Entries categorized as “Community” 81 results

SKaiser writesIt’s a New Year, Volunteer at CHIRP

It's the Year of the Sheep (or goat for all you Cubbies). So bring in good fortune of the Chinese New Year by attending the next CHIRP volunteer orientation meeting. These only come around a few times a year. It's your first step in being part of radio that you love. 

NEW VOLUNTEER MEETING - FEBRUARY 2015 (18+)

Wednesday, February 25th | 6:30-8:00 PM

Conrad Sulzer Regional Library (MAP)

4455 N Lincoln Ave

Chicago, IL 60625

RSVP Here

Photos from Chinese Fine Arts Society New Year Day Celebration at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Bei Dou Martial Arts

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SKaiser writesArt On Armitage

If you take a stroll down Armitage you may suddenly come upon a live performance. Or maybe instead it's a giant six foot tall glittery soldier standing in the window. These are a couple examples of what happens at the window gallery called Art On Armitage.

Since 2003, founder and owner Mary Ellen Croteau’s been using the raised window box to feature local artists exhibitions, installations, and other lively creations. Art On Armitage (4125 W) breaks out of the traditional gallery by making art accessible to the public.

“People in the community love it. We have narratives and live performances that draw people walking by and they’ll stop and just watch. They might talk amongst each other and interpret the art,” Croteau explains.

Through January 2015 Art On Armitage is featuring the photo series At Work/At Home, En el Trabajo/En Casa by Nelson W. Armour. The series focuses on the hard work and identity of latino landscape workers in Highland Park, IL.

“Even though people live in different communities and come from different backgrounds, there are basic things that connect all of us,” Armour said. “In At Work/At Home, En el Trabajo/En Casa, I’m just trying to see the basic elements of our humanity. In photographing these individuals both on the job and at home I hope to present these workers in a new light, not just as individuals who help our communities look good, but as individuals with their own lives.”

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SKaiser writesTake Part in Live Lit

You have 8 minutes to tell a nonfiction story. You’ll have a mic, a stool if you prefer to sit, a music stand for your pages, and a timer. Oh and an audience. Because what’s better than sharing something personal than to do it in front of strangers.

It’s called live lit and it’s sweeping America. Well maybe just Chicago. Even just a few years ago, storytelling venues were scarce in the city, but today there are over 50 storytelling events each month.

One consistent event in the city is Story Club, which boasts the 8-minute rule. Story Club is also in Minneapolis and Boston.  It's a nonfiction storytelling show whose goal is to “mix up the spontaneity of an open mic with the experience of live theater”. Last Thursday, a group of readers shared their stories at the Holiday Club. 

A gentleman opened the evening with a story about his Russian lover. He met her while working overseas. Repeatedly he told her that when returning to the US he’d be going alone.  As he repeated this throughout the story it became obvious he cared for her. When the time came for him to return, he lost his wallet with all his money. She ended paying for his cab and checked baggage. Enough money to last her a few months he said. It made him feel even more worthless and he cried the whole way home.

If you talk over your 8 minutes the whole thing shuts down. Not like a giant claw scoops you off stage, but you’re done. Mid-sentence, exit stage left. Thankfully that didn’t happen to anyone last Thursday.

The next man to step up apparently worked on a documentary featuring a guy making his way down the Mississippi. He joined the guy on his journey for some time. In the beginning they got along fine. As time passed, the storyteller said he could see the journey wearing away at his companion who’d begun to shout and treat him poorly. The storyteller said he felt sadness for the guy because what he loved most about the river had beaten him. There was no longer joy in his passion.

Not all stories are as deep, you know. We heard about a man’s childhood dream of getting a GI Joe with the Kung Fu Grip on Christmas, and the disappointment he still suffers when it didn’t arrive.

You may share from any point in your life – like the woman who gave in-depth details on what she’s willing to do to hang on to her youth. Or like another woman who gave a glimpse of her life after ending a six-year relationship.

The point of this story is whether it’s silly shit or deep shit, people relate to each other via our stories. We connect and it’s a beautiful thing. Check it out first in the audience, just for fun, and see what you think. Click here for live lit storytelling events in the city.

SKaiser writesAround Town: Christkindlmarket

Whether 'tis the season of holiday cheer or holiday jeer we want to hear from you. Send your photos of what the holidays mean to you, or a short story you'd love to share. Email either (or both) to skaiser@chirpradio.org

To kick us off, here are photos from the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza.

SKaiser writesTake a read with local author Greg Hickey’s Our Dried Voices

“I was just trying to write a good story. It’s not always easy or thoroughly enjoyable, but neither is any other pursuit that is truly fulfilling.” This is from Greg Hickey, author of newly released, Our Dried Voices.

Hickey sat down for a reading at City Lit Books last Thursday and with about 30 visitors gave insight on the story he’s finally been able to tell.

Greg Hickey reads an excerpt from his book, Our Dried Voices, on November 20 at City Lit Books in Logan Square.

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