Radio Players Presents The Great Gildersleeve and Gunsmoke – November 21st
November 18th, 2010 by Shorty
The African Presence in Mexico closes on Sunday, November 14th
November 10th, 2010 by ShortyIf you have not yet experienced The African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Presence at DuSable Museum, it is not too late. The exhibit closes on Sunday, November 14th. The is a free museum day.
I took the time to visit it last week and learned some intriguing facts.
- African ancestry was pretty much erased from Mexican history books even though Dr. Gonzalo Aguirre Beltran’s research in the 1940s concluded that Africans lived in Mexico. The Mexican government finally recognized “Africa as Mexico’s ‘Third Root’” after Native American and Spanish heritage in the 1990s.
- The Portuguese started the African slave trade in the 1440s.
- Slavery in Mexico was abolished in Mexico at least 30 years before slave in America ended.
- As with any culture, there were stereotypes based on color, class and economic status.
- There is research that shows that Africans were present in Mexico prior to Christopher Columbus in 1492.
- There were several periods in history when Africans and Mexicans were connected not by race but by roots, resistance and recognition. Harlem Renaissance was such a time.
- Mexico allowed African Americans many social freedoms in the 1920s they were denied in the United States.
These are just some of the facts I learned, and the artwork is absolutely mesmerizing. Be sure to stop through if you haven’t done so already. DuSable Museum is located at 740 East 56th Place in Chicago’s Hyde Park community.
If you have already visited The African Presence in Mexico, what did you think of the exhibit?
Jazz’n at the Regal – November 3rd
November 1st, 2010 by ShortyTake a mid-week break with mellow jazz tunes at The New Regal Theater on Wednesday, November 3, 2010. The Regal is located at 1645 East 79th Street on Chicago’s South Side.
Asleep with the Fishes Group Overnights – October 15
October 8th, 2010 by Shorty
Grab your sleeping bag and pillow and join us for an overnight adventure at Shedd Aquarium. Before snuggling into your sleeping bag, immerse yourself in the world’s many aquatic environments through special programs, games and hands-on activities. In the morning, enjoy a continental breakfast and visit with the animals once more before your journey comes to an end. These programs are geared for children in kindergarten to grade 6.
This adventure will take place from 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2010 – 8:30 a.m. Saturday, October 16, 2010.
For more details and to register, call 312-692-3206.
Shedd Explorers: Restore Northerly Island – October 9th
September 28th, 2010 by Shorty
Get dirty to help clean up our natural world! Set off as an explorer in our Local Waters exhibit and then transform into a citizen scientist actively participating in restoration projects. Partner with other 11- to 14-year-olds and Shedd staff members in continuing efforts to keep our local environment healthy. Lunch is included. To register, please call 312-692-3206. Visit Shedd Explorers for more information.
October 9, 9a.m.-3p.m.
$32 ($27 Shedd members)
Universoul Circus is Coming to Town – 9/22 – 10/17
September 21st, 2010 by ShortyThe one and only Universoul Circus is coming to Washington Park in Chicago from September 22th to October 17th. Don’t miss it! Purchase tickets NOW!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgLIU4VxGD4&feature=player_embedded
32nd Annual Chicago Jazz Fest – September 2nd – 5th
September 4th, 2010 by Shorty
Nicole Mitchell
Ok, I’m a little late sharing this one. But it’s not too late for you to partake of the festivities this weekend. The 32nd Annual Jazz Fest will be here through Sunday, September 5, 2010.
- Friday, Sept. 3 @ Chicago Cultural Center: 12 – 3 pm
- Friday, Sept. 3 @ Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion: 4 – 9:30 pm
- Saturday, Sept. 4 & Sunday, Sept. 5 @ Grant Park: 11 am – 9:30 pm
Visit Explore Chicago for more details. Enjoy!
* Photo Borrowed from Explore Chicago
Shorty’s Tall Ship Chicago 2010 Experience
September 1st, 2010 by ShortyI had the pleasure of experiencing Tall Ship Chicago 2010 this past weekend, and I was impressed. Twenty tall ships from the USA, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands wowed Chicagoans and visitors from August 24 – 29th. Some ships were for boarding and tours and others were for sailaways. This was the only year all ships were were located at Navy Pier only. Previously, they were docked throughout the city.
The intricate details of the ships’ designs were amazing. Whomever tied the knots in the rope had much patience and skills. Each ship had a personality all its own which added to the beauty of it.
Guests had passports that described the different ships, and were able to get them stamped whether they toured the vessels or not. That was fun and engaging.
Another lesson: to be called a sailor is not a compliment. Apparently, they were the lowest of the low in some social circles. They also ate from their elbows which is probably why it is ill-mannered to have elbows on the table while eating. Lots of class-ism on water.
Overall, it was a good time. I’m looking forward to the next Chicago adventure.
Did you go to Tall Ships Chicago 2010? How was your experience?
The Power of House Music
August 29th, 2010 by Shorty
House Music (House) first graced the airwaves in the late 70s. It is over 25 years later, and this unique sound is still massaging the eardrums of Generation Xers and late Baby Boomers. A culture of “househeads”, diversity and individualism was created from the music styles of Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, Frankie Knuckles, the original members of Hot Mix 5, Terry Hunter, and Steve “Silk” Hurley.
House is more than just music. It is a feeling. The passion of the creators and DJs can be felt through the mixes they create that reverberate through the huge speakers that rock the “house”.
In fact, House was somewhat of a miracle. These beats and mixes shattered barriers of race and sexual preference at a time when political and social efforts to achieve these goals were not very successful. Additionally, fashion styles and dance crazes emerged as a result of this awesome musical style.
House Music Will Never Die. How do I know? Check out the following figures.
- Over 20,000 people attended the 20th Annual Chosen Few Picnic in Jackson Park in Chicago
- Over 18,000 like the Old School House Heads page on Facebook
- Nearly 49,000 like Old School House Music
What are your feelings on house music? How has it impacted your life?
