Berlin-based pianist Aki Takase has been performing for more than 40 years, and in that time she’s engaged with contemporary composition, spoken word, and even a turntablist—the trio Lok 03 includes her husband, fellow pianist Alexander von Schlippenbach, and their son, DJ Illvibe. But no matter where she roams, her playing is fundamentally rooted in jazz.…Read More
This amazing Van Gogh exhibit opened in Paris in 2018 to rave reviews. You may have caught a glimpse of it in the Netflix series, “Emily in Paris.” Now it’s currently touring the U.S. and Toronto with a stop in Chicago and has been recently extended through September 6.
Immersive Van Gogh is a visually spectacular digital art exhibition in Chicago that invites you to “step inside” the iconic works of post-Impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh like never before. It evokes his highly emotional and chaotic inner consciousness through art, light, music and movement. You will stand in awe of this magnificent immersion as you get carried away in a sea of stimulation.
With more than 50 projectors illuminating over 14,000 square-feet, visitors at the exhibit in Chicago will be surrounded by Van Gogh’s brushstrokes and colors, including animated details from Self Portrait with Felt Hat (1888), The Bedroom in Arles (1889), Irises (1889) and The Starry Night (1889).
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Immersive Van Gogh is a glorious exhibit that will envelop your visual and audio senses. Bring a pal and sit on one of the circles on the floor. Then step up to the balcony and get a different perspective. Take in the classical music, Edith Piaf’s “No Regrets” and other spectacular sounds.
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“Immersive Van Gogh is a new way of encountering art, as it literally surrounds viewers on all sides with the brilliant work of one of the greatest painters of all time,” said Immersive Art Space Co-Producer Corey Ross. “Merging state-of-the-art technology, theatrical storytelling, animation and some of the finest works of art ever created, Immersive Van Gogh is a uniquely mesmerizing experience that seemingly transports the viewer into the artist’s mind to see these timeless works as never before.”
The 1 hour stimulating Van Gogh exhibit in Chicago has been designed in accordance with the latest health and safety protocols. Capacity is limited and masks are required at all times. Additional safety precautions include touchless ticket-taking, temperature checks upon arrival, hand sanitizer stations, social distancing markers throughout the venue and digitally projected social distancing circles on the gallery floors to ensure appropriate spacing.
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The IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH EXHIBIT is displayed at the Lighthouse Art Space, 108 Germania Place in Chicago. More than 180,000 guests have enjoyed it since its debut in Toronto during the pandemic in July 2020.
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Ticket prices for the Van Gogh exhibit in Chicago start at $39.99 for adults ($24.99 for children 16 or younger) with untimed and flexible ticket options available. Use public transportation or park in the nearby James House parking garage. For more information, visit Immersive Van Gogh, or call 844-307-4644. Follow the exhibition on social media at @vangoghchicago, on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Let’s begin this article with a friendly reminder: SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS. There are a ton of black-owned coffee shops, retail, and restaurants around Chicago that might not be on your radar. So next time you’re looking for a caffeine kick, skip Starbucks and check out one of these coffee shops, offering top-notch coffee in your neighborhood.
In late 2020, owner Kendall Griffin opened this hip coffee shop to serve the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. The stylish location includes exposed brick, a high open ceiling, and plenty of natural light. From Dirty Changa Chai Lattes to Salted Caramel Mochas, discover drinks and food for every palette. Come through for a cup today!
This bright and joyful business started off as a mobile coffee cart in 2018 by owner Andrea O. Robinson. Now, AndySunflower is located in-store at Ain’t She Sweet Café in the Beverly community. Andrea and her team offer mouthwatering and unique drinks like Bananas Foster Latte, Magic Maple, and Chicago Fog Tea Latte. Yum.
Looking for something sweet with your cup o’ joe? Dat Donut has been serving the Chatham neighborhood for over 25 years. Owners Darryl and Andrea both loved donuts since childhood and decided to share their talents with the community. You can occasionally see them onsite delighting in their deep-fried delicious product.
Chef Sara is a down-to-earth professional chef serving the South Shore area. Her cozy cafe feels like you’re dining at a friend’s home with brightly painted walls and lots of artwork decorating the walls. Get your caffeine fix and be sure to try the breakfast pastries, sandwiches, paninis, and fresh salads!
Founder Trez V. Pugh, III saw an opportunity to bring high-end coffee to underserved areas. Sip & Savor was born to capture the positive energy and excitement of Southside Chicago. They’ve been involved in the restoration of historical buildings and development of new businesses, which in turn brings new neighbors to the growing community. Plus, the coffee is *chef’s kiss.*
Black-Owned Coffee Shops Featured Image Credit: Afro Joe’s Instagram
With the 2021 NFL Draft quickly approaching, the ChicagoBears plans are more unclear than ever. Rumors continue to swirl about Chicago potentially offering the 20th overall pick in a trade package to acquire a quarterback this offseason. Ideally, Chicago wants to acquire a quarterback without having to give up a first-round pick. If General […]
Most would agree that the ChicagoBulls should continue to build around Zach LaVine, yet his name continues to be floated in trade rumors. Outlets like Bleacher Report insist on keeping LaVine’s name in NBA trade rumors, and it seems like this happens every year. LaVine was once an interesting trade target for a team looking […]
No one was hurt after a burning building partially caved in Sunday evening in the Gresham neighborhood.
Firefighters arrived about 11:40 p.m. to a fully engulfed two-story home in the 8400 block of South Gilbert Court, not far from Vincennes and Halsted, according to the ChicagoFire Department.
Crews initially tried to access a hydrant near Vincennes, but it was frozen and had no water pressure, department spokesman Curtis Hudson said. Firefighters were able to use another hydrant nearby.
The fire raged on for over an hour as crews tried to keep it from spreading to neighboring buildings, Hudson said. Part of the building collapsed, he said. Two adjacent homes were slightly damaged by fire exposure.
It wasn’t immediately clear how many people were displaced by the fire. The fire’s cause was under investigation.
The Rivers Casino in Des Plaines was evacuated Sunday after a fire in a restaurant on the property.
The “small late night kitchen fire” was reported at Hugo’s Frog Bar restaurant in the casino late Sunday evening, according to a Rivers Casino spokesman.
Guests and employees were evacuated from the casino and no one was injured, the spokesman said.
“We are grateful that all guests and team members safely evacuated the casino and no one was hurt,” the casino said in a statement. “We thank the Des Plaines Fire Department for their quick work and for working with Rivers and the Illinois Gaming Board on our reopen plan.”
The casino reopened Monday morning.
The Des Plaines Fire Department did not respond to a request for details.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 04: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks shoots against the Carolina Hurricanes at the United Center on February 04, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
The Chicago Blackhawks have been on a bit of a run this season. Most of us pegged them to be right there with the Detroit Red Wings at the bottom of the division. It makes sense as Jonathan Toews and Kirby Dach are both out and the goaltending was awful on paper. Then, the season started and they were bad, like 0-3-1 bad. Now, after a weekend against the Columbus Blue Jackets, it is clear that they could be for real.
On Thursday, they played a very entertaining game. The Hawks lost in regulation by a final score of 6-5. It was a stunning late third-period goal that sunk the Hawks in that one but there was a lot of good. The normal offensive threats along with the young players played a big part in making it close but they fell just short. After the game, we knew that Saturday’s matchup might be a bit of a different story.
Of course, it was as Chicago won the game by a final score of 3-2 in overtime. Five total goals are a lot different than 11 as the game before which is probably appreciated by all of the coaches. The Hawks needed a bit of a comeback to win as they were down 2-1 going into the third period but they did get it done. Alex DeBrincat stays hot as he scored the overtime game-winning goal, again. This kid is on fire which is great to see after his down year last year.
After the past few games, it is clear that Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane should be in the MVP conversation.
In that first Columbus game on Thursday, Patrick Kane had one goal and two assists for three points. In the Saturday night win, Kane had two assists. The five points in two games brought his total on the season to 22 (seven goals and 15 assists). Now, he is tied with Toronto Maple Leafs star, Mitchell Marner, for third in the league. He only trails Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers who are probably the two best offensive players in the league right now.
Because of the way he has played this year, he has to be in the conversation now for the Hart Trophy which goes to the league’s most valuable player. The NHL words the award as the player who is decided to be the most valuable to his team. Well, as good as some of the youngsters have been in Chicago, there is no doubt who leads the way.
There are other phenomenal players in the National Hockey League. There is a lot of hockey to be played still but Kane is fully in the MVP conversation now. He makes it where Chicago has a chance to win every game. We know how important the goaltending has been as well which is important but Kane is the guy here. He impacts the game in a positive way every single night.
A lot of the conversation could come down to the playoff picture. It shouldn’t, but it does. The Tampa Bay Lightning lead the division with 21 points. Chicago is tied with the Florida Panthers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Carolina Hurricanes for second with 18. Florida and Carolina have played four fewer games because of COVID-19 protocol so you can expect them to elevate themselves. However, the Hawks are in the conversation for that last spot and if they make it Kane will the biggest reason why.
Kane has played the second-most minutes of any forward so far this season. The only forward who has played more is Connor McDavid who is the best player in the world by far and much younger. Kane still has a lot to give to a hockey team and could end up being an MVP nominee if he keeps this level of production. He and his teammates are back in action on Monday night when they take on the Detroit Red Wings.
Once his NCAA waiver was approved, Minooka High School graduate Isaiah Hill proved to be a multi-threat weapon for Eastern Illinois. (photo courtesy EIU Athletics)
When Eastern Illinois opens its spring Ohio Valley Conference season Sunday at UT-Martin, the Panthers will have a key offensive piece that wasn’t in place when they kicked off the 2019 fall campaign.
EIU added talent-laden receiver Isaiah Hill back then, but had to endure the NCAA transfer waiver process. While the governing body weighed its decision, Hill — who transferred from South Dakota State — sat in limbo for the first four EIU games.
“We were banking on getting the waiver,” Hill told Prairie State Pigskin. “I was very excited for the season. I had worked hard all summer. When I first got the news that I wasn’t going to be able to play, it hurt. This is something that I’d waited my whole life for. It was heart-breaking when I found out I wasn’t going to be playing the first four games.”
It’s no secret that FCS transfers often sit deep in a pile under a stack of FBS decisions.
Yet, the former South Dakota State ‘scout team player of the year’ soldiered on.
“What I loved about it was that even when he wasn’t eligible or cleared to play on our offense, he was on our scout team and he was making us better every single day,” said EIU offensive coordinator John Kuceyeski. “That just speaks to his character. He didn’t take that time to sit there and pout. He took the time to get better and make the team better.”
Hill said, “I wasn’t going to let my teammates down. I was going to be the same person that they recruited. I was going to work hard no matter what.”
Highly recommended
Hill, a Minooka High School graduate, entered the transfer portal not because he was upset with his time at South Dakota State, but rather because of family situations back in Illinois.
“South Dakota State was a great experience. I loved my coaches and friends there, ” Hill said. “I’m from Joliet. When I entered the portal I really wanted to be closer to my family.”
Kuceyeski picked up the phone and called SDSU defensive line coach and friend Christian Smith.
Isaiah Hill
“Christan said we don’t want him to leave. We’d take a 100 of him,” Kuceyeski said. “He’s leaving because of some things going on at home. He’d be an unbelievable get for you. Knowing that before I even met Isaiah was huge, and then having him on campus for his official visit we really just spent a ton of time together. It was truly about the relationship.”
That relationship was cemented when Hill met EIU receivers coach Mark Philmore II.
“He seemed like one of the coolest people I know,” Hill said. “I felt he was someone I could trust, someone who would be real with me all the time. He’s stayed the same ever since he’s recruited me. All of the coaching staff is very family oriented. I trust them.”
Philmore knew Hill was a special player from day one.
“When he transferred in, he didn’t get the best news in regards to being able to play right away. He didn’t get his waiver from the NCAA. It didn’t stop him at all,” Philmore said. “Two of the four weeks he was unable to play, he was voted as scout team player of the week, one being on offense and the other being on special teams. That shows you right then and there the type of young man that he is.”
Taking flight
When Hill’s waiver was finally granted by the NCAA, the Panthers were opening Ohio Valley Conference play. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder had an immediate impact.
“It doesn’t take an expert to realize his skill set. He’s got a different gear. He can really run and make the plays,” Kuceyeski said.
Philmore added, “He’s internally driven, and he craves for knowledge of the game and how he can improve his skill.”
In his first two OVC games Hill had 14 catches for 88 yards. In his third game he scored touchdowns both rushing and receiving.
Hill followed that up with his true breakout performance Oct. 15 at UT-Martin. He hauled in 15 catches for 157 yards and a touchdown.
“It doesn’t take an expert to realize his skill set. He’s got a different gear. He can really run and make the plays,” Kuceyeski said.
Despite playing in just eight games, Hill led EIU with 58 receptions for 571 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed nine times for 26 yards and two more TDs. Hill scored a touchdown in five straight games and was named to the All-OVC Newcomer Team.
What’s next?
Now entering his redshirt junior season, Hill strives to get even better.
“All summer I worked on getting more detail in my routes, getting off the line. My routes are so much more crisp. I worked on getting out of my breaks in three steps or less,” Hill said.
Philmore has pushed him in a number of ways.
(photo courtesy of eiupanthers.com)
“How can he get in and out of his break that much faster? How can it do it in two steps rather than three? With this particular coverage, how can he set up this safety up for this corner route?” the receivers coach and former Northwestern player said. “He’s always craving for knowledge, which as a coach you love.
“And now the big thing for him is being able to take his motor, his want to have success and bring another guy along in the room. Being a leader vocally as well as showing it with his play. Adding the creativity piece, that’s been his biggest improvement from last year to this year.”
Hill also brings what he learned playing with star receiver and NFL prospect Cade Johnson at South Dakota State.
“His work ethic is above everyone else’s. He’s always asking questions. He was an All-American, but he was also the one who was asking questions and setting an example for the younger guys. I try to emulate him,” Hill said.
Special teams standout
Like many teams in college football, Eastern uses many of its top players on special teams. Hill returns both kickoffs and punts.
“When I’m on kick return and punt return I just want to be smart and protect the football. Make the big play when I need to,” Hill said. “I’ve been begging to be put on anything that helps the team, whether it’s to be the gunner or on the kickoff and go down and tackle somebody. I’ll do whatever they need me to do. If I’m going to get to that next level, I’m going to show them what I can do.”
Scouting report focus
After his impressive OVC debut, opposing coaches are very aware of Hill’s big play ability.
“If you watch the film he’s not lining up in the same place every play, so it’s difficult for defenses to be aware of where he is,” Kuceyeski said. “If I’m a defensive coordinator I’m going to help on coverage whether it’s with a linebacker or safety to make sure I’m not in a 1-on-1 scenario, because if they do give us that we’re going to take it every single time. From our standpoint that’s a win based on his athleticism, skill set and ability to make a play.
“You’ve got to be aware of where he is at all points in time.”
Hill knows it isn’t all about his numbers. The more focus he draws from opposing defenses will only help EIU as a team.
“It’s not all about me. It’s about all of the receivers in the room being able to bring something to the table,” he said. “When we’re all playing well and getting open, there’s going to be times when we all eat.”
That eating occurs both on the field from a success standpoint and literally off the field where he rooms with senior quarterback Harry Woodbery and fellow receivers Matt Reyna and Tyler Hamilton.
“We have a good time together, but we all work on getting better. Harry is always throwing the ball to us whether it’s going to the fieldhouse or we’re in the backyard. He likes to make us watch film with him. He points out things about our routes,” Hill said. “We’ve got that camaraderie.”
Blog co-authors Barry Bottino and Dan Verdun bring years of experience covering collegiate athletics. Barry has covered college athletes for more than two decades in his “On Campus” column, which is published weekly by Shaw Media. Dan has written four books about the state’s football programs–“NIU Huskies Football” (released in 2013), “EIU Panthers Football (2014), “ISU Redbirds” (2016) and “SIU Salukis Football” (2017).
A house caught fire Feb. 13, 2021, in Geneva. | Adobe Stock Photo
A woman and dog were rescued from the home, and the blaze was brought under control after about an hour, fire officials said.
A fire tore through a house Saturday in west suburban Geneva, rendering it uninhabitable for the time being.
A neighbor called the fire department about 6:15 p.m. after seeing a house in flames in the 0N700 block of Wenmoth Lane, Geneva fire officials said.
A woman and dog were rescued from the home, and the blaze was brought under control after about an hour, fire officials said. The woman was hospitalized as a precaution, but no serious injuries were reported.
The fire seriously damaged the second floor, attic and attached garage of the home, officials said, and smoke and water damage was severe throughout.
Though the total damage estimates were not immediately clear, the house was deemed uninhabitable following the fire.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
