Elm Leaves

Hip-hop gets old-time religion

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:22:00 -0500

In the beginning, there was the Flow. Freddy Flow, that is, a.k.a. Fred Lenhoff, 50, of River Forest, a writer/editor for the American Medical Association by day, late-blooming hip-hop artist by night — performing the past few years at parties, open-mike nights, wherever he could find an audience.

Arts and entertainment calendar for May 30

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:06:00 -0500

Check out the variety of fun events and activities in your area this week!

Family Friendly: Overnight family fun at Franklin Park campout

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:04:01 -0500

Parents and kids can spend some quality time together at the Park District of Franklin Park’s annual Family Campout, 5 p.m. June 22 to 8:30 a.m. June 23 at North Park, 10040 Addison St.

For de Rossi, return to ‘Arrested’ surreal

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:46:47 -0500

Portia de Rossi remembers a time when she couldn’t get “Arrested.” To land the role of Lindsay Bluth Funke in the cult hit “Arrested Development,” she pulled out all the stops.

Butterflies in bloom at Botanic Garden

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:31:39 -0500

Hundreds of brilliantly colored butterflies will soon dart around the “Butterflies & Blooms” exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Absorbing exhibit: A look at ‘Minerals in Food’

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:24:02 -0500

The expression, “that’s my two cents,” takes on new meaning when you realize that the human body does contain copper, as well as many other minerals, metals and trace elements that are derived from the “rock” of Earth’s crust. Rocks are broken down into soil, from which plants grow, then consumed by animals and people, in a symbiotic and inter-connected relationship that’s been rock solid for eons. “Minerals in Food” is the subject of an exhibit at Elmhurst’s Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, along with a repeat showing of the popular “Rock Cafe,” presented in tandem to educate about the …

Stingrays easy to handle in new Shedd exhibit

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:14:01 -0500

In her 24 years as a Shedd Aquarium member, Joan Reylek has only once touched a Shedd animal, during an errant encounter with a sea otter.

Star power: Technology revolutionizes Sky Show

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:18:01 -0500

As a pulsing nebula races toward the watchful audience, a hand shoots up to touch it. More hands follow suit, straining skywards. For the kids taking in the Adler’s newest show, “Cosmic Wonder,” outer space is just out of reach.

The Local Dish: Golden Steer scores with retro fare

Thu, 23 May 2013 04:17:12 -0500

In 1997, Charlie Tzouras interviewed for a kitchen position at the Golden Steer Steakhouse and ended up buying the popular restaurant with his late cousin, Kiriakos Tzouras.

New releases on DVD, Blu-ray

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:02:43 -0500

Young love casts a powerful spell in “Beautiful Creatures,” Arnold Schwarzenneger returns to action in “The Last Stand,” Jude Law writes a prescription for disaster in “Side Effects” and Pacino, Walken and Arkin have a big night on the town in “Stand Up Guys.”

Billboard awards are Taylor-made

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:44:01 -0500

Another day, another domination for Taylor Swift: She was the red hot winner at the Billboard Music Awards. Swift won eight of 11 awards, including top artist and top Billboard 200 album for “Red.” She told the crowd: “You are the longest and best relationship I ever had.” She also had a colorful performance of her hit “22” — starting backstage and working her way to the main stage on the back of a bike with help from a dozen background dancers and a flurry of red balloons.

Arts and entertainment calendar for May 23

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:40:54 -0500

Check out the variety of fun events and activities in your area this week!

New releases on DVD, Blu-ray

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:20:10 -0500

Tom Hanks and company span 500 years of history in “Cloud Atlas” and director Sam Raimi’s 1986 comedy “Crimewave” makes its long-awaited DVD debut.

Movies opening, still in theaters

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:57:16 -0500

Michael Shannon kills for a living in “The Iceman” and the crew of the Enterprise warps back into action in “Star Trek Into Darkness.”

Family Friendly: Cheney Mansion throws a birthday party

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:58:02 -0500

Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful spring flowers during the free Happy Birthday Cheney Mansion celebration, 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at 220 N. Euclid, Oak Park.

Spotlight: People to watch

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:20:02 -0500

Clear choice: Maggie Cain of Glenview is reprising her role as Amanda, a faded southern belle clinging to the past, in Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co’s restaging of its acclaimed production of “The Glass Menagerie.”