Chicago Humanities Festival announces spring line up

Chicago Humanities Festival will bring an impressive lineup of star-powered authors, ground-breaking designers, filmmakers and artists to the city this spring. Here are some highlights:

Rainn Wilson

Friday, Apr 21, 2023, 7 p.m.

Francis W. Parker School

Comedic actor Rainn Wilson will join Vice President of Second City Kelly Leonard for a conversation about his new book “Soul Boom.” Wilson calls for a spiritual revolution to help solve some of the biggest issues facing the world today. The event features a photo opportunity with Wilson and pre-signed copies of his book available for pre-order or purchase. 

Miranda July

Saturday, Apr 29, 2023, 7 p.m.

First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple

Miranda July, the cult-favorite filmmaker behind “Me and You and Everyone We Know” and “Kajillionaire” will have a conversation with musician, actor and comedian Carrie Brownstein about art in all its forms in April. The conversation will be followed by a signing of her book Monograph.

Hebru Brantley

Sunday, April 30, 5:30 p.m.

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago-born pop artist Hebru Brantley returns to the city for a chat about his work as a painter, sculptor and designer centering the innocence in depictions of Black youth and normalizing images of Black children at play. Brantley’s work has been collected by celebrities such as Jay-Z and LeBron James. His work is also featured in public murals around Chicago neighborhoods such as Wicker Park/Bucktown, Downtown and more.Pre-order your copy of “Hebru Brantley” through the Chicago Humanities Festival.

Joan Baez

Thursday, May 25, 2023 7 p.m. 

Old Town School of Folk Music

Joan Baez is coming to the Old Town School of Folk Music May 25, to talk about her new book of drawings, “Am I Pretty When I Fly?” Baez is considered one of the greatest singers of all time. She will also share behind-the-scenes memories from her life of music, art and activism.

Stacey Abrams

Thursday, Jun 1, 2023,7 p.m.

The Vic Theatre

Stacey Abrams, the New York Times bestselling author, voting rights advocate and former Georgia State representative comes to Chicago to talk about her new novel “Rogue Justice.” The novel is a thriller that follows Supreme Court clerk Avery Keene as she unravels a mystery unfolding inside the nation’s third branch of government. General tickets include a pre-signed copy of the book.

Ruth E. Carter

Sunday, Jun 11, 2023, 12  p.m.

Music Box Theatre 

From “Do the Right Thing” to “Black Panther,” Ruth E Carter has designed costumes for more than 40 films during her career spanning three decades. She won Oscars for Best Costume Design for her work on both Black Panther films. Carter will talk about her passion for history and its influence on her work and share stories from working with major celebrities including Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett and more. 

To see the full line up of events, visit chicagohumanities.org.