Category Archives: chicago

Freebie: Jeffrey Eugenides Reading at the Logan Center

Posted on May 9, 2013 | Leave a comment

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Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jeffrey Eugenides will conduct a free reading at the University of Chicago’s Logan Center for the Arts (Performance Hall 074) at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 9.

As the University of Chicago’s 2013 Kestnbaum Writer-in-Residence, Eugenides will be reading from his latest work. There’s no word on whether this “latest work” refers to his 2011 novel The Marriage Plot or a work in progress. A conversation with WBEZ book and arts critic Donna Seaman will follow, as will a book signing. In addition to The Marriage Plot, Eugenides has written The Virgin Suicides, which was made into a film, and the Pulitzer Prize winning Middlesex as well as many short stories and essays.

Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
915 East 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60637

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SAIC The Walk 2013 Fashion Show

Posted on May 4, 2013 | Leave a comment

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Yesterday, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) welcomed friends and fashion lovers to their 79th annual fashion show. Fashion 2013 featured over 300 original garments from SAIC sophomores, juniors, and seniors, who showcased their work on a 90-foot runway in Millennium Park. Continue reading →

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Posted in arts, chicago, magnificent mile, millenium park

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Chicago Architectural Illustration Featured In The Happiness Machine

Posted on April 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

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We never tire of admiring Chicago’s stunning skyline, but just how closely are you looking? British artist Mark Lascelles Thornton highlighted Chicago’s architecture in incredible detail as part of his drawing project,
“The Happiness Machine.”

Lacelles Thornton uses a rotring pen and white paper to bring the intricacy of architectural scenes to life, from fire escape stairs to swirling clouds above the Hancock. His meticulous work is even more impressive given the massive 8 x 5 foot scale of the drawing. Continue reading →

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Interview with Jake Orrall of JEFF the Brotherhood

Posted on April 3, 2013 | Leave a comment

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JEFF the Brotherhood hits the stage at Subterranean tonight.

“I’m going through changes,” Jake Orrall chants on the slow-burning Sabbath cover that rounds out 2012’s Hypnotic Nights. As one-half of JEFF the Brotherhood Orrall, along with his brother Jamin, has made a name as one of the hardest working bands in the business. Between touring incessantly for nearly 10 years and managing their record label, Infinity Cat Recordings, the brotherhood has been busy. With seven albums to their credit, JEFF the Brotherhood’s gritty garage rock invokes psychedelic metal and punk-pop to recall hot nights and cool beers. In advance of their April 3 show at Subterranean, Chicagoist caught up with Jake to discuss the band’s latest changes including a major label release, performing as a quartet, and co-producing with Dan Auerbach.

Read the full interview at Chicagoist.

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Posted in chicago, listening, music notes

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Freebie: Chef Stephanie Izard Cooking Demo and Signing

Posted on March 28, 2013 | Leave a comment

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Girl & the Goat might be one of the toughest tables to land in town, but you don’t need to be a VIP to get a taste of Top Chef. Season 4 winner, Chef Stephanie Izard will hold a free cooking demonstration and book signing at the Standard Market on March 30 from 10 a.m. – noon.

Izard,  partner and Executive Chef of Chicago’s Girl & the Goat and Little Goat Diner, will sample dishes from her retail collection of marinades and rubs. “The Flavor” collection includes a marinade, kimchi dressing, sauté sauce, and two rubs. Izard will also be signing copies of her book, Girl in the Kitchen: How a Top Chef Cooks, Thinks, Shops, Eats and Drinks.

Standard Market
333 East Ogden Avenue
Westmont, IL 60559

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Interview with Evan Cranley of Stars

Posted on March 23, 2013 | Leave a comment

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Stars performs tonight at Metro.

If you thought Stars already said it all, think again. The Montreal-based quintet has expressed much in the way of heartbreak, politics, and dance parties in their more than 12 years together, only to arrive at their sixth studio album with reinvigorated resolution. Released in September 2012, The North advances Stars’ artful introspection in their continued pursuit of intricately crafted pop.

Stars bassist Evan Cranley took some time off from prepping for the next leg of their tour to speak with Chicago Innerview about recording amongst ghosts, keeping the band together, and touring with kids.

Read the full interview at Chicago Innerview.

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Interview with Mimi Parker of Low

Posted on March 22, 2013 | Leave a comment

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Low takes the stage tonight at Metro at 9 p.m.

Most marriages — not to mention musical collaborations — can be counted in years, not decades. Yet the husband-and-wife musical duo of Mimi Parker and Alan Sparhawk, two-thirds of Low, have been collaborating in life and art together for over two decades. The Duluth-based band celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year with the release of its tenth album, The Invisible Way. While their lingering minimalist arrangements have continually strapped Low with the “slowcore” label, the trio’s continued success is built upon their strikingly heartfelt vocal harmonies, slow tempos, and quietly burning instrumentation.

At home in Minnesota, Parker took time to speak with Chicago INNERVIEW about recording with Jeff Tweedy, performing in cathedrals, and what she’s learned after 20 years in Low.

Read the full interview at Chicago Innerview.

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Freebie: Unveiled at the Art Institute with ‘Nighthawks’

Posted on March 20, 2013 | Leave a comment

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I’m often asked whether I’m able to attend so many events by getting in free (no) or being paid to attend (hell no). I do spend a great  deal of time researching the intersections of interest and opportunity with regard to goings-on in my area, and people are surprised by how accessible cultural events often are. In the interest of saving you time and spurning exploration, I’ve started a series on free local events. Continue reading →

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Posted in arts, chicago, exploring, freebie, magnificent mile, the loop

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Celebrate The Season With Chicago’s Holiday Events

Posted on December 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

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[Photo Credit: ejrfoto]

If you haven’t noticed, Chicago is dressed in holiday style. While we love reveling in the city’s seasonal splendor, it’s easy to be distracted by frenzy of shopping, travel, and ugly sweater appearances. Don’t let the most wonderful time of the year come and go without enjoying some of the city’s holiday events.
Read the full  event roundup on Chicagoist.

What are your favorite Chicago holiday traditions?

For Further Exploration
Break the Ice and Skate This Winter – Chicago Ice Rink Schedule
A Winter’s Tale: Chicago City Hall Holiday Concert Series
A Winter’s Tale: Ice Skating in Millennium Park
A Winter’s Tale: Lincoln Park ZooLights

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SOFA Chicago 2012

Posted on November 3, 2012 | Leave a comment

The international Sculpture Objects, Functional Art + Design Fair (SOFA) returns to Chicago this weekend for its 19th year. Held at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall through Sunday, November 4, SOFA is Chicago’s largest and longest running art fair.

Full Recap on Chicagoist.

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