Thursday, September 15, 2011

Today's Forecast: Sunny, 60°F

Democracy and Civic Engagement at Elmhurst College presents Michael Eric Dyson

The Rudolf  G. Schade Lecture Series 
When: Thursday, September 15, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, Elmhurst, IL
Website: http://public.elmhurst.edu/projects/democracy/128209353.html
One of Ebony magazine’s “most influential” African Americans, the Reverend Michael Eric Dyson is an ordained Baptist minister, radio host, best-selling author and professor of sociology at Georgetown University. In his latest book, April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Death and How It Changed America, he takes a fresh look at Dr. King’s legacy and the nation’s ongoing quest for racial justice. Don't know who he is watch this clip of him on Real Time with Bill Maher and you'll be standing in line behind me waiting to hear this man speak in person. 

CitySwarm Patio Series: End of Summer at Castaways
When: 6pm
Price: $10-$20
1603 N Lake Shore Dr
Chicago summer is sadly coming to a close, but there's still time to enjoy! And what screams Chicago summer more than Castaways? Join us for the last installment in the 2011 Patio Series with our End of Summer party at the iconic Castaways!

Berghoff Oktoberfest
When: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Price: Free
Federal Plaza Square
219 S. Dearborn St
Neighborhood: Loop
See the restaurant's attempt at the Midwest's longest bratwurst at the 26th annual outdoor bash featuring live music and raffles. Bring cash for German food and beer sold by the Berghoff, including its Oktoberfest brews.
Music schedule: 11:45 a.m.: Johnny Wagner Band; 5 p.m.: Sixteen Candles

Food Truckin' Thursday 
When: Thursdays : 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Price: No cover
Ethyl’s Beer and Wine Dive
Neighborhood: West Loop
324 S. Racine Ave.
Local food trucks gather at the new dive bar every week for pairings with Goose Island beer. Also features live music.

Chicago SummerDance Festival
When: 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. African Expressions with Amaniyea Payne; music by Occidental
Price: Free
Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden
Neighborhood: South Loop
601 S. Michigan Ave.
Dance to all types of music at the the 15h annual, 11-week festival. Have two left feet? That's no excuse. Each event includes an hour of professional dance instruction on the alfresco floor followed by two hours of live music.

Adler After Dark 
When: Every 3rd Thursday of the month 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. (starting September 15)
Price: $9-$17
Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
Neighborhood: Grant Park Museums
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
The monthly series features beer, wine and appetizers for sale, access to the planetarium's exhibits, unlimited sky and space shows, demonstrations, telescope viewing, trivia and tours.

First Annual Cook-Off with Chef Stephanie Izard from Girl and the Goat and more! 
When: September 15 : 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Price: $75-$150
Fulton's on the River
Neighborhood: River North
315 N. LaSalle Drive
Sample cook-out themed dishes served in a glass, on a bun, in a shell or on a stick from local chefs plus craft cocktails by local mixologists. Upgrade to VIP tickets ($150) for early entry at 5:30 p.m. with a hosted bar at Bridge Bar.

Fever Chart: Four Visions of the Middle East
When: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays : 7:30 p.m. (September 15 through October 30)
Price: $25
The Greenhouse Theater Center
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
The Chicago premiere of four one-act dramas by Obie Award-winner Naomi Wallace ("One Flea Spare") which explore various facets of Middle Eastern political conflicts.