You Know It's a Big Deal When ...

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jan 31, 2007 4:38PM

Usually, the divide between the sports community and the arts community is about as wide as Lake Michigan. You're about as likely to find some Chad wearing his Illini cap in Symphony Hall as you are to find an Art Institute board member watching a game at John Barleycorn's. Until the Bears make the Super Bowl, that is — that's enough to bring everyone together.

Across the city, we find evidence of arts and sports converging. Tuesday, the majestic lions in front of the Art Institute were fitted with Bears helmets. However, one of the helmets broke! The cold "Bears weather" was supposedly to blame. Shoulda made them out of Weber grills like last time!

Also, the Chicago Symphony is offering a free MP3 download of the symphony performing "Bear Down, Chicago Bears" under the direction of Sir Georg Solti.

Not to be left out of the fun, the Lyric Opera's Bryan Griffin also performed "Bear Down", available on YouTube.

About the only thing missing is some Grant Achatz braised bear with essence of colt breath. And for that, we're thankful!

Image via AP/M. Spencer Green