Latest Stories
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival faces down uncertainty with defiant artistry
Photos from the fest’s 18th year demonstrate the indomitable spirit that’s carried this free celebration of musical community through climbing expenses and declining funding.
The kind of prevention we need
Illinois remains without an overdose prevention center. Advocates have fought for years. What’s the holdup?
Awards and divas
The Equity Jeff Awards, the 3Arts Awards, and Meier Foundation grants are announced; Dance Divas take over the Rhapsody for Chicago Dance Health Fund.
Megalopolis overflows with ambition
Francis Ford Coppola’s newest film is stupid, beautiful, confusing, completely fascinating, and so much more.
The Chicago music-zine revolution wants you!
Thanks to the likes of Hallogallo, Portable Model, and Ignorant People, its numbers are swelling—but there’s always room for more.

femdot. – On Being a Bridge – The Sit Down hosted by Shawnee Dez
In this episode, Shawnee interviews Chicago rapper femdot., who has risen to prominence in recent years with projects like "94 Camry Music" and "not for sale." femdot. shares his journey from being a poet in the spoken word scene to becoming a successful rapper, discussing how his experiences in poetry helped him develop confidence and storytelling skills for his rap lyrics.The conversation explores the role of artists in society, particularly their responsibility to engage with social issues and use their platform to inspire and provide context. femdot.'s own initiative, Delacreme Scholars, which provides resources to students, is highlighted as an example of an artist supporting their community beyond just creating art.They dive into the unique experiences and cultural values that shape the perspectives of Black artists, touching on themes of community, connectivity, and the need for equity in creating opportunities. Overall, the episode showcases femdot.'s artistic evolution and advocates for artists to use their voices to document experiences, uplift others, and drive positive change.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Wallace—“Back to Incivilty” – The Ben Joravsky Show
Trump makes it clear that JD’s attempt to play nice guy in the debate is ancient history. Ben riffs. Mark Wallace talks facts about the state of politics in the age of MAGA. Like…”everything you have a right to do does not mean you’re right to do it.” And…”the truth is something you never need to remember.” Also, Ta-Nahesi takes a bold stand on the West Bank. Mark is a podcaster and businessman. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Explore a century of follies and film at the Elmhurst History Museum
A new exhibit on movie theater history and local industry runs through January 5.
Wax Vinyl Bar and Ramen Shop puts a spin on Japanese cuisine and listening cafes
A husband-and-wife pair opened the West Town restaurant and bar to celebrate local music and DJ culture.
New but old again
In Wicker Park, a small community of legacy vintage shops struggle under the pressure of chain stores and a changing neighborhood.
Thrashing around
Did Northwestern bow to congressional pressure in canceling a Medill professor’s classes?
News & INVESTIGATIONS
Chicago school board elections: what to expect
Interest groups are ramping up their support of candidates as Chicagoans prepare to elect the board for the first time this November.
Goodbye, Greyhound?
Chicago’s Greyhound bus station could soon close for good. Does anyone care?
A sign of the times
Vintage signs hold community and artistic value. Amid changing neighborhoods, they’ve become increasingly endangered.
Columns & Opinion
Calling from the Ted Williams Tunnel
A reader responds to Leor Galil’s review of Don’t Let the Riverbeast Get You!
Gilda is dead; opera’s not
The fall season opens at Lyric, Chicago Opera Theater, and Haymarket.
Film
Review: Rez Ball
Rez Ball memorializes the heart it takes to chase your dreams.
Review: Daaaaaalí!
This Salvador Dalí biopic is—perhaps fittingly—absurd and nonsensical.
Review: Child Star
Child Star is an empathetic documentary about finding fame at a young age.
Arts & Culture
‘America needs to hear more Palestinian voices’
“Landscapes From Under the Rubble” documents what artists endure under Israeli occupying forces.
A solo show that falls flat
Buried in cliches, Alice Tippit’s latest exhibition lacks self-awareness.
Of bunnies and banned books
Alabama Story examines a real-life tale of censorship and segregation.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child overflows with stage magic
The touring production turns the Nederlander into Hogwarts.
A fabulous Fidelio at Lyric
Matthew Ozawa stages Beethoven’s powerful and only opera.
Music
MJ Lenderman brings riffs and regrets to Thalia Hall
MJ Lenderman & the Wind perform at Thalia Hall
One of China’s leading importers of midwest emo play their first Chicago show
Tue 10/15 at Subterranean
Anatolian psych-pop band Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek make their Chicago debut
Mon 10/14 at Sleeping Village
CITY LIFE
Gen Z is into typewriters
Lucas Dul’s typewriter repair shop in Downers Grove is a boon for vintage machine enthusiasts.
Art and history in Lawndale and beyond
A tour of the city’s west side highlighted obscured histories and showcased the vibrant culture that currently flourishes.
Food & Drink
It’s Pupusa Time at the next Monday Night Foodball
Check out Jon Anleu’s stuffed and griddled Central American heirloom corn cakes at the Reader’s weekly chef pop-up at Frank and Mary’s Tavern.
Worlds collide with Chacko’s Tacos at the next Monday Night Foodball
Check out James Kannookadan’s South Indian–Mexican menu for the Reader’s weekly chef pop-up at Frank and Mary’s Tavern.
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An excerpt from TAXI GIRL, a novel by Maria Schreiber
“All About Yogurt,” a four-minute read.
“All about Yogurt” Four-minute read On Monday, June 3, 1974, Tania and Dan began selling cartons of yogurt…
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Demystifying Acupuncture provides answers for the curious skeptic
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Help the United Negro College Fund provide scholarships to Illinois students by playing the $200,000! Bingo Tripler!
For nearly two decades, the Illinois Lottery has been a pioneer in creating specialty lottery tickets dedicated to…
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At the California Clipper, everyone is welcome
The newly relaunched Humboldt Park lounge champions community, inclusivity, and fair labor practices Since the 1820s, Chicago’s pubs…
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Bright Endeavors provides a guiding light for young mothers in Chicago
The social enterprise of Chicago nonprofit New Moms empowers local mothers ages 18-24 through their comprehensive job training program
As the proverb goes, it takes a village to raise a child. The folks at Bright Endeavors know…