This September, Chicago Humanities Festival kicks off fall with a month-long celebration of the arts through a series of experiential events featuring famed Chicago artists, acts, and locations.
The season kicks-off on Sunday, September 11th at the South Shore Cultural Center for a day-long arts party celebrating the creativity of the South Side in partnership with South Shore Works. The day will include collaborative art installations, live music, poetry readings, neighborhood tours, and inspiring conversations with popular presenters. Spend a day hopping from a foodie experience with renowned chef and author Michael Twitty to a podcast taping of Some of My Best Friends Are… featuring Khalil Gibran Muhammad and Ben Austen, two South Side natives for a talk about community, race, and friendship. Enjoy a picnic while listening to Chosen Few DJs. Add your creative touch to a collaborative art installation from the Floating Museum or take a mural workshop from artist Dorian Sylvain. End the day with rousing performances by Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and the Great Black Music Ensemble.
Later in the month on Saturday, September 17th, Chicago musician Angel Bat Dawid (a powerful Chicago voice who was NYC Winter Jazzfest artist-in-residence this past year) presents a new ensemble piece, Peace: A Suite for Skylanding, A Mended Petal Odyssey, for over twenty musicians, written specifically to honor Yoko Ono’s Skylanding in Jackson Park as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Then, on September 18th, Chicago artist Sam Kirk will also provide walking tours of the famed Pilsen murals—including her own masterpieces.
“We're excited to launch our season on the South Side, with some of Chicago's most remarkable artists, performers, and thinkers,” says Executive Director Phillip Bahar. “This is just the beginning of an exciting Fall Festival featuring over 40 in-person events, including provocative and inspiring programs, conversations, and performances across Chicago. As always, the Chicago Humanities Festival will explore the critical civic, social and cultural issues of our moment, connecting the vital voices of our time with passionate Chicago audiences.”
Details of the upcoming Fall Festival will be announced soon. Two teasers: Everybody Loves Raymond creator and star of Somebody Feed Phil, Phil Rosenthal will entertain audiences with stories of food and laughter--including a photo line for those who purchase a pre-signed book. And beloved photographer of the Obama presidency Pete Souza will join political advisor David Axelrod for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Oval Office—presented in partnership with University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics. These are just two of the uplifting, engaging programs that CHF will bring to a neighborhood near you later this fall. For more information and updates check back at ChicagoHumanities.org
September at CHF
September 10th – Sept 18th
For Tickets and Information: ChicagoHumanities.org
Full September Schedule
Sunday, Sept 11 Cooler By the Lake: South Shore Arts Party 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
With South Shore Works at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S South Shore Dr.
Saturday, Sept 17 Angel Bat Dawid Performs 4:00 PM
At Yoko Ono’s Skylanding in Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island Ave.
Part of Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Park series
Sunday, Sept 18 Sam Kirk’s Pilsen Mural Tours 11 AM & 1 PM
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The Chicago Humanities Festival believes that humanity thrives when people gather, connect, and open themselves to ideas that go beyond their individual experience. For more than 30 years, the Festival has been curating live events that allow audiences to connect with the most provocative thinkers—both established and emerging—and to see the world differently. Under the leadership of Executive Director Phillip Bahar, CHF is one of Chicago’s most vibrant civic institutions. Chicagohumanities.org
Angel Bat Dawid at Yoko Ono’s Skylanding is presented as part of the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, supported by the Mayor’s Office and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Celebrating 10 years, the 2022 Night Out in the Parks program presents cultural events year-round in neighborhood parks throughout the city. The Chicago Park District in partnership with over 100 local artists and organizations, present engaging events and performances that enhance quality of life across Chicago and amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy in every neighborhood. Through multiple disciplines, which include theater, music, movies, dance, site-specific work, nature programs, and community festivals, the series aims to support Chicago-based artists, facilitate community-based partnerships and programs, cultivate civic engagement, and ensure equity in access to the arts for all Chicagoans. For more information, please visit www.nightoutintheparks.com.