The Chicago Traveler

• In Roscoe Village, the Harvest Fest celebrates the 100th anniversary of Jahn World Language School with live music, carnival rides, and food vendors. (Sept 12-14)
• The 19th annual Festival de La Villita features carnival rides, live music, lots of food, and arts and crafts vendors, commemorating Mexican independence from Spanish rule. The fair is also the end location of the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade (with floats, mariachi bands, and folk dancers) on Sunday. (Sept 12-14)
• A new art festival has arrived in Bucktown and Wicker Park. The smARTshow showcases the works of 75 artists inside the Flat …read more

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Chicago is renowned for its culture and diversity, bringing together people from all backgrounds and labels. The gay and lesbian community plays a significant part in the Windy City’s population, attracting men and women from less resourceful rural areas across the Midwest. Two of Chicago’s most thriving gay neighborhoods are Boystown (inside the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area) and Andersonville (and consequently its surrounding Edgewater neighborhood). A high concentration of bars, shops, and restaurants can be found among the colorful pylons of Boystown. Andersonville has a few bars as well but is better known for its boutiques and “hip” eateries.
While it is by …read more

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After losing fiancé Ryan Reynolds, Alanis Morissette explored her grief through her latest album, Flavors of Entanglement. While raw emotion has been a part of her music in the past, this album shows a more vulnerable and, consequently, lovelier side to the artist. She’ll be at the Chicago Theatre on Thursday, October 2. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 11 a.m. (CDT).
To see a video of Alanis’ first single off the new album, check out fellow b5media blog, Ear Sucker. And keep up with the news on talented women in the music industry with She Plays Music.

Photo credit: MvanM (c/o …read more

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Supposedly, Coldplay is bearing the weight of EMI’s future on their shoulders. I don’t know about all that, but fans everywhere have been looking forward to the release of their new album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends. The band is also kicking off a new tour, which arrives in Chicago at the United Center on July 23. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 12 noon (CDT).
To see the official video of Coldplay’s first single off their new album, check out fellow b5media blog, Killed by the Video Star. And to keep up to date on Brit …read more

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Tickets go on sale this weekend for the following Chicago concerts via Ticketmaster:

Tina Turner

United Center
Fri, Oct 3, 8:00 p.m.
Allstate Arena
Mon, Oct 6, 7:30 p.m.

New Kids on the Block
Allstate Arena
Sat, Oct 4, 8:00 p.m.

Bow Wow
House of Blues
Thurs, Jul 24, 6:00 p.m.

Ryan Cabrera
House of Blues
Fri, Jun 20, 6:00 p.m.

Ashlee Simpson
House of Blues
Mon, Jun 9, 6:00 p.m.

3 Doors Down
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Sun, Jul 13, 6:30 p.m.

Photo credit: Wikipedia, weebsie, polomex, Austin Tolin, indoloony, alex-lawrence

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Tickets go on sale this weekend for the following Chicago events via Ticketmaster:

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80
House of Blues
Mon, Jun 30, 7:30 p.m.

C U LaTour: Ministry’s Final World Tour
House of Blues
Sun, May 11, 5:00 p.m.

Edwin McCain
House of Blues
Thurs, Jun 19, 7:30 p.m.

Return to Forever
The Chicago Theatre
Fri, Jun 20, 8:00 p.m.

Stone Temple Pilots
Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island
Thurs, May 22, 8:00 p.m.

Alicia Keys
Allstate Arena
Sat, Jun 7, 8:00 p.m.

Steely Dan
The Chicago Theatre
Tues, July 15, 7:30 p.m.

Moody Blues
Genesee Theatre
Sun, Jun 8, 7:30 p.m.

Photo credit (via Flickr): Czilango, hizonic, maryatuab, tm marcello, Saffanna, riveri35, oxmour, Monique Hofland

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It’s time to say good-bye to 2007. The year has treated me very well. I moved to a new apartment, did some traveling, and, best of all, began writing The Chicago Traveler! Many thanks to Mary Jo and everyone at b5media who has been so welcoming and helpful.
Even though The Chicago Traveler is only a few months old, let’s take a look back at the ten most popular articles of this year.
10. Abegweit. Resting peacefully on Lake Michigan, this beautiful ship was once the most powerful icebreaker in the world.
9. Let’s Boogie Records & Tapes. This music store on the …read more

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Your boss has been in your face. Your mother-in-law is on your back. Traffic’s moved at a snail’s pace all week, but life won’t slow down. “Stress” doesn’t even begin to describe your days.
Relax Lounge in Wicker Park may cure what ails you. Just look for the neon green cross out front and the candles flickering in beakers inside. Lounge seating is surrounded by vintage wallpaper and warm wood details, and a 30-foot bar is lit up by an old-fashioned sign that reads “Prescriptions.”
Sensing a theme here? The bar was originally named “Pharmacy,” but it turns out it is illegal …read more

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• The Young Women’s Leadership Council will be hosting its 2nd Annual Fall Fundraiser featuring a performance by Spitfire Comedy, a raffle, and a silent auction at the Mad River Bar & Grille. Selective complimentary drinks and food are included. (Nov 15)
• Jimmy Eat World performs live at the Riviera Theatre, while Ralph Stanley (the best banjo picker in bluegrass) shows off his skills at Fitzgerald’s. (Nov 15)
• This is the last weekend to catch “Runaways” in Humboldt Park. Local playwright Elizabeth Swados’ gritty musical drama takes place on Lower Wacker Drive, featuring hip-hop, rock, R&B, reggae, and mambo …read more

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Chicago Cubs fans are easy to spot. Decked out in blue and white, they usually have a beer in one hand and, well, a beer in the other hand too. So it’s no surprise that there are several bars within walking distance of Wrigley Field. However, if you’ve got a taste for something other than Bud Light or Old Style in a plastic cup, you might want to check out Sheffield’s.
Just half a mile south of Wrigley Field, the bar attracts many of the pre-/post-game Cubs fans. But even on non-game nights, you can usually find a good collection of …read more

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