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Chicago’s All-Black Rowing Team, 20 Years Lateron June 26, 2020 at 5:10 pm Read More »
The first time I wrote about Chicago singer-songwriter Scott Free was in 1998, for my old column Spot Check. He’d just released his first album, Getting Off, and was sharing a bill with lesbian punk greats Tribe 8, but even then he was no newbie to the music scene. Free had already been a house-music producer, a drag performer for Michael Hyacinth’s Tuck series at Foxy’s, and a staple booking at Joanna Brown and Mark Freitas’s Homocore shows. In 2000 he founded an LGBTQ+ performance series called Grinder; it’s since evolved into Homolatte, and it was still going strong at Big Chicks this spring until the ‘rona put it on temporary hold. In 2018 he released an LGBTQ+ family album (as “the Diesel Tykes”) full of collaborators and guest stars, and he’s also written songs for two musicals, Witches Among Us (2014) and Zombie Bathhouse (2017). You can listen to his queer indie radio station, Alt Q Radio, via the Live365 app.
Free’s work has long maintained an inspired mix of moods–gritty and passionate on one hand, lewd and playful on the other. His new album, The Last Revolution (Leather/Western), due July 3, is his first under his own name in 12 years, and it strikes a new note for him. He’s gifted in wordplay and not much inclined to hold back, and he draws on punk, hip-hop, and folk music for the new record’s ten straightforward, angrily earnest protest songs–which could not come out at a more appropriate time. Free throws down the gauntlet with the furious apocalyptic rap “The Beginning of the End (Climate Change),” and it stays on the floor, dancing around like Thing and making obscene gestures at all of Free’s targets: Republicans, Democrats, ICE, the fossil-fuel industry, the military, racists, homophobes. Free reinvents himself as a traditional fire-and-brimestone socialist balladeer with a radical queer spin.
Monica Kendrick: This is your first full-length solo album in a few years, isn’t it?
Scott Free: Yes–2008 was my last (The Pink Album). I’ve done two original cast recordings for two musicals I wrote–Witches Among Us and Zombie Bathhouse–and an LGBT family album by a pretend group called the Diesel Tykes.
How have you been doing in the social-distancing age?
I’m getting a lot of work done–music work, that is–so it’s all good over here. I’ve just had to sneak out to Evanston a few times to escape the curfew and the park shutdowns.
The album’s extremely timely. Were all the songs written fairly recently?
The only one that was written in the moment was “This Is Not Our Government”–it’s about the CARES Act funds going almost exclusively to the rich. The rest of the album was all written and recorded before these current events. About a year ago, I had made a decision to change focus in my writing and concentrate on social-justice songs–so the timing is pretty coincidental. But yes, it feels right to release it now.
Now really feels like a tipping point of so many injustices that have been building up for years. Was that what made you decide to focus on social-justice songs especially?
My decision to focus on protest music feels like a starting-over point for me as a songwriter. I have been politically active for many years, mostly locally through the Gay Liberation Network, a human-rights direct-action group. They have kept me focused on many social-justice issues. And I’ve certainly written political songs and LGBT rights songs, but often they came from a personal perspective. My goal now is to use the years of experience I have in the craft of songwriting to express more universal human-rights issues–to use the power of music to help with achieving those goals. I do feel a great awakening happening in this country. The Black Lives Matter protests are growing even more–expanding to challenge all of the horrible wrongs in the history of this country, from its very inception. This is a historic time we are living in right now.
You’ve been a player in so much of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ music and performing-arts scene for so long–what are some of the main changes and trends since the 90s that have been important to you?
I’ve been so fortunate to be in Chicago as a musician. I was involved as a producer in the original house-music era, I was part of the Homocore/queercore scene in the 90s, and I’ve been in the Chicago queer-music scene since then, which has been one of the most vibrant in the country. For me personally, the most gratifying has been my Homolatte performance series, which until the shutdown had been running for 20 years. My goal was to create an LGBT space for writers and musicians to work on their craft–to try things out in an inviting atmosphere. The act of sharing your art is what gives it purpose–and the ability to do that online is wonderful, but nothing can replace the human contact. I’m hoping we can return to that soon.
Just one more question for now: What advice would you give to a young queer artist just starting out now and wanting to make a difference?
To any songwriter starting out, I would say that when you are creating–dig deep. Think hard about what you want to say. These are the absolute best times for independent musicians, because there are no restrictions anymore–you can create whatever you want to, and put it out there. There is nothing to keep you from being honest and true to yourself–so go for it. You will create your best work that way. v
Jared Wyllys joined me to discuss whether baseball returning is really the right move. We also dove into the new rule changes for the shortened season…and then made them better.
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I hope that everyone had a great Father’s day celebrating with those you love last weekend. It has been 20 years now for me without having a living dad on Father’s day. I have also been divorced for 18 years, so my experience of Father’s Day is different. My daughters always went to their dads, so my mom and I have spent many of the years together. Once we even came out of a movie and wondered why the restaurants were so crowded, momentarily forgetting what the day was. This year I won’t forget it no matter what because with the challenges of COVID-19 and the issues of racism I wish even more he were here. Even if it was just to discuss what is happening with him. He always tried to take care of me and protect me. I know it doesn’t help anyone to protect or shelter your children from the harsh realities of life especially when they are grown, but it would be good to feel that way even for a brief moment. Just to hear him reassure me that everything will be all right. Take time today to talk to your loved ones!
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While it is easy to focus on the negative aspects of life, I choose to continue looking for the good in people and in the world around me, and I want to share why they do what they do. I am the proud mother of three adult daughters and live in the Chicago area. I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field since 2001, and I write books when the inspiration comes.
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Oh fatherSusan Schulhofon June 26, 2020 at 3:13 am Read More »
As Illinois gets set to hit Phase 4 on Friday, the state continues to open up a little more during this COVID-19 pandemic.
The next phase includes indoor seating in restaurants up to 25 percent capacity as well as allowing groups of 50 or more people in gatherings outdoors. It’s another small step as Phase 5 is a long ways away but it’s something.
On the eve of Phase 4, the Illinois Gaming Board announced that statewide casinos and video gaming operations can reopen beginning at 9 a.m. CST on July 1st. That’s great news for gamblers and fans of sports betting as things get back to normal. Casinos have been closed since March due to the pandemic.
The Illinois Gaming Board announced statewide casinos and video gaming operations will resume July 1st at 9 a.m.
— Josh Frydman (@Josh_Frydman) June 25, 2020
Covid-19 precautions will of course be in place for the reopening across the state and it will look a little odd at first. That includes slot machines at bars across the state.
Under the state’s guidelines, casinos must enforce six-foot social distancing requirements throughout their facilities; require customers and staff to wear face coverings; provide free masks and other personal protective equipment to employees; conduct daily health screenings of patrons and employees, and prohibit anyone who fails a health screening from entering; and set detailed schedules for cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing their facilities.
Check out what this bar in Aurora is doing for precautions:
Friend of mine who owns a bar in Aurora says his slots open tomorrow. Pretty cool setup. I wonder how the “wait” would work pic.twitter.com/tEI4x7fG0M
— brad vasseur (@gmoney2387) June 25, 2020
Masks will still be required inside for precaution as the state is hoping to avoid another outbreak. Las Vegas reopened up last month with casinos opening their doors but NOT requiring masks. That changed quickly as the city implemented a new policy forcing people inside to wear masks at major properties.
It’s not a full reopen but it’s a damn start and is better than nothing.
Casinos, sportsbooks to open back up in IllinoisZack Pearsonon June 25, 2020 at 9:29 pm Read More »
Rick Hahn feels like a lot of us do.
“It’s just good to have baseball back, man,” the White Sox general manager said Thursday.
Talking to media for the first time since spring training came to a halt on March 12, Hahn drummed up the good vibe surrounding the team and where it was in its rebuild heading into the season.
“The way that team was coming together, we were in a really good place,” Hahn said.
“It’s going to be good to see Luis Robert running around center field, it’s going to be good to seeing [Lucas] Giolito continue to build, where [Yoan] Moncada has grown to. … There’s only so many times I can watch that Eloy [Jimenez] home run at Wrigley last year and not wind up thirsty for more. Let’s go.”
Unless you’re among those who were turned off over the labor squabble between players and owners that dragged out baseball’s return after it was shut down by the coronavirus pandemic — and there those out there who say they’re shutting off baseball because of it — it was good to finally talk baseball, and the plans for training camp and changes in the upcoming 60-game schedule expected to be released in about 10 days.
Does a shortened schedule favor the Sox? That’s open for debate, but there’s no arguing their pitching depth will be better with Michael Kopech and Carlos Rodon ready or close to it after having recovered from Tommy John surgery.
“Not to mention young pitchers like [Dane] Dunning, [Jimmy] Lambert, [Jonathan] Stiever, who were sort of building their way back,” Hahn said. “Now that we’ve got ourselves down to a 60-game season and all those players are, knock on wood, without restrictions at this point from a health standpoint, you suddenly look around at this team and you see we’re in a decent position from a pitching depth standpoint.”
Manager Rick Renteria said all options are on the table for a starting rotation, including a six-man and openers.
“The expanded rosters early on are potentially going to allow us the opportunity to be creative in how we deploy that pitching depth,” Hahn said.
Other points from Hahn’s ZOOM conference call with media Thursday:
*Camp will open July 3 at Guaranteed Rate Field, with about 44 players, Hahn said. A taxi squad of about 16 will work out at a facility to be announced probably in the next day. The taxi squad is for depth and options for the active roster and will include prospects in earlier stages of development.
*Second baseman Nick Madrigal, one of the Sox’ top prospects, wasn’t expected to break camp in March might not be on the 30-man Opening Day roster in late July. “He certainly is a consideration for breaking with us and if not immediately then certainly helping us at some point over the course of this summer,” Hahn said.
*If the Sox are planning to have fans at home games — at a 20 percent of capacity maximum — they aren’t saying. “I have no answer to that,” Hahn said. “We’re just following the state and city lead on those.” It’s likely they are exploring it, as the Cubs and other teams are.
*While Renteria doesn’t like the extra-inning rule of starting an inning with a runner on second base, Hahn does in a shortened season. “Why not experiment a little bit?” he said.
*The Sox will play intrasquad games during camp and three exhibition games at the end camp, with the Cubs a likely and convenient opponent.
While many Pride events have been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, two groups are coming together to still provide celebration and entertainment for the Black LGBTQ+ community through a virtual Pride festival. With all the large festivals and events that have had a pin put in them or have been forced to restructure their plans, it’s a relief to know that we can still come together as a community to celebrate something so important, even if our means of connection are limited to virtual spaces.
Want to get your glam on before hopping in on the celebration? View our list of 52 Black Chicago Instagram influencers specializing in makeup & nails.
View 52 Black Chicago Instagram Influencers Specializing in Makeup & Nails
Reunion, an incubator from Humboldt Park for people of color and LGBTQ+ folks, and Slo ‘Mo, Chicago’s LGBTQ-focused party that encompasses LGBTQ+ and allied DJs spinning hip hop, soul, house, and R&B across all eras, have teamed up with Open Television, an intersectional, Chicago platform for streaming series and pilots, to bring #4theQulture to the people.
#4theQulture is a free, 3-day festival happening online, featuring drag, dance, interactive games, DJ sets, theatrical performances, music, advertorials, PSAs from community partners, and much, much more. Check out the preview trailer to get a better sense of what you can expect from this weekend-long celebration of the Black LGBTQ+ community.
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Running from 7 pm to 10 pm on Friday, June 26th, through Sunday, June 28th, each night brings with it an amazing line-up of performers, speakers, and leaders. Friday includes programming from Audio Jack, Thair, Unfriendly Black Hotties, Futurehood, and community organizations like Affinity Health Care and Brave Space Alliance, and many more.
Saturday packs a line-up with features from Queer Comedy, A Queer Pride, Mother Nature, Charlene Currenthers, and the community organization, Let Us Breathe Collective, just to name a few. Sunday closes out the festival with Fabitat, Molasses Chicago, Selah Say, Kidd Kenn, Queering the Parks, and so much more.
#4theQulture’s website has many more details about lineups and performances and also features a hefty number of resources on how to engage in better communication, as well as support the community. The festival aims to celebrate the history of Pride, take joy in the present form of it, and also look towards how to carve a stronger, more inclusive future for it.
While focused on the Black LGBTQ+ community, this by no means is meant to exclude anyone who wants to partake in the celebration and the experience being offered by #4theQulture. Anyone wishing to learn more about how to support these communities and voices is more than welcome!
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Featured Image Credit: #4theQulture
While some walk-in movie theaters are slowly beginning to open as Illinois and Chicago enter Phase 4 of recovery amidst the coronavirus pandemic, many are still working on a reopening plan that adheres to the guidelines set to keep patrons safe. For those who still want a fix of the big screen but want to continue social distancing practices, we’ve rounded up all the new Chicago area drive-in theaters that have been popping up and currently projecting some of our favorite films.
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7000 S Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455
In the stadium home to the National Women’s Soccer League’s Chicago Red Stars, Chicago Drive-In Theaters is screening Toy Story 4 tonight for some family fun, Friday night has Beetlejuice followed by horror-thriller Get Out. Saturday has the Garth Brooks double-feature and leaves Ant-Man to close out the weekend on Sunday night. Tickets and guidelines can be found on their website.
1510 N Chapel Hill Rd, McHenry, IL 60051
Serving up nostalgia for the summer, this drive-in has The Wizard of Oz and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on their bill tonight, Kindergarten Cop and Twins for Friday and Sunday night. Their Saturday double-feature of Garth Brooks is already sold-out! To snag those tickets early for next time and more, head to their website.
2343 S Throop St, Chicago, IL 60608
Located in the parking lot adjacent to the ChiTown Futbol stadium, this new Pilsen drive-in theater is screening The Sandlot all weekend. Their website has a list of all the times the film is being shown, so you should have no trouble finding a night and a screening that works for you and the whole family!
4468 E 12th Rd, Earlville, IL 60518
Another staple drive-in for the area, Route 34 has a back-to-back showing of Trolls World Tour and Jumanji (the newer one with The Rock) running all weekend starting on Friday night.
1700 W Renwick Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446
The Mistwood Golf Club in Romeoville is hosting a drive-in movie night every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night at dusk. The selection of movies is rotated and tickets go live at 5 pm the day before a showing, so to stay as current as possible with them and not miss out on getting tickets, be sure to follow their Facebook page.
1397 W Wabansia Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
In a partnership between developer Sterling Bay, Lincoln Square’s historic Davis Theater, and Facets, a Lincoln Park-based cinema arts non-profit, The Drive-In at Lincoln Yards Lot (adjacent to Fleet Fields) is opening tonight to deliver the drive-in experience to locals. Tickets are available through the Davis Theater website; this weekend’s film is Ferris Bueller’s Day Off!
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Featured Image Credit: Sterling Bay
Encompassing a 13-block segment of North Michigan Avenue, The Magnificent Mile has long been known to locals and tourists alike for being a destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Michigan Avenue has changed a lot since it was first set on its path to becoming a central commercial area as part of the “Chicago Plan” in 1909; though it’s no longer just a trading post, it’s still a part of town where you go to find things you need— maybe sometimes just things you want. Either way, you certainly have no shortage of options.
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If you need one spot where you can find any number of items, this is an important stop for you. From clothing to accessories to books, your needs are easily met by stores including Sur la table, J.Crew, Bloomingdale’s, and more. That molcajete you’ve been eyeing? It’s time to take the plunge and make some good guacamole for once in your life.
The Water Tower has become synonymous with shopping and the experience of being downtown for plenty of Chicagoans. It’s known for having over 100 stores — including American Girl Place, The LEGO Store, and Adidas — housed on eight floors, and even has its own live theater. Make sure you stop at Adidas first though: you’re going to need a great pair of shoes to cover so much ground.
Wait, when was the last time you ate? You’ve been so engrossed in your shopping spree that you almost forgot to eat lunch! If you’re in the mood for something more casual, check out Beacon Tavern, which offers dressed-up versions of your typical tavern fare. Or, if you’ve been wanting a rooftop experience, you can venture to Offshore Rooftop & Bar. Of course, let’s not forget the beloved Frontera Grill, full of Mexican flavors and the expert touch of chef Rick Bayless.
This collection of retailers (perhaps a bit bigger than our usual conception of “shops”) includes 50 stores and 20 restaurants, and it takes up 6 blocks. Among other popular purveyors of fashion and lifestyle items, its stores include Nordstrom, White House | Black Market, and Charming Charlie.
It’s true: you could just go to an AT&T store down the street from your house to replace your phone; however, the AT&T store down the street from your house is not, in fact, a Flagship store that hosts events and limited-time pop-up experiences. The Magnificent Mile is a bit of a spectacle, and the AT&T location that lives there is no different.
You’ve been tromping around all day trying on shoes, sniffing fragrances, leafing through books — even stopping to get a haircut. The items that have eluded you this whole shopping trip are simple but necessary: a pair of jeans, maybe a couple of unassuming tops, and a denim jacket. Luckily, Gap specializes in high-quality essentials, and there’s a location situated on The Magnificent Mile.
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Featured Image Credit: 900 North Michigan Avenue Facebook Page
The Complete Magnificent Mile Shopping GuideAudrey Snyderon June 25, 2020 at 6:58 pm Read More »
Hey, Chicago riders, summer is officially here! Which means it’s time to break out your ol’ trusty two wheels and hit the open road. Maybe you’ve already cruised down Lake Shore Drive or taken your bike to the burbs. But here are a few motorcycle day trips you must add to your warmer weather bucket list.
Need a break from the road? View our list of drive-in theaters in Chicago where you can catch a film right now.
View Drive-In Theaters in Chicago
1 hour, 54 minutes | 95 miles
Looking for a breathtaking, scenic view that won’t disappoint? Then check out this rockin’ route (had to, sorry). Along the way, consider taking a pitstop in Utica, a small but busy town that’s biker-friendly. Once you reach your destination, pop over to Starved Rock State Park which has been ranked the number one attraction in Illinois with lovely views of the river and several sweeping trails to explore.
1 hour, 31 minutes | 92 miles
Follow Lake Michigan all the way up to Wisconsin on this popular route. Once you reach the Cheese State, check out the Harley-Davidson Museum which celebrates the more than 100-year history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. A must-see for any motorhead. If you work up an appetite (because surely you will) grab a table at the Motor Bar and Restaurant which is open now for patio dining with peaceful river views.
1 hour, 11 minutes | 59.4 miles
Searching for a low-stress trip with more of a rural vibe? Then you’ll love this relaxing route along a two-lane road on Route 2. If you’re traveling back on Route 33, be sure to pull off at Lowden State Park. You’ll want to visit the massive, 48-foot tall Blackhawk Statue which represents the unconquerable spirit of Native Americans. Wrap up your trip with a delicious dinner on Blackhawk Steak Pit’s outdoor patio, open now!
1 hour, 17 minutes | 69 miles
If you want to escape the big city for Pure Michigan coastlines, gear up and head to this quaint town. Along the way, stop for a literal “breath of fresh air” at the Indiana Dunes National Park. Carve out a few hours to enjoy endless miles of tranquil forests, rugged dunes, and mysterious wetlands. Once you reach your destination, you’ll want to hit up the rooftop patio at the Stray Dog Bar & Grill which is known for its extensive beer list and delicious eats.
35 minutes | 26 miles
Got a few hours to kill and hoping to catch some rays? Pack up your beach bag and hop on your bike to cruise along Lake Shore Drive until you reach an award-winning location: Rosewood Beach. After undergoing major renovations in 2015, Rosewood officially reopened to the public and has since received local, state, and national recognition. Before you head home, be sure to stop for a slice of ‘za at a north shore staple, Pieros Pizza.
2 hours, 30 minutes | 147 miles
Now, this is a must-see trip for any motorcyclist — you’ll put a lot of miles on your bike but the journey is so worth it. This route follows sleepy back roads through farm country with winding curves and a few smaller hills. As you edge toward Galena, prepare for exhilarating twists and turns (take ‘em slow) some of the best in Illinois. You’ll want to stop along the way for stunning views of the Fox River and the Mississippi River with many areas to pause and reflect. Once you arrive at your destination, there’s a good chance you’ll make friends with other bikers in Galena since it’s a welcoming spot for motorists on the weekends.
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: Visit Galena Website
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