No matter how much you read about an artist or see representations of their art online or in print, you can never fully comprehend the work itself until you see it live and unfiltered. The Museum of Contemporary Art’s major exhibition of Howardena Pindell sounded extremely exciting because it promised to hold so much. Not …
Giordano Dance Chicago proved again Friday night why they’re such an asset to the city. Celebrating their 55th year as a modern jazz company, the program they presented at the Harris Theater, which featured two world premieres, was frequently stunning and always strong. Long known for their precision and crisp movement, the company brought ample …
GDC Spring Anniversary Series a Sizzling Triumph Read More »
There was a time when the appearance of the resident conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at a home program would equate to a sold-out house. That has only changed slightly. On Thursday night’s Muti, Chen and Mozart program that opened with Haydn’s Symphony No. 89 in F Major, the number of empty seats was …
Jazz in Chicago lends itself to total immersion. Unfortunately, when your music pool is that deep, it’s hard to know the true scope of your live listening options. How many truly wonderful musicians are out there? Who are they and where are they playing? It’s like falling through Alice’s mirror when you unexpectedly find yourself …
Von Freeman Tribute Fires Up Garfield Conservatory Read More »
The second night of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s annual return to the Auditorium stage began somewhat perilously. The opening piece, Stack Up, choreographed by Chicago native Talley Beatty has been in the company’s repertoire for years and has consistently enjoyed accolades for its craftsmanship since it debuted in 1982. Inspired by the clamorous …
Six students from Lincoln College’s jazz studies program descended on Rax Trax Studios in Lakeview on Tuesday with a goal. Escorted by lead faculty jazz instructor Denise La Grassa, they will be recording their own compositions with the assistance of Rax Trax owner, Rick Barnes. Getting hands on experience on the production side of the …
Lots of people who adore jazz have only a passing appreciation of how other cultures contribute to the form. The impact of two small islands in the Caribbean Sea are especially noteworthy. For decades, American jazz musicians have both sought inspiration from these cultures and cultivated an eager audience for jazz originating from the United …
Confidence, charisma, a nice voice and angelic good looks can converge to become a phenomenon. If you have any doubts about that just ask Trinidad Cardona. After posting a playful video of himself singing in a public bathroom, the 18-year-old ended up with 7 million Facebook views last year and a self-proclaimed mission to produce …
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 …
Steep ticket prices have long been a deterrent when trying to fill seats at many local theaters. Attempting to emulate the success of Restaurant Week, the local theatre community and city promoters devised Theater Week six years ago to draw an interested public to live theatre. The promotion is an excellent opportunity to see shows …