Winter has finally reared its chilly head. There is frost on the ground, temps are dipping below freezing, and the wind is as biting as ever. Luckily there is just so much to do in the city that it's easy to ignore all this cumbersome weather and just have a great time! Art, shopping, music and brews are all just a quick trip away!
So let's get on with your curated weekend!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7th
Ya Filthy Animal Release Party @ Emporium Popups, 2367 N Milwaukee Ave, 7:00PM, 21+
WHAT: A brew tribute to Kevin McAllister's battle with The Wet Bandits
SO WHAT: Emporium Arcade Bar and Hopewell Brewing Company have come together to brew up a tasty holiday treat! "Ya Filthy Animal " is a 6.7% holiday sour ale with mulled wine spices, plums and black currants. This interesting riff on the classic mulled red wine cocktail will be released in conjunction with the soft opening of Emporium Popups' holiday hip-hop pop-up bar, No L's!
NOW WHAT: Entry is free, so head out and enjoy this uniquely Chicago-themed brew!
Rich Jones & Vapor Eyes / Nnamdi Ogbonnaya / Yomí / Jyroscope @ Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave., 8:30PM, 21+
WHAT: A packed night of great local talent
SO WHAT: If you have even the slightest foot in the local music scene, you've likely encountered Rich Jones. He is a renaissance man through and through, collaborating with tons of local acts to make some sensational music. This EP release party will feature a nice variety of genres including YOMi's harp-focused soundscapes, JyroScope's progressive hip hop, Nnamdi Ogbonnaya's genre-hopping madness, and of course Rich Jones' velvety voice backed by producer Vapor Eyes
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $12, so don't miss this EP release show with all these great acts!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8th
You Are Beautiful: Chicago Billboard Miniatures & Madman's Eye: The Art of Mac Blackout @ Galerie F, 2415 N Milwaukee Ave., 6:00PM - 10:00PM, All Ages
WHAT: A full gallery re-up, with You Are Beautiful showcased on the main gallery floor and Mac Blackout in the Underground space
SO WHAT: Galerie F's main show floor is hosting its yearly You Are Beautiful group exhibition with 48 artists giving their take on Matthew Hoffman's YAB project. The series of stickers, large wood installations, and murals has made itself known as a positive force sharing one simple idea: Everyone deserves to feel good.
Check out the full lineup of artists on their event page.
The Underground section of the gallery will feature
a solo exhibition celebrating the release of "Madman's Eye: The Art of Mac Blackout," a 240-page monograph and definitive guide to Mac's work. The pieces featured in the exhibition will show off Mac's wide range of themes and craft through several different mediums including anthropomorphic boomboxes, found object art, drawings and paintings.
NOW WHAT: As always, this opening reception is free! Go out and enjoy these two fantastic exhibitions.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9th
Handmade Market Chicago @ Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave., Noon - 4:00PM, 21+
WHAT: Shopping, eating and drinking all in one place
SO WHAT: Grab some food next door at Bite Cafe, maybe a drink from the Empty Bottle Bar, and start shopping the
Handmade Market Chicago! They will be bringing over 30 makers of beautiful and unique items to the Empty Bottle! Join in and see what all the sellers will have to offer. You can check out some of the sellers that will be featured over on their
Facebook events page.
NOW WHAT: This event as always is free!
Goods for Good Crafts Fair @ Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co., 1276 N Milwaukee Ave., Noon - 5:00PM, All Ages
WHAT: A little bit of shopping and supporting our future writers!
SO WHAT: Looking to get some holiday shopping done AND contribute to a good cause? 826CHI's Goods for Good Crafts Fair will showcase 17 local vendors like Vichcraft, Tiny Bold Creative, Christi Ahee Ceramics, and Reppin pins. Free cider, live music, and an in-house manicurist from 2-4pm will make the afternoon luxurious, but you'll know that you're also contributing to a good cause. See Sherry's
preview for more info!
NOW WHAT: Entry is free with a $5 suggested donation to 826CHI. 10% of proceeds will benefit 826CHI's free writing programs.
Stay Positive: New Prints Now for This 2017 Opening Reception @ Rotofugi Designer Toy Store & Gallery, 2780 N Lincoln Ave., 7:00PM - 10:00PM, All Ages
WHAT: Guest curator Jay Ryan has gathered together an amazing group of artists, illustrators and designers with one goal in mind: stay positive!
SO WHAT: While there’s been plenty to complain, protest and worry about in this tumultuous 2017, Jay Ryan and an excellent lineup of creators are taking the time to look for some optimism in that sea of hardship.Stay Positive will be Rotofugi's first print based exhibition and it's going to be a great one! Guest curator Jay Ryan and many of the participating artists, will be in attendance, plus they’ll have snacks & sodas available (BYOB if you want to have alcohol), and music by DJ Sean Doe.
Check out their event page for a full list of artists that will be featured!
NOW WHAT: It's free! So get there early, bask in the positivity, and maybe take a print or two back home! The exhibit continues through December 31.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10th
Gift Good hop: A Holiday Market @ Ace Hotel, 311 N Morgan St., 10:00AM - 4:00PM, All Ages
WHAT: Ace Hotel Chicago has teamed up with Dovetail to curate a holiday market that features some of their favorite local makers and artisans.
SO WHAT: Gift good this year with this market's extended family of makers. From wovens to wearables, aunts and uncles to your little brothers and sisters, this market will surely have you covered. DJ Tess will set the mood for your holiday shopping while sipping a Mexican Hot Chocolate (spiked, of course) from City Mouse.
For a full list of vendors, visit their website!
NOW WHAT: It's free and open to the public! Get more of you holiday shopping done and gift good!
Windy City Blues Finale @ Spertus Institute, 610 S Michigan Ave., 3:00PM - 5:00PM
WHAT: Renee Rosen, author of
Windy City Blues, is
interviewed by Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune jazz critic. Plus music by Sweet G and the Lovers Entertainment Band performing tracks recorded at Chess Records.
SO WHAT: Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership has chosen Rosen's book as its One Book, One Community selection. See
our review of
Windy City Blues, an historical novel based on Chess Records and the early days of Chicago blues. Some of the musical greats who recorded at Chess Records were Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Sunnyland Slim, Willie Dixon, Little Walter, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and the Rolling Stones. The book will be for sale and Rosen will sign books after the program.
NOW WHAT: Tickets are $10. Advance tickets recommended. Questions about registration? Call 312-322-1773.
