Things to do in Chicago Sept. 3-9: Chicago Jazz, World Music virtual fests, Vic Mensa drive-in concert

A virtual set by Bobby Broom and his trio is scheduled for Sept. 4 as part of “Millennium Park at Home: Chicago Jazz.”

Jazz it up, remotely

Four days of virtual performances programmed with the Jazz Institute of Chicago make up this year’s Chicago Jazz Festival, now titled “Millennium Park at Home: Chicago Jazz.” Artists performing include Tito Carrillo Quintet, Dave Rempis/Tomeka Reid/Joshua Abrams, and the Nick Mazzarella Trio (Sept. 3); Abigail Riccards, Bobby Broom Trio and Victor Garcia (Sept. 4); Reggie Thomas and Trio Nexus, Marlene Rosenberg Trio and Matt Ulery Pollinator (Sept. 5) and Twin Talk, Bethany Pickens with Junius Paul and Charles Heath and Charles Rumback Trio with John Tate and Jim Baker (Sept. 6). Also featured are emerging artists and highlights from the festival archives. The free stream runs 4-8 p.m. each day at www.youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE.

Artists_Run_Chicago_2.0_installation_view_of_mini_exhibition_curated_by_Julius_Caesar._Photography_courtesy_of_Tran_Tran_.png — A miniature exhibition at the Hyde Park Art Center curated by Julius Caesar.

Art in the city

In the exhibit “Artists Run Chicago 2.0,” the Hyde Park Art Center celebrates the work of 50 artist-run spaces and organizations that fuel Chicago’s independent art scene. Marking the 10th anniversary of the original “Artists Run Chicago” exhibit, it examines how artist-run galleries have continued to transform storefronts, apartments and warehouses into spaces where art can be experienced. The free exhibit continues through Nov. 1 at Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell. For reservations and gallery hours, visit hydeparkart.org.

Saraswathi Ranganathan plays in “Ragmala” on Sept. 6.

Spanning the globe

Each Sunday in September, World Music Festival Chicago returns in virtual form with a series of free concerts featuring artists from around the world. Highlights include “Ragmala: A Celebration of Indian Classical Music” (Sept. 6); “Afro-Diaspora y Folklore” with Bombazo con Buya, Los Pleneros de Don Segundo and more (Sept. 13); the Irish supergroup Anam Mor with Jackie Moran, Laurence Nugent, Brendan Bulger and Jesse Langen (Sept. 20), and the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra co-conducted by Fareed Haque and Wanees Zarour (Sept. 27). The stream is available each Sunday from 1-3 p.m. For more information, visit worldmusicfestivalchicago.org.

Perusing the classics

Court Theatre artistic director Charles Newell hopes the Hyde Park theater will be able to return to live stagings in February. In the meantime, the theater will offer the Theatre & Thought Series: monthlong digital programs throughout the fall/winter, which feature University of Chicago faculty discussing the historical context, themes and artistic possibilities surrounding classic works. First up is “The World of August Wilson + The Black Creative Voice” (at 7 p.m. Mondays in September) with English professor Kenneth Warren in conversation with resident artist Ron OJ Parson, a leading interpreter of Wilson’s work. (Parson is scheduled to direct Wilson’s “Two Trains Running” in the spring.) Other playwrights in the series are Euripides (October), Caryl Churchill (November/December) and Lorraine Hansberry (January). Also a deep dive into Tom Stoppard’s “Leopoldstadt” is scheduled for October and November. Tickets are $85 per series; $250 for Stoppard series. For more information, visit courttheatre.org.

Screen_Shot_2020_08_31_at_5.38.48_PM.png — Vic Mensa

Lakeshore rap

For his first performance in nearly a year, rapper-activist Vic Mensa uses Lake Michigan as a backdrop for a performance at the newly created Lakeshore Drive-In. Mensa recently released “V Tape,” a seven-track mixtape that touches on his battles with depression and personal growth. It features collaborations with BJ the Chicago Kid, Peter CottonTale, SAINt JHN and Eryn Allen Kane among others. More mixtapes from the artist are on the horizon. Mensa performs at 7 p.m. Sept. 5 in the Adler Planetarium parking lot, 1362 S. Linn White Dr. Tickets: $25-$230 per car, up to four people (add-on tickets available for one or two additional persons). Visit universe.com.

Iconic Latin pop

The National Museum of Mexican Art celebrates the legacy of the late Mexican singer and songwriter Juan Gabriel at a tribute concert — “El Noa Noa: JuanGa Canta.” Known for his dramatic performance style, he defined romantic Latin pop and remains a pop icon to his legion of fans. Jose Manuel Duarte, Jose Alfredo, Jesus Ramos and Tessa Lopez will perform classic Gabriel songs. Dance and sing along when the concert streams from 8-10 p.m. Sept. 4. Tickets: $10-$50. Visit nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.

Meet the ensemble

American Blues Theater streams this year’s Blue Bash benefit at 7 p.m. Sept. 4. Celebrating 35 years, the interactive event features performances by ensemble members and artistic affiliates including the return of playwright Rick Cleveland (“The West Wing,” “Mad Men”) with an original monologue written for ensemble member Dennis Cockrum. Suggested donation is $100. For more information, visit americanbluestheater.com.

Mary Houlihan is a Chicago freelance writer.