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Uptown Poetry Slam Founder Marc Kelly Smith Donates Archive to Chicago’s Newberry Library
May 13, 2026
Chicago’s claim as the birthplace of the modern poetry slam now has a permanent home in one of the city’s most important research institutions. Marc Kelly Smith, the founder of the Uptown Poetry Slam, has formally donated his personal archive of the influential performance poetry event to the Newberry Library,
Starting From the Breaking Point with Marsha Gauthier
May 2, 2026
By: Robert Klein Marsha doesn’t ease into the conversation about faith. She starts at the fracture. Losing her mother didn’t just leave grief behind; it left questions that wouldn’t quiet down. The kind that replays in your head late at night, twisting into something heavier each time. For her, it
When Faith Feels Out of Reach
May 2, 2026
By: Sofia Navarro There’s a version of faith that looks steady from the outside. Disciplined. Certain. Consistent. Then there’s the version most people actually live. Uneven, quiet, sometimes absent for long stretches, then suddenly urgent when life tightens its grip. Ginger doesn’t write from the polished version. She writes from
Billy Donovan Steps Away From Bulls After Six Seasons — and the Rebuild Begins for Real
April 30, 2026
CHICAGO, April 29, 2026 — The Billy Donovan era in Chicago is over. After six seasons, one playoff appearance, and a final year that saw the Bulls gut their roster at the trade deadline, trade away foundational veterans, and finish 31-51, the Hall of Fame head coach informed ownership he
Chicago Owns May Day — And This Year, the Whole Country Is Watching
April 29, 2026
There is no city in America with a stronger claim to May Day than Chicago. The holiday did not originate in a foreign capital or in the pages of a political manifesto. It was born here, on the streets of this city, in May 1886, when tens of thousands of
Award-Winning Bass Player A M M Newaj Sharif Gains U.S. Recognition
April 29, 2026
Bassist, stage performer, and music educator A M M Newaj Sharif, professionally known as Bassman Newaj, is gaining recognition in the United States following a distinguished career in Bangladesh and abroad. Born on January 7, 1994, Sharif has built a reputation as a versatile and accomplished bass guitarist. Known for
Chicago Latino Film Festival Closes 42nd Edition on April 27 After 12-Day Run at Landmark Century Centre
April 28, 2026
The 42nd Chicago Latino Film Festival concludes its 2026 edition on Monday, April 27, capping a 12-day program that brought 51 feature films and 31 shorts from across Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, and the United States to Chicago audiences. Presented by the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago
Seth Panitch Explores Reinvention and Self-Worth in Antique
April 23, 2026
By: Sarah Wallace Seth Panitch has spent decades telling stories in many forms, from Shakespearean performance and directing to filmmaking and playwriting. After receiving his MFA from the University of Washington’s Professional Actors Training Program, he built a wide-ranging career at Shakespeare festivals across the country, including Colorado, Utah, Texas,
Chicago’s House Music Festival Highlights Local Talent and Culture
October 7, 2025
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
Affordable Chicago Neighborhoods with Vibrant Cultural Diversity
October 7, 2025
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
Discover the Soulful Jazz Sounds Defining Chicago
October 7, 2025
Jazz isn’t just part of Chicago’s musical history, it’s a living, breathing force that continues to shape the city’s identity. From intimate basement clubs to open-air festivals, the sound of jazz pulses through the streets, echoing a legacy that’s both timeless and constantly evolving. For decades, Chicago has been a
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrated at Chicago Cultural Center
October 7, 2025
Hispanic Heritage Month in Chicago is more than a calendar event, it’s a citywide celebration of identity, creativity, and community. At the heart of this year’s festivities is the Chicago Cultural Center, where programming reflects the depth and diversity of Latino cultures. From music and dance to visual art and
Historic Chicago River Swim Returns After 98 Years
October 7, 2025
In a moment that blends nostalgia with progress, the Chicago River swim is officially back after a 98-year hiatus. On September 22, 2025, hundreds of swimmers will take to the revitalized Chicago River for a historic open-water event that celebrates environmental restoration, civic pride, and the city’s evolving relationship with
Building Grit Into Fiction: Joey Stefaniak on Tradesmen and America’s Everyday Heroes
October 2, 2025
By: Jordan Blake In the world of action thrillers, heroes often carry badges or intelligence clearances, armed with technology and government backing. Joey Stefaniak’s Tradesmen: Protecting Our Homes and Way of Life takes a different path. His heroes are electricians, welders, carpenters, and plumbers—ordinary blue-collar workers who, under the right
Joseph Mahar: When the Ordinary Hints at the Unsettling
September 16, 2025
There is a little sprinkle of magic in the way Joseph Mahar tells a story. He does not begin with grand monsters or distant galaxies. Instead, he begins with something familiar, say a kitchen table, a digital clock, a storm outside the window, and lets it shift, just slightly, until
Explore Chicago’s Haunted History on Empire Tours
September 15, 2025
By: Matt Emma Chicago is a city famous for its unique architecture, deep-dish pizza, and rich history. But beneath the bustle lies something darker. Cool evenings in the last days of summer provide a perfect opportunity to explore a side of Chicago many people don’t know exists. Empire Tours invites
The Silence Between Notes: Michael Burns on Love, Loss, and Learning to Live Again
August 27, 2025
By: Roy Abraham When a song is suddenly silenced, the world doesn’t stop. But you do—everything shifts. Every breath, every thought, every memory becomes louder in the quiet. For Michael Burns, that silence began the day he lost his mother. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Michael Burns’ world has
Sung Eun Choi Shines With Latest Release “Don’t Let It Stop”
August 26, 2025
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
Celebrating Cultural Impact at The Jones Awards in Chicago
August 19, 2025
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
Her Nonverbal Notes: A Silent Symphony
August 1, 2025
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
Prof. George Nyamndi and the Reflective Revolution of Black Consciousness: A New Paradigm in Race Discourse
July 30, 2025
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
What is Bachata Dance? Chicago Shows the World Bachata Style this Labor Day Week
July 28, 2025
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
Rising Star Josslyn Banh Prepares to Launch Her First Book: A Journey of Transformation and Triumph
July 23, 2025
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
Step Up Your Yard Game with Disc Warrior
July 18, 2025
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
The Rick Lee Vinson Group: Shaping American Music with Soul, Story, and Sound
July 11, 2025
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 Launches Book 30 Lessons to Lead to Inspire Personal Transformation Through Leadership
July 10, 2025
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
A Day Out With Thomas™ at Illinois Railway Museum: Train Rides, Bounce Houses & Activities for All Ages
July 9, 2025
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
“Voltaire’s Ghost: Breaking Boundaries and Captivating Audiences
July 2, 2025
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