Hopefully, this weekend will be drier and sunnier than last weekend so we can get out and have some fun at our second round of summer street festivals and art fairs being offered by the city and some of its neighborhoods!

Headlining this weekend is the Chicago Blues Festival this Saturday and Sunday in Millennium Park (enter at Michigan Ave. and Washington St.) in The Loop.  Three stages across Millennium Park will feature over 35 performances and more than 250 artists celebrating Chicago’s Blues legacy which includes a Sunday evening performance by Chicago’s living legend Buddy Guy as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour as well as additional headliners during the weekend.  In between performances, grab a bite to eat at Wally’s BBQ Pit back by popular demand, and specialty drinks catered by Eleven North Hospitality.  Plus, there are other citywide Blues Events being offered on Saturday with “Hot Blues Night” at Chess Records Studio (2120 S. Michigan Ave.) from 9 p.m.-12 a.m., and Sunday with “Joe Pratt & Source One Band” at The Odyssey East (9942 S. Torrence Ave.) at 7 p.m., and “Vocalist Little Harvey & Chi-Town Blues” at Rooster’s Palace (5748 W. North Ave.) at 8 p.m.  It’s the largest FREE Blues Festival in the world!

The Humboldt Park neighborhood will be celebrating its vibrant Puerto Rican culture and history this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) with their annual Puerto Rican Festival located at Humboldt Park (2800 W. Division St. at Mozart St.) along with their 46^th annual Puerto Rican People’s Parade along Division Street on Saturday.  This festival features a music stage with live entertainment from the island of Puerto Rico, merengue dance performances, a shopping market with cultural items and handmade goods, a carnival, the best restaurants and chefs bringing you Puerto Rico’s flavors in food and drinks, and much more!

Celebrating their 58^th year, the Andersonville Midsommarfest takes place this Saturday and Sunday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) on Clark Street from Foster Avenue to Gregory Street.  This much beloved street fest offers five stages of live entertainment from dozens of musical and entertainment acts, delicious new food options to purchase from both vendors and participating local restaurants, family activities, and the not-to-be missed traditional Swedish dance around the Midsommar Maypole!

Join the Wells Street Art Festival as they celebrate their 49^th year this Saturday (10 a.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-9 p.m.) on Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street in the Old Town neighborhood.  This festival features juried artists from across the continent; a dedicated performance stage featuring local music, performance artists, and cover/tribute bands; a children’s play area; and tasty food and drink vendors from 20+ Old Town restaurants.  It’s a treasure trove of creativity and much more!

There’s also the Old Town Art Fair taking place this Saturday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) at the Old Town Triangle Park (1763 N. Park Ave.) in the Old Town neighborhood.  This Art Fair features the work of over 200 artists, live music from local performers, a selection of food and drinks from local restaurants and vendors, a children’s corner where kids can unleash their inner artist, and a self-guided tour of over 50 local gardens in bloom and on display that are only viewable during this Art Fair!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Lakeview’sMatisse Tavern and Grill sounds like it should be a painting in an art museum, and in many ways, it is.

For a summer night, it’s a perfect spot to take the family for fresh, imaginative, epicurean meals, while dining in an Instagram-ready, picturesque outdoor patio, on cozy tables with room for your favorite pooch. It’s also great for late-night after a show or concert. 

As their website mentions, you can “Relax with friends all summer long on the outdoor patio with a copper mug of our famous Moscow Mule or a Cold Craft Beer.” 

Start your meal with CUBAN SPICED WON-TONS, which pairs braised pork and avocado cream in a crispy won-ton wrapper, topped with house made champagne feta sauce. Or, try STUFFED MEDJOOL DATES, which is goat cheese-stuffed medjool dates wrapped in bacon, with house made piquillo pepper-tomato sauce. Their shareable HUMMUS PLATTER has house-made Mediterranean hummus topped with a lemon pepper garlic sauce, and served with celery, carrots, red peppers and warm pita bread. 

For lighter appetites, don’t miss their ROASTED PEAR SALAD, which is roasted pears over mesclun greens with goat cheese, caramel walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette. HANGER STEAK SALAD isa blackened hanger steak over mixed greens, bottom mushrooms, red peppers, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, blue cheese crumble and ranch dressing. Hearty and yummy! WARM BEET SALAD is popular and healthy, with roasted red and golden beets in olive oil with sautéed spinach, asparagus and red pepper flakes, topped with goat cheese.

They are extremely proud of their creatively named half-pound, grass-fed burgers. They are served on your choice of ciabatta, multigrain roll, wrap or panini style. For an upcharge, you can choose a pretzel bun or pretzel roll. Burgers are served with your choice of side salad, fresh cut fries, homemade garlic mashed potatoes or fresh cut sweet potatoes fries. For example, TROPICAL FIRE is Monterey Jack cheese with caramelized thick cut bacon, mango habanero sauce, and crispy onions. SWEET PRECISION AND SOFT COLISION is smothered in chipotle aioli, topped with fresh pears flambéed with cognac, goat cheese and candied walnuts. I’ve never seen a burger like this in Chicago!

For a different take on a classic, try Matisse’s SALMON BLT, baked salmon on sour dough with lettuce, tomatoes, bacon and homemade tartar sauce, or the SWEET PEAR AND CHICKEN, which pairs grilled chicken with sweet pears, Monterey Jack cheese, candied walnuts & chipotle aioli. “Perfect as a Panini,” they say.

Their entrees include an unusual (and affordable) SURF AND TURF, mixing pan-seared French cut lamb chops and tiger shrimp with guajillo sauce served with sautéed red skins potatoes and asparagus-garlic butter sauce.  I’m down for THE DEVIL’S CHICKEN, an all-natural chicken breast with black olives, capers, spicy tomato, white wine and garlic served with rosemary roasted potatoes. For hearty fare, try the unusually named TRUFFLE THICKTRUFFLE THICK BACON PASTA, which isFarfalle pasta with cherrywood smoked bacon in a homemade alfredo sauce with fresh green peas, parmesan cheese and topped with white truffle oil.

As we say here when appropriate, “Save room for dessert!” MANGO CRÈME BRULEE isa mango and passion fruit custard with caramelized sugar, fruits, biscuit crumble and gelato. BOURBON PECAN BREAD PUDDING is a praline pecan bread pudding, with vanilla bean gelato in a caramel bourbon sauce. CRAZY CHEESECAKE has a golden graham cracker crust, cheesecake topped with chocolate and caramel sauce, and is served with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Matisse Tavern and Grill is located at 674 W. Diversey Parkway. They are open Monday-Thursday, 4pm–2am, Friday and Sunday from 12pm-2am, and Saturday from 12pm-3am. The kitchen closes at midnight daily. For reservations, click here. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Area rugs are versatile design elements that can transform the look and feel of any space. Whether you want to add warmth, define areas, or inject personality into a room, selecting the right area rug and using it effectively can elevate your interior design game. In this article, we will explore expert tips and strategies for maximizing the impact of area rugs in your home decor. From understanding the role of area rugs to selecting the perfect size, shape, and material, we will delve into the intricacies of using area rugs to enhance your living spaces.

Understanding the Role of Area Rugs in Design

The Functionality of Area Rugs

Area rugs are like the Swiss Army knives of interior design – they’re not just there to look pretty. They can define spaces, provide insulation, reduce noise, and protect your floors from those inevitable wine spills (we won’t judge).

The Aesthetic Value of Area Rugs

Think of area rugs as the cherry on top of your design sundae. They can tie a room together, add a pop of color or texture, and basically make your space look Instagram-worthy without having to lift a finger (except maybe to swipe your credit card).

Choosing the Right Size and Shape for Your Space

Measuring Tips for Area Rugs

Measure twice, buy once – or something like that. When it comes to area rugs, size matters. Too small, and it’ll look like you accidentally shrunk your rug in the wash. Too big, and it’ll feel like your rug is trying to eat your furniture for breakfast.

Considering Room Layout and Furniture Placement

You wouldn’t wear socks with sandals, right? Well, the same goes for area rugs and furniture. Make sure your rug plays nice with your sofas, coffee tables, and accent chairs for a harmonious design that won’t have your guests questioning your taste level.

Mixing and Matching Patterns and Textures

Guidelines for Combining Patterns

Mixing patterns is like making a cocktail – a little bit of floral, a dash of stripes, and voila, you’ve got yourself a design masterpiece. Just remember the golden rule of thumb: if your rug is loud, maybe let your curtains take a chill pill.

Blending Textures for Visual Appeal

Textures are like the seasoning of design – they add depth and flavor to your space. Pair a shaggy rug with a sleek leather sofa, or a jute rug with a velvet armchair for a sensory experience that’s as satisfying as a perfectly cooked steak.

Layering Rugs for Added Depth and Visual Interest

Techniques for Layering Rugs

Layering rugs is like creating a fashion-forward ensemble for your floors. Mix different sizes, shapes, and textures to add visual interest and dimension to your space. Just don’t be surprised if your guests start Instagramming your #ruglayering skills.

Creating Dimension with Layered Rugs

Layering rugs is the design equivalent of a magic trick – it creates an illusion of depth and coziness that will have your space feeling like a hug for your feet. Plus, it’s an easy way to switch up your decor without committing to a full-blown makeover.

Selecting the Perfect Rug Material for Your Lifestyle

Determining Durability Needs

Your rug needs to withstand the chaos of your lifestyle, whether it’s kids, pets, or just your own clumsy self. Opt for durable materials like wool or synthetic fibers for high-traffic areas, while you can indulge in the luxurious feel of silk in lower-traffic spots.

Exploring Material Options: Wool, Silk, Cotton, etc.

Wool rugs are the workhorses of the rug world – durable, cozy, and naturally stain-resistant. Silk rugs add a touch of glam but require a bit more TLC. Cotton rugs are easy to clean and great for casual spaces. Explore your options and choose a material that suits both your style and practical needs.

Enhancing Your Room’s Color Palette with Area Rugs

Choosing Colors that Complement or Contrast

Whether you want your rug to play nice with your existing color scheme or make a bold statement, picking the right hues is key. Choose colors that complement your furniture for a harmonious look or go for contrasting shades to add a pop of excitement.

Using Rugs to Tie Together Color Scheme

Rugs are the unsung heroes of decor when it comes to tying a room together. Pick a rug that features colors already present in your space to create a cohesive look. It’s like the cherry on top of your design sundae!

Placement and Positioning Techniques for Maximum Impact

Centering and Offsetting Area Rugs

Placement is everything when it comes to rugs. Centering a rug under your furniture anchors the space, while offsetting it can create a more dynamic, layered look. Play around with placement until you find the perfect balance.

Creating Focal Points with Rug Placement

Rugs can do more than just protect your floor – they can be the star of the show! Use a bold rug as a focal point in your room by placing it in a way that draws the eye and sets the tone for the entire space. Who knew a simple floor covering could have such star power?

By incorporating these expert tips for using area rugs, you can elevate the design of your living spaces and create a cohesive and visually appealing environment. From selecting the right size and shape to experimenting with patterns and textures, area rugs offer endless possibilities for enhancing your home decor. Remember, a well-chosen area rug not only adds comfort and style but also serves as a focal point that ties the room together. So, embrace the versatility of area rugs and let your design creativity shine through!

Once upon a time in the United States, ‘separate but equal ‘ meant that many of the best baseball players in the world were limited to playing in the Negro Leagues. 

Even after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Negro Leagues continued through the 1950’s, but their records were as ‘separate but equal’ as their rosters. 

All of that finally changed this week. Major League Baseball (MLB), as reported by CNN, announced that they are incorporating the statistics of former Negro Leagues players into its historical records on its website, meaning legendary leaders in some categories, like Babe Ruth andTy Cobb have now been replaced in the record books by players who were not allowed to play on the same fields as them during segregation.

The Homestead Gray’s catcher Josh Gibson is now listed as MLB’s new all-time career leader in batting average at .372, moving ahead of Ty Cobb (.367).

Chicago’s Negro League Team 

On the city’s South Side, we had the Chicago American Giants. From 1910 until the mid-1930s, the American Giants were the most dominant team in black baseball. According to Wikipedia sources, the American Giants were owned and managed from 1911 to 1926 by player-manager Andrew “Rube” Foster, and were charter members of Foster’s Negro National League. The American Giants won five pennants in that league, along with another pennant in the 1932 Negro Southern League and a second-half championship in Gus Greenlee’s Negro National League in 1934. They played at  Schorling’s Park, (also called South Side Park) eventually moving to Comiskey Park after Schorling Park was destroyed in a fire. They played at Comiskey Park when the Chicago White Sox were out of town.

Beginnings

In 1910, Foster, captain of the Chicago Leland Giants, wrestled legal control of the name “Leland Giants” away from the team’s owner, Frank Leland, according to Wikipedia sources. That season, featuring Hall of Fame shortstop John Henry Lloyd, outfielder Pete Hill, second baseman Grant Johnson, catcher Bruce Petway, and pitcher Frank Wickware, the Leland Giants reportedly won 123 games while losing only 6. In 1911, Foster renamed the club the ‘American Giants.’ 

 As a charter member of the Negro National League in 1920, the American Giants had one of the longest franchise histories in the Negro Leagues, according to MLB.com, operating for more than 40 seasons, including their time in the independent leagues. During this time, they would win two of the Negro Leagues World Series Championships back-to-back in 1926 and 1927. Among the stars of the era for the American Giants were future MLB  Hall of Famers Cool Papa Bell and Oscar Charleston. American Giants players were known for their fielding, pitching, speed, and “inside baseball” style of play.

Despite their successes, WTTW’s documentary on the Negro Leaguesnotes that the ballplayers still had to endure the racism of the country, as every African American did, being barred from various hotels, restaurants, transportation, and public accommodations while traveling for games. “They knew which boardinghouses they could stay in, what restaurants would accommodate them,” says Lester. “They would plan out their stops on the road, which gasoline stations they could stop at.”

However, the documentary notes, Foster didn’t get to see much of the Negro Leagues. He had a nervous breakdown in 1926 and was institutionalized in an asylum in Kankakee, where he remained until his death in 1930. His white business partner, John Schorling, the son-in-law of Chicago White Sox owner Charles Comiskey, took ownership. But without Foster’s leadership—he sometimes even contributed the payroll for struggling teams out of his own pocket—the Negro National League collapsed, though the Chicago American Giants continued for another 26 years.

Later Years 

According to the blog Blackpast, in 1936, the American Giants dropped out of the Negro National League to play as an independent team. In 1937, Dr. J.B. Martin took ownership of the American Giants and the team became a charter member of the Negro American League. Even though the franchise was confronted with many obstacles during the 1940s, the team remained in the league even after it had come to an end of major-league stature. The team finally called it a day in 1956. 

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

If you are thinking of adding a tree to your landscape, why not plant a few trees close together? A “pocket forest” can provide many advantages like providing runoff control for water and cooling the surrounding landscape. It can also increase biodiversity and provide animal habitat!

Prepping beforehand 

This will be your timetable: 4 months before planting, pick out your space and measure to decide how many plants and trees it will fit. Now you can remove any existing plants as you need. 

3 months before, lay down a layer of cardboard and cover with leaf compost. Cover this with three inches of wood chips. This will prepare the area and kill off anything else in the space. 

1 month before planting, choose your trees and shrubs to plant considering their size of root systems and sun needs. Getting your plants early is a good idea as it will be a big order. Contact your local university extension or municipal government to find trees that thrive in your area and that will suit your needs and space requirements. 

When and what to plant

When to plant can differ as to your climate including temperatures and rainfall. This is information that can also be found at your university extension. The rule of thumb is to plant in the dormant time of year. This allows the plantings to establish before summer’s heat. Around the Midwest this will be in the fall. 

You start with multiple native species of trees which will provide shade. The initial investment may be more than a lawn, but they are nice to look at, use less water and need less maintenance, saving you time and money. You can choose two or three one and two-year-old native trees and shrub saplings. If you need to plant close to buildings, choose species that don’t have invasive root systems and prune regularly. 

Getting started

At planting time, arrange them in their containers 2-4 feet apart. Plant according to the directions that will come with the tree or shrub, paying special attention to the sizes of the holes. You can do this in a space as little as 200 square feet. 

Mark your plants so that you won’t confuse them with weeds later. Add compost making sure to leave a 4–6-inch space at the base. Water very well making sure to wet the root ball entirely and the ground underneath. 

Maintenance 

While this pocket forest will eventually be mostly maintenance free it will need some care the first two or three seasons. Water regularly and well. Do structural pruning by removing less healthy lower branches and those unable to support their own weight. After 3 years when your trees are established, watering is not necessary and only an occasional pruning will be needed.

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago