Around 12:30 a.m., there was another drive-by shooting, this time on the 800 block of Sunnyside. The victim was taken to Illinois Masonic with a leg injury.
According to Ald. Cappleman's email blast yesterday, the woman who was shot on Wilson was gang-involved, and gang activity has increased. There is currently a police saturation mission in Uptown, so if you see more patrols, don't think anything has happened: They're here trying to prevent anything more from happening.
More injuries, more fear, more idiotic "revenge" shootings, all over turf that gangs claim ownership of, but on which their names never appear. Senseless.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Flats A-Coming
Looks like the Norman Hotel, at 1325 W Wilson, is starting to be branded as a "Flats" building. The old canopies for the Uptown Pie Co. and the Cupcake Gallery are now clad in Flats' signature grey, meaning that construction is about to be underway. We look forward to seeing the building change and return to its original splendor.
Woman Shot In Arm on 900 Block Of Wilson
It seems the morning shots found a victim: According to the Sun-Times, an 18-year-old woman was struck in the arm on the 900 block of Wilson and drove herself to the hospital.
The Sun-Times article mentions the police were notified of a gunshot wound at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston. We don't know if the woman drove herself to Weiss Hospital, just a block away from where she was shot, and was later transported to Evanston, or if she drove herself to Evanston.
In any case, we hope for her full recovery. Please call 911 if you see or hear anything suspicious, as there are usually retaliation issues if this was, indeed, a gang shooting (and there is no indication in the Sun-Times that it was). Just be cautious.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Donate To Uptown Schools With "Donors Choose"
via "Friends of the 46th Ward Schools"While the Friends of the 46th Ward Schools waits for official approval of their 501(c)(3) status from the IRS and to officially become a registered charity by the Illinois Attorney General, we encourage our community to support our 46th Ward Schools by choosing one of the many current Donor's Choose projects. Choose based on your interests (arts, literacy, science) or a school you would like to support. Remember, even small donations add up quickly. And feel free to share with your friends, in real life, on Facebook, or via Twitter!
- Uplift High School (Support the Arts)
Needs some band instruments - total $326, this project has a matching donor attached to it that will double your donation!
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/save-our-band/869554/?more=true&verify=1040527306 - Brennemann Elementary (Literacy)
Needs challenging novels for middle schoolers - total $924
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/meaningful-middle-school-must-reads/865124/?verify=-1162914180 - Brennemann Elementary (Recess)
Needs educational recess activities for students - total $696
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/intentional-and-purposeful-recess-activi/837751/?verify=704775055 - Stockton Elementary (Literacy)
Needs audiobooks to help encourage a love of reading for children lacking early exposure to books - total $703
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/literacy-through-listening-reading-with/853433/?more=true&verify=-1274832687 - Greeley Elementary (1st Grade Classroom Management)
Needs privacy partitions to help bilingual class of 1st graders focus without distractions while doing individual work - total $159
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/folders-up/856840/?more=true&verify=-173110752 - Greeley Elementary (Science)
Needs a pet lizard for a class pet to teach about nature/science and to learn to care for a living thing - total $208
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/learning-to-care-for-animals-unique-cla/858755/?verify=1993025947 - Greeley Elementary (Science)
Needs 7th Grade Dissection Kits for science unit - total $420
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/7th-grade-dissection-unit-future-surgeo/858688/?verify=1993025880 - Disney Elementary (Literacy)
Needs James and the Giant Peach books for 3rd graders - total $368
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/james-giant-peach-lands-on-third-grade/845230/?verify=-285029178 - Disney Elementary (Literacy)
Needs Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books for 3rd graders - total $425
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/mrs-piggle-wiggle-plops-into-3rd-grade/845243/?verify=-285029165 - Disney Elementary (Literacy)
Needs Scholastic News for Kids for 3rd graders - total $442http://www.donorschoose.org/project/scholastic-news-for-kids-world-experie/845177/?verify=-285029231 - Disney Elementary (Literacy)
Need Little House on the Prairie books for 3rd graders - total $418
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/little-house-on-the-prairie-visits-the-c/845275/?verify=-285029133 - Disney Elementary (Science)
Needs 2 solar system kits - total $524
http://www.donorschoose.org/project/zoom-sparkle-soar/830703/?verify=495637154
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Bake Sale On The Sunnyside Mall On Saturday
Stop by the Bake For Danny Did bake sale Saturday, Sept. 29, 1-3pm at the Sunnyside Mall on Magnolia.
All proceeds will be donated to the Danny Did Foundation and their mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures. (www.dannydid.org)
The Danny Did Foundation’s name derives from the last sentence of Danny’s obituary: Please Go And Enjoy Your Life. Danny Did. Danny died at age 4 from a seizure in his sleep and his parents, Mike and Mariann Stanton, started this foundation to help prevent other families affected by epilepsy from experiencing the same tragic loss.
Every dollar raised will make a meaningful difference for the 3 million U.S. families who are impacted by epilepsy.
Please stop by if you can! Feel free to contact Carrie McAteer-Fournier with any questions about the event
The Danny Did Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized in the state of Illinois and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Bobby Flay In Uptown
Everybody comes to Rick's... Ric Addy's, that is. The long-time proprietor of Shake Rattle & Read had yet another celebrity encounter today:
I saw Bobby Flay this morning filming a segment in and around the Green Mill for a new show on home cooking. I asked him to stop in a sign a cookbook for me. He asked me about Al Capone and wanted to hear all about uptown in the 1920's. Super nice guy…. direct and to the point, just like on TV !
Incidentally, the busking yesterday in front of SR&R went great! Lot of photos on Shake Rattle & Read's Facebook page. The record company liked it and has promised more in the future. But what else would you expect in an entertainment center like Uptown?
I saw Bobby Flay this morning filming a segment in and around the Green Mill for a new show on home cooking. I asked him to stop in a sign a cookbook for me. He asked me about Al Capone and wanted to hear all about uptown in the 1920's. Super nice guy…. direct and to the point, just like on TV !
Incidentally, the busking yesterday in front of SR&R went great! Lot of photos on Shake Rattle & Read's Facebook page. The record company liked it and has promised more in the future. But what else would you expect in an entertainment center like Uptown?
Support Your Local Pegasus! Shows This Weekend
There's some good stuff coming up at Pegasus Players, and for a very reasonable price!
Pegasus Players and Mortar Theatre continue the Autumn
Edition of The MUSE at the Uptown Hull House Leo Lerner Theater -- 4520 N.
Beacon Street
SEEK & YE SHALL FIND written and performed by Sentell
Harper
Friday September 28, 8:00pm & Friday October 12, 8:00pm.
Seek & Ye Shall Find is a one-man show that asks, What does it mean to be different? To be black? To be gay? One performer boldly explores the stories of 25 different black, gay men who are fiercely funny, deeply honest, and constantly surprising. Combining interviewing techniques and storytelling flair, Seek and Ye Shall Find brings forth the comedic and heartbreaking tales of individuals whose complexity cannot be simplified behind stereotype. Directed by Stephanie Stroud.
CHICAGO MADNESS
2 Nights: Friday September 28 & Friday October 12 at
10PM
Pegasus introduces Chicago artists and audiences to “MADNESS,” which brings together local artists in a mad dash to create and perform plays written in just one week. MADNESS kicks off with prompt given to playwrights who then create 5-10 minute plays that get rehearsed with actors and a performance of all the pieces at the end of thedeadline. Curated by Dana Lynn Formby (Mortar Theatre Co. member.) RSVP here
TOXIC DONUT by Steve
Simoncic
Saturday, September 29, 5PM
A new play about a forgotten corner of Detroit where smoke stacks tower over industrial runoff, and power lines dot a landscape of burned out homes and broken families, there is a pimp-turned-preacher looking for redemption, a stripper-turned-nurse looking for justice and Lorelie…who just wants a baby. Directed by Anna C. Bahow.
The documentary THE INTERRUPTERS will also be featured.
All tickets are a suggested donation of $5 – or pay what you
can!
Bongo Room Gets Its Liquor License
Add booze, of course!
Bongo Room now has its liquor license at its 5022 N Clark location, so if you've been craving a Bloody Mary or Mimosa with your meal, have at it.
Dock, Dock -- Still There
Unlike white shoes, The Dock At Montrose Beach doesn't go out of style after Labor Day. They're still open, for at least another couple weeks, or "until the Summer Shandy runs out." Enjoy a meal at the beach while you still can!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Street Closures Due To Movie Filming
"In coordination with the City of Chicago, The Chicago Film Office and the Chicago Police Department, we are preparing to film scenes on Wednesday, September 26th and Thursday September 27th.
NO PARKING will be posted for: Tuesday September 25th at 4PM until Thursday September 27th at 10PM
- Both sides of Clifton Ave from N. Broadway to Lawrence
- South side of Lawrence from N. Broadway east to the El tracks
- Both sides of Broadway from Lawrence to W Leland
- North Side of Lawrence from North Magnolia Ave to north Dover.
Please contact Dan Wilson at 414-573-3456 or Kelley Hiatt at 773-807-3960 at with any questions so that we may accommodate your needs and concerns in a timely manner."
Of course, the questions that come to mind are --
- with the parking lot closed behind Bridgeview Bank (assumption, because that's where movie trailers tend to park, and the entry road to the parking lot -- Clifton -- is closed), how much fun will it be to find street parking with the concert at the Riv tonight?
- What movie?
Let us know if you find out anything more about the movie, and good luck parking!
Update: A commenter on UU's Facebook page says: "Mob Doctor is what's shooting near Irving/Sheridan, from Monday night through this evening."
Community Meeting For The New Wilson El To Be Held At Truman College On October 11
"Alderman Cappleman and the CTA want to hear from you! Let us know your ideas as we move forward on the re-design of the entire Wilson Red Line Station. At this meeting you will see draft renderings of the new station and will be able to provide your input as the process moves forward. You will also find out more information about timetables and any potential impact on the surrounding area."
The meeting will be held in the evening on October 11th at Truman College, 1145 W Wilson. No specific time has been given, but the notice says to check back for more details, and that renderings will be uploaded in the coming week.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Time Flies -- In Fact, It "Flu"
- Saturday, September 29:
47th Ward - Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln, 10AM to 3PM - Wednesday, October 3:
48th Ward - Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway, 9AM to 3PM - Thursday, October 11:
46th Ward - Weiss Hospital, 4646 N. Marine, 10AM to 1PM - Saturday, October 27:
Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson, 9AM to 2PM - Friday, November 9:
44th Ward - Hattie Callner Apt., 855 W. Aldine, 10AM to 1PM
"The Passenger" Hits The Street Before The Riv
Tomorrow, Tuesday 9/25/12, Ed Sheeran is playing a sold-out show at the Riviera Theater down the street. His opening act, The Passenger, is a great singer songwriter from the UK... He will be playing (busking!) in front of Shake Rattle & Read [4812 N Broadway] from 6pm till 7pm to promote his new CD 'All The Little Lights" which we will have on sale...
Fun event! Real music in the streets of Uptown!
The photo to the left is from The Passenger's Facebook page; and a YouTube video is here.
Get Ink ... Through The Link
The Tattoo Factory is located at 4441 N Broadway and has been around since the 1970s. A veritable Uptown institution!
Panhandling Seminar Tonight
Just a reminder that the Northside Community Justice Center is sponsoring a panhandling seminar tonight that is aimed at one of Uptown's more annoying quality-of-life problems. It begins at 6:30 and is promised to last just an hour.
There will be a community meeting regarding the recent murder and shootings in Edgewater between 6pm and 6:30pm, arranged by Ald. Osterman.
Another Car Burglary -- Same Guys?
My car was broken into last night, fitting the description of the previous break-ins. The car was parked on Beacon Street, between Wilson and Sunnyside. The doors were left ajar and the center console and glove compartment were open, with their contents strewn about on the floor of the passenger seat and the driver's seat. So far, it seems as if nothing was taken out of the car, however, it is questionable whether or not there wasn't anything of value left in the car in the first place. A police report will be filed. Just thought I should let everyone know!If you park in the street or even in an open lot, please take everything that could be of value out of the car, including GPS adapters and cell phone chargers. It's not right that we need to do this, but burglars have zero overhead and anything they get is pure profit.
Please make a police report if you are a victim, too, so the cops know what's going on.
Long-Time Uptown Volunteer To Be Honored On Saturday
On Saturday, September 29th, the Margate Park Playlot will be renamed to honor long-time Uptown resident and tireless volunteer Bill Hersh. The ceremony will begin at 10:30am and should last about an hour. The playlot is located just east of the Margate Park Fieldhouse, at 4921 N Marine. Parking is available in a public lot behind the fieldhouse and also along Marine Drive.
Mr. Hersh served on the board of the Margate Park Advisory Council for 25 years. In addition, he volunteered his time with Uptown Chicago Commission, Scrap Mettle Soul, Junior Achievement and the Historic Preservation Committee of Agudas Achim North Shore Congregation, among many other organizations. You can read more about Bill's life and legacy here and here.
Right up until the time of his death, in early 2011, he was still giving his time and efforts to help our community. Uptown was lucky to have him and he left it a much better place than it was when he moved here in 1973. We are delighted to know that the playlot will be a living and lasting memorial to Bill's generous spirit.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Positive Loitering Tonight, 7pm-8pm
from the Uptown Chicago Commission: Please join your neighbors for an hour of Positive Loitering this evening from 7-8 pm, at the southwest corner of Lawrence and Sheridan. Bring a friend, bring a neighbor, bring your dog! The event is being sponsored by the Uptown Chicago Commission and all are welcome to attend. As always, the Police are aware of our efforts and encourage our efforts to take back our streets for law-abiding citizens.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Yikes! Look Out Below
If you are in the area of Windsor and Sheridan, take cover now. A reader says: "The facade of the building across the street from me, part of it just collapsed. They had scaffolding up, and no one was on the sidewalk. A couple of cars were slightly damaged. Here's a photo. And I can hear pieces still falling down as I write this." It appears the building is just east of Sheridan, on the north side of Windsor.
Stranger Danger
Pretty scary stuff. Just posted to UU's Facebook page:
"I work at St. Thomas of Canterbury school on Lawrence and Kenmore. This afternoon a couple of our students were approached by 2 African American men in a black Nissan van at the Lawrence bus stop between Kenmore and Winthrop.
Thankfully the girls were not harmed. One of their grandmothers just happened to be in the area and threatened to call the police. The man took his license plate off and quickly drove away. The police generated a report at the school.
If you have kids in the area who take the CTA, please tell them to be aware of their surroundings and the people around them. This incident happened in broad daylight right after school. "
Thankfully the girls were not harmed. One of their grandmothers just happened to be in the area and threatened to call the police. The man took his license plate off and quickly drove away. The police generated a report at the school.
If you have kids in the area who take the CTA, please tell them to be aware of their surroundings and the people around them. This incident happened in broad daylight right after school. "
It's Concert Season!
The Riv's marquee says it all: five concerts between tonight and the end of the month.
Multi-Family Yard Sale On Saturday
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Chase Community Giving Campaign Ends Today: VOTE!
There are so many deserving organizations that it makes us want each of them to win. But two local organizations wrote to us and asked us to help them get votes:
- People's Music School, which gives free music lessons and performances: See their letter here about how to vote for them.
- Oracle Productions, which gives free performances to senior centers and homeless shelters: See their Chase Giving page here.
- Profiles Performance Ensemble.
- Holsten Human Capital Development.
- Suicide Prevention Organization.
- African American Arts Alliance of Chicago.
- Alternatives, Inc.
- Equality Project.
- Self-Help Home.
- Japanese American Service Committee.
- Same Planet Diffrent World.
- Sarah's Circle.
- Asian Human Services of Chicago.
- Elements Contemporary Ballet.
- Inspiration Corporation.
- Tree House Humane Society.
- Apna Ghar Inc. (Our Home).
- Kumba Lynx.
- Streetwise.
Cook County Budget Town Hall Meeting
From the 46th Ward Aldermanic Office:
Here is a quick summary of this Thursday’s Cook County budget town hall meeting. This is the first time Commissioner Gainer is holding neighborhood budget town hall meetings and we are looking forward to a lot of businesses and residents from Uptown.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Wilson Station Plans To Be Revealed On October 11
"Save the date - CTA will show residents the plan for a crisp new Wilson Red Line station. The event location and time are being finalized now."
Keep on eye on Bike Uptown for more information.
Property Tax Appeals Deadline Is Today
"I attended a Property Tax Relief event last night at the Uptown Library, sponsored by various elected officials including State Rep. Sara Feigenholz and Ald. Cappleman.
About 35 people attended and it looked like everyone filed a complaint form to check their homes' assessed value for property tax purposes.
Below is a quick summary of the presentation last night and its key points. It's short notice but might be of interest to other Uptowners.
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF WORKSHOP - 9/13/12
Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi gave an overview of his office and how it serves taxpayers. He said there is no reason for homeowners to pay more than their fair share of property taxes and his office helps review assessed values for this reason. Each person was able to submit a complaint form (basically an appeal or request to have their home's assessed value reviewed) at the event.
Complaints can also be filed online - until the deadline: Tuesday, September 18. http://www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/
Cook County Board of Review - what it IS:
- 3 elected commissioners that review COMPLAINTS filed by homeowners who feel their assessed value is too high. 2/3 need to agree to make changes.
- Office is SEPARATE and DISTINCT from Assessor's office so if a homeowner has appealed to Assessor's office, they can ALSO appeal here.
- Review process is now computerized and homeowner does NOT have to submit comps or any information UNLESS they wish to do so.
- Homeowners will be notified of board's decision. If assessments are changed, it will be sent directly to Assessor's office for adjustment (reflected on August tax bills).
- REDUCE ASSESSMENTS based on comparable data in area. With prices still fluctuating, it doesn't hurt to have them check your property's value.
- Correct ERRORS about your property, say for square footage or other information.
- Correct property CLASS (i.e. age, style or square footage of building or unit)
- Provide flood or file RELIEF
- Identify EXEMPTIONS for homeowners (i.e. Seniors, long-time residents, disabled, vets).
- If assessed value of a home is too LOW, they will NOT raise or increase the assessed value - so there is NO RISK or downside to filing a complaint.
- Reasons for submitting additional information might include unique circumstances such as a recent fire or flood in the building or differences between/among units within a condo building or on a block that may affect the assessed value of one or more units (say improvements have not been done to a unit).
- You can reach the Board of Review at: 312/603-5560 or http://www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/
Uptown Arts Center Presents "The Sharpie King"
We absolutely love this:
The Uptown Arts Center, located in the Preston Bradley Center at 941 W Lawrence, will open a show this Friday dedicated to the art of Immy Mellin, aka "The Sharpie King," nicknamed for the medium with which he expresses himself.
The opening reception is Friday, September 21, between 5pm and 8pm. The show will be open Saturdays between 1pm and 4pm through October 15th. For appointments, you can contact Colette via email.
If you're curious about the Sharpie King, there's an interview with him on the Sharpie blog, from which the above photo was taken.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Deals At La Cuidad
- Available for purchase today only, the Reader Real Deal is an "exclusive underground dining event" at La Ciudad on October 1st. Pay $25 for a $50 value.
- Starting today, La Ciudad introduces "Prix Fixe Mondays," with three courses (appetizer, entree and dessert) for $18.95, between 5pm and 10pm. The selection will change every two weeks.
Bon appetit!
Open House Chicago Coming October 13 & 14
We are so lucky to live in a city of luscious, interesting, and sometimes historic buildings.
People in other places generally don't know who built their cities; Chicagoans rattle off names like Wright, Mies van der Rohe, Sullivan, Burnham, Root and Gang as fast as we do the names of the Bears' starting linebackers.
Our city wasn't orange groves or farmland 50 years ago; it's not unusual for us to live in buildings more than a century old.
To celebrate Chicago's buildings -- and to give us all a chance to be lookie-loos for two days -- Chicago Architecture Foundation is sponsoring "Open House Chicago," where 150 buildings citywide will be open to the public, all for free, some including access to areas not usually open to the public. The Uptown sites are:
- Agudas Achim North Shore Congregation, 5029 N Kenmore (per the item we ran several days ago, it is now for sale and could be condo-converted or torn down. If you have any interest in seeing "the last grand Chicago synagogue," this would be the time). Hours: Saturday 12pm-5pm, Sunday 9am-5pm
- 4750 GreenRise Uptown, aka the ICA Building, aka the Institute of Cultural Affairs, 4750 N Sheridan. Hours: Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm
- Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W Lawrence. Hours: Sunday 12pm-5pm
- Bridgeview Bank, 4753 N Broadway. Hours: Lobby: Saturday and Sunday 9am-3pm; Vault: Saturday 9am-12pm. There will be a special musical presentation on Saturday from 12pm-3pm as Jude Mathews performs music scored for clarinet and violin, inspired by the soaring ceiling and ornate decor.
- Chelsea Hotel, now Friendly Towers, 920 W Wilson. Hours: Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm.
- Essanay Studios, now St. Augustine College, 1333-45 W Argyle. Hours: Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm. The Charlie Chaplin film His New Job will be shown throughout the day and light refreshments will be served.
- Green Mill, 4802 N Broadway. Hours: Saturday and Sunday 12pm-5pm.
- Preston Bradley Center, aka The Peoples Church, 941 W Lawrence. Hours: Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm
- Sheridan Plaza, 4607 N Sheridan. Hours: Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm.
- People's Music School, 931 W Eastwood. Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 9am-5pm.
- Weiss Hospital's Urban Rooftop Farm, 4646 N Marine. Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 9am-5pm.
Open House Chicago is looking for volunteers who can commit to a four-hour shift at one of the 150+ sites, with plenty of rewards. Click here if you're interested in helping out.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Grand Finale Of Beethoven Fest
12pm
Student Showcase
Performances by the most talented student participants in Beethoven Festival: REVOLUTION 2012 Masterclass series
1:30pm
Bagatelle Project - Deconstructing Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony
18 World Premieres
Curated by Mischa Zupko
With Pianists George Lepauw, James Giles, Mischa Zupko
Daniel Schlosberg, Anthony Molinaro and Matthew Hagle
19 eminent composers from around the world will present their brand new three minute bagatelles for solo piano exploring the themes of Beethoven’s EROICA Symphony
3:00pm
“The Creatures of Prometheus”
A pre-show Conversation about Beethoven’s Ballet with preeminent scholar Dr. William Kinderman
4:30pm
GRAND FINALE CLOSING ACADEMY CONCERT
Matthias Pintscher, conductor; Josephine Lee, conductor; George Lepauw, piano
Ted Seymour, choreographer; Joffrey Ballet’s Abigail Simon and Ogulcan Borova
Ballet Chicago; Chicago Children’s Choir
Beethoven Festival Orchestra
Beethoven “The Creatures of Prometheus” Opus 43 - Fully Staged Ballet
CHICAGO PREMIERE
Beethoven Symphony Nr. 3 in E Flat Major, Opus 55 “Eroica”
Beethoven Fantasy in C Minor for Piano, Chorus, and Orchestra, Opus 80
GREAT HALL, National Pastime Theater
8:00pm
Closing Party and Celebration Curated by Sense Chicago
11:00pm: END
See the entire schedule here.
Vintage Garage Is Back -- With Food Trucks
This month, in addition to the fab goods for sale, there will be six food trucks parked in front of the Vintage Garage, including those of Bridgeport Pastry, Babycakes Pancakes, (home team) Ice3, Get Curried Away, Chitown Tamale and Two Italians.
Admission is $3 and it runs from 9am to 4pm.
Can't make it? There's one more Vintage Garage this year, on (you guessed it) the third Sunday of the month in October.
CTArtists Sought
The CTA is looking for artists to decorate the seven Red Line stations which are now or which will soon be undergoing renovations, including Lawrence and Argyle in Uptown. RedEye has an article with all the details, which can be found here. There are going to be two public meetings for interested parties: 6:30 p.m., Sept. 18, at the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway; and 7 p.m., Sept. 20, at United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse Ave.
We're still pissed about them cutting our bus lines, though.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Saturday At Beethoven Festival: Revolution 2012
Saturday - September 15 - Preston Bradley Center - 941 West Lawrence
12:00pm
Discovering the Russian Bard Movement
A Poetic, Visual and Sound Experience
Curated by Anya Yermakova
Evgeni Poliak; Vladimir Kuperman; Yury Beyderman
An exploration of the world of Russian Author Songs. Born in the post-Stalin years of “Thaw”, this narrative tradition seeks to this day, in the Russian diaspora as well as in Russia itself, to color a world of perpetual grey with defense of lost virtues. Holding nature as the focus for human reference, at times expressing political satire, at others highlighting the simple beauty of sincerity, this beatnik-like tradition mirrors Prometheus’ own search for spiritual freedom and universal truths.
1:00pm
Prometheus Unbound
Reading Percy Shelley
Various guest readers led by poet Regina Baiocchi
3:00pm
George Lepauw, piano; David Taylor, violin; Katinka Kleijn, cello
Beethoven Sonata for Piano and Violin Nr. 1 in D Major, Opus 12 Nr. 1
Beethoven Sonata for Piano and Cello Nr. 1 in F Major Opus 5 Nr. 1
Beethoven Sonata for Piano and Violin Nr. 7 in C Minor, Opus 30 Nr. 2
4:30pm
Avalon Quartet
Beethoven String Quartet in B Flat Major, Op. 18 Nr. 6
Beethoven String Quartet in B Flat Major, Op. 130 (With Grosse Fuge)
6:00pm
Mikolaj Gorecki Project
with Prometheus Ensemble, Conducted by Daniel Black
Mathias Tacke, violin; New Classics Singers and Kaia Quartet
Composer Mikolaj Gorecki, son of Henryk Gorecki, will curate his best works for the very first time in Chicago, with introduction by the talented and multidimensional composer
"Six Bagatelles" for Violin, Cello and Piano
"Overture" for String Quartet
"Gościu, siądź pod mum liściem" for a capella chorus
"Concerto-Notturno" for Violin and String Orchestra
8:00pm
#NotJustBeethoven
HJ Lim
Ernest Dawkins Band
Jimmy Burns Band
Beethoven Hammerklavier Sonata
Ernest Dawkins Band
Jimmy Burns Band - Delta Blues
Closing Jam
11pm
“Living Cinema”
Bob Ostertag and Pierre Hebert
“Living Cinema” is a live show that combines sounds and image made on site and addressing current social-political issues.
Midnight to 4:00am
“Dance Revolution”
Curated by Dominic Johnson with MC Zulu, DJ Searchl1te
Tom LaPorte, Gordon Kimmel, Old Town School of Folk Music
Joey Stone and members of Prometheus Ensemble
An interactive performance/lecture/dance party exploring the social dance continuum from 1066 to 2012. Featuring guest artists from the CSO, Old Town School of Folk Music, Prometheus Ensemble and the Chicago underground electronic music world.
Hear Beethoven, dance a contradanse, and revel in bass-driven electronic glitch, techno, and dubstep with live visuals and instrumentation.
See the entire schedule here.
Could Wilson Be The CTA's Greenest Station?
The complete rehab of the Wilson Red Line station is a good opportunity for it to be a "Model of our energy future," according to the blog CTA Station Watch. It says:
The design and reconstruction of the Wilson CTA station offers a unique opportunity to combine renewable energy with historic site renovation to create a “green and golden” transportation model that would not only be an enduring asset to the Uptown community but could also set a high standard for future public infrastructure investment in Chicago.
Easy to overlook given its dilapidated condition is the fact that the station has already achieved two significant environmental victories. First, it serves 5,600 incoming passengers each weekday and weekend ridership is growing as ever more people choose public transit, bikes, walking, taxis and carsharing over private car use. Second, having weathered many storms, the 90-year-old Gerber building with its grand lobby and terra-cotta façade still exists!Read the entire article here with its suggestions of solar panels, rain gardens and bike racks. We especially found appealing the suggestion that Uptown's big three theaters (Uptown, Riviera and Aragon) follow the Wilson station's lead in reducing energy costs. It's an intriguing way to think about the implications of the rehab and what it can mean for all of Uptown for the next century.
There are two other good articles related to this piece:
- "Clearing the Crust," from The Architect's Newspaper, and
- Street Greenery is Better than Thought, about how street greenery in "urban canyons" filter out a great deal of particulate pollution. Not just pretty, but healthy, too.
The Crime Next Door
"The Chicago Sun-Times took a look at murders and shootings in the city over a span of 13 months beginning in June 2011 and found at least three instances of such violence within two city blocks of where 10 Chicago aldermen live — one out of five members of the City Council."In actuality, Uptown is having fewer murders and fewer shootings than in years past, but the previous 46th Ward alderman lived in Andersonville, on a leafy street far from where three gangs have been shooting each other over territory for years. The current alderman, like many of us, lives in the thick of it.
Ald. James Cappleman lives with his partner, Richard Thale, in Uptown a short walk from the Aragon Ballroom and the area Mayor Rahm Emanuel hopes one day will become a rock ’n’ roll tourist mecca. It’s just as close to a shooting gallery of warring gangs.The entire article is here, and we encourage you to read it while it's still up on the Sun-Times' website. We are particularly impressed by the words of Ald. Toni Foulkes, who experienced two murders and 11 shootings within two blocks of her home:
In the immediate vicinity of their elegant, century-old condo, there have been nine shootings and two murders since the summer of 2011. That’s more violence close to home than for any other Chicago alderman outside of Englewood.
That amounts to nearly half the shootings and one-third of the murders in Cappleman’s entire North Side ward, where the police say three gangs battle for turf amid a highly visible population of public drinkers, aggressive panhandlers and drug addicts, many of whom suffer from mental illness.
Cappleman (46th) and Thale moved to Uptown in 1999. Their first summer, a stray bullet ricocheted off a Dumpster as the couple walked their black Labrador nearby. That was one of the things that pushed Cappleman, a former social worker, and Thale to become community activists. “Bullets missed us by a couple of feet,” Cappleman says. “Kids were telling everybody to run and duck. So we ran in the alley to escape.”
Things haven’t changed much near the house they’ve shared for eight years. Last Dec. 4, about a block from their home, a drive-by shooting took the life of 20-year-old Edward Clark. On June 18, 19-year-old Henry Soyege was killed in what the police called a gang-related shooting nearby. On Aug. 24, Cappleman got chased by a woman he claims had a knife.
“There have been times I’ve panicked,” Cappleman says. “I don’t want people to think the area isn’t safe and they move out. But if I don’t feel safe walking home, I’ll go into a store.”
The alderman looks at his partner and says, “It’s more I’m panicking about you.”
Still, Cappleman confronts gang-bangers. And he calls the police when he sees drug deals going down. “I’ve gone up to P-stones and said, ‘Will you make me a promise, no shootings today?’ ” Cappleman says. “... I don’t approach people in gangs as evil. But I’m not going to tolerate this violence. And they know that.”
“It’s your son out there, and he’s a gang-banger with a gun on him,” Foulkes says. “How is that my fault? I didn’t raise him. I just get pissed off when they say, ‘Where are these no-good aldermen?’ I’m like, ‘Hey, we’re living in this environment, too.’"
Friday, September 14, 2012
Today At Beethoven Festival: Revolution 2012
3:00pm
Julian Bliss, clarinet (First Chicago Appearance)
Bradley Moore, Piano
Schumann Fantasiestuck Opus 73
Callipygian Players
Martin Davids, Director, baroque violin; Craig Trompeter, cello; David Schrader, harpsichord
A Revolutionary’s Music: Sonatas from the collection of Thomas Jefferson
Vivaldi, Corelli, Geminiani, Tessarini, Thumoth
4:30pm
Amit Peled, cello; Anthony Molinaro, piano
Beethoven for Piano and Cello No. 5 in D Major, Op. 102 No. 2
Beethoven Seven Variations on “Bei Mannern, welche Liebe fuhlen” for Cello and Piano, WoO 46
Brahms Sonata for Piano and Cello No. 2 in F Major, Op. 99
6:00pm
Julian Bliss, clarinet; Bradley Moore, piano
Milhaud Sonatine for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 100
Penderecki Three Miniatures for Clarinet and Piano
Brahms Sonata for Piano and Clarinet No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 120 No. 1
Baermann Adagio, Op. 23
Debussy Premiere Rhapsodie for Clarinet and Piano
Prokofiev Sonata for Clarinet and Piano in D Major, Op. 94
8:00pm
Spektral Quartet, Anaphora Ensemble
HJ Lim, George Lepauw, Anthony Molinaro, Rachel Kolly d’Alba
Spektral Quartet
Beethoven String Quartet in C Major Opus 59 Nr. 3
Hans Thomalla Albumblatt (2010)
Rachel Kolly d’Alba and George Lepauw
Beethoven Sonata for Piano and Violin Nr. 4 in A Minor, Opus 23
HJ Lim, George Lepauw, and Anthony Molinaro with Anaphora Ensemble
Mozart Concerto in F for Three Pianos and Orchestra, Nr. 7 K242
11:00pm
Fulcrum Point New Music Project
Jacob TV - The Body of Your Dreams
Jacob TV - The Garden of Love
Karlheinz Stockhausen - Aries
Jacob TV - Pimpin'
Jacob TV - I Was Like Wow!
Jacob TV - Grab it!
12:30am
Rockatelle Project Curated by Joe Darnaby and Mischa Zupko
See the entire schedule here.
Luna Cafe & Spa's Grand Opening
 |
| Photo from Luna's Facebook Page |
The cafe opened last week, and today is opening day for the spa.
The Facebook page says: "With a Filicori Zecchini blend imported from Italy our lattes and cappuccinos are sure to satisfy any espresso connoisseur." Sounds like a great way to start your day.
Luna is located at 1217 W Wilson, near Magnolia. Its webpage is here, and its Facebook page is here. Welcome to Uptown, Luna!
Lao Sze Chuan Has A Broadway Opening
Lao Sze Chuan
On its Opening Day?
There's a nice article about its well-known founder and owner here in the Trib.
Lao is located at 4832 N Broadway, between Fat Cat and the Annoyance Theater.
Thanks to Ric Addy for the photo and the notice!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Rubble, Rubble, Toil And Trouble
Here's the latest on the work going on inside the long-empty Somerset Place at Argyle and Sheridan, sent to us by a reader who's been in touch with Ald. Osterman about the demolition:
They have agreed to stop work until the alderman's office can meet them for a walk through to confirm. Department of Buildings will not be involved at this point unless the alderman's office thinks the work is more extensive than is allowed by code.
I also noted they have removed the black plastic sheeting around the former rec yard on the north side and have installed new additions to the fence to raise it higher at some point.
In other news, according to the alderman's office, the developer almost has their financing in place and once they do, they will begin the process of meetings to seek re-zoning for the building and for work to proceed.
Support Your Local Ludwig
A message from John Holden of Dover Street Neighbors:
"I hear from one of the organizers [of Beethoven Festival: Revolution 2012, currently going on at the Preston Bradley Center, 941 W Lawrence] that attendance has been disappointing, perhaps in large part due to the off-the-beaten path location. This festival is drawing kudos from all over the world and it would be great to have it become an annual cultural attraction in Uptown. But it won't happen if it doesn't get a stronger audience this year.
Sunday's programs are expected to be especially impressive with music, dance and multimedia elements coming together for the finale performance. Support your local arts festival!! "
Here's the website for the Beethoven Festival: Revolution 2012:
http://www.lvbfest.com/
http://www.lvbfest.com/
They Like Us, They Really Like Us
Uptown Update is extremely honored to be ranked as the Number 1 Online Neighborhood News Site in Chicago by the Community Media Workshop, funded by The Chicago Community Trust and The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. It came as a complete surprise, and here's what they had to say about us:
We are pleased to get high marks for "reach" and "engagement," because those high scores are thanks to you, our readers, without whom we wouldn't be doing any of this.
We are also delighted to be in the company of so many of our neighboring news sources, such as the Edgeville Buzz, the Center Square Journal, and the Welles Park Bulldog. North Side rules!
You can see the entire report here, at The New News 2012, and a press release about it here, at Chicago Community Trust.
Help The Creators Of Chicago Book Expo Win $1500
Rumor has it that it's coming back in November, bigger and better.
In the meantime, you can help out the creators of the Book Expo -- Chicago Writers House -- by voting for them in an online competition to find the best "placemaker," someone who has "most creatively transformed a vacant lot or building into a vibrant community place."
It couldn't be easier -- no registration, just vote once. Go here to cast your vote, and help Chicago Writers House win $1500. Your help is most appreciated.
Community Alert: Late Night Burglaries
"This alert gives notice to residents of the 19th District of several residential burglaries which have occurred primarily during overnight hours while residents are asleep. Offender(s) gain access to the residence usually through open/unlocked windows or doors. The offender(s) avoids contact with the occupants and removes property.
About the Offenders: The offender has been described as a male black between 18-35 years of age, 5'07" tall in two burglaries. In one case, the offender has been described as a male Hispanic 20-25 years of age 140-160 lbs. with brown eyes, black hair and an olive complexion.
What you can do:
- Be aware of this situation and alert neighbors in the area about this crime.
- Install locking devices to all windows and doors and engage locks.
- Remove shrubs or any obstructions that block view of windows.
- Remove ladders and other objects outside that may provide access to 2nd floor windows or doors.
- Consider installing motion detectors and alarms for your residence and garage.
- If an offender is observed in your residence, call 911 immediately and provide a detailed description of the offender(s).
Updated Info For Parents Of CPS Students
- From Alternatives (4715 N Sheridan):
"In recognition of the need for safe and positive learning space for young people during the teachers strike, Alternatives, Inc. will offer structured activities for CPS students ages 14 to 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. every day this week, unless the strike ends. Youth will be accepted into the program on a first-come, first-served basis. A parent or guardian is encouraged to register each youth for the program, but permission can also be granted by telephone.
Youth should bring school work to complete during programming. Each day we will offer homework help as well as activities designed to engage young people in the kinds of programming Alternatives offers throughout the year. Alternatives’ regular afterschool programming will begin the week of September 17.
For more information or to register a young person, please call 773-506-7474." - From Alderman Osterman:
"It is my expectation that the Strike will continue through the rest of this week as CPS and CTU continue negotiations. Please read below for an updated list of alternative options for your student." You can see his newsletter here. - From Friends of the 46th Ward Schools:
"Per CPS, if the CTU continues to strike, 147 Children First sites will be open from 8:30am to 2:30pm starting on Thursday. Children First is a safety net to keep CPS kids safe & engaged and provide meals during the strike.
A link to register your child can be found on the Friends of the 46th Ward Schools or CPS's Facebook page."
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
CTA To Uptown: You Don't Need No Stinkin' Buses
Fewer bus lines and more trains added -- which doesn't really help anyone who can't walk up 50 steps, or can't walk to the L.
Not one single L stop is handicapped-accessible between Addison and Granville. The CTA Board says: "Too bad! Let them eat cake!"
Uptown resident Martin Tangora told the board that the discontinuation of the No. 145 Wilson/Michigan Express bus will affect large numbers of poor and disabled people. "I don't take the Red Line downtown because it is 50 steps up to the platform," said Tangora, a retired UIC professor. "But the Wilson bus is door to door to downtown."Ald. Cappleman tweeted: "Despite my objections, CTA cut the 145 and others - CTA cuts 12 bus routes, adds more L train runs."
Read about it in the Tribune and Sun-Times. It's a sad day for Uptown.
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