Arts & Entertainment
From a ‘Cosmic Country Showcase’ to the Chicago International Film Festival, Here’s 5 Arts Picks for the Weekend
Felicity Jones and Joel Edgerton in 'Train Dreams.' (Adolpho Veloso/Courtesy of Sundance Institute)
Even though it’s finally starting to feel like fall with the crisp air, leaves fully changing, and weather requiring a light jacket, don’t retreat into hermit mode just yet. There are still several culturally enriching Chicago events to explore. From a hilarious, entertaining and fun showcase of local musical talent covering classic country tunes, an exhibit that celebrates the city’s Latino culture, a neighborhood market highlighting alternative artists and more, check out these arts picks below.
Variety Show: Cosmic Country Showcase — Judson and Moore
The Cosmic Country showcase has been one of the city’s best variety shows, highlighting under-the-radar talent in its thriving music and comedy communities. The long-running event will have a Halloween-themed edition hosted by crooner Andrew Sa and comedian Mary Williamson, alongside performances by Nashville’s India Ramey, Lydia Cash, Dandy Freling, Ric Salazar and more. Tickets for the Saturday night show can be found here.
Art: Aquí en Chicago — Chicago History Museum
As a press release states, “In 2019, students from the Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy in Pilsen protested the Chicago History Museum for its lack of Latino/a/e representation.” Now, these students have their own exhibit opening Saturday afternoon. “Through art, photographs, interviews, clothing, personal items, everyday objects, and historical treasures, Aquí en Chicago traces the lives of Latino/a/e communities that have maintained a persistent cultural presence and flourished in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.” Details and tickets can be found here.
Art: Oddball Market — Empty Bottle
Explore local artisans and artists as they set up an “Oddball Market” in the Ukrainian Village music venue. From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., take in the crafts, prints, fine art, jewelry and more. Expect weird art, DJs and a good time. Details here.
Dance: Bricktown Sound — Hungry Brain
A quiet, musician-friendly bar in Roscoe Village has been hosting one of the best free dance parties in the city for the past nine years. The event features vinyl-only DJs playing a repertoire of hidden gems of soul, funk, disco, house and more. This Saturday is the event’s nine-year anniversary and a tribute to the Bucktown dive bar, Danny’s. Starts at 9 p.m.
Film: Chicago International Film Festival — Multiple Venues
As WTTW News reporter Eunice Alpasan wrote, “The 61st edition of the festival runs Oct. 15-26 at various venues. Screenings will be held at the festival’s hub theater at AMC NEWCITY 14, along with the Music Box Theatre, Gene Siskel Film Center, Chicago History Museum, Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago and other locations. This year’s festival will screen 111 feature films and 70 shorts, showcasing cinema from over 60 countries. The popular Criterion Mobile Closet is also expected to make a stop during the festival’s opening weekend at NEWCITY Plaza.” You can peruse the full schedule here, but this newsletter producer recommends Hong Sangsoo’s “What Does That Nature Say to You,” Christian Petzold’s “Miroirs No. 3,” Clint Bentley’s “Train Dreams” and Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value.”
