The rainbow has long been a divine symbol. It was an assurance of good weather in the Old Testament. It is the fabled bridge between Earth and Valhalla, guarded by Heimdall, whose ears are so sensitive he can hear grass grow. It shines from the prism that covers the Dark side of the Moon.
In Chicago, the rainbow is a Coalition, a Beach and a Cone. Not a cone of uncertainty, but a Sydney Opera House of ice cream cones, a towering edifice of 5 flavors of interlocking slabs of chocolate, pistachio, strawberry, a cherry nut-blend known as Palmer House and a layer of orange sherbet...yes, they dared to use sherbet on an ice cream cone.
For over 80 years, Rainbow Cones have been a treat to mark rites of passage: a graduation, a birthday, or just a hot summer night that needed the perfect conclusion. Rainbow Cone has been a destination for me and my dear friends, some now dearly departed, all my life, and you should consider it too, but only if you want to fulfill the promise of one of Chicago's finest and coldest creations. Rainbow Cone is located at 9233 S. Western Ave. Chicago, Il. Phone 773-238-7075.
The Arts
When you think of “art” in Chicago, there is a magnitude of opportunities to choose from. Among them- the “Bean” in Millennium Park, The Field Museum, the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier, and even the incredible Lake Michigan. Much like WXRT, the arts in Chicago are one of a kind.
Chicago Treasures featuring WXRT’s very own Terri Hemmert
Join the Chicago History Museum for Chicago Treasures featuring WXRT’s very own Terri Hemmert on Wednesday, November 19, at 7 p.m. Terri will discuss her life, career and influence on Chicago and its music with writer, Stuart Shea. For details and tickets, visit www.chicagohistory.org. more >
Focus: Vincent Fecteau New Work, Art Institute of Chicago
Vincent Fecteau’s exhibit is based on using the same sphere shape and then reworking to create eight new pieces that are not recognizable from the original form. Fecteau is known for using ordinary materials such as rubber bands and paper clips to create his works. His labor intensive process involves subtraction and addition to create a distinct design of brightly colored pieces. Fecteau is a San Francisco based artist. more >
The Art and Photography of Paris, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Art Institute of Chicago
Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibit will include photographs, modern drawings, etchings, and paintings. Best known for his photojournalism Cartier-Bresson began as a painter in Paris during the 1920s. This exhibit is founded on the early stages of his career and includes other photographers working in Paris between World Wars. more >
Dance
The City of Chicago celebrates dance of all genres. From ballet to contemporary dance, Chicago dance companies have it all. Ballet lovers enjoy performances at the Joffrey Ballet; the Harris Theatre offers a new venue and an experience that engages challenges and inspires the whole family, and those looking for a modern take on dance look to the Hubbard Street Dance Company. Chicago dance offers an experience filled with exuberance and innovation making it a must when art in Chicago is concerned.
Stomp, Paramount Theatre, Nov. 28- Nov. 30
Stomp is an international percussion sensation that involves movement and visual comedy. Stomp was formed in 1991 in the U.K. and has been performing across the U.S. since 1994. This show has received outstanding reviews from the time it began and continues to thrill audiences with their out of the box instruments. This unique sound has won this traveling troupe numerous awards and delights audiences of all ages. more >
Dance Chicago 2008, Athenaeum Theater, Nov. 7- Nov. 30
Dance Chicago is beginning their 14th season with 130 companies performing over 300 pieces. Companies from all over the world come to perform during this event from the Moscow Ballet, South Korea’s Kim Geung-soo Ballet Company and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago just to name a few. This event features all genres of dance from ballet, tap, urban, Irish, character, jazz and contemporary pieces. more >
The Body Electric, Harris Theater, Nov. 13
The Body Electric is the annual benefit for the River North Chicago. The performance includes modern and jazz pieces together with the entire company. River North Chicago Dance Company is dedicated to the creative advancement, presentation and preservation of jazz based contemporary dance regionally, nationally and internationally. more >
Film
As Chicago’s Finest Rock, we’d be extremely remiss to not mention film in Chicago. As a city that embraces artistic expressions of all sorts, there is always the opportunity to get out there and see something! Whether you’re looking to spend an evening under the stars in Grant Park with a classic or catch up on the most recent Oscar winners, Chicago’s got it.
Open Screening, Chicago Filmmakers, Nov. 22
The Open Screening held by Chicago Filmmakers is a feature that could be anything. Anyone is allowed to showcase their work, using any genre. This type of format keeps the audience guessing on what various types films they will be watching. Any genre from comedies, dramas, music videos, animation, documentaries or what ever else you can come up with is accepted (nothing x-rated).
The Chicago Filipino American Film Festival, Portage Theater, Nov. 7- Nov. 9
This year will be the 5th Annual Chicago Filipino American Film Festival to highlight Filipino filmmakers in the U.S. and service the local community with entertainment and education. This organization has helped Filipino filmmakers gain experience and recognition from the rest of the world. It has become international recognized for discovering new talent. more >
Reeling Film Festival 2008, Various Venues, Nov. 6- Nov. 16
The 27th Annual Chicago Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival screens over 70 independent films during the event. Reeling presents work from multi-global viewpoints, including various genres of film. Reeling strives to work against stereotyping of LGBT people while highlighting the artistic contributions of LGBT filmmakers. more >
Architecture
Chicago, Illinois is known for its architecture and has long been connected with some of architecture's most important names: Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, and Holabird & Root. It is with such incredible influences that Chicago has created spaces, places, and structures that, together, define Chicago.
Daniel Burnham’s Plan of Chicago, Art Institute of Chicago
Daniel Burnham’s Plan of Chicago is historically significant and rarely displayed. This exhibit is 32 illustrations that provide insight to the massive Plan of Chicago in 1909. The city views that we all love are derived from these plans from the lakefront parks, wide Michigan Avenue and bi-level Wacker Drive. Burnham created many original ideas to arrange this magnificent city. more >
Chicago: You are Here, ArcelorMittal CitySpace Gallery
This exhibit provides a great way to understand Chicago whether you have lived here all your life or are new to the city. Chicago:You are Here highlights the people who built the city and provides a tour of the structures that identify Chicago. Explore Chicago’s architecture, infrastructure and environment in a fun, creative way. more >
Boom! Chicago Architects Design New Worlds, Chicago Architecture Foundation
According to their website, “The exhibition includes photographs, drawings, graphics, models and videos that encourage visitors to travel between eras and continents in order to consider how international networks of architects transform dynamic societies.” Boom! Towns is comparing the population boom of Chicago in the late 19th century to the current situation in China and the Middle East. more >
Theatre
Chicagoans and tourists alike visit theaters featuring Broadway musicals and boutique performances on a regular basis. From the loop to the north side, there is always an array of theatres, performances, and locations to choose from.
A Midsummer Nights Dream, New World Repertory Theater, Oct. 11- Nov. 8
This is the classic story of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights dream. This story if of four young Athenian lovers and amateur actors mixed up in a forest with fairies. This romantic comedy is one of Shakespeare’s most popular works. Directed by Jean Gottlieb. more >
Ruined, Goodman Theater
Ruined is the story of a young woman’s terrifying journey to become a businesswoman during a complicated civil war, set in present day Democratic Republic of the Congo. This story encourages women who must piece themselves together after ruin. After the run in Chicago Ruined will be appearing off Broadway in January of 2009. This world premier is directed by Kate Whoriskey. more >
Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Drury Lane Theater, Oct. - Nov. 2
The Buddy Holly story is an eventful tale of how he changed the way of face of popular music forever. Buddy Holly was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1959 and this is the story of how the singer/songwriter shot to stardom in only a few short years before his tragic death. Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story features a score full of over twenty classic songs from Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens including “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “La Bamba” and “Chantilly Lace”. more >
Comedy
Looking for a good laugh? You’ve come to the right place! There is a constantly changing line up of improve troupes, stand up comics, and much more rolling through Chicago and hitting some of your favorite venues; Second City, IO, Zanies, and the Del Close Theatre just to name a few. Whether you’re looking for your favorite national act or a local Chicago comedian you’re in the right town.
Jeffery Ross, Zanies, Nov. 13
Jeffery Ross is also Know as “The Roastmaster General” for all the roasts he has hosted on Comedy Central. Ross has appeared on dozens of T.V. shows, movies. He also has written for the Oscars, MTV Video Music Awards and other comedy shows. Ross still performs stand up all over the country and this show should not be missed. more >
No Country for Old White Men, Second City Mainstage Theater, Ongoing
According to Second City, “As the face of the American Presidency readies for a change, The Second City realizes that there are no clean getaways in No Country for Old White Men. From a You Tube electorate grabbing their 15 minutes of fame to a rare US visit by the British House of Commons, No Country for Old White Men is trading in its Cadillac and country club membership for some sweet soul food and a side of girl power.” more >
. The Chicago Stand-Up Show-Down, The ComedySportz Theater, Wednesdays until Nov. 19
Hosted by Edge Comedy’ Dave Odd, eight local Chicago comics each week compete to become the Champion. The winner takes home $500 and headlines a future Edge Comedy Club show. more >
