Local singer covers Sam Cooke in concerts
Chicago singer Darrian Ford brings the music of "The King of Soul" Chicagoan Sam Cooke to the city's south side in "The Cooke Book—The Music of Sam Cooke" at Hyde Park's Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave West, at 7:30 p.m. on July 12, 19 and 26.
Among Cooke's hits are "Twistin' the Night Away," "Change is Gonna Come" and "You Send Me."
This August, Ford will release The New Standard, his first album of new original music in more than a decade.
Tickets ( $20, $27 and $35 ) are on sale; visit www.promontorychicago.com or call 312-801-2100.
Read an interview with Ford at www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/A-change-is-coming-for-out-performer-Darrian-Ford-/48676.html .
UChicago to honor Joffrey's Wheater
Joffrey Ballet Artistic Director Ashley Wheater will be awarded the University of Chicago ( UChicago ) Jesse L. Rosenberger Medal at the school's 523rd convocation on Saturday, June 13.
Wheater is the 51st recipient of the Rosenberger Medal, established in 1917 by Mr. and Mrs. Jesse L. Rosenberger. The medal recognizes achievement through research, in authorship, in invention, for discovery, for unusual public service or for anything "deemed of great benefit to humanity."
Wheater joined The Joffrey Ballet as its artistic director in 2007.
The Joffrey Ballet recently announced its 60th-anniversary season of celebration in 2015-16, including three world premieres.
DJ competition at Center on June 13
Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., will host " By Women For Women: Everything Old is New Again," which will pit female DJs of the LGBTQ community against each other while promoting an evening of music and dance.
The event—to take place on the rooftop terrace, reception hall and theater Saturday, June 13t—will crown the DJ. DJ All The Way, DJ Gemini Jones, DJ Kirby, DJ Kristin, DJ Rhated R, and DJ Sandra Suave will compete for the title.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception until 7 p.m. and the DJ competition to follow until 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 before June 10, and $45 after that date.
Event sponsors include B.Blyss, Dykes on Bikes, L-Stop and She100. The evening will benefit both Center on Halsted and the Vernita Gray LGBTQ Youth Fund. For more information, visit www.centeronhalsted.org .
