Summertime in Chicago really reveals the city’s range. When there’s so much to choose from, how to pick any one thing? Well . . .
The Gospel of the Hold Steady: How a Resurrection Really Feels by Michael Hann and the Hold Steady
Akashic Books, hardcover, $40, 208 pp., akashicbooks.com
Do you eat, sleep, and read rock ’n’ roll? On Saturday, July 1, City Lit Books (2523 N. Kedzie) celebrated the release of The Gospel of the Hold Steady (an oral history of the midwestern band that gave new life to heartland rock in the aughts) members of the band will be in conversation with rock critic and historian Jessica Hopper. While the book officially drops July 25, attendees to the event received a signed copy, heard behind-the-scenes stories, and got their deepest fan mysteries solved. Tickets for this discussion sold out quickly. Contact City Lit to order a copy of the book.
Hooligan Mag presents Liza Anne’s ABBA Disco for Abortion Care
Sat 7/8, 7 PM, Stagg Court, Chicago Athletic Association hotel, 12 S. Michigan, fourth floor, $15, 21+
If you want to get down for a cause, look no further than the Chicago Athletic Association hotel (12 S. Michigan) on Saturday, July 8. Chicago publication Hooligan Mag is teaming up with Kickstand Productions to host an Abba-inspired disco to raise money for abortion access. Join them in Stagg Court on the fourth floor of the hotel, where indie darling Liza Anne will host an evening of boogie to benefit the Texas-based mutual aid abortion advocacy group Big Bend Reproductive Coalition. Bella Peterson will provide a photo booth while Solar Intentions will provide nonalcoholic refreshments. Tickets are $18 ($15 in advance) and available to those 21 or older. The dance floor opens at 7 PM.
Soul Yoga Fest
Sat 7/8, 9 AM, Fuller Park Field House, 331 W. 45th St., free, all-ages
Also on July 8: free yoga classes and wellness workshops will be available 9 AM-5 PM at the Fuller Park Field House (331 W. 45th St.). The classes are courtesy of the 12th annual Soul Yoga Fest, which describes itself as celebrating “yoga, wellness, and community, with a focus on highlighting the diversity within the yoga community and the various styles and practices of yoga.” In addition to yoga sessions, other activities and entertainment will be available that cater to children, seniors, and all ages in between. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just looking for an opportunity to unwind and vibe, it’s worth being flexible for. (See what I did there?) Go to the fest’s page on Eventnoire.com to register and find more information.
Empty Bowls
Fri 7/14, 5 PM, Lillstreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood, free to attend but reservations requested at Eventbrite, $30 donation to purchase a bowl
The following weekend, Lillstreet Art Center is hosting a fundraiser for Common Pantry, a Ravenswood-based nonprofit that provides both community and food to local residents looking for nourishment. From 5-8 PM on Friday, July 14, you can purchase a handmade ceramic bowl for around $30, which will include a scoop of ice cream from Jeni’s to be enjoyed among the Lillstreet community. Nondairy options will be available. This event is part of the Empty Bowls movement, which asks artists and art spaces to sell artisanal bowls to benefit groups working to end hunger. If you are a ceramicist looking to donate a food-safe bowl, Lillstreet will be accepting donations until July 13 during regular business hours.
The Chicago Poetry Center Summer Poetry Party
Fri 7/14, 6 PM, Haymarket House, 800 W. Buena, free but reservations requested
Also on July 14, across town at the Haymarket House (800 W. Buena), the Chicago Poetry Center (CPC) will host its Summer Poetry Party. The event starts at 5:30 PM with an open mike outside in the Haymarket House garden. Then at 6:30 PM there will be performances and readings inside from a variety of poets including special guest Jane Wong, as well as CPC poets in residence Alyx Chandler, Ola Faleti, Luz Magdaleno Flores, Lisa Low, Maya Odim, C. Russell Price, Luis Tubens, and Christie Valentin-Bati. Later, DJ Ca$h Era will get the vibes flowing as folks mix, mingle, and snack both indoors in the main performance space and outside in the garden. This is a free event open to all ages that’s happening mostly outside at an ADA-accessible space. Organizers are expecting it to fill up fast, so you’re encouraged to reserve a spot at Eventbrite. Can’t make it? Donations to CPC are very welcome.
Cybergrime
Sat 7/15, doors open 7 PM, screenings at 7:30 and 10 PM, reception and live music starts at 8:30 PM, Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton, $10-$12, facets.org
The next day on Saturday, July 15, Bros Before director and Free Yr Dick curator Henry Hanson is programming a new block of sexy queer shorts at Facets. Called Cybergrime, the screening features eight shorts depicting “hypersleazy technophilic homo-depravity.” There are showings at both 7:30 PM and 10 PM with a reception and mixer held in between (8:30-9:55 PM) featuring a live electronic solo set by Keikii, star of the short film A.I. Mama (which is included in the Cybergrime lineup). Note that these screenings are not for the faint of heart—or those under 18. There will be graphic depictions of sexuality and gore including content about suicide, as well as flashing lights. Also note that masks are required when not actively eating or drinking. Tickets are $12 ($10 for members) and should be purchased ASAP because these screenings sell very fast! Tickets purchased for either screening include access to the reception.
“El Brillo en Sus Ojos: Vani Aguilar and Juan Arango Palacios”
Through Sat 7/15: Fri 4-7 PM, Sat noon-6 PM, or by appointment, Roots & Culture Contemporary Art Center, 1034 N. Milwaukee, rootsandculturecac.org
You know what the best part of art shows is? That they’re pretty easy to slot into your schedule between other things. Lately, I’ve been geeking on a lot of exhibitions at Roots & Culture Contemporary Art Center, and their current show, “El Brillo en Sus Ojos,” is no exception. Named after an expression that’s threaded through Mexican pop music, the phrase captures something about how the eyes dilate when overcome by passionate feeling. Artists Vani Aguilar and Juan Arango Palacios present ceramics and paintings on both canvas and textiles that ruminate on the gallops and sparkle of young queer Latinx love. The show is sexy and tender and on view through Saturday, July 15. Roots & Culture is open Fridays (4-7 PM), Saturdays (noon-6 PM), or by appointment, which can be scheduled by calling 773-580-0102 or emailing info@rootsandculturecac.org.
