Weekender seeks out fashion on two wheels!
By Weekender
Weekender seeks out fashion on two wheels!
By WeekenderLocal improv troupe “Baby Wants Candy” performs a musical inspired by President Barack Obama and GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney - from WBEZ on Vimeo.
Tensions over Iran’s nuclear capacity have led to threats of (if not a full-on move to) a military attack, which in turn have many pondering the wages of war.
The costs of conflict are felt across a society that undertakes it, in ways that can’t always be anticipated. But the heaviest load may well by borne by the veterans of war, including returning soldiers in the U.S.
We set aside certain days to commemorate them. But this weekend it turns out there are a number of unofficial, cultural opportunities to peer into the lives of soldiers, both active and post-duty.
Theatre Seven of Chicago is currently staging In the Heart of America, a 1994 play by Naomi Wallace that explores the harsh fall-out of war. Wallace tackles both the Gulf and Vietnam Wars in her play, but after Sunday’s performance, battles along a different military frontline will be scrutinized.
Members of GLASS (Gay, Lesbian and Supportive Sailors) will be part of a post-show conversation, “Beyond DADT: Impact and Aftermath.” They’ll talk about what it’s like to be officially “out” in the military, and attitudes among gay and straight soldiers. The group is relatively new –they formed at the Great Lakes Naval Base this past February.
If you prefer painting to plays, then here’s a tip. Overlooked/Looked Over is an exhibition of work by eight female veterans. The title says it all –we’re just getting used to the concept of women on the battlefield, even though they’ve played integral roles in all manner of conflict zones for a very long time.
The show’s opening reception is this Saturday at the National Veterans Art Museum. There’ll be an artists talk at 1 p.m. – plus you can get in free of charge all that day.
Finally the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago office of the FBI will face off this Saturday in the Law Enforcement Hockey Classic. This is a first time these two law-and-order organizations will meet on ice – they’re helping raise funds for Honor Flight Chicago (founded by four Chicago women) which flies World War II and other veterans to see the memorials on the Mall in Washington D.C.
You can find out more about that event by listening in to the latest episode – the rest of our picks are below. Enjoy!
Friday 7pm
A night of bicycle enthusiasts, cycling comrades and two-wheelin’ fashionistas. Did we mention the puppets?
1000 N Milwaukee Ave
Friday 7pm
Vibists Jim Cooper, Kathy Kelly and 16-year-old Joel Ross explore the music of Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo, Milt Jackson, Gary Burton and others!
Sherman Park 1301 W 52nd St
Friday 10:30pm
A group that improvises a 45-minute musical based on audience suggestions. Shout a title, they’ll sing and dance it!
Apollo Theater 2540 N Lincoln Ave
4. Law Enforcement Hockey Classic
Saturday 7pm
The Law on Ice! Chicago Police Department vs. Chicago FBI Fundraiser for Honor Flight Chicago
735 E Jefferson St Bensenville, IL
Saturday 9pm
Robert Glasper fuses his jazz, hip-hop and soul chops on his brilliant fifth album, Black Radio
1572 N Milwaukee Ave
Friday - Sunday
The fourth annual festival of Chicago independent filmmaking!
Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism
Click here to subscribe to the Weekender podcast.