Chicago Symphony Orchestra Welcomes Kristin Chenoweth for Corporate Night

Chicago businesspeople on June 20 will experience a night of dinner and entertainment at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 27th annual Corporate Night, featuring Tony and Emmy award-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth and members of the CSO, led by acclaimed Broadway musical director and conductor Mary Mitchell Campbell. “This is a great opportunity for these corporations […]

2016’s Can’t-Miss Summer Music Festivals

Summer is almost here and that means music festival season is finally upon us. But with so many great choices across the country, which do you choose? Whether you like your music with a side of sights (a gorgeous city skyline or local art), tastes and smells (from top-notch food vendors) or sounds (a band […]

Live Music in Chicago: Don't Miss These Upcoming Acts

In a new monthly column, Make It Better music columnist Lyndsey Havens for Valslist looks ahead at the best live music headed to Chicago. Here are her picks for must-see shows on the horizon. Courtney Barnett Riviera Theatre, April 28 This Aussie delivers heavy rock with witty lyrics. She’s a skyrocketing artist who was just nominated for […]

Prince: How Will You Remember Him?

First David Bowie, now Prince? So goes the refrain of pop music fans everywhere who are mourning the loss of another musical great. The Minnesota native passed away yesterday at his home outside of Minneapolis. Prince — who was known for his unique fashion sense and occasionally bizarre behavior as much as his funky beats — was […]

Top Picks for Ravinia Festival's 2016 Season

Ravinia Festival has announced its 2016 Season, which features some acts making their Ravinia debut — including Diana Ross — as well as some standbys like the fan favorite Tony Bennett. Tickets go on sale April 26 for the general public, while donors get to submit their requests March 9. We’ve gone through the Ravinia calendar […]

9 Great Sports and Music Summer Camps Around Chicago

It’s hard to find the right activities for kids with ever-evolving interests. Fortunately, there are great camps nearby that appeal to a variety of passions. From rock ‘n’ roll to classical, let your kid channel their inner-musician at one of these music camps. Have an athletic thrill-seeker? Check out these sports camps that range from […]

Elvis Costello Rocks and Reads at the Chicago Humanities Festival

Every fall since 1989, the Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) has made it their mission to extend the joys of the humanities — through access to cultural, artistic and educational opportunities — to everyone, regardless of age or income. Tickets to various programs are affordable, if not free (many programs are free for students and teachers), and […]

Winnetka Native Jess Godwin Rocks Local Music Scene

After a 10-year hustle in the music and theater business, Winnetka native Jess Godwin realized, through service work, that she needed to be the person and artist she wants to be every day. “I was so focused on appearances and being the best, I forgot what is most important,” Godwin says. Godwin, 32, spent a […]