Sometimes it seems we to focus far too much on the things that keep us separated. Things that highlight our differences. One of the few exceptions lies in the world of music. It is the common ground that doesn’t differentiate. The welcoming sphere that attracts people who love creativity, imagination and beauty manifested in sound …
A lot of people were there Thursday night to make up for last year. That’s when René Marie was originally scheduled for a show at the Logan Center with Freddie Cole and cancelled due to illness. As she and her trio walked on stage and prepared to begin, a woman in the audience exclaimed, “We …
The draw was three-fold. First, it was one of the few high-profile tributes to Dr. King. Second, it featured an important and obscure work by a literary giant, Langston Hughes. Finally, music performed by Chicago Sinfonietta would form the performances core. Reconnecting with their sound would be exciting. They all converged to create something unexpected, …
In Chicago’s dynamic food universe, it’s easy to overlook the tried and true. Places that seem to always be there cooking solid meals with consistency and distinction day after day with or without tremendous acclaim or fanfare. Places like Chicago Curry House, a quiet little spot tucked away in the 800 block of Plymouth Ct …
It’s hard to imagine a style of music so big and embracive that it can consume whole cultures and nations. Latin dance music is one such beast and the renowned Fania Records in NYC has been celebrating its explosive energy since the mid 60’s. The label ended up with its own tribute a couple …
At the tail end of every summer for the past 39 years, a swarm of people descent on Grant Park for three days to listen to a captivating style of music; jazz. They are as diverse as the various forms of jazz itself. They are young and single, old and weathered. They push strollers and …
There’s something about the far North Shore that makes you think Glencoe up is nothing but a big gated community. It looks and feels so exclusive. So “happy few”. And then there’s Highwood, Highland Parks slightly humbler neighbor just above it. You don’t hear about Highwood. You don’t think about Highwood. When considering the culinary …
Music lovers have a real treat waiting for them at Navy Pier. After passing under the LSD viaduct and veering a few yards south, you’ll find a little paradise reserved for the celebration of the performing arts. Dance and theater swing in the mix as well as music. The park, whose formal name is the …
Dangerously habit forming for someone who lives eight blocks from the Evanston border, 5 Rabanitos is still a craving that can’t be denied. With enough south side connections to warrant excuses for stopping through Pilsen, “the little restaurant that could” keeps pumping out some of the best food in the city. Sitting quietly on …
It’s only been open 6 months so the fact that the name isn’t well known shouldn’t be surprising. Billing itself as pan-Latin and taking up residence in the perpetually hot West Randolph restaurant corridor, Ronero seems intent on bringing the class. Lighting is dark and the décor is both elegant and dramatic; but subdued. Welcoming …