The Arts Section

WDCB's Gary Zidek
  • 5.0 (5)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
The Arts Section

The Arts Section spotlights creative people, events and ideas. Every week, WDCB's Gary Zidek shines a light on arts and culture in the Chicago area. The mission is to focus on stories within the arts community that aren't being told, with additional commentary and discussions on literature, music, film, food, special events and anything else creative.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Arts Section 11/17/24: Ted Lasso Book, Leroy & Lucy Review + John Waters Masterclass

    On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the author of a new book that dives into the history of a surprising TV hit that’s won over fans and critics alike. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play that reimagines a moment in Blues legend Robert Johnson’s life. Later in the show, Gary sits down with a College of DuPage professor who is bringing celebrated cult filmmaker John Waters to campus to teach a master class. And we’ll take a closer look at suburban restaurant that’s all about biscuits.

  2. NOV 10

    The Arts Section 11/10/24: Chicago Dance History Archives, Remembering Quincy + Annie Musical

    On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a new partnership that aims to make Chicago’s dance history more accessible. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, DINNER WITH FRIENDS. Later in the show, Gary talks to the director of a new touring production of ANNIE, that’s coming to Chicago. Gary looks back the incredible life of Quincy Jones. And we’ll hear about a exhibit in Wheaton that commemorates the bravery of the soldiers who fought on D-Day.

  3. NOV 3

    The Arts Section 11/03/24: Roger Deakins Interview, Royal Shakespeare Company Comes To Chicago + Insert Coin Exhibit

    On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins. The 16-time Academy Award nominee just opened a new exhibition of his photography in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, review the Royal Shakespeare Company’s new production of PERICLES. Later in the show, Gary visits the Cleve Carney Museum of Art’s new video game exhibit, INSERT COIN. And we’ll hear from a local big band that plays video game music covers.

  4. OCT 27

    The Arts Section 10/27/24: Memoir of a Snail + Lili-Anne Brown Interview

    On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Oscar-winning animator Adam Elliot to talk about his new film MEMOIR OF A SNAIL. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the world premiere EVIL PERFECT. Later in the show, Gary checks in with acclaimed theater director Lili-Anne Brown to look back at her career and chat about an award she recently won. And we’ll hear from best-selling horror author Grady Hendrix.

  5. OCT 20

    The Arts Section 10/20/24: Immersive Haunted House, Director Steve Pink Interview + An Act of God Review

    On this edition of The Arts Section, we’ll get into the Halloween spirit. Host Gary Zidek takes you inside Rough House Theater’s immersive theater puppet haunted house. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a comedy that just opened in Aurora as a part of the Paramount Theater’s Bold Series. Later in the show, Gary catches up with film director and Evanston native Steve Pink to talk about his new political-themed documentary. And Gary talks to Chicago-based artist Robert Earl Paige about his life in the arts.

  6. OCT 13

    The Arts Section 10/13/24: Indigenous Chicago, Becky Nurse Review + 3Arts Award-Winner Shariba Rivers

    On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you with to the Newberry Library to check out a new exhibition on Chicago’s indigenous history. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join me to review the midwest premiere of Sarah Ruhl’s BECKY NURSE OF SALEM. Later in the show, Gary catches up with Chicago-based actor Shariba Rivers, they talk about her unlikely path to becoming a professional actor and the 3Arts Award she just won. And Gary chats with playwright Terry Guest about his world premiere children’s musical, MILO IMAGINES THE WORLD.

  7. OCT 6

    The Arts Section 10/06/24: Silents Synched, Movie Palace Exhibit + Vinyl/Beer Store

    On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek highlights a new film series that mixes classic silent films with modern day alt rock albums. Gary then takes a closer look at a new exhibit that celebrates the grand movie palaces of the 20s and 30s. Later in the show, the Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new musical take on War and Peace. And Gary takes you inside a new suburban shop that caters to vinyl and beer lovers.

  8. SEP 29

    The Arts Section 09/29/24: True Story Inspires Operas, Maestro Muspratt Celebrates 20 + Hyde Park Jazz Festival Faces Challenges

    On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at two new opera productions taking the stage in Chicago that both share an interesting backstory. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Goodman Theatre’s INHERIT THE WIND. Later in the show, we’ll hear from New Philharmonic music director Kirk Muspratt as he looks back at 20 years leading the suburban orchestra. And Gary talks with the executive artistic director of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival about some of the challenges the fest is facing.

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About

The Arts Section spotlights creative people, events and ideas. Every week, WDCB's Gary Zidek shines a light on arts and culture in the Chicago area. The mission is to focus on stories within the arts community that aren't being told, with additional commentary and discussions on literature, music, film, food, special events and anything else creative.

Information

  • Creator
    WDCB's Gary Zidek
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2024
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    The Arts Section

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