Axios Chicago Weekender

February 02, 2024
Hey, Thursday! Maxwell here.
- Is it really February already?
Today's newsletter is 774 words β a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: ποΈ Shop the Black Makers Market
Black Makers Market. Photo: Navy Pier
Shop from over three dozen artists and business owners at Navy Pier's Black Makers Market.
Why it matters: This is your chance to give back to local Black artisans, designers and entrepreneurs during Black History Month.
Details: The market will feature 10 different vendors each Saturday in February.
- This weekend's vendor list includes Soul Language Scents, Bathe and Superhero Huff.
Zoom out: Navy Pier is hosting several additional BHM programs including art exhibits, workshops and mixology classes.
Hours: Noonβ6pm
Location: Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion
More things to do this weekend
π΅ Madonna: The Queen of Pop will perform her greatest hits tonight and tomorrow at the United Center. Gates open at 7:30pm. Tickets.
- Cost: Starting at $108 tonight and $160 tomorrow.
π Cider Summit: Sample from 150 ciders, meads and fruit spirits at this event returning to Chicago for the 10th year. New this year: expanded hours and a pre-event cider, cheese and charcuterie tasting. Tickets.
- When: 2β6pm Saturday; pre-opening event at noon
- Location: Navy Pier, Aon Grand Ballroom
- Cost: $35 pre-opening, $40 general admission
π¬ Melanin, Roots and Culture: The Music Box is commemorating Black History Month with screenings of influential contributions from Black filmmakers. This weekend's film is Spike Lee's "Malcolm X," starring Denzel Washington. Upcoming showings include "Love Jones," "Barbershop" and "Eve's Bayou." Tickets.
- When: 1:15pm Saturday
- Address: 3733 N. Southport Ave.
- Cost: $8 members, $11 non-members
ποΈ Sojourner Truth Film Festival: Enjoy an all-day screening of films about and made by Black women. Full schedule.
- When: 10:30amβ5pm Saturday
- Location: MCA Chicago, Edlis Neeson Theater
- Cost: $10 members, $19 non-members; Tickets
π£ Sushi Class: Maki Edition: Spend an afternoon learning to hand-roll sushi at Sunda every first Saturday of the month. Guests will learn to make temaki (hand-rolled sushi), futomaki (fat-rolled sushi) and uramaki (inside-out rolled sushi). Tickets.
- When: 4β5pm Saturday
- Address: 110 W. Illinois St.
- Cost: $90
2. βΆοΈ Streaming guide
Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Nneka Ogwumike attend the "Shattered Glass: A WNBPA Story" premiere. Photo: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Here's what's new on Netflix, Tubi, Paramount+, Peacock, Hulu, Prime Video and Max.
What we're watching: A behind-the-scenes doc with WNBA stars, a fresh take on a 2000s action movie and the swan song of Larry David's Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning comedy series.
My pick of the week
"Shattered Glass: A WNBPA Story" β Available now on Tubi
State of play: This new documentary highlights WNBA union leaders and league MVPs Nneka Ogwumike, Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart as the next collective bargaining agreement negotiation approaches in November.
- The WNBPA is the first and longest-running union for female professional athletes and most recently secured a 53% pay increase and maternity and fertility benefits for players in 2020.
What they're saying: Stewart, a two-time WNBA champion and MVP, told Axios she's advocating f0r the new agreement because "we want more for ourselves and the next generation."
- "Everything that we're giving our time and effort for is not only going to be rewarded throughout our careers, but after."
Go deeper: Stewart on union negotiation: "We want more"
Don't miss these
"Mr. & Mrs. Smith" β Available Friday on Prime Video
What's happening: In a twist on Doug Liman's 2oo5 film starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, two strangers become spies in an arranged marriage in this new series starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine.
What they're saying: "Donald kicked it with Brad (Pitt) and we got his support," showrunner Francesca Sloane told Axios.
- "He thought our take was cool and Doug (Liman) emailed me a really nice note, so it seems like we've got love all around, which is a nice thing."
Quick takes: Glover and Erskine's chemistry and comedic timing, along with the action, make this series a compelling watch.
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" β Available Sunday on Max
Driving the news: This is the 12th and final season of Larry David's award-winning comedic series.
More to watch
"The Greatest Night in Pop" β Available now on Netflix
- This documentary about the making of "We Are the World" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January.
"The Tiger's Apprentice" β Available Friday on Paramount+
- Michelle Yeoh, Henry Goulding, Sandra Oh and Bowen Yang star in this new movie about a teenager who learns he's destined to be the leader of a group of magical beings who protect humanity.
"NASCAR: Full Speed" β Available now on Netflix
- This series goes behind the scenes with drivers during the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs and championship race.
- Go deeper: See who's featured
"Love & WWE: Bianca & Montez" β Available Friday on Hulu
- WWE stars Bianca Belair and Montez Ford bring the cameras inside their home to document their lives as a pro wrestling couple in this new reality show.
Our picks:
π Maxwell is rooting for North Carolina to beat Duke this Saturday.
Have a fun weekend!
Thanks to our editor Ashley May and copy editor Egan Millard.
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