The Arts Section spotlights creative people, events and ideas. Every week, WDCB's Gary Zidek shines a light on arts and culture in the Chicago area. The mission is to focus on stories within the arts community that aren't being told, with additional commentary and discussions on literature, music, film, food, special events and anything else creative.
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Eddie Muller Brings Noir City to Chicago + Mandala's Jazz Programming Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Turner Classic Movies host and Noir expert Eddie Muller to talk about this year’s music-themed Noir City Festival. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to talk about a new sci-fi play titled ADVANCE MAN. Later in the show, Gary puts a spotlight on the South Asian arts organization Mandala. And we’ll hear about a Route 66 tour through Chicago.
Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project + Rosemont Museum Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek looks at the work being done by a cohort of black dance companies that have come together to help each other. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to talk about an intriguing new play that takes a more nuanced approach to human-AI relationships. Later in the show, Gary visits a new museum that covers the history of one of the Chicago-area’s most visited suburbs. And we’ll hear how a former convenient store is finding success as a concert venue.
F1 Arcade Comes to Chicago + Marble Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a new Chicago attraction that’s aimed at fans of F1 racing. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review the new play MARBLE, that’s all about the disintegration of two marriages. Later in the show, Gary revisits a segment on the history of the Uptown Theater. And we’ll go inside a new MCA exhibit that explores the cultural impact of two music genres.
New Jazz Photo Book + Yo Ho Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek dives into a new book of jazz photography with an intriguing backstory, all the pictures were taken over 60 years ago, but were never released. Hear the story behind the new book. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new pirate play. And later in the show, Gary catches up with magician/artist Jeanette Andrews to talk about her first ever solo exhibition.
Museum of Broadcast Communications Ready For Next Chapter + Pasta Time! Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside the Museum of Broadcast Communication, we’ll hear about the non-profit’s current exhibits and future plans. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a free children’s play touring Chicago parks. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the chef behind a new west suburban handmade pasta shop. And we’ll look back at the history of a film that some say is the best bad movie of all time.
Youth Orchestra Lolla Stage + Author Finds Mystery Niche Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the executive director of a youth orchestra that’s getting ready for giant performance this week. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new children’s musical. Later in the show, Emily Werner stops by to preview what’s hitting Chicago stages in August. And Gary sits down with a suburban fiction author who found her calling later in life.
Rainbow Cone 100 + Book Banning Pushback Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at local ice cream institution that’s turning 100. We’ll hear about an effort to raise awareness as the number banned books increases around the country. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new production of CRIME AND PUNISHMENT that’s been extended over two months, because it keeps selling out. Later in the show, Gary reviews the much anticipated Christopher Nolan film THE ODYSSEY. We’ll get ready for the World Cup final with a look at a soccer-them
Grass Roots Jazz Series Thriving + Woodstock Folk Fest Back Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in on an outdoor jazz concert series born in the midst of the pandemic that has not only continued, but expanded long after the COVID restrictions went away. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new production of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. Later in the show, Gary previews the 41st Woodstock Folk Festival. And he’ll catch up with the author of a book all about the history of one of Chicago’s oldest cultural landmarks.
Interviews With John Early and Gary Sinise Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with celebrated actor and comedian John Early to talk about his new film, MADDIE’S SECRET. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel will joins Gary to review a Goodman Theatre world premiere starring Megan Mullaly and Nick Offerman. Later in the show, Gary revisits his interview with actor Gary Sinise, who is returning to the western suburbs to raise money for a non-profit that helps veterans. And we’ll spotlight some of the hottest theatrical productions opening this month.
Anerican Weekender + Commute Photo Book Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with a Chicago couple that launched their own online dining publication that covers restaurants all over the country. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review an ambitious new production of LEOPOLDSTADT. Later in the show, Gary talks to TV and film actor Marilyn Rajskub about her unlikely path to Hollywood. And Gary sits down with the photographer behind a new photo book that captures the moments within Chicago’s commute.
Tom Dreesen Obit + Opera Festival of Chicago Gary Zidek Happy Father’s Day! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek revisits his interview with celebrated comedian Tom Dreesen. The Harvey native, who enjoyed a decades-long career in show business, passed away this week. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a world premiere at Lookingglass Theater. Later in the show, Gary highlights the mission the Opera Festival Of Chicago. And we’ll take a look at a conversational exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Soccer Photo Exhibit + The Alley Turns 50 Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a new photo exhibit that illuminates the beautiful game. As the World Cup takes center stage, a suburban museum is presenting a new exhibition titled The Saturday Man. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a stage adaptation of BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the owner of THE ALLEY as the alternative clothing store celebrates fifty years. And we’ll get an up-close look at a public video installation created using old home movies.
Carolina Caroline Film, Jazzmaster Marilyn Crispell + 76th Old Town Art Fair Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with filmmaker Adam Carter Rehmeier to chat about his new movie CAROLINA CAROLINE. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to review a new production of ANTIGONE. Later in the show, Gary catches up with NEA Jazz Master Marilyn Crispell to talk about her love of improvisation and an upcoming program at the Art Institute. Gary previews the 76th Old Town Art Fair. And we’ll hear about a storefront theater’s new mobile device p
Artist/Magician Jeanette Andrews + New Cookbook Dives Into Regional Favorites Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with magician/artist Jeanette Andrews to talk about her new solo exhibit at the Elmhurst Art Museum. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to review A Red Orchid Theatre’s latest. And Gary talks to Chicago-based food writer & critic Amy Cavanaugh about what makes Midwest cuisine unique and her contributions to a new cookbook.
Local Author Adapts Famous Comic + Summer Movie Preview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned comic book artist Alex Ross and WDCB radio host Steve Darnall to talk about their new project, an adaptation of the acclaimed comic series MARVELS. The ground-breaking comic series has been turned into a novel. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to review Timeline Theater’s new production and talk about the company’s brand new venue. And later in the show, Gary sits down with Classic Cinemas CEO Chris Johnson to preview the
Route 66 Turns 100, Summer Theater Preview + Youth Theater Thrives Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a ride on the Chicago portions of Route 66. The historic roadway turns 100 this year. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to preview the best Chicago theater offerings this summer. Later in the show, Gary visits a west suburban youth theater (with a unique backstory) that’s celebrating its 25th anniversary. And we’ll check out one of the country’s only polished rock museums.
Secret History of French Cooking + Minecraft Experience Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the author of a interesting new book that looks back the origins of nouvelle cuisine in France and its lasting impact on dining culture all over the world. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Kathy Hey join Gary to review the world premiere musical, LOKI: THE END OF THE WORLD TOUR. Later in the show, Gary talks to acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins about his interest in photography. And we’ll take you inside a new Minecraft experience that just opened
The Life of an Artist Explored In New Indie + Burt Bacharach Musical Revue Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the filmmakers behind a Chicago-made indie film set to make its local premiere. Michael Glover Smith and Elizabeth Stam stop by to talk about their new movie, HEKLA. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Kathy Hey Gary to review a world premiere at Chicago Shakespeare that’s being directed by Jason Alexander. Later in the show, Gary talks to one of the singers in a new Burt Bacharach revue that’s come to Chicago after a run in New York.
Intuit Museum Thriving, Youth Jazz Ensemble DuPage + International Jazz Day Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the Intuit Museum of Art a year after it reopened. The Chicago museum that celebrates outsider art is seeing its attendance numbers go up. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, review Steppenwolf Theatre’s world premiere WINDFALL. Later in the show, Gary previews International Jazz City, which is being hosted in Chicago this year. And Gary profiles a suburban high school jazz ensemble that’s headed to New York for a national com
Dancing The Revolution Exhibit + Geoffrey Baer Looks Back at American Pop Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the Museum of Contemporary Art’s new exhibit, DANCING THE REVOLUTION. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review a play titled POOR BEHAVIOR. Later in the show, Gary catches up with WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer to talk about his involvement in a new a cappella show on the history of pop music. And we’ll check out an exhibit in Elmhurst.
Producer Gives Recordings New Life + New Book Looks Back At Nintendo's History Gary Zidek On this editon of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to a record producer who’s found a niche searching for archived and sometimes forgotten jazz recordings, then gives them new life as official releases. His latest project involves the an archive in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a play called the SUGAR WIFE. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the author of a new book about the history of Nintendo.
Tony Fitzpatrick-Inspired Exhibit + Theater of the Mind Opens Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a Chicago gallery that’s set to open an exhibit that pays tribute to artist Tony Fitzpatrick’s influence on collage. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of The Three Musketeers. Later in the show, we’ll preview David Bryne’s new theater experience that just opened in Chicago. And Gary catches up with the director of the documentary One Golden Summer, a film takes a new look at the rise and fall of the li
Paul Wertico & David Becker + Isabella Isherwood's Debut Album Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned jazz musicians Paul Wertico and David Becker to talk about their new project, TUXEDO MAN. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review THE JACKIE WILSON STORY. And Gary checks in with Chicago-based vocalist Isabella Isherwood, who is set to release her debut album this week.
Anti-Book Banning Graphic Novel + Wheaton Drama Turns 95 Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Evanston-based author Jarrett Dapier to talk about his new graphic novel, which was inspired by a real life protest against a book-banning effort in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review the world premiere of WHITE ROOSTER. And later in the show, Gary profiles a suburban theater celebrating it’s 95th anniversary.
White Rooster Opens + Oscars Preview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks in with Chicago-based theater artist Matthew C. Yee to talk about his new play, WHITE ROOSTER, that’s premiering at Lookingglass Theatre. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will join me to review TWO SISTERS AND A PIANO. Later in the show, Gary previews the 98th Oscars ceremony with Chicago-based film critic Janet Arvia.
