First, we've been quiet on this subject for far too long, but WE LOVE PURRFECT THE CAT. To those not in the know, Purrfect is the surprise breakout star of NBC's The Voice. Seriously, that cat has gotten more attention than any of the actual contestants (sorry Jamie). Of course there might be a bit of nepotism at play here since Purrfect belongs to Cee Lo Green, but we're not going to complain about being introduced to this wondrous creature. more ›

Potbelly sandwich maker by day, musician by night (and sometimes even on the job), Jamie Lono of Vernon Hills recently represented Chicago on the TV singing competition, The Voice. The hit show has a unique approach to the American-Idol-style reality concept with four judges (Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton) who decide who they want for their “team” based solely on what they hear, with their backs turned to the contestants. more ›

One contestant on the new reality music show The Voice is 42-year-old Maywood native Jesse Campbell, and last night he advanced to the next round. more ›

What started as Chicago actor and director David Blixt’s creative inquiry into the Capulet-Montague feud quickly became so much more. The Master of Verona, Blixt’s debut novel set in 14th Century Italy, explores Italian political life, conspiracy, the life of Dante, and the possible backstory for Romeo and Juliet. While directing the aforementioned Shakespeare play years ago, he found its all-consuming resolution fascinating and troublesome, hinting at but never revealing the source of the families’ feud. So started an intense exploration that took the author to the Newberry Library, the University of Michigan, and the villa Serego Alighieri in Verona. more ›