The Arts Section

Author Rebecca Makkai + Paramount Theater Forced to Make Changes

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with award-winning author Rebecca Makkai to talk about a writers festival taking place in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join me to review a revival of the Tony Award-winning musical PARADE. Later in the show, Gary talks to the president of Aurora’s Paramount Theater about some funding issues and programming changes. And we’ll hear about a suburban museum’s permanent collection.

Jazz Vocalist Finds Success With Beauty Brand + Wheaton Music Academy Thrives

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek is highlighting the intersection of arts & commerce. He’ll catch up with a local jazz musician who started her own business after the pandemic changed everything. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new one-women play that’s generating a lot of discussion. Later in the show, Gary visits a Wheaton music academy that offers privates lessons to kids through people in their 80s. And he’ll highlight a new west suburban store that offers records and beer.

Stone & Snow, Special Arts Camp + Best Chicago Summer Spots

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the indie folk duo STONE AND SNOW. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Celine Song’s play TOM AND ELIZA. Later in the show, Gary takes you with to a special summer arts camp that aims to provide comfort to kids who have lost a parent. And we’ll check in with food critic Nick Allen to talk about some of his favorite local summer spots.

Secret Byrd + Donny Hathaway Play

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a new concert-theater work that explores the history of composer William Byrd’s acts of defiance in 16th century England. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview local outdoor theater options, plus we’ll hear about what’s happening this summer at the Stratford Theater Festival in Canada. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the theater artist behind a bio-play that looks back at the life of acclaimed singer Donny Hathaway. And Gary talks to the author of a book all about the hit TV series Ted Lasso.

MCA's City In a Garden + Accordion Fest Returns

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the Museum of Contemporary Art’s new exhibit, CITY IN A GARDEN, that explores Chicago’s Queer art and activism communities. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new ambitious production of ANGELS IN AMERICA. Later in the show, it’s all accordions, all the time, as the annual Accordions and Teachers Guild Fest returns to the area. And we’ll discuss where to get the best Italian Beefs in the Chicago-area.

Local Mystery Author + Indigenous Art

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with an award-winning local author who just released her second novel, a mystery set in the northwest burbs. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about the world premiere play DHABA ON DEVON AVENUE. Later in the show, Gary takes you with to Northwestern’s Block Museum of Art to check out an exhibit that explores indigenous traditions. And we’ll revisit a segment about a patriotic outdoor exhibit.

Fine Arts Building Book + Iraq, But Funny Review

Gary Zidek

On this edition of the program, host Gary Zidek catches up with the author of a fantastic new book that dives into the storied history of Chicago’s Fine Arts Building. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about the world premiere IRAQ, BUT FUNNY. And later in the show, Gary visits a west suburban museum that specializes in something few institutions around the world do.

Gary Sinise Interview + Rory McEwen Exhibit

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to Steppenwolf co-founder and multiple award-winning actor Gary Sinise. The Chicago-area native is coming back home to perform a concert to raise support for a non-profit that helps disabled veterans. Later in the show, Gary visits the Driehaus Museum to learn more about the subject of its latest exhibit, Scottish artist Rory McEwen. And we’ll hear from the author of a book about the world’s two most famous movie critics.

Vocalist Isabella Isherwood, War of the Worlds On Stage + Legacies Exhibit

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with local jazz vocalist Isabella Isherwood to talk about some of her upcoming projects, plus an exclusive in-studio performance. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review GOLDEN LEAD RAGTIME BLUES. Later in the show, Gary talks to local theater artist Heather Currie about a new stage adaptation of WAR OF THE WORLDS. And we’ll preview the Elmhurst Art Museum’s latest exhibit.

Old Town Art Fair Turns 75 + Highland Games Return

Gary Zidek

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a Chicago summer tradition that’s turning 75 this week. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a world premiere titled NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH. Later in the show, Gary checks in with the president of the Chiago Scots about this year’s Scottish Festival and Highland Games. And the circus is in town, we’ll hear what life under the big top is like.