CHICAGO WEEK 3
Another weekend of unforgettable exploration and discovery in Chicago. Filled with mouthwatering cuisine, soul-stirring blues, larger-than-life sculptures, and an illuminating Van Gogh exhibition. Are you looking for a gateway to cultural hotspots in and around Chicago? Keep reading!
GET “THE BLUES”
Dinner at Mercat a la Planxa is a great way to start the weekend. Their menu is brimming with authentic Catalan flavors and the ambiance is lively with a touch of elegance. We were going to our first-ever blues concert at the famous blues club Buddy Guy’s Legends. The renowned harmonica player and singer Billy Branch turned 70, and we got tickets to celebrate with him.
In an intimate and authentic setting, Billy Branch performed with other renowned blues musicians, among others Buddy Guy himself. We were drawn into a world of authentic and deep-felt storytelling, gritty voices, soulful rhythms, and raw emotion. With each song, the energy in the crowded room built, and the soul-stirring music spoke to something deep within. This experience certainly had a lasting impact on us more than anything else we experienced in Chicago.
Billy Branch at Buddy Guy’s Legends
Morton Arboretum
The weather looked pretty good the following day, as we headed toward Morton Arboretum to see an exhibit called Human+Nature by Daniel Popper. Daniel Popper is a renowned South African artist known for his impressive large-scale sculptures and installations.
Morton Arboretum is a botanical garden located about an hour west of Chicago. The place is dedicated to the cultivation and preservation of a diverse collection of trees and plants. Besides being an oasis of magnificent trees and beautiful landscapes, it features 16 miles of trails and a variety of exhibitions, activities, and events.
*Please note that all exhibitions run for a limited time and remember to make a reservation to enter the Arboretum.
larger-than-life sculptures
We were going for a bike ride around the garden, but as soon as we got on our bikes it started pouring down. Quickly we took cover under some huge pine trees. Since we got soaked anyway we ignored the rain and ventured out to experience the five spectacular Daniel Popper sculptures. All sculptures were 15- to 26-foot-tall made of steel, wood, and fiber-reinforced concrete.
Daniel Poppers’s work often explores themes of nature, human connection, and spirituality, incorporating elements of sustainability and environmental consciousness into his creations. One of the sculptures “Umi”, meaning life in Swahili and mother in Arabic, represents a woman holding her womb or belly so people can go inside and explore. Another sculpture represents a woman opening her chest or heart also for people to go inside and interact with the artwork.
Human+Nature exhibition by Daniel Popper at Morton Arboretum
doughnuts make everything better
Cold and wet we returned to our car only to find it stuck in the mud. However, we were pleasantly surprised by the way strangers offered to help us push the car out of the mud. As we were trying to figure out how to get the car unstuck people started laughing and pointing at our license place: “Ahh you’re from California! That’s why you don’t have four-wheel drive…!”
On the way back we felt a little sorry for ourselves and decided to make a stop at Stan’s Doughnuts. We bought a couple of massive and gooey doughnuts filled with Nutella and bananas. Something I don’t recommend doing too often!
rained out at NORTHWESTERN University
The rain continued most of Sunday. We met up with old friends in Evanston, a small town half an hour north of Chicago. We had lunch in the cute university town and then watched the Northwestern University women’s soccer team play. At halftime, the game was canceled due to heavy rain. Even bad weather couldn’t hide the scenic setting of the Northwestern University campus. It has beautiful lakefront views, a mix of Gothic-inspired and contemporary architecture, parks, and beaches. Worth a visit for sure!
Immersive Van Gogh
Sunday night we went to an Immersive Van Gogh exhibition at Lighthouse ArtSpace. Here we experienced the work of Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh through an innovative multimedia art installation. Digital projections of the painter’s artwork illuminated the walls, ceilings, and floors. We were surrounded by expressive brushstrokes and bold compositions of vibrant sunflowers, swirling skies, iconic landscapes, and fascinating portraits.
Thoughtfully chosen audio complemented the themes and emotions of the artwork. Interactive elements created a unique and multisensory experience. The Immersive Van Gogh is not a permanent exhibition at Lighthouse ArtSpace but can be experienced in various cities around the world at all times. It is highly recommended even if you are not that interested in art or unfamiliar with the work of Van Gogh.
Defy the rain
Rainy days in Chicago offer lots of opportunities to immerse in the city’s rich cultural offerings such as museums, theaters, bookstores, and cafes. But if you dare to defy the rain and venture outside, great experiences await.