The Addams Family opens this weekend at the Oriental Theatre. (Jean Lachat/Sun-Times) The Addams Family 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday at Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre; $28-$105
Catch the first family of goth as this much-acclaimed musical makes a brief stop in Chicago (it runs through January 13) before heading to Broadway. There's much to be excited about with the show, opening Friday: It is based on the New Yorker cartoons, not the campy '60s TV show (or the goofy movies of the '90s); Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth play Gomez and Morticia (cada mia!); and Andrew Lippa is in charge of the music. No word on if he got any help from Hammer.
Artwork by Sergei Isupov looks over Navy Pier's Festival Hall during SOFA setup Wednesday. (Al Podgorski/Sun-Times)
SOFA Chicago Through Sunday at Navy Pier; $15-$25
Celebrating its 16th year, the Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair hits Navy Pier's Festival Hall to present work from top international galleries and dealers. Check out the opening night preview gala on Thursday ($50) to get a first glimpse at the show's best work. Hors d'oeurves and wine are included. Tickets for the rest of the show are $15 a day, or $25 for a three-day pass. Get them here or at the door. More: Check out the Sun-Times' SOFA photo gallery.
After a weekend full of low-brow debauchery (and isn't that what Halloween is all about?), you're likely craving some culture. As luck would have it, two appropriately avant-garde events are on the slate for this week: the Umbrella Music Festival and the Outer Ear Festival of Sound. While you won't have to choose between the two, we thought we'd take a moment to lay out the key aspects of each. After all, if there's one thing you arty types appreciate, it's straightforward Microsoft Word tables...right?
Monday nights are typically not the most robust times for Chicago entertainment -- many restaurants are closed and the bars are empty because everyone's home watching "Gossip Girl."
But what if you do want to get out and blow off some steam before the full reality of the work week sets in? The "You, Me, Them, Everybody" events at the Hungry Brain could be the answer. Every Monday, podcaster Brandon Wetherbee hosts events at this Roscoe Village haunt, offering up a mix of music, comedy, readings, films and more.
Tonight's free installment (8 p.m., 21+) features a screening of Wetherbee's first short film, "The Shuffle," about two people on a first date and their eventual breakup. We can't promise it will have as much drama as Dan and Olivia's budding romance, but that's why you have DVR, right?
In this town, when you hear the word "sketch," you probably think of comedy -- Second City, ComedySportz, etc. But the word has more than one meaning, and local artists aim to let you know about it with this week's launch of Sketch Thursdays, a rotating, once-a-month (second Thursday) event in West Town.
The first free installment (you must be 21 to enter) goes down from 6-9 p.m. at The Architrouve, and will feature local emerging artists sketching or painting throughout the night, then offering those works for sale until close.
But this isn't all about buying, or even drinking; you can bring along your own pens 'n' paints and create your own art -- just don't expect a seat, as those are mostly reserved for invited artists. If you want to get an invite to a future installment, or just find out when and where the next one will be, contact Matthew Westfallen, (312) 850-9390.
Svengoolie will be among the spooky stars at this weekend's Ghost Conference.(photo via myspace.com/svengoolie26)
Chicago Ghost Conference 5-11 p.m. Friday and 8:30 p.m.-midnight Saturday; Portage Theater; $50 for a two-day pass
Join paranormal experts and speakers for this annual event about all things otherworldly. This year's speakers include Lorraine Warren from A&E's "Paranormal State" and Jeff Belanger, paranormal author and creator of Ghostvillage.com, who join members of paranormal groups from around the country to educate, inform, network, share ideas and entertain others that are fascinated with the supernatural. If that's not enough, Chicago legend Svengoolie makes an appearance on Friday night.
At a time when we're still freaking out about the Swine Flu, you wouldn't think it would be a great idea to debut a creative performance in which the 17th-century Plague has a starring role. But local narrative chamber-music ensemble Fifth House likes to take risks, and its latest production, "Black Violet," a collaboration with graphic novelist Ezra Clayton Daniels, seems likely to reward audiences who do the same. The show will marry the ensemble's music with a corresponding narrative about the travails of a black cat (Violet) and white albino rat (Tibia) in Plague-ridden London (the story will be projected on slides displayed above the ensemble).
The first performances will occur on October 6 at the Chicago Cultural Center's Claudia Cassidy Theater (7 p.m., free) and October 8 at SPACE in Evanston (8 p.m., $8-$25). Subsequent shows at both venues will continue in February and April. For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit the Fifth House website.
The Blacks reunite at Saturday's Bloodshot Beer-B-Q.(photo via bloodshotrecords.com)
Bloodshot Records 15th Anniversary Beer-B-Q noon Saturday at Hideout; $10
Ok, so there's no Hideout Block Party this year. Done crying yet? Good. Because the popular fest's replacement ain't so shabby: local (and nationally acclaimed) alt-country label Bloodshot Records will celebrate its 15th anniversary with an all-day "Beer-B-Q". The lineup is predictably strong and diverse; along with the more high-profile appearances from Alejandro Escovedo and The Waco Brothers, we're excited for the reunion of The Blacks, whose two albums rank, for us, among Bloodshot's finest releases to date. There will also be food from Honky Tonk Barbecue, an art show, kids' area and more. Sounds like a fest to us.
African Festival of the Arts All day Friday-Monday, Washington Park (51st and Cottage Grove), $5-10 or $30 for a weekend pass
The 20th installment of this immensely popular South Side festival finishes with a bang as the "Godfather of Funk" himself, George Clinton, headlines on Monday. Leading up to that, check out acts like The Pharcyde and Booker T. Jones (Saturday), Ahmad Jamaal and the Soukous Stars (Sunday). There's also a kids tent and a food court with traditional African fare.
Michael Jackson Birthday Tribute Friday at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
While everyone else has been busy honoring the King of Pop's death, Kit Kat takes a night to celebrate his birth and life. The evening will feature Kit Kat's "Diva" Traci Ross, performing as both Michael and Janet Jackson, along with special appearances by Michael's "friends" Liza Minnelli and Liz Taylor. Kit Kat's "Black & White" martinis are $5, and the first 50 guests will receive a limited edition Kit Kat/MJ sparkled glove.
What we know: This Friday, August 28, from 8-11 p.m., there will be a party going down at the Waterfront Cafe to celebrate the release of Paramanu Pentaquark #2, a journal full of plays, essays, poems, prose, cartoons and more. For $10, you'll get food (hot dog, fries and drink) and a copy of the new issue. There'll be a pre-party with optional swimming at Thorndale Beach, and a post-party at Sovereign Liquors featuring $2 PBR and $2.50 Old Style.
What we think we know: Paramanu Pentaquark is a "Gothic funk" journal, which has something to do with postmodernism, if we understand the movement's manifesto at all. Whatever it is, we love this sentence: "Gothic Funk is a movement and a frame of mind, but it’s also a whole way of experiencing life, in which you don’t have to be hyper-aware, and hyper-confirming of your situation and the things that are happening around you." Take that, Twitter!
What we don't know: Where to begin?
Bicycle Film Festival Through Sunday in various venues, $10 per screening, $25 for a festival pass
Bike, movie and art enthusiasts come together for this five-day show throughout the city. Some of the highlights (full schedule here) include Thursday's Joyride Art Show (6 p.m. at the MCA Warehouse), Friday's Fun Bike Shorts (9 p.m. at Columbia College) and Saturday's afterparty at the Empty Bottle with DJs Matt ROAN and E-Six (9 p.m., free with movie admission).
It's gonna be hard to improve on nature's artwork, but you gotta try.
You say tomato, we say...yes, please.
If you're as tomato-crazy this time of year as we are, you've probably already heard about Chicago Tomato Fest. No? Here's the deal. Throughout the next month or so, various restaurants around the city will be hosting events and/or creating special dishes to celebrate the in-season, vine-ripened treat. Kicking things off is the BLT Bonanza (August 17-September 20), during which several participating chefs will be putting their spin on the classic sandwich. Now you can be part of the action along with David DiGregorio (Osteria Via Stato), Phillip Foss (Lockwood), Mark Mendez (Carnivale), Dirk Flanigan (The Gage) and others, as Tomato Fest is hosting a poster contest for the promotion. Submit your design by Friday, August 14, and you could be seeing your work posted in some of the finest restaurants in town. If you lose? Well, we know where you can get a good sandwich to ease your pain.
Looking for other ways to enjoy your tomatoes? Centerstage offers some tips and treats that are ripe for the picking.
This week, we’ve got song standards running through our head (kids, ask your grandparents):
1. You gotta have art The 52nd annual Gold Coast Art Fair (Superior, Huron and Erie between Clark and Wells) features approximately 400 juried artists, food and wine vendors, live music and various artistic demonstrations. Admission is free; 10 a.m. to 5 Saturday. Call (847) 926-4300.
2. Come Rain or Come Shine
No matter the weather, the Warped Tour will without a doubt be going on today. First Midwest Bank Amphitheater, 19100 Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park. Bad Religion, The Devil Wears Prada and Less Than Jake are just three of the more than 50 bands scheduled to appear beginning at noon Saturday. $33.75. (877) 598-8703; www.livenation.com.
3. The simple joys of maidenhood
Camelot hasn’t got anything on the Bristol Renaissance Faire (12550 120th Ave, Kenosha, Wis). Guenevere would have dumped both Arthur and Lancelot for one of Bristol’s roasted turkey legs! Get thee to Kenosha, post haste! 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Adults $16.95-18.95, children ages 5-12, $8-$9.50. (847) 395-7773. Head to the Web site and print a coupon good for $2.50 off your ticket.
Hey! You got three better ones?
Tell us your three favorite things to do Saturdays!
Gold Coast Art Fair 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday; free
It's art as far as the eye can see at this nine-block festival celebrating its 52nd year. More than 350,000 people are expected to walk the streets of the swanky Gold Coast neighborhood while perusing work from 400 artists.
Pierogi Fest Friday-Sunday at 1900 Indianapolis Blvd., Whiting, Indiana; free
Make your way to Whiting for this unique ethnic event featuring pierogi, polka bands, a parade and Mr. Pierogi. This costumed character, along with his friends The Pieroguettes and Miss Paczki, makes the rounds of the fest and performs a number of musical spoofs. There will also be plenty of family fun, a pierogi toss contest, a beer garden and an art show. Don't want to travel? Check out Centerstage's guide to the best pierogi right here in Chicago.
What would you deep-fry if you could deep-fry anything?
This isn't some philosophical question -- on Saturday, artists Philip Von Zweck and Kevin Jennings will be down at the Hyde Park Art Center from 5-8 p.m. with two deep-fryers ready for whatever edible items you want them to drop in. This "Fryvalry" (so named because it pits meat against vegetarian items) is free, so the only limit here is your creativity.
After you get your fill of grease, make sure to check out the rest of the Artists Run Chicago show, running through July 5.
By now you've probably seen at least one of these graffiti'd stencils around town, depicting former Governor Rod Blagojevich out for a little jog. Want to see more? Surprise, surprise -- you're gonna have to pay.
The artist behind the design, Ray Noland (who co-curated last month's Obama exhibit, "Officially Unofficial"), plans to put up a temporary gallery featuring many interpretations of the jogging Blago. So far, he's raised $871 online (donate here), about a quarter of his goal of $3,500.
What, you think he's just going to show his art for nothing? This is a !@#?ing valuable thing!
Sharon Jones will end your weekend on a funky note.
Chicago Blues Festival Friday-Sunday at Grant Park; free
Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? The world's largest free-admission blues festival welcomes two-dozen first-time performers this year. At the top of that list – for younger fans, at least – has to be Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, the group that's led the recent revival of old-school soul. History gets its due, too, as the fest celebrates two milestones: the 30-year anniversary of Earwig Records and the 70th birthday of funk-blues master Eddie C. Campbell. Soul vet Bettye LaVette also headlines. Get the scoop on all Chicago Blues Fest performers.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH BEING SEXY?
Here's your chance to spend an evening with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer, who created the daffy performers in the movies "This Is Spinal Tap" (heavy metal) and "A Mighty Wind" (folk music). Appearing as themselves, and playing acoustically, the three will perform songs from their films and crack wise in Unwigged and Unplugged, at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. Tickets are $35-$55. Call (800) 745-3000; www.thechicagotheatre.com.
