Eighteen minutes can wipe away a century of history. Back in 2006, that is all it took to erase huge swaths of this city’s cultural and architectural legacy when a fire tore through the Pilgrim Baptist Church at 33rd and Indiana. Five years later, its fragile shell is supported by steel beams, but little else has materialized from grand plans to bring the building back. But a new plan with a phased approach and clearer vision has us optimistic that something will happen soon…finally… more ›

The power of 300 voices rocked the Jay Pritzker Pavilion during “An Evening of Elegance” at the Chicago Gospel Festival last night, and that was just one act. We heard from Otis Clay, the Bady Brothers, and the Brown Sisters. "The Professor Thomas A. Dorsey Tribute" closed the evening and recognized Chicago’s own Thomas Dorsey, who is considered the Father of Gospel. Dorsey developed gospel music by combining Christian praise with the rhythms of jazz... 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 ›

Exhibit A: Pilgrim Baptist Church Location: 3301 S. Indiana Avenue Built: 1890-91 Notable facts: Originally built by Louis Sullivan and his partner, Dankmar Adler, as the Kehilath Anshe Ma'ariv synagogue. Became the Pilgrim Baptist Church in 1922. Often called the birthplace of gospel music, due to musical director Thomas Dorsey. Designated as a Chicago landmark: Dec. 18, 1981 Fate: Destroyed by fire, Jan. 6, 2006. Caused by workers doing roof restoration. Future: Possible rebuilding. Exterior... more ›

A hugeass fire ripped through a landmark church on the South Side today and destroyed it. Pilgrim Baptist Church was designed by the famous architectural firm Adler & Sullivan and was about 114 years old. Originally built as a synagogue, the church was a landmarked building that was totalled today when a fire collapsed the church's roof and then gutted its insides. more ›