The Chicago Traveler

July 17th, 2008

Weekend Stuff (July 18-20, 2008)

• The Pitchfork Music Festival is a 3-day event featuring over 40 independent bands and artists on three stages at Union Park. (July 18-20)
• Two stages of live music entertain thousands of visitors at the Old St. Patrick’s World’s Largest Block Party. Tickets include five drinks (bottled water, soda, wine, beer). (July 18-19)
• The Chicago […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

June 5th, 2008

Weekend Events

I’ll be heading out of town this weekend, but for those of you staying here in Chicago, you’ve got lots to look forward to.
• The 11th Annual Chicago Improv Festival takes place at various locations and includes performances by Paul Scheer, Jack McBrayer, and John Lutz. (ends June 8)
• The largest free outdoor blues event […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

June 5th, 2008

Chicago Loses Three Legends

Last Thursday, Chicago native Harvey Korman passed away. He was best known for his work on The Carol Burnett Show and was in several Mel Brooks films. Many of his comedy sketches, even when viewed today over 30 years later, are still hilarious.
On Sunday, Paul Sills, a pioneer in improv theatre, passed away at the […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

December 31st, 2007

The Best of The Chicago Traveler 2007

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 […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

November 22nd, 2007

Weekend Quickies

A huge 90-foot-tall (27-meter) “tree,” made up of more than 130 individual Balsam Firs, is the centerpiece for the 94th Annual City of Chicago Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. Musical entertainment begins at 4:30 p.m., lighting at 5:00 p.m. (Nov 23)
The Sparrow, an award-winning musical, is back by popular demand at the Apollo Theater for an […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

November 20th, 2007

Chicago Concerts

Bon Jovi isn’t coming to Chicago until February, but tickets are already on sale for the concerts at the United Center (February 23 and 24, Daughtry opens).
Photo credit: Rock and Racehorses, matthewspiel
Tags: alternative-rock, blues, chicago, concerts, country, family-oriented, folk, hard-rock, jazz, live-music, metal, pop, rhythm-and-blues, rnb, rock, soul, suburbs, urban-soul, world-music

By Matt B -- 1 comment

November 18th, 2007

Relax Lounge

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 […]

By Matt B -- 5 comments

August 11th, 2007

Hideout

When I was a little kid, I had my own “secret” space where I felt safe and where I thought no one would find me unless I wanted them to. The Hideout is appropriately named; it’s a spot where you can be among friends and listen to great music, and people not in the know […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments

June 7th, 2007

Weekend Festivals

The 24th Annual Chicago Blues Festival starts today and runs through Sunday the 10th. It is the world’s largest FREE outdoor blues event. There are a remarkable number of performances by over 70 local and national artists. Did I mention “free”?

One of my favorite summer events takes place this weekend: the 23rd Annual Printers Row […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

May 9th, 2007

Gallery Cabaret

In Bucktown, Gallery Cabaret is a classic corner bar that dates back several decades and is much more than the dive-bar it may appear to be. Don’t let the outside features scare you off. It’s become a forum for rising artists to display paintings, drawings, and musical talent. It took some time for the bar […]

By Matt B -- 3 comments