Don’t miss two musical performances, a brand new festival, a fashion show that makes a difference, and a fun weekend at Brookfield Zoo.
Poetry & Music: Kay Ryan & The Apollo Chorus Choral Performance
April 13
Evanston
The Poetry Foundation will host former U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner Kay Ryan and the Apollo Chorus of Chicago at Nichols Concert Hall for an evening of choral versions of Ryan’s poetry.
I Heart Halal
April 13-15
Chicago
The first-ever Halal lifestyle festival in the U.S. is coming to Navy Pier this weekend with beauty masterclasses led by CoverGirl Ambassador Nura Afia, modest fashion shows, the “America’s Least Wanted” comedy showcase, panel discussions, and more. “Our goal for this new festival is to create a space for individuals and families to connect and have fun and experience all the brands creating products and services that meet the needs of anyone looking to live a life that is good and in line with their values, a life that is Halal,” says festival Co-Managing Director Asma Ahad.
Music Under Glass: Thomas Nickell with Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago
April 14
Chicago
Garfield Park Conservatory will welcome pianist and composer Thomas Nickell for his Chicago debut during their Music Under Glass series held in their plant conservatory. Tickets include a light pre-concert reception.
Gordon Salon’s Catwalk for Water & Trashion Show 2018
April 14
Glencoe
Join Gordon Salon for an evening of fashion (er, “trashion” — outfits will be created with recycled and up-cycled materials), hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, a raffle and silent auction, and live music to benefit the Alliance for the Great Lakes.
Ape Awareness Weekend
April 14-15
Brookfield
This weekend at Brookfield Zoo, visitors will learn about apes and take part in ape-related activities. Before you go, download these activity sheets to learn even more. You can also bring your old phones and other electronics for recycling.
Bonus:
- Join former Chicago Bear Rashied Davis and Chef Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno, Nonnina, Maillard Tavern) for an afternoon of bowling, food, and fun during Chef Bowl 2018 on April 15. The event will benefit Saturday Place, “a premiere academic enrichment program for 3rd and 4th grade Chicago Public School students proven to increase student performance.”
- Victory Gardens Theater will host Town Hall: #NeverAgainChicago on April 15. This discussion with local students and teachers about ending gun violence is free and open to the public. The evening will also feature an excerpt from “Natural Shocks,” the new play by Lauren Gunderson.
More from Make It Better:
- 5 New and Noteworthy Books to Read This Spring
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- Do You Know Where Your Coffee Comes From? How to Be a Responsible Coffee Drinker
Anna Carlson writes the weekly 5 Things to Do column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of Glenbrook South High School and the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
