Black and White Night Celebrates its One Year Anniversary

It started in an effort to create a community of artists of all mediums from on and off campus. From the start, visual artists have had a solo expository every other week. On Wednesday, Sept. 28, Alison Greer and Talie Zrihen celebrated the one year anniversary of Black and White Night at Hollywood Lounge. In the strain of providing a space for untapped talent, Greer and Zrihen also offer ‘Poet Hole', which happens during every third event. In this portion of the bi-weekly feature, visitors have been able to take to the stage and perform poetry, journal readings, comedy and whatever else the individual can spew. Bands and DJs also grace the stage to entertain NEIU students and other patrons from in and around the community.

When asked about the goal of Black and White Night, Zrihen said, "In the past year, we've created an environment for artists to express as freely as they can…I feel the art people created the inside and outside [of] these walls. I've been thinking about the art inspired here." It's a safe haven for artists of all types to be fully expressive; a bi-weekly occurrence not easily found in this small pocket of the city.

Not only artists find this wacky Wednesday a respite from the daily grind of college life, Luke Jensen, of Andersonville, said, "This is only my second time coming out and I feel a good amount of a community feel. There are some good people here; it's a sweet bar and very user friendly." The bands and DJs provide a wide array of musical stylings to satisfy such a diverse audience. Everyone can find something they like at this event. Myking Kelsey, of Albany Park, said, "I really liked the band. It was awesome, really good." Drink specials are plentiful; Hollywood offers $2 Vodka/Cranberry drink specials, $5 Miller Light buckets and more.

Most patrons wonder why the event is called "Black and White Night". That would be because of the vast collection of alumni David Kozin who, for the past five months, has brought viewers such classics as, "Child of the Dammed" and episodes of "Lassie" and "The Lil Rascals". He says that he likes to take the time in between events to set up a real double feature. "I like to use films and movies as a form of education," said Kozin, the West Ridge NEIU alumni.

Kozin takes care of the movie setup so that Greer, who originally started showing black and white films at the events inception, doesn't have to–this leaves the senior art major to concentrate on booking the live artists, display artist, bands and DJs. "I wanted to create a community of artists…I don't ever look at stuff and say yes or no [if they're good enough to participate] because who am I to dictate what is art and what is not," Greer says. With her goals accomplished, event goers notice and appreciate the thought. "I enjoy the community aspect and being able to hang out with local artists. It's more real, a raw environment," said Cecilia Sulkowski, NEIU senior of studio art.

In one year, Greer and Zrihen have been able to create a community of expression, cushioned by the atmosphere of the local watering hole. It's open to anyone and everyone looking for a place to relax after a hard day of work or to take a break from the exhaustion of college studies. Emily Tamblyn, senior, said, "I've been here about a third of the way through, it's just such a nice way to unwind and see your friends." If you want to join in the experience, check out the next Black and White Night event on Oct. 12 at Hollywood Lounge, 3301 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue.

Present your band, seek out live art opportunities and more at: www.blackwhitenight.tumblr.com.