The Mix: Taste of Chicago, Fresh Fest, and more things to do in Chicago July 5-11

Make big plans for the week ahead in Chicago. There’s so much to see and do — and Taste! Here are some highlights for July 5-11

FAMILY FUN: Taste of Chicago

More than 80 local eateries take part in the 39th annual Taste of Chicago (July 10-14) in Grant Park. As usual, the food lineup is a diverse mix ranging from pizza and ice cream to Cuban, Brazilian, Indian and Mexican. Cooking demonstrations are held each day at the Buckingham Fountain Plaza. The music lineup includes Courtney Barnett, Bomba Estereo, Cultura Profetica, De La Soul, The Strumbellas, Taylor Bennett and India.Arie. Admission is free. Food and beverage tickets are 14 for $10; seated area for concerts, $20-$50. Visit tasteofchicago.us.

MOVIES: ‘Screwball’ rom-coms

Columbia Pictures

Eight films from 1930s to 1940s Hollywood are screened in the month-long series “Screwball,” which refers to the classic genre that combined screen romance with laughs. First up is Frank Capra’s “It Happened One Night” featuring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in the film often referred to as the beginning of the genre. “My Man Godfrey,” “The Awful Truth,” “Easy Living,” “The Lady Eve,” “The Palm Beach Story,” “Bringing Up Baby” and “Man’s Favorite Sport” fill out the series. From July 5-Aug. 1, Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State. Tickets: $4-$7. Visit siskelfilmcenter.org.

MUSIC: A.J. Croce

Joshua Black Wilkins Photo

A.J. Croce was only 2 when he lost his father, singer-songwriter Jim Croce. The son has followed in his father’s footsteps and as an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, the young Croce has released nine albums blending roots, blues, folk, pop and jazz. He hasn’t recorded many of his father’s songs but last year he released a new version of the 1973 hit “I Got a Name.” At 8 p.m. July 10, City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph. Tickets: $15-$25. Visit citywinery.com/chicago.

ART: ‘Jose Guadalupe Posada’

PROVIDED

In June of 2020, the Cleve Carney Gallery will host a comprehensive exhibition of Frida Kahlo’s life and work, which will be the largest collection of the iconic artist’s original work presented in the Midwest in the last 40 years. In preparation for the show, the gallery is currently offering “Jose Guadalupe Posada: Legendary Printmaker of Mexico,” a look at the work of the influential printmaker (1852-1913) whose work has been cited as an inspiration for Kahlo. His images — more than 20,000 over his lifetime — featured satirical skeletons, or calaveras, and documented nearly every aspect of Mexican life. To Sept. 13 at Cleve Carney Gallery, McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn. Admission is free. Visit clevecarneygallery.org.

THEATER: ‘The Light’

Joel Maisonet

Collaboraction, known for working with a diverse community of artists and community activists to create original theatrical experiences that explore social issues, begins its 23rd season with the world premiere of “The Light,” From July 11-14, Collaboraction, Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee. Tickets: $15-$30, festival pass $45. Visit collaboraction.org.

THEATER: ‘Totally Bonkers Improv’

Courtesy Second City

The family-friendly kids show “Totally Bonkers Improv Showdown,” features two improv teams with their spin on traditional improv games and game show tropes. According to director Matt Hovde, it’s “organized chaos .… like a game show gone off the rails.” Through Aug. 14, The Second City, 1616 N. Wells. Tickets: $10, $12. Visit secondcity.com.

FESTIVALS

• Enjoy art, music and food at West Fest Chicago, July 5-7, on Chicago between Damen and Wood. Visit westfestchicago.com.
• House music is celebrated at the Chosen Few Old School Reunion Picnic and Festival, July 6, Jackson Park, 6401 S. Stony Island. Visit chicagoevents.com.
• Find nature-themed art at the Chicago Botanic Garden Art Festival, July 6-7, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe. Visit chicagobotanic.org.
• Young Chicago musicians are featured at Fresh Fest!, July 11-12, Navy Pier, Grand and Lake Michigan. Visit navypier.org.

Mary Houlihan is a local freelance writer.