ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Since being stuck inside, which shows have you been watching? Which movies? Have you read any good books lately? Any new music releases have you dancing in your living room? StreetWise vendors, readers and staff are sharing what is occupying their attention during this unprecedented time. To be featured in a future edition, send your recommendations and why you love them to Creative Director / Publisher Dave Hamilton at dhamilton@streetwise.org
Party at Home!
Drag from Home The bars may be closed but drag always finds a way. Drag performers are bringing us live drag entertainment, even in quarantine. During these shows, the host will typically introduce performers and/or stall for time as they cut to the live stream of the next number. Then performers thrill us with a number from the comfort of their own home. Drag from home is thoroughly entertaining and features makeshift stage curtains in the living room, tours of your favorite performer’s homes, and jaw dropping entrances down a beige-carpeted stairway. During the show, the performer’s social media handles are shared as well as information to send a remote tip using Venmo, PayPal, or CashApp. With nightlife shut down during the shelter-in-place orders, many performers are unable to work, so this is a great way for them to put out entertainment digitally and for everyone to give what they can in return. Sending a stranger $2 for doing your favorite Shirley Bassey number from the comfort of your sofa is an indescribable joy. So, until we can get back into public spaces and support these entertainers in person, enjoy some drag from home! Local drag performer, T Rex, typically hosts her weekly show, Drag Matinee, from the popular Berlin Nightclub, but has taken to Twitch.tv to continue featuring local Chicago talent and surprise guests from across the country. You can catch the main event on Saturday nights at 10 PM CST and other mini matinees throughout the week. Follow Drag Matinee at Facebook.com/DragMatinee, @DragMatinee on Instagram, and Twitch.tv/dragmatinee
(HOME) ENTERTAINMENT
L.A. drag performer and winner of Season 2 of Dragula, Biqtch Puddin’, hosts Digital Drag Show alongside producer, Megna, on Friday nights at 9PM CST featuring performers across the world. Follow Digital Drag Show at Facebook.com/biqtch and catch shows at Twitch.tv/ biqtchpuddin. -Recommended by StreetWise reader Daniel Bapst
Learn an Instrument
The Old Town School of Folk Music Online Classes Many people are finding themselves with more time on their hands than usual. Perhaps it’s time to pick up that instrument again that may have been collecting dust in the corner. The Old Town School of Folk Music has released a full calendar of classes and online workshops for every ability level. A great way to stay connected to music, community, learn and grow while staying at home. www.oldtownschool.org
Chill Out!
Dead and Company 'One More Saturday Night' Dead and Company is three of the four still living members of the Grateful Dead, Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart, playing in their newest reiteration of the Dead, which has pop superstar John Mayer taking the reins of Jerry Garcia’s legendary lead guitar parts. Many Deadheads who originally viewed Mayer’s addition to the group with skepticism were quickly converted into John Mayer fans when he played disciplined and passionate tributes to Garcia’s music without abandoning his own musical personality. The group, which formed in 2015, has been one of the Dead’s most successful touring acts since Garcia’s death. Bassist Oteil Burbridge and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti round out the band. Weekly broadcasts every Saturday night on facebook.com/DeadandCompany. -Recommended by StreetWise reader Kathy Hinkel
