My blood pressure shot up Saturday when I read the Sun-Times story about Saint Patrick’s Day partiers, and I got particularly irked by the quote from a health professional who refused to let a pandemic get in the way of his binge drinking. The concept of social distancing isn’t all that radical in the face of uncertain calamity: we isolate ourselves today so we can meet again tomorrow. I love going to shows, movies, museums, and sharing space with an unexpected mix of friends and strangers eager to experience art with others. If holding off for a few weeks curbs the harm that could befall others and ensures we might be able to gather again sooner than later, I’m all for it.
Other Chicagoans have found other ways to encourage togetherness while we’re apart and support our creative communities. Slo’Mo, the queer-forward party series produced by Reader special events consultant Kristen Kaza, will livestream a dance party from Kaza’s living room tomorrow night. Choreographer Darling Shear (a Reader favorite), will give a couple dance lessons, and Audio Jack and Vitigrrl will spin throughout the night; it runs from 8 PM to midnight CST. Slo’Mo will take $5 donations through Venmo (@slomoparty), and the money will go to the performers, the Whistler, and other local LGBTQ+ artists who’ve lost income due to COVID-19 closures.
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