Chicago Tribune critics and editors guide you through the best things to do in Chicago this weekend.
MAIN EVENT
Meat Wave? Who names a band Meat Wave? Yeah, that rolls off the tongue. Here’s something else that’s goofy: labels. People call this Chicago ensemble “post-punk,” but that’s one of those words that’s like “alternative” — who knows what it means? Meat Wave is punk. It’s a Chicago band that harkens to the days when young, fast, loud bands were flying at your ears like gnats on a muggy summer’s day. Melodies, hooks and that hyper-intelligent Chicago sound all combined to make almost every show you saw memorable. This is Meat Wave and it’s glorious, despite the unfortunate name. The trio is bassist Joe Gac, left, singer/guitarist Chris Sutter and drummer Ryan Wizniak, who is a MONSTER. This isn’t the typical punk three-chord monte, which probably makes folks call up stuff such as “post-punk,” but nope — still punk, and it rocks. Be sure to get there in time for the noisy skronk of Melkbelly, as well. 9 p.m. Saturday, Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. $10 advance, $12 door, which is SO cheap for this much sonic joy. Just sayin’.
DON’T MISS
Scream for ‘Dream’: One of pop music’s finest songwriters (“Umbrella,” “Single Ladies,” “Baby”), The-Dream continues to crank out hits for stars like Tinashe, Ciara and Beyonce, although he largely keeps a low profile. This spring, though, for the first time in almost four years, the falsetto crooner ’s supposed to have his own album coming, so hopefully he will share a snippet or two of something new. Details: 9 p.m. Saturday, Metro, 3730 N. Clark St.; $24 ($149 meet and greet); www.etix.com
Chicago Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show: Get ready to rummage, or, at the very least, sift, at the Chicago Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show, a sizeable new celebration of vintage from Vintage Garage Chicago bazaar’s owner/founder Melissa Sands. She hopes to make this show an annual one, featuring a “world class” collection of retro fashion clothing and jewelry curated from designers around the world. Details: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 N. Sheridan Rd.; $8; www.vintageclothingandjewelry.com
Funky Brunch with MSTRKRFT: The three-day weekend may have been last weekend, but the weather’s still nice, so why not go for a Sunday fun-day again? Headquarters in River North is hoping you will—the barcade is bringing in acclaimed Canadian DJ duo MSTRKRFT for its latest Funky Brunch. Let these dance punks give you life during a boozy afternoon—and make sure you eat something. Details: Noon – 7 p.m. Sunday, Headquarters Beercade, 213 W. Institute Pl.; $22; www.hqrivernorth.com
Gamechangers: This is the final weekend to see one of the Joffrey Ballet’s shorter winter productions, “Gamechangers,” which features a trio of contemporary ballets with intriguing wrinkles: singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens provides the soundtrack for Justin Peck’s “Year of the Rabbit,” “INFRA” features a 60-foot LED screen and “Fool’s Paradise” comes from Tony-Award-winner and Joffrey’s “Nutcracker” creator Christopher Wheeldon. Details: Times vary through Sunday, Joffrey Ballet, 10 E. Randolph St.; $34-$159; www.joffrey.org
Mardi Gras at Adler Planetarium: Mardi Gras parties are not typically for the children, so if you’re looking for a more family-friendly way to celebrate, the Adler Planetarium has everyone covered, putting a spacey spin on the holiday with its Mars-Di Gras celebration. Activities mix the festive with the extraterrestrial, including martian masquerade mask-making, a parade with a brassworks jazz band, hands-on science activities and scavenger hunt. There’s no mention of martian beads, but you can find a full schedule of times and activities on Adler’s website. Details: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.; free with admission; www.adlerplanetarium.org
Crime too close to home: The latest work from acclaimed Chicago playwright Ike Holter is another story — this one in the vein of his previous “Prowess” and “Sender” — set in his native city. “The Wolf at the End of the Block” digs into a neighborhood’s response after a local man is beaten up outside a bar, allegedly by a police officer. The resulting mystery gets messy and political, revealing not only the violent cycles that plague crime-ridden communities but also the personal traumas that often catalyze them. Details: Times vary through March 5, Richard Christiansen Theater at the Biograph, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave.; $25-$35; www.teatrovista.org
Eatalian Mardi Gras : Lent’s Italian preparation-slash-celebration
Mardi Gras isn’t the only celebration for fattening up before Lent — Carnevale is the Italian version of one last hurrah, and Eataly will commemorate the occasion this weekend with its Eatalian Mardi Gras bash. The downtown foodscape will open both of its floors to guests, serving up all-you-can-eat and drink of pasta, cheese, wine, cocktails and other Italian delights. In order to make it a proper party, entertainment including live music and face-painting will be on hand.
Details: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. Friday, Eataly, 43 E. Ohio St.; $95; www.eataly.com
A Tropicalia infusion: The original Brazilian psychedelic rock band, Os Mutantes, borrowed many of its techniques and effects from the experimentation of English-speaking psychedelic specialists like Jimi Hendrix and Sly Stone, and since then — despite a near-30-year breakup in the middle — have returned the favor, influencing musicians like Kurt Cobain and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Mutantes tours today in the wake of its 2006 reunion. This event also features a talk with “Sound Opinions” hosts Jim DeRogatis and Chicago Tribune critic Greg Kot.
Details: 8 p.m. – midnight, Art Institute of Chicago, 230 S. Columbus Dr.; $30-$50; www.artic.edu
THE CRITICS RECOMMEND
Michael Phillips/Movies: "Get Out"
‘Get Out’ trailer
The trailer for "Get Out," written and directed by Jordan Peele.
The trailer for “Get Out,” written and directed by Jordan Peele.
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Writer-director Jordan Peele’s satirically shrewd, bracingly effective thriller opens with a young man walking along a dark suburban street. He is African-American in a presumptively all-white part of town. Chris, played by Daniel Kaluuya, has been dating Rose, a chipper, easygoing sort portrayed by Allison Williams, for several months. It’s time, she determines, to meet her parents. “Get Out” offers some choice comic details in its main character’s journey into the land beyond the pale. The surprise comes in how solidly director Peele handles the thriller part. The film is a little of everything: unnerving; funny in just the right way and at the right times; serious about its observations and perspectives on racial animus; and straight-up populist when it comes to an increasingly (but not sadistically) violent climax. R, 1:44, horror
Howard Reich/Jazz: Elmhurst College Jazz Festival
Doug Beach Doug Beach photo Rivalo Doug Beach began leading Elmhurst College’s jazz band in 1978 and has been running the jazz festival for nearly 40 years. Doug Beach began leading Elmhurst College’s jazz band in 1978 and has been running the jazz festival for nearly 40 years. (Doug Beach photo)
The Elmhurst College Jazz Festival will kick off its 50th anniversary edition, showcasing performers rarely encountered in the Chicago area. As always, the festival will counterbalance nighttime performances with daytime sets spotlighting collegiate ensembles from around the country. Details: Dee Dee Bridgewater, 7:30 p.m. Thursday; Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, 9:30 p.m. Friday; Patrick Williams Big Band, 9 p.m. Saturday; Bill Holman Big Band, 4:30 p.m. Sunday; Elmhurst College, Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst; ticket prices vary; 630-617-3388 or www.elmhurst.edu/jazzfestival
Steve Johnson/Museums: Orchid Show
Orchid Show Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune
A hybrid orchid related to the Brazilian "Mystery Orchid," first discovered in 1818, is displayed Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 during "Orchids in Vogue," currently at Chicago Botanic Garden.
A hybrid orchid related to the Brazilian "Mystery Orchid," first discovered in 1818, is displayed Friday, Feb. 10, 2017 during "Orchids in Vogue," currently at Chicago Botanic Garden.
(Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune)
The Chicago Botanic Garden opened its fourth annual Orchid Show earlier this month, and the theme is new: “Orchids in Vogue.” This primarily plays out in a few dress forms festooned in the exotic flowers and other organic materials. Especially impressive among these fanciful garments is the birch bark bodice. But the essence of the orchid show is the same: thousands of the storied flowers brought in to decorate the garden’s public greenhouses. Details: Through March 26, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe; admission $12; 847-835-5440 or www.chicagobotanic.org
Chris Jones/Theater: “A Wonder in My Soul”
Marcus Gardley’s “A Wonder in My Soul” is by no means the first show to celebrate the fun to be had when your hair is being done. As a sentimental tribute to African-American beauty shops in Chicago, it follows a tradition without ever resorting to stereotypes. He has written something that people who do not normally go to the theater can enjoy. And that is the Lord’s work. All of the heart in his writing overflows in director Chay Yew’s production at the Biograph. Details: Through March 12 at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave.; $15-$60 at 773-871-3000 or victorygardens.org
John von Rhein/Classical music: "Music for Merce”
Composer and instrumentalist John King curates a two-day festival featuring 10 former collaborators of the great modern dance choreographer Merce Cunningham, keyed to a currently running MCA exhibition. Composers performing historic and new works for small and large ensembles include Joan La Barbara, David Behrman, George Lewis, Ikue Mori, Phil Selway and Christian Wolff. Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave.; $30; 312-397-4010, www.mcachicago.org
Eat, Drink, Do Baptiste Bottle Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune
The bar at Baptiste & Bottle is well-stocked for an Oscars party.
The bar at Baptiste & Bottle is well-stocked for an Oscars party.
(Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)
1. Party your way through the Academy Awards
Celebrate Hollywood’s biggest night, the Academy Awards, at the Conrad Chicago hotel. At a party themed to this year’s splashiest film, “La La Land,” expect literal red-carpet treatment in the form of roaming bar carts, buffet stations, passed appetizers and cocktails from hotel restaurant Baptiste & Bottle. A dedicated screening room and smattering of televisions around the space will air the awards, so you won’t miss a single Oscar being handed out. $75. 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Conrad, 101 E. Erie St., www.eventbrite.com
2. Get tiki wit’ it
High of 66 degrees on Friday, 35 on Saturday. No matter what Chicago’s wacky weather is up to, channel early-spring vibes at Bridgeport’s Maria’s Packaged Goods, where bartenders are mixing tiki drinks through Saturday. Try a Scorpion bowl ($20, serves 2 or more) made with gin, dark and light rums, vodka, and various fruit juices; the Mike’s Tai ($12, made with dark and light rums, orgeat, curacao and lime and orange juices) or the Lil Havana ($8, with rum, cherry bark cola and lime). Through Saturday, Feb. 25 at Maria’s Packaged Goods, 960 W. 31st St., 773-890-0588, www.community-bar.com
3. Celebrate Mardi Gras
Chefs Art Smith and Rey Villalobos are partnering on a days-long celebration of all-things Mardi Gras, Creole and New Orleans at Chicago Q. From Friday through Fat Tuesday (Feb. 28), Chicago Q will offer Mardi Gras-inspired fare such as gumbo ($11), a crawfish boil ($21), and a shrimp po’boy ($13). On Saturday, festivities get kicked up with an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil in Chicago Q’s wine room, set to the stylings of a live jazz band ($40, includes drink ticket). Mardi Gras menu Friday, Feb. 24 to Tuesday, Feb. 28; crawfish boil noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at Chicago Q, 1160 N. Dearborn St., 312-642-1160, www.chicagoqrestaurant.com
4. Try a modern take on dim sum
After two years in business, Intro restaurant is launching brunch service. The theme: dim sum. Look for a breakfast bao (“everything" spice, smoked salmon, caper Szechuan aioli), papaya salad with tamarind vinaigrette, and even bacon and egg fried rice, washed down with a selection of teas. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays at Intro, 2300 N. Lincoln Park W., 773-868-0002, www.introchicago.com
5. Score a deal in Andersonville
Don’t miss out on the last few days of Andersonville’s first organized Restaurant Week. Coming off the heels of the city’s official event, more than 20 of the neighborhood’s restaurants have teamed up to entice diners out. Deals include a $10 wine or cheese flight at Appellation, the restaurant inside Pastoral; $20 flatbread, appetizer and house-brewed ale at Andersonville Brewing; and $30 prix fixe dinner at Vincent, among many others. Through Sunday at various locations, www.andersonville.org.
FOR THE KIDS
A small CSO ensemble teams up with Chicago Children’s Theatre to tell the famous story about two lazy pigs, one hard worker and a dastardly wolf. It’s just one of the many things to do with the kids this weekend.
From Family Day at the Chicago Auto Show to Presidents Day celebrations and family-friendly concerts, here are 15 things to do with the kids Feb. 20-26. — Web Behrens
AT THE CINEMA
“Kedi” means cat in Turkish. And while you don’t have to be crazy about cats to enjoy this documentary, it would certainly help. It’s in theaters this weekend. Or if you’d rather stay home, here’s a list of DVDs released this week.
Check out reviews for all new releases and other movies in theaters now.
CHANNEL SURFING
Here’s a look at the most interesting new releases hitting streaming services this week and the weekend’s best bets on broadcast TV and cable:
Preparations for 89th Academy Awards Mike Nelson/EPA
Oscar statues wait to be placed on the red carpet and in the Kodak Theatre during preparations for the 89th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood.
Oscar statues wait to be placed on the red carpet and in the Kodak Theatre during preparations for the 89th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood.
(Mike Nelson/EPA)
FRIDAY: As the final season of “Grimm” continues, deadly attacks against scientists lead Nick, Hank and Wu on an investigation unlike no other. Meanwhile, as the research continues into the origins of the cloth, Monroe and Rosalee learn that Eve is feeling the effects of the death grip. 7 p.m., NBC.
SATURDAY: The “2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards” may not be as prestigious as the Oscars, but the show is usually more fun. Nick Kroll and John Mulaney host the annual event that celebrates the best in independent movies. 4 p.m., IFC
SUNDAY: Who will take home an Oscar Sunday night? The glitz, glamour and prestige begin at 6 p.m. on ABC.
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