On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a unique partnership between the Museum of Contemporary Art and Prop Thtr. The two organizations are celebrating Chicago’s experimental theatre scene with something called THE STOREFRONT PROJECT. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Pride Film & Plays’ new production, CASA VALENTINA. A little later, Gary talks to WTTW head of programming Lisa Tipton about Ken Burns new docu-series, COUNTRY MUSIC. And Gary previews EXPO Chicago, one the world’s biggest contemporary art fairs.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned photographer Julian Wasser. The LA-based photojournalist has been taking candid pictures of some of the most interesting people in the world for the past dive decades. Gary also visits a Kane County arts center that’s celebrating its 10th anniversary. Hear all about the origins of Water Street Studios. And the Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to discuss Writers Theatre’s new production of INTO THE WOODS. And a little later on in the program, Gary sits down with WDCB’s announcer Barry Winograd as he prepares for the next step in his decades long career in Chicago’s jazz scene. Renowned photographer Julian Wasser has lived a life. Working as a freelance photojournalist for over five decades … Wasser has captured candid images of some of the most interesting people in the world. 

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to best-selling author Candace Bushnell about her new book, IS THERE STILL SEX IN THE CITY? The New York City writer behind Carrie Bradshaw wanted to look at the lives of a slightly older group of characters. Later in the program, Gary sits down with percussionist Thurman Baker. The Chicago native was back in his hometown for a performance of new suite titled SOUTHSIDE SUITE that pays tribute to his old stomping grounds. Also a look back at a story on the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Virgil Abloh exhibition, which was just extended. And the Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to offer their picks for the fall theater season.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek gets you ready for the 41st annual Chicago Jazz Festival. Gary sits down with percussionist, composer and music programmer extraordinaire Mike Reed to talk about his new book THE CITY WAS YELLOW. The years-in-the-making project is the inspiration for a special performance that will celebrate the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s 50th anniversary. WDCB’s Leslie Keros profiles renowned pianist Ryan Cohan, who will be performing at the Jazz Fest. A little later, Paul Abella stops by to share his recommendations for what acts to see at this year’s Festival. And the Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review the Chicago premiere of a play titled NOW OR LATER.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits Illinois Humanities’ new ENVISIONING JUSTICE exhibition. The multi-media exhibit aims to raise questions about justice looks like in Chicago. Later in the program, Gary sits down with the general manager of the Music Box as the historic theater prepares to celebrates its 90th anniversary. The Lakeview neighborhood theater first opened its doors on August 22 1929. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will stop by to talk about Black Ensemble’s world premiere musical YOU CAN’T FAKE THE FUNK. And Gary talks to a local author who wrote a novel inspired by a terrifying experience with an earthquake. All that, plus the weekly Arts Section calendar.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the J. Ryan Stradal, author of the new novel, THE LAGER QUEEN OF MINNESOTA. Later in the program, Gary sits down with film critic Nick Allen. They’ll talk about some of the most interesting films of 2019 that may flown under your radar. And the Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will stop by to discuss a new addition to the Chicago theater scene, Teatro ZinZanni is promising to deliver a show unlike any other in the region.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at the second ever Chicago International Music Competition and Festival. Event organizers hope to create a new type of classical music competition and they’ve decided to host it at west suburban Wheaton College. Later in the program, Gary talks to the author of a new novel set in Chicago’s theater community. Layne Fargo’s book TEMPER was a New York Times summer reading pick.  Speaking of theatre, the Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel stop by to talk about Steppenwolf’s latest production, a revival of a work that helped put the Chicago theater company on the national map. And Gary reviews Quentin Tarantino new film, ONCE UPON A TIME … IN HOLLYWOOD.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the directors of Floating Museum. The Chicago art collective is challenging the traditional museum model with cultural programming all over the city. This summer, Floating Museum is presenting a project built on and around the CTA Green Line. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to review a new musical that mashes up everything from the Grimm fairy tales to the music of Thelonious Monk. Later in the program, Gary talks to the local author of new book that dives into the culinary stories of the Titanic. All that, plus the weekly arts section calendar is on this episode.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary ZIdek catches up with the new director of the Chicago Film Office, Kwame Amoaku. The longtime film industry vet is excited to get work on the local film scene. Later in the program, Gary talks to one of the longest tenured members of Earth Wind & Fire. Ralph Johnson has been making music with the legendary R&B group for almost 50 years, hear what he has to say about the band’s upcoming visit to Chicago. Speaking of Earth Wind and Fire some of their music will actually be featured in a world premiere musical that celebrates funk music. Gary sits down with the writer and director of CAN’T FAKE THE FUNK. Also, the Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, stop by to talk about the Chicago-area’s best outdoor theater options. And later a review of the new dark comedy, THE ART OF SELF DEFENSE.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks with filmmaker Judith Helfand about her new documentary COOKED: SURVIVAL BY ZIP CODE. Later in the program, Gary takes a closer look at the world of fine art and rare item auctions with a visit to Chicago-based Hindman Auction House. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to talk about the Chicago premiere of a musical that marries a 16th century story with the music of the Go Go’s. All that plus the weekly Arts Section calendar.