On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with award-winning vocalist Kurt Elling. The Chicago native is back in his hometown and is performing concerts virtually from his favorite local club. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review a new streaming play titled BLACK MAGIC. Later, Gary talks to CNN’s international correspondent Clarissa Ward about her new book ON ALL FRONTS: THE EDUCATION OF A JOURNALIST. And then, we’ll check in with what’s happening at Symphony Center as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra amplifies its virtual offerings.

Happy Halloween! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the owner of a Chicago establishment who created a safe socially distant drive-in experience to fill the void left by the ban on indoor haunted houses. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about a new streaming adaptation of the classic sci-fi tale THE WAR OF THE WORLDS. Gary talks to the stars of the indie horror film GIRL ON THE THIRD FLOOR, which is based on a local urban legend about a haunted house in Frankfort. Later in the program, Gary has a story about a Chicago company that specializes in horror collectibles. And Gary catches up with Chicago magazine dining editor Amy Cavanaugh to talk about the city’s best sandwiches.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the people at Steppenwolf Theatre involved with bringing a radio play adaptation of ANIMAL FARM to life. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join the show remotely to talk about the Neo Futurists new show about U.S. First Ladies. Later, Gary chats with the co-founders of the Grammy Award-winning new music ensemble Eighth Blackbird to learn more about a new project they’ve created that aims to help Chicago performing artists. And Gary catches up with local soul musician Sam Trump.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to R.J. Cutler, the director of the much anticipated new documentary about  the life and career of John Belushi. Later, Gary checks in with the executive director of Three Arts to talk about the organization’s annual grant awards. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to discuss a new streaming production titled RUN THE BEAST DOWN. And Gary talks to Entertainment Weekly editor-at-large James Hibberd about his new book that chronicles the history of the massively popular TV series, GAME OF THRONES.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with the general manger of the Music Box Theatre to find out how its coping with COVID-19 and its plans for a month-long horror film fest the rest of this month. Gary also takes you inside Wrightwood 659 to hear all about its new exhibit on acclaimed Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me remotely to talk about a new Broadway-themed streaming production from Porchlight Music Theater. And later, Gary goes behind the scenes of the recently opened FRIENDS Experience in downtown Chicago. The giant new exhibition pays tribute to one of the most popular sitcoms of all-time.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with longtime Ravinia president & CEO Welz Kauffman during his final week on the job. The renowned arts leader is stepping away from his role at the Highland Park Festival after a remarkable 20 year run. Later, the Dueling Critics (Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel) stop by the show to discuss a new audio play from 16th Street Theater. And Gary talks to Chicago-based author David Lazar about his new book that celebrates his favorite character actors of Hollywood’s golden age.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has the story behind the Art Institute’s much anticipated new Claude Monet exhibition, MONET AND CHICAGO. The exhibit explores the impressionist artist’s enduring connection with the second city. The Dueling Critics. Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary remotely to discuss a new screen adaptation of an acclaimed work of theater. Speaking of screens, Gary previews the 72nd Emmy Awards, which will be given out in a virtual ceremony Sunday night. And later in the program, Gary talks to the filmmaker behind a new Chicago-set movie that will making its world premiere this week.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with celebrated local street artist DON’T FRET to talk about his latest project, OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will stop by to talk a new virtual production of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE that was made for these times. Later in the show, Gary chats with New York Times-bestselling author Don Winslow about his latest book. And we’ll revisit a feature on an art exhibit that opened pre-COVID-19 and is now preparing to end it’s elongated run.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes us inside the Elmhurst Art Museum as curator Tim Samuelson puts the finishing touches on a new exhibit that’s all about Frank Lloyd Wright’s formative years. Later in the show, Gary catches up with local filmmaker Bob Hercules to talk about his new documentary on the legacy of the late Abner Mikva. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join remotely to talk about a new streaming cabaret show. And we’ll revisit a conversation Leslie Keros had with author Mark Stryker about his book JAZZ FROM DETROIT.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly about some of the city’s virtual music programming coming up. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary remotely to talk about a new work from a youth-led theater project. Later, Gary catches up with the founder of a local festival that’s dedicated to amplifying the voices of international playwrights. Plus, a story about a Chicago company that’s keeping facial coverings stylish. And Gary reviews a new documentary about renowned fashion designer Martin Margiela.