On this edition of the Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits the Uptown Underground.  The Chicago venue has an interesting history and a unique take on programming.  Later in the show, Gary catches up with the owner of Volumes Book Cafe to talk about the challenges of operating an independent bookstore in today's environment. Plus, he'll ask about some of this season's most popular titles. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, will stop by to review Tracy Letts' world premiere, THE MINUTES, which is running at Steppenwolf. Gary also profiles, the Driehaus Museum's French poster exhibit and a Chicago-area program that helps adults with developmental disabilities engage with art.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with Joffrey Ballet artistic director Ashley Wheater.  The Scotland-born-England-raised former dancer is celebrating his 10 year anniversary as Joffrey's artistic director.  Gary also catches up with Chicago-based writer and performer Kaye Winks, who is the creator of the one-woman show TOKEN.  The Dueling Critics join Gary to discuss Raven Theatre's production of the play CHOIR BOY.  Illinois Poet Laureate Kevin Stein talks about his time as the state's top poet.  Gary reviews the new film BREATHE. All that, plus this week's Arts Section calendar.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the co-founder of Found Footage Festival about finding comedy gold in old VHS tapes. Gary also sat down with veteran actress Janet Ulrich Brooks, who’s garnering rave reviews for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the Chicago premiere of THE AUDIENCE.  We’ll hear about a special mural being painted to coincide with Chicago’s Year of Public Art.  And the Dueling Critics stop by to review an award winning production of Arthur Miller’s A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE.  All that, plus the weekly Arts Section calendar.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III.  The Grammy-winner recently authored a memoir about his life and career. Gary also take a closer look at a new production that’s bringing Lyric Opera and the Joffrey Ballet together for the first time.  Hear all about the moving parts that made Orphée et Eurydice possible. Gary chats with a local filmmaker who directed a new indie comedy that looks at the complexities of modern romance.  We’ll hear about a public art installation that explores the sounds of climate change.  And the Dueling Critics will stop to share their review a new production about Abraham Lincoln. All that, plus the weekly Arts Section calendar.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with artist Hebru Brantley.  The Chicago-based artist just opened a solo exhibition at the Elmhurst Art Museum.  Gary also talks with the filmmaker behind a new independent film that's getting rave reviews.  Kogonada's COLUMBUS is one of the most visually stunning movies of the year.  We'll also look back at the history of Chicago Sinfonietta as the orchestra gets ready to launch its 30th anniversary season.  The Dueling Critics stop by with a review the world premiere theatrical production of ALIAS GRACE.  All that – plus the weekly Arts Section calendar .