‘How do you solve a problem like Illinois?’Dennis Byrneon May 8, 2020 at 9:27 pm

The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor

‘How do you solve a problem like Illinois?’

‘How do you solve a problem like Illinois?’Dennis Byrneon May 8, 2020 at 9:27 pm Read More »

8 Chicago Restaurants Where Michael Jordan and the ’98 Bulls Team Would Have Dined TodayAngelica Ruizon May 8, 2020 at 4:50 pm

In the early ’90s, Chicago was home to basketball royalty. The Chicago Bulls had a killer lineup that won them three consecutive NBA titles from ‘91 – ’93. Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen, and Michael Jordan were the star trio of the best basketball team the NBA has ever seen. Rodman was the eccentric forward, a bad boy with sickening style and a prolific rebound. Pippen was the glue that held it together, his lightning speed and ability to stay level-headed under pressure made him the perfect sidekick for Jordan, the undeniable star of the show.

Michael Jordan is arguably the most talented basketball player of all time. During his time with the Bulls, he dominated the court as shooting guard. Off the court, fans either loved him or hated him. No matter what, people were talking about him. Jordan turned his persona into a household name and eventually into a worldwide brand.

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ESPN has released a 10-part documentary series called The Last Dance. The series takes an in-depth look at the Chicago Bulls’ run through the lens of Jordan’s final championship season in ‘97 – ’98. The show features the original trio in new interviews and never-before-seen footage from the Bulls golden age. The full program will air on ESPN.

In honor of the new episodic documentary, we’ve rounded up a list of restaurants that give us ’90s Chicago Bulls, basketball, and bar snack nostalgia and offering takeout during the quarantine.

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Mr. Submarine

Skip the corporate giant. Mr. Submarine has been in Chicago since 1975. Their subs are built on Midwest baked bread from Turano. Top the rolls with shredded lettuce, tomato, homemade vinaigrette, plenty of meat, cheese, and mustard. Add fries and a soda and you’ve got yourself a party, just like Pippen suggests in this throwback commercial.

Gibsons Steakhouse

Rumor has it Michael Jordan’s game night dinner was a steak, baked potato, and grilled veggies. Michael Jordan’s namesake steakhouse Chicago location is closed during the pandemic, but Gibson’s Italia has got it covered. Not only are they offering their full dining room menu, but they are also providing discounted steaks, chops, and burgers for the grill at home.

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Diversey Wine

A millennial-driven spot takes on an old-world treasure. If Jordan played for the Bulls in 2019, he would definitely be a part of Diversey Wine’s vino club. A self-proclaimed lover of old-world wines, Jordan occasionally craves a Burgundy’s pinot noir. Find a mix of well-known and new producers on the shelves at Diversey Wine.

Lou Malnati’s

The Last Dance is totally binge-worthy pandemic content. For maximum comfort, order a deep dish from Lou Malnati’s. Founded in Lincolnwood in 1971, the deep dish pizza joint is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. Opt in for butter crust, add a house salad and a bottle of your favorite French red wine, and you’re sure to sleep well tonight.

Vito & Nick’s

There’s a lot of debate around deep-dish culture in Chicago, especially amongst natives. When it comes to thin crust, there’s no contest: Vito & Nick’s is the best in the city. This is a tavern-style pie: crunchy crust with brown, bubbly cheese, made well done. The Italian Beef & Giardiniera is their signature choice, and it pairs well with a Stella Artois.

Output Lounge

When it comes to sports, the ultimate finger food is wings. They’re sensible but also a bit messy, like the Bulls in ‘93. There’s no shortage of wing spots in Chicago, and there are tons of opinions on who does it best. There are lots of newcomers amongst a series of vets, but our favorite is just near the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls. Output is a no-frills restaurant with some of the best bar food north of Roosevelt. Wings are available in lemon pepper spice, hot chipotle ranch, mango ghost, and more.

Red Hot Ranch

Red Hot Ranch is a northwest side staple. Arguably, RHR is home to the best double cheeseburger in town. Two patties with melted cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and special sauce with fries. If it’s late-night after a few drinks, go for the fried shrimp — and be real with yourself, get a full pound.

Jim’s Hot Dogs

As a native midwesterner, Chicago Bulls fan, and woman of questionable diet: Jim’s Hot Dogs are a right of passage. The people that work here are the toughest Chicagoans you’ll ever meet. They work nights, holidays, and through polar vortexes, even during quarantine, 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Everything they grill comes topped with sweet grilled onions, mustard, and sport peppers. If you’re going classic, order a polish sausage. Alternatively, the bone-in pork chop sandwich is delicious.

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8 Chicago Restaurants Where Michael Jordan and the ’98 Bulls Team Would Have Dined TodayAngelica Ruizon May 8, 2020 at 4:50 pm Read More »

24 Best Recurring Virtual Events Happening in Chicago Right NowLindsey Congeron May 8, 2020 at 5:33 pm

Looking for a new activity to fill the hours at home? Chicago still has tons of things to do, even if you can’t go out and experience them. With virtual events, tours, classes, and workshops, you are sure to find something to amuse yourself with during the shelter in place order. Here are 24 of the best recurring virtual events happening in Chicago!

Photo Credit: American Writers Museum Facebook

Little Squirrels Storytime Storytime

Hosted by American Writers Museum with featured Storytellers rotating each week
Saturdays at 10:30 am

At Home With The Auditorium Theatre

Performances on Sundays at 6 pm
Video conversations with Program Manager Denise Santomauro on Wednesdays at 6 pm

Sondheim at 90 Roundtime

Hosted by Porchlight Artistic Director Michael Weber and other talented guests
Saturdays at 7 pm

Historic Happy Hour For Curious People

Hosted by Chicago Detours
Every weekday at 6 pm

360 Sky Yoga

Tuesdays at 6 pm

Virtual Food Tour Series

Hosted by Bobby’s Bike Hike
Fridays at 6 pm

Drop-in Online Improv Classes

Hosted by The Second City Training Center comedy pros
Wednesdays at 3:00 pm
$25

Improv House Party

Hosted by Second City talent and alumni
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 7 pm

Zoom Virtual Variety Show

Hosted by Jeff Durocher and Howard Wallach
Thursdays at 7 pm

Mandala Markers Festival: Mandala South Asian Performing Arts

Hosted by various guests each week including Sameer Patel (conductor) and Ashwaty Chennat (choreographer) and with performances
Fridays at 8 pm

ReCeSz for Kidz at ComedySportz

30-minute break to play, dance, and imagine with the training center teachers
Weekdays at 12 pm

Photo Credit: Porchlight Music Theatre Facebook

Movie Musical Monday

Hosted by Porchlight’s Casting Manager Christopher Pazdernik and guests

ComedySportz Show: Comedy for Everyone

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 and 9:30 pm

Dance Health Month by See Chicago Dance (SCD)

Hosted by SCD and their partner, Chicago Dancers United
Tuesdays at 11:30 am

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This week, @rachaelsophialowe talks us through an Old World and New World Chardonnay as we toast to Spring and Special Occasions!

A post shared by Spiaggia Restaurant (@spiaggiachicago) on May 6, 2020 at 4:27pm PDT

Wine Wednesdays with Spiaggia Restaurant

Hosted by Rachael Lowe
Wednesdays at 6 pm

The Wednesday Works Break Show

Hosted by The Second City
Thursdays at 12 pm

Film Center From Your Sofa

Hosted by Gene Siskel Film Center with various guests
Saturdays at 6 pm

Comedy of Errors: The Web Series

Hosted by A.B.L.E.’s teen ensembles
Mondays at 7 pm

Cigarette Sandwich: Power Hour

Hosted by the Annoyance Theatre
Every other Saturday at 9 pm

Monet and Chicago

Hosted by the Art Institute of Chicago
June 1 – June 25
$7-$10

Tools of the Trade

An exhibit hosted by the American Writers Museum
May 22 – June 13

Beer & Conservation: A Virtual Happy Hour

Hosted by Lincoln Park Zoo
Thursday at 5:30 PM
$15

Virtual Tours

Hosted by Hillary, owner of Inside Chicago Walking Tours
Fridays (5 pm), Saturdays (11 am), and Sundays (11 am)

CAC Live series

Hosted by Chicago Architecture Center Online program
Various dates and times
$8 plus fees

Featured Image Credit: Cliff Booth

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24 Best Recurring Virtual Events Happening in Chicago Right NowLindsey Congeron May 8, 2020 at 5:33 pm Read More »

Chicago rapper Ric Wilson and Los Angeles producer Terrace Martin invigorate disco, soul, and funk on a new collaborative EPLeor Galilon May 8, 2020 at 7:46 pm

Chicago rapper and prison abolitionist Ric Wilson knows the joy of combing through history for jewels of knowledge that enrich his connection to his hometown’s multifaceted Black communities. He also understands how to incorporate sounds from the past into contemporary music. Last year he found a kindred spirit in Terrace Martin, a Los Angeles jazz sideman and hip-hop producer who’s worked with some of the most important west-coast rappers of all time, including Snoop Dogg, DJ Quik, and Kendrick Lamar. Martin brings a glimmer of California sunshine and a light touch of funk to the duo’s new collaborative record, They Call Me Disco (Free Disco/Sounds of Crenshaw/Empire). Wilson’s voluble verses saunter over minimal funk guitars, mellow soul synths, and hip-shaking percussion, which Martin tastefully combines in layers like a landscape painter zeroing in on the perfect color for a sunset. The EP is as much a testament to Wilson’s love for disco, soul, and funk as it is an argument that these great art forms can still be crucial conduits for messages about contemporary Black life. v

Chicago rapper Ric Wilson and Los Angeles producer Terrace Martin invigorate disco, soul, and funk on a new collaborative EPLeor Galilon May 8, 2020 at 7:46 pm Read More »

Chicago’s Retirement Party will brighten your summer with the heavy emo of Runaway DogLeor Galilon May 8, 2020 at 7:44 pm

Chicago emo acts helped raise the national profile of the fourth-wave scene in the early 2010s, but most of them had gone on hiatus or broken up by the time Retirement Party dropped their debut EP, 2017’s Strictly Speaking. Retirement Party not only filled a void in the city but also manifested new energy with subtly retooled combinations of familiar emo, pop-punk, and indie-rock tropes–on their 2018 full-length debut, Somewhat Literate, their workmanlike rhythm section heats up the languid guitars till they smolder. Singer-guitarist Avery Springer wrote all the material for the band’s previous releases by herself, but for Retirement Party’s brand-new Runaway Dog (Counter Intuitive), she collaborated on the music with drummer James Ringness and bassist-guitarist Eddy Rodriguez. Working as a trio, they subdue the nerviness of their early days and reinvigorate their sound with a heavier style. The coarse bass line, skipping drums, and gliding guitars of “No Tide” rub against Springer’s nonchalant vocals to create the tension that propels the track toward its brilliant crescendo. Its upbeat melody and fleeting, wistful highs make it a contender for song of the summer: “I hope I’ll make it through June,” Springer sings, “a little better off.” v

Chicago’s Retirement Party will brighten your summer with the heavy emo of Runaway DogLeor Galilon May 8, 2020 at 7:44 pm Read More »

Gothic doom masters Paradise Lost get eclectic on ObsidianJamie Ludwigon May 8, 2020 at 7:42 pm

British five-piece Paradise Lost had already helped pioneer death-doom by the time they put out their second album, 1991’s Gothic, and laid groundwork for subsequent generations of bands that combined metal’s harshness with dark, romantic textures. They’ve since gone through nearly as many drummers as Spinal Tap, but the rest of the lineup–vocalist Nick Holmes, lead guitarist and keyboardist Gregor Mackintosh, rhythm guitarist Aaron Aedy, and bassist Stephen Edmondson–has remained intact since the band’s founding in 1988. Their longevity may arise in part from their chameleon-like ability to transform their sound; they can deliver a crushing guitar-driven epic fit for leading a battalion of medieval warriors into battle, or a synth-heavy, noirish pop track that could make the most forlorn mall goth smile. Paradise Lost have had ups and downs, but lately they’ve veered back toward their roots: 2017’s Medusa is a master class in achingly heavy doom. True to form, they’ve changed course again on their new 16th album, Obsidian. While Medusa is single-minded in its vision, Obsidian embraces electicsm, pacing its shifts in tone so well that even the most fervent shuffle-button addicts might see the point of the album format. “Darker Forms” kicks off the album with a twinkling melody, then opens up into dark symphonic rock that climaxes with Mackintosh’s heaven-bound guitar solo. On the third track, “Ghosts,” Paradise Lost break out a death-rock sound custom-made for the grimiest subterranean dance floors, and on the supersized gothic anthem “Forsaken,” they create a more empowering feel than its title would suggest. The album’s genre looseness notwithstanding, it doesn’t lack for cavernous metal to sink your teeth into, most notably on “The Devil’s Embrace” and closing track “Ravenghast.” Thirty-two years into their career, Paradise Lost have nothing left to prove except to themselves–and with Obsidian they demonstrate what a great place that is for a band to reach. v

Gothic doom masters Paradise Lost get eclectic on ObsidianJamie Ludwigon May 8, 2020 at 7:42 pm Read More »

Spanish quartet Melenas channel a half-century of pop goodness on Dias RarosBill Meyeron May 8, 2020 at 7:34 pm

Pamplona, Spain, is probably best known for the festival of San Fermin, when thrill seekers run with bulls through the streets–which usually ends much worse for the animals than the humans. The four women in Melenas may not pull as big a crowd as that globally famous event, but on their new second album, Dias Raros (Trouble in Mind), they offer 11 better reasons to remember their hometown’s name. The band’s sound adheres to a template established by garage-rock combos in the 1960s and productively renewed by acts such as Yo La Tengo, Stereolab, and the late, very great New Zealand group Look Blue, Go Purple. Melenas lay trebly, reverberant guitar and alternately drony and punchy keyboard licks over simple, propulsive rock beats, and draw you in with simple, catchy vocal hooks. Since the songs are all in Spanish (the lyrics are printed, but not translated, on the album’s inner sleeve), listeners not conversant in the language might not be able to tell that guitarist Oihana and bassist Leire are singing about internal dialogues. But you don’t need to understand a word to catch the happy-sad vibe that spikes Melanas’ graceful melodies. v

Spanish quartet Melenas channel a half-century of pop goodness on Dias RarosBill Meyeron May 8, 2020 at 7:34 pm Read More »

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith creates a mosaic of electricity on The Mosaic of TransformationDave Cantoron May 8, 2020 at 7:32 pm

It’s a struggle to define the purpose of most music–the answer is perpetually changing, based on time, place, and innumerable other factors. But Los Angeles-based synthesist Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith seems to have homed in on something specific on her new album, The Mosaic of Transformation (Ghostly). The joyous, drifting melody of “Remembering,” the album’s second track, can be heard as an elemental distillation of contemporary synthesis. “Be kind to one another,” Smith sings, a reminder for the aberrant lives we’re all leading now; her sparkling composition evokes colors and mimics flutes, creating a sense of calm that’s too often hard to come by. Purposely or not, her entire practice exudes something similar. Her 2018 record Tides: Music for Meditation and Yoga (released as a digital-only affair in 2014) seems aimed at the spiritual, and The Mosaic of Transformation suggests something more physical by including photos of Smith in its packaging, contorting herself into various poses that explore movement and the limits of her body. (Maybe she means to hint at the patch-cord gymnastics necessary to operate modular synths, plugging in and withdrawing cables to funnel electricity and sound in perfect sync.) But not all of Smith’s music reaches for empyrean heights: “A Kid,” from 2017’s The Kid, moves into beat-music territory, and on Mosaic, she exhibits some singer-songwriter tendencies. Those elements are just passing glances, though, moments that display Smith’s versatility as she continues to explore the nexus of woolgathering, sound, and movement. v

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith creates a mosaic of electricity on The Mosaic of TransformationDave Cantoron May 8, 2020 at 7:32 pm Read More »

Danzig Sings Elvis is a covers album we didn’t needLuca Cimarustion May 8, 2020 at 7:29 pm

For Glenn Danzig, the past 15 years have been especially weird. Starting with the infamous 2004 backstage TKO punch delivered by North Side Kings singer Danny Marianino, the Misfits mastermind–in his heyday one of the most enigmatic and distinctive vocalists in punk history–has been on a downward spiral of unintentional self-parody and apparent madness. Every bit of news about Danzig to emerge since then has been strange and hilarious: the onstage meltdowns, the viral shopping-for-cat-litter photo, the bizarre assortment of Looney Tunes collectibles and other pop-culture memorabilia left behind for whoever purchased his former Los Angeles home in 2018. And this spring we can finally bear witness to Danzig’s peak “OK boomer” moment: his brand-new collection of limp, half-hearted Elvis Presley covers, Sings Elvis. Did we need this? Did we want this? Absolutely not. But here we are. On paper, the idea makes sense. Part of what made Danzig so great–in the Misfits, in Samhain, and in his eponymous metal band–was his Presley-flavored croon. But Danzig no longer has those vocal chops. Even worse, he also lacks the energy he once possessed; he seems like he’s about to fall asleep on every single one of these 14 tracks. The strangest part of the whole affair might be the production choices. Danzig performs all the instruments himself, and they sound tiny and tired–they’re incredibly low in the mix, while his voice dominates everything. This is an incredibly confusing listening experience. I don’t think Danzig could’ve pulled off a set of Elvis covers in his late-70s prime, and he definitely can’t now. v

Danzig Sings Elvis is a covers album we didn’t needLuca Cimarustion May 8, 2020 at 7:29 pm Read More »

Chicago footwork master DJ Taye invokes the rapid pace of our changing times on Pyrot3kLeor Galilon May 8, 2020 at 7:22 pm

Pop music moves fast: new instructional-dance songs, new Drake songs, and new instructional-dance songs by Drake can bombard the zeitgeist one week and all but evaporate the next. Footwork, the lightning-fast Chicago-born house subgenre, is well suited to capture that frenetic pace. Young footwork master and Teklife member DJ Taye instinctively understands how to combine footwork’s adrenaline rush with the pop’s euphoric glee to build tracks with a distinctive energy. Last month he self-released Pyrot3k, the third entry in the Pyrotek mixtape series he launched in October. On the latest volume–also available in a deluxe version called Pyrot3k (SS)–he focuses on blissful melodies and antsy samples. On “Gang,” for example, he loops a snippet of JackBoys’ “Gang Gang” into a hypnotic koan at a speed that makes the original sound like it’s stuck in the mud. Several of Taye’s friends, including Teklife members DJ Earl and Heavee, join in on the fun, and I’m especially partial to his collaboration with Night Slugs label owner James Connolly, aka L-Vis 1990. On “Parade Float,” the two producers whimsically intertwine Morse code beeps and battering-ram gabber-style kick drum to manifest a cartoonish energy that seems to gather itself and balloon outward during the song’s tiny silences. v

Chicago footwork master DJ Taye invokes the rapid pace of our changing times on Pyrot3kLeor Galilon May 8, 2020 at 7:22 pm Read More »

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