On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with the artistic director of the Chicago International Film Festival, which gets underway later this week. Lots of great films on the schedule, we’ll highlight some of them. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to talk about a new play that reimagines a period of Botticelli’s life. Later in the show, Gary talks to the artistic director of an ambitious ballet company that’s hoping to reach new audiences. And we’ll hear about an exhibit that offers a comprehensive look at a defining piece of Chicago history.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to Chicago-based street artist Sentrock about his new solo exhibit at the Elmhurst Art Museum. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to talk about the world premiere thriller ENOUGH TO LET THE LIGHT IN. Later in the show, we’ll hear all about the Museum of Contemporary Art’s new family days program. And Gary visits a west suburban park that’s home to a new public art project filled wtih imaginary creature sculptures called Alebrijes.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with renowned music photographer Paul Natkin for a wide-ranging interview about a life behind the camera. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review a revival of SWEENEY TODD. And later in the show, Gary catches up with the new executive director of the League of Chicago Theatres.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with local filmmaker Jack C. Newell, who spent a decade making a documentary about an effort to build a school in Haiti. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review Steppenwolf Theatre’s latest. Later in the show, Gary talks to the author of a new book that dives into the music of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). And Gary looks back at the life and career of celebrated pianist Ramsey Lewis.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside one of the final rehearsals for Lyric Opera’s upcoming production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will stop by to share their review of the world premiere play, NATIONAL MERIT. Later in the program, Gary interviews the author of a new B.B. King biography. Plus, a piece about an innovative speaker system designed to showcase sound art.

Happy Labor Day weekend. On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with legendary comedian Tom Dreesen, who will be back in the Chicago-area for a special presentation of his one-man show, THE MAN WHO MADE SINATRA LAUGH. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by for a fall theatre preview. And later in the show, Gary takes you with on my visit INTUIT: THE CENTER FOR INTUITIVE AND OUTSIDER ART. He talked to the museum’s executive director about the museum’s evolution over the past 30-plus years.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned saxophonist and MacArthur Fellow Miguel Zenón. We discuss his new album and an upcoming performance at the Chicago Jazz Fest. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review a new bio-play about trailblazing poet and activist Langston Hughes. Later, Gary and WDCB host Andy Shultz look back at the life and career of multi-instrumentalist Joey DeFrancesco, who passed away this week.

On this edition The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek looks at the evolution of a Chicago theater company that’s exploring the future of storytelling by expanding its offerings beyond the stage. Gary talks to the artistic director of Haven Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review the politically-charged comedy CAMPAIGNS INC. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the programming director of the 37th annual Printers Row Lit Fest. And we’ll hear about a Chicago-based immersive experience that’s attracting music fans from around the midwest.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside a Chicago art gallery that’s partnering with the ACLU on an exhibit that explores what democracy means. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the much-anticipated screen to stage adaptation of THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA. And later in the show, Gary catches up with the local filmmaker behind a powerful new documentary that sheds light on southside community’s efforts to save its grade school.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek will talk to the writer, director & co-star of the award-winning indie film I LOVE MY DAD. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review Oak Park Festival Theater’s current outdoor offering. They’ll also discuss a recent op-ed on the state of Chicago theater. Later in the show, Gary catches up with local artist Ray Borchers to talk about her new solo exhibit. And Gary takes a closer look at a new documentary that highlights acclaimed author Barry Gifford’s Chicago roots.