WBEZ | weekend passport

Worldview: Criminalization of youth and the best countries for motherhood

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:52:00 -0500

Ahead of Mothers' Day, Worldview asks: What is the best country in the world to be a mother? Then we compare the criminalization of youth in Palestine and Chicago. And Weekend Passport includes Afro beats, Balkan kebabs and a tour of Mexico through folkloric dance.

Weekend Passport: Images of hope and a Afro-Cuban dance party

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 10:10:00 -0500

Malaria: Blood, Sweat and Tears at the Field Museum. Opens Friday June 29. Doors open 9:00 a.m. Free for members.

In 2010, an estimated 655,000 people died of malaria, and 86 percent were children under five. Malaria: Blood Sweat and Tears is an exhibition of photographs following the impact of malaria in Cambodia, Uganda and Nigeria. Despite being a curable disease, 45 percent of the world’s population remains at risk.

Photographer Adam Nadel designed the exhibition to educate the west about the history of Malaria. He traveled to those countries in the fall of 2009 and captured the effects of the disease on film.

Here is the story behind the picture at left:

“Allen Nanawewje does not have a mosquito net. But her brother does. Many families, due to extreme poverty, are forced to prioritize who will receive both malaria treatment and preventative devices such as mosquito nets. Those who receive mosquito nets, food and treatment are more likely to survive, and gender and age are often the determining factors when parents make these difficult decisions.

'I get bitten a bunch of times at night. I get sick five times a year, I think. When I get sick, I stay in bed. I am not lying in my bed; this is not my mosquito net. I do not have a mosquito net. My brother does, but I don’t.'”

James Sanders and Conjunto featuring Papo Santiago at Katerina's, Saturday 10:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. $10 at the door. 21 and older.

The perfect combination of African and Cuban music is the band Conjunto, lead by James Sanders, jazz violinist and world musician. The seven piece ensemble consists a unique mix of traditional afro-Cuban music with jazz idioms. Katerina Carson, owner of Katarina's says the featured vocalist, Papo Santiago is a trip. He's a sight to hear." Drinks and food are available through the end of the show, not to mention a lot of dancing. The intimate venue is the perfect place to click your heels to the congas.

Weekend Passport: Puerto Rican comedy and a global dance party

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:28:00 -0500

Made In Puerto Rico at The Athenaeum Theatre. June 23, Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $25 online or at the door.

Elizardi Castro was a practicing lawyer in Florida before he decided to give it all up for performance theater. His one-man stand up show, Made in Puerto Rico, is a funny yet heartfelt account of Castro’s experiences growing up Puerto Rican in America.

Blanca Rodriguez, the Manager and Publicity Director for Mike Oquendo Events, says Castro's comedy is "clever and playful. It’s physical and a little sarcastic, but he’s always clean – he’s writing for his grandmother.” Rodriguez says Castro's show is relatable because his stories make you laugh at yourself. This clip is just a taste:

Global Dance Party at Old Town School of Folk Music. June 22, at 8:30 p.m. $10 at the door.

People of the ancient Andes had a unique way of celebrating the summer solstice, or "Inti Raymi" in Kichwa, the Incan language. They would dance the "Chari Churay," a step unique to the Otavalo region, meaning "stamping one's feet into Earth." Dancer Carmen Edith Pachacama, explains that the dance step, which is a combination of various stomping motions, was meant to prepare the land for harvesting.

Chicago/Equadorian band Runa Roots joins Carmen Pachacama for an evening fit for the Incans. Dance lessons will be available during music breaks.

Check out their moves:

International Fest 2012 at the Korean Cultural Center. June 23, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Free.

The Korean Cultural Center and the Wheeling Chamber of Commerce bring you International Fest 2012. The day is full of performances from Ireland to the Philippines, as well at 30 food vendors with everything from Polish cuisine to Korean food and wine. The kids area features face painting, library readings and pony rides. A family-friendly way to get exposed to international culture.

The Korean Cultural Center of Chicago celebrates the road to discovery and helps preserve Korean immigrant’s history and cultural legacies in Chicago.

Worldview 6.22.12

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 10:08:00 -0500

Friday on Worldview:

Allan Gomez has been training health practitioners in the Choco area of Colombia. The Choco is the poorest region of Colombia. It’s remote and difficult to access due to constant flooding. Gomez tells Worldview about his experience and explains why the area has been plagued by constant poverty.

Then, global citizen Narimon Safavi plans your global weekend. We’ll be learning Ecuadorian folk dance and heading to an international festival in Wheeling where you can sample Korean wine and watch Serbian dance.

And finally, Worldview film contributor Milos Stehlik gives us his take on Todd Solondz’s latest film, Dark Horse. Director Todd Solondz joins the conversation and tells us what inspired the film.

Scottish festival, flamenco and Brazilian art

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 11:54:00 -0500

Flamenco A3 at the Instituto Cervantes of Chicago. Friday June 15 and Saturday June 16 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets $25 at the door.

Traditional Flamenco usually involves groups of up to 20 members. But, Justine Bayod, creator and producer of Flamenco A3 (pronounced ah-TRES), felt there must be a more economic way for a Flamenco troup to tour internationally. She and three artists — David Coria, Flavio Rodrigues and Ismael de la Rosa — teamed up to create an intimate program of dance, singing and guitar. While flamenco can sometimes be very taxing to the ear, Flamenco A3 kept their international audince in mind to bring you a taste of this 100-year-old art form.

Check them out, as guitarist Flavio Rodrigues strums poetic:

The Scottish Festival and Highland Games at Hamilton Lakes in Itasca, Ill. Opens Friday June 15 at 4:00 p.m. ‘till 10:00 p.m.; continues Saturday June 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets $20 at the gate.

Open the gates and let the Scot inside you free! The Chicago Scots present the 26^th annual Scottish Festival and Highland games – a weekend of traditional Scottish food, dance and of course, highland games. According to legend, the highland games originated when King Malcom of Scotland challenged men vying to be his body guards. He chose the men who stood up against the uphill races, log tosses, hammer throws and many other physically challenging tasks. Fortunately, attendees of this festival will only be challanged by the large selection of whiskey and haggis.

Denise Milan: Mist of the Earth Exhibition at the Chicago Cultural Center. Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Denise Milan is an environmental activist as well as artist. She is currenly working on a public art project in the favelas of Sao Paolo, Brazil. Her exhibition at the Chicago Cultural Center expolores the definitions of humanity, failure and triumph. Her peices take you on a journey to Brazil through sculpture, photo-collage and stone work.

Worldview 6.15.12

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 09:25:00 -0500

Friday on Worldview:

Egypt’s supreme court has declared last year’s parliamentary vote unconstitutional just two days before Egyptians are supposed to vote for a new president. The court has called for the dissolution of the lower house of parliament and new elections. Cairo-based journalist Ashraf Khalil joins us from Tahrir Square to discuss what this decision could mean for the future of the country.

Then, Worldview film contributor Milos Stehlik tells us why we should ignore the advice of some critics and catch one of the Billy Wilder films playing at the Music Box.

And, on Weekend Passport, the segment where we help listeners plan their international weekend, we head deep into the heart of Scotland for The Scottish Festival, complete with Scottish sausage, whiskey and games.

A night in Spain, tango obsession and world sports

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:34:00 -0500

Men classically dominate the global sports scene. Their female counterparts go unnoticed, especially in developing nations. Elizabeth Stanton, a journalist and documentary filmmaker, traveled to Ecuador on assignment. She noticed a void in coverage of female sports. Thus, she created the “Through Her Eyes Project,” a multimedia experience consisting of large-scale photos and short documentary installments profiling Ecuadorian women in sports.

"I came back after working at the New York Times because I noticed that there was little work being done regarding women sports in developing countries," Stanton said. "I wanted to do a project that would profile these women and tell stories that weren’t being told."

Through Her Eyes opening reception; Chicago Art Department at 1932 S. Halsted Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday June 1.

If sports aren’t your preferred way to break a sweat, why not try Tango? Sexy is an understatement when you describe the music and dance concert Tango Obsession, featuring Ian+Ani and the Tango 21 Dance Company. The innovative music duo is made up of Ian Maksin, a Russian native and cellist, and pianist Ani Gorgova, a native of Bulgaria. Gorgova's small frame is no indication of how she pounds the black and white keys! This is the second year they will incorporate dance into their show. This year features the Tango 21 Dance Company, lead by Jorge Niedas, and dancers from the Geoffrey Ballet Company. Check out their trailer:

Ian+Ani’s Tango Obsession premieres Friday June 1 at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 West Division Street at 8 p.m., Saturday 8 p.m. (sold out) and 3 p.m. Sunday June 3. Tickets available at the door.

Nothing tops off a weekend abroad like a "Night in Spain." St. John Cantius Church wraps up this season’s concert series with an evening of dancing, music and food. The Chicago landmark (it really is on the Chicago Architectural tour) alternates Spanish dance by Las Compañeras, and the music of Joaquin Turina, Manuel Ponce and Ernesto LeCuona. Soprano Amy Conn also performs. Top that off with local restaurants donating food to last the night... "Es demasiado bueno para ser verdad" (It's too good to be true)!

St. John Cantius Church, 825 N. Carpenter Street, presents a Night in Spain Saturday June 2 starting at 6 p.m.

Buen Viaje! Safe Travels!

Worldview 6.1.12

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A recent New York Times article detailed President Obama’s counterterrorism program. Dozens of current and former advisors in the process help place terrorist suspects on the President’s “kill list.” Doug Cassel, professor of law at the University of Notre Dame, dissects the legal and ethical aspects of the policy.

Then, global citizen Narimon Safavi helps listeners travel overseas without actually buying a ticket. Our Weekend Passport segment heads to Spain.

Finally, Film Contributor Milos Stehlik “survived” (his words) this year’s Cannes Film Festival. He’s back to tell us about the winners, losers and must-see films.

Weekend Passport: Mexican Mole, German cinema and Indian dance

Fri, 25 May 2012 12:02:00 -0500

Friday on Weekend Passport, we ride the Cinco de Mayo wave into Mole de Mayo.

Every restaurant with a mole dish (pronounced MO-lay) boasts about it being the best in the city. Mole is a traditional Mexican chocolate sauce made up of chilies, nuts, spices, seasonings and of course, chocolate, originating from the Puebla region of Mexico. This weekend the Eighteenth Street Development Corporation puts their mole where your mouth is at their 4th annual Mole de Mayo Festival. It’s a traditional Mexican mole festival with a Chicago twist. Restaurants from around the city compete for the title of “Best Mole.” A panel of celebrity chefs judge, and you will too – for the coveted “People’s Choice Award.” Once you’ve sampled enough Mole, put down your spoon and grab a drink. There will be Micheladas – Bloody Marys made with beer – and Sangria.

The festival is packed with live entertainment both days, with everything from Samba dancing to Mexican wrestling to fire eaters! Kids can make Mexican crafts with Alfonso “Piloto” Nieve Ruiz. Dance off the deliciousness with music by local performers. Saturday’s bands include hip hop group Phero, Hyrakan, Aztec music and Sones de Mexico, a two-time Grammy nominated group. Sunday features Danza Folklorica, the Luciano Antonio Trio and Son del Viento performing music that brought on the mariachi movement. Mole de Mayo; 18th Street and Peoria just off of Halsted. Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.; suggested donation between $1 and $5.

Once you’ve had your fill of mole test out your language skills at the Dankhaus German Cinema – Now! showing of Ein Sommermaerchen (A Summer’s Fairy Tale). The documentary film chronicles the 2006 World Cup from behind the scenes of the German national soccer team. This film became the highest grossing documentary film in Germany, but Germanophiles aren't the only who will enjoy it – the film has English subtitles.

American soccer fans have a special reason to check out this filme: Former German national team coach Juergen Klinsmann is now the head coach of the U.S. national soccer team. Not only that, but Arne Friedrich, a former defender on the German team, now plays for the Chicago Fire.

Along with a cash bar you'll find German snacks like pretzels and sausage. Plus Luke Feron, the organizer of the event, argues their popcorn is better than any multiplex. Ein Sommermarchen; free on Friday in the Skyline Lounge at DANK Haus German Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Avenue at 7:30 p.m.

Check out the trailer for Ein Sommermaerchen:

From the cinema to a dance studio: Next is the debut performance of Apsara, a member of the University of Chicago’s Dance Council. Apsara is a mix of students and Hyde Park community members who specialize in a variety of Indian classical dances. This weekend’s show is based on the theme "Love of Krishna."

The performance depicts the story of the Hindu God Krishna as told by the loves of his life: Radha, his soul-mate, Rukmini, his wife and Yeshoda, his foster mother.

The first piece is an imagined conversation between Radha and Yeshoda – an invented encounter not found in Hindu mythology. The two relate stories to each other about Krishna in order to feel closer to him. In doing so, mother and lover realize a common love for Krishna and gain a mutual respect for one another.

The second peice recalls the tale of Rukmini and Krishna's wedding. This is one of the more popular stories out of Krishnalore as Rukmini's older brother and Krishna are eternal sworn enimies. The story climaxes when Rukmini convinces Krishna to kidnap her. (Yeah, it get's intense.)

The show is hosted in true Indian tradition, with no raised stage. Kamaya, presented by University of Chicago’s Apsara Dance Troupe; Bartlett Rehearsal Space on the University of Chicago campus; 7 p.m. Saturday; free.

Safe travels!

Weekend Passport: Guide to NATO celebrity sightings

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:41:00 -0500

Many Chicago residents are gearing up for a quiet weekend at home in hopes of avoiding the downtown insanity that may accompany NATO summits. Commuters have been widely encouraged to work from home Monday, and with Lake Shore Drive closed from Balbo on south beginning at midnight Friday, many South Siders don’t expect to surface until Tuesday.

Anxiety regarding the international summit has been widespread since Mayor Emanuel announced that Chicago would host back in June of 2011; now it may seem like nobody is excited about the international gathering of political leaders, diplomats and dignitaries that has descended on our city.

Typically, we here at WBEZ like to consider ourselves above the practice of celebrity gawking. But to prove that we can edge in on the tabloid scene, we’ve asked global citizen Narimon Safavi to help Worldview put together a Weekend Passport guide to NATO celebrity sightings. Get your flashbulbs ready!

Some of Safavi's tips include staking out the lobby of major hotels like the Blackstone (Balbo and Michigan) and the Four Seasons (Delaware and Rush). Here are some other ideas:

What with this being his hometown and all, President Obama may not seem like a visiting dignitary, but as the leader of the free world, he’s kind of a big deal. He hosts a star-studded dinner at Soldier Field on Sunday night. Earlier on Sunday the First Lady will make a trip to the Gary Comer Youth Center on the South Side, according to the Chicago Tribune. If Lake Shore Drive closures don’t scare you, head down to catch a glimpse of those ladies in their spring finest.
Mayor Emanuel will also host a dinner Sunday night. His will be held at the Field Museum, where Chicago Business reports he has invited Carrie Nahabedian, chef and owner of River North's Naha to oversee culinary preparations. She will prepare a lamb dish for the delegates, who will represent over 85 countries.
On Saturday night, 120 guests will honor the 60th anniversary of Greece’s NATO membership. The event will bring together Greek diplomats and Chicago’s Greek-American community, who hopefully will take an evening off from their country’s economic woes to toast to the future.
Saturday also marks your best chance to get a glimpse of Turkish President Abdullah Gul. The president’s first visit to Chicago will be celebrated with authentic Turkish music and food. The event coincides with Gençlik Bayramı, or Turkish Youth Day.
On Friday, The United Macedonian Diaspora will host a Gala at the Hilton Chicago (Balbo and Michigan), to be attended by Macedonian President Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, Slovenia's Prime Minister Janez Jansa, and Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

We are also joined by Alessandro Motta, the Consul General of Italy, and Robert Chatterton Dickson, the British Consul General, who fill us in on what they’re up to when not busy with summit meetings. If you’ve got tips for NATO celebrity hot spots, leave us a comment, or give us a call at 312.923.9239 and spill!