The 2022 Newberry Book Fair is back and under way today after a three-year break while all of us adjusted to concerns around COVID-19. The fair has traditionally been a must-go event for book collectors and lovers, as 30,000 or so books will be on sale representing dozens of categories including history and fiction. Reader senior writer Deanna Isaacs wrote about the sale and planned events in one of her columns last month, including storytelling in “Bughouse Square” (these days known as Washington Square Park, the park directly across the street from the library) on Saturday starting at 1 PM. The fair happens today until 6 PM at the library (60 W. Walton), and again Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM-6 PM. Admission is free but be sure to have your debit or credit card ready: cash will not be accepted for payment. Details are available at Newberry’s website. (SCJ)
Another installment of #INTH3LAND happens tonight. In The Land is an Englewood open mike series launched in April, and hosted by singer-songwriter Jazstarr and photographer ThoughtPoet (Isaiah Veney). From 6-9 PM at the Imagination House (6407 S. Honore), participants and audience members are invited to express whatever they need to get off their chest, in whatever ways they see fit. The night will conclude with a performance from Freddie Old Soul. While this is an all-ages event, adult themes are expected. Abundant Chi, a South Side mutual aid organization, will be accepting cash and virtual donations to benefit Englewood. (MC)
Also from 6-9 PM, multimedia artist Connor Young celebrates the opening of his photo show “Foul Play” at the Martin (2500 W. Chicago). Combining lighthearted elements like gumballs and streamers with grotesque imagery like used condoms and cadavers, Young meditates on growing up queer in a conservative midwestern environment. The images navigate a fine line between comedy and tragedy, borrowing from the eye-catching storytelling of the influencer generation while approaching the conceptual legacy of artists like Felix Gonzalez-Torres. “Foul Play” will remain on view through August 20. (MC)
Elastic Arts presents the next installment of its Elastro series (acoustic, electro/acoustic, electronic music, sound, and video performances) tonight with a set by Montgomery/Turner, the duo of the Nashville-based sound artist, multi-instrumentalist, and former Chicagoan JayVe Montgomery and Chicago psychotherapist and musician Nick Turner (who also performs at Tyresta). Montgomery/Turner began collaborating remotely in 2020, and this performance is a preview of their second album, Sound Is Our Sustenance, which is scheduled to come out this fall from Astral Editions. The bill also includes a collaborative set by Cristal Sabbagh, olula negre, and Johanna Brock, as well as a solo performance from Daniel Wyche. It all starts at 8:30 PM at Elastic’s Logan Square space (3429 W. Diversey, second floor), and $15 tickets will be available at the door. (SCJ)