The Chicago Traveler

• The 11th annual Taste of Randolph Street stretches from Peoria Street to Racine Avenue and features food from local restaurants, a wine garden, chef demos, and art vendors. (June 20-22)
• At the Daley Plaza, the Thai Festival Chicago 2008 presents dance performances, Thai boxing demonstrations, food, fashion, and more. (June 19-20)
• Watch the Chicago White Sox take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in the Crosstown Classic. (June 27-29)
• Beverly Arts Center dance instructor Chris Nasadowski hosts Bringin’ It from the Streets III, a showcase of amateur and professional tap, hip-hop, and modern dance troupes. (June 20)
• Tracy …read more

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• The annual Cinco de Mayo Festival at Douglas Park features live music, food booths, carnival rides, games, and a parade at 12 noon on Sunday. (May 2-4)
• The 75th annual SAIC Fashion Show is produced by School of the Art Institute of Chicago students and faculty. Located at the Sullivan Center, the exhibition is preceded by a cocktail reception and features a meet-and-greet with the designers afterward. (May 2)
• For four nights, Adobo Grill will feature special Mexican menu items and $5 margaritas. (May 2-5)
• Can’t party on Monday? Hit up the Dos de Mayo Party at Easy Bar, …read more

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Even Ernie Banks himself couldn’t believe his eyes.
“Is that me?” he asked. The Chicago Cubs unveiled a bronze statue of the Hall of Famer outside Wrigley Field yesterday. The likeness stands at bat with a Louisville Slugger in his hands and a grin on his face. That grin was exactly the same as the one on the real Banks’ face, a grin that has won the hearts of Chicagoans for decades. It’s a symbol of his ever-cheerful demeanor, and it’s what earned him nicknames like “Mr. Cub” and “Mr. Sunshine.” He was also well-known for his catch phrase, “It’s a …read more

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• If you’re a fan of all things dark and gruesome, check out the artwork of author, film director, and artist Clive Barker at the Packer Schopf Gallery, showing Tuesdays through Saturdays and free to the public. (runs through February 16)
• The 24th Annual Playdough Palooza is the Wish List Auxiliary Board’s annual fundraising event to support the Child Life Department. This year’s fundraiser will be at Rockit Bar and Grill. All of the proceeds will fund new supplies for the Children’s Memorial Hospital. Tickets are $50-$60 via childrenswishlist.org (Jan 18)
• Ladies, spend A Night in Paradise. This girls’ night …read more

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To all those who celebrate, Happy Kwanzaa! The week-long Pan-African festival honors African-American heritage and is observed today through January 1.Malcolm X College holds its own Kwanzaa celebration all week, featuring African dancing, spoken word, gospel singing, a marketplace, and more. Live entertainment will take place from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free!
For a bit of history, stop by the DuSable Museum of African-American History, and see the annual exhibit on Kwanzaa, recounting the history and principles of the holiday.
Malcolm X College: 1900 W Van Buren …read more

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Released in 2002, BarberShop revolves around the customers and employees of a barbershop on the south side of Chicago. This old-fashioned business is much more than a place where men get their hair cut though; it is a staple of the neighborhood and a place where people meet and share ideas, no matter how serious or preposterous they may be.

BarberShop (2002)

Directed by:
Tim Story

Produced by:
George Tillman, Jr.
Robert Teitel

Starring:
Ice Cube
Anthony Anderson
Eve
Sean Patrick Thomas
Michael Ealy
Troy Garity
Leonard Earl Howze
Keith David
Cedric the Entertainer

Distributed by:
MGM

All Movie Guide
IMDb
Amazon.com

Calvin Palmer, Jr., (Ice Cube) is tired of managing the failing business his father entrusted to him. Unable to make …read more

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This weekend features Reeling 2007: the 26th Annual Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival. From comedies to documentaries to dramas, the pink carpet is rolling out for 11 days of nearly 70 amazing films from over 28 countries. Reeling is the second-oldest film festival of its kind in the U.S., showcasing the best gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender films every year.
Reeling is committed to celebrating an identity that is often misrepresented or ignored in mainstream film and television. This year’s presentation will include films from Jamie Babbit (But I’m A Cheerleader), Robert Gaston (Open Cam), and Casper Andreas (Slutty …read more

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This weekend marks the 43rd Annual Chicago International Film Festival, featuring screenings of more than 100 feature films, 30 shorts, 10 documentaries, and a handful of anime films from around the world. Founded in 1965, this is North America’s oldest competitive international film festival. This world-renowned annual event discovers and presents new filmmakers to Chicago, acknowledging and awarding them for their craft.
The IFF continues to discover new talent and create opportunities for talented artists. The festival has introduced the world to directors like John Carpenter, Victor Nunez, Martin Scorsese, Susan Seidelman, and Gregory Nava. This year’s recommendations (c/o the Chicago …read more

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Do you like corn? Do you love corn? The 60th Annual Mendota Sweet Corn Festival begins tonight in Mendota, IL, about two hours west of Chicago. There will be about 50 tons of corn available at this fair, as well as about 80 food and merchandise vendors, live music, and contests. On Sunday, there’s a grand parade at 1:00 p.m. followed by FREE hot buttered corn for all attendees! Every person will get three ears of corn until supplies run out. Tens of thousands of people take advantage of the free general admission every year.
You don’t have to be a …read more

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One absolute must-see in the city is the Art Institute of Chicago. Just walking up the steps to the entrance between the two massive lion statues fills you with a sense of culture and majesty. And whether you decide to follow a map provided by the information desk or just wander about on your own, you’re bound to see some awe-inspiring work.
You have probably seen reproductions of some of the masterpieces here your whole life, but nothing compares to seeing them in their original glory in person. One of my favorite paintings on display is Nighthawks by Edward Hopper, one …read more

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