A talented band of Chicago teens recorded a new album during the pandemic. We met members of Mariachi Herencia de Mexico on a sunny day in Pilsen where they shared their musical heritage.
Stories by marc vitali
Reopened Museum Looks at Power of Resistance in Puerto Rico
The Museum of Contemporary Photography is rolling out resistance. That’s the theme of their long-delayed show that just opened on the Columbia College campus in the Loop. We go for a look.
A Virtual Visit to a Luminous Collection of Spiritual Art
A private tour of a collection of artistic treasures with a spiritual focus. Our latest “virtual visit” is a look at artwork designed to inspire.
A Virtual Visit to the Chicago Architecture Center
The home of the Chicago Architecture Center is both a gallery and a hub for dozens of tours. The space recently reopened to visitors – how you can explore Chicago architecture – and get a tour – from home.
‘Their Songs Will be Sung Again’: Exhibits on Native Americans Wait to Reopen
On March, a day after the mayor canceled St. Patrick’s Day parades, another parade celebrated the opening of twin exhibitions on Native American people. The shows opened ... and then closed one day later.
Children’s Book ‘The Skin You Live In’ Back in the Spotlight
There is renewed interest in a children’s book written and illustrated by a couple of Chicagoans. We speak with author Michael Tyler and illustrator David Lee Csicsko.
A Virtual Tour of the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie
When Nazis sought to march in Skokie in 1978, they did not get their wish. Residents resisted and six years later opened a storefront museum whose mission remains to “take a stand” against bias.
New Music from Michael Miles Inspired by the Mississippi River
Whether it’s Johann Sebastian Bach on the banjo, or an original work with a Cuban-style rhythm, Michael Miles is Chicago’s go-to banjo man.
Inflatable Art is Blowing Up During the Shutdown
We check out the Extreme Protection Suits created by Chicago-based artist and art teacher Claire Ashley, who says she was interested in “using humor as a way to deal with trauma.”
A Virtual Visit to the DuSable Museum
It was founded in the Bronzeville home of Margaret Burroughs and moved to a Park District building in 1973. We explore the DuSable Museum collection with CEO Perri Irmer as part of our series of virtual art tours.
The Old Town School of Folk Music Tunes in to Digital Times
It’s been a Chicago institution since it opened in 1957. Since then, the Old Town School of Folk Music has expanded its curriculum and, now, its online offerings. We stop by to see how it’s adapting to the changing times.
A Virtual Visit With the National Museum of Mexican Art
As part of our series of virtual art tours, we visit a collection of artwork that highlights the richness of Mexican art in Chicago.
A Virtual Tour of a Historic Home to Contemporary Art
We continue our series of visits to beautiful corners of Chicago’s cultural landscape with a trip to Humboldt Park, where we get a dose of architecture and art.
A Virtual Tour Inside Chicago’s Center for Outsider Art
For 29 years one small but significant place has been a showcase for visionary artwork. The art center called Intuit had to close a new show last month, and we got a look at what you’ll see when it one day reopens.
A Virtual Tour of an Art Center with a Passion for Paschke
Chicago art institutions are closed indefinitely, so we’re opening them — virtually. First up in our series of virtual tours: an art center dedicated to one of Chicago’s most celebrated artists, Ed Paschke.
Classical Music Students Adjust to New Study Habits, Routines
As part of an ongoing series on how professional musicians are responding to a changing landscape, we meet a few aspiring young musicians, who tell us the downside – and the upside – of studying music during the pandemic.
Blues Guitarist Looks Ahead with Delmark Records
It makes sense that a veteran Chicago blues and jazz musician is on the city’s oldest blues and jazz record label. We visit Dave Specter and Delmark Records for a look back — and forward.
CTA Bus Driver Toronzo Cannon Sings the Blues, Literally
Bus drivers have a tough job these days. And musicians are pretty much out of work. We spoke with one CTA driver who is also a songwriter with a new record. He drives people all over town, but right now he can’t play for the people.
Chicago Music Scene Pivots in the Face of Enormous Change
Making a career in music and the arts is tricky in the best of times. These days, the struggle is surreal. Here’s our latest check-in with a few players on Chicago’s music scene where, to quote a famous Chicago soul singer, “Only the Strong Survive.”
Chicago Jazz Artists Look for Ways to Cope with COVID-19
The city named 2020 the Year of Chicago Music, and this week was supposed to be Cabaret Week. We visited a few jazz and cabaret folks and found a vast music scene that’s singing the blues.
At Awakenings Gallery in Chicago, Artwork Offers Healing
Chicago is home to an uncommon art gallery that has become an important place for exploring artistic expressions of healing. We visit Awakenings Gallery in Ravenswood.
‘Her Honor’ Tells Story of When Mayor Byrne Moved into Cabrini Green
On stage at Lookingglass Theatre, a new play looks at a Chicago moment from March 1981 when Jane Byrne, the city’s first woman mayor, moved into the Cabrini-Green housing project.
10 Things to Know about El Greco (Including His Brazen Offer to Repaint the Sistine Chapel)
We preview the exhibition “El Greco: Ambition and Defiance” at the Art Institute of Chicago, which partnered with the Louvre and the Grand Palais for the show, and learn about the man behind the masterworks.
Homecoming Dance: Tour Brings Alvin Ailey Dancer Back to Chicago
Chicago native Solomon Dumas is one of 32 dancers in the national touring company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This week, he performs at the Auditorium Theatre, where he first saw the company nearly 20 years ago.
Million-Dollar Comics: Collector of Rare Comic Books in Chicago for C2E2
With a comic convention in town this weekend, we welcome comic book dealer Vincent Zurzolo – and his million-dollar collection.
Chinese Artworks Share Thoughtful Approach to Uncommon Materials
Spectacular artwork from China fills not one, but two Chicago museums. We visit the Smart Museum of Art and Wrightwood 659 for a look at “The Allure of Matter.”
