Please join us for our next SAPAC General Meeting:

Monday, December 5, 2011
6:00-8:00pm
Barnes & Noble at DePaul Center
1 E. Jackson, 1st floor (corner of State and Jackson in the Loop)

We will be debriefing on our recent Voices of Resistance show at Marwen and discussing our plans for the winter and spring. All are welcome!

Questions? Contact us at info@sapac.org.

Last updated Dec. 15

Well, it had to happen eventually: Winter is finally, officially upon us here in Chicago. Why not make the best of it by checking out some of the great events happening this month?

As always, I’ll continue to update this post throughout the month. Send your events to info@sapac.org or leave a comment here.

Robert Young @ University of Chicago
Thursday, December 1 @ 4:30pm

Young, a professor of English and Comparative Literature at NYU, discusses “Theorizing Cultural Translation” for U of C’s South Asia Seminar Series.

Faisal Alam @ Columbia College Chicago
Thursday, December 1 @ 6:00pm

The Pakistani-American, queer Muslim activist joins Columbia’s One Tribe multicultural student organization for an event commemorating World AIDS Day.

Sandip Burman @ University of Chicago
Friday, December 2 @ 12:00pm

The accomplished tabla player performs for U of C’s South Asian Sound Interventions Series.

Natya Dance Theatre @ Indo-American Center
Sunday, December 4 @ 2:30pm

The first in a series of seven live performances featuring renowned local and international artists that bring the music and dance of India to Chicago audiences. This kickoff event will include Kathak dance by the Anila Sinha Foundation, and dance by the Bollywood Rhythm Dancers. Presented by Natya Dance Theatre and the Indo-American Heritage Museum, with generous support from The Chicago Community Trust. Performances continue throughout 2012, at various Chicagoland venues.

SAPAC General Meeting @ Barnes & Noble, DePaul Center UPDATED 12/5
Monday, December 5 @ 6:00pm

Join us for our next general meeting where we’ll discuss our plans for winter and spring!

Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields @ Facets ADDED 12/5
Monday, December 5 @ 7:00pm

Facets Cinematheque hosts a screening of this harrowing documentary that exposes shocking new evidence of war crimes committed during the closing days of Sri Lanka’s civil war in 2009. There will be a reception at 6:00pm, and Amnesty International USA’s Sri Lanka Country Specialist Jim McDonald leads a discussion following the screening.

Yasmin Nair @ Big Chicks ADDED 12/5
Tuesday, December 6 @ 7:30pm

Writer and activist Nair joins Kathie Bergquist and Nadine Warner for a Windy City Queer Reading hosted by Homolatte, a free twice-a-month, all-ages, queer music and spoken word series in Chicago.

Vijay Prashad & Amisha Patel @ Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
Saturday, December 10 @ 3:00pm

Prashad and Patel join Nathan Brown, Bernardine Dohrn, Adam Green, Kevin Coval, and FM Supreme for an event honoring Jane Addams Day and reflecting on the Occupy Wall Street movement.

Indian American Medical Association Gala @ Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows
Saturday, December 10 @ 6:00pm

A variety of musicians, singers, and dancers honor A.R. Rahman’s music at the IAMA’s annual banquet.

Trikone Ladies’ Night Out @ (Click through for details) ADDED 12/5
Sunday, December 11 @ 5:00pm

Trikone-Chicago hosts a potluck ladies’ night for its members. This is a women-only (trans-inclusive) event.

Dr. Muhammad Arshad @ American Islamic College
Thursday, December 15 @ 6:00pm

The professor of Islamic Studies, editor of the Encyclopedia of Islam at Punjab University in Lahore, and fellow at UPenn discusses “The Ulama’s Repsonse to English and Western Education in South Asia from 1805-2002.”

That Girl in Yellow Boots @ Facets ADDED 12/15
Friday, December 16 – Thursday, December 22

The Chicago South Asian Film Festival and Facets Cinémathèque present a week of screenings of this Anurag Kashyap film.

Karttikeya, God of War Express Talk @ Art Institute
Tuesday, December 20 @ 12:00pm

The museum presents a series of half-hour talks on its most iconic artworks, today featuring Karttikeya, God of War, Seated on a Peacock (Ganga Period, c. 12^th century).

Pranita Jain @ Art Institute
Tuesday, December 27 – Friday, December 30

Kalapriya artistic director Pranita Jain leads a children’s storytelling program exploring movement, rhythm, and yoga for the museum’s holiday program.

Bhangratheque NYE Bash @ Cactus
Saturday, December 31 @ 9:00pm

DJ Jimmy Singh throws his annual New Year’s Eve party featuring DJ Krush and DJ Rice.

Bollywood NYE Chicago @ Rivers Lounge
Saturday, December 31 @ 9:00pm

Bollywood Chicago and the South Asian Professionals Alliance host their own themed New Year’s Eve party featuring DJs Aladdin, Skyy, J-Kon, and D-Stylz.

SAPAC’s Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION Performance Night is Saturday, October 15! Performance artist Kareem Khubchandani sat down for a very thoughtful interview about the need for this unique space for artist collaboration, how he’s seen 9/11 affect the South Asian community, and his first time committing his performance work to video:

Join us this Saturday to see Kareem’s video, along with new work from the rest of our talented VOR10 artists!

• VOR10: REVISION Performance Night

Saturday, October 15, 2011
7:00-9:00pm
Marwen, 833 N. Orleans St., Chicago
Admission: $10 advance / $15 at the door (18 & under FREE)

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

SAPAC’s Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION Performance Night is only 2 days away! Here visual artist Hilesh Patel tells us about his experience collaborating with other South Asian artists and his creative process for VOR10:

Join us this Saturday to see Hilesh’s artwork, along with new work from the rest of our talented VOR10 artists!

• VOR10: REVISION Performance Night

Saturday, October 15, 2011
7:00-9:00pm
Marwen, 833 N. Orleans St., Chicago
Admission: $10 advance / $15 at the door (18 & under FREE)

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

SAPAC’s Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION Performance Night is coming up on Saturday, October 15! Meet one of our performers, dancer Ahalya Satkunaratnam, as she reflects on the significance of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the new dance piece she created for VOR10:

Join us this Saturday to see Ahalya’s dance, along with new work from the rest of our talented VOR10 artists!

• VOR10: REVISION Performance Night

Saturday, October 15, 2011
7:00-9:00pm
Marwen, 833 N. Orleans St., Chicago
Admission: $10 advance / $15 at the door (18 & under FREE)

Last updated Oct. 18

I’m sitting on the couch with a cup of chai in one hand, a taffy apple in the other, and a fuzzy blanket covering me. Autumn is officially here. Enjoy my favorite season with some of these intriguing events…

• SAPAC’s Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION @ Marwen
  Saturday, October 15 @ 7:00pm

Be sure to come to the performance night of our 10th annual VOR, featuring new works by some amazing, talented local artists!

Be the Change @ Indo-American Center
Saturday, October 1 @ 9:00am

South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), one of our partner organizations, hosts its annual National Day of Service across the U.S. In Chicago volunteers will meet at the Indo-American Center and then branch off to volunteer sites around the city. This year’s keynote speakers include Amisha Patel, Ann Kalayil, Ameya Pawar, and Raja Krishnamoorthi.

Stride Against Violence @ Lincoln Park
Sunday, October 2 @ 8:00am

Apna Ghar hosts its 5th annual fun run/walk in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Mahatma Gandhi Birthday Celebration @ Lions Park, Hanover Park
Sunday, October 2 @ 1:30pm

The Gandhi-King Peace Center hosts a celebration honoring Gandhi’s 143rd birthday.

Hindustani Violin Concert @ University of Chicago
Sunday, October 2 @ 6:30pm

U of C’s Department of Music and Committee on Southern Asian Studies present violinist Vidya Dengle and tabla artist Manpreet Bedi in a concert for their South Asian Sound Interventions series. Dengle also leads a violin master class on Monday, October 3.

Journey to Healing Through the Arts @ Chicago Public Library, Budlong Woods Branch
Sunday, October 2 – Friday, October 21

Apna Ghar presents its annual exhibit of work created through its art therapy program for survivors of domestic abuse. AG hosts an opening reception Wednesday, October 5, 5-7:30pm.

Dwaipayan Sen @ University of Chicago
Monday, October 3 @ 8:00pm

U of C’s Social Theory Workshop presents the history PhD candidate in a talk titled “Representation, Education and Agrarian Reform: Jogendranath Mandal and the Nature of Scheduled Caste politics, 1937-1943.”

M. Salahuddin Khan @ American Islamic College ADDED 10/4
Tuesday, October 4 @ 6:00pm

The expert on U.S. relations with Afghanistan and Pakistan speaks and signs copies of his novel Sikander.

Mara Hvistendahl @ InterContinental Chicago
Wednesday, October 5 @ 7:30am

The correspondent for Science magazine discusses imbalanced sex-at-birth ratios in Asian countries including India for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Thom Shanker & Peter Tomsen @ The Chicago Club
Wednesday, October 5 @ 5:30pm

Shanker, a correspondent for The New York Times, covering the Pentagon, the military, and national security, and Tomsen, former Ambassador and U.S. Special Envoy on Afghanistan, discuss the effects of the 9/11 attacks on U.S. national security for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Gyan Prakash @ UIC ADDED 10/6
Thursday, October 6 @ 3:00pm

The Princeton University history professor and “urban archaeologist” discusses his journey writing Mumbai Fables.

Mrinalini Sinha @ University of Chicago
Thursday, October 6 @ 4:30pm

Sinha, a history and women’s studies professor at University of Michigan, presents a lecture titled “The Strange Death of an Imperial Ideal: The Case of Civis Britannicus” for the U of C’s Committee on Southern Asian Studies, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Culture Workshop, and Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality. The following day she leads a workshop called “Power: Empires, Colonies, and World History.”

Chicago International Film Festival @ AMC River East
Thursday, October 6 – Thursday, October 20

This year’s festival features a number of films from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, including a gala presentation of Indian film Mausam, with director Pankaj Kapoor in attendance, to launch the fest’s Spotlight South Asia program.

The Flowering Tree @ Harris Theater
Saturday, October 8 @ 7:30pm

Natya Dance Theatre presents the world premiere of its new show about respect for nature.

Anita Chandwaney @ Victory Gardens Biograph Theater
Sunday, October 9 @ 7:00pm

WBEZ hosts a program called “The Art of the Political: Can the Stage Be More Than Entertainment?” featuring local artists in a discussion of theater’s role in weaving politics and art together. The evening includes a showcase of new works by 3 playwrights of color, including Chandwaney’s Helpline.

Rohina Malik @ School of the Art Institute ADDED 10/11
Wednesday, October 12 @ 6:00pm

The Chicago-based playwright, actress, and solo performance artist presents a piece about 5 Muslim women in a post-9/11 world.

One Book One Chicago Reading @ Chicago Cultural Center ADDED 10/11
Thursday, October 13 @ 12:15pm

Every Thursday in October, actors from Lookingglass Theatre present thematically-linked readings from the last ten years of  “One Book, One Chicago,” celebrating the program’s 10-year anniversary. Today’s program includes readings from Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies and James Baldwin’s Go Tell It On The Mountain.

Nitasha Sharma @ Northwestern University ADDED 10/10
Thursday, October 13 @ 3:30pm

The professor of African American Studies and Asian American Studies celebrates the publication of her new book Hip Hop Desis: South Asian Americans, Blackness and Global Race Consciousness at the school’s main library in Evanston.

Sekhar Bandyopadhyay @ University of Chicago
Thursday, October 13 @ 4:30pm

The professor of Asian history at Victoria University of Wellington presents a lecture titled “Situating Dalit in the long history of Partition in Bengal 1946-2011″ for U of C’s South Asia Seminar Series.

NAPAWF Fall Mixer @ BIN 36 ADDED 10/4
Thursday, October 13 @ 6:30pm

The Chicago chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum invites all to learn more about its work toward social justice and human rights for API women and girls. It’s a great group with some very active members from our API community.

Subcontinental Drift @ Penthouse above Quartino ADDED 10/4
Thursday, October 13 @ 7:30pm

Chicago’s South Asian open mic, as always, is free and open to all, including amateurs and professionals artists (as well as non-South-Asians!).

MC Chee Malabar & DJ Ali @ Northwestern University ADDED 10/4
Friday, October 14 @ 8:00pm

L.A.-based rapper Malabar and New York’s DJ Ali bring their Post-9/11 Brown Hip Hop Show to Evanston. Party with Chee on Friday, then check him out Saturday at our Voices of Resistance show!

Trikone-Chicago Ladies Night @ Joie De Vine ADDED 10/4
Friday, October 14 @ 8:00pm

Trikone hosts a ladies’ night out. Note that this is a women-only (trans inclusive) event.

SAPAC’s Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION @ Marwen
Saturday, October 15 @ 7:00pm

Join us for the performance night of our 10th annual VOR, featuring original works that address the impact of 9/11 both locally and globally.

Sur Sandhya @ McAninch Arts Center
Saturday, October 15 @ 7:00pm

Anila Sinha Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Chicago’s International House, presents a sarod concert with Ustad Aashish Khan.

India Development Coalition of America Conference @ IIT ADDED 10/15
Saturday, October 15 – Sunday, October 16

The two-day conference, focusing on how to eradicate poverty and mitigate climate change in India, features a number of speakers from India and the U.S.

Dalai Lama Documentary @ Loyola University ADDED 10/12
Monday, October 17 @ 6:15pm

The Tibet Center hosts a screening of a film on the Dalai Lama to commemorate the anniversary of his receiving the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal. The Center will also provide some information on his upcoming Chicago visit on Thursday, April 26, 2012. At Quinlan Life Science Building, room 412 on Loyola’s Lake Shore campus (near Sheridan/Devon). Call (847) 492-0809 for more info.

Sharmili Majmudar @ Chicago Cultural Center ADDED 10/18
Wednesday, October 19 @ 1:00pm

The executive director of Rape Victim Advocates joins fellow activist Rachel Caidor for a Cafe Society talk titled “Slutwalk and the Face of Feminism in the 21st Century.”

Inshallah, Football Screening @ University of Chicago
Wednesday, October 19 @ 6:00pm

U of C’s Committee on Southern Asian Studies presents a screening of Inshallah, Football (which also plays at the Chicago International Film Festival) with director Ashwin Kumar at the International House.

Yasmin Nair @ DePaul University ADDED 10/12
Wednesday, October 19 @ 7:00pm

The scholar, writer, and activist joins Owen Daniel-McCarter, founding collective member and project attorney at Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois, and Traci Schlesinger, sociology professor and activist, for a panel discussion called “Perspectives: Broadening the Conversation about Gendered Violence.”

Women’s Health Community Forum @ Zeenat Banquet Hall ADDED 10/12
Thursday, October 20 @ 11:00am

The Pink Pashmina Project, a partnership between Asian Health Coalition, Metropolitan Asian Family Services, and Muslim Women’s Resource Center, “is an innovative program to increase breast health awareness and encourage more South Asian and Muslim women to get mammograms.” Join them for this free event that includes info on free screenings and demonstrations in English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, and Gujarati.

Siddhartha Deb & Aatish Taseer @ Blackstone Hotel ADDED 10/12
Thursday, October 20 @ 5:30pm

Deb, an author and professor at The New School, and Taseer, an author and journalist, present “A New India, Old Problems?” for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. They will discuss “how instability in the region, economic concerns, and growing problems with corruption, among other challenges, impact India and its neighbor, Pakistan, as a newly activated political class emerges.”

Ami Saraiya & The Outcome @ Logan Square Auditorium ADDED 10/4
Thursday, October 20 @ 8:00pm

Local artist Saraiya joins Chicago’s favorite “circus-punk marching band” Mucca Pazza and Fandanguero for a Halloween Shakedown to support the Logan Square Neighborhood Association.

Diwali Celebration @ Art Institute
Friday, October 21 @ 7:30pm

The museum hosts this benefit to support its programming and outreach associated with Indian art.

Takeover Tour @ Copernicus Theater
Friday, October 21 @ 8:30pm

Hip-hop/dance artists Imran Khan, Hard Kaur, Culture Shock, Sunny Brown, Lomaticc, Baba Khan, H-Dhami, and DJ Kamran perform on the far northwest side of Chicago.

Aakash Mittal @ Elastic Arts ADDED 10/9
Friday, October 21 @ 9:00pm

The 16th annual Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival brings Mittal to town for a show with Tatsu Aoki’s Shamisen Jazz Venture featuring Francis Wong.

How to Avoid Common Pitfalls in Citizenship Applications @ Indo-American Center
Saturday, October 22

Immigration attorney Dhenu Savla presents a free seminar at IAC.

Prashant Bhushan @ Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood ADDED 10/11
Saturday, October 22 @ 10:00am

Lawyer and social activist Bhushan gives a talk titled “Reshaping India’s Future: an Anti-Corruption Jan Lokpal Bill,” first at Loyola, and then at Roosevelt University’s Chicago campus at 2:00pm.

Go Garba with Devang Patel Vinod Rathod @ Bolingbrook High School UPDATED 10/18
Saturday, October 22 @ 7:00pm

Vaishnav Samaj Midwest presents a garba with live singers and orchestra and prizes for the best dancers.

Bhangratheque Diwali Night @ Dragonfly ADDED 10/4
Saturday, October 22 @ 9:00pm

DJs Jimmy Singh, RAV-E, and KRUSH provide the music for Bhangratheque’s latest club night.

Aneek & Anwesha @ Elgin High School ADDED 10/18
Sunday, October 23 @ 3:30pm

The winners of Indian TV singing competition “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa” perform in Elgin.

Amitav Ghosh @ University of Chicago ADDED 10/12
Sunday, October 23 @ 4:00pm

Ghosh discusses the process of writing his new novel River of Smoke with journalist Victoria Lautman for the Chicago Humanities Festival.

Trikone-Chicago Book Club Meeting @ TBD ADDED 10/4
Sunday, October 23 @ 5:00pm

Join book club members in a discussion of Shyam Selvadurai’s Funny Boy, winner of the Lambda Literary Award and Books in Canada First Novel Award.

Indian Classical Music Concert @ Chinmaya Mission
Sunday, October 23 @ 5:30pm

Chinmaya Mission Chicago presents a concert of North and South Indian classical music featuring Padma Vibhushan Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna & Grammy nominee Pandit Ronu Majumdar.

Kalapriya Dance @ Hamdard Center
Tuesday, October 25

The company’s dancers give a Diwali performance at Hamdard.

IACS Job Fair @ Navy Pier
Thursday, October 27 @ 10:00am

Indo-American Community Services hosts its 2nd annual job fair for students and professionals in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.

The Many Worlds of Rabindranath Tagore @ University of Chicago
Thursday, October 27 – Friday, October 28

This 2-day conference “brings together leading scholars from around the world to discuss the different aspects of this extraordinary writer’s life and works.”

Husain Haqqani @ The Chicago Club
Friday, October 28 @ 12:00pm

Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States discusses Pakistan’s future and his vision for U.S.-Pakistan relations for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

Tibetan Art Talk @ Art Institute
Friday, October 28 @ 2:00pm

Follow a museum education lecturer on an introductory tour through the museum’s collection in this gallery talk.

Friends of Abid Ali Dinner @ Ashyana Banquets, Downers Grove ADDED 10/18
Friday, October 28 @ 8:00pm

Indian singer Poonam Bhatia performs at this gala honoring cricket legend Ali. For more info, call Ariff Ahmed at (630) 737-0298.

Jai Ho(rror)! @ Big Chicks ADDED 10/4
Friday, October 28 @ 10:00pm

Trikone-Chicago’s bimonthly dance party/fundraiser is back with its annual Halloween bash and, once again, an incomparable poster:

Building Bridges of Peace Conference @ Hilton Chicago
Friday, October 28 – Saturday, October 29

The Central Asia Institute’s conference features notable speakers including writer Bapsi Sidhwa and actor/activist Faran Tahir.

Diwali Family Celebration @ Art Institute
Saturday, October 29 @ 10:30am

The museum hosts a family festival that includes activities inspired by Indian traditions and workshops led by Kalapriya Dance.

Occupy Chicago Teach-Ins
Throughout October

Though it’s not specifically desi-related, I thought I’d include the numerous teach-ins and discussion groups occurring at the Occupy Chicago demonstrations. They sound like a great opportunity to learn about social and economic justice from local activists and scholars.

Tonight’s the night! Join us for the first of 2 amazing nights of art from the South Asian community:

Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION
Art Exhibit Opening Reception
Friday, September 30, 2011
5:00-7:00pm
Marwen, 833 N. Orleans St., Chicago
Admission: FREE (no ticket required)

SAPAC’s Voices of Resistance is Chicago’s only annual showcase for progressive, social-justice-focused artists of South Asian descent.

This year we reflect on the impact of 9/11 both locally and globally. The works we are featuring, developed over a 3-month period of artist workshops and dialogues, address a range of issues including

• nationalism and belonging in America
• conflict in South Asia
• Islamaphobia/xenophobia in the United States, and
• personal hopes for creating a more just and accepting society.

Learn more about this year’s artists and get a taste of VOR with a quick tour of last year’s magnificent show:

We’ll see you at Marwen at 5!

The opening reception for SAPAC’s Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION art exhibit is just one day away!

Get a sneak peek of Chicago artist Sabba Syal Elahi‘s creative process for this year’s show, which reflects on the impact of 9/11 both locally and globally:

Join us on Friday, September 30 to see Sabba’s work, along with new work from the rest of our talented VOR10 artists!

• Visual Art Exhibit Opening

Friday, September 30, 2011
5:00-7:00pm
Marwen, 833 N. Orleans St., Chicago
Admission: FREE

• Performance Night

Saturday, October 15, 2011
7:00-9:00pm
Marwen, 833 N. Orleans St., Chicago
Admission: $10 advance / $15 at the door (18 & under FREE)

The South Asian Progressive Action Collective
in partnership with Marwen
is proud to present

.

Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION

at Marwen, 833 N. Orleans St., Chicago

• Visual Art Exhibition

Friday, September 30 – Saturday, October 22, 2011
Opening reception: September 30, 5:00-7:00pm
Admission: FREE (no ticket required)

• Performance

Saturday, October 15, 2011
7:00-9:00pm
Admission: $10 advance / $15 at the door (18 & under FREE)
BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Voices of Resistance (VOR) features performance and visual art dedicated to social justice and the illumination of progressive artistic perspectives on South Asian issues. As we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11, this 10th annual VOR reflects on an event that drastically impacted the South Asian community and was the impetus for the creation of VOR.

The program highlights original work by Chicago-based performance and visual artists. The works, developed over a 3-month period of artist workshops and dialogues, address a range of issues including nationalism and belonging in America, conflict in South Asia, Islamaphobia/xenophobia in the United States, and personal hopes for creating a more just and accepting society.

GET ALL THE DETAILS and learn more about our artists!

Last updated Sept. 15

Anyone else looking forward to autumn? Just me? Well, hopefully some of these events will help you miss summer a little less.

As always, we’ll continue to update this post throughout the month. Send your events to info@sapac.org or leave a comment here.

Purusha: Male Moves @ Fairview School, Skokie
Saturday, September 3 @ 3:00pm

Kalapriya presents the first U.S. tour of this group of male soloists specializing in bharatanatyam, kathak, and Orissi dance.

Raghuram Rajan @ Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Wednesday, September 7 @ 7:30am

Rajan, a finance professor at the University of Chicago Booth School, joins Eugene Ludwig of Promontory Financial Group and Michael Moskow of CCGA for a morning discussion of global economic recovery.

Religion and Ideology in the Attacks on New York, Mumbai, and Oslo @ Fourth Presbyterian Church
Wednesday, September 7 @ 7:00pm

Michael Sells, Professor of Islamic History and Literature in the Divinity School at the University of Chicago, leads a forum on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Homi K. Bhabha @ Art Institute
Thursday, September 8 @ 6:00pm

Author and humanities expert Bhabha addresses culture and security in a lecture for the School of the Art Institute’s Visiting Artists Program.

Azhar Usman @ The Joynt
Thursday, September 8 – Saturday, October 1

Local stand-up comedian Usman presents his new show, Citizen of the World, during a run at The Joynt.

Homi K. Bhabha @ Art Institute
Friday, September 9 @ 9:45am

Bhabha continues his Chicago visit with a conversation at SAIC’s Symposium for Social Difference and Artistic Practices.

Ameya Pawar 100 Days Event @ Centro Chicago
Friday, September 9 @ 7:00pm

47^th Ward Alderman Pawar hosts a free event reviewing his first 100 days in office and his new public school initiative, GROW47.

Euphoria @ Vic Theater
Friday, September 9 @ 8:00pm

The New Delhi-based Hindi rock band brings its Item Tour to the States.

Vivan Sundaram & Ravinder Reddy @ Walsh Gallery
Friday, September 9 – Saturday, September 24

For its final show in its West Loop space, Walsh Gallery presents In Beauty, a collaboration between Sundaram, Reddy, and Jongbum Choi that “playfully looks at the basis of our perception of beauty.”  Walsh was one of the few (the only?) Chicago galleries that regularly featured artists of South Asian descent, so I’m sad to see it go. (Julie Walsh is closing shop to stage exhibitions and art events around the world.) The opening night features a one-time visual performance to accompany the show.

Mumbai: A Laundry Field @ Art Institute
Friday, September 9 – Saturday, October 8

South Korean artist Kimsooja’s four-channel video installation explores Mumbai’s alleyways, laundry districts, commuter trains, and slum streets. Opening reception Friday, Sept. 9. Gallery talk Monday, Sept. 26.

Narayanan Krishnan @ Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago ADDED 9/9
Saturday, September 10 @ 11:30am

The top 10 CNN hero of 2010 visits Chicago for a fundraiser for Akshaya Trust, the organization he founded to provide food, love, rehabilitation, and dignity to Madurai’s homeless citizens.

Closing of Public Notice 3 @ Art Institute
Sunday, September 11

“Over the past year, Jitish Kallat’s Public Notice 3 has stopped hundreds of thousands of museum visitors in their tracks as they pause and contemplate the two very different events of September 11 that inspired the site-specific installation—Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech at the First World Parliament of Religions in 1893 and the terrorist attacks of 2001. Extended twice, Public Notice 3 will have its final day this September 11 on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. On this day of remembrance, the museum will also offer Fullerton Hall as a space for reflection with ‘A Call to Contemplation.’ A series of images from the museum’s permanent collection, specially selected for the occasion by curators, will be shown throughout the day. Six of those works will also be featured for visitors in a gallery guide for that day.” At 3:00pm at the Chicago Cultural Center, youth from Louder Than a Bomb and Young Chicago Authors will perform Ekphrasis: A Response to Jitish Kallat’s Public Notice 3.

A Day of Remembrance and Solidarity @ St. Rita of Cascia Church ADDED 9/9
Sunday, September 11 @ 9:15am

The Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) and other organizations host an interfaith commemoration event.

Swami Vivekananda Celebration @ Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
Sunday, September 11 @ 2:00pm

This celebration of the Swami’s 150th birthday features readings and discussions of 3 short speeches he gave at the 1893 Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. This sounds like a great companion outing to the Kallat event above.

Eboo Patel @ UIC ADDED 9/8
Wednesday, September 14 @ 4:00pm

The founder and president of Interfaith Youth Core gives a lecture titled “On Religious Particularity and American Pluralism: Jews and Muslims Building Community and Country.” Free and open to the public.

Save A Mother Benefit @ Drake Hotel ADDED 9/8
Friday, September 16 @ 8:00pm

Proceeds from Monte Carlo Masquerade: A Black & White Casino Night will benefit the organization’s efforts to develop healthcare solutions for the poor, starting with maternal mortality and infant mortality reduction.

Munni Begum @ Waterford Banquet, Elmhurst ADDED 9/9
Friday, September 16 @ 8:00pm

Pakistan News and Sahiba Boutique present a dinner concert featuring the Chicago-based Pakistani ghazal singer.

Kutumba @ University of Chicago
Saturday, September 17 @ 6:00pm

The Nepali folk instrumental ensemble participates in a workshop at U of C’s International House as part of the World Music Festival.

Arooj Aftab @ University of Chicago
Saturday, September 17 @ 7:00pm

Influenced by American jazz and Sufi classical artists, Pakistani singer Aftab presents her original sound at U of C’s International House as part of World Music Festival Chicago.

Satinder Sartaaj @ Pickwick Theatre
Saturday, September 17 @ 7:00pm

Desi Junction presents the Sufi singer in a live performance.

A Tribute to Mehdi Hasan @ Gateway Theater
Saturday, September 17 @ 7:30pm

Talat Aziz pays tribute to his ustad, the legendary gazal singer Mehdi Hasan.

Funkadesi @ Edgwater GRalley Festival ADDED 9/15
Saturday, September 17 @ 8:30pm

Funkadesi headlines the main stage at this annual festival at Granville and Glenwood.

CRY Walk for Child Rights @ Deer Forest Preserve, Palatine
Sunday, September 18 @ 9:30am

CRY (Child Rights and You) holds its annual 5K walk to benefit underprivileged children in India.

Kutumba @ Navy Pier
Sunday, September 18 @ 3:00pm

The six-person Kathmandu-based folk group gives a free all-ages performance for the World Music Festival.

Kabulitis @ Josephinum Academy ADDED 9/15
Tuesday, September 20 – Sunday, October 30

Polarity Ensemble Theatre, in association with Rasaka Theatre Company, presents the world premiere of this play that “gives an intimate look into the life of an American woman married to an Afghan and living in Kabul, Afghanistan. The story was inspired by the lives and stories of the playwright’s parents and family. It gives an insider’s perspective into life, politics and religion in Afghanistan. But most of all it is the story of an elderly American woman in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease who is haunted by her memories.”

Jugalbandhi @ Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago ADDED 9/9
Friday, September 23 @ 7:30pm

The Lemont temple hosts an evening of classical music with the Gundecha Brothers and Malladi Brothers.

Indian Ocean @ Mayne Stage ADDED 9/8
Friday, September 23 @ 8:30pm

The Delhi-based fusion rock band play a show to benefit Association for India’s Development (AID) and Mission India Foundation (MIF).

The Conference on Islam in America @ DePaul University ADDED 9/9
Friday, September 23 – Friday, September 24

The first annual conference purports to “explore Islam through various lenses such as anthropology, sociology, political science, along with American and world history…a logical and desirable process given the wide spectrum of thoughts, ideas, and individuals who have made positive contributions to Islam in America today.” Free and open to the public.

Tribute to RD Burman @ Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows ADDED 9/8
Saturday, September 24 @ 6:00pm

Drishti presents Pancham, a live musical and visual tribute to composer the famous Indian composer.

Fareed Haque @ University of Chicago
Saturday, September 24 @ 7:00pm

Haque and his trio perform at U of C’s International House for the Hyde Park Jazz Festival.

Homestay Hosts Needed for South Asian Delegates
September 29 – October 17

World Chicago seeks hosts for 4 legislative aides who will be completing fellowships at state and local government offices and nonprofits in Chicago. If interested, please contact John Baum at (312) 254-1800 x100 or jbaum@worldchicago.org.

Chicago South Asian Film Festival @ Chicago Cultural Center & Columbia College Chicago
Friday, September 30 – Sunday, October 2

Programs for this year’s eclectic festival include film screenings, artist Q&A sessions, industry panel discussions, filmmaking workshops, a film marketplace and cultural performances. Check out the impressive lineup, which includes one of my favorite pieces from Trikone-Chicago’s queer film festival earlier this year, I Am by Sonali Gulati.

Voices of Resistance 10: REVISION Visual Art Exhibition @ Marwen
Friday, September 30 – Friday, October 21

This year marks the 10th anniversary of SAPAC’s Voices of Resistance (VOR), an annual arts and activism festival dedicated to raising diverse artistic perspectives on South Asian issues. VOR10 coincides with the 10th anniversary of 9/11, an event that drastically impacted the South Asian community and was the impetus for the very first VOR.

VOR10 highlights Chicago based visual and performance artists whose work addresses themes of nationalism/belonging in America, war/conflict in South Asia, Islamaphobia/xenophobia in the U.S., community resilience, and personal hopes for creating a more just and accepting society.

Exhibiting artists include Sabba Syal Elahi, Savera Iftikhar, Nazafarin Lofti, Hilesh Patel, Murassa Qazi, and Niema Qureshi. SAPAC will present the performance part of VOR10 at Marwen on the evening of October 15, 2011.