welcome to hyde park chicago

Congratulations to Courtney Bledsoe, opening her new store, Call and Response Books at 1390 E. Hyde Park Boulevard on May 4.⁠ ⁠ The Chicago Sun-Times reports that "...the store will focus on stocking books by authors of color and celebrating the stories they tell.⁠ ⁠ 'It really is so important to have that perspective reflected in literature, not only if you’re a person of the same background, but just anyone in general,' Bledsoe said. 'I really wanted [Call & Response] to be an intentional space that’s not only just about physical books, but also about connecting with each other through storytelling.'"⁠ ⁠ 📸 Jim Vondruska/Sun-Times⁠ ⁠ Click link in bio for more information.

NEXT MONTH⁠ ⁠ Sunday, May 19⁠ Harper Theater - 5238 S. Harper Avenue⁠ 7 p.m.⁠ ⁠ CATALYST tells the story of how Duro “Shame Love Tempo” Wicks fell in love with hip-hop and helped give it a home on the Chicago music scene of the early 1990s. It examines what made hip-hop blow up in Chicago so much later than in other cities; how a tiny 100-watt college station became Chicago’s hip-hop radio powerhouse; and why social, political, and economic conditions ultimately proved to make Duro’s dream unsustainable, even though it was more successful than anyone ever imagined it could be.⁠ ⁠ Click link in bio for more information.

NEXT MONTH!⁠ ⁠ Don't miss the 🌸 63rd Annual Hyde Park Garden Fair 🌼 in the Courtyard at the Hyde Park Shopping Center.⁠ ⁠ Friday, May 17 - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.⁠ Saturday, May 18 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.⁠ ⁠ The Hyde Park Garden Fair is Chicago's oldest community garden sale, featuring multiple plant categories including annuals, perennials, native plants, house plants, hanging baskets, vegetables, shrubs, trees, roses, and so much more. 🪴🌹🌿⁠ ⁠ Click link in bio for more information.

Wednesday, May 1⁠ 301 E. Garfield Boulevard⁠ 4-5 p.m.⁠ ⁠ You’re invited to take a walking tour of all four venues managed by Arts + Public Life: Arts Incubator, Green Line Performing Arts Center, L1 Retail Store, and the Arts Lawn. We will discuss the rich cultural history and current context of the Arts Block as it relates to the Washington Park neighborhood and offer details about the purpose and function of the venues along the historic block of East Garfield Boulevard. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the APL programs and community engagement initiatives.⁠ ⁠ Click link in bio for more information.

The Hyde Park Herald reports that "Jerk-Yard Chicago, an upscale Jamaican eatery with a 'downtown vibe,' is coming to 53rd Street this May.⁠ ⁠ Setting up shop at 1310 E. 53rd St., the former site of What’s Krackin’, Jerk-Yard is the product of David Clausell, a nightclub promoter turned restaurateur who wants to combine his passion for food with his taste for elegant nightlife.⁠ ⁠ ...Jerk-Yard will have a soft opening in two weeks, with a grand opening coming later. Dates will be announced on the restaurant's Instagram, @jerkyardchicago."⁠ ⁠ 📸 Marc C. Monaghan⁠ ⁠ Click link in bio for full story.

Repost from @southsidechicagojobs • Theaster Gates’ Rebuild Foundation is seeking a Communications Director to lead and shape the organization’s communications strategy as it continues the archival processing of four permanent collections, presents innovative exhibitions across its spaces, continues its support for artists through residencies and fellowships, demonstrates the artistic and creative origins and futures of its work, and prepares to launch the St. Laurence Arts Incubator in late 2024. Applications accepted through May 10.⁠ ⁠ Click link in bio to apply for this position and others at South Side Chicago Jobs - a free job board dedicated to South Side business owners and job seekers.⁠

🍕 The Infatuation has updated its list of the best spots for pizza in Chicago, including Bob's Pizza, with a location in Hyde Park at 1518 E. Harper Court.⁠ ⁠ "Two reasons we really enjoy Bob’s is that there’s no “Bob” (the chef just likes the name) and this place boldly claims it makes “Pilsen-style” pizza (which isn’t a thing). But we love it because it’s the kind of fantastic pizza we immediately want all of our East Coast friends to try. The crust is made with beer and it’s pliable enough to fold, with a slightly-charred undercarriage and puffy outer edge. We’re big fans of the specialty pies here—the pesto and stracciatella is a stand-out and so is the pickle (with mortadella and garlic cream), which sounds weird, but we promise is good."⁠ ⁠ Visit Bob's for $5-6 pizza slices (11 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily) and Happy Hour from 4-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday for BOGO pizza and 50% off all beers 🍺 and wines 🍷 by the glass (dine-in and carryout only; no online orders. Certain restrictions apply.).⁠ ⁠ Click link in bio for full story.

THIS SATURDAY!⁠ ⁠ Don't miss the Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl this Saturday, April 27. Hyde Park has three bookstores on the list - 57th Street Books, Powell's Books, and Seminary Co-op Bookstore.⁠ ⁠ "And to remind you of the goals:⁠ ⁠ • Visit TEN stores in one day and get 10% off at all participating bookstores for an ENTIRE YEAR!⁠ ⁠ • Visit FIFTEEN stores in one day and get 15% off at all participating bookstores for an ENTIRE YEAR! ⁠ ⁠ After visiting 10 or 15 participating bookstores, on your last bookstore visit show your passport and receive a limited edition sticker!⁠ ⁠ Readers are encouraged to post a snapshot of themselves and their Independent Bookstore Day haul on social media with the hashtag #TEAMINDIE and #CHILOVEBOOKS"⁠ ⁠ Click link in bio for more information.

GREAT NEWS FOR ARTISTS!⁠ ⁠ WTTW reports that the Hyde Park Art Center announced yesterday that it has "...fully transitioned to a contribute-what-you-can model for all of its art classes.⁠ ⁠ The decision to offer classes on a contribution-based model came in response to a call to action from the community, Co-Executive Director Jen Tremblay Chambers said in a news release.⁠ ⁠ 'Our community asked us for better ways to alleviate the financial stress and economic barriers that can come with signing up for a class,' Tremblay Chambers said in a statement. 'Many consider the school a second home, and we’re thrilled that tuition no longer gets in the way of their belonging.'"⁠ ⁠ Click link in bio for full story.