Tree lighting, seasonal shopping, no coast hip-hop, and more

’Tis the season for unbridled consumerism masking as some of us insisting that “gift giving is my love language!” While we can’t stop the avalanche of gifting that is already in motion (although Reverend Billy would disagree), we can encourage you to check out some local pop-up holiday markets and consider purchasing directly from Chicago artisans and small businesses. Here’s a few on tap today:

The Greater Chatham Initiative and the website The Black Mall cohost Holiday Pop Up on the 9 this week, a multi-site and multi-day celebration of local businesses along 79th Street from State to Cottage Grove. Shops are open from noon-7 PM through Sun 12/18, and offer specials, winter wear, art, plants, and more, including special guests. Actor Isaiah Washington is slated to appear today at the Initiative’s Annex at 737 E. 79th from 4-6 PM, and actress and author T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh appears for a book signing from 2-5 PM on Sat 12/17.
My Block My Hood My City and the Chicago Defender Charities cohost a celebratory tree lighting ceremony at 35th Street and King Drive tonight, and neighborhood gift shop Absolutely Anything Essential invites neighbors and friends to stop by for hot cocoa and holiday shopping. Cocoa and fellowship will be served from 4:30-5:30 PM at the shop (3521 S. King Dr.) and the tree lighting is scheduled for 5-5:15 PM. The shop will then stay open until 7 PM for your gifting needs.
Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce hosts Damen At Night, a holiday shopping event from several businesses along Damen Avenue between Argyle and Montrose. From 5-8 PM, participating shops will be open for extended hours, offer refreshments, deals, and host additional pop-up vendors.
The Makers Market, which focuses on local small shops and creators, visits Movement rock climbing gym in Lincoln Park (1460 N. Dayton) from 6-9 PM; while there you can inquire about free tours or book a climbing session.
Festive Collective party store (2643 N. Milwaukee) hosts a Holiday Night Market tonight from 7-9 PM, offering cocktails, treats, live music, and pop-up vendors including artist Chris Uphues, bang trims from Emmy Katz of Golddust Studios, and free gift wrapping for all purchases from Orange Beautiful. (SCJ)

The live storytelling series Grown Folks Stories serves up real life tales from a variety of Chicagoans—some work as teachers, comedians, or are otherwise old pros at public speaking, but some storytellers at Grown Folks are just moved by the experience to tell us all about their own lives in five minutes (which always results in the best and funniest moments). The series started as an ongoing event at Silver Room and tonight celebrates 12 years of community with a special evening at the Promontory (5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West) hosted by comedian and storyteller Lawrence Binkey. Doors open at 6 PM (and you should get there early if you want to sign up for a chance to perform), with the show starting at 7 PM. Open to those 21 and older; advance tickets are at Eventbrite. (SCJ)

East coast? West coast? Which is the best coast? Hold up. When it comes to rap, we cannot forget about the no coast (midwest). Tonight at Golden Dagger (2447 N. Halsted), Cruzin, Billy the Kid, and Big Pink will be repping the ocean-to-ocean range of emergent lo-fi hip-hop beats—but, like, the good kind—not that played-out Spotify shit! Prepare for a night of soulful lyricism and laid back vibes. Tickets are $15, and you must be 21 or up. The show starts at 8 PM. (MC)

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