The Chicago Traveler

July 25th, 2008

Friday Film: Save the Last Dance

Many films that appeal to the young-adult audience are full of clichés and what I call “after-school-special” romanticisms. While Save the Last Dance is not an incredible film, it does present characters that are a little closer to reality than the stereotypes too many movies rely upon.

Save the Last Dance (2001)

Directed by:
Thomas Carter

Produced by:
Robert W. […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 25th, 2008

Alanis Morissette in Chicago

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 […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 24th, 2008

Weekend Quickies (July 25-27, 2008)

• At the Newberry Library’s 24th annual Book Fair, you can browse through more than 100,000 books in 60 categories, most of which cost $2 or less. (July 24-27)
• In honor of Jimmy Buffet’s concerts at Toyota Park (July 24, 26), Lizzy McNeill’s Irish Pub is holding a Luau on the Chicago River. This Hawaiian-themed […]

By Matt B -- 1 comment

July 24th, 2008

Indulge in Luxury Travel

We’ve all probably been more budget-conscious than usual, but sometimes it feels good to splurge a bit. If you want to get around town in luxury, here are some of the most extravagant ways of traveling around Chicago.
At Bentley Gold Coast, you can find some of the best cars in the world, ranging in price […]

By Matt B -- 2 comments

July 23rd, 2008

Songza Is Your Own Personal Jukebox

“Yesterday, while we were at the club, that new popular song came on…”“What song?”“You know… the one by that singer that everyone likes now.”“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”“Sure you do. You’d know it if you heard it.”“Okay, so let’s hear it.”“Uh…”
Whether you’re satisfying a random Cat Power craving or wanting to reminisce […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

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

July 17th, 2008

Chicago Sets the Scene as Gotham City

One of my favorite superheroes as a kid was the Caped Crusader, Batman. And I’m certainly not alone. This weekend, everyone is looking forward to the premiere of the latest film in Christopher Nolan’s Batman series: The Dark Knight.
Chicagoans will notice that Gotham City looks very familiar. While the movie avoids recognizable landmarks like Wrigley […]

By Matt B -- 4 comments

July 11th, 2008

Concert Tickets on Sale This Weekend

There are quite a few concerts in the Chicago area, whose tickets are going on sale soon.
James Blunt is an English singer-songwriter who is best known for his number-one hit “You’re Beautiful.” He’ll be playing at The Venue at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, on August 11. Also at The Venue are the Smashing Pumpkins […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 10th, 2008

Weekend Events

• RedEye columnist Mark Bazer hosts “The Interview Show” at Hideout, where a variety of guests (including musicians, comedians, authors, and more) share their thoughts. (Every first Friday)
• The indoor-outdoor 23rd annual Irish-American Heritage Festival features live Irish music on five stages, folk dancing, food, arts and crafts vendors, and a raffle for a trip […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments

July 7th, 2008

It’s Always Movie Night at River East Center

If you’ve ever caught a movie downtown, you’ve probably been to River East Center. This skyscraper was completed in 2001 and stands 644 feet tall (196 m) with 58 floors. The original design called for 4 small spires at the edge of each side of the roof and would have made the tower Chicago’s tallest […]

By Matt B -- 0 comments