Bedno.com
1998.12.25 (week 078)

My, What Celebratory Beings We Are!
Never have I seen such a week. Some holiday stuff ends after this weekend, so get downtown. Have you been good this year? It's hibernating season, so catch some of the marathons; 12 hours of Battlestar Galactica for example, or the almost surreal 12 repeats in a row of "A Christmas Story" or 42 hours of Twilight Zone!?! Even with trying to be selective, there's over 40 suggestions for New Years Eve (a friend and serious clubber calls it "amateur night"). Neo, Celluloid and Kona Kai close this week, but many new places have openned. What a city, what a year :)


Holiday:

Indoor inline skating, $5 10a-9p (-5p 12.24) -1999.01.04, helps make the winter tolerable. Also many assorted holiday happenings, especially on the weekend.
Navy Pier, 312/595-PIER, 600 E Grand. http://www.navypier.com Really good, uncrowded, staffed, big, smooth, cheap, ramps, hockey.


"Skate on State" rent ice skates for 1.5hr sessions, exhibitions at 11:20.
State at Randolph, 312/744-2883, -1999.02.28, free, 9a-7:15p, regular half hour breaks.


"Christkindlmarket", festive German holiday market, timber cabins, Eurofood, gifts, more.
Daley Center Plaza, Washington and Dearborn, 312/644-2662, 11a-8p, FINAL WEEKEND! http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/Festivals/KindlMarket/Chriskindlmarket98.html


"Zoolights" 100K twinkles, ice sculpture, treats, and see the conservatory.
Lincoln Park Zoo, 773/742-2000, 2200 N Cannon, -1999.01.03. http://www.lpzoo.com


"Christmas Around The World" traditional decorations on 40 trees -1999.01.03. Too much more fun stuff to list. Set aside a whole day.
Museum of Science and Industry, 773/684-1414, 57th at Lake Shore. http://www.msichicago.org


Free photo with Santa for 94th floor visitors, 11a-5p F-Su FINAL WEEKEND!
John Hancock Center Observatory, 312/751-3681, 875 N Michigan, $8, $6 kids. http://www.hancock-observatory.com


"Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular", various times -1998.12.27 (except 12.25).
Rosemont Theatre, 847/692-2220, 5400 N River Rd, Rosemont, FINAL WEEKEND. http://www.radiocity.com/schedule/xmas_chicago.html


"Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol" one man show, Scrooge tale from business partner's POV.
Goodman Theatre, 312/443-3800, 200 S Columbus, various days and times, $18-27. http://www.goodman-theatre.org


"The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" Marshall Fields Holiday Windows theme.
On State, between Randolph and Washington.


"Under The Picasso" different music, choir, dance, performance, every day, FINAL WEEK.
Daley Center Plaza, 312/FINEART, Washington and Dearborn, noon M-F -1998.12.30 (except 12.24-25). http://www.ci.chi.il.us


Free holiday concerts, a nice break from work in the loop.
Harold Washington Library, 312/747-4050, 400 S State, free MWF 12:15.

Ongoing:

"Seuss" and many more quality exhibits, holiday activities for young minds.
Chicago Children's Museum, 312/527-1000, Navy Pier, 10a-5p Tu-Su, free Th. http://www.chichildrensmuseum.org


"Art of the Motorcycle", 75 bikes covering a century of progress -1999.03.21.
Field Museum, 312/922-9410, Roosevelt Rd. at Lake Shore. May require advance tickets. http://www.fmnh.org Twisted Spoke (312/666-1500) group trip Saturdays, starts w/ brunch at 9:30a.


"Seahorse Symphony", the amazing seahorse and kin.
Shedd Aquarium, 312/939-2438, 1200 S Lake Shore. OPEN -8p THIS WEEK -12.30! http://SheddAquarium.org


Mariko Mori, Japanese, explores femininity, various media, some high tech, -1999.03.14. Jana Sterbak, survey of works on notions of beauty, -1999.01.03. Damien Hirst, celebrated and notorious artist, -1999.05.
Museum of Contemporary Art, 312/280-2660, 220 E Chicago Tu/Th/Fr 11a-6p, We 11a-8p, Sa/Su 10a-6p. http://www.mcachicago.org


Japan 2000: Kisho Kurokawa architecture -1999.01.03, Mary Cassatt 1890s Impressionist -1999.01.10, Julia Margaret 1860s photos of women -1999.01.10, Central African masterpieces -1999.03.14, more.
Art Institute of Chicago, 312/443-3500, 210 S Michigan. http://www.artic.edu MWF 10:30a-4:30p, TuTh 10:30a-8:00p, SaSu 10a-5p, Free Tuesdays.


"Birthdays" series of tributes to significant musical artists.
Randolph Cafe, 312/744-1426, 77 E Randolph, free, M-F (except 12.25) 1p. 12/28 Marlene Dietrich, 12/29 Marianne Faithfull, 12/30 Mike Nesmith, 12/31 Donna Summers! http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/CultureCenterTour


Ursula von Rydingsvard "muscular wooden sculptures of great power" 20yr span -1999.01.31, Modern female photographers -1999.01.24, many other exhibits.
Chicago Cultural Center, 312/744-2400, 77 E Randolph. Mo-We 10a-7p, Th 10a-9p, Fr 10a-6p, Sa 10a-5p, Su 11a-5p, late cafe stuff on Thursdays. http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/CulturalCenter


"Collaborations" joint works by 14 artist couples -1999.01.02.
Printworks, 312/664-9407, 311 W Superior.


Too much dance and art and drama and comedy and poetry and music to cover.
Get yourself a Reader or NewCity.


Movies: http://www.film.com
Patch Adams, Star Trek, Waking Ned, Prince of E., Rugrats, Bug's Life, Simple Plan, Very Bad T., Ringmaster, Elizabeth, Babe, Joe Black, Home Fries, Celebrity, Velvet G., Waterboy, Pleasantville, Antz, Mary, Ozona, Unmade Beds, ...

Friday 1998.12.25:

Christmas.
Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Gifts are exchanged. Spirit of giving, charity, family, brotherhood encouraged. Have breakfast in Skokie.


"Critical Mass" bicyclists take over the streets, safety in numbers.
Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington, 5:30p, 773/486-4861.


TV:
5a DIS 24hr Yuletide programming marathon.
7p TNT Grinch 1hr special edition hosted by Phil Hartman.
8a SCI 13hrs of Movies.
5p FX 6hrs of Penn&Teller's Sin City Spectacular.
10p MTV 7hr Beavis&Butthead marathon, starting with 1hr Christmas Special.
10p TOON Space Ghost Christmas Special.


"Volume Remix Party" dance music.
House of Blues, 312/527-2583, 329 N Dearborn, 10p, $12, 18+. http://www.hob.com/schedules/CHIbody.html


"Champagne Snowball Friday Night" maybe good, come early, 9p, cover?
Cirque, 312/266-1200, 901 W Weed.

Saturday 1998.12.26:

Kwanzaa.
A five day festival observed by review of African American heritage and community values.


TV:
7p MTV 10hr Real World marathon.


Brew&View, smoking, heckling, drink deals, fun!
8:00 (Sa-We): "The Siege" Denzel Washington, Annette Bening, Bruce Willis, ...
10:00 (Sa-We): "There's Something About Mary" Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Ben Stiller, Chris Elliott, ...
midnt (Sa): "Dirty Work" starring Norm MacDonald with several SNL alumni.
312/618-VIEW, 3145 N Sheffield, Belmont red line stop. http://www.brewview.com


DJ Sneak and Mark Grant, 18+.
Metro, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark http://www.metrochicago.com


"Reality Scare" well reviewed, techno-goth-pop-dark-ambient fems. price? time?
Morseland, 773/764-6401, 1218 W Morse - wish I could go.


"Atomic Fireballs" alternative.
House of Blues, 312/527-2583, 329 N Dearborn, 7:30p, $12, 18+. http://www.hob.com/schedules/CHIbody.html

Sunday 1998.12.27:

"Liquid Soul", great band with a rapper and horn section, 9p-mdnt.
Double Door, 312/489-3160, 1572 N Milwaukee

Monday 1998.12.28:

Boxing day.
Day to give Christmas gifts to service providers such as postal delivery person and trash collector.


"Chrome", Jungle DJs, rapping, break dancing, best at 10p.
MadBar, 773/BAR-BAR7, 1640 N Damen http://www.madbar.com

Tuesday 1998.12.29:

"Nocturna", Goth w/ DJ Scary Lady Sarah.
Smart Bar, 773/549-4140, 3730 N Clark. http://www.gothicchicago.com


"Kiss 3-D Tour"
Rosemont Horizon, 847/635-6601, 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, Ticketmaster, 312/559-1212. http://events.ticketmaster.com/cgi/events/state.idc?state=il


"Testosterone Tuesday", hard dance music, ultra buff male strippers.
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont.

Wednesday 1998.12.30:

"Lunacy", cheap drinks, ladies free, industrial, SM/tattoos, pretty darn good.
Crobar, 312/413-7000, 1543 N Kingsbury.


Adult skate, bar (sometimes closed), $5, 25+, -2a.
Rainbo Roller Rink, 773/271-6200, 4836 N Clark. Good other days also.


Misfits, Vision of Disorder, Fahrenheit 451.
House of Blues, 312/527-2583, 329 N Dearborn. http://www.hob.com/schedules/CHIbody.html

Thursday 1998.12.31:

New Years Eve.
See you tomorrow at some breakfast dive.


TV:
6a SCI 42hr Twilight Zone marathon.
12:30 MTV 10hr 1998 top 100 countdown.


Free buses, trains, cabs home around midnight.
CTA, 708/836-7000, 312/836-7000 http://www.transitchicago.com

New Years Eve - Other:

Indoor inline skating specially open -11:45p, $5, great track. Fireworks at midnight - probably where I'll be.
Navy Pier, 312/595-PIER, 600 E Grand. http://www.navypier.com


"First Night Evanston" the nicest scene in town. Little if any alcohol.
Take purple line to Main. Fireworks, bands, good folk.


"New Years Bash" comp bottle champagne, dinner/room deals.
3 rooms: disco/retro, current hits, "Pink Flamingos" orchestra. Hyatt, 151 E Wacker, 312/552-2000, 8p-2a, $59 advance.


"1999 for 19.99" free Whirlyball, open bar, 9p-1a.
WhirlyBall Sports Bar, 800-8-WHIRLY, 1880 W Fullerton http://www.whirlyball.com


"Kiddie New Year", family oriented party 2-6p.
Shedd Aquarium, 312/939-2438, 1200 S Lake Shore. http://SheddAquarium.org


"Kona Kai Lounge" closes business tomorrow, one last night of wild Polynesian entertainment.
773/693-4444, O'Hare Marriot, taking reservations for dinner -10p, party past midnight.


"S.A.F.E. Night", DJs, dancing, magic, no substances.
Approximately 80 locations throughout Chicago, 312/747-2606.


"WXRT Rock-N-Roll Ball" 312/836-4338, "Crystal Countdown" 312/595-5441.
Navy Pier, 312/595-PIER, 600 E Grand. http://www.navypier.com


New Years Eve at the MCA, 9p, black tie, $100.
Museum of Contemporary Art, 312/280-2660, 220 E Chicago. http://www.mcachicago.org


"Techno Erotic Paganism" open bar, live music, deejays, visual and performance art
Charybdis, 773/486-4816, 1750 N Wolcott, 8p $20.

New Years Eve Concerts:

Joe Piscopo tribute to Frank Sinatra, two shows, w/ orchestra.
Black Orchid Showroom and Lounge, 312/944-2200, 230 W North (Piper's Alley).


Morphine, price? 10p.
Riviera Theatre, 312/275-6800, 4647 N Racine.


Local-H, 6:30p all ages $15, 11:30 21+ $50, Q101, open bar.
Metro, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark, 10p, 18+. http://www.metrochicago.com


Blues Traveller, 9p 18+ $35.
Aragon Ballroom, 773/561-9500, 1106 W Lawrence http://www.aragon.com


Chris Isaac w/ The New Radicals, Better Than Ezra.
House of Blues, 312/527-2583, 329 N Dearborn. http://www.hob.com/schedules/CHIbody.html


Ring in the new year with Liquid Soul, a great Chicago band, horns, rapper.
Roxie Nightclub, 630/236-0100, Aurora, $50, drinks, free food.


Michaelanjeo featuring Mike and Joe w/ Hello Dave plus Domestic Problems. $60 5hrs long includes drinks, 773/243-0020 tickets.
Rainbo (Roller Rink?), 773/271-6200, 4836 N Clark.


Hum, Dianogah and Heroic Doses, indie, 10p, $10.
Empty Bottle, 773/276-3600, 1035 N Western.


Cheap Trick w/ Million Yen, 10p, $100.
Double Door, 773/489-3160, 1572 N Milwaukee.


Bally Sagoo "The Godfather of Bhangra" ??? + DJs, snacks, open bar, champagne, 9p $65.
Union Station, 312/540-6733, 210 S Canal.


Swimmer, open bar, 8p doors, $65.
Elbo Room, 773/549-5549, 2871 N Lincoln.

New Years Eve Clubs:

"Last New Years Eve(r)" this Chicago institution closes next week. Good dance floor and decor.
Neo, 773/528-2622, 2350 N Clark, $15 advance. I spent 1995.12.31 here, it was nice, I'll miss it. http://www.pcc.net/cybercage/neo


"The Beernuts" play live, usual semi-punk dance scene.
Exit, 312/395-2700, 1315 W North, $15 advance.


"Times Square" 3 parties, 3000 people, 70s revue.
Excalibur, 312/266-1944, 632 N Dearborn http://www.ACEplaces.com/x


"New Years Eve - Dragon Style" $35 advance, sushi, Asian buffet, 9p-mid open bar.
Dragon Room, 312/751-2900, 809 W Evergreen. http://www.dragonchicago.com


"Interactive" Teri Bristol and Psycho Bitch, free drinks and buffet, $50, 9p-2a.
Crobar, 312/413-7000, 1543 N Kingsbury, who still likes house music?


Music of 1998, buffet, three rooms, Medusa/UltraSound, more.
Karma, 312/321-1331, 318 W Grand, $35. http://www.karmachicago.com


No nonsense, just decent drink and dance, $40, limited space.
Liar's Club, 773/665-1110, 1665 W Fullerton.


"Last Disco of the Decade" doors 7:30p, finger food, Tang, $100 couple, $75 single.
Polly Esther's, 312/664-0777, 213 W Institute http://www.pollyesthers.com/chicago.htm


"House Party" (8th)
Ten56, 773/227-4906, 1056 N Damen.


"First Annual New Years Eve Party" 5 DJs, 4 hrs buffet, 3 rooms, 2 floors, 1...
Mint, 312/492-MINT, 820 W Lake, $55.


"Party Like It's 1979" retro DJ, dinner at Magnum's first.
Faces, 312/440-3223, 223 W Ontario. http://www.ACEplaces.com/faces


DJ Jesse De La Pena and African percussionists., various package deals $25-100.
Funky Buddha Lounge, 312/666-1695, 728 W Grand.


DJs spin trip hop, drum-n-bass, old school, buffet, open bar, 8p $55.
Big Wig, 773/235-9100, 1551 W Division.


Open bar, dinner buffet, $45-65 9p.
Cirque, 312/409-8537, 901 W Weed.


"1999 Extravaganza" three rooms, 9p-4a, $150-350?!?
Convent, 773/395-8660, 1529 W Armitage.


"Madbeats 1999: Chicago Style" DJs Mazi, Dr Groo, Glyde, Hiroki, Milkru.
Dock Five, 312/458-0939, 1520 N Fremont, 9p-5a $15. All ages, good tunes, no alcohol.


"Welcome To Pleasuredome" pan-sexual party frenzy.
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont, 5p $5.


"American Gothic Productions" party, My Scarlet Life, DJ Scary Lady Sarah, much more.
The Lab, 329 N Bell, $30 ($25 adv) 773-278-GOTH.


"Setting Trends - Not Following Them" open bar -midnt, Champagne, Uncle Miltie, $40.
Elixir, 312/258-0523, 325 N Jefferson.

1998.12.25