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Chicago begins reopening: Here’s what’s openCarole Kuhrt Breweron June 2, 2020 at 8:02 pm

Show Me Chicago

Chicago begins reopening: Here’s what’s open

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Chicago begins reopening: Here’s what’s openCarole Kuhrt Breweron June 2, 2020 at 8:02 pm Read More »

Sports lookback: Tom Verducci on Michael Jordan’s MLB careerChicagoNow Staffon June 2, 2020 at 9:45 pm

ChicagoNow Staff Blog

Sports lookback: Tom Verducci on Michael Jordan’s MLB career

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Sports lookback: Tom Verducci on Michael Jordan’s MLB careerChicagoNow Staffon June 2, 2020 at 9:45 pm Read More »

New police tactics needed to end antifa violenceDennis Byrneon June 2, 2020 at 10:42 pm

The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor

New police tactics needed to end antifa violence

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New police tactics needed to end antifa violenceDennis Byrneon June 2, 2020 at 10:42 pm Read More »

Show Dad Your Love with a Health-Filled Gift on Father’s Day #FathersDaytwinon June 2, 2020 at 11:45 pm

All is Well

Show Dad Your Love with a Health-Filled Gift on Father’s Day #FathersDay

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Show Dad Your Love with a Health-Filled Gift on Father’s Day #FathersDaytwinon June 2, 2020 at 11:45 pm Read More »

Luna Bay Hard Kombucha: Talking with Co-Founder Bridget ConnellyMark McDermotton June 3, 2020 at 4:31 am

The Beeronaut

Luna Bay Hard Kombucha: Talking with Co-Founder Bridget Connelly

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Luna Bay Hard Kombucha: Talking with Co-Founder Bridget ConnellyMark McDermotton June 3, 2020 at 4:31 am Read More »

Rhymefest’s greatest moment in Chicago music historyChe "Rhymefest" Smithon June 2, 2020 at 6:05 pm

"Aahh! Fest was one of the greatest two-day festival concerts that Chicago has seen in recent years. The only thing that can compare to it would be the Silver Room Block Party." - COURTESY THE ARTIST

Not only is 2020 the Year of Chicago Music, it’s also the 35th year for the nonprofit Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC), which provides business expertise and training to creatives and their organizations citywide. To celebrate, the A&BC has launched the #ChiMusic35 campaign at ChiMusic35.com, which includes a public poll to determine the consensus 35 greatest moments in Chicago music history as well as a raffle to benefit the A&BC’s work supporting creative communities struggling with the impact of COVID-19 in the city’s disinvested neighborhoods.

Another part of the campaign is this Reader collaboration: a series spotlighting important figures in Chicago music serving as #ChiMusic35 ambassadors. This week, we hear from Oscar- and Grammy-winning rapper and activist Che “Rhymefest” Smith, cofounder and creative director of the nonprofit Art of Culture (formerly Donda’s House). A fixture in the Chicago hip-hop scene for decades, he’s currently working on a new album as well as his memoir: both are titled Love Lessons.

This interview was conducted by Ayana Contreras, who’s a DJ, a host and producer at WBEZ radio, and a columnist for DownBeat magazine.

Ayana Contreras: What’s one of your favorite Chicago music moments?

Rhymefest: One of the most powerful, understated moments in Chicago music history of the last five years–and Kanye and I were just speaking about this a day ago–was an event called Aahh! Fest. It was created [in 2014] by Common and Donda’s House, which was a nonprofit organization that myself and my then wife ran. The first day was Community Day, where vendors got to come out and give information and resources to the community. The first day was free for all the young people in the city to attend. Diggy Simmons performed with myself and Common.

But the second day you had Jennifer Hudson performing. You had Common. You had Kanye West. You had Twista. You had Lupe Fiasco. You had Crucial Conflict. The city had never seen most of its greatest hip-hop artists on one stage in one night. When Kanye came out and performed, he ran through his whole catalog with simply a guy with a keyboard and a guitar. It was a beautiful Chicago evening.

What we were able to all come together and do just showed a kind of unity, and the fulfillment of that type of promise. When I look and see what the Roots do in Philadelphia–they have a Roots Picnic that they do every year. Chicago hasn’t had anything like that before it or anything like it since. No one really knows who throws Riot Fest. No one really knows who does Lollapalooza. I’ll be damned if any of them give back to the community or gave back to the community.

This was something that was done for the community, by the community, and people who came from it. Aahh! Fest was one of the greatest two-day festival concerts that Chicago has seen in recent years. The only thing that can compare to it would be the Silver Room Block Party.

You named a who’s who of Chicago artists who’ve achieved worldwide stardom. What do you think it is about Chicago that creates these people, these artists, this thing that the world sees as being special?

Well, I’m going to say this, but this extends to other genres of music. The people that migrated to Chicago from the south and brought gospel, that evolved into the way we do blues, that turned into the way that we express ourselves, the Africana way that we do house music–[we’re the home] of house music, the home of the blues, the evolution of gospel, and the consciousness of hip-hop. That’s what we are, especially when you look at the ones who truly have made it in hip-hop from Chicago. It is the consciousness of the genre. v

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Rhymefest’s greatest moment in Chicago music historyChe "Rhymefest" Smithon June 2, 2020 at 6:05 pm Read More »

Michael Salvatori’s long, strange tripSteve Krakowon June 2, 2020 at 7:10 pm

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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.

I discovered the music of Michael Salvatori through his 1980s private-press loner-folk LP–it’s a sought-after item among fans of such obscurities–but most people who know his name have probably heard about him because he’s a composer for hit video games. Salvatori’s career has taken a few twists and turns I never would’ve anticipated, but Secret History finally has the story on this underappreciated music maker.

Salvatori was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, in 1954, and attended Visitation Catholic School till eighth grade. Inspired by West Side Story and the Beatles (and playing a guitar he’d gotten for Christmas), he joined his first band at age 12, covering pop favorites in the 13th Hour with longtime friend Gary Polkow on keyboards. At York High School in the early 70s, the two of them moved on to heavier sounds with Psychlotron (who were inspired by the Doors and Iron Butterfly and opened for the Cryan’ Shames) and Strapperjak (a horn-rock band that did originals plus covers of Chicago and the Ides of March).

After graduation Salvatori married his high school sweetheart, Gail, and started a short-lived prog band with her on keyboards and his brother Tom on bass. They only played a couple gigs, mostly for friends and family, while Salvatori was working at a print shop to put Gail through college. Soon he and Gail had a mortgage and a family, and as that reality sank in, Salvatori restricted his musical activity to relatively manageable solo work. Luckily he was able to secure a bank loan to build a basement studio in his Wheaton home, where he recorded local musicians on evenings and weekends. When the studio wasn’t booked, he picked away at his own music. It took him a few years to record his only solo album, but at age 28, Salvatori self-released the sublime 1982 LP Waiting for Autumn.

He pressed the album in a run of 500, and it’s now very rare. Salvatori kept only a few. “I still had about half a dozen unopened copies, but lost them several years ago during a move,” he says. “So I had to buy them back on eBay, and it took me a while, because they rarely came up for sale and sellers were asking ridiculous prices for them.”

Salvatori never even got around to gigging as a solo artist, because another opportunity came knocking shortly after the release of Waiting for Autumn: his college friend Martin O’Donnell, who knew Salvatori had his own studio, proposed a film-soundtrack collaboration. The two of them soon started working on music for TV commercials, and struck gold with a 1985 campaign for Flintstones vitamins. If you’re around my age, you probably remember it: “We are Flintstones kids / Ten million strong and growing” (Salvatori’s two young daughters sang on the first version).

This success led to a full-time jingle-writing partnership, and O’Donnell and Salvatori moved out of his Wheaton basement and formed their own downtown Chicago agency. By the mid-90s, O’Donnell was starting to get tired of writing jingles and approached video-game developer Bungie, whose offices were located close to their studio, about writing music for its games. The first Bungie project for which the duo composed was the beloved 1997 fantasy-strategy game Myth: The Fallen Lords, and for a few years they continued splitting their time between games and jingles. But scoring the massive hit Halo in 2001 changed everything–Microsoft had just bought Bungie, and positioned Halo as the game that would launch its new Xbox console that year. It sold a million copies in its first five months, and is now considered a genre-defining classic.

Over the next nine years, O’Donnell and Salvatori worked on four more Halo games, including two that broke sales records (the last was 2010’s Halo: Reach). In 2011 Salvatori took a staff job with Bungie, which had by then moved to Washington State (O’Donnell had been hired years earlier), in order to work on music for the 2014 game Destiny. O’Donnell eventually left Bungie, but Salvatori is still composing for the company today.

Salvatori’s years at Bungie have taken him to some unexpected places. “In 2012 and ’13 we got to collaborate with Paul McCartney, who cowrote some of the music on the first Destiny release,” he remembers. “That was one of those ‘full circle’ moments for me–seeing him on TV in 1964 was what caused me to gravitate toward music as a career.” Now that, my friends, is what they call a journey! v

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Michael Salvatori’s long, strange tripSteve Krakowon June 2, 2020 at 7:10 pm Read More »

10 Chicago Tattoo Shops Reopening This JuneAngelica Ruizon June 1, 2020 at 4:53 pm

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Under Phase 3, Illinois is allowed to reopen non-essential business with strict guidelines. Chicago’s Mayor Lori Lightfoot has announced that tattoo parlors are among businesses that can reopen. As long as shops follow strict social distancing and hygiene requirements, artists can return to work to tattoo their clients. Most shops are opening June 3rd, with some already open to appointments. Here’s a list of shops and their new procedures under the new guidelines.

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Great Lakes Tattoo

1148 W Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60642

Great Lakes Tattoo is reopening by appointment only, with same-day appointments being offered by availability. Their artists specialize in a range of American traditional tattoo styles. New guidelines and procedures are being developed and will include the necessity of a mask and limited shop capacity.

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Deluxe Tattoo

1459 Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613

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Deluxe Tattoo is going to be reopening by appointment only. Their artists make a ton of different styles in their tattooing and will do anything from a name to a full sleeve. The shop will be implementing new guidelines to be discussed between client and artist.

Speakeasy Tattoo

1935 1/2 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Wicker Park shop Speakeasy Tattoo is reopening by appointment only. There are a lot of artists working at this shop. The work is neo-traditional, realist, Japanese traditional, geometric, and more. All guests are being asked to fill out a tattoo consent form prior to their appointment to minimize time in the shop. The shop is also taking extra precautions with an additional consent form about the client’s health and potential exposure to COVID-19.

Metamorphosis Tattoo

1456 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Metamorphosis is opening for appointments only, no walk-ins. The artists here create a lot of different work ranging from tribal and fine line to geometric and realist styles. The shop is requiring that all clients come alone as guests will not be allowed in. Everyone in the shop will be required to wear a mask and wash their hands upon entering the shop.

Jade Dragon Tattoo

5331 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Jade Dragon is already open as of May 29. Their artists make tattoos that are illustrative and unique. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are available. Their clients are being asked to wash and sanitize hands, wear masks, and limit guests. They are capping the shop capacity at 10 people and will ask guests to wait in the waiting area or outside.

Revolution Tattoo

2221 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

For the time being, Revolution Tattoo is going to operate by appointment only. The shop will be taking clients’ temperatures and will be required to wear masks anytime they’re inside. Hand sanitization will be required and no guests or visitors will be allowed. Artists are asking clients to make their tattooer aware of a compromised immune system or the appearance of symptoms.

Studio One

1147 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Pilsen’s staple tattoo shop Studio One is reopening its doors by appointment only. The shop’s small team specializes in American and Japanese traditional. The team is opening under the guidelines set forth by the city and CDC and will be coordinated between the artist and client.

Chicago Tattoo

1017 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Chicago tattoo is a northside spot with artists that do all types of tattoos. Their work is mostly neo-traditional, American traditional, and illustrative. The shop will be implementing non-negotiable safety procedures including masks and limited shop capacity.

Brown Brothers

904 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Brown Brothers Tattoo “represents all tattoo styles.” However, most of their artists’ work is American traditional. They will operate by appointment only. No walk ins, drop ins, or unnecessary shop traffic. Same day appointments will be available on a case by case basis. All guests and tattooers will be let into the locked shop upon arrival, and must be masked at all times.

Logan Square Tattoo

2352 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Logan Square Tattoo has artists that have a diverse portfolio of work including American traditional, biomechanical, fine line, and black tattoos. They will be operating by appointment only and restricting the number of people in the shop, including the number of artists working at one time.

Featured Image Credit: Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

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Here’s How You Can Support the Black Community and #BlackLivesMatter Protests in ChicagoKali Crameron June 2, 2020 at 4:17 pm

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Black people are hurting. That’s a fact many have ignored or perpetuated over the course of human history. But not anymore. Together, we stand with the black community in declaring unapologetically that Black Lives Matter. We mourn for lost lives and fight for the right to breathe today on Blackout Tuesday. We encourage you to take today to donate to #BlackLivesMatter campaigns, spread awareness by holding conversations with family and friends, and call your representatives to demand real change.

Here are a few ways to help protestors and the black community right now.

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Photo Credit: Assata’s Daughters

Assata’s Daughters

This black women-led group of abolitionists and organizers is active in Chicago’s south side protests. Empowering women with political education, leadership development, and mentorship, Assata’s Daughters is making a direct impact on the black community in Chicago.

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Black Lives Matter Chicago

For too long, black communities have gone unsupported by financial donations while the police force is the most dominantly funded organization in America. The Black Lives Matter campaign is currently running a petition to #DefundThePolice and pour money back into the communities and social programs that need it most. In Chicago, #NoCopAcademy refuses the need for police expansion, and instead, wants to focus on building more schools for kids, not cops.

American Civil Liberties Union

The ACLU fights for civil rights, especially for the most marginalized community in America: our black and brown family. They are currently raising support for Congressional bill H.R. 40, which will reexamine how slavery and discrimination have damaged our system’s very foundation and recommend reparations for relief and recovery going forward.

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BYP100

A Chicago organization that supports black people of all genders and aims to end the violence that black women, girls, femmes, and gender non-binary folk experience on a daily basis. Take the #SheSafeWeSafe pledge to promise to find community-based solutions instead of calling the police on black people.

Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression

Black and brown people are disproportionately incarcerated, and this organization is fighting for their freedom. Coinciding with the fight against COVID-19, CAARPR is running a campaign to decrease the number of prisoners held in the Cook County jail, and provide testing, treatment, and release during the pandemic.

SOUL

Southsiders Organized for Unity and Liberation fights for basic human rights: “decent, affordable housing, access to healthy nutritious food, a clean environment, public transportation, a full-employment economy, and living wages.” Donate today to support the communities on Chicago’s south side and demand justice for people of color.

Block Club Chicago 

This nonprofit media outlet was formed after DNAinfo disbanded in 2017, leaving a space that needed to be filled with the voices of Chicago. Sharing authentic stories covering the diverse neighborhoods of Chicago, Block Club Chicago needs your help to remain afloat.

Chicago Community Bond Fund

This community organization pays bonds for people in Cook County who charged with crimes and cannot bail themselves out. When unable to afford the bond, people end up with stricter charges and longer sentences, which results in loss of job opportunities, custody of children, housing, and more. Chicago Community Bond Fund “restores the presumption of innocence before trial and enables recipients to remain free while fighting their cases.”

Brave Space Alliance

This black-led and trans-led LGBTQ+ center on the south side of Chicago is fighting for the rights of queer people of color. Donating to this organization will go toward financing social programs and providing free resources to marginalized communities. They also have a food pantry to which you can directly donate physical supplies.

This is, by no means, an exhaustive list. There are plenty of other organizations helping support black and brown communities in Chicago, so please do your research and make a donation today. Those looking for further education should check out activist and writer Rachel Cargle and the podcast, Speaking of Racism.

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: Max Bender on Unsplash

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Here’s How You Can Support the Black Community and #BlackLivesMatter Protests in ChicagoKali Crameron June 2, 2020 at 4:17 pm Read More »

8 Classic White Sox Games Southsiders Can Watch at HomeDrew Krieson June 2, 2020 at 7:43 pm

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As we head into June, many of us can’t help but miss baseball season this year with the league shut down due to the coronavirus. With the league still facing many question marks as they attempt to reopen, there’s no telling when baseball will return. And, for Chicago fans, we’re missing the game twice as much with two teams in our city. Last week, we covered some of the best Chicago Cubs games to help fill your baseball needs, and don’t worry Southside fans, you’re up next. These are some of the best Chicago White Sox games from recent history to watch at home while the season is suspended.

Best Chicago White Sox Games

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The “Punch AJ” Game

Who didn’t AJ Pierzynski piss off in his 19 years in the league? If you answered with former Cubs catcher, Michael Barret, you’d be wrong. We won’t spoil the final score, but this Crosstown Classic game from 2006 is easily one of the most exciting White Sox games in history.

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Abreau Bats the Cycle

While Pierzynski may be good at taking hits, Abreau is more known for dishing them out. In this throwback White Sox game, current first baseman José Abreau bats the cycle for the sixth time in team history. And don’t even get us started on that final box score…

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The Blackout Game 

Normally, teams play 162 games in an MLB season, but that wasn’t the case for the Sox in 2008. Tied for first with the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central, the teams needed an extra game for the tiebreaker. Famously known as the “Blackout Game,” this matchup decided who would move on to play in October.

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Tim Anderson’s Bat Flip Game

It’s a shame we haven’t seen Tim Anderson play this summer after winning the AL Batting Title last season. Luckily, the team posted one of his biggest highlight games with his famous bat flip celebration. Hopefully, we’ll see Tim Anderson flex his batting skills sometime soon.

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2005 World Series – Game 2

There’s nothing more exciting than a game-winner in sports, especially if it’s by your team. In game two of the 2005 World Series, former Sox outfielder Scott Podsednik gave the team a 2-0 lead in the series with his walk-off home run.

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2005 World Series – Game 3

Not every game came easy in the White Sox 11-1 run during the 2005 postseason, especially World Series game 3. After 14 innings of play, the Sox pick up the W in the third-longest World Series game in league history. Make sure to block off plenty of time to watch this throwback White Sox game.

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Mark Buerhle’s Perfect Game 

Ask any Chicago White Sox fan who followed the team in 2009 and they can probably tell you exactly where they were for this game. Facing the Tampa Bay Rays, Buerhle tossed the second perfect game in team history to secure the win. From DeWayne Wise’s catch to announcer Hawk Harrelson’s incredible TV broadcast, this game has it all for Sox fans.

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World Series Game 4

The last game on this list is one of our favorites that we’ve covered in the past. Up 3-0 in the World Series against the Houston Astros, the White Sox needed one more win to wear the crown. In this classic White Sox game, the team holds the Astros to zero runs to bring home their first title in 88 years. 

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

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

Featured Image Credit: Chicago White Sox Instagram

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8 Classic White Sox Games Southsiders Can Watch at HomeDrew Krieson June 2, 2020 at 7:43 pm Read More »