Since the early days of the Windy City, people from far and wide came here to start a new life. Some came from other parts of America but many came from other continents. With them they brought their unique ways and as time went by, they all contributed to the richness of Chicago culture.
Music is just one aspect. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is world renowned but the city's real claim to fame is the way that its musicians have perfected popular music. House music was invented here and jazz, soul, hip hop and indie rock artists hailing from this part of Illinois have influenced the musical landscape of the entire world. For example, rock legends like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton would have had a completely different sound if they hadn't listened to and loved Chicago blues.
Many a popular movie has been set in Chicago. The one that is often regarded as a cinematic love letter to the city, warts and all, is the classic comedy 'The Blues Brothers'. Television has not been left behind and hit shows from 'ER' to 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' have had the Windy City as their setting.
The more traditional theatrical pursuits are also thriving in the largest city in Illinois. There are renowned opera, ballet and theater companies that are based here. Slam poetry may have originated in the Uptown neighborhood and the local university was the birthplace of improvisational comedy through the Compass Players, whose past members include stars like Mike Nichols, Alan Alda and Jerry Stiller.
Museum lovers will have so many to choose from that they won't know where to start. There are art, history and science museums as well as museums dedicated to things as diverse as money and surgery. The different ethnic communities that have contributed to the unique Chicagoan character have museums about their heritage too. Individuals who have lived here sometimes also have museums about their lives, such as the studio and home of Frank Lloyd Wright, the legendary architect.
The city has a rich tradition of fine art and photography. River North is a neighborhood with many galleries where you may view and invest in contemporary art. There is a huge collection of public art in the streets, parks and squares, with Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Anish Kapoor and Claes Oldenburg just some of the legendary artists whose works are displayed for the public to appreciate.
Food is a very important aspect of Chicagoan life. Restaurants abound and even the fast food here is a gourmet's delight. A hot dog will never be the same once you've had it Chicago style and even tamales get a Chicagoan spin. The one dish that everyone should try in the city where it was born is the deep dish pizza.
When you visit the Windy City, a cultural tour is a good way to find out more about life here. If you can visit during a festival, you'll also get a good idea of what the city is all about. However, the best way to experience Chicago culture is to walk around, visit the clubs and museums and other cultural institutions and let yourself be enchanted.
Music is just one aspect. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is world renowned but the city's real claim to fame is the way that its musicians have perfected popular music. House music was invented here and jazz, soul, hip hop and indie rock artists hailing from this part of Illinois have influenced the musical landscape of the entire world. For example, rock legends like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton would have had a completely different sound if they hadn't listened to and loved Chicago blues.
Many a popular movie has been set in Chicago. The one that is often regarded as a cinematic love letter to the city, warts and all, is the classic comedy 'The Blues Brothers'. Television has not been left behind and hit shows from 'ER' to 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' have had the Windy City as their setting.
The more traditional theatrical pursuits are also thriving in the largest city in Illinois. There are renowned opera, ballet and theater companies that are based here. Slam poetry may have originated in the Uptown neighborhood and the local university was the birthplace of improvisational comedy through the Compass Players, whose past members include stars like Mike Nichols, Alan Alda and Jerry Stiller.
Museum lovers will have so many to choose from that they won't know where to start. There are art, history and science museums as well as museums dedicated to things as diverse as money and surgery. The different ethnic communities that have contributed to the unique Chicagoan character have museums about their heritage too. Individuals who have lived here sometimes also have museums about their lives, such as the studio and home of Frank Lloyd Wright, the legendary architect.
The city has a rich tradition of fine art and photography. River North is a neighborhood with many galleries where you may view and invest in contemporary art. There is a huge collection of public art in the streets, parks and squares, with Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Anish Kapoor and Claes Oldenburg just some of the legendary artists whose works are displayed for the public to appreciate.
Food is a very important aspect of Chicagoan life. Restaurants abound and even the fast food here is a gourmet's delight. A hot dog will never be the same once you've had it Chicago style and even tamales get a Chicagoan spin. The one dish that everyone should try in the city where it was born is the deep dish pizza.
When you visit the Windy City, a cultural tour is a good way to find out more about life here. If you can visit during a festival, you'll also get a good idea of what the city is all about. However, the best way to experience Chicago culture is to walk around, visit the clubs and museums and other cultural institutions and let yourself be enchanted.
0 comments:
Post a Comment