Friday 7/4 – Thursday 7/10
While we’re on the subject of hot air, long-winded, prolific bill-writing alderman Burton Natarus is the designated orator at this year’s Star-Spangled Independence Day at the Chicago Historical Society. The old-fashioned celebration kicks off with a performance by the Chicago Pops Concert Band and includes a children’s costume parade, appearances by an actor dressed as Jean Baptiste-Point Du Sable, and a musket-shooting demonstration. It begins at 10:15 on the grounds behind the Chicago Historical Society at North and Clark. It’s free. Call 312-642-4600.
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
8 TUESDAY For the past two years a small group of south-side kids has been spending free time cleaning up vacant lots, volunteering at nursing homes, and otherwise learning responsibility and compassion in Youth Guidance’s Connections program. The mentoring program teaches leadership skills to 10 to 20 kids selected prior to their junior year of high school. If they keep their grades up and graduate, they get to go to Africa. Last year a dozen went to Senegal, and all 12 are now enrolled in college. This year’s graduates have been stuffing envelopes and raising funds for a trip to Ghana. Proceeds from tonight’s Poetry Slam will help pay for their trip. The evening features actress Doris Craig Norris and wordsmiths Oba William King, Emily Hooper Lansana, and Quraysh Ali Lansana. It starts at 5:30 at the National Pastime Theatre, 4139 N. Broadway. The suggested donation is $10; call 773-506-1951 for more.
