Every April 30 for the past six years, some of the world's finest jazz musicians have gathered from around the globe to make music together in celebration of International Jazz Day. Meet some of the performers from last year's concert in Havana, which will be broadcast April 27.
Playlist Culture
Culture
12 Iconic Works of Chicago Literature
When the rest of the world thinks of Chicago, it's often in terms borrowed from literature: "Hog Butcher for the World," a city of slaughterhouses, a gritty, working-class town. What are some of the most iconic literary depictions of the city?
From the Archive: Alice Walker
The Great American Read's list of America's 100 most-loved books has been revealed, and it includes Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 The Color Purple. Revisit a 2013 interview with Walker on Chicago Tonight. "I go where my heart says I need to be," she says.
NPR Icon Carl Kasell Dies
Carl Kasell, the beloved NPR newscaster and judge and scorekeeper of the news quiz show Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! died yesterday at age 84. Remember the radio icon with WTTW archival videos: an extended interview, and a behind the scenes look at Wait Wait.
The Story of Humanity Through the Story of Art
The new nine-part series Civilizations surveys the global history of art through a multiplicity of voices. “There is this common bond in humanity, which is the urge to create," says the executive producer. "Art, in a way, is what defines us as humans."
What to Stream this Month
In honor of Earth Day on April 22, learn about the imperiled natural world through Nature, NOVA, and other specials about endangered species, climate change, and alternative energy. Plus, watch a monumental new series on the history of art at your own pace.
What to Watch in April
This month, enjoy a mouth-watering new cooking show from WTTW featuring some of Chicago's top chefs; an expansive survey of humanity's astounding artistic achievements; profiles of titans of politics and science; and discover what makes cities tick.
The Classical Architects Who Build Social Housing
"You cannot show with the architecture that you are poor and you cannot show that you are rich." That is what architects Marc and Nada Breitman believe. Explore their socially minded works in photos and video with Geoffrey Baer.
What to Stream This Month
Celebrate Women's History Month with stories of women forgotten or restricted by history like the six wives of Henry VIII, a trailblazing television pioneer, and a popular, binge-worthy discontinued series about women on the home front.
From the Archive: Toni Morrison
In 1977, Toni Morrison spoke to WTTW's John Callaway about empathy, the importance of storytelling, and her deep love of writing in an extraordinary interview. Watch the Nobel Prize-winning novelist speak honestly early in her career.
How a Chicago Genre of Music Inspired One of The Biggest Bands in the World
Without the Chicago blues of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Willie Dixon, promulgated through Chess Records, the Rolling Stones might not exist.
The Gentle Wisdom of Mister Rogers: 7 of His Most Neighborly Quotes
"You've made this day a special day, by just your being you. There's no person in the whole world like you. And I like you just the way you are."
The Chicago Mural Created by a Famous Artist and Hundreds of Students
In 1989, Keith Haring painted hundreds of his iconic figures on a 488-foot stretch of wall in Grant Park. Hundreds of students then filled them in however they liked. Watch a WTTW documentary about this unique project, now partially on display at the Cultural Center.
Neighborhood Knowledge: How Well Do You Know Mister Rogers?
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood made its national debut 50 years ago - how much do you know about the beloved show and its extraordinary host?
What to Watch in March
This month, there's a tribute to one of the most beloved figures in children's television of all time, a unique concert by The Rolling Stones, a profile of an influential but underappreciated activist, and a slew of British shows, both long-time favorites and new series.
