Westley Heine never dreamed of singing for change on the streets of Chicago but life sometimes offers only stark choices. Getting by as a musician, artist, or writer is uphill barefoot through snowdrifts on a good day. Add a recession, a relationship going sour, some substance abuse, and a generous helping of self-doubt and few […]
Tag: Fall Arts 2022
Posted inFeature
The moon—it’s for the birds
On the moon, there are no humans. The birds that populate the lunar planet don’t get caught up in ideas like weekends or “the economy.” They stay connected via a vast fungal network, and there is plenty of universal worm (there’s one big worm that they all eat) to keep everyone fed. Michael DeForge’s latest […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Some best bets for the fall harvest of performance
It’s impossible to summarize everything that’s happening onstage this season. (It’s also hard to tell you exactly what COVID-19 precautions are required at venues now; we suggest checking ahead and being prepared to show proof of vax, and wearing a mask as a courtesy to other patrons.) But here are ten offerings that promise to […]
Posted inArt Feature
A new home, a new energy
When I first set out to profile gallerist and art dealer Mariane Ibrahim, she didn’t exactly decline, but she didn’t immediately say yes, either. After being heavily profiled over the past couple of years—both for her curatorial style as well as her unconventional path to Chicago’s gallery scene via Seattle—the gallery’s focus was understandably on […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Northlight plans its Evanston homecoming
It’s a fool’s exercise, listing the Chicago theaters that have come and gone over the past quarter century. I tried but gave up when I hit 24 at 17 years in. From Angel Island to Zebra Crossing, it’s a list that speaks to the ephemeral nature of both the art form and the waves of […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Chris Gethard tiptoes into uncharted territory
Comedian, author, and volunteer ambulance driver Chris Gethard may be a fully Boylan-blooded New Jerseyan, but he’s not shy about the extent to which his improv and stand-up DNA has been imprinted by the comedy scene here in Chicago. “Years ago, I was booked to host a stage at Lollapalooza,” remembers Gethard as we talk, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Performance anxiety
“The people who pick up flyers and show up to free classes tend to be restless searchers,” John tells his students, after remarking that there must be something wrong with them if they’re here. When one student takes offense, John assures her he means this as a compliment. This scene takes place early on in […]
Posted inFilm
Tsai Ming-liang (finally) comes to Chicago
The apparent dryness of Tsai’s films is but a facade, a layer under which a body of water—perhaps, like in one of his films, a river—is waiting to be found.
Posted inFood & Drink
Food books are falling this month
Four titles dropping over the next four weeks—by a quartet of heavy hitters—offer plenty of projects for the cold weather kitchen-bound.
Posted inArts & Culture
Tools for new movement
On September 24, Toolbox @ Twenty opens at the Hyde Park Art Center (HPAC) to celebrate the Seldoms’ 20th anniversary with an exhibition and performances in a large-scale experiment in collaboration among dancers, visual artists, and the alternative visual arts exhibition space. Curated by the Seldoms’ founding artistic/executive director Carrie Hanson in collaboration with HPAC […]
Posted inFilm
A fall full of film
From horror movie fests and indie short films to the best in queer and international cinema, you’re guaranteed to find something new to watch this season.
Posted inFilm
Embracing analog
If you’re looking to fall in love with film and its potential to inspire, look no further than Celluloid Now.
Posted inArts & Culture
iO improvises its rebirth
After the comedy revolution during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many performers began speaking out about toxic culture in the sketch and improv world, iO was one of the many theaters that had to close its doors, seemingly for good. Upright Citizens Brigade, which began its life in Chicago, closed its longtime New York venue; they […]
Posted inMusic
Blue water road to Chicago
Kehlani’s fans discuss the queer R&B artist’s music and impact.
Posted inStaff notes
A fall edition
These preview issues always remind me that things are happening in our city. … creating this jam-packed issue, which teases film screenings, book releases, art exhibitions, and more, I’m in no hurry to hunker down indoors and wait for winter—Chicago is calling.