Events Calendar 2009-2010
August September October November December January February March April May
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AUGUST
NOVEMBER
November 26-28 - Thanks4giving
Where: Harris Theater
Who: Ticket Holders ( $15- $55)
What: Give back this Thanksgiving by attending Global Rhythms at the Harris Theater. You can support Urban Gateways when ordering your tickets use the Urban Gateways code: CHRP-UG, and you’ll get 10% off the ticket price, and Urban Gateways will get 50% of the proceeds from the ticket sale. Purchase tickets today>>
September 22 - MusicianCorps Launch Party
When: 6pm
Where: Homan Square Park Center, 2140 S. Homan Avenue, Chicago
What:Come celebrate with Urban Gateways as we officially launch MusicianCorps, a national "musical PeaceCorps" being piloted in Chicago and three other cities. The launch party will include an official announcement by Urban Gateways, a performance by Chicago’s MusicianCorps Fellows and a World Music Festival concert featuring Cameroon soul artist Blick Bassy. More info>>
September 25 - Fall Showcase 2009
When: 9am - 12pm
Where:Northbrook Theatre - 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook, IL
What:Get a sneak preview of Urban Gateways newest touring performances! This free annual event features 15-minute performances by 5 of our touring groups, each followed by a Q&A session. Plus UG staff will be on hand to help you plan your arts programming for the year ahead! More info >>
October 8- Panel Discussion: "Can Creativity Be Taught?"
When: 4:30-6pm
Where: Rowe Clark Math & Science Academy - 2645 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
What: Exelon and Urban Gateways invite you to join leaders in the arts, education, business and technology for an in-depth panel discussion on the importance of creativity and innovation in the classroom and the role of arts educaiton in the development of our future work force. Space is limited. Seats available on first-come, first-served basis. More info >>
November 12, 2009- New Arts Forum Meeting
When: 5:30pm
Where: Hilligoss Galleries, 520 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Who: New Arts Forum Members
What: The New Arts Forum engages young professionals in the work of Urban Gateways. Learn more>>
November 13- Urban Gateways @ Community Arts Education Conference
When: 10:00 - 11:30am
Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Who: Conference Attendees
What: Urban Gateways Executive Director Julie F. Simpson will serve as a panelist during the plenary session entitled A New Day for Arts Education in America. Read more about the session>>
November 19-21- StepAfrika! (UG Benefit Shows)
When: 7:30pm (Nov. 19) / 8:00pm (Nov. 20-21)
Where: Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Street, Chicago
Who: Concert Ticket Holders
What: Step Afrika! is the first company in the US to transform African American “Stepping” into a theatrical spectacle. When you order tickets, use the Urban Gateways code: CHRP-UG, and you’ll get 10% off the ticket price, and Urban Gateways will get 50% of the proceeds from the ticket sale. Learn more >>
November 22 - Chicago Pop Festival Preview Party
When: 1-6pm
Where: Abbey Pub - 3420 West Grace, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($20 advance/$25 at the door)
What: Featuring several acts from the upcoming Chicago Pop Festival, this preview party is also a fundraiser for MusicianCorps – the new, national “musical peace corps” that launched in Chicago this September. Urban Gateways is the local affiliate for MusicianCorps.
More information>>
December 3 - Benefit Concert @ The Darkroom
When: 8pm
Where: The Darkroom, 2210 W. Chicago Ave, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($7 advance/$8 at the door)
What: Urban Gateways was named the charity of choice for this a benefit concert and will receive 25% of the ticket proceeds. The event is presented by Heave Media, hosted by Alex Moffat aka Max Bremmer and will feature the bands: All Things Lucid, Son of the Sun, and the Brian Miller Band.
December 4- Made in Chicago
When: 6pm
Where: La Llorona Gallery 1474 W. Webster, Chicago
What: Carolina I. Reyes, Urban Gateways teaching artist, will present Made in Chicago, an exhibit to include 15 pieces of Urban, pop, symbolism influences of Chicago. The artwork is not based on pretty pictures but about the current events affecting Chicagoans in the "now time". More information >>>
December 5- Urban Gateways’ Artist Carol Weston Performs Live
When: 7pm
Where: Barbara's Bookstore, 1100 Lake Street, Oak Park Illinois 60301
Who: Families & Children
What: Carol Weston, Urban Gateways teaching artist, offers a fun and energetic performance for children and families. The event is informal and everyone is invited! More information >>>
December 6, 13, 20 & 27 – Urban Gateways’ Artist Mike Dangeroux Performs Live
When: 4-7pm
Where: Vertigo Sky Lounge, 2 W. Erie, Chicago
What: Join Urban Gateways' artist Mike Dangeroux & The Tropics as they perform a variety of sounds from jazzy background music to Lynard Skynard. Mike Dangeroux & The Tropics will keep the dance floor packed all night long! More information>>>
December 11 & 12 - A Bronzeville Nutcracker
When: 7pm
Where: Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($25)
What: Lisa Willingham, an Urban Gateways teaching artist through the Ailey Camp, presents A Bronzeville Nutcracker, a new twist to the timeless classic. This inspiring story will take the audience on a choreographic journey exploring the infinite possibilities of movement and the true spirit of family tradition. Purchase Tickets >>>
December 15, 2009 – Urban Gateways Board Meeting
When: 5:30pm
Where: Blue Cross Blue Shield, 300 E. Randolph, Chicago, IL
Who: Urban Gateways Board Members
What: Urban Gateways relies on a dedicated Board of Directors for leadership, advice, support and encouragement. Their generous contributions to the growth of Urban Gateways help ensure a strong future for the organization.
December 16 - Urban Gateways Matinee: The Nutcracker Ballet
When: 10am
Where: Athenaeum Theater, 2936 N. Southport, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($7/student)
What: Experience the beauty and excitement of The Nutcracker as BALLET CHICAGO performs highlights from this traditional holiday favorite. Tickets Available>>
December 11 - January 18, 2010 - “A Luna Y La Noche” “The Moon And The Night”
When: December 11, 2009 @ 6pm Roberto Ferreyra will be present
Where: Kristoffer's Café & Bakery, 1733 S. Halsted, Chicago
What: Roberto Ferreyra, an Urban Gateways teaching artist, will explore reality and the surreal in his recent art work. He is using images from the night, using the moon like witness of the scenes he is creating, people of the night, lovers, saints, heroes, and more, developing their own drama or comedy. In some pieces he is recreating the ambiance of the small towns of Mexico, with the church towers and the empty streets at night, when we can hear the silence. More information>>>
January 11-DanceWorks Chicago Presents Dance Chance
When: 6pm
Where: Ruth Page center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Ave. Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($3)
What: Join guest Urban Gateways touring perfomers and moderator Terry Scrogum, Executive Director of the Illinois Arts Council and presenting choreographers Ricardo Garcia, Amy Wilkinson,and Lola Omoyosi in the decade's first Dance Chance. Come in out of the cold, sip complimentary tea provided by Tea Gschwendner, pick up tips on healthy living from AthletiCo, and let dance help you move into the New Year. More Information >>
January 13 - CIF Productions' College Improve Tournament's Chicago Regional
When: Preliminary Rounds: 12pm; 2pm; 4pm Finals: 10pm
Where: Studio BE, 3110 N. Sheffield, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($5-$15)
What: Join Jonathan Pitts, Urban Gateways teaching artist, as 11 Chicago area college teams competing for the Chicago title and a chance to go to the CIT Nationals. More information>>>
January 15- DanceWorks Chicago Presents an Online Sound Competition BYOS(ound)
When: Competition Closes January 15, 2010; Winners Notified February 1, 2010; Performance February 23, 2010
Where: Chicago
Who: Urban Gateways Touring Artists will host a competition open to all Chicago-area musicians, DJ’s and spoken word artists interested in scoring music.
What: A movement-based work, If Ever (an Ocean) Relinquished, will be presented with a soundscape especially selected from applicants to this competition and presented at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. More Information>>
January 16 --DanceWorks Hosts DWC Open Auditions
When: 1pm-4pm
Where: Columbia College Dance Center, 1306 S. Michigan Ave.
Who: General Public (Free)
What: DanceWorks Chicago welcomes the general public to observe a professional dance audition. More Information>>
January 17- Elements Contemporary Ballet Presents Winter Intensive Workshop in the Elements
When: 11am-4pm; 4pm informal showing of work
Where: Visceral Dance Center, 2820 N. Elston Ave, Chicago
Who: Workshop Participants ($60)
What: Join Urban Gateways’ Touring Performers as they host a day of dance classes based on Mike Gosney's concepts of the four elements that the company is founded on: air, earth, water, and fire. The workshop will also serve as an audition for any dancers interested in performing with the company or training with ECB as an apprentice. Family and friends are invited to an informal showing of the work. More Information>>
January 18- City Year Chicago’s MLK Day 2010
When: 8:30am Volunteer Registration; 9am Opening Ceremony
Where: Wadsworth Elementary School Auditorium, 6420 S. University Avenue, Chicago
Who: All Participants (Free)
What: Join MusicianCorps Fellows, City Year Chicago corps members, community volunteers and 200, newly inducted Young Heroes and City Heroes for a day of service. Service will include painting murals and interior spaces in schools. Volunteers will also assist in cleaning and organizing living spaces, libraries and computer labs in area schools around the Kenwood and Englewood communities. To volunteer contact Cory Rateau. More Information >>
December 11 - January 18 - “A Luna Y La Noche” “The Moon And The Night”
When: December 11, 2009 @ 6pm Roberto Ferreyra will be present
Where: Kristoffer's Café & Bakery, 1733 S. Halsted, Chicago
What: Roberto Ferreyra, an Urban Gateways teaching artist, will explore reality and the surreal in his recent art work. He is using images from the night, using the moon like witness of the scenes he is creating, people of the night, lovers, saints, heroes, and more, developing their own drama or comedy. In some pieces he is recreating the ambiance of the small towns of Mexico, with the church towers and the empty streets at night, when we can hear the silence. More information>>>
January 24 - Elements Contemporary Ballet Presents ECB Works in Progress
When: 3pm
Where: Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St., Skokie
Who: Attendees (Free)
What: Urban Gateways’ Touring Performers will present a free Concert and Lecture. More Information>>
February 4 - Ballroom Dance-Off
When: 4 - 6pm
Where: Lindblom High School, 6130 S. Wolcott Ave., Chicago
Who: Open
What: Students from Chavez Multicultural Academy – an Urban Gateways Community School – will pair up and “Dance-Off” against students from five other schools in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood. This Ballroom Dance-Off is the culmination of a four-month, after-school program called “Dancing with Class” – which focuses on building community bonds through the medium of social dance. Join us for this exciting event>>
February 5- March 28 - Urban Gateways Artist Ann Boyd to Direct Ms. Caliban
When: Fridays 7:30pm; Saturdays 8pm; Sundays 4pm
Where: Lifeline Theater, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($20)
What: Ann Boyd, Urban Gateways teaching artist, directs Ms. Caliban, a performance about the fragile pathways of the human psyche the ability to live - and love - unconventionally. This remarkable story is acclaimed as one of the greatest post-war American novels. Purchase tickets>>>
February 6 - CIF Productions' College Improve Tournament's Chicago Regional
When: Preliminary Rounds: 12pm; 2pm; 4pm Finals: 10pm
Where: Studio BE, 3110 N. Sheffield, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($5-$15)
What: Join Jonathan Pitts, Urban Gateways teachign artist, as 7 Regional winning teams and 2 Wild Card teams compete for the National title. More information>>>
February 11 - Chicago Urban Art Society Hosts Sweet Tooth: A Charity Bake Sale and Art Exhibition
When: 6pm
Where: 2003 S. Halsted, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($20) RSVP highly recommended
What:The Chicago Urban Art Society has named Urban Gateways one of its beneficiaries for this one-of-a-kind bake sale fundraising event! The event will also feature the work of Urban Gateways teaching artist James “Casper” Jankowiak. To RSVP>>
February 12 - The New Tentacle: literary uses for religious text: a reading
When: 7pm
Where: 2253 N. Kedzie Boulevard, Apartment #2 (buzzer: Murfin/Wooten/Bean), Chicago
Who: Free (Donations welcome)
What: Join Urban Gateways teaching artist, Ira Murfin, for an evening of work in response to religious texts (or to religion as text) -- from Gilgamesh to Buddha to Biblical woman to 18th century American hymns, watch the sacred and the profane mix and mingle before your very eyes for a one-time-only living room show overlooking Kedzie Boulevard in beautiful Logan Square, Chicago.
February 13 - Duets for My Valentine
When: 8pm
Where: The Park West Theatre, 322 W Armitage, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($25)
What: An ideal night out for anyone looking for a fun Valentine's Day alternative. Elements Contemporary Ballet showcases a wide array of crowd-pleasing forms. 'Duets' presents the city's hottest concert, social, and street dance styles in a fun, romantic setting. More information>>
February 17 - Urban Gateways Matinee: Mojo & The Bayou Gypsies
When: 10am
Where: Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 East Randolph, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($7/student)
What: MOJO & The Bayou Gypsies Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler (Let the Good Times Roll!) in the Southwest Louisiana House Party Tradition! Their all-original Mojo music, in the Cajun and Zydeco genre, rocks the house and delivers a Lifetime Memory of music, dancing and just plain
FUN! More information>>
February 23 - New Arts Forum Meeting
When: 6pm - 8pm
Where: Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon LLP - 225 West Wacker Drive, 30th flr Conf. Room, Chicago
Who: New Arts Forum (NAF) Members; Young Professionals Interested in Joining NAF
What: The New Arts Forum is a volunteer-driven group of young business professionals from the Chicago Area dedicated to promoting and supporting Urban Gateways' efforts to provide arts education to all children, despite race or economic class. This full member meeting will include time to network with other NAF members and a presentation by Urban Gateways Artist James “Casper” Jankowiak entitled “Chatter - Artist Connectivity”. More information>>
February 27 - CultureFest
When: 1pm
Where: CICS Northtown, 3900 W. Peterson Ave., Chicago
Who: Open Invitation
What: Urban Gateways teaching artists, John Knecht and Jason Wolf, will lead CICS Northtown students in an exciting cultural drumming performance and visual arts exhibit. The students will explore Brazilian, Cuban, Japanese and West African cultures. The day’s events will also include a cultural food tasting and a silent auction. Learn more about CICS Northtown>>
March 3 – Dance Works Chicago at The Arts Club of Chicago Presents: Pret-a-Danser
When: 11:30am
Where: 201 E. Ontario St., Chicago
Who: Membership Required
What: Urban Gateways touring performers, DanceWorks Chicago, will perform Twyla Tharp's The One Hundreds: 1-50, a unique dance combining pedestrian movement with the acclaimed choreographer's signature moves, dressed in specifically-selected, ready-to-wear garments by German-born, Chicago-based fashion designer Katrin Schnabl. More information >>
March 18 - Urban Gateways Music National Service Benefit Concert
When: 8pm
Where: Subterranean, 2011 West North Avenue, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($10)
What: This benefit concert, hosted by Urban Gateways' New Arts Forum, will feature three exciting bands: Satellite 66, Paper Airplane Pilots and ManBirdBelly. Urban Gateways has been selected as the pilot site for Music National Service to recruit and train talented musicians to provide a year of music-driven service in low-income communities and under-resourced public schools. All proceeds will support Music National Service….Everyone Deserves Music. Purchase tickets>>
March 20 - Elements Contemporary Ballet Presents a Collaborative Concert with Chicago Dance Crash
When: TBD
Where: Ruth Page center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Ave., Chicago,
Who: Ticket Holders
What: Join Urban Gateways’ Touring Performers as they present n exhilarating collaborative concert with Chicago Dance Crash. More Information>>
April 8 - ARTini - A New Arts Forum Fundraiser for Urban Gateways
When: 6 - 10pm
Where: Lumen Lounge, 839 W. Fulton Market, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($20 in advance/$25 at the door)
What: Join the New Arts Forum for its inaugural fundraiser to benefit Urban Gateways. The event will feature complimentary food & drink; DJ, music and dance performances by Urban Gateways Artists; visual art displays; and a silent auction. Buy tickets for ARTini today>>
March 12-April 8 - “Homegrown” Works, 2005-2010
When: Mon.-Fri.: 9am-9pm; Sat.:10am-6pm; Sun.:12pm-8pm. Reception to be held on Sat., March 20, 6pm-9pm
Where: Beverly Arts Center; 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago
Who: Free and open to the public
What: Join Urban Gateways teaching artist, James Jankowiak, for his latest instillation. James was born and raised in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. Although his early forays in the Chicago graffiti scene proved to be influential upon several generations of spray can artists, he always took risks with his art and continues to evolve as a painter and installation artist. His work has been exhibited at several notable institutions such as the MCA, Northwestern University and the SAIC’s Roger Brown Gallery. In 2010, he has solo shows scheduled for the Beverly Art Center and The Architrouve in Chicago, along with his first ever international solo exhibition at the Singers Sweatshop in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
April 9-10 & 16-17 - Elements Contemporary Ballet Presents In This Place
When: 8pm
Where: Ruth Page center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Ave., Chicago,
Who: Ticket Holders (Ticket information available soon)
What: Join Urban Gateways’ Touring Performers for an evening of new work celebrating the expansive and intimate experience shared by an audience and at a dance concert. More Information>>
April 28- Beyond Tutoring: The After-School Hours
When: 5:30pm-7:00pm (reception immediately following)
Where: Gallery 37, Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph, Chicago
Who: Seats available on a first-come, first serve basis. RSVP required.
What: Motorola and Urban Gateways invite you to attend an in-depth panel discussion entitled Beyond Tutoring: The After-School Hours. We will bring together leaders in the arts, education, and business to discuss the importance of the after-school hours, as well as the role of parents and the community in creating a meaningful after-school experience. RSVP to Marchae Miller at mmiller@urbangateways.org or 312.445.2761.
June 17 - ArtsWired 2010 - Urban Gateways Interactive Arts Benefit
When: 6pm
Where: Chicago Cultural center, 78 E. Washington, Chicago, IL
Who: Ticket Holders ($150 per adult/ $50 per child)
What: Join us for a night of fun that supports arts education for every Chicago-area child. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, and a silent auction. There will also be interactive stage performances and arts & crafts stations that get the whole family involved. Children are encouraged to attend.
June 22 - Television Broadcast of Beyond Tutoring: The After-School Hours
When: 2pm
Where: Comcast, Channel 21
What: This is a television broadcast of the April 28 panel discussion hosted by Motorola and Urban Gateways entitled: Beyond Tutoring: The After-School Hours. The panel featured leaders in the arts, education, and business, discussing the importance of the after-school hours and the role of parents and the community in creating a meaningful after-school experience.
July 1- Television Broadcast of Beyond Tutoring: The After-School Hours
When: 8am
Where: Comcast, Channel 19
What: This is a television broadcast of the April 28 panel discussion hosted by Motorola and Urban Gateways entitled: Beyond Tutoring: The After-School Hours. The panel featured leaders in the arts, education, and business, discussing the importance of the after-school hours and the role of parents and the community in creating a meaningful after-school experience.
July 10 – The Opposition Party
When: 8pm
Where: Chopin Theater, 1543 W. Division Street, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($12-$24)
What: Join Urban Gateways teaching artist John Knecht as he performs with The Opposition Party. The Opposition Party is a collective of Chicago music professionals centered around performance of African music, and particularly the collaboration and cross-pollination across the Atlantic with Jamaican reggae and dub, and with American funk and jazz. Get ready to hear Nigerian Afrobeat, Zimbabwean Chimurenga and Ethiopian Jazz, all in the name of opening eyes and ears to grooves from around the world. Purchase Tickets >>
July 16 - Las Guitarras de España & Friends
When: 8pm
Where: Chopin Theater, 1543 W. Division Street, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($15-$25)
What: Join Urban Gateways teaching artist John Knecht as he performs with Las Guitarras De Espana & Friends for evening of Spanish guitar influenced world music and dance featuring great artistic collaborations. Purchase Tickets>>
July 27 – Exclusive Tour and Presentation of New Icon
When: 5pm
Where: Loyola University Museum of Art (LUMA), 820 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Who: Urban Gateways Staff and New Arts Forum Members
What: Urban Gateways staff member, and New Icon curator, Britton Bertran will lead New Arts Forum Members and Urban Gateways Staff on a personal tour of New Icon. The tour will be followed by a presentation by the Contemporary Arts Council. New Icon, the 16th annual exhibition sponsored by Chicago’s Contemporary Arts Council (CAC), is a group exhibition that explores iconography in contemporary society, employing a broad interpretation of the spiritual. Working in a variety of media, the artists present objects and ideas that reflect definitions and attitudes about the things in our lives that hold meaning. RSVP to Marchae Miller by July 21.
July 30 - Reinventing the Confessional: An Urban Gateways and SAIC Student Screening
When: 7-9pm
Where: School of the Art Institute, 112 S. Michigan Ave, Chicago - Room 1307
Who: Open to the public
What: Join us for the screening of fourteen short films created by Chicago high school students during a 3-week intensive literary and media workshop offered by Urban Gateways and the School of the Art Institute. The films explore contemporary modes and practices of confession, how we go about telling 'truths' and what are the important things left to say. The workshop was part of Urban Gateways Art Options Program, a summer art apprenticeship program for middle and high school students.
July 30 – The A.W.A.R.D. Show! 2010-2010
When: 8pm
Where: The Dance Center of Columbia College, 1306 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Who: Ticket Holders ($15)
What: Join Urban Gateways touring artists Same Planet Different World at this exciting show for long-time dance fans and audience new to modern dance. The A.W.A.R.D. SHOW! (Artists With Audiences Responding to Dance) will allow audience members to interact and engage in an open dialogue with the performers. Purchase tickets today >>
August 3 - MCA Private Guided Tour of Alexander Calder Retrospective
When: 6pm
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 East Chicago Ave., Chicago
Who: Urban Gateways Board Members & New Arts Forum Members
What: Join Urban Gateways for a private tour of Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy. This exhibit pairs the work of Alexander Calder with the work of seven contemporary artists whose practices are bound to Calder's legacy as modern sculptor. This event will be followed by live jazz on the terrace at the MCA. RSVP to Marchae Miller by July 27.
August 5 - AileyCamp Chicago Final Performance
When: 1pm & 7pm
Where: Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. Martin Luther King Dr., Chicago
Who: Open to the public
What: This summer Urban Gateways partners with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools to implement an innovative summer dance and youth development program for 80 Chicago youth grades six to eight. This exciting program is sure to delight audiences of all ages.