The Arts Section

The Arts Section spotlights creative people, events and ideas. Every week, WDCB's Gary Zidek shines a light on arts and culture in the Chicago area. The mission is to focus on stories within the arts community that aren't being told, with additional commentary and discussions on literature, music, film, food, special events and anything else creative.

The Arts Section is a arts podcast hosted by WDCB's Gary Zidek, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

WDCB's Gary Zidek hosts The Arts Section, a arts show with 100 episodes published.

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  The Arts Section

  The Arts Section 09/27/26: What Impact Is AI Having On Artist Compensation + New Season of Chicago Stories

  Sep 27, 2026—

  AI's Impact on Artist Compensation + New Chicago Stories Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with a professor who specializes in copyright law to talk about AI’s impact on the arts and what the future might look like. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new play that imagines what Tennessee Williams and Marlon Brando’s first meeting might’ve been like. And Gary previews the upcoming season of WTTW’s Chicago Stories, which will feature episodes on the 1893 World’s Fair and the city’s history as a toy development hub.

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  The Arts Section

  The Arts Section 09/20/26: Jazz-Flavored Shakespeare + Joshua Redman Interview

  Sep 21, 2026—

  Jazz-Flavored Shakespeare + Joshua Redman Interview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a new musical that mashes up Shakespeare’s words and Duke Ellington’s music. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to review the super natural play WITCH. Later in the show, WDCB’s Leslie Kerros chats with renowned saxophonist Joshua Redman ahead of his performance at the Hyde Park Jazz Fest. And Gary visits the American Writers Museum to check out an exhibit that explores the cross-over of religion into popular writing.

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  The Arts Section

  The Arts Section 09/13/26: Orchestral & Jazz Music Mix In Ambitious Ballet, New Flag Exhibit Opens + Adolescent Salvation Review

  Sep 13, 2026—

  Ambitious New Ballet Opens In Chicago + Adolescent Salvation Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews an exciting ballet program making its Chicago premiere. The rarely presented LILIOM features a full orchestra and jazz band. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new play titled ADOLESCENT SALVATION. Later in the show, Gary visits Lillstreet Art Center’s new rooftop installation that celebrates the 19th amendment and civics in general. And Gary revisits his interview with music photographer Paul Natkin.

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  The Arts Section

  The Arts Section 09/06/26: Joe Swanberg Interview + Fall Theater Preview

  Sep 6, 2026—

  Filmmaker Joe Swanberg Interview + Fall Theater Preview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned Chicago-based filmmaker Joe Swanberg to talk about his new movie, THE SUN NEVER SETS. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to preview the fall theater season, what productions are they most looking forward to? And later in the show, influencers what are they good for? Gary talks to the author a book that looks at the rise of influencer culture.

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  The Arts Section

  The Arts Section 08/30/26: Eddie Muller Brings Noir City to Chicago + Mandala's Jazz Programming

  Aug 30, 2026—

  Eddie Muller Brings Noir City to Chicago + Mandala's Jazz Programming Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Turner Classic Movies host and Noir expert Eddie Muller to talk about this year’s music-themed Noir City Festival. Theater critics Jonathan Abarbanel and Emily Werner join Gary to talk about a new sci-fi play titled ADVANCE MAN. Later in the show, Gary puts a spotlight on the South Asian arts organization Mandala. And we’ll hear about a Route 66 tour through Chicago.

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