Leonard Riggio, the founder of Barnes & Noble, has passed away at the age of 83. Under the leadership of Riggio, Barnes & Noble became a bookstore giant, one that expanded across the country and outlasted competitors like Borders. While initially criticized for putting mom & pop retailers out of business, in recent years, Barnes & Noble has been looked at as a savior of brick-and-mortar retailers in the fight against Amazon and e-commerce.
Pour one out for a legend. You will be missed.
The 2023 interview with Josh:
After a long and tumultuous journey that ended with Riot Fest ending up back at Douglass Park, Riot Fest has secured venues across the city for a series of Aftershows that were announced yesterday. Notable shows include Sum 41’s final club gig in Chicago, The Lemonheads (who are not on the Riot Fest lineup) playing a late-night show at House of Blues, and Manchester Orchestra at House of Blues on Sunday night.
Another great shows include Spiritual Cramp at Cobra Lounge, St. Vincent at Metro, and New Found Glory and Chicago’s own Sincere Engineer at The Salt Shed.
Legendary talk show host Phil Donahue passed away yesterday at the age of 88.
Donahue, once a king of the daytime talk show format, was remembered by peers and press alike for his groundbreaking interview format and topics that were covered.
Donahue’s best work came while investigating Vince McMahon’s drug and sex-ring scandal in the early 90’s.
He passed away after long illness in his home in Manhattan.
You guys, it’s happening.
The Bears actually have a quarterback – a GOOD quarterback. It seemed like it would never happen. It seemed like all hope was lost. It’s not that long ago that Mitchell Trubisky was our starting quarterback. Caleb Williams, in his second preseason start, proved that this time, things will be different.
You guys, I think we’re going to win a Super Bowl.
Creed at Tinley Park (Friday)
Creed is SOLD OUT at Tinley Park this Friday. For the first time in 12 years, the iconic rock band is back in the Chicagoland area. We can’t wait to have Creed back in the Chicagoland area.
Ultimate Fakebook at Cobra (Saturday)
Legendary alt-rock veterans Ultimate Fakebook return this weekend to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the “This Will Be Laughing Week”. Tickets to this show can be purchased here.
The Struts at The Riv (Saturday)
We can’t wait to see The Struts on Saturday! The Struts have the reputation for being one of the best live bands in the world, and we can’t wait to see them live up to that expectation on Saturday.
Avett Brothers at Alpine Valley (Sunday)
Fingers crossed to those going, we hope it doesn’t storm on you.
Imagine Dragons at Tinley Park (Sunday)
Imagine Dragons return to Tinley Park for the first time in two years. Once again, this show will be an absolute zoo. If you see us there, say “Ahoy”!
Fan Expo (Friday-Sunday)
Chicago’s longest-running fan convention returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont to celebrate pop culture with a lineup of celebrities, voice actors, comic creators and more. Guest highlights this year include Mark Hamill, Hayden Christensen, William Shatner and Marisa Tomei. Show up to shop the floor, meet a celeb or simply admire all the creative costumes that attendees show up in.
Sangria Festival in Humboldt Park (Saturday, Sunday)
Humboldt Park transforms into an outdoor tapas bar during this boozy bash, which pairs bites from local restaurants with pitchers of red wine and chopped fruit. Lay our a blanket to sip sangria on the lawn, put color on a canvas at the festival’s painting station or watch live salsa and Brazilian dance music.
In a shocking announcement yesterday, Riot Fest announced that they are headed back to Douglass Park in 2024. The festival will remain September 20-22, but instead of going to SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, they’ll be returning to Douglass Park, the venue that has housed Riot Fest since 2015.
In a statement yesterday said,
Driven by the overwhelming support of the City of Chicago and our fans, we’re excited to announce that we are coming back home to Chicago and Douglass Park.
If there was no Chicago, there’d be no Riot Fest.
As we continue to build a long-term partnership with the City of Chicago, we remain focused on our shared vision of stability and growth in the neighborhood we call home. We deeply appreciate the support from Mayor Johnson, Alderwoman Scott, the Chicago Park District, and The North Lawndale and Little Village communities.
We’re not just coming home–we’re coming back stronger, with an even greater purpose and doubling down on our commitment to Chicago, our fans, and our community. Riot Fest was born and bred here; it’s where we belong.
Details regarding changes to shuttling, parking, and ticketing are below, with more information to come in the coming weeks as we shore up our plans to make this year’s Riot Fest our best ever.
Thanks for being awesome. We love you.
Riot Mike, the founder of Riot Fest, will join Brian & Kenzie tomorrow morning at 7:50 to discuss the change.
