Local label Minty Fresh was once known primarily for importing winsome '80s flecked indie pop -- The Cardigans anyone? -- and they return to those sonic roots with The School's debut, Loveless Unbeliever. The Cardiff outfit's dreamy orch-pop conjures up visions of The Primitives playing along with an ensemble led by Burt Bacharach. Gentle horns punctuate lyrical phrases while strings shimmer in the background. It's just the perfect thing for a spring afternoon. You can almost see the sunlight shooting through the leaves of the forest canopy... more ›

A relative newcomer to Chicago's art gallery scene, 40000 (119 N. Peoria) has received a great deal of buzz since its start in 2005. After living and working in New Mexico and Austin TX, gallery owner/curator Britton Bertran set down roots in Chicago after receiving a Master's in Arts Administration from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2002. Bertran made the leap to full-time gallery owner after several years of working in... more ›

We’ve got a couple of great readings this week, so check them out, won’t you please? more ›

Every once in a while an opportunity presents itself that we must hoist upon you from way up high at the Chicagoist offices, an opportunity not to be missed. more ›

When you think of Chicago arts students, several schools might come to mind. The School of the Art Institute and Columbia College would surely be on the list, and maybe even you’d throw in Northwestern for some theatre. But the University of Chicago? Not unless your idea of art is some abstract illustration of economic models or something equally dorky. more ›

Yowsas. Show of hands, anybody ever imagine publishing a novel that's been written in the span of only 3 days? Considering our difficulty in imagining writing a publishable novel, like, ever (though, y'know, who knows?), the prospect is terrifying. But that's just what Meghan Austin and Shannon Mullally did with their recently published novel Love Block, and they'll be sharing the craziness tonight at Quimby's. more ›