The Goods: Questlove, Buddy Guy & Chicago Midsommarfest

Written by Morgan Ciocca on June 7, 2024

Plus, a Puerto Rican Fest & the mother of modern heist films.

Subscribe to get The Goods sent straight to your inbox Thursdays at noon (with extra inclusions).

Canadian artist and producer KAYTRANADA released his new album ‘TIMELESS’ today (with features from Childish Gambino, Channel Tres, Anderson .Paak, Tinashe, SiR, Thundercat, PinkPantheress, Mariah the Scientist, Durand Bernarr, Chicago’s Ravyn Lenae and so many more), and I already have it on repeat.

Here’s what else you should know this weekend:

1. John Osler: Detroit Jazz Portraits opens tonight at the Epiphany Center for the arts.

Detroit artist and photographer John Osler dedicated much of his artistic practice throughout his life to capturing emotional and meaningful portraits of his subjects — focusing especially on jazz musicians both as the house artist for the Dirty Dog Jazz Café and behind the scenes at the Detroit Jazz Festival. Learn more about the artist’s work and RSVP for free to the opening reception on the art center’s website.

2. Puerto Rican Festival in Humboldt Park!

Celebrate Sunday’s National Puerto Rican Day with a full weekend of festivities. Today through Sunday offers ticketed programming including “Freestyle Friday,” Saturday’s People’s Parade on Division Street and Sunday’s Día de la Salsa live music (plus so much more). Learn more and find tickets on the festival website.

3. The Chicago Blues Festival returns to Millennium Park for three days of free live music.

The world’s largest free blues festival, music lovers can enjoy music across three stages from more than 35 artists tonight through Sunday — including Buddy Guy as part of his Damn Right Farewell tour. Learn more about how to attend and find additional headliners on Chicago’s DCASE website.

4. Andersonville’s Midsommarfest returns for its 58th year.

Tonight through Sunday enjoy live entertainment across five stages, plus local artisans, makers, food vendors and more. The live music lineup includes Chicago artists NNAMDÏ, Justice Hill and Nighttime Love, Bianca Shaw, D2x, Cole DeGeonva, a Queen! Smartbar takeover and more. Admission is free with a suggested donation, or purchase of an optional special package. Learn more about the fest and how to attend on the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce website.

5. Saturday afternoon, Questlove presents his new book at Thalia Hall in conversation with Open Mike Eagle.

Six-time Grammy-winning musician, Academy Award-winning filmmaker and New York Times bestselling author Questlove sits down with Chicago-rooted hip-hop artist Open Mike Eagle to share stories and anecdotes from his new book Hip-Hop Is History (out June 11). The two will discuss the cultural forces shaping hip-hop, hidden (and forgotten) gems and transcendent hits. Tickets include a copy of the book with purchase. Learn more and find tickets on the Chicago Humanities website.

6. The annual Wells Street Art Festival is this Saturday and Sunday.

Back for its 49th year, the Old Town fair hosts juried artists from across the continent of all different mediums — from painting to woodworking to jewelry making. The fair also brings together more than 20 food and beverage vendors, plus local music and a children’s play area. Learn more on the official website. Admission is free with suggested donation.

7. The South Side Zine Library hosts its launch party on Sunday.

At the Richard J. Daley Branch of the Chicago Public Library (3400 S. Halsted St) from 1-4 p.m., Zine Club Chicago presents their brand new free community zine resource, permanently housed in the Bridgeport library. The free launch party features performances and readings from the Blue Ribbon Glee Club, an open mic and zinemaking. Learn more on the Chicago Public Libraries website.

Good music…

Get to know the music we can’t get enough of — here are the 16 songs we’re spinning the most on Vocalo right now.

Good movies …

Rififi (1955) at the Driehaus Museum.

A French film adaptation of Auguste Le Breton’s novel of the same name, Rififi follows Parisian gangster Tony and his crew — Jo, Mario and César — band together to commit one last burglary at an exclusive jewelry shop in the Rue de la Paix.

From American blacklisted director Jules Dassin, who found work in France directing Rififi — and won Best Director at Cannes for it — the film is described by the Criterion Collection as “the ultimate heist movie, a mélange of suspense, brutality, and dark humor.” Rififi would go on to inspire countless future heist films, including the Ocean’s Eleven series and Reservoir Dogs, and several real crimes.

Rififi is screening at the Driehaus Museum on Wednesday, June 12, at 6 p.m. as part of the Drie-Summer Heist Night Film Series, introduced by University of Chicago professor Leora Auslander. Learn more and find tickets on the museum’s website.

Face Lets Listeners Into Her World On ‘Paragon’ EP

Chicago artist Face took the stage at Schubas Tavern this spring for her debut headlining show, joined by fellow local artists Ine’a J and Kiraly Payne, to perform songs from her 2024 EP Paragon. The project explores love, situationships and accountability, and stresses that everyone is perfect in their own ways. For the artist, performing at Schubas was a chance to truly let listeners inside her world. Before the show, she sat down with Bekoe to break down the EP and her name’s origin story.

[Listen here]

Road To Sueños: DJ Dynamiq

DJ Dynamiq has made a name for himself as a worldwide touring DJ blending reggaeton, hip-hop and regional Mexican music. Dynamiq has headlined at Baja Beach Fest, opened for Bad Bunny and has been an official Sueños DJ since the first festival in 2022 — and he’s an official in-game DJ for the San Francisco 49ers. Before Sueños made its way to Grant Park this summer, Dynamiq sat down with host Nudia Hernandez and discuss the importance of keeping audiences engaged between sets.

[Listen here]

Do Good …

June 9: Support sustainability at The Bank of America Chicago Half Marathon!

Organizers teamed up with nonprofit One Brick to recruit volunteers to assist the Festival Green Team as they make sure the event space stays clean. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt, hat and credential which should be visible throughout the event, and anyone who helps out is invited to the post-race party. Learn more and RSVP to volunteer via One Brick.

June 13: Distribute Food with Vital Bridges Food Pantry

From 10:30-1:30 p.m., the pantry needs help fulfilling their twice-weekly food distributions for Englewood community members in need. Volunteers can expect to fill grocery orders, distribute food to residents, stock shelves and build connections with the greater Chicago community. Closed-toed shoes and long-sleeved shirts are required per health code rules. Water and snacks will be provided, and parking is available nearby. Learn more and sign up to help out via Chicago Cares.

Ongoing: Become a River Ranger with Urban Rivers!

The River Rangers is nonprofit Urban Rivers’ team of regular volunteers, with opportunities to help out all year round. Some tasks may include kayaking the river to remove trash buildup, reporting on plant health and wildlife sightings, removing weeds and invasive species, contributing to ongoing research and more. River Rangers must be interested in committing to regularly help out, have a commitment to the environment and not be afraid to get dirty. Learn more and express your interest in helping out on the organization’s website.