THE CALENDAR
September 19-22
● ● EXPO CHICAGO This mammoth modern and contemporary art fair returns for the second year with more than 125 artists from around the world, in a wide range of mediums, setting up on Navy Pier. The weekend kicks off on Thursday night with Vernissage, a preview party featuring refreshments from top local restaurants presented by the Women’s Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art, with proceeds benefiting the institution.
Time: Thursday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Place: Navy Pier Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand
Cost: $100. For tickets, call (312) 397-3868 or visit
Mcachicago.org/ vernissage.
September 20
● ● COMMON IN CONCERT Hip-hop artist, actor and Chicago native Common steps up to the plate for his Common Ground Foundation with this benefit performance, featuring several special guests. Proceeds will help fund the organizations’s educational and youth mentoring programs. Time: 8:30 p.m. Place: House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn
Cost: $55-$155. For tickets, visit the House of Blues box office or Ticketmaster.com.
September 20
● ● CCL’S ANNUAL GALA The Center for Changing Lives has been serving the Logan Square and Humboldt Park communities since 1989. The dynamic organization celebrates 24 years of achievement with its 10th annual fundraiser, themed Strong Roots, New Branches, held at the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. Time: 6 p.m. Place: 3015 W. Division Cost: $75 or $100. For tickets,
visit Cclgala.bpt.me.