Axios Chicago Weekender

August 17, 2023
Hey, Thursday! Maxwell here.
- Let's keep Summertime Chi going with these hot happenings.
Today's newsletter is 789 words โ a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: 10 years of "Acid Rap"
Chance The Rapper on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." Photo: Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images
Chance The Rapper will take the stage at the United Center Saturday night to kick off a three-city Acid Rap 10-year anniversary tour. (Other tour stops are New York City and Los Angeles.)
- The three-time Grammy-winning artist will be joined by producer and artist Saba, a fellow Chicagoan.
Why it matters: "Acid Rap" was the project that catapulted Chance into mainstream success after debuting at number 63 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop charts.
- "Acid Rap" has been downloaded more than one million times and was ranked by Pitchfork as among the best albums of the 2010s.
When: Gates open at 6:30pm Saturday.
Location: United Center
Go deeper: Chance The Rapper crowned the best Chicago hip-hop artist
More things to do this weekend
๐ Ribfest Chicago: Expect 50,000 pounds of pork, more than 20 food vendors, live indie music on two stages, and a "Kids Square" with bounce houses, activity booths, and carnival games at the three-day barbecue fest in Northcenter. Suggested donation of $10.
- Details: The festival runs from 5pm to 10pm Friday, and noonโ10pm Saturday and Sunday.
- Location: Along Lincoln Ave. between Irving Park Rd. and Berteau Ave.
๐ญ Glenwood Ave Arts Fest: This weekend-long festival will feature fine art and crafts from more than 120 artists, local food and beer vendors, and 30 live music acts on two stages.
- Details: The festival runs from 6pm to 10pm Friday, 11amโ9pm Saturday and 11amโ7pm Sunday.
- Location: The intersection of 6900 N. Glenwood Ave. and 1400 W. Morse Ave. in Rogers Park. If you're on the CTA Red Line, the festival will be at the Morse Ave. stop.
๐ฉฐ Dance For Life: Chicago Dancers United is hosting its 32nd-annual fundraiser at the Auditorium Theatre with performances by a dozen different dance companies and artists. The event's proceeds will provide financial support for preventative health care and critical medical needs among Chicago's professional dance community. The show begins at 6pm Saturday. Tickets start at $45
๐ Bulls Fest: Come out to the United Center for a Chicago Bulls-themed festival featuring live music, games, art, food, 3x3 tournaments, a three-point-and-dunk contest, and appearances by former Bulls players and Benny The Bull. The event runs from 7am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday.
- Players scheduled to appear include: Nate Robinson, Horace Grant, Eddy Curry, Will Perdue, Randy Brown, Kendall Gill, Jevon Carter, Torrey Craig, Adama Sanogo, and Julian Phillips.
โ๏ธ Chicago Air and Water Show: Experience two days of demonstrations by aircrafts, boats, and diving and parachute teams. The show is viewable from North Avenue Beach, Navy Pier, the 360 Chicago observation deck, or on the water, and runs from 10:30am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday.
2. โถ๏ธ Streaming guide
"Miguel" (left) and "Adrian" in "Miguel Wants To Fight" Photo: Brett Roedel/Hulu
Find out why Miguel wants to fight, cheer on the Monkey King or watch one of the greatest comeback stories in music.
My pick of the week
"Miguel Wants To Fight" available now on Hulu
What's happening: This coming-of-age comedy follows Miguel, a high school student who has never been in a fist fight and desperately wants to change that.
Quick takes: In the midst of Hollywood's remake era, it felt good to watch a movie that feels original and imaginative.
What they're saying: "It's a story about friendship, standing your ground, believing in yourself, and being around people that stand up with you," Oz Rodriguez told Axios.
- This is the second feature film for former "Saturday Night Live" segment director Rodriguez, who also made 2020's "Vampires vs. The Bronx."
Don't miss these
"Tracy Morgan: Takin' It Too Far" available now on Max
- What's happening: In his first stand-up special since 2017, the two-time Emmy-nominated comedian tackles dating in his 50s, Brooklyn gentrification, and his harrowing 2014 car accident which led to serious injuries and a settlement.
"Reinventing Elvis: The '68 Comeback" available now on Paramount+
- The intrigue: Premiering one day before the 46th anniversary of Presley's death, this film documents the television special that revived his singing career after seven years of appearing only in movies.
More to watch
"The Upshaws" on Netflix
- Jenifer Lewis ("Black-ish") and Marsha Warfield ("Night Court") guest star in the fourth season of this sitcom. Available now.
"Killing It" on Peacock
- In Season Two of this comedy series, Craig (Craig Robinson) and Jillian (Claudia O'Doherty) continue to chase their American Dream that's threatened by human and non-human obstacles. Available now.
"Untold: Hall of Shame" on Netflix
- This film within the "Untold" docuseries profiles Victor Conte, the go-to guy for athletes in search of steroids in the late '90s and 2000s. Eventually, Conte was linked to high-profile doping scandals in sports such as that of Barry Bonds, Tim Montgomery, and Marion Jones. Available now.
Our picks:
๐ค Maxwell is recovering after seeing Drake in concert last night.
Thanks to our editor Ashley May and copy editor Patricia Guadalupe.
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