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This week’s gig poster advertises a party–a real-live party with music and people all in a room together!–organized at Elastic Arts in Logan Square by a collective of artists, musicians, and dancers called the Stylin’ Out Network. Throughout lockdown, the collective hosted DJ sets on their Twitch channel, and this event celebrates the return of their quarterly ST(ART) UP series, which pairs DJs from the collective with live performers and visual artists.

The image on the poster is by artist Ricardo Mondragon, who was born and raised in Mexico City but calls Chicago home. Mondragon creates paintings, sculptures, and digital images such as this one based on what he calls “visualizing harmonies,” using sound frequencies, waveforms, musical chords, and the like as inspiration. This summer Mondragon’s work has been on display in a solo show at Elastic Arts, and the Stylin’ Out event is also a closing celebration for that exhibit.

Though Chicago is feeling a little safer as more people get the COVID-19 vaccine, the city’s performance communities are still reeling from the loss of wages and tips during all those months we were staying at home. It’s not too late to do something to support the people who make nightlife happen: the Reader has compiled a list of fundraisers for out-of-work or underemployed venue staff. And you can help musicians, theater artists, and other creatives by contributing to funds that offer them direct support; the Reader lists some ideas here and here.

ARTIST: Ricardo Mondragon
GIG: ST(ART UP) art and DJ party featuring DJ Tess, DJ Jillian X, and DJ Quicktastic, Sat 7/31, 8 PM, Elastic Arts, 3429 W. Diversey, second floor, $10, all-ages
ARTIST INFO: instagram.com/rickdrako

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DEAR ABBY: My husband of 49 years had an affair two years ago with a woman younger than our daughter. The affair is over now, but I no longer trust him.

The “other woman” is a musician who performs with an adult ensemble that he conducts. He refuses to talk to her about discontinuing her involvement in the group, and is, in fact, including her in a tour in which many of our friends and I are involved. I find this demeaning and disrespectful, but he doesn’t think there’s a problem.

I am dismayed, but I haven’t spoken to friends or family about the affair because I don’t want my children or grandchildren to be hurt. What should I do? — OUT OF TUNE IN THE SOUTH

DEAR OUT: If the affair is really over, the young woman is an integral part of the group and you will be accompanying your husband on that tour, do nothing. (I hope it’s a big bus!) If, however, the affair is not a thing of the past, schedule an appointment with an attorney to discuss what your options are and talk with your adult children. They should be warned there may be stormy clouds on the horizon.

DEAR ABBY: I recently contacted a man I dated 32 years ago, when I was 17. He told me he was widowed 13 years ago after a 13-year marriage. Since then, he hasn’t dated anyone, talked to anyone or had any kind of human intimacy whatsoever. He is 58. It isn’t normal and it doesn’t seem like anyone in his family has helped him get through this, so he is stuck.

We have been talking for the last seven months. We live 6 1/2 hours apart. It seems like rather than “rock the boat,” he has let other people rule his life. His children are all in their 20s. He tells me he wants to visit and vice versa, to see where things go. We both say marriage is not on the table. I can’t even imagine it. His daughters have referred to me as his girlfriend when he has had me on the phone and they are in the background. Please advise. — NO DEFINITE PLANS YET

DEAR NO DEFINITE PLANS: You said your old beau has been living like a monk for the past 13 years. Ordinarily, I would advise you to invite him for a visit. However, in this coronavirus era, you need to know whether he has been vaccinated for COVID before you do that. Discuss this with him during one of your conversations and see how he feels about it.

DEAR ABBY: After 18 years of happy marriage, my husband came to me the other day and asked me to order some “leggings,” or what I call “yoga pants.” He said he had seen them on TikTok. Mind you, we’re both 40. He said they’re sexy and he’d love to see me in some. I’m not sure how to feel about this. I am 5’7″, weigh about 115 and I have no booty. Should I order the pants or be offended? — NO BOOTY IN NEW MEXICO

DEAR NO BOOTY: Order the pants! If he’d like to see you in them, what do you have to lose? While you may feel self- conscious about your posterior, never forget that it’s the booty he married. Please, let that reassure you. (If you’re unsure, consider wearing a tunic top with them.)

P.S. You may find them very comfortable.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

To order “How to Write Letters for All Occasions,” send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby — Letter Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)

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Chicago Blackhawks: 1 reason Duncan Keith trade could lead to more by Vincent Parise

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Chicago Cubs (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

We are now just a couple of weeks away from the Chicago Cubs entering into a potential fire sale.

The North Siders have fallen hard over the past month, and there is no doubt that Jed Hoyer and company are going to be on the phones nonstop — ready to sell.

The inability for the Ricketts to spend money wisely — or spend, at all — is starting to rear its ugly head. Chicago is headed for another rebuild, and some big names could be dealt in the coming days.

Unlike the Cubs, the Houston Astros are not only in position to make a run this year but are also willing to spend money to do so. How much money? If history is any indication, the Astros won’t be afraid to make a move.

The Chicago Cubs could find a trade partner with the Houston Astros before this year’s deadline.

According to general manager James Click, the Astros are willing to do whatever it takes if it means they will make another World Series run. In an interview aired a few days ago on Houston’s Sports Talk Radio, Click made it clear he would spend money if necessary, and even go far over the luxury tax threshold.

James Click on if they were to go over the Luxury Tax Threshold, how much would they: “If we’re going to go over, we’re going to go way over”.

(Interview on @SportsTalk790/@SeanUnfiltered)

— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) July 7, 2021

If the Astros decided to chat with the Cubs in regards to a trade, there are a few different avenues they could go.

Houston has one of the best offenses in baseball, but from the sounds of it, they wouldn’t shy away from adding another bat to the lineup. By the same token, their starting rotation goes deep when healthy. Houston is a very complete team altogether.

Engaging with Chicago in trade talks could provide a number of end results, but these three trades would certainly mean the Cubs are not only having a fire sale, but the Astros mean business.

Next: Trade Number 1

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Serious crimes were committed by the subjects of the six-part, three-pronged Netflix documentary series “Heist,” but nobody was murdered or injured. So it doesn’t seem inappropriate for the filmmakers to employ a relatively breezy, “Catch Me If You Can” approach to the telling of each real-life, can-you-believe-this-stuff story.

• An inexperienced, 21-year-old driver for a Las Vegas armored car company just drives off with a car containing millions and disappears into thin air with her accomplice. What?

• A former softball star in Kentucky starts skimming bottles and barrels of high-priced, small-batch Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, with more than $100,000 of booze eventually gone missing. Huh?
• In a robbery with strong echoes of the 1978 Lufthansa heist at New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport that became a key storyline in “Goodfellas,” a gang of previously small-time criminals steals more than $7 million from a Brinks warehouse at the Miami International Airport. The mastermind behind the operation said he relied on information he had gleaned from procedural TV shows such as “Law & Order,” and news programs such as “Dateline NBC” as he mapped out the plan. Come again?

Talk about rich fodder for a true-crime documentary series.

Each heist gets a two-part treatment. The first, titled “Sex Magick Money,” focuses on Heather Tallchief, a clever and beautiful 21-year-old from a seriously broken home who was wandering through life when she hooked up with one Roberto Ignacio Solis, a.k.a. Pancho Aguila, a bad actor who had done time for murder and was into black magic and voodoo — and manipulating vulnerable young women who fell under his spell. In 1993, despite a lack of experience, Tallchief was hired as a driver for the Loomis Armored Car Co. in Las Vegas, which made regular cash runs on the Strip, replenishing ATMs at multiple casinos. On one such route, Tallchief was behind the wheel outside the Circus Circus casino as her two colleagues went inside and filled the machines. When they came out, Heather was gone, having sped away with the truck containing some $3 million in cash.

Actors portray Tallchief and Solis as they escape Vegas and wind up in Florida, with Tallchief disguised as an old lady. (Another actor portrays Tallchief in present day, giving an interview. Every word is from transcripts of interviews with the real Tallchief.) We follow Tallchief to Amsterdam, where she had a son and hid in plain sight for a decade before deciding to turn herself in. As for Solis … nobody knows what happened to him.

Netflix

In “The Money Plane,” we’re introduced to Cuban immigrant Karls Monzon, a hardworking, unassuming man who doesn’t have the funds to cover the cost of an adoption — which leads him to assembling a crew and planning a heist at the Miami International Airport. Turns out there was a Brinks warehouse with a woeful lack of security, and even Karls and his ragtag crew of small-timers were able to pull off the robbery. They might even have gotten away with it, if not for Monzon’s brother-in-law Jeffrey, a free-spending, coke-snorting, strip-club-loving, motormouthed member of the crew who kept flaunting his newfound wealth even after he was kidnapped and beaten and told to shut the bleep up and lay low. (Jeffrey was actually kidnapped a second and THIRD time before he was rescued — and immediately arrested.)

Part 3 of the series, “The Bourbon King,” tells yet another tale brimming with colorful characters, this time in Frankfort, Kentucky, where softball is more a way of life than a mere grown-up’s hobby, and softball great Toby Curtsinger forged lasting friendships with a number of teammates and opponents. But after Curtsinger got married and had kids, his wife told him, “You pick softball or you pick me.”

“When I quit playing ball … I go to work, come home, cook, eat, take care of the kids, get up, go to work,” says Curtsinger, who was working at the Buffalo Trace distillery. By the 2000s the distillery’s Pappy Van Winkle bourbon had become an insanely hot commodity, with people paying more than $1,000 online for a single bottle of the small-batch brown. Curtsinger had taken a couple of bottles home and he gave them to a friend — who returned the next day with a thick wad of cash he had received for the two bottles and said there was big demand out there for more of the stuff.

A heist was born. Curtsinger got mixed up in all sorts of shenanigans in the case that attracted nationwide media attention and was dubbed “Pappygate.” (The doc makes a convincing case there were a number of co-conspirators, but Curtsinger was the only one to serve time for Pappygate.) As in the two previous stories, “The Bourbon King” moves at a brisk pace, alternating interviews with real-life subjects with re-creations set to catchy music as the craziness spirals out of control. All three of these tales have more than enough material to make for a feature-length film.

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Two people were killed, and eleven others wounded, in shootings Tuesday in Chicago, including a man who was fatally shot in Englewood on the South Side.

About 5:15 p.m., he was in the 7000 block of South Normal Avenue when someone opened fire, striking him in the body and throat, Chicago police said. The 25-year-old was pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center. His identity has not been released.

Two gunmen shot and killed a man in Metcalfe Park near Bronzeville on the South Side. The 29-year-old was found unresponsive in the park with gunshot wounds around 7 a.m. in the 4200 block of South State Street, police said. He was shot once in his head and once in his chest by two people who ran away, police said. The wounded man was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center and pronounced dead.

In non-fatal shootings, Two teenaged boys were shot in Lawndale on the West Side. The two boys, 15 and 17, were outside just after 10 p.m. in the 1600 block of South Avers Avenue when someone fired shots, police said. The 15-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was listed in fair condition at Stroger Hospital. The 17-year-old boy was struck in the left leg and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was listed in fair condition.

A 2-year-old boy and a 32-year-old man were critically wounded in a shooting outside a home in West Humboldt Park. They were standing outside a home about 7:25 p.m. in the 1500 block of North Tripp Avenue when a dark-colored vehicle pulled up and someone exited and began firing shots, police said. The 2-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the left leg and the 32-year-old was struck in the face. They went to Saint Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center but were then transferred to Stroger Hospital where they are both in critical condition.

Minutes prior, two teens were shot in Lawndale on the West Side. A 16-year-old boy and 18-year-old man were near an alley in the 4200 block of West Roosevelt Road when a vehicle approached and someone inside fired shots, police said. The 16-year-old was struck on both sides of his body and the older teen suffered a gunshot wound to the knee. They were both taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition.

A woman was seriously wounded in a shooting in East Garfield Park on the West Side. About 5:35 a.m., the woman whose age remains unknown but is thought to be in her 40s was found unresponsive in the 3900 block of West Jackson Boulevard, with a gunshot wound to her cheek, police said. She was rushed to the hospital, where she is in serious condition. The circumstances of the shooting are unknown.

Four others were wounded in shootings citywide.

One person was killed, and eight others were wounded in shootings in Chicago Monday.

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Four women and a man were shot Wednesday morning in West Garfield Park on the West Side.

Just after midnight, the group was standing in the 4600 block of West Monroe Street, when a male approached them and opened fire, Chicago police said.

A 23-year-old woman was struck in the left buttocks and a 25-year-old man was shot in both legs, police said. The woman is in good condition at Stroger Hospital, and the man is in good condition at Mt. Sinai Hospital.

A 29-year-old woman was struck in the buttocks and was taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition, police said. An 18-year-old woman was struck in the left leg and was taken to Stroger Hospital, where she is also in good condition.

A fourth woman, 34, was shot in the thigh but refused to go to the hospital, police said. She left the scene in good condition.

No arrests have been made as Area Four detectives investigate.

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Moon Alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Virgo.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Work to get better organized, but expect an interruption. Perhaps this interruption will lead to unexpected solutions or new ways of doing something. You might even introduce reforms to your job? Your health might improve?

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is a playful day and you want to have fun! (Parents take note that this is a mildly accident-prone day for your kids — especially in the morning — so be vigilant.) The arts, sports and social occasions will flourish, but perhaps with a new spin on something?

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

This has been a high-energy week for you; nevertheless, today you want to cocoon at home. You might have a serious heart-to-heart talk with a female family member. Possibly, your home routine will change in the morning. A small appliance or a minor breakage might need attention. Eek.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Pay attention to everything you say and do because this is a mildly accident-prone day for you. (Nothing has to happen if you are aware and mindful.) Meanwhile, you might meet new people, see new places and dream up clever, bright new ideas!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You are high-energy with Mars in your sign even though you prefer to keep a low profile. Today earnings, possessions and cash flow might be your focus. Keep your eyes open because something (especially this morning) might go awry. Guard against loss!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Today the moon is in your sign, which is why you might be more emotional than usual. However, the good news is that when the moon is in your sign (for two days every month) you are a bit luckier! Why not test this? Ask the universe for a favor!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

You are high visibility. People notice you and they admire you right now. However, today you will prefer to take a backseat and hide if you can. Nevertheless, something might make you a bit uncomfortable or restless. Don’t worry about this because it’s peanuts. It’s all good.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Today you will meet someone unusual, or someone you already know will do something you least expect. Whatever the case, it’s an unpredictable day. Fortunately, you look good to others because fair Venus is at high noon in your chart. In addition, you want adventure!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

There’s a strong likelihood that personal details about your private life are public today. You are noticed and people are talking about you. Meanwhile, if you had your druthers, you would travel and get out of town because you need a change of scenery. Fingers crossed!

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Controversial subjects might create a kerfuffle this morning. Or perhaps it’s something in the news? Instead, focus on benefiting from the wealth of others, including financial institutions. This is a good day to ask for a loan or mortgage. A conversation with a partner could be important.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Continue to focus on your job and getting better organized because this is a high priority for you now. Likewise, you might want to do something to improve your health. Partnerships are also important because both Venus and Mars are directly opposite your sign. Keep your finger on the pulse of things.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Today the moon is opposite your sign, which means you have to go more than halfway when dealing with others. This is no biggie. It simply means you need to be cooperative and accommodating. Meanwhile, this is a playful, fun-loving day for you! Be friendly and enjoy good times!

If Your Birthday Is Today

38th U.S. President Gerald Ford (1913) shares your birthday. You are freedom-loving and independent; nevertheless, you enjoy the company of others. You like to work with people and help them if you can. You are focused about what you want. This is a powerful year for you when many things will come to fruition. It is an excellent year for material gain and recognition. Enjoy your good fortune.

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Four teenagers were wounded in two separate shootings Tuesday night in Lawndale on the West Side.

Two boys, 15 and 17, were outside just after 10 p.m. in the 1600 block of South Avers Avenue when someone fired shots, Chicago police said.

The 15-year-old boy suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was listed in fair condition at Stroger Hospital. The 17-year-old boy was struck in the left leg and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was listed in fair condition, police said.

About three hours earlier, a 16-year-old boy and 18-year-old man were near an alley in the 4200 block of West Roosevelt Road when a vehicle approached and someone inside fired shots, Chicago police said.

The 16-year-old was struck on both sides and the older teen suffered a gunshot wound to the knee, police said.

Both teens were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition, police said.

No one is in custody in connection with either shooting.

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Police released video footage Tuesday of a gunman who allegedly opened fire on a crowd celebrating the Fourth of July last week in Austin, wounding a Chicago police commander and a sergeant.

Officers were dispersing a crowd of revelers about 1:30 a.m. July 5 in the block of North Long Avenue when someone fired at the crowd from across the street, police said.

Video shows the suspected gunman walk from one side of the street to the other before firing shots from the sidewalk and fleeing.

Patrina Wines — who’s been with the Chicago Police Department for 28 years and took over as commander of the 15th District a little over a year ago — and a police sergeant were wounded. Wines was hit in the foot and the sergeant was grazed in the leg. Neither required hospitalization.

The officers were standing among dozens of neighborhood residents when they were struck. The crowd was breaking up largely peacefully when shots were fired.

Chicago Police Supt. David Brown said at the time that it wasn’t clear whether the officers were targeted, “or whether this was people celebrating shooting in the air, shooting indiscriminately.”

Anyone with information was asked to call Area Four detectives at 312-746-8251.

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Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly will retire this fall, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Tuesday.

Kelly was appointed to his role as DCASE commissioner in July 2016 by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel after working more than 40 years as an administrator for several universities, including Columbia College Chicago, Wayne State University and City Colleges of Chicago.

A news release from the mayor’s office said Kelly’s leadership in post-COVID recovery has primed the city for a resurgence of the arts.

“Following a tumultuous sixteen months battling the pandemic and advocating for Chicago’s cultural community, Commissioner Kelly’s leadership has set the stage for a very strong arts recovery with various arts and culture programs and investments that will continue with the introduction of new leadership to the department,” the release said.

In his time, Kelly worked to get partners across the city to invest in a number of public art projects, including $18.5 million supporting public art in different neighborhoods and $25 million to support monuments honoring Jean Baptiste Point DuSable and his wife, Kitihawa, among other initiatives.

As commissioner, Kelly addressed inequality in the arts by introducing several programs that prioritized the South and West sides of Chicago, including Chicago Presents, the Artists Response Program, Culture in My Neighborhood and the Neighborhood Access Program.

A national search will begin immediately while Kelly finishes his tenure and will conclude ahead of his retirement in the fall.

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