Your Chicago Curated Weekend: 6/30-7/3

So, between writing the intros of this and last week's Curated Weekend, Brexit happened. I won't pretend to be educated on all the details of referendum and the eventual consequences. But clearly many of those who voted and even some of those in thick of it, had no idea, but the whole thing has come out like a mess. It's easy to describe the vote as the older richer elite voting against young creatives and academics, but the implications of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union affect the whole world, not just that part of that particular continent. There have been too many world events that we are willfully blind to and I hope this isn't one that we forget with the next news cycle. So I urge you to read up on it, understand just how important this change is and how it reflects the political unrest in our country. Also, Andrew Shaw was traded to the Canadiens and thankfully no puns with Brexit were made. I think. Your pre-Independence Day Chicago Curated Weekend eschews the typical pretty fireworks and grilled out food fests. There will be time for that later in the summer. Let's start your July with a little music, art, and a little bit of improv pain. THURSDAY, JUNE 30th Givers/Lower Dens @ Millennium Park Pritzker Pavilion, 55 N Michigan Ave., 6:30 WHAT: An open air evening of 80s twinged tunes under the city lights SO WHAT: There is something so genuinely freeing about seeing a show at Pritzker Pavilion.  You just can't beat having Chicago's architecture tower over you while some great music plays. As a part of the Millennium Park Summer Music Series, this show is a definite highlight. Lower Dens captures the dark and glam ridden sensation of the 80s and presents it in a way that feels wholly new and fresh. Givers matches up quite well, adding a few quicker and more danceable notes to their nostalgic sound. Whether you want to mellow out or dance the night away, this is the show to be at. NOW WHAT: This a free show, so just show up and delight in a show in the middle of the park. THURSDAY, JUNE 30th - FRIDAY, JULY 1st Batsu! @ Kamehachi, 1531 N. Wells St., 8:00PM WHAT: Improv + Pain = More Comedy SO WHAT: Honestly, I'm really morbidly intrigued by the concept of game show with painful punishments. While it seems like overkill, but it could be incredibly funny. I dare not mention the obvious refence point that this reminds me of, but you know what it is. Definitely check out Kim Campbell's review of the show for a more detailed look at the night's offerings and see if its up your alley. NOW WHAT: Batsu! will be in Chicago Thursday and Friday nights for an open ended run, so the pain will be running for quite some time.  Tickets are $25.50 or $40.50 for VIP admission. FRIDAY, JULY 1st Sentrock: Bird Masks & Hood Dreams @ Galerie F, 2381 N Milwaukee Ave., 6:00PM-10:00PM WHAT: Show opening for a new batch of amazing art by Sentrock SO WHAT: Galerie F's expertise on printmaking and street art is unparalleled in Chicago. Every one of their show openings is packed with like-minded attendees looking to indulge in the gorgeous works of art. This show focuses on the bird-masked characters of Sentrock's work. Bird Masks & Hood Dreams will features all new works by the artist that explore his mental state and physical environment, both past and present. Sentrock's art offers inspiring and hopeful messages amidst the harsh reality that we reside in. This is not one to be missed.  NOW WHAT: Make your way to Logan Square early and join in on this free show. Jurassic Park & Jaws @ Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., 7:00PM WHAT: A screening of the best summer blockbusters SO WHAT: Steven Spielberg is arguably our most icon and revered living director (second arguably for emphasis).  This is a chance to see two of his greatest summer blockbuste films on the big screen at easily the prettiest venue we have in Chicago, Thalia Hall. They will have a stocked bar and plenty of snacks to keep you as satiated the monsters on screen.  Also, it's dinosaurs and sharks. NOW WHAT: Pray for some Space Juice to find it's way up from Punch House and delight in a double feature for $8. SATURDAY, JULY 2nd - SUNDAY, JULY 3rd Mamby on the Beach 2016 @ Oakwood Beach WHAT: A surprisingly eclectic music festival on the beach. SO WHAT: The lineup for this show is so wonderfully perfect for summer. The headliners on July 2^nd include folk duo Milky Chance, experimental pop outfit Animal Collective, and hip hop legends Atmosphere.  July 3^rd features the soulful electronica of Chet Faker, electro-funk duo Chromeo, and the electronic pop joy of Santigold. The rest of the lineup is just as solid with Tycho, Wild Belle, and Kaytranada highlighting Saturday, while Sunday throws down with Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, Gallant, and Lupe Fiasco. NOW WHAT: You can check out the full lineup at their website and pick up tickets for $69.50 for a single day or $130 for the weekend. A portion of Mamby's ticket proceeds will benefit the Bright Start Community Outreach. SUNDAY, JULY 3rd New Canyons/Pale Dian/The Stargazer Lilies/Ganser/DJ Philly Peroxide @ Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., 9:00 PM WHAT: Basically the best night of a young shoegazer’s life. SO WHAT: If you didn’t already know, Empty Bottle is the best. So if you need an excuse to visit this is one hell of a night to do so. Five amazing acts, three of which are locally based, will be on hand to fill up the Empty Bottle with some transfixing ambiance. DJ Philly Peroxide will start off the night spinning some dark synth tunes before Ganser's post punk and industrial influenced sound solidly sets the mood. New Canyons and their icy electronic synths will be a definite highlight. From out side of Chicago, The Stargazer Lilies will send you drifting off to their spacey rock tunes while Austin's Pale Dian shares a darker side of dreamy pop.  Just let the shoegaze wash over you. NOW WHAT: Somehow, tickets for this 21+ show are only $7. Go and slowly sway your way to transcendence.