Things to do This Week: C’mon Get Happy!

A photo of Wild Belle lead Natalie Bergman during a performance.
Wild Belle, Mamby on the Beach 2016 (Kari Herrera)
A photo of Wild Belle's Elliot Bergman.
Wild Belle, Mamby on the Beach 2016 (Kari Herrera)

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? Vertigo Sky Lounge is closed forever. Boo hoo. Fortunately, River North’s Dana Hotel has already opened a replacement rooftop lounge with an apropos name – Apogee!?

FESTIVAL WATCH

Coming this summer, so save that dough…
Mamby on the Beach June 24th – 25th
Summerfest (Milwaukee) June 28th – July 2nd and July 4th – July 9th
Taste of Chicago July 5th – 9th
Ruido Fest July 7th – 9th
Pitchfork July 14th – 16th
Lollapalooza August 3rd – 6th

Happy Hour at Hampton Social
When: Weekdays — Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: 353 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Why: One of our favorite spots for seafood and brunch also boasts an amazing happy hour Monday-Friday. Famous for their Instagram worthy “Rosé All Day” neon sign, Hampton Social offers ½ off pizza and rosé of the day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
More info: Hampton Social
BONUS: Read our review of the brunch at Hampton Social here!

2nd Fridays Gallery Night
When: Friday, May 12th
Where: The Chicago Arts District, Centered around S. Halsted Street, beginning at 1711 and ending at 2005 S. Halsted St.
Why: “Come visit the creative spaces in the Chicago Arts District at South Halsted Street as they showcase an exciting display of art and artists from Chicago and beyond. This unique art community opens its doors, free of charge, and lets you get up close and personal with the art and artists. Pick up a map at the information center at 1945 S. Halsted Street and explore the city’s most vibrant art community, the Chicago Arts District!” – Chicago Arts District
More info: Chicago Arts District
See our complete “Things to do in Chicago” calendar

Wild Belle
When: Friday, May 12th, 7 p.m.
Where: Metro, 3730 N. Clark Street
Why: “I was curious to see how the band’s second album, Dreamland, which feels like it’d be at home resonating inside an indoor arena or floating off into the night sky at an outdoor venue, would sound inside Metro’s club-like setting. Yet, despite the layers of this album, it’s Natalie Bergman’s songwriting and vocals that keeps the delivery grounded, intimate, and relatable, no matter the setting.” – Wild Belle Brings Dreamland to the Metro,” Alberto Herrera. Chicagoings.com.
Chicagoland’s own, and my personal favorite, Wild Belle takes the stage at Metro yet again this Friday, along with bands The Burns Twins x Kaina, Kopano and Yadda Yadda. Note, I have no idea who any of these people are outside of Wild Belle and cannot vouch for their talent or content. Also note, a portion of proceeds from this show are being donated to Planned Parenthood of Illinois.
More info: eTix

Steppenwolf Gala 2017
When: Saturday, May 13th, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Steppenwolf Theater Company
Why: Join Steppenwolf artists and leaders from Chicago’s civic and business community for cocktails and gourmet seated dinner in a striking tented venue.

  • Enjoy a variety of exciting and unique performances emceed by Alexandra Billings.
  • Ensure bold new voices continue to be heard on Steppenwolf’s stages by sponsoring a table and raising your paddle during the Live Auction that features once-in-a-lifetime experiences with our artists.
  • Keep the celebration going late into the evening with the soul-infused JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound, plus late-night DJ and after-hours lounge.

More infoSteppenwolf
See our complete “Things to do in Chicago” calendar

MARSHA AMBROSIUS & ERIC BENET
When: Sunday, May 14th, 8 p.m.
Where: Metro, 3730 N. Clark Street
Why: This week, Metro is hosting two can’t miss shows. The second features two soulful artists that define “grown folks” music.

  • Marsha Ambrosius: Multi-Grammy® nominated musician Marsha Ambrosius knows a little something about writing great songs. Whether it’s as one half of Floetry, on her chart-topping solo debut Late Nights & Early Mornings or her career as an acclaimed songwriter /producer, her observations on love and life paired with her soulful and honest vocals flip the personal into a universal truth.
  •  Eric Benét: “I’m not chasing any current whatevers,” says Benét, a four-time Grammy Award nominee. “It’s about music that gives me goose bumps and touches my soul. That’s always been a good barometer for me.” Case in point: the singer-songwriter’s latest top 5 Urban AC single, “Sunshine.” The pure soul/R&B track provides the perfect backdrop for Benét’s heartfelt reflections on a relationship that has lost its spark. The hit has since sparked a remix version featuring Tamia—the singer’s memorable duet partner on his career breakthrough hit, 1999’s “Spend My Life with You.”

Metro House Rules: 18 & Over. Valid State and or Federal ID Required for entry.
Doors open at 7:00 PM.
Also Appearing: Tyrone G, Sakyrah and DJ Mark Flava. Hosted by Mike Love.

Special accommodations: Customers who need special accommodations for handicapped seating or other assistance, please purchase your tickets now, and then contact ask@metrochicago.com to make arrangements at least two weeks prior to the show.

More info: eTix
See our complete “Things to do in Chicago” calendar