On Friday, March 16, Vic Mensa takes over Lincoln Hall to launch his charitable foundation, Save Money Save Life. Mensa is no stranger to activism, having joined street demonstrations after the release of the Laquan McDonald dashcam video in 2015, traveled to Standing Rock to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016, and written a Time op-ed in January connecting American racism to the oppression of Palestinians. His new foundation aims to combat systemic injustice by funding three programs: one will train first responders for underserved Chicago neighborhoods, another will send therapists to public schools to help students who lack access to mental health care, and the third will support artistically inclined youth on Native American reservations. Friday’s fund-raiser starts at 6 PM and includes cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, and late-night performances by Mensa, Jamila Woods, and an unannounced special guest. Tickets are $150.
Local multi-instrumentalist Sam Trump dropped the album Purple Skies in November, and this wolf can’t get enough of its lush, brassy, sensual R&B. On Friday, March 16, he brings it to the stage for two sets at the California Clipper, starting at 10:30 PM. v
