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Avondale Taps Into Shakespearan Roots For A Day In Avondale Fest

By Ariel Cheung | September 26, 2016 5:56pm
 For its fifth year, A Day In Avondale will celebrate its namesake, William Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.
For its fifth year, A Day In Avondale will celebrate its namesake, William Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.
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Provided/Avondale Neighborhood Association

AVONDALE — As A Day In Avondale turns five, its organizers are looking to The Bard for some inspiration.

The Saturday festival kicks off at 11 a.m., with an information booth set up at Woodard Plaza, 2800 N. Milwaukee Ave.

As in years past, the free neighborhood fest will offer up free food, live music and cultural events for adults and kids as a celebration of Avondale's diversity.

This year, A Day In Avondale will include performances by Shakespeare All-Stars from 11 a.m. to noon at Woodard Plaza. At 7 p.m., Theatre Y will put on a rendition of "Macbeth" in Voice of the City at Oz Arts Center, 3429 W. Diversey Ave.

"Many people don't know that the name Avondale came from the hometown of Shakespeare," said Emily Taylor, president of the Avondale Neighborhood Association. "So we're honoring that."

Taylor's group is also putting together piñatas dressed in Shakespearian attire.

Other Voice of the City shows include "The Making of Fatelessness" at 3 p.m., "The Making of Father, Father" at 4:30 p.m. and "Mary Shelley Sees the Future."

Visitors can tee up at the pop-up mini golf course at Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 N. Milwaukee Ave., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The artistically inclined can peruse mural painting with After School Matters at 2820 N. Milwaukee Ave. all day, while buildOn will have an arts-focused Q&A session from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the lot.

The lot will also have a make-your-own-maracas station.

Face painting will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Monarch Thrift, 2866 N. Milwaukee Ave., followed by caricature drawing from 1 to 3 p.m. La Farine Bakery, 2909 N. Milwaukee Ave., will have paintings by Larry Green, as well.

Kids can also enjoy a pick-up basketball game at 2 p.m. at the ASPIRA Business and Finance High School, 2989 N. Milwaukee Ave. Students will play against the Chicago Police officers and members of the Puerto Rican Police Association. Registration starts at 1:30 p.m.

For adults, Crown Liquors, 2821 N. Milwaukee Ave., will have 15-minute wine classes with an in-house sommelier.

Kicking off at noon, Moe's Tavern, 2937 N. Milwaukee Ave., will have a full line-up of live music. More live music and free food will be served up from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, 3000 N. Elbridge Ave. Attendees will be entered to win a free tablet.

From 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., an After Dark special at Oz Arts Center will feature a house music dance party with emcees Frique, Javon Jackson, Lady D and John Simmons.

Another After Dark event will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Woodard Plaza, where Crown Liquors will host DJ TH Inc.

The schedule isn't quite finalized yet, Taylor said, so be sure to check the listings at the Woodard Plaza information booth Sunday.

The event is sponsored by the Northwest Arts Connection, Kay Shoes, Ald. Carlos Rosa (35th) and Scott Curcio & Associates.

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