Folk-pop artist and licensed therapist Jessica Risker launched the long-form interview podcast Music Therapy in spring 2020, and Gossip Wolf has been an avid follower since day one. Earlier this summer, Risker and former Hideout talent buyer Sullivan Davis began producing an in-person version at Cafe Mustache called Music Therapy: Group Session, which augments the […]
Tag: Jim DeRogatis
Posted inArts & Culture
The Dining Room provides dramatic Possibilities
Possibilities produces a live Zoom version of The Dining Room, but Melody DeRogatis has post-pandemic plans for her company.
Posted inMusic
Pioneering postpunks Wire continue to chart new ground on Mind Hive
In 1987, British punk and postpunk pioneers Wire pulled an unforgettable power move: After a few years’ hiatus, the band reconvened and announced a comeback tour. However, they were only interested in their new electronic material and refused to perform any of their beloved early songs. So they booked a Wire tribute band, the Ex-Lion […]
Posted inNews & Politics
Journalist Jim DeRogatis reveals why it took so long for the case against R. Kelly to stick
The evidence against the Chicago superstar was damning, but for almost 20 years, no one was listening. At a Chicago Humanities Festival event, DeRogatis and #MuteRKelly cofounders discuss the systemic apathy that allowed the Kelly to walk free for years.
Posted inMusic
Bodymilk Tapes invites a crowd of queer and trans musicians to Noise Prom II
Bodymilk Tapes invites a crowd of queer and trans musicians to Noise Prom II, the Chicago Humanities Festival hosts a discussion of Jim DeRogatis’s new R. Kelly book, and more.
Posted inBlogs
UPDATED: R. Kelly’s Chicago studio and alleged ‘cult’ outpost for sale—with him in it
You can become the notorious R&B star’s landlord, but it’ll probably cost you almost $4.5 million.
Posted inMusic
Why does R. Kelly seem immune to repercussions in the post-Weinstein era?
Despite sexual harassment and abuse allegations against him stretching back decades, the self-appointed Pied Piper of R&B chugs along.
Posted inMusic
Karissa Talanian of Eye Vybe Records on a new online mecca for Chicago underground music
Current musical obsessions of Eye Vybe Records founder Karissa Talanian, singer-songwriter Drea Smith, and Reader associate editor Kevin Warwick
Posted inBlogs
R. Kelly is allegedly running an abusive ‘cult,’ and other Chicago news
Also, new Chicago Water Department emails show attempts at firearms deals and jokes about the city’s gun violence.
Posted inArts & Culture
A one-man show about Lester Bangs has no psychotic reactions
How to Be a Rock Critic doesn’t quite capture the greatness of the famous writer and critic’s work.
Posted inBlogs
Bob Seger’s conspicuous online absence, The Voice, lo-fi house: the week in music writing
The Reader‘s weekly best in music writing across the web
Posted inMusic
Are music festivals a sound use of Chicago’s public parks?
The debate has never been so noisy.
Posted inBlogs
Riviera Theatre stagehands rally at Jam Productions headquarters, claim they were illegally fired
Dozens of Riviera stagehands fired by Jam Productions this fall after attempting to unionize gathered at a rally outside the company’s headquarters.
Posted inArts & Culture
A long-overdue collection of Jessica Hopper’s music writing plants a flag for female rock critics
A long-overdue collection of Jessica Hopper’s music writing plants a flag for female rock critics and shows the evolution of a distinctive voice into a well-known byline.
Posted inBlogs
The Chicago Palestine Film Festival and CIMMFest highlight this week’s new reviews and notable screenings
New reviews and notable screenings in this week’s issue