This story launches a new accountability series, Just Neighbors, examining the citys homeless encampment sweeps and focusing on the human impact of a fragmented, interdepartmental process. At their request, the unhoused people who spoke to the Reader for this story are identified by their first names only. Jay and John are two unhoused Chicagoans who […] ...

This story was originally published by South Side Weekly. Access the original article here. When LaKiesha Williams opened Mama African Marketplace five years ago, she had no idea that the 4,000 sq ft business would transform into a communal space for local businesses to host events, employ dozens of youth and provide a sense of African […] The post Mama ...

CHICAGO, IL The Chicago Reader returns to print on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, under new ownership group Noisy Creek. This is the first issue from Sarah Conway, a Pulitzer Prizewinning investigative journalist, as editor in chief. Sarah will lead the legacy organizations award-winning editorial team into a new era. The leadership change was announced ...

Glenna Fitch, who DJs as Sold, has had a love affair with electronic music since childhood. While attending college at Kent State, theyd regularly trek more than an hour to Cleveland to experience the dance-oriented nightlife Kent lacked. In 2008, they cofounded a local dance party called Hot Knees so they could stop making the […] The post Glenna Fitch, ...

One of the biggest Chicago indie-rock records of the year arrives this Friday, February 6: Singin to an Empty Chair by hardworking four-piece Ratboys. Their previous album, 2023s The Window, was so terrific that its hard to imagine anybody topping it, but the new one somehow has more of the locomotive rhythms, easygoing melodies, and […] The post Ratboys ...

Cos fan tutte, through 2/15, Lyric Opera House The post Seriously silly, also sublime appeared first on Chicago Reader.

In a world dominated by dating apps and instant messaging, phone sex numbers offer something refreshingly intimate: real-time, unscripted, and deeply personal erotic connection. Theres a reason these services have endured for decadesthey tap into the power of voice, imagination, and anticipation, creating a uniquely arousing experience that screens just ...

Stereophonic, through 2/8, Broadway in Chicago at CIBC Theatre The post In Stereophonic, a Fleetwood Mac-like band struggles to keep it together appeared first on Chicago Reader.

Mai Sugimoto Thu 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, and 2/26 at Hungry Brain The post Ascendant saxophonist Mai Sugimoto launches February residency at the Hungry Brain appeared first on Chicago Reader.

Latter Sat 2/7 at Lincoln Hall The post Breakout Chicago posthardcore band Latter take a victory lap at Lincoln Hall appeared first on Chicago Reader.

Gum.mp3 Fri 2/13 at Chop Shop The post North Carolina DJ and dance producer Gum.mp3 wants you to be part of his set appeared first on Chicago Reader.

Rio Kosta Tue 2/17 at Schubas The post Rio Kostas escapist psychedelic pop could transport you anywhere appeared first on Chicago Reader.

Barren Heir Sat 2/24 at Hideout The post Experimental metal band Barren Heir celebrate their roaring third record, Far From appeared first on Chicago Reader.

Time Thieves Thu 2/26 at Empty Bottle The post Chicago power poppers Time Thieves are a band of many moods appeared first on Chicago Reader.

Elucid & DJ Haram Thu 2/5 at Subterranean The post Elucid brings his far-out hip-hop (and DJ Haram) to Chicago appeared first on Chicago Reader.

Purelink Thu 2/5 at Empty Bottle The post Ambient-dance mystics Purelink revisit the groups native Chicago appeared first on Chicago Reader.

Ishmael Ali Fri 2/6 at Constellation The post Rising musician, organizer, and engineer Ishmael Ali finally leads a band appeared first on Chicago Reader.

In the last 20 years, movie theaters have disappeared from cities all over the world, and Chicago is no exception. Massive, intricately designed theaters that served as informal community centers have either been torn down, chopped up and repurposed, or left to fester and rot, particularly on the citys south and west sides. While smaller […] The post The ...

The theaters-to-apartments pipeline in Chicago has claimed several long-running venues in recent years, including Briar Street Theatre (longtime home of the Blue Man Group), the Royal George (which debuted in 1984 and primarily served as a rental facility), and Stage 773 on Belmont (which opened as the Theatre Building in 1977 and has been home […] The ...

House music shook the building as contestants competing for $1,500 strutted and vogued for the judges. Normally, Jahiem Jones, 22, known on stage as Prince Hiem Gorgeous Gucci, would be the one taking home that money. But that night, he was busy running around the room keeping everyone on their best behavior. Jones hosted the […] The post ‘When Im ...

Ever since I was young, I wanted to do everything, says DJ Simmy. I would tell my momma I want to be every profession. Fast-forward to today, and Simmys creativity and hustle have carried the south-side native all kinds of places. Shes rocked the Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash, shes served as a resident DJ for […] The post Welcome to Sim City appeared ...

All this time, you assumed you were your dogs best friend, when really it was Isaac Jauregui. You can put this to the test by ordering a couple carne asada tacos from Jaureguis Mayfair trailer. The canine will pant and drool as the taquero sears your arrachera over live charcoal, then hacks it against the […] The post Carne asada tacos at No Pasa Nada ...

When Pastor Johnsong Lee bagged a moose, all the neighbors in Delta Junction, Alaska, turned out to help butcher the bull. Thered be chainsaws to take apart this animal, says his oldest son Sam Lee. It’s pretty big. Wed bring it out to the front yard, and then wed butcher it all there. Wed take […] The post K-Tex BBQ smokes out the next Monday Night ...

With the barrage of news coming from all corners of the world, plus the unrest here at home, its easy to feel disconnected from ongoing global conflicts. Its difficult to hold all of the tragedy at once, but its essential to remember that the countries we consider to be third world or at war have […] The post African film is art, not spectacle appeared ...

My Life as a Cowboy, through 2/8 at Open Space Arts The post My Life as a Cowboy is a sweet coming-of-age story appeared first on Chicago Reader.