This may not be the Best of Chicago issue you expected this month, but we believe this issue reflects the best of Chicago in a different, better way.
For many years we’ve published our signature annual issue in November, not as a result of any kind of strategic planning, but because our original, more carefully considered month of September eventually became just too crowded with the opening of the fall arts season.
We decided to do one last version of that issue, our thirtieth, and then sunset it indefinitely. Why? For one reason, it’s no longer the unique edition it was when we started it, when we were the first and only “Best of Chicago.” Now several publications do versions, some in close imitation of our trademark style.
But that’s not the reason. That would be that it’s a reflection of where we’ve been as a publication, not where we are going. Since the day we started Newcity, we’ve always believed it vital for a publication to regularly reinvent itself in order to stay fresh as well as relevant for its readers. Even beloved things like the Best of Chicago need to be put to rest when the time comes. So come February, when Newcity has its thirty-seventh birthday, we’ll put forth one last Best of Chicago.
This issue of Newcity is a reflection of where we are going in several ways, from Emeline Boehringer’s art-saturated look at the legacy of the late Gregory Bae, to David Hammond’s exploration of regional culture manifest in our profile of the Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis, to Dave Hoekstra’s deep and definitive dive into the legacy of a very special bar in Chicago, Weeds. And, in the back of the magazine, you’ll find original graphic storytelling in Chana Goldbloom’s heartrending exploration of the death of her brother, and the original poem by Ed Roberson, one of the city’s—and country’s—treasures of verse. All of this is filled out with dozens of features and reviews that plumb the rich cultural life of our home.
Another future direction for Newcity is the ongoing transition of this publication into a paid, subscriber-funded magazine. If you already have joined us in this undertaking as a subscriber, thank you. If you picked up a complimentary copy and like what you see, please consider joining us. You can sign up at NewcityShop.com.
—BRIAN HIEGGELKE
Look for Newcity’s November 2022 print edition at over 300 Chicago-area locations this week or subscribe to the print edition at Newcityshop.com.
IN THIS ISSUE
Love Hurts The life and Chicago works of Gregory Bae
Seeing Native America Indianapolis’ Eiteljorg Museum reframes its vision
In the Weeds How bartender, poet, musician and artist Sergio Mayora cultivated one of the most important taverns in Chicago history
AND
Comics “The Smoke Tree” A new graphic story by Chana Goldbloom
Poetry “Card Regarding Thanksgiving” A new poem from Ed Roberson
And so much more…
Related Stories
Editor's Letter: November 2021 Newcity invited fourteen writers to share their "personal Best of Chicago”—a collection of voices expressing their city in their own very personal ways, that together offer universal insights into what we all cherish about our life in this place.
Editor's Letter: November 2023 This feature story is about the past and present of the Fine Arts Building. With an appreciation for fine vintage things, like majestic hotels, classic cocktails and historic buildings, this in-depth story reminds us of Joseph Mitchell's McSorley's stories from the New Yorker, circa 1940.
Editor's Letter: April 2022 The convergence of three passions—art, film and Brazil—that first week in April is giving us spring fever.
Editor's Letter: December 2022 As we end this year, we want to thank all of you for your continuing readership and support. You're the engine fueling us.
