Old Town School of Folk Music

The winter brings its share of big shows: Metallica and the Killers (see details below), plus Fleetwood Mac. But, as usual, the real action when the chill winds hit is in the clubs, where it's possible to see and hear exemplary artists in intimate...

Here's a short list of shows to look forward to in the new year: Local legends Naked Raygun and Shot Baker: 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St. $21.50; 312-559-1212. Reunion gigs LaBelle: 8 p.m. Saturday at the...

Help introduce or re-introduce children to the wonderful cultural arts and entertainment Chicago has to offer. But parental units, you'll have to do your part: turn off the iPod, Disney Channel and Guitar Hero. Here's a start: The Sunday Salon series at...

There was a happy time, long ago, when the holidays were a welcome break for concertgoers. Bands holed up with families, loved ones and van drivers, and music fans reeling from a busy, busy year could take a break from hearing loss, scrounging for concert...

"We should totally form a hip-hop troupe and be on 'America's Best Dance Crew.' " These words were spoken in jest by my friend Brandy after we sat watching—mouths agape in awe—a marathon of the MTV-produced dance competition show. Judged by...

Unlike Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava, those global stars who flaunt visual brands, 2008's Chicagoans of the Year in architecture are relative unknowns who lack a signature style. Their varied work is quietly elegant, unified only by its deceptively...

Remembering a treasure On Dec. 28, 2007, Chicago lost its self-proclaimed "local treasure," Terry Armour, and I lost my treasured husband. In the year since his death, I have witnessed an outpouring of emotion that I could never have imagined. To the...

When the wave of gentrification sweeps through a neighborhood, it often washes away many of the older elements. But when those tides began to lap at the shores of Lincoln Square about 10 years ago, the residents, business owners and officials didn't allow...

On Dec. 28, 2007, Chicago lost its self-proclaimed "local treasure," Terry Armour, and I lost my treasured husband. In the year since his death, I have witnessed an outpouring of emotion that I could never have imagined. To the thousands who attended his...

++++++++++++++++++++ || Shows at the Hideout rock. Too bad about that Web site. || ++++++++++++++++++++ Special to the Tribune With apologies to Andy Williams, the holidays aren't always the most wonderful time of the year for live music fans. Late...

Alex Chilton: After defining blue-eyed soul with the Box Tops and practically inventing power pop with Big Star, the Memphis singer-songwriter has gone on to forge a solo career of quirky individuality. Chilton lives in the moment, so don't expect a...

Though there's never a shortage of karaoke in Chicagoland, 'tis the season for singers of all talent levels to show off their yuletide spirit. When it comes to holiday singalongs, there's literally something for everyone. Here are some ways to get your...