Since a “Renaissance Man” refers to a person with many talents, it makes sense that “Renaissance Woman” Shirley Yang Crutchfield is an expert in several things—including metal leaf gilding of the Renaissance. After launching the LinkedIn-like platform Muses for creatives to connect online, the Chicago-based entrepreneur sold her company to become a full-time artist. As […]
Posted inFilm & TV
Class Action: Do These Schoolish Movies Pass or Fail?
Whether seeking back-to-school motivation or waxing nostalgic about life lessons, here’s a list of 16 pics that make the grade. Of course, what that grade actually is depends on the viewer. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023)Directed and written by Kelly Fremon CraigDuring the 1970s, a sixth grade Manhattanite (Abby Ryder Fortson) transfers […]
Posted inRebelliousness
CynCity Creative Connecting Cinema Professionals at XL Fest
During day 2 of Creative Cypher’s XL Fest, I attended an absolutely fabulous networking mixer by CynCity Creative. According to their website, they’re “committed to equipping Chicago creatives with the tools, team, and strategy needed to turn creative passion into professional success—without leaving their city, their roots, or their authenticity behind.” With that said, I […]
Posted inCentering Ourselves
Black Americans: 400 Years and Counting Still Striving for True Freedom in a Country That We Built
Black people frequently experience reminders that this country was built by us, but not for us. But we have always fought to secure our seat at the table to enjoy equal opportunity and fair treatment — from slave insurrections to civil rights protests, sit-ins and boycotts to present-day marches, rallies and economic withdrawal. When we […]
Posted inCentering Ourselves
Ida B. Wells Has Much to Teach Us About Speaking Up and Fighting Back
It’s only been a little over six months since the 47th president took office. And every day the country transforms into an increasingly harsh place for anyone who is not a wealthy, White, able-bodied, “Christian,” straight, cisgender male. It seems like every hour there’s more news of another department being shuttered. More people fired. Programs […]
Posted inFeatured
Sabrina Carpenter & A$AP Rocky Top Lollapalooza Day 4 as Rising Stars Shine on the BMI Stage
Lollapalooza may have just saved the best for last when it came to the headliners for the fourth and final day of the festival which took place in Chicago’s Grant Park on July 31 – Aug. 3. Both the T-Mobile Stage and the Bud Light Stage hosted massive superstars to close out the festivities, in […]
Posted inFeatured
Lollapalooza Interview: Caroline Kingsbury on the Joy of Playing Three Sets in One Day & Sharing New Music
During Lollapalooza, there was perhaps no one busier than Caroline Kingsbury. Not only did the L.A.-based queer indie pop star delight fans with a fun-filled set on the BMI Stage on Friday afternoon, she also played an intimate set at the Toyota Music Den within the festival grounds and rocked out with fans at Schubas […]
Posted inRebelliousness
Twice, Rüfüs Du Sol, Doechii & Marina Top Day 3 of Lollapalooza
By Day Three of Lollapalooza fans have already seen amazing sets from artists of almost every genre. Still, the performances taking place across Grant Park on Saturday, Aug. 2 continued to elevate the experience. Bud Light Stage headliners Twice inspired fans to get in on the action over on the southside of the grounds and […]
Posted inFeatured
Must-See Chicago Concerts and Comedy Shows in August
The temperatures are rising and so is the excitement surrounding all of the great events happening in and around Chicago this month. From legendary Lilith Fair performers to late-night Lollapalooza sets, here’s a look at some of the most exciting events happening in the month of August. Melissa Etheridge & Indigo Girls – Jay Pritzker […]
Posted inFeatured
Naomi Scott Shares New Music and Chill Vibes During Lollapalooza
If you’ve seen Naomi Scott starring as the pop star Skye Riley in Smile 2 – the 2024 horror film about a cursed singer haunted by hallucinations – you already know she has the stage presence of a superstar. During Day Three of Lollapalooza, held in Chicago on Aug. 2, Scott performed a set full […]