Jazz can bring to mind a dark nightclub after hours with a lot of booze, but we recently met a group of Chicago jazz musicians on a sunny summer morning – and they were fueled only by coffee and cake.
Stories by marc vitali
Restoration of Unity Temple Revives Glory of Wright’s ‘Little Jewel Box’
One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest public buildings is ready for the public again. We take a look inside the restoration of Unity Temple.
Ann Hampton Callaway Finds Inspiration in Great Vocalists
The singer-songwriter talks about writing songs for Barbra Streisand—and the influence of her father, John Callaway.
A Fresh Look at the Colossal Photography Archive at Columbia College
Curators and students at Columbia College Chicago have devised a way to get viewers to reimagine the meaning of a photograph.
Past, Present and Future: Graham Nash on 50 Years of Making Music
He is an accomplished photographer, a political activist and a twice-inducted member to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Meet the co-founder of the Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
Cullerton, Rauner Dispute Escalates on Day 1 of Special Session
Illinois Senate President John Cullerton on the governor’s frame of mind: The latest on the special education funding session in Springfield.
Paul Meincke Nears End of Mississippi River Trip
More than two months into a canoe trip along the Mississippi River, retired ABC7 reporter Paul Meincke and his friends have hit a few snags on their journey.
Judy Collins On A Life in Music
The award-winning singer-songwriter talks about her late friend Leonard Cohen and an upcoming tour with Stephen Stills launching this week at Ravinia.
Meet the Athletic Artists Behind Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Luzia’
The French Canadian circus rolled into town this week, and Chicago Tonight got a backstage pass to meet the performers.
Hedy Weiss Reviews an Eclectic Mix of Summer Shows
The national tour of “An American in Paris” visits Chicago starting next week. Hedy Weiss joins us with a preview of that Tony Award-winning production.
Celebrating 30 Years of Art at a Chicago Museum Without Borders
Contemporary art with Mexican roots: Celebrating 30 years at Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art.
How a Controversial Chicago Astronomer Influenced ‘Close Encounters’
Dr. J. Allen Hynek was a highly respected scientist for decades before he received a credit as a technical adviser on Steven Spielberg’s 1977 movie. His life and legacy are explored in a new biography.
Restoration of Unity Temple Revives Glory of Wright’s ‘Little Jewel Box’
One of Frank Lloyd Wright’s finest public buildings is ready for the public again. We take a look inside the restoration of Unity Temple.
The Spectacular Art World of Takashi Murakami
The MCA celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new exhibition by a colorful contemporary artist.
Lipizzan Horses Trained in Dressage a Noble Mix of Athlete, Artist
On a horse farm north of Chicago, a European tradition combines artistry and athletic prowess. We meet some of the star athletes–and the ponies that will someday take their place.
Chicago Band Local H Opens for Metallica
In April, veteran Chicago band Local H was announced as the winner of Metallica’s “Hit the Stage” contest. Now they’re adjusting to playing stadium shows. We speak with one of the founders of the band.
Vocal Heroes: Manhattan Transfer and Take 6 Share the Stage
Alan Paul and Claude McKnight join us in discussion.
Michael McDonald Talks Solo Career, Collaboration
The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter talks about his solo career and his work with the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan.
‘Shakespeare in Love’ Bridges Gap from Film to Stage
It’s not often that an Oscar winner for best picture gets translated to the stage. “Shakespeare in Love” is getting its U.S. premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Historian’s New Book Explores ‘The American Spirit’
Pulitzer Prize-winner David McCullough has been called the “elder statesman of American history” and the “rememberer-in-chief.” He joins us to discuss his new book.
‘Aladdin’ National Tour Begins Magic Carpet Ride in Chicago
A conversation with actors Anthony Murphy and Chicago’s own Jonathan Weir from the production “Aladdin.”
The Surprising Story Behind ‘Whistler’s Mother’
We visit the Art Institute of Chicago to find out more about the 19th century oil painting “Arrangement in Grey and Black, Number One” – commonly known as “Whistler’s Mother.”
Graphic Artist Returns to Chicago to Inspire Next Generation
Craig Rex Perry grew up in Englewood and has studied and worked around the world. We catch up with him in Kenwood during a master class on cartooning – and careers.
‘Shakespeare in Love’ Bridges Gap from Film to Stage
It’s not often that an Oscar winner for best picture gets translated to the stage. “Shakespeare in Love” is getting its U.S. premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
The Gift of ‘Seinfeld’ That Just Won’t Quit
Local author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong on the cultural impact of the TV show “Seinfeld.”
Celebrating 30 Years of Art at a Chicago Museum Without Borders
Contemporary art with Mexican roots: Celebrating 30 years at Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art.
