News and Dish

A brick building covered in ivy, with stairs leading up to a porch. Overgrown plants line the steps, and patio chairs sit near the entrance. The image is tinted in a sepia tone.

by Todd Hieggelke | October 1, 2026

Music Top 5: October 2026

A DJ wearing a hat performs under colorful, arched lights in a dark, crowded venue. The DJs arms are raised, and the vibrant lighting creates a lively party atmosphere.

by Todd Hieggelke | August 25, 2026

Music Top 5: September 2026

A crowd gathers under an outdoor pavilion with a curved roof and glowing lights at night, surrounded by trees and dark blue sky.

by Todd Hieggelke | July 7, 2026

Music Top 5: July/August 2026

An outdoor concert at night under the illuminated, metallic Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago, with a large audience seated and city skyscrapers glowing in the background.

by Todd Hieggelke | May 27, 2026

Music Top 5: June 2026

A large crowd gathers at an outdoor night event featuring bright, colorful laser lights cutting across the sky, food stalls, and two-story viewing platforms on either side. The atmosphere is lively and festive.

by Todd Hieggelke | April 28, 2026

Music Top 5: May 2026

A lively musical performance on stage features colorful lights, musicians playing instruments, and singers and dancers joyfully interacting, with two people dancing energetically at the center of the scene.

by David Witter | April 23, 2026

Making Chicago the Center of the Jazz World for a Day (or Month) How the UNESCO International Jazz Day finally came to one of the genre's foundational homes.

A large audience gathers in an indoor concert hall with dramatic orange lighting and a grand, ornate stage at the front, where musicians perform under spotlights. The hall’s ceiling features wide, curved panels.

by Todd Hieggelke | March 26, 2026

Music Top 5: April 2026

A full orchestra performs on stage with a large choir standing behind them in a grand concert hall, while an audience watches from the seats below.

by Todd Hieggelke | January 29, 2026

Music Top 5: February/March 2026

A group of armed police officers in tactical gear and helmets stand in a line outdoors near vehicles, appearing alert and focused, with blurred trees and structures in the background.

by Dylan Weinert | January 8, 2026

One Battle After Another: How the ICE Raids Brought Despair and Defiance to Chicago’s Music Community

Three people are shown side by side: a woman sitting by a window, a man smiling while holding a cello, and a man in glasses and a suit adjusting his collar against a dark background.

by Todd Hieggelke | January 6, 2026

Music Top 5: January 2026