The mural is a tribute to former Steppenwolf artistic director Martha Lavey, who died in 2017. | Sun-Times Media
Chicago artist and actor Tony Fitzpatrick says the mural, a tribute to the late Steppenwolf artistic director Martha Lavey, will be his last public artwork in Chicago.
A massive mural created by Chicago artist and actor Tony Fitzpatrick will be installed on the exterior of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s new arts and exhibition center in Lincoln Park this week.
Fitzgerald, who has put on several shows at Steppenwolf over the years, said his mural, which measures 12 feet high by 76 feet long, is a personal tribute to former Steppenwolf artistic director Martha Lavey, who died in 2017 and who he considers a mentor.
It’s Fitzpatrick’s largest work to date and his first outdoor mural — and the 62-year-old artist also says it will be the end of a chapter in his career.
“I think it’s time for guys who look like me to get out of the way. My show coming up in October at the [College of DuPage] will be my last museum show. This will be my final public artwork for the city of Chicago. I’m still going to do gallery shows all over the world, I just feel like,… when you get to the top of the hill, you pull the next person up. I think there needs to be more room for artists of color, for LGBTQ artists and for female artists.”
Fitzpatrick said because of the size of the mural and because they could not find a space to work during the pandemic, he enlisted the help of fellow artist Danny Torres, whom he’s recently partnered with in a new public art initiative called Fitzpatrick/Torres Humboldt Caballo, to digitize eight pieces.
They were then digitally printed in Bologna, Italy, on 57 ceramic porcelain tiles, each measuring 4 x 4 feet, and will be installed this week at the building, 1646 N. Halsted St. The building itself, which will house an educational center and additional stages, is scheduled to open in the fall.
Known for his drawings and collages that often have birds, the pieces Fitzpatrick selected for the mural feature floral or tree themes instead of birds and has a garden theme. In addition to being a tribute to Lavey, the mural – titled “Night and Day in the Garden of All Other Ecstasies” – is similar to the creative process of a play, Fitzpatrick said.
“This is the most un-Tony-like looking work of art I’ve ever made. I just thought there really wouldn’t be any human figures. The only thing is Martha’s eyes are in it … We didn’t want it to be literal or linear. We wanted it to be much like the creative process of when you’re putting together a play and trying 100 different things on your way in,” Fitzpatrick said.
The garden theme was something that came to him when thinking back to conversations he had with Lavey over the years.
“I knew based on conversations with Martha that leading a theater company is like tending a large, unruly garden. There are thorns, there are blooms, there are explosions of unexpected color, and there are constantly more seeds available. Every play blooms into its own unexpected beauty but like a garden, it’s fraught with peril as well. There are thorns, there are weeds, there are invasive species.”
While he says the mural will be his last public piece, Fitzpatrick is expanding into other areas. He said he will continue to create jigsaw puzzles of his work — something that he started during the pandemic and went over well, and soon will be adding his art to skateboard decks in a new venture.
Still, the mural brings him personal pride as something that can be viewed and enjoyed by anyone walking by the building.
“I wanted to leave something lasting, life affirming and positive.”
The good news for the White Sox is the return of Adam Engel.
The bad news is that Billy Hamilton is out.
Before Sunday’s series finale with the Tigers, the Sox reinstated Engel (hamstring) from the injured list while placing Hamilton (right oblique strain) on the 10-day IL. Engel made his season debut Sunday, batting eighth and playing center field.
“We’re glad to get him back, a lot of value,” Sox manager Tony La Russa said. “He can do a lot of things for us.”
Engel strained his right hamstring during a March 20 spring training game and then suffered a setback, delaying the start of his season. During a seven-game rehab stint at Triple-A Charlotte, Engel went 8 for 28 as he got acclimated to live pitching and made sure his outfield reads were sharp.
But the setback, Engel said, was really tough.
“I really care about this team a lot, so it was hard to see that and experience that,” Engel said. “I’m glad I get to put that behind me.”
Other than maybe not lifting as much weight off the field, Engel said he’s able to run full speed and do everything he needs to on a baseball field. That’s good news for the Sox, whose outfield depth has been tested without Luis Robert, Eloy Jimenez and now Hamilton.
“It felt good to get back out there, and things went well the last couple weeks so I’m excited to get back with the big-league club,” Engel said.
As for Hamilton, the 30-year-old outfielder was developing a niche as a sparkplug, delivering value with his speed and glove. The Sox will be without him for at least 10 days, after he was seen grabbing at his right side during his fourth-inning at-bat Saturday.
La Russa said Hamilton’s injury doesn’t seem to be a tear, a somewhat-positive development because an injury like that could keep him out for weeks.
The latest on Kopech, Fry Michael Kopech, on the 10-day IL with a strained left hamstring since May 31 (retroactive to May 28), is having normal soreness but responding “very well” to a ramped-up throwing program, La Russa said.
La Russa said there isn’t a final determination of when the Sox will activate Kopech, but he’s progressing and that “everything is going in the right direction.”
Kopech’s return would be a boost for the Sox. He’s been a key part of the bullpen and also spot starter, going 2-0 with a 1.78 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings.
As for left-handed reliever Jace Fry (microdiscectomy), he has no ERA in five innings during his rehab stint at Charlotte. La Russa said the Sox could use him, and that Fry is being careful as things progress.
“We are optimistic but it’s slow play,” La Russa said.
Abreu gets a breather The Sox gave Jose Abreu a day off Sunday to rest, which is effectively two days off because of Monday’s open date. Abreu is 4 for 26 in his last eight games, and struck out twice in Saturday’s loss.
In place of Abreu, Andrew Vaughn started at first for the fifth time this year.
The teen and her boyfriend had just bought snacks from a store when they were confronted by three young gunmen, according to police and Ald. Ray Lopez (15th).
They asked if she was in a gang, and after she said she wasn’t, the attackers chased her and opened fire, officials said. She was taken to Comer in critical condition at the time.
No arrests have been reported.
Police investigate the shooting of 14-year-old Savanah Quintero Wednesday in the 1700 block of West 48th Street in Back of Yards.Anthony Vazquez, Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Lopez, who said he got details of the shooting from police, said a new gang in the area has been recruiting from neighborhood schools — focusing on kids 15 years and younger. He blamed the glorification of gang culture for violence in his ward.
“This elevation of gang life has to come to an end. It’s not cute. It only comes to one outcome, what we saw last night,” he told the Sun-Times.
The seventh-grader said she was not in a gang but a relative belonged to the rival Almighty Saints, Lopez said.
I moved to Chicago from the south suburbs in 1986. I have diverse interests, but I love writing about what I’m interested in. Whether it’s a personal interest or part of my career, the correct words to get the idea across are important to me. I love words and languages — French and Scottish words enrich my American English. My career has included years as a journalist and years working in museums, and the two phases were united by telling stories. I’m serious about words and stories. So here I am, ready to tell stories about words and their languages.
Bird watching is a hobby that spans all generations and skill levels. Birders often carry binoculars and cameras. | Zinya Salfiti/Chicago Sun-Times
Monty and Rose, the piping plovers who gained city-wide fame, reunited in Montrose again this April.
“The Magic Hedge” at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is called that for a reason.
What started as a row of honeysuckle shrubs along a fence has grown into a long stretch of trees, plants and other greenery — a perfect spot for the masses of birds passing through Chicago to rest and feed during migration seasons.
Andrea Tolzmann and her kids often rush to Montrose Beach with their cameras and binoculars early in the morning before virtual school begins. They rely on group chats and social media pages for alerts about rare bird sightings.
“We were like, it’s early, we have an hour and a half before school starts. Let’s run over to Montrose,” said Tolzmann, 47.
Tolzmann got her love for birds from her father and passed it on to sons Peter, 12, and Simon, 16. They joined Illinois Young Birders five years ago.
The family is part of Chicago’s birder community, a group bonded by a hobby that spans generations and skill levels.
“It’s a really collaborative community. There’s a lot of friendship and sharing of information, and that makes it a really great community to be a part of,” Tolzmann said.
Zinya Salfiti/Chicago-Sun TimesTamima Itani and other bird watchers visited Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary on May 20.
It’s the birders who look out for Monty and Rose, the pair of piping plovers nesting at Montrose Beach. It’s the birders who organize educational walks with experts to observe birds in their natural habitat. And it’s the birders who try to educate the general public about being bird friendly.
“I have met people birding all around Chicago this year who told me that they started birding because they went to see Monty and Rose in 2019,” said Louise Clemency, field supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Chicago office.
The plover pair showed up in April this year, marking their third year at the beach. They made headlines when three of their chicks hatched at the beach in 2019. It was the birders, again, who helped force the cancellation of a music festival at the beach that year to protect the nest.
“They’ve been wonderful ambassadors to really get people to stop momentarily and reflect just how important this lakeshore is,” said Brad Semel, an endangered species recovery specialist.
“This little postage stamp of a beach and all the endangered plants and animals that are here are really representative of what all of the Great Lakes are,” he said.
A group of birders were out at the beach again one recent morning, checking on the plovers and looking for other birds. Tamima Itani of the Illinois Ornithological Society was with them.
“No piping plovers had fledged chicks in Chicago or Cook County in 71 years, so no one thought they would nest here,” said Itani, the society’s vice president and treasurer.
Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary ranks first on eBird’s top spots in Chicago, followed by Illinois Beach State Park and Jackson Park.
“It’s such a magnet for birds that it ends up being a magnet for birders,” Itani said.
“There’s so many other awesome birding places in Chicago,” she added. “Like Washington Park, on the South Side — that’s a phenomenal place to bird. There are places all across the city.”
Courtesy of Tamima ItaniBlack-throated Green Warbler spotted at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary on Thursday, May 20.
At one point, Itani spotted a black-throated Green Warbler diving in and out of a hedge, perching itself up on a branch beside two acorns and a spider’s web. It displayed its yellow plumage as the crowd of birders tried to snap a picture in time.
Spring migration is the best time to be at Montrose, especially during the last week of April and first three weeks of May, explained Itani. August is the best time to see shorebirds heading south, and fall migration — from mid-September until the end of October — is also great, she said.
Montrose is a go-to spot for Warblers and other small bird migrants, said Al Stokie, 76, who posts daily journal entries about his birding adventures in an online group, Illinois Birders Exchanging Thoughts.
“You don’t really want to do Montrose later on, unless you’re doing a breeding survey if you want to see what birds nest here,” said Stokie, who was also at Montrose that morning.
Walking through the mud trail, birders keep a lookout for different species — stopping frequently, then crouching for a better look at some thrushes, which stay close to the ground. Others point toward the trees. But everyone keeps noise to a minimum, respecting the calm, meditative nature of the activity and listening to the birds chirp and sing.
Parts of the sanctuary have been closed for construction of 1/3-mile long trail.
Zinya Salfiti/Chicago Sun-TimesAvid birder Al Stokie, 76, on a visit to Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary on Thursday, May 20.
“We hoped that having the wired cage over the nest would have precluded an event like this … but [the skunk] found a weak spot in the wire and broke the welding and was able to reach in far enough to grab the nest,” Semel said.
Monty and Rose are fine, he added, and “already considering nesting again. The likelihood of them having a second nest is very high.”
Thursday morning, the pair already were courting and scraping a nest. If they nest and produce eggs, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services will install a larger enclosure to protect it.
Itani and other volunteers had monitored the nest in two-hour shifts from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and will continue to check to see if Monty and Rose nest again.
Before the skunk, the plovers and their eggs had avoided another threat, with a little help.
In mid-May, surveillance cameras installed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture captured photos of a balloon caught against the enclosure around the nest.
It was 4:30 a.m. when Clemency, the wildlife service field supervisor, saw photos of the balloon. She immediately rushed to the nest.
“Birds can get tangled and choked or trapped in the strings. So really the combination of those bits of plastic and the string make the balloons one of the more deadly kinds of pollution that we have,” she said.
Zinya Salfiti/Chicago Sun-TimesTamima Itani joins Nate Leahy, 41, in monitoring the piping plovers’ nest on an early-morning visit on May 20. Volunteers have been monitoring the area daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Nish, one of Monty and Rose’s chicks, hatched at Montrose in 2020. This year, Nish mated with a plover at Maumee State Park, near Toledo, and produced an egg. It was Ohio’s first piping plover nest in over 80 years.
“All of our resources have been shared with the Ohio team, and the Chicago team is ready to help in any capacity it can,” Itani wrote on Illinois Birders Exchanging Thoughts. “These magical birds are bringing communities together in the most wonderful of ways.”
Itani and illustrator Anna-Maria Crum are releasing a children’s picture book about the plover pair this month. “Monty and Rose Nest at Montrose” is intended for children ages 2 to 8, but will likely find willing readers among plover-lovers of all ages.
All proceeds will support research and conservation efforts for piping plovers and other shorebirds. There’s a website — plovermother.com — for more information on ordering the book.
“It’s so much bigger than just the birding community, because that whole story around the plovers is about conservation and protecting not just this one species, but the whole habitat,” Tolzmann said.
“It’s all brought everybody together, to see the importance of preserving and expanding these spaces.”
There are 19,700 members of the Illinois Birding Network, a Facebook group used to share rare bird sightings, hotspot locations and upcoming bird watching walks.
Marcia Suchy, 73, who lives in Franklin Park, says she sees 40 to 50 birds on a typical excursion.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people and acquired so many beautiful friends just because of birds. These are all people that have that fire inside of them,” she said.
“You see a little bird and it’s kind of like stopping and smelling the roses; you get such calmness, such pleasure, such instant gratification from watching these little things and the colors that are in them.”
Chicago police work the scene where 27-year-old man was shot and killed in the 5600 block of S. Marshfield Ave, in the West Englewood neighborhood, Friday, June 4, 2021. | Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Six men and two women were hurt early Sunday after two suspects opened fire in the 8900 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue.
Five people have been killed and at least 38 others wounded in shootings across Chicago since Friday night, including eight people who were hurt early Sunday after two suspects opened fire in Burnside on the South Side.
The group was standing in the sidewalk about 4 a.m. when two people inside a silver-colored car opened fire in the 8900 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago police and Fire officials said.
A 33-year-old man was shot in the chest, police said. Another man, 28, was struck in the leg.
Two men, both 31, were also shot, police said. One was struck in the buttocks and the other was shot in the back and leg. Another two men, 28 and 29, were struck in the back, police said.
A 32-year-old woman suffered a graze wound to the head while another, 38, was shot in in the leg, police said.
Six of the gunshot victims were taken in critical condition to hospitals in the area, fire officials said. Two others were transported in good condition. All gunshot victims were taken to Stroger Hospital, the University of Chicago Medical Center and Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, according to fire officials.
In the most recent fatal attack, a man was killed in West Englewood Saturday on the South Side.
The 26-year-old was on the street about 4:50 p.m. in the 6400 block of South Hoyne Avenue when someone fired shots from a vehicle, Chicago police said.
The man was struck in the chest, hip and neck, police said. He was pronounced dead at Holy Cross Hospital.
Earlier, a man was killed and another wounded in a shooting in Austin on the West Side.
Officers found a man unresponsive about 1:30 a.m. with gunshot wounds to his head and chest in the 1300 block of North Mayfield Avenue, police said. He was pronounced dead the scene.
He was identified as Gerald Collymore, 39, the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.
Another man was also hurt in the shooting. The 26-year-old was shot in the ankle and self-transported to West Suburban Hospital. He was later transferred to Loyola University Medical Center, where he was in fair condition, police said.
Earlier Friday, a man was killed in another shooting in Austin, police said.
Michael Cooper was in a backyard about 7:25 p.m. in the 5200 block of West Le Moyne Street when someone approached and opened fire, striking him in the head, authorities said.
The 23-year-old was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
In another incident, a man was fatally shot in West Englewood on the South Side, police said.
Jermaine Sanders, 27, was on the sidewalk about 9:20 p.m. in the 5600 block of South Marshfield Avenue when someone fired shots at him from a white sedan, authorities said.
The man was struck in the head and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Less than an hour later, a man was found fatally shot in University Village on the Near West Side.
Latrell Goodwin, 24, was found unresponsive with gunshot wounds to his head and chest in a vehicle about 10 p.m. in the 1300 block of West Roosevelt Road, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
In nonfatal shootings, three males were arrested in connection to a shooting in South Loop late Friday night.
A 30-year-old man was standing outside about 11 p.m. when he was shot in the leg by a male in the 2100 block of South Michigan Avenue, police said.
A witness saw the shooter get in a car with two other males and they were arrested shortly after, according to police.
The man was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where his condition was serious, police said.
On Saturday, a 17-year-old boy was wounded in a shooting in the Lawndale neighborhood.
The teen boy was sitting outside on the porch about 3:30 a.m. in the 4100 block of West 21st Place when someone inside a black-colored car fired shots, Chicago police said.
He was shot in the arm and was taken in good condition to Mount Sinai Hospital by a relative, police said.
The teen told officers the gunman was firing shots at a nearby group and was hit by a stray bullet, police said.
At least 27 others were hurt in citywide shootings since 5 p.m. Friday.
Eight people were shot June 6, 2021 in Burnside. | Adobe Stock Photo
The group were standing in the sidewalk about 4 a.m. when two people inside a silver-colored car opened fire in the 8900 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue,
Six men and two women were wounded in a shooting early Sunday in Burnside on the South Side.
The group were standing in the sidewalk about 4 a.m. when two people inside a silver-colored car opened fire in the 8900 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago police and Fire officials said.
A 33-year-old man was shot in the chest, police said. Another man, 28, was struck in the leg.
Two men, both 31, were also shot, police said. One was struck in the buttocks and the other was shot in the back and leg.
Another two men, 28 and 29, were struck in the back, police said.
A 32-year-old woman suffered a graze wound to the head while another, 38, was shot in in the leg, police said.
Six of the gunshot victims were taken in critical condition to hospitals in the area, fire officials said. Two others were transported in good condition.
All gunshot victims were taken to Stroger Hospital, the University of Chicago Medical Center and Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, according to fire officials.
Eight people were shot June 6, 2021 in Burnside. | Adobe Stock Photo
Several men and women suffered gunshot wounds about 4 a.m. after someone opened fire in the 8900 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue.
Eight people were wounded in a shooting early Sunday in Burnside on the South Side.
Several men and women suffered gunshot wounds about 4 a.m. after someone opened fire in the 8900 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago Fire officials said.
Six people were taken in critical condition to hospitals in the area, fire officials said. Two others were also transported in good condition.
All gunshot victims were taken to Stroger Hospital, the University of Chicago Medical Center and Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, according to fire officials.
Details on the shooting were not immediately available.
There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Taurus.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Something about your finances or your personal wealth will please you because you feel fortunate and perhaps richer! This might be why you want to buy beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. Actually, you might also attract more money to you and become even richer!
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Oh happy day! The moon is in your sign dancing beautifully with lucky Jupiter and fair Venus. The silver lining after the storm. This is why you feel warm hearted, congenial and even generous to others. Because others will sense this in you, they will want to share time with you.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
This has been a busy time for you, which is why you need a breather. Indeed, today is the perfect day to seek solitude in beautiful surroundings and pamper yourself. A massage, a quiet place, a book or your favorite video game. Take time for yourself so that you feel special.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
A meaningful conversation with someone, probably a female acquaintance, will be important to you. You might express your affection for this person, or, vice versa, they might tell you how much they like you. You might also explore travel plans or ideas about publishing, the media, medicine and the law. Exciting!
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
You are high visibility, which is a good thing because people will admire you. The impression you create on others is one of being generous, warm-hearted and caring. (You love good press.) It’s a good day to fundraise or ask others to help you in some way. Ka-ching!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Because your appreciation of beauty is heightened (along with your sense of adventure), do something different and exciting so that you can enjoy art galleries, architectural buildings and pristine nature. It will thrill you to be inspired by the beauty of ideas and beautiful places.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Today can be financially beneficial for you in some way. It is certainly an excellent day to negotiate terms with someone else or to decide how to share or divide something. It’s also a sexy, passionate day! Yes, you can have it all!
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
This is a fabulous day to schmooze with good friends, partners and spouses. Enjoy the company of others because they are happy to see you, as well. Sportsevents, fun activities with kids and time spent with someone who is “different” will delight. Lucky you!
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Your health feels more invigorated and more robust because you are happier. You are also more confident because things are moving forward with respect to home and family and even your closest relationships are heartwarming. God smiles from above.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
This is a wonderful, lighthearted, fun-loving day. Enjoy any social outing, particularly with children and young people. The arts, sports events, picnics, the theater — any social diversion will delight you because people are genuinely happy to share good times together. Zooks!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
You have a warm feeling in your tummy because all is well for the moment. Relations with family members will be rewarding, perhaps literally. You might enjoy entertaining at home or relaxing by yourself. Your call. Take time to alphabetize your blessings.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Conversations with siblings, relatives or neighbors plus short trips will please you because you’re in a happy mood and eager to share your joy with others. Discussions about the arts or about big, philosophical questions will be a stimulating and fun experience!
If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Jason Isaacs (1963) shares your birthday. You are elegant and expressive. You have a sharp intellect and are curious to explore ideas and concepts. You are a humanitarian. You care. This year you will be content, happy and satisfied with your success. You might finally have the opportunity to do what you want to do. Look forward to a time of personal gain and financial rewards.
Had it a little easier compiling this listing. After Memorial Day weekend, and with the area lifting more mask and social distancing requirements, a lot of venues will be playing catch-up. If more events are added, they will be on my Beeronaut Calendar App.
Some of these events may still be continuing social distancing restrictions as announced. Some may be lifting them. If a place is still requiring you to wear a mask, please don’t be a jerk.
Monday, June 7
7:00 – 8:30 pm • Yahtzee Game Night Evil Horse Brewing Co., 1338 Main St., Crete, IL 708-304-2907 Map We’re playing YAHTZEE (in a socially distanced way, of course!). Come with a group of your besties, or just by yourself. We will play 4 rounds of Yahtzee, and the group with the best average score wins! You can play with 2 or more in your group. If you don’t have a group, we’ll set you up! Feel free to bring your own Yahtzee set if you’d prefer, but we’ll have plenty of sets to play with as well.
8:00 pm • Lotería Monday Simone’s Bar, 960 W. 18th St., Chicago 312-666-8601 Map Join us the first Monday of every month for an evening of drinks, (socially distanced) Lotería and charitable causes! How to play: Each Lotería card is received through a $5 donation (& we provide the frijoles). 100% of the donations raised during the event are directly given to various non-for-profit organizations around the city of Chicago. This month the beneficiary is Open Books Pilsen. Learn more about what their organization does by visiting their website at www.open-books.org. Every Lotería winner receives a prize that is provided by a local brewery/distillery. June’s prizes are provided by Founders Brewing Co.! ¡Buena suerte!
Tuesday, June 8
6:00 pm • Trashy Movie Tuesday Skeleton Key Brewery, 8102 Lemont Rd., Unit 300, Woodridge, IL (630) 395-9033 Map Join us for Trashy Movie Tuesday, where we turn down the lights, turn up the sound, and turn on a so-bad-it’s-good movie that’s likely to be full of superfluous gore and NSFW scenes. Admission is free, and seating is first-come, first served. Doors open at 6pm, movie starts at 7pm. The bar is open the whole time, and we’ve got Kernel Dan’s Kettle Corn available for purchase to round out your movie-watching experience. THIS IS ENTIRELY 21+. FAQs Q: What movie will be shown? A: It’s a surprise! But rest assured, it’s a B-movie that will have all of its splats, f-bombs, and unforgiving camera angles on display for all to enjoy. In the future, we may share upcoming titles in our newsletter, so sign up at skeletonkeybrewery.com if ya wanna be in the know ahead of time. Q: I like to talk during movies A: Okay, that’s not a question. But just know that while this isn’t an actual movie theater, we ask you to use your discretion when it comes to limited conversations. Hoots of laughter and “ewwwww”s are welcome at anytime, though. Q: Will there be beer? A: Of course, ya knucklehead. Our servers will even come to you to make sure you don’t go thirsty — and so you can sit and enjoy the show, rather than having to traipse up to the bar for a cold one. Q: What if I show up late? A: If there are still seats available and it won’t disturb your fellow moviegoers, we’ll be happy to seat you, so long as it’s within the first 30 minutes of the film’s start. If you need to leave early, you can do so at any time. Q: Will there be food? A: We will have Kernel Dan’s Kettle Corn available (while supplies last), as well as our usual snacks (pork rinds, meat crisps, pretzel chips). If you’re looking for a full meal, we highly recommend you eat before you arrive.
7:00 – 9:00 pm • Harry Potter Trivia Night! Global Brew Tap House, 339 W. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL (224) 520-8686 Map How much do you know about ‘Harry Potter’s’ world? Prove that you can score 100%! Join us on Tuesday, for Harry Potter Trivia! Prizes for top 3 winning teams! Which House are you … Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin? Get your House in order and join us for Harry Potter trivia! (the questions will cover the seven books and eight movies only) Second Tuesday of the month features a themed trivia night and Harry Potter takes center stage in June. Test your knowledge … try to outwit other teams while enjoying a night out. Play solo or bring a team of fans. Top teams win prizes! If you can’t make it out for Harry Potter trivia, be sure to join us on a future Tuesday. General knowledge on all other Tuesdays.
7:00 – 9:00 pm • Spring Trivia League The Brass Tap, 14225 95th Ave. Ste. 400, Orland Park, IL 708-226-1827 Map Grab your smartest friends and join our Spring Trivia League hosted by Finer Points Trivia and sponsored by Noon Whistle Brewing! The league runs 8 weeks with weekly prizes and a grand prize package with Noon Whistle swag and a gift card towards a brewery visit for your team! **Teams are limited to 4 people **Call to reserve a spot for your team 708-226-1827 during business hours.
7:00 pm • Side Lot Bingo! Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map We’re playing Bingo again! Get ready to shake your balls every Tuesday night at Side Lot Brewery. Limited seating is available both inside and outside. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended. MASKS ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER THE PROPERTY & ANYTIME YOU’RE NOT SEATED. If this is a problem, stay home.
Wednesday, June 9
2:00 – 4:00 pm • Trivia Wednesdays at Black Lung Black Lung Brewing Co., 2217 IL-83, Round Lake Beach, IL (847) 340-3320 Map Fantastic fun through trivia and yummy craft beer drinking!!! With Dancing In The Rain DJ!! Food always available from Ron’s Italian Ovens! Just go to their website, enter as a “pick up”, then under food instructions type “black lung”, and they deliver for free.
7:00 – 10:00 pm • Drank ‘n Draw Twisted Hippo, 2925 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago (708) 844-7768 Map Well, folks – here we are! While things aren’t quite OPEN open, it’s getting better and safer everyday. So we’re going to try and… in-person Drink ‘n Draw with Shawnimals at Twisted Hippo! Some things: – RSVP preferred so we know how many folks are coming by! – Vaccination is preferred, of course – Masks required when you’re up and about – Masks on when seated if you’re not fully vaccinated – Paper and pencils / pens provided for those who don’t have stuff – Digital friendly, but we’re not providing iPad Pros… – No theme – you draw what you want! This is a test as much as anything, so let’s see how it goes and gauge interest! Would be great to see faces, but if it’s too early we’ll try again another time!
9:00 pm • Bill & Ted Day! Orange & Brew, 1027 Burlington Ave., Downers Grove, IL (630) 541-3880 Map On June 9th, strange things will be afoot at Orange & Brew as we turn down the lights for Bill & Ted Day. All day, the only wisdom will consist in that you know we’ll tap the most excellent collaboration beers from both Noon Whistle and Solemn Oath … Be Excellent and To Each Other. And at 9 p.m., we’ll turn the lights down so you can party on when we show the original Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure in the shop, and on the window TV for those in the playpen. Dress up as your favorite character, grab your Twinkies, your Caesar salads, your Zyggie’s (or maybe something from a local spot) and come join us. We’ll provide the popcorn. And yes, we’ll be carding.
Thursday, June 10
Chicken Thursday at Pollyanna Brewing in St. Charles Pollyanna – St. Charles, 106 S. Riverside Ave., St. Charles, IL (630) 549-7372 Map The Country Grill Chicagoland Chicken Truck brings finest rotisserie specialties to the Pollyanna Brewing in St. Charles! Swing by for dinner and some fine beers! Serving 3-7 pm and 10 pm to 2 am.
4:00 – 9:30 pm • Thursday Night Tacos! Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map You’ve been asking when Tacos are coming back to Side Lot. Taco Thursdays kick off on June 3rd and will continue every Thursday night. Make your reservations!
5:30 – 7:30 pm • Music Bingo at Noon Whistle Brewing Naperville Noon Whistle Brewing, 1748 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 331-431-4882 Map Join Baig of Tricks Entertainment on Thursday for a fun night of Music Bingo at the brand new Noon Whistle Brewing in Naperville! Enjoy some delicious brews and great music with a chance to win prizes at the same time. Please respect and follow all COVID-19 restrictions set in place by the venue so everyone has a great, and safe, time. Feel free to call the venue ahead of time for details and any questions.
6:00 – 8:00 pm • Beers With Queers Dry City Brew Works, 120B N. Main St., Wheaton, IL (630) 456-4787 Map Welcome to Beers With Queers. We heard you and we know there needs to be more safe places for LGBTQ+ folxs to feel welcome and accepted. We have partnered with Dry City Brew Works to bring you an open and welcome space every Other Thursday. Every other Thursday join Us here at OUTspoken Leaders, Dry City, and other LGBTQ+ folx as we hang out and connect with the community together. Please note this is a 21+ event every other Thursday however if you are and LGBTQ+ youth or young adult looking for support in your life please know we offer a weekly support and discussion group called OUTspoken Online and we also offer a sober space specifically for the LGBTQ+ on Saturday mornings called Coffee Chat! Please note this event, and coffee chat is being hosted in public so social distancing and face masks will be strictly enforced. We want to offer a safe and welcoming space for all, that means a safe space where people can feel free to be themselves as well as feel safe to not get COVID. OUTspoken Leaders is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving, empowering, and amplifying the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. We offer social and service programs that promote self-acceptance, intentional compassion, and unconditional leadership!
6:00 – 8:30 pm • Chicago Brew Cruise Chicago Firebot ToursMap Chicago Fireboat Tours and Phase Three Brewing Co. are partnering up to offer one of the most unique experiences in Chicago, every Thursday evening all summer-long!! Phase Three Brewing Company will be bringing just days-old fresh, new releases directly from their Chicagoland brewery every week to serve aboard Chicago Fireboat Tours’ 1933 retired Chicago Fireboat, the Fred A. Busse. Boarding begins at 6:00p.m and the boat departs at 6:30pm for a 2-hour sunset cruise. The Brew Cruise will start on the lake, float through the locks and right into the heart of downtown Chicago via the Chicago River, enjoying world-class views, an amazing sunset, and great music; all paired with fresh, innovative craft beers and hard seltzers. Tickets are $45 per person at www.fireboattours.com, and include your 1st Phase Three brew once onboard.
7:00 – 8:30 pm • Molly’s Cupcakes & Cocktails Tapville Social – Naperville, 216 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL (630) 536-8739 Map Tapville Social is pairing Molly’s Cupcakes with signature cocktails. Join us for a event to sample four delicious Molly’s Cupcakes and four selected hand-crafted cocktails.Get Tickets here ($30).
7:00 pm • Beer Pong Tournament Side Lot Brewery, 110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 847-714-2584 Map Grab your best friend and come on out to Side Lot Brewery on Friday! We’re taking it back to the college days with a Beer Pong tournament! You sink ‘em, they drink ‘em! Don’t miss out on this fun Thursday evening! $10 per 2-person team; reservations through Tock. Prizes for First & Second Place
7:30 – 9:30 pm • Trivia Night! Roaring Table Brewery, 739 W. IL Rte. 22, Lake Zurich, IL 224-662-4562 Map Join us for a night filled with beer, friendly competition, and fun memories! Trivia subjects include current events, geography, history, movies, music, pop culture, science, sports, & more. Top teams win prizes. Please observe social distancing policies so everyone can enjoy a fun night of trivia.
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Meet The Blogger
Mark McDermott
Writer, trivia maven, fan of many things. I thought to learn all there is to know about beer as a way to stay interested in learning. It is my pleasure to bring Chicago’s craft beer scene to you.
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