Erica Thompson

1 week ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Erica Thompson

Notable jazz singer and pianist Andy Bey may have been the baby of the family, but his older siblings looked up to him, marveling at his musicality. Two of his sisters, Geraldine de Haas and the late Salome Bey, even teamed up with the young talent, recording albums and touring as Andy and the Bey Sisters.

1 week ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Erica Thompson

There’s loving pickles and then there’s really loving pickles. Alyssa Rossolille belongs in the latter category, which is why she was one of approximately 5,000 who descended on Wrigleyville for Chicago Pickle Fest on Saturday. “I drink pickle juice out of the jar,” said Rossolille, 23, of Joliet, who is in her “pickle era,” according to the messaging on her shirt. “But I guess I’ve never expanded what I put pickles on.

2 weeks ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Erica Thompson

If you had to use one word to describe Allana Clarke’s art at EXPO Chicago last weekend, a fitting option would be “freedom.”Sure, one may consider the freedom of form in “A Rhythm Black & Sweet #9,” which features a sea of black hair-bonding glue spread over a linen panel. But the piece also represents a freedom from the burden of white beauty standards forced upon Black women, according to commentary from Clarke.

2 weeks ago | totalnews.com | Erica Thompson

US pride organizations are tackling a sharp decline in corporate sponsorship before Pride Month, urging many to seek other fundraising methods. Several major cities, including San Francisco, Washington, DC and St. Louis, have reported a significant shortage of funds for the 2025 Pride Event, According to Bloomberg. San Francisco’s pride is currently declining $200,000 after longtime sponsors such as Comcast, Anheuser-Busch, Diageo and Benefit Cosmetics withdraw their support.

2 weeks ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Erica Thompson

The Midwest Tulip Fest at Kuipers Family Farm is a toddler’s paradise. Several tots, not much taller than the long-stemmed flowers, were happily taking advantage of their proximity to the plants Saturday. Among the explorers was 2-year-old Evie Geem, of Vernon Hills, who was spotted among a row of dark pink beauties that nearly matched her outfit. “She loves it,” said her mother, Jennifer Chan, 41.