Arts & Entertainment
From a Rising Local Comedian to a Record Fair in Ukrainian Village, Here Are 4 Arts Picks for Your Week
(L–R) Claire DeJean as Diana and Denver Milord as Peter in “Stereophonic,” running at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago. (Julieta Cervantes)
Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.
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We’re entering the coldest stretch of the winter so far: a bone-chilling, bona fide deep freeze that would keep most anyone indoors. Chicagoans, however, are a different breed. We’re built for these arctic conditions. If thousands of us can bear the cold for hours outside at a Soldier Field playoff game, we can venture outside for some of the city’s best cultural offerings. Below, WTTW News has highlighted a smattering of how you can spend your weekend. All these events are mercifully indoors: All you have to do is leave the house.
Comedy: Maggie Winters — Color Club
Besides Sarah Sherman, it’s hard to think of a newer Chicago comic who’s as naturally funny as Maggie Winters. If you’ve seen her stand-up or watched her constantly scene-stealing arc on HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones,” you know she’s an undeniable talent. On Friday, she’ll be performing for an hour at Color Club in Old Irving Park as part of Tomorrow Never Knows Fest. Buy tickets here.
Museum: NewberryFest: All About Maps! — Newberry Library
NewberryFest is a free and open-to-all event that gives curious Chicagoans a guided and curated tour of the Newberry Library’s vast archives and collections. This year’s winter theme is maps, and it promises a “cartography-focused event” that focuses on their “extensive collection of maps from across time and place.” It kicks off on Saturday at noon. For more details and to register, click here.
Market: Record Fair — Empty Bottle
With an oversaturation of algorithmic recommendations and cloud-based streaming, the tactile and corporeal joys of physical media have never been more appealing (or necessary). Dust off the turntable and make space on the shelf for Sunday’s record fair at the Empty Bottle. Expect the vinyl and tape catalogs of local labels like Numero Group, Fire Talk, Orindal, Drag City and more. The free, 21+ event starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. RSVP here.
Musical: “Stereophonic” — CIBC Theatre
This 5-time Tony-winning musical that tracks the rise of a fictional ‘70s rock band hits Chicago for a two-week run at the CIBC Theatre. With explosive and revelatory music from Will Butler of Arcade Fire, the David Adjmi-penned production tackles creation, superstardom and all the struggles that come with it. It opens Jan. 27 and runs through Feb. 8. Buy tickets here.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
