Sophie Becker took the stage at the Gertie Hub on North Peoria Street for a ventriloquism and music routine with her dummy Ronnie Woods. The performance was part of the "82 Nights Only" show that opens Chicago Exhibition Week, which runs from September 19 through September 25, 2026.
The act unfolded in the venue at 400 N. Peoria, drawing a crowd of young art collectors eager to encounter emerging talent. Attendees watched as Becker alternated between spoken word and song, while Ronnie Woods, the dummy, delivered punchy lines that complemented the musical interludes. The combination of ventriloquism and live music created a distinctive atmosphere for the week’s kickoff events.
Chicago Exhibition Week launched with a series of programs across the city, and the Gertie Hub’s "82 Nights Only" performance was highlighted as a key opening feature. The event’s title reflects the overall length of the exhibition schedule, emphasizing a full slate of nightly presentations throughout the seven-day period.
Organizers noted that the inclusion of a ventriloquist act added variety to the traditional visual arts focus of the exhibition. By featuring a performance that blends spoken performance with melody, the program aimed to broaden the cultural experience for visitors. Young collectors in the audience reported interest in the duo’s creative approach and expressed intent to follow Becker’s future work.
The Gertie Hub, a known gathering place for contemporary art and performance, provided a suitable setting for the show. Its central location at 400 North Peoria allowed easy access for participants coming from across the city. The venue’s layout accommodated both the stage presentation and the informal mingling that followed, giving collectors a chance to discuss the act and its relevance to the broader exhibition theme.
As Chicago Exhibition Week continues through the end of the month, "82 Nights Only" remains scheduled for each evening, offering repeat opportunities for audiences to experience Becker’s ventriloquism and music collaboration with Ronnie Woods.