Dollywood

No Trip to Tennessee is complete without at least a day stop at Dollywood. In my opinion this is the perfect park for so many reasons.

For starters those who do not want to drive, you can park your car at Patriot Park and there is a trolley that takes you right up to the door. And it just keeps getting better from there.

Farm Aid 2023

Farm Aid 2023 is officially history. And what a history making night it was. The 38th Farm Aid proved to be one of the greatest since it began.

Farm Aid’s roots go back to 1985 shortly after the success of Live Aid. Bob Dylan, who performed at the event, mentioned doing a music event to help the farmers. Willie Nelson became involved and pitched the idea to John Mellancamp and Neil Young, and so was born Farm Aid,  with the first concert held in Champaign, Illinois. Thirty-eight years later, adding Margo Price and Dave Matthews to their board, the issue is still as important as ever, if not more so with Earth’s changing climate and greedy corporations looking to make a profit from factory farming. 

Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop

Last year I visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Part of the trip was to go to Pittsburgh and see the Andy Warhol museum. We never made it and my boyfriend was very disappointed as he is a big Warhol fan. 

This summer all we had to do was drive about 40 minutes to the College of Dupage at the McAninch Arts Center to experience the Bank of America Collection Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop. And what an experience it was. There were 94 works from soup cans to flowers, over 150 photos, interactive silver clouds, a pop art print factory for kids (although I have to say we had a great time making our own pictures), concessions and a great gift shop. 

Bristol Renaissance Faire

Hear Ye hear ye, summer has arrived and the Bristol Renaissance Faire is in full swing. I have been coming to this event for about the last 20 years and every year the magic and fun never disappoints. 

Hair for the Ages

Hair

Hair burst on the scene in 1968 with music by Galt MacDermot and book and Lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado. It was a groundbreaking show complete with controversial topics, nudity, rock music, hippies, multiracial cast and anti war themes. 

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Les Misérables

Les Misérables is back, and I can’t believe I am saying this but it’s better than ever. Considered one of the greatest musicals it is based on a book by Victor Hugo, music by Claude-Michel Schonberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. 

For anyone who has never seen this show, my boyfriend being one of the few, this is a show “unlike any that he has ever seen.” He immediately became a fan. 

WHIM

WHIM, at 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago, is an inventive interactive gallery experience and pleasurable bar. It’s very creative, from its rooms and wall hangings to its playful and clever drinks. Your senses are never at a loss – lots to look at and think about everywhere, all the time. The amount of energy and time that went into this attraction, one can tell, was immense- a true labor of love. There are many different rooms and areas to explore. Cozy, comfy chairs, and couches are inviting to contemplate all the objects one is surrounded by. Another room has a stage with karaoke happening. And, I’m sure there is more to come as this is a work in progress. Everyone was friendly and eager to please. It was an enjoyable, interesting feast of the senses, often dark and bizarre, nostalgic, kitschy, surreal, profound and thought-provoking, and most of all FUN!

Recommended

Reviewed by Janice Walczak

Deeply Rooted Dance Theater 11.5.22 Performance at Auditorium Theatre

This powerhouse company is a magnificent display of soul stirring raw power and grace.  Pure delight the moment the curtain lifts.  Blending modern, classical, American, and African-American traditions in dance and storytelling, the artistry and beauty of performance is on full display.