Your Curated Chicago Weekend 2/18-2/21
WHAT: Local writers host a reading at Women and Children First.
SO WHAT: Our lovely lit editor Emma wrote up a beautiful preview of this event, and she knows way more about this than I do, so just click here for the full persuasion. But essentially, you get to hear up-and-coming Chicago writers read at a cool bookstore. It’s a chance to support local and experience the art that Chicago produces.
NOW WHAT: It’s free. RSVP here or just show up.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH
Chicago Slam Works' "Incendium" @ Stage 773, 1125 W. Belmont Ave., 8:15 PM
WHAT: Chicago Slam Works is the Chicago-based poetry and performance organization behind the Uptown Poetry Slam (Sundays at the Green Mill) and shows like “Handsome Animals.” Directed and co-written by J.W. Basilo, “Incendium” is an all new “play within a play within a cabaret show!”
SO WHAT: People assume that poetry is a simple form that belongs in coffee shops and libraries, but in actuality, “Incendium” proves that poetry can live anywhere. Plus one of our writers went to opening night and reviewed it here.
NOW WHAT: The show runs on Fridays at 8:15pm through March 4 at Stage 773. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased here!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH
Mark Twain's "Old Times on the Mississippi" @ City Lit, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., 3:00 PM
WHAT: The City Lit crew reads Mark Twain’s classic reminiscence of his time working on a boat on the Mississippi River.
SO WHAT: It’s Mark Twain, the seminal American author (take a seat, F. Scott Fitzgerald). And in these deep days of winter–seriously, is it getting warm again soon?–it will feel excellent to mentally travel down the country’s mightiest river in a simpler day.
NOW WHAT: Getcha tickets here for $15.
The Prince and Michael Jackson Experience @ Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Ave., 8:00 PM
WHAT: A tribute to the music of Prince and Michael Jackson. Come prepared to pick sides and dance.
SO WHAT: I mean, is it possible to dislike Michael Jackson’s music? It’s timeless. And if you ever wanted an excuse to wear the outfit from Thriller on a non-Halloween night, this is probably your only shot. DON’T WASTE IT.
NOW WHAT: There’s a $5 cover charge at the door. Get more info here.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST
David Bowie Tribute @ The Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., 9:00 PM
WHAT: A number of local bands–Sweet Cobra, Coins, Skip Church, Pink Avalanche, Melina Ausikaitis, and Mines–will gather at the Bottle to pay tribute to the Starman/Ziggy Stardust/Thin White Duke/etc. with a night of David Bowie covers.
SO WHAT: It’s hard to believe that it’s been six weeks since David Bowie’s shocking death. By now, we’ve all had enough time to dry the tears (it took me a solid three days, I think), so it’s high time to rejuvenate the feels. Plus, the Bottle is freaking awesome–its cozy walls will make the massive sound of Bowie resonate even more powerfully–and you can support some great local bands. And if you need another reason: this is a charity event supporting Girls Rock! Chicago.
NOW WHAT: There’s a $5 suggested donation, but otherwise, this is a free event. (But please donate.)
#beauty bar#chicago slam works#city lit#david bowie#empty bottle#incendium#indie city writers#kanye#mark twain#Stage 773
Zach Blumenfeld
Zach graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2015 and, seeking to put off law school, began writing about music and pop culture. Now he's hooked on concert reviews and the Chicago music scene and thinks he could be doing this for a while. Follow his random thoughts on Twitter @zachblumy