Bedno.com
2014.01.31 (wk866)

Sow love, reap peace.
The weekly emailing is in transition and may have outages.
So get used to visiting and bookmarking the web versions:
* What's happenings NOW: ChicagoFunNews.com/now
* Calendar style: ChicagoFunNews.com/calendar
* Plain and simple: ChicagoFunNews.com/cal/print.txt
* Smartphone version finds nearby fun: Bedno.com/bike/fun

RECOMMENDED:
Ongoing: Ice Skating.
Ongoing: Skating in the Sky at John Hancock.
Ongoing: Rhinoceros Theater Festival at Prop Theatre.
Fr: Chinese New Years.
Fr: Critical Mass at Daley Plaza.
Fr: Supernatural Chicago at Excalibur.
Fr: Dark Star Orchestra at Vic Theatre.
Fr: Improvised Shakespeare at IO Theatre.
Fr: Cosmix at Berlin.
Fr: Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind at Neo-Fut.
Ongoing: Black History Month.
Sa: Redmoon's Year of the Horse Celebration at Navy Pier, Grand Ballroom.
Sa: College of Complexes at Powell's Bookstore UIC.
Sa: Conspirator w/ Prefuse 73 at Concord Music Hall.
Sa: "Twisted" at Berlin.
Sa: El Circo Cheapo Cabaret at Aloft Circus Arts.
Su: Candlemas.
Su: Groundhogs Day.
Su: Chinese New Years Parade at Chinatown.
Su: Superbowl.
Su: Liquid Soul at Abbey Pub.
Su: "Adult Swim" on TOON.
Su: Boom Boom Room at Green Dolphin Street.
Su: Madonnarama at Berlin.
Mo: Movieoke at Whistler.
Mo: Pron and Chicken Dance Party at evilOlive.
Tu: Open Gov Hack Night at 1871.
Tu: Chicago Underground Comedy at Beat Kitchen.
We: Magic Chicago at Stage 773.
We: Terrapin Flyer at Abbey Pub.
We: "In One Ear" at Heartland Cafe.
We: "Unbridled" at Untitled.
Th-Fr: Neutral Milk Hotel at Riviera Theatre.
Th: Big C Jamboree at Martyrs'.
Th: Machina at SmartBar.
Movie:    ^
"The Lego Movie" now playing.
Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Morgan Freeman, ...
http://thelegomovie.warnerbros.com
Theaters Everywhere.
http://bedno.com/movies
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Now playing.
47 Ronin, Anchorman 2, Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Hunger Games 2, Delivery Man, Thor: The Dark World, Ender's Game, Free Birds, ...
Theaters Everywhere.
http://bedno.com/movies
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Seasonal:    ^
Ice Skating. -2014.02.24 Yearly.
Weather permitting: Wrigley Field; Millennium Park, 312/742-5222, 55 N Michigan; Warren Park, 773/262-8656, 6601 N Western; Riis Park, 312/746-5735, 6100 W Fullerton; Daley Plaza, 312/742-7650, 337 E Randolph; more...
http://chicagoparkdistrict.com
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Skating in the Sky. -2014.02.28 Yearly. All ages. $5 (+$15 observatory ticket?).
Synthetic ice rink 1000' up.
John Hancock, 888-875-VIEW, 875 N Michigan.
http://360chicago.com
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Ongoing:    ^
Rhinoceros Theater Festival (since 1989). -2014.02.23 Yearly. $15+ Various days and times.
Showcase of experimental new plays.
http://rhinofest.com
Prop Theatre, 773/267-0666, 3502 N Elston.
http://curioustheatrebranch.com
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WAY too much great theater and comedy and dance to cover.
Pickup Reader and NewCity and TimeOut magazines.
Hundreds of city locations.
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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
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Friday 2014.01.31:    ^
Chinese New Years (4712). Horse. Yearly.
Also New Years for some other lunar calendar cultures (traditional Japan, Korea, Vietnam). Observed with 14 days of joyous festivities and niceness. Date varies each year. Second new moon after winter solstice.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year
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Critical Mass (since 1997). Last Fridays All ages Free 5:45p.
THE monthly gathering of bicyclists making their presence known downtown. Unplanned route gently winds a dozen miles or more. Thousands attend in good weather. Includes music, hipsters, athletes, show bikes, so much more. Skaters welcome.
http://Bedno.com/bike/ccm
Daley Plaza, 773/486-4861, 50 W Washington. Under the Picasso (giant rusty bird), at Dearborn, SW of State&Lake train stop.
http://chicagocriticalmass.org
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Supernatural Chicago (since 2004). Interactive theatre exploring Chicago's paranormal past. Fridays 21+ $25 7:30-9p.
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.
800/979-3370 http://SupernaturalChicago.com
Excalibur, 312/266-1944, 632 N Dearborn. Downtown, valet or pay.
http://www.excaliburchicago.com
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Dark Star Orchestra. 18+ $25+ 8p.
Premier Grateful Dead homage.
http://darkstarorchestra.com
Vic Theatre, 773/472-0449, 3145 N Sheffield.
http://victheatre.com
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Improvised Shakespeare. Fridays 18+ $14 10:30p+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://ioimprov.com/chicago/
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Cosmix. Fridays 21+ $0-5 10p-4a.
Greg Haus spins Electro / Progressive / Breaks / Alternative / Electronica.
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont. Near Red line Belmont stop.
http://berlinchicago.com
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Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (since 1988). Fr/Sa/Su All ages? $6-11+ Su 7p, Fr+Sa 11:30p.
30 plays in 60 minutes, lots of improv, very welcoming, sometimes topical.
Neo-Futurarium, 773/275-5255, 5153 N Ashland.
http://neofuturists.org
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Saturday 2014.02.01:    ^
Black History Month (since 1926). -2014.02.28 Yearly.
February contains the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. This holiday recognizes the achievements and contributions of African Americans. Observed with special events and exhibits at many cultural institutions, especially the Chicago Cultural Center, H.W.Library, Dusable Museum, and South Shore Cultural Center.
http://www.blackvoices.com
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Redmoon's Year of the Horse Celebration. All ages. Free 6-7:30p.
Parade, spectacle, dance, art, opera, more.
http://redmoon.org
Navy Pier, Grand Ballroom, 312/595-7437 (PIER), 600 E Grand. On-site parking, or Grand Red line stop then take free trolley.
http://www.navypier.com
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College of Complexes (since 1951). "The Playground for People Who Think" Saturdays All ages. $3? +food/drink purchase 2.5hrs 6-11p.
Structured weekly free speech forum with quality lecturers and good American food and bar.
02.01: Everyone's Rational! The theory that some people are irrational is mistaken, but not itself irrational.
312/326-2120 http://collegeofcomplexes.org
Powell's Bookstore UIC, 312/243-9070, 1218 S Halsted. At Roosevelt.
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Conspirator w/ Prefuse 73. 18+ $21+ 8p-3a.
Concord Music Hall, 2047 N Milwaukee.
http://concordmusichall.com
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"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
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El Circo Cheapo. 1st Saturdays $10-ish. 7+10p.
Outstanding local circus artists perform a casual and intimate show. Sells out. "BYO Picnic Basket"
http://elcircocheapo.com
Aloft Circus Arts, 2041 W Carroll #306.
http://aloftaerialdance.com
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Sunday 2014.02.02:    ^
Candlemas. Yearly.
Commemorates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Observed in northern Europe much like groundhog day. In some areas it marks the beginning of spring planting. This day is used for the consecration of church candles for the year.
http://christianity.about.com
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Groundhogs Day (since 1888). Yearly.
According to Punxsutawney PA folklore, the groundhog (woodchuck) emerges from hibernation on this day. If sunny and the groundhog sees his shadow, legend holds that there will be six more weeks of winter. A cloudy day signals an early spring. Observed at the Brookfield Zoo Children's area.
http://www.groundhogsday.com
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* Chinese New Years Parade. Yearly. All ages. Free 1p.
100' Dragon dances, Miss Chinatown, gifts, fireworks, etc.
http://cityofchicago.org
Chinatown, 312/255-0303, Wentworth and Cermak. Continues South to 24th Street.
http://chicagochinatown.org
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Superbowl (since 1967). Yearly. 5-9p.
Preshow from 12:30p. Over 130 MegaViewers expected.
Brew&View, 773-929-6713, 3145 N Sheffield, largest and best projection TV in the city, beer, popcorn, etc. From 4:30p, May fill.
Joe's Sports Bar, 312/337-3486, 940 W Weed, over 100 TVs.
AND at your local pub, living room, or friend's place.
http://superbowl.com
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Liquid Soul. 21+ $8 8p.
http://liquidsoul.com
Abbey Pub, 773/478-4408, 3420 W Grace. At Elston.
http://abbeypub.com
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"Adult Swim" 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
TIMES MAP INFO SHARE
Boom Boom Room. Sundays 21+ $? 10p-?a.
Long running (1991) weekly. Big dance space, multiple bars and environments, late night dining, state-of-the-art sound and lights.
http://facebook.com/BoomBoomRoomChicago
Green Dolphin Street, 773/395-0066, 2200 N Ashland. At Webster.
http://facebook.com/thegreendolphinstreet
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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
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Monday 2014.02.03:    ^
Movieoke. 1st Mondays 21+ $? 9p.
Read along to perform, over 200 scenes to choose from.
http://chicagomovieoke.com
Whistler, 773/227-3530, 2421 N Milwaukee.
http://whistlerchicago.com
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Stewart / Colbert. Mo/Tu/We/Th Reruns several times a day. 10-11p UNCONFIRMED
Brilliant awards winning "news" shows.
COM. On cable.
http://comedycentral.com
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Pron and Chicken Dance Party. Mondays 21+ $? 10p-?a.
"A safe haven for all things lewd & crude, lascivious & licentious."
http://soreadytobang.do312.com
evilOlive, 773/235-9100, 1551 W Division.
http://evil-olive.com
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Tuesday 2014.02.04:    ^
Open Gov Hack Night. Tuesdays All ages. Free 6-10p.
"Volunteers create web apps with open data to improve transparency, efficiency, and decision-making for governments and our democracy."
http://opengovhacknight.eventbrite.com
1871, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza. 12th Floor.
http://1871.com
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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://beatkitchen.com
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Wednesday 2014.02.05:    ^
Magic Chicago (since 2004). 1st Wednesdays All ages. $25 7:30p.
Monthly showcase of skilled local magicians. Lobby bar, nearby chow, easy parking.
773/334-4192 http://MagicChicagoShow.com
Stage 773, 773/327-5252, 1225 W. Belmont. Near Racine.
http://stage773.com
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Terrapin Flyer. Wednesdays 21+ $7 9p.
Grateful Dead homage.
http://terrapinflyer.net
Abbey Pub, 773/478-4408, 3420 W Grace. At Elston.
http://abbeypub.com
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"In One Ear" (since 1988). Poetry Open Mic. Wednesdays 18+ $3 10p-?a.
"2nd Longest Running Open-Mic In Chicago!"
http://facebook.com/groups/5016477382
Heartland Cafe, 773/465-8005, 7000 N Glenwood. Near Red Line Morse stop.
http://heartlandcafe.com
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"Unbridled" Wednesdays 21+ $10 10p-2a.
"Unleash your inhibitions at Unbridled - a fun, funky, freaky evening of titillating variety." DJs with vaudevillian, burlesque and extreme acts throughout the bar.
http://facebook.com/UnbridledatUntitled
Untitled, 312/880-1511, 111 W. Kinzie.
http://untitledchicago.com
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Thursday 2014.02.06:    ^
Neutral Milk Hotel. -Friday 18+ $36 2 nites. Both sold outl 8p.
W/ Elf Power.
http://walkingwallofwords.com
Riviera Theatre, 312/275-6800, 4746 N Racine.
http://rivieratheatre.com
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Big C Jamboree (since 1991). 1st Thursdays 21+ Free 9:30p-?a.
Longest running local Rockabilly night. Multiple bands perform 40s-50s style swing, blues, rock-n-roll, swiftly and simply to a jumpin party crowd, many in period getups.
http://www.bigcjam.com/
Martyrs', 773/404-9494, 3855 N Lincoln.
http://martyrslive.com
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Machina. Thursdays 21+ Free 10p-?a UNCONFIRMED
Celebrates 80s/90s industrial, new wave, goth music w/ DJ Scary Lady Sarah.
http://facebook.com/smartbarchicago/events
SmartBar, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark. Near Red Line Addison stop.
http://smartbarchicago.com/tickets
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Attractions:    ^
Many great exhibits of local works and curated collections. All ages. Free. Mo-Th 8a-7p, Fr 8a-6p, Sa 9a-6p, Su 10a-6p.
With various special events, music and performances almost every day.
Chicago Cultural Center, 312/744-6630, 78 E Washington. SE of State/Lake train stops.
http://chicagoculturalcenter.org
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Various good modern art shows. All ages. $0-12, Free Tu 10a-8p, Mo closed, We-Su 10a-5p.
Museum of Contemporary Art, 312/280-2660, 220 E Chicago.
http://www.mcachicago.org
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LIKE A DOWNTOWN AMUSEMENT PARK. All ages. Mostly free.
With Giant Ferris Wheel, IMAX theatre, historic carousel, a*mazing Chicago ride, classic spinning swing ride, new mini-golf course, major VR games, food court, quality restaurants and bars, stained glass window museum, enclosed garden, wonderful specialty shops, children's museum, water taxis, several cruise lines and the Shakespeare Theatre.
Summer: 10a-10p Su-Th, 10a-midnt Fr-Sa; Fall: Mo-Th 10a-9p, Fr+Sa 10a-11p, Su 10a-7p; Winter: 10a-8p Mo-Th, 10a-10p Fr-Sa, 10a-7p Su.
Navy Pier, 312/222-9328, 600 E Grand. On-site parking, or Grand Red line stop then take free trolley.
http://www.navypier.com
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See how the universe works. All ages. $10-18+ Mo-Fr 9:30a-4:30p (-10p 1st Fridays), Sa/Su 9a-4:30p, closed xmas, open -6p 12.26-1.5.
Much high tech exhibitry.
Adler Planetarium, 312/922-7827 (STAR), 1300 S Lake Shore.
http://www.adlerplanetarium.org
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Masterpieces. All ages. $0-18 Mo/Tu/We/Fr 10:30a-5p, Th 10:30a-8p, Sa/Su 10a-5p, closed xgiving+xmas.
And other interesting permanent and visiting exhibits.
Art Institute, 312/443-3500, 210 S Michigan.
http://artinstituteofchicago.org
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World class gardens. Easy to get to. All ages. $8.75 parking. 8a-sunset, closed xmas.
385 acres, 23 gardens, 9 islands, prarie simulation, oriental features, miniature railway, produce, shows, restaurant, more...
Chicago Botanic Gardens, 847/835-5440, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe.
http://www.chicago-botanic.org
MAP INFO
Quality exhibits and activities for young minds. All ages. $0-14, Free Th 5-8p. 10a-5p.
Chicago Children's Museum, 312/527-1000, Navy Pier.
http://chicagochildrensmuseum.org
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Natural History done right. All ages. $6-12. Last entry 4p, closed xmas. 9a-5p.
"Sue" permanent dinosaur exhibit, insects, anthropology, world culture, geology, ecology, much more.
Field Museum, 312/922-9410, Roosevelt at Lake Shore Drive.
http://www.fmnh.org
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Exhibits covering 4000 years of surgical history. Not for the squeamish. All ages. $3-6, Free Tuesdays. Tu-Sa 10a-4p. Closed 12.24-25, 12.31-1.1.
International Museum of Surgical Science, 312/642-6502, 1524 N Lake Shore.
http://www.imss.org
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World class zoo. Now with web cams. All ages. Free (Building hours vary) 9a-6p.
Lincoln Park Zoo, 773/742-2000, 2200 N Cannon.
http://www.lpzoo.com
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Consistent world class wonderland, set aside a whole day. All ages. $6-11 +parking/movies, Sometimes free. Mo-Sa 9:30a-4p, Su 11a-4p.
Exhibits include clock (possibly the best historical collection in existence), trains, toys, flight, genetics, chemistry, coal, petroleum, human body slices, cyberspace, farming, the U-505, TONS of space flight tech, and much more.
Museum of Science and Industry, 773/684-1414, 57th at Lake Shore.
http://www.msichicago.org
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Truly stunning world class aquarium. $11-18, some deal days. Sa/Su 9a-6p, Mo-Fr 9a-5p (-6p in summer), some later days.
Rear outside deck has the city's best skyline view. Now with web cams.
Shedd Aquarium, 312/939-2438, 1200 S Lake Shore.
http://SheddAquarium.org
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Notes:    ^
ALWAYS call before going to a listed event.
ALWAYS call before going to a listed event.
MAP
Disclaimer.
My mom the attorney would want me to remind you that no Bedno accepts any liability whatsoever for your use of any information presented here, as-is, at your own risk, ad infinitum, etc etc.
http://bedno.com/terms
Many thanx to ChicagoFun.com.
Many thanx to ChicagoFun.com for hosting this system. ChicagoFun.com is THE one-stop special-event planning resource for the Chicagoland area.
http://ChicagoFun.com

2014.01.31