Essays & Media

We thought it might be another one of the ubiquitous immersive experiences that are popping up in empty storefronts all over, but I wanted to see the “Small is Beautiful” in NYC.

We were out with my youngest brother and his wife, and they treated us to dinner first, at Rosebud Steakhouse on Walton.

Despite all my gushing about the performers, I wish I could say I was moved by the subjects of female empowerment and finding your best self (or something along those lines) that passed for underlying themes.

Nothing like walking south from Chelsea into Greenwich Village, searching for an hour of great jazz singing. Vocal jazz is my favorite.

The Lyric’s program claims that Proximity is a “collaborative complement of some of the most creative minds of our time

I remember seeing Carmen (the opera) for the first time in about 1977 or 78, although I can’t recall who sang any of the roles.

Cuban pianist and composer Chuchu Valdez (Jesús Valdés Rodríguez b1941) has been playing, composing, arranging, recording, and conducting bands for fifty years.

The sound of the shofar, three simple phrases repeated in a specific order, are meant to wake us up, to stir our humility, push us to repentance, remind us of revelation and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

My heart is in my throat as I listen to Joni Mitchell’s surprise performance a week ago.

“You’re going to love the music,” I said to my great-niece as we walked to the Cadillac Palace Theatre to see a production of Jesus Christ Superstar last night.

I celebrated turning fifty with a pie party, surrounded by family and friends.

Abi Gezunt was written for a Yiddish film that came out in 1938, called Mamele (little mother), that starred Molly Picon (1898 -1992).

Winters is just off McClurg Court on the Chicago River, It’s an excellent, clean venue that offers great performers, an intimate setting, and reasonable prices.

First time I heard Bela Fleck and the Flecktones was at the Denver Botanic Gardens during the summer of 1991.

Once, after I gave change to a homeless person who was begging in front of the Art Institute of Chicago, six or seven other people charged at me with their hands open, and I fled.