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‘Glad’ tidings — Diana Krall’s latest CD a labor of love 40 years in the making

NEW YORK — Diana Krall says she felt reinvigorated making her latest CD, “Glad Rag Doll,” which gave her a chance to escape the comfort zone of Great American Songbook standards on which the singer-pianist has built her reputation. “It’s always exciting to do something …

The Mix — Cool Things to Do 04.26.13

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JOSH, BY GOSH

Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band on tour in support of the band’s new album “The Beast” performs at 8 p.m. April 27 at the Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield. Tickets are $29. Sea Wolf Solo Acoustic opens. Visit www.etix.com or www.jamusa.com …

What’s in a name? For Ivan & Alyosha, watch words are seasoned, sunny

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They’ve made me write the column of criticism and so life was made possible. —from “The Brothers Karamazov” First things first: The band name is Ivan & Alyosha, but it’s a quartet, not a duo. “It’s been a bit confusing,” says Tim Wilson, Ivan & …

C2E2 celebrates, Chicago-style

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Holy relocation, Batman! Nightwing (aka Dick Grayson, the original Robin) has left Gotham and is currently fighting crime in the Windy City.

“Dick’s just learned that Tony Zucco, the mobster who murdered his parents, is in fact very much alive and living under an alias …

Must-sees at C2E2

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Five other things not to miss at this year’s C2E2: ◆ “Game of Thornes” Q&A Panel. Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell) and James Cosmo (Jeor Mormont) will be taking all your questions about the hit HBO series from 4-5 p.m. April 28 in room W471. ◆ …

Sam Huntington set for C2E2 and fourth season of ‘Being Human’

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Syfy’s hit series “Being Human” has a premise that almost sounds like a joke: A werewolf, a vampire and a ghost all share a flat in Boston. The show, which just wrapped up its third season and has already been renewed for a fourth, is …

Cluchey, Beckett — unlikely collaborators forge friendship, stage works

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This is the story of an inquisitive prisoner and a legendary playwright who would become unlikely friends and collaborators.

San Quentin State Prison seems the last place one would expect the avant-garde plays of Samuel Beckett to be appreciated. But Rick Cluchey is living proof …

‘Super WHY!’ live show set for Chicago tour stop

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For years one of the most popular shows on PBS has been Angela Santomero’s Emmy-nominated, interactive, reading-centric “Super WHY!” On April 26, she and her sizeable team of animators, actors, costumers, lighting experts and musicians will bring her beloved interactive kids program to life at …

Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble turns up the heat with ecelectic mix

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The Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble (CALJE) presents an evening of Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin rhythms April 27 at North Central College’s Wentz Hall in Naperville.

CALJE was founded by Nicaraguan pianist/composer Darwin Noguera and Mexican trumpeter/composer Victor Garcia in 2006. CALJE can perform as a …

Euforquestra blends multiple genres into winning sound

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At first glance, the Colorado-based band Euforquestra may simply seem like a bunch of guys with a bunch of musical tastes who aren’t afraid to mix it up. But listen to the band’s self-described “high intensity global dance music” and it all gets a bit …

Psychological warfare runs deeps in blistering ‘Creditors’

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August Strindberg’s play, “The Creditors” — now in a tightly turned Remy Bummpo Theatre production — has little to do with money. Rather, it is about the always shifting currency of sexual power, particularly as it plays itself out in classic triangular form.

Adapted by …

Pope.L exhibit at Renaissance Society is a puzzling affair

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Talking to William Pope.L is fun but not easy, because the interdisciplinary artist jumps from thought to another, and sometimes answers questions with just a word or two or a seemingly kidding retort.

“When he reasons stuff out, there’s a kind of absurdist logic that …

The Guide — Theater Listings 04.26.13

OPENING BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS. Raven Theatre presents Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical story about growing up in Brooklyn in the years before World War II. Directed by Cody Estle. Previews April 30-May 4. Opens May 6. Thu-Sat, 7:30 pm; Sun, 3 pm. $22-$45. To June 29. Raven …

Flour & Stone pizzas lose something in the translation

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The website of the Chicago pizza joint Flour & Stone features the phrase “made with love in the Windy City.” I’m pretty sure love doesn’t have a flavor, and even if it did, I’m guessing it would taste nothing like the experience at Flour & …

Side Dishes 04.26.13

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Flour & Stone isn’t the only thin crust pizza game in town. Here are some other great Chicago thin crust pies: RENO, 2607 N. Milwaukee; (773) 697-4234; www.renochicago.com Vibe: Brick and rough woods, with tables built of knotty lumber and industrial black metal, this spot …

The Big Deals 04.26.13

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From upscale to low-cal, the Sun-Times’ “Big Deals” column brings readers the dish on food and drink specials that will not break the bank.

‘Big Fish’ bytes

Magnolia Bakery, 108 N. State. Applause for the bakery’s “Big Fish (vanilla or chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream …