Archive for January 2013

The Lowdown on Cable Cars in Chicago (Nary a One Since 1906)

The Lowdown on Cable Cars in Chicago (Nary a One Since 1906)
I haven’t thought about cable cars or trolleys or streetcars or anything like that since I last road a streetcar in 1958.  I didn’t even know I hadn’t ridden a streetcar since 1958 until popular South Loop writer Greg Borzo gave a talk at the Harold Washington Library last week about his new book, “Chicago... Read more »
By Bonnie McGrath,
January 27, 2013 at 12:44 pm • 

Rahm and CPS say NO and the South Loop is mad

Rahm and CPS say NO and the South Loop is mad
My neighbors in the South Loop are mad at Rahm and mad at Chicago Public Schools.  They want a neighborhood high school to call their own–and they thought they had picked out a perfect spot.  But Rahm and CPS just turned them down.  And I think I may be responsible for what’s getting the South... Read more »
By Bonnie McGrath,
January 24, 2013 at 4:03 pm • 

The Inauguration From Printers Row

The Inauguration From Printers Row
Just about now, all the Champagne I drank this morning and early afternoon is wearing off.  But there was a lot to be happy about and toast at my friend’s place on Printers Row today, Inauguration Day.  She invited all her girlfriends and their friends to her Second Official Barack Obama Inauguration party at Dearborn... Read more »
By Bonnie McGrath,
January 21, 2013 at 11:56 pm • 
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Little Tiny Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Little Tiny Chicago Symphony Orchestra
One hundred years ago today the Chicago Symphony Orchestra had dinner in the South Loop.  Only three members out of the 90-plus were unable to make it. Last night, about 30 of us recreated the South Loop soiree–including a smattering of 1913 CSO members’ descendants.  We did it a night early so as not to... Read more »
By Bonnie McGrath,
January 17, 2013 at 12:58 pm • 

The Boat Show in the South Loop

The Boat Show in the South Loop
Everyone knows the Car Show at McCormick Place is a South Loop event.  But no one ever seems to talk about the Boat Show in the same place, just a few weeks before.  Why that is I can’t figure out–because the South Loop contains and relates to and interacts with some of the best boat... Read more »
By Bonnie McGrath,
January 14, 2013 at 11:07 am • 

Brain Waves Make Music at the Cultural Center

Brain Waves Make Music at the Cultural Center
Chicago Symphony Orchestra cellist and South Loop resident Katinka Kleijn made what some think of as beautiful music tonight.  She played her cello (which she often carries in a big white case on her back around the neighborhood) at the Chicago Cultural Center.  But the music she made was really coming from her brain. It’s... Read more »
By Bonnie McGrath,
January 13, 2013 at 11:38 pm • 
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The South Loop Needs a Bowling Alley

The South Loop Needs a Bowling Alley
A while back, I said the South Loop needed a horse stable to make it a world-class neighborhood.  But I’ve changed my mind.  What we need is a good bowlng alley. No, I don’t mean one of those new-fangled ones with dim lighting and fancy food like the one at Marina City or the one... Read more »
By Bonnie McGrath,
January 10, 2013 at 11:07 am • 

Some Pix of PianoForte's New Raw Space

Here are some pictures taken by PianoForte Foundation board member Bruce Oltman of the new raw PianoForte space on South Michigan Avenue in the heart of the South Loop.  If you read my post about the party held there recently to show off the new digs, take a look!
By Bonnie McGrath,
January 8, 2013 at 6:52 pm • 

No Heat; No Water; No Pianos

No Heat; No Water; No Pianos
All 12,000 square feet were there for perusing when famous piano seller PianoForte held a party in its new home at 1335 S. Michigan in the South Loop week before last.  Trouble was, it wasn’t well-lit and there was no heat.  And you were at great peril if you drank all the Prosecco you wanted–and there was a  lot–because... Read more »
By Bonnie McGrath,
January 8, 2013 at 1:45 pm • 
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My New Neighbor: The Bedding Experts

My New Neighbor: The Bedding Experts
It’s been a few weeks since The Bedding Experts moved in across the street from my house at the busy intersection of Roosevelt and State.  I had hoped for a yogurt store, a small cafe, a nifty boutique.  Instead, I got The Bedding Experts.  I don’t need a new bed so the only interest I... Read more »
By Bonnie McGrath,
January 6, 2013 at 12:43 pm •