International Jazz Jams, Book Releases, Dance Parties and New Winter Cocktails at The Whistler

THE BRIDGE - TRANSATLANTIC MUSIC EXCHANGE PROGRAM

On Tuesday, November 13th, the Whistler will celebrate its fifth year of hosting The Bridge, a non-profit transatlantic exchange program for creative musicians, featuring talented jazz students from France and Chicago. This year, The Bridge will welcome cellist Disdier Petit all the way from France and Edward Perraud of the United States as they show off their skills to local Chicago jazz lovers. Special guests for the evening include, Ugochi Nwaogwugwu (voice), Gerrit Hatcher (tenor saxophone), Fred Jackson Jr (alto saxophone), Mwata Bowden (bari saxophone), Peter Maunu (electric guitar), Harrison Bankhead (double bass), Nick Macri (double bass), and Julian Kirshner (drums). The show starts at 9:30 p.m. with no cover charge. 

HARDLY CHILDREN BOOK RELEASE

On Tuesday, November 20th, join The Whistler in hosting Chicago-based author and The A.V. Club writer, Laura Adamczyk, to celebrate the release of her debut story collection, Hardly Children. In the book, Adamczyk shapes a world where the possibility of loss is always lurking in the periphery through a series of fictional short stories. Enjoy an evening of mingling with Adamczyk herself, and be the the first to get your hands on the new book, which will be available for purchase. Listen to readings by other local authors such as Ling Ma (author of SEVERANCE), Audrey Petty author of HIGH-RISE STORIES), and Amanda Goldblatt. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with readings starting at 6:30 p.m. No cover to attend.

BLACK WEDNESDAY: WHITE MYSTERY’S 10TH BIRTHDAY DANCE PARTY

In 2008, Billy Helmkamp, co-owner of The Whistler, booked a band by the name of White Mystery to perform at the inaugural Logan Square Arts Festival (known as Milwaukee Ave. Fest at the time). Over the last 10 years, the sibling duo of Miss Alex White and Francis Scott Key White went on to release eight records and has played more than 1,000 shows, including the NBC late night TV show and Last Call with Carson Daly. With rave reviews from MTV, VICE, NPR Sound opinions and after having the honor to open for music icons such as Iggy Pop, White Mystery is coming back to where it all started to celebrate their 10th anniversary at The Whistler on November 21. Starting at 9:30 p.m. the siblings throw a 10-year dance party while spinning a live DJ set in honor of the momentous occasion. There is no cover to attend. 

COCKTAILS TO KEEP YOU WARM THROUGH THE WINTER

The Whistler has added three new concoctions that are sure to keep you warm during the winter. Cozy sips inspired by Cachaça aged in wood, creative low ABV libations and dairy-free spiked hot chocolate are on the menu for the duration of the winter. See below for full details — 

• Sugarloaf Mountain: This drink receives its name sake from a peak located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that resembles the the shape of a concentrated refined loaf sugar. It starts with Avua Cachaça Amburana that is aged in Amburana wood native to the forests of Latin America giving it strong vanilla notes, which is then mixed with Carpano Classico vermouth. The fruity and smoky Amaro Sfumato, egg whites, all-spice and nutmeg are added, which incorporate a spicy, smoky kick to create a balance of dry and sweet for the seasonal sip. 
• The Dandy: Continuing to add creative ingredients to the menu, The Dandy is a deceivingly light and low ABV drink, mixing fortified wine with Green Chartreuse and Strega. To soften these sharp flavors, lime and sparkling sake are added, as well as White Pine Bitters, which are made from fresh, wild foraged pine needles, mixed with notes of coffee and vanilla. 
• Everything Nice: Stay warm through the winter with The Whistler’s decadent and dairy-free take on a Mexican hot chocolate. The heated cocktail features a sweet Michoacán rum, from the Michoacán region of Mexico, which is combined with rich drinking chocolate, honey, vanilla, all-spice, cinnamon, salt and cayenne pepper for an added kick. The drink is then garnished with a toasted marshmallow.