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.
Music is just one aspect. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is world renowned but the city's real claim to fame is the way that its musicians have perfected popular music. House music was invented here and jazz, soul, hip hop and indie rock artists hailing from this part of Illinois have influenced the musical landscape of the entire world. For example, rock legends like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton would have had a completely different sound if they hadn't listened to and loved Chicago blues.
The local style of blues has not only given its name to a homegrown sports team but became the theme of the hit movie that really put the city on the map. 'The Blues Brothers'is often called a kind of love letter to the Windy City. Various popular TV shows were set here too and Oprah Winfrey's studio audiences had to come to Illinois for recordings rather than go to California.
The more traditional theatrical pursuits are also thriving in the largest city in Illinois. There are renowned opera, ballet and theater companies that are based here. Slam poetry may have originated in the Uptown neighborhood and the local university was the birthplace of improvisational comedy through the Compass Players, whose past members include stars like Mike Nichols, Alan Alda and Jerry Stiller.
Museum lovers will have so many to choose from that they won't know where to start. There are art, history and science museums as well as museums dedicated to things as diverse as money and surgery. The different ethnic communities that have contributed to the unique Chicagoan character have museums about their heritage too. Individuals who have lived here sometimes also have museums about their lives, such as the studio and home of Frank Lloyd Wright, the legendary architect.
The city has a rich tradition of fine art and photography. River North is a neighborhood with many galleries where you may view and invest in contemporary art. There is a huge collection of public art in the streets, parks and squares, with Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Anish Kapoor and Claes Oldenburg just some of the legendary artists whose works are displayed for the public to appreciate.
Chicagoan cuisine is legendary. This was after all the city that gave the world the deep-dish pizza. You haven't had a hot dog until you've had it the way it's served here and everything from cheeseburgers to tamales have a unique Chicagoan flavor. The different ethnic neighborhoods offer a variety of eateries and you'll also find plenty of gourmet restaurants.
When you visit the Windy City, a cultural tour is a good way to find out more about life here. If you can visit during a festival, you'll also get a good idea of what the city is all about. However, the best way to experience Chicago culture is to walk around, visit the clubs and museums and other cultural institutions and let yourself be enchanted.
Music is just one aspect. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is world renowned but the city's real claim to fame is the way that its musicians have perfected popular music. House music was invented here and jazz, soul, hip hop and indie rock artists hailing from this part of Illinois have influenced the musical landscape of the entire world. For example, rock legends like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton would have had a completely different sound if they hadn't listened to and loved Chicago blues.
The local style of blues has not only given its name to a homegrown sports team but became the theme of the hit movie that really put the city on the map. 'The Blues Brothers'is often called a kind of love letter to the Windy City. Various popular TV shows were set here too and Oprah Winfrey's studio audiences had to come to Illinois for recordings rather than go to California.
The more traditional theatrical pursuits are also thriving in the largest city in Illinois. There are renowned opera, ballet and theater companies that are based here. Slam poetry may have originated in the Uptown neighborhood and the local university was the birthplace of improvisational comedy through the Compass Players, whose past members include stars like Mike Nichols, Alan Alda and Jerry Stiller.
Museum lovers will have so many to choose from that they won't know where to start. There are art, history and science museums as well as museums dedicated to things as diverse as money and surgery. The different ethnic communities that have contributed to the unique Chicagoan character have museums about their heritage too. Individuals who have lived here sometimes also have museums about their lives, such as the studio and home of Frank Lloyd Wright, the legendary architect.
The city has a rich tradition of fine art and photography. River North is a neighborhood with many galleries where you may view and invest in contemporary art. There is a huge collection of public art in the streets, parks and squares, with Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Anish Kapoor and Claes Oldenburg just some of the legendary artists whose works are displayed for the public to appreciate.
Chicagoan cuisine is legendary. This was after all the city that gave the world the deep-dish pizza. You haven't had a hot dog until you've had it the way it's served here and everything from cheeseburgers to tamales have a unique Chicagoan flavor. The different ethnic neighborhoods offer a variety of eateries and you'll also find plenty of gourmet restaurants.
When you visit the Windy City, a cultural tour is a good way to find out more about life here. If you can visit during a festival, you'll also get a good idea of what the city is all about. However, the best way to experience Chicago culture is to walk around, visit the clubs and museums and other cultural institutions and let yourself be enchanted.
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