CenterstageChicago.com - Articles Archive: Who's Who, art, theater, music, events, artists, photographers, actors, filmmakers, club owners, restaurant

» Chuck Levi

The owner of Iwan Ries tells us how his family's tobacco shop has kept on smoking for over 150 years.

» Jason Vincent

Pilsen Lula's executive chef values taste over truffles...which means good things for your wallet.

» Radhika Desai

Chicago's latest Top Chef contestant dishes on chili dogs, animal attacks and her favorite restaurants.

» Randy Zweiban

After a decade at Nacional 27, the drummer-turned-chef makes new music at Province.

» Liz Nielsen

This photographer's photographer loves quantum physics and little white kitties.

» No Coast Collective

From comic books to t-shirts, these artists have a lot to offer. Find it all in their Pilsen gallery/store space.

» Ryan Poli

The South Side native now runs an in-demand North Side restaurant.

» Jason Brammer

The artist's paintings offer visions of new worlds with each spray and brush stroke.

» Brian Huston

The chef de cuisine of the highly anticipated Publican prepares to unleash some sinful offerings on the city.

» Fred Markoff

The fRedhots & Fries owner is living Elmer Fudd's dream, one sandwich at a time.

» Stacia Yeapanis

The Chicago-based artist gives meaning to TV fandom through cross-stitch screen shots.

» Glenn Fahlstrom

The owner of Glenn's Diner gets ready for his close-up.

» Nick Lacasse

The Top Chef slayer speaks on cooking for the cocktail-and-club crowd.

» Novem Collective

The graffiti artists have made T-shirts their new canvases.

» Mark Sparacino

The Prosecco chef/owner brings a little gourmet flair to classic Italian cooking.

» East of Edens Soul Express

Two record lovers orchestrate the grittiest dance night this side of the cotton curtain.

» Sarah King

Chicago is this comedienne's kind of town.

» Million $ Mano

We talk to the DJ about how he's blowing up on the scene and his hatred of 'hipster rap.'

» Sean Eastwood

The Olo chef looks to bring a successful suburban concept to the city.

» NOMO

The Midwest collective expands its stylistic fusion on Ghost Rock.

» Elise Rasmussen

This Canadian-born artist has a thing for the French.

» Laurent Gras

As chef of the recently opened L20, he's redefining the way diners think of seafood.

» DJ Zebo

You won't have to pay top dollar to see one of the city's top DJs.

» Louisa Chu

The culinary journalist's impressive resume includes a stint as an "Iron Chef" judge.

» Mark Klemen

The owner of Funky Buddha set out to open the only organic and sustainably built club in the country.

» Jose Garces

The Mercat a la Planxa chef started his burgeoning restaurant empire in Philly, but his heart lies in Chicago.

» Russian Circles

The melodic instrumental trio grows into a more focused sound on its sophomore album.

» Irena Knezevic

The Hyde Park-based artist's work will be on display at the MCA through April 27.

» Graham Elliot Bowles

Our talk with the former Avenues chef, who's opening his own restaurant this spring, had very little (or everything) to do with food.

» Kristin VanDeventer

The local painter, who opens a show on April 20, draws inspiration from daily life, the internet and books.

» Clayton Hauck

Everyoneisfamous.com tells the story of Chicago's nightlife scene one photo at a time.

» Mike Feirstein

Cal's Liquors is willing to change along with the neighborhood, but don't expect any of that Irish-pub BS.

» Ben Sheagren

Everyone lauds Hopleaf for its beer selection, but what about the man in the kitchen?

» Elizabeth Aloni

The Chicago-based celebrity dating coach penned her first book, "The Mating Manual."

» Crossfader King

Emilio Abadia and Matt Roan take DJing out from behind the booth and into an office.

» Melanie Schiff

The photographer is one of two Chicago artists featured at the 2008 Whitney Biennial.

» Aleks and The Drummer

The drums-and-organ duo breaks all the rules, except when it comes to parking.

» Todd Dills

DIY lit mag The2ndHand is still going strong after eight years.

» Gody Windischhofer

The Brauhaus bandleader, with a connection to Schwarzenegger and a likeness to Elvis, gets crowds moving.

» Tyler Beach

There's no such thing as a side project for this master multi-tasker.

» Ginny Sykes

We talk with the local artist behind your favorite public art displays.

» Bridget Houlihan and Tammy Green

The Chicago Bites girls churn out scrumptious podcasts about their dining adventures.

» Yea Big + Kid Static

This energetic hip-hop duo will make you move, whether you want to or not.

» Michael Harvey

The Wrigleyville resident's crime novel, The Chicago Way, showcases the city.

» Gary Wiviott

The founder of Chicago culinary chat site LTHForum shares his favorite haunts for feasting and drinking.

» Kimberly Gordon

The Nightingale of the Green Mill delivers a soothing sound with her jazz songs.

» Darrel Morris

The artist's carefully sewn fiber work challenges stereotypical male archetypes.

» Benjamin Newby

The Underground's British bartender brings innovative cocktails and cutting-edge DJs to Underground.

» Gant-Man

We sit down with a DJ who's shaping Chicago's juke scene.

» Matt Erpenbach

We talk to the man behind Kuma's intimidating patties like the Neurosis and Pig Destroyer.

» Lane Alexander

This tap-dance legend talks about the birth and evolution of the Chicago Human Rhythm Project.

» Philip von Zweck

We chat with the artist, gallerist and man-around-town.

» Jeffrey Moss

We chat with a local filmmaker participating in the Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival.

» Cris Mazza

Her latest book takes readers on a journey through one character's struggle to understand her past.

» Common

The Chicago vet stops by for a red-carpet affair; just one of many to come, if you ask him.

» Kendal Duque

Sepia's chef infuses his fare with passion and flair.

» Jeremy Lycan

The chef of Geneva restaurant Niche carries on his mentor's legacy while crafting a menu of his own.

» Jen Porter

The siren of Windy City blues sings for herself first.

» John Hogan

Tavern at the Park's chef keeps a cool head in the kitchen.

» Stephanie Gentry-Fernandez

Local Latina lesbian poet writes about her unusual Chicago childhood.

» Christophe David

NoMI's chef keeps the focus on traditional, haute cuisine with finely tuned details.

» Karen Abbott

Uncovering a forgotten period of Chicago's underground history in Sin in the Second City.

» Daryl Nash

Otom's chef adds touches of ingenuity to classic dishes.

» Ugochi

The conscious MC and poet aims to be the exception to almost every musical rule.

» George Bumbaris and Sarah Stegner

Prairie Grass Cafe co-owners swapped high-end cuisine for four-star accessible eats.

» Richard Sandoval

This chef heats up Mexx Kitchen at the Whiskey Bar with chilies galore.

» James Gottwald

The Rockit chef's haute comfort food shines in the limelight.

» Carrie Schneider

This artist's work calls upon a great Spanish master painter.

» Natalie Zarzour

Pasticceria Natalina's chef doesn't skimp on quality ingredients when it comes to her custard-filled sweets.

» Natalie Y. Moore

Readers get the low-down on men and women of the hip-hop generation in Moore's collaborative work, Deconstructing Tyrone.

» Malakh

The multi-hyphenate performer makes music with a message.

» Toby Maloney

The Violet Hour's mixologist turns foodies into drinkies with his intensely fresh cocktails.

» Joseph Clayton Mills

This mixed-media artist explores the dark side of his subjects.

» Greg Christian

This chef's Organic School Project teaches students about healthy eating and sustainable living.

» Carol Wallack

This surfer-turned-chef brightens up the city with sola's sunny fare.

» Allison Levitt

This eco-minded pastry chef crafts elegant, simple sweets at 312 Chicago.

» Mary Madison

Lagniappe's chef dishes up made-from-scratch eats for customers and community members in need.

» Fred Sasaki and Sarah Dodson

This duo brings together Chicago's lit lovers at Printer's Ball.

» Barry Sorkin

Smoque's chef lets you in on why you might miss his can't-miss brisket.

» Mary Porterfield

Here's an artistic perspective on degenerative disease.

» Shin Thompson

Bonsoiree Cafe's chef fishes out the freshest fare from the sea.

» Bill Dugan

The Fishguy Market's main man reels in pristine fish and seafood-loving crowds.

» Buju Banton

The Jamaican icon reflects on the evolution of his roots-heavy tunes and political implications.

» Mindy Friedler and Mark Bires

The duo behind Jerry's Sandwiches talk up their Super Subway and upcoming second location.

» The Sea and Cake

For the venerable supergroup, familiarity is both a blessing and a curse.

» Noah Bekofsky

Old-fashioned ice cream meets newfangled customized flavors in aria's kitchen.

» Jorgina Pereira

Sinha's chef opens her home and her heart to Chicagoans to spread the Brazilian love.

» Koko Taylor

Despite health problems, the Queen of the Blues keeps a firm grip on her throne.

» Mike Sheerin

Blackbird's Paul Kahan successfully passes the tongs to this former WD-50 sous chef.

» Chris and Mary Spagnola

The husband-and-wife team behind Emilio's Sunflower Bistro dishes on the importance of ingenuity.

» Avant Chicago

Renaissance blogger Brent Kado keeps Chicagoans posted on local life and culture that deserves some extra limelight.

» Zeleke Gessesse

The Wild Hare's owner lets the music guide his plans.

» Mindy Segal

Hot Chocolate's owner/chef masters the sweet and the savory of haute-comfort cuisine.

» Shelley Young

The Chopping Block owner is making friends, one dish at a time.

» Erwin Drechsler

Erwin's man of the kitchen, maitre d' of the house introduces fresh food and new talent.

» Jorge Miranda

The Las Palmas chef rises to the top of the kitchen but keeps his pride in his past in-tact.

» Susan Goss

West Town Tavern's chef dishes on her love of the life surrounding the food.

» Frank Georgacopoulos

Meli Cafe's chef stitches together science and culinary imagination to create morning delights.

» Michael Altenberg

The eco-minded chef shares his love of sushi, simple foods and local, organic goodness.

» Lorraine Peltz

Pop meets feminism in this artist's work.

» Alexander Cheswick

This chef takes his Le Francais and Tru training and whips up fancy fare at his own May Street Market kitchen.

» Stephanie Izard

Scylla's chef rekindles the flame for clean and elegant seafood with neighborhood-friendly prices.

» Tentori Giuseppe

Charlie Trotter's former right-hand man takes the helm at this acclaimed Halsted Street spot.

» Jeanne Carlson

This native Chicagoan glams up Irish classics with haute flair.

» Gil Langlois

Chalkboard's chef/owner explains who's the boss of his restaurant...his son.

» Leah Guenther

826CHI's executive director helps boost local youths' writing cred, one mustache at a time.

» Strumpette

Amanda Chapel serves up the naked truth about the PR industry for anyone interested in reading.

» Dave Jemilo

The Green Mill owner along with his club.

» Malika Ameen and Mohammad Islam

The owners of Aigre Doux Restaurant and Bakery bring their Cali experience to Chi-Town.

» Ottavio Canestrelli

An eighth-generation circus performer shares his story in "Clown Without A Circus."

» Juan Angel Chavez

After years of contributing to Chicago's public art, this muralist takes it indoors.

» Psalm One

The Englewood native is finding just the right formula for success.

» Kevin Rebhan

There's plenty of champagne love to go around at Pops for Champagne.

» Serengeti

The idiosyncratic MC finds inspiration in everything from O'Doul's to emo kids.

» Art or Idiocy?

Erik Wenzel helps to fill the art criticism gap in Chicago "and beyond."

» Saya Woolfalk

This show features soft sculptures, installations and paintings that color our commercial culture.

» Dark Star Orchestra

Reliving history, one show at a time.

» Clayton Brown and Monica Long Ross

The directors of 137 Films discuss Fermilab, filmmaking and the questionable future of science.

» Ken Frandsen

The bartender at L&L Tavern takes time off from slinging PBRs to answer a few questions.

» Jill Summers

Move over David Sedaris; here's Chicago's new inventive storyteller.

» AMillionMonkeys

The most contentious news fit to print: politics and Justin Timberlake.

» Hamid Javanbakht

Drinks go way beyond the Jack & Coke norm at Tru.

» Life Aboard Mazurka

The ordinary and extraordinary tales of living on a boat in Lake Michigan.

» Naeem Murr

Talking with the author of The Perfect Man.

» Julie Shapiro

The art, fiction and truth in radio documentaries.

» You Are Beautiful

The artists behind the world-wide campaign shed light on the art project's optimistic history.

» Bobby Conn

Chicago's answer to David Bowie lives and dies for entertainment.

» Joe Shanahan

The Metro owner comes clean about his labor of love.

» Bella Rossa

Notes and anecdotes from one funny writer.

» John Talley

Storytelling with the Village Tap's longtime bartender.

» Fruit Bats

The grass is always greener for this ever-changing band.

» Dress A Day

Erin McKean blogs about the secret lives of dresses, the culture of craft and technology.

» Tim Tuten

The Hideout co-owner looks forward while keeping one foot in the past.

» Adam Seger

The GM, Sommelier and Bar Chef at Nacional 27 shares a thing or two about cocktails.

» Copy, Right?

Liza Pavelich digs up the good, the bad and the ugly of cover songs.

» Thomas Marlow

Documenting Chicago, one portrait at a time.

» The M's

Chicago's answer to the British Invasion takes a well-deserved break.

» Linda Bubon

The Women & Children First co-owner sounds off on the independent book scene and what you should be reading

» Jargon Chicago

Chicagoans who tell it like it is.

» Marilyn and Peter Frank

The husband and wife behind F2 discuss life in and out of the lab.

» Allison Hill y Pablo Perea

This painting pair keeps Cuba close to Chicago.

» Bound Stems

Making sense of this making-waves band.

» Joe Meno

Hairstyles of the Damned author returns to the themes of love and loneliness with a new twist.

» Byron Flitsch

The voice of our generation: overeducated and looking for work and meaning in everyday life.

» The Changes

Building a debut, piece by piece.

» Carla Kozlowski

Preserving history at the Beachwood Inn, one drink at a time.

» Verbal Kent

The Northside MC's big mouth can get him in trouble, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

» Elizabeth Crane

The Chicago author's real skill lies in her celebration of customary moments.

» Elizabeth Cronin

Asrai Garden's owner is not your stereotypical florist.

» Chicago Carless

This native New Yorker preaches the gospel of downtown Chicago living.

» Michael Scharber

Talking vino and vittles with Kafka Wines' co-owner.

» Mitch Einhorn

Getting the skinny on bourbon and more from the owner of Twisted Spoke.

» Ayun Halliday

Talking with the author of Dirty Sugar Cookies.

» Apartment Therapy

Heather Blaha scouts out the most delicious designs in the city and on the Web.

» Wax On Radio

Suburban prog rock philosophers get signed and talk existentialism.

» Pugslee Atomz

One of the city's hardest working MCs is finally starting to see his efforts pay off.

» The Primeridian

This hip-hop duo strives to teach, not preach.

» Kurt Elling

The jazz vocalist's life may be changing, but his wild ambition is always a constant.

» Thax Douglas

The days of looking over his shoulder at New York are gone...and so is he.

» Skillet Doux

The spot for learning about minced garlic and Schwa (but not about the South Beach Diet).

» Tracy Kellner

A tasty trip through Logan Square's Provenance.

» Deb Sokolow

This girl mixes installations, drawings, the movies and mystery novels.

» Scotland Yard Gospel Choir

Finding the cheery pop song in utter despair.

» Glenn Kotche

Wilco's drummer lives life to a slightly different beat.

» Everything in Moderation, Including Moderation

A well-balanced diet of pop culture, politics and personal life stories.

» 8 Bold Souls

The bigger they come, the harder it is to coordinate schedules.

» Linda Warren

This business-savvy artist rocks Chicago's gallery scene.

» Jeff Wilcoxon and Chris Hill

The Bobtail Soda Fountain guys are full of flavor.

» John McNally

Talking with the author of "America's Report Card."

» Steve "Silk" Hurley

The "Remix King" talks about the triumphant homecoming of Chicago House.

» Chin Up Chin Up

Finally ready to move on, move on...to Pitchfork and beyond.

» Megan Stielstra

Stories worth reading from one busy writer.

» Eric Noden

This blues teacher gives musical lectures you won't want to miss.

» Steve Dawson

The country crooner sings from the soul.

» Ashley and Brandon Wright

The brothers of Hamburger Mary's dig into burgers and Chicago.

» Eat Chicago

Michael Morowitz eats his way through Chicago, one empty restaurant at a time.

» Danielle Klinenberg

This can-do Chicagoan's palette is full of promise.

» Angel Melendez & the 911 Mambo Orchestra

The Mambo King of the Midwest laughs last.

» The Tyrades

Chicago punkers on having fun, dancing like a primate and looking stupid for Intonation.

» Schadenfreude

One funny man's take on the day's local news.

» Jay Ryan

Talking shop with Chicago's gig-poster master.

» Overheard in Chicago

Eavesdropping has never sounded so sweet.

» Carrie Jones and Drew Johnson

The Jack's on Halsted team dish it up.

» The Drastics

Massive riddims from Chi-town's resident live dub crew.

» Lynne Warren

Exhibiting Chicago's emerging art stars each month.

» Eleventh Dream Day

Zeroes and Ones add up to rock.

» One Good Thing

A healthy mix of porn and parenting.

» Kevin Stacy

Digging through Logan Square and Bucktown with Danny's bar manager.

» Miguel Cortez

The co-founder of Polvo chats contemporary art.

» Poundy

Local writer Wendy McClure's blog weighs in on body image, boredom and beyond.

» Andrew Bird

Violin plucks from a plucky (and popular) artist.

» Shelley Short

Haunting, listless country-folk. Just please don't tell her we called it that.

» Zulkey

Interviews, essays, diatribes and diary entries documenting the days in the life of Claire Zulkey.

» The 1900s

Rock you like Belle & Sebastian...or like a Murph.

» Big Happy Funhouse

Ron Slattery's funhouse is home to found photography, free pie and happy thoughts.

» Michael Thomas

Taking on Second City-ism and the far West Loop scene.

» Town and Country

Learning to love the ebb and flow.

» Joseph Costa

Talking cities with L'altra's Joseph Costa.

» J.P. Amidei

Taking tea, err, martinis with Blue Man Group's ticket manager.

» Muralist Daylene Christensen

Yoga, warm swims and the West Side's espresso inspire this Chicago painter.

» Ivan Brunetti

2005 was quite a year for Ivan Brunetti.

» Hilary's Cookies

Chicago's new cookie lady, Hilary Black.

» Cameron McGill

This folksy weeping willow's got whip.

» Taking Tea With Mike Foster

Flannery O'Connor and a cup of Earl Grey at MoJoe's Hot House.

» Burtonwood & Holmes

This dynamic duo wages a war of its own.

» Sally Ko

Centerstage salutes Chi-Town's creative geniuses with a new series of Artist Sketches.

» Devin Davis

Beckoning the lonely people.

» Pit er Pat

This Thrill Jockey band is making sounds.

» Devil in a Woodpile

A deal with the Devil will get you free blues.

» The Zincs

Hooky mope-pop from a limey named Jim.

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