Chicago Calendar
By Kathy Russell June 8, 2012 12:18PM
Updated: June 19, 2012 4:38PM
Chicago Event Calendar
The Featured Five
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The Jammer: Pine Box Theater Company presents The Jammer, a play that resurrects the Roller Derby - half sport, half show, all action. In just over an hour, The Jammer packs multiple roller-derby sequences, a riot, a roller-coaster ride, vomit, spit, blood, sex and love. In short, it’s the King Lear of roller derby plays. Playing Thursdays through Sundays through July 1 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. Tix available at www.pineboxtheater.org or the Athenaeum Box Office, 773-935-6875.
Overnights at the MSI: Visit the Museum of Science and Industry after dark—and spend the night. “Snoozeums,” for families with kids ages 6 to 12 is next on June 22. Starts at 6 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 a.m. the following morning. A $45 per-person fee includes overnight admission, activities, a Snoozeum patch, snack and breakfast. Light dinner options are available. Parking available in the Museums garage for $20. MythBusters or Omnimax can be added for an additional fee. Register 773-684-1414 ext. 8800. Go to www.msichicago.org for details. MSI, 57th Street and Lakeshore Drive. 773-684-1414. www.facebook.com/msichicago and twitter at msichicago.org/podcast.
Chicago Ribfest: Chicago’s Northcenter neighborhood will kick-off the summer season with their 14th annual Ribfest on June 8, 9 and 10 with over 20 vendors grilling, steaming and smoking nearly 25 tons of pork. The fest is at the corners of Lincoln, Damen and Irving Park and feature a live-music lineup in addition to great ribs. Open 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Go to www.ribfest-chicago.com for details.
Illinois Artisans’ Father’s Day Art Spree: Juried artisans sell and display their craft at the Father’s Day Art Spree from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 14 and 15 in the Thompson Center Atrium, 100 W. Randolph at the Clark/Lake el stop. Also on exhibit in June is “Whimsical,” which features the work of sculptor Richard Kowal. A collection of carved birds and fish will be on display for sale. 312-814-1794.
Taste of Randolph: The 15th annual streetfest, Taste of Randolph with live music, vendors and food from some of the best restaurants in the city, takes place from 5 to 11 p.m. June 15, noon to 11 p.m. June 16 and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday at 900 to 1200 W. Randolph St., on Randolph Street from Peoria to Racine. $10 suggested donation. Visit www.starevents.com for additional festival information.
Quick Notes
This is Spinal Tap: Soundtrack Serenade will be celebrating its one-year anniversary as eclectic cover band Androgynous Mustache covers the mother load of all movie soundtracks. This is Spinal Tap, the movie, will be shown on TV during the performance and trivia from Spinal Tap will be intertwined between songs. 9:30 p.m. June 12 at Quenchers Saloon, 2401 N. Western Ave. $5 at the door. 21-plus. Quenchers Saloon, www.quenchers.com/.
2nd Fridays: 2nd Fridays in the Chicago Arts District, 6 to 10 p.m. June 8. The District is welcoming five new galleries. Chocolatier Uzma Sharif is chocolate expert and she’ll teach you the secrets she’s learned in her worldwide chocolate career, at 1823 S. Halsted St. 30 artist run spaces along S. Halsted and 18th St. Chicago Info Center at 1821 S. Halsted St. www.chicagoartsdistrict.org.
In-Water Boat Show: Progressive Insurance Chicago In-Water Boat Show runs June 7 through 10. Interactive, on-water education and entertainment. Shop boats and marine products, and take part in complimentary courses, simulations and other activities to kick off summer. On the lake at 31st Street Harbor (3100 S. Lakeshore Drive). Adults, 16 and over, are $10. Kids 15 and younger are free.
Midsommarfest: One of Chicago’s oldest street festivals, Midsommarfest in Andersonville, is back on June 8, 9 and 10 at 5200 N. Clark St. (at Foster) to 5500 N. Clark St. (at Catalpa). There is a suggested donation of $5 which benefits the Andersonville community. Fest info at www.starevents.
Wild Kratts: Special performances by Martin and Chris Kratt from popular WTTW Channel 11 show “Wild Kratts,” will take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. June 10, on Brookfield Zoo’s West Mall. www.CZS.org/Events or 708-688-8000.
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Metra’s $7 Weekend Pass: Weekend passes are good for unlimited rides on both Saturday and Sunday for all stations. Weekend parking is available at all stations. Note: Boat taxis are available from Union Station to Navy Pier and/or the museum campus, Chinatown and other points along the river or lakefront. Reasonable pricing and fun.
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