Latest news with #UnionStation
Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Live music for summer 2025: 10 must-see concerts in Chicago beyond the fests and arena shows
This summer's concert slate points to a transition that continues to slowly unfold locally and around the country. Shying away from big festivals, artists are opting for standalone tours or participating in smaller, manageable package bills. That's welcome news for music lovers who prefer the equivalent of a savory main course to a prix-fixe buffet. And great for anyone looking to catch performers in more intimate environments where headliners can stretch out with a dedicated show. In the next few months, Chicagoans have no shortage of first-rate options in smaller venues purpose-built for music — and, in most cases, at prices that remain below the three-figure threshold. Here are 10 such stops that should be on your shortlist: Samia: 'I wanna be untouchable,' Samia sings in the first verse of the opening cut of her third LP, 'Bloodless. 'I wanna be impossible,' she wishes two stanzas later. The Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter doesn't hurt for confidence, though she has plenty of doubts, regrets and misgivings. Plenty of 20-something indie-pop tunesmiths fit that mold. Yet few possess the imagination to loosely base a record around the bizarre concept of bovine excision and leverage it as a metaphor for reconciling one's prior relationships with and senses of the opposite sex. Melodic, rich, bittersweet, hushed, intimate, albeit insistent: Samia's voice offers another reason to lean into the narratives. Album art and merch that evoke the dark designs preferred by Norwegian black metal bands lend further credence to her ideation. Alison Krauss & Union Station: The last several times Alison Krauss came through Chicago, she partnered with Robert Plant in support of the duo's surprise second duet record. Though the possibility of a third go-round with the former Led Zeppelin legend cannot be dismissed, the Illinois native recently reconvened with her longtime ensemble Union Station for their first LP ('Arcadia') in 14 years. The songs' myth-busting notion that hardship riddled the 'good ol' days' carries weight in our current age. For the group's first tour in a decade, dobro and lap-steel virtuoso Jerry Douglas receives deserved co-billing with the headliner. And newcomer Russell Moore steps in on co-lead vocals and guitar for former stalwart Dan Tyminski. You won't find a better excuse to connect with the premier purveyors of bluegrass. Kathleen Edwards: Sometimes, you need to follow your heart, not what other people want or expect you to do. Kathleen Edwards quickly established herself as one of the wittiest, spunkiest and craftiest singer-songwriters during the early 2000s. She issued four acclaimed albums that culminated with an effort ('Voyageur') spearheaded by Bon Iver leader Justin Vernon. Then, just like that, she dropped out. Or rather, she opened the cleverly named Quitters, a coffee shop outside of her hometown of Ottawa, Ontario. The Canadian operated the cafe as she slowly returned to music, releasing 'Total Freedom' (2020) and a covers EP this spring. Edwards also sold Quitters, remarried and started writing again. All positive developments for anyone drawn to smart, crackling country-rock and incisive, self-assured narratives. MJ Lenderman: Current indie-rock darling MJ Lenderman used a childhood fascination with the game Guitar Hero as a springboard to learn about predecessors who influenced his own work, which he started documenting on a laptop in fifth grade. After paying his dues in the North Carolina club circuits, Lenderman soon gained a wider following in 2022 after making his first properly recorded album ('Boat Songs'). The ascendency of the shambolic collective Wednesday, which Lenderman joins in the studio, and the fact that he unleashes memorably ragged, go-for-broke guitar solos further raised his profile. Last fall's 'Manning Fireworks,' brimming with penetrating character studies, exquisite detail and barbed humor, signaled the 26-year-old Lenderman had officially arrived. Obligatory magazine profiles, best-of-year nods, meme posts and a sold-out tour provided confirmation. FKA Twigs: FKA Twigs began dancing professionally as a 'tween, advanced to performing for global stars like Kylie Minogue and Jessie J, and got her solo break after playing at a party connected to a fetishwear company. Unsurprisingly, body language, fashion and sensuality serve as principal impetus behind everything the British multi-instrumentalist/singer touches. Especially the club music on 'Eusexua,' an electronically sculpted journey that spotlights her finessed vocals, reveals introspective lyrics and rearranges house, ambient, techno, dubstep and synthpop motifs at will. Built for headphones, FKA Twigs' textured sonic portraits transform into ethereal and empowering physical experiences when the singer gets to act them out onstage. Alabama Shakes: For reasons nobody can explain, promising rock bands that form in the 21st century inevitably have short lifespans. Alabama Shakes count themselves among those ranks. Led by vocal dynamo Brittany Howard, the quartet electrified crowds and won over audiences with two studio albums, particularly the aptly titled 'Sound & Color.' Then, just as the group appeared to leap from mid-sized hall to arena status, it went on hiatus. Howard busied herself with a solo career. Circumstances turned bleaker for former drummer Steve Johnson. Now operating as a trio, Alabama Shakes seek to rekindle their old spark on their first tour in more than eight years — one they hint will involve old and new material. Yeah Yeah Yeahs: If you were fortunate to catch Yeah Yeah Yeahs in their prime at Metro way back in April 2003, you witnessed the band's dervish of a singer, Karen O, attack with a blend of grit, humor, brazenness and New York City-style cool that felt too real and spontaneous to be anything else. Don't bet on the vocalist summoning the ghosts of her younger self here. Instead, the edgy trio plans a tactic that on the surface sounds like the exact opposite: reconceptualizing favorites and deep cuts with piano, strings and acoustic guitars. An arty retort to carefree nostalgia, or the next logical step for a group that seldom adheres to convention and values surprise? Yeah Yeah Yeahs' penchant for unpredictability says all bets are off until the shows happen. Pelican: In its most basic form, Pelican is a rock band that doesn't use a vocalist. Beyond that, the quartet endures as one of the most dynamic, diverse representatives of this city's creative climes. Cheekily characterized as 'Post-Emo Stoner Deathgaze' on its Facebook page, Pelican skirts simple description. Having evolved beyond the churning metal of its early era and even dared to adopt classically inspired motifs, Pelican functions as a two-way bridge to Chicago's hard-nosed noise-rock of the late '80s and anything-goes Fireside Bowl scenes of the mid/late '90s. Melodic devices and mysterious intrigue augment the quartet's palette. Another reason to cheer on the local heroes? The release of 'Flickering Resonance,' its first record with original guitarist Laurent Schroeder-Lebec since 2009. 100 concerts for Chicago summer 2025 — starting with music this weekendKing Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard: Depending on the source, lo-fi cult favorites Guided by Voices have released somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 studio LPs, 20 EPs, four box sets and dozens of singles during an on-again, off-again legacy that stretched to the early '80s. Which means at the rate they're going, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard will lap their prolific forebearers in roughly five years, all the while adding chapters to their 'Gizzverse,' a fascinating galaxy with recurring characters, stories and themes. The forthcoming 'Phantom Island' marks the enviro-conscious sextet's 27th album since 2010 and witnesses the shape-shifting Australians lean in symphonic directions. At this ambitious outing, the Chicago Philharmonic helps the collective bring it to life. Expect fireworks without the boom. Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore: Elder statesmen Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore make up in pedigree what they lack in mainstream-name recognition. Alvin's sparkling resume includes a stretch co-leading the seminal roots-rock outfit Blasters; stints in the Los Angeles punk collective the Flesh Eaters; and having songs from his deep solo catalog hand-picked for revered television series such as 'The Sopranos.' The 80-year-old Gilmore counts membership in 'alt-country' forefathers the Flatlanders; Grammy-nominated records that double as middle fingers to the Nashville establishment; and a memorable acting turn in 'The Big Lebowski' among his achievements. Together, the explorers channel the aura of the lonely highways, high plains dustiness and bordertown barrooms that populate their bluesy folk and cosmic country.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Famous birthdays for May 28: Carey Mulligan, Colbie Caillat
May 28 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Gemini. They include: -- British statesman William Pitt the Younger in 1759 -- All-around athlete Jim Thorpe in 1887 -- Writer Ian Fleming in 1908 -- Musician T-Bone Walker in 1910 -- Musician Papa John Creach in 1917 -- Actor Carroll Baker in 1931 (age 94) -- Basketball Hall of Fame member Jerry West in 1938 -- Writer Maeve Binchy in 1939 -- Former New York City Mayor/Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani in 1944 (age 81) -- Musician Gladys Knight in 1944 (age 81) -- Actor Sondra Locke in 1944 -- Musician John Fogerty in 1945 (age 80) -- Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass in 1947 (age 78) -- Musician Jerry Douglas (Alison Kraus & Union Station) in 1956 (age 69) -- Actor James Michael Tyler in 1962 -- Actor Christa Miller in 1964 (age 61) -- Musician Chris Ballew (Presidents of the United States of America) in 1965 (age 60) -- Musician Kylie Minogue in 1968 (age 57) -- Actor Justin Kirk in 1969 (age 56) -- TV personality Elisabeth Hasselbeck in 1977 (age 48) -- Actor Jake Johnson in 1978 (age 47) -- Actor Alexa Davalos in 1982 (age 43) -- Musician Colbie Caillat in 1985 (age 40) -- Actor Carey Mulligan in 1985 (age 40) -- Wrestler Seth Rollins in 1986 (age 39) -- Actor Lukas Gage in 1995 (age 30) -- Musician Dahyun (Twice) in 1998 (age 27) -- Actor Cameron Boyce in 1999
CBS News
5 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Looking to save money on summer travel? Denver expert explains how to plan a staycation
Looking to save money on summer travel? Coloradan gives tips on planning a staycation Looking to save money on summer travel? Coloradan gives tips on planning a staycation Looking to save money on summer travel? Coloradan gives tips on planning a staycation The summer travel season is here, and now is the time to begin dreaming and planning your next getaway. Grabbing a suitcase and embarking on new adventures comes easily for content creator Juliana Broste, known online as "Traveling Jules." "As a traveling video journalist, I have honestly made up this career because it's so much fun traveling," she told CBS News Colorado Anchor Mekialaya White, who met Broste at Denver's Union Station recently. "It's one of my favorite places because it's all about travel," said Broste. She says booking your summer vacation and finding new activities for your family doesn't have to be expensive. "You know, these days, money is not abundant. We all could have a little more of that. But what's nice is, you can still travel." Her biggest tip is to take advantage of all our beautiful state has to offer and plan a money-saving staycation, as opposed to vacationing elsewhere. "Staying close to home, but doing something you wouldn't do, like heading on over to book a really cool hotel that you've been admiring for years." If you're looking for a good place to start, Broste recommends planning a staycation right at Union Station with options that are free. Union Station Pgiam / Getty Images "I'm a big fan of the Urban Market -- getting a chance to enjoy the crafts and arts, things you can't find at the mall." Or, Broste says, you can splurge a bit. "Treat yourself, pamper yourself, there are spas there are fancy dinners. You can have a chance to explore - there's the zoo, aquarium, mural tours, bike tours." "And if you have friends or family coming, they can come take the train and stay the night," Broste said with a slight pause, then chuckle. "Or they can stay at your house!"
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dolly Parton kicks off Nashville premiere of new Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit featuring lyrics, outfits and more
Dolly Parton's indomitable spirit will be displayed in a new exhibition, "Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker" at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum until Sept. 2026. The opening was celebrated with a May 19 private debut and a brief ceremony attended by Parton. It featured performances of Parton's songs 'Coat of Many Colors' and "The Seeker' performed by Alison Krauss & Union Station. "It's a long way from the top of the Smoky Mountains to the top of the world," said Parton, about her new exhibit. Access to the "Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker" exhibit is included with museum admission. A limited number of timed tickets for the exhibit are available each day. Reservations are encouraged and ticket availability can be found on the museum's website. "Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker" displays clothing, awards, handwritten lyrics, instruments, photographs, interview footage and more, including: Parton's first draft of handwritten lyrics to her classic song and No. 1 country hit 'Jolene.' A custom-built Gibson five-string banjo with a white metallic finish, rhinestone embellishments and butterfly motifs used by Parton at performances in 1992 and on her 'Halos & Horns Tour' in 2002. A cowgirl outfit Parton wore in the 1980 Hollywood film '9 to 5.' Hand-painted and beaded boots, designed by Bambi Breakstone, which Parton wore at the photoshoot for her 2002 album, Halos & Horns. The Kennedy Center Honors medallion Parton was presented in 2006 to honor her lifetime of contributions to American culture. A Tony Chase-designed lace dress, embellished with pearl beading that Parton wore when she performed the R&B classic 'I'm a Hog for You Baby.' It was a duet with the Muppets character Miss Piggy on an episode of Parton's ABC-TV variety series, 'Dolly!,' in 1987. The Gibson L-30 archtop acoustic guitar, built around 1935 — given to Parton as a gift from her brother Floyd Parton — which she played in the 1991 music video for 'Silver and Gold,' from her album Eagle When She Flies. The dress, with balloon sleeves, chiffon skirt, bugle beading and rhinestone accents, Parton wore at a 1978 photoshoot by celebrity photographer Harry Langdon Jr. The likeness of her on a Dolly Parton-themed pinball machine, made by Bally in 1979, was based on one of Langdon's photos of her in this dress. Designed for Parton by Lucy Adams, a pantsuit with bell sleeves, bell bottoms and rhinestone-and-bead embellished floral shapes, worn by Parton when she toured with her Traveling Family Band in 1975, and on the cover of Dolly, her 1975 album also known as The Seeker/We Used To. "From immediately deciding to embrace country music instead of being a pop singer, or when she moved her career to Los Angeles (in the 1980s), then started the Dollywood amusement park and the Imagination Library, Dolly's always remained her own person in often making choices that countered (what people advised her to do)," said Michael McCall, associate director of editorial, at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. "Dolly fought each step of the way to maintain her vision, alongside being a charismatic entertainer and talented performer." She highlighted that even at the start of her career, making her Grand Ole Opry debut at age 13 alongside her Uncle Bill Owens in 1959, she received three encores on country music's most prestigious stage. Despite this, Opry stage manager Walter Kilpatrick initially deemed her too young to perform. Knoxville-based Opry members Carl and Pearl Butler convinced fellow Opry member Jimmy C. Newman to agree to give up one of his regular Saturday night spots to Parton, who was introduced to the stage by Johnny Cash. "From the beginning, because of how she envisioned her career's success, it was as if she was destined to manifest global stardom," added McCall. "I love that we have Dolly's fax machine in the exhibition," McCall continued. In the early 1980s, Parton needed a fax machine to review multi-million-dollar global contracts, as her gamble on becoming a Los Angeles-based film and music star had paid off handsomely. She released "Islands in the Stream," a triple-platinum pop crossover hit duet with Kenny Rogers, penned by the Bee Gees. Additionally, she starred in the films 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' and 'Rhinestone' alongside Burt Reynolds and Sylvester Stallone, respectively, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 1985, Parton invested $5 million in the Silver Dollar City amusement park in her native Sevier County, Tenn. One year later, the park was rechristened as "Dollywood." Meanwhile, per U.S. census data, the population of Pigeon Forge jumped 66% between 1980 and 1990, and over 100% from 1990 to the present day. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will hold a variety of programs, including public programs and arts and crafts programming for families. Visitors can find more information on the exhibit and upcoming related programming via An illustrated and in-depth exhibit companion book supplements the gallery presentation, featuring historical photographs and artifacts from the exhibit. The book is now available via the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's store. It will also be available in bookstores and online outlets through a distribution partnership with the University of Illinois Press. An additional display that celebrates Parton's literacy community, created through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, is presented in the museum's Taylor Swift Education Center. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What's in Dolly Parton's new Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit?
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Live Good Relaunches "Be The Generation" Initiative to Empower Student Leadership Amid Cuts to Public Health and Education
Live Good, a social impact organization dedicated to community well-being and equity, is proud to announce the relaunch of its transformative initiative, Be The Generation. IRVINE, Calif., May 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First introduced years ago to spark civic engagement among youth, Be The Generation returns at a time when it's needed more than ever. "With government funding being cut in so many critical areas, especially public health and education, we felt called to bring this initiative back," said Jennifer Chi, Founder and CEO of Live Good. "It's a reminder to our college student team members that they don't have to wait for change. They already possess the capacity to lead with purpose, to respond with compassion, and to create lasting impact—right where they are." Rooted in the belief that leadership doesn't begin and end in elected office, Be The Generation highlights how dedicated individuals can move entire communities forward. From voter engagement to service projects, the initiative centers on youth empowerment, community resilience, and collective responsibility. Currently, Live Good is kicking off the relaunch of the Be The Generation campaign with several key efforts: Statewide Food Drive: Live Good is organizing food drives on college campuses including UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Berkeley, benefitting the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and San Francisco-Marin Food Bank. Meal Outreach with Union Station Homeless Services: Live Good volunteers are assembling and delivering hundreds of sack lunches each week to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Pasadena and Los Angeles. Mentorship Expansion in LAUSD: The Live Good Mentorship Program is expanding to reach more schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Through one-on-one mentoring, students receive support from Live Good team members who are dedicated to helping them explore their passions and develop leadership skills. "At Live Good, we believe deeply in the next generation," Jennifer continued. "These are artists, scientists, humanitarians, problem-solvers and leaders in the making. It is our responsibility to ensure that these brilliant young minds are supported, uplifted, and heard." As communities across California and the nation face increasing uncertainty, Live Good is doubling down on its mission: to build a future where compassion, equity, and respect for all define what it means to lead. For more information about Live Good Inc., and to sign up for their newsletter, visit Live Good Inc. Follow on Instagram, Facebook and Threads. Contact:Adrienne Johnson***@ Photos: Press release distributed by PRLog View original content: SOURCE Live Good Inc.
