The Chicago Traveler

• At the Newberry Library’s 24th annual Book Fair, you can browse through more than 100,000 books in 60 categories, most of which cost $2 or less. (July 24-27)
• In honor of Jimmy Buffet’s concerts at Toyota Park (July 24, 26), Lizzy McNeill’s Irish Pub is holding a Luau on the Chicago River. This Hawaiian-themed barbecue will be held outside the bar and includes live music, games, beer samples, and a cruise raffle. Food and drink sales benefit the Special Olympics and Misericordia. (July 25-27)
• You can compete in a Neil Diamond look-alike contest at the Neil Diamond Extravaganza, hosted …read more

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The technology of entertainment is moving swiftly along. CDs, mp3s, mpegs, DVDs, high-def… It seems as though the moment we imagine the next step, it already exists. However, there was a time when none of this existed. Before television, before radio, there was Vaudeville. And amidst all the gadgets and doodads of today’s society, vaudeville remains alive and well in Arlington Heights at Dickinson’s Little Vaudeville.
Vaudeville was a genre of entertainment common in the United States and Canada from the 1880s until the 1930s. Types of acts included musicians, comedians, magicians, acrobats, dancers, trained animals, impersonators, and more. Many of …read more

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• These are the last few days to take part in the Chicago Originals Restaurant Week Celebration. A select number of restaurants offer two- or three-course dinners specially priced at $20.08 in honor of the New Year. For a list of participating businesses, head to http://www.chicagooriginals.com/ (ends Feb 3)
• Brrrr… It’s cold out there, which is perfect weather for Chicago’s newest attraction, Paintings Below Zero. A brilliantly colored ice wall that is nearly 100 feet long (30 m) and over 10 feet tall (3 m) is the largest and perhaps most stunning work from Canadian artist Gordon Halloran. (Feb 1-29)
• …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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• Every First Friday of the month, relax with a cash bar and free Wolfgang Puck appetizers at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Enjoy live music from local DJs along with the work of an up-and-coming Chicago artist. This month’s theme: Fallen Stars. (Jan 4)
• There’s not much you can get for $10 on Michigan Avenue. But every first Friday of the month, your $10 will help you Wine Down at Foodlife. Sample 20 international vintages and snacks on the mezzanine level of Water Tower Place. (Jan 4)
• It’s time to get started on that New Year’s resolution for more …read more

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Spiders? No problem. Speaking in front of large crowds? I’ve got it covered. Small, confined spaces? Uncomfortable, but I can handle it. But I’m a big wuss when it comes to needles. *shiver*
Maybe I could use the help of Rachel Epperson of The Needle Shop. This Jill-of-all-trades has been sewing for 25 years and has worked as a carpenter, decorator, and fashion designer. She can help show you that needles aren’t sew scary. In fact, Rachel will help you create works of art through sewing, knitting, crochet, and upholstery. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, you can enjoy …read more

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School has started, and kids have stocked up on pencils, crayons, paper, erasers, and numerous other supplies. But school isn’t just for kids. Even adults’ brains need to be fine-tuned and maintained. If you think you’ve lost one too many brain cells from all those summer martinis, maybe it’s time to take a class at Columbia College.
Now, now… stop that. No, you’re not too old. And I’m not talking about hypothetical situations involving Train A and Train B. I’m talking about exploring and giving substance to all those little creative interests lurking in the back of your mind. If those …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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