As the Chicago arts scene slowly begins to once again embrace in-person performances, one Rogers Park artist says sharing music virtually is an experience he’s not quite ready to give up. We check in with harmonica and piano player, Corky Siegel.
Stories by Angel Idowu
Englewood Artist Documents Growing Up on the South Side
In his first solo show, “Mookie on the Southside,” artist Pugs Atomz illustrates what it’s like growing up on the South Side through paintings and sculptures.
Joffrey Ballet Debuts with ‘Home: A Celebration’
The Joffrey Ballet is welcoming back company dancers and instructors. It’s also welcoming choreographers, including Chanel DaSilva. As one of Joffrey’s 2020 Winning Works choreographers, the New York based artist is back with a dance interpretation and reimagining of the old Negro Spiritual, “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”
Broadway in Chicago Makes Its Official Return With Rent’s 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour
It’s been 822,900 minutes since Broadway in Chicago closed its doors. Now nearly a year and a half later, they’re back with a story that’s giving us 525,600 reasons to love.
Goodman Theatre’s ‘American Mariachi’ Examines Music as a Tool for Healing
It was just before opening night that “American Mariachi” had to close its doors. Now, nearly 18 months later, the cast has returned to the stage. We go behind the scenes of this new musical play set in 1970s Chicago.
‘Sounds of 18th Street’ Unites Mexican Artists From Across US in New Music Festival
We head to Pilsen, where The National Museum of Mexican Art is getting ready to host its first musical festival.
‘Footnotes’ Pays Tribute to Music and Dance Style Born in Chicago
Footwork is an art form that consists of both music and dance, and it’s brought people together from around the world. Now it’s bringing folks downtown to see animated projections on the Merchandise Mart.
Banksy Exhibit Brings Well-Known Works From Unseen Artist to Chicago
It’s one of the biggest touring exhibitions of one of the world’s most well-known street artists. We take a look at “The Art of Banksy,” on view in River North through October.
Kanye West Takes Chicagoans to Church in ‘Donda’ Listening Party
The Chicago rapper performed beneath a replica of his South Shore home to thousands Thursday night at Soldier Field.
A Tour With a Twist: Chicago Fireboat Offers Air and Water Show Tours
A modified version of the city’s Air and Water show is flying over Lake Michigan this weekend, and arts correspondent Angel Idowu knows just where to take in the aerial views — from Lake Michigan of course. She introduces us to a boat tour packed with Chicago facts.
Meet a ‘Yarn Bomber’ Who Has Made Chicago Her Canvas
If you’ve seen random objects covered in yarn and wondered what they were, you’re in luck: We introduce you to Valerie Sherman, whose favorite pastime has led to a citywide beautification project.
Chicago Artists Take the Main Stage at Lollapalooza
In a sea of familiar artists — from Megan Thee Stallion to Miley Cyrus — a few local faces are hoping to make a bigger name for themselves at this year’s Lollapalooza. Among them is Chicago-based songwriter and producer Nez.
Creative Take on Vision Boarding Aims to Help Entrepreneurs Pursue Their Passions
We meet local entrepreneur Karen Spears, whose “mind-mapping” process helps people figure out the first or next step in starting a business, all while preserving an art form she’s passionate about.
How the Lipizzan Stallions Learn to Dance
At a farm just north of the city, trainers are working to preserve an art form on display at the Tokyo Olympics. We visit Tempel Farms to see the Lipizzan stallions they’re teaching to dance.
At El Paseo Community Garden, ‘The Sky’s The Limit’ for Programming, Opportunities
Marcella Torres, an artist-in-residence at the Pilsen garden described as an “outdoor community center,” tells us about the new project she’s creating for the space with a little help from volunteers.
Woodworker Uses Art Background to Create Custom Furniture
When a Chicago artist decided to strengthen his craft creating sculptures, he took on an unlikely job to help him refine the lines. Nearly a decade later, he's using the skills he picked up as a mill worker to create custom wooden furniture.
Traveling Exhibit Honors Chicago’s Koko Taylor and Other Women of the Blues
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s exactly what Lynn Orman Weiss’ traveling exhibition does, sharing through photos how women have contributed to one of the most influential music genres.
Artist Uses Graphite to Mark Time in Tribute to Historic Art Center
Interdisciplinary artist Faheem Majeed is using graphite to mark the past, present and future of the South Side Community Art Center, the oldest African American art center in the country.
Gabriel Villa Explores His Mexican Roots in Contemporary American Art
In a new exhibit at the Hyde Park Art Center, a Mexican American artist is exploring his personal and professional transformation. We meet the artist to learn more about “The Metamorphosis of Gabriel Villa.”
‘Timeless’ Exhibit Examines Life and Work of Frida Kahlo
Some of Frida Kahlo’s original works are returning to the Chicago area for the first time since the late ‘70s.
The Art of Hair Braiding and Pushing Back Against Cultural Biases
Meet artist and hair braider Mo G and learn how she’s using braids to push against cultural biases that consider the look unprofessional.
‘Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel’ Comes to the Chicago Area
A Roman holiday this summer is easier than you think. We check out a new exhibit featuring recreations of the most recognized works by Italian artist Michelangelo, now open in Oak Brook.
Surabhi Ensemble Builds Cross-Cultural Exchange Through Music
Meet the Surabhi Ensemble. Composed of musicians of many races and ethnicities, this global music group that’s based in Chicago has a mission to make cross-cultural connections.
Art on the Mart Brings the Universe to Wacker Drive
One of the city’s most public art experiences is back with a trip through the universe. Art on the Mart is working with local cultural institutions to bring their work to Wacker Drive.
2300 Jackson Street, Home of Jackson 5, Gets Official Highway Signage
The celebration was in full force May 13 at 2300 Jackson Street in Gary, Indiana, as the city marked the home of the Jackson 5 with official highway signage. We visit the historic site and speak to Marlon and Tito Jackson about their childhood home.
‘Chicago Takes 10’ Virtual Performance Series Brings Audience the ‘Sound of Chicago’
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.
