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Hot Tix is back: See what shows are offering half price ticketson August 5, 2021 at 8:29 pm

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Hot Tix is back: See what shows are offering half price tickets

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Hot Tix is back: See what shows are offering half price ticketson August 5, 2021 at 8:29 pm Read More »

Why use magic when you can use guns? Shoot it up in Rainbite’s Trigger Witch!on August 5, 2021 at 7:53 pm

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Why use magic when you can use guns? Shoot it up in Rainbite’s Trigger Witch!

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Why use magic when you can use guns? Shoot it up in Rainbite’s Trigger Witch!on August 5, 2021 at 7:53 pm Read More »

Vaccinate the world — nowMona Charenon August 5, 2021 at 7:30 pm

About six weeks ago, I wrote a column urging the United States take the lead in vaccinating the world. The case for doing so is even more compelling now.

Yes, we’ve been scratching and clawing at one another domestically over vaccine hesitancy, vaccine disinformation, vaccine mandates, masks, schools and every other damn thing. It’s a disgrace that right-wing infotainers have made basic public health the enemy. Masks and vaccines are weak, they sneer, while simultaneously declaring that any effort to mandate them is communism.

But consider how the vaccinophobes would feel if vaccination became the next great American gift to humanity.

Let’s start with the selfish reasons to do this.

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An American-led, global effort to vaccinate the whole planet would be fantastic for our reputation. The American brand has taken some hits since we presided over Pax Americana in the post-World War II era. The Iraq War, with its images of Abu Ghraib, did real damage. The election of Donald Trump and his truculent “America First” posturing further eroded our standing. The arrival of COVID-19 on the heels of this new American unsteadiness spurred even more suspicion of trade and international travel and led to what the World Bank called “viral protectionism.”

While understandable in the first throes of a deadly disease, the long-term consequences of reduced trade would be ruinous — for the United States as much as for other nations. Contrary to the fantasies of some Trumpian protectionists, the U.S. is the world’s largest trading nation. Ninety-five percent of the world’s consumers live outside our borders, and we’ve been flourishing by catering to those consumers. A 2019 survey found that 1 in 5 of us is employed because of international trade.

So, we want a healthy world that can buy our products and sell us things we need and desire. And we want to be perceived by people from Mexico to Malaysia as a benevolent power that looks out for its citizens first, but also considers the well-being of humanity.

Further, as we learned in 2020 (if we didn’t understand it already), we cannot wall ourselves off from diseases that cross borders. If COVID-19 variants are stewing in low-vaccination countries such as India, Ukraine and Nigeria, they can and will threaten the rest of the globe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now advises that the delta variant, which arose in India, is more transmissible than the common cold, the 1918 Spanish flu, smallpox, Ebola, MERS and SARS. It also makes people sicker than the original COVID-19.

Here’s another reason to vaccinate the world: As I noted in my earlier piece, our vaccines advertise the greatness of America. They work — unlike the inferior products produced by China and Russia. Innovation is one of our strengths, and what better advertisement can there be for an open, entrepreneurial system than a wonder drug that so successfully combats the deadly plague that has plunged the world into chaos?

What about the price? Nothing is free. It is estimated that the cost of vaccinating all 7.8 billion humans (assuming that the vaccine will eventually be approved for children) would be somewhere between $50 and $70 billion. That’s it. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the cost to the U.S. economy from COVID-19 over 10 years will be $7.9 trillion. The U.S. government spent $5.3 trillion (so far) to mitigate the pandemic’s effects.

These sums do not include the emotional cost of more than 600,000 lives lost, the fatherless and motherless children or the thousands suffering “long-haul COVID-19.” It does not include the social and emotional cost of more than a year of lost schooling and the forfeited potential advancement of millions of women who left the labor force.

Yes, $50 to $70 billion is a lot of money, but it’s dirt cheap compared with the costs of COVID-19. Democrats and Republicans are currently considering a $1 trillion infrastructure bill. Fine, but the problems the infrastructure bill addresses are long-term; they are not emergencies.

Consider that the next variant may be even worse than delta. It may, rather than mostly sparing the young as the current iteration does, target them as the 1918 flu did. It is no disrespect to the old (I’m getting there myself) to say that that would be infinitely worse.

Though we can easily afford the cost of vaccinating the world, we really wouldn’t need to shoulder the whole burden ourselves. If President Joe Biden led an effort by the wealthy nations of the world, he would surely find willing partners. He could request an emergency session of the G-20 to get this moving.

Opinion This Week

A weekly overview of opinions, analysis and commentary on issues affecting Chicago, Illinois and our nation by outside contributors, Sun-Times readers and the CST Editorial Board.

Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton were fond of quoting Alexis de Tocqueville to the effect that “America is great because she is good.” Alas, like so many famous quotations, this one is made up. But it’s not a stretch to suggest that the reason the fake quote resonated was that it captured an aspiration. For all of our many flaws, there is something in the American soul that longs for righteousness, that is willing to undertake burdens, that feels a sense of mission to lift up a battered world.

Vaccinating the world is within our scope, and though it would redound to our benefit as much as anyone’s, it would nevertheless be an act of vision and even nobility. It would honor our forebears and inspire our descendants.

Mona Charen is policy editor of The Bulwark and host of the “Beg to Differ” podcast.

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Vaccinate the world — nowMona Charenon August 5, 2021 at 7:30 pm Read More »

Officer claims self-defense in Red Line shooting, but wounded man’s attorneys say video shows otherwiseMatthew Hendricksonon August 5, 2021 at 7:41 pm

A Chicago police officer facing felony charges for shooting and wounding a man while on-duty at the CTA Red Line’s Grand station fired in self-defense when the man resisted arrest, the officer’s lawyer argued Thursday.

But Ariel Roman’s attorneys said claims that Officer Melvina Bogard was trying to protect herself when she shot Roman on Feb. 28, 2020 “completely contradicts the clear video evidence.”

Roman, who Cook County prosecutors said told the officers someone was bothering him in another car and that he had anxiety, was shot in the hip and buttocks, according to his attorneys Andrew M. Stroth and Greg Kulis, who filed a federal lawsuit against the city, Bogard and her partner, Officer Bernard Butler.

“Based on his injuries, his life will never be the same,” Stroth and Kulis said in a statement Thursday.

Butler, who was recorded by a bystander yelling “shoot him” before Bogard opened fire, has not been charged

“It was a brawl,” Bogard’s attorney Tim Grace told Judge Susana Ortiz Thursday of the “eight minute struggle” to arrest Roman, 34. Roman “had enough cocaine in his system to tranquilize … a horse” and refused to follow the officers’ directions, Grace said. At one point, Roman “bent” the officers’ handcuffs and tried to push the officers to the edge of the platform while trains were running, Grace added.

Ortiz, who ordered Bogard released on her own recognizance for aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct, said the officer had 24 hours to turn over any Firearm Owners Identification card, or other permits to carry a weapon.

But Grace said Bogard, 32, had already turned in her department-issued firearm to investigators after the shooting and didn’t own any others.

Assistant State’s Attorney Ken Goff, said both charges against Bogard stemmed from the first shot she fired shortly after 4 p.m. that day.

Bogard and Butler were detailed to a unit to prevent crime on the CTA when they spotted Roman moving between CTA cars while the train was running, Goff said.

Roman told the officers he was trying to get away from the pestering commuter, Goff said.

When the train stopped at the Grand station, the officers told Roman to get off the train and repeatedly asked for his ID, Goff said. A struggle followed and when Roman wouldn’t follow the officer’s commands, Bogard repeatedly told Roman to “stop resisting” when she tried to handcuff him, Goff said.

Both officers deployed their stun guns early in the encounter, and Bogard also used her pepper spray, which had an effect on Butler and Roman, Goff said.

The officers’ radio calls for assistance wouldn’t transmit in the underground tunnel, Goff also said.

Grace seized on that detail, pointing out that the officers were not provided with radios capable of communicating Bogard’s requests for backup.

Roman was eventually able to stand up before he was held by Butler, who commanded Bogard to “shoot him,” Goff said. Bogard then allegedly placed her handcuffs in her duty belt and pulled her gun on Roman as she stepped back.

Butler had “disengaged” from Roman, who began wiping his eyes and had stepped forward toward Bogard when she fired the first shot into his chest, Goff said. Roman then ran up an escalator toward the station’s main concourse when Bogard allegedly fired the second shot, striking him in the buttocks.

Roman was taken into custody after the shooting and faced resisting arrest and narcotics charges, which were later dropped by the state’s attorney’s office.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability submitted findings from its investigation to Supt. David Brown in October. The Chicago Police Department later moved to fire both officers.

Federal authorities also have opened a criminal investigation into the high-profile police shooting.

“The case is currently pending before the Chicago Police Board,” police spokesman Tom Ahern said in a statement. “The officer was relieved of police powers in March 2020.”

Grace said Bogard was active in her church and “comes from a cop family,” including her mother, who retired from CPD recently after 25 years.

Bogard had never been disciplined as an officer, Grace added. She and Butler, who were hired in 2017, were fairly new to the department at the time of the shooting.

Bogard is expected back in court on Aug. 18.

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Officer claims self-defense in Red Line shooting, but wounded man’s attorneys say video shows otherwiseMatthew Hendricksonon August 5, 2021 at 7:41 pm Read More »

Suit Up For the Marvel-Themed Marvelous Arcade Pop-Up at Replay Lincoln ParkOlessa Hanzlikon August 5, 2021 at 7:11 pm

The past few months have been filled with festivals, events, and all-around good fun. The city of Chicago is open 100 percent and that means more for us to do. Replay Lincoln Park is hosting the latest event of superheroic proportions with their latest epic summer event a Marvel-themed pop-up called Marvelous Arcade, running now through Labor Day weekend. The bar has transformed its gaming areas into an immersive experience filled with some fan-favorite characters, complete with Marvel-themed weekly trivia, cosplay pageants, along with 15 Marvel-themed arcade and pinball games, and so much more to enjoy the remainder of this summer.

Beginning Friday, July 30 and running through Monday, September 6, Chicago’s favorite pop-up bar will transform its gaming areas into an immersive experience filled with some fan-favorite characters, complete with Marvel-themed weekly trivia, cosplay pageants, along with 15 Marvel-themed arcade and pinball games including Spiderman pinball, Marvel vs Street Fighter arcade, X-men Arcade, and much more, all in one place courtesy of Pop-Up Productions. This event and all of the games are free, with no reservations, tickets, or tokens required. 

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During this limited pop-up, there will be Marvel-themed events that include trivia every Thursday night at 7 pm, along with cosplay pageants with cash prizes, a Guardians of the Galaxy karaoke night, fan art for sale, DJ sets on Thursday through Saturday, among other fun promotions. Pop up aficionados will also have the opportunity to treat themselves to Marvel-themed cocktails including the Wauconda 4ever; Hulk Smash’d; Ride the Lightning; I Love Your 300; I Am Inevitable, a limited time bomb, and more; along with themed treats like Quantum Pretzels, Stan Cur-Lee Fries, a Shawarma Smash, Auntie Mae’s Chocolate Cake, and more. 

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“Everyone loves a good action-packed movie, so we thought this would be the perfect summertime event not to be missed,” said Mark Kwiatkowski, owner of Replay Lincoln Park, via a press release. “We encourage all superhero fans to stop by and enjoy the remainder of this summer while we still can!” 

The Marvelous Arcade-inspired pop-up is 21+ and is reservation-free. Covid-19 restrictions will be practiced, and protocols will be strictly observed to ensure the safety of patrons and employees. Guests who show proof they have been fully vaccinated will be allowed to remove their masks. Please note, this is not an official event sanctioned by Marvel.   

Replay Lincoln Park features over 60+ free vintage arcade games, including pinball, air hockey, skeeball, and more. With no cover or tokens needed, Replay Lincoln Park invites guests for great fun from 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. Monday – Thursday, Friday 3 p.m. – 2 a.m., 12 p.m. – 3 a.m. Saturday, and 12 p.m. – 2 a.m. Sunday.  

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For more information or to reserve tickets to select events, please visit www.replaylincolnpark.com, call (773) 665-5660, or follow Replay on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. For additional information on Replay’s variety of pop-up bars, check out UrbanMatter’s review of their ‘90’s inspired Nick Arcade’ pop-up.

Feature Image Credit: Replay Lincoln Park on Facebook

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Suit Up For the Marvel-Themed Marvelous Arcade Pop-Up at Replay Lincoln ParkOlessa Hanzlikon August 5, 2021 at 7:11 pm Read More »

Things to do with kids in and around ChicagoMary Houlihan – For the Sun-Timeson August 5, 2021 at 5:53 pm

Welcome to our highlights of events and entertainment in Chicago for kids and families to enjoy. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on the latest activities.

Laurie Berkner

When: 11 a.m. Aug. 7

Where: Ravinia, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park

What: A pioneer in offering music geared to children and families, the singer will showcase an array of tunes that encourage everyone to get up and dance, including favorites such as “Waiting for the Elevator,” “We Are the Dinosaurs,” “Pig on Her Head” and “Superhero.” At Ravinia, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. Tickets: $10, $20.

More information: ravinia.org

Chicago World’s Fair of Money

Presented as a gift on behalf of President Andrew Jackson to the King of Siam in 1836, this famous set of rare coins will be displayed as part of a $100 million exhibit of early U.S. coins at the 2021 Chicago World’s Fair of Money.
Lyle Engleson/Ira and Larry Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

When: Aug. 10-14

Where: Donald A. Stephens Convention Center, Hall A, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont

What: Early American coins and historic money from around the world are the highlight of the Chicago World’s Fair of Money. Sponsored by the American Numismatic Association, the show features hundreds of dealers specializing in rare coins, paper money and gold and silver. Plus there are educational programs, family activities and free evaluations of old money. Admission: $10, $25 for a three-day pass, ages 12 and under free and free admission for all Aug. 14.

More information: worldsfairofmoney.com

Neighborhood festivals

Halsted Street Market Days
Halsted Street Market Days
Northalsted Business Alliance

Celebrating all colors of the rainbow, Halsted Street Market Days offers music on six stages featuring DJs, live music and drag performers plus vendors selling arts, crafts and food. From Aug. 6-8, on Halsted from Belmont to Addison. Admission: $15. Visit northhalsted.com. … The music and craft beer festival Dancing in the Streets returns Aug. 6-8 with local bands, food trucks and more. On Hubbard from Paulina to Wood. Admission: $10. Visit westtownchamber.org. … The Printer’s Row Art Fest features art at all price points from a variety of artists. From Aug. 7-8, on Dearborn from Polk to Harrison. Admission is free. Visit amdurproductions.com. … Taste of Andersonville returns from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 11 from Edgewater to Carmen on Clark Street, where attendees can sample dinner, drink and dessert options. Tickets: $30-$65. For a list of participating restaurants, visit andersonville.org.

Chicago Fireboat Tours

Chicago Fireboat Tours offer great views of Chicago's waterways.
Chicago Fireboat Tours offer great views of Chicago’s waterways.
Courtesy Chicago Fireboat Tours

When: Ongoing

Where: DuSable Harbors, 111 N. Lake Shore Dr.

What: Built in 1936, the Fred A. Busse was the largest, diesel-powered fireboat in the world at the time and served the Chicago Fire Department from 1937-1981. The current owners renovated the retired fireboat, which is now in its second season cruising Chicago waterways. Tickets: $35-$40, $19.50 ages 4-12.

More information: fireboattours.com

Merit School of Music

Merit School of Music is hosting summer pop-up performances beginning July 24.
Merit School of Music is hosting summer pop-up performances beginning July 24.
Courtesy of Merit School of Music

When: To Aug. 28

Where: Various locations

What: In July and August, the music school hosts a family-friendly series of interactive pop-up events throughout Chicago neighborhoods from Pilsen to Lincoln Park. “Pop-ups in the Parks” offers free instrument tunings, demos and performances by students and faculty, “Music at the Markets” features performances and giveaways at outdoor markets and “Musical Storytimes” is filled with stories and activities.

More information: meritmusic.org

Adler Planetarium

“Imagine the Moon”
Adler Planetarium

When: Ongoing

Where: 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.

What: The planetarium has partially reopened with a selection of its award-winning sky shows. On weekends in July and August two shows will play twice daily: “Imagine the Moon” (10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.) and “Skywatch Live” (11:30 am., 1:15 p.m.). The full museum won’t reopen until March 2022. Tickets: $15.

More information: adlerplanetarium.org

Tempel Lipizzans’ stallions

A Tempel Lippizan stallion performs “Airs Above the Ground.”
Courtesy Tempel Lipizzans

When: Ongoing

Where: Tempel Farms, 17000 Wadsworth, Old Mill Creek.

What: The stallions return for a new season of equestrian dressage along with interactive, educational events. Performances feature synchronized movements set to classical music that show off the strength, beauty and intelligence of the Lipizzan horse. Following each event, there are self-guided tours through the stables to meet and pet the equine stars and ask questions of riders and trainers about how the Lipizzans are raised, trained and taught to “dance.” Tickets: $35, $25 for ages 4-14.

More information: tempelfarms.com

‘Par Excellence Redux’

When: “The Front 9” (to Sept. 16) and “The Back Nine” (Oct. 13-Jan. 2)

Where: Tee off at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill, Elmhurst

What: A fun new exhibit features a fully playable 18-hole mini-golf course created by more than 20 artists, designers and architects from Chicago and beyond. The family-friendly course pays homage to the School of the Art Institute’s wildly popular 1988 exhibition “Par Excellence.” Course themes range from social justice to the occult and include a fortune-telling hole that has the power to dramatically change scores as well as a hole that challenges players with an optical illusion. Admission is $5-$10 (online timed reservations); children 4 and under free.

More information: elmhurstartmuseum.org

Chicago Children’s Museum

Where: Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand

When: Ongoing

What: Fun and learning are on the agenda at the popular family gathering spot, offering a wide variety of exhibits aimed at improving children’s lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. Babies and toddlers can enjoy “Treehouse Trails” and “Kids Town” while “Tinker Lab” and “Dinosaur Expedition” will enthrall older children. Admission: $19.

More information: chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

‘Becoming Jane’

A new exhibit at the Field Museum, “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall,” follows her journey from her childhood in England to a career as a passionate scientist studying chimpanzees in Africa.
Hugo van Lawick/National Geographic

When: To Sept. 6

Where: Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.

What: Generations have been inspired by the work of primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall who has not only shown the urgent need to protect chimpanzees but also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environments. A new exhibit at the Field Museum, “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall,” follows her journey from a curious young child in England to a passionate scientist studying chimpanzees in Africa. Included in the exhibit are a recreation of her field research tent, a hologram-like projection of Goodall who shares her fieldwork memories, augmented reality activities and a projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park.

Tickets: Admission: $18-$32

More information: fieldmuseum.org

‘Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago’s Greektown’

Detail view of James Mesple’s Sun and Moon Image featured in the “Hello Helios” exhibit in Greektown
Courtesy Greektown Chicago

When: Through spring 2022

Where: Halsted from Monroe to Van Buren

What: Welcome summer with a new outdoor exhibit celebrating the start of summer with 24 artworks inspired by the sun and related mythologies from Greek, Aztec, Yoruba, Japanese and Native American cultures.

More information: greektownchicago.org

Kayak for Conservation

The Shedd Aquarium’s popular “Kayak for Conservation” program.
Shedd Aquarium

When: Ongoing

Where: Kayak Chicago: 1220 W LeMoyne,

What: Get close to nature via the Shedd Aquarium’s popular Kayak for Conservation program, which features a variety of socially distant kayaking experiences on the Chicago River. Participants learn about the river’s environmental history and discover wildlife living in its ecosystem. Sessions are open to all levels of kayakers (including newbies) and are led by Shedd’s wildlife conservation experts. The cost is pay-what-you-can ranging from $20-$100 per participant, with a recommended $40, the base cost of the program.

More information: sheddaquarium.org/kayak

‘Take Flight’

The Boeing 747 at “Take Flight.”
Museum of Science and Industry

When: Permanent

Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.

What: The MSI’s Boeing 747 reopens with a reimagined exhibit that explores modern aviation and the science of flight. The plane’s interior has been restored and new interactive elements have been added. Tickets: $12.95, $21.95.

More information: msichicago.org

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Things to do with kids in and around ChicagoMary Houlihan – For the Sun-Timeson August 5, 2021 at 5:53 pm Read More »

Chicago police officer charged with battery, official misconduct in on-duty Red Line shootingMatthew Hendricksonon August 5, 2021 at 5:51 pm

A Chicago police officer was released on her own recognizance Thursday for shooting and wounding a man while on-duty at the CTA Red Line’s Grand station.

Officer Melvina Bogard, 32, is facing aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct for the Feb. 28, 2020 shooting.

In her order, Cook County Judge Susana Ortiz said she neither found Bogard to be a danger to the community, nor at risk of not showing up for her court hearings.

The state’s attorneys office, which announced the charges against Bogard Thursday, has not filed charges against Officer Bernard Butler, who was with Bogard at the time of the shooting and was recorded by a bystander yelling “shoot him” before Bogard opened fire.

Shortly after 4 p.m. that day, Bogard and Butler tried to arrest 34-year-old Ariel Roman after he was seen walking between cars on a northbound Red Line train.

The officers followed Roman when he got off the train and tried taking Roman into custody at the bottom of a set of stairs leading up to the station’s main concourse.

Roman struggled with Butler and was eventually able to stand up. Video footage showed two deployed stun guns on the station’s floor.

As Roman ran up the stairs, Butler repeatedly yelled for Bogard to fire, the video shows. Bogard shot once at Roman when he was a few feet away from her and then again when he neared the top of the stairs.

Roman was shot in the hip and buttocks, according to his attorneys Andrew M. Stroth and Greg Kulis, who filed a lawsuit against the city and both officers.

“Based on his injuries, his life will never be the same,” Stroth and Kulis said in a statement Thursday.

“The State’s Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI conducted a comprehensive investigation and today’s charges are consistent with the unjustified actions of these officers. Ariel Roman was unarmed, did not present a threat and was shot as he ran away,” the statement also said.

Roman was taken into custody after the shooting and faced resisting arrest and narcotics charges, which were later dropped by the state’s attorney’s office.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability submitted findings from its investigation to Supt. David Brown in October. The Chicago Police Department later moved to fire both officers.

Federal authorities also have opened a criminal investigation into the high-profile police shooting.

“The case is currently pending before the Chicago Police Board,” police spokesman Tom Ahern said in a statement. “The officer was relieved of police powers in March 2020.”

Bogard is expected back in court on Aug. 18.

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Chicago police officer charged with battery, official misconduct in on-duty Red Line shootingMatthew Hendricksonon August 5, 2021 at 5:51 pm Read More »

Al Michaels to appear during White Sox-Cubs game Sunday night on ABCJeff Agreston August 5, 2021 at 6:40 pm

Before the White Sox play in a cornfield on Fox, they’ll play at Wrigley Field on ABC.

For the first time in the 32-year history of ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball,” the broadcast will air exclusively on ABC when the Sox visit the Cubs this weekend. The “SNB” crew of play-by-play voice Matt Vasgersian, analyst Alex Rodriguez and reporter Buster Olney will call the game from the ballpark donning classic ABC Sports patches. (Sadly, no yellow jackets.)

ESPN had been looking to put “SNB” on broadcast TV for a while, but ABC had been locked into programming on Sunday nights. A window opened this weekend, and ESPN chose Sox-Cubs. The network made the selection almost a month before the Cubs’ sell-off at the trade deadline.

To commemorate ABC’s first regular-season MLB game since 1995 (the network aired wild-card series games last year), the broadcast will include flashbacks to memorable baseball moments on ABC and tributes to announcers who called them. Al Michaels, the 2021 Ford C. Frick Award winner and former MLB on ABC voice, will join the broadcast via FaceTime in the fourth or fifth inning.

It feels as though what’s old is new again as ESPN puts games on broadcast TV despite the trend toward streaming. The network will simulcast its NFL Week 1 “Monday Night Football” game on ABC, as well as its Week 18 Saturday doubleheader. Parent company Disney is aiming to take advantage of all its platforms by putting some games on ABC, and it will look to add more “SNB” broadcasts next season.

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Al Michaels to appear during White Sox-Cubs game Sunday night on ABCJeff Agreston August 5, 2021 at 6:40 pm Read More »

Chicago’s Cops Have Gone TIMID/ A WOKE ALDERMAN SAYS SO/ Well something HAS Gone wrongon August 5, 2021 at 6:30 pm

JUST SAYIN

Chicago’s Cops Have Gone TIMID/ A WOKE ALDERMAN SAYS SO/ Well something HAS Gone wrong

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Chicago’s Cops Have Gone TIMID/ A WOKE ALDERMAN SAYS SO/ Well something HAS Gone wrongon August 5, 2021 at 6:30 pm Read More »

Things to do in Chicago for music fansMary Houlihan – For the Sun-Timeson August 5, 2021 at 5:47 pm

Welcome to our highlights for concerts, festivals and live music in Chicago. From free shows at Millennium Park to large festivals like Ravinia and Lollapalooza, and intimate shows at small local venues, our guide has all the latest music entertainment. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on concerts and events.

Yue Bao

What: Conductor Yue Bao makes her Ravinia debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at 5 p.m. Aug. 8. Her selections for the program include Chen Yi’s “Duo Ye” No. 1 for chamber orchestra, Mozart’s “Sinfonia concertante” for violin and viola featuring Stella Chen and Matthew Lipman and Tchaikovsky’s Suite No. 4 (“Mozartiana”).

When: 5 p.m. Aug. 8

Where: At Ravinia, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park.

Tickets: $10-$115. Visit ravinia.org

LatiNxt Music Festival

Sotomayor -- featuring siblings Paulina and Raul Sotomayor -- is among the lineup for the LatiNxt Music Fest.
Sotomayor — featuring siblings Paulina and Raul Sotomayor — is among the lineup for the LatiNxt Music Fest.
Courtesy Sotomayor

What; The LatiNxt Music Festival features artists from the Latin American diaspora as well as Chicago’s burgeoning Latinx music scene. Among the performers are hip-hop duo Los Rakas, Afro-Dominican fusion group Yasser Tejeda & Palotre, singer-songwriter Angelica Garcia and the Latin rhythms/electronic beats of Sotomayor featuring siblings Paulina and Raul Sotomayor.

When: From at 5:30-11:30 p.m. Aug. 6 and 2-11:30 p.m. Aug. 7

Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand.

Tickets: Admission is free. Visit navypier.org.

Canal Shores — ‘Out of Space’

Patti Smith and Her Band perform on day three of Riot Fest in Douglas Park, Sunday evening, Sept. 15, 2019.
Patti Smith and Her Band perform on day three of Riot Fest in Douglas Park in 2019.
Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

What: This August version of Out of Space features its continuing great roundup of artists. Two of the concerts Emmylou Harris and Los Lobos (Aug. 5) and Caamp with Madi Diaz (Aug. 8) are sold out. Tickets remain for Patti Smith and Her Band with Gregory Alan Isakov (7 p.m. Aug. 6, $50-$125) and Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals plus Jake Etheridge (7 p.m. Aug. 7, $45-$115).

Where: The concerts take place under the stars at Canal Shores, 1030 Central, Evanston. Visit evanstonspace.com.

Bette Smith

Bette Smith photo by Shervin Lainez
Bette Smith
Shervin Lainez Photo

What: Sassy rock and soul dynamo Bette Smith tours behind her recent album “The Good, The Bad and the Bette.” The Brooklyn-based singer has been hailed by American Songwriter as “swaggering proof that there is nothing dated about soulful rock and roll sung with attitude, defiance and a take-no-prisoners aesthetic.”

When: 8 p.m. at Space, 1245 Chicago, Evanston.

Tickets: $12, $20; visit evanstonspace.com.

Lindsey Stirling

Lindsey Stirling - photo by Sydney Takeshta
Lindsey Stirling
Sydney Takeshta Photo

What: Platinum-selling artist Lindsey Stirling, known for her futuristic violin-driven electronic music and unique live show; her music incorporates elements of classical music, hip-hop, pop and dubstep. Also on the bill: electro-pop artist Kiesza.

When: 7 p.m. Aug. 10

Where: Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island.

Tickets: $23+

Visit pavilionnortherlyisland.com.

Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret

What: Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret reopens with Joan Curto’s “Back in Business” (8 p.m. Aug. 5-8, $30), featuring vocalist Curto with Beckie Menzie (piano), Jim Cox (bass) and Tim Davis (percussion). Other performers in the Cabaret include Cathy Glickman and Anna Palermo with “Judy and Liza, Don’t Tell Mama” (8 p.m. Aug. 14, 7 p.m. Aug. 15, $25) a tribute to Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli; singer-songwriter Kelly Tansor (8 p.m. Aug. 19, $10) performing songs by Billy Joel, Regina Spektor, Olivia Rodrigo and more; and David Edelfelt with “Broadway Baritones: The Men, the Music, the Magic” (8 p.m. Aug. 20-22, $25). Cabaret shows require advance tickets and a two drink minimum for each show. The Piano Bar has a variety of performances each week that do not require advance tickets. Masks optional for the vaccinated; the non-vaccinated must wear a mask.

Where: 1383 N. Milwaukee. Visit davenportspianobar.com.

House City Series

DJ Traxman
DJ Traxman
Courtesy Chicago Park District

What: The Departments of Cultural Affairs and Special Event’s tribute to house music continues with House City, a new series of free events popping up throughout the summer in the neighborhoods that helped create the house music genre over 35 years ago.

When/Where: vent dates and communities are July 23 in South Shore, July 31 on the Southeast Side, Aug. 14 in Humboldt Park, Aug. 28 in Englewood, Aug. 29 in Lakeview, Sept. 12 in South Shore and Sept.19 in Bronzeville. DJs playing include Traxman, Lori Branch, Deeon, Elbert Philips, Duane Powell and more.

Info: For locations and times, visit chicagohousemusicfestival.us

Chris Foreman
Chris Foreman
Courtesy Origin Records

Chris Foreman at the Green Mill

What: The Green Mill has reopened and that means the return of Chris Foreman, a Friday night fixture at the popular jazz club. Foreman, a jazz organist blind since birth, is a master on the Hammond B3 and regarded as Chicago’s best. His playing is a blend of blues-gospel and jazz honed in his professional experience, which has included work with Hank Crawford, Albert Collins, Bernard Purdie, The Deep Blue Organ Trio and The Mighty Blue Kings.

When: 5-7:30 p.m. Fridays

Where: The Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway

Cost: No cover charge

Visit greenmilljazz.com

Ravinia Festival

What: The Ravinia Festival, the oldest outdoor music festival in the country, returns with reduced capacity. As usual, the lineup is a varied slate of music from classical to pop, jazz and rock. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns for a six-week run with conductor Marin Alsop leading seven concerts in her first season as Ravinia’s chief conductor. Also on the roster are: Garrick Ohlsson, Cynthia Erivo, Counting Crows, Kurt Elling, Brian McKnight, John Hiatt and the Jerry Douglas Band, The Roots, John Legend, Madeleine Peyroux, Midori, Joshua Bell, Pinchas Zukerman, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Joffrey Ballet.

When: July 1-Sept. 26

Where: Highland Park

Tickets: prices vary

Visit: ravinia.org.

Grant Park Music Festival

Independence Day concerts will kick off the Grant Park Music Festival season.
Patrick Pyszka

What: The Grant Park Music Festival is fully open for capacity audiences in the seated area and the lawn.

When: July 2-Aug. 21

Where: Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, Michigan and Randolph.

Admission: free

Visit: gpmf.org

Chicago Philharmonic

Adrian Dunn will conduct the Chicago Philharmonic in “Redemption,” June 29-Aug. 27.
Courtesy of AdrianDunn.com

What: Chicago Philharmonic returns with a three-concert outdoor chamber series at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts parking lot, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. The opening performance at 7 p.m. June 27 is “Chicago Phil Brass: Brass with Sass” and features Edward Elgar’s “Chanson du Matin,” Astor Piazzolla’s “Oblivion,” Fats Waller’s “That’s a Plenty,” Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” and more. There’s also a free streaming concert “Redemption” (June 29-Aug. 27), which features spirituals and gospel songs conducted by Adrian Dunn.

When: Subsequent concerts are July 25 and Aug. 5.

Tickets: $36-$42

Visit: chicagophilharmonic.org

Summer Nights with Northlight

What: Summer Nights with Northlight is a cabaret series held at Evanston restaurants to benefit Northlight Theatre. The performers are Alexis J. Roston and Kelvin Roston Jr. (June 10, Good to Go Jamaican, 711 W. Howard), Linda Solotaire (July 27, Sketchbook Brewing Company, 4901 Main, Skokie) and Heidi Kettenring (Aug. 24, Peckish Pig, 623 W. Howard).

When: Performances times are 6 p.m.

Tickets: $60 includes light dinner and select drinks. Visit northlight.org.

Tuesdays on the Terrace

“Tuesdays on the Terrace” at the MCA in Chicago.
Copyright MCA

When: 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays June 1-Aug. 31

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art’s outdoor sculpture garden, 220 E. Chicago

What: Tuesdays on the Terrace returns to the Museum of Contemporary Art’s outdoor sculpture garden. The popular jazz concert series features an array of Chicago jazz musiciansFirst up on June 1 is Alexis Lombre’s Ancestral Awakenings. Free with advance reservations. Visit mcachicago.org.

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Things to do in Chicago for music fansMary Houlihan – For the Sun-Timeson August 5, 2021 at 5:47 pm Read More »