It’s one thing to understand the sound of rock ‘n roll, but it’s another thing to understand the look of rock ‘n roll. Martin Scorsese’s The Last Waltz manages to capture both. more ›

Fans of local multi-instrumentalist/loop master par excellence Andrew Bird are likely bummed about his Gezelligheid gigs at Chicago's Fourth Presbyterian Church wrapping up yesterday. Should they feel like shelling out additional cash money, though, they can pick up the latest entry in his Fingerlings live series, which is the fourth in total. more ›

If you're like us, you're already getting pumped up for the Oscars! Not. Jeez, let's get past New Year's first, O.K.? Oops. Too late. The Chicago Film Critics Association has already jumped the gun and handed out their awards. To the surprise of no one the big winner was No Country for Old Men, the new Coen brothers movie that both impressed and disturbed us when we saw it last month. It won four awards in all (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Javier Bardem). We're very pleased that Bardem won; there wouldn't be much of a movie without his chilling character study, and he damned well better win the Oscar. more ›

Talk about buzz. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story is at the top of everybody's to-see list (it opens Dec 21), but you can catch something even better than a just sneak peak. John C Reilly is performing in person, in character as Dewey Cox, complete with back-up band The Hard Walkers, at the Cubby Bear tonight as part of the Cox Across America tour. The Coxtacular starts with a screening at 7pm and... more ›

There is little we like more than an afternoon spent browsing through old books, even if we can't afford to buy any of them. Which is why we're planning on spending the next couple of days at the Leslie Hindman October Book Auction, featuring rare and extremely expensive books (like this Henry Gray Anatomy text, which is expected to sell for $4,000 to $6,000). Look for us as we polish our monocle while pretending to be able to afford anything. You can view the entire catalogue here. more ›

We’re not big fans of the outdoor music sheds, but Chicagoist’s suburban upbringing is dotted with warm remembrances of the old Poplar Creek Music Theater. Soon, the tweens of the Northwest suburbs will have similar memories of sitting on the grass as they listen to major label acts they’ve overpaid for, thanks to the Prairie Creek Music Theater, which is scheduled to open next May. According to an article in the Sun-Times by Jim DeRogatis... more ›

Yesterday Oprah Winfrey spoke at a Women's Business Development Center luncheon at Navy Pier and the most interesting tidbit she divulged was that, early in her career, a news director suggested she change her name to … Susie. That's right. Susie Winfrey. However we might feel about her, we're glad that she's named Oprah. Because the name Susie just brings to mind that episode of "Seinfeld" where Elaine's officemate mistakenly calls her Susie. And of... more ›

We hope you used our Decent Days and Nights as a guide to what fun things are going on in music this week. Empty Out Your Wallet is for those of us who obsessively plan ahead and like charging things on our credit cards. Here are some of the shows going on sale this weekend that could help fill out those upcoming Decent Days and Nights. Bob Dylan Kings of Leon Oct. 27 & 28,... more ›

Call it a case of Joni Mitchell’s Disease. Imagine you’re a folkie singer-songwriter from the 60s. In your genre, Bob Dylan is the standard-bearer and is the first name spoken when discussing those who’ve left their mark on it. But you’ve made great contributions too and can hear the influence of your work even today. After 30 years of waiting to be recognized and lauded for your contributions, what do you do? You do it... more ›

Last week, the first dates for Bob Dylan’s 2005 Tour were announced and they include a five-night run at the Auditorium Theatre. What’s that you say? Big deal? Dylan tours all the time? Well, yes. But it’s not every day that you see a double bill of Dylan with Merle Haggard and the Strangers. Throw in previous tour mate Amos Lee and you’ve got “The Bob Dylan Show” from April 1st through April 6th. more ›

Often assailed as a huge megaplex with no soul, the AMC River East does have the occasional free screening that makes it worth braving the crowds who are all amped up to see National Treasure. Tomorrow night they’ll be showing The White Stripes – Under Blackpool Lights, which was released this week on DVD. Documenting a January 2004 show at the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool England, the Detroit duo pulls out their own “hits”... more ›