Dave Hoekstra

1 month ago | blockclubchicago.org | Dave Hoekstra

WICKER PARK — Anatol Josepho invented the first fully automated, coin-operated photo booth in 1925. It debuted in New York City’s Times Square. A century later, with the world in flux, younger generations are again seeking respite in vintage photo booths and other pursuits with a human touch, like vinyl records and board games. A rare analog photo booth from the 1960s debuts this weekend at the grand opening of Vintage House Chicago, 1433 N. Milwaukee Ave.

1 month ago | newcity.com | Dave Hoekstra

We were lost in the weeds of pre-teen suburbia, looking for any connection to the real Chicago. The cul-de-sac in front of our ranch house became a repetitive metaphor. How many times could we eat steakburgers at Cock Robin? So we played the All-Star Baseball board game in our basements. We picked teams of major league all-stars. Game players would spin a tiny metal arrow over a disc to see if the all-star hit a home run or made an out.

1 month ago | resto.newcity.com | Dave Hoekstra

A lucky midnight star brought new light to West Humboldt Park in the summer of 2006 when Alex Huebner and Lynne Marrs opened Weegee’s Lounge, 3659 W. Armitage, a fine tavern named after New York’s ace tabloid photographer Arthur Fellig, aka Weegee (1899-1968). Weegee found delight in photographing crime scenes, young immigrants, and stray dogs. He would have enjoyed West Humboldt Park. It was the first swing for Huebner and Marrs as bar owners.

2 months ago | davehoekstra.com | Dave Hoekstra

Now Reading Gene Barge: The Sound of a Dream (1926-2025) 24 24 In these times it is important to know the strength of one voice: a clarion of dignity, grace, and conviction. When delivered on note it becomes a sound that can move others forward. That was the sound of Chicago musician Gene Barge. Barge died Sunday of natural causes at his home in the  Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago.

Jan 15, 2025 | blockclubchicago.org | Dave Hoekstra

CHICAGO — The beloved Chicago singer-songwriter Steve Goodman recorded his final album “Santa Ana Winds” in 1984. They are the same winds that spread the Los Angeles wild fires that killed at least 25 people this week and destroyed thousands of homes. Two of those homes belonged to Goodman’s daughters, and they now fear some of their father’s prized keepsakes — including guitars and the original handwritten lyrics to his legendary hit “City of New Orleans” — were lost to the fires.