The Arts Section

The Arts Section spotlights creative people, events and ideas. Every week, WDCB's Gary Zidek shines a light on arts and culture in the Chicago area. The mission is to focus on stories within the arts community that aren't being told, with additional commentary and discussions on literature, music, film, food, special events and anything else creative.

The Arts Section is a arts podcast hosted by WDCB's Gary Zidek, with 100 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

WDCB's Gary Zidek hosts The Arts Section, a arts show with 100 episodes published.

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  The Arts Section

  The Arts Section 08/16/26: F1 Arcade Comes to Chicago + Marble Review

  Aug 16, 2026—

  F1 Arcade Comes to Chicago + Marble Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a new Chicago attraction that’s aimed at fans of F1 racing. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review the new play MARBLE, that’s all about the disintegration of two marriages. Later in the show, Gary revisits a segment on the history of the Uptown Theater. And we’ll go inside a new MCA exhibit that explores the cultural impact of two music genres.

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  The Arts Section

  The Arts Section 08/02/26: Museum of Broadcast Communications Ready For Next Chapter + Pasta Time!

  Aug 2, 2026—

  Museum of Broadcast Communications Ready For Next Chapter + Pasta Time! Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you inside the Museum of Broadcast Communication, we’ll hear about the non-profit’s current exhibits and future plans. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a free children’s play touring Chicago parks. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the chef behind a new west suburban handmade pasta shop. And we’ll look back at the history of a film that some say is the best bad movie of all time.

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  The Arts Section

  The Arts Section 07/26/26: Youth Orchestra Takes Lolla Stage + Suburban Author Finds Mystery Niche

  Jul 26, 2026—

  Youth Orchestra Lolla Stage + Author Finds Mystery Niche Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the executive director of a youth orchestra that’s getting ready for giant performance this week. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new children’s musical. Later in the show, Emily Werner stops by to preview what’s hitting Chicago stages in August. And Gary sits down with a suburban fiction author who found her calling later in life.

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  The Arts Section

  The Arts Section 07/19/26: Rainbow Cone Celebrates 100 + Book Banning Pushback

  Jul 19, 2026—

  Rainbow Cone 100 + Book Banning Pushback Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at local ice cream institution that’s turning 100. We’ll hear about an effort to raise awareness as the number banned books increases around the country. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review a new production of CRIME AND PUNISHMENT that’s been extended over two months, because it keeps selling out. Later in the show, Gary reviews the much anticipated Christopher Nolan film THE ODYSSEY. We’ll get ready for the World Cup final with a look at a soccer-themed photo exhibit that’s open in the western suburbs. And Gary talks to the author of a book about the popular TV series TED LASSO.

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  The Arts Section

  The Arts Section 06/28/26: American Weekender + Commute Photo Book

  Jul 5, 2026—

  Anerican Weekender + Commute Photo Book Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with a Chicago couple that launched their own online dining publication that covers restaurants all over the country. Theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel joins Gary to review an ambitious new production of LEOPOLDSTADT. Later in the show, Gary talks to TV and film actor Marilyn Rajskub about her unlikely path to Hollywood. And Gary sits down with the photographer behind a new photo book that captures the moments within Chicago’s commute.

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