A haunting new documentary explains ‘The Number on Great-Grandpa’s Arm’
How can the stories of the Holocaust — horrific as they are — be conveyed to children? How do you inform a young person about events that often are too...
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Richard Lewis at 70: Still quick on his feet
The most telling moment in Richard Lewis’ opening night set at Zanies on Wednesday evening came at the end, after he had told his last quip. Having stepped down from...
Jason Marsalis riffs on his new life in France
A year and a half ago, drummer-vibraphonist Jason Marsalis made a big move, leaving his hometown of New Orleans for life on the other side of the Atlantic. In so...
Singer Paul Marinaro recovering from severe health scare: ‘I was very close to kicking the bucket’
Last July, the singular Chicago jazz singer Paul Marinaro sang a 44th birthday concert at Winter’s Jazz Club that announced his return to the spotlight. For a year and a...
Chicagoans among United States Artists’ $50K awards
Musicians Terence Blanchard, Amir ElSaffar, Danilo Perez, Wayne Shorter and Tyshawn Sorey are among 45 artists and collectives who will receive United States Artists Fellowships. The grans span nine creative...
Petra van Nuis and Recession Seven celebrate a decade
When the Great Recession hit a decade ago, Chicago singer Petra van Nuis came up with an irresistible response: make music. Not just any music, but sounds deeply rooted in...
Richard Lewis talks Chicago
Toward the end of his career, Frank Sinatra told friends that he played Chicago more than any other place, and comedian Richard Lewis holds similarly close bonds to this city....
At 70, comic Richard Lewis makes another comeback
"Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Richard Lewis!" With those words, a shaggy-haired, 30-something comic takes the stage at Zanies on North Wells Street, offers a quick bow and scans a seemingly...
Tomeka Reid takes a shot at an orchestral premiere
Cellist Tomeka Reid is no stranger to challenges. In recent years she has led groundbreaking ensembles, convened two editions of a Chicago Jazz String Summit and performed prolifically in Chicago’s...
A hot winter ahead in jazz
The winter jazz season in Chicago looks quite promising. Among the most enticing events: “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah.” This massive reappraisal of Handel’s beloved oratorio has played...