It’s officially autumn, but the weather is nice enough to enjoy outdoor events along with indoor happenings. And for those who prefer to kick back at home, digital offerings are also still going strong. Here are a few suggestions to ring out the last week of the month. Fri 9/24: Fall temperatures bring us back […]
Author Archives: Salem Collo-Julin
Posted inMusic
Okay’s best song balances sunny and sinister
In 2005, I was working in Los Angeles for a few weeks on an outdoor collaborative project with an art group called Temporary Services that I was part of at the time. We were gathering materials and building structures on a vacant lot in Echo Park, across the street from a branch of the Los […]
Posted inPublic Service Announcement
September glory
We gave you a lot of ideas to keep in mind for fall activities as part of our Fall Arts Preview this week, but here are a few more events and exhibitions to consider checking out this weekend and beyond. Fri 9/17: Music festivals continue to bring rockin’ sights and sounds to Chicago’s streets, including […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Studying the cityscape
This fall brings the return of the Chicago Architecture Biennial, an exposition of activities, tours, and exhibitions all over the city that highlight the power of architecture and the ways in which Chicagoans inhabit the spaces of the city. Although looking at skyscrapers and touring old houses are always edifying and fun ways to check […]
Posted inPerforming Arts Feature
Jump back into the cultural stream
Theaters, comedy clubs, museums, galleries, and other venues are blowing off the COVID-19 shutdown dust and preparing to welcome you back this fall. Many companies are picking up with productions that were cut short in March 2020, while others have world premieres up their sleeves. We suggest calling venues ahead of time or checking their […]
Posted inPublic Service Announcement
Festivals, fun, Foodball? Bingo!
Another few days of summer weather for the next week will surely bring Chicagoans out and about! Be safe, have fun, and consider one of these options as you make your plans. Fri 9/10 (open run): Theater Wit had a huge hit in 2015 with Anne Washburn’s apocalyptic black comedy, Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Lit this month
September brings us a bevy of book-related, word-inspired, and otherwise literary events. Here’s a few to pencil into your calendar. The Paper Machete has returned to its performance home in Uptown at the Green Mill, to the delight of fans. The organizers describe it as a “weekly live magazine,” and while comedians are regularly featured, […]
Posted inCity Life
Leisure options for Labor Day and beyond
It’s Labor Day Weekend (unless you’re OG and already celebrated workers on May Day—not that you can’t honor working people every day). For the traditional end-of-summer celebration, we’ve got walking tours, markets, music, exhibits, and more.
Posted inPublic Service Announcement
Chicago culture is too darn hot
It’s been a hot sweaty week, no doubt about it, but soaking up some vitamin D at outdoor festivals (or just getting out of the house into someone else’s AC) could be good for the humidity blues. Here are some of the best bets for the week ahead. Taste of Greektown brings Greek music and […]
Posted inMusic
Dr. Atom sees the future on the gig poster of the week
In-person gatherings are still a possibility, so the Gig Poster of the Week continues to publish artwork for upcoming concerts. We at the Reader generally support you in your choice to give local bands your love by going to shows, but please keep safety guidelines in mind as you do so—especially now that it’s painfully […]
Posted inMusic
Joan Armatrading had a pandemic plan in 1980
Joan Armatrading isn’t always recognized here in the States with the same kind of accolades that she receives in her native England, but her new album, Consequences (released in June on BMG), showcases her seasoned voice and songwriting skills in a way that should convert some more Americans. Armatrading played her first concert at age […]
Posted inPublic Service Announcement
Festivals, fairies, and free shows in the parks
Labor Day is coming up, but there’s plenty of summer left to enjoy. Here are a few things to get you out and about (and several of these events are free). Your weekend outdoor festival watch: Ruido Fest happens in Union Park this weekend (Fri 8/20, gates open at 3 PM, Sat 8/21 and Sun […]
Posted inMusic
Show calendar
Chicago in Tune includes every concert in and around Chicago from August 19 till September 19. This calendar presents a relatively manageable selection of those concerts, including most of those mentioned elsewhere in the Reader’s guide to the festival. A more complete list is available via the Do312 calendar. Thursday, August 19 Afro Fusion DJs […]
Posted inMusic
The Preservation of Fire series brings the cosmos to Millennium Park
In 2019, Chicago event producer and teacher Alejandro Ayala, who DJs as King Hippo, received a grant from the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) to produce a two-night concert series called the Preservation of Fire. The concerts, hosted by Co-Prosperity in Bridgeport and broadcast live on Worldwide FM and Lumpen Radio, […]