“Vigilance: Learning From the Legacies of BIPOC Environmental Leaders” is inspired by the work of Hazel Johnson, a Black Chicagoan known as the mother of the environmental justice movement.
Stories by angel idowu
Column: Expo Chicago Offers a Reminder of the Vibrancy and Community of Chicago’s Art Scene
From Expo Chicago at Navy Pier to Expo Art Week throughout the city and everything in between, I found myself overwhelmed with celebrations that amplified the city’s artistic community.
Our Picks for the Must-See Expo Chicago Events Hitting Town This Week
Expo Chicago is back for its eleventh anniversary this week and organizers are celebrating with a slew of programs, initiatives and digital events to engage the public both at Navy Pier and throughout the city.
A Fictional Chicago Political Family Searches for ‘Purpose’ in Steppenwolf World Premiere: Review
“Purpose,” the new world premiere play from Branden Jacobs-Jenkins now running at Steppenwolf, is also a very specific story about a family rooted in Black American politics, featuring a Civil Rights activist, pastors and a congressman.
Frankie Knuckles Remembered as ‘Guiding Force’ of House Music as 5,000 Vinyl Records Digitized
Members of Theaster Gates’ Rebuild Foundation have been working to restore Frankie Knuckles’ vinyl record collection for the last eight years.
New Book Celebrates Chicago’s Black Culture and Influence
Chicago native Arionne Nettles pens a love letter to Chicago in her newest book titled, “We Are the Culture: Black Chicago’s Influence on Everything.”
Sza, The Killers and Blink-182 Among Lollapalooza Headliners. Here’s the Full Lineup
Lollapalooza has announced its headliners for the four-day music fest with Sza, Tyler, The Creator, Blink-182 and The Killers among the headlining acts.
Sundays on State to Return This Summer; Loop Alliance Seeking Artists and Organizations for the Free Block Party
Everyone’s favorite downtown block party is back. Chicago Loop Alliance organizes Sundays on State with the goal of cultivating community and amplifying art and culture within the Loop.
Young Writers Showcase Skills at Rooted & Radical Poetry Festival
Young Chicago Authors is encouraging Chicago’s youth to engage in storytelling to express themselves with poetry and performance.
Chicago Jazz Vocalist Takes Listeners on Musical Journey in ‘75 Years of Mahalia Jackson’: Review
Tammy McCann recently previewed a one-woman show dedicated to the life and work of gospel legend Mahalia Jackson. McCann will soon head to New York to once again pay homage to the queen of gospel.
Navy Pier’s New Flyover Experience Offers an Exhilarating View of Chicago’s Beauty
Utilizing footage captured by a drone, flight members swoop through iconic landmarks in seats engineered to feel every dip and dive of the ride, just as if you were on a rollercoaster.
From Code Switching to the Andriana Furs Jingle, Second City Show Hilariously Captures Common Black Experiences: Review
“Black by Popular Demand” showcases common experiences from a Black viewpoint, resulting in some hilarious moments.
Ramova Theatre to Celebrate Renovation, Reopening With All-Ages Concert From Chance the Rapper
For more than 35 years, the once bustling Ramova Theatre at 35th and Halsted streets sat vacant, deteriorating in condition. But in 2017, the building was purchased for exactly $1. The goal is to make the theater Bridgeport’s staple entertainment venue.
Norman Teague’s Elmhurst Exhibit Uses Jazz and Black Aesthetics to Showcase a Unique Design Sensibility: Review
With musical accompaniment by John Coltrane’s album “A Love Supreme,” which gave the exhibition its name, Teague’s work is a reflection of his Chicago upbringing and classic design technique.
Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia Return on Stage in ‘Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue’
A 2024 edition of the classic four women sitcom, “Golden Girls,” has been making its way across the country, and soon they’ll be making their stop at Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.
Your Guide to Black History Month Events in Chicago
February marks Black History Month and cultural institutions around Chicago are hosting events celebrating the city’s art and culture scene. Here are a few events you should check out.
Lisa Ann Walter of ‘Abbott Elementary’ on Returning to the Hit Show and Her Love of Stand-Up Comedy
Lisa Ann Walter is set to appear in Rosemont later this month for a series of comedy shows. Ahead of her visit to the Chicago area, she spoke with WTTW News about what it’s been like since getting back to work with her comedic cast, and what’s in store for her upcoming comedy set.
From Hip-Hop to the 1893 World’s Fair, Chicago Nutcracker Productions Look to Honor and Reimagine the Classic Holiday Story
Here in Chicago, a number of reimaginings of the classic story demonstrate how the family tradition can be transformed to fit the interests of modern audiences while also celebrating the Christmas magic that made that original ballet such a success.
‘The Wiz’ Eases On Down the Road to Chicago Ahead of Broadway Run
The reimaging of the classic story, now playing at the Cadillac Palace Theater in the production’s pre-Broadway run, has a devoted set of fans stretching back decades.
Bridgeport Residents Anticipate Return of the Ramova Theatre Courtesy of Star-Studded Ownership Group
Earlier this month, it was announced that the theater was under new ownership, as Chicago’s Chance the Rapper and Jennifer Hudson partnered with Quincy Jones and developer Tyler Nevius as the Bridgeport theater’s new ownership group.
For Chicago Area Families, Museum of Science and Industry Exhibit a Chance to Celebrate Cultural Christmas Traditions
Families and organizations from all over the Chicago area came to the museum bright and early to decorate their country’s Christmas tree. This year, the trees represented a total of 57 countries, including Austria, Puerto Rico, Kenya, Switzerland, and France, to name a few.
Art Design Chicago Showcases Local Artists, Arts Organizations With Citywide Events and Exhibitions
The Art Design Chicago initiative will work with more than 50 art-focused organizations to showcase the work of hundreds of artists now through 2025.
From Marshall Field’s to Goldblatt’s, Take a Trip Through Time With ‘Lost Chicagoland Department Stores’
A new exhibit at the Elmhurst History Museum is celebrating department stores that originated in the Chicagoland area.
Vanessa Williams on Producing a New Musical Showcasing Jazz Legend Louis Armstrong Now Playing in Chicago
Black Theatre United is an organization aimed at creating more diversity and inclusion in theater. With the help of that group, actress Vanessa Williams is making her producorial debut for the new musical “A Wonderful World.”
Interactive, 1920s-Set Experience ‘Into the Mist’ Returns for One-Night-Only Performance in Evanston
Held at Studio5 in Evanston, the interactive experience takes the audience back in time to the 1920s for music, dancing and comedy.
O’Hare Video Installation Combines Footwork and Native American Dance Styles into Uniquely Chicago Film
Filmed at the Willis Tower, on the lakeshore at the Promontory Point with the city’s skyline in the background and other locations, “Skywalkers” is set to play on a permanent loop as art of a large public commission to Chicago artists.
