The Many Aspects Of Colorful Chicago Culture

By Jerri Perry


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.

Few cities have colored the American musical landscape quite the way that the Windy City has. It has been a leader in almost every genre of music, whether it's soul, jazz, indie rock, hip hop or house. Its particular style of blues has influenced artists like Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones. Even the city's symphony orchestra rates among one of the world's most renowned.

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.

If museums are your kind of attraction, you'll be spoiled for choice. There are art museums like Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Contemporary Photography and the National Museum of Mexican Art as well as architectural delights like the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. Natural history, science and history museums abound too and the city's diverse ethnic heritage is celebrated in museums like the Polish Museum of America, the Ukrainian National Museum, the National Hellenic Museum and the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian.

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.

There are many ways to explore and experience Chicago culture. For example, look in the local listings for offerings that may appeal to you. Festivals will also expose you to things you wouldn't otherwise have discovered. Another option is to go on a themed cultural tour, for instance a food or architecture tour.




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