This week, stuff your face, laugh your face off, and admire one of Chicago’s most famous public art faces. Here’s what we recommend:
Mon 8/7: Jessica Cornish runs Jello, a dance open mike where the city’s emerging talent can test new pieces or clean up some that are almost ready for the big stage. All are welcome to watch and provide feedback at Links Hall at Constellation (3111 N. Western). 7 PM, $10
Mon 8/7: Ben Hall performs at Experimental Sound Studio (5925 N. Ravenswood). Of the percussionist, the Reader’s Peter Margasak writes, “His playing makes room for barrages of furious, surging-and-receding energy along with drone-oriented bowing and rubbing, whether deafening or pin-drop quiet.” 7 PM
Tue 8/8: A benchmark for local stand-up comics takes the form of a slot at Chicago Underground Comedy—a weekly, curated showcase at the Beat Kitchen (2100 W. Belmont) with the occasional former Chicagoan headlining. Think T.J. Miller, Hannibal Buress, or Cameron Esposito. 9:30 PM, $5
Tue 8/8: Join CNN commentator Van Jones—a rare voice of reason on cable news—and his #LoveArmy at the Chicago Theatre (175 N. State) for We Rise, a tour highlighting the commonalities between Americans in the interest of sparking social dialogue. 8 PM, $39.50-$69.50
Tue 8/8: In 1967 the Chicago Picasso was unveiled, marking the artist’s first large-scale American civic sculpture. Now, in honor of its 50th anniversary, the Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington) hosts Everyone’s Picasso, a re-staging of the historic event complete with appearances by well-known contemporary artists and a performance by the Chicago Children’s Choir. Noon
Wed 8/9: Conquer dishes from more than 20 eateries at the Andersonville Dinner Crawl. Bites include macaroni and cheese from Lady Gregory’s and meatballs from Bar Roma, and winners are rewarded for their tenacity with a nap. Pick up your tickets at the Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark). 6-9 PM, $30-$60
Wed 8/9: Back in August 2016, the late Amy Krouse Rosenthal held a 12-hour book launch of her memoir, Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal, at the Bean. August 9 was soon-after declared “Amy Day,” a celebration of her gorgeous, compelling, and empathetic artistic contributions. Her community of friends and fans come together to celebrate the first Amy Day after Rosenthal’s passing. Beginning at the Bean in Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph), AKR’s sister Katie Froelich, children’s book illustrator Tom Lichtenheld, and others will remember and honor the remarkable woman. 5:05-9:09 PM
Thu 8/10: Jeremy McCarter, cultural critic and co-author of Hamilton: The Revolution, reads from his new novel, Young Radicals: In the War for American Ideals, the story of five young activists whose beliefs are threatened during the first World War. Joined by Nate Marshall at the Seminary Co-op Bookstore (5751 S. Woodlawn), McCarter will discuss the power of youth and their relentless desire to advance society. 6-7:30 PM
Thu 8/10: Are You Sleeping, the new book by Galesburg, Illinois, native Kathleen Barber, is a dark crime story about a woman whose family abandons her after the murder of her father. Barber reads from the novel at City Lit Books (2523 N. Kedzie) and answers questions about its themes of betrayal and shame. 6:30 PM
For more stuff to do this week—and every day—check out our Agenda page.