Indiana
Through Feb 28, CLOUD9, Blink Contemporary Art, 1709 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.879.2994. suzannecohanlange.com. Inspired by this quote from Wired magazine, “In the future all our data will be stored in the cloud,” this exhibition questions that reality. The exhibit features art from poets, sculptors, illustrators, videographers, knitters and more.
Feb 1-24 Farms and Flowers—Reflections of the Life in the Country, Southern Shore Art Association, 724 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.879.4980. southernshoreartassociation.com. This exhibit features oil paintings by Lynn Wells who hopes to help others admire and comprehend God’s handiwork through her art. Also, Mar 1-31: Fifty Shades of Female—An Exhibition of Women as Subject.
Chicago Street Theater, 154 W Chicago St, Valparaiso. 219.464.1636. chicagostreet.org. Now in its 58th season of bringing live theatrical entertainment to the greater Northwest Indiana region, the CST presents a variety of plays and musicals each season, in addition to regularly scheduled theater classes for both adults and children. Feb 1-16: "American Rex."
Footlight Players, 1705 Franklin St, Michigan City. 219.874.4035. footlightplayers.org. This community theater group has been entertaining audiences in Michigan City for more than 50 years with its productions of dramas, comedies and musicals. Feb 1-3, 7-10: "Mass Appeal."
Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond. 866.711.7463. horseshoehammond.com. World-class gambling and top-name entertainment combine to create an unprecedented experience at this 350,000-square-foot casino. The Venue, the casino’s 90,000-square-foot entertainment facility, hosts some of the hottest Chicagoland entertainment. Feb 16: America’s Got Talent Live—All-Stars Tour.
LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, performances in LaPorte and Michigan City, 614 Lincolnway, LaPorte. 219.362.9020. lcso.net. This exciting orchestra offers a variety of concerts throughout the season, including classical, pops, chamber, children’s and family. March 17: "The Soloist Among Us."
The Memorial Opera House, 104 E Indiana Ave, Valparaiso. 219.548.9137. mohlive.com. This renovated, 364-seat building was built as a living memorial to the Civil War veterans of Porter County. Built in 1893, the theater has a rich history as a venue for musical and dramatic performances. Feb 22-Mar 10: "Guys and Dolls."
Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, various venues. 219.836.0525. nwisymphony.org. Conducted by the charismatic Kirk Muspratt, this professional orchestra performs concerts that range in atmosphere from the whimsical pops series to the edifying and inspirational maestro series, many of which offer pre-concert discussions with the conductor an hour before the concert. Feb 8: Swept Away (The Auditorium at Bethel Church, 10202 Broadway, Crown Point).
Star Plaza Theatre, I-65 & US 30, Merrillville. 219.769.6600. starplazatheatre.com. With 3,400 seats arranged in two intimate seating levels, the theater consistently hosts premier performers year-round. With its convenient location in the heart of Northwest Indiana’s shopping and dining district and its proximity to the adjoining Radisson Hotel, the Star Plaza offers a total entertainment package to area theatergoers. Feb 15: John Denver’s Rocky Mountain High Concert.
The Theatre at the Center, Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster. 219.836.3255. theatreatthecenter.com. This theater, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, has the distinction of being the only professional equity theater in Northwest Indiana, and showcases the artistry of professional actors, musicians and designers from throughout the Midwest. Next Up is "The Fox on the Fairway" Feb. 14 to March 24.
Illinois
Feb 9-18 Chicago Auto Show, 10am-10pm Feb 9-17, 10am-8pm Feb 18, McCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago. chicagoautoshow.com. Auto enthusiasts trek to this annual convention—celebrating its 105th anniversary this year—of more than 1,000 of the newest cars, trucks, SUVs and concept cars, all displayed within the colossal confines of McCormick Place. Also, Feb 8: First Look for Charity (6:30-10:30pm).
Please Wait…