“Art Meets Science” themed festival brings adult shows & family friendly fun to Chicago
Pivot Arts Festival is an amazing and affordable celebration of improvisation, film, dance, theater, music and much, much more compacted into two-and-a-half weeks starting May 28.
ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?! Book your tickets today! Full schedule is below.
2 Fab Fam Friendly Picks:
*Storytown is presenting an improv show at Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop specifically for kids dubbed “Ice Cream & Science Improv” on June 1st at 12 p.m.
Mmmmm. Here at ChiIL Mama, we came from an improv background and founded a troupe at Miami University in Oxford that lasted over 20 years! So, we dig improv. It also doesn't get much more chill than custard & ice cream. We are SO there.
*Next is The Dance COLEctive’s 13, which explores the authentic and hilarious transition from childhood to teenage years through character based dance. The show is recommended for kids ages 10 and up with a parent/guardian. This plays May 31st and June 1st at 3 p.m. at Swift Elementary school.
I used to joke about life with toddlers and young kids as endless theatre in the round. Now with 11 & 13 year olds, we're living this scenario -- the authentic and hilarious transition from childhood to teenage years. Can't wait to check out The Dance COLEctive's 13!
PIVOT ARTS
SECOND ANNUAL FESTIVAL CELEBRATING INNOVATIVE THEATER, MUSIC AND DANCE, “ART MEETS SCIENCE,”
MAY 28 – JUNE 14 IN LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT FAR NORTH SIDE
The Performance Festival Features Numerous Companies/Artists Including BAATHHAUS, the dilettantes, Gashlycrumb Orphanage, The Honeypots, Jon Langford, The Seldoms and More, with Range of Science Themes and Events
Pivot Arts launches its second annual celebration of innovative performance events, May 28 – June 14, throughout Chicago’s Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park neighborhoods. The PIVOT ARTS FESTIVAL serves to bring audiences together for unique performance events. This year the festival’s focus highlights the intersection between the performing arts and science. Tickets are currently on sale for “Art Meets Science” with a range of free events and entrance fees no higher than $15 per event. To purchase tickets and for complete festival information, visit www.pivotarts.org/festival or call 773.609.0782.
Over three weeks, audiences have the opportunity to attend inventive performances and events curated around science themes as diverse as acoustics, climate change and chaos theory. Programming includes: live music, theater, dance, a House music dance party, a participatory science experiment, discussions and performances for children.
The artists lineup looks amazing. We've highlighted some of ChiIL Live Shows top picks and long time favs in red.
Participating groups/artists in the 2014 Pivot Arts Festival include:
6018NORTH, About Face Theatre, Greg Allen, Ayako Kato/Art Union Humanscape, BAATHHAUS, Seth Bockley, Chicago Architectural Foundation, Chicago Filmmakers, The Dance COLEctive, the dilettantes, Lisa Dillman, Gashlycrumb Orphanage, High Concept Laboratory, Andrew Hinderaker, The Honeypots, Knife and Fork, Kristina Isabelle, Jon Langford, Ruth Margraff, Shannon Matesky, Bonnie Metzgar, Brett Neveu, The Seldoms, Chuck Smith, Storytown, Tanya Palmer and Vanessa Valliere.*
The 2014 Pivot Arts Festival “Art Meets Science” takes place throughout Uptown, Edgewater, and Rogers Park including: Alternatives, Inc., FLATSstudio, Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop, and Loyola University’s Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.
*Artists and venues subject to change.
“We founded Pivot Arts last year as a home for innovative performance on the far north side of Chicago. Our festival continues as a celebration of unique performance events that bring people together and enhance our community. The exploration of ‘art meets science’ this year builds off our focus on innovation and discovery,” said Julieanne Ehre, director of Pivot Arts.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28
THE BIG BANG!
A Kick-Off Celebration
Francesca’s Bryn Mawr • $30
1039 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue • 6 p.m.
The festival’s opening celebration includes a special drink in beakers, silent auction, food, wine, beer, performances, and science-themed fun.
FRIDAY, MAY 30
ECOLOGY OF EATING
Alternatives, Inc. • $15
4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.
Pivot Arts presents We Gotta Eat
Written and Performed by Shannon Matesky
Directed by Chuck Smith
Actress Shannon Matesky (Hit the Wall) weaves together a potluck of humorous and moving stories about the underclass that will engage your heart in the practice of understanding.
Knife and Fork presents Worthy
Created and Directed by Dani Bryant. Devised by Knife & Fork
The empowering stories of Uptown’s Alternative Youth teens inspire this newly devised piece.
SATURDAY, MAY 31
The Dance COLEctive presents 13
Swift Elementary School • $10
5900 N Winthrop Avenue • 3 p.m.
Through movement and text, 13 creates an authentic and humorous exploration of the transition from childhood to the teenage years. Recommended for ages 10 years and older and their parents/guardians.
ECOLOGY OF EATING
Alternatives, Inc. • $15
4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.
(See descriptions of We Gotta Eat and Worthy from Friday, May 30.)
Chicago Filmmakers presents GROWING CITIES
Chicago Filmmakers • $8 suggested donation
5243 N. Clark Street • 8 p.m.
A documentary film that examines the role of urban farming in America and asks how much power it has to revitalize our cities and change the way we eat.
Pivot Arts presents The Acoustics Of House!
Recreating the House music scene of the 1980s, this unique event is part performance, part dance party. Food and drinks available for purchase.
FLATSstudio • $15 must be 21+ with valid ID to enter.
1050 W. Wilson Avenue • Doors open at 8 p.m.
Performances include:
8 p.m. DJ with live music
8:30 p.m. The Honeypots present Juke Cry Hand Clap
A House music-inspired dance performance by the Honeypots.
9:30 p.m. DJ with live music
10 p.m. BAATHHAUS
The queer-performance-art-group-band combines popular music with glitter and gore – creating an electrifying performance.
SUNDAY, JUNE 1
Storytown presents Ice Cream & Science Improv
Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop - $7
6056 N. Broadway • 12 p.m.
Enjoy traditional custard and a hilarious, science-themed improv show for kids.
The Dance COLEctive presents 13
Swift Elementary School • $10
5900 N Winthrop Avenue • 3 p.m.
(See descriptions above of 13 from Saturday, May 31.)
ECOLOGY OF EATING
Alternatives, Inc. • $15
4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.
(See descriptions above of We Gotta Eat and Worthy from Friday, May 30.)
Special Event: On The Table. You are invited to share dinner with the artists of Knife & Fork and engage in lively conversation following the 7 p.m. performance.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4
6018NORTH, Pivot Arts and Sustain Edgewater present Art, Architecture And Energy: What Is To Be Done?
6018NORTH • FREE
6018 N. Kenmore Ave. • 7 p.m.
A free panel discussion on the arts, architecture and energy efficiency. Three fields with the potential to shape and transform our world will move across issues from recycling as art to the local impact of climate change to large scale energy initiatives.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
DARK MATTER
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
Two shows combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.
Gashlycrumb Orphanage
Devised by Lacy Katherine Campbell and Jeff Trainor.
Directed by Halena Kays.
Inspired by Tim Burton and Edward Gorey, this macabre clown show has the orphans running the orphanage. A thrilling, theatrical ride that plunges into questions of identity and origin through dance, music, rhyme and a whirlwind of styles.
Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.
Curated by Julieanne Ehre and Tanya Palmer, director of new plays from the Goodman Theatre, these shorts include premiere playwrights, writers, and performers responding to a variety of science themes. Confirmed writers as of press: Greg Allen, Seth Bockley, Lisa Dillman, Andrew Hinderaker, Ruth Margraff, Bonnie Metzgar and Brett Neveu. Full line-up TBA.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
DARK MATTER
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
Two shows combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.
Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.
(See descriptions above of Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Writers on Science from Thursday, June 5.)
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
Chicago Architectural Foundation presents UPTOWN WALKING TOUR • $15 or FREE for members
Wilson Avenue Theater 1050 W. Wilson Avenue • 10:30 a.m.
A special two-hour walking tour in the heart of Uptown includes the artistry of terra cotta ornamentation and Jazz Age entertainment venues.
LAWS OF MOTION
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m.
Two dance/theater pieces combine for an exhilarating promenade afternoon as art and science collide.
AYAKO KATO/ART UNION HUMANSCAPE presents The Incidents
Ayako Kato explores the ripple effect of chaos theory as well as mirror combinations of Euclidian geometry in her stunning dance work that highlights necessity vs. chance.
THE SELDOMS present Exit Disclaimer: Science And Fiction Ahead
A dance theater work that surveys our rancorous national debate over climate change, and divergent positions ranging from denial to urgency. The Chicago Reader said of its 2012 premiere, "[Artistic Director Carrie] Hanson’s satirical, deadly serious piece bursts a lot of bubbles on a high-stakes subject.”
THE DILETTANTES present Science Night
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15/$10
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m. & 5p.m.
Is it life or is it art? Audiences participate in a game of science and strategy set inside a competitive laboratory. Players compete for the title of “Pre-Eminent Scientist of the Lab” and experience first-hand the exhilaration of discovery. Play or observe the game in action!
DARK MATTER
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
Two shows in Loyola’s Underground combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.
Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.
(See descriptions above of Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Writers on Science from Thursday, June 5.)
SUNDAY, JUNE 8
LAWS OF MOTION
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m.
Two dance/theater pieces combine for an exhilarating promenade afternoon as art and science collide.
AYAKO KATO/ART UNION HUMANSCAPE presents The Incidents
THE SELDOMS present Exit Disclaimer: Science And Fiction (See descriptions above of The Incidents and Exit Disclaimer: Science and Fiction from Saturday, June 7.)
THE DILETTANTES present Science Night
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15/$10
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 3 p.m. & 5p.m.
(See description above from Saturday, June 7.)
DARK MATTER
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows in Loyola’s Underground combine for an exhilarating evening of original theater.
Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Pivot Arts presents Mystery. Science. Theatre.
(See descriptions above of Gashlycrumb Orphanage and Writers on Science from Thursday, June 5.)
MONDAY, JUNE 9
Pivot Arts presents Songs from TAKE ME
Book by Mark Guarino, songs by Jon Langford
Directed by Julieanne Ehre
Uncommon Ground 1401 W. Devon Ave • $10 • 8 p.m.
A performance of songs by Mekons founder, Jon Langford, from a new musical-in-progress about a man contacted by extraterrestrials who want him to build an alien theme park.
TUESDAY, JUNE 10
About Face Theatre presents LESBIANS AND LITERATURE
Curated by Paul Oakley Stovall
Location TBA • 7 p.m. • $15
Lesbians have had a lasting, but often unsung, impact on English literature. About Face Theatre, led by Artistic Associate Paul Oakley Stovall, hosts a panel discussion/performance exploring Sappho; the lesbian couple behind James Joyce's Ulysses; and beyond.
the dilettantes present SCIENCE NIGHT
Location TBA • 9 p.m. • $15
A late night game of science and strategy set inside a competitive laboratory. Players compete for the title of “Pre-Eminent Scientist of the Lab” and experience first-hand the exhilaration of discovery.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
GRAVITY!
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
Performers defy physics in these two exciting shows.
Vanessa Valliere presents NICE TRY/THE SISTERS: A Vaudeville, Clown Teaser
Everybody has problems: sometimes your parasitic twin wants her own solo career and sometimes your toys are really critical of your artwork. This hilarious clown show by Vanessa Valliere (Mucca Pazza) will warm you up giggling before Kristina Isabelle’s stunning LEVELS AND LINES.
Kristina Isabelle Dance Company presents Levels And Lines
The festival culminates in a weekend of performances by esteemed Julliard Dance Graduate, Kristina Isabelle, whose company performs an elegant dance work – on stilts!
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
GRAVITY!
Performers defy physics in two exciting shows.
Vanessa Valliere presents NICE TRY/THE SISTERS: A Vaudeville, Clown Teaser
Kristina Isabelle Dance Company presents Levels And Lines
Loyola University’s The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts • $15
1020 W. Sheridan Road • 8 p.m.
(See description above of Nice Try/The Sisters and Level and Lines from Friday, June 13.)
ABOUT PIVOT ARTS
Pivot Arts develops new work and presents performances throughout the year culminating in a multi-arts festival. Their vision is that of a vibrant community where unique collaborations between artists, businesses and organizations leads to the support and creation of innovative performances. Pivot Arts was founded in September 2012.
Pivot Arts Board includes Alyssa Berman-Cutler, Uptown United; April Browning, Loyola University Chicago; Julieanne Ehre Pivot Arts; Dr. Mark E. Lococo, Loyola University Chicago; Gretchen Halpin, Hewins Financial Advisors; Summur Roberts, Loyola University Chicago and Kathy Van Zwoll, marketing consultant.
The Pivot Arts Advisory Board includes Alderman James Cappleman, 46th Ward; Sarah Gabel, chair of Department of Fine Arts, Loyola University Chicago; Peter Kuntz, arts consultant; Kristin Larsen, executive director, Stage 773; Jay Michael, chief creative officer, FLATS Chicago; Alderman Harry Osterman, 48th Ward; Michael Rohd, artistic director, Sojourn Theatre and Steve Scott, associate producer, Goodman Theatre.
Premiere Pivot Arts Festival 2014 “At Meets Science” Sponsors as of press release include FLATS Chicago, Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, Loyola University Chicago and Uptown United.
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