N' The Loop: You Live and You Learn

Spotlight Event:

Sat., Oct. 4
6 p.m., Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. King Drive
8th Annual Living Legends/Passing the Torch Awards Benefit Gala presented by the Black United Fund of Illinois. The awards presentation and program begin at 7:30 p.m. Honorees include Ernest Jenkins, Gloria Jenkins-Harvey, Lola Jenkins, Mary Finger, Mamie Pratt, Jerline Lambert, Kenneth E. Lambert and Timuel D. Black. Entertainment by Jeffrey Osborne. Black tie optional. $125. 773.324.0494.

Fri., Oct. 3
5:30-10 p.m., Transit, 1431 W. Lake Street
19th Annual Carter Russell Birthday Fundraiser benefiting Clara’s House, an organization dedicated to making the difference in the lives of children and women by providing them with a safe haven. Event dee-jayed by Mike James and Shady Brady. $35. 312.567.1123.

Fri., Oct. 3
7-until, South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. Shore Drive
Cavalcade of Authors (with a steppers set and theatre) hosted by Naleighna Kai, J.L. Woodson and Sesvalah. Authors featured at this year’s event are Suzetta Perkins, Jewell Parker Rhodes, and Sis. Claudette Muhammad among many more. Maiysha, R&B artist performs and Azizi Books presents “Come Out and Play” Free event; VIP, $15.

Fri., Oct. 3
7:30 p.m., Merle Reskin Theatre (DePaul University), 60 E. Balbo Drive
A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams performed by DePaul’s Theatre School. This American classic is for mature audiences. Show runs Wednesdays through Saturdays until October 12 at 7:30, Sundays at 2 p.m. $15. 312.922.1999.

Sat., Oct. 4
6 p.m., Bethlehem Star M.B. Church, 9231 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
It’s a Family Affair, the 13th anniversary of True Praise Chorale Ministries with special guest artists William Smith Jr. and Renewed Voices for Christ, Cedric Nunley and The Brethren, Ramon Perry and Ministry and Praise, and Richard Douglas. Free. 773.209.8466.

Sat., Oct. 4
7 p.m., Jacob Carruthers Center Theatre, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd.
The Greatest Pretender Yet staged by Blue Sky Rhythm Productions. Emerald La’Rue, the protagonist of the play, “rides the roller coaster called ‘the real world’” and the audience will both love and hate her as she rides. $25 advance purchase; $30 at the door. Bring canned goods and receive a $3 discount from ticket price. 773.499.8838 or 708.335.0158.

Sun., Oct. 5
noon-4 p.m., FLATFILE, 217 N. Carpenter St.
Live Art during Fulton Market at FLATLIFE by Cleveland Dean, one of Chicago Artists Coalition’s Chicago Artists to Watch. Dean also has a one-man show on exhibition at the gallery titled Interpretable Chaos. 312.491.1190.

Sun., Oct. 5
6:30 p.m., New Regal Theater, 1645 E. 79th St.
Regal Rip the Runway, an event that gives local designers a venue to display their lines. The evening also boasts musical entertainment. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. $13, in advance; $35, VIP; at the door, $25. 773.716.9895.

Mon., Oct. 6
3 p.m., West Chicago Avenue Library Branch, 4856 W. Chicago Ave.
Law at the Library Seminar, monthly series, is presented by an experienced attorney and followed by a question/answer session. This session: “How to Find a Lawyer if You Can’t Afford One.” 312.743.0260.

Tues., Oct. 7
7 p.m., Christ Universal Temple, 11901 S. Ashland Ave.
Early Week Inspiration with Pastor Bill Winston, senior minister at Living Word Christian Center. 773.568.2282.

Wed., Oct. 8
6-9 p.m., Gompers Elementary Fine Arts Opt School, 12302 South State St.
Townhall Meeting and Resource Fair with Representative Will Davis. Several local and statewide agencies will participate in the meetings and Davis will look to receive feedback about the issues facing his 30th district. 708.799.7300.

October until December 31
DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place
The Citizens’ Picnic: Lynching from 1865 to the Present, a historical art exhibit examines lynching and the group of people who were institutionally disengaged from their citizenship and the psychological and economical ramifications using images, artifacts and documents. Exhibit presented by J.P. Studio and Braingames. Normal museum prices and hours observed. 773.947.0600.