Chicago tips

Hear The Dave Brubeck Quartet At Fourth Pres

current calendar, music, culture

I've never seen Dave Brubeck live but this is my chance and yours.  He and the Dave Brubeck Quartet will perform at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut at Michigan, Wednesday, October 11 at 7:30PM.  Tickets are still available as of today.

Brubeck is one of the best known jazz greats of all time.  His "Take Five" with the Quartet is the first jazz production to sell over a million copies.  The original Quartet disbanded 36 years ago, though Dave, a musical explorer par excellence, continues to innovate with the current group.

The first half of the program will include  "Take Five" and other favorities and the second half  will feature the Quartet, the Fourth Church Morning Choir and Tower Brass performing selections from Dave Brubeck's Sacred Oratorios.

Enjoy the photos of Dave, then and now (at 84).

Tickets are $20-$50, and at this time the most efficient way to obtain them is by credit card through www.ticketweb.com.  You might call the number below to see if you can still pick them up at the church, cash or check only.  All seats are unreserved.  See you at the concert!

Dave Brubeck an the Dave Brubeck Quartet, Fouth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut.  312.787.2729 between 9AM and 3PM weekdays for ticket info.

Where In Chicago Can You See This?

culture

I'm trying to think of an "incentive" but perhaps you're just a curious person or know the city and its' "look" so well that this won't be a problem for you at all.

You've probably guessed that I carry my tiny camera with me at all times just in case.

This time I was bicycling in an area that's not too heavily trafficked (hint) and I though this image was camera worthy.  It's clear that it's been in place for a while but it still holds its own.

By all means, let me know if you find it.

Gasoline Prices Actually Fall A Bit

shopping

While meandering around town today I was pleased to spot three stations with lower prices (at last).  They're all close together but also in the Lincoln Park area so I'll bet you can find some at least this reasonable where you live as well.

Prices today were $2.79 for regular up to $2.99 for "ultimate" or whatever and the stations are:  1) A BP at Diversey and Southport;  2) The Shell at Diversey and Lincoln and 3) The Mobil at Lincoln and Seminary.  There's a station on Halsted just north of Division where the price recently was $2.85, but it may be less now.  I also saw it for $3.23 at my old standby at Clybourn and Diversey (I think there's been a change in ownership), so you can see, there's really an appreciable difference around town. 

Turn ON Your Cell For This Concert!

current calendar, music, culture

The Chicago Sinfonietta needs you and your cell phone,  Monday, October 2 at Orchestra Hall at 7:30 PM.  It's for the world premier of David Baker's Concertino for Cell Phones and Orchestra.

Do hurry because tickets are selling very quickly.  The same program will be presented at Dominican University, 7300 W. Division in River Forest on Sunday, October 1 at 2:30 PM.  (See photo of composer David Baker at left.)  Call 312.236.3681, extension 2 for tickets.
Orchestra Hall and Dominican University are the two permanent performance halls for the orchestra.

Yes, there are other offerings on the program including Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Major. 

The Chicago Sinfonietta is celebrating its' 20th anniversary this year and its' mission, "Musical Excellence through Diversity" captivated my attention right away.  The innovative programming includes, classical, romantic and contemporary offerings and the artistry is of the highest professional quality.  That's no doubt why they're the official orchestra of The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago.  The diversity of the group is reflective of the very rich cultural landscape Chicago offers.

Mark your calendar right now with the dates:  Nov.7;  Jan. 15;  March 19;  June 4.  All these performances will be at Orchestra Hall at 7:30PM;  duplicates at Dominican University ...check website below for other presentations and complete orchestra schedule.

Access Chicago Sinfonietta's excellent website http://www.chicagosinfonietta.org and you'll learn much more. Featured artists may be as prominent as Poi Dog Pondering and Rachel Barton Pine or lesser known talented musicians you've yet to encounter.

Their education and outreach after-school program, for '06 and '07 is available at no cost to participating schools and is aimed at 3rd through 8th graders.  There are additional educational programs as well, such as Audience Matters and SEED, among others.  Call Erika Walton at 312.236.3681, extension 1552 for all kinds of info.

If you're looking for musicians for a special event, large or small, a corporate gathering or an intimate wedding, Chicago Sinfonietta can assist.  They'll help with program and instrument choice too.  Roughly speaking, costs are from $150 to $300 per musician per hour.  I love this idea, having found a harpist for my sister-in-law's home wedding many years ago.  Call Erika for this too.

The Sinfonietta is always looking for volunteers for the variety of such opportunities it offers throughout the year.  For each three hour volunteer stint you will be given one free concert ticket!

Chicago Sinfonietta, 312.236.3681.

What Exactly Happened To The Berghoff?

food and drink

I thought The Berghoff had actually disappeared!  Yes, but a resounding No.  Recently I walked by the well-known 107 year old Chicago landmark restaurant and noted a couple of confused passersby and would-be diners trying to figure out what was going on at 17 W. Adams.  So was I. 

Although The Berghoff in its most recent incarnation has indeed closed, Carlyn Berghoff the daughter of the restaurant's owners has established 17 West and the Berghoff Cafe, so afficionados may still enjoy some of the old standbys.  I'm not saying the food is to die for, nor was it ever, but if you order carefully you can find some very good things.

17 West, open for lunch and dinner, offers the well-known Weiner Schnizel and Sauerbraten of its' predecessor along with lighter fare such as salads, and soups and sandwiches as well.  The Berghoff Cafe down below serves lunch on premises in a casual venue, or one can order online for pickup between 11AM and 2:30PM daily.  Choices here include pizza, pasta, sandwiches, soups and salads.

Much of this is about tradition, location and time.  If, for example you are going to the Chicago Symphony, this is still a good bet.  There just aren't any truly wonderful dining places in this section of the Loop.

Carlyn is the owner of "Artistic Events by Carlyn Berghoff Catering Inc." and appears to have her finger in all kinds of pies in addition to the two "new" restaurants.  She caters off site events and has a special venue, The Century Room on site for the right kind of party.

Checkout http://www.theberghoff.com for menu info, history, current status, logo dinnerware and more.

I unearthed a December 2005 ABC news report that mentioned that the federal government was acquiring many of the buildings in the same block as the Berghoff property.  It doesn't look like any big changes are imminent  but why not get there while you can?

At the Berghoff address:  17 West, Berghoff Cafe, both at 17 West Adams in the Loop.

View Elegant Japanese Baskets Through 9/24; Lecture 9/21

current calendar, culture

An unusual opportunity at the Cultural Center...Hin:  The Quiet Beauty Of Japanese Bamboo Art gives you a chance to see amazing works fashioned from bamboo and other materials appropriate to the craft.  In Japan, Hin is defined as "graceful, refined, elegant and dignified" which describes these pieces perfectly.

The baskets on display are from private and museum collections across the U.S.  The wide variety of designs and techniques used to achieve them is truly remarkable.

This craft is a tradition that's been carried on for many centuries and is practiced in Japan by creative and perfectionistic masters today.  The apprentice system is still used together with family tradition.  Some of the baskets displayed are utilitarian;  others are the by-products of their creator's fantasy.

The very subtle yet complex basket by Fujitsuka Shosei pictured here is one of the many woven  puzzles displayed.  One is intrigued to try to figure out just how the design was achieved.

To help you learn more come to the lecture at the Yates Gallery of the Cultural Center this Thursday, September 21 at 12:15 PM.  Douglas Dawson, the owner of the Chicago gallery of the same name will be happy to broaden your experience.

Hin:  The Quiet Beauty Of Japanese Bamboo Art, Chicago Cultural Center 78 E. Washington at Michigan, through September 24.

Venture Forth To See O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey"

culture, current calendar

Last night we took advantage of a unique theatrical offering, the presentation of Eugene O'Neill's masterwork, and 1957 Pulitzer prize winner, "A Long Day's Journey Into Night" being staged by The Gift Theatre Company, many of whose members were trained at the School at Steppenwolf.  This work is considered one of the great plays of the 20th century.

You may know that Chicago's "off Broadway" venues number over 100 but you may not know where to find the best offerings.  This production received deservedly high marks as a Chicago Reader "Critic's Choice".

The small cast has deftly pulled off the depiction of O'Neill's own dysfunctional family in extremely demanding roles.  The production is a four hour saga, riveting throughout, notwithstanding the ca 1912 action of this striving Irish Catholic clan. The roles of the fragile, drug addicted mother, the ambivalently successful alcoholic father and the faltering sons all require enormous effort from the actors, both individually and as an ensemble.  The play takes place as the young O'Neill is just beginning to find his way as the poetic chronicler he becomes...one of this country's finest playwrights.  Just listen to the language. 

Players include John Kelly Connolly, Brendan Donaldson, Alexandra Main, Susan Redman and Gary Wingert.  Michael Patrick Thornton directs.

A special advantage of this storefront theater is the small audience seating area which results in an unusually intimate contact with the actors.  This is Gift Theatre's new, albeit modest home, after some years of gypsy-like wanderings when the space of other groups was their venue. 

C'mon, you can get there even if it's not downtown.  Are you that mainstream?  It's a marvelous reward for the minimal travel effort.  Just phone and they'll reserve you a seat or call if they don't have one available.  General admission tickets are $20 for Thursday, Friday and Sunday matinee performances and $25 on Saturdays.  Tickets may also be purchased on the theater website, see below.

The play closes on October 15.

The Gift Theatre Company, 4802 N. Milwaukee Av., 773.283.7071. www.thegifttheatre.org

Outsider Art Can Pull You Right In: Join The Celebration!

current calendar, culture

Intuit's 15th anniversary exhibit, "Take Me To The River" begins  Friday September 15 at this non-profit organization's truly riveting gallery, inauspiciously located at 756 N. Milwaukee Av.  The opening reception is from 5-8PM and all are welcome.

Intuit:  The Center For Intuitive And Outsider Art  has made a real mark on the cultural life of the city. It has exposed many thousands of locals and visitors from  the U.S. and abroad to this field of remarkable work done by gifted but untrained American artists who have felt an inner need to make their own highly idiosyncratic artwork.  Often these talented creators don't even think of their production as art; they simply want to express themselves in their own particular way.

Trained artists and their instructors in Chicago were among the first to become aware of this genre so it was right here that the field gained credibility.

For example, the arresting image above was done by Joseph Yoakum, who was of African-American and Native American descent.  He began drawing his fantastic landscapes and some portraits in the early 1950s  when he was in his 60s.  Most had inscriptions depicting imaginary places (see sample photo, courtesy the Carl Hammer Gallery).  Yoakum had travelled the world (although some places were visited in his own head), beginning at the age of 9 when he joined the Great Wallace Circus.   He became a bill poster for other circuses including Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and the Ringling Brothers, eventually settling in Missouri and later in Chicago.

Discover this and other especially marvelous images since the exhibit has been culled from a variety of auspicious collections by a curator with an eagle eye, Ken Burkhart.  You can meet him and other friendly afficionados at the opening.  (I'll be there too.)

While you're at it, consider joining Intuit. You'll be automatically subscribed to their fine magazine, "The Outsider" and will receive info on multiple upcoming events such as the three panel discussions on September 16, October 14, and November 4 involving knowledgeable scholars in the field.

Also check out their website www.art.org for tons of info and links.

Intuit:  The Center For Intuitive And Outsider Art, 756 North Milwaukee Av., 312.243.9088.  Anniversary reception, Friday, Sept.15 from 5-8PM.

The New Sunflower Market; Still More Healthy Food For You On Clybourn

food and drink, shopping

A bit tricky to find the first time and easier to see if you're coming from the south, Sunflower Market opened just prior to the Labor Day weekend at 1910 N. Clybourn, not far from its' predecessors in this arena, Whole Foods and Trader Joes. 

The space is large with plenty of parking but when I visited yesterday in the late afternoon there weren't many customers.  Opening around Labor Day could have been a good way to get the kinks out but it appears that a good ad campaign might help now.  This is a small chain with a store in Indianapolis and two more about to open in Columbus, OH.

The emphasis is on all organic everything whenever possible.  Produce is plentiful and there's even a refrigerated room (brr, bring a sweater) for the more perishable items, a smart idea.  A good selection of organic meats and nice looking breads, including terrific local Red Hen Bread, thus saving you a trip to their bakery.  Those marvelous Capriole goat cheeses from Judy Schad of Greenville, IN are here and the variety of cheeses offered is more than Trader Joes but less than Whole Foods.

Some camparison shoppers were overheard exclaiming that Tazo teas are less here.  There's a huge assortment of items from Burt's Bees at what appeared to be low prices.

If you like sorbet, I highly recommend the impossible-to-find-elsewhere blueberry.  All in all, you'll have to go there yourself to decide whether this place should be one of your regular stops.

Sunflower Market, 1910 N. Clybourn, 773.348.4667.

Fall Fashion Is Right Out There

culture

Despite a bit of nostalgia for the summer season I ventured forth this morning, the first day after Labor Day, to wait for the "El" at Fullerton.  I couldn't resist sneaking these pix since they seemed emblematic of the approach of fall.  Be sure to click to enlarge and appreciate more fully.

The leggy young woman at right was "done" from head to toe with her heavy knit cap and her wrapped suede boots, despite the mid 70's temperature.  Also gazillion gold-tone bracelets on both wrists.

Barely had I captured her image when the gentleman with the gray dreadlocks appeared.  Moving around to get a closer shot, I couldn't determine whether they were real or attached to his headgear.   

This is the same platform I used to campaign for Barak Obama when he was running for senator in the primary.  I was stunned by the apathy of what I assumed were young voters  (I moved my campaign downtown with more success.)

It's a happening platform right now with the trains' schedule all muddled due to construction of the new Brown Line facilities.  This means there are more folks waiting, and thank goodness they're oblivious to my camera!