Chicago Calendar for March 16, 2012
By Kathy Russell March 16, 2012 12:54PM
Updated: March 16, 2012 2:38PM
Here is a look at top entertainment events in Chicago.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL: The Irish American Heritage Center (IAHC), 4626 N. Knox Ave., holds a two-day family friendly Festival beginning at 1 p.m. March 17 following the downtown Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The day ends at midnight with live entertainment by Chicago Irish music groups as well as performers on tour from Ireland. Irish dancers also perform during the day. Tix are $15/adults; Free with paying adult/kids 12 and under. For more information and to purchase select tickets, call 773-282-7035 or visit www.irish-american.org. Sunday holds a full day of music and fun in the Fifth Province with live music, step dancing and face painting for children. Entertainment is from 1 to 9:30 p.m., closing time is 10 p.m. Tix $10 at the door; Free/kids 12 and under. 773-282-7035 or www.irish-american.org.
NATIONAL MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH: The Music Institute of Chicago presents a day of concerts for all ages and an instrument petting zoo starting at 9 a.m. March 17 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. All but one event are free. Instrument petting zoo, refreshments, early childhood demonstrations, Suzuki opportunities, Family Concert — Introducing: Wolfgang Amadeus Schmutzinberry ($10/family), other concerts and presentations. 847-905-1500 ext. 108 or www.musicinst.org.
VISHTÈN: The Canadian trio delivers Acadian, Quebecois, Irish, Scottish and US American roots music at 8 p.m. March 24 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4545 N. Lincoln Ave. Tix: $18/$16/$14. 773-728-6000. Old Town School of Folk Music at www.oldtownschool.org
BALLET HISPANICO: The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago concludes its 2011–12 season with Ballet Hispanico, helmed by Eduardo Vilaro, Columbia College Chicago alumnus, former Dance Center artist-in-residence and founder and former artistic director of Chicago’s Luna Negra Dance Theater. 8 p.m. March 22 through 24 at The Dance Center, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. The company also concludes the 2011–12 season of The Dance Center’s FamilyDance Matinee series, featuring a free workshop with the artists and a family-oriented performance March 24. Tix are $26 to 30. The FamilyDance Matinee at 3 p.m. March 24, preceded by a workshop at 2:15 p.m., is free for kids younger than 12, $15 for adults. 312-369-8330 or www.colum.edu/dancecenter.
HUNGER: During the 900-day Nazi siege of Leningrad, Russian botanist Ilya is charged with protecting a cache of valuable seeds for future generations. As the weeks turn to months and the city starves, Ilya and his co-workers are torn between their lives’ work, the dictates of a brutal regime, and the harsh realities of survival in a time of war. Continuing Thursdays through Sundays through March 25 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N Glenwood Ave, 6912 North Glenwood Ave. Red EL line, Morse exit. Tix at 773-761-4477 or box office. www.lifelinetheatre.com.
Quick Notes
LAKE HOME AND CABIN SHOW: A unique three-day event with more than 150 exhibitors from across the country. March 16 through 18 at Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. $12/adults, $5/5 to 15, free/under 5. $2 Off Adult Admission Coupons available at www.lakehomeandcabinshow.com.
HIT THE WALL: Steppenwolf Theatre company adds five additional performances to Ike Holter’s “Hit the Wall.” It now runs through April 22 as part of Steppenwolf’s Garage Rep. “Oohrah!” and “He Who” will still close April 8. In the Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St. Tix at Audience Services, 1650 N. Halsted St. or 312-335-1650, www.steppenwolf.org/garage or via the Steppenwolf iPhone app.
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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.
