What’s New

Brooklyn is so closely associated with the American cultural zeitgeist of the early 2000s that it’s easy to forget how newly “cool” the borough was at the time. During Oneida’s late-90s infancy, the freak rockers would be met with bemusement when they told music journalists they were from Brooklyn. “People would laugh—Brooklyn was not hip,” says Oneida drummer Kid Millions. Fast forward a couple decades, and the bandmates have largely been priced out of the neighborhood, just like fellow longtime residents and starving-artist types in similarly hip locales around the country. The cost-of-living problem is exacerbated because some have started families: Millions is raising his kiddos in the Woodhaven area of the Bronx (“near a park with trees!”), while keyboardist Fat Bobby has relocated to Boston. For several years now, any time the band has reconvened has been an event worth celebrating. The current lineup consists of Millions (who also leads Man Forever and has played with Royal Trux, Spiritualized, and the Boredoms) and Fat Bobby (also of Oneida side project People of the North) as well as guitarists Hanoi Jane (of postpunkers New Pope) and Shahin Motia (formerly of Ex Models, currently of Knyfe Hyts) and synth player Barry London (you must hear his old project Jäh Division).

Millions describes Oneida’s brand-new album, Success (Joyful Noise), as having a bit more “straight-ahead” rock sound than previous material, name-checking Jonathan Richman, the Velvet Underground, and the guitar pop associated with New Zealand’s Flying Nun label. All those influences can be heard on lead cut “Beat Me to the Punch,” but in true Oneida fashion, it turns a simple, shambly riff reminiscent of the Clean or the Chills into something sinister—the tune erupts into blasted-and-wasted howls of feedback, a la the Velvets’ “I Heard Her Call My Name.” I also hear traces of New Zealand in the catchy “I Want to Hold Your Electric Hand,” the abrasive, churning “Rotten,” and the fuzzed-out “Opportunities.” The long-form “Low Tide” grows more manic and cacophonous as it unfolds (with a touch of Joy Division and maybe some Daydream Nation-era Sonic Youth), then gives way to Fat Bobby’s signature key pulses. “Paralysed” and “Solid” conjure the Oneida of yore, channeling the metronomic Krautrock pulse pioneered by Faust and Can; they add expansive synth textures and guitar squeals, and the latter ramps up the aggression with snarly multitracked vocals and pure rockist triumph.

Oneida’s Success is available through Bandcamp.

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Last year Chicagoland multi-instrumentalist Eric Reyes broke out in emo and pop-punk circles with his debut as Snow Ellet, the EP Suburban Indie Rock Star. It injects the sugar rush of pop punk and emo into crisp, straightforward power-pop hooks, a balanced approach that lets fans indulge their sweet tooth without getting cavities. After the release of Suburban Indie Rock Star, Reyes mixed Kirby Grip’s November 2021 album, Portrait of Bliss, where the local four-piece shifted gears into rocket-engine ambience. That sound has bled into Reyes’s work, judging from Snow Ellet’s June EP, Glory Days (self-released under license to Wax Bodega): though its sounds stay grounded in intimate, earthly concerns, they also sparkle with space rock’s larger-than-life euphoria. Reyes’s blastoff guitars supersize the quotidian emotions around romantic missed connections and twentysomething nostalgia for teenhood until they feel as big as a starlit sky. On “Can’t Hear the Phone,” Reyes’s cross-stitched guitars and sharp, plaintive vocals convey an itchy, queasy lovesickness that’s amped up by dreamy synth melodies and brittle electronic percussion—this sleek song can trigger Proustian recollections of that particular teenage feeling where you’re convinced you’re not from the same planet as all these other people.

Snow Ellet Ogbert the Nerd headlines; Arcadia Grey, Snow Ellet, and Superkick open. Thu 8/25, 8 PM, Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, $12, 17+

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Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky riffs on the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty, and interviews politicians, activists, journalists and other political know-it-alls. Presented by the Chicago Reader, the show is available by 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays at chicagoreader.com/joravsky—or wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t miss Oh, What a Week!–the Friday feature in which Ben & producer Dennis (aka, Dr. D.) review the week’s top stories. Also, bonus interviews drop on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. 

Chicago Reader podcasts are recorded on Shure microphones. Learn more at Shure.com.

Chicago Reader senior writer Ben Joravsky discusses the day’s stories with his celebrated humor, insight, and honesty on The Ben Joravsky Show.

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Chicago’s Central Camera is a great example of a small business that has persevered through multiple challenges–check out contributor Zinya Salfiti’s cover story in our latest issue to read more. And if you’re inspired to seek out more local legacy businesses, go no further than roughly a mile north to Atlas Stationers, who celebrate their 83rd year in business this year. A stationery store is a rarity these days, and Atlas keeps their inventory stocked with fountain pens, fancy journals, and other items that make the writing life more luxurious. Atlas Stationers is hosting their 35th annual sidewalk sale today and tomorrow from 9 AM-4 PM, with plenty of specials on pens and inks that you can’t find at big box office supply stores. It’s all at 227 W. Lake (near Franklin), so stop by and stock up.

Grown Folks Stories hosts a special edition of their two hour “gathering of nonprofessional, unrehearsed storytellers” tonight at the Smart Home, a new private event space located within the Museum of Science and Industry campus (5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive). Expect real stories from real adults–the sad, the hilarious, the slightly uncomfortable, and the ridiculous—all can be heard on a Grown Folks Stories night. Food and drink will be available for purchase from the museum’s cafe, and complimentary beer samples from Funkytown Brewery will be on tap, so this evening is for those 21 and over only (natch). Doors open and sign-up starts at 6 PM, with the show following at 7.

Reader contributor Ayana Contreras writes about the legendary Chicago arranger and composer Charles Stepney for our latest issue; read all about him here and check out tonight’s event at Pritzker Pavilion (201 E. Randolph) for more. Charles Stepney: Out of the Shadows will feature Rotary Connection 222, a large ensemble led bassist Junius Paul, who will perform songs from Stepney’s vast catalog. Damon Locks and Black Monument Ensemble open. The music starts at 6:30 PM, and the event is free and open to all ages.

Gossip Wolf reminded us this week that musician and memoirist Ava Cherry will visit Gman Tavern (3740 N. Clark) tonight to celebrate the release of her new book All That Glitters, which tells the story of her journey from collaborating with David Bowie, singing backup for Luther Vandross, and making music of her own all along the way. Reader contributor Aaron Cohen will discuss the book with Cherry. Entry is $10 at the door and the venue is open to those 21 and older. The talk starts at 7:30 PM.

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The city’s SummerDance series is well under way, and today’s fusion of live music, dance instruction, and outdoor activities takes place in Englewood’s Ogden Park (6500 S. Racine). The fun starts at 4:30 PM with a free poster and printmaking station run by the Hyde Park Art Center’s Youth Board 0f Artists (a group of teens well-versed in art making who will show you how to make your own prints), and a short dance performance by Quimaya “Maya Unique” Sewell (a recent grant recipient from the Englewood Arts Collective, who helped to coordinate today’s activities). At 5:30 PM, the Majestic Gents offer a workshop in Chicago-style stepping, followed by open dancing at 6, with music provided by DJ Myron. The entire day is hosted by Englewood Arts Collective cofounder Rob Smooth. It’s free to attend and open to all ages. (SCJ)

Dancers at an event hosted by Majestic Gents

There’s only a few more sessions of Veggie Bingo left for this summer: the popular weekly event at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) starts at 6 PM each Wednesday night through 8/31. Veggie Bingo benefits a variety of Chicago community gardens under the umbrella of the local nonprofit NeighborSpace, and that benefits a variety of Chicago community gardens under the umbrella of the local nonprofit NeighborSpace, and bingo winners have a chance to receive a bounty fresh produce and locally made food products. Advance tickets are $10, and guarantee you entry to the event plus one bingo card; additional cards are available for purchase, and the bar is open for libations. More information is available at the Hideout’s website, and doors open at 5:30 PM. (SCJ)

If you’re looking to take advantage of the nice weather and get your motor running, ride over to Montrose Saloon (2933 W. Montrose) tonight as they host Pints and Pistons, a sidewalk motorcycle show and gathering, happening from 6-10 PM. Compare notes with fellow bike enthusiasts and enjoy food trucks, beverages from the bar, and live music in this get together co-organized by Motoblot. Go to Motoblot’s Facebook page for more information. (SCJ)

Access Living, Women’s Justice Institute, and the Chicago Community Bond Fund have partnered to present a screening of the film Any Given Day tonight at 6:30 PM at Lacuna Lofts (2150 S. Canalport). The documentary looks at the criminalization of mental illness by following three incarcerated people navigating Cook County’s Mental Health Court. How do they rebuild their lives after prison? After the screening, a panel discussion featuring members from each organization will talk about the harm that can happen when punishment is used as a substitute for mental health care. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and light refreshments will be provided. Masks are required. This is a free event, and registration is encouraged at Eventbrite. (MC)

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As the national conversation around police reform has gained momentum, the general public is slowly being introduced to the massive shortcomings of the criminal justice system. The intent of the system has never truly been to rehabilitate, and that is no more acutely apparent than when incarceration intersects with folks struggling with mental illness. Filmmaker Margaret Byrne’s new documentary Any Given Day aims to shine a spotlight on this overlooked and vulnerable population. 

Produced by Beti Films, Any Given Day follows the story of three Chicagoans struggling to succeed despite mental health challenges. As the blunt instrument of the carceral system is used as an ineffective proxy for mental health care, their troubles are compounded. 

Byrne gives a short overview of the people at the center of the film—Angela, Daniel, and Dimitar, whom she observed over eight months—and shares a little bit about each of their journeys.

“Angela is a single mother of four children, two adult children and two minor children . . . Her journey is about getting custody of her son back while trying to manage life after being incarcerated.” Byrne muses, “I think that’s something me and Angela very much have in common as single moms—when you fall apart, everything else falls apart. You are essential to the well-being of other people. I think we learned that we have to take care of ourselves. And it’s a simple lesson, but it’s also a very difficult lesson, I think, for a lot of people.”

She continues, “Daniel was homeless for years. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia in Cook County. He’s in his early 30s. And it was through the mental health court program that he got into a program that NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) runs called the Moving On Program, where you can move from a residential home into an independent apartment. And then the question is, are you getting the right services to be able to maintain your first apartment?”

She goes on to describe the third person in the film. “Dimitar immigrated here from Bulgaria as a child. He also went to UIC and graduated with a degree from UIC in anthropology. It was the summer after his graduation that he had his first manic episode. He didn’t end up getting arrested until a couple years later, and that’s what led him to the mental health court. His mom, Gina, is really central to his stability, because she’s his caregiver. And so it’s also about the toll this takes on people that care for those that are struggling with their mental illness and are in crisis.”

Filming the story of any vulnerable population requires a level of sensitivity, and Byrne took care to try to respect their stories. Byrne reflects, “You know, there are definitely times where I’d show up with the camera and not film, because it just wasn’t a good time.” Garnering that level of intimate access took time and trust, leading Byrne closer; it blurred the traditional sharply defined line between filmmaker and subject. Byrne says, “I mean, I think, for me, personally, documentary filmmaking is all about building strong relationships, particularly if you are setting out to tell somebody’s story, and they’re in a vulnerable position. And, you know, we had a lot of conversations, we spent a lot of time together, in so many ways I became their advocate.”

That necessary closeness meant that Byrne was also forced to look inward at her own personal mental health struggles. During the course of the film, the subject matter triggered her own mental health crisis, and she had to decide whether or not to include herself in the story or not. Byrne shares, “It became relevant, you know. It really became about all of us, and my intention in telling their stories was to help destigmatize mental illness. And so I felt that if I didn’t include something of myself, and my own history of mental illness, that it wouldn’t be honest, and it wouldn’t be doing the work. I worked with a wonderful editor, Liz Kaar, who really helped to direct those parts of the film and make all that make sense.”

When asked how anyone can support those struggling with mental health, and how we can strengthen the fabric of our communities, Byrne says, “I think the film shows that little things make a huge difference, you know, just to pick up the phone for somebody, even though you’re tired—I’m going to show up for this person. And that’s a decision you have to make for yourself, but I think you just can’t look away from the things that are difficult and challenging, because that’s how people slip into crises. I think when you isolate, when you’re not in contact with other people—and I think that’s another lesson in the film is that being connected to other people really is important for everybody’s mental health.”

Though the film highlights the lack of resources for mental health, there are also some lifelines for those in crisis. In July the 988 health crisis number launched nationwide, a connection to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. When the number is dialed, instead of dialing the police, callers will be connected to trained mental health counselors at the NAMI chapter in Chicago. Additionally, NAMI offers a helpline for those seeking support and resources, including housing and legal help. NAMI can be reached at 833-626-4244.

Any Given Day will air on Thursday, September 8, at 7 PM on America Reframed on the WORLD channel. A free streaming window will be activated September 8-22 at worldchannel.org/episode/america-reframed-any-given-day/

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Chicago restaurateur and nationally recognized wine expert Aldo Zaninotto is ushering in a new era for his beloved neighborhood hospitality programs, bringing together his three wine-focused concepts — Osteria Langhe, Testaccio and Soif Wine Lounge — under one overarching group with potential for further expansion with the creation of A to Z Hospitality.

The group’s current restaurants reflect Aldo’s two decades plus of experience in the international wine business. His first restaurant, Piemonte-focused Osteria Langhe (15 Best Italian Restaurants in the US 2021, Fodor’s Travel; Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2016 – 2022), opened in the buzzing Logan Square neighborhood in 2014. Following its success, Aldo set his sights on his next restaurant right as the pandemic began to surge across the country. Undeterred, he was able to launch Roman-style Testaccio (2021 MICHELIN Plates Recipient; Best New Restaurants 2022, Chicago Magazine) in the summer of 2020 and later the subterranean Parisian-inspired Soif Wine Lounge located below Testaccio in 2021.

Image Credit: Rachel Bires

About Aldo

As Aldo continued to grow his portfolio of restaurants in the Chicago market, the group became a family affair with both of his children stepping into primary roles within the business. His daughter Ariana Zaninotto, 25, worked as general manager of Testaccio before working her way up to restaurant director overseeing all three concepts while his son Alec Zaninotto, 23, is capitalizing on his love of music and experience as a local DJ (Ace Hotel, Blind Barber, Fox Bar at Soho House) to become the Booking Coordinator for the DJ program at Soif along with working the floor and engaging with guests throughout the night.

Now in 2022, Aldo and the team are excited to announce the appointment of Culinary Director Michael Lanzerotte, who will be overseeing all three A to Z Hospitality concepts for this exciting new chapter of the family-owned and operated collective. Keep scrolling to learn more about Chef Michael and the new culinary direction for the group.

Image Credit: A to Z Hospitality

About Michael

A Midwest native, Michael cut his teeth at local Chicago spots like the Mediterranean shared plates concept Bistro 750 in Lakeview, Lincoln Park’s chef-driven gastropub White Oak Tavern, and West Loop’s comfort food spot Saint Lou’s Assembly and adjacent cocktail bar MONEYGUN. Now, Michael is taking the reins at these three beloved Logan Square spots, pulling from his years of experience to develop seasonal dishes rooted in Italian pasta culture and European culinary traditions.

Michael’s new menu at Testaccio has already rolled out, highlighting the emphasis on fresh pasta creation with dishes like the Sfoglia Lorda all Campidanese, a mini ravioli with house-made sausage, Parmigiano Reggiano and fennel pollen, and the summer ingredient driven Cappelletti di Mais Dolce with local sweet corn, creamy crescenza cheese, fresh basil, and Calabrian chili oil. Refreshed menus at Osteria Langhe and Soif are also in progress, with new specials, activations, and events on the horizon as we enter the harvest season.

“I’m incredibly excited for what fall will bring this year,” says Michael. “I have some ideas up my sleeve for truffle and mushroom seasons at Osteria Langhe, which are some of the most celebrated ingredients in Piemonte. It’s such a community affair there, and I’m looking forward to bringing that energy to Logan Square.”

As for the future of A to Z Hospitality, Aldo is always thinking about the next project. “There are other amazing food and wine regions in Italy I have not yet had a chance to showcase to Chicago that I would love to bring to life down the line,” says Aldo. “For example, Tre Venezie in Northeast Italy is an amazing area that pulls influence from surrounding countries like Slovenia and Austria in its wine culture and cuisine. I think a concept based on that could be a great addition to the regional restaurants we have chose to specialize in.”

Featured Image: Testaccio

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Dive below the surface with a trip to Chicago’s own Shedd Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums! Explore the other-worldly beauty of fish, amphibians, and other aquatic species who make their homes in waters around the world. See through the eyes of a stingray in the Caribbean Reef or wave to a dolphin below the oceanarium. You can explore the stunning diversity of aquatic life by visiting these must-see exhibits within Shedd Aquarium.

Caribbean Reef

As you enter the aquarium, a vast array of colorful marine species greets you. A giant circular tank in the center of the room contains a variety of corals, jellyfish, sharks, stingrays, and other fish. Walk around the entire circumference of the tank to grasp the enormous variance between the species which inhabit a Caribbean reef.

Abbott Oceanarium

This exhibit highlights the spectacular coastal ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest. Giant tanks filled with energetic beluga whales, dolphins, and sea otters create an interactive element as you may get splashed by a playful friend! Other parts of the exhibit feature relaxed sea lions and penguins waddling among rocks. 

Underwater Beauty

Underwater Beauty is the aquarium’s newest exhibit. With over 100 species to observe, the display prompts its guests to ask, “What is beauty?” Gaze upon fish representing the colors of the rainbow or see how many different patterns you can find (the spotted lagoon jellyfish is a favorite). Not able to make it to the aquarium? Catch a live stream of the Underwater Beauty exhibit on the aquarium’s website.

Wild Reef

With over 400,000 gallons of water and 540 species, the Wild Reef tank is filled with color and motion everywhere you look. Sharks, stingrays, and eels peacefully wade through the vibrant waters. The largest public display of live corals in the Midwest, the Wild Reef exhibit also gives a peek into Shedd’s work in restoring coral reefs worldwide.

Amazon Rising

When the Amazon experiences flooding each year, the whole forest transforms into a new kind of ecosystem. Learn how tiger rays and catfish swim amongst the trees and how emerald tree boas track down their next meal. Explore the ever-changing world of anacondas, spiders, poisonous dart frogs, and crocodiles in the wild forests of the Amazon.

Waters of the World

The Waters of the World exhibit features the unique ecosystems of islands, rivers, the Great Lakes, and oceans. Discover the immense variety of aquatic life and the waters that sustain them. From alligators and turtles to seahorses and bass, in this exhibit, the fish native to the Great Lakes have just stepped away from an octopus native to the Pacific ocean.

Featured Image: Shedd Aquarium

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After a two-year hiatus, the Chicago Air and Water Show, a beloved Chicago tradition for decades, returns to the city’s lakefront on August 20 and 21. Established in 1959 and one of the largest free admission events of its kind, headliners of the 2022 show include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, who are dedicating their performances to the memory of Rudy Malnati, Jr.

With the thrill and excitement of vintage and modern aircraft soaring overhead, the event organizers, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), want to offer the millions of expected visitors a few small tips to help everyone enjoy the show. 

Where to Watch

The prime viewing location for the Chicago Air and Water Show is on the lakefront from Oak Street to Fullerton Avenue, with the show’s focal point being North Avenue Beach. The lakefront will be open to the public beginning at 6 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

While on the beach, show organizers remind visitors that normal beach security rules will apply. Bags and coolers will be subject to search, and alcohol and dogs are prohibited on the beach.

Refreshment options will be plentiful, with food vendors located up and down the lakefront, along with plenty of restroom facilities, including in the North Avenue Beach House and portable facilities scattered throughout the primary viewing area. The show is also accessible, with more information available here. You can also register here for audio descriptions on both days of the event.

Image Credit: DCASE

Parking and Transportation

The best way to get to the show is by using public transportation. Extended routes and additional buses and trains will be added to the Chicago Transit Authority’s schedule to accommodate the expected 2 million event spectators. If traveling by car, be aware that there is no parking available at the beach and there is limited parking available at Lincoln Park Zoo. Parking is also available at Millennium Garages, which will offer a pre-purchase discount and free shuttles to North Avenue Beach. Information on Millennium Garages can be found at www.millenniumgarages.com.

Taxis and rideshares are also convenient modes of transportation, but to avoid traffic congestion, it is recommended to be dropped off away from the entrance to North Avenue Beach and walk in.

Rail Service Information

Spectators who wish to avoid street traffic altogether can reach the Air and Water Show on Red Line trains from subway stations at Chicago/State or Clark/Division, which are within walking distance of the beach.

Customers who take the Pink, Orange and Green lines can ride downtown and transfer to the Red Line at State/Lake. Customers can also transfer from the Red Line at North/Clybourn, the Blue Line at Damen or the Brown Line at Sedgwick to connect to #72 North Avenue buses that will supplement regular service along North Avenue from California to Clark.

CTA customer assistants will be on hand at all downtown rail stations to assist customers with fare and travel information, and customers are advised to allow extra travel time.

Bus Service Information

On both days, supplemental bus service will be provided on the #72 North Avenue and #151 Sheridan routes, which operate close to all the activities. To avoid traffic congestion near the North Avenue Beach area, #72 buses only will travel as far east as North Avenue and Clark. Buses on the #145 Wilson/Michigan Express, #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express, and #147 Outer Drive Express routes operate to Michigan and Delaware and are within walking distance of the beach.  Customers can also take the #22 Clark or #36 Broadway routes to North and Clark, within walking distance of North Avenue Beach.

Customers disembarking at Metra’s Union Station or Millennium Park Station can board #151 buses to Oak Street and North Avenue beaches. The #151 buses also are within walking distance of the Ogilvie Transportation Center and the LaSalle Street Metra station.

Image Credit: DCASE

What to Bring

Spectators are encouraged to bring a hat, binoculars, chairs, plenty of sunscreen and earplugs, especially for children and those who have hearing sensitivities due to heightened noise levels from the low-flying, supersonic stunt aircraft. Chicago beaches can also be quite hot, so a personal cooler with water and ice is also recommended.

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited on show grounds at North Avenue Beach: BBQ grills (open flames), drones (personal or commercial), alcohol, fireworks or explosives, illegal substances or weapons, pop-up tents or canopies, helium balloons, kites, flag poles, and all pets, excluding service animals. 

Image Credit: DCASE

Tune In For The Show

Herb Hunter, the long-time official announcer of the Chicago Air and Water Show, returns to the booth this year and his commentary can be heard from Oak Street Beach to Fullerton Beach. In addition, WBBM Newsradio 780 / 105.9 will broadcast the show live Saturday and Sunday, on both the radio and the free Audacy app. 

Civilian performers at the 2022 show include Susan Dacy, Bill Stein, Kevin Coleman, Rob Holland, Triple Time Team, The Chicago Fire Department Air/Sea Rescue, and the Chicago Police Department helicopter. For the first time, the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight and U.S. Navy Legacy Flights will be presented in the same Air and Water Show; a rare event for any air show. The U.S. Navy has provided an additional F-35C Legacy II to its Legacy Flight to incorporate a “Missing Man” dedication to Rudy Malnati Jr. Malnati served as the show’s “Air Boss” for more than 30 years, and sadly passed away in December.

Organizers & Sponsors

The Chicago Air and Water Show is presented by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and is supported by The Boeing Company, ABC 7 Chicago, WBBM Newsradio, Chicago Transit Authority, E & J Gallo Winery, Goose Island Beer Company and Millennium Garages.

For more information on the Chicago Air and Water Show, visit chicagoairandwatershow.us. Join the conversation on Facebook (Chicago Air and Water Show) and follow DCASE on Twitter and Instagram @ChicagoDCASE (#ChiAirandWater).

Featured Image: DCASE

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