Music: Tony Bennett still going strong at 90

Ravinia Festival was jammed inside the pavilion and out on the lawn last Saturday, but with Tony Bennett caressing the “mic” backed by his outstanding jazz/pop quartet, the atmosphere was nightclub intimate.

Tony Bennett at Ravinia Festival. Also in photo are pianist Mike Renzi and drummer Howard Jones. Photo by Russell Jenkins for Ravinia
Tony Bennett at Ravinia Festival. Also in photo are pianist Mike Renzi and drummer Howard Jones. Photo by Russell Jenkins for Ravinia

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Upcoming: Musical theatre takes on community vibes

For a feel-good night about community-centered groups see Stories and Songs of Chicago at the Harris Theater Sept. 24, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Three Chicago Voices groups to perform at Harris Theatre
Three Chicago Voices groups to perform at Harris Theater

A free program arranged by Lyric Unlimited, Lyric Opera’s education and community outreach arm, the event showcases musical theater productions by “Harmony, Hope & Healing,” “The Kirin-Gornick Band” and “Tellin’ Tales Theatre.”

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Theater: Thoughts about ‘Hamilton’

Assuming you are one of thousands of theater goers who plan to see Hamilton – the hit musical by multi-award-winning lyricist, composer, performer Lin-Manuel Miranda – when it is in Chicago because tickets are easier to come by and cheaper than in New York, think about why you want to see the show.

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Art: America After the Fall

The images that come to mind following the stock market crash of 1929 and resulting economic collapse are breadlines. However, those images are not replayed in “America After the Fall,” a new, temporary exhibit in the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern wing.

 

Thomas Hart Benton. Haystack, 1938. Museum of Fine Arts Houston.
Thomas Hart Benton. Haystack, 1938. Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

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Art: Three shows to see before they leave

Oops. If waiting until fall to fill in activity calendar dates you might miss out on some of summer’s really good art museum shows. No need to say oops. Take a peek at this short round-up then mark in the ones you want to catch.

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Museums: What ends soon and what’s coming

We’ve all done it. We say we’re going to catch something we really want to see or do but before we realize it, the final date has passed. So here are some events and opportunities you may want to put on your calendar.

Tattoo is coming
Tattoo is coming

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Review: “Disney’s Newsies”

"Newsies at Cadillac Palace Theatre thru Aug. 7
“Newsies” at Cadillac Palace Theatre thru Aug. 7

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

“Newsies” fight publishing tycoons with sling-shot headlines

The touring company of “Newsies” is as exciting as the headlines that sell papers. The lead actors who battle Joseph Pulitzer on his unfair practices are terrific, but it is the high energy of the company’s talented dancers and singers who will likely have you recommending this Tony Award winning musical.

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Museums: At The Field

China’s First Emperor and his Terracotta Warriors

Now through January 8, 2017.
Field Museum and AIC It’s a terrific exhibit organized by The Field Museum with the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau, Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center and Emperor Qin Shihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum of the People’s Republic of China. The warriors and other objects were ordered built to go with Emperor Quin Shihuang into his tomb.
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