Michigan. http://chicagohilton.com "Adult Swim" NEW EPISODES. Sundays All ages. Free 10p-12a. Extraordinary block of popular and leading-edge absurdist cartoonage. http://www.adultswim.com TOON. On cable. http://www.cartoonnetwork.com Madonnarama. 1st Sundays 21+ Free 10p-4a. All Madonna music and videos all night with DJ Riley York. Classics, rare tracks, remixes, etc. Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop. http://www.berlinchicago.com *********************** Monday 2009.07.06 *********************** Old School Hip-Hop Karaoke. Mondays 21+ $5 6p-12a. Great times; nothing past 1999. Joe's Sports Bar, 312/337-3486, 940 W Weed. http://joesbar.com/event.php "Wanted" An original clown show. Mondays -2009.07.27 $10 8p. "Excreting total pure awesome Pochinko clown techniques creating totally edgy and ground-breaking and provocative and timely and relevant and transformative and mind-blowing and life-altering theatrical experience, because we love you." Gorilla Tango Theatre, 773/598-4549, 1919 N Milwaukee. By Blue Line Western stop. http://www.GorillaTango.com Boom Boom Room (since 1991). Mondays 21+ $? 10p-4a. Long running weekly w/ smart local DJs. 4kft dance space, multiple bars and environments, late night dining, state-of-the-art sound and lights, free parking, more. http://www.boomboomroomchicago.com Green Dolphin Street, 773/395-0066, 2200 N Ashland. At Webster. http://www.jazzitup.com Stewart / Colbert. Mo/Tu/We/Th Reruns several times a day. 10-11p. Brilliant Emmy award winning "news" shows. COM. On cable. http://www.comedycentral.com *********************** Tuesday 2009.07.07 *********************** Good day for Brew&View. Tuesdays 18+ $5+. Drinking, movies, heckling, FUN! 7:30p X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 9:30p Darkman. Brew & View, 773/929-6713, 3145 N Sheffield. Around the corner from the Red line Belmont stop. http://www.brewview.com Chicago Healing Circle (since 1994). Open-ended exploration of energy healing technique and philosophy. Tuesdays All ages. $5 7:30-9:30p. People coming together weekly to give and receive healing, practicing different systems which support one to rebalance the mind, body & spirit, including Reiki, Quantum Touch(R), Young Living Theraputic Grade Essential Oils, Magnified Healing(R), Jesus Healing System, and Full Spectrum Healing. This is the original Healing Circle that began at Grant Hospital, moved to Ann Sather's, then to Healing Earth Resources. Open to all persons of Light and Love & is non denominational. http://www.myspace.com/chicagohealingcircle JHP Community Center, 773/293-3621, 5110 N Western Avenue. http://www.jhpcommunitycenter.org Jay-Z with Ciara. $49-200 8p. http://jayz.net Charter One Pavilion, 312/540-2668, 1300 S Lynn White Dr. Northerly Island, Museum Campus, former Meigs field. http://www.charteronepavilion.com * Full Moon Fire Jam. Monthly. All ages. Free 8:30-10:15p. Gathering for fire spinners, fire jugglers, hoopers, breathers, etc. Practice, networking, and outstanding performances, with drum circle backing. Many hundreds of spectators attend. http://spunn.org 4950 N Simonds Dr. Betwix Foster and Lawrence in grass near lake. Chicago Underground Comedy. Tuesdays 21+ $5 Doors 9p. "The Hippest, Hottest Stand-Up Showcase to Emerge in Years" +good menu & booze. http://www.chicagoundergroundcomedy.com Beat Kitchen, 773/281-4444, 2100 W Belmont. http://www.beatkitchen.com Full "Buck" Moon. 4:30a. Sun 05:23-20:28, Moon 20:53-05:25. http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/MoonPhase.html http://www.almanac.com *********************** Wednesday 2009.07.08 *********************** "In One Ear" (since 1988). Poetry Open Mic. Wednesdays 18+ $3 10p-?a. "Eclectic mix of people who groove on laid-back vibes." http://www.myspace.com/inoneear Heartland Cafe, 773/465-8005, 7000 N Glenwood. Near Red Line Morse stop. http://www.heartlandcafe.com *********************** Thursday 2009.07.09 *********************** Bastille Day 5K run/walk (since 1987). Yearly. $20+ 7:30p. Benefits Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. Known for it's after-party. USATF certified, over 7.5k people expected. 773/777-3261 http://www.chicagoevents.com Jackson and Aberdeen. http://www.chicagoaa.com "Red, White, and Boobs!" Vaudezilla Presents. Thursdays -2009.07.30 21+ Free 10-11:45p. 5-6 different performers weekly. http://vaudezilla.com/bluebayou.htm Blue Bayou Bar & Grill, 773/871-3300, 3734 N Southport. http://bluebayouchicago.com "Atomic New Wave Dance Party" Thursdays 21+ $5 10p-4a. DJs QBot + Kamar and special guest DJs spin 80s, New Wave, more. http://www.djkamar.com Neo, 773/528-2622, 2350 N Clark. Just South of Fullerton. Sometimes parking rare. http://neo-chicago.com *********************** Friday 2009.07.10 *********************** Magnificent Mile Art Festival (since 1992). -Sunday Yearly. 10a-6p. A very nice little downtown sale by juried exhibitors. http://www.artfestival.com Tribune Tower courtyard, 954/472-3755, 435 N Michigan. Fine Arts Building Open Studios. 2nd Fridays All ages. Free 4:30-9:30p. Tour ten floors of the landmark building, exploring living artists in their creative environment. Includes refreshments, music, exhibits of drawing, photography, architecture, dance, graphic design, theater, installation art, yoga, sculpture, massage, etc... http://www.myspace.com/fineartsbuildingstudios Fine Arts Building, 312/566-9800, 410 S. Michigan Ave. http://www.fineartsbuilding.tv World's Largest Block Party (since 1985). -Saturday Yearly. 21+ $30-35 5-10:30p. A fun and safe singles event with lots of beer and bands. Always sells out. 312/648-1590 http://www.worldslargestblockparty.com Old St. Pat's Church, 312/648-1021, 700 W Adams. Irish American Heritage Festival (since 1985). -Sunday Yearly. All ages. $0-10 6-11p. 3 stages, food, vendors, bands, celtettes, Guinness and Harp on tap, bagpipes, crafts, Mashed Potato Eating Contest, Irish Idol kids competition. Bands include Gaelic Storm, Solas, The Tossers, Seven Nations, Makem and Spain Brothers, The Young Dubliners, ... Irish American Heritage Center, 773/282-7035, 4642 N Knox. http://www.irishamhc.com Styx / REO Speedwagon / 38 Special. $21-66 7p. http://styxworld.com Charter One Pavilion, 312/540-2668, 1300 S Lynn White Dr. Northerly Island, Museum Campus, former Meigs field. http://www.charteronepavilion.com "Rich Lo" -2009.08.10 all free 7p. Evolution of a Landscape: from an organic to conceptual, social landscape. 07.10: Opening Reception 7-9p. Fine Arts Building, 312/566-9800, 410 S Michigan Ave. Betwix Congress and Van Buren. Second Floor Gallery. http://www.fineartsbuilding.tv * North Side Critical Mass. 2nd Fridays All ages. Free. Leaves around 7p. THE monthly gathering of NORTHSIDE bicyclists. Winds a dozen miles or more, typically ending with food+drink. Trailer and skater compatible, attendance growing fast! Bring friends, tunes, bells, costumes, cameras! http://massup.us/-nscm Young Lincoln Statue, 5959 N Clark. At Ridge and Thorndale. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/massup Improvised Shakespeare. Fridays 18+ $14 8p. Based on audience suggestion The Co creates a fully improvised play in Elizabethan style with ALL the typical elements. http://improvisedshakespeare.com IO Theatre, 773/880-0199, 3541 N. Clark. http://chicago.ioimprov.com/io/shows/14 Supernatural Chicago (since 2004). Interactive theatre exploring Chicago's paranormal past. Fridays 21+ $25 8-9p. Hosted by Necromancer Neil Tobin. Hear true Chicago stories of the unexplained, brought to life through audience-involving demonstrations of telepathy, clairvoyance, mediumship and magic -- at one of Chicago's most haunted nightspots. Price includes the show plus two drinks and general admission to the club. http://www.SupernaturalChicago.com Excalibur, 312/266-1944, 632 N Dearborn. Downtown, valet or pay. http://www.excaliburchicago.com Cosmix. Fridays 21+ $0-5 10p-4a. Greg Haus spins Electro / Progressive / Breaks / Alternative / Electronica. http://www.myspace.com/berlinnightclub Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop. http://www.berlinchicago.com Showing one week of events.