David Vass’ new memoir, “Liar, Alleged,” is a wildly entertaining narrative of gay life in the 1950s and ‘60s. The book moves through the hedonism of the ‘70s, the tragedy of the ‘80s and why it all matters now.
Stories by marc vitali
Did Ernest Hemingway Shoot a Toilet? 10 Truths and Myths About the Larger-Than-Life Writer From a New Book
A Chicago-area writer explores the myths and legends surrounding Ernest Hemingway, the Oak Park-born titan of American literature.
Vibrant and Defiant: American People and Stories Populate the Artwork of Faith Ringgold at MCA Chicago
The new exhibition “American People” is the first solo retrospective of artist Faith Ringgold in Chicago. This vivid and revealing show is not only rare — it’s must-see.
‘Downton Abbey’ Comes to … Skokie? New Exhibition Transports and Delights: Review
In the old Bloomingdale’s store, there’s plenty of elbow room to tour this museum-quality show filled with sets, memorabilia and props.
Icons of Photography: Loyola Art Museum Hosts First Show in Four Years Featuring Famed Works From Steve McCurry
A new exhibition focuses on photographs that remind us of the vastness of human culture. It’s a striking blend of art, journalism and storytelling. More than 80 large-format prints represent the career of Steve McCurry, a photography Hall of Famer and a controversial figure to some.
Native Art Gallery Looks to the Future With a Nod to the Past
The Center for Native Futures was founded by artists on a mission to make an epicenter of Native creativity. The inaugural exhibition showcases dynamic work from artists representing 19 Native tribes.
Look Inside a Magician’s Treasury of Magic Mementos and Eccentric Ephemera Set to be Auctioned in Chicago
A Chicago auction house is offering an astonishing archive of vaudeville posters, sideshow ephemera, and what is called magicana. All of it was collected by magician Ricky Jay, who died in 2018 at age 72.
Military Miniatures Loom Large in the Life of Rock Critic Jim DeRogatis
Jim DeRogatis serves as secretary of the Military Miniature Society of Illinois, and he’s a skilled maker of all things small. From Oct. 20-21, the group is hosting its annual show, with 200 exhibitors displaying their sculptures in a juried exhibition.
Bob Dylan Revs Up Chicago’s Cadillac Palace in Freewheeling Concert
On opening night of a three-night stand at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre, Bob Dylan and his band delivered a show that satisfied even as it mystified, and he bookended the concert with a surprise pair of Chicago-centric cover songs.
13 Spooky Picks for October in Chicago – Tricky Treats for Grown Ups Looking for Arts, Culture and Frightening Fun
Find your own darn pumpkin patches and corn mazes. This is a list for adults who love the spooky season just as much as those costumed kids with their candy bags.
Shows to See This Fall in Chicago: More Than 20 Music, Theater, Film and Art Picks Worth Celebrating
If you need a nudge to get out and enjoy what the city has to offer, here’s a starter list of more than 20 shows to know running across the Chicago area this fall.
Chicago Musicians Rally Behind Honduran Singer-Songwriter
In his native Honduras, singer-songwriter Carlos Barahona, who goes by the stage name Charlie Baran, contributed to one of the biggest hits in Latin music.
Bewitching Mid-Century Surrealist Painter Gets Rare Spotlight at Art Institute
Strange people occupy fantastic places in a new exhibition of art by Remedios Varo at the Art Institute of Chicago. The 20th century surrealist painter’s work is well known in Mexico but rarely seen in the U.S.
Bruce Springsteen Merges the Classics with Reflection and Wisdom of Newer Material at Wrigley Field Show
Words from the Boss were few as the band barreled through song after song. Older songs brim with unbridled romanticism and recent songs address mortality and loss with a lifetime of wisdom.
Creative Team Behind ‘MJ: The Musical,’ Now Playing in Chicago, on the Power of Dance
Last year it was a hit on Broadway. Now it’s opening a North American tour in Chicago. “MJ: The Musical” tells the story of Michael Jackson in flashback. It begins in 1992 as he prepares his Dangerous Tour.
10 Things to Know About Bruce Springsteen and Chicago Before His Wrigley Field Shows
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band return to North America next week, kicking off the remainder of their tour with two shows at Wrigley Field. A recent stadium tour in Europe sold more than 1.6 million tickets, and Billboard called it “the greatest show on earth.”
Ukrainian Artist Teaches Traditional Folk Painting on Glass
Longtime Chicago resident Elena Diadenko uses her talents to teach a traditional form of folk art and raise awareness about the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Who’s ‘Tommy’ Takes the Stage at Goodman Theatre
Back in 1993, the musical version of “Tommy” won five Tony Awards. Now, that director is re-imaging the stage production at the Goodman Theatre with input from Pete Townshend.
Cubs’ Ian Happ Works With Artist to Capture Wrigley Field
Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ commissioned an artist to capture the game from a player’s perspective. But the artist, an Englishman, didn’t know much about baseball. So Happ introduced his new friend to his workplace.
Artist Makes Memories of Her Migration from Puerto Rico
Chicago-based artist Edra Soto created a series of work about Puerto Rico and her migration to her adopted hometown. Architectural motifs mirror patterns seen on houses in Puerto Rico. A hand-fabricated domino table reflects a popular pastime on the island. And there are photographs embedded in the work.
Chicago Artist’s Superpower is Painting Marvel Superheroes
Artist Alex Ross is a hero to fans of comic book art and graphic novels. For 30 years from his home near Chicago, Ross has been the go-to artist for revitalizing beloved characters — from Spider-Man and Superman to Iron Man and the Fantastic Four.
Reviving a Gospel Musical with Ancient Roots
“The Gospel at Colonus” is based on “Oedipus at Colonus,” Sophocles’ 2,500-year-old play about an aging king who seeks redemption after a life of sin. The revival just opened at Court Theatre in Hyde Park.
Art Institute Summer Show Reframes Vincent Van Gogh and Friends
The star attraction is Vincent Van Gogh, and he has a stellar supporting cast — including the painters George Seurat, Paul Signac, Emile Bernard and Charles Angrand. The exhibit features landscapes from the suburbs of Paris in the 19th century.
Photographer Kwame Brathwaite Captured Black Beauty, Power in the ‘60s and ‘70s
From Stevie Wonder and high-fashion models to everyday people, photographer Kwame Brathwaite documented Black culture across the globe. “He’s essentially synonymous with the Black is Beautiful movement,” said Grace Deveney of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Intuit Museum Awarded ‘Transformative’ $5 Million Grant to Support Outsider Art
Intuit, the Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, has been on Milwaukee Avenue near Chicago and Ogden avenues since 1999. The museum showcases artwork by self-taught and often marginalized artists who didn’t follow a traditional path to art-making.
The 23 Must-Know Chicago Arts and Culture Events for 2023
From the obvious to the obscure, we’ve pulled together a rundown of promising arts and culture events to stir the senses in the new year.
