The Rich Variety Of Chicago Culture

By Jerri Perry


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.

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.

The blues was a major theme of one of the most popular movies set in the Windy City, 'The Blues Brothers'. This film classic is just one of the many that show off Chicagoan life and architecture. The city has also been the setting for many a hit television show and it was here that Oprah Winfrey filmed the talk show that made her a household name around the world.

Theater is alive and well with renowned companies for ballet, opera and other performing arts. It was probably in the Uptown district that slam poetry was invented. A form of theater that definitely originated in the city is improvisational comedy, originally the brainchild of the Compass Players, who in those days had young up-and-coming comedians like Jerry Stiller, Alan Alda and Mike Nichols among their members.

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 city has always welcomed the visual arts. In fact, there is a program of public art that has made it possible for people to appreciate the work of great artists like Marc Chagall, Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Anish Kapoor and Claes Oldenburg simply by visiting the local squares and parks. There is a host of galleries too, especially in the River North area.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment