Looking for some cool things to do in the week ahead in and around Chicago? Here are some suggestions to consider:
Jazz up your week
The 50th anniversaries of two Chicago jazz institutions are celebrated at this year’s Chicago Jazz Festival. Nicole Mitchell, Rob Mazurek, Ari Brown, Jeff Parker and others offer a tribute to the Jazz Institute of Chicago, and the Art Ensemble of Chicago performs with Roscoe Mitchell, the group’s sole surviving founding member. There’s also a tribute to Nat King Cole performed by his brother Freddy Cole as well as sets with Ben Sidran, Marc Ribot, Eddie Palmieri Sextet, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Christian McBride and more. From Aug. 23-Sept. 1, Millennium Park, Michigan and Randolph; Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington and other venues around the city. Free. Visit chicagojazzfestival.us.
Hip-hop twist
Anyone who saw hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris’ “Lazarus” (performed here last winter by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater) knows any new work by this dance master is exciting news. His latest work-in-progress “Lifted,” a loose adaptation of “Oliver Twist,” follows a teen orphan who has been sent to live with his religious relatives. With a backdrop of gospel-infused house music, the piece is performed by Chicago dancers with vocalists from Mosaic Community Choir and St. Benedict the African Catholic Church. At 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23 and 2 p.m. Aug. 24, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. Tickets: $10-$30. Visit mcachicago.org.
Kittypalooza
Labyrinth Arts Performance Collective celebrates all things feline at Catzilla 7, A Cat Fest, an event that raises awareness about cat rescue and adoption. There’s a cat-themed cabaret as well as comedy, spoken work, juggling, dance, live music and an art show and auction. Among the cat artworks are drawings by Heather McAdams, experimental photographs by Gary Justis and whimsical illustrations by Stephen Holman. At 7 p.m. Aug. 23-24, Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 N. Milwaukee. Tickets: $20. Visit www.facebook.com/labyrinthartsperformance.
Under the little big top
Jeff and Julie Jenkins return with Midnight Circus in the Parks, which travels to parks across the city. The family-friendly show features aerial acrobatics, tumbling, juggling, feats of dexterity and more all presented in a heartfelt storytelling style. My Boy Elroy serves as DJ and beatboxer to create a circus soundscape. From Aug. 24-Oct. 20 at various city parks. Tickets: $5-$25. For a complete list of venues, go to midnightcircus.net.
Rapping up summer
Rap, hip-hop and R&B take center stage at the WGCI’s Summer Jam. Featured artists are Gucci Mane, Yo Gotti, Polo G, Queen Naija, Teyana Taylor, Ann Marie, Lud Foe and Shordie Shordie. At 7 p.m. Aug. 24, Wintrust Arena, 200 E. Cermak. Tickets: $66-$122. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Women bring the laughs
Comedy ranging from stand up to musical improv can be found at the Chicago Women’s Funny Festival. The lineup includes comedians Patti Vasquez, Dina Nina Martinez, Anna Vocino and Loren Tarquinio of Married AF, ventriloquist Hannah Leskosky, improv groups Bosses in Bonnets and Hitch Cocktails and the variety show Super Tasty. New this year are Spanish-language sets with Argentinian comic Eliana La Casa, the sketch show “La Carne Asada #2: The Seasoning,” a telenovela from Las Tinas Improv and streetwise teaching moments from Ratas de Dos Patas. From Aug. 23-25, Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont. Tickets: $15, festival passes $36-$150. Visit stage773.com.
Chamber music concert
Cellist Alexander Hersh and violinist Brian Hong founded NEXUS, a collective of accomplished young musicians, with a goal of bringing chamber music to new audiences in ways that eliminate the traditional formality of classical music. One way is through the NEXUS Chamber Music Chicago Festival, a four-concert program that showcases musicians from around the world performing a wide range of works in an intimate venue. At 6:30 p.m. Aug. 28, 30 and Sept. 4 at Guarneri Hall, 11 E. Adams. Tickets, $10, $40. At 6:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at Ganz Hall, Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan. Free. Visit nexuschambermusic.com
More festival fun
- Greek food and culture are the highlight of Taste of Greektown, Aug. 23-25, Halsted and Van Buren. Visit chicagoevents.com.
- Enjoy a juried art fair plus music and food at Bucktown Arts Fest, Aug. 24-25, Oakley and Lyndale. Visit bucktownartsfest.com.
- Check out Milwaukee’s theater, art, music and dance scene at the Milwaukee Fringe Festival, Aug. 24-25, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water, Milwaukee. Visit mkefringe.com.
- Find unique art at Port Clinton Art Festival, Aug. 24-25, 600 Central, Highland Park. Visit amdurproductions.com.