Fresh Start to Your Week: 6/26 – 6/28

Hope everyone is recovering from the fun and festive weekend! Whether you were partying at Mamby on the Beach,  enjoying the massive Pride Parade, or out at the Logan Square art Festival, you can keep the fun going with these great batch of events. Don't forget to check out the calendar for even more was to enjoy your days and nights! Let's give the beginning of your week a fresh start! MONDAY, JUNE 26th Tokidoki x Ju-Ju-Be Sea Punk @ Rotofugi, 2780 N Lincoln Ave., Line tickets start at 11:00PM, event and sale 7:00PM- 9:00PM WHAT: Bright and colorful ocean scenes on some choice accessories SO WHAT: Rotofugi will be holding a pre-launch sales event for the new Sea Punk pattern bags and accessories by tokidoki x Ju-Ju-Be! These ultra vibrant and adorable patterned accessories will feature a cast of all-star characters from the tokidoki universe glide amidst heart shaped ropes and colorful pops of green seaweed. Rotofugi will be raffling off an amazing Be Right Back bag in the Sea Punk pattern to one lucky winner thanks to Ju-Ju-Be! Complimentary snacks and beverages will also be available; BYOB if you want adult beverages, NOW WHAT: The event is free, just come buy with come cash to get in on some of these great accessories.To avoid long insane line, Rotofugi will be offering line tickets for this event which will be available at the store starting at 11:00am. Millennium Park Summer Music Series: Jaga Jazzist / AfrotroniX @ Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph St., 6:30PM WHAT: Another year of the fantastic Millennium Park Summer Music Series SO WHAT: This is the second year of the re-imagining of Downtown Sound and Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz series. Merging them together has created a very eclectic set of musical experiences. This year’s exciting lineup continues to take cues from both internationally known performers to local artists that are more than worthy of such an impressive spotlight. This evening will be quite the experience thanks to the experimental jazz of Jaga Jazzist and the electronic anc music of AfrotroniX. NOW WHAT: All shows in this series are free and will start at 6:30 p.m. rain or shine. Tour de Fat Battle: White Mystery/Ric Wilson/Lili K/Modern Vices @ Schubas, 3159 N Southport Ave., 7:30PM WHAT: Local music battling it out for a spot on the Chicago stop of the Tour de Fat SO WHAT: Fat Tire presents the Tour de Fat from New Belgium Brewing is bringing their huge touring party to Chicago on Saturday, July 29. In order to prepare some of the entertainment at the festival, Schubas is hosting a Battle of the Bands competition to play on the Tour de Fat stage. This show will pit the all out rock of White Mystery, the hip hop flow of Ric Wilson, Lili K's gorgeous voice, and Modern Vices' doo-wop rock against each other for this hometown honor. NOW WHAT: Tickets are only $5! Go to this magnificent concert! TUESDAY, JUNE 27th Rush Hour Concerts @ St. James Cathedral, 65 E Huron St, 5:45PM WHAT: Rush Hour Concerts returns for its 18th season of weekly, musical getaways SO WHAT:  Hosted by the International Music Foundation, Rush Hour Concerts are free musical events for those in the city to sit own and relax for 30 minutes of wonderful classical music in the beautiful confines of St. James Cathedral. Check out Louis Harris’ preview post for the full lineup of musicians! NOW WHAT: These concerts are free, just show up a little early for a good spot and some refreshments! The Moth StorySLAM: Outnumbered @ Lincoln Hall, 2424 N Lincoln Ave., 7:00PM WHAT: Storytellers telling stories SO WHAT: The Moth presets an open-mic storytelling competition. It is open to anyone with a five-minute story to share on the night’s theme. Come tell a story, or just enjoy the show! This time performers prepare a five-minute story about being in the minority. In times of crisis: back alley brawls, political skirmishes, family reunions. Or times of plenty: pool boy at swim suit model’s retreat or the lone voice of reason in a sea of panic. The quixotic thrill of taking on a bigger army or the panic of getting flanked. NOW WHAT: Online tickets are sold-out; additional tickets will be available at the door on a first-come, first served basis. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28th
Riding and Striding, Reaching and Teaching: A Short Day in the Life of Gwendolyn Brooks @ The Poetry Foundation, 61 W Superior St., Noon
WHAT: A rare public screening of Roy Lewis’ short film on Gwendolyn Brooks will be followed with a conversation and Q&A with Lewis.
SO WHAT: The Poetry Foundation’s ongoing celebration of what would have been Gwendolyn Brooks’ 100th birthday continues with this screening. Come spend your lunch break learning about Chicago’s most influential poet, and be sure to check out the exhibition Matter in the Margins: Gwendolyn Brooks at 100, which runs from June 16th-August 25th. NOW WHAT: Admission is free, but the screening is first come, first served with limited room. Find more information here.
International Bob Dylan Tribute @ City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., 8:00PM WHAT: The International Bob Dylan Tribute celebrates Bob Dylan’s songs through music and art performed by an all-star cast of local musicians.The set consists of an acoustic set performance by various solo and duo performers and an electric set performed by a backing band with guest stars sitting in. Dylan-themed art will be exhibited in the lobby. SO WHAT: Musicians participating will include Robbie Fulks, Jon Langford, Paris Delane (Sonia Dada), Chris Gangi and Phil Roach (Cornmeal), Greg Fundis (Led Zeppelin 2), Pat Otto and Pete Smith (Growler), Todd Fink & E. Fink (of The Giving Tree Band), Edward David Anderson, Ted Wulfers, Steve Lazar, Mike Rackey and Kara Cavanaugh (Terrapin Flyer and Kara Cavanaugh Band). The annual event originated in Denver in 2006 by Americana singer-songwriter Dewey Paul Moffitt to honor Dylan’s 65th birthday. NOW WHAT: Doors open at 6pm. Tickets are $15-25. CHIRP Night w/ Laverne and Anti/Beyond @ The Whistler, 2421 N Milwaukee Ave., 8:30PM WHAT: A monthly dose of CHIRP curated music at the Whistler SO WHAT: Every fourth Wednesday of the month, CHIRP takes over The Whistler for an evening of great music performed by CHIRP-curated local artists. You will be able to enjoy some wonderful music, the Whistler’s take on classic cocktails, and the good feeling of supporting independent radio at this monthly event. This edition of the event will feature the power pop of Laverne and the meditative electronic sound of Anti/Beyond. NOW WHAT: There is no cover for this 21+ event, so just make your way to the Whistler and have a great time!
Julian Ramirez