Videos

Restore a Sailboat – June 2020Glenn McCarthyon June 19, 2020 at 1:40 pm

Live Your Dream: Sail Lake Michigan

Restore a Sailboat – June 2020

©2020 CTMG – A Chicago Tribune website –
Crafted by the News Apps team

Read More

Restore a Sailboat – June 2020Glenn McCarthyon June 19, 2020 at 1:40 pm Read More »

Donald Trump holds a rally in Tulsa during a pandemic. What could possibly go wrong?Howard Mooreon June 19, 2020 at 2:43 pm

I’ve Got The Hippy Shakes

Donald Trump holds a rally in Tulsa during a pandemic. What could possibly go wrong?

fb_avatar

©2020 CTMG – A Chicago Tribune website –
Crafted by the News Apps team

Read More

Donald Trump holds a rally in Tulsa during a pandemic. What could possibly go wrong?Howard Mooreon June 19, 2020 at 2:43 pm Read More »

Finally, the huge crowds will tell us just how deadly COVID-19 really isDennis Byrneon June 19, 2020 at 3:23 pm

The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor

Finally, the huge crowds will tell us just how deadly COVID-19 really is

Read More

Finally, the huge crowds will tell us just how deadly COVID-19 really isDennis Byrneon June 19, 2020 at 3:23 pm Read More »

A Memory, A Diner, and A Reacquaintancelesraffon June 19, 2020 at 3:54 pm

Getting More From Les

A Memory, A Diner, and A Reacquaintance

©2020 CTMG – A Chicago Tribune website –
Crafted by the News Apps team

Read More

A Memory, A Diner, and A Reacquaintancelesraffon June 19, 2020 at 3:54 pm Read More »

The Historical Figure Trump Most Resemblesbadjackon June 19, 2020 at 7:33 pm

The Amused Curmudgeon

The Historical Figure Trump Most Resembles

Read More

The Historical Figure Trump Most Resemblesbadjackon June 19, 2020 at 7:33 pm Read More »

Blu & Exile explore history, time, and influence on Miles: From an Interlude Called LifeDave Cantoron June 19, 2020 at 2:44 pm

Since 2007, Los Angeles rapper Blu has dispensed more than a dozen albums indebted to hip-hop’s golden age, and on his releases with producer Exile, his garrulous style finds a firm footing. The duo’s third effort, the double disc Miles: From an Interlude Called Life (Dirty Science), spans the globe and the history of the African diaspora. The nine-minute epic “Roots of Blu” tells the story of humanity through the accomplishments of Black folks, name-checking the likes of Tutankhamun, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Sun Ra; meanwhile, the rangy narrative of “Blue as I Can Be” spins listeners through Blu’s Los Angeles childhood. His expression of creativity, determination, and lyrical munificence is deeply personal, but he also dissects life on the road and the complexities of navigating the music industry with the day-in-the-life vantage point of “Miles Away.” What isn’t expressly addressed is that following the critical embrace of Blu & Exile’s debut, 2007’s Below the Heavens, Blu made NoYork! under his own name–it leaked in 2011, while he was under contract to Warner Brothers, and within weeks that major-label deal was over. (The album got a formal release through Blu’s own New World Color label in 2013, and was later retitled York!) That album seemed to strike out for purposely different territory than the MC’s soulful work with Exile: Blu’s vocals float over relatively electro-related productions that, while not exactly anti-commercial, might’ve been a bit jarring to traditionalists. Whatever the significance of his ill-fated dalliance with Warner Brothers, Blu retains his ability to transform personal insights into ambitious narrative projects–Miles is the most expansive and all-encompassing exploration of his life thus far. This probably means we can expect him to unfurl a few more novel-like albums before this serialization is complete. v

Read More

Blu & Exile explore history, time, and influence on Miles: From an Interlude Called LifeDave Cantoron June 19, 2020 at 2:44 pm Read More »

Drab City build a bleak but dreamy world on Good Music for Bad PeopleJamie Ludwigon June 19, 2020 at 2:49 pm

To some Chicagoans, “Drab City” might sound like the name of a pickup band that plays melancholy covers of Will Oldham and Joanna Newsom tunes, but it’s actually a Berlin duo that specializes in an understated, lo-fi combo of cinematic trip-hop and folky dream pop, flavored with a little jazz and some fuzzy samples. Multi-instrumentalists and producers Chris Dexter Greenspan (who helped pioneer witch house as oOoOO) and Asia (who performs as Islamiq Grrrls) hatched Drab City after joining forces on a 2018 collaborative album under their stage names; that record, Faminine Mystique, is eclectic enough to incorporate 80s metal-ballad guitar and Auto-Tuned vocals from one track to the next without seeming incoherent. The artists carry this taste for variety over to Good Music for Bad People, their first album as Drab City, and from its first moments it’s clear they want us to immerse ourselves in their sepia-tone world rather than peek in from outside–instrumental opener “Entrance to Drab City” plays like a warped record unearthed in a dusty attic. That exploratory tone defines much of the record, whether the tracks lace their charming pop melodies with smoky keys and twangy guitar (“Hand on My Pocket”) or feel like they could fall apart at the seams (“Devil Doll”). Though heartbreak and despair are familiar bedfellows in Drab City’s lair–the synth-driven “Standing Where You Left Me” could be a B side to one of Martin Gore’s more yearning songs–there’s some scrappy resilience too. Greenspan’s vocals give a laid-back stoner vibe to “Live Free and Die When It’s Cool,” which dovetails with the tune’s grooving, psychedelic interlude to give it an uplifting feel–despite its bleak lyrics about alienation and struggle after migrating to a new city. v

Read More

Drab City build a bleak but dreamy world on Good Music for Bad PeopleJamie Ludwigon June 19, 2020 at 2:49 pm Read More »

Englewood’s F.A.B.L.E. brings his charming warmth and vigor to Chicago’s bustling hip-hop ecosystemLeor Galilon June 19, 2020 at 3:06 pm

Englewood multi-instrumentalist, engineer, and rapper Christopher Horace started releasing solo recordings a little more than two years ago. He released his first mixtape, February 2018’s Exodus, under the name Nephset, but since then he’s been performing and recording as F.A.B.L.E., which stands for Finally a Black Life Explained. For a year or so now, Horace has been working on a full-length tentatively titled Duckweed, but he’s grown so frustrated with his own process that he decided to compile seven of its songs and release them via his own Storybook Records as (IX) The Hermit. (He still plans to finish Duckweed eventually.) Whatever causes the underlying friction that’s stalled Duckweed, it’s imperceptible on the cool, in-the-pocket hip-hop on (IX) The Hermit. Horace’s rambunctious inflections impart a youthful swagger to the EP’s slender horns, billowy keys, and relaxed percussion, and he’s so comfortable on the mike that he can make his wordiest verses go down smoothly. When he raps about his artistic individuality on the summery “Boogie Board,” he makes the better half of his point with his commanding presence. He’s far from the only Chicagoan to make uplifting hip-hop filled with introspective lyrics about his neighborhood, Black life, and community, but his jubilance, his open-book warmth, and his expressive fervor help him stand out. Horace originally released (IX) The Hermit in April, and in May he made it available on Bandcamp as well–all proceeds from sales through that platform benefit the George Floyd Memorial Fund. v

Read More

Englewood’s F.A.B.L.E. brings his charming warmth and vigor to Chicago’s bustling hip-hop ecosystemLeor Galilon June 19, 2020 at 3:06 pm Read More »

52 Black Chicago Instagrammers Specializing in Makeup & NailsLindsey Congeron June 18, 2020 at 8:31 pm

Table of Contents

The Black Lives Matter movement is gaining momentum, and while there are many ways to support the cause, one thing you can do is choose to spend money at black-owned businesses. Next time you need to need to make a beauty appointment, check out this complete list of Black Chicago Instagrammers specializing nails or makeup.

black instagrammers
Photo Credit: Retha Ferguson via Pexels

Makeup

Advertisement

@makeupbyjennbelle

She services Chicago and the surrounding suburbs and is only traveling to your house due to COVID-19.

Advertisement

@keysbeautytouch

Book her on Instagram or subscribe to her YouTube channel to get makeup tips.

@shadysnobs

Specializes only in natural pronto styles.

View this post on Instagram

Thank you guys for all the love & support on my 1st brow class/tutorial! 💗 It’s still available & here to stay🤗 Part 2 will be eyes! & it will be available later this week! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • #naturalglam #chicagomua #chicagomakeupartist #makeupartist #chicagoprommakeup #chicago #chicagomua #muachicago #chicagomakeup #bridechicago #chicagobride #chicagohairstylist #hairchicago #makeupchicago #makeup #makeupprom #beatface #beatfacechicago #makeupprom #promglam #promchicago #chicagoprom #chicagoprommakeup #chicagomua #chicagoart #chicagoartist #newyorkmua #makeupguru #quarantine #california #morphebrushes#Juviasplace #beautybakerie #atlantamua

A post shared by @ facesbykourtney on May 17, 2020 at 5:39pm PDT

@facesbykourtney

Not working with clients at the moment, but keep her on your list for the future.

View this post on Instagram

PEACHY 🍑🍑🍑 Face/Product Details👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 BROWS: @anastasiabeverlyhills brow wiz “chocolate” EYES: @morphebrushes x @jamescharles palette @morphebrushes 24A artist pass palette @nyxcosmetics vivid bright liner “vivid halo” FACE: @maccosmetics studio fix foundation “NC42” @toofaced born this way “natural beige” @anastasiabeverlyhills highlighter ”golden dawn” LIPS: @kkwbeauty lip liner “nude 2” @maccosmetics lipglass “c-thru” Look inspired by @makeupbethx • • • • • • • ———————————————- #chicagomakeupartist #chicagomua #chicagoyoutuber #lamua #youtubechannel #blackbeautyradar #instamakeup #instaglam #everydaymakeuplook #chicagoyoutubers #beautyyoutuber #Undiscovered_MUAs #everydaymakeuproutine #celebritymua #atlmua #makeupartistworldwide #makeupgoals #beautycommunity #MUAAnnouncer_ #beautytips #makeupgeek #designer #beautyinfluencer #GlamBySydB #dailymakeup #makeupaddict #makeuplover #makeupforever #makeupart #morphebabe

A post shared by 💫Syd B💫 (@glambysydb) on Jun 11, 2020 at 6:13pm PDT

@glambysydb

June bookings are open. Make appointments on her Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

🌈🍭Tie • Dye 🍭🌈 Follow..( @jollyonthebeatt … @jollyonthebeatt) For details on this look check below………………………………………………………………. 🌟EYEBROWS @anastasiabeverlyhills “pomade x Ebony” 🌟EYES @myomakeup “Color pigments stack” @glamlite “cake palette” for bottom eyes -Glitter @luxglammcosmetics -Lashes @jollyonthebeatt 🌟FACE – Foundation @beautybakeriemakeup “instabake 317 “ – Concealer @covergirl “ t300 warm honey & m100 golden natural” -Contour @juviasplace Foundation stick “Zambia” @blackradiancebeauty “medium to dark powder palette” – Setting powder @beautybakeriemakeup “Plantain” – Blush @juviasplace “Saharan Blush Vol 2” -Highlight @ofracosmetics “feeling myself” -Setting Spray @lagirlcosmetics “Shimmer Spray” 🌟LIPS @nyxcosmetics “retractable lip liner x brown) @nyxcosmetics liquid suede “life’s a beach” @ofracosmetics lipgloss “Love” • • • • Inspiration: @kaaaarraa ——————————————— #chicagomua #muachicago #makeupartistchicago #covergirl #lagirl #makeupforbeginners #makeupforblackwomen #brownmelaninmua #lamua #nycmua #atlmua #crayoncase #futurecrayoncutie #crayoncutie #chicagoyoutubers #beautyguru #beautyinfluencer #colorfulmakeup #glittermakeup #undiscovered_muas #chicagoyoutubers #chicagohairstylist #chicagobraids #knotlessbraidschicago #morphe #morphebrushes

A post shared by Jolly Makeup🎨 (@jollyonthebeatt) on Jun 4, 2020 at 9:37pm PDT

@jollyonthebeatt

Follow her on YouTube for tutorials or make an appointment on her Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

It was super fun doing this shoot with @bebeautiful__‼️Hit her for ALL hair care needs! #SonyaSimoneMakeup • • C U S T O M  L A C E  W I G S w/ Extended Beauty’s Luxury Hair included 😩🙌🏾✨💁🏽‍♀️ Automatically enjoy $50 off your order when you shop at ATotalBeautyThing.com April 18th – May 1st ‼️ ————————————— Features ✨ •Customizable •Co washed with Moisture Rich conditioner •Luxury (5×5) HD Lace •Pre-plucked hairline •Bleached knots •Adjustable elasticband for glueless install ————————————— Model: @hadiya_shani Hair: @BeBeautiful Makeup: @SonyaSimoneMua • #FullLaceWigs #WigLoversandSlayers #SidePart #MiddlePart #Layers #ProtectiveStyle #Extensions #You #BasicSewin #TraditionalSewin #Wigs #LaceClosures #Frontals #VirginHair  #LuxuryHair #ChicagoHair #ChicagoHairStylist #ExtendedBeauty #AppointmentsAvailable #BookMe #BookBeBeautiful #ChicagoMakeupArtist #ChicagoMakeup

A post shared by Chicago Makeup Artist (@sonyasimonemua) on Apr 27, 2020 at 5:02pm PDT

@sonyasimonemua

Prom makeup, beauty makeup, makeup classes, photoshoot makeup, and more are available on her site.

@deythamua

Not only is she a freelance makeup artist and eyelash technician, but Deja also handmakes lip care products in her line, All Shine by Dey.

View this post on Instagram

Hello new friends! Thank you for joining my page! I’m Danielle, founder of Danielle Rochon Makeup. Women of color who want to put their best face forward for weddings, tv appearances and other special occasions turn to me when they want flawless, camera-ready makeup that highlights their natural beauty. I am a wife to an amazingly smart and talented man, I am raising an intellectually curious, kind, adorable and empathetic young black man, and I’m a dog mom to Marty, a Lhasa Apso, who often needs a haircut. I work with all skin tones, races, and sexes, but my specialty is understanding and working with Black brides who have historically been overlooked and ignored in the wedding industry. I love what I do and I can’t wait to get back to work! Hugs and kisses new friends! Please be kind to yourself and practice self care during this very challenging time.

A post shared by Chicago Makeup Artist (@daniellerochonmakeup) on Jun 7, 2020 at 6:13am PDT

@daniellerochonmakeup

She specializes in TV, bridal, and commercial makeup.

@mrshopes

Alissha Hopes services the south suburbs and NWI. Call or text her to book.

@mingtheartist_

Ming The Artist does makeup for her clients, but she also does one-on-one makeup lessons.

@rolonda_94

As of June 3, Rolonda Hamilton is back to taking makeup appointments.

View this post on Instagram

Did another colorful look . Using the New @glamourvault Neon Retrograde stack 🌈 𝓕𝓸𝓵𝓵𝓸𝔀 @beatsbycordeshia for more – – -𝓔𝔂𝓮𝓼 @lagirlcosmetics white base – @glamourvault Neon Retrograde stack (pink,orange, & purple) & star pigment “moon sign” @cheyyy_4200 Glitter 𝓕𝓪𝓬𝓮 @pixibeauty toner @morphebrushes face primer @maybelline fit me “352 truffle” @juviasplace foundation 210 @lagirlcosmetics concealer “fawn & toast” @airspunofficial Setting powder @lauramercier translate powder @juviasplace The warrior pallet (blush) @juviasplace the Nubian (contour) @thecrayoncase “ANGLOWLA” highlighter @artistcouture highlighter @anastasiabeverlyhills liquid lipstick “stripped” @lagirlcosmetics brown lip liner – – – – #anastasiabeverlyhills #abh #abhjunkies #jlaruecosmetics #glittermakeup #homecomingmakeup #makeupinspo #morphebrushes #morphebabe #bperfectcosmetics #staceymariemua #cinderella #cinderellamakeup #browsonfleek #chicagomakeupartist #muafeaturing #muafeatures#morphefeatures #muasfeaturing

A post shared by C O R D E S H I A (@beatsbycordeshia) on Jun 4, 2020 at 11:50am PDT

@beatsbycordeshia

Get makeup done or follow her tutorials on her Instagram.

@sheenamariebeauty

This studio has a variety of services, including lashes, bridal, barbers, and more.

@bisicrystaleyez

Crystal Eyez Beauty Lounge is taking your health seriously through the coronavirus; all employees are wearing masks and plastic shields.

@glamourbymjay

She offers advice for cheap makeup tips, and you can book her services on her IG.

@shayluxbeauty

She is a natural beat specialist and professional makeup artist.

View this post on Instagram

⚫️SYMMETRY ⚪️⠀ ⠀ ⠀ CONTACTS: @ttd_eye in style ” Polar lights grey ” ⠀ use my code ” Chrismychael ” for 10% off ALL CONTACTS ⠀ ⠀ GLAM|🐼⠀ KEY PRODUCTS:⠀ SKIN🐼⠀ • @benefitcosmetics Porefessional Hydrating Primer ⠀ •@beccacosmetics mattefying Primer ⠀ • @juviasplace I AM MAGIC ” Somalia”⠀ • @juviasplace I AM MAGIC ” 10/18″⠀ POWDER🐼⠀ • @maccosmetics Studio Fix Powder NW45⠀ • @beautybakeriemakeup Flower Powder ” OAT ” use my code ” CHRIS ” for 10% ⠀ BLUSH 🐼⠀ • @maccosmetics Breath of Plum ⠀ • @morphebrushes “Supreme”⠀ EYES 🐼⠀ • @jeffreestarcosmetics CREMATED PALLET ⠀ • @tatti_lashes TL3⠀ BROWS🐼⠀ • @morphebrushes in Almond ⠀ LIPS🐼⠀ • @hankandhenrybeauty The Night Owl ⠀ #glambychrismychael💋⠀

A post shared by ✨💋 Thee Chris Mychael 💋✨ (@chrismychael) on Jun 18, 2020 at 7:48am PDT

@chrismychael

Chris Mychael is a traveling pro makeup artist and has a popular YouTube channel as well.

@jada.glams

She offers services like lashes, one-on-one classes, brows, and full makeup.

@kiarakardashian

She specializes in makeup and lash extensions for the everyday woman.

View this post on Instagram

Skin is glowing 😍 SWIPE LEFT TO SEE THE PROCESS Imakeup by me | want this look? Book under Basic soft glam| appointments available BOOK NOW Slots available!!!! | @accosmetics_ ”butternut beige” | Eyes: @morphebrushes Brows: @anastasiabeverlyhills Foundation: @maybelline Concealer: @tartecosmetics Contour: @fentybeauty foundation stick | BOOKING INFO IN BIO #prettyfinessedfaces #chicagomua#chicagomakeupartist#makeup#beauty#chicagomakeupartists#glam#makeupgeek#prom#morphe#maybelline#beatfaces#undiscoveredmuas#mua#makeupartist#softglam#muaannouncer_ #naturalglam#prommakeup#bridalglam#photoshootglam#chicagoartist#nycmua#art#bride#chicago#glammakeup#muachicago#chicagoprom#powerofmakeup @makeupforblackwomen @undiscovered_muas @muaannouncer_ @wakeupandmakeup @hairnbeautydirectory @themelaninbeautyreport

A post shared by R O S E🥀 (@therealrose.t) on May 31, 2020 at 9:13am PDT

@therealrose.t

This self-taught makeup artist has makeup services or a virtual online workshop if you are worried about in-person classes.

@miahlove_mua

Bookings aren’t available right now but check back often.

@makeupbysergene

Sergené doesn’t travel, but she does do luxury, bridal, and timeless beauty makeup.

@derannies_signature

She specializes in bridal and events.

black instagrammers
Photo Credit: @INSTAGUILHERME via Pexels

Nails

@nailsbymrstisa

Get your nails done, starting at $100.

@klawedbyke_

You can’t get fills, but all other nail needs can be fulfilled here!

@tolove04

DM her directly on Instagram to book an appointment.

@clawsbylo__

You can’t DM her for appointments, but she is open for business!

@nailzbykari

She is home-based and takes safety seriously — no extra people around during the appointments!

@_nailfanatic

Short sets all the way to XL sets, she has all your nail lengths!

@nailsbytamminicole

Get your nails done by Tammi! She also takes her health seriously and doesn’t allow kids or extra guests around.

@naild2dat

Ty does acrylic, glow in the dark, acrylic fill, crystalized nails, and more.

@hot.topic21

She only takes cash for her nails appointment, but can give you a detailed artist nail!

@773nailtrap

Jas is already booked for June, but is taking appointments for July!

@daglamboxx

Available Tuesday – Friday for nail appointments.

View this post on Instagram

Me: “Are you ready to become the baddest bitch of your life today?” Her: “Girl yes, I’m too thirsty” * * Appointments available, click the “Book” button to BOOK NOOOOWWW! * * Service: Deluxe Cum Nails Full-set (XXL Length, Square Shape, Rhinestones/Bling-Partial Coverage, Foil) * * * Lovely Client: Jessi’ka @jess_doit1 (her nail length is XXL if you’re wondering😊) * * * #NailzByChelle #ChicagoNailTech #BlackNailTech #AcrylicNails #SelfTaughtNailTech #NailDesigns #ChicagoNails #Chicago #LongNails #Nailstagram #NailInspo #Nails #CoffinNails #ASMRNails #ASMR #Explorepage #Explore #ChicagoStylist #MakeupArtist #NailsOfInstagram #InstagramNails #NailIdeas #ChiTown #ChicagoIG #ChiGram #ExtraLongNails

A post shared by Nailz By Chelle 💅🏾 (Rochelle) (@_nailzbychelle) on May 6, 2020 at 5:53pm PDT

@_nailzbychelle

Chelle is available Tuesday – Saturday and does both manis and pedis.

@profoundnails

Located in Tinley Park, she uses sensitive skin safe products and never uses drills.

@apolishedwork

A Polished Work does manicures including polish change, classic manicure, no chip manicure, strengthening no-chip manicure, acrylic overlay, acrylic full set or fill-in, gel full set, and pedicures.

@thenailbully

The Nail Bully can fix your nails, do no chip pedicure or manicure, or even teach you how to do your own nails.

@loveeedior

Full set, bling, ombre, outlined, freestyle are all available from Iconic Key Nails.

View this post on Instagram

classic fullset ✨

A post shared by Jada (@nails.jadax) on Jun 10, 2020 at 1:26pm PDT

@nails.jadax

DM her to book your appointment.

@kashonthetips

She is a colored acrylic only nail tech and requires all her customers to wear a mask.

@cobeautyusa

They are open again and have a limited number of appointments available for you to get acrylic nails, sculpted full set, overlay, and more.

@badazznailzz

Get your nails done by this nail tech, who has also worked on celebrities.

@lovejaeinc

Located on the southside, Jae is a nail tech and ambassador for Blue Streak Crystals.

@whodidyourset

From shorties to XL, she can do your set!

View this post on Instagram

💜

A post shared by Woman Of All Traits💁🏽‍♀️ (@meenah_mamacita) on Jun 7, 2020 at 9:24pm PDT

@meenah_mamacita

Meenah is a cosmetologist, nail technician, and licensed massage therapist. DM her to make an appointment.

@nailzbywanda

She doesn’t do fill-ins, but you can DM her for all your other nail work.

@key_nailed_it

This Stony Island-based nail technician is available for appointments.

@trebellanailspa

This natural nail care specialist is available only Tuesday – Saturday for appointments.

@naughtynailz

Available only by appointment on the Northwest side.

@beeflawlessnails

This home-based nail tech does acrylic full set, acrylic overlay, fills, ombre, gel polish manicure, and teaches hands-on classes.

Share this post:

Read More

52 Black Chicago Instagrammers Specializing in Makeup & NailsLindsey Congeron June 18, 2020 at 8:31 pm Read More »

Chicago’s Mercury Theater Closing Permanently, Lyric Opera Cancels Remaining 2020 SeasonNishat Ahmedon June 18, 2020 at 9:23 pm

Unfortunately, closures and cancelations from the coronavirus pandemic show no signs of slowing down. On Tuesday, Chicago’s Mercury Theater announced it would be shutting its doors permanently come the end of the month.

Photo Credit: Heron Agency

View Rooftop Bars Open Now in Chicago

Looking for something to do in your favorite city? View which rooftop bars are open in Chicago right now.

Advertisement

View Rooftop Bars Open Now in Chicago

mercury closing
Photo Credit: Mercury Theater

Long adorned at its place on North Southport Avenue, the theater closed down in mid-March amid concerns of COVID-19. The initial closure halted the opening of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and interrupted the running of the theater’s production of Shear Madness.

Advertisement

The massive loss of revenue from the closure has proved too large to surmount. Executive director, L. Walter Stearns, spoke of how the theater initially gave all staff two weeks’ salary and paid off all show expenses due to the closures, expecting the closure to last only about a month. Putting the employees first, the theater maintained the staff for an additional 16 weeks. Stearns estimates that, with everything factored in, the loss sat around a quarter of a million dollars.

Photo Credit: Mercury Theater

It’s midsize theaters like the Mercury that find themselves at the highest risk of keeping afloat, given that they usually own the spaces they operate in, unlike smaller theaters that can pivot away from those kinds of fixed costs. And unlike larger theaters that thrive off of donors and endowments, midsize theaters function off of investors that look for the return on investment via regular operations. And these closures aren’t just specific to Chicago but to theaters all over the nation that cannot open their doors until the end of the pandemic.

Advertisement

Photo Credit: Lyric Opera House of Chicago Yelp Page

This isn’t to say that larger theaters with endowments and funding aren’t facing their own challenges. The Lyric Opera of Chicago, which had already moved shows from its 2019-2020 season into upcoming seasons, announced on June 16th that it would remain dark for the rest of 2020, meaning that the first half of its 2020-21 season will be interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Originally slated to launch September 17th with the double-bill of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci, the company hopes to accommodate the affected shows from the first half of the 2020-21 season in upcoming seasons. It’s unclear if the rescheduled of these shows will conflict with the already rescheduled shows from the latter half of the 2019-20 season.

Advertisement

Other canceled shows, such as Lessons in Love and Violence, Tosca, and Attila, are hoping to be rescheduled into later seasons along with the aforementioned double-bill. Lyric Opera’s spring 2021 bill includes The Elixir of Love, The Marriage of Figaro, The Rake’s Progress, and a postseason production of Singin’ in the Rain. The company intends to reopen in January 2021 with a Chicago debut of Blue, an opera by Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson. It was originally slated to open June 19th of this year. For a full update, head to their website.

Advertisement

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!

Advertisement

Featured Image Credit: Mercury Theater Facebook Page

Advertisement

Share this post:

Read More

Chicago’s Mercury Theater Closing Permanently, Lyric Opera Cancels Remaining 2020 SeasonNishat Ahmedon June 18, 2020 at 9:23 pm Read More »