It’s Thursday, Chicago.
One of the city’s biggest music festivals is kicking off tomorrow. Whether you’re a Pitchfork pro or a total newbie going for the first time (like me), be sure to check out our guide below for the must-see bands and all the details on what you can and can’t bring to the Union Park fest.
And the fun doesn’t stop when the headliner wraps. We’ve got 42 recommendations for late-night food and must-see after-party shows for those heading to Pitchfork — or Lollapalooza in a few weeks.
Meanwhile, we’ve got the details on Chicago’s most expensive taco — a “foie-co” — that food critic Nick Kindelsperger sampled for his latest review. Plus, theater critic Chris Jones speaks with Elton John
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about “The Devil Wears Prada” musical, which is set to open in Chicago soon, and we’ve got a deep dive into what made “Ms. Marvel” such a hit.Stay hydrated, and see you next week.
— Kayla Samoy, deputy senior editor
By day, Ms. Marvel is Kamala Khan, a Jersey City teenager with cosmic shape-shifting abilities. She is also Pakistani American and Muslim and wrestling with generations of historic colonial trauma, still aligning her personal feelings with Islam and simply trying to be a teenager.
“This show has been surreal for Desi people — to literally see their lives! On Disney! By Marvel! I doubt anyone could’ve imagined, for a second, to be depicted so well in the most mainstream of mainstream,” said Samira Ahmed, who’s been writing the “Ms. Marvel” comic books since December. Read the full story here.
Tribune critic Nick Kindelsperger said Oliver and Nicolas Poilevey, the brothers behind Obelix, “want a French restaurant freed from tradition and the expectations that come along with it.” He writes that the best moments of the meal are when Mexican and French influences combine, including what could be the most expensive taco in town at $23. Read the full review here.
Framed around a podcast, much like Jerry’s standup on “Seinfeld,” “Everything’s Trash” devotes the bulk of each episode to Phoebe-as-chaos-agent in her nonwork life, writes Tribune critic Nina Metz.
It’s a funny, good-natured show, Metz writes, and worth a watch. Read her full review here.
Eric Williams’ Silver Room Block Party is back for the 17th year at a new South Side location
After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the legendary Silver Room Sound System Block Party is back on Chicago’s South Side, but in a new location — moving from 53rd Street in Hyde Park to 39th Street Oakwood Beach. Read the full story here.
Pitchfork Music Festival 2022: The must-see bands and all the entry details
This year’s Pitchfork Music Festival boasts “an eclectic lineup across multiple genres, featuring musical acts both big and small,” writes Britt Julious. If you’re heading to the festival this weekend, be sure to check out her full guide for the details on the must-see bands and important information about entering the event.
Where to go after Pitchfork and Lollapalooza, from after-party shows to late-night food
If you’re going to the Pitchfork Music Festival or Lollapalooza this year, the fun isn’t confined to the festival grounds. There are bars, restaurants, nightclubs and music venues around Chicago offering specials and hosting events. We’ve got a list of places to go if you want to grab a meal or a drink after the fest, or see more of your favorite performers.
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“The Devil Wears Prada,” widely seen as an escapist fairy tale that went well with popcorn, is getting turned into a musical. Opening soon in Chicago, the show is from the creative minds of Anna D. Shapiro, Kevin McCollum and Elton John, who discussed working on the show and modernizing it with Tribune critic Chris Jones. Read the full story here.
Porchlight Theatre’s ‘Broadway in Your Backyard’ free concert series returns this summer
Review: ‘Light Falls’ is Simon Stephens’ beautiful story, beautifully done at Steep Theatre
Dinah Clottey learned how to crochet at the age of 12 to teach her mom the craft. While Clottey’s mother didn’t end up picking up the hobby, Clottey went on to create T’Kor Couture, a one-of-a-kind, ethically sourced clothing line, while studying at the University of Chicago. Read the full story here.
‘Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris’ review: A 1950s Cinderella story returns for a little wish-fulfillment
“Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris” is the latest screen adaptation of the 1958 Paul Gallico novel about a humble London war widow. Lesley Manville and her fellow actors ensure that the film is something nice, writes Tribune critic Michael Phillips. Read the full review here.
The phrase “dude ranch” is now synonymous with guest ranches, but the West offers a vast range of experiences within that category. Many are all-inclusive or provide a real-life experience for the whole family, while some offer lofty lodgings of four- and five-star magnitude. These ranches can be found across the Western U.S. (including in my hometown of Tucson, Arizona!). Read the full story here.
Europe as a budget-friendly travel option? It’s true in 2022.