The forecast for this week is full of frigid temps. Still, there are a lot of good reasons to get out of the house. Here’s some of what we recommend:
Mon 1/11: The HERold at iO Theater (1501 N. Kingsbury) is a night of Harold-style improv comprising all-women teams. 8 PM
Through 1/25: The Fillet of Solo Festival is a three-week storytelling festival featuring solo performers at various locations across the city. The lineup this year—the fest’s 19th—includes live-lit stars from Chicago SlamWorks, the Moth, and Story Club.
Through 3/20: A new collection of artwork created by the classes of the Prison + Neighborhood Arts Project at Stateville Correctional Center, “The Weight of Rage,” is on display at the Hyde Park Art Center (5020 S. Cornell).
Tue 1/12: Tonight is the premiere of Chicago’s Slurring Bee at Quenchers Saloon (2401 N. Western). The five-buck entry fee buys you free shots for every round of this spelling bee you’re able to stay competitive for. Billy Parker and Mandy Levy host. 7 PM
Wed 1/13: Tonight Emporium Arcade Bar (1366 N. Milwaukee) hosts Token 2, a night of zines, music, and video games made by Chicagoans, courtesy of Easy Press. Featured creators include Alex Kostiw, Jessica Checkeroski, and Maximum Pelt; there’s also DJ sets by Cat Claw and White Mystery’s Alex White, plus food from Puesto Sandwich Stand. 6-11 PM
1/13-1/17: Since its modest beginnings at Schubas, Tomorrow Never Knows—which is at least somewhat spun as a kind of beat-the-bitter-weather get-together—has grown steadily over the years. Now in its 12th installment, it brings five days of mostly indie rock and comedy acts—including Lady Lamb, Metz, and Bobcat Goldthwait—to six different north-side venues.
1/14-1/24: It’s the 15th and final year of Collaboraction’s Sketchbook Festival at Chopin Theatre (1579 N. Milwaukee) showcases 16 short theater pieces by local theater veterans and emerging artists. This year’s theme is, fittingly, “Life and Death.”
For more stuff to do this week—and every day—check out our Agenda page.