Arts & Entertainment
From a River Cruise to Orchestra Noir, Here Are 5 Arts and Culture Picks for the Weekend
(Courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center)
It is spring, so break out the flip-flops and cargo shorts — but don’t put away the duck boots and snow pants just yet. You’ll need them soon after you get your first sunburn of the season. Whether it’s freezing or frying outside, choose your outerwear carefully and wade into the waters of Chicago arts and culture.
Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise – Riverwalk
It’s a sure sign of spring when the First Lady tour boat returns from her winter hibernation. The Chicago Architecture Center cruise is often cited as one of the best in the country, so make no small plans and discover the backstories behind 50 grand buildings along three branches of the Chicago River. The First Lady boards along the Riverwalk at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Open daily
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Orchestra Noir – Harris Theater, Millennium Park
Sounds like a party — Atlanta-based Orchestra Noir highlights African American music pioneers in all types of music, from classical to hip-hop and jazz. Expect swinging arrangements of R&B hits and popular songs for orchestra. These advocates for music education and minority musicianship return to Chicago with a high-energy show called “Y2K Meets 90s Vibe.” March 29
Edith Farnsworth House Historic Site and Art Exhibit – Plano, Illinois
Cross if off your bucket list and take the pilgrimage to Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois, a less than 90-minute drive from Chicago. Mies van der Rohe designed the minimal but complex house along the Fox River, and now it’s a twofer: Opening this week is an exhibition on the grounds by Ho-Chunk artist Truman Lowe called “Movement: Water Into Wood.” Opens March 26
Midori and CYSO – Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago
Way back when, Midori was a child prodigy on the violin. Decades into her career, she’s a visionary artist and educator who loves to mentor young people. Here, she concludes a five-day residency with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) and performs alongside them in a series of string-ensemble works conducted by Daniella Valdez. March 30 at 3 p.m.
“The Listeners” – Lyric Opera of Chicago
This contemporary opera considers the power of sound itself. When a woman hears a low-frequency hum that few others can detect, she joins a cult-like group of people with the same affliction. Co-commissioned by Lyric Opera and composed by Missy Mazzoli, “The Listeners” promises “intense, edge-of-your-seat theatrics for mature audiences.” It sounds like an ear-opening experience. Opens March 30
Marc Vitali is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent.