I’m still a bit dizzy from spending the weekend with the indie tribe down in Union Park. Altogether, I found this year’s Pitchfork fest both pleasantly civilized and ear-pleasing (the sound was better than it has ever been before) and also curiously non-essential—meaning that I probably could have skipped a day and lived with myself just fine. Pitchfork is emblematic of all that is magical and not so mysterious about new media. It and blogs like it provide us with access to music and acts that would have been far under the radar before. But, without sounding like a Luddite, we’ve also lost one of the essential binding agents of any modern tribe: a sense of discovery. It is far more rare for a band to worm its way into our hearts by accident or by investigation than it is for us to hear about it via the Web. So we’ve traded access for discovery, matter for magic. But, ugh, I’m starting to sound like a bitter ol’ vinyl junkie or something. Nevermind. Here are five things to do today.
THEATER - Obscura
Dog & Pony Theatre Company kicks off its Ruff Play Reading Series with Northwestern alum Jennifer Barclay’s play about intrigue and eavesdropping among an apartment building’s inhabitants. ThreeWalls, 7pm, FREE!
MUSIC - John Legend + India.Arie + Vaughn Anthony
A quiet storm simmers over Highland Park as Legend kicks off a two-night stand joined by his brother, Vaughn Anthony, and neo-soul standby India.Arie. Don’t forget the Brie and chardonnay. Ravinia Pavilion, 7pm, $27–$68.
FILM - In Search of Beethoven
If your understanding of Beethoven stops somewhere after “He became deaf and still composed several masterpieces with no hearing at all…” here’s a chance to deepen your knowledge: In Search of Beethoven does the biographical stuff, but also, more importantly, includes musicians talking about what’s so great about Ludwig B’s music. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N State St at Randolph St (312-846-2600). El: Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to State/Lake; Red to Lake; Blue to Clark/Lake. Mon 20, Tue 21, Wed 22, Thu 23, Fri 24 at 5:30, 8:15pm, Sat 25 at 2:30, 8:15pm, Sun 26 at 2:30, 5:30pm. $9, students $7, members $5.
SHOPPING & STYLE - Morlen Sinoway Atelier sale
Deck yourself in stylish accessories by shopping this local designer’s summer jewelry sale. Find artful pieces marked 20% off now through the end of July. 1052 W Fulton Mkt (312-432-0100). El: Blue to Grand; Green to Ashland. Bus: 20. Mon 9:30am–5pm.
GAY & LESBIAN - Chances Dances
The vibe is irresistibly inclusive at this Wicker Park queer party. Subterranean, 9pm, FREE!
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