Today's the day! The solar eclipse will be happening later today! Whether it's with special glasses, solar lenses on cameras, or through the old tried and true pinhole methods, I hope everyone who will be enjoying this cosmic marvel will be doing so safely.
Take a look at Marielle Shaw's pocket guide to having a fantastic eclipse experience!
For those of you looking for more adventures, let's take a look at the events that will surely give the beginning of your week a fresh start!
MONDAY, AUGUST 21nd
Curbside Writers Club @ Curbside Books and Records, 125 S Clark St, 5:00PM - 7:00PM
WHAT: A nice place to sit and actually do some writing
SO WHAT: The
Curbside Writers Club offers local writers a lax environment conducive to getting some writing done. They will be reserving tables and playing soothing tunes in Revival Food Hall to help writers of all kinds sculpt their manuscript. Because reading good work is integral to creating good work, everything from Curbside Books & Records will be 20% off. The Revival Cafe Bar will also be offering a beer & a shot combo for $6, which can also help get your creative juices flowing. On top of all that they will be giving away Field Notes Memo Books to all participants! And you can enter to win a pair of Pitch Black Note Books and a 56-Week Planner!
NOW WHAT: All writers and readers are welcome to attend and it's free!
Millennium Park Summer Music Series: Wild Belle and Sam Trump & Acoustic Audile, 201 E Randolph St. 6:30PM - 9:00PM
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.
Tonight the series will feature two wonderful local acts: multi-talented duo Natalie and Elliot Bergman of Wild Belle and the soulful sounds of Sam Trump & Acoustive Audile!
NOW WHAT: All shows in this series are free and will start at 6:30 p.m. rain or shine.
Grab Bag Series: This Eclectic Life @ Pendulum Space, 1803 W Byron St #215, 8:00PM
WHAT: Eclectic Full Contact Theatre continues its new monthly “Grab Bag” series with This Eclectic Life, a storytelling event revolving around impactful moments on our lives.
SO WHAT: Do you like knowing people’s deep dark secrets? ! Are you a sucker for an inspiring or shocking revelations? Then this is the evening for you! Come out and hear some of the Eclectic company members, and members of the greater Chicago Theatre community share their life-altering stories. Featured storytellers will include Eclectic company members Andrew Pond, Michael Woods, and Lori Eyre, as well as Emily Belden, Sarah Bright, Katie Dow, Richard Eyre, and Shanna Moore.
NOW WHAT: Tickets for the event will be $15 in advance and $20 at the door. All proceeds for this event go to supporting Eclectic Full Contact Theatre and their efforts to expand and continue to provide opportunities for artists of all disciplines.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22rd
Tuesdays on the Terrace @ Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E Chicago Ave, 5:30PM
WHAT: Enjoy an evening of free music on the MCA’s Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden
SO WHAT: This annual summer performance series, hosted by Al Carter-Bey rom WDCB 90.0 FM and Richton Guy Thomas from WHPK 88.5 FM, highlights artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned jazz community. This evening will feature the
Xavier Breaker Coalition. In case of rain, the event moves inside to the MCA’s Kovler Atrium.
NOW WHAT: The concert series is free and open seating is still available on the terrace or bring a blanket to relax on the lawn. The MCA has returned to their regular food service including a buffet, which features a changing menu of themed dishes using fresh, locally grown produce for $30 per person. To make reservations for July–September, call
312-397-3805.
Tarot Reading for Beginners @ Sideshow Gallery, 2219 N Western Ave., 7:00PM - 9:00PM
WHAT: Sideshow Gallery presents Tarot Reading for Beginners, taught by Anne Elliott.
SO WHAT: Learn the basics of tarot and how to do a reading for yourself and your friends. We will explore the meanings of the cards and their symbolism. The class will provide a historical background for the tarot. The class will learn some basic card spreads and how to interpret them. We will read together and then break off into pairs to practice the basics. No prior knowledge required.
NOW WHAT: The class costs $25, appointment recommended! Call 773-276-1300 to reserve a spot.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23th
Jazzin' at the Shedd @ Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S Lake Shore Dr,. 5:00PM - 10:00PM
WHAT: Jazz, drinks, and sea life
SO WHAT: Every Wednesday evening during the summer, Jazzin at the Shedd will let you enjoy live jazz, cool drinks and a relaxed visit with 32,000 animals. You’ll be able to take in the Chicago skyline while listening to some of Chicago’s top jazz musicians.
You can see the full lineup of musicians at the Shedd website!
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $20 (or $18 if purchased before June 21st. Shedd members get into the this wonderful series for free!
CHIRP Night w/Bunny and Deeper @ 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 two wonderful bands:
Bunny and Deeper!
NOW WHAT: There is no cover for this 21+ event, so just make your way to the Whistler and have a great time!
