Posted inMusic

What the Hideout means to me now

Last Wednesday, multidisciplinary artist Mykele Deville went public in a detailed Instagram post about his traumatic experiences at the Hideout, where he worked as programming director from summer 2021 till March 2022. The next day, the Hideout issued an apologetic response. I find the venue’s response inadequate, but I encourage you to read both posts. […]

Posted inAgenda

Breathless, CPL Foundation Awards, Fortune at the Hideout

Pioneering French-Swiss film director, writer, and critic Jean-Luc Godard passed away in September, and the Gene Siskel Film Center swiftly put together Au Revoir, Godard, a presentation of three Godard-directed favorites from his 60s work. Tonight’s feature, 1960’s À bout de souffle (which literally translates from French as “out of breath”) is more commonly known […]

Posted inAgenda

First Tuesdays at the Hideout, Isaiah Collier at the MCA, and more

It’s the first Tuesday of the month, which means that Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky and former Reader staffer Maya Dukmasova host their monthly live interview show at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia). First Tuesdays tonight takes on the politics of the Pretrial Fairness Act (“It’s not a ‘purge law,’” they tell us). Join Maya […]

Posted inAgenda

Peace, a Scientist, and electronica

After School Matters, the nonprofit that provides after-school and summer programs for Chicago teens (while offering them stipends), presents Spotlight on Peace, a performance featuring spoken word and dance, including hip-hop, ballet, jazz, African, and modern, from young artists. The free program runs 3-4:30 PM today at Navy Pier’s Lake Stage in Polk Bros. Park […]

Posted inCity Life

Penguins, Pride events, and Pivot Arts

So many outdoor events to share with you this week, so make sure you wear sunscreen (everyone needs a little at least, even you) and stay hydrated (you’ll feel better, seriously). And treat others with compassion especially when it’s hot and sticky out. We’re all feeling it, and your fresh attitude will make everyone around you melt like a Rainbow Cone in the hands of a slow-eating toddler. (And note—if you see one of us Reader people in the wild, it’s always appropriate to offer us free ice cream.) 

Posted inMusic

‘I don’t need fans, I need comrades’

Patrick Haggerty has just made me cry. Though we’re talking over Zoom, a day before the 78-year-old heads out on tour in support of his second record, Blackberry Rose and Other Songs & Sorrows, Haggerty’s passion and concern cut through, creating immediate intimacy despite the digital mediation. I feel lucky to be in conversation with […]

Posted inBest of Chicago

Best concert for a cause

On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, the Old Town School of Folk Music’s third annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Concert shook the rafters of the auditorium with Opliam’s rock-tinged blues, Huguito Gutierrez’s Andean pan flute, and the NuFolk Rebel Alliance’s mishmash of folkloric music, acoustic Americana, and tropical punk. Artist and activist Opliam (aka Liam McDonald, who’s […]