Sunday, January 10, 2010

Jazz Links jam session on 1/13

The Jazz Institute of Chicago presents the first Jazz Links jam session of the year. Students get an opportunity to perform with world-class professionals in the Jazz Links house band, led by pianist Ken Chaney. These sessions are both an educational experience for the students and an inter-generational community event, where parents, teachers, students and the general public witness the development of young talent before their eyes and ears.

Come on out and support the next generation of jazz talent in Chicago. If you know any young musicians looking to meet jazz musicians their age and get a chance to play with some of the best talent in Chicago, tell them to bring their instruments.

Come to Randolph St. Cafe in the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E Randolph at 5 p.m. on 1/13 and enjoy. Free admission.

Friday, January 8, 2010

outdoor fun on snowy Sunday afternoons

Today looks like a perfect day for snow fun. Should be a fine weekend for it, too.

The Beverly Improvement Association, Ald. Ginger Rugai and the Cook County Forest Preserve District encourage everyone to enjoy skiing in the Dan Ryan Woods on Sunday afternoons when there are at least 4 inches of snow on the ground. Skiers meet at 1 p.m. at Beverly Bike and Ski, 9121 S. Western Ave., where you can rent cross country skis, boots, and poles, as well as snowshoes, for $15 for the day and $25 for the weekend.

If you want someone to show you how to cross country ski, call Paul Weise at Beverly Bike and Ski (773-238-5704).

new public library hours

Due to city budget cuts, the hours for most Chicago Public Library branches changed as of 1/2/10. Hours are staggered at adjacent branches in order to maximize open times for area library patrons.

Beverly Branch, 1962 W. 95th St.: M,W Noon-8 pm; Tu,Th, 10 am-6 pm;
Fr, Sa, 9 am-5 pm, closed Sun.

Walker Branch, 11071 S. Hoyne: M,W 10 am-6 pm; Tu,Th, Noon-8 pm;
Fr, Sa, 9 am-5 pm; closed Sun.

Hours have not changed at the Woodson Regional Library (95th & Halsted).

Thursday, January 7, 2010

for your political information

Charles Thomas, political reporter for Channel 7, will moderate a debate tonight between Democratic candidates for Cook County Board president, including incumbent Todd Stroger and Dorothy Brown, Terrence O’Brien and Toni Preckwinkle.

Starting at 7 p.m., it will air live on HD Channel 7.2 (Comcast Channel 217, Wide Open West 219 and RCN 618) and stream live on abc7chicago.com. Channel 7 will rebroadcast it at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

If you're interested in taxes, the county's legal and hospital systems, patronage, the forest preserves, county roads and a host of other issues, the debate could be worth your time. Or you could wait for one of the newscasts to spend less than 5 minutes on this and go on at length about some useless fluff.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Music Station open house

The Music Station is having an open house on 1/10 in World Music Company's former space on 103rd Street. They will be offering lessons in guitar, bass, upright bass, voice, piano, and rock band; music education and appreciation, and pre-kinder music. They will also include a store and a performance venue.

For more info, click here here. Stop by between noon and 6 p.m. to check it out.

lots to see on Friday night

Lots and lots of art openings this Friday night - yeah!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

last day for voter registration before Feb. primary

If you're not registered to vote and you want to vote in the February primary, today is your LAST day to register. More info here.

Special Registration Hours today:
8 am to Midnight at 69 W. Washington St. and at City Hall.

Note: Early voting starts January 11!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

don't trash that tree!

Are you thinking about taking down that Christmas tree and disposing of it now that the needles are dropping? Don't toss it in the trash. From now thru 1/17, you can take it to one of the following locations to be recycled:

Kennedy Park, 11320 S. Western
Marquette Park, 6700 S. Kedzie
Forestry Site, 900 E. 103rd St.
Mt. Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th St.
Rowan Park, 11546 S. Avenue L
Jackson Park, 6300 S. Cornell

Trees will be chipped and turned into mulch. Free mulch will be available to residents at the same sites beginning Friday 1/8.

For additional info on recycling drop-off locations, call 311.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Bike Winter film festival

The Bike Winter Film Fest will be happening on TOMORROW 1/3 at Facets Multimedia, 1517 W. Fullerton. The afternoon will begin at 2 P.M. with a provocative film about the World Naked Bike Ride and culminate with two very recent award-winning films, Bicycle Dreams and Medicine for Melancholy. Click here for more details and the rest of the slate.

Proceeds after venue cost will benefit the Chicago Bike Winter effort and help promote the bicycle as year-round transportation. Please come out for an entertaining and enjoyable time!

Friday, January 1, 2010