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Culture Fri Jan 31 2014
Black History Month: Editor's Picks
Photo: Kartemquin Films.
February marks Black History Month, which has historically been designated as a time for celebration and observance of the achievements and contributions made by blacks in America. Culturally speaking, Chicago always boasts a diverse mix of special events, shows, and performances; here, I've listed a few highlights worth checking out.
COMEDY
Light It Up Comedy Jam
Kick off the month with comedy from some of the industry's hottest comedians including Luenell (Taken 2, That's My Boy), Lavell Crawford, Michael Blackson, Benji Brown and Chicago's own, Lil Rel.
Feb. 1; $33.50-$93.50. Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 312-462-6300.
chicagotheatre.com
ART
The Endangered Species: A Visual Response to the Vanishing Black Man
Artist Raub Welch's visual art exhibit that explores and confronts misconceptions, prejudices, and stereotypes about black men in America.
Now through Mar. 30; free with regular museum admission. DuSable Museum of African-American History, 740 E. 56th Pl., 773- 947-0600.
dusablemuseum.org
FILM
The Trials of Muhammad Ali
"The Greatest," indeed--Kartemquin Films' docu-feature explores Ali's life outside of the boxing ring, with subject matter that includes his conversion to the Islamic faith, his stance against the Vietnam War and more. Q&A with director Bill Siegel follows the screening.
Feb. 7; free. Logan Center for the Arts - University of Chicago, 915 E. 60th St., 773-702-8596.
artschicago.edu
THEATER
Buzzer
"Love. Race. Fear. Money." Tracey Scott Wilson's latest confronts the "elephants in the room" in this story about a successful black attorney who moves back to his old--and now gentrified 'hood--with his girlfriend and best friend (who are both white) along for the ride. More in A/C.
Feb. 8 - Mar. 9; $10-$40. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., 312-443-3800.
goodmantheatre.org
CULTURE
Love, Peace and Soul: Behind the Scenes of America's Favorite Dance Show, "Soul Train"
Along with showing classic clips from "Soul Train," Ericka Blount Danois talks about writing and creating her book that captures the essence of the coolest and hippest 'train ride' ever.
Feb. 10; free. Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St., 312-747-4817.
chipublib.org
MUSIC
Valentine's Love Affair
Concert for lovers, featuring some of the biggest names in soul music: Grammy Award winner Fantasia, Musiq Soulchild, and special guests, hot R&B duo, Avant and KeKe Wyatt.
Feb. 15; $59-$89. Arie Crown Theater, 2301 S. Lake Shore Dr., 312-791-6000.
ariecrown.com
PERFORMANCE
Queenie Pie
Chicago Opera Theater's Chicago premiere of "Queenie Pie," Duke Ellington's "street opera" inspired by the life of beauty and hair care entrepreneur Madam CJ Walker, America's first black female self-made millionaire.
Feb. 15, Feb. 21, Feb. 23, and Mar. 5; $35-$125. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St., 312-334-7777.
chicagooperatheater.org
THEATER
Corpus Delicti
Written by Chicago playwright David Alex, Corpus Delicti is the story of a black man who, after picking up the pieces of his life after false imprisonment, finds himself getting caught up on the "other side" of the law.
Feb. 27 - Mar. 23; $20-$35. Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-404-7336.
greenhousetheater.org
PERFORMANCE
Wayne Brady - It's My Line Tour
The underrated, multi-talented singer, actor, game show host, and master of improv, comes to town for what is sure to be an action-packed and entertaining evening.
Feb. 28; $38.50-$58.50. Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 312-462-6300.
chicagotheatre.com
PERFORMANCE
Suite DuSable: A Vision of Faith
Composer Renee Baker's operatic, symphonic, and poetic tribute to Jean Baptiste Point DuSable.
Feb. 28; $10-$20. DuSable Museum of African-American History, 740 E. 56th Pl., 773- 947-0600.
dusablemuseum.org
