Review: Mike Doughty Rocks Garcia’s with Wit and Warmth
In 2024, after a 25-year hiatus, Soul Coughing, one of the wildest and weirdest bands of the ’90s, reformed for the “We Said it Would Never Happen” tour. Much like […]
Review: Raiders of the Lost Ark at 45 Is Still a Thrill—Live With the Chicago Philharmonic
The Chicago Philharmonic returned to play a live soundtrack in the Philms at the Auditorium series, with guest conductor Thiago Tiberio on Saturday night. The occasion was the 45th anniversary […]
Review: Ulrika Spacek Finds New Ways to Perplex and Delight the Empty Bottle Crowd
What is it with the UK and art rock? Seemingly every year, some group of university students stumbles into each other at a pub or cafe and decides to start […]
Review: Benjamin Beilman, Wu Han, and David Finckel Perform in Chamber Music Program Both Dark and Light
Following last weekend’s excellent performances at the Sun Valley Music Festival, violinist Benjamin Beilman joined pianist Wu Han and cellist David Finckel at Harris Theater on Thursday evening. This was […]
On the Road/Preview: Violinist Benjamin Beilman Is Amazing at the Sun Valley Music Festival Winter Season, Just in Time for a Performance in Chicago
With a fascinating program celebrating the change of seasons and the Americana of Sun Valley, Idaho, violinist Benjamin Beilman, festival Music Director Alasdair Neale, and festival musicians entertained large audiences […]
Review: Bach in the City Brings a “Lost” Passion of St. Mark to Glorious Life at St. Vincent DePaul Church
Bach in the City performed the Passion of St. Mark at St. Vincent DePaul Church in Lincoln Park on Friday. The chorus and an orchestra of authentic Baroque-period instruments performed […]
Review: A Mystical Afternoon of Sanctuary: The Power of Resonance and Ritual by the Silkroad Ensemble
I knew that I was in for a spiritual experience when I walked into the Harris Theater on Sunday. The stage was set with candles, a swathe of multicolored silk, […]
Review: Michael Shannon, Jason Narducy and Friends Tackle R.E.M. Classics at Metro
In the 21st century, it’s normally a matter of when, not if, a band that breaks up will reform. Some acts barely allow enough time to be missed when the […]
Review: Bridget Everett Turns Up the Heat at the Riviera
The first truly warm evening of Chicago’s spring pulled a raucous crowd into Uptown Square. The blocks around Lawrence and Broadway were packed with hotdog and tamale carts, fans heading […]
Review: Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials Rock Fitzgerald’s with the Release of Slideways
The “Ed Heads” were out in force at the storied Fitzgerald‘s in Berwyn. (Svengoolie fans holla Burrr-wynn!) The weather was a balmy 65 degrees, and it was even hotter inside. […]
Review: Grossman Ensemble Entertains With Coronation Riot and Other New Works in Hyde Park
Under the direction of David Bloom, the Grossman Ensemble gave an enjoyable performance at the Logan Center Performing Hall in Hyde Park on Friday. This 13-member ensemble commissions and performs […]
Review: Music of the Baroque Plays a Baroque Blockbusters Program That Starts Strong But Ends With a Dud
When I consider the notion of “Baroque Blockbusters!”, I think of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, or Handel’s Messiah, or Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, or Pachelbel’s Canon, or several other things. With Richard […]