AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/culture/)
The Austin African American Business Networking Association will holds its annual Kwanzaa celebration Dec. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. Coleman’s BBQ will be honored as business of the year, and Darnell Shields of Austin Coming Together is the community service recipient; Marseil Jackson will receive the Delores McCain Community Award. Tickets are $50.
Markell “Kell-O-G” Mooney, spoken word poet and founder of Word Life Productions, started the patio shows at his family’s home in the 5100 block of West Concord Place in March 2003 after the death of his father, Willie E. Mooney Sr.
The Rock of Our Salvation Church presents “The King and I” on Sept. 7 and 8 at the Kehrein Center for the Performing Arts, 5628 W. Washington St. Tickets are $20 ahead of time, and $25 at the door.
The show – the last of the summer – will be held at 5156 W. Concord Place. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show begins at 8:30 p.m. Performers should arrive early. There will be an open mic sign up.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 20 from 5900 to 5930 W. End Street. There will be a pop-up art gallery, peace garden, music and free refreshments. Sponsors include the Chicago Art Austin Council, Revelopment Management Resources, The Field Foundation, Central Austin Neighborhood Association, Third Unitarian Church, and Chicago Safe and Peaceful Communities.
The Chicago West Community Music Center’s orchestra free performance will held at 7 p.m. June 7 at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. This is the group’s first Chicago concert after performing in China and France.
Located alongside Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School at 5618 W. Washington Blvd., the center offers space for the community to collaborate and be creative. The new center, which features a 900-seat auditorium, is open to the community and professional artists to rent, including the Circle Rockets youth orchestra.
The event, free and open to the public, will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. July 28 at Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake St. The event is hosted by the Poetry Foundation, Crescendo Literary, Austin Town Hall and the Chicago Park District.
In an effort to enrich the lives of Austin residents and spark economic growth, local groups are hosting a free art fair along the 300 block of North Mayfield Avenue on July 28. All are welcome.
The Austin landmark’s deteriorating condition will be discussed at 2 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Richard J. Daley Center. Some West Siders hope the building, located at 5200 W. Chicago Ave., will be put back in use for the community.