John C. Reilly Dedicates Career Achievement Award to His 'Sweet Home, Chicago,' Commends Chicago International Film Festival for Helping 'Keep the Flame of Film Alive'

“Long live the movies, and long live my sweet home, Chicago!”  With those words, actor John C. Reilly captured the spirit of the Chicago International Film Festival, which celebrated a milestone earlier this summer during Cinema/Chicago’s 60th Anniversary Cinema Soirée.  Cinema/Chicago’s June 1 event at the Geraghty recognized Reilly with a career achievement award celebrating […]

by Claire Zulkey

From Blockbuster Movies to Lollapalooza: How Chicago Philharmonic Is Breaking Genre Barriers and Changing the Game for Orchestras

The Chicago Philharmonic, now celebrating its 35th season, is asking a very important question: How do we make orchestra concerts for everyone? The orchestra, founded in 1989 by principal musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra, has long occupied a unique space within the city’s performing arts ecosystem.  The organization eschews the traditional audition/tenure system for […]

by The Chicago Philharmonic Society

31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs This March 2024

Whether you’re celebrating Women’s History Month; the traditions of St. Patrick’s Day; or merely the resurgence of spring, Chicagoland is blossoming with events and celebrations of community, food, art and more — for everyone. For those who patiently waited for winter to pass, the time has come to explore the city once again. Read on for our […]

by Margaret Smith

Peter Sarsgaard Honored at Chicago International Film Festival Screening of 'Memory' — A Movie That Could 'Never Be Replicated by AI'

“When people ask you about this movie,” said Peter Sarsgaard, “I don’t want you to say, ‘It’s about a guy with dementia.’” Sarsgaard made this comment during an interview with Northwestern University’s Nick Davis at Music Box Theatre on Friday, October 20, immediately following the screening of Memory. This film, written and directed by Michel […]

by Msmith

31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in August 2023

Those sweet summer days we’ve waited for all year long are flying by. In the spirit of squeezing all we can from Chicago’s most spectacular season, we’ve compiled the best things to do in Chicago and the suburbs this August. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts on Instagram @betterchicago All Month No Man’s […]

by Margaret Smith

Cartoonist and Author Jeffrey Brown’s Bestselling Books Put a Playful Spin on Star Wars and Marvel Characters and Family Dynamics

What would bedtime look like in Darth Vader’s household? What if Lord Vader had to oversee teeth brushing and read bedtime stories to Luke and Leia as toddlers, or teach Luke how to play soccer and manage Princess Leia’s teenage mood swings?  New York Times bestselling cartoonist and author Jeffrey Brown takes a comic-al look […]

by Brooke McDonald