Collective Visions III
2025-05-30 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
The P2 Collective is a collaboration of four poets and three photographers from the Chicago area. Experience poetry, photography, and music!
5-6 p.m – Reception
6-7 p.m. – Optional 3-course dinner
Admission to the reception is free, but a reservation for the event is required.
The optional 3-course dinner: Members $48
Please make your reservations for both the event and dinner by Friday, May 23.
reservations@cliff-chicago.org or 312-922-8080
P2 Collective members are: Alexa Frangos, Steve Geer, Suzanne Metzel, Maureen Tolman Flannery, Caroline Johnson, Wilda Morris, Susan T. Moss

The Cliff Dwellers Book Club - Edith: The Rogue Rockefeller McCormick
2025-05-31 11:00 - 13:30
Edith: The Rogue Rockefeller McCormick by Andrea Friederici Ross
The Cliff Dwellers Book Club will meet on Saturday, May 31, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sullivan Room
Author Andrea Friederici Ross will be joining us to discuss her fascinating book, Edith: the Rogue Rockefeller McCormick, which even mentions Edith speaking at the Concord Club, a women’s club similar to The Cliff Dwellers! We will gather for a buffet lunch following the meeting.
If you plan to stay for lunch (11:30 – 1:30 p.m. – $32), please be sure to make a reservation by Friday, May 23:
reservations@cliff-chicago.org
or 312-922-8080.
New members are always welcome!

Jazz Night
2025-06-06 17:30 - 22:30
The sparkling talents of vibist/pianist Thaddeus Tukes were aglow! Tukes and his accompanist played a tribute to jazz vibes greats Lionel Hampton and Bobby Hutcherson.

WTTW's Ben Hollis presents "What's It Like To Be You?"
2025-06-17 17:00 - 21:00
Award-winning local celebrity Ben Hollis (creator and host of WTTW’s Wild Chicago) brings his unique audience-participation event “What’s It Like To Be You?” to the Cliff!
Before the show begins, Ben will mingle with attendees to recruit willing interviewees. The program will kick off with Ben warming up the crowd with guitar and song. He’ll then use his delightful interpersonal skills to draw people out with kind and fun questions and engagement.
Besides having penned a play and an award-winning movie, Ben is the recipient of eight Emmys for local Chicago television production as well as the Studs Terkel Media Award.
For further information about the show, visit: https://gowildwithben.wixsite.com/wiltby
Bar opens – 5 p.m.
Three course dinner – 6 p.m.
Performance – 7 p.m.
Performance and dinner – $56 for members
Reservations required by Jun 10
reservations@cliff-chicago.org or 3120922-8080

The Color Purple - Matinee Theatre Club Outing
2025-07-26 14:00 - 17:00
Brunch and a Show anyone?
The Cliff Dwellers Theatre Club’s next adventure will take us to The Goodman Theatre on Saturday, July 26th (2 p.m. matinee) to see the critically acclaimed stage musical, The Color Purple. Based on Alice Walker’s novel, the show tells the story of Celie and her journey of self-discovery and resilience in the American South. The musical features a score blending gospel, jazz, and blues, and has been praised for its powereful portrayal of love, redemption, and triumph over adversity.

Attendees also have the option of taking advantage of the Club’s Summer Saturday Brunch, pre-show.

What: The Color Purple
Where: The Goodman Theatre (with optional brunch at the Club before the show)
When: Saturday, July 26, 2 p.m. matinee
Cost: Discounted Group Ticket price (show only) $100
Optional Brunch: $32

Interested?
Contact Rick Frendt no later than Monday, July 14 at
rfrendt@comcast.net
or call 708-359-0805

If you plan on attending the brunch also, and if you’d like to use available Uber transportation to and from the Club to the Goodman, please mention that to Rick when you contact him. We will make the group brunch reservation with the club, so no need to reserve that spot yourself.

Lollapalooza Watch Party
2025-07-31 17:00 - 21:00
The Cliff Dwellers are hosting an opening night of Lollapalooza party on the terrace!
Bar opens at 5:00 p.m.
Tapas served at 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $34
Reservations required by Thursday, July 24
reservations@cliff-chicago.org
or 3121-922-8080

Air and Water Show Dinner with Show Pilots
2025-08-14 17:00 - 20:00
The Cliff Dwellers are honored to host a visit by the Chicago Air and Water Show show pilots! Come on in to enjoy dinner, meet team members, and listen to a short, informative talk.
Bar open: 5:00 p.m.
Dinner: 6:00 p.m.
Talk: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $50
Reservations are required by Thursday, August 7
reservations@cliff-chicago.org
3121-922-8080

Air and Water Show Luncheon w/Parachute Team
2025-08-15 11:30 - 14:30
The Cliff Dwellers are honored to host a visit by the Chicago Air and Water Show parachutist team! Come on in to enjoy lunch and meet the team.
Doors open: 11:30 a.m.
Luncheon served: Noon
Cost: $38
Reservations for lunch are required by Friday, August 8
reservations@cliff-chicago.org
3121-922-8080

Angels In America - Theatre outing
2025-08-15 19:00 - 22:30
The Cliff Dwellers joined members of the Union League Club Chicago to see a performance of Tony Kushner’s Award-Winning drama Angels In America, Part 1: Millenium Approaches.
First staged in 1993, the expansive, poetic play explored themes of political corruption, homophobia, and the impact of a national health crisis (AIDS), which resonated deeply with the current political and social climate.
Contact Rick Frendt at
rfrendt@comcast.net / 708-359-0806

The Cliff Dwellers Book Club - Chicago: The Second City
2025-08-23 11:00 - 13:30
Chicago: The Second City
The Cliff Dwellers Book Club met on Saturday, August 23, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sullivan Room.
Joan Pantsios moderated a discussion on Chicago: The Second City, by A.J. Leibling. Based on a series of articles written for the New Yorker, the book also responds to correspondence received by Leibling from Chicago-area residents following the stories’ publication.
New members are always welcome!

Summer Saturday Brunch!
2025-08-23 11:30 - 13:30
A special Saturday buffet lunch was served starring Elsa’s new summer cocktail creations and Chef Erick’s masterful culinary offerings.

The Architectural Table
2025-09-09 12:00 - 13:30
You don’t have to be an architect to appreciate or talk about the majestic (and not-so-majestic!) buildings around us. We touch on a myriad of architectural aspects, and in the Cliff Dwellers tradition, guarantee that the dialogue will be lively, good-spirited, and filled with fascinating information and opinion.
All are welcome to listen in or join the conversation in what has proven to be an exciting addition to the Cliff Dwellers offerings.
Join the group in the Sullivan Room at noon on the second Tuesday of each month. Enjoy the monthly buffet and a lively discussion about the built environment.
The day’s topic: William Lebaron Jenney in Chicago (presented in memory of John Notz, who organized a monthly Jenney discussion group at the Cliff Dwellers)
Call or email the Club to grab a seat at the table, and let us know if you’ll be enjoying the lunch buffet:
reservations@cliff-chicago.org / 312-922-8080

A Celebration Of Our New Members!
2025-09-10 17:00 - 19:00
The Cliff Dwellers welcomed our newest members at this “getting to know you” meet-up. Long-term members had the opportunity to share stories with those whose club experience is just beginning. From special events to our many active clubs to dining and cocktails on the terrace, we encouraged all our new members to become engaged in all that the Cliff Dwellers offers. Toast our new friends with a hearty ZIVIO!

Mr. Wolf - Theatre Club Outing
2025-09-12 17:15 - 22:30
The Cliff Dwellers Theatre Club’s last outing was to Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre for the Chicago premiere of Mr Wolf.
12 years ago, Theresa was stolen from her parents. Now a precocious 15-year-old, she has been rescued and returned to a family that had nearly forsaken hope – a family she neither recognizes nor understands. What makes a house a home, and what nightmares are we willing to face for the sake of our children?
Dinner at the Club pre-show: 5:15 p.m.
Curtain time: 7:30 p.m.
Show Tickets Only: $72.50
(Optional dinner at the Club before the show and Uber transportation are additional costs.)
Contact Rick Frendt at
rfrendt@comcast.net / 708-359-0806

The Cliff Dwellers Book Club - Negroland
2025-09-13 11:00 - 13:30
Negroland – by Margo Jefferson
The Cliff Dwellers Book Club met on Saturday, September 13, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sullivan Room.

Jessica Choe and Susan Warner Concert
2025-09-24 17:00 - 21:00
A very special Classical Music Event and Dining Experience
The Cliff Dwellers presented a special performance of classical piano and clarinet, paired with delicious food offerings for each piece from our very own Chef Erick. Each course was explained by the musical artists as the performance proceeded, and the dishes were accompanied by curated wine pairings.
Member Jessica Choe, along with Susan Warner, will perform.
Our performers:
Korean American pianist Jessica Choe began her musical studies at the age of three in Seoul, Korea, where she was a winner of several national youth piano competitions. Since immigrating to the U.S. in 1988, she has performed in many American concert halls, including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood, and the Wolf Trap. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two children.
Susan Warner is Assistant Principal Clarinetist of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra. In addition to her position at the opera house, Susan is a member of the Lyric Ensemble, a chamber ensemble comprised of Lyric Orchestra colleagues. Susan and her husband, CSO hornist David Griffin, live in Oak Park together with their children.

Poetry Society Lunch
2025-09-26 12:00 - 13:30
Come by and join the group for what always promises to be a lively discussion of verse. This week, Richard Nystrom will moderated a discussion of select works by Chaucer.

Ear Taxi Festival Preview
2025-09-26 17:00 - 21:00
Ear Taxi Festival, the largest classical contemporary musical festival in the Midwest, presented a special preview event for Cliff Dwellers members. Festival artists and leadership discussed highlights of the festival, the current state of contemporary music and classical music in Chicago, and bring a special guest performance.

Oktoberfest Beer Tasting!
2025-10-01 17:30 - 18:30
The Club sampled some German style beers with Louis Glunz Brand Ambassador Nick Frieders on Wednesday, October 1, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Chef Erick will created some wonderful Oktoberfest-inspired specials and soft pretzels all week!

Honorary Member Luncheon - Victor Alejandro Sorell
2025-10-02 12:30 - 14:30
The Cliff Dwellers hosted a festive event on Thursday, October 2. They celebrated Honorary Member, public art historian Victor Alejandro Sorell with a delicious, Latin-American cuisine luncheon, music, and of course, a special award ceremony.
Buffet: 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Award ceremony: 1:00 p.m.
Music by Paul Giallorenzo
Buffet lunch: $34 member/$40 non-member
Reservations required. RSVP by September 24, 2025
reservations@cliff-chicago.org or call 312-922-8080

Jazz Night
2025-10-03 17:30 - 22:30
Jazz Night returned to the Cliff Dwellers with the sparking talents of jazz vocalist Alyssa Allgood, pianist Jake Shapira, and bassist Sam Peters. Alyssa was named a “Rising Star Female Vocalist” in the DownBeat Magazine Critics Poll for the second consecutive year, and was voted “Best Individual Jazz Musician” in this year’s Chicago Reader Poll. She tours nationally, and recently had her photo added to the Jazz Showcase Wall of Fame.
Questions? Comments? contact Lindsay Huge at lchuge@aol.com / 773-972-1110

Amelie - Theatre Club Outing
2025-10-09 19:00 - 21:30
SOLD OUT!
The Cliff Dwellers Theatre Club traveled to the intimate Chopin Theatre to catch the charming stage adaptation of Amelie.
We spent a little time in Paris (Monmartre, to be exact) with the Chicago premiere of Amelie, based on the 2001 movie…the delightful tale of a young woman and the fantastical world of whimsey and romance that surrounds here.
Curtain time: 7:00 p.m.
Show Tickets Only: $62
Contact Rick Frendt at
rfrendt@comcast.net / 708-359-0806

The Architectural Table
2025-10-14 12:00 - 13:30
The Architectural Table had an interesting discussion about the architecture and history of Printer’s Row. Future topic suggestions are always appreciated!
You don’t have to be an architect to appreciate or talk about the majestic (and not-so-majestic!) buildings around us. We touch on a myriad of architectural aspects, and in the Cliff Dwellers tradition, guarantee that the dialogue will be lively, good-spirited, and filled with fascinating information and opinion.
All are welcome to listen in or join the conversation in what has proven to be an exciting addition to the Cliff Dwellers offerings.
Join the group in the Sullivan Room at noon on the second Tuesday of each month. Enjoy the monthly buffet and a lively discussion about the built environment. Our likely topic for the day, pending confirmation, is Printer’s Row and the South Loop.
Call or email the Club to grab a seat at the table, and let us know if you’ll be enjoying the lunch buffet:
reservations@cliff-chicago.org / 312-922-8080

New York Author Laurie Gwen Shapiro presented her new book!
2025-10-14 17:00 - 21:00
New York Author Laurie Gwen Shapiro presented her new book about Amelia Earhart, The Aviator and the Showman, on Tuesday, October 14.
In 1920, a young social worker and hobby pilot named Amelia Earhart arrived in the office of George Putnam, heir to the Putnam & Sons throne and hitmaker, on the hunt for the right woman for a secret flying mission across the Atlantic. A partnership – professional and soon otherwise – was born.
Ms. Shapiro is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist whose writings have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, New York, The Daily Beast, Laphams Quarterly, Slate, Aeon, The Forward, and the Los Angeles Review of Books.

Poetry Society Lunch
2025-10-17 12:00 - 13:30
Marian Frendt led a lively discussion of verse. In recognition of all things spooky this month, the theme was works by none other than Edgar Allen Poe.

Open House Chicago - Thanks for the Help!
2025-10-18 09:30 - 17:00
Every October, the Chicago Architecture Center is proud to host Open House Chicago (OHC) with over 160 sites and the Cliff Dwellers Club was once again one of its sites! OHC remains one of the largest events of its kind in the world. We shared the Club’s mission, history and membership benefits with hundreds of attendees of this very popular event. Incredibly fun and rewarding.

Pre Day-of-the Dead Celebration!
2025-10-24 17:00 - 21:00
Cliff Dwellers enjoyed fabulous cuisine celebrating the culture of Latin America, created by our exquisitely talented Chef Erick. His delicious dishes spanned various Latin regions and countries so that diners could truly experience the bold and exciting flavors of diverse Latinx cultures.
Bright colors and vibrant decorations adornined the Club while Cliff Dwellers sipped specialty cocktails, created by our gifted mixologist Elsa!
Live music was provided by Fuego de Cumbia, a Colombian traditional music group. Rooted in the rich heritage and folk traditions of Colombian Music, Fuego de Cumbia is led by three women, who bring communities together to dance in a celebration of culture and history, transcending boundaries and connecting generations. The group has performed in a number of venues throughout the region.

Ridgeway Studio Ensemble Jazz Ensemble
2025-10-29 17:00 - 21:00
A spectacular night of jazz awaits!
The Cliff Dwellers experienced the unique sound of the Ridgeway Studio Ensemble Jazz Quartet as they explored iconic tunes from the Great American Songbook, romantic Latin standards, and pops of Bebop and Modern Jazz.
The Quartet consisted of:
Paula Palmer: Violin
Bob Fahlstrom: Vibes/Piano
Matt Levinson: Guitar
Bob Becker: Bass

Magic Show and Halloween Party!
2025-10-31 17:00 - 21:00
The Cliff Dwellers spent Halloween evening at the Club for a night of magic and merriment! Magician Robert Charles was on hand to amaze and amuse attendees.
Members were encouraged to come in costume, and there was a prize for the best outfit!

The Uptown, Chicago's Endangered Movie Palace - A New Book Presentation
2025-11-05 17:00 - 19:00
The beautiful old Uptown Theatre needs help! That was the message delivered at the Cliff Dwellers the evening of November 5 by Robert Loerzel, and James (Andy) Pierce, authors of a new book, “THE UPTOWN: Chicago’s Endangered Movie Palace.” Supported by 46th Ward Alderwoman Angela Clay, they made the case for why this amazingly beautiful old venue deserves financial support for a desperately needed renovation.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the historic Uptown Theatre in Chicago, a new book, The UPTOWN, was released in August of 2025. The presentation took guests back to the theater’s ballyhooed opening in 1920. It was a magical place created by Chicago architects Rapp & Rapp for Balaban & Katz, one of the nation’s leading theater chains of the time. The book follows the building through its five decades as a theater, and its four decades of darkness.
