How to Build a Chicago Blues Record Collection
Reverend Keith A. Gordon's Instant Chicago Blues Record Collection is as enticing as it sounds: 10 hand-picked albums deliver you to the stoop of the most essential recordings of Chicago blues.
I asked Reverend Keith, who is About.com's Guide to the Blues, if he could share more about his recommendations and how he chose them.
"In creating my Instant Record Collection for the Chicago Blues, I concentrated on the 'Modern Era' of blues music, roughly from 1950 through 1980, and I focused on those artists most closely connected with the style," he told me.
"Although this left out important early Chicago blues pioneers like Big Bill Broonzy, Tampa Red, and John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson, I feel that these ten albums represent the Chicago blues sound that most fans are familiar with.
"In some instances, as with Little Walter, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Reed, and Otis Rush, these were either 'greatest hits' collections or singles compilations that represented the artist's best work (usually 1950s-era singles for labels like Chess, Checker, and Cobra). Read more...
Chicago Hot Dogs, the Recipe, and the NK-17 Rating
As hot dog season winds down this Labor Day Weekend, it's as good a time as any to check in on the Chicago hot dog.
Chicagoans know that the true Chicago style hot dog does not make room for ketchup. But, did you also know that there is an NK-17 rule? That is, according to Vienna Beef, the no ketchup rule really kicks in when you turn 17?
This is how Chicagoans divert their kids to the mustard over time and thus protect the tradition over the long haul. That's my theory at least. In case you were wondering.
Chicago in September Events - Grab Your Pen
Make no mistake: Labor Day Weekend in Chicago is relatively quiet compared to the loads of events happening the rest of the month. Check out our full Chicago Calendar of September Events, and begin penning in a few highlights now. Otherwise, the month will pass you by before you know it. Totally been there.
Chicago Triathlon 2009 Results (Other than "Very Tired")
You can check the results from today's Chicago Triathlon online at their official results website.
Congratulations to all who crossed the start line. I think it's an amazing event. Grueling. But amazing. Congratulations for even tri-ing. Hope you had a blast.
Burnham Beyond the Quote: One Book, One Chicago Fall 2009
If one thing comes out of this year's centennial celebration of Daniel Burnham's plan, I hope it's that we all take away something about him beyond his go-to quote: "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood." Enough already with the "no little plans." We need some kind of follow-up.
Toward that end, the Chicago Public Library has named Carl Smith's The Plan of Chicago: Daniel Burnham and the Remaking of an American City (pictured) as the Fall 2009 One Book, One Chicago text, and they're planning a whole array of corresponding events where we might dig up a new quote and a richer understanding of the man and his legacy.
Grant Park Movies End with "Tootsie" on Tuesday
As if we needed more proof than the chill in the air that summer is almost over: Dustin Hoffman, starring in his cross-dressing role in "Tootsie," will wrap up this year's Chicago Outdoor Movie Festival on Tuesday. Show time is 8:05 p.m. Bye summer. Nice knowing ya.
Complete List of Films Screened at the Outdoor Film Festival | Labor Day Weekend - Top 15 Events
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Photo of Sydney Pollack (left) and Dustin Hoffman in "Tootsie" courtesy of the Mayor's Office of Special Events.
This Weekend in Lincoln Square
With the Old Town School of Folk Music at its heart and blocks of enticing restaurants and unique shops, Lincoln Square rarely fails as a reliable weekend destination for worthwhile time. Giddings Plaza (pictured) has evolved into a gathering spot and small concert venue. Perhaps the neighborhood is calling you this weekend.
- Thursday, Summer Concert series featuring Carlos Ortega in Giddings Plaza from 7 to 9:30 p.m. (Bad weather moves the concert to Costello Sandwich shop at 4647 N. Lincoln.)
- Old Town School of Folk Music Concerts: Sons of the Never Wrong on Friday at 8 p.m.; Ruthie Foster on Saturday at 8 p.m.; and Dar Williams on Sunday at 7 pm.
- Author Cocktail Party at Book Cellar featuring Marcus Sakey and Laura Caldwell on Friday at 7 p.m.
- Try eating at Jury's Restaurant, which was named a 2009 Best of Chicago Award in the Restaurants category by the US Commerce Association. Or, go fancier at Bistro Campagne with Sunday brunch or evening jazz. I also love Essence of India and La Bocca della Verita.
- Prowl around Dark Tower Comics, which is thought to be one of the best comic books in the city.
- The Davis Theater screens (500) Days of Summer, The Time Traveler's Wife, District 9, and Inglourious Basterds this weekend.
- Upcoming: German American Fest from September 11 to 13.
Related: Lincoln Square - Photo Tour | Chicago Neighborhoods
Grant Park Orchestra Closes Season with "Freude"
by Tom Mullaney
When the Grant Park Orchestra traded in the acoustically-challenged Petrillo Bandshell for the Pritzker Pavilion five years ago, they were a good band but one incapable of performing such monumental works of the repertoire as expertly as they did for two weekends earlier this month.
The orchestra, under the guiding baton of Carlos Kalmar, played Gustav Mahler’s moving Ninth Symphony one week followed by Ludwig von Beethoven’s iconic Ninth Symphony last weekend. And, unlike most music I hear, these two performances are still echoing in my brain.
Was this because I had not expected playing of such a high caliber from a pick-up summer ensemble and was transfixed by the band’s expert execution? Or was it that I had heard so many performances of the Beethoven that I had become slightly jaded and did not think I could be moved so strongly? Read more...
One Chicago Photo: Giant Dude with Pipe
Ced's Auto Service, 3940 W. Grand Avenue
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MSI Cancels Remaining Farmers Markets
Citing "scheduling conflicts," the Museum of Science and Industry has announced it will cancel its farmers markets for the rest of the season, which had extended into October. That includes the one scheduled for this coming Friday, August 21. Fortunately, there are still plenty of other Chicago farmers markets to choose from.