November Events at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½
Chicago poet, singer, and songwriter Jamila Woods performs at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ on November 13 as part of her artist residency. Photo provided. Learn more about our performance spaces at www.colum.edu/spotlight
November 2026
November 5–14, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Getz Theatre Center, Courtyard Theatre, 72 E. 11th St.
Admission: $25 public; $5 ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ students, faculty, and staff
Featuring a live orchestra, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Theatre’s production of “The Color Purple” brings Celie’s journey of self-discovery to the stage through a score blending gospel, jazz, blues, and soul. Directed by Khanisha Foster ’02, with music direction by Christie Chiles Twillie and choreography by Tanji Harper, the musical based on Alice Walker’s novel celebrates the relationships that help Celie find her voice and recognize her worth. Read more.
November 5, 6–7:30 p.m.
600 S. Michigan Ave., Room 101
Admission: Free with reservation
Join award-winning illustrator, graphic novelist, and educator Nathan Fox for an Art Now! lecture at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½. Fox chairs the MFA Visual Narrative program at New York’s School of Visual Arts, and his work spans editorial illustration, advertising, and comics.
First Friday Open Mic Jam
November 6, 6–9 p.m.
HAUS at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, 623 S. Wabash Ave.
Admission: Free
Experience ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ ’s student talent at this monthly open mic jam, where emerging artists gain performance experience, connect with peers, and collaborate across creative disciplines.
November 10, 10–11:30 a.m.
The Hive at ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, 618 S. Michigan Ave., third floor
Admission: Free with reservation
Join the School of Business and Entrepreneurship for a conversation with alums Tawanna Streater ’04, a development and partnerships leader, and Shaunda Brooks-Green ’17, who works in marketing at Bandai Namco. The speakers will discuss their career paths, the turning points that shaped their journeys, how they got hired, and advice for current students.
November 13, 2026, 7 p.m.
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Music Concert Hall, 1014 S. Michigan Ave.
Admission: $25 public; $5 for ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ students
South Side native Jamila Woods brings her blend of poetry and song to ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ for an artist-in-residence performance. The award-winning poet, singer, and songwriter is known for the acclaimed albums “HEAVN,” “LEGACY! LEGACY!,” and “Water Made Us,” and appearances on NPR’s “Tiny Desk” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
November 19, 2026, 6–7:30 p.m.
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, Ferguson Hall, Room 101, 600 S. Michigan Ave.
Admission: Free with reservation
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½’s School of Visual Arts welcomes Chicago-based interdisciplinary artist Nyeema Morgan for an Art Now! lecture. Working across sculpture, installation, text, and mixed media, Morgan explores language, perception, and the complexities of Black cultural production. Her work has been exhibited nationally, and she serves as assistant professor of sculpture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
On display Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 27, 2027
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Glass Curtain Gallery, 1104 S. Wabash Ave.
Admission: Free
Art meets public health in this exhibition featuring ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Illustration students’ work exploring antimicrobial resistance. Created in collaboration with healthcare professionals, the artwork uses visual storytelling to make the science of drug-resistant infections accessible to a wider audience.
November 19–20, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
The Dance Center of ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½, 1306 S. Michigan Ave.
Admission: Free with reservation
Selected ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ student choreographers share original short works on The Dance Center stage. Bevara Anderson-Selkridge serves as faculty advisor.
The Guitar Ensembles in Concert
November 30, 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Concert Hall, 1014 S. Michigan Ave.
Enjoy an evening of live music as ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½’s guitar ensembles take the stage, showcasing student musicians’ work and collaboration.
November 30, 2026, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Obama Presidential Center, Elie Wiesel Auditorium, 6001 S. Stony Island Ave.
Admission: $40; does not include museum admission
Presented in connection with ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½’s Museum of Contemporary Photography exhibition “,” this dialogue brings together exhibition curator and scholar Sarah Elizabeth Lewis and featured artist Carrie Mae Weems. Reverend Wheeler Parker Jr., Till’s cousin, best friend, and the last surviving witness to his kidnapping, will offer opening remarks. The evening also includes a special musical performance by Weems.