Easel does it: Art auction to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana

Picture this: An art gallery popping up overnight, a showcase of paintings, photos, sculptures, pottery and objets d'art.

Chefs go to bat for charity during Crosstown Classic

The Crosstown Classic is a rite of summer. As the Sox and Cubs square off at home, their major-league rivalry explodes likes Bill Veeck's scoreboard.

Parrotheads to flock to Navy Pier

Chicago's No. 1 tourist attraction is ready to welcome the ultimate tourist-trap restaurant.

Gary lands new movie on fight card

GARY | The city of Gary is going another round in the movie biz.

Bone up on pet first aid

When Roxy overeats, she goes whole hog.

CHICAGO SCENE: Local bands dominated Bluesfest lineup

The 28th Chicago Blues Festival opens today and runs through Sunday in Grant Park. The four stages are extra-light on headliners (Lonnie Brooks, Shemekia Copeland) and heavy on local faves (guitarist Carl Weathersby, boogie-woogie mama Katherine Davis, harp master Billy Branch). Factor in ta…

Holy cow! Belly up to these gut-busting specialties

A slab of steak. A killer cheeseburger. Chicken wings that sting the lips and numb the tongue. Nothing separates a cast-iron gut from a frail tum-tum like a food challenge.

Alligator Records spinning -- not singing -- the blues at 40

Back in 1971, a Delmark Records shipping clerk asked his boss to sign his favorite act, Hound Dog Taylor. When Bob Koester declined, the upstart struck out on his own.

CHICAGO SCENE: O, my! Relive Oprah's farewell

If you missed Oprah's teary May 25 finale, the talk-show queen has posted the entire transcript of the last "Oprah Winfrey Show" online at her website ( http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/The-Oprah-Winfrey-Show-Finale_1/1).

Deploy 'good' insects for garden pest control

Unleash Mother Nature's little helpers on your garden for natural pest control. Good-guy insects gobble bad-guy bugs like popcorn while others pollinate like pros.

CHICAGO SCENE: 'Christmas Story' musical comes to Chicago

The pink bunny suit. The triple-dog-dare. A boy's dream of a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.

Sweeten bill of fare to woo hummingbirds

A flash of scarlet, a blur of vibrating wings, a quick dart at a trumpet vine. The region's tiniest tourists are back for the season. Despite the wet spring, the first ruby-throated hummingbirds arrived on schedule May 6 in the Calumet area, avian expert Kenneth Brock said.

Artist Nancy Swan Drew draws from life, family

For Nancy Swan Drew, spring cleaning means polishing a new cartoon strip. The title: "Mama Pants." Daughter Maggie, 32, coined the term when Drew was bossing her.

South Shore Arts turns 75

The region's oldest arts cheerleader is alive and kicking at 75. Chalk up South Shore Arts' longevity to adaptability. The Munster-based nonprofit, the driving force behind art classes, exhibits and outreach programs in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties, remains a work in progress.

Trash fash talk

A bubblewrap cape. A slinky, linky, Lady Gaga-style gown of pop tabs. Ooooh, platform shoes made of green shag carpet. Feel free to brand these trashy fashions as wacky, theatrical or kitschy-cool. Just don't zip your lip at "The Trashion Show," bowing May 31 at the Indiana Welcome Center i…

CHICAGO SCENE: Chicago bags bodacious Bunny series

Break out your bunny ears, babies.

All aboard for largest railway garden in Region

Ethan Baruth raced through the train depot. He wasn't late, just eager. His destination: the new Railway Garden at Taltree Arboretum & Gardens in Valparaiso. "I like the water, and the waterfall is BIG," the blond 3-year-old hollered. "Wow!"

Letter carriers deliver food, hope to hungry

Patrick Rose's mail bag typically lightens during his Hobart route. Not so on Saturday, on Stamp Out Hunger Day.

CHICAGO SCENE: Fox busts 'Chicago Code' from fall lineup; no plea bargain

Fox has yanked "Chicago Code" from the TV lineup.

'Biggest Loser' mom a winner on Mother's Day

Both her daughters were out of state this Mother's Day weekend, but it was no biggie for "Biggest Loser" contestant Marci Crozier of Valparaiso. She used to be a workaholic, putting in 12-hour days, but life at home is more balanced now.

CHICAGO SCENE: Beals gives backup to Tibetan leader

If Fox renews "Chicago Code" for a second season, the cameras may have to wait.

Momtourage: Trio of comics deliver family-friendly laughs

All mothers are working mothers. Some just like working a room. Meet stand-up comics Nancy Witter, Karen Morgan and Sherry Davey, stars of "Mama's Night Out," coming Saturday to Governors State University. The funny ladies, teaming for a pre-Mother's Day show, can work it.

CHICAGO SCENE: Director Robert Townsend still keeping the faith

Actor-filmmaker Robert Townsend famously maxed out his credit cards to finance his satire "Hollywood Shuffle" (1987). But the Chicago native credits his success to God.

The lowdown on high tea in time for William-Kate wedding

Raise your teacup to Prince William and Kate Middleton in honor of the royal wedding Friday.

The lowdown on high tea in time for William-Kate wedding

Raise your teacup to Prince William and Kate Middleton in honor of the royal wedding Friday.

Easter crunch is on at candy stores

Chocolate rabbits. Marshmallow chicks. Jelly beans. Easter, the most solemn day on the Christian calendar, ranks as a top candy-powered holiday. More than 80 percent of parents predict the Easter Bunny will deliver brimming baskets Sunday to their children, according to the National Confecti…

CHICAGO SCENE: Robert Townsend hits hometown for 'Heartbeats'

A Hollywood icon will greet fans and reminisce about a favorite film tonight in his old 'hood.

Jews in region mark Passover with robust tradition of Seder meal

When Passover begins at sundown tonight, ancient Hebrew ways meet modern days.

Adam Sandler, high art, and a Hawks update

Don't worry, kid, if you look like a young Adam Sandler. Adolescence is hard for everyone.

Languid jellies get their due at Shedd Aquarium

Jellyfish go with the flow. The born drifters take the spotlight in "Jellies," opening today at the Shedd. The temporary exhibit stars about a dozen species of live jellies, undulating in saltwater habitats while videos and interactive kiosks detail their odd natural history.

Severe storms could lash region Sunday

Break out the sunscreen — and umbrellas.

Chicago cat troupe purr-forms live Sunday

Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.

CHICAGO SCENE: Sheen machine reboots in Chicago, more changes in store

You didn't ask, but we'll update you, anyway.

A royal production: `P' is for princess, pea and punchlines

Hear ye, hear ye!

CHICAGO SCENE: Queasy does it in 'God of Carnage'

Nothing bridges a gulf like the human experience. We identify with universals like birth, love and loss.

Thomas the Tank Engine steams into Star Plaza

Get stoked, preschoolers. Thomas the Tank Engine's whistle-stop tour includes two shows March 31 at the Star Plaza Theatre. Yes, the cheeky little engine will be there in person (so to speak) in "Thomas Saves the Day."

CHICAGO SCENE: A 'Glee'-ful gala for Goodman

We know him as Will Schuester, the underdog teacher set on shaping misfit teens into a champion show choir in Fox's "Glee."

The dead teach life lessons in new 'Body Worlds' exhibit

These dead are in the prime of afterlife. For Dr. Angelina Whalley, the "Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life" exhibit -- bowing today at the Museum of Science and Industry -- embodies the mission of the Institute for Plastination in Heidelberg.

Porridge is hot stuff in Ireland again

Porridge is hot in Ireland.

Porridge is hot stuff in Ireland again

Porridge is hot in Ireland. Piping hot, with a dollop of cream, pinch of cinnamon, or drizzle of honey. Mmmm, add strawberries for sweetness. Or chopped apples for crunch.

Beecher man's model railroad models his past

For Gordon "Bud" Ellinghausen, it's a joy, making tracks to his 1880s barn in rural Beecher. The retired developer climbs the wooden steps to the loft and steps into a self-engineered wonderland. Trains whistle, crossing gates rise and lights blink on his fantasy model railroad.

It's easy being green on parade weekend

Arrive early to stake your place Saturday for Chicago's 56th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.

'Hair' piece of theater, American history

Here comes "Hair" in the flesh. The national tour of the iconic '60s musical grooves Tuesday into Chicago for a two-week love-in.

Outage hits Lake Station and Hobart, but power restored

A power failure left Hobart and Lake Station briefly in the dark on Saturday.

Local tot makes TV debut in `Chicago Code'

A Munster kindergartner makes her TV debut Monday as Jennifer Beals' niece on Fox's crime series "Chicago Code." The show airs at 8 p.m. Central Time.

Hey, sport! Big flower show batting 1,000

Play ball! No, we're not talking about spring training, but the Chicago Flower & Garden Show at Navy Pier.

Add vintage jewelry for instant va-va-va-voom

Indulge your inner Betty Draper. True, "Mad Men" costume designer Janie Bryant has launched '60s-inspired lines. But authentic clip earrings, pearl chokers and charm bracelets can be salvaged cheaply from Grandma's dresser, resale shops and antique fairs.

Hoosier lawyer cultivates friends, economy on West Africa isle

When Matthew Kubal passed the Indiana State Bar in 2010, he hung his shingle in Indianapolis.

Add vintage jewelry for instant va-va-va-voom

Indulge your inner Betty Draper. True, "Mad Men" costume designer Janie Bryant has launched '60s-inspired lines. But authentic clip earrings, pearl chokers and charm bracelets can be salvaged cheaply from Grandma's dresser, resale shops and antique fairs.