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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 422 episodes available.
October 26, 2025The Arts Section 10/26/25: 7-Eleven Becomes Venue, Lillstreet Art Center Turns 50 + Suburban OdditiesOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside a former 7-Eleven that’s now a music venue on the northside of Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the world premiere play HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF STARS. Later in the show, Gary profiles a Chicago arts center celebrating its 50th anniversary. And he’ll visit a suburban oddities & curiosities shop that’s unlike anywhere you’ve been before....more0minPlay
October 19, 2025The Arts Section 10/19/25: One Golden Summer Documentary + Remembering Tony FitzpatrickOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the director of a new documentary that dives deeper into the story of the Jackie Robinson West little league team that captured the city’s attention for one summer. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play titled UGLY LIES THE BONE. And later in the show, Gary revisits his last interview with Tony Fitzpatrick. The acclaimed artist passed away last week....more1hPlay
October 12, 2025The Arts Section 10/12/25: Paranormal Activity Play + Arts In the Dark ParadeOn this edition of The Arts Section, we start to get into the Halloween spirit, host Gary Zidek talks to the celebrated playwright behind a new horror play opening at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play that imagines a dystopian future with a 26-year old queen. Later in the show, Gary previews Chicago’s 11th annual Arts In the Dark Halloween parade. And we’ll check out some fall color and animal sculptures at the Morton Arboretum....more59minPlay
October 05, 2025The Arts Section 10/05/25: Don Was Interview, Banned Books Week + New VROn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Blues Note Records president and music legend Don Was to talk about his new music project. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play that looks back at how Shakespeare’s works might’ve survived. Later in the show, Gary checks in with City Lit Theater to learn more about the company’s Banned Books Week programming. And Gary visits a new virtual reality attraction in Rosemont....more1h 4minPlay
September 28, 2025The Arts Section 09/28/25: Opera Singer Emily Birsan + Tiffany Lamp ExhibitOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with a local opera singer to talk about her unique path to the stage and an upcoming performance with the New Philharmonic. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of a play that originally premiered in Chicago in 1938. Later in the show, Gary visits a new exhibit of Tiffany Lamps. Plus, we’ll hear all about a local theater organization that’s been presenting Gilbert and Sullivan works for over 60 years....more1hPlay
September 21, 2025The Arts Section 09/21/25: Hyde Park Jazz Fest, Fall Theater Preview + WTTW's Chicago StoriesOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with the executive director of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival to talk about some of the challenges facing the annual event. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview the best local stage productions opening this fall. Later in the show, Gary talks to two of the producers behind WTTW’s new season of Chicago Stories. And we’ll hear from the author of a biography of B.B. King....more1hPlay
September 14, 2025The Arts Section 09/14/25: Chicago Film Society Begins Next Chapter + Catch Me If You Can ReviewOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek profiles a Chicago organization dedicated to keeping the tradition of film projection alive. He’ll talk to executive director of the Chicago Film Society. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the musical adaptation of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. Later in the show, Gary catches up with bestselling author Kerri Maher. And we’ll revisit the Cleve Carney Museum of Art’s Hokusai exhibit before it closes....more1hPlay
September 07, 2025The Arts Section 09/07/25: Shakkei Exhibit + Art Therapy ProgramOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside a new exhibit inspired by an old Asian design principle involving borrowed scenery. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review a world premiere that takes a closer look at the teenage girl experience. Later in the show, we’ll hear about a new art therapy program that just launched in the west suburbs. And Gary profiles a non-profit club that’s been providing women musicians community for 150 years....more1hPlay
August 31, 2025The Arts Section 08/31/25: Oscar-Winning Composer Justin Hurwitz + Bird ExhibitOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Academy Award-winning composer Justin Hurwitz to talk about a special live score presentation of one of his most popular films. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a politically charged musical comedy. Later in the show, Gary visits the Newberry Library to check out a new exhibit that explores society’s relationship with birds. And we’ll hear from the author all about scents....more1hPlay
August 24, 2025The Arts Section 08/24/25: A Little Prayer Movie + Musician Nathaniel BraddockOn this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up renowned filmmaker Angus Maclachlan to talk about his new movie, A LITTLE PRAYER. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new musical revue of Stephen Sondheim’s work. Later in the show, Gary chats with guitarist Nathaniel Braddock about his upcoming performance at the Chicago Jazz Fest. And I’ll look back at 50 years of the northshore’s Marriott Theater....more0minPlay
FAQs about The Arts Section:How many episodes does The Arts Section have?The podcast currently has 422 episodes available.