As Chicagoans -- police and protesters, particularly -- continue to recover from the stresses of the city's hosting of the NATO summit, a long holiday weekend could not have come at a better time. And that extra day off work accompanied by traffic that is expected to be lighter than years past and a beautiful and sultry weather forecast, you have no excuse to stay on the couch with remote in hand in honor of Eugene Polley. Here are our weekend picks:
ALL WEEKEND
Mixed Mamas
Links Hall hosts "an innovative autobiographical spoken word choreo-poem" performed by a group of talented performers. According to the event description, the work is "based on the varied lives and intersections of four women as they collectively raised a Black/Lumbee/Cherokee/Russian/Muslim/Quaker/Jewish child into womanhood."
Where: Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield
When: Friday, May 25 & Saturday, May 26, 8.p.m. & Sunday, May 27, 7 p.m.
Price: $10
International Mr. Leather
Yes friends, it is that time of year once again when the kinkiest among us descend on Chicago for the (34th) annual International Mr. Leather contest and mini-festival. Beginning Friday, don't be alarmed to see more black leather-clad folks wandering the Loop. In addition to the contest, the event's leather market is a big favorite of IML regulars and curious novices alike.
Where: Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive (most events)
When: 11 a.m. - 12:30 a.m. Friday, May 25-Sunday, May 27, 11 a.m.-4 a.m. Monday, May 28
Price: Varies
FRIDAY
'Dead Alive'
The incredibly gory, yet campy 1992 horror film "Dead Alive" from director Peter Jackson -- uh huh, that Peter Jackson -- is not for the easily squeamish, but a midnight screening at the Music Box seems like a near ideal setting for fans of blood, slimy guts and more to get their fix. If you miss tonight's show, the film will be shown against Saturday -- same time, same place.
Where: Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport
When: Midnight on Friday, May 25 & Saturday, May 26
Price: $8.25
SATURDAY
'Where Soldiers Come From'
Chicago's National Veterans Art Museum will offer free admission Saturday, coordinated with the opening of a new mural created by Dominic Fredianelli. A screening of the 2011 film "Where Soldiers Come From," which Fredianelli is one of the subjects of, will be held at 1 p.m.
Where: National Veterans Art Museum, 1801 S. Indiana
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, May 26
Price: Free
The L Stop Turns 1
Chicago's premier queer ladies-centric news and commentary source celebrates its first birthday with a swank party in Wrigleyville. For $35, guests can enjoy a three-hour open bar, while a $60 VIP option comes with extra snacks, top-shelf liquor and " a private show to intoxicate all your senses." Purchase tickets while you still can to enjoy the presale discount and guarantee entry.
Where: O'Malleys Liquor Kitchen, 3551 N. Sheffield
When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 26
Price: $35-$60
SUNDAY
Baha'i Choral Festival
The stunning Baha'i Temple in Wilmette plays hosts Sunday to the Baha'i Choral Festival, which brings together some 200 singers to perform in the temple's 1,200-seat main sanctuary. The shows are dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the temple's cornerstone. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to explore the temple grounds while there.
Where: Baha'i Temple, Sheridan at Linden, Wilmette
When: 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 27
Price: Free
Bike The Drive
This annual Active Transportation Alliance event on a carless Lake Shore Drive, which offers one of the most picturesque views of the city in a rare opportunity for Chicago bicyclists, takes place Sunday.
Where: Columbus and Jackson
When: 5:30 - 9:45 a.m. Sunday, May 27
Price: $45-58, kids $15
'Honest | Fair'
The Shattered Globe Protege Ensemble are presenting a special, one-time-only original performance composition Sunday. Since last fall, the ensemble has focused on the Nunnery Scene from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" as source material for a bad-ass "portal into Hamlet and Ophelia’s disintegrating relationship as you’ve never seen it: Shattered." If you can't make the Sunday show, or get tickets before it sells out, Shattered Globe's Jeff-recommended production "Her Naked Skin" is just finishing up its run.
Where: Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 27
Price: Free
MONDAY
Kelly Hogan
Local native musician Kelly Hogan kicks off the Millennium Park's wildly popular free summer concert series on Memorial Day. You may recognize her look as a backup singer for Neko Case, but you should be sure to recognize her talent as very much her own. Can't make it Monday? Scroll down to check out some of the acts playing the Downtown Sound series and other free music events at the pavilion this summer.
Where: Millennium Park's Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph
When: Monday, May 28
Price: Free
Photo by Senor Codo via Flickr.
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