On Friday, January 31, trumpeter Chief Adjuah (formerly Christian Scott) performed an electrifying set at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. Here are my thoughts about and images from Adjuah’s performance.
All in Chicago
Southern Soul at Logan
On January 25, 2025, the University of Chicago staged a Southern Soul Celebration at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. Leading the charge were singers Joe Barr, Theo Huff, and Nellie “Tiger” Travis, backed by the Platinum Band. Here are my thoughts about and images from this fun-filled evening.
Changing Things Up
This past Saturday, I attended my first Chicago demonstration of the year. Sponsored by over 60 advocacy groups, it highlighted a number of causes. Front and center: the War in Gaza and Trump’s crackdown on undocumented aliens. Here are my thoughts about and images from the rally and demonstration.
A Star Is Born
For the second year in a row, pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched down Chicago’s Magnificent Mile on Black Friday. Today’s star was Rabbi Yisroel Dovid Weiss, a member of the anti-Zionist group, Neturei Karta. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
1000 Days
On November 19, 2024, Chicago’s Ukrainian Community commemorated the 1,000th day since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion against Ukraine on February 24, 2024. Community members gathered in the plaza outside the Wrigley Building for speeches and anthems, and then they marched north on Michigan Avenue to Jane Byrne Plaza (the location of Chicago’s historic Water Tower). Here are my thoughts about and images from this stirring rally and march.
Berlin In Chicago
Members of the Russian opposition to Vladimir Putin gathered in the plaza outside the Wrigley Building on November 17, 2024, taking part in a worldwide demonstration against Putin’s war in Ukraine. Here are my thoughts about and images from the rally.
Open House Chicago
This past weekend saw another successful Open House Chicago. Here are my thoughts about and images following two days of walking throughout Chicago’s Downtown and surrounding areas.
Columbus Day
Sometime on or shortly before Columbus Day 2024, vandals attacked a beloved statue of Lincoln in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, trying to draw a connection between Native Americans (United States) and Palestinians (Israel). Here are my thoughts about the attack and images depicting its aftermath.
Marathon Madness
Today was marathon day in Chicago. For the first time in over a decade, I took to the race course with cameras in hand. Here are my thoughts about and images from a truly memorable event.
Marking One Year (IV)
The group, If Not Now, held a memorial service for those Israelis and Palestinians who were killed during the last year as a consequence of the attack by Hamas on October 7th and the subsequent Israeli military response. Here are my thoughts about and images from the memorial.
Marking One Year (III)
DePaul University students gathered just to the east of the Fullerton Avenue Quad today for a memorial to those who have died in Gaza and Lebanon since the October 7th attack by Hamas against Israelis. Here are my thoughts about and images from the memorial service and subsequent march.
Marking One Year (II)
On Sunday morning, October 6, the Chicago Jewish Alliance held a march and rally to remember those who died during the last year's October 7th attack by Hamas against Israel. The group also focused on the those who still are held as hostage. Here are my thoughts about and images from the rally.
Back To School
DePaul University students held a rally and march late Thursday afternoon to protest Israel's continued military action in Gaza. Here are my thoughts about and images from the rally and march.
JazzFest, Day 4
Day 4 (Sunday) of the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival saw another day of perfect weather and great music, particularly with Eddie Henderson, George Cables, Mike Clark, Donald Harrison, Orrin Evans, and Alfie Jackson on the bill. Here are my thoughts about and images from the festival's final day.
JazzFest, Day 3
Day 3 of the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival brought sunny skies and warm temperatures, with lots of excellent music from a variety of artists, including Dennis Carroll, Jeff Parker, René Marie, and Kenny Garrett (if you like sheets of notes). Here are my thoughts about and images from the day.
The Arbaeen Procession
On my way to the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival, I encountered the annual procession honoring Hussain ibn Ali, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson who died a martyr. Here are my thoughts about and images from what is known as the Arbaeen Procession.
JazzFest, Day 2
The second day of the 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival was the first day of outdoor concerts at Chicago's Millennium Park. Here are my thoughts about and images from days performances.
JazzFest, Day 1
The 2024 Chicago Jazz Festival kicked off today with multiple performances at the Chicago Cultural Center. Here are my thoughts and images from Day 1 of the four-day festival.
DNC Dispatch 7
Finally, the last day of the Democratic National Convention has arrived. Everyone is exhausted. Here are my thoughts about and images from the second and final March on The DNC 2024.
DNC Dispatch 6
The Palestinian Community held a rally and march today in Union Park. I also stopped by the location near the United Center where the Chicago Firefighters Union is protesting the lack of a contract. Earlier, I stopped by the DemPALOOZA at McCormick Place. Here are my thoughts about and photographs about all of that, and more.