The Bottom Lounge Returns
The Bottom Lounge returns in true punk-rock fashion: bigger and more ambitious than before.
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The Five
A rundown on the fairs that make up Artropolis
Solo Show
The industrial-rock band Ministry, launched in Chicago in 1981, comes home for its farewell tour this month.
Freebie of the Month
Best bet for a free event this month: Tony Fitzpatrick’s exhibition at the Chicago Cultural Center
Art—or Not Art?
Art Chicago descends upon us this weekend, and, along with it, that age-old question of “What is Art?” For every awesome Jaume Plensa sculpture or Tony Oursler video, there is something raggedy, like a twisted old rope mounted in a canvas or an ugly naked lady holding a dead flower. You try to act polite and not stare and whisper to your friend, What the hell??? But then you drink too much Grolsch at the opening party and end up wearing a trucker hat and getting all vocal about things and the “shushing” starts and …
OK, enough about last night. Between beers, I managed to take some photos for a little game called Art—or Not Art?…
24-Hour Party People
High Wattage
Hip Hop Live + Reel rolls into the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E. Chicago Ave.; 312-397-4010) Friday the 25th with a full weekend lineup of performance and films. Friday highlights include Reggie Watts, whose show-stopping mash-up of political satire, improv, dance, and beatboxing has earned him comedy’s Andy Kaufman Award. Also on the bill: Local theatre company Teatro Luna reprises Machos, featuring an all-female cast in drag; plus, local beatboxer Yuri Lane and screenings including Dave Chappelle’s Block Party…
You Should Know … Ashley Wheater
The Joffrey has a new man in town—and not even The Nutcracker is safe.
Saving Grace
From Sundance favorite to box-office flop, what the fate of John Cusack’s Grace Is Gone says about us
Young Writers Block
They all moved here for one reason: Chicago is the place young playwrights come to get a break.
Shooting Miss Maya Sinstress
Photographer Lisa Predko shot our April cover story, “Who Makes What,” in early February. There was snow on the ground, frozen nosehairs in our nostrils, and bitterness in our hearts. Winter seems like like a distant memory now, but we feel we must share these photos with you.
Check out our behind-the-scenes look at the photoshoot for Miss Maya Sinstress, a fetish diva whom we interviewed for the salaries article. She brought with her several latex costumes, various fierce whips, and a bottle of lube (you’ll see why in the photos)…