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South Shore Cultural Center and Advisory Council

This page is brought to you by Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Parks Committee and HPKCC's website, www.hydepark.org, and is NOT a website of the Advisory Council at South Shore Cultural Center, although with cooperation from the Council, or of the Cultural Center. Contact the HPKCC Parks Committee Chair.
Written by Gary Ossewaarde. Officers

We want to be open and to the degree possible "interactive"-- contact Gary with your views and ideas.

South Shore Cultural Center, Chicago Park District photograph
Chicago Park District photo
Park Indexes: This page. South Shore pages.

 

7059 South Shore Drive on Chicago's South Lakefront. Phone number: 773 256-0149. General public hours: 9 am-6 pm, Sat. to 5, (closes at 11).
Reservations: ask Andrea Stokes, Rentals and Special Events Coordinator or 773 256-0159. (Do NOT contact hydepark.org or the Advisory Council or Center Director. For more info Call Park Services at 312 742-5369. Be aware the center is heavily booked at times (esp. weekends and May-June and sometimes into future years, and be patient with phone requests.
Next Advisory Council meeting Saturday, October 8, 10:30 am.

In the Gallery:

Parrot Cage restaurant info. Jazz Brunch with Santa 12/19

Visit lineup of concerts, events. More here

Advisory Council & Meeting and Council contacts. Passings

First construction at the Country Club 100 years ago December 9, 2006

Phone numbers: General 773 256-0149, Center Director Andrea Adams. Head Attendant. 773 256-0941. Programs- 773 256-9048, fax 773 256-1163.
Reservations and bookings- Special Events at Chicago Park District- Andrea Stokes. Note that time spaces (except for some slots esp. early weekdays) is quite fully booked.

Staff: SSCC is now in the South Region, Director Liz Millan, Area Manager A.J. Jackson. Andrea Adams, Center Director.

The Parrot Cage Restaurant. A top class venue operated by Washburne Culinary Institute of Kennedy-King College, City Colleges of Chicago. Evenings Weds.-Sats. 5:30 and 8:30 pm seatings; Sunday brunch 11 am-3 pm. 773 602-5333. Please do call for reservations or to confirm room is available.

In this page

Remaining South Shore Cultural Center pages:

Concerts and events
About SSCC
Timeline (with early Country Club photographs and sketches)
History of SS Country Club and Cultural Center
Landmark designation- Recommendation and criteria study for. (appr. May 2004)
Photo Gallery

Other relevant material: South Lakefront Access Study updates

South Shore Cultural Center Gatehouse and exterior of stables
South Shore Cultural Center from across teh front formal garden

Left, center, and below by Gary Ossewaarde. Right from Chicago Park District-Framework Plan for Jackson, SSC Center.
In site plan at right, north = left. Clubhouse is the dark structure at center right; nature center/oasis starts at upper right.

Below: by Mary Rose Shaughnessy: clubhouse entry as set up for 'Real Men Cook' festival June 19, 2005- lines stretched all the way to the gatehouse.

South Shore Cultural Center and Garden 2. Gary Ossewaarde 2005

Details in SSCC Timeline,
About South Shore Cultural Center, and South Shore CC Landmark Criteria.

South Shore Cultural Center was originally South Shore Country Club. The clubhouse and its 58 acre site was rescued in the 1970's from the wrecking ball, bought by the Chicago Park District in 1975 for $10 million, and eventually restored as a historic landmark and reprogrammed after a massive community and citywide outpouring leading to a determined organization and a unique 3-way agreement between government agencies and the local organization. The successor to the Coalition to Save South Shore Country Club has for over 20 years been the Advisory Council-SSCC. The Council largely started the arts programs in response to clear and continuing community determination that the Center is to be a people's palace for arts and arts partnerships. The building was placed on the National Register in 1975 and became a Chicago Landmark in 2004. Top
More in History and Timeline.

 

The biggest current challenges, boldly embraced:

  1. To continue to build synergies with the Washburne Culinary Institute, even though its core programs have now moved to Kennedy-King, with partners, and especially the park district. To target SSCC as a prime special use destination facility in the Park District and South Side, ready to serve a major support role for Olympics and otherwise.
  2. Managing parking and other challenges to use of the Center.
  3. to seriously build out and program the remainder of the unused upper floors, the third having been done, for cultural programs and partner space as part of whole-building rehabilitation master plan. $2 million was earmarked by the park district towards the facility; work is now in progress.
  4. refurbish and refurnish starting with public areas and income-producing facilities including Robeson Theater. Configure so as to reduce wear and tear. Refurbish the envelope and infrastructure
  5. provide good and safe access for this increasingly busy center.
  6. momentum: maintain and increase the level of programming, partnerships and marketing despite financial limits. Programs include public, classes, and kids'. Both park district programs and partnerships are increasing and new music and other partners have affiliated. The Center is hopping every weekend. Nature Center programming is under consideration.
  7. publicity, outreach, and growth- Center and Advisory Council
  8. Grow a strong, stable staff.

    Won't you join the Advisory Council and its committees, activities and programs?

We are pleased to announce that the Center has been included in Progress Illinois capital program- $2,498.300 for exterior and interior rehabilitations at South Shore Cultural Center.
We are also pleased to announce a bequest to the Center in the range of $100,000 from the Nat and Polly Silberman estate.
The Council will be working with the park district and the bequest administrators to decide best use of the funds.

Despite a growing array of spectacular arts programs, partnerships, and classes, it has been difficult achieving the weight and citywide presence the Center deserves and could so admirably fulfill, although this certainly is coming along and is embraced by the Chicago Park District. The Center is a unique place whose needs should be given a full and careful listen and attention, the Council observes. Challenges range from space and its allocation to good access, fees and arrangements for partners and users, keeping up with wear and tear, funding and fund raising, growing and leveraging the rental revenue, best marketing and "attracting" strategies, and getting and keeping the best possible staff.

Our principal working committees are Performing Arts, Landscape-Building and Grounds, Planning, Membeship, and Fundraising.

To help maintenance in the building and pergola/grounds, over 500 hours are volunteered yearly by council committees in creating and tending spectacular plantings in and around the building and making glorious Christmas wreaths (extra of which are for sale). A major fundraiser is the Geranium Sale, 3rd Saturday in May.

We contribute regularly to physical needs and facilities. A special task of the Council and its Performing Arts is concert programming and upkeep of the Steinway concert grand piano.

Don't miss the gorgeous Nature Area and preserve southeast of the Center bldg. - or catch it coming spring. (Questions? contact staff of the Department of Natural Resources at the Chicago Park Districtat 312 742-PLAY.)

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The Advisory Council. Next mtg.

Officers (2-year terms for 2012-2013): President: Gary Ossewaarde garyossewaarde@yahoo.com, VP: Barbara Wright-Pryor, Treas.: Marsha Davis, Rec. : Bobbie Greer, Cor. Sec. Sally Martini.

Executive Committee elected January 2011 and January 2012 (EC includes officers):

Two-year term, 2012-2013: Officers Gary Ossewaarde (Pres., chair), Barbara Wright Pryor (VP), Bobbie Greer (Rec. Sec.), Marsha Davis (Treas.), Sally Martini (Cor. Sec.), Faith Jackson, Raymond Davis, Kathleen Henning, Sharon Murphy, Marjorie Mims.

Two-year term, 2011-2012: Eileen Banker, Ruby Bell, Dorothy Bracey, Mary Bruno, Janet L. Derrick, Darlene Henderson, Claudette Miller, Tanine Murdock, David Offenberg, Martha Peters.

Two-year term, 2012-2013. Elected on regular ballot: Kathleen Henning, Faith Jackson, Leslie Jackson, Marjorie Mims, Sharon Murphy, Shiela Nicholes. Elected to fill remaining positions (vacancies) in this class: ___ Lloyd, ___ Oliver, ___Barbara Taylor, ____Williams.

Nature Sanctuary Steward: Karen Dorff.

The Council reports that the following members, active since the fight to save the Country Club and turn it into a cultural center, have passed:
Anna Anthony
Miriam G. Apter
Selma Stewart White
Polly Silberman.

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The Council. Next mtg. (Normally 2nd Saturdays). Room is subject to change. (normally 2nd Saturdays at 10:30 am.)
Next General Meeting Saturday February 11- 10:30 am Executive Committee, 11 am General Council.

Paid members receive an occasional newsletter and always a monthly phone (calling post) notification. There is an attendance requirement of being at 2nd meeting to vote, NO dues-paid, requirement for voting.
Dues are $10. $5 srs, $20 organization, c/o Advisory Council-SSCC, 7059 South Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60649. 2010 dues are now due.

The Council seeks ways to help and improve such operations aspects as programming including performing arts events, marketing, and facilities. It's 2nd Saturday meetings (10:30 am) are the best venue in which to learn its work and how to be involved in its many committees, including performing arts and concerts by our partners!. They are an open, very welcoming group. A newsletter is occasionally mailed to dues-paying members ahead of the meeting.

The South Shore Cultural Center Advisory Council continually revisits with the Park District the priorities that evolved out of the Master Plan for this Center. These priorities include such projects as the completion of the 3rd Floor and build out of the 2nd Floor, renovation of the Robeson Theater, the renovation of the Outdoor Theater, and Park Kids expansion in the lower level. The Advisory Council invites you to become active as we prioritize the recommendations and strategically begin the search for capital dollars as soon as upper floors cultural space conversion is costed out. Completion of the third floor is the main "new things"internal priority. Repair and upgrade includes washrooms, Robeson Theater lighting and risers. Note that the Park District has committed over $2 million to the buildout or council/community priorities. Superintendent Mitchell acknowledged the window work alone at the Center could eat up $2 million, and $30 million could prudently be spent at the Center. Preparations are starting for the build out.

The Council has an active landscape and building committee, originally operating under the South Shore Open House Committee! Gardens were laid out with staff. Part of the support comes from the committee's May Geranium and Plant Sale second Saturday in May and sale of wreaths and poinsettias in December. The Nature Sanctuary has a volunteer work force under Patrick Shaw.

Council Sponsored Programs- Concerts with Chicago Music Association, Chicago Modern Orchestra, , the South Shore Opera Company of Chicago, Civic Orchestra. See in Center Programs below. 773 256-0149. This includes helping sponsor a promising youth in music.

December 1, Wednesday, 4 pm? sign in 2:30-3:30 . Chicago Park District South Region budget hearing. South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive. (Look here for Central Region budget hearing.)

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Council news bits

Partners of the Advisory Council and their joint events with the council have grown by leaps and bounds-- see the lists of 2011 programs. And these partners and events don't even include those that are more appropriately partners and providers and events of the Center or Chicago Park District (Three of these partner-providers are the Iona Calhoun School of Dance, Charles Heath Dance and Music School (new), and Phylis Calderon music (new).) Or classes such as the various kinds of dance, yoga and exercise and arts classes.

Partners of the AC-

 

The 2010 July general and August executive meetings granted more scholarships in Center and partner programs to children of needing families that have been involved in the Center and its programs and continue to review overall activities, progress and needs, including budget requests.

At the June executive meeting:

Approved as partners by the council: Chicago Sinfonietta with concluding concerts at the center by the Project Inclusion 8-18 and 18-26 Mentoring training programs.
Chicago Chamber Modern Orchestra Project- several concerts a year. Thanks for both to Renee Baker of both organizations and to Dr. Barbara Wright-Pryor of the Performing Arts Committee.

The geranium sale was a great success! and enabled planting of 14 beds in the main lawn and several side gardens and planter boxes. Thanks to the committee led by Sharon Murphy.

The council granted $280 toward scholarship aid for summer camp and $575 for current year fees owed for students of our partner, Calhoun School of Dance.

Repairs and upgrades continue at the Center. A teen center with computers will be created in the lower level, thanks to a generous grant from UPS.

Center News

South Shore Cultural Center was earmarked and expended $2.1 million for the buildouts of programming space. This is from Millennium Park garages lease.

We have a new theatre instructor, a dance instructor should start the first of October. Last to hire is an art instructor which is posted.

With the 3rd Floor finished and in use (including dance studio, multipurpose and community rooms), the center is moving on with refurbishing of its major components, starting with the lobby, Robeson Theater, and parking lot (all almost done), then washrooms, dining room and more more of the ground floor.

Chicago Modern Orchestra (a division of Chicago Sinfonietta) and South Shore Opera Company of Chicago is the newest of many partners; more music performance are being staged.

The Center has been offered for display a scaled down model of the P-51 Mustang fighter, flown by Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. A committee led by Matthew Bonds is looking into the best place and conditions of transfer. Council approval has been given and a letter will be written. The local surviving Tuskegee Airmen meet at the Center.

About the North American P-51 Mustang- the Tuskegee Airmen plane- model

Maker- Robert Farrow, 3045 W. 83rd Place, 73 918-0499

Model length 9 feet, height 8 feet, wing span 8 feet. Actual 32 3", 12 8" height, wing span 37. Model material tubing with copper tubing or fuselage, propellers of wood from ceiling fans, wheels from trash cans, wings from truck faring fiberglass. Time 2 years.

Original prototype 1941, production 1943, use 1944. 7,956 made by North American Aviation, grand total 15,386. It was reputedly the fastest and preferred fighter-escort for the long-range B-17 bomber (flying fortress), and was used extensively in all theaters. It holds the world racing record for piston-engine aircraft- 499.048 mph. The most advanced model, D, used one 1,695 hp Packard Merlin V-1650-7 V-12 engine. Maximum range 2,080 (900 more typical), ceiling 41,900. Had 6 50-ca. machine guns and 2 1000 lb bombs or 6 5-in rocket projectiles (late?). 1-man crew.

Their last service was in Korea, where they were driven from the air by the MiG-15.

 

Spotlight- Sister Esther Issacher. (Sister Issacher died shortly after this was written)

Art us "innately in me" says Esther Issachar, affectionately known as Sister Esther. When her children were young, she started experimenting with painting. Then, when working at NBC, her employer suggested that she attend the Art Institute of Chicago nd agreed to sponsor her in her new endeavor.

At the art Institute of Chicago, Sister Esther studied painting with several renowned instructors. After selecting pottery as an elective, she began living in the ceramics studio. Her two primary professors argued about her major, paint or pots? At that point, Sister Esther realized that she could apply the principles of acrylics and oils to pottery.

Sister Esther has taught in various art programs including Evanston Art Center and Gallery 37. But she thinks the program at South Shore is exceptional and quite affordable. She enjoys working with all ages and in artists' terms, looks forward to throwing a wheel.

 

The Gallery, the piano

Current plans are to have 3 to 5 exhibits each year and private events also in the Gallery.

Open now and being furnished: Margaret T. Burroughs Gallery. North of the security and registration office.

In addition, the piano now has a professional Steinway tuner and restorer and a tripod and a locking cover installed and underwritten by the Performing Arts Committee of the Advisory Council and Chicago Music Association. Repairs are proceeding in phases.

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Center Events and specials

Call the Center regularly, 773 256-0149. Pick up the quarterly flyer which has major programs described. This will also be at South Side parks, schools, banks and downtown such as the Chicago Cultural Center. Note: the Park District website currently highlights only Park District programs. A mailed full-schedule publication is available - call the Center to be placed on the list.

Partners of the AC-

And there are other partners of the Center

Specials at the Center:

General:

We encourage all to attend the two movies August 17 and 24 and the South Shore Summer Festival Saturday, August 20 10-8 (including tours that include the Center) on 73rd between Stony and Ridgeland.

In the Fine Arts Gallery: 12-5 pm. November 13-January 14, Creative Artist Association winter exhibit and sale. Opening reception with artists November 20, 2-5 pm and December 18 same.

A Smooth Jazz Sunday Brunch with Santa (Live Broadcast with Rick O'Dell of 87.7FM)
Join us at the beautiful and historic South Shore Cultural Center's Parrot Cage Restaurant for our annual Breakfast with Santa event.
Date: 12/19/10
Start Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Schedule Notes: Call (773) 602-5333 for details. Parrot Cage Restaurant at the South Shore Cultural Center. Parrot Cage Restaurant is owned by the City Colleges of Chicago and operated by Washburne Culinary Institute.
Cost: RSVP ON LINE www.OpenTable.com
Location : South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive

August camps for ages 6-16. Music Camp August 15-19, Sports August 22-26. M-F all day. Check with the Center to see if any spots still open.

Music and more

Rest of 2011-music

Movies

Partners of the AC-


Watch for changes and updates. Print by itself.
Free and unticketed unless as noted.


Events at South Shore Cultural Center 2012


* = A partner event of the SSCC Advisory Council. Events are free and un-ticketed except as noted. Rev. 1-23-12.

CURRENTLY SUSPENDED, MAY RETURN. 3rd Sundays, 11-3 pm. Radio 87.7 Live Broadcast Jazz at the Parrot Cage (with brunch reservation). 7059 South Shore Drive. Call first as this does not occur every month- 773 602-5333.

*February 19, Sunday, 4 pm. Chicago Music Assn Black Heritage Concert and Awards. South Shore Cultural Center Robeson Theater. Free. Honored are CMA outstanding community contributors Mark Jordan, Mattie Robertson, and Barbara Griffin.

February 21, Tuesday, 6 pm. 5th House Contemporary Chamber group concert. Chicago Park District. South Shore Cultural Center Robeson Theater. Free. A mix like you haven’t heard before!!!

*February 26, Sunday, 4 pm. Chicago Park District, South Shore Opera Company of Chicago present Alan Marshall and Jonathan Stinson’s THE MARCH A Civil Rights Opera, the story of the 1963 March on Washington. 90 minute excerpts from a new work in progress. South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Drive. Free. Non-ticketed but attendees are encouraged to reserve at civilrightsopera.com.

*March 18, Sunday, 7 pm. Chicago Modern Orchestra Project, Renee' Baker, Director. South Shore Cultural Center Robeson Theater, 7059 South Shore Drive. Free.

*April 15, Sunday, 3 pm. Civic Orchestra of Chicago. South Shore Cultural Center Robeson Theater, 7059 South Shore Drive. Free.

*April 29, Sunday, 4 pm. Chicago Music Assn "Welcome to Spring" concert. So Sh Cult Ctr Robeson Theater, 7059 South Shore Drive. Free.

SUBJECT TO RESCHEDULING *May 16, Wednesday, 7 pm. Chicago Modern Orchestra Project. Renee’ Baker dir. South Shore Cultural Center Robeson Theater, 7059 South Shore Drive. Free.

*June 23, Saturday, 7:30 pm. South Shore Opera Company of Chicago opera scenes concert. South Shore Cultural Center Robeson Theater, 7059 South Shore Drive. Free.

*July 15, Sunday, 3 pm. Chicago Music Association dinner and fundraiser concert Allegro by the Lake. South Shore Cultural Center Robeson Theater, 7059 South Shore Drive. $. Date may change.

August 4-5, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am-9 pm. Jazz Festival. (No carry-ins) Inside and outside, South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 SS Dr.

*October 27, Saturday, 6:30 pm. 4th Gala Benefit, South Shore Opera Company of Chicago. South Shore Cultural Center. $.
Date may change.

*November 18, Sunday, 4 pm. Chicago Music Association's Harvest of Music. South Shore Cultural Center Robeson Theater. Free.

MAY NOT OCCUR. December 16, Sunday, 11-3 pm. Jazz Brunch with Santa.

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Watch for 2012


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Kids and youth, family other programs (More in School of the Arts) (See also Recreation Directory) (See also some of the programs above including concerts and movies.

Washburne Culinary Institute of City Colleges of Chicago (Kennedy King)- regular and community classes continue/return at South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Drive. This is one of the best and oldest cooking schools in the country. All community classes meet on Saturdays 10-1 and costs $45. Lower age limit uncertain. Each month a single-day class starts late each month and includes such topics as hearty soups, vegetarian, thrill of the grill, cajun/creole, pickling and canning, Parrot Cage restaurant, Sikia Restaurant African Dishes, Thanksgiving Favorites and more. Contact Continuing Education Department at 773 602-5042. Registration is a t 6343 S. Halsted Building @ room 220.

There is increasing emphasis on teen and intergenerational programs (seniors are being asked to volunteer.) Tuesdays will be teen days in the fall

Earth Team Apprentices Environmental Focus- Nature Along the Lake with Illinois Dept. Nat. Resources continues at South Shore Cultural Center and other locations. Contact Friends of the Park for information, 312 857-2757.

Washburne Culinary Institute is offering a cooking classes on a semester basis for kids who come to Center programs. Healthy food and cooking is part of the summer camp program. It will have no cost to students or the park district and will be taught by the Parrot Cage executive chef. Enroll at 773 256-0149.

Online Program Registration Utilizes PayPal
We are now using the PayPal online payment
system. Before you register online for one of our fall classes, we encourage
you to review the new screens and review our Q&A about the new system. You can
do this by copying and pasting the web address below into your web browser:
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/programs.home.cfm

You can view fall program offerings online now. To do this, copy and paste the
web address below into your web browser:
http://programs.chicagoparkdistrict.com/programBrowser/

Day camp etc. online registration end of 2nd month preceding quarter.
In-person registration at most parks begins Saturday, 1st weekend in month preceding quarter.
View on line at the Park District website. www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/content.home.cfm. From Nov. 17
Programs include a play camp for 4 and 5 year olds (new), expanded cooking, art, theater, sports....

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School of the Arts Community Classes- Over 70 classes!

Community classes are offered by the Washburne Culinary Institute. Restaurants participating include Heaven on Seven, Wishbone, Parrot Cage, BJ. Classes are 2nd Saturdays and must be reregistered.

Mission: The South Shore Cultural Center School of the Arts is dedicated to the cultural enrichment of the entire family through skill-based arts classes and culturally stimulating programs in all art forms that will enrich, enlighten and inspire further cultural arts exploration.

Partnerships are expanding--to the degree that limited space permits--the third floor needs the funding to be built out. Watch for Lyric 2007-08 programs. Likely returning for some activities, performances: Civic Orchestra of Chicago and the South Shore Chorus (now an auditioned group).

Park District fall 2008 Classes being highlighted as examples. Major must be reg. with partner.
Theater is new. Get full descriptive handout at he Center.

Partner classes, current partners :

 

Example of four 10-week class sessions rotation

Divisions: Conditioning and Martial Arts, Visual Arts, Dance, Sherwood Conservatory of Music Instrumental Classes (312 427-6267 x105), Vocal Music including South Shore Community Chorus (312 294-3086). (Private coaching available: 773 343-2899). South Shore Cultural Center is proud to partner with the Chicago Music Association, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sherwood School of Music, and South Shore Community Chorus. Get program from Center for details and numbers to call.

Youth and Teen classes: Bitty Ballet, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Gospel, Vocal Coaching, Suzuki, Violin, Piano, Karate, Capoeria.

Adults and Seniors: Tap, Ballet Stretch, Jazz Conditioning, Stepping, Belly Dancing, Ballroom, Latin, Country Western Line, Western african Dance, Tai Chi, Yoga, Capoeria, Vocal Coaching, African Drumming, Senior Band, Pottery, Sight Singing, Piano.

 

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Nature Oasis family programs at South Shore

These are park district programs under the PD Dept. of Natural Resources and other pd depts. Information, registration call 312 742-5039. Watch in 2006.

 

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Other announcements

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