Vickie Snow Jurkowski

Jurkowski: Upcoming concerts include Billy Idol, Willie Nelson, Tony Bennett

May 22, 2019 at 5:02 a.m.

Depending on your music tastes, your concertgoing budget might be put to the test with the Southland scene revving up indoors and out. Billy Idol, Tony Bennett and Aaron Lewis...

Comedy, booze and bowling: 12 ideas to help plan New Year’s Eve fun

May 22, 2019 at 4:40 a.m.

Ready to make New Year’s Eve plans already? How about a party inside a state museum, distillery or French bistro with hotel beds steps away? Maybe take the family bowling...

A rainbow appears as Meshuggah takes the stage at the first Chicago Open Air Festival in 2016. The band returns this May to perform during a downsized festival. Bridgeview.

Jurkowski: Tickets on sale for downsized Chicago Open Air

May 22, 2019 at 4:37 a.m.

The bands System of a Down and Tool will headline here May 2019 at the resurrected and downsized Chicago Open Air, the hard rock/heavy metal festival that debuted in 2016...

Gelsosomo’s is famous with locals for its pizza, meatballs and generous philanthropy

May 22, 2019 at 4:37 a.m.

Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria has 11 locations, mostly in Indiana. The first one to open in Illinois is a bit of an oasis unto itself. “Most people out here don’t realize we...

Northwoods owner: ‘We provide great food and a level of hospitality usually reserved for a vacation’

May 22, 2019 at 4:33 a.m.

You don’t have to drive to Wisconsin for walleye, perch, pot roast and other comfort foods served in a cozy cabin. But you do need to make your way to...

Help fight cancer at WeishFest, shop for poinsettias in Joliet and more things to do Dec. 1-8

May 22, 2019 at 4:31 a.m.

Looking for something to do? Here are five ideas. Check out drummer Jason Bonham in concert at the Rialto Square Theatre or country singer Easton Corbin with local bands at...

Holiday concerts set to fill the Southland with music

May 22, 2019 at 4:31 a.m.

Ah, the power of music. De-stress from holiday hustle and bustle and sit back to soak in the spirit with a holiday concert or two, or three. Here are some...

Ian Steel, 10, of Chicago, plays his newfound favorite machine "Big Ben" as his brother, Thomas Steel, 15, enjoyed the gaming, too, on a recent Sunday at Chicago Street Pinball Arcade in Joliet. Made in 1975, the electro-mechanical "Big Ben" is the oldest machine there.

New fans heed call of the metal ball, flip for pinball

May 22, 2019 at 4:28 a.m.

As Dirty Harry dryly says “That’s a pretty big gun,” while nearby a feisty project manager named Red shouts “Friday! Quittin’ time!” Red’s head worker Ted rejoices “Put on your...

Diamond’s in Lockport back by popular demand, with a food, family focus

May 22, 2019 at 4:28 a.m.

When one Diamond closes, another Diamond opens in Lockport. The new female-helmed Diamond’s Restaurant and Bar puts food and family first. The pool tables of its predecessor to the west,...

Towns ready to light it up for the holidays

May 22, 2019 at 4:28 a.m.

Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer and elves, and Madrigal singers and carolers will be coming to a town near you for tree lighting ceremonies, parades and more. Community holiday celebrations...

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