We learn about the new, free showcase with Greg Ward and Jumaane Taylor, the saxophonist and tap dancer with the Hyde Park Jazz Fest who are performing in the series.
Stories by Angel Idowu
Collaboraction’s ‘Family Tree Stories’ Aims to Connect Chicagoans, One Story at a Time
Thanks to support from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago theater company Collaboraction is exploring the impact of oral history, one story at a time. We learn about the group’s newest project, “Family Tree Stories,” and how it’s working to unite the city through storytelling.
Billy Branch Wants to Bring Blues Back to Its Roots, Sow Its Seeds
He has been playing the mouth harp since he bought his very first one at age 11 for just $1. But he’s not just a musician. We talk with Billy Branch about his mission to give blues the recognition it deserves.
‘Quantum Mirror’ Exhibit Adds Physical Experience to Digital Art
As the development of NFTs—non-fungible tokens—gives artists more autonomy over their work and how it’s shared in a digital capacity, a new exhibit is showcasing how this digital art can take over physical spaces.
How a Chicago Nonprofit is Working to Promote Diversity Within TV
A Chicago nonprofit aiming to promote more diversity in television is gearing up for its annual artist showcase in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Immersive Show ‘Into the Mist’ Transports Audiences to 1920s
Tired of livestreams that lacked variety, Evanston artist Steve Rashid wanted to offer a more immersive experience. With the help of his sons and their network of artists from around the country, he created “Into the Mist.” We get a peek at the virtual show that’s unlike any other.
Chicago Printmaker’s ‘COVID Year’ Project a Study in Art Therapy
The one-year anniversary of the pandemic has come and gone, but its impact on mental health will linger. We meet Chicago printmaker Beth Adler, who found refuge in art therapy — and whose work is now part of a new exhibit in Evanston.
The Show Must Go On: The Return of Movie Theaters
As coronavirus numbers begin to decrease and entertainment venues start to reopen, the debate continues over consumer safety versus the safety of home. Local cinema owners tell us what they're doing to make sure everyone can safely resume a popular pastime.
Elmhurst Exhibit on Fair Housing Features Rare MLK Photos
A new exhibit at the Elmhurst Art Museum is using photography to explore Chicago’s fair housing history and features rare color photos of Martin Luther King Jr. during the Chicago Freedom Movement.
How a Chicago Artist is Working to Help Musicians in Need
A Chicago artist is working to make sure no musician is left behind with a community organization dedicated to Black musicians in Chicago.
Chicago Children’s Choir Celebrates Black History Month With Virtual Concert
A musical journey through Black history explores how African traditions not only influence music genres today, but how they have helped the Black community celebrate and maintain its traditions.
Sister Group A4L Talks About the Impact of Gospel Music
A group of young women are changing the narrative of gospel music — and who it’s for. We meet a band of sisters who are on a mission.
Inside ‘Immersive Van Gogh’ Exhibit Making US Debut in Chicago
A long-awaited exhibit has made its way to the U.S. and Chicago is the first stop on the tour. We get a first look at this one-of-a-kind digital experience.
How a Chicago Nonprofit is Working to Change the Face of Classical Music
The Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative is preparing gifted students for higher education and careers in music — and debunking myths along the way.
Congo Square Theatre Talks About Sharing Black Stories, Virtually
When the pandemic hit, theaters across the country were faced with the harsh reality that they were among the first to close their doors — and would be among the last to reopen. How one Chicago theater company has taken its stage online.
Keeping Chicago’s Dance History Alive, 1 Interview at a Time
In a seven-hour live interview marathon Sunday, dancers from across the country will reflect on Chicago’s impact over the course of their dance careers.
Arts Workers Across the US Unite for Federal Funds in DAWN Act
Artists are calling on the Biden administration to provide economic relief to the arts sector through a proposal called the DAWN Act — that stands for Defend Arts Workers Now — that was co-organized by Chicago playwright Matthew Lee-Erlbach.
Legacy of Muddy Waters to Live On at MOJO Museum
A museum honoring the “father of modern Chicago blues” is headed to North Kenwood. Family members of the late musician Muddy Waters tell us what’s in store for the MOJO Museum.
How Virtual MLK Day Celebrations Are Continuing the Activist Mission
From dance and musical numbers to excerpts from some of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most prominent speeches to science experiments, Chicago artists are finding creative ways to further his movement in virtual celebrations.
At Lolita’s Bodega, Local Artists of Color Take The Spotlight
How a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in Humboldt Park — and now online — is helping Chicagoans invest in local artists.
Coffee Company Partners with Chocolateria to Bring Mexican Drinking Chocolate to Chicago
A chocolateria has made its way to Chicago by way of local coffee company Dark Matter. On the menu? Mexican drinking chocolate that just so happens to be made with cacao beans from Mexico. We visit Sleep Walk for a taste.
‘Tree of Remembrance’ Honors Lives Lost to Chicago Gun Violence
As Chicagoans say goodbye to loved ones who have died from gun violence, a local artist is working to make sure their lives are honored this holiday season through his nonprofit, Never Forget Chicago.
Free Virtual Concert ‘Pasión Latina’ Marks a First for Lyric Opera
Lyric Opera of Chicago has plans for a virtual concert Sunday unlike anything it has done before: a Spanish-language concert. We meet some of the artists involved with the premiere of “Pasión Latina.”
How a Chicago Artist is Bringing Attention to Homelessness
Zac Lowing scours the beach for sea glass, but his work is about more than the sculptures he creates. Through his platform, he hopes to bring attention to the homeless community.
Mural in Belmont Cragin Encourages Resilience as COVID-19 Numbers Rise
A new mural on the city’s Northwest Side bridges the gap between health care providers and the community they serve.
Chicago Artist Explores Blackness as Both a Color and Identity in New Exhibit
We explore the latest exhibition from Amanda Williams which responds to the social media trend Blackout Tuesday, in which Instagram users posted black squares to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.
