From a Chicago blues club to South Africa, a new show at Steppenwolf Theatre explores music and love across cultures. We get a behind-the-scenes look at “Lindiwe.”
Stories by Marc Vitali
Chicago’s Bloodshot Records Celebrates 25th Anniversary
The independent record label sets the gold standard for roots music in Chicago and beyond. We visit the headquarters of Bloodshot Records on the eve of its silver anniversary – and get an earful.
Vintage Toy Collection Inspires Exceptional Group of Local Artists
For years, vintage toys have inspired renowned Chicago artist Karl Wirsum. And recently he shared his fun-filled collection with an extraordinary group of local artists at Project Onward.
Hedy Weiss Reviews ‘A Doll’s House,’ ‘I’m Lenny Bruce’ and More
There are many treats on Chicago stages these days. Theater critic Hedy Weiss joins us with her latest roundup.
Sister Helen Prejean on ‘Dead Man Walking’ at Lyric Opera
It was a moving memoir that became an Oscar-winning film before premiering as an opera in 2000. After more than 60 productions around the world, “Dead Man Walking” is now headed to Lyric Opera of Chicago for the first time.
Former Tattoo Artist Leaves Indelible Marks on Canvas
George Klauba is back on the scene, but he no longer inks people. These days, he’s an acclaimed painter sought after by collectors locally and abroad. And his new series of paintings features tattoo art.
At the Art Institute, a Panoramic View of Andy Warhol’s Artistic Output
He was called the Pope of Pop – pop art, that is. Andy Warhol predicted 15 minutes of fame for everyone. His own fame lasted decades and has endured since his untimely death in 1987. We explore “Andy Warhol – From A to B and Back Again.”
At the Driehaus Museum, a Chance to Look at Old Material in a New Light
Louis Comfort Tiffany led an all-star team of artists and designers who could create almost anything out of glass: lamps, jewelry, mosaics and also artwork of a spiritual nature. We visit the exhibit “Eternal Light.”
‘Pop America’ Reframes Pop Art, Expands Notion of ‘America’
Pop art gets reframed in a new museum show that looks closely at the visual culture of the 1960s and ‘70s – and sheds light on an entire hemisphere of artwork that really pops.
‘Downton Abbey’ Actor Harry Hadden-Paton Rehearses for Royal Role in Chicago
We go backstage as an actor prepares “The King’s Speech” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater – and remembers his role on “Downton Abbey.”
Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Martha Bárcena on Visit to Chicago
Bárcena, who last year became the first woman to hold her position, discusses immigration and the political relationship between the U.S. and Mexico.
‘Caution Freedom’ Shines Light on Artwork Too Provocative for Putin
Artwork once under attack by the Russian government is now on view in Chicago. We explore a show at the One After 909 gallery in West Town.
‘What Came After’ Exhibition Explores Legacy of Chicago Imagism
Colorful and playful paintings hang next to erotic works and dark visions. An overlooked group of Chicago artists is getting its due – at a museum in Elmhurst.
Checking Out the Menu at Chicago’s US Pizza Museum
Pizza is on the menu at a Chicago museum dedicated to the world-famous dish. We check out the collection of a curator with a craving.
Comedian Damon Williams Stands Up for Hometown of Chicago
Damon Williams has worked at City Hall, Subway and – for the last 27 years – has been a very busy stand-up comic. We catch up with Williams ahead of his benefit for Teamwork Englewood on Friday.
Vivian Maier Photos, Artifacts Donated to University of Chicago
The legend of street photographer Vivian Maier has grown immeasurably since her death. Now the collector who acquired the majority of her work has made a gift to the University of Chicago: 2,700 of her images and some artifacts.
‘Memory Unearthed’ Shines Light on a Dark Chapter of WWII
The recovered photographs of Henryk Ross reveal complex stories of life in the Lodz ghetto. We visit a new exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie.
Isaiah Collier: An Emerging Chicago Talent in Jazz and Blues
With a new record in the wings – and concerts around the world – one of Chicago’s hidden musical talents is increasingly becoming not so hidden. He recently turned 21 years old – but musically, Isaiah Collier is an old soul.
5 Fall Theater Recommendations from Hedy Weiss
There is a great variety of theater on stage in Chicago this fall. Critic Hedy Weiss recommends her current favorites.
Chicago Band Big Sadie Weighs in on Ken Burns’ Documentary ‘Country Music’
As Ken Burns’ latest series “Country Music” airs on PBS, a look at Chicago’s role in the history of country music with local band Big Sadie.
Revisiting Farnsworth House, a Masterpiece of Modern Architecture
It is an international destination for architecture fans. We visit Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois, with a photographer from Berlin.
Crème Sheri Brings a Big Personality to All Things Jazz
When there’s a jazz band on stage, there’s often an artist in the crowd. We visit a Chicagoan who obsessively draws the area’s jazz scene.
Restoring Artwork and Treasures at a Chicago Conservation Lab
We visit The Conservation Center, the country’s largest private conservation lab, for a look at how they are rejuvenating an artful piece of Chinese history.
Exhibit Digs Up Satire and Skeletons of ‘Legendary Printmaker’ Posada
A Mexican artist who died 100 years ago still influences popular culture. Inside the exhibit “Jose Guadalupe Posada: Legendary Printmaker of Mexico.”
At Bridgeport Arts Center, Artists Search for Meaning in Migration
For decades, the southern border of the U.S. has been a flash point for conflicting points of view. Now, artists from both sides of the border – including Chicago – are navigating the rocky road of migration in “The Border Crossed Us.”
