'Legends: The Artwork of Rock & Roll Royalty' art show scheduled
Chicago
Get this party rockin'
It's an artful, rocking opening of theWit Hotel in the heart of the Loop with works by John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia and Grace Slick displayed in one location for the first time in Chicago. The historic exhibition "Legends: The Artwork of Rock & Roll Royalty," is free and open to the public inside the hotel's Oscar Wilde Ballroom. (The exhibition hopes to raise money for Bright Pink, a national nonprofit organization for young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer, through a suggested donation at the door). Documentary footage and concert films of the rock 'n' roll legends will be played throughout the opening weekend at SCREEN, the hotel's state-of-the-art multimedia theater, too. During the opening weekend at theWit Hotel, take a sneak peek at the hip, new property with two restaurants, cibo matto and State & Lake, a stylish rooftop lounge, ROOF, full-service spa, Spa@theWit, and sniff the hotel's own unique scent.
5 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 29; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 30; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at 201 N. State St. Visit thewithotel.com
They'll sing at your supper
Pack a picnic and take in a free concert by the Anima-Young Singers of Greater Chicago at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The touring chorus of 70 young people, ranging from sixth to 12th grade, will by joined by special guest artists: renowned mezzo-soprano, Susanne Mentzer, Cynthia Yeh, principal percussion for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and William Buhr, acclaimed Chicago pianist.
6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street. (312) 742-1168 or visit millenniumpark.org
Thou art welcome
If you've yet to explore the uber hip neighborhoods of Wicker Park and West Town, consider doing so during Around the Coyote's 2009 Spring Arts Festival featuring some of the best in Chicago's emerging arts. Forget browsing umpteen photographs of bumble bees buzzing begonias - this fest includes visual artists, a film and new media lounge, plus music and theater performances. In addition to venues in the West Town neighborhoods of Wicker Park and Noble Square, there's a concurrent Do Division Street Festival (spanning 10 city blocks), so the weekend will be thick with trend. Enjoy a live music stage, lots of interesting food offered by Division Street restaurants, unique children's activities and an elaborate sidewalk sale.
Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 30, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 31, at 1000 N Milwaukee Ave. Tickets are suggested donations of $10 for a day pass or $15 for a weekend pass. Call (773) 342-6777 or visit aroundthecoyote.org/festivals/2009_Spring
Midwest
The Abbey road to relaxation
Now that you know who won "Survivor," "The Biggest Loser" and "American Idol," march right over to phone and reserve your spot at the Abbey Resort & Spa during a special spring inflation-fighter package. The resort in Fontana, Wis., 80 miles from downtown Chicago, offers a 50 percent discount on a second night's stay as well as complimentary breakfast and lunch for kids under age 10. Adults receive free admission to the resort's AVANI Spa including use of all facilities and aerobics classes. The Abbey's spring getaway package features a midweek nightly rate of $119 (plus tax and resort fee) with the second night stay at $59. The package is valid through Monday, June 15. Renovated in 2005, the Abbey is the only full-service resort on the shores of Geneva Lake offering dining and entertainment venues and an on-site marina with charter boats, scenic boat tours, water-ski rental, parasailing and Wave Runner rentals.
Call (888) 629-9594 or visit theabbeyresort.com
A hole-in-one weekend
Irish writer, Robert Lynd, keenly observed that it's almost impossible to remember how tragic a place this world is when one is playing golf. Tuck away your worries and get in that Zen state of clubs and tees with a golfers getaway package courtesy of eco-chic Hotel Arista, 2139 CityGate Lane in Naperville. You'll get overnight accommodations and a tee time at one of three golf courses: choose to play a round of golf at one course with one overnight stay or two nights for play at all three courses - Cantigny Golf, Prairie Landing, and Seven Bridges. The package, starting at $309 per night, includes accommodations for two adults in a deluxe guest room and breakfast in the hotel's signature restaurant, SugarToad.
For reservations and more info call (630) 579-4100 or visit hotelarista.com
A berry, berry good time