Christmas-Card-Image

Filament’s Holiday Special

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Christmas-Card-Image-for-Email copy 2014

Come join Filament Theatre Ensemble for Filament Theatre’s 3rd Annual Holiday Special.

Help us celebrate our first full season in our new home with treats, drinks, live music, and Chicago’s newest and happiest holiday tradition, a screening of Charlie Brown’s Christmas and How The Grinch Stole Christmas, brought to life by some of our favorite actors and musicians.

You won’t want to miss this wonderful night of friends, music, and revelry! Doors open at 7pm, performances begin at 8pm. Bring the whole family!

Tickets will be available soon!!

Vocalist, Ingrid Lucia, Chicago, New Orleans, Swing, Jazz

Vocalist Ingrid Lucia

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Vocalist, Ingrid Lucia, Chicago, New Orleans, Swing, JazzThe Filament Theatre Ensemble is presenting a one-night-only concert appearance by renowned New Orleans songbird Ingrid Lucia on Sunday, November 24 starting at 7pm at the Filament Theatre space. Admission is free of charge, with a $10 suggested donation welcome.

The performance story of Ingrid Lucia begins with her father David Pearlman, aka “Poppa Neutrino”. A compadre and contemporary of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, et. al, he was one of the greatest manifestations of Kerouac’s “On The Road” ideal; an artist, adventurer, tinkerer, and all-around personality of unmatched wanderlust. The subject of a book (The Happiest Man In The World, Random House, 2007) and a 2005 article in The New Yorker, Pearlman formed a family band in the early ’80s with his wife and five children called the Flying Neutrinos. During much of this time their home life was spent traveling on a series of rafts built out of recycled junk, and performing for whoever would have them, before eventually settling, semi-permanently, in New Orleans.

It was from this decidedly unusual environment that Ingrid Lucia’s musical career sprang forth. Though she started as a dancer, music quickly took over. She went to New York, bounced between record deals, came back to New Orleans, and re-immersed herself in the city’s musical traditions. She was caught up in the swing revival trend of the late ’90s after forming her own version of The Flying Neutrinos and, with them and on her own, has released nine albums, most recently Living The Life, released in October. She is also the leader of the New Orleans Nightingales, featuring twenty other New Orleans-based female vocalists. Her sound combines trad jazz, blues, vocal, and a variety of other Big Easy roots music influences, and her songs convey a breadth of perspective gained from a life spent “on the road”.

Ingrid Lucia will be performing current and past originals as well as standards with her longtime guitarist and songwriting partner John Fohl. Fohl is himself a veteran of ’90s swing revival, having played on the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies’ 1998 platinum album Zoot Suit Riot. He is one of the most in-demand musicians in New Orleans and has worked with Bo Diddley, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Pinetop Perkins, and many others.

Ingrid Lucia in concert is part of the Filament Theatre Ensemble’s ongoing special programming in its new home at 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue in Portage Park. All proceeds from donations will go to Filament to help fund the build-out of their theatre.

Filament Celebrates Six Corners’ Heritage

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The Filament Theatre Ensemble will revisit the heritage of the Six Corners Shopping District with Crossing Six Corners: Sears Stories on October 12 at 5:00pm. Filament will join in the celebration of the Six Corners Sears’ 75th anniversary with this original piece crafted from resident interviews and research.

Presented in a series of scenes, monologues, and original songs, Crossing Six Corners: Sears Stories creates a performance mosaic of the iconic Six Corners commercial center. From its opening in October 1938, Sears has been an anchor business for the Six Corners Shopping District. “We interviewed one man who is 95 years old. He was 20 and coming back from working downtown during the opening celebration. He remembered the streets being so packed the streetcar couldn’t get through,” says Julie Ritchey, Filament’s artistic director. “To Six Corners, Sears is more than just a department store. It’s a symbol of a bygone way of life, and of the changing economic landscape of the last several decades.”

Crossing Six Corners: Sears Stories is the second in Filament’s series of Crossing Six Corners heritage projects. The first premiered in February, 2013, and was presented to sold-out audiences over the course of a weekend. Filament will continue to work closely with the neighborhoods surrounding Six Corners to collect oral history, personal stories, and research for performance for the neighborhood. In addition to Crossing Six Corners: Sears Stories, the Six Corners District is commemorating the 75th anniversary with a sculpture unveiling, Forgotten Chicago tours of Sears, and more.

Crossing Six Corners: Sears Stories is adapted and directed by Filament Artistic Director, Julie Ritchey, and features Ensemble Members Christian Libonati and Lindsey Dorcus and Guest Artists Lina Chambers, Bryce Gangel, Ian Jerome, Ryan Westwood, and more.

The performance is free, and will take place on October 12 at 5:00p, at Filament’s new space: 4041 North Milwaukee Ave. Tickets will only be available at the theater starting 30 minutes prior to showtime. Donations are welcome and will contribute to the upcoming build-out of Filament’s performing arts venue. For more information visit: www.filamenttheatre.org or call (773) 270-1660.

QUICK FACTS:

NAME: Crossing Six Corners: Sears Stories

DATE: October 12 @ 5:00pm

LOCATION: 4041 North Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60641

PRICE: Free. Donations welcome. No reservations. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.

CONTACT: www.filamenttheatre.org; (773) 270-1660

Jeff-Semmerling-Portrait

Chicago Artists Month

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Jeff-Semmerling-PortraitThe Filament Theatre Ensemble is proud to make its contribution to the 18th annual Chicago Artists Month this October with special events by master mask maker Jeff Semmerling and the mask making students of Inside Out Art Studio.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Inside Out Art Studio, and in anticipation of their move to the Portage Lofts Arts Building in November, Filament will host a dazzling display of hand-crafted masks by master artists Jeff Semmerling and Sonja Schaefer, and the best of ten years of Inside Out adult student work. On Friday, October 4 from 6-10pm, Saturday, October 5 from 12-9pm, and Sunday, October 6 from 12-5pm, these masks will be on display in the Filament Theatre space in the Portage Lofts Arts Building at 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. In addition, Jeff will perform “The Magic of Masks”, a presentation of his masks and how masks are used around the world to entertain and compel audiences. These performances will be held on October 4 at 8pm, October 5 at 8pm, and October 6 at 3pm, and have a suggested donation of $15. The mask exhibit is free.

Semmerling & Schaefer Mask Studios was established in 1986. They are known the world over by opera and dance companies, theatres, and serious maskers for making “the finest, most comfortable hand-made masks anywhere.” Semmerling & Schaefer masks will be available for purchase at Filament on weekends throughout the month of October. Please see www.insideoutarts.us for sales times.

Inside Out Art Studio, established by Donna Lurie and Jeff Semmerling in 2003, offers world-class instruction in most physical art forms. Their instructors are practicing artists who bring their passion for the arts to their work as teachers. Classes, workshops, and even art parties are offered by Inside Out Art Studios year-round.

Those attending the mask exhibit on Saturday, October 5 can hear live bluegrass music starting at 5pm, performed by Sweet Fanny Adams. And those attending on Sunday, October 6 will be able to experience Celestial Bodies, a 30-minute interactive sci-fi exercise video featuring 30 Chicago artists, starting at 2pm. These performances are also a suggested donation of $15.

These artists and events are part of the Filament Theatre Ensemble’s ongoing special programming in and around its new home at 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue in Portage Park. All proceeds from donations go to help fund the build-out of the Filament theatre space. The Filament Theatre Ensemble does theatre in a folk tradition, with an emphasis on community, imagination, and sustainability, and they are pleased to contribute to the 18th annual Chicago Artists Month with the richly imaginative work of Jeff Semmerling, Sonja Schaefer, and Inside Out Arts Studio.

 

QUICK FACTS:

NAME: Chicago Artists Month

DATES:

Mask Display: Friday, October 4 from 6-10pm, Saturday, October 5 from 12-9pm, and Sunday, October 6 from 12-5pm

Magic of Masks: October 4 at 8pm, October 5 at 8pm, and October 6 at 3pm

Sweet Fanny Adams: October 5 at 5pm

Celestial Bodies: October 6 at 2pm

LOCATION: Filament Theatre/Portage Lofts Arts Building: 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, 60641.

PRICE: $15 suggested donation for all performances. Mask exhibit is free of charge. No reservations.

Ferdinand_cover

The Gillet Singleton Duo

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Ferdinand_coverWorld renowned improviser, HELEN GILLET is a Walloon born in a Flemish hospital. Raised in Belgium, Singapore, Illinois and Wisconsin, Helen landed in her current hometown of New Orleans in 2003, where she has studied and performed with members of the Sun Ra Arkestra, Astral Project, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Mardi Gras Indians, and Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. When she is not performing an eclectic range of concerts in New Orleans, Gillet tours across the United States and Western Europe with plans to play in other parts of the world in the near future. Her live solo performances include acoustic cello, looped electronics, vocals, a vintage E.V.I. trumpet (Electronic Valve Instrument), and anything else she can reach around her to play.

Helen’s atest project is a duo album with composer, bassist, band leader, multi-instrumentalist JAMES SINGLETON. James has made his home in New Orleans since 1977. He has free-lanced with many great New Orleans artists and many others. A short list would include: James Booker, Professor Longhair, Johnny Vidacovich, Astral Project, James Black, Aarron Neville, Joe Henderson, Milt Jackson, Eddie Harris, Clark Terry, Illuminasti Trio, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Gatemouth Brown, John Scofield, Wild Magnolias, Dave Liebman, Skerik, Mike Dillon, Natalie Cole, Charlie Rich, Banu Gibson, Ellis, Branford, Wynton, and Jason Marsalis, Lars Edegran, Juanita Brooks, Anders Osborn, Harry Connick jr, John Cleary, John Mooney,Teddy Riley, Rusty Kershaw, Naked on the Floor, Evan Christopher, and others.

The Gillet Singleton Duo’s debut album “Ferdinand” has just been released and the Filament Theatre concert on Sunday, September 29 at 7:00 PM will be their first joint performance in Chicago.

www.HelenGillet.com

www.JamesSingletonMusic.com

Tom McDermott, piano, music, New Orleans, theatre, theater, Filament

New Orleans Pianist Tom McDermott

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The Filament Theatre Ensemble is presenting a one-night-only concert appearance by New Orleans pianist and composer Tom McDermott on Sunday, August 25 starting at 7PM at the Filament Theatre space. Admission is free of charge, donations welcome.

Tom McDermott is one of New Orleans’ premiere piano players and composers. A native of St. Louis, he found his way to the Crescent City permanently in 1984 via a gig at the World’s Fair. He has been a member of the legendary Dukes of Dixieland and was a co-founder of the modern brass band The New Orleans Nightcrawlers. He has written for the theatre (the Obie Award-winning Off-Broadway show Nita And Zita), appeared in bit roles in the movies and TV (He Said She Said and the HBO series Treme), and had his music appear frequently on NPR, including the New Year’s Eve show “Toast of the Nation”. Tom is also known for his eclecticism, and his influences and repertoire range from the mid-19th century composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk to Duke Ellington to The Beatles to Brazilian music to the funky modern New Orleans piano of today.

Tom McDermott in concert is part of the Filament Theatre Ensemble’s ongoing special programming in its new home at 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue in Portage Park. All proceeds from donations will go to Filament to help fund the build-out of their theatre. Filament Theatre Ensemble does theatre in a folk tradition with strong musical and storytelling elements, and they are thrilled to present the songs and stories of Tom McDermott.

QUICK FACTS:
NAME: Tom McDermott
DATE: Sunday, August 25 @7PM. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time.
LOCATION: Filament Theatre, 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, 60641.
PRICE: Free of charge. Donations welcome.
CONTACT: www.filamenttheatre.org; (773) 270-1660

Susan Cowsill, Tom Jackson, Filament Theatre Ensemble

July Concerts at Filament

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The Filament Theatre Ensemble is pleased to once again partner with their Portage Park neighbor and WLUW radio personality Tom Jackson for two free concerts in July: Susan Cowsill on Tuesday, July 9 at 8pm and New Orleans musicians Paul Sanchez, Davis Rogan, and Alex McMurray on Saturday, July 13 at 8pm. All donations collected will go directly to support Filament as they continue to build-out their theater venue in the historic Six Corners / Portage Park neighborhood.

Susan Cowsill first entered the pop culture spotlight at the age of eight, as the youngest member of the ’60s musical family The Cowsills. In adulthood, as a member of the beloved alt-pop supergroup The Continental Drifters, she reemerged as a vocalist and songwriter of remarkable depth and insight. She has also released two solo albums: Just Believe It in 2005 and Lighthouse in 2010. This summer Susan and her husband, drummer and co-writer Russ Broussard, are touring the country.

Three of New Orleans’ finest singer-songwriters and storytellers will be together on one Chicago stage on July 13, telling tales of the Big Easy one song at a time.

Paul Sanchez grew up across the street from the Mississippi River and has been singing his city’s stories for many years. He has released sixteen albums as a solo artist and won multiple Best Of The Beat and Big Easy Music awards. He has also created a musical adaptation of the best-selling book Nine Lives by Dan Baum, which is being developed for a theatrical production by the Public Theater in New York.

Davis Rogan is a radio DJ, music teacher, and band leader. He formed the ground-breaking ’90s brass hip-hop funk band All That and has released two albums of his own: The Once And Future DJ and The Real Davis. He is the inspiration for the character of DJ Davis on HBO’s Treme and has also served as a writer, composer, and consultant on that television series.

Alex McMurray has been a fixture on the New Orleans music scene since the ’80s and was the leader of the beloved ’90s jazz-rock band Royal Fingerbowl. His 2010 album How To Be A Human Cannonball won the Big Easy Awards’ “Best Album of the Year”. His latest album, I Will Never Be Alone In This Land, continues his musical celebration of the city he calls home.

These concerts are part of the Filament Theatre Ensemble’s ongoing special programming in its new home at 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue in Portage Park. Admission is free of charge, donations welcome. All proceeds from donations will go to Filament to help fund the build-out of their theatre. Filament Theatre Ensemble does theatre in a folk tradition with strong musical and storytelling elements, and they are thrilled to present the songs and stories of Susan Cowsill, Paul Sanchez, Davis Rogan, and Alex McMurray.

QUICK FACTS:

NAME: SUSAN COWSILL with Russ Broussard; and NEW ORLEANS NIGHT featuring Paul Sanchez, Davis Rogan, and Alex McMurray.
DATE: Susan Cowsill: July 9 at 8pm.
               New Orleans Night: July 13 at 8pm. Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time.

LOCATION: Filament Theatre, 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago.
PRICE: Free of charge. Donations welcome.
CONTACT: www.filamenttheatre.org; (773) 270-1660

A Muse in Love, Filament, Theatre, Chicago

A Muse In Love at Portage Park BBQ Fest, Jeff Fest

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A Muse in Love, Filament, Theatre, ChicagoThe Filament Theatre Ensemble is presenting five performances of its original adaptation A Muse In Love at the Portage Park BBQ Fest on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16, and at the Jeff Fest on Saturday, July 27.

A Muse In Love was adapted by Allegra Libonati as a “greatest hits” of love scenes from some of William Shakespeare’s best-loved plays, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, and Romeo & Juliet. It is directed by Filament Artistic Director Julie Ritchey and features actors Lina Chambers, Ian Jerome, Nicole Keating, Jose Nateras, and Chris Zdenek.

Performances of A Muse In Love will begin at the below times at the BBQ Fest’s outdoor family stage, then proceed “promenade style” to various pop-up locations around the festival. Each performance runs approximately one hour. Admission to the Portage Park BBQ Fest is a $5 suggested donation, and there is no additional charge for A Muse In Love.

A Muse In Love is part of the Filament Theatre Ensemble’s ongoing special programming in and around its new home at 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue in Portage Park. Ensemble members will be on hand at both festivals to meet with festival-goers and answer questions about the Ensemble and how interested individuals can stay involved and informed about upcoming events. Filament is thrilled to be a part of the Portage Park neighborhood and to share A Muse In Love with the Northwest Chicago community.

QUICK FACTS:

NAME: A Muse In Love
DATE: June 15 at 3pm and 5pm, and June 16 at 2pm and 4pm. July 27 at 4pm.
LOCATION: Portage Park BBQ Fest: Six Corners (Irving Park/Cicero/Milwaukee), Chicago. Jeff Fest: Jefferson Memorial Park (Lawrence & Milwaukee), Chicago.
PRICE: BBQ Fest admission: $5 suggested donation.
Jeff Fest admission: $5 before 5pm, $7 after 5pm, or $15 for all three days. No additional charge for A Muse In Love. No reservations.
CONTACT: www.filamenttheatre.org; (773) 270-1660

Shannon McNally

SHANNON McNALLY Sings the Songs of Bobby Charles

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Shannon McNallySHANNON McNALLY Sings the Songs of Bobby Charles
Saturday, June 1st 8:00 PM
Filament Theatre (4041 N Milwaukee Ave)
Free Admission
Donations accepted and proceeds go to Filament Theatre
BYOB Beverage

If you think you don’t know Bobby Charles’ music…you are mistaken. “See You Later Alligator”, “Walking to New Orleans”, “But I Do” and many more hits. For more info on Shannon McNally and the music of Bobby Charles, check out:

www.shannonmcnally.com

* Shannon McNally will also be doing a full band concert at Martyrs on Thursday, May 30th.

ben headshot

An Evening of Storytelling

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Ben_KemperWe at Filament are thrilled to announce that Ben Kemper, award-winning storyteller, will be with us in Portage Park this upcoming Friday for a unique evening of storytelling.

An Evening of Storytelling with Ben Kemper
Friday, May 24 at 7:00
4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Admission is FREE, and donations are welcome to contribute to Filament’s building fund.
Recommended for ages 12-112.

A native of Boise, Idaho and current student at Northwestern University, Ben is already making waves in the world of professional storytelling.  His unique performance style, energetic embodiment of character, and captivating imagery have taken him around the world performing for audiences of all ages.   World-renowned storyteller Jay O’Callahan said of Kemper’s work, “Because Ben is part of the future of storytelling, storytelling will soar.”

For more information about Ben, or to see a sample of his work, we invite you to read “Once Upon a Time” from North by Northwestern magazine and visit Ben’s personal website.

Bob Dylan

Filament Presents A Bob Dylan Birthday Bash

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Bob DylanThe Filament Theatre Ensemble is presenting the Bob Dylan Birthday Bash, a celebration and concert featuring performances by local musicians of some of the legendary singer/songwriter’s classic songs, on Saturday, May 18 starting at 7:30pm at the Filament space.

The event will be hosted by Tom Jackson, who has been celebrating Dylan’s birthday on Chicago’s WLUW for over fifteen years, and is the primary host of “Somebody Else’s Troubles”, a roots music show that broadcasts on WLUW on Saturday mornings at 11:00. Performers are set to include Dan Aranda, David Bragman, Bucky Halker, Luke Heiden, Tom Jackson, Laura Joy, Peter Oyloe, and more. The concert will be in the style of a folk hootenanny, with each performer taking multiple turns in a “round robin”.

The Bob Dylan Birthday Bash is part of Filament Theatre Ensemble’s ongoing special programming in its unfinished new theatre space at 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue in the Portage Park neighborhood. Admission is free of charge, donations welcome. All proceeds from donations will go to Filament to help fund the build-out of their theatre. Please join us in celebrating the life and legacy of one of popular music’s greatest artists.

QUICK FACTS:

NAME: Bob Dylan Birthday Bash

DATE: May 18, 2013 @ 7:30pm. Doors open 30 minutes before show time.

LOCATION: 4041 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60641.

PRICE: Free admission. Donations welcome. No reservations.

CONTACT: www.filamenttheatre.org; (773) 270-1660

All City Elementary Art Exhibition

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You are Invited to the

All City Elementary Art Exhibition

Chicago Public Schools, Arts Alive!45, Alderman John Arena and the Filament Theatre Ensemble are partnering to host the first All City Elementary Art Exhibition for Northwest Side elementary students.

Location: Filament Theatre

Filament Theatre Ensemble
4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60641

There is parking behind Filament Theatre in an alley lot.

Dates: 

  • Friday, April 26th:  5 pm -8pm

  • Saturday, April 27th: April 28 12pm-5pm

  • Sunday, April 28th: 11AM-2pm Closing celebration party/ceremony There will be a Mother’s Day theme take away art project during the celebration.  Artwork will be available for viewing during evenings for the time period just in case students want to come and see their work. Please join us on Sunday to view the artwork and enjoy a reception, music and artmaking.

Participating Schools:

Federico Garcia Lorca Elementary
Chase Elementary
Belmont-Cragin Elementary
Prescott Elementary
Bridge Elementary
Canty Elementary
Reilly Elementary
Henry Elementary

Dever Elementary
Gray  Elementary
Scammon  Elementary
Belding Elementary
Bateman Elementary
Marvin Camras Children’s Engineering Elementary

 

Laura Joy

Music Monday Featuring Laura Joy

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Laura JoyThe Filament Theatre Ensemble is pleased to announce the next in its Music Mondays series, a concert series featuring local musicians that takes place on the first Monday of every month in their new performance space at 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago.

On May 6 at 7pm, Chicago-based singer/songwriter Laura Joy will be performing a selection of mostly original material. Joy’s songs, voice and acoustic guitar style have been described as a blend of Joni Mitchell, Allison Krauss, and Ani DiFranco.
Before finding her way to Chicago in 2011, Joy worked the folk music circuit in New York City as well as her native Arizona. She released her first album, Six Flights, in 2008 and it’s follow-up, What I Know, in 2011. While in New York she was featured in the Jezebel Music Songwriter Showcase at Laila Lounge in Brooklyn and opened for Nedra Johnson and Staceyann Chin. She was also one of the organizers and performers of the Paradigm Shift Event Series, a feminist-inspired art and performance series held across venues on the Lower East Side. She continues to tour around the country, as she puts it, “taking song requests from toddlers” and “quelling dark, angry bars full of ornery old Irishmen”.

Music Mondays, created and curated by the Filament Theatre Ensemble, is an ongoing concert series held the first Monday evening of every month and featuring local musical performers. In keeping with Filament’s mission to do theatre in a folk tradition with an emphasis on community, Filament is interested in bringing musicians whose story and music illuminate and celebrate the lives of the world in which they are a part. The concerts will be free (donations accepted) and will be held in Filament’s newly-acquired theatre space at 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue. Please join us May 6 at 7pm for another evening of good songs, good friends, and good fun.

QUICK FACTS:
NAME: Music Monday, featuring Laura Joy
DATE: May 6, 2013 @ 7pm. Doors open thirty minutes before show time.
LOCATION: 4041 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60641.
PRICE: Free admission. Donations welcome. No reservations.
CONTACT: www.filamenttheatre.org; (773) 270-1660

Davis Rogan, Piano, New Orleans, Singer, Songwriter

Filament Presents Davis Rogan In Concert

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The Filament Theatre Ensemble is pleased to present a very special one-night-only concert performance by renowned New Orleans musician Davis Rogan. A piano player, singer, songwriter, actor and writer, Rogan will bring his unique style of musical entertainment to Filament’s new theatre space on Friday, April 19, starting at 8pm.

A new Orleans native, Davis Rogan combines “the enthusiasm and playfulness of early New Orleans rhythm and blues, the cynical wit of Randy Newman and…the accumulated legacy of decades of New Orleans piano professors”. He was a founder of the trailblazing brass hip-hop funk band All That, which released two albums on Rounder Records. A veteran of the New Orleans club scene, Rogan has also released two solo albums, The Once And Future DJ and The Real Davis.

Fans of the HBO series Treme will recall the character Davis McAlary, a local musician, DJ, and activist with an encyclopedic knowledge of New Orleans culture. Played by actor Steve Zahn, Davis McAlary was created for the series by producer David Simon (The Wire) after discovering The Once And Future DJ, and he based the character heavily on Rogan. Rogan is also involved with the production of Treme as an actor, composer, script writer, and consultant.

Davis Rogan In Concert is part of Filament Theatre Ensemble’s ongoing special programming in its unfinished new theatre space at 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue in the Portage Park neighborhood. Admission is free of charge, donations welcome. All proceeds from donations will go to Filament to help fund the build-out of their theatre. Filament Theatre Ensemble does theatre in a folk tradition with strong musical and storytelling elements, and they are thrilled to present the songs and stories of Davis Rogan.

QUICK FACTS:
NAME: Davis Rogan in Concert
DATE: April 19, 2013 @ 8pm. Doors open 30 minutes before show time.
LOCATION: 4041 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60641.
PRICE: Free admission. Donations welcome. No reservations.
CONTACT: www.filamenttheatre.org; (773) 270-1660

*Photo by Aubrey Edwards

Peter Oyloe, music mondays

Music Mondays: Peter Oyloe

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Peter Oyloe, music mondaysThe Filament Theatre Ensemble is pleased to announce the first of its Music Mondays, a concert series featuring local performers that will take place starting April 1 at 7pm in their new performance space at 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago.

For the inaugural Music Monday, Filament ensemble member and accomplished folk singer/songwriter Peter Oyloe will be performing, accompanied by guitarist Marc Walloch. Called a “future folk legend”, Oyloe has played extensively in Chicago and all over the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Also a two-time Jeff Award-winning actor, he was last seen on the Filament stage in their hit production of Hank Williams: Lost Highway last summer in the title role, and recently completed an LCT Award-nominated performance of the same at the Cincinnati Playhouse. He will be performing a selection of originals and familiar standards.

Marc Walloch is lead guitarist and co-founder of acclaimed Chicago band Company of Thieves. Company of Thieves has released two albums on Wind-Up Records and won a New York Songwriters Circle contest for their single “Oscar Wilde”, which was also featured on an episode of Gossip Girl.

Music Mondays, created and curated by the Filament Theatre Ensemble, is an ongoing concert series held the first Monday evening of every month and featuring local musical performers. In keeping with Filament’s mission to do theatre in a folk tradition with an emphasis on community, Filament is interested in bringing musicians whose story and music illuminate and celebrate the lives of the world in which they are a part. The concerts will be free (donations accepted) and will be held in Filament’s newly-acquired theatre space at 4041 North Milwaukee Avenue. Please join us April 1 at 7pm for an evening of good songs, good friends, and good fun.

QUICK FACTS:
NAME: Music Monday, featuring Peter Oyloe with Marc Walloch
DATE: April 1, 2013 @ 7pm. Doors open thirty minutes before show time.
LOCATION: 4041 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60641.
PRICE: Free admission. Donations welcome. No reservations.

Crossing Six Corners, Portage Park, Filament Theatre Ensemble

Crossing Six Corners

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The Filament Theatre Ensemble will present Crossing Six Corners: A Neighborhood Heritage Project on February 22, 23, and 24 at its new home in the Six Corners Shopping District. Through interviews with past and current residents, archived news articles, and discussions with local historians, Filament has devised an original play about the Six Corners.

Holiday Fundraiser Party

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You are cordially invited to the Filament Theatre Ensemble’s
 Holiday Fundraiser Party
Saturday December 8 at 6:30pm
at 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Featuring a LIVE Radio Show Film Screening Double Feature of

A Charlie Brown Christmas
and
How the Grinch Stole Christmas

performed by members of the Filament Theatre Ensemble
and a live jazz trio.

Appetizers, Drinks, Raffle Prizes, and Holiday Cheer!

Help deck Filament’s Christmas tree, as we prepare to move into our own space!

Festivities begin at 6:30pm, with the performance at 7:00
Cocktail Attire

Tickets $30, on sale HERE.

If you are unable to attend, but still wish to contribute to the Filament Theatre Ensemble, we welcome you to make a tax deductible donation by clicking HERE.

We hope to see you there!Warmly,
The Folks at Filament
Alderman Arena, Cyd Smilie, Arts Alive 45, Portage Park, Filament, Theatre, Theater, Chicago

Alderman Arena and Filament Present Living Diorama

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ALDERMAN ARENA SPONSORS LIVING DIORAMA TO CREATE HOLIDAY MEMORIES

Alderman Arena, Cyd Smilie, Arts Alive 45, Portage Park, Filament, Theatre, Theater, ChicagoCHICAGO, IL – As part of his continuing effort to reinvigorate the historic Six Corners area of the 45th Ward, Alderman John Arena and Arts Alive 45 have partnered with Filament Theatre Ensemble to present “Four Actors in Search of a Holiday Memory.”

Four actors from Filament will improvise holiday vignettes, set in a retro storefront along the Milwaukee Avenue corridor in the Six Corners shopping district.
“This is another imaginative use of storefront space to draw attention to the potential of Six Corners,” Alderman Arena said. “I want to demonstrate my commitment to rebuilding our business districts through a unique partnership with art and culture.”

The living diorama begins Saturday, December 17th between noon and 3 p.m., at 4047 N. Milwaukee Avenue. The audience will stand, framed by the U-shaped store windows where the actors will perform.

The theatre production is part of an all-day holiday affair, sponsored by the Six Corner Association, featuring a holiday sing-a-long accompanied by acclaimed organist Jay Warren on a historic Kimball pipe organ at the Portage Theater. Following the performance, the Portage Theater will show the film, “A Christmas Story.”

Remembering the Earth Series

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REMEMBERING THE EARTH SERIES

Join Filament on any Sunday afternoon at 2pm thru November 13th to see From the Circle: Remembering the Earth through Folktales and learn more about environmentalism in Chicago.

-Story Jam – Sunday, October 22nd

Audience members will be given an opportunity to share their own stories after the show. (Stories should be no more than 10 minutes)


-Active Transportation Alliance – Sunday, October 29th

John Lankford of the Active Transportation Alliance will discuss the great invention of the bicycle. (Attendees who bike to this event will be entered into a raffle for bike swag by displaying their bike helmets)

-Southeast Environmental Task Force – Sunday, November 6th

Bryant Williams, Vice President of the Southeast Environmental Task Force, will discuss local environmental initiatives and discuss how you can get involved.

-Foresight Design Initiative – Sunday, November 13th

Peter Nicholson of Foresight Design Initiative will lead a talk back delving deeper into the themes of From the Circle: Remembering the Earth though Folktales.

 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONS

Southeast Environmental Task Force
www.southeastenvironmental.org
The Southeast Environmental Task Force works to empower residents and students on the Southeast Side and the south suburbs of Chicago to improve their local environment. It also promotes pollution prevention and progressive business practices in Calumet region facilities. Another focus is the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of the region’s natural areas and sustainable development of its industrial lands.

Active Transportation Alliance
www.activetrans.org
The mission of Active Transportation Alliance is to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. We advocate for transportation that encourages and promotes safety, physical activity, health, recreation, social interaction, equity, environmental stewardship and resource conservation.

Foresight Design Initiative
www.foresightdesign.org
Since 2003, Foresight Design Initiative has been consulting individuals and organizations on sustainable development in Chicago, in Illinois, and beyond. We like to think of ourselves as a nimble culture change studio. And we like to think of you as a fellow change agent.

Filament to Speak at Green Drinks Chicago

by Events

Filament is excited to be part of this month’s Chicago Green Drinks as the featured Non-Profit. We are proud of our ongoing relationship with Foresight Design Initiative as their Artist is Residence.

What role do the arts play in dealing with environmental challenges and fostering social action? Please join us at Green Drinks next Tuesday, Sept 13, where the topic of discussion will be “Behind the Curtain – Making Art Sustainable,”  focusing on the efforts of Filament Theatre Ensemble as they pioneer zero waste theatre for their upcoming production, From the Circle: Remembering the Earth Through Folktales. The potential in Filament’s vision can only be realized if Chicago’s artistic community is committed to collaboration. Bring your colleagues to enrich the evening’s discussion and join the effort to reimagine the evolving relationship between art and the environment.

More Information | Register

About Foresight Green Drinks:

Foresight Green Drinks is Chicago’s oldest and best-known monthly sustainability gathering. Designed to catalyze the connections and awareness necessary to create a more sustainable city, each event features power networking and informal mingling with a diverse cross section of professionals, and an enriching panel discussion.

Location & Directions:

Jefferson Tap & Grill
325 N. Jefferson (view map)
(in the West Loop just three blocks east of the Loop at the corner of Jefferson and Fulton).
(312) 648-0100

  • BUS: Buses that have stops in the vicinity: #56, 8, 65, 20, 14, and 127
  • SUBWAY: Take the Green Line to the Clinton stop (Clinton & Lake), walk 1 block west to Jefferson, and then 1.5 blocks north
  • METRA: The Metra Ogilvie Transportation Center (aka Northwestern Station) is about 1 block east and 3 1/2 blocks south
  • BIKES: Are welcome!
  • AUTO: Street parking is available