This week: ‘American Legends’ at the Joffrey Ballet, ‘Wine Lovers’ Soiree’, ‘Crazy in Love’ and more.
~
Feb. 13-24
● ‘American Legends’ at the Joffrey Ballet
The new program features the company premiere of Twyla Tharp’s “Nine Sinatra Songs,” plus new work from Stanton Welch, artistic director of the Houston Ballet.
Place: Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress
Cost: $31 to $152. Stop by the Joffrey Tower at 10 E. Randolph or visit Ticketmaster.com.
Feb. 14
● ‘Wine Lovers’ Soiree’
Drop by The Boarding House for its singles-centric Valentine’s Day party, where mingling is made much easier — and more delicious — thanks to wines chosen by Master Sommelier Alpana Singh and bites from chef Christian Gosselin.
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Place: 720 N. Wells
Cost: $40 per person. Visit Ticketleap.com.
Feb. 14
● ‘Crazy in Love’
Bonbons and bouquets are nice, but why not celebrate love in retro style? Check into Public Chicago and enjoy complimentary bubbly, truffles, a screening of the ‘80s classic “Say Anything,” board games and pinball.
Place: 1301 N. State
Cost: Rooms start at $150. Call (312) 787-3700 or visit Publichotels.com/chicago.
● ‘Picasso and Chicago’ opening night gala
The Spanish artist is well connected to our city: Countless kids have slid down the base of his Daley Plaza sculpture, budding artists have brooded in front of the blue-hued “Old Guitarist” at the Art Institute and local collectors and cognoscenti have long embraced Picasso’s works. Celebrate the Art Institute’s new, much-anticipated Picasso exhibition with a swank black-tie bash, featuring cocktails, appetizers and a sneak peek at the pieces. Picasso’s granddaughter, Diana Widmaier Picasso, will be on hand and offer welcoming remarks. 6 p.m. Art Institute of Chicago, 159 E. Monroe. $500. Call (312) 443-3615 or email Sstrother@artic.edu.
Feb. 15-16
● ‘Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth’
The former fighter is hitting the stage, opening up about his controversial career and over-the-top private life. Role model or rascal? You decide. Directed by Spike Lee.
Time: 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Place: Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
Cost: $35-$170. Visit Broadwayinchicago.com.
Feb. 19
● Women’s Innovation Network (WIN) Black History Month Innovation Panel
NBC-TV’s LeeAnn Trotter moderates a conversation on entrepreneurship with achievers such as Jetta Bates, creator of JettaSetting; artist and educator Makeba Kedem-DuBose; PR maven Dori Wilson; and Dawgelene Sangster, author and founder of Think Royally Inc.
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Place: International House, University of Chicago, 1414 E. 59th
Cost: Free. RSVP at Ladiesofwin.org.
Feb. 20
● G-EAZY
After opening for Lil’ Wayne and Snoop Lion (back when he was Dogg), Oakland-born artist G-EAZY — whose album “Must be Nice” reached number three on the iTunes hip-hop chart last fall — steps up his independent career with a 34-city tour. He brings his unique rhymes to Lincoln Hall, with Ground Up and Skizzy Mars opening.
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: 2424 N. Lincoln
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Visit Lincolnhallchicago.com.
Feb. 21
● Field of Dreams Anniversary Gala
At its 18th annual event, Girls in the Game — which provides fitness opportunities, health education and leadership development to young women — honors athletic heroes such as Olympians Brandi Chastain, Allyson Felix and Swin Cash, plus local fierce females like WMVP-AM anchor Sara Spain and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: Chicago Marriott Downtown, 540 N. Michigan
Cost: $175. Call (312) 633-4263 or visit Girlsinthegame.org/fieldofdreams.
Feb. 22
● Shirley MacLaine
The saucy star, who most recently gave Maggie Smith a run for her money on “Downton Abbey,” stops by St. Charles to reflect on her colorful career as singer, dancer, actress and author.
Time: 8 p.m.
Place: Arcada Theater, 105. E. Main, St. Charles
Cost: $49-$125. Visit Oshows.com.
Feb. 22
● PAWS ‘Animal Magnetism’
Bring your favorite furry companion to this annual event, benefiting our four-legged friends. Enjoy dinner, dancing and a raffle with items such as passes to Lollapalooza and Four Seasons gift cards.
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie
Cost: $125 in advance, $150 at the door; $25 per pet. Visit Animalmagnetism.pawsevents.org.
Feb. 24
● ‘Oscar Experience: Chicago 2013’
As Chicago’s only Oscars event sanctioned by the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences, this party is the next best thing to the real deal. Don cocktail attire and watch the show on the big screen, with dinner from Pure Kitchen Catering.
Time: 6 p.m.
Place: Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State.
Cost: VIP tickets $200 (includes preferred seating and swag); general admission $100. Visit Siskelfilmcenter.org/oscarexperience2013.
