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Prime Time: ⌘R

⌘R is sold out

Our next Prime Time is May 6 with Metro/Smart Bar.

Holly Herndon

Photo: Bennett Perez

event description

MCA Prime Time is an after-hours series that taps into the creative pulse of Chicago with an eclectic mix of live music, performance art, film screenings, and interactive programs that transforms the museum in spectacular ways. Occurring three times a year, the series is an electrifying social experience that provides a platform for artists and key cultural groups in the city.

For the February event, the MCA partners with indie music tastemakers Pitchfork. Titled ⌘R, the event offers new ways of being refreshed through a variety of live performances, art activations, and food and drink offerings found throughout the museum. Renowned electronic music artist Holly Herndon headlines the event with a live, multimedia performance exploring the outer reaches of dance music. Bitchin Bajas bring their unique textural exportations and rhythmic force, while Chicago's "greatest new homegrown musical enigma,” Jimmy Whispers, croons his lo-fi, lovesick ballads. How to Dress Well and Joan of Arc's Tim Kinsella perform separate DJ sets throughout the evening. The Busy Beaver Button Company set up shop to help visitors create their own personal, one-of-a kind buttons. Bit Bash, Chicago's alternate video game festival, sets up their gaming systems for you to play works by emerging games designers. Hidden Folk, purveyors and providers of all natural goods provide a selection of olfactory experiences. Pitchfork.tv screens a selection of exclusive premieres.

Food and drink available for purchase. CASH ONLY

  • MENU
  • Chilled Sesame Lo Mein, Toasted Peanuts, Roasted Broccoli, Cilantro, Chili & Mint - $5
  • Mojo Pork Shoulder Sandwich, Aioli & Jicama Slaw - $5
  • Falafel, Charred Scallion Raita & Pickled Shallot Salad - $5

Andouille Sausage Etouffee & White Cheddar Grits - $5

How To Dress Well

Photo: Zackery Michael

Program

Scheduled

TIM KINSELLA (DJ SET)

  • 7–8 pm; 10:30–11 pm

Kovler Atrium

Tim Kinsella, of the bands Joan of Arc and Owls, opens and closes ⌘R with DJ sets.

JIMMY WHISPERS

7:45–8:15 pm

1st-floor lobby

Jimmy Whispers croons his lo-fi, lovesick ballads.

BITCHIN BAJAS (live performance)

8–8:30pm

3rd-floor balcony

Bitchin Bajas performs their unique, textural explorations and ambient sounds.

HOW TO DRESS WELL (DJ SET)

  • 8:30–9:30 pm

Kovler Atrium

DJ set by How To Dress Well, stage name of acclaimed songwriter and producer Tom Krell.

HOLLY HERNDON

  • 9:30–10:30 pm

Kovler Atrium

Electronic music artist Holly Herndon headlines ⌘R with a live, multimedia performance exploring the outer reaches of dance music.

All Evening

  • INSPIRIT STATIONS

Throughout the museum

Björk, Soft Pink Truth, Jenny Hval, and The Range curate special rejuvenation playlists for ⌘R, accompanied by scents from natural goods maker Hidden Folk.

TRACERS SPA

3rd floor

Feminist artist collective Tracers Book Club offers an intimate spa experience with manicures, hair braiding, and ASMR therapy.

BIT BASH

4th floor

Chicago’s alternate video game festival sets up their gaming systems with works by emerging game designers.

⌘♥

4th floor

Refresh your connection with yourself or make a new one with someone tonight! Take a brief quiz and find your enneagram tritype then head to the Busy Beaver Button Co. station to let the other visitors know who you are.

BUSY BEAVER BUTTON MAKING

4th floor

Create your own one-of-a kind button with artists from the Busy Beaver Button Co.

SO FRESH & SO ZINE

4th floor

Chicago Zine Fest presents an interactive zine making station, with local writers and illustrators creating an original ⌘R-themed zine on-site. Stop by and contribute to the project!

Holly Herndon

Photo: Marc Hinz

Funding

Prime Time, ⌘R, is sponsored in part by Anne L. Kaplan, Perrier, and MailChimp.