1999.09.17 (week 116)
It's All About The Balance, Baby!
It's All About The Balance, Baby!
Examples abound! Happy birthday Libras (the balance),
and a great warrior howl to the sun and the moon on
the Equinox! Resfest brings as much visuals of the
future as Celtic Fest does sounds of the past
and Heart Walk participants heal the luscious excesses
of the Berghoff Oktoberfest. Twin Falls Idaho opens,
a balanced love story of conjoined twins (also the remastered
Yellow Submarine is here) but even the huge Zazz
Bash (objective: marriage) can't
balance Donny and Marie hosting the Miss America Pagent.
Tori Amos and Nine Inch Nails both introduce new albums;
net result, balance. Citizenship Day celebrates new
Americans, even as the Autumn Moon Festival celebrates
ancient Chineseness; and as the World Music Festival
celebrates the all, Self Magazine Workout in the Park
celebrates the power of one (albeit in a large group).
The Cubs play in town every day this week, but it's OK,
there are massive art happenings. Don't miss the
River North Gallery District openings, really.
There's Princess Layer Cakes' Vodou Boudoir, Avant-Garb
and Under The Picasso stuff all week.
Say goodbye to the Swiss Village downtown, the Grant
Park Music Festival and the Midnight Circus, but
welcome the new Miss Italian American.
Mass Ensemble harmonizes with the earth on a grand
scale at the Field this weekend (for the last times). I saw them, pretty awesome.
Also worth doing are the five hot events at the
Chicago Botanic Gardens before the weather goes cold.
This week also has Quantum Leap and Bill Murray marathons
for the grownups, and the Great American Wagon Pull and
Chicago Imprints Summer Party benefiting the kids.
And finally Yom Kippur, Peace Day and the Komen Race for the Cure,
versus the Taste of Romania meat fest.
It's a damn good drum-n-bass week, with DJ Rap, Ming & FS,
Snuggles, 3D and Roni Size. There's also Manic Street
Preachers, Remy Zero, Enemymine, Shooglenifty, Tricky,
a New Power Party; and for the boomers, Alan Parsons
Project (v2.0) and Robert Palmer. To alterphrase Thomas
Edison on balance, success is 1% inspiration and 99% recreation!
Ongoing:
- FINAL DAYS - Swiss Village downtown. Great lunch hour stop. -Saturday Free 11a-7p.
- Two dozen exhibits of sister city products and services, dance, music, art, food.
http://www.swissweek.com
Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington, 5:30p, 773/486-4861.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/SpecialEvents/Festivals99/SwissFestival.html
- FINAL DAYS - Berghoff Oktoberfest, Deutsch food and music. -Saturday 11a-9p.
- Federal Plaza, Jackson and Clark in da loop. BWM raffle.
http://www.berghoff.com
- FINAL DAYS - Grant Park Music Festival, mostly classical, mostly weekends, mostly 7:30p.
- Grant Park, 312/742-GPMF, -Tuesday.
http://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com
- Chicago Summerdance, lessons, dancing, bands, many styles, Th-Su.
- Lessons 6p-7p, dancing 7-9:30p, except ballroom Sunday lessons 2p-3p dance -5p.
Grant Park, 312/744-6630, cancelled if rain, -1999.09.26.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/Summerdance/summerdance0999.html
- Cows On Parade, around 300 life size statues decorated by artists, free -1999.10.31.
- All over Michigan Avenue and assorted other major Chicago locations.
http://www.cowsonparade.net
- Twin Falls Idaho, conjoined twins romance (Yow!), various times.
- ALSO! Yellow Submarine and Zardoz (a personal fave) midnite Fr-Sa.
Music Box, 773/871-6604, 3733 N Southport. Bladeable!
http://www.musicboxtheatre.com
- Movies:
- Get Bruce, Outside Providence, Dudley Do-Right, Better Than Chocolate, The Muse, Bowfinger,
Mystery Men, Dick, Detroit Rock City, Runaway Bride, Inspector Gadget, Iron Giant,
Eyes Wide Shut, Muppets From Space, Phennis The Menace, Wild Wild West, South Park,
Austin Powers, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Matrix, American Pie, ...
http://bedno.com/movies
- FINAL WEEK - Midnight Circus, theatrically acclaimed, one ring, Fr 8p, Sa 5/8:30p, Su 8p.
- Ivanhoe Theater, 773/975-7171, 750 W Wellington, -1999.09.26.
http://www.midnightcircus.net
- Rhinoceros Theater Festival (10th), big showcase of new (experimental) plays.
- Lunar Cabaret, 773/327-6666, 2827 N Lincoln, nightly, $10 obo, -1998.10.02.
http://enteract.com/~jemlunar/rhino.html
- WAY too much more GREAT dance and art and drama and comedy and poetry and music to cover.
- Get yourself a Reader (http://www.chireader.com).
- ENDS SOON - It's Apple Picking Season! Easier to get to than you might think.
- Illinois and neighboring states.
http://bedno.com/find.php?s=apple
Friday 1999.09.17:
- Citizenship Day.
- Recognizes those who became American citizens in the preceding year. Hi DQ!
http://www.ins.usdoj.gov
- American Heart Walk, benefit to fight our most mortal enemy. 15K people, 9 locations, -Sunday.
- American Heart Association, 312/346-4675.
http://www.americanheart.org/il/Chicago
- Taste of Romania, roast pig, lamb and ox, music, and Dracula brand beer, 10a-10p.
- Wellington from Ashland to Paulina, 773/929-8640.
http://hometown.aol.com/simonagscu/romancook.html
- Cubs host Brewers, WGN, 2:20p.
- Wrigley Field, http://www.cubs.com
- Biggest River North Gallery District openings night, over 20 new shows, best 5-8p.
- Start at Corner of Superior and Franklin, 312/670-2060, Brown line train Chicago stop.
See http://www.caconline.org or http://www.artline.com
- Nancy Josephson, Princess Layer Cakes' Vodou Boudoir, opening party 5-8p.
- Bejeweled furniture. One of her art cars will also be there!
Judy Saslow Gallery, 312/943-0530, 300 W Superior, Tu-Sa 10a-6p -1999.10.09.
http://www.jsaslowgallery.com
- Avant-Garb, art created from fashion items, opening reception 5-7p.
- Textile Arts Center, 773/929-5655, 916 W Diversey -1999.11.07.
http://collaboratory.acns.nwu.edu/textilearts
- Zazz Bash, 7000 singles?!? For charity. Food, bands, Y2k hype, marriage, $30 6p-2a.
- Simultaneously at Excalibur, Hard Rock Cafe, Rainforest Cafe and Portillo's.
https://www.suntimes.com/zazzbash.html
- Brew&View, smoking, heckling, drink deals, fun!
- 8p (Fr-We): "Austin Powers II" Mike Myers vs. Mike Myers.
10p (Fr-We): "South Park B.L.&U." Parker&Stone vs. MPAA.
11:30p (Fr-Sa): "The Matrix" Reeves, Fishburne, Moss, Weaving vs. VR.
312/618-VIEW, 3145 N Sheffield, Belmont red line stop. Hi Dennis!
http://www.brewview.com
- Resfest (3rd), Digital Film Festival -Sunday. Shorts tonight, $8 8p.
- Technologically advanced indie video/animated works. Great music vids.
http://www.resfest.com
Museum of Contemporary Art, 312/280-2660, 220 E Chicago.
http://www.mcachicago.org
- Cosmix, pansexual dance party, DJ Greg Haus spins electronica, 10p-4a.
- Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont, (at the Belmont train stop) Hi Greg!
http://www.hauswerkz.com
- Space Ghost Coast To Coast, the strangest talk show in the galaxy, 10p.
- TOON on cable, tape it, also see 10:30p Freakazoid and 8p Power Puff Girls.
http://www.cartoon-network.com
- Strictly Jungle, outstanding radio show! Best on far North side, 11p.
- 89.3 WNUI, 847/866-WNUI (-9687), 312/409-7249 vmail, simul-web-cast.
http://jungle.ffwd.com/sjc
Saturday 1999.09.18:
- Farmers Markets
- Armitage and Halsted (Lincoln Park) 7a-2p.
Belle Plaine, Damen, Lincoln (North Center Town Square) 7a-2p.
Clark and Maple (NWU, Evanston), 7:30a-12:30p.
Elm and Dearborn (Near North) 7a-2p.
Grace/Broadway/Halsted (North Halsted) 7a-2p.
Iowa and Central (Austin) 7a-2p.
Polk and Dearborn (Printers Row) 7a-2p.
Thorndale and Broadway (Edgewater) 7a-2p.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us./WorksMart/ConsumerServices/FarmersMarket/Schedule.html
- Komen Race for the Cure (Breast Cancer), 5k run/1mi walk, $15 register before 8:30a.
- Grant Park, 312/920.6363, USATF certified, 8000 entrants expected.
http://www.chicagoraceforthecure.org
- Self Magazine Workout in the Park, benefits Komen, thousands expected, $15 10a-3p.
- Wide variety of fitness and new age activities, demos, fun stuff.
Lincoln Park south of the zoo, 888/844-SELF.
http://www.self.com/phys_wip
- Chicago Neighborhood Tour: South Side/Bronzeville, 4hr, $30, departs 10a.
- Chicago Cultural Center, 312/742-1190, 77 E Randolph, bring a snack.
http://www.chgocitytours.com
- Great American Wagon Pull (3rd), event features giant (7 ton) Radio Flyer, 10a-noon.
- Bring your wagon, free lunch, passes, t-shirts, benefits child abuse prevention.
http://www.chicagoevents.com/WagonPullMain99.html
Navy Pier, 312/595-PIER, 600 E Grand.
http://www.navypier.com
- Taste of Romania, roast pig, lamb and ox, music, and Dracula brand beer, 10a-10p.
- Wellington from Ashland to Paulina, 773/929-8640.
http://hometown.aol.com/simonagscu/romancook.html
- Chicago Celtic Festival (3rd), music all day on two stages, 11:30a-9:30p.
- A must see for Celtiphiles and others nostalgic for the dark ages.
Grant Park, 312/744-0532, also Sunday. Hi Carlee!
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/SpecialEvents/Festivals99/CelticFest99
- Peace Day (22nd), performances, mass focus and visualization, 11a-1p.
- Sponsors: Peace School, Amnesty Int'l, Peace Museum, ...
Harold Washington Library auditorium, 312/747-4300, 400 S State.
http://www.peacemuseum.org
- Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival (6th), much revelry, 12:30p(parade)-7p.
- A harvest observance, ceremonial dances, moon cakes, match-making.
Chinatown, 24th and Wentworth to Archer, 312/326-5320.
http://www.intheloop.net/newsstand/life/091197/moon.html
- Cubs host Brewers, WGN, 3:05p.
- Wrigley Field, http://www.cubs.com
- Manic Street Preachers, Remy Zero, all ages $10 doors 6p.
- Metro, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark.
http://www.metrochicago.com
- Miss America Pagent (79th) Eeeek! Donny and Marie host!?!, live 3hr 7p.
- ABC (ch. 7) http://www.missamerica.com.
- Resfest (3rd), Cinema Electronica, -Sunday. Music related tonight, $8 8p and 10p.
- Technologically advanced indie video/animated works. Great music vids!
http://www.resfest.com
Museum of Contemporary Art, 312/280-2660, 220 E Chicago.
http://www.mcachicago.org
- Alan Parsons Project. Their music was playing when I lost my virginity. 21+ $25 8p.
- House of Blues, 312/527-2583, 329 N Dearborn.
http://www.hob.com/bin/calendar.pl?VENUE=CHI
- Chicago Imprints Summer Party benefit, free beer/liq/pop/snax, $40 8p-midnt.
- Hello Dave plays. For Hephzibah Assoc. abused, abandoned, neglected children.
Joe's, 312/337-3486, 940 W Weed. Info: Todd 312/297-7650.
http://www.joesbar.com
Sunday 1999.09.19:
- Yom Kippur, Jewish Day of Atonement, begins at sunset.
- For once, this year, I have things for which to atone. Sorry.
Strictly speaking, one has not atoned until forgiven by the wronged party.
Give to charity, reflect, change, and for 24hrs do not eat, no leather, bathing, sex or frivolity.
http://judaism.miningco.com
- Miss Italian American contest, 18-23, "no talent required".
- Wins $1000 and becomes Columbus day queen. Palmer House, 312/828-0010 info.
http://www.italian-american.com/noiaw.htm
- Get Set, Get Ready, Grow (2nd), 5K run/walk, kids gallop, awards, 8:30a.
- http://www.caprievents.com/botanic
Chicago Botanic Gardens, 847/835-5440, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
http://www.chicago-botanic.org
- Taste of Romania, roast pig, lamb and ox, music, and Dracula brand beer, 10a-10p.
- Wellington from Ashland to Paulina, 773/929-8640.
http://hometown.aol.com/simonagscu/romancook.html
- Chicago Celtic Festival (3rd), music all day on two stages, 11:30a-9:30p.
- Grant Park, 312/744-0532, a must see for Celtiphiles.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/SpecialEvents/Festivals99/CelticFest99
- TV marathons:
- Bill Murray movies, noon-11p, COM http://www.comedycentral.com
Quantum Leap, 6p-2a, SCI http://www.scifi.com
Also note: season premiers this week of Voyager (We) and Friends (Th).
- Bears host Seattle Seahawks, on CBS and WMAQ (670AM), noon.
- Soldiers Field, 425 McFetridge Pl.
http://www.chicagobears.com
- Cubs host Brewers, WGN, 1:20p.
- Wrigley Field, http://www.cubs.com
- Resfest (3rd), Cinema Electronica. See site for films, $8 2p/4p/7p.
- Technologically advanced indie video/animated works. Great music vids.
http://www.resfest.com
Museum of Contemporary Art, 312/280-2660, 220 E Chicago.
http://www.mcachicago.org
- New Power Party, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince night, DJ Samnation.
- Movie at 8p, Dancing from 10p. Hi Sam!
Berlin, 773/348-4975, 954 W Belmont, (at the Belmont train stop).
http://www.emale.com/chi-nation/index99.html
- Liquid Soul, great band with a rapper and horn section, 9p-mdnt.
- Double Door, 312/489-3160, 1572 N Milwaukee
http://www.doubledoor.com
- Breakbeat Era: DJs Roni Size, Die, others. Major drum-n-bass-lite show, $20 18+ doors 9p.
- Metro, 773/549-0203, 3730 N Clark.
http://www.metrochicago.com
- Friktion, good jungle/d-n-b DJs, quite casual, 21+ $3 9p-2a.
- May show: Snuggles, Ry-N, Danny The WildChild, Phixx, Groo, 3D, Current,
Glyde, Phantom 45, Casper, Entropy, Hunter, ... Sometimes too reggae.
Empty Bottle, 773/276-3600, 1035 N Western. Hi DJs!
http://www.emptybottle.com
Monday 1999.09.20:
- Under The Picasso, performances daily in Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington, noon.
- Mon: P.O.W. and M.I.A. Observance, features naval brass quintet.
Tue: San Jose Taiko, inspired by traditional Japanese drumming.
Wed: Olodum, Afro-Brazilian percussionists do Samba and more.
Fri: Austria America Day, musical variety.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/Picasso/PicassoSeptemberCalendar/9909picasso1.html
- Cubs host Cardinals, Fox Sports Net, 7:05p.
- Wrigley Field, http://www.cubs.com
- Robert Palmer, this man is way cool. 21+ $25 7:30p.
- House of Blues, 312/527-2583, 329 N Dearborn.
http://www.hob.com/bin/calendar.pl?VENUE=CHI
- Enemymine (= 2 bassists + 1 drummer!), Pinebender, Horse & Rider, not lite, $7 9:30p.
- Empty Bottle, 773/276-3600, 1035 N Western.
http://www.emptybottle.com
- Chrome, Jungle DJs, rapping, break dancing, best at 10p.
- MadBar, 773/BAR-BAR7, 1640 N Damen
http://www.madbar.com
Tuesday 1999.09.21:
- Farmers Markets
- Federal Plaza (Dearborn and Adams) 7a-3p.
Lincoln/Leland/Western (Lincoln Square) 7a-2p.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us./WorksMart/ConsumerServices/FarmersMarket/Schedule.html
- New albums due out today from Tori Amos and Nine Inch Nails!
- http://www.cdnow.com
- Cubs host Cardinals, Fox Sports Net, 7:05p.
- Wrigley Field, http://www.cubs.com
- World Music Festival starts, 40 events/25 countries/9 days, -1999.09.30.
- Multiple major venues, 312/742-1938. See site for schedule:
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/WorldMusic
- World Music: Shooglenifty, reportedly radical live show, reception, free, 9p.
- (Also Wednesday at 12:30p on WNUR 89.3FM)
HotHouse, 312/362-9707, 31 E Balbo.
http://www.hothouse.net
- Nocturna, Goth w/ DJ Scary Lady Sarah, THE weekly gathering of darker souls.
- Smart Bar, 773/549-4140, 3730 N Clark, near 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 1999.09.22:
- Cubs host Cardinals, WGN, 1:20p.
- Wrigley Field, http://www.cubs.com
- FINAL SHOW - Free Vanautu, sketch comedy troup, $8 8:30p.
- The Trap Door Theater, 1655 W Cortland.
http://members.tripod.com/freevanautu
- Seminar, (drum-n-)Bass By The Pound, good DJs, $3 21+ 9p-2a.
- Chicago vinyl junglist Dr. Groo rinses classics.
Great tunes, cool decor, good drink selection, but no place to dance.
Big Wig, 773/235-9100, 1551 W Division.
- Lunacy, cheap drinks, ladies free, industrial, SM/tattoos, pretty darn HOT, $5 10p.
- Dress well, no tennis shoes. Sometimes too much house music.
Crobar, 312/413-7000, 1543 N Kingsbury.
http://www.gilburns.com
Thursday 1999.09.23:
- Autumnal Equinox, night and day are equal length, official start of fall.
- http://www.earthsky.com/Features/Skywatching
- Start of Libra, astrological sign, the balance.
- http://www.astrology.com
- Farmers Markets
- 52nd Place and Harper (Hyde Park) 7a-2p.
Lake Street at Beaubien Court (Prudential Plaza) 7a-3p.
Washington between Dearborn and Clark (Daley Plaza), 7a-3p.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us./WorksMart/ConsumerServices/FarmersMarket/Schedule.html
- Cubs host Pirates, Fox Sports Net, 7:05p.
- Wrigley Field, http://www.cubs.com
- Really special downtown happenings and late hours. See the web site!
- MCA, Randolph Cafe, Shubert Theater, Shedd Aquarium (Jazz), more.
http://www.dtnchicago.com
- DJ Rap spinning and signing her seriously great new dark dance CD, 7p.
- Tower Records, 773/477-5994, 2301 N Clark.
http://www.djrap.com
- Tricky, new uninteresting album out, 18+ $18 8p.
- Vic Theatre, 773/472-0449, 3145 N Sheffield.
http://www.victheatre.com
- Drum-N-Bass night, Ming & FS, Snuggles, 3D, great line-up! 9p-4a.
- Free with VIP card printable from their web site.
Dragon Room, 312/751-2900, 809 W Evergreen. Hi DJs!
http://www.dragonroomchicago.com
- Adult skate w/ bar, hip-hop/urban, 18+ $7 9:30p-3a (FrSa mid-4a, Su 8p-1a).
- Rainbo, 773/271-6200, 4836 N Clark.
http://www.skaters.com
Museums:
- WEEKEND: Fruit and Vegetable Garden culinary demonstrations.
- Also shows by Gourd Society, Indoor Gardeners, Dahlia Society.
Also large scale animal shaped topiary -1999.10.03.
Chicago Botanic Gardens, 847/835-5440, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
World class, gorgeous in summer, easy to get to, great restaurant.
http://www.chicago-botanic.org
- Victor Skrebneski: the first 50 years. Famous fashion photog, -1999.11.06 free.
- Mo-We,Fr 10a-5p, Th 10a-8p, Sa noon-5p.
Museum of Contemporary Photography, 312/663-5554, 600 S Michigan.
http://w4.ci.chi.il.us./tourism/museums/MCPInf.html
- NEW: Roy Lichtenstein -1999.10.10, Examining Pictures -1999.09.19.
- Museum of Contemporary Art, 312/280-2660, 220 E Chicago.
Mon closed, Tu 10a-8p free, We-Su 10a-5p.
http://www.mcachicago.org
- Variety of VERY interesting works. See the web site.
EMBODYdisembody: seven artists synthesize art, science and the body -1999.10.03
- Chicago Cultural Center, 312/744-2400, 78 E Washington.
Free. Mo-We 10a-7p, Th 10a-9p, Fr 10a-6p, Sa 10a-5p, Su 11a-5p.
Also good stuff at the Randolph Cafe daily at 1p, late Thursdays.
http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Tourism/CulturalCenter
- 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.
NEW featuring 11 monumental Keith Haring sculptures outdoors -1999.09.12.
NEW Omni Laser Fantasy. 20KW music visual immersion experience Fr-Su.
NEW Science of the Theme Park exhibit, take your kid.
- 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
- NEW: 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
Future Mass Ensemble performances on the harp: 1999.09.18 1p, 1999.09.19 3p, 1999.09.21 5p.
http://www.massensemble.com
- Lego downtown, 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.
NEW 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/
- Masterpieces and other stodgy stuff (16th century Polish works?!?!).
- Bill Viola large video installations -2000.01.09.
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!
Some of you may have noticed from last week's first paragraph,
that it was the special sleep deprivation issue. Whew!
Dropped from this issue due to space:
Saturday 16mm film Jamboree at Chris & Heather's Record Roundup.
Weekend YMCA youth extreme sports event in Downers Grove,
Weekend Native American PowWow in River Forest.
Thursday book signings by Meat Loaf and Bob Zmuda.
Thursday Gold Coast Fashion Award Show (44th).
1999.09.17