Chicago Neighborhood News: Loop, Virtual, Wicker Park, West Loop

Loop: The Lyric Opera House of Chicago offers music lovers many chances to attend free virtual concerts featuring legendary Italian opera composers’ lesser-known works with their Sole e Amore (Sun and Love) concert series. Throughout March, an ensemble led by host and pianist Enrique Mazzola pays homage to the music of Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, Puccini, and Mascagni every day for free via streaming on YouTube and Facebook. Find more info here.

Virtual: The Mandala Makers Festival is back virtually this year. Every Friday in March at 7 pm, check out musical performances by South Asian artists with a balanced focus on both classic Indian disciplines and more contemporary takes on the traditional music of the cultures. This Friday, March 5, artists playing varied genres ranging from beat percussion for classical South Asian orchestral music and dance to Carnatic vocal music to Indian electronica and art is featured. The virtual performances are free, with donations suggested. Check out the full schedule and find out how to watch here.

Virtual: This week is your last chance to celebrate Chicago Theater Week. Of course, this year’s celebration is relegated to virtual performances, but that doesn’t you can’t enjoy top-shelf entertainment while supporting the city’s vibrant theater scene from home. Stage productions from a plethora of beloved and up-and-coming Chicago theaters are ready to be viewed. Don’t miss out on this year’s presentations, including The IliadBaskerville: A Sherlock Holmes MysteryThe Delicate Tears Of The Waning Moon, and many more. Some content is free, some isn’t. Check out the website to find out more here.

Wicker Park: Amateur sleuths or folks just looking for a fun night out should check out Six Rooms, the newest interactive mystery experience from Art Room Events taking place at Escape Artistry, located at 1342 North Milwaukee. Occurring Friday, March 12, from 7 to 9:30 pm, this suspenseful cocktail event lets guests become medical assistants entering the mind of a madwoman as they try to solve a murder based on memories, hidden clues, and cross-examination of suspects. Tickets start at $80 for two guests. You can add an all-inclusive drink package (up to seven cocktails) for $45 plus fees. Masks are required and social distancing rules apply. Find more info here.

West Loop: The Chicago Artisan Market occurs on Saturday, March 6, and Sunday, March 7, at Morgan MFG, located at 401 North Morgan Street. Showcasing the best in food, fashion, home goods, and art throughout the city and the Midwest, this socially distanced market is the perfect place to find something special for friends, family, or yourself. The market is open from 10 am o 4 pm each day. General admission is $8 for a two-day pass, or pick up four passes for the weekend for $20. Children 12 and under are free. So support independent artisans and find the next awesome piece to tie your living room together. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO