Chicago Events Calendar / Things-To-Do: April 2009
Alvin Ailey American Dance TheaterLocation: Auditorium Theatre-50 E. Congress Pkwy Join the celebration as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, America's cultural ambassador to the world, marks its 50th anniversary of bringing African-American cultural expression and the American modern dance tradition to the world's stages. The genius of Alvin Ailey changed forever the perception of American dance; today the legacy continues with Judith Jamison's remarkable vision and the extraordinary artistry of the Company's dancers. The opening night show features a live performance by vocal ensemble, Sweet Honey In The Rock. More info at http://auditoriumtheatre.org/ Buckingham Fountain ReopensLocation: Grant Park-Columbus Dr & Congress parkway One of Chicago’s most iconic attractions and Grant Park’s crown jewel is undergoing a $25 million renovation and restoration and reopens on April 1.The project also includes a restoration of the pathways and landscaping that surround one of the world’s largest fountains. See http://www.restorethefountain.com for more info. Tulips on The Magnificent MileLocation: 625 N. Michigan Ave. April 1st marks the begining of Tulips on The Magnificent Mile, April 1 - May 31, celebrating all that is fresh and new each spring including the bloom of hundreds of thousands of tulips that bloom in The Magnificent Mile. Enjoy exclusive offers from restaurants, hotels and shops while meandering along the abundant tulip gardens throughout The Magnificent Mile. More info at http://www.themagnificentmile.com |
Alvin Ailey American Dance TheaterLocation:Auditorium Theatre-50 E. Congress Pkwy Join the celebration as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, America's cultural ambassador to the world, marks its 50th anniversary of bringing African-American cultural expression and the American modern dance tradition to the world's stages. The genius of Alvin Ailey changed forever the perception of American dance; today the legacy continues with Judith Jamison's remarkable vision and the extraordinary artistry of the Company's dancers. The opening night show features a live performance by vocal ensemble, Sweet Honey In The Rock. More info at http://auditoriumtheatre.org/ First Fridays at MCALocation: Museum of Contemporary Art-220 East Chicago A cultural and social way to end your week, the Museum of Contemporary Art’s (MCA) "First Fridays" series offers a prelude to the weekend with music, food, drinks and stylish atmosphere. The first Friday of each month, come and put a cultural end to a long work week with the MCA’s weely occurring series enhanced with complimentary appetizers courtesy of Wolfgang Puck Catering and a cash bar featuring drink specials. Live music sets the scene and previews to new art exhibits provide conscious-raising, mind-expanding entertainment. More info at http://www.mcachicago.org/programs/ff.php?page=friday |
Alvin Ailey American Dance TheaterLocation: Auditorium Theatre-50 E. Congress Pkwy Join the celebration as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, America's cultural ambassador to the world, marks its 50th anniversary of bringing African-American cultural expression and the American modern dance tradition to the world's stages. The genius of Alvin Ailey changed forever the perception of American dance; today the legacy continues with Judith Jamison's remarkable vision and the extraordinary artistry of the Company's dancers. The opening night show features a live performance by vocal ensemble, Sweet Honey In The Rock. More info at http://auditoriumtheatre.org/ Shoreline Sightseeing Olympic-themed Fireworks CruiseLocation: Navy Pier, Chicago Shoreline joins Navy Pier to welcome the International Olympic Committee to Chicago Shoreline Sightseeing will offer a special Fireworks Cruise on Saturday, April 4th, departing Navy Pier at 7:30 pm for a Lake Michigan Cruise followed by an Olympic-themed Navy Pier fireworks display at 8:00 pm. The occasion is one of a series of special presentations taking place on April 4 that Navy Pier to welcome the International Olympic Committee to Chicago. Events are centered on Chicago’s theme as a candidate host city for the 2016 Olympics: Let Friendship Shine. In keeping with the Olympic colors, Shoreline’s vessel will be lit with red, blue, green and yellow lights. Tickets are available for advance purchase online. 6th Annual Spring Egg-StravaganzaLocation: Soldier Field Stadium, 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr Festivities Include Ticketed Brunch and Admission-Free Candy Grab More than 4,000 adults and children are expected at the 6th Annual Spring Egg-Stravaganza, the largest free candy grab in Chicago, at Soldier Field Stadium, 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr., Saturday, April 4. A ticketed brunch will be held at the United Club from 8:30-10 a.m. and an admission-free candy grab on the field follows from 10 a.m. - noon. Children ages 10 years and younger are welcome to participate in this event presented by Dominick’s. The fun will be broadcast on the stadium’s two super-sized 23’ x 82’ video screens for parents to cheer from the sidelines. This is one of the few times that young Chicagoans get the chance to be on the actual field of the historic Solider Field, said Timothy J. Mitchell, general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District. Before the candy grab, children will have the opportunity to brunch with the bunny and take photos at Soldier Field’s United Club from 8:30 - 10 a.m. Admission to the brunch is $17.50 for adults, $12 for children under age 10, and free for children under age 3 with a paying adult. Reservations are mandatory for brunch and must be made by Friday, April 3 by calling 312-235-7096. The South Courtyard will feature an interactive show by Radio Disney AM 1300 from 9-10 a.m. along with other entertainment. The first 2,000 children who participate in the 10 a.m.noon candy grab will receive a commemorative wooden egg designed by a local Chicago youth participating in the citywide art contest now taking place. Guests are asked to park in the Waldron Garage for $10 and to enter the stadium on the south end at Gate O. For more information, call 312-235-7000 or visit http://www.soldierfield.net |
Alvin Ailey American Dance TheaterLocation: Auditorium Theatre-50 E. Congress Pkwy Join the celebration as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, America's cultural ambassador to the world, marks its 50th anniversary of bringing African-American cultural expression and the American modern dance tradition to the world's stages. The genius of Alvin Ailey changed forever the perception of American dance; today the legacy continues with Judith Jamison's remarkable vision and the extraordinary artistry of the Company's dancers. The opening night show features a live performance by vocal ensemble, Sweet Honey In The Rock. More info at http://auditoriumtheatre.org/ Greek Independence Day ParadeLocation: Greektown-Halsted St & Randolph St This year’s parade will be held April 5, 2009 in Greektown on Halsted Street, starting at Randolph and finishing at Van Buren. The theme for this year's parade is the "Olympic Games". More info at http://www.chicagogreekparade.org/ |
The Chicago Chamber Musicians FREE First Monday Concert!Location: The Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E Washington The Chicago Chamber Musicians is excited to present our Free First Monday Concert on Aug. 4th, 2008. The most recent First Monday Concert attracted nearly 350 audience members and filled all of the seats! We hope you will share this news so we can achieve the same audience. And once again, it's free to our community! White Sox Home OpenerLocation: US Cellular Field The White Sox start off the '09 season at home versus Kansas City on April 6. Be at U.S. Cellular Field for all of the action and excitement in 2009, including key divisional matchups and Interleague games.,/p> More at http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com |
Midwest Film FestivalLocation: Landmark's Century Centre Cinema 2828 N. Clark st. Chicago IL The Midwest Independent Film Festival is the nation's only film festival solely dedicated to the Midwest filmmaker, presenting audiences with regionally produced independent cinema every first Tuesday of the month at Landmark Century Centre Cinema, 2828 North Clark in Chicago. This year-round film festival sits proudly at the center of the independent film scene in Chicago and the Midwest and is dedicated to celebrating and strengthening that community. More information can be found on the Festival website: http://www.MidwestFilm.com. The Midwest Independent Film Festival was recently named to Chicago Magazine's prestigious "Best of Chicago" list - join us every First Tuesday at Landmark's Century Centre Cinema and find out why! More info at http://www.midwestfilm.com/ Tour of The Chicago TheatreTime: 12:00pm The tour encompasses historical and architectural highlights of the building, including the grand lobby areas, majestic auditorium and backstage space (when possible) where performers through the years. Tours take place every Tuesday & Thursday at 12pm Thursday tours from April to September. Other tour dates are scheduled seasonally. See the web site. See details at http://www.thechicagotheatre.com/about_tour.htm |
Play Ball, Chicago!Location: Daly Plaza-Washington & Dearborn Celebrate the boys of summer and join in the fun as the City of Chicago and National City Bank present Play Ball, Chicago! on Wednesday, April 8, from 10 am to 3 pm on Daley Plaza (Washington and Dearborn Streets). This 2nd annual celebration unites fans of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Kane County Cougars, Windy City Thunderbolts and Joliet Jackhammers and Schaumburg Flyers as they begin their seasons in Chicago. |
Tour of The Chicago TheatreTime: 12:00pm The tour encompasses historical and architectural highlights of the building, including the grand lobby areas, majestic auditorium and backstage space (when possible) where performers through the years. Tours take place every Tuesday & Thursday at 12pm Other tour dates are scheduled seasonally. See the web site. See details at http://www.thechicagotheatre.com/about_tour.htm |
Shoreline Sightseeing Spring Fireworks CruiseLocation: Navy Pier, Chicago Spring Fireworks Cruise departs Navy Pier at 7:30 pm for Lake Michigan Cruise followed by spring fireworks show at 8:00 pm. Tickets available by phone or online: 312-222-9328 |
Easter Brunch Cruise Aboard OdysseyLocation: Navy Pier-Chicago Odyssey Affordable Easter Elegance. Do something different this Easter and step aboard the chic sophistication of Odyssey. Distinctive dining. Live holiday entertainment. Complimentary champagne. An Easter Bunny appearance. Goodie bags for the kids. Dancing and stunning views. Celebrate Easter in style with this impressive value. Board: 11:00am; Cruise: 12:00 - 2:00pm Adults from only $67.90, Children ½ off (ages 3 - 11). The most extraordinary Easter venue is right at your fingertips. Welcome aboard. Easter Bunny Brunch Cruise Aboard Spirit of ChicagoLocation: Navy Pier-Spirit of Chicago The Greatest Easter Value is out on the Water! Do something different this Easter and hop aboard the vibrant Spirit of Chicago. Delight in our plentiful buffet, dance to the DJ, and see spectacular views all while cruising on the Lakefront. Plus, watch for a special Easter Bunny appearance and take home goodie bags! Best of all, get it for one affordable price. Board: Noon; Cruise: 12:30 - 2:30pm The most festive Easter venue in the entire city is only a click or call away! |
Cubs Home OpenerLocation: Wrigley Field-1060 W. Addison St, Chicago Here we go again. The Cubs, 2008 N. L. Central Divisions Champs, host their home opener on Monday, April 13th. Let's hope that 13 is a lucky number for the Cubs this year. More info at www.chicagocubs.com |
Tour of The Chicago TheatreTime: 12:00pm The tour encompasses historical and architectural highlights of the building, including the grand lobby areas, majestic auditorium and backstage space (when possible) where performers through the years. Tours take place every Tuesday & Thursday at 12pm Other tour dates are scheduled seasonally. See the web site. See details at http://www.thechicagotheatre.com/about_tour.htm |
Tour of The Chicago TheatreTime: 12:00pm The tour encompasses historical and architectural highlights of the building, including the grand lobby areas, majestic auditorium and backstage space (when possible) where performers through the years. Tours take place every Tuesday & Thursday at 12pm Other tour dates are scheduled seasonally. See the web site. See details at http://www.thechicagotheatre.com/about_tour.htm |
School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) Spring Art SaleLocation: 112 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603 The talent and creativity of SAIC students is on display at this unique sale, which offers exquisite one-of-a-kind gifts with displays of photographs, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, prints and drawings, jewelry, fashion accessories, and handmade paper designs. For more information, call 312.629.6883. More info at http://www.saic.edu/ |
School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) Spring Art SaleLocation: 112 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603 The talent and creativity of SAIC students is on display at this unique sale, which offers exquisite one-of-a-kind gifts with displays of photographs, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, prints and drawings, jewelry, fashion accessories, and handmade paper designs. For more information, call 312.629.6883. More info at http://www.saic.edu/ Tour of The Chicago TheatreTime: 12:00pm The tour encompasses historical and architectural highlights of the building, including the grand lobby areas, majestic auditorium and backstage space (when possible) where performers through the years. Saturday tours occur on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 11am and 12pm. Tours will begin promptly on the hour. When possible, Saturday tours will feature a demonstration on the Mighty Wurlitzer organ. The running time for all Saturday tours is approximately 1 hour. Reservations do not need to be made in advance unless your party contains more than 10 people. Other tour dates are scheduled seasonally. See the web site. |
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center OpensLocation: 9603 Woods Dr. Skokie, IL 60077 Photographs, artifacts, rare documents, and Midwest Holocaust survivors’ video testimonies recorded by Steven Spielberg’s Shoah Foundation are featured at this new 65,000-square-foot, three-story museum designed by Chicago architect Stanley Tigerman in suburban Skokie, Illinois. It will likely be the last major Holocaust museum built in collaboration with Holocaust survivors. Its April 19 opening coincides with the anniversary of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. More info at http://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/ |
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Hosts The Walk 2009 GalaLocation: 36 S. Wabash Ave., 7th Floor In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Show, fashion and art lovers from across the nation will gather for The Walk 2009. The benefit evening is presented in SAIC's recently opened, critically acclaimed Sullivan Galleries in the Sullivan Center, the former historic home of Carson Pirie Scott & Co. The Walk 2009 begins at 5:30 p.m. when guests gather in the Sage Studios for cocktails and an epicurean strolling supper as they explore the space where fashion students transform their vision into reality. At 7 p.m., guests move to the nearby Sullivan Galleries to take their seats amidst a forest of cutting edge contemporary art by SAIC MFA students, to enjoy the renowned fashion show. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the 2009 SAIC Legend of Fashion Award to Chicago-based designer and alumna Maria Pinto (BFA 1990). Pinto, hailed widely for her deliberately modern and confidently sophisticated designs, marries the rich tradition of artisanal textiles from around the world with the modernity of contemporary America. Her tailored silhouettes have been worn by such figures as First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and many more who love her ability to combine luxurious fabrics with clean lines, creating garments that have been described as "classic with an edge." As part of the evening, guests will enjoy a retrospective of Pinto’s 18 year career with a display of signature pieces. Following the presentation, attendees have the opportunity to mingle with artists, SAIC faculty and models, getting a closer look at the show garments or even commissioning a custom piece for themselves, as they indulge in decadent desserts. The evening will be capped with a VIP after-party hosted by Billy Dec at River North hotspot The Underground, 56 W. Illinois. More info at http://tinyurl.com/saicfs Tour of The Chicago TheatreTime: 12:00pm The tour encompasses historical and architectural highlights of the building, including the grand lobby areas, majestic auditorium and backstage space (when possible) where performers through the years. Tours take place every Tuesday & Thursday at 12pm Other tour dates are scheduled seasonally. See the web site. See details at http://www.thechicagotheatre.com/about_tour.htm |
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Show 2009Location: Sullivan Galleries The School of the Art Institute of Chicago 36 S. Wabash Ave The School of the Art Institute of Chicago will celebrate the 75th anniversary of its annual Fashion Show, in the School’s recently opened and acclaimed Sullivan Galleries. For the first time in its storied history, the Fashion Show will be presented within the installed space of SAIC’s annual Graduate Exhibition, moving the runway away from the catwalk and into the Galleries’ open spaces, and creating a vibrant relationship between the work of the School’s graduating artists and designers and fashion students. More than 200 innovative garments will be showcased during this multimedia celebration of creative clothing and contemporary art, which will also feature specially commissioned works by students and faculty from the School’s Performance department. SCHEDULE VENUE TICKETS Odyssey Friday Champagne Dinner CruiseLocation: Navy Pier Cruise aboard Odyssey on select Friday nights* and receive complimentary Champagne during boarding along with 3-course plated dining and live entertainment. Call 866/305.2469 or Book your Friday Champagne Dinner Cruise online |
Green and Growing Fair at Garfield Park ConservatoryLocation: Garfield Park Conservatory-300 N. Central Park Ave. Celebrate the coming of spring with fellow Chicagoland gardeners! GreenNet, a coalition of local greening organizations invites the public to exciting gardening demonstrations, lectures, a plant sale and more, at the Garfield Park Conservatory on April 25 from 10a.m. to 3p.m. More info at http://www.garfield-conservatory.org/ Race to WrigleyLocation: Wrigley Field-Waveland & Clark St The 4th annual "Race to Wrigley" 5K Run will be held on Saturday, April 25. The 5K Run, which starts and finishes at legendary Wrigley Field, will help kick off the 2009 baseball season while benefiting a good cause. Race to Wrigley -- which will benefit Chicago Cubs Charities -- begins at 8:00 a.m. Start location at Waveland & Clark. The course route proceeds through the streets of the Lake View neighborhood before returning to the stadium -- where runners will run through Wrigley Field's ground level concourse, finishing under the famed Wrigley Field Marquee (located at Clark and Addison). More info at http://www.chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=105 |
KICKS Against Breast CancerLocation: Soldier Field-1410 S. Museum Campus Dr. Soldier Field will play host on Sunday, April 26, 2009 to the inaugural Soldier Field KICKS Against Breast Cancer collegiate soccer invitational showcasing the best in women’s soccer. Athletes from seven regional universities including University of Illinois, Northwestern University, Northern Illinois University, Notre Dame, University of Wisconsin (Madison), Marquette University, and DePaul University will participate in the unique event to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and treatment. The intercollegiate play will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Admission price is $10/person (general admission seating) and includes access to the Soldier Field Fan Zone, which gives fans of all ages the opportunity to interact with coaches, players, sponsors, and spokespersons. A Soccer Moms clinic will also be held at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to teach the basics of soccer and provide inside tips to parents, aspiring coaches and players. For further information on the event, including schedule, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, Soccer Mom Clinic Registration, donations, and ticket purchases, please contact Emily Brown at 312-235-7148 or at ebrown@soldierfield.net. For more information on KICKS Against Breast Cancer, please email KICKS Founder, Louise Waxler at louise.waxler@kicksagainstbreastcancer.org. |
Tour of The Chicago TheatreTime: 12:00pm The tour encompasses historical and architectural highlights of the building, including the grand lobby areas, majestic auditorium and backstage space (when possible) where performers through the years. Tours take place every Tuesday & Thursday at 12pm Other tour dates are scheduled seasonally. See the web site. See details at http://www.thechicagotheatre.com/about_tour.htm |
Opening of Harry Potter: The ExhibitionLocation: Museum of Science & Industry - 57th Street & Lake Shore Dr. Enjoy an up-close and personal look at the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the iconic props and costumes that appeared throughout the Harry Potter films. These authentic artifacts will be displayed in elaborate settings inspired by locations from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry including the Gryffindor™ common room, Hagrid’s hut and the Great Hall. You will also get a first glimpse at items from the next film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, which is scheduled to open in theaters on July 17, 2009. More at http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/harry-potter Tour of The Chicago TheatreTime: 12:00pm The tour encompasses historical and architectural highlights of the building, including the grand lobby areas, majestic auditorium and backstage space (when possible) where performers through the years. Tours take place every Tuesday & Thursday at 12pm Other tour dates are scheduled seasonally. See the web site. See details at http://www.thechicagotheatre.com/about_tour.htm |
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