Your Chicago Curated Weekend: 1/19 – 1/22
Well it's finally that weekend we've been waiting for, or more aptly dreading. While it's easy just to give up and stand aside, but that's something we can not do. Everyone, whether you oppose our upcoming political leader or support him, should take part in the discussion and actively attempt to better our country. For those of us who are less than happy about this Friday, I highly suggest you also take a look at our round up of Anti-Trump events, show support, and make your voice heard.
So if you're in for protest, activism, fun, or a little bit of all of it, let's get on with your curated weekend.
THE WHOLE WEEKEND, JANUARY 19th - 22st
The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival @ Various Locations
WHAT: The finest puppet theatrics
SO WHAT: The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival brings together puppeteers from across the globe to perform throughout Chicago. It's 11 days of shows, symposiums, and workshops that will give a better understanding and appreciation of this unique form of theater. There are show to fit anyone's taste, ranging from thrilling true stories to raunchy oddities. You can find a detailed schedule of the shows and events over on the festival's website.
NOW WHAT: Tickets to each event range from completely free to $40, making it a great and affordable opportunity to experience some interesting theater.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19th
Ghostlight Project poster designed by David Zinn.
Project Ghostlight @ Theaters Nationwide, 5:30PM
WHAT: Some much needed light from the the theater community
SO WHAT: On the eve of the Presidential Inauguration, members of the theater community nationwide will gather outside participating theaters to join in collective action and pledge continued advocacy for social justice and equity in the coming years, creating “light” for the challenging times ahead. The project, formerly called the Sanguinary Project, is inspired by the tradition of leaving a “ghost light” in a darkened theater.
NOW WHAT: Steppenwolf, 1650 N Halsted St., Goodman, 170 N Dearborn, Victory Gardens, 2433 N Lincoln Ave., and Shattered Globe at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, will be participating, so head out and show your support. See our story on the project here.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21st
Women’s March on Chicago @ Grant Park, 10:00AM
WHAT: A march for women's/human rights
SO WHAT: This march will give participants a chance to "connect to make their voices heard and to support each other in PROTECT-ing and furthering women’s/human rights and civil liberties by ACTIVATE-ing in their communities.”
NOW WHAT: To register to attend or share the event via Facebook, click here.
Change Machine Vol. 1 @ Logan Arcade, 2410 W Fullerton Ave, Noon to Closing
WHAT: An all-day fundraiser at this great arcade bar in solidarity with the Women's March on Washington
SO WHAT: The first event in what will be an ongoing series at Logan Arcade, Change Machine aims to raise funds and awareness for causes that Logan Arcade believes in and for the community surrounding them. All proceeds from every game you play this evening and select Half Acre beer will become a charitable donation, this time around supporting Planned Parenthood and Center on Halsted. There will also be two other opportunities to keep the fun going and continue supporting the aforementioned organizations. At 3:30pm, the Killer Queen Mercury Squad Chicago will present "Plan Bee: Mixer Fundraiser for Planned Parenthood", where a $5-$10 donation will get you all-you-can-play Killer Queen. Taen at 8:00pm there will be a $5 buy-in Pinball Tournament presented by Down to Flip with all money going to Center on Halsted (and there will be prizes).
NOW WHAT: Grab some quarters and spend the day having fun for a pair of good causes
Joan of Arc (Record Release) / FACS / Magas @ Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, 12 S Michigan Ave., 8:00PM
WHAT: A record release show for Chicago's genre hopping, lineup revolving, Tim Kinsella led Joan of Arc
SO WHAT: Joan of Arc will be celebrating the release of their latest album He's Got the Whole This Land Is Your Land in His Hands. It's a noisy mess of an album full of an oddball sense of humor that you'll either love or hate (if anything this review make me like the album more). Kinsella and co tend to deliver worthwhile performances that deserve to be experienced. Opening for Joan of Arc will be FACS, the new band from Jonathan van Herik, Noah Leger, and Brian Case of Disappears, and the wild sounds of James Marlon Magas' solo project Magas.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $15 for this sure to be amazing and fun show.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22nd
Josh Ritter @ City Winery, 1200 W Randolph St., 8:00PM
WHAT: A singer-songwriter to get your new week started off right
SO WHAT: Josh Ritter has built loyal following with his strong voice, a keen wit, and an evocative way with words. His modern folk sounds have been solid since his self-titled debut album in 1999. This new tour will focus more on trying out brand new material. These songs are still works in progress, giving fans a chance to see Ritter at his core talent in the midst of crafting songs.
NOW WHAT: Tickets for Sunday, just sold out, but if your free on Monday they have added a second show! Tickets range from $35 to $68 for this unique musical experience.