Sign In Sign Up

Music

Brookfield Zoo turns its East Mall into a concert venue. Here’s how it works. — A crowd gathers on Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s East Mall during a Roaring Nights concert, with the zoo’s Ferris wheel visible. | Provided by Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

Animal Welfare

Brookfield Zoo turns its East Mall into a concert venue. Here’s how it works.

Roaring Nights brings sold out concerts to Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s East Mall, where organizers must balance visitor access, live entertainment and animal welfare.

By NaBeela Washington • 4 min read

Summer Smash Fans Praise Performances While Raising Concerns About Organization and Accessibility

Music

Summer Smash Fans Praise Performances While Raising Concerns About Organization and Accessibility

From will-call delays to unforgettable performances, fans described a weekend marked by frustration, community, and lingering questions about the future of one of Chicago's biggest hip-hop festivals.

By Alexa Bermudez • 7 min read

Cymande Reemerges with Fresh Momentum and Deep Roots — The Black British Funk band, Cymande. | Courtesy of Cymande.

Music

Cymande Reemerges with Fresh Momentum and Deep Roots

Ahead of a June 25 stop at Fitzgerald's, bassist Steve Scipio reflects on the band's Caribbean roots, its resurgence through hip-hop sampling, and plans for new music.

By NaBeela Washington • 3 min read

Peso Pluma and Tito Double P Bring DINASTÍA to Chicago — Nathan Borja/15 West

Music

Peso Pluma and Tito Double P Bring DINASTÍA to Chicago

The cousins ended their DINASTÍA tour in Chicago, where fans connected with the music through identity, ambition, and culture.

By Nathan Borja • 3 min read

Viva la Vida: Honoring Memory Through Dance in Chicago — CICA’s main company dance ensemble rehearses their final number at the Collaborative Institute of Cultural Arts in Brighton Park on Oct. 21, 2025. | Araceli Ramirez/15 West

Art

Viva la Vida: Honoring Memory Through Dance in Chicago

At CICA’s Brighton Park studio, young dancers spent weeks rehearsing Veracruz-style folklórico for the Día de Muertos showcase on Nov. 2, learning the music and traditions behind the performance.

By Araceli Ramirez • 6 min read

Summer Smash Brought the Heat. Chicago’s Still Feeling It. — A crowd forms ahead of Trippie Redd's set. | NaBeela Washington/15 West

Music

Summer Smash Brought the Heat. Chicago’s Still Feeling It.

Two months later, the festival’s energy, emotion, and performances still echo across Chicago’s hip-hop scene.

By NaBeela Washington • 7 min read

En Key Glock Confiamos — Key Glock empezando su show Glockaveli el 24 de Junio en el centro. | NaBeela Washington/15 West

Español

En Key Glock Confiamos

El hip-hop de Memphis volvió a la vida en la parada de Key Glock en Chicago.

By Keila Gallardo • 6 min read

In Key Glock We Trust — Key Glock opening his June 24 Glockaveli show in Uptown. | NaBeela Washington/15 West

Music

In Key Glock We Trust

Memphis hip-hop came alive at Key Glock's Chicago tour stop.

By Nasser N Adams Jr • 5 min read