The opening of Lincoln Hall near to the old Lounge Ax space has brought up a flurry of memories we have of late nights spent watching awesome bands. It seems like we're not the only ones experiencing a renewed sense of sentimentality over the hugely influential venue once run by Julia Adams and Sue Miller (who later married a dude named Jeff Tweedy whose band played Lounge Ax pretty regularly). more ›

Throughout our time writing for Chicagoist, we have been lucky enough to go to many a special event. From food expos to chocolate and wine tastings, we have had the opportunity to see a side of food commerce that many never do. We think it's a pretty good and interesting side. Its main purpose, as we see it, is to get the word about a new product out to the masses. The best way... more ›

Chicagoist is biased about our beloved town and its music scene, but that’s only because we know it’s the best. Starting this weekend, the Chicago History Museum has a new exhibit opening featuring the best of “Sweet Home Chicago”. Jazz, gospel, country, blues, and folk music are all represented in this collection curated by Alison Eisendrath. The exhibit showcases some pieces that never seem to make it into other exhibits, but are really diamonds in... more ›

No, "Chicago Treasures" is not a citywide treasure hunt. It’s a lecture series — spawned by the Chicago History Museum and hosted by "Eight Forty-Eight"s Steve Edwards — that brings together two influential Chicagoans for a conversation centered on a single theme. This Thursday’s segment will pair local chef Rick Bayless with Rafael Pulido, aka “El Pistolero,” a Spanish language radio personality, for a discussion about the deepening connections between Mexico and Chicago. Bayless is... more ›

All year we’ve been hearing the hype and the promises. This week, two Chicago cultural institutions invite the public to see the results of their high profile face lifts. The venue once known as the Chicago Historical Society regularly provided modest, helpful insights into local and regional history. Now it’s been renovated and renamed the Chicago History Museum, sporting 16,000 shiny new square feet for robust programming, heeding Burnham’s command to “Make no small plans.”... more ›

Do you think Chicago needs more downtown theaters? Slow Ride: The CTA is Stuck in Reverse is a new post by Beachwood Reporter that details, line by line, the many operational and bureaucratic problems that have hobbled the CTA. Starbucks is raising its prices. The Chicago History Museum reopens on Friday. Dog & Pony Theatre Company embarks on a 2nd collaboration with playwright Sheila Callaghan in the Midwest premiere of Dead City. Raven Theatre,... more ›