The lecture series “Brainstorm: Talking About Culture in the City” was designed with culturally savvy Chicagoans in mind. But that doesn’t mean it’s a highbrow affair.
The Chicago Cultural Center program, conceived in 2002, is a free series of lectures, gallery talks, workshops and meet-the-artist sessions covering topics from analytical lectures on pop culture and “The Simpsons” to lunchtime printmaking exhibitions in Michigan Avenue Galleries. The one thing “Brainstorm” events all have in common is Chicago itself.
“We do keep a local focus,” said Mary Murphy, education manager at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and director of the series. Topics and parts of the presentations can come from around the globe, but the lectures all seek to address what the department feels are local needs.
More than a hundred local musicians turned out to a recent session titled “Book Your Band: Don’t Go Crazy!” The fifth-floor room at the downtown Cultural Center was crowded with part-time musicians and full-time hopefuls. Bearded jazz musicians mingled with techie youngsters and businessmen conversed with long-haired classic rock aficionados.
“I wanted to hear from other musicians,” said Dylan Rice, a 29-year-old singer and songwriter. “I wanted to hear about their challenges, concerns and successes. Basically, what can I learn?”
A lot, it seems. Tim Tuten, a talent booker for the Hideout, headed up a panel of buyers, agents and bookers from local clubs and organizations. (“Give your CD to the bartender,” was one of Tuten’s candid gems). Badger Cudahy, talent buyer for Chicago’s House of Blues, spoke about following venue protocol; Fred Brennon of Chicago Special Events talked about preparing press kits.
Upcoming “Brainstorm” offerings range from sessions about audio documentaries to a discussion with the curators of the city’s major art museums. Unless otherwise noted, events are free and at the Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. For more information, contact 312-744-6630 or www.chicagoculturalcenter.org.
Here’s a partial schedule of upcoming events:
Third Coast International Audio Festival: “Meet the Makers” — Excerpts from the best audio documentaries of 2005 and insights from the people who made them (5 p.m. Oct. 23; Claudia Cassidy Theater).
Projecting History: Films by Eleftheria Lialios — Filmmaker known for her use of photographic transparencies presents her work (6 p.m. Oct. 27; Garland Room).
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Friends of Downtown: “The New Pacific Garden Mission” — David McCarrell, president of the Pacific Garden Mission, unveils plans for a new homeless facility at 14th Place and Canal Street. (12:15 p.m. Nov. 3; Millennium Park Room).
The University of Chicago First Friday Lectures: “Paris is for Lovers? The Theme of Adultery in the Modern French Novel” — Examining the theme of adultery in books (12:15 p.m. Nov. 4; Claudia Cassidy Theater).
Musicians at Work Forums: “Pitching Your Story, Media and Local Music” — Journalists from publications such as the baiduhai, Chicago Sun-Times and Hoy discuss how musicians should go about getting media coverage for their bands (6 p.m. Nov. 7; Claudia Cassidy Theater).
Performance Plus: “About Dance, Lucky Plush” — Lucky Plush Productions performs an excerpt from their production Lulu Sleeps (6 p.m. Nov. 10; Dance Studio).
Artists at Work Forums: “Local Engagement: Museum Curators” — A discussion with curators from the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art, State of Illinois Museum and UIC’s Gallery 400 (6 p.m. Nov. 17; First Floor Garland Room).
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