Nadirah Shakoor performing at a recent Jimmy Buffett concert.
The very versatile
Nadirah Shakoor’s had quite a career.
She started off as the lead singer for Southern hip-hop group
Arrested Development, and then toured with the likes of
Madonna, Al Jarreau, Paula Abdul and
Quincy Jones. But right now she’s best known as the featured female vocalist for
Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band—where she’s been since 1995.
The band’s in town this weekend for a
show at Toyota Park, but if you’re not much of a
Parrothead and more of a
househead, you can catch her live at
Cuatro, where she’ll headline
Groove Parlor’s seventh anniversary party.
Expect her to perform some of her now classic underground house songs (
Just a Breath Away; Love Song) she collaborated on with
Osunlade, an amazing, well-known producer who’s had a string of hits on his
Yoruba Records label.
The
Groove Parlor party takes place 10pm-2am Saturday, and also features deejays
FLX and
Mario Romay, who will spin underground house, soul and Latin beats. $10.
If you’re not down for that other big music event happening this weekend, there’s so much more . . . THURSDAYIt's a peachy state of mind over at
sola, where the prime ingredient of the month is the juicy fruit that's now being snapped up at farmers' markets across the city. Owner/Executive Chef
Carol Wallack has created mouth-watering peach-infused dishes that you can enjoy in the stylish dining room or on the patio. You can also indulge in Wallack's award-winning Wagyu burger, which is only served on Thursdays and Sundays. It's made with cambazola cheese, house-made bacon, caramelized onions and arugula squeezed between a chewy pretzel roll.
Tonight's
Sip and Swirl set at
Park 52 features sparkling wine. The weekly wine tasting event includes several varieties paired with light appetizers. Starts at 6pm. $25.
For those who'd rather sip beer than bubbles,
Duchamp hosts another
Heineken Light Summer Series on the patio. What a way to wind down after work with a burger or flatbread, plus you'll get free Heineken for three hours. 5-8pm. Free.
FRIDAYTaylor Street Festa Italiana, a cozy neighborhood festival, occurs in Little Italy with live music and Italian-focused eats. On Taylor Street between Loomis & Ashland. Friday-Sunday. 5-11pm Friday; noon-11pm Saturday; noon 10pm Sunday. Free.
one sixtyblue rolls back to
Restaurant Week with a special three-course menu until Aug. 21. For $28, diners get several options to choose from, including crispy free-range chicken, grilled flat iron steak or saffron linguine.
The third-annual "Tater Tot Trot" takes place Saturday in the Southport Corridor.
SATURDAYEveryone loves tots! The third-annual
Tater Tot Trot happens in the Southport Corridor. Kicks off at 4pm at
Schoolyard Tavern and Grill. No cover.
Just around the corner from that is
Wrigleyville SummerFest, featuring local favorites
Too White Crew and
7th Heaven. 3350 N. Seminary Ave. Noon-10pm Saturday; 10am-9pm Sunday. $5.
SUNDAYIt's only been open for two weeks, but the brand new
Orange on Grand Avenue seems to already be a staple in its hood. It offers the same breakfast items as its Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village and Lakeview counterparts, however, this location also serves as a late-night hangout, offering bar snacks Thursday through Saturday until 4am.
If you've got a couple of amazing bottles you've been saving for a special occasion, it's time to pop the cork during
Sip & Savour Sundays at
Osteria Via Stato. The BYO event includes no corkage fee, but it's limited to two bottles per table in the dining room or adjacent pizzeria.
MONDAYAnd
In Fine Spirits Lounge showcases the sustainably produced Death's Door white whiskey, gin and vodka at the Monday night tasting. Guest bartender
Peter Vestinos will be on hand with sample cocktails. 8-10pm. $15.
