On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the executive director of the Hyde Park Art Center about adapting during these uncertain times. Remember the Tom Green show on MTV in the late 90’s? Later in the program, Gary chats with comedian Tom Green about hosting a streaming talk show during the pandemic and his favorite Chicago memories. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review a streaming production and talk about some local theater news. And WDCB’s own Leslie Keros stops by to talk with Gary about a new documentary about the one and only Ella Fitzgerald.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the artistic director the Neo-Futurists Theatre. The company is finding success with a twist to its traditional operating model by continuing to offer relevant content online. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary for an in-depth conversation about some recent developments in the local theater scene that involve some big leadership changes and a big campaign at the national level. Later in the program, Gary catches up with Chicago Reader food critic Mike Sula to talk about the publication’s new cookbook, READER RECIPES. And Gary learns more about a suburban museum’s new online art exhibit that aims to explore this current moment.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to a Chicago-area photographer who marched in Selma, walked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Chicago and was outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Bernie Kleina has seen a lot over his 84 years, Gary asks him about his experiences and what he thinks of this current moment of unrest. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, call into the show to talk about a streaming option for those missing outdoor theater. Later in the program, Gary takes a closer look at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s approach to connecting with patrons and music lovers while Orchestra Hall is closed. The CSO is having great success with its digital content strategy.  And Gary revisits his conversation with author Kathleen Barber.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the head of the Illinois chapter of the National Association of Theater Owners to learn more about the future of the cinema-going experience in Illinois. When will movie theaters be allowed to re-open? And what films will there be to screen when they do re-open? The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review a couple of streaming sketch comedy shows and discuss some local theatre news. And Gary closes out today’s program by saying good-bye to an old friend.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary pays tribute to jazz legend Miles Davis as we approach what would have been his birthday on May 26. Gary revisits a feature on a documentary (MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL) about Davis’ life and career that was released last year. Later in the program, WDCB’s own Paul Abella and Leslie Keros join Gary for a discussion about their favorite Miles albums. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Goodman Theatre’s streaming version of SCHOOL GIRLS, OR THE AFRICAN MEAN GIRLS PLAY. And Gary talks to co-founders of a Chicago organization providing support to women and non-binary filmmakers of color.

On this edition of the program, host Gary Zidek highlights a new campaign that wants locals to vote on Chicago’s greatest music moments. The Arts & Business Council of Chicago is celebrating its 35th anniversary and the Year of Chicago Music with a new challenge that asks people to vote on their favorite musical moments. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will be join the show remotely to review the streaming version of a hit play about Julia Child’s culinary awakening. And Gary catches up with RogerEbert.com assistant editor Nick Allen to talk about the future of the film industry and to get some recommendations about to watch during the last two weeks of May.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek puts a spotlight on the work being done at Chicago-based Threadless. The artistic t-shirt and product company recently launched a face mask line that helping artists and a non-profit organization. Later in the show, Gary catches up with Ravinia president and CEO Welz Kauffman for a conversation about the decision to cancel the Highland Park-based festival’s entire 2020 season and the future. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by remotely to review a local piece of theater that debuted last summer and is now streaming for free. And Gary checks in with Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association programmer Jim Fahey to talk about the just-announced 20-21 jazz series schedule.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly for conversation about COVID-19’s impact on the arts and what lies ahead for cultural events this summer. Later in the program, Gary talks to Jim Newcomb, the CEO of the Oldtown School of Folk Music, about moving the institution’s curriculum online. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join the show remotely to review a streaming play that won a Jeff Award in 2017. And Gary catches up with filmmaker Robert Jury to talk about his new Chicago-set indie movie WORKING MAN.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to Third Coast Percussion executive director David Skidmore about the Grammy-winning ensemble’s pivot to streaming concerts. Later in the program, Gary catches up with the owner of Chicago-based Volumes Book Café to learn more about the challenges facing independent bookstores during the pandemic. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stopped by remotely to talk about a new streaming production that’s part Shakespeare and part Super Mario Brothers. And we’ll hear how suburban comedians are dealing with the current restrictions.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to New York Times-bestselling author Don Winslow about his new book, BROKEN. Later in the show, Gary takes a closer look at the effect the COVID-19 pandemic is having on local jazz musicians. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join remotely to review a new streaming production inspired by an Edgar Allen Poe short story. And Gary talks to McAninch Arts Center director Diana Martinez about the future plans for the a years-in-the-making Frida Kahlo exhibit was supposed to open this summer.