Sign up to save your podcastsEmail addressPasswordRegisterOrContinue with GoogleAlready have an account? Log in here.
The Arts Section spotlights creative people, events and ideas. Every week, WDCB's Gary Zidek shines a light on arts and culture in the Chicago area. The mission is to focus on stories within the arts ... more
FAQs about The Arts Section:How many episodes does The Arts Section have?The podcast currently has 446 episodes available.
April 12, 2026The Arts Section 05/12/26: Producer Gives Jazz Recordings New Life + New Book Looks Back at Nintendo's HistoryOn this editon of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to a record producer who’s found a niche searching for archived and sometimes forgotten jazz recordings, then gives them new life as official releases. His latest project involves the an archive in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a play called the SUGAR WIFE. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the author of a new book about the history of Nintendo....more1h 3minPlay
April 05, 2026The Arts Section 04/05/26: Tony Fitzpatrick-Inspired Exhibit + Theater of the Mind OpensOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a Chicago gallery that’s set to open an exhibit that pays tribute to artist Tony Fitzpatrick’s influence on collage. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of The Three Musketeers. Later in the show, we’ll preview David Bryne’s new theater experience that just opened in Chicago. And Gary catches up with the director of the documentary One Golden Summer, a film takes a new look at the rise and fall of the little league that brought the city together in the summer of 2014....more1hPlay
March 29, 2026The Arts Section 03/29/26: Paul Wertico & David Becker + Isabella Isherwood's Debut AlbumOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned jazz musicians Paul Wertico and David Becker to talk about their new project, TUXEDO MAN. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review THE JACKIE WILSON STORY. And Gary checks in with Chicago-based vocalist Isabella Isherwood, who is set to release her debut album this week....more1hPlay
March 22, 2026The Arts Section 03/22/26: Anti-Book Banning Graphic Novel + Wheaton Drama Celebrated 95 YearsOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Evanston-based author Jarrett Dapier to talk about his new graphic novel, which was inspired by a real life protest against a book-banning effort in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review the world premiere of WHITE ROOSTER. And later in the show, Gary profiles a suburban theater celebrating it’s 95th anniversary....more1hPlay
March 15, 2026The Arts Section 03/15/26: White Rooster Opens + Oscars PreviewOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with Chicago-based theater artist Matthew C. Yee to talk about his new play, WHITE ROOSTER, that’s premiering at Lookingglass Theatre. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review TWO SISTERS AND A PIANO. Later in the show, Gary previews the 98th Oscars ceremony with Chicago-based film critic Janet Arvia....more1hPlay
March 08, 2026The Arts Section 03/08/26: Amy Landecker Interview + Environment-Inspired Dance PieceOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with acclaimed actor Amy Landecker to talk about her new film, FOR WORSE, which she wrote, directed and starred in. The Dueling Critics join Gary to review a new play set in the immediate aftermath of the covid pandemic. Later in the show, Gary talks to the choreographer behind a new climate-focused dance program set to make its Chicago premiere. ...more1hPlay
March 01, 2026The Arts Section 03/01/26: Natchez Documentary + Bob Dylan As Filmmaker BookOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the director behind a thought-provoking new documentary that puts a spotlight on a southern town grappling with its dark history. The Dueling Critics join Gary to review a world premiere titled PIVOT. Later in the show, Gary checks in with Chicago-based filmmaker & author Michael Glover Smith to talk about his new book BOB DYLAN AS FILMMAKER: NO TIME TO THINK. And we’ll visit a suburban music school that’s continues to grow....more1h 2minPlay
February 22, 2026The Arts Section 02/22/26: Celebration Video Art + Democracy Documentary SeriesOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the filmmaker behind a new public video art project that utilizes old home movies to create something new. The Dueling Critics join Gary to review a new production of an acclaimed play from the early 80s. Later in the show, Gary takes a closer look at WTTW’s new documentary series FIRSTHAND, which is putting a spotlight on democracy this season. And we’ll hear all about what’s on display at the Chicago Architecture Biennial which is open for another week....more1hPlay
February 15, 2026The Arts Section 02/15/26: Joffrey Ballet Celebrates American Icons + Small Arts FundingOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the Joffrey Ballet’s artistic director to talk about the company’s legacy as it turns 70 and to preview its upcoming winter program. The Dueling Critics join Gary to review a new version of old rom-com, Goodman Theater’s new production of HOLIDAY. Later in the show, Gary checks in with a program director at the Donnelley Foundation to discuss some of the challenges local small arts organizations are facing right now. And we’ll visit a Tiffany Lamps exhibit....more1hPlay
February 08, 2026The Arts Section 02/08/26: Irish-Themed Musical + Vocalist Alyssa AllgoodOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with celebrated theater artist David Girolmo to learn more a new Irish musical he’s directing. Gary also sits down with theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel for a conversation about his life as a critic. And later, we’ll check in with local jazz vocalist Alyssa Allgood to talk about her new release and what’s next....more1hPlay
FAQs about The Arts Section:How many episodes does The Arts Section have?The podcast currently has 446 episodes available.