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.

As Weather Gets Warmer, What Will Cultural Calendar Look Like?

May 4

May 4 As Weather Gets Warmer, What Will Cultural Calendar Look Like?

WDCB’s Gary Zidek checks in with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly for a conversation about the city’s music festivals and what’s next.

Chicago Bookstore Navigates Uncertainties With Some Help From Its Friends

Apr 28

Apr 28 Chicago Bookstore Navigates Uncertainties With Some Help From Its Friends

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Volumes Book Cafe co-owner Rebecca George about her efforts to keep her business going during the pandemic.

Percussion Pivot

Apr 27

Apr 27 Percussion Pivot

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Third Coast Percussion executive director David Skidmore about adapting in the time of COVID-19.

Chicago Jazz Musicians Cope With COVID-19 Mandates

Apr 22

Apr 22 Chicago Jazz Musicians Cope With COVID-19 Mandates

WDCB’s Gary Zidek caught up with some Chicago jazz musicians to find out how they’re dealing with life in the time of COVID-19

Frida Kahlo Exhibit Moves to 2021

Apr 20

Apr 20 Frida Kahlo Exhibit Moves to 2021

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to McAninch Arts Center director Diana Martinez about the Cleve Carney Museum of Art’s decision to reschedule its highly anticipated Frida Kahlo art exhibition

Quibi Questions

Apr 15

Apr 15 Quibi Questions

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to film/TV writer and critic Nick Allen about what makes the new streaming platform Quibi stand out.

Years In-the-Making, Lyric Opera Forced to Cancel RING Cycle

Apr 13

Apr 13 Years In-the-Making, Lyric Opera Forced to Cancel RING Cycle

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks with Lyric Opera of Chicago President & CEO Anthony Freud about pivoting in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Initiative Supports Illinois Artists

Apr 6

Apr 6 New Initiative Supports Illinois Artists

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to some of the people who helped launch the new Arts For Illinois Relief Fund.

A Look Back At Some of Chicago's Most Influential Women Theatre Artists & Supporters

Apr 3

Apr 3 A Look Back At Some of Chicago's Most Influential Women Theatre Artists & Supporters

The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, discuss the important role women played in Chicago theatre history.

Chicago Restaurants Respond In Different Ways to Social Distancing

Mar 31

Mar 31 Chicago Restaurants Respond In Different Ways to Social Distancing

WDCB’s Gary Zidek catches up with Chicago magazine dining editor Amy Cavanaugh to talk about the ways local restaurants are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Siskel Film Center Introduces Streaming Series

Mar 30

Mar 30 Siskel Film Center Introduces Streaming Series

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Gene Siskel Film Center executive director Jean de St. Aubin about the organization’s response to the current social distancing mandates.

New Novel Dives Into the Dangers of Sharing Too Much Online

Mar 29

Mar 29 New Novel Dives Into the Dangers of Sharing Too Much Online

WDCB’s Gary Zidek sits down with author Kathleen Barber to talk about her new book FOLLOW ME.

Chicago Artists Start Fundraising Effort To Help Creatives During COVID-19 Pandemic

Mar 24

Mar 24 Chicago Artists Start Fundraising Effort To Help Creatives During COVID-19 Pandemic

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Ellenor Riley-Condit one of the founding members of the recently launched Chicago Artists Relief Fund.

A Chicago Theater Company Innovates, Keeps Show Going Virtually

Mar 23

Mar 23 A Chicago Theater Company Innovates, Keeps Show Going Virtually

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Theater Wit artistic director Jeremy Wechsler about the theater company’s innovative pivot to remote viewing as a result of social distancing mandates.

Public Health Emergency Forces Some Chicago Stages to Go Dark

Mar 16

Mar 16 Public Health Emergency Forces Some Chicago Stages to Go Dark

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to League of Chicago Theatres executive director Deb Clapp about the coronavirus’ impact on Chicago’s theatre community.