Who is Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and why would anyone care what he says?Howard Mooreon July 2, 2020 at 2:01 pm

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Who is Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and why would anyone care what he says?

Who is Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and why would anyone care what he says?Howard Mooreon July 2, 2020 at 2:01 pm Read More »

From soul sweetheart to blues bombshellSteve Krakowon July 2, 2020 at 11:00 am

Since 2004 Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) has used the Secret History of Chicago Music to shine a light on worthy artists with Chicago ties who’ve been forgotten, underrated, or never noticed in the first place.

Blues and soul powerhouse Holle Thee MarCla RoDe Maxwell, born in Chicago on October 17, 1945, has gone by several names and sung in at least as many genres during her long career. She worked what was arguably her first professional gig at age five. She and her mother, Eula Thee Gladys Maxwell, had been harmonizing at home on Albert Hay Malotte’s 1935 setting of the Lord’s Prayer, and they were paid to sing in a church at 59th and Wabash–the congregation that now calls itself Greater Metropolitan Missionary Baptist.

At age nine, Maxwell began studying classical voice and piano at Roosevelt University’s Chicago Musical College, where she continued her studies till she was 17. By the time she was 12, she’d sung onstage in three languages at the Civic Opera House. “I was raised in a European background because of the classical music,” she told scholar Robert Pruter for his 1990 book Chicago Soul. “I could sing in German, French, and Italian. Well, who was I gonna curse out in Italian going to a black school. It took me a long time to figure out who I was.”

Maxwell discovered blues and soul while attending Parker High School in Englewood in the early 1960s, and it was love at first listen–soon she was sneaking out to see local shows by the likes of Harold Burrage, Little Johnny Williams, Otis Clay, and Simtec & Wylie. At around that time, Maxwell also joined girl group the Tourjourettes, showcasing her light, lovely soprano, and in early 1965 she was discovered by producer Bill “Bunky” Sheppard. Sheppard worked with Maxwell (then performing as Holly Maxwell) for two singles on Constellation Records. The first, “(Happiness Will Cost You) One Thin Dime,” got some Windy City airplay, and the second, “Only When You’re Lonely,” is now considered a “northern soul” classic in the UK and beyond. Later that same year she moved to Star Records, and her second 45 for the label, “Philly Barracuda,” became a regional hit in ’66–Maxwell and DJ Herb “the Gent” Kent promoted the single at an event at Crane High School, where she demonstrated how to dance to the tune.

Maxwell changed course in 1967, after a disastrous gig at south-side club Peyton Place, near 39th and Indiana. She sang “Misty,” the signature number of pop crooner Johnny Mathis, and her classical training was still audible in her carefully controlled, somewhat fussy performance, just as it is on “One Thin Dime.” The crowd weren’t having it, and they pelted Maxwell with beer bottles and oranges. One of the other acts that night–blues singer, comedian, and drag artist Wilbur “Hi-Fi” White–explained the problem to her. “Honey,” he said, “you ain’t got no soul.”

“From that point on I was determined to get this ‘soul,'” Maxwell told Pruter. “I listened to Gladys Knight. I listened to Aretha Franklin. I listened to everyone who hollered and screamed.” She’d return to Peyton Place four months later and wow the audience with a stunning version of “Respect.” Maxwell continued to gig under her own name and occasionally backed R&B singer Barbara Acklin, and in 1969 she released a solo 45 on Curtis Mayfield’s Curtom label–the A side, “Suffer,” was written by Mayfield and Donny Hathaway. She put out one more single in 1970, on the Smit-Whit label, before bailing on Chicago for a while.

In the early 70s Maxwell moved to California, where she helped open a nightclub and sang for three years with legendary Hammond organist Jimmy Smith. She also wrote a tune that appeared on a 1978 album by blues superstar Bobby “Blue” Bland, and from ’77 to ’85 she replaced Tina Turner in Ike Turner’s band, touring mostly in Europe. Despite Ike’s bad reputation, Maxwell insists that their relationship was professional and fruitful, and she even toured with him again in 1992 (at which point she was going by “Holly Maxx”). In 2018, she coauthored the memoir Freebase Ain’t Free about her close friendship with Turner, taking the contrarian view that he was fundamentally kind and generous and his crimes and abuses were aberrations.

After her first stint with Turner, Maxwell returned to Chicago in 1985 to look after her sick mother. Her music also began moving in a bluesier direction, and she frequently played blues-focused venues such as Kingston Mines. That’s where French club owner Gerard Vacher heard her in 1996–he booked her at his Paris venue, Quai du Blues, which was renamed the Maxwell Cafe after she became co-owner. Maxwell performed regularly enough in Paris and around Europe that she was popular on the continent well into the 2000s.

Maxwell sometimes calls herself “the Black Blonde Bombshell,” because for much of her career she’s sported a flamboyant blonde wig (or bleached her hair and worn long blonde extensions). Her voice has grown a little deeper, a little rougher, and much more powerful and expressive than it was in the 1960s–she throws her whole body into her sensual, brazen, bigger-than-life performances. She’s unmistakable no matter who her collaborators are–and she’s worked with a wide range, including the Temptations, Johnny Taylor, the Spinners, the Dells, Fred Williamson, and even Captain & Tennille.

In 2011, Maxwell was booked on a side stage at the Chicago Blues Festival, but only one of the fest’s seven headlining sets featured a woman. In response, blues pianist Joan Gand convened the all-female “Women in the Blues” showcase at Reggies’ Rock Club, and Maxwell came aboard to host. It’s become a recurring event, with shows at Reggies’ and at SPACE in Evanston, and Maxwell has often been involved. During the 2013 Blues Festival, she cohosted a bus tour of Chicago soul and blues history. And in January 2014, she was honored by the Great Black Music Project at Northeastern Illinois University, which added her to its artist registry and released an interview with her as a podcast.

Maxwell was still performing in Chicago clubs when they all shut down this spring. Over the course of a career that’s now in its sixth decade (counting from her debut recording), she’s made friends or fans of luminaries such as Sammy Davis Jr., Redd Foxx, Sidney Poitier, Isaac Hayes, Koko Taylor, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Muhammad Ali. She’s now 74 years old, and she continues to win over new audiences–let’s hope it’s not too much longer before she can get back onstage where she belongs! v

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Why Tavern-Style Pizza Is Chicago’s Signature Foodon June 30, 2020 at 6:27 pm

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Four Chicago Picnic Kits (and Where to Eat Them)on July 1, 2020 at 5:50 pm

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Where to Find Nostalgic Foods You Remember from Childhood in ChicagoKali Crameron July 1, 2020 at 3:15 pm

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As kids, our culinary adventures were pretty uneventful. Mostly because our taste buds had yet to develop and, well, broccoli looked like a tree (still does). But with everything going on in today’s world, sometimes we just want a comforting meal that takes us back to when scraped knees and math tests were our only worries. So we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to get your favorite old-school eats around the city. Here are a few nostalgic foods you remember from childhood and where you can find them in Chicago.

nostalgia food chicago — Photo Credit: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Chicken Fingers: Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

847 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

There’s certainly no shortage of fried chicken restaurants in Chicago. However, if you’re craving poultry that takes you back to when Carson Daly hosted TRL, then you gotta get Gus’s. This popular chain has locations all over the US and has quickly become a local favorite. They dish up fresh, never frozen, hormone-free chicken fried to perfection in peanut oil. Add on a side of mac n’ cheese or fries for the ultimate feel-good meal. RIP your diet.

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Peanut Butter & Jelly: JoJo’s Shake Bar

23 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Major #TBT vibes, coming your way. JoJo’s menu is pretty kid-friendly with items like Lunchables and Momma’s Lasagna. But we’re super into their healthified PB&J which consists of banana, grape jelly, and peanut butter between two slices of multigrain bread. If you’re looking to channel your inner fat kid (no judgment), tack on one of their Biggie Shakes like Chocolate Nirvana or The Wonder Years. It’s all about balance, right?

Grilled Cheese: Gayle V.’s Best Ever Grilled Cheese

108 N State St, Chicago, IL 60602

This isn’t your 1999 Kraft Singles on Wonder Bread. Gayle knocks it out of the park by using locally sourced cheese and butter along with freshly baked bread. And hot damn, her sandwiches are tasty. But don’t take it from us — Gayle’s was recognized as one of the “Top 20 Best Grilled Cheeses In America” by The New York Post. Pretty mind-boggling that something as simple as toasted cheese on bread can cause such euphoria. But we’re here for it.

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Mac ‘N’ Cheese: Kuma’s Corner

2900 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

This heavy metal bar is known for their ridiculously-sized burgers. But their Mac ‘N’ Cheese also holds its own. Customize your carbs by adding on bacon, BBQ pulled pork, or other yummy ingredients. And if you really want to get back to your roots, order takeout and rewatch Back to the Future for the zillionth time.

Pizza Rolls: The Warehouse Bar and Pizzeria

1419 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Remember when you’d get home from school, STARVING? So you’d pop some frozen Pizza Rolls in the microwave and inevitably burn your mouth waiting for them to cool. Oof. Luckily, you’re a grown-up now and can order Pepperoni Rolls from this Chicago favorite. Fill up on these little pizza-wannabes, stuffed with sliced pepperoni, mozzarella, and wrapped in an egg roll. No mouth burns or microwaves necessary!

Photo Credit: Rainbow Cone Facebook
Banana Split: Rainbow Cone

9233 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643

Three flavors of ice cream, hot fudge, banana, pineapple, whipped cream, and nuts, with a cherry on top. What’s not to love? As a youngster, there was a good chance we’d have to share this with a sibling. But as an adult, this is one of those #TreatYourself situations. Order up this heavenly dessert and you’ll thank us later.

Hot dogs Chicago — Photo Credit: Wolfy’s

Hot Dog: Wolfy’s

2734 W Peterson Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

If you’re looking to travel back in time, this classic diner will take you there. With red and white checkered walls and fluorescent lighting, Wolfy’s has stayed virtually the same since they opened in 1967. Of course, you’ll want to order one of their famous Vienna Beef Hot Dogs. Eat it plain (like you would as a child) or add all the fixings: mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle, celery salt & hot peppers. No ketchup here, sorry kids.

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Where to Find Nostalgic Foods You Remember from Childhood in ChicagoKali Crameron July 1, 2020 at 3:15 pm Read More »

Navy Pier Will Host Free Concerts and Outdoor Movie Screenings This SummerNishat Ahmedon July 1, 2020 at 7:54 pm

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We know the cancelations keep coming and they don’t stop coming, but today, we’re excited to announce something that is still happening in Chicago: Navy Pier Summer Programming. Every year, Navy Pier brings with it a solid slew of summer events and activities good for folks wanting to have a good time or to bring the whole family along for some solid fun.

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Navy Pier got you dreaming of the water? View our list where to go boating in Illinois this summer.

View Where to Go Boating in Illinois This Summer

navy pier summer — Photo Credit: Offshore via Heron Agency

Earlier this summer, parts of Navy Pier opened back up to the public, allowing guests to once again dine at restaurants, enjoy some drinks on the rooftop at Offshore, and take a spin on the Centennial Wheel. Masks and social distancing practices were implemented at the partial opening of Navy Pier attractions; it should come as no surprise that the same guidelines and safety measures will be in place for Navy Pier’s summer programming.

What to Expect

Those attending the summer lineup should expect a limited capacity that’s smaller from the usual crowds these events draw, given that guests will be required to wear a face mask and keep that crucial six-foot distance from other groups of guests. As with many locations and venues that are trying to make their spaces as safe as possible for patrons, Navy Pier has installed multiple hand sanitizing stations around the venue and is implementing increased rounds of sanitation of surfaces and areas that are more frequently touched and traversed by guests. Like other high-traffic areas in the city, such as the Lakefront Trail, guests can also expect to see social-distancing ambassadors peppered throughout the venue to ensure all visitors are maintaining a safe distance from other parties.

Fitness Programs

For those wanting to get their body moving after all the sitting at home we’ve done, Wave Wall Wax will be a weekly DJ series happening every Saturday until the end of August at the Wave Wall Platform. Catch the beats from 5 pm to 7 pm for the evening spins.

If you need more burn than just dancing the evening away, the Summer Fitness Series is where you need to be. Tuesday evenings from 6 pm to 7 pm in Polk Bros Park brings attendees a Rush Hour Workout, including a mix of boxing, barre, HIIT, and sculpting yoga. After a brief 30-minute rest, Sunset Yoga runs for an hour from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Free Concerts

For music lovers, there’s plenty to enjoy at Navy Pier this summer. Live on the Lake! is the weekly music series featuring local and regional live acts Saturday from 2 pm to 11 pm on Saturday and 2 pm to 8 pm on Sunday in the Miller Lite Beer Garden all the way through September 7th.

July 24th and 25th are the dates for the LatiNxt Music Festival from 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm and will celebrate the Latinx music community in Chicago.

At the end of Navy Pier’s cultural programming lineup, the Chi-Soul fest will take place on September 18th and 19th.

Family Fun

And for some certified family fun, Water Flicks will feature family-friendly movies in Polk Bros Park Monday nights from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm from July 6th to August 24th.

Wiggleworms, with support from the Old Town School of Folk Music, will feature a children’s music series with performers to entertain the little ones on Friday mornings from 10 am to 11 am from July 10th to August 21st.

For a full list of all the amazing programming Navy Pier is offering, head to their website.

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: Navy Pier

Where to Get Tested for COVID-19 in ChicagoNishat Ahmedon July 1, 2020 at 8:17 pm

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While Illinois has continued moving through Phase 4 of its recovery plan, we should be wary in taking our foot off the gas of caution. As more restaurants, bars, and businesses open up in the coming weeks throughout the state, we should be careful not to get careless and fall backward like other states around the country. To aid in being aware and responsible for ourselves and to others, we’ve gathered a list of places where you can get tested for COVID-19 in Chicago.

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Healthy and all good to go? View our list of where to shop and eat on the Magnificent Mile.

View Where to Shop & Eat on the Magnificent Mile

Requirements to get tested vary depending on each location, but there’s no doubt that by actually knowing one’s status of health can be crucial in protecting oneself and others, especially given that a majority of people with the coronavirus are asymptomatic. For your convenience, we’ll break it down by category for these testing sites.

Open to All Regardless of Symptoms, No Appointment Required:

SMG Chatham

210 W 87th St, Chicago, IL 60620

Open from 8 am to 4 pm, all week. Get here as early as possible because testing is only available while daily supplies last.

IDPH Harwood Heights Drive-Through

6959 W Forest Preserve Dr, Chicago, IL 60634

With the same ‘while supplies last’ caveat, this testing site is open from 7 am to 3 pm. Open all week.

Open to All Regardless of Symptoms, Appointment Required:

Clear Wellness Group

1605 South Michigan Avenue, Unit 1, Chicago, IL 60616

Open 8:30 am to 5 pm every day besides Sundays, this location has same-day appointments available. For their COVID hotline, call 312-535-5770.

Loop Medical Center Streeterville

432 E Grand Ave Suite C, Chicago, IL 60611

Closed on Sundays, this testing location is open 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, and 8 am to noon on Saturdays. Appointments can be made online.

One Medical Fulton Market

218 N Elizabeth St, Chicago, IL 60607

Though open 24 hours, testing occurs by appointment only Monday through Friday. Call 1-888-ONE-MED1 to make an appointment.

UI Health Pilsen COVID Evaluation Clinic

1713 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

With an appointment, patients can get tested Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. New or established UI Health patients are welcome.

Screening or Referral Required Before Appointment, Appointment Required:

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

259 E Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Testing here requires an order from a Northwestern Medicine physician. The order can be obtained by calling their COVID hotline at 312-47C-OVID. They’re open all week from 9 am to 3 pm.

Physicians Immediate Care – West Loop

600 W Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60661

A curbside exam will deem if testing is appropriate for patients. Open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm but note that capacity might be limited.

Michigan Avenue Primary Care

181 N Michigan Avenue Suite 1720, Chicago, IL 60601

Prior to an appointment, a provider will see patients via video consultation to determine if it’s appropriate for a test to happen. Open from 8 am to 6 pm from Monday through Friday and from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays.

The Illinois Department of Health website has a more in-depth map of locations for those not near to the ones provided above. For as much as we want you all to enjoy this summer in Chicago, we also urge you to be safe and cautious so as not to put yourself or others at risk!

At UrbanMatter, U Matter. And we think this matters.

Tell us what you think matters in your neighborhood and what we should write about next in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: Unsplash

Windy City Fans Need These Chicago ProductsSam Harrison July 1, 2020 at 8:10 pm

Chicago is an iconic city in the sports landscape. Boasting some of the most iconic teams ever, the city has made a name for itself as a spot every player wants to end up at some point in their careers. Rep The Windy City in all its glory with these Chicago products from Fanatics.

Photo Credit: Fanatics

Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls Mitchell & Ness 1984-85 Hardwood Classics Rookie Authentic Jersey

The GOAT. Nothing more needs to be said. Take it all the way back to when MJ was dominating even as a rookie with his classic throwback jersey from his first year.

Purchase the Michael Jordan Rookie Jersey for $299.99 at Fanatics

Photo Credit: Fanatics

Walter Payton Chicago Bears Nike 2019 100th Season Alternate Classic Retired Player Game Jersey – White

Old-school jerseys are timeless, and it doesn’t hurt that this one is for one of the greatest running backs of all time. Pay homage to the late Walter Payton and the 80s bears with his throwback jersey.

Check out the Walter Payton Jersey for $119.99 at Fanatics

Photo Credit: Fanatics

Chicago Cubs 2016 Topps Chicago Cubs World Series Commemorative 25 Card Set

A moment no Cubs or Chicago fan will ever forget. Over 100 years later, the World Series trophy belonged to Chicago once more. Remember that great 2016 with the Topps Commemorative Card set.

Purchase the Cubs WS Card Set for $19.99 at Fanatics

Photo Credit: Fanatics

Patrick Kane Chicago Blackhawks Fanatics Branded Breakaway Player Jersey – Red

Don’t forget about Patrick Kane, who should be remembered as one of the greatest Chicago sports players in city history. Having led the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup Championships, Kane deserves to be mentioned alongside the likes of MJ and Payton as forever legends of the city.

Purchase the Patrick Kane Jersey for $169.99 at Fanatics

Photo Credit: Fanatics

Chicago White Sox Fanatics Branded Southsider Hometown T-Shirt – Black

Don’t forget about the White Sox, who boast an intriguing young core to lookout for. As baseball begins to start back, wear your White Sox colors with pride with their Southsiders shirt.

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Windy City Fans Need These Chicago ProductsSam Harrison July 1, 2020 at 8:10 pm Read More »