May 26--Chicago Tribune critics and editors guide you through the best things to do in Chicago this weekend.
Pop music always wants to seem of the moment, but it has a history for those who want to look. When Beyonce strutted onto the Super Bowl 50 field and "Formation" became a trending topic on Google, some thought, "Janet Jackson." The latter's "Rhythm Nation" video had that same tone, right down to the clipped, martial dance steps. But in many ways, society was also the same, as was a pop star using her voice to not only sing, but speak loudly about the world. "Foundation" grew into "Lemonade," and Beyonce is a powerhouse. Read about the history before Beyonce stages two nights at Soldier Field.
Howard Reich/Jazz: Wayne Shorter
When the revered saxophonist-composer Wayne Shorter leads his long-standing quartet, no one knows exactly where the music is headed -- including the musicians. He encourages his colleagues to pursue the free-flowing improvisational style that long ago established him as a singular figure in American music. Seemingly unafraid to pursue a phrase or a rhythm or a chord progression wherever it leads him, Shorter makes music that often sounds as if it's airborne, floating across bar lines and beyond listener expectations. In the company of pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade, who will play Orchestra Hall with him on Friday night, Shorter has taken remarkable flights into the unexpected.
Chris Jones/Theater: "The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window"
Here is an extraordinary play penned by Lorraine Hansberry, the greatest writer ever to emerge from Chicago, a drama so infused with emotional intelligence, linguistic treasures and the human conditions of dread and longing that it keeps you bolt-upright in your seat for nearly three hours. Hot on the heels of "Raisin," Hansberry was writing of the fevered souls of white Manhattan liberals, observed with such detail and directed with such ruthless incision by Anne Kauffman, which I doubt you have ever seen produced at this level. A masterpiece lost in plain sight.
John von Rhein/Classical: "Baroque Band"
The Chicago period-instrument ensemble Baroque Band plays its very last concerts following the resignation of artistic director Garry Clarke at the end of this, its ninth season. Violinists Rachel Barton Pine and Jesse Irons are the soloists, playing violin concertos by Locatelli, Leclair and J.S. Bach. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Symphony Center (repeated June 3 in Hyde Park and June 4 in Evanston).
Steve Johnson/Museums: "Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment"
In vivid colors and with an eye for the telling moment, there's something unusual happening at the Field Museum. "Women of Vision: National Geographic Photographers on Assignment" fills the galleries with work shot for the magazine that is a reliable source of both breathtaking photojournalism and subscription cards gently fluttering to the floor. Such photos are impressive enough in the pages of the magazine, stories of faraway places (Afghanistan) or high concepts (adolescence) told with an emphasis on the human spirit that stretches readers' view of the world and underscores its peoples' interconnectedness.
Navy Pier Centennial Wheel: Navy Pier is celebrating its centennial with a new Ferris wheel that is 50 feet higher than the last one. After months of construction, the Centennial Wheel will open Friday at noon. Take in a panoramic view of Chicago in the new, air-conditioned gondolas, which feature interactive video screens. This engineering marvel is 196 feet high and held together with more than 10,000 bolts. Tip: try riding the Ferris wheel on Saturday night during the fireworks show for a spectacular new vantage point. Details: Wheel opens at noon on Friday; Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave.; $15, $12 for kids 3-11; navypier.com
Memorial Day Celebrations: The Chicago Memorial Day Parade, one of the largest in the nation, will fill State Street with red, white and blue floats, color guards, marching bands and patriotic fervor starting at noon on Saturday. Following the progress of the Memorial Day parade is a great way to pay your respects to the nation's veterans and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In the evening, head to Navy Pier for a dazzling show of fireworks, as the rockets' red glare illuminates the Chicago skyline. A good vantage point is the Navy Pier beer garden. Details: Parade is noon on Saturday, wreath laying ceremony is 11 a.m.; State Street and Lake Street, free; Navy Pier fireworks are 10:15 p.m. Saturday and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday; free; navypier.com
Bike the Drive: Bikes will rule the road for one day only, when Lake Shore Drive closes to vehicular traffic and opens a 15-mile expanse just for bicyclists to coast and enjoy the lakefront view. If you're a morning person, all the better: Bike the Drive starts at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, but you can hit the road at any time before 7 a.m. Cool down at the post-ride festival in Grant Park, featuring entertainment and an optional $9 breakfast. Details: 5:30 a.m. -- 9:45 a.m., Lake Shore Drive between Bryn Mawr Avenue and 57th Street; $53-$64; $17 for kids 17 under; bikethedrive.org
Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival: The season of street festivals is upon us, and the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival will celebrate the start of summer with two days of food, brews and tribute bands this weekend. Meander through artisan booths while the music of Wedding Banned, Catfight and 7th Heaven transports you to a better place. Because it's high time to live like a carefree spirit this summer, taking in the sun, libations and soul. Details: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, N. Sheffield Ave. from Belmont Ave. to Roscoe St.; $5 gate donation; chicagoevents.com
Disenchanted!: Anyone who has spent too much time around Disney's animated princesses, with their flawless hair and improbably slender waists, is likely to appreciate the sassy new musical "Disenchanted!" Snow White, Cinderella and the other storybook heroines have come back to life to set the record straight. These saucy wenches are intent on shattering their princess-perfect images, no doubt delighting parents who have been subjected to too much Happily Ever After. Details: Through June 5 at the Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut St.; $35.75-$78.75 at 800-775-2000 or broadwayinchicago.com
Chicago Philharmonic and Cirque de la Symphonie: The Chicago Philharmonic will team up with Cirque de la Symphonie to present unique, high-flying performances of music from Bizet's "Carmen," Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake," Kachaturian's "Sabre Dance" and other classical favorites. Cirque de la Symphonie's cast of aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers and jugglers includes former Olympians and world record holders, and the troupe will be making their Chicago debut at this performance. Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St.; $25 -- $125; chicagophilharmonic.org
Gaelic Park Irish Fest: Gaelic Park will kick off the Irish music festival season with four days of music, dancing, theater and children's events. Featured bands include the Fenians, Larkin Moran Brothers, Screaming Orphans and Socks in the Frying Pan. For kids, there are magic shows, carnival rides, clowns, ponies and a petting zoo. All stages will offer a Memorial Day Salute at 3 p.m. Monday. Details: Gates open at 4 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest; $15 adults, $12 seniors and children 4-12, free for children under 3; chicagogaelicparkirishfest.org
Red, White, and Bar-B-Q festival: Over the weekend, countless people will fire up their backyard grills for the first time this season. But if what you crave is variety, executed by barbecue professionals, head on over to "Red, White and Bar-B-Q" in Westmont, one of the largest BBQ competitions in the state. The festival has professional and amateur divisions, as well as live music, beer tent, craft vendors and a carnival. Details: 4 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday; Ty Warner Park, 700 Blackhawk Drive, Westmont; free admission; westmontbbq.com
1. Do Memorial Day brunch
We love brunch at Beatrix for its fluffy lemon pancakes, green chili enchiladas and killer sangrita. Get the same menu on Monday when both the River North and Streeterville locations extend brunch hours through the long weekend. Reservations accepted. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 28 to Monday, May 30 at 519 N. Clark St., 312-284-1377; 671 N. St. Clair, 312-642-0001, www.beatrixchicago.com
2. Gelato in the park
Sixteen gelato-makers from around the world -- including Jessica Oloroso of West Town's Black Dog Gelato and Angelo Lollino and Ali Caine Hung of Massa Cafe Gelateria in Elmwood Park -- compete to create the best flavor when the Gelato World Tour makes a three-day stop in Chicago. Drop by for free; $10 gets you eight tasting tickets so you can sample and vote. Noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 27, to Sunday, May 29, at Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., www.gelatoworldtour.com
3. Tango, drink, tango
Argentinian steakhouse Artango (formely ARTango South American Bistro in Ravenswood) is back in a bigger space in Lincoln Square. Hit them up for Sunday tango brunch -- which, yes, involves dancing between courses. Fuel up on dishes like thyme-lemon sirloin with fried eggs and roasted potatoes, and don't worry: There will be plenty of mimosas on hand if you need a little liquid courage. 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 29 at Artango Bar Steakhouse, 4767 N. Lincoln Ave., 872-208-7441.
4. Road trip! (For wine, of course)
Michigan's Round Barn Winery, one of our favorite road-trip destinations, hosts its Spirits of Summer celebration, a party featuring live music, family-friendly activities (sorry, the bounce house is for the kids) and plenty of wine and cocktails. 1-7 p.m. on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29 at Round Barn, 10983 Hills Road, Baroda, Michigan.
5. Eat at Navy Pier
No, really. There are a slew of new restaurants at Navy Pier, and they're good. Let our new Navy Pier dining guide lead the way.
Last winter's sold-out hit, "Balloonacy," is a whimsical play that traces the connection between a lonely man and a crimson balloon. Now, the wordless, 45-minute show is back:
"Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising" is even better than its predecessor, if you can believe it. Check out our reviews for the best flicks currently in theaters. And if you'd rather stay home, here's a list of DVDs released this week.
Here's a look at the most interesting new releases hitting streaming services this week and the weekend's best bets on broadcast TV and cable:
"Red Nose Day Special": Host Craig Ferguson and a huge roster of Hollywood stars come together for the second annual "Red Nose Day Special." It's a fundraiser for programs aimed at addressing the needs of children and young people living in poverty. (Thursday, 8 p.m., NBC)
"Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives": Does Guy Fieri ever stop eating? Not on tonight's edition of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," which is all about grilled, smoked and fried meat -- including wild boar sausage. (Friday, 9 p.m., Food Network)
"Lost in the West": This new three-part film has viewers saddling up for a wild adventure. It follows two stepbrothers who accidentally get transported back in time to the days of cowboys, where they battle an evil mayor. (Saturday, 7 p.m., Nickelodeon)
"Chef's Table": The culinary series returns, where viewers are taken behind the lives of rock-star chefs. Chicago's Grant Achatz is part of this critically lauded series. (Saturday, Netflix)
"Bloodline": The Rayburns are back and they still have a lot of stuff going on. Think lifestyles of the rich and corrupt. (Saturday, Netflix)
-- Kevin Williams
