Happy New year, theatre-goers! Yes, it is a bit late for that sentiment. Nonetheless, it is a good new year, full of new performances for you and I to go see. Let’s have a short review of the Log for this year before I dive into the topic for this post, which is Jedlicka Performing Arts Center and their new production, “A Grand Night for Singing.”

We have some interesting plays going on right now in several places. The Jackie Alexander play “The Legend of Buster Neal” is up right now at eta Creative Arts- Jackie is an award winning playwright whom eta has worked with before, namely on last year’s production of “Birthright”. Jackie’s plays are not something to miss! Also going on at the moment is Court Theatre’s new adaptation of Ralph Ellison’s classic “Invisible Man”, which is an epically proportioned performance that may catapult this text into award-winning theatre. Let’s not forget the Hyde Park Players who charm us with their homey-styled performances. Two Inge plays are going up at once with HPP- go out and support the little guys who make the real theatre world proud.

Finally, we get to Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, out on the fringe of the Weekly’s territory. JPAC is always putting up exciting productions of musicals, such as last year’s “Phantom”, which employed more gallons of fog machine liquid than actors- not to downplay the magnificence of the performance itself.

If you enjoy a large musical feeling without wanting to go downtown and paying through the nose to get it, head over to JPAC. Their current production, “A Grand Night for Singing”, is a revue of Rodgers and Hammerstein tunes, sure to give you that happy, old theatre world feel, sure to make you dance into the streets when it’s over. Here’s an interesting version of the revue, as performed at the University of Kentucky: http://youtu.be/jFpza3lVep8 . JPAC is sure to bring a similar, large musical feel to the play. S

One of the great things about JPAC is that it is located at a small college, which ensures that the students get to see quality theatre on a regular basis. Support for JPAC always feels good.

Go out and see a play before the winter comes back and snows us all in!

-Eric Shoemaker

The Log:

A Grand Night for Singing @ JPAC: Jan 13-28

Downward Facing @ Dream Theatre: Jan27-Feb20

Bittersweet Love: Two One-Act Plays- Glory in the Flower & The Strains of Triumph @ Hyde Park Players: Feb 10-12

Invisible Man @ Court Theatre: Jan12-Feb19

The Legend of Buster Neal @ eta Creative Arts: Jan12-Mar4

A Weekend of Original Workshops @ University Theater: Feb2-4

Drawer Boy @ Filament Theater: Jan19-Feb25

The day after Thanksgiving is touted as the biggest shopping day of the year, but skip the mobs at the department stores this year. Instead, head to the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen for a new take on holiday shopping. This Friday through Sunday, from 10am-5pm, visitors will have the chance to peruse shelves of authentic Mexican folk art, a perfect opportunity to find home decorations and gifts for family members and friends.

Mercado Navideño, translated as “Christmas market,” harkens to the street markets found in Germany and Austria in celebration of the holiday. While it will be held inside the museum’s confines rather than the thoroughfares of Pilsen, it nonetheless promises the same variety found in any Christkindlmarkt. Past Mercados Navideños have showcased colorful weavings and fabrics, delicately painted figurines, sturdy pieces of pottery, intricate carvings, gorgeous jewelry, and books on Mexican food and culture. This year promises a unique collection of goods crafted by regional artists in Mexico, guaranteeing a collection of offerings that will make an impression to gift buyers and recipients alike.

Entry to the museum and the market is free, and as an added bonus, members of the museum can receive 30% off on all purchases on Friday between 10am-12pm and 25% off on the other days and times. Even if holiday shopping is not high on your to-do list right now, a quick visit will still leave you with an inside look at a rich and diverse collection of crafts and wares. Plus, those still hungry for more Mexican art can stop by the museum and take a stroll through the museum’s current exhibition, especially Claro y Oscuro featuring Chicago artist Elsa Muñoz and closing the same day that the market opens.

In one visit, you can get a helping of beautiful things, burn some calories, avoid the crazy mobs, and find the gifts that will make your gift recipients the envy of every holiday party. What better way to start of the holiday shopping season and digest your Thanksgiving meal than to dive into Mercado Navideño?

National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. (312)738-1503. Free. nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org

Courtesy of University Theatre

It has suddenly become winter- there are no leaves left on any of the trees because the cold winds blew them off one day last week, when Chicago’s weather just decided to give up and slide into frigidity. But not to worry—there’s still some time to catch the end of the autumn theatre season here on the South Side. I’m going to get out and see University Theater’s “The Homecoming” this Saturday, as many of you should.

Harold Pinter is absolutely one of the greatest of modern playwrights, and “The Homecoming” is perhaps his greatest work—therefore, it is well worth seeing. The story focuses on a family: one of the sons brings home a wife, much to the jealous rage of his brothers and father, who immediately plot his downfall…and perhaps the seduction of his bride. Strange! Yes. But full of dramatic possibility. This production is directed by Will Bishop, who directed the successful “Red Light Winter” last winter quarter with UT. We can only hope that he keeps a similarly poignant and surprising style with “The Homecoming”.

Courtesy of University Theatre

This production will be top-notch. The set looks pretty fantastic, the cast is talented. Tickets are only $6. You read that absolutely right, SIX DOLLARS! You can reserve them online by clicking on the link below in The Log.

There’s not much time left before winter strikes! Due to the holidays beginning, Thanksgiving being next Thursday already, I won’t be posting a blog. Enjoy your holiday and look for the next post coming the week of the 28^th of November.

-Eric Shoemaker

Because many shows are closing and the winter season is beginning, The Log has been updated to include shows for early next year- look forward to those while catching the final performances of shows this year!

The Log…

The Homecoming @ UT: Nov17-19

Henry V @ UT: Nov 30- Dec 3

The Violet Hour @ UT: Dec 1-3

Coriolanus @ CES: Dec 1-4

An Iliad @ Court Theatre: Nov10-Dec11

Broke-ology @ eta Creative Arts: Nov3-Dec18

It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play @ Beverly Arts Center: Dec 2-4, 9-11

A Grand Night for Singing @ JPAC: Jan 13-38

Downward Facing @ Dream Theatre: Jan27-Feb20

Bittersweet Love: Two One-Act Plays- Glory in the Flower & The Strains of Triumph @ Hyde Park Players: Feb 10-12

There is an ivy colored brick building on 5638 S. Woodlawn Avenue in Hyde Park. Once a mansion in its glory days at the turn of the century, it has now been converted into a multi-purpose space for cultural and arts events. Inside, there are brightly colored walls and hardwood floors with a variety of resources, including a radio station, artist studios, and a community museum. Rechristened as the Southside Hub of Production (SHoP) and home to a collective of artists, educators, writers, film makers and beyond, the building recently held its grand opening at the beginning of October and has hosted a slew of events since. From film screenings to workshops, exhibitions of artwork to potluck dinners, SHoP caters to a variety of interests and to people of all ages.

Here’s a glimpse of upcoming events:

• Today (Thursday), from 8:00 to 10:00 pm, Origins, an art exhibition sponsored by Beats & Pieces, a community service organization run by University of Chicago students, will feature works, poems, and performances from students and artists from Chicago at large.
• David Drake, pottery maker and poet, will make his first visit to Chicago on Friday to discuss his art and his pieces, which are now found all over the country in museums and private collections.
• For those with a soft spot for cartoon figures and eastern European history, stop by at 6:30 on Saturday for an hour and a half of animated films created in the 1960s when the Berlin Wall still stood. Entitled Grafiky Soumraku: Eastern European Animated Films, this screening includes segments from different countries and different years.

Behind the scenes, SHoP is still developing some of its facilities and working hard to continue to bring a slew of interesting programs and events to the South Side community. To that end, SHoP is seeking yearlong sponsors to support its efforts to be a cornerstone of the art community and has launched an online Kickstarter campaign, lasting for the next twelve days to raise money. Even if you can’t make it to an event, you can still be a patron of the arts by helping SHoP reach its goal of $8000. In any case, no matter what you choose to do, there is plenty to see and do almost every day for anybody who has even a remote interest in the arts or beyond.

For a complete list of events and information about supporting SHoP, visit: http://southsidehub.org/

As another day begins I’m proud to say I’ve survived until 8^th week as a UChicago student. My brain, although fatigued, is mostly still ready to fight but I’m really not sure if my stomach can take it. That’s why I’m passing on dining hall food this Thursday and heading over to Cedar’s Mediterranean Kitchen for an event that will allow me to revive my stomach until I get to gobble down turkey on Thanksgiving and help out some genuinely needy people in the process.

This Thursday, November 17, Cedar’s Mediterranean Kitchen, located at 53^rd & Woodlawn, will donate 15% of their proceeds from customers with a special flyer to help fight homelessness in a nearby south side Chicago neighborhood.  The event is part of the Student Public Interest Research Groups’ campaign to raise awareness and fight the problems of hunger and homelessness and even falls during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week which runs from November 12-20, 2011. This money that is raised during this event will be donated to the Maria Shelter, which functions as both a homeless shelter and domestic violence center in Englewood. The Maria Shelter provides safe and secure housing and food for women and their children, as well medical and psychological treatment, counseling, and educational opportunities for both mom and her kids.

Remember, to have 15% of your bill benefit the Maria Shelter you must have a flyer. You can either print out a copy of the flyer here or they will be available at the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness table in the Reynolds club Monday and Tuesday afternoon from 1:45 – 4:00pm. At the table you can make a monetary donation if you wish (no pressure) directly towards the Maria Shelter and learn more about hunger and homelessness in the Chicago area.

I’m definitely passing on breakfast burritos, greasy pizza, and questionable soup, but even if you’re sitting down to a nice home cooked meal I hope I’ll see you at the event.

For more information about the Maria Shelter: http://www.instituteofwomentoday.org/iwtPrograms.php

Courtesy of Gordito1869/Wikimedia Commons

Three days ago in our very own Chicago, a grand event took place. One that had been widely publicized, even garnering an event page on the prestigious Facebook. What am I talking about? Did Obama come to Hyde Park? Not exactly. I’m referring to Una Noche de Paella, at which Mexican Consul Eduardo Arnal Palomero indeed played chef for the day at the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA), cooking up some of his delicious paella.

Let’s first get down to the facts. A rice dish (in simplest terms), paella is traditional to the Valencia region of Spain, and generally contains vegetables, seasonings, seafood, meat, beans…and obviously rice. It is famous for being cooked in a large, round, shallow pan—an all-too important fact since the dish got its name from the Latin term patella meaning pan, although many Arabic-speaking nations take the credit, citing their own بقية (baqiyya), meaning leftovers (which they would essentially mix together in a Moorish dish similar to the paella), as paella’s real etymological ancestor.

To my own knowledge, Palomero has not won any prizes in paella-making. The official Guinness World Record holder for the world’s largest paella is still Juan Galbis, who made a dish that fed roughly 100,000 people back in 1992 (picture above). Galbis then broke his own record in 2001, that time feeding 110,000 people. It should be noted that this accomplishment was entirely self-proclaimed by Galbis on his website and not supervised by any Guinness specialists. Maybe Palomero was trying to bring the paella back to the global spotlight, perhaps even claim Galbis’ unrivaled title? It would make sense, seeing as the paella has lost its competitive charm over the years. It is commonly considered merely a delicious main course dish without any competitive appeal. Even hot dogs have a better competitive reputation than paella!

With NMMA’s emphasis on Palomero’s “delicious” paella, they could have also been trying to put out the message that not only can paella last as a competitive art, but it can also prosper in the sphere of subjective competitions, up there with Iron Chef and the UK’s National Chili Awards’ Amateur Sauce Contest. Or “delicious” paella, rather than “average” paella or just “paella,” was a better business move to get more people to attend. Who wants to pay $125 for “average” paella? You better be getting something “delicious”! Since the NMMA is “a first voice institution for the Mexican community,” perhaps this event was Mexico’s way of challenging Spain in claiming the better tasting dish. But Palomero simply could have wanted to spend some quality time with and befriend Chicago residents. As the saying has it, the way to someone’s mind is through their belly.

Uh-oh! Looks like Palomero has some competition, as professional chef Ayo makes what Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi calls “the best paella”:

I would have done some hardcore investigative journalism on this story, but how awkward would it have been to call the NMMA and say: “Hello. I would like to inquire as to why Mr. Eduardo Arnal Palomero has been invited to cook me and my friends his ‘delicious’ paella? What exactly are his qualifications to act as chef? And what makes his paella so ‘delicious’?” So I’ll leave it a mystery—plus, who doesn’t love a good mystery? Why was the Mexican Consul brought to cook his special paella? Was it simply an act of altruism?  Were there other intentions?  I guess we’ll never really know.

Courtesy of the Court Theatre

Court Theatre’s “An Iliad” opened this week- Thursday, precisely! Court states, “Directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell, An Iliad illuminates an ancient classic by taking a harrowing look at the human cost of war.” Of course, we all know the story of Homer’s Iliad, but have we ever heard it from the perspective of Homer? No! And have we ever seen any one person try to take on the retelling of the entire epic by himself? No! And have we ever witnessed the double-Jeff-Award-winning-talents of Charlie Newell wrassle with Homer’s classic poetry? Well, I haven’t. It’s been a while since Court put on a classical work- since “Thyestes” in ’07-’08. In my opinion, it will be a treat to see the classical retake Court’s stage.

Here’s an Interesting Video on the design behind “An Iliad”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzyhJ7tL3pw&feature=player_embedded

In related news, UChicago’s Classical Entertainment Society (who will soon be putting up Shakespeare’s “Coriolanus”) is sponsoring a Homerathon of the Iliad! This means that, for a full 24 hour period, the Iliad will be read aloud on Court’s stage, in celebration of the opening of the play. Various players, from Classics professors to University Theater students to walk-ins (yes, people who walk in can participate) will have the opportunity to read from the perennially entertaining work. Sounds cool, eh?

Equally cool are two plays closing this week, Jedlicka’s “Wait Until Dark” and Filament’s “From the Circle”. From here until December, the darkness will get longer and the number of productions will flux- so get out and see one.

-Eric

The Log:

Wait Until Dark @ Jedlicka Performing Arts Center: Oct28-Nov12

From the Circle @ Filament Theater: Sept 30-Nov 13

An Iliad @ Court Theatre: Nov10-Dec11

Broke-ology @ eta Creative Arts: Nov3-Dec18

The Homecoming @ UT: Nov 17-19

Courtesy of mlk.uchicago.edu

Some may think the beginning of November is too soon to start thinking about the upcoming holidays in December, let alone Martin Luther King Day, a whole two months away. UChicago begs to differ. In anticipation of the MLK Day Celebration, scheduled to be held at Rockefeller Chapel on January 12 (for those early planners out there), the University has created the Dream Wall

Last Monday, the Dream Wall made its first appearance on the Quad. Resembling a moveable chalkboard, it attracted plenty of visitors of all ages. After a few hours, the board was covered with Post-Its with handwritten sentiments. From now until December 7th, the Dream Wall will appear in various locations and offer the opportunity for anyone who is passing by to share an aspiration (or ten), from the goals and hopes for yourself or the world at large. As the Dream Wall makes its rounds, the accumulated notes will be collected and eventually displayed at the MLK Day Celebration.

Those who miss the Dream Wall on campus can still participate by submitting their dreams online through Twitter (#MLKDream) or on dream.uchicago.edu. If sending dreams via the internet is not quite your style, submissions will also be accepted by mail. All contributions sent in by December 23rd will be included in what will sure to be an exceptional display.

For more information about the Dream Wall and submissions, see http://mlk.uchicago.edu/page/voice-your-dream

Courtesy of America: Now and Here

The truck parked outside of the Smart Museum yesterday was not there to make a delivery – at least, not the kind of delivery one would expect.

“LOOK FOR THE MOMENT WHEN PRIDE BECOMES CONTEMPT,” and a quote attributed to H.G. Wells, “HUMAN HISTORY BECOMES MORE AND MORE A RACE BETWEEN EDUCATION AND CATASTROPHE,” read some of the statements printed along the length of the truck. The large, capitalized block letters boldly demanded the attention of the passerby.

The tractor-trailer is part of the touring art installation “America: Now and Here,” led by artist Eric Fischl. The culmination of this project is planned for fall 2012, when a convoy of six 18-wheelers will journey cross-country. The trucks will stop in eight yet-to-be-determined regions, linking together in each location to serve as a gallery and event space. Along with this mobile museum of art, the installation will include programs to involve the public in a mission of creating dialogue about America.

The current Chicago installment, featuring the tractor-trailer whose exterior was designed by artist Barbara Kruger, is a precursor to the 2012 road trip. The truck has been traveling through the city since November 4^th, and is spending its last day here today at the Hyde Park Art Center, on view from 8am till 9 pm.

The unadorned design of the text on the Kruger truck lets the statements themselves be the viewer’s focus. The back of the truck reads, “PLEASE KEEP YOUR DISTANCE;” while reminiscent of the standard safety warning on the back of trucks, it clearly invited further implications and interpretations. True to the installment’s mission, these statements provoke the viewer to think critically about what they mean in the context of America’s current state.

The truck delivers not commercial goods, but an innovative artistic vision coupled with a challenge to engage in discussions about the world in which we live.

For more information on America: Now and Here, visit www.americanowandhere.org

Courtesy of the Chicago Arts District

It’s Friday! Friday! Gotta get down on Friday. I realize I’ve just committed a cardinal sin of blogging because I’ve probably just alienated all of my readers by starting a post with Rebecca Black lyrics, but for those of you who are still reading this, hear me out. Miss Black may have made some mistakes in her time (namely deciding to make music) but we should all take her nasally words of wisdom to heart—when this Friday rolls around everyone should be partyin’, partyin’.

This weekend, the Chicago Arts District Neighborhood (previously named Pilsen East) will once again host its monthly 2nd Fridays Gallery Night. As the name suggests, on the 2^nd Friday of every month galleries and receptions open their doors to display unique artwork of all mediums, including paintings, sculptures, live performances, poetry and short story readings, and more. The event spreads across 30 locations around the Halsted and 18^th Street area and showcases the work of artists from Chicago neighborhoods and beyond. Plus entrance to all of the galleries, receptions, and performances is completely free.

The 2^nd Friday Gallery Night for November will be held this Friday the 11^th from 6-10pm. If you do find the time to visit the event you’ll have the opportunity to explore an array of studios including Mambo Marilyn’s, which features Haitian Art in the form of Vodu altars and beaded work; The Bad Grammar Theater Chicago where authors will read published work every half hour; and a gallery featuring the work of Brian Manci. Not only will this night highlight very unique and interesting artwork but there’s also a chance you could meet and talk with creators of some of your favorite pieces as many of the artists attend the event and remain in their galleries for the night.

Upon arriving in the neighborhood this weekend, make sure to stop at 1821 S. Halsted Street to pick up a map to help you find your way around the area and from one gallery to the next. Also if you’re looking for more information about the event and the other artists featured that night visit the Chicago Arts District website at http://www.chicagoartsdistrict.org.

Courtesy of UCDancers

With the UCDancers’ annual Winter Show audition tonight from 7:00-9:00pm at the Bartlet Arts Rehearsal Space (BARS), I thought I would shed some light on the UofC’s oldest dance organization.

Unlike many dance groups on campus, UCDancers focuses on contemporary and modern technique while emphasizing student choreography and improvisation. Approximately three times a week, the student organization holds free jazz/modern classes for all levels of experience. In the beginning of the fall quarter, interested students can sign up as prospective choreographers, which gives them the chance to teach one of the group’s weekly classes and possibly choreograph a routine for the Winter Show—the culmination of each and every dancer’s hard work. The event this year, titled Wanderlust, will be held March 2-4, 2012 at BARS and will feature student choreography and one professionally-choreographed piece.  But no worries—all dancers don’t have to be in the show. They can just easily take the weekly classes for some fun exercise if they don’t want too much commitment.

The always-handy YouTube provides some UCDancers back in 2009 practicing for their show:

Video courtesy of jesshester88 on YouTube

To keep up to date with UCDancers read their blog at http://ucdancers.blogspot.com/ and keep your ears open for more info on the Winter Show.

This week’s issue of the Weekly featured eta Creative Arts Foundation and the expansion project that they are running. Some supplementary material that eta provided fell by the wayside in the course of writing the article, so I want to share that with you now, in photo form.

There are some very exciting things happening at eta, as always. I fully encourage you to go over there and see what’s up.

Courtesy of eta Creative Arts

This is an artist’s rendering of eta’s new space, which will go up across the street from their current location at 7558 S. Chicago Avenue. Pretty spiffy, eh?

Courtesy of eta Creative Arts

Courtesy of eta Creative Arts

The next two pictures are of eta’s gallery space: the event, “Music Mondays”, is held on the 2nd Monday in each month and takes place in the gallery.

Courtesy of eta Creative Arts

Courtesy of eta Creative Arts

These last two pictures are production photos of “Broke-ology”, eta’s new mainstage show, the details of which are listed below in the Log. Go check it out! eta is a great venue that gives a platform for new writers and actors to show their talent in a neighborhood of the city that is in need of artists. Show your support for this mainstay of the South Side.

There are several excellent shows this week, including The Physicists and Broke-ology. Since it might be raining all weekend, it’s the perfect time to get out and see some performances. And look forward to the opening of An Iliad at Court Theatre next week!

-Eric Shoemaker

The Log

Wait Until Dark @ Jedlicka Performing Arts Center: Oct28-Nov12

From the Circle @ Filament Theater: Sept 30-Nov 13

Broke-ology @ eta Creative Arts: Nov3-Dec18

An Iliad @ Court Theatre: Nov10-Dec11

The Homecoming @ UT: Nov17-19

Although I found myself remaining in Hyde Park this weekend at the UofC, some of my friends took a trip to Pilsen and returned with two white paper bags filled with pastries. The baked goods, from Nuevo Leon Bakery, came in an array of shapes, colors, and textures. For just a little over six dollars, there were enough portions to serve eight people and still have leftovers. After a longwinded search for clean plates and knives, we split the freshly baked goods into bite sized portions.

Our makeshift dessert spreads covered all ranges of flavors and forms. A flat golden brown pancake surprised us with its cornbread flavor and denseness. Under a delicate dusting of powdered sugar, jelly rolls leaked fruit preserves from its ends while an empanada kept its apple filling sealed tight within its flaky pastry shell. One bun had concentric circles of a crisp, sugary topping with dough so light and airy that it weighed almost nothing. Coconut covered a ball of lemony cake that had been filled with a thin layer of raspberry jam. The most popular item among us was a donut sandwich whose middle was filled with a smooth, creamy custard.

While eating these delicious creations was no substitute for seeing Pilsen in the flesh, it did provide a sneak preview of sorts. The Mexican desserts highlighted one of the many reasons why Pilsen should be on everyone’s “to explore” list, even if you live in the neighborhood. On some level, the goods were familiar, resembling foods that we had eaten without much thought or found in local bakeries in our own hometowns. However, it was clear that they were imbued with their own unique, nuanced flavors and steeped in equally unique cultural traditions that could not be found elsewhere. The desserts are now long gone, but what remains is the awareness that there is a neighborhood with plenty to eat and plenty to explore.

On Friday, November 4^th, Trinity United Church of Christ will be hosting a free screening of the documentary “Hip Hop Rev,” sponsored by the 20 Something Ministy and the Trinity Justice Watch Team.

“Hip Hop Rev” (official trailer below) focuses on Lennox Yearwood Jr., a Louisiana-born civil rights and environmental activist, the founder of the human rights organization Hip Hop Caucus, and a Christian minister. It follows the reverend to his birthplace, specifically to post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, the birthplace of Hip Hop Caucus. The documentary shows a year in Yearwood’s life, during which he also embarked on a national Clean Energy Bus Tour under the Alliance for Climate Protection, the brainchild of former Vice President Al Gore. Yearwood has earned his respect among circles of both politicians and activists for his persistent determination and for choosing to work amongst the people instead of from within a church.

Video courtesy of HipHopCaucus on YouTube

The hour-long film was commissioned by Discovery Network’s Planet Green channel, a platform that focuses on the progress in the sustainability movement.

After the screening there will be a period of bible study and a social justice panel featuring the night’s sponsors. They plan to discuss the prison industrial complex and economic justice, among other issues.

Fellowship Hall, Trinity United Church of Christ, 400 W. 95th St. November 4. Friday, 7pm. (773)962-5650

Hannah Fullmer

I stared at the painting for nearly ten minutes. I didn’t move or blink; I just stared. I must have looked a bit ridiculous with my neck bent, head tilted far back so I could take in the whole painting at once, but I was entranced. A canvas, which stretched floor to ceiling, featured an intricate white skull, highlighted by neon yellow, blue and pink. The black light installed just above the canvas intensified the three hues. The painting was captivating, and, like most of the artwork in the 25th Annual Dia de los Muertos Exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art, it was hauntingly beautiful.

The exhibit collected Day of the Dead related artwork by artists from across the country and Mexico, featuring vibrant artwork in a variety of media: sculptures, paintings, needlework, and wall installations, to name a few. In one installation, twenty or thirty clay body bag tags hung from white ribbon of varying lengths, creating a cloud dripping to the floor.

Hannah Fullmer

Another portion of the exhibit included examples of altars created in the same manner as those erected for the real Day of the Dead holiday. These altars were produced by artists and commemorated local individuals and important other figures in the artists’ life that have passed away. Other facets of the exhibit include a community commemoration wall which allows museum-goers to post a small note on the wall remembering a loved one. Finally, visitors could also watch a demonstration on how sugar skulls are made. Afterwards, sugar skulls were available for purchase from the gift shop, with the option to have them personalized for a small wait.

Overall, the Day of the Dead exhibit was a beautiful and interesting sampling of Mexican artwork and more importantly Mexican character and culture. If you find that you have spare time on an upcoming November weekend, head to Pilsen and soak up some of the artwork this museum has to offer.

National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. (312)738-1503. Free. nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org

Courtesy of University Theatre

Halloween is in four days! Have you prepared adequately? Adequate may not be the right word- there is not amount of preparation that is too much for Halloween.

In the spirit of parading around in masks and costumes, get thee to a theater this weekend. There are several offerings in the log, including the famous play Wait Until Dark at JPAC, which always produces entertaining work- last year’s Phantom was a hit- and, of course, the too-terrifying-for-me-to-attend Audience Annihilated at Dream Theater. Today, I want to focus on University Theater at the UofC.

This week, UT is putting up A Weekend of Workshops, short works that take anywhere from 5-45 minutes individually to run, presented in a lump sum night of fun. Next week, Durrenmatt’s The Physicists will go up, a performance that is sure to please both the intellectual and the common plebe. The story is about the antics of three physicists who are committed to a fancy asylum, in which they experience love, suffering, and plenty of booze. Presented as a slightly fantastical, light-and-sound-and-spectacle performance, The Physicists is a steal at only $6.

In other news, the Hyde Park Players are calling for auditions for their spring performances of William Inge’s Glory in the Flower and Splendor in the Grass. If you want to get involved in a production on the ground level with a warm and inviting troupe, this is for you. Information can be found on the Players’ website, http://hydeparkcommunityplayers.org.

Enjoy the spooky weather this weekend, perfect for our favorite holiday of the year…Boo!

Happy Halloween!

– Eric Shoemaker

In an attempt to make The Log more useful, I have attached hyperlinks to each of the entries. Check out these incredible performance groups and their websites for upcoming events and tickets!

The Log

A Weekend of Workshops @ University Theater: Oct 27-29

Audience Annihilated @ Dream Theater: Oct 20-31

The Physicists @ University Theater: Nov 3-5

Wait Until Dark @ Jedlicka Performing Arts Center: Oct28-Nov12

From the Circle @ Filament Theater: Sept 30-Nov 13

Broke-ology @ eta Creative Arts: Nov3-Dec18

An Iliad @ Court Theatre: Nov10-Dec11

Elysia Liang

On the corner of 25th and Christina Avenue in Little Village stands a small, two-story building with a pointed tower. Behind its plain exterior is a room with goldenrod walls and decorations featuring crosses, saints, and depictions of the Virgin Mary. A few people sat in small chairs and someone stood behind the counter, looking busy. From a room in the back, the music from a child’s birthday party floated through when its guests wandered into the cafe. A few framed photos sit on a small table next to a flight of stairs. Cafe Catedral had all the makings of a coffee shop, but with two noticeable exceptions: no drinks or food items could be found, and a homemade sign announced that the building was for sale in bold Times New Roman.

The cafe has a history that is as unique as its decorations. Abraham Dueñas and his wife, Alma, opened this cafe in 2005 after noticing that there was something missing in the neighborhood. When Mr. Dueñas, who grew up in a college town in Mexico, moved to Chicago, he noticed that the coffee shops that were so ubiquitous in his childhood were missing in his new home. After traveling in Europe with his wife, Dueñas wanted to bring a little piece of the Continent to Little Village. “We had tapas from France, crepes from France, and paninis from Italy,” he said about his menu.

Elysia Liang

Sitting in at a table near the entrance, Dueñas sat in a white polo after giving tours of the building to interested passerby also discussed the cafe’s decorating scheme. “The building used to be a flower shop, and we thought it looked like a cathedral.” The various portraits, carvings, and statues of religious figures and symbols came from friends, yard sales, regular customers, and even archeological excavations. In one corner, there is a small figurine of Saint Anthony who “can help you find your better half,” noted Dueñas as he surveyed his collection in search of notable finds.

The cafe’s claim to fame extends beyond its fascinating inception. The coffee shop was featured in Stranger Than Fiction as the setting for the 2006 release, featuring Will Ferrell. It has seen patronage of famous faces such as Rahm Emmanual. Perhaps most importantly, it has been a place to foster a sense of community. Various organizations used the cafe’s space to host and plan events. Dueñas himself is vice president of a local newspaper and a group that runs internet radio shows, both of which are based in the second floor of the space. “We created an impact,” he noted.

Due to recent economic conditions, Dueñas has been forced to shut down his business. However, he hopes to sell or rent the space “to someone who will continue to do what we do.” For the time being though, the cafe still stands, opening its doors briefly to groups that had asked to used the space before the decision to close had been made. Even after its official closing, it still has deep roots in the neighborhood in which it resides and the people who live there.

“Art is creativity. It’s about touching other people,” espoused artist Luis DeLaTorre this past weekend during an open studio event at the Bridgeport Art Center.

The converted warehouse has rented studio space to artists, now numbering over forty individuals, for the past eleven years. The community of artists opened their doors to the public for an event held as part of the Chicago Artists Month.

DeLaTorre was engaged in a discussion about an artist’s purpose with fellow artist JB Daniel, who is based out of a studio in Pullman. This afternoon’s experience was quickly transcending my expectations of a mere gallery viewing. I felt like a spying child, overhearing a conversation not meant for my ears. I had seen De La Torre’s work on display for all to see, but was now taking part in his private lament of the commoditization of art.

The conversation was interrupted by DeLaTorre’s computer loudly proclaiming the hour, and he explained that these hourly reminders helped him stay on track while working in the studio.

Time-keeping computers, coffee makers, an exercise bike, a small dog, imposing music – all these were the incredibly human touches that leant poignancy to the crossing of each studio’s threshold. The spaces seemed almost too personal to admit visitors.

Yet this intimacy, once broached, greatly enriched interaction with the art displayed through the halls, in the main gallery, and in individual studios, by thrusting it into dialogue with the artists themselves.

An abstract work featuring the words “she is person” was a striking presence viewed sans any context in the space of Amanda Williams’ studio. However, the piece gained a distinctive complexity and powerfulness after Williams explained that the words were taken from a document signed by her great-grandmother, a freed slave, after whom Williams is named.

Williams spoke of drawing inspiration from this document’s call to establish that her great-grandmother existed through her signature. She pointed to a work-in-progress that used this signature, giving a glimpse of the artistic process that unfolded in this sunlit studio.

Around the corner, Lisa Limas voiced the comfort of knowing that people other than herself appreciated her art, as I purchased a beautiful necklace she had crafted. I was delighted to realize she had also created my favorite piece from the main gallery, an installation of a bird’s nest nestled in a wire basket, under which stood a beaten wooden sawhorse.  Her tale of discovering in the streets the three individual components that eventually found their homes in “Now commonplace and overlooked,” as the work was titled, made the finished piece more dear.

With each successive artist who welcomed me, and fellow visitors, into his or her studio, a window was opening into the different ways in which they expressed life through the mediums of their work. While art in itself may be a meaningful manner of touching others, glimpses into the worlds of the artists that create this art only enrich this form of communication.

The Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35^th St. See their website, bridgeportart.com, for information on any upcoming events, as well as a listing of artists’ studios

Hannah Fullmer

My stomach grumbled as I sat on the #6 bus, headed towards the Loop. It was only a short bus ride to Roosevelt Road where my friends and I would transfer to the red line train but I was already excited and, more importantly, hungry. After transferring, we rode south for several minutes and stepped off the train at Cermak/Chinatown. The journey may seem long (although it only took about an hour) but it was definitely worth it because that day I was on a mission of epic portions. A mission to find the best custard bun in Chinatown.

I first discovered custard buns last year when I happened to purchase one from a small Chinese bakery on Michigan Ave. and ever since I’ve been hooked. Custard buns are a sweet roll usually about the size of a tennis ball and are filled with a tasty egg custard roughly the consistency of the cream used to fill doughnuts.

When we finally arrived at Chinatown it was about 6:30 in the evening and the sun had already gone down, which was fine by me because I love this neighborhood at night. The marquees of restaurants and shops had been flipped on and were shining brightly as I walked up and down the streets of Chinatown, searching for bakeries and cafés. We were tempted by other treats, especially ones like green tea cake, cream cones, and almond cakes from the shops, but we controlled ourselves. In the end we purchased several buns, one from every bakery offering them.

Hannah Fullmer

My friends and I were famished from our custard bun search and decide to eat dinner before the judging. We stopped at a small restaurant within Chinatown and were seated on the second floor. The table was equipped with a large lazy susan, perfect for a group of friends to share a meal. We ordered several dishes and shared them amongst the table. Rice, pot stickers, pan fried noodles, crab rangoon, and shrimp spun around the table and were quickly devoured.

Our bellies were full and we began the judging. We gave each bun a number, ate them, and then compared. One bun’s custard filling was more yellow than the others, in another the dough was softer and sweeter, in some the custard was smoother or creamier.

We tallied the results and determined our winner: Feida Bakery. Their custard bun is of medium size but the dough is especially soft. An added sprinkling of salt atop the bun enhances the flavor of the sweet custard.

Dinner and judging completed, we make our way back to the red line station. We rode the train back to Roosevelt Road where we could the South Loop Shuttle home. Our stomachs were full, our heads buzzing. We enjoyed custard buns, friendship and the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood. Mission accomplished.

Courtesy of MAB

Do you enjoy crowds full of sweaty and overly-excited hipsters dancing to outrageously catchy beats? Do you love charismatic performers with a wholehearted appreciation for sweaty and overly-excited hipsters dancing to their outrageously catchy beats? Do you like being one of these perspiring kids at concerts? Do you like live music? Well, if you answered “yes” to any/all of these questions and attending a Matt & Kim concert tickles your fancy, then you, my friend, are in luck. The UofC’s own Major Activities Board (MAB) is proud to welcome the pop-punk duo to campus on Saturday, November 5 for its annual Fall Quarter Show. Opening for Matt & Kim will be Squat the Condos, a band comprised entirely of UofC undergrads.

Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Matt & Kim are known not only for their organic music videos that accompany their equally organic sound, but also for their insanely energetic and “physical” live shows. The video (below) for one of my favorite songs, “Yea Yeah,” demonstrates how much fun and enthusiasm they have when they play. In regards to live shows, let’s just say that at last year’s Bamboozle in New Jersey, Matt climbed one of the metal towers on the side of the stage to the song “Lean Back (Westwood Mix).” Although Mandel Hall might not be the Meadowlands, Matt & Kim will certainly bring their “huge venue” craziness and turn Mandel into what the MAB would call a “pop-punk party.”

Video from mattandkim on YouTube

To help them in this festive mission is Squat the Condos. I can’t write about them as I have written about Matt & Kim since, frankly….I just discovered them. But thanks to the songs on their MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/squatthecondos) and YouTube videos of their performances, I have already become a fan. The song “Pretending” (below) is currently stuck in my head. This past March, Squat the Condos released their first EP, We Should Be Together. For an unsigned band to open for none other than Matt & Kim is pretty impressive.

Squat_the_Condos_-_Pretending

Ok so now that you’re excited. Here’s what you have to do:

• STEP 1: Buy a ticket. Advanced tickets go on sale on weekdays starting tomorrow, October 24, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Reynolds Club. They are $5 for students with UCID, $10 for faculty members. Tickets bought the day of the event will be $5 more for students and faculty. Customers are only allowed two tickets per student ID.
• STEP 2: Check out both artists. You don’t want to be that person at the show who clearly doesn’t know anything about either band. Check out Matt & Kim (http://mattandkimmusic.com/) and Squat the Condos (http://squatthecondos.bandcamp.com/) at their respective websites.
• STEP 3: Show up. The concert is on Saturday, November 5 at Mandel Hall. Starts at 8:00 p.m., ends around 11:00 p.m., and doors open at 7:00 p.m. The earlier you are, the better.