Arts Across Illinois
In honor of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, this new episode of the arts newsmagazine Arts Across Illinois highlights creative responses to the life and legacy of our 16th president. Host Phil Ponce explores art in the Land of Lincoln, presenting segments on the Lincoln Trio; painter Don Pollack's exhibition The Lincoln Project; The Ravinia Festival's new musical tributes by Ramsey Lewis and Elbio Barilari; and the literary journal/public radio program Quiddity.
LOOKING FOR LINCOLN
Following in the footsteps of our 16th president, the Lincoln Trio is traveling to Illinois towns associated with Lincoln's life.
Performances include new works composed in his honor along with classics by Brahms and Mendelssohn, Lincoln's contemporaries.
LINCOLN ON DISPLAY
Due to his bicentennial, Honest Abe is the biggest museum attraction of 2009. Arts Across Illinois visits the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield and talks with painter Don Pollack about his exhibition, The Lincoln Project.
The Lincoln Project can be seen at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago through July 31, 2009. Monday-Saturday noon- 4 p.m.; Tuesdays, Thursdays until 7 p.m. Public viewing during July by appointment only with 24-hours notice. Call Art Curator: (312) 435-5942, [email protected]. Business casual attire (no jeans please).
MUSIC & MYTH
The Ravinia Festival commissioned two musical visionaries to create their own interpretations of the Lincoln legend. Jazz great Ramsey Lewis and Chicago composer Elbio Barilari give Arts Across Illinois the score on their musical masterpieces.
BETTER ANGELS OF OUR NATURE
Lincoln loved language. That's no surprise to those familiar with his eloquent speeches, but how many realize Lincoln was a poet? Quiddity, a literary journal and public radio program based out of Springfield, asked writers to pay tribute to the president and poet whose words still stir our souls.
