Slowdown
BY DAY
Sunday, May 22 2005
Leon Despres @ Hyde Park Art Center
Leon Despres will make a stop at the Hyde Park Art Center to celebrate the release of his autobiography Challenging the Daley Machine: A Chicago Alderman's Memoir. The free book signing is at 5307 S. Hyde Park Blvd., from 1-3pm. Call 773-324-5520 for more information.
Heroes of Wicker Park
Enjoy the warming weather and come see Heroes of Wicker Park, a free art event taking place in, you guessed it, Wicker Park. There will be puppetry, music and art to be taken in throughout the afternoon. When a large-scale mastodon puppet enters the park at 7pm, you'll know that the evening's performance is about to begin. Located at 1425 N. Damen Ave., this celebration is hosted by Manifest Theater. Call 773-297-2122 for more information.
Nightclubbing: Danceteria Video Lounge @ Film Center
The Siskel Film Center presents Nightclubbing: Danceteria Video Lounge, a 60-minute documentary taken from the "Nightclubbing" New York cable TV show of the 1970s, containing performance footage from the New Wave club and video lounge. Performances by the Go-Go's, Suicide, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Pylon, the Feelies, Human Sexual Response, and more more more! The doc is preceded by excerpts from the film Looking For A Thrill, produced by local label Thrill Jockey. Ths event is part of a month-long program of excerpts from Nightclubbing, and is part of the Film Center's Music Movies series. The film screens tonight at 5:15 PM, and also Thursday, May 26th at 8:30 PM. Tickets: $9, $5 for Film Center members, and $4 for SAIC students. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.
Medium Cool @ Music Box
In honor of the new documentary on legendary cinematographer Haskell Wexler (Tell Them Who You Are, directed by his son Mark), the Music Box Theatre is screening Wexler's 1968 classic film Medium Cool, shot during the infamous 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. Definitely a film to see if you've never caught it before. The film screens Saturday and Sunday morning at 11:30. Music Box Theatre: 3733 N. Southport. (773) 871-6604.
Velvet Lounge Relocation Benefit @ Hothouse
The Velvet Lounge, one of the city's legendary jazz clubs, has to move, and owner Fred Anderson is throwing a ">benefit show at the Hothouse, 31 E. Balbo, to help raise the $100,000 needed for construction at the new location. Performers at today's show include Malachi Thompson, Jim Baker, Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Ensemble, David Boykin Expanse, AACM Chamber Ensemble, GAM Squad, SPider Trio, Damon Short and Mwata Bowden. The show starts at 1pm. Tickets are $20, available in advance here.
Early to Bed: Stitch n' Bitch
If you've ever wanted to do your crafty thing amongst like-minded people in a cool and relaxed atmosphere, this is your chance. Early to Bed, at 5232 N. Sheridan Rd., offers the return of Stitch n' Bitch, an evening of stitching, knitting, and other crafty things. The evening is free and participants are welcome to bring snacks to share. 6pm. Call 773-271-1219 for more information.
