
By: Casey Truitt In a world of algorithm-driven playlists and formulaic pop hits, the Rick Lee Vinson Group stands apart. This Las Vegas-based ensemble, led by the multi-talented Rick Lee Vinson, has built a reputation for soulful, genre-blending performances that challenge musical norms while staying grounded in emotional truth. Since
Dave Reggina is not your typical leadership expert. Known for his candid approach to discipline, growth, and leadership, Reggina aims to bring a message of authenticity and resilience to cities across the United States. Through his debut book, 30 Lessons to Lead, he offers a guide for personal transformation, focusing
On two July weekends (July 12-13 and July 19-20), the Illinois Railway Museum (IRM) will once again trade its gentle prairie hush for the unmistakable “Peep Peep!” of Thomas the Tank Engine™. But this season, the beloved #1 blue engine isn’t just offering a real train ride. Day Out With
Chicago’s most popular street fests aren’t just about food or music, they’re an open-air celebration of everything that makes each neighborhood distinct. With warm weather as the backdrop, these events stretch from late spring through early fall, drawing massive local and tourist turnouts. From visual art fairs to food-centered gatherings
Voltaire’s Ghost, a band hailing from the scenic hills of Western Colorado, has captured the attention of listeners with their unique blend of Gothic, Rock, and Classical influences. With a sound that has been described as Dark Pop and Cosmic Goth, the band has quickly made a name for itself
By: Miles Granger In King of the Groove: How One Dream Transformed into 60 Years of Making Legendary Music, John “JR” Robinson opens the door to a life lived on the beat—and beyond it. Robinson is widely recognized as one of the most recorded drummers in history, with an impressive
By: Elowen Gray M.S. Dalzell’s Breathless Escape is a deeply evocative and suspenseful novel that spans continents, cultures, and generations. In the reflective yet determined voice of Adrian Michael Danton III, the novel unspools a life of double lives, geopolitical fiction, and a man’s relentless pursuit of purpose and belonging.
By: David L. The publication of Xue Ding’s new critical edition of Carl Stamitz’s Viola Concerto in D Major reflects both a personal artistic journey and a contribution to the field of viola performance practice. This comprehensive edition, available through JW Pepper, traces its origins to a pivotal moment in
By: Chenyang Nie Luyao Chang is a multidisciplinary artist born in Japan and raised in China. Her practice moves fluidly between sculpture, installation, and moving image, weaving together reason and intuition, playfulness and unease, the personal and the structural. Through her evolving artistic language, she draws viewers into spaces of
By: Angel L. Lyons In The Lighthouse, Tom D. Welsh presents a deeply moving story of reinvention, resilience, and the enduring human drive to seek purpose, even in challenging times. Through the parallel journeys of Henry Strong, a man burdened by past tragedy, and Charlie, a young Marine navigating the
By: Raymond Donaldson Maintaining a Legacy Through New Endeavors Today, Maurice Christian’s contributions to music continue to resonate, especially as a key member of the iconic R&B group, The Main Ingredient. Known for their smooth harmonies and soulful melodies, the group represents a significant part of America’s musical landscape. Maurice,
Chicago’s relationship with baseball runs deep. It’s a love affair that stretches far beyond the game itself. The sport is etched into the city’s identity, weaving through the culture, history, and traditions of its people. So what makes Chicago a true baseball town? The answer is multifaceted, rooted in the
Chicago’s summer festivals are some of the most anticipated events in the city, drawing thousands of locals and tourists each year. From food and music to art and culture, these festivals offer something for everyone, making them an essential part of the city’s summer experience. The allure of Chicago’s summer
The Chicago Blues Festival, a significant annual event, emerged from the city’s profound connection to the blues, a musical genre deeply rooted in African American communities. Chicago became a pivotal center for the blues during the Great Migration, as musicians from the American South brought their sounds north, adapting acoustic
Podcasts have become an increasingly popular medium that blends knowledge and entertainment in ways many find appealing. What factors contribute to podcasts becoming a preferred choice for both learning and relaxation? How do these audio experiences fit into the routines of diverse listeners and continue to attract growing audiences? By
Stories often begin in the smallest of moments—childhood adventures, family traditions, and the places that shape us. For Kathie FitzPatrick, author, television producer, and creative force, those moments unfolded in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she grew up surrounded by some of California’s most memorable landscapes. From family outings
During World War II, many families and lovers found themselves separated by great distances and depended on handwritten notes, moving at an excruciatingly slow speed. Though behind every bold print were tales of regular individuals creating extraordinary relationships, newspapers were full of distressing headlines. Against this turbulent backdrop emerges one
By: Owen Blackburn In the realm of speculative fiction, time-travel stories occupy a distinctive and engaging space. The concept of traveling to the past or future opens up many possibilities, but it also introduces a complex set of rules and challenges that authors must thoughtfully navigate. Lee Matthew Goldberg’s Miles
In the age of rapid technological change and media consumption, documentary filmmaking is widely regarded as an effective way to tell stories about culture. With the expansion of digital platforms and a growing audience interested in content that is both historically relevant and emotionally resonant, the role of documentary filmmakers
Taking a break close to home can sometimes feel just as refreshing as traveling far away. In a bustling city like Chicago, known for its rich culture and vibrant energy, it might seem tricky to find calm and relaxation without stepping outside the city limits. However, a staycation in this
Bringing a thoughtful gift to a dinner party is a gesture that conveys appreciation for the host’s hospitality. Gifts that align with the event and reflect consideration for the host’s preferences are usually well received. A classic option is a bottle of wine or sparkling beverage, especially when it complements
Film festivals serve as crucial platforms for highlighting underrepresented perspectives and nurturing new talent in cinema. By showcasing stories that reflect a broad spectrum of identities and experiences, these events help reshape film culture and industry norms. Exploring how festivals promote inclusion reveals the powerful ways they influence which voices
By: Asaf Amit Among the many impulses that drive us to write, perhaps the most enduring is the need to make sense of pain. Writing about trauma is delicate. There’s always a tension between truth and privacy, between exposure and self-protection. My goal was never to write a memoir in
Birdwatching during migration season in Chicago offers a unique opportunity to witness the movement of hundreds of bird species passing through the area. With its location along major migratory routes, such as the Mississippi Flyway, Chicago becomes a prime destination for birders looking to observe both local and migratory birds.
By: Ciara Suesberry Chicago summers are famous for their energy — from rooftop brunches to festivals by the lake — but this year, something refreshingly new is docking on the shoreline. On June 20, 2025, during the height of Black Yacht Weekend, the Play Hooky Experience is making its Chicago
By: Elowen Gray Catherine’s poetic journey has been shaped by her ongoing exploration of self-awareness and authenticity. Her series of books, which begins with Better Look, continues with Better Looking, and will culminate with Seeing, offers readers an opportunity to join her on a path of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Chicago is a city where cultural diversity is not just a feature but a significant aspect of daily life. Many of its neighborhoods reflect this diversity, offering affordable housing options that allow people from various backgrounds to coexist. These areas often have a mix of different ethnic communities, and the
By: Rowan Mercer In the world of documentary filmmaking, few stories are as heartfelt and courageously told as Here I Am, the newest film from innovative director Dar Dowling. Centered on the spiritual and personal journey of Moshe Browning—a transgender man pursuing Conservative Jewish conversion—this intimate documentary delves into the