The Arts Section

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My name is Gary Zidek. Welcome to The Arts Section. Tune into the radio program every Sunday morning on WDCB 90.9 & 90.7 FM or listen to it online here. I'll be showcasing a variety of arts & entertainment stories.

All in Music

Chicago Jazz Musicians Cope With COVID-19 Mandates

Apr 22

Apr 22 Chicago Jazz Musicians Cope With COVID-19 Mandates

WDCB’s Gary Zidek caught up with some Chicago jazz musicians to find out how they’re dealing with life in the time of COVID-19

Years In-the-Making, Lyric Opera Forced to Cancel RING Cycle

Apr 13

Apr 13 Years In-the-Making, Lyric Opera Forced to Cancel RING Cycle

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks with Lyric Opera of Chicago President & CEO Anthony Freud about pivoting in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Composer & Vocalist Celebrates Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg In Song

Mar 9

Mar 9 Composer & Vocalist Celebrates Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg In Song

Opera Star On the Farm

Feb 25

Feb 25 Opera Star On the Farm

WDCB’s Gary Zidek sits down with opera singer Brandon Jovanovich for a conversation about his unique journey to becoming an award-winning tenor.

Lyric Opera Unveils 2020-21 Season

Feb 18

Feb 18 Lyric Opera Unveils 2020-21 Season

WDCB’s Gary Zidek sits down with Lyric Opera president and CEO Anthony Freud for a conversation about the company’s 2020-21 season.

Artworks Inspire Chicago Musician Ryan Burns

Feb 6

Feb 6 Artworks Inspire Chicago Musician Ryan Burns

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to singer-songwriter Ryan Burns about his album THE INSTITUTE and his upcoming performances as part of ChillFest.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Riccardo Muti Looks Ahead to 2020-21 Season

Feb 2

Feb 2 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Riccardo Muti Looks Ahead to 2020-21 Season

Music critic Dennis Polkow sits down with CSO music director Riccardo Muti for a conversation about the orchestra’s 2020-21 season.

Makaya McCraven Ready For These Times

Jan 30

Jan 30 Makaya McCraven Ready For These Times

WDCB’s Gary Zidek sits down with drummer and producer Makaya McCraven to talk about his music roots, Chicago’s music scene and his new project IN THESE TIMES.

Chicago Sinfonietta Continues Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert Tradition

Jan 19

Jan 19 Chicago Sinfonietta Continues Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert Tradition

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Chicago Sinfonietta assistant conductor Jonathan Rush about the orchestra’s 2020 MLK Tribute Concert.

Chamber Ensemble Creates Interactive Concert Experience Inspired By Video Game

Jan 9

Jan 9 Chamber Ensemble Creates Interactive Concert Experience Inspired By Video Game

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Fifth House Ensemble artistic director Dan Visconti about the group’s upcoming UNDERTALE LIVE program.

Best Jazz Albums of 2019

Jan 7

Jan 7 Best Jazz Albums of 2019

WDCB’s Gary Zidek asks DCB Jazz Hosts Paul Abella and Leslie Keros about their favorite Jazz albums of 2019.

How DEAD MAN WALKING Became an Opera

Nov 1

Nov 1 How DEAD MAN WALKING Became an Opera

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to Sister Helen Prejean, author of the 1993 best-seller DEAD MAN WALKING and Jake Heggie, the composer that brought the story to life on stage through music.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra To Premiere DREAM For Orchestra

Oct 29

Oct 29 Chicago Symphony Orchestra To Premiere DREAM For Orchestra

Music writer Dennis Polkow sits down with Chicago Symphony Orchestra music director Riccardo Muti and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Bernard Rands to talk about the upcoming world premiere of DREAM for Orchestra.

2020 Will Be The Year Of Chicago Music

Oct 19

Oct 19 2020 Will Be The Year Of Chicago Music

WDCB’s Gary Zidek was there when Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events made the announcement that 2020 would be the “Year of Chicago Music”.

Fly Me to the Moon: Special Concert Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11

Oct 14

Oct 14 Fly Me to the Moon: Special Concert Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11