As long as I have lived in Chicago, I’ve had a hard time describing “the Chicago look.” Perhaps because our city is more complex below the surface than the played-out clichés about meatpacking, sausages and Cubs hats explain. The NY Times Magazine is unlikely to do a Midwestern sophistication issue—though it has no problem running yet another fashion spread on London featuring Boy George and Vivienne Westwood—snooze alert. And yet, some of the staples of the Midwest look, Red Wing boots, flannel shirts, dark stiff denim are in right now and in the magazines. Chicago’s Fashion Focus events are hitting this week and it seems bigger than ever—but I’m still waiting for that Midwest chic to kick in internationally. In the meantime, Chicago is gearing up for an influx of fashionable types. The James Hotel is even offering a Fashion Focus Day to Night Package which includes access to a “James Audi” for car service to Bucktown boutiques. Here at the TOC blog, we’ll be reviewing and shooting the tip-top of the runway action and bringing it to you. So come back on the weekend.
Here are five things to do.
Fort Knox Five, Photo: Andrzej Liguz
NIGHTLIFE - Kraak & Smaak + Fort Knox Five
Coming into it’s own out the funk heavy and more upbeat sounds of labels like Eighteenth Street Lounge, the funky breaks movement stormed onto the scene in 2006 and 2007, giving the world’s downtempo DJs a hell of a lot more energy to work into their sets. Mixing up funk and soul breakbeats, chill-out atmospherics and an all-around party vibe artists like Holland’s Kraak & Smaak— a hot property in the States via Ultra Records—and D.C.-based ESL brethren Fort Knox Five represent the cream of the still-going-strong funky breaks crop. Knox Five is huge in Australia. Catch them sharing the bill at Sub-T tonight. Subterranean. 9pm; $15, 17 and up.
AROUND TOWN/SHOPPING & STYLE - Behind the Seams: Joanna Berzowska
What’s even better than fashion? Electrified fashion. As research director for XS Labs in Montreal, Berzowska designs electronic textiles and “responsive garments.” Find out what the heck that is at this lecture, organized by the School of the Art Institute’s Fashion Resource Center. Limited seating. Fashion Resource Center, SAIC, 36 S Wabash Ave, room 735 (312-629-6731, saic.edu/frc). 6pm.
MUSIC - Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers
Steve Martin is a comedian, actor, playwright, screenwriter, novelist and appreciator of fine art. Of course, the white-haired Renaissance man has long possessed at least one other knack: He’s a capable banjoist, who has played with such notables as Béla Fleck, Earl Scruggs and the Muppets. Martin’s recent The Crow is wistful and nostalgic. Tonight he makes yet another strange stop on a long, strange career. Cadillac Palace Theatre, $39.50–$77, 8pm.
DANCE - MAZI Dance Fitness Centre: Grand opening party
The stroller moms who clog the daylight sidewalks in Wicker/Bucktown have a new workout option to burn off that post-pregnancy pudge. Tonight’s party introduces a spankin’ new dance-workout studio set to offer classes in “Box Jam,” “Dance Cardio,” “Dance Tease” and other hybrids of sweaty allure—as well as kids’ classes. Enjoy a free Zumba class, snacks, wine and display by artist Anastasia Mak. MAZI Dance Fitness Centre, 2001 W North Ave (773-278-9600, mazidancefitness.com). El: Blue to Damen. Bus: 50, 56, 72. 7pm. FREE!
FILM - A Boy and His Dog
Yes, later this fall you can see a post-apocalyptic road movie with Oscar dreams (The Road), but in the meantime, check out A Boy and His Dog, a much weirder post-apocalyptic road movie (it’s a whole genre; believe us) with Don Johnson and a telepathic dog wandering in the wasteland. Doc Films, University of Chicago, 1212 E 59th St between Kimbark and Woodlawn Aves (773-702-8574). Metra: Elec Main to 59th St. Bus: 4 (24hrs), X4, 14, 28, 59, 171. Thu 22 at 9:15pm. $5.
