Hello, Block Clubbers,

Executive Editor and co-founder Jen Sabella here, filling in for Arts & Culture Editor Gwen Ihnat.

Have you ever been to the opera? Up until a few years ago, I hadn't stepped through the doors of the Lyric despite living here my entire life. At the time, I saw the iconic opera house's stage coated in blood for a production of "Elektra," which was stunning and spooky and incredibly cool. 

I’ve been meaning to return and now will fight with the rest of you for tickets to upcoming shows, including Billy Corgan’s reimagining of “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,” an album I cherished as a tween (I wrote lyrics from the album in Sharpie all over the door and windowsills of my childhood bedroom, much to the dismay of my parents and the home’s future owners). Leen Yassine has more on the Lyric’s outstanding 2025-2026 lineup.

As a Beverly resident, I'd be remiss not to mention St. Patrick's Day is upon us. If you missed our guide to one of the city's favorite holidays last week, check it out here.

Do you have an arts story you'd like us to tackle? Hit "reply" and let us know. 

Have a great rest of the week, and thanks for reading, 

Jen Sabella
Executive Editor + Co-founder

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Billy Corgan, avery r. young To Debut Shows At Lyric Opera This Season

The Lyric's 2025-26 season includes new shows by Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan and Chicago Poet Laureate avery r. young.

When We're Not Reporting, Here's What We're Checking Out

💃 Executive Editor + co-founder Jen Sabella finally got to see "The Grelley Duvall Show V" Saturday at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., and it was everything she needed. The show's been extended through Sunday, so if you are looking for incredible singing, dancing, comedy and one very impressive merkin, look no further. Get tickets now and thank us later. 

📸 Director of Photography Colin Boyle and his girlfriend, Anjali, continued their tradition of having their portrait made in tintype form by Woodlawn interdisciplinary artist Max Li on Sunday. Li uses Victorian-era cameras and photographic technology to create beautiful, tangible and timeless images, which he creates in the First Presbyterian Church. Li is also the Art Director at the church's arts program and at Big House Studio.

🖼️ Arts Coordinator Leen Yassine was deeply touched by Bethlehem-born, Chicago-based artist Mary Hazboun's work this weekend. Her black-and-white illustrations featuring contorted, one-eyed feminine figures are on display through April at Albany Park bar Nighthawk, 4744 N. Kimball Ave. After an opening reception on International Women's Day, Leen and a friend headed over to Chim Thai for a slew of amazing eats, including miso soup, crab rangoon and noodle dishes. 

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