A painting by Kristina Paabus
ALDERMAN EXHIBITIONS This week, the gallery premieres work by up-and-
coming Chicago artists including Kristina Paabus (painting pictured above).

THE FIVE

Don’t-miss picks for Wed 8.8.12 through Tue 8.14.12:

1

art Alderman Exhibitions
If you haven’t had a chance to check out Alderman Exhibitions—our 2012 pick for Chicago’s best new art gallery—Friday is your excuse. The West Loop space opens the show Dolphin Days: Caroline Carlsmith, Alex Chitty, New Hands, Michael Hunter, Kristina Paabus, and Carson Fisk-Vittori, which features new work from a cluster of the city’s up-and-coming artists.
GO: 8/10 at 6. Alderman Exhibitions, 1138 W Randolph. aldermanexhibitions.com
2

theatre Man of La Mancha
The impossible dream sallies forth with a 16-piece orchestra. Don Quixote tilts at windmills and woos working-girl wenches in a musical inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’s 17th century novel.
GO: 8/11 at 8; $32–92. Light Opera Works at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson, Evanston. lightoperaworks.com
3

festivals Northalsted Market Days
Billed as the Midwest’s largest street festival, the 31st installment of this LGTBQ-friendly fiesta takes over Lake View this weekend with 200 food and craft vendors. The fest also features four music stages, with the queen of summer lovin’ herself, Olivia Newton-John, closing out Sunday night’s lineup.
GO: 8/11–12 from 11–10. $8 recommended donation. Halsted between Belmont and Addison. northalsted.com
4

world music Taj Mahal
After 44-years, this brilliantly eccentric iconoclast and blues veteran still has it going on. His blend of blues, calypso, reggae, and Afro-Cuban music is still one of the best around.
GO: 8/10 at 7 and 10; $41–$45. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln. oldtownschool.org
5

film Second Saturday Silent Cinema
Last year, we tapped the Music Box’s silent movies program as Chicago’s best new film series. A year later, it’s still going strong. This Saturday’s selection is The Adventures of Prince Achmed, a gorgeous 1926 movie that’s based on The Arabian Nights—and touted as the first full-length animated feature.
GO: 8/11 at noon; $10, $8 for students and seniors. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport. musicboxtheatre.com

WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND

Austin Wulliman
J. Austin Wulliman

Up next in our series of weekend plans from notable, in-the-know locals—a.k.a. people we like: J. Austin Wulliman, a violinist and the program director for the contemporary music ensemble Dal Niente, as well as a member of Spektral Quartet, which performs a Rush Hour Concert on Tuesday, August 14.

“After rehearsals end on Friday, I usually walk over to Metropolis and sip on a latte while doing some people watching. After, I like to head over to Thai Spice on Devon—hands down the best Thai place in the city. It’s a total hole in the wall—it doesn’t even have a sign outside—but its panang noodles are amazing. Every week my challenge is to order a dinner more spicy than the week before. After, I usually go out for drinks at the Hopleaf. I’m obsessed with the Cuvee Des Jacobins Rouge, a beer from Bockor Brewery.

“Saturday afternoon I might go to Moody’s Pub and drink some sangria. I love its outdoor beer garden. Then, I’ll definitely head to the Thirsty Ear Festival at the Empty Bottle. It’s a good example of what's going on in contemporary music in Chicago, and it’s cool to see young groups coming together and presenting concert music in a casual environment. Afterward, I see myself biking north to Wicker Park to Piece where I can catch some of the White Sox game, a great pie, and their totally excellent, easy-drinking Golden Arm beer.

“Sunday, I do brunch at Lula Cafe. They have this really awesome crepe with garbanzo beans and fresh greens. It’s an unexpected mix, but it’s light and delicious. Then I’ll head to the Logan Square farmers market to pick up stuff to make Sunday evening dinner. After, I usually go to the Whistler and have a Dark and Stormy. It’s a killer drink.” –As told to Elly Fishman

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK

festivals Bud Billiken Parade
The gigantic 83rd annual South Side parade salutes Barack Obama this year. The president won’t actually be present, but there are plenty of other highlights: the South Shore Drill Team, the Ms. Black Chicago float, and a 13-foot flying puppet from Redmoon Theater.
GO: 8/11 at 10. Parade route: budbillikenparade.com

 

Photography: (PAABUS) Courtesy of the artist; (WULLIMAN) Jenna Lyle