Entertainment Archives

Chicago Filmmaker Dwayne Johnson-Cochran on New Movie, ‘Heist 88’

Arika Linton, Contributing Writer - October 13, 2023

And just like that, Chicago is up 200 points in the new film "Heist 88," written and executively produced by Chicago native Dwayne Johnson-Cochran....

Young Chicago Filmmakers Showcase Their Work, Saturday at Chatham Theater

Site Editor - October 13, 2023

This past summer, young filmmakers, ages 14 to 24, participated in a script competition where they were able to direct a short film. Now,...

Laini Fluellen Charities’ Pink Tie Affair Celebrates 12 Years

Site Editor - October 8, 2023

Fundraiser Strives to Raise Record-Breaking Funds in the Fight Against Triple Negative Breast Cancer Laini Fluellen Charities, along with Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, will...

Mark, Ashley Tutson and Karlton Humes Team Up for Chicago Comedy Special

Arika Linton, Contributing Writer - October 7, 2023

Chicago natives Mark and Ashley Tutson are a talented husband and wife duo, bringing their first opportunity home to the city. The Tutsons are...

Erica Campbell’s Album, ‘I Love You,’ is a Light of Hope in Troubled Times

Special Contributor - October 6, 2023

By Nicole Jeanine Johnson Award-winning singer and songwriter Erica Campbell has released her third studio album, "I Love You." This album is an open invitation...

Roger Guenveur Smith Brings Otto Frank’s Story to Life in Chicago Solo Show

Tacuma Roeback, Managing Editor - October 5, 2023

There is a really solid chance you've seen Roger Guenveur Smith in a film, especially a Spike Lee joint. For more than three decades, Guenveur...

Tank and The Bangas Join Chicago’s Best Orchestra for Epic Musical Mashup

Tacuma Roeback, Managing Editor - October 3, 2023

Photos by Todd Rosenberg Tank and the Bangas brought their eclectic, undefinable amalgam of soul, funk, Hip-hop, jazz and rock to the Auditorium Theatre last...

Cory L. Thames’ CAN TV Podcast, ‘In My Own Words,’ Soars to Success

Tacuma Roeback, Managing Editor - September 24, 2023

Cory L. Thames conveyed his natural interest in people into a stellar career and top-rated Chicago podcast featuring some of the most influential people...

This Suburban Chicago Store Sold Its 2nd Multimillion Lottery Ticket in 3 Years

Staff Report - September 22, 2023

A suburban liquor store in Chicago has ample reason to consider itself “lucky” after recently selling its second multimillion-dollar winning Illinois Lottery ticket within...

CD Top 6 Stories of the Week: City-Owned Grocery Store, Hamilton’s Return, Karyn White Performs and more…

Tacuma Roeback, Managing Editor - September 17, 2023

Here are the top stories from the Chicago Defender for the Week of Sept.11-16: Chicago Takes Bold Step Towards Municipal Grocery Store to Tackle Food...