The Arts Section

Hi.

My name is Gary Zidek. Welcome to The Arts Section. Tune into the radio program every Sunday morning on WDCB 90.9 & 90.7 FM or listen to it online here. I'll be showcasing a variety of arts & entertainment stories.

All in Music

A Conversation With Earth Wind & Fire's Ralph Johnson

Jul 25

Jul 25 A Conversation With Earth Wind & Fire's Ralph Johnson

WDCB’s Gary Zidek spoke with long-time Earth Wind & Fire percussionist and vocalist Ralph Johnson about the group’s beginnings and favorite memories.

A Conversation With Chicago Vocalist Dee Alexander

Jul 11

Jul 11 A Conversation With Chicago Vocalist Dee Alexander

Rarely Seen Photos Capture Rolling Stones 1964 Visit to Chicago

Jun 24

Jun 24 Rarely Seen Photos Capture Rolling Stones 1964 Visit to Chicago

CSO Maestro Riccardo Muti's First Radio Interview Post Strike

Jun 14

Jun 14 CSO Maestro Riccardo Muti's First Radio Interview Post Strike

New Program Explores the Music of Black America In Migration

May 24

May 24 New Program Explores the Music of Black America In Migration

WDCB’s Gary Zidek visits a recent rehearsal for the Chicago premiere of TWO WINGS: THE MUSIC OF BLACK AMERICA IN MIGRATION.

Chicago Music School Honors Former Leader

May 6

May 6 Chicago Music School Honors Former Leader

WDCB’s Gary Zidek sits down with Duffie Adelson, Merit School of Music’s former president and executive director, for a conversation about a life in music and the Alice S. Pfealzer Distinguished Service to the Arts Award she’s set to receive.

Ravinia 2019 Season Preview

May 2

May 2 Ravinia 2019 Season Preview

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Ravinia President and CEO Welz Kauffman about Ravinia’s 2019 season.

A Conversation With Acclaimed Jazz Musician Paquito D'Rivera

Mar 7

Mar 7 A Conversation With Acclaimed Jazz Musician Paquito D'Rivera

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks with NEA Jazz Master Paquito D’Rivera about a life in music.

It's All About That Bass: A Conversation With Bill Dickens

Mar 5

Mar 5 It's All About That Bass: A Conversation With Bill Dickens

WDCB’s Paul Abella talks to bass virtuoso Bill “the Buddha” Dickens.

Get In the St. Patrick's Day Spirit With The Chieftains

Feb 27

Feb 27 Get In the St. Patrick's Day Spirit With The Chieftains

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to The Chieftains founder Paddy Maloney about the legendary group’s 57-year history and it’s upcoming concert Symphony Center in Chicago.

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Committed to Telling Chicago Immigrant Stories

Feb 19

Feb 19 Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Committed to Telling Chicago Immigrant Stories

WDCB’s Gary Zidek sat down with Orbert Davis to talk about Chicago Jazz Philharmonic’s ongoing Chicago Immigrant Stories project.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Prepares For First Performance of William Schuman's Ninth Symphony

Feb 18

Feb 18 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Prepares For First Performance of William Schuman's Ninth Symphony

Music writer Dennis Polkow sits down with Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Riccardo Muti.

Chicago Ensemble Brings Recently Discovered 15th Century Songbook to Life

Jan 9

Jan 9 Chicago Ensemble Brings Recently Discovered 15th Century Songbook to Life

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to David Douglass, the co-artistic director of the Newberry Consort, about the group’s upcoming program, WHAT’S OLD IS NEW: THE LEUVEN SONGBOOK.

The JuJu Exchange Creates New Work For Peace In Chicago Concert

Dec 17

Dec 17 The JuJu Exchange Creates New Work For Peace In Chicago Concert

WDCB’s Gary Zidek catches up with Nico Segal and Julian Reid of The JuJu Exchange to talk about their approach to making music and the new work that will make its world premiere at Fulcrum Point New Music Project’s Peace In Chicago concert.

Celebrating the Holidays at Orchestra Hall

Dec 13

Dec 13 Celebrating the Holidays at Orchestra Hall

WDCB’s Gary Zidek previews the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday tradition, MERRY MERRY CHICAGO.

Conductor Daniel Barenboim Returns to Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Nov 5

Nov 5 Conductor Daniel Barenboim Returns to Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Newcity music writer Dennis Polkow talks to Daniel Barenboim about his return to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and East-Western Divan Orchestra.

Composer/Pianist Reginald Robinson Creates Musical Tribute to Jazz Pioneer James Reese Europe

Nov 1

Nov 1 Composer/Pianist Reginald Robinson Creates Musical Tribute to Jazz Pioneer James Reese Europe

WDCB’s Gary Zidek catches up with award winning composer/pianist Reginald Robinson to talk about his world premiere musical tribute to James Reese Europe.

A Conversation With Composer Missy Mazzoli

Oct 22

Oct 22 A Conversation With Composer Missy Mazzoli

WDCB’s Gary Zidek caught up with acclaimed composer Missy Mazzoli.

Vocal Jazz/American Songbook Show to Hit Chicago Airwaves

Oct 2

Oct 2 Vocal Jazz/American Songbook Show to Hit Chicago Airwaves

WDCB welcomes new show AFTERGLOW.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Kicks Off Season With "Concert for Chicago"

Sep 18

Sep 18 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Kicks Off Season With "Concert for Chicago"

Music journalist Dennis Polkow sits down with Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Riccardo Muti for a conversation about Gioachino Rossini and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.