A performer in the Flyspace Dance Series

Photograph: William Frederking
 

IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE, IT’S A BUNCH OF DANCERS! Four companies come together with the goal of turning Chicago into a hub for contemporary dance

THE FIVE

Don’t-miss picks for Wed 4.3.13 through Tue 4.9.13:

1

dance FLYSPACE DANCE SERIES
Hedwig Dances and Same Planet Different World start off this new dance series, which spans two weekends and joins four female-led contemporary dance companies.
GO: 4/5–7 at 7; $15. Jay Pritzker Pavillion, Millennium Park, 201 E Randolph. choosechicago.com

2

rock SMITH WESTERNS
It was only a few years ago that the teenage Chicago band hit the ground running. Three years later, they’re already veterans of rock and roll. This Friday the youngins preview their forthcoming album, Soft Will, the third for the indie rock trio.
GO: 4/5 at 7:30; $5. Schubas, 3159 N Southport. schubas.com

3

art CHICAGO ART SOURCE
Local artists offer a cross-section of the city in Chicago Six, an exhibition featuring six Chicago-based artists across media including sculpture, photography, painting.
GO: 4/4 at 5; Free. Chicago Art Source, 1871 N Clybourn. chicagoartsource.com

4

architecture ROBIE HOUSE
You can’t live in Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie style masterpiece, but you can still get cozy. The Robie House opens its doors each Friday this month for April After Hours at Robie House. This week Jack Cella of Hyde Park’s beloved bookstore, Seminary Co-op, is a guest speaker.
GO: 4/5 at 5; $30-$35. Robie House, 5757 S Woodlawn. gowright.org

5

comedy CHICAGO IMPROV FESTIVAL
Are you having a laugh? Well, you can now. The longest running improv fest is sure to be a laugh with 154 teams, 100 shows, 20 stages.
GO: 4/1–7; $5–$100. Details: chicagoimprovfestival.org

WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND

Emma Gerstein
Photograph: Steven Lawhon
 

Emma Gerstein

Up next in our series of weekend plans from notable, in-the-know locals—a.k.a. people we like: Emma Gerstein, a Hyde Park native and principal flutist in the Lexington Philharmonic. This Friday, Gerstein will play a free noontime concert at the Fourth Presbyterian Church on Michigan Avenue.

“On Friday, I’ll spend the morning preparing for my concert at Fourth Presbyterian Church. It’s a mix a of solo flute music and chamber pieces. I’m particularly excited for the Ravel Introduction and Allegro. It’s a really gorgeous piece for a string quartet, harp, clarinet, and flute. Later that night I’ll head to Johalla Projects where photographer Todd Diederich—who’s a friend and an amazing artist—has an opening. Afterwards, I’m getting a late-night dinner at Girl & the Goat. I’m a vegetarian, but I love their veggie dishes, particularly the chickpea fritters. Can’t go wrong with those!

“Saturday, I’ll get brunch at one of my favorites places in the city, Birchwood Kitchen. They always offer free coffee while you’re waiting, which is a lovely way to start a Saturday. If you’re lucky, they might even dole out some free chocolate chip banana bread while you wait. Then I plan on checking out the new Madewell store on Rush. I’m a total Madewell addict. I’ll probably end the night at Lula Café, I like sitting at their bar. They have great snacks and their Yiayia pasta is a favorite of mine. Also the lemony kale is delicious.

“Sunday, I’ll take it easy. I usually take yoga classes at the new Nike store on Armitage. While up there I might grab a coffee at Floriole Bakery. Later, I’m going to watch the Mad Men season premiere at the Logan Theatre where No Small Plans Productions is throwing a themed party. Can’t wait!” —As told to Elly Fishman

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK

festivals XMXM MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Lake Forest student radio station is doing it right for its inaugural fest. The day features local glam rock duo Twin Peaks and indie rock Joan of Arc. Headliner for this two-stage event is still to be announced.
GO: 4/6 at 7. Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel, Lake Forest College, 555 N. Sheridan Rd. wmxm.org