By Cara Jepsen
The nation’s Pacifica affiliates were once the model of community radio, broadcasting shows by and for local people and providing a voice for the voiceless. In recent years, though, Pacifica has become more centralized and audience driven, and local shows have been dumped in favor of music and national programming. Indeed, more and more radio stations–even a certain public station here in Chicago–are producing less and less diverse local programming. Lynn Chadwick, president of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, has a pretty good handle on how community stations can maintain some degree of integrity in the face of financial pressure. She’ll speak at 3 today as part of a yearlong celebration of 50 years of student broadcasting at the University of Chicago. It takes place at Kent 107 at the northwest quad at the university, 5801 S. Ellis, and will be followed by a short reception. It’s free; call 702-8289.
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Neon, painted metal, and text come together in the animated neon art exhibit “Detamina,” which will feature sculptures by four artists, including work by Deborah “Sam” Bryer, whose portraits have titles like Off With Their Heads: Ten Men With Nothing to Say. An opening reception runs tonight from 5 to 9 at the August House Studio, 2113 W. Roscoe. It’s free; call 327-5644.
An art auction and party tonight will help defray the costs of local photographer Suzy B.’s battle with brain cancer. Tony Fitzpatrick, Tom Billings, Don Meckley, and Joyce Piven are among the artists whose work will be auctioned. It happens from 7 to midnight at the Cook County Theatre Department, 2255 S. Michigan. Admission is free; proceeds from the cash bar and auction go to Suzy. Call 842-8234 for more.
The Olympic torch relay that began in Los Angeles on April 27 is the largest and longest in Olympic history, incorporating 10,000 torchbearers who will pass the flame through 42 states and travel 15,000 miles. It’s not all running, though; the torch will arrive in Chicago today via train. Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, the Joffrey Ballet, and the Chicago Gospel Choir will entertain in Grant Park before the torch arrives at around 12:45, when there will be speeches by politicos and more performances. Then the torch will be run down to the University of Chicago. Events there start at 2:30 and include music by local school bands and a demonstration by the Jesse White Tumbling Team. Afterward the torch goes to Gary. It’s all free. 876-1808.
Women who worry about traveling alone can feel safe if they use common sense, according to Travelin’ Woman newsletter publisher Nancy Mills, who says women should stay in the best hotels, leave the family jewels at home, and yell “Fire” rather than “Help” when they’re in trouble in a foreign country. Mills will moderate tonight’s “Evening for Women Who Love to Travel (or At Least Fantasize About It).” Speakers include Annabel Marsh, who ran across the U.S. at age 61, filmmakers Carol Kimball and Corinne Whitney, wilderness guide Kathryn Levenson, and Oakbrook teen Geneve Hein, who’s the youngest person to reach the North Pole on foot. It’s from 7 to 9 at the Omni Chicago Hotel, 676 N. Michigan. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Call 800-871-6409.
