What’s New

Conductor Mina Zikri leads the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago, Lira Ensemble, and the Northbrook Symphony into a vibrant, family-oriented performance seasonAyana Rollingon September 14, 2022 at 7:46 pm

If you’ve spent any time immersed in Chicago’s classical music scene, you know that one of its hardest working and visionary leaders is conductor Mina Zikri, the founder and music director of the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago, resident conductor of Chicago’s Lira Ensemble, and music director of the Northbrook Symphony.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, Zikri was in Germany in 1999 when he met then-Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Daniel Barenboim. Soon after, Zirki followed Barenboim to Chicago to work with him and attend the School of Music at DePaul University. The city has been his home base ever since, even as his career continues to take him around the world; each season he returns to Egypt as a guest conductor for the Cairo National Symphony, and he recently returned from a European tour as an assistant conductor with Barenboim’s West-Eastern Divan Orchestra.

In 2005, Zikri was exploring conducting and working on his Master’s degree in violin performance at DePaul, when he noticed that his peers were struggling to find stable employment in their field. That inspired him to start Oistrakh—taking the name of 20th century virtuoso Russian violinist David Oistrakh—and create new opportunities for musicians in the Chicago area. “This was a time when simply orchestras were closing and things were getting a bit hard for classical music,” he said. “The level of training of young musicians was getting very high, but the market couldn’t really take that many good musicians. A conductor is usually a leader, so I decided to start my own group and try to fund it one way or another out of sheer determination.”

At that point he met with Donald Casey, the Dean of DePaul’s University School of Music, to request some resources to help him get his orchestra off the ground. “In an unprecedented move, he actually approved it,” Zikri said. “For several years, in an unofficial capacity, we were basically performing and getting stage management help from the university.” 

Along with fostering emerging talent, Oistrakh seeks to revolutionize the experience between orchestra and audience, and enhance individual relationships with classical music. Zikri feels this is especially important in an era where society is facing unprecedented global challenges and the 24/7 news cycle has deepened divisions along political lines. “At this time there are so many political problems, economic problems, and environmental problems that people sometimes forget something very important about art; it’s something we can agree and disagree about without needing to fight. . .  it’s the one thing that separates us from being animals and it’s the one thing that can truly unify us.” He brings that perspective to his work with Lira Ensemble as well, which seeks to foster cultural exchange through the preservation of traditional Polish music, song, and dance. 

In step with their mission, Oistrakh creates concerts designed for audiences of all ages, often blending in popular genres and working with guest collaborators. They also take special care to center Chicago’s youngest generations of music fans, performing in Chicago schools, and offering week-long in-school instructional programming with Music Inspires! And parents and teachers take note: Oistrakh performances are at no charge for students.

That dedication to Chicago’s youth springs to life at the upcoming Oistrakh Symphony Fall Concert at DePaul’s Gannon Concert Hall on September 18, where Zikri will lead the orchestra in Mozart’s Symphony No. 30 in D Major K. 202 and Hayden’s Cello Concerto No. 2 in D major Hob. Vllb: 2, which will feature 16-year-old cellist Jan Vargas Nedvetsky as a guest soloist. And on October 16, Zikri will conduct the Northbrook Symphony as it kicks off its new season with a family concert titled “Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage” featuring Classical Kids Live!, which tells the story of Mozart and his son, Karl.

“If we’re going to focus on a young audience, we want to present a young musician from time to time as an example of how music can become more than just a profession, it could become a way of life.” Zikri says. “If I’m a high schooler or middle schooler, and I come to a concert where the soloist is 14 or 15, that will definitely have an impact on me; not necessarily that I’d want to become a musician, but seeing someone that focused and disciplined in a specialized field could open many channels in how I think about myself and what I want to do in the future.”

To get tickets to Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago Sept 18, 2022 , visit  http://www.oistrakhsymphony.org/

For tickets to Lira Ensemble Sept 14, 24, and 25, 2022, visit https://liraensemble.org/

For tickets to Northbrook Symphony October 16, 2022, visit https://www.northbrooksymphony.org/

This content sponsored by Jamie Ludwig at Chicago Reader

Read More

Conductor Mina Zikri leads the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago, Lira Ensemble, and the Northbrook Symphony into a vibrant, family-oriented performance seasonAyana Rollingon September 14, 2022 at 7:46 pm Read More »

Cookies, dancing, Louder Than a MomSalem Collo-Julin and Kerry Reidon September 14, 2022 at 7:08 pm

No war but Cookie War! This afternoon’s Garfield Ridge Farmer’s Market includes a special competition by neighborhood bakeries, including Weber’s, Pticek’s, Talerico-Martin, and Borinken, to see who can reign supreme with the best tasting sweet treat of the season. The market is hosted in the parking lot of the Mayfield Banquet Facility (6072 S. Archer), starting at 4 PM and running until 6 (although some of the farmer vendors stay out a little later). Hit the southwest side for a dash of sugar. (SCJ)

Did you know? The Reader is nonprofit. The Reader is member supported. You can help keep the Reader free for everyone—and get exclusive rewards—when you become a member. The Reader Revolution membership program is a sustainable way for you to support local, independent media.

Summer isn’t over yet, so there’s still time to shake what you got in the great outdoors. SummerDance closes out its season today 4:30-7:30 PM at the Museum of Science and Industry (just south of the parking lot off of the Science Drive exit from DuSable Lake Shore Drive). This free all-ages event offers dance lessons, followed by an all-out community dance party. No reservations required, but you can check for weather updates (and get ideas for more free events) at chicagoparkdistrict.com. (KR)

The realities of the last few years have turned a lot of us to be more considerate of our own mental health. But how does being more aware of your physical body connect with an overall sense of well being? Practicing mindfulness can help you manage stress and become more resilient, and tonight’s workshop Body Aware: Bringing the Body into Mental Health is designed to help us rediscover the mind-body connection and learn movement practices that can help both body and spirit. The workshop is led by licensed clinical professional counselor, author, and dance therapist Erica Hornthal. Registration is at Eventbrite for this online event, which starts at 7 PM. (SCJ)

Louder Than a Mom features both amateur and professional storytellers riffing on themes touching on true-life family experiences. Tonight’s event is also geared toward supporting reproductive rights as organizers will set aside time for reps from groups like A is For to talk shop. It all starts at 7:30 PM at Martyrs (3855 N. Lincoln). (SCJ)

Read More

Cookies, dancing, Louder Than a MomSalem Collo-Julin and Kerry Reidon September 14, 2022 at 7:08 pm Read More »

Get this week’s issue in print

Distribution map

The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week and distributed free to the 1,100 locations on this map (which can also be opened in a separate window or tab). Copies are available free of charge—while supplies last.

This week’s issue

The latest print issue is the issue of September 15, 2022, the Fall Theater & Arts Preview special issue. Distribution began this morning, Wednesday, September 14, and will continue through tomorrow night, Thursday, September 15.

Download a free PDF of the print issue.

Many Reader boxes including downtown and transit line locations will be restocked on the Wednesday following each issue date.

Never miss a copy! Paid print subscriptions are available for 12 issues, 26 issues, and for 52 issues from the Reader Store.

Chicago Reader 2022 print issue dates

The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week. Issues are dated Thursday. Distribution usually happens Wednesday morning through Thursday night of the issue date. Upcoming print issue dates through December 2022 are:

9/15/20229/29/202210/13/202210/27/202211/10/202211/24/202212/8/202212/22/2022

Download the full 2022 editorial calendar is here (PDF).

See our information page for advertising opportunities.

2023 print issue dates

The first print issue in 2023 will be published three weeks after the 12/22/2022 issue, the final issue of 2022. The print issue dates through March 2023 are:

1/12/20231/26/20232/9/20232/23/20233/9/20233/23/2023

Related


[PRESS RELEASE] Baim stepping down as Reader publisher end of 2022


Chicago Reader hires social justice reporter

Debbie-Marie Brown fills this position made possible by grant funding from the Field Foundation.


[PRESS RELEASE] Lawyers for Social Justice Reception

Benefitting The Reader Institute for Community Journalism,
Publisher of the Chicago Reader

Read More

Get this week’s issue in print Read More »

Mystery train

It is 2022 still, so . . . a nostalgic romp through a bygone era with a whodunit twist? Bring it! 

Ken Ludwig transformed Agatha Christie’s novel into a riveting stage text. This timeless mystery is an examination of the limits of a justice system, which may account for its eternal appeal. I will say no more about the plot, for what is a murder mystery without the intrigue? 

Murder on the Orient Express Through 10/23: Wed 1:30 PM, Thu 1:30 and 8 PM, Fri 8 PM, Sat 3 and 8 PM, Sun 2 and 6 PM, Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, 630-530-0111, drurylanetheatre.com, $69-$84 ($5 discount for seniors Wed and Thu matinees)

Did you know? The Reader is nonprofit. The Reader is member supported. You can help keep the Reader free for everyone—and get exclusive rewards—when you become a member. The Reader Revolution membership program is a sustainable way for you to support local, independent media.

Christie’s willingness to put Hercule Poirot through moral quandaries creates the real tension: Larry Yando’s Poirot reveals himself with every sigh and glance, showing Poirot’s weariness with the privileged upper-class shenanigans that unfold on board and his fascination with untangling the bewildering trail of clues left for him. Yet he is vulnerable to criticism and vain, as persnickety about details as he is witty in a pinch. Poirot is an observer and an outsider, a workaholic just trying to have a nice vacation, only to discover that his work is never done and drama pursues him wherever he goes. 

With the fortitude of a steam engine, the plot chugs briskly along under Jessica Fisch’s direction as the 11 actors stridently deliver punchlines with their plot twists, building tension amongst themselves and giving Poirot a run for his money. Standout performances include Janet Ulrich Brooks, playing Helen Hubbard, the officious midwesterner who speaks her mind and unapologetically demands her space, and Diana Coates, her opposite as a reserved Hungarian countess who beguiles Poirot with her unflappable assistance during the gory moments on the journey. Another impressive performance comes from Sean Blake (playing Monsieur Bouc) who captures the unctuous cordiality anyone who has ever worked in the travel industry is forced to epitomize.

Murder on the Orient Express is a classic mystery that conveys our hunger for justice and truth. Since those two commodities are never in great supply, it is unlikely this play will ever go out of fashion. All aboard for mystery and surprises.

Read More

Mystery train Read More »

Mystery trainKimzyn Campbellon September 14, 2022 at 6:19 pm

It is 2022 still, so . . . a nostalgic romp through a bygone era with a whodunit twist? Bring it! 

Ken Ludwig transformed Agatha Christie’s novel into a riveting stage text. This timeless mystery is an examination of the limits of a justice system, which may account for its eternal appeal. I will say no more about the plot, for what is a murder mystery without the intrigue? 

Murder on the Orient Express Through 10/23: Wed 1:30 PM, Thu 1:30 and 8 PM, Fri 8 PM, Sat 3 and 8 PM, Sun 2 and 6 PM, Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, 630-530-0111, drurylanetheatre.com, $69-$84 ($5 discount for seniors Wed and Thu matinees)

Did you know? The Reader is nonprofit. The Reader is member supported. You can help keep the Reader free for everyone—and get exclusive rewards—when you become a member. The Reader Revolution membership program is a sustainable way for you to support local, independent media.

Christie’s willingness to put Hercule Poirot through moral quandaries creates the real tension: Larry Yando’s Poirot reveals himself with every sigh and glance, showing Poirot’s weariness with the privileged upper-class shenanigans that unfold on board and his fascination with untangling the bewildering trail of clues left for him. Yet he is vulnerable to criticism and vain, as persnickety about details as he is witty in a pinch. Poirot is an observer and an outsider, a workaholic just trying to have a nice vacation, only to discover that his work is never done and drama pursues him wherever he goes. 

With the fortitude of a steam engine, the plot chugs briskly along under Jessica Fisch’s direction as the 11 actors stridently deliver punchlines with their plot twists, building tension amongst themselves and giving Poirot a run for his money. Standout performances include Janet Ulrich Brooks, playing Helen Hubbard, the officious midwesterner who speaks her mind and unapologetically demands her space, and Diana Coates, her opposite as a reserved Hungarian countess who beguiles Poirot with her unflappable assistance during the gory moments on the journey. Another impressive performance comes from Sean Blake (playing Monsieur Bouc) who captures the unctuous cordiality anyone who has ever worked in the travel industry is forced to epitomize.

Murder on the Orient Express is a classic mystery that conveys our hunger for justice and truth. Since those two commodities are never in great supply, it is unlikely this play will ever go out of fashion. All aboard for mystery and surprises.

Read More

Mystery trainKimzyn Campbellon September 14, 2022 at 6:19 pm Read More »

Get this week’s issue in printChicago Readeron September 14, 2022 at 6:34 pm

Distribution map

The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week and distributed free to the 1,100 locations on this map (which can also be opened in a separate window or tab). Copies are available free of charge—while supplies last.

This week’s issue

The latest print issue is the issue of September 15, 2022, the Fall Theater & Arts Preview special issue. Distribution began this morning, Wednesday, September 14, and will continue through tomorrow night, Thursday, September 15.

Download a free PDF of the print issue.

Many Reader boxes including downtown and transit line locations will be restocked on the Wednesday following each issue date.

Never miss a copy! Paid print subscriptions are available for 12 issues, 26 issues, and for 52 issues from the Reader Store.

Chicago Reader 2022 print issue dates

The Chicago Reader is published in print every other week. Issues are dated Thursday. Distribution usually happens Wednesday morning through Thursday night of the issue date. Upcoming print issue dates through December 2022 are:

9/15/20229/29/202210/13/202210/27/202211/10/202211/24/202212/8/202212/22/2022

Download the full 2022 editorial calendar is here (PDF).

See our information page for advertising opportunities.

2023 print issue dates

The first print issue in 2023 will be published three weeks after the 12/22/2022 issue, the final issue of 2022. The print issue dates through March 2023 are:

1/12/20231/26/20232/9/20232/23/20233/9/20233/23/2023

Related


[PRESS RELEASE] Baim stepping down as Reader publisher end of 2022


Chicago Reader hires social justice reporter

Debbie-Marie Brown fills this position made possible by grant funding from the Field Foundation.


[PRESS RELEASE] Lawyers for Social Justice Reception

Benefitting The Reader Institute for Community Journalism,
Publisher of the Chicago Reader

Read More

Get this week’s issue in printChicago Readeron September 14, 2022 at 6:34 pm Read More »

18 Best VR Porn Sites: Top Virtual Reality Porn of 2022

Everyone and their mother—well, definitely father—is familiar with standard 2D porn. But 3D porn? That’s where things get taken to the next level. With recent innovations in virtual reality (VR) technology, there is now an extensive range of VR porn that people love for its incredibly immersive experience.

Although this article will do a lot of describing of the VR experience, there’s really nothing like trying it for yourself! So, without further ado, let’s get to ranking the very best VR porn sites for your pervy pleasure.

Top 18 Virtual Reality Porn Sites of 2022

RankBrandBest For1.VR BangersBest overall2.VRConkBest for cosplay and parody3.BaDoink VRBest 5k content4.VirtualRealPornBest user experience5.KinkVRBest BDSM content6.SexLikeRealBest for livestream content7.PornHubVRBest free content8.NaughtyAmericaVRBest exclusive content9.StasyQ VRBest for softcore10.VRB GayBest gay VR content11.WetVRBest new site12.Dark Room VRBest for fantasy content13.18VRBest 18+ teen content14.Wankz VRBest for newbies15.MILF VRBest mature content16.Virtual TabooBest á la carte content17.VRCosplayXBest cosplay content18.VR LatinaBest Latina VR

1. VR Bangers

VR Bangers is a 100% VR-focused site and one of the first in the area, so it’s no surprise that they’re among the best. You’re also not likely to get tired of their content for two main reasons:

They have a huge variety of categories with numerous titles in each oneTheir content is frequently updated, with usually two or three new scenes per week at least

Plus, the newly added scenes are always super-high quality, even featuring some 6K-resolution videos. There’s also a nice blend of conventional one-on-one content as well as multiple-partner scenes. Adding to the overall excellent variety is a choice of 180- or 360-degree viewpoints.

Like most sites, you can opt for a monthly, yearly, or even lifetime package, with a standard price range compared to other VR sites.

One bonus is that you get access to a VR porn game no matter which tier you buy.

The only major downside applies to iPhone users—if you want to use your phone, you’ll be out of luck as the site is currently only Android-compatible right now.

Pros

Tons of categoriesA variety of perspectivesIncludes porn gamesBoth 1-on-1 and threesomes, etc.

Cons

Android-only compatibilityNot teledildonic supported

Compatible With

Oculus Rift/RiftSOculus GoOculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRHTC ViveGear VRMicrosoft MRDaydreamAndroidiOS

2. VRConk

VRConk is all about VR (virtual reality) porn and nothing else. Their niche is cosplay and parody videos, so if that’s your thing, you’re definitely in the right place.

You’re not likely to get tired of their site for two main reasons:

They have high-quality content that’s getting released weeklyThey have high production value, meaning top pornstars, unique locations, and major fantasy vibes (cosplay and parodies)

So long as you appreciate the niche that VRConk operates in (cosplay, parodies, fun content in general), you’ll likely feel like you get your money’s worth with them. 

After all, you’re getting all the best elements of VR porn (with the exception of teledildonics): up to 8k, downloadable, binaural audio, and compatible with just about everything (VR headsets and phone OS’s). 

If you’re up for commitment, you can get a free year when you sign up for a year with VR Conk. 

This is a solid deal as it then only comes out to about $8.33 per month. You could also go for a lifetime membership at $250 (by comparison, this would work out to about $10.50 a month for two years, then free for life).

Now let’s take a look at some of the many ways VRConk is an industry leader in its own right.

Pros

Tons of categoriesStreaming and downloading optionsWeekly updatesBinaural ASMR audio180 and 360 degree immersion

Cons

No teledildonicsLimited bundles

Compatible With

Quest Quest 2 GoRift SPSVRHTC Vive ProGear VRMicrosoft MR

3. BaDoink VR

BaDoink VR is another one of the premier VR porn sites, which makes sense as it’s one of the longest running. Some older content is in lower resolution, but all the new and recent uploads are 5K (or even higher).

BaDoink scores points for having one of the easiest sites to navigate, making it a breeze to make your way through their huge library of content. Making use of their sorting options, filters, and tags means that you can get to exactly what you want in no time—and hey, sometimes you’re trying to get in a quick sesh, let’s be honest.

Another big bonus is access to their other affiliated sites, like VRCosplayX, for example (a BDSM focused site). This really helps boost the overall value of your subscription.

When it comes to buying that subscription, however, you might need to spend a few minutes figuring out how you want to do it.

First, there’s only credit card or PayPal, so you’ll be out of luck if you were hoping to pay by Bitcoin or an alternative method.

Second, the pricing is a little weird—while you can get a 3-day trial for just $1 (cool, right?), you end up paying more if you actually sign up (ehh, actually kind of lame).

Pros

Mainly high-quality (5K) contentUser-friendly siteSister-site accessTons of exclusive content

Cons

Be careful when it comes to billingCredit card / PayPal only

Compatible With

Oculus Rift/RiftSOculus GoOculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRHTC ViveGear VRMicrosoft MRDaydreamCardboard

4. Virtual Real Porn

Virtual Real Porn is another one of the most user-friendly sites, which is always a big plus. They also have one of the largest libraries with over 400 scenes.

In addition to the usual array of categories, there are also some fetish ones like for foot fetish types—yeah, we’re looking at you, Quentin Tarantino.

You also won’t likely have to worry about your VR headset’s compatibility with Virtual Real Porn—the site supports Vive, Oculus, Gear VR, and all the most popular headsets.

There’s even a cool feature that remembers your preferred headset—so, tell them yours is Oculus and now they’ll only show Oculus-compatible content.

As with BaDoink VR, Virtual Real Porn wins major points for its user-friendly site. Since they store your settings, it’s extra easy to find videos that suit your preferences. Plus, movies come with a recommended viewing position, making things even easier.

For the moment, the content is largely 180-degree 4K videos, but they’re starting to expand to content with a wider field-of-view. This kind of innovation is promising as it means they’re committed to keeping up with the rest of the pack.

The biggest downside is that there’s no free trial option. Somewhat making up for this, though, is a relatively inexpensive 5-day trial. There’s also a streaming-only subscription that comes in at a cheaper price than the regular subscription that gives you access to all their scenes.

Pros

Super user-friendly sitePreferences are savedWorks with most of the popular headsetsOverall one of the best bang-for-your-buck sites (see what we did there?)

Cons

No free trial optionNo sister-site access

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

5. KinkVR

If you’re on the kinkier side—especially the more extreme kinky side—you can fully embrace it with KinkVR. The site is loaded with hardcore BDSM, and you’ll find some of the most popular porn stars in not only fetish porn but mainstream porn as well.

There are a huge number of categories, so you should be well covered no matter what your kink or kinks are. All the BDSM mainstays are here: bondage, master/slave, torture, etc.

Although the site has a much smaller content library than many sites reviewed here, every single video is exclusive, helping boost the overall value. And helping offset this smaller library is the addition of two new scenes per week, always shot in 4 or 5K.

Another big plus for KinkVR is its low pricing—monthly passes come in around ten bucks and a yearly membership means even more savings at less than $100.

As with all these sites, there’s one thing that holds back KinkVR from being truly excellent, and that is its slow download speeds, which can be a major boner-killer (literally).

Pros

Perfect for all you kink-lords (and queens) out thereTons of exclusive, super-extreme contentCheap compared to other sitesEmphasis on VR immersion

Cons

Smaller content librarySluggish downloading

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOS

6. SexLikeReal

SexLikeReal isn’t its own studio but an aggregator—that is, it compiles scenes from multiple studios.

On the plus side, this means that they have a huge variety of VR content. As you might expect, there are lots of categories and these are conveniently sortable by resolution, softcore/hardcore, teledildonic-supported, and other features.

This is also one of the few sites to feature livestreaming VR content, which is still somewhat of a rarity while the technology gains traction.

SexLikeReal also scores major points for its bevy of super-high-quality stuff, even up to 6K. For porn connoisseurs after more of a cinematic experience, they also have hour-long videos. And for the guy trying to squeeze one out before Econ 101, there are ten-minute scenes as well, so there’s really something for everyone and every situation with SexLikeReal.

Another perk of this aggregator is their flexibility in terms of accessing content. You can opt for pay-per-view or choose to subscribe. Although an expensive site relative to most, SexLikeReal does offer a lot of value.

Porn enthusiasts who might hanker for exclusive content will be a little disappointed in that respect. Many of their scenes can be had for cheaper elsewhere, but SexLikeReal does provide a convenient “one-stop-shop” for VR content.

Pros

Literally thousands of VR videosPay-per-view or subscriptionExtensive weekly updatesLivestreaming VR content

Cons

Quite pricy relative to other sitesMostly non-exclusive content

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboard

7. PornHubVR

Everyone knows PornHub as it’s the world’s largest and most name-dropped porn site. As you might expect, they’ve been working to stay up with the latest in VR offerings.

While VR was formerly an exclusive feature of their premium package, PornHub has since started offering free VR content. One drawback with these is that you’ll have ads unless you pony up the cash for the premium membership (the ads aren’t all that bad, though).

Unlike VR Bangers, PornHub works with both iOS and Android phones, making this a more accessible option. Plus, you can count on the same interface that you’re used to with the original PornHub.

Compared to an aggregator like SexLikeReal, however, or even other standard VR sites, Pornhub VR does lack in variety and overall number of videos. Plus, some viewers report perspective issues while streaming, so it’s probably best to take the time to download what you watch.

Pros

Fewer ads than many sitesGood selection of free contentBoth Android and iOS compatible

Cons

Weaker selection than many sitesOccasional perspective issues

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

8. NaughtyAmericaVR

NaughtyAmericaVR takes advantage of their status as one of the best studios out there to deliver high-quality VR content. For exclusive-hungry viewers, they have more than 400 exclusive scenes, with many of them coming in at over forty minutes!

In addition, their scenes—of which there are at least two new ones per week—are usually filmed with the biggest names in porn, like Aidra Fox and Adriana Chechik.

Plus, you get to appreciate them in either 4 or 5K, with all the newer content shot in 5K. Unfortunately, the high quality does come with a cost—slow download speeds. A nice feature that somewhat offsets this issue is the inclusion of high-res photos.

Another nice aspect of NaughtyAmericaVR is the ability to chip in extra money for access to seven sister sites (the caveat being you must purchase a twelve-month subscription). There’s also an impressive flexibility in how you can purchase your subscription, like using Bitcoin or even giving up unused gift cards!

Perhaps the most frustrating drawback to NaughtyAmericaVR is their site’s poor user friendliness. Finding your exact preference can take a while compared to other sites, but admittedly they help make up for it with such top-tier content.

Pros

Tons of 5K scenesThe biggest names in pornLots of VR categories and exclusive contentA number of payment options

Cons

Sluggish downloadingNot the most user-friendly site

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

9. StasyQ VR

StasyQ VR is a pleasant change of pace from the usual steady stream of hardcore videos. You can think of their site instead like a private strip club.

Not any strip club though—a very high-end one, as they only select the most gorgeous models.

Although you won’t get to see any intercourse, StasyQ VR offers a unique, more intimate experience. This is in large part thanks to the binaural sound they offer, which enhances the already-more-intimate feel of VR porn to begin with.

One downside, in addition to their relatively small library, is the fact that StasyQ costs about the same as regular hardcore VR sites. It’s more forgivable, though, when you consider their super-high production value.

Pros

A nice softcore optionStunning modelsElegant aestheticHigh-quality (binaural) sound

Cons

No intercourseSmall library

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboard

10. VRB Gay

There aren’t a ton of gay-only VR sites, so VRB Gay wins points for that alone. It’s also a sister site to VR Bangers, so it makes sense that the production quality is similarly elite.

Unfortunately, you can’t get a package for both VR Gay and VR Bangers, as you might expect, which might disappoint some bisexuals out there. Another downside is that the catalog is relatively small, with fewer than 100 videos.

Making up for this shortage in scenes, though, is an emphasis on extreme quality and content featuring some of the most notable models around.

Like its sister site, VR Bangers, VRB Gay is user friendly, with plenty of filters for quickly finding what you’re into. Another nice touch is the fact that videos are 2D-friendly, meaning you can still benefit from their high-quality content if you don’t happen to have your headset with you—and hey, who hasn’t gotten off away from home base?

Pros

Only super-high-quality contentVery user-friendly site

Cons

Small libraryNot teledildonic supported

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

11. WetVR

WetVR is from the Tiny4K studio, which made a name for itself with high-quality videos. You can thus expect the same insistence on high-res video from this site.

A downside of that, though, is that it may not be as suitable for people with weaker internet speeds or lack of storage for downloading video.

You might also be frustrated that there’s no video preview because you could end up downloading a video that you wouldn’t have if you had gotten a preview first. On the plus side, their download speeds tend to be good as long as your internet is.

All around though, WetVR offers super-high-quality content with household—well, maybe frat-household—names. Nothing is extreme hardcore, but it’s all tasteful and a must for anyone who loves to see their favorite porn stars slathered in oil.

Pros

Best newcomerStrong industry tiesGood download speeds

Cons

No video previews5K only

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

12. Dark Room VR

Dark Room VR offers a more authentic experience with their content. You won’t find all that many bleach-blonde actresses sporting fake smiles and moans.

Instead, Dark Room VR promises more realistic scenes with high production value. They also feature some of the most gorgeous European models.

Another big perk to Dark Room VR is their free previews, which allow you to make a better call on whether you want to shell out for a subscription. Plus, you can download and stream their videos at different resolutions, so if you’re having trouble with streaming or download speeds you can simply dial it down.

A high-quality site overall, two small downsides to Dark Room VR are its lack of crypto payment and relatively small library compared to other sites.

Pros

More realistic productions100% exclusive contentFree previewsDownload at different resolutions

Cons

No crypto paymentsSmaller library

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

13. 18VR

A sister site of BaDoink VR, 18VR offers similarly top-tier quality. This is a site to throw on your shortlist if you’re into nasty, slutty girls. There are lesbian, anal, threesome, even gangbang videos.

The quality is all POV, 5K, and featuring binaural audio plus a full 360-degree perspective. Even better, their videos work with almost all manner of VR headsets and toys.

One downside, as with other 5K-only sites, is that you may have issues if you’re experiencing slow internet speeds or lack a lot of space for higher-quality downloads.

Pros

Videos compatible with all VR devicesFree Google Cardboard includedOne free video download

Cons

Exclusively 5K videos

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

14. Wankz VR

Wankz VR is a great site for beginners as there is helpful content such as tutorials and a user community that provides useful feedback.

Wankz VR also wins points for its ease-of-use, especially on mobile. They also are on the forefront of innovation in terms of teledildonics, so you can enjoy nearly two hundred scenes synced up to your preferred sex toy.

While the site does accept a solid variety of payment options, the lifetime membership is quite costly compared to other sites. Plus, certain categories remain unavailable with the regular subscription options, which is honestly annoying.

Pros

Huge selectionRelatively low costFree previewsLots of teledildonic-supported scenes

Cons

Requires lifetime subscription to access sister sitesLifetime subscription is pricy

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRiOSAndroid

15. MILF VR

MILF VR is one of the top VR sites for mature content. If that’s your thing, you don’t really need to look any further.

It’s a premium site too in that it offers up to 8K resolution on select videos. There’s also a streaming option in case you’d rather stream than download.

Another nice feature is that you gain access to some fourteen other VR sites, which will help keep you busy should you want to venture away from all those MILFs.

One drawback of MILF VR is its library featuring a lot of remastered videos. Even though they’ve been “remastered,” the quality won’t quite be the same as with the more recentlyshot content.

Pros

Super-high-quality videosAccess to a bunch of VR sister sitesNearly 200 original videos

Cons

Many of the videos are older remastered onesSome of the actresses are rather young

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

16. Virtual Taboo

Virtual Taboo ranks among our top overall sites for its impressive quality and staying on the cusp of VR porn innovations like 7K resolution at 60fps, binaural audio, and 180-degree POVs.

All these features make Virtual Taboo among the most immersive experiences. It’s also very reasonably priced considering how high the overall value is.

One downside, however, is that your subscription is only good for content on the Virtual Taboo site. But while you won’t get other content, you’re likely to be satisfied with theirs given their consistent high-quality content and three weekly updates.

Pros

Super-high-quality videosFrequent updatesUnlimited streaming

Cons

No sister site-content

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

17. VRCosplayX

If you’re the kind of person who plans on going to Comic-Con every year, you’re probably going to appreciate what you’ll find at VRCosplayX. They really stick to their niche, so this site will only be for you if you’re into cosplay porn.

If so, you’re going to love the highly immersive VR experience that they deliver. As part of the BaDoink VR umbrella, you not only get access to BaDoink but can also count on the same high production value.

Unfortunately, VRCosplayX loses some points for maxing out at 5K, having a relatively small library, and the inability to save favorites—honestly, it seems like it would be such an easy feature to incorporate!

Pros

Free Google Cardboard includedAccess to BaDoink VRRelatively inexpensive

Cons

Maxes out at 5KLimited number of scenesCan’t save favorites

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

18. VR Latina

Last but not least, VR Latina offers some incredible Latinas like Veronica Leal, brought to life through the magic of VR. This site has high-quality 5K content as well, plus reasonable pricing.

The ability to purchase a single video for $2.99 as a tester before subscribing is a nice feature. In our humble opinion, more sites should offer free or inexpensive tester videos like this so would-be subscribers really know what they’re paying for.

Something that may detract from the experience is that the scenes tend to be in Spanish. So, if you don’t know Spanish and care about the dialogue, you’ll probably feel like you’re missing out. But hey, talk about a creative way to learn Spanish, right?

Another small downside is the relatively small library that VR Latina offers. Given that this is a niche site, though, it’s understandable.

Pros

High-quality 5K contentStunning Latina actressesReasonable pricing

Cons

Relatively small libraryMainly Spanish dialogue

Compatible With

Oculus Quest/Quest 2PSVRGear VRCardboardiOSAndroid

Our ranking criteria

Here are the criteria that we kept in mind for our reviews of these different VR porn sites, so it’s helpful for you to understand them.

Overall selection

You need to factor in quantity and quality of the site’s scenes.

Oftentimes sites charge around the same amount, but one might have only a tenth of the video library that the other has. The other site, however, might have ten times the production value.

So, it depends on what appeals to you most: quantity, or quality? Ideally, you can find a site that has both.

Compatibility

What VR device(s) do you have? Will it work with the content (or most of the content) on a given site? It’s best to do your research to ensure that your headset will be compatible and, while you’re at it, that your smartphone operating system will be as well.

Price

VR Porn is a premium experience and, as such, it carries a premium in terms of cost. There’s really no way of getting around it. That said, you can aim for sites that will bundle content with sister sites or opt for an aggregator to maximize the content you get.

Also, if you go with a lifetime subscription, you probably want to stick to well-established studios so you don’t end up losing out on money (and new content) down the road.

Resolution

VR quality is not necessarily the same quality as you get on your TV. It’s still a fairly new technology, after all (at least in its most current form).

4K is the new standard, with some sites offering up to 8K. This carries a premium, however, in terms of cost, so you’ll have to decide if it’s worth it to you.

Wrapping up

If you’re ready to enter the brave new world of VR porn, you’ll have a good head start with this guide. Don’t be afraid to take a little time before you invest your money into a subscription, particularly an annual or lifetime one.

Take account of the various factors above to ensure you settle on something that you’ll be plenty happy with. After all, why compromise that special alone time?

Either way, though, you’ll be in good shape with the high-quality offerings from these sites.

Read More

18 Best VR Porn Sites: Top Virtual Reality Porn of 2022 Read More »

15 Best Swinger Dating Sites To Find Local Swingers in 2022

Thanks to CNN, this weekend I went right from Lyric Opera’s season-opening production of Ernani—featuring Charles V of Spain—to the pomp and circumstance surrounding the launch of Charles III of England.

Castles, crowns, cannons—it was all of a piece.  

And that did something I hadn’t anticipated: it brought an evening of seldom-seen Verdi to life.  

ErnaniThrough 10/1: Fri 9/16 7 PM, Wed 9/21 2 PM, Sun 9/25 2 PM, and Sat 10/1 7:30 PM, Lyric Opera, 20 W. Wacker; lyricopera.org, 312-827-5600, $40-$330

As we’ve had occasion to note before, sometimes, when things are rarely seen, there’s a reason. In this case, following Lyric’s relatively new music director Enrique Mazzola (in his second season) down the rabbit hole of all things early Verdi takes us to an opera plot so blatantly melodramatic it had some in the audience snickering when they should have been shocked.

Did you know? The Reader is nonprofit. The Reader is member supported. You can help keep the Reader free for everyone—and get exclusive rewards—when you become a member. The Reader Revolution membership program is a sustainable way for you to support local, independent media.

This is the dreaded territory of unintentional humor. Victor Hugo, who wrote the play that inspired Ernani, couldn’t disassociate himself fast enough.

Laughable fealty to irrelevant codes of honor? Yes. Unbelievable reversals? Yes. A king so smitten he risks an empire just to get into the pants of his (seemingly pretty ordinary but off-limits) object of desire? Yes!

We should no doubt cut Verdi and his librettist, Francesco Maria Piave, some slack; this 1844 opera was their first collaboration. They might not even be responsible for the pop-up ghost. But the story is so ludicrous, they might as well have had their King Charles imagining life as a tampon.

Who would believe it?

There’s no chemistry in this stand-and-sing production, directed by Louisa Muller. But there’s some fine singing of a difficult bel canto score, especially by tenor Russell Thomas as the title character, and two familiar alumni of Lyric’s Ryan Opera Center: baritone Quinn Kelsey as the king, and bass-baritone Christian Van Horn as a villainous uncle. All three aspire to bed, er, wed, the woman in question, Elvira, who’s powerfully, if not always sweetly, sung by soprano Tamara Wilson. The Lyric Opera chorus looks as good as it sounds in sumptuous costumes by production designer Scott Marr, and the excellent Lyric Opera orchestra is conducted by Mazzola.

Thank you Brits! Long live the King! (And if you’re leaving a bouquet in honor of your “late sovereign of happy memory,” as I heard it put this morning, please remove the wrapper. Flowers are beautiful; wrappers are trash. Critics can’t stop noticing.)

Read More

15 Best Swinger Dating Sites To Find Local Swingers in 2022 Read More »

Reunited dance group Ten City help make the Chicago House Music Festival a don’t-miss event

Did you know? The Reader is nonprofit. The Reader is member supported. You can help keep the Reader free for everyone—and get exclusive rewards—when you become a member. The Reader Revolution membership program is a sustainable way for you to support local, independent media.

Ten City’s fifth album, 2021’s Judgement (Ultra), was a long time in the making—and not just because the crucial Chicago house group’s previous album, That Was Then, This Is Now, came out 27 years earlier. The origins of Judgement arguably go even further back than 1986, when Ten City producer Marshall Jefferson issued the foundational house single “Move Your Body” through Trax Records. Three years before that, future Ultra Records founder Patrick Moxey had moved to town to attend the University of Chicago, where he helped Ken Wissoker launch WHPK’s first hip-hop show, started a magazine at the station (for which he interviewed the likes of Big Black), and booked occasional gigs, including one with house trio Fingers Inc. Moxey also sharpened his DJ skills under the tutelage of Joe Smooth, spun at Smart Bar, and hung out at Medusa’s and other house hot spots. Moxey moved to New York City in the late 1980s, where he became an industry player—in the years since he founded Ultra in 1996, the label has worked with EDM stars such as Calvin Harris, Kaskade, Deadmau5, and Steve Aoki—but before he left, he met Marshall Jefferson. A few years ago, after Jefferson reconnected with Ten City vocalist Byron Stingily, Moxey and Ultra label exec David Waxman reached out about releasing new Ten City music.

This version of Ten City is different, of course, not least because it’s missing a key member of the band’s classic lineup, guitarist and backup vocalist Herb Lawson. But the DNA of their music hasn’t changed. On Judgement, the new duo version refine their soulful resplendence and maintain their fidelity to addictive rhythms—their beats work subtly, but they draw you in as powerfully as a colossal horseshoe magnet that Wile E. Coyote might order from Acme. The album feels both contemporary and familiar, in part because it includes reworked material from the late 80s: two new remixes of the 1987 single “Devotion” and a sharpened update of 1989’s chart-topping “That’s the Way Love Is.” Stingily’s otherworldly falsetto has gotten slightly raspy with age, which lends an alluring new earthiness to the group’s sleek style. Ten City surely won’t let another 27 years pass between albums, since they’ve already released more music—this summer they dropped the light disco number “A Girl Named Phil.”

Ten City Part of the Chicago House Music Festival and Conference, which runs from Thu 9/15 through Sun 9/18. Patrick Moxey will be interviewed on Thu 9/15 at 8:30 PM at the Logan Center for the Arts. On Fri 9/16, Ten City headline; the bill also includes Josh Milan and his band and a celebration of Robert Williams and the Chosen Few DJs. 5:30 PM, Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph, free, all ages

Read More

Reunited dance group Ten City help make the Chicago House Music Festival a don’t-miss event Read More »

Monster mash-up

The Chicago Children’s Theatre’s 18th season kicks off with Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster!, an innovative production from the Emmy Award-winning multimedia performance collective, Manual Cinema. 

Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster Through 10/16: Sat-Sun 9:30 and 11:30 AM, Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine, 312-374-8835, chicagochildrenstheatre.org, $25-$36

Did you know? The Reader is nonprofit. The Reader is member supported. You can help keep the Reader free for everyone—and get exclusive rewards—when you become a member. The Reader Revolution membership program is a sustainable way for you to support local, independent media.

Based on two books by children’s author Mo Willems, Leonardo! follows a young monster who is woefully terrible at being a monster. Despite his best efforts, he’s simply too adorable to scare anyone. But when he finds the opportunity to scare Sam, the “most scaredy-cat kid in the world,” Leonardo learns an equally heartening and humorous lesson about finding his voice, the power of friendship, and using his strengths for good. The story was adapted for the stage by Manual Cinema codirectors Sarah Fornace (who also directs the show) and Drew Dir. (The third Manual Cinema codirector, Ben Kauffman, created the music, lyrics, and sound design with Kyle Vegter).

As the production company’s name suggests, the show’s four-person cast executes the story as a DIY film, projected onto a screen set above the stage. Each performer helps bring Leonardo’s story to life using a carefully thought-out fusion of lively puppetry, intricate paper cutouts, and amusing character work, complete with playful costumes and Kauffman and Vegter’s live music. While the story is well-suited for young children (the company recommends it for ages 2-11), audiences of all ages can appreciate Manuel Cinema’s immersive visuals and impressive technical setup that seamlessly blends the stage and screen.

Read More

Monster mash-up Read More »