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Former drummer of The Cure Lol Tolhurst is unveiling his new memoir in Chicago Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, including a show he will DJ at Pleasant House Pub, 2119 S. Halsted St Dec. 1. 

The Cure’s founding member shows Chicago new memoir

November 28, 2016
Chicagoan Jason Sofianos created the City of Neighborhoods Project to showcase Chicago’s unique neighborhoods and their cultures, such as Little Village.  

View Chicago’s neighborhoods through website’s fresh eyes

November 28, 2016
Ricketts’ politics will not put Cubs team, legacy to shame

Ricketts’ politics will not put Cubs team, legacy to shame

November 28, 2016
Chicago artist and 2004 fine arts alumnus Nate Otto has artwork displayed all the city, but his most notable work is with the Chicago internet company Basecamp. He designed a character for the company’s app and website and also painted a mural in their West Loop headquarters. 

Chicago artist unveils new work at upcoming show

November 21, 2016
Local arts collective Birch Reincliff has sold more than 300 Donnie the Poo dog toys on its website, which represent a Trump head sitting atop a pile of feces. 

Shock over Trump presidency sparks political artwork

November 14, 2016
British singer-songwriter Benjamin Francis Leftwich is back to singing with his second album after taking a break to mature his music.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich reemerges ‘After the Rain’

November 14, 2016
Brothers Dan and Joe Goebel showed off their support for Hillary Clinton with t-shirts and stickers at Sidebars election night viewing party Nov. 8. 

‘I will be applying for Canadian citizenship’—Election result shocks Clinton supporters but applaud a race well run

November 9, 2016
Alicia Keys, who performed Sept. 24 at Chance the Rapper’s Magnificent Coloring Day Festival at U.S. Cellular Field, released album HERE on Nov. 4. 

Alicia Keys’ ‘HERE’ most genuine work yet

November 7, 2016
BWCTV, a new online streaming service, will feature black films such as a music video by South African band Spoek Mathambo, covering Joy Division’s ‘Control.’ 

Online streaming service to feature black cinema

November 7, 2016
Rebecca O Neal, co-host and notable Chicago comic, performing her sketch at Coles Bar, 2338 N. Milwaukee Ave., Oct 26.

Small clubs, big stars: Established and amateur comics flock to comedy open mics

October 31, 2016
Fans of Classic Album Sundays, a music listening party that started in 2010, enjoy listening to classic albums with professional audio equipment every month. CAS now hosts parties worldwide, including a local chapter in Chicago hosted by Sam Willett, Chicago music nerd and journalist.

Intimate listening experience celebrates timeless albums

October 31, 2016
XO Marshmallow, a local marshmallow company, created a unique dessert that resembles a donut, which they are tentatively calling a “marsh-halo.” 

Local gourmet marshmallows evoke camping nostalgia

October 24, 2016
Joe Keery and Dalton Allison of Post Animal sang to a full house Oct. 13 at Virgin Hotel Chicago, 203 N. Wabash Ave. The free show had fans waiting for two hours outside—some of whom did not catch the bands hyped grunge-pop-psych set. 

From grunge-pop to Netflix—local band gets taste of fame through ‘Stranger Things’

October 24, 2016
Justin Kelly (director, writer) and Garrett Clayton (actor) appear at the films screening at the Reeling Film Festival that highlights international LGBTQ+ movies. Landmark Theatre, 2828 N. Clark St. Sept. 29.

Disney star transforms into gay porn star in new biopic

October 17, 2016
Lewis Del Mar had fans waiting outside the venue for three hours for its packed Oct 13 show at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. 

Lewis Del Mar dives into new touring era

October 17, 2016
Chances performance Sept. 24 at the U.S. Cellular Field became a story telling experience rather than a concert performance. His connection with audiences and coloring the stage himself with props and lights created a Coloring Book.

REVIEW: Magnificent Coloring Day gives new hues to South Side

September 26, 2016
Jonah Reider, a chef in residency at Intro Chicago, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, prepares charred peppercorn pastries with phyllo dough for a media dinner on Sept. 14.

Dorm room chef brings ‘dope’ dining experience to Chicago

September 19, 2016
Victor le. Givens discussed his artwork at Rootwork Gallery located at 645 W. 18th in Pilsen. His first solo exhibit in Chicago opened Sept. 9. 

Black culture, spirituality subject of new art show

September 12, 2016
Participants at Bad Axe Throwing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, learn how to throw axes  with help from the axe throwing coach, which acts as the host of the party group.

Axe throwing brings buzz, concern to West Loop

September 8, 2016
“Hamilton” begins its national tour to Chicago’s PrivateBank Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Sept. 27.

‘Hamilton’ brings revolution to Chicago

May 9, 2016

Good afternoon, good evening and goodbye

May 9, 2016
Chicago-born rapper Big Dipper was recently featured on the Viceland show “Balls Deep.” 

Queer hip-hop: breaking down barriers

May 2, 2016
Frankie Cosmos released its acclaimed sophomore album Next Thing, April 1.

Frankie Cosmos ready to be your ‘Next Thing’

April 25, 2016
Chicago-based artist Laura Collins’ paintings depicting Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen will be featured in “The Olsen Twins Hiding From The Paparazzi” at the Tonya Harding Nancy Kerrigan 1994 Museum in New York City from April 22–May 1. 

Laura Collins finds artistic inspiration in celebrity culture

April 18, 2016
Parson’s Chicken and Fish,2952 W. Armitage Ave., regularly serves Hot Chicken.

Nashville Hot Chicken spices up Chicago

April 18, 2016
Wicker Park staple Rapid Transit Cycleshop closed after more than 21 years last February due to financial problems. 

Cosmic Bikes gives cycling duo fresh start

April 11, 2016
Jacob Thomas’ Donald Trump-inspired designs are displayed at the Degenerate Art Gallery, 5407 N. Clark St., April 1 through April 24.

Chicago dumps Trump with satire

April 4, 2016

From alleyways to galleries

March 14, 2016
Pitchfork Music Festival will celebrate high-profile and local talent July 15–17.

Pitchfork gets 10.0 rating for summer music festival

February 29, 2016
The Harold Ramis Film School will teach students to create comic film and video.

Second City film school to emphasize humor in filmmaking

February 22, 2016

Vulfpeck keeps the funk on its own terms

February 15, 2016
Martin Courtney played a set to support his solo album Many Moons at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Feb. 9.

Martin Courtney mellows out Schubas with solo set

February 15, 2016
Jussie Smollett, best known for playing the character Jamal Lyon on the hit Fox drama “Empire,” spoke on the importance of diversity in Hollywood at an event celebrating African-American Heritage Month.

Jussie Smollett follows own path to success

February 15, 2016
Demi Adejuyigbe and Kevin T. Porter gab about all things “Gilmore” on their two-episodes-a-week podcast, Gilmore Guys on Headgum Podcast Network.

‘Gilmore Guys’ to gab at Thalia Hall

February 8, 2016
Georgey Hotline Bling

‘What’s The Deal With’ Pop Art?

February 1, 2016
Third Coast Review looks to fill gap left by Gapers Block hiatus

Third Coast Review looks to fill gap left by Gapers Block hiatus

January 25, 2016
Brothers Jim (vocals) and William (Guitar) Reid formed The Jesus and Mary Chain in 1983 and composed all of the band’s six albums, starting with 1985’s Psychocandy. 

The Jesus and Mary Chain sound ‘Just Like Honey’ at Riviera Theatre

May 11, 2015
Lady Windermeres Fan

Wilde ‘fans’ Windy City

May 4, 2015
Voices From Juvenile Detention: Kids Behind Bars It sounds harmless: “pre-trial detention.” But the reality is far different. In a squat block building in Laredo, Texas—and in similar places around the nation—children await trial or placement in concrete cells while the underlying issues that led to their behavior fester. Some are addicts who need treatment; others are kids battling mental illnesses. Many are angry and have been virtually abandoned by absentee or irresponsible parents. Some spend a few days, others months, but despite the efforts of a small corps of dedicated professionals, few actually receive treatment for the issues that brought them to Juvenile. /// 15-year-old Gabriel, restrained while he detoxes in a cell at Webb County Juvenile Detention. How I got here? I dont remember, sir. Gabriel, 15, took 10 rRohypnol pills (a potent tranquilizer) and boarded the bus to school. Stoked by the drugs, an argument with another kid turned ugly. A teacher who intervened says Gabriel threatened him. When he arrived in Juvenile--his fifth time there--officers found more pills in his pocket. He is charged with possession of a controlled substance in a correctional facility--a felony. And Gabriel isnt the only child brought to Juvenile in a narcohaze. Far from it, according to Jesse Hernandez, head of a local drug counseling program: Virtually everyone in the juvenile detention system is abusing drugs or is dependent. At one point, Doctors Hospital had opened up the mental health unit and we had an adolescent detox here. In 2002 we had to give it up because its very cost-prohibitive to run a program like that. Unfortunately, a lot of kids are now having to be detoxed in the detention center. . . . You never want to get in a situation where youre having to restrain people who are under the influence. Its dangerous.

Exhibit puts juvenile prisoners on display

April 27, 2015
Andrew Bailes posed for a photo with Liz Anderson after his April 5 performance of “The One-Woman No-Show.”

‘One-Woman’ show not a solo act

April 20, 2015
A song book featuring Thomas A. Dorseys popular song Take My Hand, Precious Lord.

Cultural Center belts out gospel

April 20, 2015
The Great Gatsby 90th Anniversary

The Great Gatsby 90th Anniversary: 90 years ago on April 10, 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald published his literary opus, “The Great Gatsby.”

April 13, 2015
Closeted/Out in the Quadrandles

Exhibit brings University of Chicago out of closet

April 6, 2015
Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians

‘Free At First’ celebrates 50 years of AACM’s musical freedom

March 30, 2015
Kids today and all that jazz

Kids today and all that jazz

March 16, 2015
Unnamed Road

Jungjin Lee’s ‘Unnamed Road’ takes viewers to Israel

March 16, 2015
Gill Scott Heron performing at Womad 2011. Gill Scott Heron died today, 28th May 2011. He was a politically motivated jazz/blues musician and song writer. He had a great stage presence and always sung from the soul, and with a great smile. Fore sure, a great loss.

‘Pieces of Gil Scott-Heron’ celebrated in tribute performance

March 9, 2015
Theophilus London

Theophilus London ‘Can’t Stop’ Chicago

March 2, 2015
JUMPSUIT

Rational Dress Society’s JUMPSUIT jumps up new Kickstarter campaign

February 23, 2015
Francis Guinan and Patrese McClain, star in Bruce Graham’s racially charged play, “White Guy On the Bus,” at the Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., in Skokie, Illinois.

‘White Guy On the Bus’ drives racial issues home

February 16, 2015

Obama reminds Christians to love thy neighbor

February 16, 2015
Designed by Cassidy JohnsonBackground photo Courtesy of James Rand

Chicago ladies redefine arm ‘rasslin’: The city’s League of Lady Arm Wrestlers gears up for XXI: My Bloody Valentine

February 9, 2015
Gregg Bierman remixed a scene from Alfred Hitchcocks Rear Window for his film Iterations, which he screened on Jan. 28 at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.

Onion City film festival peels back layers of experimental filmmaking

February 2, 2015
Roger Guenveur Smith performing Rodney King

Roger Guenveur Smith brings ‘Rodney King’ show to Chicago

January 26, 2015
The Vaselines

The Vaselines heal Chicago

January 26, 2015
Sarah Charlesworth. Patricia Cawlings, Los Angeles, 1980, printed 2012, No. 10 of 14 from the series Stills. The Art Institute of Chicago, Krueck Foundation and Photography Gala Funds,2013.129. © Estate of Sarah Charlesworth. Courtesy the Estate of Sarah Charlesworth and Maccarone.

‘Stills’ move Art Institute

December 8, 2014
South Side Community Art Center, 3831 S. Michigan Ave., presents an exhibit of has art from inmates at Stateville Correctional Center in Crest Hill, Illinois

Stateville prisoners share ‘The Materials that Went to Make’ them in art show

December 1, 2014
Fred Hampton

Hampton’s death not quite forgotten: 45th anniversary of the death of Illinois Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton calls the party’s legacy into question

November 24, 2014
Jazz saxophonist Ari Brown and bassist Yousef Israel play at Café Logan in Hyde Park, 915 E. 60th St., for a taped broadcast for Chicago jazz radio station 90.9FM WDCB. Brown and Israel played two sets that night.

Ari Brown double set jazzes up Café Logan

November 24, 2014
Peelander-Z

Peelander-Z crash lands to excite stale rock venue

November 17, 2014
Kazu Makino, rhythm guitarist/vocalist of Blonde Redhead, plays at the Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St., while on tour for the bands ninth album Barragán. 

Blonde Redhead sway Bottom Lounge audience

November 10, 2014
Pervs House Lounge was one of the many blues clubs on Chicagos South Side where photographer Michael L. Abramson would take photos of black night life in Chicago.

‘Blues in Black and White’ shares colorful history

November 10, 2014
A Burroughs painting called Drug Hysteria made in 88 with ink and cut-up collage, a method from his writing.

‘The artist they called him’ Chicago celebrates Burroughs centenary

November 3, 2014
En Guerre

French World War I illustrations march into public eye at University of Chicago

October 27, 2014
JOIN Poster

Young Patriots’ notes from the underground resurface

October 27, 2014
Michael Urie performs in “Buyer & Cellar,” the one-man comedy written by playwright Jonathan Tolins.

Talking to himself

May 12, 2014
Royal de Luxe, a French street theater company, is in talks to bring its unique puppet performance to Chicago in 2016. Its puppets include a giant sea diver, pictured above, and a huge female child.

Rahm pulls strings

May 12, 2014
The Hubbard Street Dance Center in Chicago has been conducting adaptive dance classes since 2007 with the Parkinson’s Project, which was designed to ease symptoms of the disease and provide an opportunity for students with disabilities to dance. Above, Parkinson’s Project founder Sarah Cullen Fuller instructs a class of elderly students. 

Dance studio launches new programs for students with disabilities

April 28, 2014
Po-Po Pot Procedures

Don’t Search Me, Bro!

April 21, 2014
Electronic hip-hop artist Jason Maek Sizer released his EP, Do Epic Sh!t, on March 25 on his own label, Maek. He said his music is inspired and defined by personal experience and his response to every day injustices, which include societal problems such as race.

‘Maek’-ing a difference

April 14, 2014
Anonymous Donor

Conceiving identities

April 14, 2014
Virtuoso guitarist Ryley Walker has hardcore punk and free jazz roots but in the last five years has expanded to folk music, weaving together an ethereal fingerstyle with organic improvisation. His debut solo album, All Kinds of You, is scheduled for release April 15. 

Noisy roots, new routes

April 7, 2014
Emporium Arcade Bar, 1366 N. Milwaukee Ave., is an alcohol-serving arcade that opened June 19, 2012 after Chicago-native Danny Marks spent time in New York City managing Barcade, an arcade that offered alcohol in addition to pinball machines and vintage arcade games. 

Pac-man and pints: alcohol becomes lifeblood of modern arcades

March 31, 2014
The Plant, 1400 W. 46th St., which hosts a diverse array of businesses, uniformly operates with urban sustainability in mind, taking advantage of aquaponics facilities and hydroponic food growers.

Green oasis sprouts in gray town

March 17, 2014
Aaron Paul

A new kind of ‘speed’

March 10, 2014
Robert Coker of Super 78 Studios said they plan to push forward and may re-launch the Kickstarter campaign in the future. He said he thinks the Kickstarter would have been higher pledged if they had been more active on social media. 

Restoring the birthplace of an icon

March 10, 2014

Colleges need to create dorm communities

March 3, 2014
Bohemian immigrant John Dusek built Thalia Hall in 1892. Its design is reminiscent of the Romanesque architecture of the Prague Opera House. 

Big business, little Pilsen

February 24, 2014
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