Latest Stories
Cult Show examines groupthink and collaboration
The latest Neo-Futurists show is also a Chicago farewell to one of its creators.
J Bambii makes space for everybody at south-side party the FiFi
Plus: The free Grant Slam Fest brings eight acts to Jonquil Park, and indie rockers Milkswarm throw a release party for their debut album.
Reader stories win at Peter Lisagor Awards
Winners of the 47th annual Peter Lisagor Awards were announced on May 10th.
Electronic-music pioneer Suzanne Ciani celebrates the 40th anniversary of her album Seven Waves
Fri 5/17 at Fourth Presbyterian Church
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Edging push their punk to the point of no return
With a saxophone in their front line, a solar shower in their van, and a scorching new album out in the world, they’re ready to leave it all on the road in pursuit of their dream.
Chicago rapper KingTrey angles for a spot in the post-Chance canon with Southend Legend
Wed 5/22 at Lincoln Hall
Sonja’s lusty heavy metal blends goth rock and 80s Sunset Strip sleaze
Tue 5/21 at Reggies’ Rock Club
The Secret Sisters return after four years with some serious folk-country Medicine
Sat 5/18 at Old Town School of Folk Music
News & INVESTIGATIONS
Campus protests, sexual abuse in youth prisons, May Day for Palestine
A weekly column from the Chicago Reader covering the top stories on our radar and how they impact our communities.
Chicago mayor, alders propose missing women task force as CPD continues to sideline families
A City Council resolution calls Chicago’s missing persons crisis “a manifestation of the realities of intersections between race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.”
ShotSpotter’s reverberations
When Chicago ends its contract with the gunshot detection company this fall, will the microphones keep listening?
Columns & Opinion
“Missing in Chicago” wins the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Local Reporting
The Reader, in partnership with Invisible Institute and City Bureau, ran the story in November 2023
Publisher’s note: why the Reader is returning to weekly publishing
The Chicago Reader’s print publication will return to weekly publishing in June 2024. The paper pivoted to a biweekly print schedule in June 2020.
Film
Review: Mother of the Bride
Netflix’s newest rom-com is middling and mindless.
Review: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Wes Ball’s entry to this franchise feels measured, complex, and ripe for sequels.
Review: Dark Matter (Season one)
This sci-fi thriller has its missteps, but powerful leading actors give it depth and resonance.
Arts & Culture
No dust to shake off
Over a five-decade career, Sandra Binion’s work is as vital as ever.
The play that goes wrong
Steppenwolf’s production of Larissa FastHorse’s satirical The Thanksgiving Play is fast, furious, and funny.
The return of the American Writers Festival
The free event will feature nearly 30 author talks and panels.
Collaboraction plans a ‘House of Belonging’ in Humboldt Park
The company moves into the Kimball Arts Center; A&A Ballet brings back Cinderella; and Haven Chicago calls it quits.
Mothering the Movement connects past and future
Free Street’s tribute to environmental activist Hazel Johnson inspires reflection and action.
CITY LIFE
The Raven Room shuts down despite strong community support
The Ravenswood bar and entertainment venue formerly known as Redline VR announced their intention to close at the end of April.
Fad2Fresh has become an Andersonville staple
Find curated music, Bulls memorabilia, gender freedom, and more at the Black-, queer-, women-owned vintage shop.
Food & Drink
Tita Tootsie’s brings vibes of paradise to the next Monday Night Foodball
Check out the future Filipino lounge at the Reader’s weekly chef pop-up at Frank and Mary’s Tavern.
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Demystifying Acupuncture provides answers for the curious skeptic
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At the California Clipper, everyone is welcome
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Bright Endeavors provides a guiding light for young mothers in Chicago
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As the proverb goes, it takes a village to raise a child. The folks at Bright Endeavors know…
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In Motion: Metamorphosis explores the intersection of art and technology
As the leader of the Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, Princess Mhoon is on a mission to raise…