This week’s featured gig poster was created by Chicago artist and musician Erin Page.
We took a break last week to dive into the archives and came up with a poster from 2019 that celebrates a long-running event that (like so many other things) can’t happen in 2020.…Read More
Gazelle Amber Valentine and Edgar Livengood of avant-metal powerhouse Jucifer are a married couple, which means that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo’s creative process hasn’t been disrupted like those of bands whose members can’t “pod up.” Formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1993 and nomadic since 2000, when they began touring full-time, Jucifer are most associated with the loud, sludgy sound of their live shows, but they’ve maintained a commitment to stylistic and thematic variety throughout their career: 2008’s L’Autrichienne is a genre-bending concept album about the French revolution, while 2013’s За Волгой для нас земли нет is a historical epic about the city of Volgograd sung entirely in Russian. But even given their explorative ways and penchant for total immersion in an idea, their new eighth full-length, ظم (Nazm), is a dramatic departure from anything they’ve previously released.…Read More
The crash happened in the 1000 block of North Lake Shore Drive.
The occupants of a red Ferrari suffered minor injuries in a roll-over crash early Saturday on Lake Shore Drive, officials said.
The crash happened before 1 a.m. in the 1000 block of North Lake Shore Drive, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
A red Ferrari, which was rented for the weekend, failed to make the curve at Oak Street and Lake Shore Drive and rolled over, fire officials said.
1000 north LSD. Ferrari failed to make curve at Oak Street rolled over. Occupants with minor injuries. Vehicle rented for the weekend. Please observe posted speed limits! pic.twitter.com/pKJaFMW8A9
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) November 28, 2020
The vehicle’s occupants suffered only minor injuries, according to officials.
In a tweet, the fire department warned drivers to abide by posted speed limits.
An elderly couple died Thursday night in a house fire in the Old Irving Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side.
Robert Szalacha, 85, and his wife Carol Szalacha, 78, were found inside the home and pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Their daughter, who was also inside, got out and refused medical attention, police and neighbors said.
The fire broke out about 9:20 p.m. on the first floor of the home in the 4200 block of North Kildare Avenue, and soon engulfed the building, according to Chicago Fire Department officials.
Deputy District Chief Brian McKermitt said crews “encountered heavy fire on the first floor” after receiving reports the couple was trapped. While inside, the blaze “started intensifying,” and the firefighters retreated outside.
Once the fire was brought under control, a search was conducted, and the bodies were discovered, McKermitt said. Fire department spokesman Larry Langford said Carol Szalacha was found on the first floor, and Robert Szalacha was found on the second.
An investigation found that Carol Szalacha was using supplemental oxygen, according to Langford, and officials believe it was ignited by a cigarette she was smoking. An autopsy conducted Friday showed she died of burn injuries and smoke and soot inhalation. The report also said “careless use of smoking materials” was a factor.
Robert Szalacha died of carbon monoxide poisoning and burn injuries, the report said. It also noted that “careless use of smoking materials” contributed to his death. Both deaths were ruled accidents.
Thursday night, dozens of onlookers lined the street and peered from their porches as crews of firefighters beat back the blaze.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22124800/Image_from_iOS__3_.jpg)
Two neighbors clung to each other, looking on in disbelief. The man and woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said they knew the couple and saw that their daughter had escaped the Thanksgiving Day inferno.
“No matter what time, it’s a tragedy,” said one of the neighbors.
By 10:40 p.m., the massive fire was largely reduced to smoldering rubble.
Twelve hours after a fire killed Carol and Robert Szalacha in their Old Irving Park home, a man silently stepped to the edge of the couple’s front lawn.
The grass was beaten down and muddy, telltale signs of the 80 or so Chicago Fire Department personnel who responded to the blaze at 4216 N. Kildare Ave. Thursday night.
The man knelt to ground and placed two red roses on the Szachalas’ lawn before turning and walking away.
For Carol Szalacha, 78, flowers were serious business.
For more than 20 years, she was a steady figure in the Irving Park Garden Club, serving as the group’s president from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2008 to 2009.
She was especially fond of her hostas.
“I’ve got at least 25 or 30 different kinds,” she said in the garden club’s April newsletter. “I love their versatility and their coloring.”
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22125875/IMG_0321.jpg)
Their home, built in the early 1890s, was in the family since 1948, according to the Irving Park Historical Society. By Friday morning, it was a husk of its former self.
CFD officials said Friday that “careless use of smoking materials” was likely the cause of the blaze.
A neighbor called 911 to report the fire about 9:20 p.m. and, within minutes, the fire had torn through much of the house, according to CFD spokesman Larry Langford.
The fire started on the first floor and was likely accelerated by an oxygen tank that was nearby, Langford said. The heat was so intense it melted the siding on the home directly north of the Szalachas’.
Autopsies performed by the Cook County medical examiner’s office Friday found Carol Szalacha died of burns as well as smoke and soot inhalation. Her husband, 85-year-old Robert Szalacha, died of carbon monoxide toxicity and burns.
Dozens of passersby stopped Friday to look at the heavily damaged two-story home as relatives of the Szalachas spoke with a few firefighters still at the scene. They declined to speak with reporters.
One neighbor, who declined to give her name, said the Szalachas had lived in the home for most of their lives.
Every year, the neighbor said, the garden club would organize a walk in the neighborhood to show off residents’ floral displays.
“This would always be the end of the tour, over here, to see her master garden,” the neighbor said.
CFD Deputy District Chief Brian McKermitt told reporters Thursday night that crews “encountered heavy fire on the first floor” after receiving reports the couple was trapped. While inside, the blaze “started intensifying,” and the firefighters retreated outside.
Once the fire was brought under control, a search was conducted, and the bodies were discovered, McKermitt said.
Langford said the Szalachas were the 20th and 21st people to die in house fires in Chicago this year. In all of 2019, Langford said, 26 people died in house fires across the city.
As is the case after every fatal blaze, firefighters canvassed the immediate area to pass out smoke detectors to neighbors Friday.
2 die in NW Side fire blamed on smoking materialson November 27, 2020 at 9:51 pm Read More »
On Tuesday I posted the monthly update of the Case Shiller home price index from S&P Dow Jones CoreLogic which showed a dramatic rise in Chicago area home prices during the last year. Unfortunately, that index only tells us how home prices are doing across the entire metro area when, in reality, home prices could be rising at dramatically different rates within different neighborhoods.
Fortunately, the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University produces a quarterly home price index analysis of 33 sub markets of Cook County, including 16 within the city of Chicago. They use a methodology that is similar to what the Case Shiller index is based upon. Two weeks ago they released their 2nd quarter 2020 report, which is not as current as the Case Shiller index but it still gives us a pretty good idea of which Chicago neighborhoods are the hottest right now. As you might expect there really are dramatic differences by neighborhood.
Their heat map of the county provides a pretty good quick overview of what is going on and it shows all the action on the south side for a change. In fact, the higher income areas on the north side, such as Lake View and Lincoln Park, are actually showing price declines over the last year.
The Chicago neighborhoods with the highest rates of appreciation are now south of downtown.
They also provide this interactive graph of the price trends for each of the sub markets from January 2000 – June 2020. Rolling over a line reveals which neighborhood it corresponds to and what the gain has been since January 2000. You can pick points anywhere along the line and get the appreciation through that point in time. Although the graph starts in January 2000 you can download a spreadsheet with data going back to the first quarter of 1997.
[embedded content]Here are a few of the highlights from their report:
#ChicagoHomePrices #ChicagoRealEstate #NeighborhoodNews
Gary Lucido is the President of Lucid Realty, the Chicago area’s full service real estate brokerage that offers home buyer rebates and discount commissions. If you want to keep up to date on the Chicago real estate market or get an insider’s view of the seamy underbelly of the real estate industry you can Subscribe to Getting Real by Email using the form below. Please be sure to verify your email address when you receive the verification notice.
Filed under:
Home Prices, Market conditions, Neighborhood News
Tags:
Chicago home prices, market conditions, Neighborhood news
Subscribe To Getting Real
Meet The Blogger
After 20 years in the corporate world and running an Internet company, Gary started Lucid Realty with his partner, Sari. The company provides full service, while discounting commissions for sellers and giving buyers rebates.
Posts from related blogs
Most recent post: Real Estate in Chicago (and The Joffrey Ballet) Carry On!
Most recent post: Living in McKenzie Square Wilmette IL
Most recent post: Peaches: Part I
More from Lifestyle: Real Estate
Read these ChicagoNow blogs
Read these ChicagoNow Bloggers
It’s a fact: We could all use some holiday cheer these days. And even amid a pandemic, there are still many seasonal events to make your holidays merry, while supporting many local artists and artisans.
When it comes to live events, the rule of thumb is simple: Outdoors is in and indoors is out. Zoos and botanic gardens are offering their annual light extravaganzas, while museums are offering only streaming events. And many holiday theater and dance staples such as “The Nutcracker,” “A Christmas Carol,” Christkindlmarket,” Andrew Bird’s “Gezelligheid” and many more are also transitioning to online presentations. All in-person events will follow all COVID-19 precautions. Please consult individual websites for updated information and more specifics.
Here’s a sampling of some of what’s offered this season across the Chicago area and streaming online.
Above all, take some time to breathe — and be entertained. Happy Holidays!
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22120476/XMASTREE_112020_6.jpg)
The festive season got underway with the city’s always very large and very pretty holiday tree in Millennium Park (to Jan. 7). There was no public lighting ceremony this year, but a 30-minute virtual program “Millennium Park at Home: Chicago Holidays” (youtube.com/chicagodcase) features music performances by Chicago Children’s Choir, Sones de Mexico and Percy Bady with a tribute to Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” There will be no skating in the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink this season but the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon will be open. Reservations (maggiedaleypark.com) and masks are required. Admission is free to all park events; millenniumpark.org
Holiday Happenings at the Art Institute of Chicago: The lions that flank the entrance to the museum will be wearing their usual holiday wreaths but no public “Wreathing of the Lions” ceremony will take place. Scaled back holiday events this year include several free virtual art tours: “Gratitude” (Dec. 2) looks at works of art that encourage us to slow down, focus in and make connections; “Home for the Holidays” (Dec. 16, 18) explores artworks that connect us with what makes the holiday meaningful. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan, included with admission except where noted; artic.edu
National Museum of Mexican Art: Virtual holiday events include art-making for parents and toddlers (Dec. 5, $20); Cafe y Compras: Holiday Edition, a visit with two local artisans plus a peek at the museum’s online gift shop (Dec. 6, Free), and a paper mache ornament workshop (Dec. 19, Free); nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22120442/20181123_CB_Zoolights_23.jpg)
Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights: The zoo grounds are transformed into a land of twinkling lights. To Jan. 3, $5. Additional festive activities include a socially distant visit with Santa, an Enchanted Forest ($3); light maze ($3) and more. Other events include, an evening to enjoy seasonal and international craft beers; Holidaze (Dec. 10, sold out), an after-hours event for adults with music and cash bar; Chris White Trio with a tribute to Vince Guaraldi’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” (Dec. 13, live event is sold out, $15 for virtual stream). There’s also the ZooLights Virtual Challenge, a race with various distances and packages that is a fundraiser for the zoo (Nov. 27-Jan. 3, $24.99+). Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark; lpzoo.org
Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic: The zoo is illuminated with more than one million twinkling lights, animal sculptures, lights synchronized to music and Game of Gnomes scavenger hunt (Nov. 27-Dec. 31, $17.95-$24.95). No Santa appearance this year but there will be a life-size cutout for selfies, and kids can drop off letters addressed to the North Pole. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 W. 31st St., Brookfield; czs.org
Morton Arboretum’s Illumination — Tree Lights: The eighth annual event is reimagined as a drive-through experience with new light displays, drive-up concessions and a customized music soundtrack. The 2-mile route includes 11 light displays including new features as well a returning favorites such as Symphony Woods, Woodland Wonder, Crystal Promenade and more. There’s also a drive through concession stand. To Jan. 3 at Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Route 53, Lisle, $29-$49, timed advance tickets required; mortonarb.org
Chicago Botanic Garden — Lightscape: The night comes alive at this holiday light show featuring a world of color, imagination and sound. The illuminated trail features displays created by Chicago and international artists. To Jan. 3 at Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, sold out; chicagobotanic.org
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119101/unnamed__1_.jpg)
“A Christmas Carol”: College of DuPage Theatre presents a filmed version of William J. Norris’ adaptation of the holiday classic. Streams Nov. 27-Jan. 3, $16; atthemac.org
“A Christmas Carol — An Audio Play”: The Goodman Theatre presents a streaming audio version of its annual staging of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story with Larry Yando returning as Ebenezer Scrooge; directed by Jessica Thebus. Streams Dec. 1-31, also broadcast on WBEZ (91.5 FM) and Vocalo (91.1 FM) on Dec. 24-25, Free; goodmantheatre.org
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22120406/Screen_Shot_2020_11_24_at_8.42.55_PM.png)
Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol: The performance collective’s imaginative adaptation, co-commissioned by Writers Theatre, updates the holiday tale for the 2020 holiday season as Aunt Trudy, an avowed holiday skeptic, is recruited to channel her late husband’s famous Christmas cheer. Performances livestreamed Dec. 3-20, $15-$50; manualcinema.com and writerstheatre.org
A Christmas Carol: Writers Theatre presents the holiday tale adapted by and featuring Michael Halberstam in a solo performance; directed by Stanton Long. Streams Dec. 8-Jan. 3, $15-$50; writerstheatre.org
A Christmas Carol in the Dark:Theatre in the Dark presents an audio play adaptation of the holiday classic. Livestreams Dec. 10-24, $25-$30; theatreinthedark.com
A Christmas Carol: London’s The Old Vic presents Matthew Warchus’ staging of Jack Thorne’s adaptation of the holiday classic with Andrew Lincoln (“The Walking Dead”) as Ebenezer Scrooge. Each performance is livestreamed Dec. 12-24, $13-$86; oldvictheatre.com
A Christmas Carol: New York’s Summoners Ensemble Theatre in association with Merchant’s House Museum presents the holiday classic with John Kevin Jones as Charles Dickens, who embarks on a telling of his classic holiday tale. Streams Dec. 18-24, Free (donations appreciated) but reservations are required; summonersensemble.org or merchantshouse.org
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22120503/ISH72718.jpg)
It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!: American Blues Theater its 19th annual radio-play adaptation of Frank Capra’s classic film. The 80-minute production is livestreamed with actors performing at their homes; directed by Gwendolyn Whiteside. Streams through Jan. 2, $25-$55; americanbluestheater.com
“Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish — The Musical”: A family-friendly musical, based on the book by Denise McGowan Tracy, about a rag doll who lives in the magical world of the North Pole. Streams Nov. 27-Dec. 27, $25, party boxes $70, $85; eleanorswish.com
Christmas Bingo — It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night: Vicki Quade’s holiday show brings together two of the best things about being Catholic — Christmas and bingo. A portion of ticket sales goes to the retirement fund for the Benedictine Sisters of Chicago. Streams Nov. 27-Dec. 27, $20; nuns4fun-entertainment.ticketleap.com
“The Steadfast Tin Soldier”:In Lookingglass Theatre’s staging of Hans Christian Andersen’s story, director Mary Zimmerman concocts a spectacle about the unlikely adventures of a little tin soldier. Streams Dec. 1-27, $25; lookingglasstheatre.org
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22112992/BURNINGBLUEBEARD_4.jpg)
“Burning Bluebeard”: Porchlight Music Theatre presents Jay Torrence’s play inspired by the 1903 Iroquois Theatre Fire, a story told with music, clowning, tumbling, acrobatics and dance. Streams Dec. 4-Jan. 3, $15-$50; porchlightmusictheatre.org
The Rip Nelson Holiday Quarantine Special: Hell in a Handbag Productions celebrates the holiday with the return of America’s favorite funnyman; directed by Stevie Love. Streams Dec. 4-Jan. 9, $25; handbagproductions.org or stage773.com
“Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins”: Strawdog Theatre’s reimagined staging of Michael Dailey’s adaptation of the classic children’s holiday book by Eric Kimmel returns in an all-new virtual production performed live; directed by Spencer Ryan Diedrick. Livestreamed Dec. 5-20, $25-$30; strawdog.org
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22120426/RipNelson_3.jpg)
Fefu and Her Friends: An impressive lineup of Chicago actresses star in this staged reading of Maria Irene Fornes’ feminist classic. A benefit for Season of Concern, it stars Charin Alvarez, Sandra Delgado, Ora Jones, Delia Kropp, Sadieh Rifai, Lisa Tejero, Janet Ulrich Brooks and Penelope Walker; Stacy Stoltz directs. Streams Dec. 5-12, $10; seasonofconcern.org
That’s Weird, Grandma — House Par-Tay: Playmakers Laboratory rings in the holidays with stories written by elementary school students, adapted and performed by professional actors. Streams Dec. 7-28, $2-$4; playmakerslab.org
Happy Holidays from Porchlight!: Porchlight Music Theatre presents a holiday special featuring Porchlight favorites singing holiday classics and winter-themed songs for a variety of musical theatre productions. Streams Dec. 11-Jan. 3, $15-$50; porchlightmusictheatre.org
Wally World: For the second entry in its Steppenwolf Now series, Steppenwolf Theatre presents a two-act radio play by Isaac Gomez set on Christmas Eve at a superstore as employees do everything they can to find purpose in a place that has never seen purpose in them. Co-directed by Gomez and Lili-Anne Brown. Streams Dec. 15-Aug. 31, $75 membership includes access to all six virtual productions in the series; steppenwolf.org/now
“Peter Pan — A Musical Adventure”: Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s 2018 production of the classic tale; directed by Amber Mak. Streams Dec. 19-Jan. 1, Free; chicagoshakes.com/peterpan
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22120519/Hershel2019_1.jpg)
The Nutcracker: Ruth Page Center for the Arts presents a trio of holiday events. “A Sugar Plum of a Tradition — Ruth Page’s The Nutcracker Past Present & Future” is a behind-the-scenes look at the holiday classic featuring archival footage, interviews and commentary from the artists behind the production, a holiday tradition since 1965. Streams Nov. 27-Dec. 31, $20. An online fundraising auction streams Nov. 30-Dec. 16. “Visions — A Nutcracker Experience” transforms the holiday tradition into a new experience taking place over the five floors of the Ruth Page Center. Streams Dec 4-20, $45; ruthpage.org
Making a New American Nutcracker: While there won’t be a staging of the Joffrey Ballet’s annual holiday ballet this year, fans can instead enjoy a free stream of this PBS documentary (Dec. 1-31). Also young dancers can take a Virtual Enchanted Evening “Nutcracker” journey with Joffrey company members, for ages 4-6 Dec. 4 and ages 7-9 Dec. 11, $15; joffrey.org
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22121182/Nutcracker2.jpg)
“The Art Deco Nutcracker”: A&A Ballet’s adaptation, set in 1920s America, is a fresh take on the holiday favorite. If COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, limited-audience performances will take place on Dec. 19-20 at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan. If the guidelines stay the same, the performances will be streamed. Tickets are $15-$50; aacenterfordance.org
“The Nutcracker”: Hyde Park School of Dance presents a virtual performance of the classic that features ballet, modern dance and hip-hop. Streams Dec. 11-20, $25; hydeparkdance.org
“Dance-Along Nutcracker”: In lieu of the Chicago Cultural Center’s annual event, the original Dance-Along Nutcracker is streamed by the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. Streams Dec. 12-13, Free; dancealongnutcracker.org
“The Nutcracker”: Celebrate the holiday season with Ballet Chicago’s staging of the holiday classic. Features archival performances as well as performances with the company’s current roster. Streams Dec. 18-30, $16-$51; balletchicago.org
Great Russian Nutcracker: Moscow Ballet’s staging of the classic features world-class Russian dancers, hand-painted sets, Russian snow maidens and nesting dolls. Streams Dec. 19-Jan. 1, $24.99; atthemac.org
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago: Debut of “The Sky Was Different,” a film of new work by former company member and choreographer Jonathan Fredrickson. Streams Dec. 3, 5-6, Free; hubbardstreetdance.com
Ensemble Espanol: Annual holiday show features favorite dances performed by company members, guest artists and members of Ensemble Espanol Youth Company. Streams Dec. 12, Free; ensembleespanol.org
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22119096/JAZZFEST_090118_18.jpg)
Ramsey Lewis Trio: The jazz pianist revisits his classic holiday record “Sound of Christmas. Streams Nov. 28, $20; ramseylewis.com
FitzGerald’s 12 Streams of Christmas: Jon Langford, Bonnie “Prince” Billy (Dec. 2), The Western Elstons (Dec. 15), Honky Tonk Christmas with Big Sadie and The Lawrence Peters Outfit (Dec. 20), James McMurtry, Pat MacDonald (Dec. 23) and more to be announced. Free; fitzgeraldsnightclub.com
Jim Brickman: The pianist-songwriter blends personal yuletide memories with holiday carols. Livestreams Dec. 4, $40-$125; jimbrickman.com/naperville/
Alfreda Burke & Rodrick Dixon: The “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” soloists, accompanied by the Jo Ann Daugherty Trio, perform their favorite holiday standards and spirituals. Streams Dec. 4-Dec. 31, $25; tickets.auditoriumtheatre.org
Candlelight Carols: The St. Charles Singers present Christmas songs from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Streams Dec. 6, Free; stcharlessingers.com
New Philharmonic — Holiday Sing-a-Long with the Symphony: Featuring vocalists Emily Birsan, Kate Tombaugh, Bill McMurray and Jesse Donner. Streams Dec. 12-Jan. 3, $40; atthemac.org
Celtic Family Christmas — At Home: Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy share music and holiday family traditions. Streams Dec. 12-Dec. 31, $20; tickets.auditoriumtheatre.org
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22113263/Andrew_Bird_by_Jesse_Lirola.jpg)
Andrew Bird’s “Gezelligheid”: An intimate performance concentrating on instrumental violin pieces. Livestreams Dec. 13 and on demand to Dec. 31, $20; andrewbird.net
Laurie Berkner: A holiday family concert full of singing and dancing with the popular children’s performer. Livestreams Dec. 13, $20, $80 meet-and-greet package; laurieberkner.com
Lucinda Williams: In the final two evenings of her livestreamed “Lu’s Jukebox” series, the singer-songwriter rocks the holidays (Dec. 17) and welcomes the New Year with the music of the Rolling Stones (Dec. 31), $20-$40; evanstonspace.com
Brandenburg Concertos: Harris Theater presents Bach’s six masterpieces performed by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Streams Dec. 17, 21, Free; harristheaterchicago.org
Chicago Children’s Choir Fireplace Special: Features a mix of well-known traditional repertoire and holiday songs – from Mozart’s Lacrimosa (from the Requiem mass) to “The Christmas Song.” Streams Dec. 17, Free; facebook.com/ccchoir
Barenaked Ladies: Like variety shows from holidays past, the virtual event features sketch comedy written by the band, a few special surprises and performances including holiday fan favorites. Steams Dec. 18, $15; sessionslive.com/BNL/tickets
Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash — Million-Dollar Christmas: Rockin’ holiday tunes from the legends. Streams Dec. 19-Jan. 3, $50; atthemac.org
Big Band Holidays: Jazz at Lincoln Center presents a virtual concert featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Ruben Blades, Catherine Russell, Kurt Elling, Ashley Pezzotti and more. Streams Dec. 19, $25; jazz.org/bbh
New Philharmonic — New Year’s Eve Concert: Featuring soprano Alisa Jordheim and tenor Jesse Donner. Streams Dec. 31-Jan. 3, $50; atthemac.org
Christkindlmarket: The annual German-style holiday market goes virtual this year. Visitors can explore and purchase items from the online marketplace and enjoy family-friendly events and interactive activities. Streams through Dec. 31, Free; christkindlmarket.com
Macy’s Great Tree & Windows: View the 113th annual Great Tree, a 45-foot tall tree decorated with 2,000 ornaments and 6,600 lights and pick up family-style takeout meals from the Walnut Room. Plus check out the store’s decorated holiday windows. Macy’s, 111 N. State; macyswalnutroom.com
Holiday Experience at FitzGerald’s: While live shows remain elusive, the Berwyn club is open for quarantine partners and family bubbles to enjoy. Book the club for a seasonal film or the SideBar for a date night or a 45-minute session in the photobooth. For more information, visit fitzgeraldsnightclub.com
Holiday Classics at the Drive-In:Films include “Home Alone” (Dec. 11), “Elf” (Dec. 12), “Gremlins” (Dec. 17), “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (Dec. 18), “A Christmas Story” (Dec. 19) and “Die Hard” (Dec. 26). The Drive-In at Lincoln Yards, 1397 W. Wabansia, $35 per car; davistheater.com/drive-in-movies/
Art on the Mart: The latest edition of nightly projections on the facade of the Merchandise Mart features images from the Joffrey Ballet’s holiday classic “The Nutcracker,” the Art Institute of Chicago’s exhibits “Monet and Chicago” and “Bisa Butler: Portraits” and artwork from the organization Arts of Life, which showcases work by individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Nightly to Dec. 30, on Wacker, between Wells and Franklin, Free; facebook.com/artonthemart
One of a Kind Holiday Show: The popular market goes online for the holiday season with its usual fascinating array of unique gifts including jewelry, household items, food, clothes, art and other items. Streams through Dec. 6, Free; oneofakindshowchicago.com
Small Print Show: Find unique artwork from more than 60 artists at the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative’s annual show. Shop either in person (3 people at a time) or online. To Feb. 6 at 4912 N. Western, Free; chicagoprintmakers.com
Houndstooth Holiday Market: Find handmade holiday ornaments, candied nuts, hot pretzels, hot cider and more at this outside market. To Dec. 31, Free; houndstoothchicago.com
Rudolph’s Rooftop: Dress warm for the pop-up on the rooftop terrace at LondonHouse Chicago, which features holiday decor, photo ops and outdoor igloos. To Jan. 3, $50 includes two cocktails and two bites; londonhousechicago.com
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22120458/IMG_0601.jpg)
Santa Baby and Rudolph’s Christmas Bar: Two outdoor pop-up bars in the Wrigleyville neighborhood offer immersive, interactive holiday experiences plus the usual libations. Donations to Toys for Tots can be made at both locations. To Jan. 7 at Santa Baby, 3505 N. Clark and Rudolph’s Christmas Bar, 3660 N. Clark, Free-$20+; santababybar.com or rudolphsbar.com
Holiday Market: A Christkindlmarket-themed outdoor pop-up featuring German food, cocoa, cider and vintage Christkindlmarket mugs. From Nov. 27-Dec. 24 at DMen Tap, 2849 W. Belmont; dmentap.com
Holiday in the Park: A walk-through outdoor light extravaganza along with shows, children’s activities, holiday-themed photo ops, holiday food and more. No rides will be open. Nov. 27-Dec. 30 at Six Flags Great America, 1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, $19.99; sixflags.com/greatamerica
Chicago Wolves Ice Rink: Parkway Bank Park’soutdoor ice skating rink runs Nov. 27-Jan. 5. Limited capacity; reservations are required. Parkway Bank Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont, Free; parkwaybankpark.com
Virtual Holiday Stories Happy Hour: Chicago Detours’ interactive holiday event takes viewers to the city’s most beloved holiday landmarks and hidden gems while also telling the historical stories that celebrate Chicago’s festive spirit. Streams Nov. 27-Dec. 28, $20, $35; chicagodetours.com/virtual-tours/holiday-event/
Holidays at Burr Ridge Village Center: Features the Good Gift Holiday Pop-up with jewelry, clothing and accessories from local businesses (Nov. 27-Dec. 23) and a Mistletoe Market featuring handmade items (Dec. 12). Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Burr Ridge Pkwy, Burr Ridge, Free; shopburridge.com
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22120447/SANTAEXP_TINSEL.jpg)
Santa — The Experience: A virtual experience in which families can take an interactive elf-led journey to the North Pole and explore Santa’s favorite winter wonderland. Plus you can video chat with Santa! Streams Dec. 1-24, $34.95+; santatheexperience.com
Holiday Artisan Market: Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s online pop-up shop features 25 Chicago artisans showcasing one-of-a-kind, homemade items. Streams from Dec. 3-6, Free; chicagoshakes.com
Vintage Holidays in Long Grove: The annual lighting of the Christmas tree is a virtual event this year with Christmas songs, a sing-a-long and story telling. Streams from 4-5 p.m. Dec. 5; longgrove.org
Hyde Park Art Center: A virtual ornament-making workshop by artist Dorian Sylvain. Streams Dec. 6, Free; hydeparkart.org
NOTE: All information was accurate as of publication date. Please check with individual productions/venues for complete information.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22120462/Kailley_Lindman_Photography4.jpg)
Rufus is a gorgeous, active and friendly, one-year-old, male Abyssinian tri-color guinea pig looking for a loving guardian.
This boy enjoys neck scratches and face rubs. He enjoys other guinea pigs but plays very rough, so he may need to be carefully monitored while having play dates with other guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs eat a diet of unlimited Timothy and Orchard hays; a handful of guinea pig pellets, and fresh vegetables including romaine, red leaf and green leaf lettuces, cilantro, cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, etc. Guinea pigs, similar to humans, can’t manufacture their own vitamin C, so they need to supplement their diet with red pepper and many other vitamin C-rich foods. He LOVES his fresh foods.
Please read up on guinea pig care and diet before adopting by visiting this excellent web site http://www.guinealynx.info/.
He would love a home with people who will handle him daily, keep him well fed, his nails trimmed, and keep his habitat nice and clean.
If you’re interested in possibly adopting Rufus, please fill out an adoption application at https://friendsofpetraits.com/guinea-pig-adoption-application/.
He is being fostered in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.
His adoption fee of $35 benefits the Friends of Petraits Rescue. For an additional $75, we’ll include a package of absolutely everything you need to care for him including a large cage, pellets, hay, hidey hut and water bottle.
And, yes … Friends of Petraits is handling masked, minimum contact, socially distant adoptions.
Filed under:
Uncategorized
Completely spam free, opt out any time.
Latest on ChicagoNow
Posts from related blogs
Most recent post: Not all heroes wear capes: The Anti-Cruelty Society Fosters
Most recent post: All Pet Foods are Not Created Equal and That Includes Raw
Most recent post: Foster the Possibilities: Learn How Fostering Pets Saves Lives
More from Lifestyle: Pets
Read these ChicagoNow blogs
Read these ChicagoNow Bloggers
©2020 CTMG – A Chicago Tribune website –
Crafted by the News Apps team
Rufus — Petraits Rescueon November 27, 2020 at 1:01 pm Read More »
Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward paid $5.9 million on Oct. 19 for a six-bedroom, newly built mansion in the Gold Coast neighborhood. (Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty)
Read the entire article on the Chicago Tribune.
Filed under:
Uncategorized
Completely spam free, opt out any time.
Latest on ChicagoNow
Posts from related blogs
Most recent post: To the Tribune and Sun-Times: Publish editorials now demanding the president concede and resign
More from News: Media
Read these ChicagoNow blogs
Read these ChicagoNow Bloggers
Nick Acosta, 35, began publishing New Morality Zine in 2014 to document hardcore punk in Chicago and beyond; two years ago, he made it a label too. NMZ has put out four releases in the past month, including A Hell Like No Other by local band Si Dios Quiere, Thank You for Being Here Pt. I by Oklahoma shoegazers Cursetheknife, and its 29th and most recent, a demo by Oklahoma posthardcore act G.I. Bill.
I grew up in Colorado; I lived south of Denver by about 45, 50 minutes. I lived in a pretty rural [area]–we lived on five acres. We didn’t have cable television; we barely got regular channels. [I] commuted to school, and my parents commuted to work downtown. It was always 45-minute, hour-long drives either way, so we were always listening to music a ton. In high school, everything I wanted to do was always far away from me. We didn’t live in the hub–I think that’s why music became something I was interested in, ’cause I could do that by myself.
I went to an all-boys Jesuit school. I had my group of friends. There were two or three people who were into punk; somehow we would start trading recommendations. Some of the punk music lent its way, to, like, “Oh, I like this band called Terror.” It was during the age of Napster, so I was like, “I will go home and I will log on Napster and, like, download this Nora record for five hours.”
I actually went from Colorado to Seattle, New York, and then Chicago. I don’t feel like I was part of any given scene until I was in Seattle, and then I delved headfirst into the quote-unquote scene.
I “claimed straight edge” my senior year of high school. I don’t remember the show I went to, but some girl had offered me a cigarette, and I was like, “Oh no, I don’t smoke.” She was like, “What are you, straight edge?” I was like, “Yes.” I had very little understanding of what that meant at the time.
When I got to college, I met another friend that was going to school with me that said she was straight edge–she was from Colorado, coincidentally–so then we started going to shows together, and I met more people. When I was living in Seattle, hardcore was big–it was the big northwest sound. You had bands like Blue Monday, Go It Alone, the Answer; it was a very strong local scene.
I went to college at Seattle University, so right in the hub of Capitol Hill, which at this point is so different.
I started my zine when I moved to Chicago. It was three years into living here–I’m going on my ninth year, tenth year here. I tried to start a band the year prior with some friends, but they all ended up moving away. I thought, “What is something I can do by myself yet still contribute?” I felt still very new in Chicago–I felt like this was a good way to keep active but also become more involved in the scene in Chicago.
It was fun to be able to go to a show and bring zines with me. I would try as much as I could to message a promoter and be like, “Hey, would you mind if I come with some zines?” Often they’re like, “That’s totally fine.” People started to know me a little bit from the zine. Chicago is a unique place; there’s a lot of people doing things at a smaller scale, so I never felt like, “Oh, he stood out because he does this.” It’s weird now to think people might only know me from doing a zine or a label.
My wife would say I’m verbose–she’s always a good editor. I went into doing the zine based off some of the zines I was interested in. There was a zine from New York called Rumpshaker by Eric [Weiss]. He did a great job of including really different band interviews, and also a lot of personal essays; I remember he wrote a very vivid article about what it meant for him to have OCD. Another zine from New York that’s older is Anti-Matter–I remember reading the anthology my first year in New York and just being fascinated by how in-depth and intentional Norman Brannon is with his questions, so those are things I tried to emulate when I was doing the zine as much as possible. A diversity of perspectives–asking a wide range of bands, getting personal stories that were not necessarily tied just to hardcore, but from people within hardcore.
I feel bad. I haven’t done a [full] issue of the zine–with, like, interviews–for almost two and a half years. I’ve transitioned more to focusing more on the label side of it. So I’m looking to get back to it.
Looking to the forefathers, I was like, “A lot of these zines went on to doing labels, so I could also do it.” I wanted to make sure if I was gonna do a label, could I find bands to work with within the wide umbrella of hardcore, but also have some nuance–or something that’s slightly different that makes them appealing to a different listener.
I’m working with a band called Si Dios Quiere; they’re from the Pilsen neighborhood, Little Village, some of them I think might have lived in Humboldt Park or currently live in Humboldt. I knew Louie Flores, the bass player–he’s one of the first people I met going to shows. And Ruben Garza Jr., who’s the singer–I remember going to one show he hosted in Little Village, outside in the patio space of somebody’s backyard. Predominantly the people that were in attendance were Brown, and that was cool for me, because I don’t think I’ve always felt as included–or at least represented–in hardcore. So that’s another big reason why I’m super amped about this specific release.
I did Chicago hardcore shirts, and somebody that was helping me with the design, he was like, “Do you want to put ‘NMZ’ on it?” I was like, “That’s kinda weird–it’s self-aggrandizing to put my own label on it.” I feel like it’s more for the people than it is repping a brand. Sometimes I feel weird about it. At this point, I feel like I’ve contributed slightly, and I’m always hoping to do more. v
Nick Acosta, publisher of New Morality Zineon November 27, 2020 at 12:00 pm Read More »
