On this edition of The Arts Section, we’ll shine a light on a new performing arts festival that will showcase local talent. Host Gary Zidek talks with the Museum of Contemporary Art’s performance curator Tara Aisha Willis about Chicago Performs. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review a revival of PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT. Later, Gary sits down with local author Jarrett Dapier to talk about his new picture book that was inspired by his experience performing at the White House in 2009.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews the 29th edition of the Chicago Underground Film Festival, which kicks off this week. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to talk about Northlight Theater’s nostalgic production DEAR JACK, DEAR LOUISE. Later in the show, Gary visits an accordion festival. Plus, a review of the new French film, MY DONKEY, MY LOVER AND I.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer at the Joyce Foundation, the Chicago-based organization just handed out 5 awards to support artists of color in the Great Lakes region. He’ll catc-hup with one of the winners, a Chicago-based playwright who is partnering with the National Museum of Mexican Art on a new project. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review Chicago Shakespeare’s premiere IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE. Later, Gary talks to the curator behind a new immersive experience that pays homage to the Lourve. And we’ll hear about an exhibition at the Elmhurst Art Museum that highlight’s nature’s influence on contemporary design.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the curators behind a unique art exhibition that pairs classic and contemporary works in unexpected ways. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play at The Story Theater and discuss a new controversy at one of the city’s most respected theater companies. Later, Gary catches up with author and GQ magazine writer Jason Diamond to talk about the new TV show, THE BEAR. It does what few others have been able to do, get the details of Chicago right.

Happy Independence Day weekend! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the author of a new book that dives into the cultural impact of Star Trek. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review Theater Wit’s new play HURRICANE DIANE. Later, Gary checks in with the programming director at the Siskel Film Center to talk about its new concert film series. And we’ll hear about a company that programs secret concerts all over Chicago and other cities.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visists the suburban park that’s hosting a summerlong exhibition of Mexican folkart sculptures called Alebrijes. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to discuss Steep Theater’s latest play. Later, a look at the new immersive Prince experience that just opened in Chicago. And Gary catches up with the Chicago Film Archives’ Collections Manager to talk about a program that brigns audio and visual artists together in an effort to give older pieces of film new life.

Happy Father’s Day! On today’s program, host Gary Zidek takes you inside the new Rhapsody Theater in Rogers Park. He caught up with the venue’s co-owner & artistic director, Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz, a Northwestern University medical professor with a passion for magic. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about a world premiere musical that’s struggling to find its footing. And later, Gary talks to the director of a documentary all about Broadway’s distinguished history.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to local author and cartoonist Sophie Lucido Johnson about her unique memoir. Dueling Critic Kerry Reid joined Gary to talk about Second City’s new Mainstage revue, DO THE RIGHT THING, NO WORRIES IF NOT. Plus a look at the Tony Awards. Later, Gary catches up with acclaimed chef Beverly Kim to talk about her non-profit and a special dinner that’s coming up. And Gary checks in with Chicago Magazine dining editor Amy Cavanaugh to talk about the upcoming Beard Awards ceremony that’s taking place in Chicago.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the author of an intriguing new book that dives into the history of one of the world’s premiere media organizations, the BBC. The British Broadcasting Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary for a local summer theater preview. They’ll share what plays and musicals their most looking forward to seeing. And later, Gary visits Northwestern’s art museum for an up-close look at an exhibit titled SITE OF STRUGGLE.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the Chicago Botanic Garden, which just unveiled a summer-long project celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary. Theater Critic Kerry Reid joins Gary to discuss the world premiere musical, SOMEWHERE OVER THE BORDER. Later, local filmmaker Michael Glover Smith and actor Elizabeth Stam stop by the studio to talk about their new Rogers Park-set independent movie, RELATIVE. And we’ll hear from the editor of a gorgeous book that will get you excited about traveling again.