Dresses on display at the Ebony Fashion Fair
Photo: Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum

HAUTE COUTURE Mannequins from the Chicago History Museum’s latest exhibit Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair.

THE FIVE

Don’t-miss picks for Wed 5.15.13 through Tue 5.21.13:

1

lectures Fierce & Fabulous: A New Look at the Ebony Fashion Fair
Go gaga over couture designs at this cocktail reception and discussion about the influence of black LGBT culture on the long-running fair.
GO: 5/16 at 5:30; $15, $10 members and students. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark. chicagohs.org

2

festivals Chicago Craft Beer Week
Nothing says summer like the beginning of beer fest season. Now in its fourth year, the granddaddy of beer festivals features more than 250 pubs and restaurants offering discounts, tastings and specials on the hop stuff.
GO: 5/16–26. Details: chibeerweek.com

3

classical CSO Corporate Night with Janelle MonÁe
The self-proclaimed “Q.U.E.E.N” subs for an ailing Aretha Franklin at the CSO’s annual fundraising shindig. There’s a swanky after-party too.
GO: 5/20 at 7:30; concert-only tickets: $55–$139, box seats: $199. Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan. cso.org

4

art Theaster Gates: 13th Ballad
Chicago’s man of the moment’s solo art show 13th Ballad officially opens at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Read more about the artist in “Theaster Gates: The Rise of an Unconventional Art Star.”
GO: 5/18–10/6. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago. mcachicago.org

5

jazz Amina Figarova Trio
Don’t miss the Azerbaijani pianist who is as well-regarded for her small-ensemble compositions as she is for her sparkling work at the keyboard.
GO: 5/17 at 8; $20–$30. Mayne Stage, 1328 W Morse. maynestage.com

WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND

Justine Nagan
Photo: Aaron Wickenden

Justine Nagan

Up next in our series of weekend plans from notable, in-the-know locals—a.k.a. people we like: Justine Nagan, executive director of Kartemquin Films. The production company holds its second annual spring showcase at the Gene Siskel Film Center on Sunday, May 19.

“Thursday night, I’m hoping to stop by the reception for In These Times, they have a party celebrating each new issue. I think it starts at 6.

“Then Friday, at 11:30 a.m., Arts Alliance Illinois is having their annual luncheon at the Hilton. I’m really looking forward to it. Yo-Yo Ma will be presenting. Later that night, I’ll probably stop at the local Hyde Park Binny’s for wine and then watch Netflix with my husband.

“Saturday, I’ll be at work. We have a program called “Diverse Voices in Docs” that we’re piloting this year. The program, which features documentaries by filmmakers of color, begins at 1 p.m. Afterward, we’re also hoping to get a sitter and see the new Iron Man movie.

“On Sunday, [my husband, son and I] plan to go to some estate sales and then to Calumet Fisheries. They’re known for their smoked salmon, and if you ask, they can take you to their smokehouse. We’re working on getting our yard ready, so we’ll also stop by this funky nursery down 95th and Calumet. Sunday is also our spring showcase at the Siskel Film Center. It’s a sneak preview of four current Kartemquin works in progress. It’s also an opportunity for the audience to give feedback. Last year it sold out. After that, the plan is to go to dinner at theWit with the board.” —As told to Tomi Obaro

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK

classical University of Chicago Presents
Grammy-winning sextet Eighth Blackbird and the Pacifica Quartet play dissertation pieces by U. of C. Ph.D. candidates.
GO: 5/17 at 7:30. Logan Center, U of C, 915 E 60th. Free. chicagopresents.uchicago.edu