Experiencing Chicago Through Its Music Venues

By Gabby Mansilla / September 22, 2026

A look at some iconic venues of Chicago’s live music scene.

Who Can Play the Bells?

By Shawn Shaw Quek / February 11, 2026

UChicago’s Guild of Carillonists uphold the legacy of the world’s “de facto biggest instrument,” playing songs spanning from Errol Garner to Chappell Roan.

Storyteller Patti Smith Takes Another Crack at Horses

By Ciara Balanzá / January 30, 2026

Returning to her hometown during the Horses 50th anniversary tour, Smith slips into the role of a storyteller.

Popelka Leads CSO in Brahms, Strauss, and Aucoin

By Alkis Karmpaliotis / January 8, 2026

Guest conductor Petr Popelka leads the CSO in an ambitious program featuring Brahms, Strauss, and an Aucoin world premiere

A Jazz Giant’s Paper Trail Shines Through the Chicago Jazz Archives

By Noël Da / November 21, 2025

The Jazz Archives at Special Collections tells the story of an influential bygone jazz club.

The Dive Bar of Eternal Youth: Naked Giants at the Empty Bottle

By Shawn Shaw Quek / April 13, 2025

Associate Arts Editor Shawn Shaw Quek reviews Naked Giants, a trio that delivered a charming, genre-defying combination of angsty energy and mature clarity at the Empty Bottle.

“Warm and Hot”: The Jeremiah Review’s Logan Concert

By Kyle Lin / March 26, 2025

Arts Reporter Kyle Lin attends The Jeremiah Review’s Logan concert, a testament to South Side jazz.

Seasoned Angst and Stellar Sounds

By Adrian Dai / March 7, 2025

Arts Reporter Adrian Dai writes about veteran rock band Bad Suns’s infectious performance at The Salt Shed.

A Paradox of Performance

By Shawn Shaw Quek / March 4, 2025

Associate Arts Editor Shawn Shaw Quek explores how alternative pop icon FINNEAS brings whispered confessions to a roaring crowd.

Aesthetics of a Sunburnt Sound

By Shawn Shaw Quek / February 16, 2025

Associate Arts Editor Shawn Shaw Quek writes about how alt-pop band almost monday brings Californian sunshine to the Chicago winter.