Athenaeum Center presents

Imaginary Lovers

A Collaborative Premiere with Eighth Blackbird & My Brightest Diamond
February 13, 2025
7:30 PM

About the Show

This Valentine’s Eve, step into a world of sonic enchantment at the Athenaeum for Imaginary Lovers, a special concert event presented as part of Eighth Blackbird’s Artist-in-Residence.

In this groundbreaking collaboration, Shara Nova, the visionary founder of My Brightest Diamond and Broadway star (notably in “Illinoise”), joins forces with the Grammy Award-winning ensemble Eighth Blackbird to premiere a new work that blends Nova’s signature pop-chamber style with the group’s genre-bending, virtuosic musicianship.

Drawing inspiration from the idea of love, longing, and the dreamlike spaces between, Imaginary Lovers promises to transport you into a world where classical intricacy meets indie-pop flair. Nova’s hauntingly beautiful vocals and lush, emotive compositions are paired with Eighth Blackbird’s bold, eclectic instrumentation in a work that blurs the lines between the intimate and the expansive, the modern and the timeless.

This one-of-a-kind performance is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to witness a truly unique musical collaboration between two of today’s most innovative forces in contemporary music. Plus, an exciting opener from Chicago’s own saxophone quartet, ~Nois!

Join us for an evening that promises to stir the heart and the mind—an unforgettable pre-Valentine’s Day celebration of sound, love, and imagination.

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Event Details

Doors Open: 6:30PM
Show Begins: 7:30PM
Running Time: ~120 minutes
Intermission: No
Performance Space: Historic Main Stage
Address: 2936 N Southport Ave
Parking: Free parking behind the building on Oakdale, and south of the building on Southport

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An Evening with Dennis Quaid

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Dante 360

Midway upon the journey of our life, I found myself within a forest dark, for the straightforward pathway had been lost.” 

And so we all begin—in darkness.

Join Dante on his most famous journey through the depths of hell, levels upon levels of purgatory, finally discovering the light and glory of paradise. You will find terror in the wild beasts he meets along the way; and only moments later great hope at the strong woman, Beatrice, who leads him always upwards.

This contemporary staged performances of one of the most epic stories of the western world is an immersive, multi-dimensional production that leads you into Dantes universe. Returning to the stage for the 4th year, this year’s production.

Its heaven. It’s hell. But above all, it’s worth the trip.

November 8–10, 2024