PrideArts’ Jack Off the Beanstalk Credit: John Olson/PrideArts
The Evolved Network is a recently established not for profit organization founded by Sebastian White in order to bring therapeutic services and financial literacy to young Chicagoans through farming and culinary training. The organization is currently raising funds that will go in part toward a permanent space in which to host its restaurant management and cooking programs, and tonight’s Eat & Evolve with the Evolved Network event at the Avondale restaurant Eden (2734 W. Roscoe) will hopefully help fill the coffers. Food stations will be available from a variety of Chicago restaurants and chef pop-ups, including Saigon Sisters, the Publican, and Prairie Grass Cafe, and cocktails and mocktails alike are offered from Eden’s cash bar. It’s $20 to enter, and tickets can be purchased through the Evolved Network’s website. (SCJ)
In Great Britain, the Christmas pantomime, or “panto,” is a beloved tradition (and no, it doesn’t involve actual mimes). PrideArts gets in on the Fractured Fairy Tales-style fun with Jack Off the Beanstalk, which has its first preview tonight at 7:30 PM at PrideArts Center (4139 N. Broadway). The famous climber of beanstalks and slayer of giants is joined in this romp by love interest Princess Jill and Fairy Flick Bean. Directed by Bryan McCaffrey, the show is recommended for 18+, and promises “outrageous humor, raunchy puns, and sexual innuendo,” along with pop songs made famous by artists like Kelly Clarkson and Whitney Houston performed by the cast and a live four-piece band. The show runs through 12/18; tickets and information at pridearts.org. (KR)
A few music choices for this evening:
Chicago singer-songwriter Owen Ashworth’s project Advance Base plays Beat Kitchen tonight, with MJ Lenderman and Spencer Radcliffe opening. (8 PM, 2100 W. Belmont, $18, 17+, tickets at Ticketweb)
Indie-rock band Wild Pink performs at Sleeping Village tonight, with Dave Benton’s Trace Mountains project opening. (8 PM, 3734 W. Belmont, $22, 21+, tickets at Etix)
Bassist Jeremiah Hunt brings his Mingus Band to Jazz Showcase tonight for two shows. (8 and 10 PM, 806 S. Plymouth, $15-$25, all-ages, tickets at Eventbrite)
Chicago dream pop band Harvey Waters is on the bill for Free Monday at the Empty Bottle; Bled Tape headlines as the show is also their EP release party, and Stalled opens. (8:30 PM, 1035 N. Western, free, 21+, reservations encouraged at Eventbrite) (SCJ)
Part of a Kristen Toomey set at the Laugh Factory from October 2022
Rockford native and Illinois State University alum Natasha Leggero visits City Winery (1200 W. Randolph) tonight for a round of stand-up and stories culled from her new book, The World Deserves My Children, a collection of essays on motherhood and family in our “post-apocalyptic world.” She’ll be joined by fellow actress and Chicago comedian Kristen Toomey, who will open the 8 PM show. Tickets are $18-$37 and available at the City Winery’s website. (SCJ)
