Feature
Hunter Clauss
A Kink in the Campaign
If his challenge to Deb Mell's nominating petition succeeds, state rep candidate Joe Laiacona just might run unopposed in the Democratic primary. But can a leather master actually win in the general election?
Bicycling / Free Shit 11/20—Free Bike Headlights
Posted by Julia Thiel on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 2:44 PM
- tracy the astonishing/Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
Music / Post No Bills Lowercase Locals: Graham Stephenson and Dave Barnes
Posted by Peter Margasak on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 1:37 PM
As deep as Chicago’s free-improv scene runs, there aren’t too many folks devoted exclusively to what’s usually called “lowercase sound” or “electroacoustic improvisation,” which is characterized by small sonic gestures, collective development, and an unconventional aural palette that gravitates toward tonal extremes. Last year Jon Abbey, who runs the important New York label Erstwhile—perhaps the most visible and tireless proponent of this stuff—sent me a self-released, self-titled CD-R by a couple of Chicagoans, Graham Stephenson (trumpet) and Dave Barnes (electronics). I didn’t get around to listening to it until very recently, but now that I have it’s clear that these two are pushing in a very different direction than most local improvisers.
Chicagoland / Food Chain / Food & Drink Chicago: The Best BBQ Scene in America?
Posted by Whet Moser on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 12:42 PM
So saith Michael Nagrant (via Grub Street). Helen Rosner thinks he's trying to start a war, and I don't disagree, but the comments are thoughtful and well worth reading - especially the part where Nagrant seemingly gives away the game, but in a good way, because I agree:
"I think Eastern North Carolina is probably my favorite region, with places like Wilbers, the Pit, and Allen and Son's really sticking out."
FWIW, I can't recommend Honey 1 highly enough, despite some hate in comments. Here's what our critics had to say on Nagrant's other picks: Smoque and Uncle John's.
Update: I've heard that Kansas City actually has the best barbecue so many times that it can't be discounted, but sadly have never been.
Chicagoland / Media / Politics Sunrise 6:47 AM
Posted by Whet Moser on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Film / Visual Art In(di)visible at Noble & Superior
Posted by Ed M. Koziarski on Fri, Nov 20, 2009 at 12:10 PM
- Tw Li's "Self (Involved) Portrait"
I saw a crowd of onlookers who ranged from scandalized to righteously indignant to cynically amused gather around TW Li's video installation Police Brutality Grid when it showed in September at Margin Gallery.
Li's video, photography and performance aggressively lampoons systems of control and the impact of technology on daily interaction. His work shows in Noble & Superior Projects' In(di)visible exhibition, which opens Friday 11/20.
Ink Well
Your City Council Now more than ever, it's important to follow what our 50 aldermen are up to. Are our representatives up to the task of telling the mayor "no" once in a while, or, better yet, of coming up with an alternative vision of Chicago government? Read our guide and decide for yourself what their prospects are.
Neighborhood Guides
The New Keepin' It Real Kid Sister punctures the materialist fantasies of pop radio.
The List: November 19-25, 2009 Critics' Choices and other notable concerts: Aventura, DJ/Rupture & Matt Shadetek, Fuck Buttons, Saviours, Baroness, and more
Requiem for a Room What to expect from the Sonotheque space in its new life as a Beauty Bar
The Bad Lieutenant Gone Wild Werner Herzog and Nicolas Cage whoop it up in New Orleans.
A “Lost Boy” Finds His Calling Brutally driven from Sudan as a child, Garang Mayuol is bringing clean water to the suffering villagers back home. A new documentary chronicles his journey.
Festival of New Spanish Cinema New narrative, documentary, animated, and experimental films from Spain, at Facets November 13-19
Slow Jam Hours go into every jar of Elizabeth Madden's Rare Bird Preserves.
Fresh From the Oven Thirteen recommended bakeries
The Food Issue: The Best New Restaurants of 2009 From Browntrout to Zebda
Cartoony Country A review of All the Fame of Lofty Deeds, a show by Mark Guarino based on the music and art of Mekons cofounder Jon Langford. Tommy Rapley directs the world premiere production by the House Theatre of Chicago.
Bah Mitzvah The 13-year-old at the center of the Alan Gross's High Holidays shouldn’t be.
Fall Books Special: The Gritty City New books about old murders, queer underworlds, race wars, and more
Holiday Markets, a Pop-Up Shop, and Other Shopping Events This Weekend Sales, trunk shows, holiday fairs, and more
FEATURED CLASSIFIED
The Reader's Guides
Chicago 101
A city guide for newbies and lifers alike
Environment Archive
Field & Street: A selection from our reporting on the natural world
Ukrainian Village/East Village
Fourth in a series of special issues focusing on Chicago neighborhoods.
