Culture & The Arts
Wondering about Chicago music, festivals, arts, theater and food? WBEZ brings together the best stories about Chicago’s arts and culture scene. Together with our music station, Vocalo 91.1, we explore the stories that make the second city a vibrant world-renowned cultural destination.
When Magic Happens: Give and Take! Transactional Relationships
In modern dating, what does it take to win the affections of another and what does that say about society?
Sleuthing the meaning behind the code name used by TV hit ‘The Bear’
Who is Rafael Kubelík? Decoding the mystery sent us to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s archives.
Rosie Tucker on identity and the ‘unsustainable’ nature of the music industry
The indie artist is touring a new album filled with poetic social commentary and self expression.
The best documentaries of 2024 can be found at this Chicago film festival
Cue the popcorn. This weekend’s Doc10 festival tends to be an early predictor of the Oscar shortlist.
How one Chicagoan modernized her great-great-great grandfather’s beer recipes
In 2020, Laurin Mack re-opened the Conrad Seipp Brewing Company and is producing 19th century beers again in Chicago.
May brings new plays with big names. Here are 10 Chicago theater picks for the month.
Want to see a great performance this month? Here are 10 solid options, from splashy musicals to gritty new dramas.
Michael Shannon is back to searing, in-your-face Chicago theater
Hollywood’s go-to character man has a star turn in a world premiere at A Red Orchid — an ensemble he says is still “willing to go anywhere and try anything.”
Laufey, the Icelandic-Chinese singer, on reviving jazz for the TikTok generation
Grammy award-winning singer Laufey visited WBEZ’s “Reset” ahead of the first of two Chicago appearances — and performed her song “Bored” in studio.
Andrew Bird, Kelsey Waldon and 10 other great May concerts in Chicago
Our monthly concert list curates great picks mostly from midsize and neighborhood venues.