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• German Cinema Now: "Der Mann, der über Autos sprang"

  • When
    Friday, August 25, 2017
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    2nd floor, Brandenburg Room
  • Spaces left
    97

  Register

  Julian, a young man, firmly believes in his ability to jump over cars and wants to try it out. His best friend, who drives the car, becomes frightened at the last moment, and accidentally dies. Due to Julian's belief in "carjumping" and his guilt at his friend's death, he is placed into a psychiatric clinic in Berlin. Yet when he learns the father of his deceased friend is sick, Julian, driven by the desire to heal him through the power of walking, breaks out of the clinic, and sets out on foot for Southern Germany. 

  As he travels, a number of different people -- a doubt-filled doctor named Julianne, and a frustrated housewife named Ruth -- join him on his journey. Then, the group encounters Jan, a policeman who has been commissioned to take Julian back to the clinic in Berlin. Will Julian make it to Southern Germany, or will Jan convince him to go back to Berlin? 

  Free Admission
  Food & Drink Available for Purchase

  Free parking on MB Financial Bank lot after 6pm
  (entrance on Western & Gunnison)

  List of registrants available for members only!

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• "Carlo, Keep Swingin' " - A Documentary about the Birthplace of German Jazz with live music by The Thomas Gunther Trio

  • When
    Saturday, August 26, 2017
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • Location
    2nd floor, Brandenburg Room

  Register

  Although today it is mainly known for its airport and as a center of international finance, Frankfurt am Main can also be called the birthplace of German Jazz.

  In 1952, with much of the city still in ruins, the jazz trumpeter Carlo Bohländer founded the "Domicile du Jazz," later renamed the "Jazzkeller," which became a legendary underground club and central destination for world-famous jazz musicians. Frequented by both European and American musicians, the Jazzkeller built bridges across the Atlantic and helped to strengthen the relationship between Germany and the U.S. after the war.
  

  In this colorful documentary, German filmmaker Elizabeth Ok explores the strong desire for a cultural renewal in early post-war Germany. Through interviews with musicians, witnesses and companions, she brings to life the extraordinary personality of the "father of jazz," Carlo Bohländer, and shows the complicated and moving love story between him and his American wife Anita, herself a jazz singer who came to Germany from Harlem in 1964 and still lives in Frankfurt today.
  

  The director will be in attendance and available for Q&A and discussion with the audience after the screening. In addition, the evening will feature live music by the Thomas Gunther Trio from Chicago.
  

  Free Admission
  Drinks & Snacks available for purchase

  Please register if you would like to attend this event.

  Free parking in the MB Financial Bank lot after 6 pm.
  (Entrance on Western and Gunnison)
  

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• The Freedom of Humor: The audacious art of Germany's master float builder Jacques Tilly

  • Start
    Thursday, September 07, 2017
  • End
    Friday, September 15, 2017
  • Location
    4th floor, Scharpenberg Gallery

  DANK Haus proudly presents a new exhibit showcasing  the work of Germany's master float builder,  Jacques Tilly. For more than 30 years, Tilly has designed impressive floats for one of Germany's biggest carnival parades: the Shrove Monday parade ("Rosenmontagszug") in Düsseldorf, a city in the Rhineland that is considered a major stronghold of the German carnival tradition.
  

  Tilly's floats have gained prominence through his unique style and daring sense of humor. By taking on current issues and transforming them into striking images and provocative scenes, his artwork challenges established social norms and taboos and has led to frequent controversies about the limits of humor.

  As a native and lifelong resident of Düsseldorf, Tilly embodies the city's cherished tradition of "Narrenfreiheit" - the freedom to criticize the political status quo and speak out against the powers that be. His biting political satire spares noone: over the past three decades, he has poked fun at politicians, religious leaders, terrorists, and even the pope.
  

  In this two-week exhibit, DANK Haus will present an overview of Tilly's work by showing large-scale photographs of his most famous floats.  Each photograph will be paired with additional material illustrating its context and the way it was received.
  

  On Saturday, September 9 Jacques will be the guest of honor on the DANK float at this year's von Steuben Parade in Lincoln Square.

  More information:

  www.grossplastiken.de (German)

  www.germanday.com
  

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• Von Steuben German Day Parade - DANK Float

  • When
    Saturday, September 09, 2017
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (EDT)
  • Location
    4051 N. Lincoln Ave.

  It is that time of year again, the famous Von Steuben Day parade in Lincoln Square and marchers are needed to help represent the DANK Haus, your neighborhood cultural center!
  
  DANK Haus is inviting all members, students, volunteers and supporters to walk with us in this year’s Von-Steuben-German-Day Parade. Put on your festive gear (Trachten or our famous German Chicago Pretzel shirt) and celebrate German-American Day with us. All ages are welcome!
  
  The parade takes off at the intersection of Lincoln and Irving Park and meeting point is at the CVS Pharmacy (4051 N Lincoln Ave) at 1 PM.

  If you would like to help us decorate the float and/or carry some props, please come to the DANK Haus at noon!
  
  Don’t have one of our famous German Chicago Pretzel shirts? No problem, stop-by at DANK Haus or email us at dank@dankhaus.com with your size (sizes available S-XXL). If you do intend on marching with us, please make sure to register: http://dankhaus.ivolunteer.com/danksteubenparade2017

  Vielen Dank and we're looking forward to a fun parade!

  
  

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• German Heritage Night with Chicago Fire!

  • When
    Saturday, September 30, 2017
  •  
    5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Location
    DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western & Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem
  • Spaces left
    48

  Register

  

  Come out to support Bastian Schweinsteiger and the Chicago Fire Soccer Club on September 30th against New York City FC at 7:30pm for German Heritage Night!
  

  Step 1: Get your tickets! Tickets are $25 (portion going back to the DANK Haus!) To purchase tickets, visit https://groupmatics.events/DANKFIRE

  Step 2: Transportation A bus will leave from the DANK Haus at 5:00pm, returning around 11:00pm. The cost of the bus is $18 for members, $20 for non-members, including light refreshments.  Make sure to reserve your spot today by registering for this event!
  

  If you decide to drive, parking will be $20 the day of the game. 
  

  Free parking on MB Financial Bank lot after 1pm
  (entrance on Western & Gunnison)

  List of registrants available for members only!

  Show details
• German Harmonicas and the Blues – A Concert & Book Reading with Grammy Award Winner Peter Madcat Ruth and author Herbert Quelle

  • When
    Friday, October 06, 2017
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    DANK Haus, 6th floor - Skyline Lounge
  • Spaces left
    98

  Register

  DANK Haus is thrilled to present this unique event: a double act featuring Grammy Award winner Peter Madcat Ruth in joint performance with author Herbert Quelle.

  Madcat is the quintessential champion of the one man band - he sings, plays harmonica, guitar, high-hat, ukulele, jaw harp, and penny-whistle. Tracing his musical roots back to Big Walter Horton and the Chicago Blues of the 1960s, Madcat has established an international career and is rapidly approaching legend status through his phenomenal virtuosity on the harmonica. He is equally at home playing blues, folk music, jazz, country, or rock and roll. Audiences, ranging from pre-schoolers to senior citizens, delight in his exhilarating, riveting performances. As one critic said: "He could coax a smile from a rock.

  Herbert Quelle’s recently published book “Monika’s Blues” explores the relationship of the German harmonica with African-American Blues musicians. His facts, figures and fun anecdotes in the form of a fictional road trip from Chicago to the Mississippi Delta are as much about the background and history of the instrument as about social and racial questions.

  Peter’s topnotch performance combined with readings from Herbert's new novel guarantee an unforgettable,  highly entertaining evening.

  Snacks & Drinks Available for Purchase

  
  Free parking on MB Financial Bank lot after 6pm
  (entrance on Western & Gunnison)

  Weather permitting, we will also open our terrace to catch some breathtaking views of the city.

  List of registrants available for members only!

  More information:

  www.madcatmusic.net

  "On the trail of the German Harmonica"
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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