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Tradition with a twist
Lyric Opera introduced Chicago audiences to director Barrie Kosky last year, when it brought his production of The Magic Flute—created for Komische Oper Berlin, where he’s been music director for a decade—to the Opera House on Wacker.
Kosky staged the Mozart favorite as a silent film.
So the announcement that Kosky’s production of Fiddler on the Roof would be part of this season’s schedule gave rise to some apprehension. His comments about previous Fiddler productions he’d found too soft and kitschy didn’t help, though he made a valid point about not wanting to romanticize conditions in the shtetls of Eastern Europe.
Fiddler on the Roof Through 10/7: Thu-Fri 9/22-9/23 7 PM, Sat 9/24 7:30 PM, Wed-Thu 9/28-9/29 2 PM, Fri 9/30 7 PM, Sun 10/2 2 PM, Thu-Fri 10/6-10/7 7 PM, Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker, lyricopera.org, 312-827-5600, $40-$330
Not to worry: Saturday night’s opening performance put those qualms to rest. Kosky has made changes, but his Fiddler is a deeply appreciative, even (where it matters) traditional, take on this musical theater masterpiece. With designer Rufus Didwiszus, he’s replaced the shtetl image (originally inspired, as was the show’s title and central metaphor, by the art of Marc Chagall) with a solution that also speaks to the problem of how to make a musical theater piece work in a vast opera house. Their strategy: pare the sets down to a single symbol. Then pack the stage with live bodies and ramp up the energy.
Anatevka—the fictional village somewhere in the 1905 Czarist Russian empire where the dairyman Tevye ekes out a living for his wife, Golde, and their five daughters (all drawn from the stories of Sholem Aleichem)—is represented by a mountainous pile of old furniture, with a hazy image of trees as background. (In the second act, with the exception of a single cabinet, even the furniture disappears; the mood on the massive stage is set by nothing but lighting and a nearly constant snowfall.) But a multitude of people pour out of that pile of dressers and cupboards, starting with Tevye himself, emerging from a cabinet that soon spills forth an entire singing, dancing village.
This magic cabinet is opened by a child, a modern kid wearing headphones, riding a scooter, perhaps on his way to or from a music lesson. In Kosky’s production, this boy is the fiddler—a pointed and literal connection to our time. It’s the riskiest change he makes in a story that, with its themes of sweeping social and generational change, persecution, and the plight of refugees, already has clear contemporary relevance. Like the magic cabinet, it could be Kosky’s own kitsch. As brought to life at Lyric, however, by remarkable local fifth-grader and violinist Drake Wunderlich, it works.
A few songs in the Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick score (book by Joseph Stein) are choreographed within an inch of their lives. “Matchmaker” with its terrific lyrics comes to mind. But that’s a quibble. Overall this jam-packed Fiddler is irresistibly energized, with standout dance sequences (created by Silvano Marraffa, based on the choreography of Otto Pichler and, originally, Jerome Robbins), generous use of Lyric’s wonderful chorus, and an excellent acting and singing cast headed by Steven Skybell as a richer-voiced (if more svelte) Tevye than we’re used to, and Debbie Gravitte as his long-suffering Golde. Kimberly Grigsby conducts the Lyric Opera orchestra.
Tradition with a twist Read More »
Tradition with a twistDeanna Isaacson September 21, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Lyric Opera introduced Chicago audiences to director Barrie Kosky last year, when it brought his production of The Magic Flute—created for Komische Oper Berlin, where he’s been music director for a decade—to the Opera House on Wacker.
Kosky staged the Mozart favorite as a silent film.
So the announcement that Kosky’s production of Fiddler on the Roof would be part of this season’s schedule gave rise to some apprehension. His comments about previous Fiddler productions he’d found too soft and kitschy didn’t help, though he made a valid point about not wanting to romanticize conditions in the shtetls of Eastern Europe.
Fiddler on the Roof Through 10/7: Thu-Fri 9/22-9/23 7 PM, Sat 9/24 7:30 PM, Wed-Thu 9/28-9/29 2 PM, Fri 9/30 7 PM, Sun 10/2 2 PM, Thu-Fri 10/6-10/7 7 PM, Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker, lyricopera.org, 312-827-5600, $40-$330
Not to worry: Saturday night’s opening performance put those qualms to rest. Kosky has made changes, but his Fiddler is a deeply appreciative, even (where it matters) traditional, take on this musical theater masterpiece. With designer Rufus Didwiszus, he’s replaced the shtetl image (originally inspired, as was the show’s title and central metaphor, by the art of Marc Chagall) with a solution that also speaks to the problem of how to make a musical theater piece work in a vast opera house. Their strategy: pare the sets down to a single symbol. Then pack the stage with live bodies and ramp up the energy.
Anatevka—the fictional village somewhere in the 1905 Czarist Russian empire where the dairyman Tevye ekes out a living for his wife, Golde, and their five daughters (all drawn from the stories of Sholem Aleichem)—is represented by a mountainous pile of old furniture, with a hazy image of trees as background. (In the second act, with the exception of a single cabinet, even the furniture disappears; the mood on the massive stage is set by nothing but lighting and a nearly constant snowfall.) But a multitude of people pour out of that pile of dressers and cupboards, starting with Tevye himself, emerging from a cabinet that soon spills forth an entire singing, dancing village.
This magic cabinet is opened by a child, a modern kid wearing headphones, riding a scooter, perhaps on his way to or from a music lesson. In Kosky’s production, this boy is the fiddler—a pointed and literal connection to our time. It’s the riskiest change he makes in a story that, with its themes of sweeping social and generational change, persecution, and the plight of refugees, already has clear contemporary relevance. Like the magic cabinet, it could be Kosky’s own kitsch. As brought to life at Lyric, however, by remarkable local fifth-grader and violinist Drake Wunderlich, it works.
A few songs in the Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick score (book by Joseph Stein) are choreographed within an inch of their lives. “Matchmaker” with its terrific lyrics comes to mind. But that’s a quibble. Overall this jam-packed Fiddler is irresistibly energized, with standout dance sequences (created by Silvano Marraffa, based on the choreography of Otto Pichler and, originally, Jerome Robbins), generous use of Lyric’s wonderful chorus, and an excellent acting and singing cast headed by Steven Skybell as a richer-voiced (if more svelte) Tevye than we’re used to, and Debbie Gravitte as his long-suffering Golde. Kimberly Grigsby conducts the Lyric Opera orchestra.
Tradition with a twistDeanna Isaacson September 21, 2022 at 1:41 pm Read More »
NBArank 25-11: These stars are knocking on the top 10 dooron September 21, 2022 at 1:36 pm
NBArank is back for its 12th season counting down the best players in the league.
Where are MVP candidates such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic? What about rookies and young stars ready to take the leap into the upper tier of NBA players?
Where is LeBron James, who is entering his 20th season?
To get the final NBArank prediction, we asked our expert panel to vote on pairs of players: LeBron vs. Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry vs. Ja Morant, Luka vs. Jayson Tatum … and the list goes on.
We asked, “Which player will be better in 2022-23?” Voters had to predict what they expected from each player during the season.
We’ve already revealed players Nos. 100-26. Today, our rankings continue with players Nos. 25-11.
Note: ESPN’s NBArank panel, composed of over 200 reporters, editors, producers and analysts, were asked to rank players based on their predicted contributions — quality and quantity — for the 2022-23 season only.
NBArank 2022: Zion, Russ and players Nos. 100-26
Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images
2021 NBArank: No. 8
Why he could exceed his ranking in 2022-23: Lillard was six spots higher a year ago before being limited to 29 underwhelming games by a core muscle injury that ultimately required season-ending surgery. Lillard’s numbers dropped across the board in 2021-22, most notably his 32% accuracy from 3-point range after hitting better than 39% the previous two seasons. Lillard had been playing through pain for years until the injury worsened after the Tokyo Olympics. But he should be healthy now.
One huge question for 2022-23: How will Anfernee Simons fit with Lillard? During his absence, Lillard saw a changing of the guard next to him. Portland traded longtime backcourt mate CJ McCollum and re-signed Simons to a four-year, $100 million deal that confirms him as McCollum’s replacement. Lillard and Simons played together just 377 minutes last season, per NBA Advanced Stats, and Simons was more deferential in those pairings. The Blazers need Simons to be the scoring and playmaking complement to Lillard that McCollum long was.
— Pelton
No. 13: Karl-Anthony Towns
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves
Gunman in SUV shoots off-duty Chicago cop shot in face in Irving Park, then crashes into two pursuing squad cars as police open fire
A gunman in an SUV shot an off-duty Chicago police officer Tuesday afternoon in an apparent road rage incident in Irving Park, then led officers on a chase, hitting two squad cars as police fired at him.
The suspect was able to escape and the SUV was later found abandoned about three miles away by Northeastern Illinois University police.No one was in custody.
The off-duty probationary officer, 27, had been headed north on Elston when the SUV in front of her abruptly stopped at Addison Street around 3:10 p.m., police said in a statement. The driver produced a firearm and began firing.
The officer was shot in the face and was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where Police Supt. David Brown said her injuries weren’t thought to be life-threatening.
“She is talking, she apparently did not lose consciousness,” he said. “So thank goodness that she’s going to be able to recover.”
The officer didn’t appear to have pulled a gun or returned fire, Brown said. “Really, everywhere across this country, it seems personal conflicts have ended more and more with escalating violence,” he said. “So it’s a concern of ours.”
Officers tried to stop a car in the 5000 block of West Lawrence Avenue but it struck two squad cars as an one officer discharged their firearm, police said. No one was struck and no injuries were reported.
The car fled was was later located, unoccupied, in the 5800 block of North Drake Avenue.
Raptors’ Achiuwa has a ‘different mindset’ after Nigeria tripon September 21, 2022 at 9:07 am
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Drake’s basketball form is looking elite (0:56)Drake shows off some shots while playing a game of pickup basketball. (0:56)
While he is on the fence about playing for the chaotic Nigeria national team, Toronto Raptors center Precious Achiuwa is all in when it comes to the NBA, and is aiming for a Championship ring.
Achiuwa says he has done a lot of growing up since being traded to the Raptors from the Miami Heat in 2021. Thrown into the fray and expected to deliver, he appeared uncertain with the Florida side, with little latitude for error.
In Toronto, the expectations have been different, with the 22-year-old allowed the freedom to be his own person on the floor. A shaky start was erased after the All Star break, as a more confident player emerged, growing into his role within the organization.
After spending this offseason working with his trainers in the gym, and taking time off to travel to Nigeria for the first time in over seven years, Achiuwa says he is in a different headspace now, one that is geared towards winning and hopefully taking the Raptors back to the top.
“I’m in a different type of mindset right now,” he told ESPN. “I’m really focused and I understand what it takes.
“I’m ready to go out there next season and play to the best of my ability and give it my all. Definitely try to win all games and go further than we did this past season.”
Toronto Raptors center Precious Achiuwa says he is locked in and focused on an NBA Championship title, going into the new season with a revitalised mindset. Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images
That change in mindset is already evident to Raptors coach Nick Nurse, a man with an eye for talent and no stranger to spotting and shaping All Stars.
“Wait till this year because every time I see him this summer on the court, it’s total focus, total intensity,” Nurse said on a Hungarian basketball podcast.
“I mean, something happened to him where he now understands what playing in the NBA is about, and he is on a mission.”
Part of that ‘something’ appears to be the influence of Nurse himself, and the welcoming atmosphere in Toronto.
“That’s a huge compliment coming from him,” Achiuwa said in response to Nurse’s comments. “It’s great. I don’t take any opportunity for granted.
“This is an environment that allows you explore during the cause of the game and that’s really big for me. Just being a versatile, 6’9 player, they allow me explore my game, be versatile and play in different positions and different ways. That has overall helped my game.”
Off the floor, Achiuwa’s relationship with team president Masai Ujiri, who also has Nigerian heritage, has also helped.
Achiuwa said: “He has that Nigerian blood like me and it helps a lot to have someone like that who understands where you come from and the struggles you have had.”
Precious Achiuwa says Raptors coach Nick Nurse has given him the freedom to express himself on the court. Cole Burston/Getty Images
Ujiri has been going back home to help build facilities to facilitate the growth of basketball in Nigeria through his Giants of Africa program, and this offseason, Achiuwa took a similar route home to try to help youngsters.
The forward went back to his hometown of Port Harcourt, where he organized a camp for young basketball players, and a 5×5 tournament where he also played with some of his old buddies.
Not only did he find it inspiring, Achiuwa said it helped reignite his love of basketball: “The camp was a lot of fun! It was amazing, it was fire. It was the most fulfilling thing that I’ve done honestly, over getting drafted, over playing in the NBA.
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“Just being able to come back after so much time and the type of embracing love that they welcomed me with was amazing. The kids were really great. They listened, they appreciated everything, they were respectful.
“We danced a lot, we had fun when we played basketball. I just wanted them to get that feeling that basketball is a really beautiful game. We play really, really, really beautiful sport.
“You have to enjoy yourself while you playing the game of basketball and that’s the kind of atmosphere that we created and it made me appreciate the fun of just playing basketball.”
The trip also proved to be an intensely humbling experience for the big man: “Looking at the kids was very humbling. Just to see where I am at, compared to where I came from, which is where they are now.
“I saw lots of talent in the kids. A lot of kids that could really play and have good really good feel for the game. They are really talented, athletic, could jump, could move, could run fast.
“The only thing missing is the right infrastructure in Africa, Nigeria, not just my home town. I feel if we have the right infrastructure, that could help us a lot.”
Team USA’s Kevin Durant found himself on the receiving end of a mighty block by Nigeria’s Precious Achiuwa, which sent him crashing into the protective padding around the court. Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Achiuwa’s passion for the country is obvious, and showed when he represented Nigeria at the Olympic Games.
One of the highlights – a rarity in recent times — of Nigerian basketball over the last two years was that stunning upset win over Team USA in a pre-Olympic friendly in Vegas. And an iconic moment of that win was rookie Precious climbing high for an emphatic rejection on veteran Kevin Durant.
That high was followed by the lows of logistics issues at the Games, and then a spiral into administrative and political conflict which has set Nigerian basketball back and led to the women’s team being thrown out of the World Cup after the Nigerian government decided to withdraw the country from international basketball.
With all these issues plaguing Nigerian basketball, Achiuwa says he is uncertain whether he still wants to represent the country at this time.
“I’m still deciding on that,” he said. “I haven’t made a decision yet. Right now, I just want to focus on what I am doing and see what happens.”
That decision may be not be made for a while. Nigeria are in danger of not qualifying for the FIBA World Cup, and would need a miracle to do so. That will also compromise their chances of qualifying for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.
But Achiuwa is not thinking that far ahead just yet. For now, he just wants to establish himself as a Raptor starter and take them all the way to the ‘ship.
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Guardians’ comeback victory drops White Sox five games out of first place
The Cleveland Guardians made quick work of the White Sox’ designs on a sweep Tuesday, coming from behind for a 10-7 victory in 11 innings in the first of a three-game series, dropping the Sox five games out of first place with 14 left to play and clinching the season series and tiebreaker for Cleveland.
The relentless Guardians won for the 12th time in 16 extra-inning games, scoring five runs in the 11th inning. The Sox scored two in the bottom of the 11th on AJ Pollock’s two-run homer, his 1,000th career hit, a meaningless consolation in a loss that all but ended the Sox’ chances for a third consecutive postseason.
“I mean, we know where we’re at,” Pollock said. “We know the situation. The goal was to win the first game.”
Myles Straw had a tiebreaking two-run double in the 11th against Jake Diekman, Steven Kwan (four hits) followed with an RBI single. Kwan scored on Jose Ramirez’s sacrifice fly, and a throwing error by catcher Seby Zavala allowed Amed Rosario to score the fifth run.
While the Sox have played better over in their stretch of 13 wins in 20 games since Cairo took over as acting manager, the error charged to Zavala was characteristic of the Sox’ defensive woes all season. Diekman didn’t hold Rosario, who got an easy break from second, and third baseman Yoan Moncada wasn’t covering third. Zavala’s throw was fine but skipped past Moncada.
Pollock turned a slicing fly ball by Andres Gimenez into a triple in left field when he stumbled and fell and the Guardians got the first run on Austin Hedges’ sacrifice fly against Dylan Cease (six innings, one run).
“We had a bunch of stuff,” Pollock said. “I had a funky play in the beginning. Trying to make an aggressive play and got caught in a weird spot and it was probably a double and it ended up being a triple and the run that ended up scoring was a big run. A couple missed opportunities throughout the game. A couple defensive miscues. It was execution on our end for sure.”
Emmanuel Clase (3-4) allowed a game-tying two-out single to Jose Abreu in the 10th, blowing just his fourth save in 40 chances, but he earned the win.
Josh Naylor’s RBI single and Oscar Gonzalez’ sacrifice fly pushed two runs across against Kendall Graveman in the 10th after the Guardians scored two in the seventh to erase a 3-1 deficit.
The Sox then scored three in the sixth against Aaron Civale and Nick Sandlin. Eloy Jimenez singled in the first run and two runs scored when Pollock beat out a double play and shortstop Rosario’s throw skipped past first baseman Owen Miller.
But reliever Jimmy Lambert walked the first two batters he faced in the seventh, and both turned into runs, the first scoring on Kwan’s single and the second when Jose Ramirez beat out a ball hit to Andrus in the hole at shortstop for a single.
The Sox caught a break when Rosario made the third out trying to score from second after Andrus made a diving stop in the hole. Rosario appeared to beat catcher Seby Zavala’s sweeping tag but umpire Shane Livensparger called him safe and the Guardians had used their challenge.
Cease (2.13 ERA) was behind in the count to all but one batter in the first two innings and needed 107 pitches to complete six.
“I feel like we were ready,” he said. “If I’m efficient maybe I go 7 or 8 and save some arms. I would say that’s as big of a reason as why we lost as anything.”
Cairo blamed himself for making “bad moves” but he sounded more like a manager defending his players unnecessarily.
“I made a few moves I should not have made,” Cairo said. “Today was on me. Our players fight, they fight hard.”
Guardians’ comeback victory drops White Sox five games out of first place Read More »
Cubs’ Esteban Quiroz gets first major-league hit in victory vs. Marlins: ‘His story is awesome’
MIAMI — Cubs infielder Esteban Quiroz’s first major-league hit was a scorching comebacker he lined past Marlins right-hander Pablo Lopez and into center field Tuesday.
”It was a very humbling experience,” Quiroz said through an interpreter of his first major-league start. ”I’ve dreamt of this moment.”
In the Cubs’ 2-1 victory against the Marlins, manager David Ross penciled Quiroz into the starting lineup for the first time. He played second base and batted second.
In his first at-bat of the game, Quiroz lined a single up the middle. Then he bunted for his second career hit in the eighth, loading the bases. That bunt, which moved Michael Hermosillo to third base, set up David Bote for the tiebreaking sacrifice fly.
”His story is awesome,” right-hander Adrian Sampson said of Quiroz. ”I love good baseball stories, not just top-round guys.”
Quiroz, 30, made his major-league debut last weekend after more than a decade in the Mexican League and minor leagues combined.
”I think most of my teammates, if not all of them, know what I’ve gone through to get to this moment in my career,” Quiroz said. ”It’s been awhile that I’ve taken to get here to the big leagues. They’ve welcomed me with open arms.”
Quiroz made his mark on defense, as well, flying all over the right side of the infield.
”It was pretty impressive,” Ross said, ”so he’ll be in there [Wednesday].”
Smyly’s start pushed back
The Cubs pushed back left-hander Drew Smyly’s start, originally scheduled for Wednesday, to give him time to rest a fatigued shoulder. Instead, right-hander Marcus Stroman is penciled in to pitch the series finale.
”There’s been a little bit of some stuff that’s been bothering him that he’s been pushing through a little bit,” Ross said.
The Cubs have a day off Monday, and Ross said he expects Smyly will pitch around then, likely either Sunday against the Pirates on the road or Tuesday against the Phillies at home.
”But it won’t be an [injured list] stint, as of right now,” Ross said.
The Cubs already had pushed back the rotation a day to give left-hander Wade Miley extra time between starts. They moved his start from Saturday to Monday, and right-hander Hayden Wesneski filled in, making his first major-league start.
Now Stroman will pitch on regular rest Wednesday.
Ross also said Monday that he expects Wesneski to get at least one more start.
Sampson stingy
Sampson recorded his third consecutive quality start, holding the Marlins to one run in six innings. He has allowed a combined two runs in his last three starts.
Right-hander Adbert Alzolay replaced Sampson and made his second appearance since returning from the 60-day IL with a strained right lat. Alzolay recorded two strikeouts in two hitless innings before left-hander Brandon Hughes closed it out and earned his sixth save.
”I thought our pitching was the story of tonight,” Ross said.
Bote drove in both of the Cubs’ runs, hitting a home run the inning before his go-ahead sacrifice fly.
Blue Hour, financial advice, free store, and concerts
The Chicago Poetry Center kicks off another season of Blue Hour tonight. Blue Hour is an in-person series of readings by poets, largely Chicago-based, followed by community gathering time. The readings are preceded by a limited space one-hour guided writing workshop using an exploratory prompt drawn from themes of the work of one of the evening’s featured writers. Tonight’s 6 PM workshop is already booked up, but sign up at Eventbrite if you want a spot on the waiting list (a $10 donation to CPC is suggested). There’s a separate Eventbrite to reserve a spot in the audience for the free reading event at 7:30 PM; featured readers are queer Afro-Latinx activist, interdisciplinary artist, and author of HoodWitch Faylita Hicks and Oak Park poet and editor Hila Ratzabi. Everything takes place at Haymarket House (800 W. Buena). (SCJ)
How do you plan for saving while looking at the realities of a recession? Maybe you’re making a little bit of money now—so how do you spend it? And what’s all this “volatile markets” stuff anyway? If you’re not quite ready to chuck it all and build a tree fort on public lands yet, consider attending tonight’s FinGym on the Road: Chicago Edition (6 PM at the Dandy Crown, 694 N. Milwaukee). The Financial Gym is a startup offering online financial planning services, and founder Shannon McLay and her financial trainer colleagues will offer conversation and financial literacy training, along with some free drinks and snacks. Register at Eventbrite to attend, and don’t forget to tip your wait staff—they have financial futures to plan for too! (SCJ)
Are you or someone you know looking for more ways to find free stuff online? Then check out this free class hosted through People Over Profit and HP Solidarity Network at the Casa Hernandez Community Space & Free Store (3519 W. North). All you need is a laptop or smart device, and from 7:30-9 PM, a volunteer who’s an expert in digital scavenging will share all their latest and greatest tips for getting sick stuff at no cost. (MC)
A few concerts tonight featuring musicians and ensembles we’ve previously enjoyed . . . at 8:30 PM, longtime Chicago experimental stalwarts Mako Sica open for Amsterdam’s Mauskovic Dance Band. Cabeza De Chivo rounds out the bill at Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western; tickets at Eventbrite). Chicago cellist Helen Money performs as part of Constellation’s (3111 N. Western) ONEderful series, which features artists in short sets with minimal set-up. Bassist and vocalist Katie Ernst and woodwind improviser Emily Beisel are also on the bill, which starts at 8:30 PM (tickets available at See Tickets). At 9 PM, Chicago indie-rock band Girl K is on the bill supporting the Winnipeg band Living Hour; Toosh opens, and tickets are available through Sleeping Village’s website (they’re at 3734 W. Belmont). And the longtime New York postpunk band Live Skull hits the Hideout tonight. Local supergroup Lilac (featuring occasional Reader contributor Anya Davidson) and Chicago punks Geezer Senior open. The show starts at 9:30 PM at 1354 W. Wabansia. (SCJ)
Blue Hour, financial advice, free store, and concerts Read More »
Blue Hour, financial advice, free store, and concertsMicco Caporale and Salem Collo-Julinon September 21, 2022 at 2:45 am
The Chicago Poetry Center kicks off another season of Blue Hour tonight. Blue Hour is an in-person series of readings by poets, largely Chicago-based, followed by community gathering time. The readings are preceded by a limited space one-hour guided writing workshop using an exploratory prompt drawn from themes of the work of one of the evening’s featured writers. Tonight’s 6 PM workshop is already booked up, but sign up at Eventbrite if you want a spot on the waiting list (a $10 donation to CPC is suggested). There’s a separate Eventbrite to reserve a spot in the audience for the free reading event at 7:30 PM; featured readers are queer Afro-Latinx activist, interdisciplinary artist, and author of HoodWitch Faylita Hicks and Oak Park poet and editor Hila Ratzabi. Everything takes place at Haymarket House (800 W. Buena). (SCJ)
How do you plan for saving while looking at the realities of a recession? Maybe you’re making a little bit of money now—so how do you spend it? And what’s all this “volatile markets” stuff anyway? If you’re not quite ready to chuck it all and build a tree fort on public lands yet, consider attending tonight’s FinGym on the Road: Chicago Edition (6 PM at the Dandy Crown, 694 N. Milwaukee). The Financial Gym is a startup offering online financial planning services, and founder Shannon McLay and her financial trainer colleagues will offer conversation and financial literacy training, along with some free drinks and snacks. Register at Eventbrite to attend, and don’t forget to tip your wait staff—they have financial futures to plan for too! (SCJ)
Are you or someone you know looking for more ways to find free stuff online? Then check out this free class hosted through People Over Profit and HP Solidarity Network at the Casa Hernandez Community Space & Free Store (3519 W. North). All you need is a laptop or smart device, and from 7:30-9 PM, a volunteer who’s an expert in digital scavenging will share all their latest and greatest tips for getting sick stuff at no cost. (MC)
A few concerts tonight featuring musicians and ensembles we’ve previously enjoyed . . . at 8:30 PM, longtime Chicago experimental stalwarts Mako Sica open for Amsterdam’s Mauskovic Dance Band. Cabeza De Chivo rounds out the bill at Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western; tickets at Eventbrite). Chicago cellist Helen Money performs as part of Constellation’s (3111 N. Western) ONEderful series, which features artists in short sets with minimal set-up. Bassist and vocalist Katie Ernst and woodwind improviser Emily Beisel are also on the bill, which starts at 8:30 PM (tickets available at See Tickets). At 9 PM, Chicago indie-rock band Girl K is on the bill supporting the Winnipeg band Living Hour; Toosh opens, and tickets are available through Sleeping Village’s website (they’re at 3734 W. Belmont). And the longtime New York postpunk band Live Skull hits the Hideout tonight. Local supergroup Lilac (featuring occasional Reader contributor Anya Davidson) and Chicago punks Geezer Senior open. The show starts at 9:30 PM at 1354 W. Wabansia. (SCJ)