Chicago Reader
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During the 2024–2025 school year, there were 6,870 instances of book bans across 87 public school districts and 23 states in the U.S. In 2025, “a new vector of book banning pressure has appeared—the federal government,” noted PEN America. https://bit.ly/49DWp4R
In A Danger to the Minds of Young Girls, Adam Morgan explores the biggest threat to American youth: books - Chicago Reader
Adam Morgan explores the trial of queer literary magazine publisher Margaret C. Anderson in 1921 on felony obscenity charges.
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January 24, 2026 at 7:17 PM
During the 2024–2025 school year, there were 6,870 instances of book bans across 87 public school districts and 23 states in the U.S. In 2025, “a new vector of book banning pressure has appeared—the federal government,” noted PEN America. https://bit.ly/49DWp4R
Justin Purcell’s Magic Is People combines wry commentary with mind-boggling tricks. https://bit.ly/3Zq3DTY
Wonder and wiseassery - Chicago Reader
Justin Purcell's Magic Is People at Chicago Magic Lounge combines insider humor about the craft with astounding close-up tricks.
chicagoreader.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:50 PM
Justin Purcell’s Magic Is People combines wry commentary with mind-boggling tricks. https://bit.ly/3Zq3DTY
Reposted by Chicago Reader
with subzero temperatures on the horizon, now‘s a good time to revisit @katieprout.bsky.social’s 2022 piece about the lack of 24-hour warming centers in chicago.
four years later and nothing has changed.
four years later and nothing has changed.
Lukewarm welcome - Chicago Reader
The warming areas don’t just exist to warm you up—housed within DFSS community service centers, they’re also access points from which Chicagoans can be connected to other services that have the potent...
chicagoreader.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:30 PM
with subzero temperatures on the horizon, now‘s a good time to revisit @katieprout.bsky.social’s 2022 piece about the lack of 24-hour warming centers in chicago.
four years later and nothing has changed.
four years later and nothing has changed.
“Graham was the most famous, most controversial, and most prolific of all the modern dance pioneers, and her school and company the longest in operation in the modern dance world” https://bit.ly/3NmnrFg
Martha Graham at 100 - Chicago Reader
As the Martha Graham Dance Company celebrates its 100th birthday, five Chicago dance artists reflect on the founder's influence and legacy.
chicagoreader.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:54 PM
“Graham was the most famous, most controversial, and most prolific of all the modern dance pioneers, and her school and company the longest in operation in the modern dance world” https://bit.ly/3NmnrFg
From the archives: Friday, April 5, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr. was dead, and thousands of young protesters stalked the streets of Chicago, exhibiting a harsh, unbridled rage the likes of which the city had never seen. https://bit.ly/3YMQqEG
On April 5, 1968, the west side was on fire - Chicago Reader
Twenty years later, the Reader looked back and wondered why no one else had done the same.
chicagoreader.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:32 PM
From the archives: Friday, April 5, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr. was dead, and thousands of young protesters stalked the streets of Chicago, exhibiting a harsh, unbridled rage the likes of which the city had never seen. https://bit.ly/3YMQqEG
The Unknown Variable takes a personal look at immigration and family separation. https://bit.ly/3YL6y9x
The Unknown Variable takes a personal look at immigration and family separation - Chicago Reader
Nahal Navidar's play about an Iranian daughter and father separated for years is tender, poetic, and moving.
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January 17, 2026 at 8:40 PM
The Unknown Variable takes a personal look at immigration and family separation. https://bit.ly/3YL6y9x
After five years, 2dcloud has resurrected its alt-comics anthology Mirror Mirror. Once a thick tome produced from 2016–2020, the fourth installment of Mirror Mirror has been reimagined as more of a magazine, not only in its size and length but also in content and cadence. https://bit.ly/3YBaNo3
Mirror Mirror 4 reflects 2dcloud's rainstorm - Chicago Reader
Longtime indie publisher 2dcloud has resurrected its alt-comics anthology Mirror Mirror, reimagining it as more of a magazine.
bit.ly
January 15, 2026 at 4:51 PM
After five years, 2dcloud has resurrected its alt-comics anthology Mirror Mirror. Once a thick tome produced from 2016–2020, the fourth installment of Mirror Mirror has been reimagined as more of a magazine, not only in its size and length but also in content and cadence. https://bit.ly/3YBaNo3
Facets kicked off its screening series with a double feature of Dr. Caligari and Café Flesh on 1/9, which will be followed by Terminal USA and Mod Fuck Explosion on 2/13, and will conclude with My Degeneration and Numbskull Revolution on 3/13. https://bit.ly/3N95N7Q
Reject the mainstream with Optical Noise at Facets - Chicago Reader
Film programmer Raphael Martinez promotes discomfort, context, and conversation with Optical Noise, a trio of cult double features at Facets.
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January 14, 2026 at 5:12 PM
Facets kicked off its screening series with a double feature of Dr. Caligari and Café Flesh on 1/9, which will be followed by Terminal USA and Mod Fuck Explosion on 2/13, and will conclude with My Degeneration and Numbskull Revolution on 3/13. https://bit.ly/3N95N7Q
A eulogy for Danny's Tavern, the cozy candlelit Bucktown bar that for decades nurtured a devoted community of music lovers—it couldn't survive the pandemic, and now the building is set for demolition. https://bit.ly/4pAusPV
A eulogy for Danny’s Tavern - Chicago Reader
For decades, Danny’s nurtured a devoted and welcoming community of music lovers—but it couldn’t survive the pandemic.
chicagoreader.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:29 PM
A eulogy for Danny's Tavern, the cozy candlelit Bucktown bar that for decades nurtured a devoted community of music lovers—it couldn't survive the pandemic, and now the building is set for demolition. https://bit.ly/4pAusPV
During the 1960s and ’70s, Chicano muralists and Ukrainian mosaicists were turning public space into colossal works of art. Through symbols, motifs, and colors drawn from folklore, artists used large-scale images as identity statements during a time of cultural suppression. https://bit.ly/49hMZM7
Pilsen murals and Ukrainian mosaics teach us about artistic survival - Chicago Reader
As funding cuts threaten Pilsen’s murals and war destroys Ukrainian mosaics, two communities are learning what makes public art endure.
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January 13, 2026 at 5:10 PM
During the 1960s and ’70s, Chicano muralists and Ukrainian mosaicists were turning public space into colossal works of art. Through symbols, motifs, and colors drawn from folklore, artists used large-scale images as identity statements during a time of cultural suppression. https://bit.ly/49hMZM7
Fillet of Solo Festival has transitioned from an annual multi-venue event at Lifeline Theatre to a weekly showcase at Bughouse Theater https://bit.ly/4sCPAbc
Fillet of Solo moves from annual festival to weekly showcase - Chicago Reader
Chicago's long-running solo festival evolves into a weekly showcase at Bughouse Theater and Beau O'Reilly addresses the times.
chicagoreader.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Fillet of Solo Festival has transitioned from an annual multi-venue event at Lifeline Theatre to a weekly showcase at Bughouse Theater https://bit.ly/4sCPAbc
While Latiné theater in Chicago has been having a renaissance in recent years, uplifting and supporting the voices of Latiné writers has taken on a new urgency because visibility is still lacking overall on national stages. https://bit.ly/4sz8L5C
The Vivero celebrates new Latiné voices at City Lit - Chicago Reader
A Three Queens Bouquet shows off new work from the cofounders of a theater services company focused on Latine, queer, and disabled voices.
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January 12, 2026 at 5:06 PM
While Latiné theater in Chicago has been having a renaissance in recent years, uplifting and supporting the voices of Latiné writers has taken on a new urgency because visibility is still lacking overall on national stages. https://bit.ly/4sz8L5C
Wayne Bennett is usually identified as a blues guitarist, but he never wanted to be stuck in that box. Bennett is best known for accompanying Bobby “Blue” Bland for many years, but with his wide-ranging talent, he appeared on funk, jazz, gospel, and soul records. https://bit.ly/49zwlXq
Guitarist Wayne Bennett soared at side stage - Chicago Reader
Wayne Bennett put a shine on beloved recordings by Otis Rush and Bobby “Blue” Bland, but he only cut one single under his own name.
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January 12, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Wayne Bennett is usually identified as a blues guitarist, but he never wanted to be stuck in that box. Bennett is best known for accompanying Bobby “Blue” Bland for many years, but with his wide-ranging talent, he appeared on funk, jazz, gospel, and soul records. https://bit.ly/49zwlXq
Indie rocker Joe Glass celebrates an early candidate for your list of the year’s best Chicago albums. https://bit.ly/4jCvGsU
Glass plays rock ’n’ roll like it’s the only thing that matters, even when it sounds like a rickety lean-to that could collapse on his head.
chicagoreader.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:52 PM
Indie rocker Joe Glass celebrates an early candidate for your list of the year’s best Chicago albums. https://bit.ly/4jCvGsU
Chicago theaters offered communal respite, rage, and reflection in a year that was a lot harder than most.https://chicagoreader.com/performing-arts/ghost-light/2025-theater-year-in-review/?utm_campaign=&utm_content=Chicago+theaters+offered+&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reader-bluesky
A cure for doomscrolling - Chicago Reader
In a disheartening year, Chicago theaters stepped up with shows that offered rage, respite, and support for the audience.
chicagoreader.com
January 8, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Chicago theaters offered communal respite, rage, and reflection in a year that was a lot harder than most.https://chicagoreader.com/performing-arts/ghost-light/2025-theater-year-in-review/?utm_campaign=&utm_content=Chicago+theaters+offered+&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reader-bluesky
Check out Leor Galil's list of the best overlooked Chicago records of 2025: https://bit.ly/4qBWBak
The best overlooked Chicago records of 2025 - Chicago Reader
The incentives in music journalism say it makes economic sense to cover popular artists. But loving music isn’t about making economic sense.
chicagoreader.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Check out Leor Galil's list of the best overlooked Chicago records of 2025: https://bit.ly/4qBWBak
After seven years, longtime indie publisher 2dcloud has resurrected its alt-comics anthology Mirror Mirror. https://bit.ly/3Z2HP0s
Mirror Mirror 4 reflects 2dcloud's rainstorm - Chicago Reader
Longtime indie publisher 2dcloud has resurrected its alt-comics anthology Mirror Mirror, reimagining it as more of a magazine.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 5:55 PM
After seven years, longtime indie publisher 2dcloud has resurrected its alt-comics anthology Mirror Mirror. https://bit.ly/3Z2HP0s
On Friday and Saturday, the inaugural Fork Arts festival convenes nine indie-rock acts at a DIY venue. The event benefits two Chicago-based prison-abolition organizations: the nonprofit Midwest Books to Prisoners and the community arts center Walls Turned Sideways. https://bit.ly/3LBdrY3
Pinwheel Records holds a sale to help with its imminent move - Chicago Reader
Pinwheel Records holds a sale to help with its imminent move, and two festivals this weekend take over three venues with 40 diverse bands.
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January 7, 2026 at 3:23 PM
On Friday and Saturday, the inaugural Fork Arts festival convenes nine indie-rock acts at a DIY venue. The event benefits two Chicago-based prison-abolition organizations: the nonprofit Midwest Books to Prisoners and the community arts center Walls Turned Sideways. https://bit.ly/3LBdrY3
Pinwheel Records holds a sale to help with its imminent move.
https://bit.ly/49ovWa2
https://bit.ly/49ovWa2
Pinwheel Records holds a sale to help with its imminent move - Chicago Reader
Pinwheel Records holds a sale to help with its imminent move, and two festivals this weekend take over three venues with 40 diverse bands.
bit.ly
January 7, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Pinwheel Records holds a sale to help with its imminent move.
https://bit.ly/49ovWa2
https://bit.ly/49ovWa2
Reposted by Chicago Reader
First Chicago music news column of 2026:
-Pinwheel Records plots a move after a post-Xmas flood!
-I Don’t Wanna Go Fest 3 takes over Reed’s Local and the Burlington starting Thursday!
-indie-rock prison abolition mini-fest Fork Arts makes its debut Friday!
-Pinwheel Records plots a move after a post-Xmas flood!
-I Don’t Wanna Go Fest 3 takes over Reed’s Local and the Burlington starting Thursday!
-indie-rock prison abolition mini-fest Fork Arts makes its debut Friday!
Pinwheel Records holds a sale to help with its imminent move - Chicago Reader
Pinwheel Records holds a sale to help with its imminent move, and two festivals this weekend take over three venues with 40 diverse bands.
chicagoreader.com
January 6, 2026 at 7:44 PM
First Chicago music news column of 2026:
-Pinwheel Records plots a move after a post-Xmas flood!
-I Don’t Wanna Go Fest 3 takes over Reed’s Local and the Burlington starting Thursday!
-indie-rock prison abolition mini-fest Fork Arts makes its debut Friday!
-Pinwheel Records plots a move after a post-Xmas flood!
-I Don’t Wanna Go Fest 3 takes over Reed’s Local and the Burlington starting Thursday!
-indie-rock prison abolition mini-fest Fork Arts makes its debut Friday!
Reposted by Chicago Reader
The inimitable @maciestewart.bsky.social begins a monthlong Wednesday residency at Color Club this week. For her first show, she'll play solo and in a duo with Zander Raymond—and we've got all the lineups here: chicagoreader.com/music/concer...
Ever-evolving musician Macie Stewart plays a January residency at Color Club - Chicago Reader
Each weekly performance is sure to be a deeply felt display of her deft musicianship and her profound connections with her fellow musicians.
chicagoreader.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:21 PM
The inimitable @maciestewart.bsky.social begins a monthlong Wednesday residency at Color Club this week. For her first show, she'll play solo and in a duo with Zander Raymond—and we've got all the lineups here: chicagoreader.com/music/concer...
Reposted by Chicago Reader
I love reviewing and interviewing, but also wish I could do more reported pieces. Working with Shira Friedman-Parks for @chicagoreader.com during CIFF where we spoke with eager cinephiles who waited in line for the @criterion.bsky.social mobile closet was a gift:
Criterion Mobile Closet drives long lines at Chicago International Film Festival - Chicago Reader
People share their movie picks after waiting in long lines to experience the mobile version of the famous Criterion Closet.
chicagoreader.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:39 PM
I love reviewing and interviewing, but also wish I could do more reported pieces. Working with Shira Friedman-Parks for @chicagoreader.com during CIFF where we spoke with eager cinephiles who waited in line for the @criterion.bsky.social mobile closet was a gift:
Reposted by Chicago Reader
I always love talking to Chicago talent (see also interviews with Michael Shannon and Chase Infiniti), and it was extra special to talk with Alex Thompson about his medical thriller, ROUNDING, for @chicagoreader.com:
Rounding is relevant, collaborative, and monstrous - Chicago Reader
Rounding, local director Alex Thompson’s hospital horror film, screens at the Music Box Theatre from February 14–20.
chicagoreader.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:39 PM
I always love talking to Chicago talent (see also interviews with Michael Shannon and Chase Infiniti), and it was extra special to talk with Alex Thompson about his medical thriller, ROUNDING, for @chicagoreader.com:
Artist Ziyi Zhang turned found digital photos into an exploration of reality and fiction. https://bit.ly/4bkbg5B
Digital footprints - Chicago Reader
In her multimedia artwork Pandora Box, Ziyi Zhang uses photo-recognition technology and social media to find the people pictured in ten-year-old photo files discovered on a new hard drive.
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January 5, 2026 at 3:37 PM
Artist Ziyi Zhang turned found digital photos into an exploration of reality and fiction. https://bit.ly/4bkbg5B
A National Museum of Mexican Art exhibition highlights the little-known history of Mexican railroad workers. https://bit.ly/4qdoFRq
The legacy of America's traqueros - Chicago Reader
“Rieles y Raíces,” at the National Museum of Mexican Art, connects the historical experiences of traqueros to contemporary conversations.
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January 4, 2026 at 5:59 PM
A National Museum of Mexican Art exhibition highlights the little-known history of Mexican railroad workers. https://bit.ly/4qdoFRq