Exploring Red Line Service Artists in Chicago – Chicago Reader Feature
In the project 60 wrd/min art critic, writer Lori Waxman explores how art writing can serve an expanded field of artists—including those incarcerated, trying...
Exploring Supporting Players and Cultural Archetypes in El Brote and Desvenar – Chicago Reader
You may have seen them in various roles, from a soldier delivering a message to the king in Shakespeare's plays to an elderly Italian...
Tali Halpern: Chicago Dreamer Making Big Moves
When I first met Tali Halpern at SAIC in January of 2023, they confidently shared their big dreams for their art. Halpern, a 30-year-old...
Alzheimer’s Disease Support: Purchase $200k Bingo Tripler Instant Ticket – Chicago Reader
Alzheimer's disease is a serious medical condition that affects many individuals and families in every community. In 2020, the Illinois Lottery introduced a specialty...
Exploring Mona’s Kids: A Chicago Reader’s Perspective
Nasir, a 15-year-old from the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank, has a special talent for making his brother laugh, even in the...
Tasha Returns to Chicago to Celebrate Third Album
Last Friday, Tasha Viets-VanLear, a singer-songwriter from Chicago, released her third album, "All This and So Much More." This album showcases her gentle indie-rock...
Prayer Candles by Casey Cereceda: A Poetic Exploration of Faith and Light
Casey Cereceda, a talented poet, has recently delved into the world of faith and light through her collection of prayer candles. These prayer candles...
WateRR: Chicago Rapper Turned Teacher Empowers Through Music
Isiah “ThoughtPoet” Veney and Alejandro Hernandez have teamed up to create the City of Win series, shedding light on Chicago musicians and cultural influencers...
Smoked Brisket Taco at Antique Taco in Bridgeport – Chicago Reader’s Guide
I have been a Chicago resident for almost 25 years, and finding a truly exceptional taco in this city can be a challenge. However,...
Exploring Sunshine and Blow Jobs in The Moviegoer – Chicago Reader
The Moviegoer is a unique diary that showcases the best of Chicago’s independent and underground film scene. It goes beyond just movies and delves...
Exploring Chicago’s Culinary Scene: A Guide to Light Meals in the City
Michael Frayn's 1982 theatrical farce, Noises Off, is currently being staged at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company by director Anna D. Shapiro and her cast....
Uncovering the Power of Wind Energy in Chicago
Let's take a moment to appreciate the return of Harry Lennix to the local stage in Chicago this year. Lennix, a seasoned actor in...
Exploring the Best Ariels in Chicago – Chicago Reader
Idle Muse Theatre Company's production of The Tempest takes a unique approach by casting six actors to embody the character of Ariel, Prospero's ethereal...
Chicago Reader Reveals Tactics of Predators Stalking Victims – Stay Alert
In 2022, Omer Abbas Salem impressed audiences with his dramedy "Mosque4Mosque," a play about a Syrian American family produced by About Face Theatre. Now,...
Fat Jesus: A Chicago Reader’s Perspective
Von Harris, a 15-year-old sophomore at Hinsdale South, had big dreams of opening his own restaurant. He had been learning kitchen skills from his...
Sibling rivalry and family bonds explored in A Tale of Two Brothers by Chicago...
Sibling dynamics and family bonds take center stage in the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Topdog/Underdog" by Suzan-Lori Parks. The play follows the story of two...
Exploring Queerness and Neurodiversity in Light Switch – Chicago Reader
Autism has been explored on stage in recent years, with notable productions like Simon Stephens’s stage version of Mark Haddon’s novel, The Curious Incident...
Poison Ruïn: Punk Warriors Fighting Today’s Battles | Chicago Reader SEO-friendly title: Poison Ruïn:...
Poison Ruïn is a Philadelphia dungeon-punk band that seems to be having a blast playing around with medieval fantasy themes. Their self-titled 2022 release,...
Book Review: The Wild Robot – Chicago Reader
Animated kids' movies often get a bad rap for focusing more on celebrity voices and recognizable intellectual property than on the actual storyline. However,...
Film Review: Never Let Go – Chicago Reader
Alexandre Aja's film "Never Let Go" follows the story of a mother, played by Halle Berry, and her twin sons who believe they are...
A Different Man Movie Review: Chicago Reader’s Take on the Film
Disability and performance have a complicated history in the entertainment industry. From the controversial depiction of disability in Tod Browning's 1932 film Freaks to...
Child Star – Chicago Reader Film Review: A Closer Look at the Rising Young...
Child Star is a new documentary that delves into the complexities of being thrust into the spotlight at a young age and the subsequent...
Chacko’s Tacos: Indo-Mex Fusion for Monday Night Football Fans
In 2015, James Kannookadan wowed the judges at a MasterChef audition with a Kerala fried chicken sandwich. Although he didn't make it past the...
Documenting LGBTQ+ Joy: Diana Solis and Patric McCoy’s Inspiring Project
Walking through the “Just Below the Surface” exhibition at the Chicago Art Department, visitors are given a glimpse into the hidden histories of queer...
Dean Carter’s Otherworldly Rockabilly Single: A Review by Chicago Reader
Plastic Crimewave, also known as Steve Krakow, has been using the Secret History of Chicago Music to shed light on talented artists with Chicago...
J.R.C.G. Live Performance at Empty Bottle – Chicago Reader
J.R.C.G. is a band that knows how to bring the energy to their live performances. With a unique blend of percussion instruments like maracas,...
Cupcakke Tours to Support New Album: Chicago Reader Interview
Chicago rapper and singer Cupcakke, also known as Elizabeth Harris, is making a comeback with her bold and empowering hip-hop music. Growing up on...
London Producer Tim Reaper Takes Jungle Music Global
In July 2020, East London dance producer Tim Reaper, also known as Ed Alloh, launched the first EP of his ongoing series Meeting of...
Twin Talk captures live show energy in new studio album – Chicago Reader
Twin Talk is a unique jazz trio based in Chicago, consisting of Dustin Laurenzi on saxophone, Katie Ernst on double bass and vocals, and...
Exploring the Unusual Flavors of Deep Cut Pierogi at Monday Night Foodball – Chicago...
Pierogi are more than just a dish for Chelsea Pickard; they are a canvas for her creativity and personal connections. From drawing inspiration from...
‘The Legacy of Latino Theater Pioneer in Chicago’
As I was preparing to cover this year's Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival for the Reader, I received the heartbreaking news of the...
Souled American Returns with First Shows in 13 Years and Reissued Albums
Souled American, the Chicago country eccentrics, have recently made a comeback after 13 years with their first live shows and reissued albums. The band,...
Heart Trio: William Parker, Hamid Drake, and Cooper-Moore Create Tranquil Transcendence
William Parker, Hamid Drake, and Cooper-Moore, known as the Heart Trio, have recently released their debut album. This trio has a long history of...
Adam Schubert of Ulna Revives Chicago’s Indie-Rock Scene – Chicago Reader
Adam Schubert, a singer-guitarist from Ulna, has been making waves in Chicago's indie-rock scene with his latest album "Gazebo." Despite reflecting on his suburban...
Už Jsme Doma: Czech Prog-Punk Band Live in Chicago – Chicago Reader
Už Jsme Doma, a Czech prog-punk band, was formed in 1985, just before the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia ended decades of communist rule. During...
Chicago Reader: September 2024 Record Report
Chicago Record Report is a monthly series that showcases new local music that has captured the attention of Reader staff. In the latest report,...
Exploring the Dark Side of Chicago’s Rose Industry
Serena Madrigal, a talented multidisciplinary artist based in Chicago and Sacramento, has a unique approach to her floral artistry. Unlike many other floral artists,...
Stage Magic Abounds in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Chicago Reader Review
The atmosphere at the James M. Nederlander Theatre was electric on opening night as fans of Harry Potter gathered to witness the first performance...
Exploring Chicago Reader’s Coverage of Bunnies and Banned Books
Ghostlight Ensemble's production of Alabama Story is a powerful exploration of censorship and moral awakening. The play, directed by Holly Robison, takes place at...
Soulful Chicago: Embracing the Whiter Shade for a Vibrant City
Jackie Taylor's latest production at the Black Ensemble Theater, "Blue Eyed Soul Sung by Brown Eyed People," offers a unique and soulful experience for...