Since the Windy City's earliest days, people from all over the world came to settle here. They brought with them the traditions of their home countries or of towns in other parts of the USA. These all influenced one another over time to create a unique, richly varied Chicago culture, which in turn has influenced the cultural landscape of America.
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 Compass Players, a group affiliated to the university, is credited with inventing the modern form of improvisational comedy. Mike Nichols, Jerry Stiller and Alan Alda are just some of the famous comedians who have cut their teeth here. Stand-up comedy is still very popular in the local clubs. Furthermore, the Uptown neighborhood is regarded as the birthplace of slam poetry and if you want more serious theater, you'll find it with institutions like the Joffrey Ballet.
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 visual arts have always found a welcoming home in the city too. For galleries showing contemporary art, head to the neighborhood known as River North. However, you don't need to visit a gallery or museum to see excellent works of art. Public art in Chicago include works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Claes Oldenburg and Anish Kapoor.
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.
A great introduction to Chicago culture when you visit is to take a cultural tour with a specific theme. For example, several operators offer architecture tours of the city where the skyscraper was invented. Local festivals are a good option too or simply check the local listings for all the cultural offerings in this vibrant city.
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 Compass Players, a group affiliated to the university, is credited with inventing the modern form of improvisational comedy. Mike Nichols, Jerry Stiller and Alan Alda are just some of the famous comedians who have cut their teeth here. Stand-up comedy is still very popular in the local clubs. Furthermore, the Uptown neighborhood is regarded as the birthplace of slam poetry and if you want more serious theater, you'll find it with institutions like the Joffrey Ballet.
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 visual arts have always found a welcoming home in the city too. For galleries showing contemporary art, head to the neighborhood known as River North. However, you don't need to visit a gallery or museum to see excellent works of art. Public art in Chicago include works by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Claes Oldenburg and Anish Kapoor.
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.
A great introduction to Chicago culture when you visit is to take a cultural tour with a specific theme. For example, several operators offer architecture tours of the city where the skyscraper was invented. Local festivals are a good option too or simply check the local listings for all the cultural offerings in this vibrant city.
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