Arts & Entertainment
From $1 Jazz Tickets to Contemporary Ballet, Here Are 5 Arts and Culture Picks for the Weekend
(Courtesy of Complexions Contemporary Ballet)
These five picks spotlight Black History Month, including one absolute must-see that will cost you just a dollar.
“Ellingtonia – A Tribute to Duke” – Kehrein Center for the Arts
Orbert Davis and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic honor Duke Ellington, and tickets are $1. This would be a must-see if seats were $50; the bargain makes it truly unmissable. And it’s in the acoustically ideal Kehrein Center in the Austin neighborhood. I’ve got my tickets for the matinee. Feb. 8, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
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“Dee Alexander and Jumaane Taylor” – Harris Theater
The dynamic duo of Chicago jazz vocalist Dee Alexander and tap dancer Jumaane Taylor are backed by a live quartet and six tap dancers. It’s a Valentine’s Day themed show with Alexander’s “It’s All About Love” and Taylor tapping a tribute to John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme.” Feb. 7
“The Family Business” – available now in bookstores
With a foreword by Wynton Marsalis, this new book explores four generations of one family’s odyssey in the arts. Written by Wren T. Brown, founder of Ebony Repertory Theatre in LA, the rich stories reach Chicago (naturally) where family members had engagements with Nat King Cole and other luminaries.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet – Auditorium Theatre
A visit from the spectacular New York City dance company on its 30th anniversary includes dance set to the music of the band U2. The mission of Complexions is to create inclusive performances that celebrate diversity. Feb. 7
“We Always Bounce Black” – UP Comedy Club
With new sketches and songs, the Second City’s Black Excellence Revue promises to be more than a comedy show. Beyond improv and laughs, the performers aim to celebrate Black joy and make the audience part of the show. Feb. 7, 8 and 14
Marc Vitali is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent.