
By: Matthew Kayser Sung Eun Choi: An Accomplished Musician Who is Transforming the Musical Landscape Sung Eun Choi is a multifaceted music artist, lyricist, composer, and vocalist who is achieving notable success in the music industry. Since his debut in 2013 with the song ‘Let Me Stop,’ he has released
Chicago suburbs have long been recognized for their livability, and recent national rankings continue to reflect that reputation. Communities like Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, and Naperville consistently appear on lists highlighting the best places to live in the United States. These rankings are based on factors such as safety, affordability,
Chicago House Music Festival returns August 21–24, 2025, with four days of free programming across Millennium Park, Grant Park’s Spirit of Music Garden, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the Riverwalk. The event blends live performances, educational panels, and community gatherings to spotlight local Chicago artists and honor the roots of
By: Roger Anderson The Significance of The Jones Awards The Jones Awards are more than just a ceremonial evening; they represent a meaningful shift in how we view cultural contributions from local communities. Jeremy Jones believes in the power of shared narratives that often go unrecognized. “These awards aim to
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
By: Chenyang Nie In a quiet Los Angeles gallery on La Cienega Boulevard, an intimate exhibition invites viewers not just to see—but to feel. Curated by Chenyang Nie and presented by the nonprofit Artistry Edge, the group exhibition Her Nonverbal Notes offers a delicate exploration of female inner worlds, expressed
By: Elena Mart Amidst intense argument on racism, responsibility, and identity, there’s one voice that rises above the rest, relentless, incisive, and determined to reverse the currents of Black consciousness. That voice is Prof. George Nyamndi, whose latest book, The Urgency of Black Madness, deconstructs dominant narratives and readjusts the
By: Kattie Muniz “What is bachata dance?” Ask a Chicagoan this Labor Day week stretch and you’re liable to get more than a definition. You’ll get an invitation to a Hyatt ballroom turned Caribbean patio, to twining guitar music that once drifted through Santo Domingo’s bars, and to the city-spanning
Teen talent, TV finalist, Soon-to-be author, Josslyn Banh is a name to remember, one that represents not just youthful creativity and performance power, but resilience, mentorship, and a mission to inspire. From reaching the finals of not just one but two educational TV shows, including Life Academy Season 1 and
When it comes to outdoor yard and beach games, a few big names have long dominated the scene—Spikeball, Kan Jam, and cornhole, to name a few. But now, there’s a new player in town that’s gaining attention: Disc Warrior. Combining the thrill of throwing discs with competitive gameplay, Disc Warrior
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
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