1999.12.31 (week 131)
Be a Hero In Two Triple Zero!
Be a Hero In Two Triple Zero!
It's SUPER-FUN! THE most spectacular week in all my
experience, and that's saying something. Heroism is
courage, and doing what you know is right. For me that
means don't drink way too much, don't spend too little, and
laugh in evil's face EVERY WAKING MOMENT. I realize that
for some this will be the ME-lennium. That's cool. Not
everyone has the resources of a mighty super fortress lab
secret HQ like me. So venture out, or at least monitor
the broadcasts. Friday has something for everyone. For
families I recommend Navy Pier or Evanston. Average adults
might especially enjoy the Hyatt Regency, Mayor's Global
Gala or the 20th Century musical retrospective at Toque.
Theater people will probably make the Second City or Stage
Left events a gas! Clubbers will be in top form at Karma,
Crobar and Aura, or slumming at Liar's Club or Empty Bottle.
Personally Neo's well produced event sounds really nice.
The whole Belmont, Halsted, Clark area will be a vast
pansexual fiesta thanx to Berlinnium, the Gay Y2K and
numerous local bars. Also under the heading of places where
the air will be dripping joy, Future Forces rave is
positively pregnant with potential. Wrap it up with a one
cent ride home, then email me about what you did, 'K? Life
continues, gently, Saturday, with mimosas, sleigh rides at
the Pier, running, biking, dance and ice performances, and
the last chances to see Michael Moschen juggle and MSI's
Christmas Around The World exhibit. Sorry, it's too late to
Learn The Milly. Time waits for no one and the week
continues in typical bizarro-Chicago fashion with the last
daily Peanuts comic strip, the Chicago Bar Association Brass
Ensemble, Twilight Tales, sports, Women Obsession, Epiphany,
and the Elvis Birthday Spectacular. Just wish I had a
sidekick.
Ongoing:
- FINAL TWO DAYS: In motion with Michael Moschen begins. World famous "Object Animator", 2hr $21-36 Fr-Sa 3/7p.
- Reportedly takes juggling to astounding metaphysical heights.
Chicago Theatre, 312/902-1500 tickets, 175 N State. Ticketmaster: 312/902-1500.
- Final weekend: Christmas Around The World / Holidays of Lights, traditional decorations on 40 trees.
- Museum of Science and Industry, 773/684-1414, 57th at Lake Shore, -1999.01.02.
http://www.msichicago.org
- Skate on State. Blading alternative! ice/motion/sun/snax/shelter, free ($2-3 rentals).
- Also a dozen other free park district rinks open all over!
9a-7:15p (-9:45p Th), closed 30minutes every 2hrs. Exhibitions MWF at 11:40a.
State at Randolph, 312/744-2898, 100x200ft oval, -2000.02.27.
http://www.cityofchicago.org/SpecialEvents/Festivals99/SkateOnState99.html
- Libby Wadsworth, painted diagrammed sentences, well reviewed, -2000.01.08.
- Zolla/Lieberman gallery, 312/944-1990, 325 W Huron.
- Movies:
- Man On The Moon, Millennium Man, End of Days, Dogma, Toy Story 2, The World Is Not Enough,
Bringing Out The Dead, Being John Malkovich, Story of Us, Boys Don't Cry,
American Beauty, Random Hearts, Fight Club, ...
http://bedno.com/movies
TV Marathons starting Friday AM:
-
66 Don Francisco (Sabado Gigante) hosts 24hr 5a.
ABC Peter Jennings anchors seven continents 24hr 3:50a.
FOX Chicago House of Blues coverage 3hr 10p.
TLC Baby Story (couples through pregnancies) 5hr noon.
WCPX 40 top music acts live through all time zones 24hr 5a.
WTTW Multi-nation coverage and reflection 24hr 3:55a.
Friday 1999.12.31:
- New Years Eve.
- The moment between what was and what will be.
- LAST CHANCE TO LEARN THE MILLY!!!
- I wanted to do a punk or jungle remake of this. Oh well.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/ChicagoTime/learnmilly.html
- S.A.F.E. Night, alcohol-free family events every day all day.
- Citywide, call for location 312/747-2606.
http://www.cityofchicago.org/SubstanceAbuse/SafeNite.html
- 2000-Minute Party, Dance 'til the Dawn of the New Millennium. (-6:20p 2000.01.01) 9a.
- Culminates with fireworks on Saturday.
Community centers, parks, cultural institutions and homes everywhere, 312/744-4405.
http://www.chicago2001.org
- Countdown `Til Noon! For our elders. Learn the Milly. 10a-noon.
- Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall, 312/744-2400, 78 E Washington.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/CulturalCenter
- Family Fun Festival, major special entertainment setup for all ages, free 4p-midnt.
- Game center, giant slide, climbing wall, tumbling and dance, jousting,
velcro, mini golf, mosaic tile making, DJs (4-6p), BBI plays (8-11:45p).
Countdown on the giant ferris wheel climaxing in
ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS SHOWS ON THIS PLANET EVER!!!
Also special cruises available on all four lines that dock at the pier.
Navy Pier, 312/222-9328, 600 E Grand, Festival Hall A.
http://www.navypier.com/!newyears.html
- Cyclennium Ride and party. A Critical Mass event, free 5:30p.
- Bicyclists take the streets, ending in a party in Logan's Square.
Daley Plaza, 773/486-9015, 50 W Washington.
http://www.bikewinter.org
- Happy Zoo Year! ZooLights Festival countdown celebration, $6 5:30-10p.
- Lincoln Park Zoo, 773/742-2000, 2200 N Cannon.
http://www.lpzoo.com
- First Night Evanston (7th), the nicest scene in town. Little if any alcohol. $10 6p-2a.
- Purple line to Main, 847/328-5864. Fireworks, 25 indoor stages, art, good folk.
http://firstnightevanston.org
- New Years Eve Pow Wow, costumes, food, drum/sing/dance. $2-5 6:30p-1a.
- American Indian Center, 773/275-5871, 1630 W Wilson.
http://www.glrain.net/powwow.htm
- Pleasurezone/Berlinnium, Greg Haus, gonna be wall-to-wall happy, $25 7p-4a.
- Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont.
http://www.hauswerkz.com/cosmix.htm
- Second City 4.0 (40th anniversary revue), two stages, improv follows, $40 7-10p.
- Second City, 773/337-3992, 1616 N Wells.
http://www.secondcity.com
- Beck, all ages 7:30p.
- Aragon Ballroom, 773/561-9500, 1106 W Lawrence.
http://www.beck.com
- Beyond '99 Millennium Celebration, top shelf open bar, 18+ $80 time?
- DJs Alladin, Spinboy, Donny Brasko. Formal dress required.
Logan Square Auditorium, 773/683-5270, 2539 N Kedzie.
http://www.spinboyproductions.com
- 10000 Maniacs, Rubygrass, Collective Soul, $135-199 doors 8p - sold out.
Also: Mighty Blue Kings on back porch stage, 10:30p.
- House of Blues, 312/527-2583, 329 N Dearborn.
http://www.hob.com/bin/calendar.pl?VENUE=CHI
- BoDeans and Matthew Sweet, 93XRT/Korbel Rock-n-Roll Ball, $135-185 8p-2a.
- Simulcast on ABC, DJ dancing, food.
Navy Pier, 312/222-9328, 600 E Grand, Festival Hall.
http://www.bigcreekevents.com
- Crystal Countdown, mature Phil Stefani dinner event, big band dancing, $250 8p-2a.
- Tickets: 312/595-5440. Navy Pier, 312/222-9328, 600 E Grand, Crytal Garden.
http://www.stefanirestaurants.com/new_years.htm
- Freddy Jones, 21+ $60 doors 8p.
- Vic Theatre, 773/472-0449, 3145 N Sheffield.
http://www.victheatre.com
- Hello Dave, Weed St. Band, free drinks and buffet, always sells out, $125 8p-2a.
- Joe's Sports Bar, 312/337-3486, 940 W Weed. Tickets: 773/243-0020.
http://tangerinetwist.com/newyears99/joesbar.htm
- Last Race of the Century, 5K run, 8p.
- Loyola Park, Heartland Cafe, 773/465-8005, 7000 N Glenwood.
http://www.heartlandcafe.com/aup/aup.htm
- Lie2K: A Celebration, DJ Wes Kidd, champagne, diaper contest, 21+ $75 8p-4a.
- Liar's Club, 773/665-1110, 1665 W Fullerton.
- Michelanjelo, Underwater People, open bar, $125 8p-2a.
- Rainbo, 773/271-6200, 4836 N Clark. Tickets: 773/243-0020.
http://tangerinetwist.com/newyears99/rainbo.htm
- Millennium Party, Champagne, favors, balloons, buffet, $85 8p-4a.
- Peak urban club-wear required. Big and intense. Sometimes too much house.
All the usual resident DJs. Includes free ticket for Saturday night.
Karma, 312/321-1331, 318 W Grand.
http://www.karmachicago.com
- Teen Fun Night, buffet, band, dancing, free play, 14-18yo w/ school ID, $50 8p-1a.
- Video games, Spielberg simulators, pinball, pool, climbing wall, more.
GameWorks, 847/330-9675, 601 N Martingale Rd, Schaumburg.
http://www.gameworks.com
- The Best Party in Chicago, premium open bar -midnt, buffet, Champagne 8p-4a.
- Circus, 312/266-1200, 901 W Weed. Dress well.
http://www.circuschicago.com
- Year Of The Dragon, premium open bar -midnt, sushi, Champagne $150 8p-4a.
- Dragon Room, 312/751-8700, 809 W Evergreen. Pretty cool place.
http://www.dragonroomchicago.com
- Divine's Millennium Gala, open bar, large dance floor, lasers, lights, hors'd. $200, 8:30p.
- 37 story crystall ball drop, view of fireworks, classy service.
DJ Raja and others spin Bhagra. Well reviewed in past years.
Hyatt Regency, 151 E Wacker, 312/552-2000.
- Wilco, Steve Earl and the Dukes, $75 8:30p.
- Riviera Theatre, 312/275-6800, 4647 N Racine.
- X2K, two clubs, several package options, dinner, open bar, toys, $30-170 8:30p.
- Midnight Sun plays live in Aura. Q101 DJs.
Excalibur, 312/266-1944, 632 N Dearborn.
http://www.ACEplaces.com/x
- Bang: Teri Bristol, Psycho-Bitch, Curt Caris, Hiroki/Ry-N in the mezz, $? 9p-ish.
- Dress super chic. Too much house music.
Crobar, 312/413-7000, 1543 N Kingsbury.
http://www.gilburns.com
- Celebration of the Century, $75 9p-4a.
- Two pretty good clubs on two floors.
Fifth Floor and Rednofive, 312/733-6699, 440 N Halsted.
http://www.chicago-scene.com/reserve/event/fifthfloor
- Buddha 2000, 4hr open bar, Champagne, DJ 33.3, $135-250 9p.
- Funky Buddha Lounge, 312/666-1695, 728 W Grand.
http://www.tribads.com/funkybuddha
- Culinary Tribute to and Musical Journey through the 20th Century. $275 9p-3a.
- Music in historical order from 1900 peaking with 1999 at midnt.
Toque, 312/666-1100, 816 W Randolph.
http://www.toquechicago.com
- Cyberlennium Costume Ball, $500 prizes to Mr./Ms. Mill. Live vid feeds. $25 advance 9p?
- Neo, 773/528-2622, 2350 N Clark. Includes Champagne, free entrance on Sat.
http://www.pcc.net/cybercage/neo
- FutureForces/ShadeFree Countdown to Millennium rave. bars, parking, over 90 DJs!?! $36-45 9p-9a.
- Including: 3D, Snuggles, Casper, Rahzel, Scratch, Skribble, Woody Mcbride, Hyperactive, ...
1.5MW sound, several thousand people, vendors, security, but who really knows.
Call 847/604-0579 414/297-9587 312/458-9144 513/395-8576.
http://www.angelfire.com/il/meowmix/newyears.html
- Gay Y2K, HUGE (5000 souls) 12 hour dance party in boystown. $75-95 9p-9a.
- DJs Tim Cleary, Hugo, Teri Bristol.
Brown Elephant space, 773/549-3459, 3641 N Halsted.
- Poi Dog Pondering, special guest DJ's, 21+ $75 doors 9p.
- Metro, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark. Red line Addison stop.
http://www.metrochicago.com
- Rain Forest 2000. Benefits World Wildlife Foundation. $150 9p.
- Specially decorated, DJ dancing, dress well.
Premium open bar all night, Champagne, food, hors'd, lavish dessert/coffee bar.
Rainforest Cafe, 312/787-1501, 605 N Clark.
http://www.rainforestcafe.com
- The Y2K Party, Reverend Racket hosts, includes drinks etc., $20 9p-?a.
- Gil Burns, Jeff Moyer, and puLz-8 spin while the world falls apart.
The Racket Room, 1023 W Lake.
http://www.newyear-y2k.com
- Now We Are One, Darrel Woodson, Oscar McMillan, Andy Moy, 21+ $30 10p-4a.
- Price includes champagne, fruit, promotional CD.
Smart Bar, 773/549-4140, 3730 N Clark.
http://www.metrochicago.com/pages2/smart_choices.html
- Space Ghost Coast To Coast, the strangest talk show in the galaxy, 10p.
- TOON on cable, tape it, also see 8p Courage...Dog and 8:30p Power Puff Girls!
http://www.cartoon-network.com
- Trans Am, Golden (ZZ Top on speed), special guests, only $15 10p.
- Hats, noisemakers, candy, junk food, tasty Millennial Mystery Punch.
Empty Bottle, 773/276-3600, 1035 N Western.
http://www.emptybottle.com
- Countdown to Apocalypse Comedy Shows and Dance Party, BYOB $25 10:30p-2:30a.
- A Low Sodium/Gorilla Theater presentation, two improv shows, dancing,
crazy frickin' people, bring a keg, end of the world cheap.
Stage Left Theater, 773/549-3250, 3408 N Sheffield
http://www.lowsodiumonline.com
- Global Gala International Millennium Dinner, 10:30p.
- The mayor hosts pairs of guest from about 200 nations!
Guests can join the whole thing for only $100?!?
McCormick Place Lakeside Center, 312/742-2157, 2301 S Lake Shore.
Starts with Kurt Elling jazz at the Arie Crown.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/ChicagoTime/world/index.html
- One cent buses and trains around midnight.
- Also free cabs with ID showing home address?
CTA, 708/836-7000, 312/836-7000
http://www.transitchicago.com
Saturday 2000.01.01:
- New Years Day.
- The future is now!
- New Years Day Ride, Chicago Cycling Club does 20 miles, 10a.
- Waveland Clock Tower, 773/227-1909, 3700 N Lake Shore Drive.
http://www.suba.com/~ccc/rides.html
- Millennium Run 2000, fun 5K run/walk, USATF/CARA, $25 11a.
- Wacker and Adams, 773/868-3010, for Am.Air. Chi.Charities Fund.
Fireworks, turtlenecks, goodies, free beer, wine, soda, prizes.
http://www.chicagoevents.com/MillenniumRun2000.htm
- Ice Dancing presentations, family fun, free 1-5p.
- Local pro and amateur figure skaters demo various styles.
McFetridge Sports Center, 312/742-7585, 3843 N California
- Dance presentations reflecting Andersonville cultural diversity. 3-5p.
- Joel Hall Dancers, 773/293-0900, 934 W North.
- Gentle family fun all day, fireworks at 6p.
- Navy Pier, 312/595-PIER, 600 E Grand.
http://www.navypier.com
- Brew&View, smoking, heckling, drink deals, fun!
- 8p (Sa-Th): "Three Kings" George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Ice Cube, ...
10p (Sa-Th): "Three To Tango" M.Perry, N.Campbell, D.McDermott, ...
midnt (Sa,Th): "American Pie" nobody.
312/618-VIEW, 3145 N Sheffield, Belmont red line stop. Hi Dennis!
http://www.brewview.com
- Collective Soul, $? 9p.
- House of Blues, 312/527-2583, 329 N Dearborn.
http://www.hob.com/bin/calendar.pl?VENUE=CHI
- Metropolis / Run Lola Run (separate theaters), midnight.
- Music Box, 773/871-6604, 3733 N Southport.
http://www.musicboxtheatre.com
Sunday 2000.01.02:
- Bears host Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on FOX and WMAQ (670AM), noon.
- Soldiers Field, 425 McFetridge Pl.
http://www.chicagobears.com
- Liquid Soul, great band with a rapper and horn section, 9p-mdnt.
- Double Door, 312/489-3160, 1572 N Milwaukee.
http://www.doubledoor.com
Monday 2000.01.03:
- Final new daily Peanuts comic strip appears in papers (since 1950.10.02).
- Thank you so very very much Charles Schulz. Rest now, be well!
http://www.snoopy.com
- Bulls host Portland, carried on FSChi, 7:30p.
- United Center, 1901 W Madison. Ticketmaster: 312/902-1500.
http://www.nba.com/bulls
- Twilight Tales. Gathering of local (mainly spooky) writers. $2 8p.
- Open mike night, any readers or topics, time limited.
Red Lion, 773/348-2695, 2446 N Lincoln. Books for sale.
http://www.twilighttales.com
- Milk, drum + bass + hiphop, $3 10p-2a.
- MadBar, 773/BAR-BAR7, 1640 N Damen
http://www.madbar.com
Tuesday 2000.01.04:
- Chicago Bar Association Brass Ensemble, under The Picasso, noon.
- Daley Center Plaza, 312/FINEART, 50 W Washington (at Dearborn).
http://www.ci.chi.il.us
- Nocturna, Goth w/ DJ Scary Lady Sarah, THE weekly gathering of darker souls.
- Smart Bar, 773/549-4140, 3730 N Clark, near the Addison red line stop.
http://www.gothicchicago.com
- Testosterone Tuesday, hard dance music, ultra buff male strippers.
- Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont, at the Belmont red line stop.
http://www.testosterone.net
Wednesday 2000.01.05:
- Bulls host Washington, carried on FSChi, 7:30p.
- United Center, 1901 W Madison. Ticketmaster: 312/902-1500.
http://www.nba.com/bulls
- Sonic Wednesdays, DJs Gil Burns, PuLz-8, and Jeff Moyer, $? 10p-4a.
- Like a dark semi-artsy NYC underground club with a good budget.
Former Lunacy DJs, harder than house. Circus acts. Dress well.
E-Mail lname,flname,phone,email to SonicCircus@SonicWednesday.Com for comps.
Circus, 312/266-1200, 901 W Weed.
http://www.sonicwednesday.com
- Women Obsession, ladies mainly. Free, come after 10p.
- Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont, at the Belmont red line stop.
http://www.womyn.org
Thursday 2000.01.06:
- Epiphany, a Christian holiday.
- Observes the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, 12 days after Christmas.
http://christianity.miningco.com
- The Birth of a King, Elvis birthday spectacular, $12 doors 6:30p.
- House of Blues, 312/527-2583, 329 N Dearborn.
http://www.hob.com/bin/calendar.pl?VENUE=CHI
- Special evening events and late hours at all cultural institutions.
- MCA, Randolph Cafe, Shubert Theater, Shedd Aquarium (Jazz), more.
http://www.dtnchicago.com
- Adult skate w/ bar, hip-hop/urban, (FrSa mid-4a, Su 8p-1a) 18+ $7 9:30p-3a.
- Rainbo, 773/271-6200, 4836 N Clark.
http://Bedno.com/skate
Museums:
- 100 Years of Architecture -2000.03.12.
Beat Streuli, large color transparent photos in the windows -2000.03.19.
- Museum of Contemporary Art, 312/280-2660, 220 E Chicago.
Mon closed, Tu 10a-8p free, We-Su 10a-5p.
http://www.mcachicago.org
- Various interesting works.
- Chicago Cultural Center, 312/744-2400, 78 E Washington.
Also good stuff at the Randolph Cafe daily at 1p, late Thursdays.
Free. Mo-We 10a-7p, Th 10a-9p, Fr 10a-6p, Sa 10a-5p, Su 11a-5p.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/CulturalCenter
- Final weeks: Cartier exhibit, 200 pieces, many diamonds -2000.01.16.
Sounds From The Vaults, try 50 international instruments, world's largest harp!
Underground Adventure, walk through hugely magnified soil ecosystem.
- Field Museum, 312/922-9410, Roosevelt Rd. at Lake Shore.
http://www.fmnh.org
- Lovely design, near conservatory, lake, rookery. New lion web cam!
- Lincoln Park Zoo, 773/742-2000, 2200 N Cannon.
http://www.lpzoo.com
- Consistent world class wonderland, set aside a whole day.
Omni Laser Fantasy. 20KW music visual immersion experience Fr-Su.
- Museum of Science and Industry, 773/684-1414, 57th at Lake Shore.
Beatles 6:30p, Floyd Machine 7:30p, Nirvana 9p, Beastie 10:30p, Floyd Moon mdnt.
http://www.msichicago.org
- Lego underwater, and far more quality exhibits and activities for young minds.
- Chicago Children's Museum, 312/527-1000, Navy Pier, 10a-5p Tu-Su, free Th.
http://www.chichildrensmuseum.org
- Seahorse Symphony, the amazing seahorse and kin, becoming endangered.
90000 gallon Coral Reef Exhibit now re-opened.
- Shedd Aquarium, 312/939-2438, 1200 S Lake Shore.
http://SheddAquarium.org
- Sky Pavilion, major new expansion, much high tech exhibitry.
- Adler Planetarium, 312/922-STAR, 1300 S Lake Shore.
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org
- Final weeks: Bill Viola well reviewed video installations -2000.01.16.
Masterpieces and other stodgy stuff (16th century Polish works?!?!).
- Art Institute of Chicago, 312/443-3500, 210 S Michigan.
MWF 10:30a-4:30p, TuTh 10:30a-8:00p, SaSu 10a-5p, Free Tuesdays.
http://www.artic.edu
Notes:
-
Always call before going to a listed event.
If you like this, spread the fun, TELL A FRIEND, NOW!
Hell is a pretty decent club, I'll be going back.
Thanx Ono for the amazing dancing.
SpyBar however is not for me.
1999.12.31