Inside Nickerson House
DRIEHAUS MUSEUM Contemporary composers write pieces inspired by Chicago
architectural landmarks.

THE FIVE

Don’t-miss picks for Wed 10.10.12 through Tue 10.16.12:

1

contemporary Open House Chicago
If the Poetry Foundation, the Bridgeview Bank, the Arts Club, and the Driehaus museum were each a piece of music, what would they sound like? It’s the most intriguing partnership of the season—Access Contemporary Music teams up with the Chicago Architecture Foundation resulting in four new pieces based on the famous Chicago landmarks.
GO: 10/13 and 14; Free. Times, location: openhousechicago.org
2

classical The Debussy Chamber Music Festival
If chilly weather has got you down, spend some time with Debussy—an arguably warmer fare. The program covers the impressionist composer’s complete chamber oeuvre, and guest stars include the CSO principal flutist Mathieu Dufour and the Berlin Phil harpist Marie-Pierre Langlamet.
GO: 10/12, 13; $10–$45. 10/12: Gottlieb Concert Hall, Merit School of Music, 38 S Peoria. 10/13: Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern U, 50 Arts Circle, Evanston. chicagochambermusic.org
3

jazz Cassandra Wilson
Who doesn’t love a big-hall star in a small venue? Wilson, a marquee name in jazz who has played at Lincoln Center and with the CSO, settles into the cozy Lincoln Square favorite for an intimate set.
GO: 10/11 at 7 and 10. $45. Old Town School Of Folk Music, 4544 N Lincoln. oldtownschool.org
4

comedy What’s So Funny?
Ever wonder how the Onion comes up with those headlines? Join some of the media’s top comedians—including Onion editor Will Tracy, and Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me’s Brian Babylon—as they discuss being funny for the Chicago Ideas Week panel.
GO: 10/13 at 7:30; $15. Edlis Neeson Theater at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 220 E Chicago. chicagoideas.com
5

theatre Trainspotting USA
Irvine Welsh, the mischievous Scot who found fame after releasing his 1993 novel Trainspotting, recasts his brutally graphic drama of young heroine addicts as a play set in contemporary Kansas City.
GO: 10/13–11/30; $32. Books and Lyrics Theatricals at Theatre Wit, 1229 W Belmont. trainspottingusa.com

WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND

Mimi Plauché
Mimi Plauché

Up next in our series of weekend plans from notable, in-the-know locals—a.k.a. people we like: Mimi Plauché, the programming director for the Chicago International Film Festival. The 48th annual fest begins 10/11 and runs through 10/25.

“Friday, I’ll likely stop at my favorite shoe store in Wicker Park, City Soles. I need to get some cool boots for the [Chicago International Film Festival]. Later, after the Friday screenings, I’ll take visiting directors and panel member to Niu’s sushi. I lived in Japan for about eight years, so I love their traditional sushi. Though, they also have these fun rolls like the ‘mellow yellow’ roll, the ‘sexy Mexican.’ After, if I’m not exhausted I’d like to end the night at the Green Mill. It always offers great music and I like that it’s also so tied up in Chicago history.

“Saturday will start off with the Green City Market. I try and go to different stands each time and see what looks fresh and good. Afterward, I might head to Floriole Bakery for a great cup of coffee and a pastry. I’ll try to make it to the Day of The Dead exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen. This weekend is a great time because the folk arts fair begins on Friday.

“Sunday, I’ll take the international jury to the Atwood Café for breakfast. I like the atmosphere and art deco style. They have a nice selection of traditional breakfast items done really well. Later, the Film Festival is honoring Joan Allen’s career, so I get to spend much of the day with her! We’ll end at the Public Hotel for a celebration.” –As told to Elly Fishman

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK

art Night Visions
Heather Gabel is dark. The Chicago-born artist emerges from the Punk music scene exploring macabre topics such as death, grieving, and morbid ritual. Gabel’s new work is a variety of mediums including collage, photographs, and prints.
GO: 10/12 at 7. Johalla Projects, 1821 W Hubbard, suite 109. johallaprojects.com

 

Photography: (Nickerson House) Alexander Vertikoff; (PLAUCHÉ) Bob Dowey