Read More

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — No. 25 Michigan has earned some momentum and has no plans to slow down against Northern Illinois.

The Wolverines (2-0) began the season unranked and with relatively low expectations from outside the program for Jim Harbaugh’s seventh season. They have started to change the conversation with a strong start so far, routing Washington and Western Michigan with a run-heavy offense and swarming defense.

Michigan will have to do more than beat Northern Illinois (1-1) on Saturday and against Rutgers next week at home to win everyone over. But perhaps those games will prepare the Wolverines for the Oct. 2 test at No. 18 Wisconsin.

Entering the game at the Big House, Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock has been telling his players they have a great opportunity.

“Nobody gives you a chance, so there’s no pressure whatsoever,” Hammock said. “The only thing that you should feel is, `Can I go out there and play my best and get Michigan to respect and recognize who we are as a football program?’ That should be the excitement. Embrace it.”

Harbaugh, meanwhile, is telling anyone that will listen to respect the Huskies after they won at Georgia Tech and rallied from a 26-point deficit against Wyoming before coming up short.

“They really look like they got things going,” Harbaugh said. “They’re a team on the move, both offensively, defensively.”

FAMILIAR FACE

Northern Illinois QB Rocky Lombardi is set to play at Michigan Stadium for a third time.

The transfer led Michigan State to a 27-23 win against the Wolverines last year, throwing for a career-high 323 yards and three touchdowns. Lombardi also made his college debut at Michigan Stadium three years ago.

Lombardi tossed a touchdown pass to Tyrice Richie and passed for a 2-point conversion with 38 seconds left in the opener, lifting the Huskies to a win at Georgia Tech. He threw three interceptions in the loss to Wyoming, but Hammock noted two of those passes were deflected.

GROUND GAME

The Wolverines ran the ball 52 times, keeping it for 34-plus minutes against Washington last week. They easily won time of possession and Harbaugh noted that’s not easy for a no-huddle team to do.

“Possession is nine-tenths of the law, so when you can have more than them, it’s a good thing,” Harbaugh said.

Michigan has had the luxury of leaning heavily on its run game with two dynamic running backs and an offensive line that has gelled. The Wolverines rank fourth in the nation with 339 yards rushing a game and rank fifth with 6.85 yards per carry

Blake Corum, the Big Ten offensive player of the week, has 282 yards rushing in two games to rank No. 8 in the country and Hassan Haskins has run for 225 yards.

“Coach Harbaugh went back to his roots — his Stanford roots,” Hammock said.

NEW-LOOK D

Michigan’s defense seems to be improved under first-year coordinator Mike Macdonald. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, linebacker Josh Ross and defensive back Daxton Hill have helped the unit combine for nine tackles for losses and break up 14 passes, the highest total through two games in 12 years.

CHANGE IN THE AIR

Michigan has had Caden Kolesar returning punts since Ronnie Bell had a season-ending knee injury during the opener. Kolesar won the fill-in job because of his ability to field punts cleanly, but he appears to be going back to another role on the unit.

“He’s so valuable at the other positions at punt return,” Harbaugh said. “We really need somebody else to step up. A.J. (Henning) is really close.”

Read More

Whether due to early schedules or busy days, it seems many of us need caffeine to get through our days.

Caffeine consumption has exploded, with high amounts added to energy drinks, pre-workout supplements, weight-loss pills, bottled brews and energy bars and sports gels.

According to a report in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, energy drink consumption in the United States has increased substantially over the past decade among adolescents, young adults and middle-aged adults.

Though caffeine generally is safe, experts have been sounding an alarm over potential dangers associated with ingesting too much, which can lead to more than the jitters.

A 2020 study in Mayo Clinic Proceedings using data from the federal Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Adverse Event Reporting System found caffeine-containing products including supplements and energy drinks have a greater association with severe adverse events, including death, than non-caffeine- products. The study authors say it’s important to determine the amounts of caffeine involved.

“Excessive caffeine consumption may acutely cause caffeine intoxication, resulting in conditions including nervousness, headaches, nausea, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures and even possible death,” says Dr. John P. Higgins, a sports cardiologist at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth in Houston.

Most adults and adolescents should limit their intake to 400 and 100 mg of caffeine a day, respectively. It can be easy to go beyond this mark and, in turn, raise the chances for adverse outcomes like high blood pressure if you include one or more caffeinated products in your daily routine. stock.adobe.com

Results from an investigation in the Journal of the American Heart Association found energy drink consumption can raise blood pressure and cause heart abnormalities. The findings were based on data from an analysis of 34 healthy volunteers between 18 and 40 years old randomly assigned to drink a placebo or 32 ounces of a caffeinated energy drink that contained 304 to 320 milligrams of caffeine.

Similar results in the journal JAMA found blood pressure levels went up by 6% and the stress hormone norepinephrine rose twice as much after people drank a 16-ounce energy drink as when they drank a placebo beverage.

Frequent energy drink use has been linked to mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.

“Alarmingly, energy beverage consumption has also been associated with high-risk behavior, including fighting, drug use, alcohol abuse and sexual risk taking,” Higgins says.

A study published by the journal Perspectives in Public Health found that energy drink users were more likely to make poor dietary choices, such as eating fewer fruits and vegetables, skipping breakfast and consuming more pop and frozen meals.

Many caffeinated products aren’t just caffeine. Higgins says the high amounts of sugar in many drinks can, over time, raise the risk of obesity, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes.

Many high-octane elixirs have add-ins like guarana, taurine, B vitamins and ginkgo biloba.

“It is likely that there are effects due to the interaction of these substances that research has yet to show,” Higgins says. “Guarana contains high levels of caffeine, thus adding even more caffeine.”

Higgins says most adults should limit their intake to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day and and adolescents just 100 milligrams.

It can be easy to go beyond this mark and, in turn, raise the chances for adverse outcomes like high blood pressure if you include one or more caffeinated products in your daily routine.

Though the FDA requires that energy drink labels indicate whether a product contains caffeine, the agency doesn’t impose a caffeine limit or require reporting of the level of caffeine.

Some energy drink companies are taking part in voluntary labeling initiatives.

If you’re not a regular coffee or energy drink user, you’re what researchers call “caffeine naive” and you could be even more susceptible to side-effects of consuming highly caffeinated products.

There is nothing wrong with a daily coffee habit or occasionally popping the top of an energy drink, but look for other ways to rev your engines, such as eating a whole-food diet, exercising regularly and getting plenty of sleep.

Environmental Nutrition is an independent newsletter written by nutrition experts.

Read More

The legendary Kix Brooks has always considered himself a rather stoic guy, a consummate professional who never has had much of a problem riding the roller coaster that is country music stardom.

But then, the pandemic hit.

“I’ve got to say it’s all been a little more emotional than I was expecting,” Brooks said during a recent phone chat, mere hours after the first show of the recently relaunched Brooks & Dunn Reboot 2021 tour, a first for him and duo partner Ronnie Dunn in more than 10 years. “It took me a couple of songs, just looking at that crowd and shaking my head and going, ‘you know, I had almost forgot how this feels, but now at this moment, I really remember just how much fun and how great this is. It really put some wind in my sails.'”

It was more than a decade ago when the country music hitmakers of songs such as “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Red Dirt Road” and “My Maria” found themselves waving goodbye to their country music career at a time when it was showing no signs of slowing down.

“They might’ve drove us too hard at some points in our career,” Brooks says, not expanding on who “they” were. “We always did our job and when we hit the stage, for the most part, it was always a really good time.”

After branching out on solo efforts, it was the good times that eventually brought the duo back together to play a series of shows with fellow country superstar and friend Reba McEntire in Las Vegas starting in 2015. Five years later, the two had every intention to get back on the road to support the release of their then-latest album, “Reboot,” which had the country duo collaborating with everyone from Luke Combs to Kacey Musgraves.

But the pandemic had other plans, leaving Brooks to retreat to his 600-acre farm outside ofNashville to not only spend some much overdue time with family and friends, but in a way, recalibrate his own hopes for the future.

“No matter who you are, I think you sort of lose your center when you go through something like the last couple of years,” admits Brooks, who will join once again with Dunn and McEntire for their final shows together as part of the “Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together in Vegas” shows at Caesars Palace later this year. “But even last night, I looked over at Ronnie a couple of times. And I think we both felt like this surely is our place. That stage really is our center.”

Scheduled to take the stage at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park on Saturday night with special guests Travis Tritt and Elvie Shane, Brooks finds it hard to contain his excitement.

“Good God, I can’t tell you how many great nights we have had in that town,” he boasts of Chicago. “We absolutely love it there.”

Brooks & Dunn also currently find themselves perhaps more relevant than ever before. The two recently were nominated for vocal duo of the year at the CMA Awards alongside fellow — and certainly younger — nominees such as Dan + Shay, Maddie & Tae, and Florida Georgia Line. The two also just signed on to perform on CBS’s “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash” alongside Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini and Luke Bryan.

“Ronnie and I feel like we are definitely singing better than we ever have,” Brooks says. “Even in rehearsals, there are just a lot of smiles, you know? I just feel like we’re both strong and we have a renewed energy for doing this.”

So, is new music on the way?

“No is the short answer to that question,” Brooks explains with a slight laugh. “We are always passing ideas back and forth and songs back and forth. But as far as meeting deadlines like we used to have to do and all that stuff, we’re just not inclined to put ourselves under that pressure again.”

Tricia Despres is a freelance writer.

Read More

CHAMPAIGN — After a season-opening win against Big Ten foe Nebraska, Illinois has lost two straight at the hands of UTSA and Virginia and is looking for a something to help right the ship.

Next up on Friday night is a tough, balanced Maryland team that has won its first two games.

Illinois (1-2, 1-0 Big Ten) has looked bad on offense, defense and special teams in its last two games, losses to UTSA (37-30) and Virginia (42-14).

First-year coach Bret Bielema said he has been addressing the problems.

“We had 90 yards in penalties and 45 of them came on three plays,” Bielema said. “We’re not going to be able to win very many football games that way. That definitely got addressed.”

Maryland opens conference play on the road after defeating Howard 62-0 and West Virginia 30-24. The Terrapins are getting votes in the AP Top 25.

BALANCED TERPS

Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is the younger brother of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but he’s looking to make his own way on the field.

Tagovailoa has thrown for 606 yards and six touchdowns in two games, many to his favorite receiving tandem of Dontay Demus Jr. and Rakim Jarrett. The two wideouts are tied for the team lead with 12 receptions apiece, with Demus topping all pass catchers with 261 receiving yards.

Tagovailoa completed 22 of 27 for 274 yards with three touchdowns against Howard and sat out most of the second half.

“As a team we’re excited to be 2-0,” coach Mike Locksley said. “It was great to see, with us being able to play a lot of players (vs. Howard), that the standard of playing with a high level of intensity — no matter what the score, no matter who the opponent — it was good to see that from our team.”

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

Bielema’s hopes come from starting quarterback Brandon Peters, who returns to the field for the first time since suffering an injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder early in the Nebraska game.

“A lot of the things we saw (from Peters) during fall camp and even going back to last spring, through the summer, through fall camp, weren’t able to be materialized yet,” Bielema said. “He obviously has a very live arm, a lot of experience.”

Bielema was quick to praise backup Art Sitkowski’s job behind center following Peters’ injury, but said the decision to go with Peters was easy.

“I talked to Art and he was awesome about it,” Bielema said. “I told him if things were reversed and he was the starter coming back off an injury, we would do the same thing 100 out of 100 times. He gets that.”

With running back Mike Epstein injured, Illinois will rely on Chase Brown, Reggie Love III and Jakari Norwood to pick up the slack.

ILLINOIS CONNECTION

Locksley was an offensive coordinator at Illinois from 2005-08. Terrapins special teams coach Ron Zook was the head coach at Illinois from 2005-11. They’ll be back Friday night, with their roles reversed.

“This is the first time obviously for Maryland to go there to play — which completes us now having been to every team in the Big Ten, with an away game,” Locksley said. “It starts Big Ten play for us, which is another season for us, different than the out-of-conference games. It’s a Big Ten opener, national TV audience, so it will be the show.”

Despite the current rivalry, Locksley has some good memories of his time in Champaign.

“For me and my family, it’s a special place. Raised my kids there. My two older sons both graduated from high school there, and the two younger ones call it home,” Locksley said. “We were able to do some exciting things there.”

Read More

Welcome to our highlights of events and entertainment on stage at Chicago’s theaters. From local productions to Broadway hits, our guide has the latest on shows in the city. Bookmark this page and check back for updates and ticket information.

‘American Mariachi’

WHAT: Jose Cruz Gonzalez’s “American Mariachi” is the story of a young woman, Luca (Tiffany Solano), who spends her days caring for her ailing mother, Amalia (Gigi Cervantes), but longs to shake up her life. When the mariachi songs on a forgotten album spark her mother’s memory, she sets out to create an all-female mariachi band, an unheard of idea in the 1970s, the time in which the play is set. It’s a “funny, tender-hearted story about family, tradition and memory,” says director Henry Godinez. The cast includes an ensemble of musicians from the Grammy-nominated group Sones de Mexico.

WHEN: From Sept. 18-Oct. 24

GOODMAN THEARE: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn

TICKETS: $25+

INFO: For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit goodmantheatre.org.

Lyric Opera — ‘Macbeth’

WHAT: The Lyric Opera’s 67th season begins with “Macbeth,” the inaugural production of music director Enrique Mazzola. The new production of Verdi’s opera from Scottish director Sir David McVicar is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, a portrait of a power-hungry couple and their bloody ascent to the throne of Scotland. Roman Burdenko portrays Macbeth with Sondra Radvanovsky as Lady Macbeth. Sung in Italian with projected English subtitles.

WHEN: From Sept. 17-Oct. 9

WHERE: Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker

TICKETS: $39+

INFO: For updated information regarding the Lyric’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit lyricopera.org.

‘The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 — Sex!’

Ed Jones (from left), Grant Drager and David Cerda with (bottom, right) Ryan Oates in “The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5-Sex!” Rick Aguilar Studios

WHAT: Hell in a Handbag Productions long-running parody series continues with “The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 5 — Sex!,” in which Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia explore their naughty side. Original cast members — David Cerda, Grant Drager, Ed Jones and Ryan Oates — star as the Geriatric Fab Four. Written by Cerda and directed by Madison Smith.

WHEN: From Sept. 16-Oct. 23

WHERE: Leather Archives & Museum, 6418 N. Greenview

TICKETS: $27-$45.

INFO: For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit handbagproductions.org.

‘Forever Plaid’

WHAT: Drury Lane Theatre returns with “Forever Plaid,” Stuart Ross and James Raitt’s musical revue packed with hit tunes from the 1950s. Paul Stancato directs.

WHEN: From Sept. 17-Nov. 7

WHERE: Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace

TICKETS: $59-$72.

INFO: For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit drurylanetheatre.com.

The Neo-Futurists

“The Infinite Wrench” by the Neo-FuturistsJoe Mazza

WHAT: The Neo-Futurists kick off their season with the return of the late-night show “The Infinite Wrench,” in which the ensemble attempts to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes.

WHEN: Ongoing performances are at 7 p.m. Sundays

WHERE: Neo-Futurists, 5153 N. Ashland

TICKETS: $10

INFO: For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit neofuturists.org.

A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham

A.I.M. by Kyle AbrahamCourtey of the artist

WHAT: A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham performs the world premiere of “An Untitled Love” at the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan. Drawing from the music of R&B singer D’Angelo, the piece pays homage to the complexities of self-love and Black love while also celebrating culture, family and community.

WHEN: At 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16-18 (post-performance discussions with Abraham on Sept. 16-17).

TICKETS” $10-$30.

INFO: For updated information regarding the Dance Center’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit dance.colum.edu.

‘Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992’

Jazzma Pryor in “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992.”Courtesy of Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre

WHAT: Jazzma Pryor stars in Anna Deavere Smith’s tour-de-force solo show “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992.” In it she portrays nearly four dozen people who were connected either directly or indirectly to the 1992 Los Angeles riots that erupted after the trial and acquittal of the police officers accused of assaulting Rodney King. The playwright shaped the piece from interviews that she conducted while researching the play. Tim Rhoze directs.

WHEN: From Sept. 11-26

WHERE: Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes, Evanston

TICKETS: $25. For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit fjtheatre.com.

‘The World Goes Round’

Kevin Earley (from left), Allison E. Blackwell, Meghan Murphy, Joseph Anthony Byrd, Amanda Rose are featured in “The World Goes Round” at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. @BrandonDahlquistPhotography

WHAT: The songs of musical theater team John Kander and Fred Ebb are the centerpiece of the revue “The World Goes Round.” The hit parade of songs includes selections from “Cabaret,” “New York, New York,” “All That Jazz,” “Funny Lady,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “Maybe This Time” and more. The cast features Allison E. Blackwell, Joseph Anthony Byrd, Kevin Earley, Meghan Murphy and Amanda Rose; Marcia Milgrom Dodge directs and choreographs.

WHEN:From Sept. 15-Nov. 7

WHERE: Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire

TICKETS: $50-$60. For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit marriotttheatre.com.

‘Thirteen Days’

Sheila Willis (from left), Cameron Feagin, Kat Evans, Julia Kessler and Maggie Cain star in “Thirteen Days” at City Lit Theater.Photo by Steve Graue

WHAT: “Thirteen Days” is Brian Pastor’s adaptation of Robert F. Kennedy’s memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The world-premiere play, performed by an all-female cast, is set in President John F. Kennedy’s Situation Room where he maneuvers his way through the conflicting counsel of his advisors as the world comes close to nuclear war. Leading the cast are Cameron Feagin as JFK and Kat Evans as Attorney General Robert Kennedy; Pastor directs.

WHEN: Sept. 10-Oct. 24

WHERE: City Lit Theater, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr

TICKETS: $32. For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit citylit.org.

‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’

WHAT: Citadel Theatre presents Neil Simon’s “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” a comedy about a teen who must cope with the mundane existence of his life in Brooklyn.

WHEN: Sept. 15-Oct. 17

WHERE: Citadel Theatre, 300 S. Waukegan, Lake Forest

TICKETS: $20-$45. For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit citadeltheatre.org.

PrideArts

Elissa Newcorn (from left), Kyra Leigh, Carl Herzog and Nate Hall star in PrideArts’ productoin of “The Things I Never Could Tell Steven.” Marisa KM

WHAT: PrideArts presents Jye Bryant’s “The Things I Never Could Tell Steven,” a four-character musical in which the four most important people in one man’s life struggle to communicate meaningfully with him and really know him. The cast features Carl Herzog, Kyra Leigh, Elissa Newcorn and Nate Hall under the direction of Jay Espano.

WHEN: From Aug. 19-Sept. 19

WHERE: The Broadway, Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway.

TICKETS: $30. For updated information regarding the theater’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit pridearts.org.

‘Kinky Boots’

Michael Wordly makes his Paramount Theatre debut as Lola in “Kinky Boots.”Thomas J. King

What: Live performances return for a new season at the Paramount Theatre with Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein’s high-kicking “Kinky Boots.” This first regional production of the Broadway musical, directed by Trent Stork, stars Devin DeSantis as Charlie, the shoemaker attempting to save his failing shoe factory, and Michael Wordly as Lola, the fierce drag queen who shows him the way.

When: Aug. 18-Oct. 17

Where: Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena, Aurora

Tickets: $36-$74

For updated information regarding the theater’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit paramountaurora.com.

Theatre Y

WHAT: Theatre Y’s ambitious new adventure “You Are Here: The Emerald Camino Project” is a return of its urban pilgrimages, this time through Daniel Burnham’s Emerald Necklace — the boulevard system that links the public parks on Chicago’s West and South sides. The immersive 12-part walking experience was created with artists, community leaders and organizations across a dozen communities. “This is a joyful post-pandemic experience that connects Chicago’s diverse communities through the intersection of conversation and art,” says Theatre Y’s artistic director, Melissa Lorraine. If you are walking through the neighborhood in which you live, admission is free; all other participants are Theatre Y Members or encouraged to become members (for as little as $5/month).

WHEN: Aug. 21-Sept. 26 For updated information regarding the theater’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies as well as dates and times for each walk, visit theatre-y.com.

Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group Caroline Talbot Photography

What: Those crazy characters in blue return for more goofy fun. The show, which encourages audiences to reconnect with their inner child, is a combination of art, music, comedy and technology.

When: Ongoing

Where: Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted.

Tickets: $49-$89

For updated information regarding the theater’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit blueman.com.

Teatro ZinZanni

The artistry and the excitement of Teatro ZinZanni returns to Chicago starting July 8. Pictured: Lea Hinz.Michael Doucet

What: The immersive, whirlwind theater experience that is Teatro ZinZanni has reopened featuring a new show with a cast of comedians, aerialists, acrobats, singers, dancers and a gourmet meal, it brings comedy, music and cirque back after a long pandemic hiatus. Included among the performers are powerhouse vocalists Storm Marrero and Cunio, aerial acts Lea Hinz and Duo 19, veteran comedians Frank Ferrante and Joe DePaul and acrobatic dancers Mickael and Vita.

When: Ongoing

Where: Spiegeltent ZaZou on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, 32 W. Randolph

Tickets: $119-$189; limited show only tickets $69. Visit zinzanni.com/chicago.

Read More

Welcome to our highlights for concerts, festivals and live music in Chicago. From free shows at Millennium Park to large festivals like Ravinia and Lollapalooza, and intimate shows at small local venues, our guide has all the latest music entertainment. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on concerts and events.

Riot Fest

WHAT: Riot Fest returns with a massive lineup including a Sept. 16 preview party with Patti Smith, Morrissey, Alkaline Trio, Joyce Manor, WDRL and Kristeen Young. The following three days include performances by The Smashing Pumpkins, Coheed and Cambria, Lupe Fiasco, Run the Jewels, Faith No More, Vic Mensa, Gogol Bordello, Slipknot, Machine Gun Kelly, The Flaming Lips, Devo and more.

WHEN: From Sept. 16-19

WHERE: Douglass Park, 1401 S. Sacramento

TICKETS: $45 (Thu preview party), $124 (Fri-Sun), 3-day passes begin at $199. For updated information regarding the festival’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit riotfest.org.

Mdou Moctar

Mdou Moctar WH Moustapha Photo

WHAT: Mdou Moctar’s home is Agadez, a desert village in rural Niger, where inspired by traditional Tuareg melodies and videos of Eddie Van Halen’s six string techniques, he mastered the guitar and created his own burning style. With the recent album, “Afrique Victime,” the oft-hailed “Jimi Hendrix of the Sahara” mixes contemporary Saharan music and rock on songs that are poetic meditations on love, religion, women’s rights, inequality and Western Africa’s exploitation at the hands of colonial powers.

WHEN: 9 p.m. Sept. 17

WHERE: Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln

TICKETS: $18, $20. For updated information regarding the venue’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit lh-st.com.

Alligator Records All-Star Concert

WHAT: Celebrate an iconic Chicago record label at the Alligator Records All-Star Concert. Featured performers are Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, Wayne Baker Brooks, Nick Moss Band, Billy Branch, The Cash Box Kings and Shemekia Copeland.

WHEN: From 5:30-8:30 p.m. Sept. 18

WHERE: Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, Michigan and Randolph.

TICKETS: Admission is free. For updated information regarding the venue’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit millenniumpark.org.

Chicago Sinfonietta

Tessa Lark Lauren Desberg

WHAT: The Chicago Sinfonietta opens its season with “New Folk,” a concert featuring Franz Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2” followed by guest violinist Tessa Lark in Michael Torke’s “Sky,” a fusion inspired by Irish reels and American bluegrass, and William Dawson’s “Negro Folk Symphony,” a piece informed by traditional spirituals.

WHEN/WHERE: At 8 p.m. Sept. 18 (Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 W. Chicago, Naperville; $49, $62) and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20, (Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan; $22-$62).

INFO: For updated information regarding the concert’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit chicagosinfonietta.org.

Ear Taxi Festival

Matt UlerySally Blood Photo

WHAT: The Ear Taxi Festival with its spotlight on new and experimental music begins with a Spotlight Series from Sept. 16-29 followed by a Mainstage Series Sept. 30-Oct. 4. The opening weekend is packed full of performances: rhythm is image (Sept. 16), Matt Ulery’s Mannerisst 11 (Sept. 17), Quijote Duo (Sept. 18), Kosmologia (Sept. 18-19), Fifth House Ensemble (Sept. 19), Fourth Coast Ensemble (Sept. 19) and Koeun Grace Lee (Sept. 19).

TICKETS/INFO: Prices and locations vary. For a complete schedule and updated information regarding the festival’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit eartaxifestival.com.

‘Feelin’ Groovy Series’ at The Hideout

WHAT: As part of the city’s Chicago in Tune Festival, The Hideout’s “Feelin’ Groovy” series features conversations with key figures from Chicago independent record labels and live sets of music from musicians that span genres and generations. Upcoming are Cedille Records president Jim Ginsburg with Black Oak Ensemble (Sept. 13), Thrill Jockey founder Bettina Richards with Thalia Zedek Band (Sept. 15), Teklife co-founders of Ashes57 and DJ Spinn with a performance by DJ Spinn (Sept. 16), Sooper Records co-founder Nnamdi with Sen Morimoto, Drag City director of sales Rian Murphy with Lama Lobsang Palden and Jim Becker (Sept. 22) and Sonorama Discos co-founder Marlowe Baca with Dos Santos (Oct. 1).

WHEN/WHERE: All are at 6 p.m. outdoor at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia.

TICKETS: Admission is free. For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit hideoutchicago.com.

Ifetayo Ali-Landing(C) Earl E. Gibson III

Summerfest

Megan Thee Stallion (pictured at Lollapalooza in July) is a Summerfest headliner.Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

WHAT: Long the cornerstone of Milwaukee’s festival season, Summerfest returns to the city’s lakefront with a lineup including headliners Luke Bryan, Chance the Rapper, Twenty One Pilots, the Jonas Brothers, Chris Stapleton, Zac Brown Band, Dave Chappelle, Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus, Guns N’ Roses and the Hella Mega Tour with Green Day, Fall Out Boy and Weezer.

WHEN: Sept. 1-4, 8-11 and 15-18 in downtown Milwaukee.

TICKETS: For a complete schedule, ticket prices and updated information regarding the festival’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit summerfest.com.

World Music Wednesday

Bomba con Buya Amy Young Photo

WHAT: The Old Town School of Folk Music’s weekly showcase of world music and dance, returns beginning Sept. 1 with Jazz a la Mexicana, a concert featuring traditional and folkloric Mexican music mixed with jazz. A celebration of Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center’s 50th anniversary follows on Sept. 8 with performances of Puerto Rican bomba music by Bomba con Buya and Mancha E’ Platano. The current roster of concerts runs through Dec. 1.

WHERE: Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln

Admission is free, a $10 suggested donation is appreciated. For updated information regarding the venue’s Covid 19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit oldtownschool.org.

House City Series

DJ TraxmanCourtesy Chicago Park District

What: The Departments of Cultural Affairs and Special Event’s tribute to house music continues with House City, a new series of free events popping up throughout the summer in the neighborhoods that helped create the house music genre over 35 years ago.

When/Where: vent dates and communities are July 23 in South Shore, July 31 on the Southeast Side, Aug. 14 in Humboldt Park, Aug. 28 in Englewood, Aug. 29 in Lakeview, Sept. 12 in South Shore and Sept. 19 in Bronzeville. DJs playing include Traxman, Lori Branch, Deeon, Elbert Philips, Duane Powell and more.

Info: For locations and times, visit chicagohousemusicfestival.us

Chris Foreman Courtesy Origin Records

Chris Foreman at the Green Mill

What: The Green Mill has reopened and that means the return of Chris Foreman, a Friday night fixture at the popular jazz club. Foreman, a jazz organist blind since birth, is a master on the Hammond B3 and regarded as Chicago’s best. His playing is a blend of blues-gospel and jazz honed in his professional experience, which has included work with Hank Crawford, Albert Collins, Bernard Purdie, The Deep Blue Organ Trio and The Mighty Blue Kings.

When: 5-7:30 p.m. Fridays

Where: The Green Mill, 4802 N. Broadway

Cost: No cover charge

Visit greenmilljazz.com

Ravinia Festival

What: The Ravinia Festival, the oldest outdoor music festival in the country, returns with reduced capacity. As usual, the lineup is a varied slate of music from classical to pop, jazz and rock. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra returns for a six-week run with conductor Marin Alsop leading seven concerts in her first season as Ravinia’s chief conductor. Also on the roster are: Garrick Ohlsson, Cynthia Erivo, Counting Crows, Kurt Elling, Brian McKnight, John Hiatt and the Jerry Douglas Band, The Roots, John Legend, Madeleine Peyroux, Midori, Joshua Bell, Pinchas Zukerman, the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Joffrey Ballet.

When: July 1-Sept. 26

Where: Highland Park

Tickets: prices vary

Visit: ravinia.org.

Read More

Photograph: Sandy Noto

1 Esmé

What:Jenner Tomaska (Next) and his wife, Katrina Bravo, forge new ground with this art-focused spot that includes both a tasting menu and a casual bar.
Why:Head in for 16 courses on the tasting menu, such as salmon with ranch whey, plus artist dinners and a wine list loaded with bottles from women and BIPOC producers.
Where:2200 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park Website

Photograph: Courtesy of Hinoki Sushiko

2 Hinoki Sushiko

What:Kyoten’s Otto Phan unleashes a new venture that’s half omakase, half izakaya.
Why:What suits your mood — ocean trout nigiri or chicken karaage with truffle Dijonnaise?
Where:1465 W. Willow St., West Town Website

Photograph: Azuree Wiitala

3 George’s Deep Dish

What:George Bumbaris enters the deep-dish game with cheese-edged sourdough pies.
Why:You can never have too much deep dish (especially one with spinach-artichoke dip).
Where:6221 N. Clark St., Edgewater Website

Photograph: Kathleen Robinson

4 Chikatana

What:Mexican meets Midwestern at this spot from Guillermo Reyes (Mi Tocaya Antojeria).
Why:Order seasonally changing dishes, like cauliflower chorizo tacos.
Where:850 W. Fulton Market, West Loop Website

Photograph: Amber Millan

5 The Authentic Tamale Guy

What:Claudio Velez is back slinging late-night tamales; find him at Bangers & Lace.
Why:The question shouldn’t be “Why?” but rather “How many?”
Where:1670 W. Division St., Wicker Park Website

Photograph: Hilary Higgins

6 Ken Kee Restaurant

What:A reboot of the Chinatown icon from Strings Ramen’s Kenny Yang
Why:He added lots of neon and build-your-own noodle bowls with toppings like quail eggs and veggie dumplings.
Where:2129 S. China Pl. Website

Photograph: Mariana Marinho

7 Vaca’s Creamery

What:A vegan ice cream shop that highlights socially responsible purveyors
Why:Get your oat milk soft serve drizzled with dulce de leche or turned into a s’mores sundae.
Where:1436 W. Blackhawk St., Noble Square Website

Photograph: Courtesy of The Duplex

8 The Duplex

What:LeQoinne Rice’s restaurant and bar features a rotating selection of concepts.
Why:First up: fried chicken sandos from the Kluckerz and birria tacos from Lime and Radish.
Where:3137 W. Logan Blvd., Logan Square Website

Photograph: Nick Lipton

9 Little Wild

What:The Ace Hotel’s bumping new rooftop bar, complete with frozen painkillers and local beers
Why:Expect DJs, a monthly queer party, and chorizo nachos.
Where: 311 N. Morgan St., West Loop Website

Photograph: Octavio Romo

10 Aloha Wagon

What:Say aloha to a new location for the Hawaiian favorite.
Why:Loco moco and Spam musubi deliver just the kind of tropical vibe the season requires.
Where:2023 S. Western Ave., Heart of Chicago Website

Read More

No. 1 Loyola at No. 3 Brother Rice, 6 p.m. Friday

The state’s best conference, the CCL/ESCC Blue, kicks off league play with two games featuring four of the area’s top six teams. This one matches Loyola (3-0), fresh off statement wins over downstate power Rochester and St. Rita, and Brother Rice (3-0), aiming to make departing coach Brian Badke’s final season one to remember. Loyola quarterback Jake Stearney showed last week why coach John Holecek has been touting his college potential. With St. Rita committed to stopping the run, Stearney threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-7 win. Quarterback Jack Lausch, who will be a preferred walk-on in baseball and football at Notre Dame, and running back Aaron Vaughn are playmakers for Rice.

No. 6 Mount Carmel at No. 4 Marist, 6 p.m. Friday

This is the other CCL/ESCC showdown of 3-0 teams. The Caravan were something of an unknown quantity coming into the season after graduating an exceptionally talented senior class, including current Temple starting quarterback Justin Lynch. But an opening win over St. Rita served notice that Mount Carmel remains an elite program thanks to the emergence of quarterbacks Blainey Dowling and Damarion Arrington among others. Coastal Carolina recruit Dontrell Jackson Jr. is one of the state’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks with 319 passing yards and five TDs to go along with 267 rushing yards and two TDs. Running back Jaylen Johnson is another playmaker with 175 rushing yards and five scores.

Providence at No. 5 Joliet Catholic, 7:30 p.m. Friday

Both of these Will County rivals have big playoff dreams — Providence (2-1, 0-0 CCL/ESCC Orange) is ranked No. 2 in 5A by the Associated Press, while Joliet Catholic (3-0, 0-0) is No. 1 in 4A. Providence’s only loss was to No. 14 Wheaton North, and the Celtics handed Fenwick its first loss last week. Joliet Catholic’s closest game so far was a 30-20 win over St. Louis power Cardinal Ritter in which the Hilltoppers opened a 23-0 lead. Malachi Hood, headed to Illinois as a linebacker, has been a productive two-way player for JCA.

No. 24 St. Charles North at No. 14 Wheaton North, 7:30 p,m. Friday

It’s a little early to say any game is a must-win, but neither the North Stars (2-1, 0-1 DuKane) nor the Falcons (2-1, 0-1) want to go to 0-2 in a league that has four teams in the Super 25. Both are coming off narrow losses: St. Charles North, 12-10 vs. WW South on a field goal with 4.5 seconds left, and Wheaton North, 23-20 in overtime at Batavia. Two-way standout Drew Surges had a TD and an interception for St. Charles North last week. Holy Cross-bound quarterback Mark Forcucci leads a balanced Wheaton North offense.

No. 20 Lockport at No. 19 H-F, 6 p.m. Friday

Both teams are 3-0 heading into their Southwest Suburban Blue opener and neither has been tested. They’ve outscored their opponents by margins of 132-7 (Lockport) and 112-8 (H-F). It’s been a while since Lockport’s loyal fan base, one of the area’s best, had much to cheer about. But former Lincoln-Way North coach George Czart has turned around a program that has only one playoff appearance since 2011, going 11-7 in two-plus seasons. H-F went to the 8A quarterfinals or beyond six times in 10 seasons under Craig Buzea and aims to remain a playoff power under his successor, Terrell Alexander.

Read More

The Basics

Are you the type to peep inside neighbors’ windows as you walk by, just, well, because? Then you’ll love busybodying during Open House Chicago. Each October, more than a hundred of the city’s most beautiful and intriguing spaces open their doors to the public, entirely for free. Presented by the Chicago Architecture Center, the weekend-long event features sites in nearly every neighborhood.

Due to pandemic restrictions, no buildings were open to the public during Open House Chicago 2020. The event went on anyway: The CAC developed an app which guided users through neighborhoods and themed trails throughout the city, highlighting notable buildings along the way.

Open House Chicago 2021 will be a hybrid event with interior tours, as well as self-guided trails on the OHC2021 app. Stops on the self-guided tours are still mostly exteriors, but the app (available for download in the Google Play and Apple app stores) is packed with historical and architectural insights. We’ve selected a mix of skyscrapers, theaters, and ritzy hotels — all completely new to OHC this year — that, for one precious weekend, you’re absolutely encouraged to snoop through.

Can’t-Miss Sites

Bank of America Tower Chicago is addicted to building skyscrapers — check out one of our latest, the Bank of America Tower, a 56-story modernist structure erected just last year. Nestled on the riverfront, it’s the tallest office building constructed here since Two Prudential Plaza in 1990. 110 N. Wacker Dr.

Quinn Chapel Home to Chicago’s oldest Black congregation, this Bronzeville A.M.E. church has stood in its current location since 1891. For generations, Quinn Chapel has been a center for social and political activism — both W.E.B. Du Bois and Martin Luther King Jr. spoke here. 2401 S. Wabash Ave.

Sable Hotel at Navy Pier What’s that, you say? You couldn’t be paid to go to Navy Pier? Once you check out the breathtaking views of the skyline and the lake at this luxury hotel, which opened in March, you might just start pinching your pennies for a staycation here. 900 E. Grand Ave.

Illinois Holocaust Museum Don’t sleep on free admission to museums participating in OHC, including this one. Check out its current exhibition, Shanghai: Safe Haven During the Holocaust, featuring photographs of European Jews who found refuge from the Nazis in China. 9603 Woods Dr., Skokie

From left: Helmut Jahn + Life + Architecture and Uptown Theatre

Must-Do Self-Guided Trails

Great Chicago Fire Trail October 8 marks 150 years since Mrs. O’Leary’s barn caught fire, the first of 17,450 buildings to burn over the next two days. Sites include the Roger Quinn Fire Academy (on the site of the O’Leary home), St. Ignatius College Prep, fire relief cottages in Old Town, and the Water Tower on Michigan Avenue.

Obama Trail Astrally project yourself into the shoes of the young, future presidential couple on this tour of Kenwood and Hyde Park. You’ll check out (the exterior of) the Obamas’ Georgian manse, the University of Chicago Law School, and the former first couple’s favorite local businesses, including 57th Street Books and Valois Restaurant.

Helmut Jahn Downtown Trail Explore the work of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s modernist protégé, killed in a bicycle accident just this spring. Stop at the Thompson Center, the Chicago Board of Trade, and the Chicago Architecture Center itself, for the exhibition Helmut Jahn + Life + Architecture.

Uptown Entertainment District Trail Broadway and Lawrence boasts some of Chicago’s most venerable, ornate performance venues. Take the Red Line back to the Jazz Age, and peep the Green Mill, Aragon Ballroom, and Uptown Theatre.

Read More