Predicting the 2024 mlb season
John: The crack of the bat, the smell of the hotdog and the popcorn – we are talking about – baseball! What do you think is gonna happen for the 2024 MLB season?
William: Well, I'm not gonna promise that the Cubs are going to win the World Series. They look good each year but a lot of times, they're like the month of March, whichever way they come in, they go out the opposite. For the most part, they are a lot better team than when the Tribune Company owned them. Milwaukee stands a chance. Cincinnati? They’re kind of weak like Chicago teams often are. Yankees? They've been in so many times it ain't even funny. Maybe the Dodgers. But I would like to see a heartland team in the World Series: if not the Cubs or Sox, then Milwaukee, St. Louis, Kansas City.
Russell: Spring is here and it's time for my favorite sport: Major League Baseball. My dream is to see a Sox and Cubs World Series. I don’t care as long as Chicago wins. It's a long shot, but things can happen.
Allen: I'm a South Sider so I'm rooting for the Sox. It's about time the Sox did it again, cap-
tured the World Series. They have a pretty good schedule starting out because they play Detroit, Atlanta, Cincinnati, then Kansas City and Tampa, Minnesota, Cleveland.
John: Shohei Ohtani is going to be the player to watch; when the Dodgers go to whichever ballpark, it’s going to be standing room only. Everyone's playing each other since division rivals don’t play as frequently, so my Dodgers should be able to win the World Series.
I like Arizona as one of my wildcards, and the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs with Gregg Counsell as manager are going to win the NL Central. In the East, my other wildcards are Philadelphia with Atlanta.
In the American League, Minnesota will win the North Central Division. I like the Yankees over Baltimore. Baltimore's got tremendous pitching, but they didn't do
enough to help themselves. Toronto and Baltimore will be my two AL wild cards, along with Houston, because pitcher Justin Verlander is starting on their disabled list. Texas Rangers are a little bit better this year. I'm hoping for it to be Dodgers and Yankees, but I'm thinking somehow, someway, the Dodgers are gonna blow it again. I think Atlanta and Texas, and Texas can win back to back Series.
William: I'm kind of with you on the Yankees. The Cubs could get Central this year. Wildcard -- I could see Milwaukee, maybe St. Louis, if they pick up the pace. Dodgers? I could see them doing it. I haven't forgotten the way they blew out the Cubs back in 2008.
Russell: The Dodgers look good. Cubs and Sox got to take notes. The Dodgers spend money. They go out and get the guy they want.
Allen: You are talking about teams that always wind up in the playoffs: St. Louis, Dodgers, Yankees. And you can't forget Texas. But me being the underdog, I'm going with a long shot. Long, long, long shot. White Sox.
John: It sounds like you're going with heart, but it can happen.
Outside of the Dodgers and Yankees, another cool World Series would be the “freeway series”: Dodgers and Angels. Or maybe the Miami Marlins against Tampa Bay, the “sunshine series” or maybe even the Cubs and the White Sox. It should be a pretty good season this year, some teams that are going to surprise you.
Any comments, suggestions or topic ideas for the SportsWise team? Email StreetWise Editor Suzanne Hanney at suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
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Vendors (clockwise): A. Allen, Russell Adams, William Plowman and John Hagan chat about the world of sports.
Wednesday May 22, 2024
12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM 77 West Washington — Chicago
Featuring:
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Spring 2024
Chicago is a wonderful place to experience music. Between local artists and venues, and big names that stop only for a show or two, it’s impossible to run out of live music to hear. Regardless of whether you prefer large or small venues, or what your favorite genre is, there’s something in Chicago for you. Even if the show is only here for a night. While it’s impossible to make it to every show in the city, here are some suggestions to make your spring a bit more lively. Don’t forget to support your local Chicago acts!
March 28 - 30
BAD BUNNY
United Center | 8 pm | $119+ 1901 W. Madison St.
After becoming the top touring artist in 2022, the 3x Grammy winner took a break in 2023. Promising to bring fans an unparalleled spectacle in 2024, the Most Wanted Tour will give attendees a more intimate experience than his previous tour. Bad Bunny's tour is expected to be one of the most sought-after concert events of the year.
CONCERT GUIDE
Compiled
by Dave Hamilton
HerbieHancock
LauraPausini
WuFei
8 COVER STORY
April 2 & 3
BENSON BOONE
The Salt Shed | 7:30 pm | $39+
March 29
MOONTRICKS
1st Ward at Chop Shop |
9 pm | $21.35
2033 W. North Ave.
Based in the rustic Kootenay mountains of Western Canada, Nathan Gurley and Sean Rodman of nationally renowned electro-folk duo Moontricks draw inspiration from the ongoing cycles of the natural world.
Like nature’s best offerings, both volatile and constant, the band finds solace and beauty in the fusion of seemingly disparate elements. This is an 18+ event.
March 30
HERBIE HANCOCK
Symphony Center | 8 pm | $150
220 S. Michigan Ave.
Herbie has spent his prolific career experimenting with various jazz forms, culminating in a bluesy, enigmatic and psychedelically-charged creative vision. Concert-goers can rest assured that Hancock still revisits masterpieces like "Maiden Voyage" and "Cantaloupe Island" with an inspiringly fresh feel.
March 30
LEDISI
Chicago Theatre | 8 pm | $70+ 175 N. State St.
Possessing one of the richest voices of her generation, Ledisi brings together jazz, pop and soul in her music. She integrates spoken word with her soulful melodies, striving to promote forgiveness and living the life you want.
1357 N. Elston Ave. Benson Boone's intimate, diaristic pop songs are constantly evolving as he becomes a global hitmaker. His latest single, the viral smash hit "Beautiful Things," soared into the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. He is reaching new heights in 2024, with over 2 billion career streams to date.
April 4
LAURA PAUSINI
Rosemont Theater | 8 pm | $65 5400 N. River Rd., Rosemont
Celebrating three decades of her stellar career, this five-time Grammy-winning Italian superstar is famed for her soulful voice. The artist, songwriter and producer has dealt with social issues including poverty, war, and racism. Pausini performs mostly in Italian and Spanish but has also created songs in other languages. Since debuting, the 48-year-old artist has released 14 studio albums.
April 6
DON MCLEAN
Rivers Casino Des Plaines
$65+ | 3000 S. River Rd., Des Plaines Released in 1971, “American Pie” re mains one of the great tracks in popular music history, an epic rumination on the 1950s and 60s, that wove together biographical details from the singer's childhood and references to the plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and Richie Valens - “the day the
Yo-YoMa&KathrynStott
BensonBoone
April 7
YO-YO Ma & KATHRYN STOTT
Chicago Symphony Center | 3 pm |
$125+ | 220 S. Michigan Ave. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Kathryn Stott offer an afternoon filled with musical intimacy and emotional tunes. The program has two contrasting cello sonatas by Franck and Shostakovich, the warmth of Dvořák’s “Songs My Mother Taught Me,” the meditative beauty of Pärt’s “Mirror in Mirror” and lyrical gems by Fauré and Sérgio Assad.
April 7
WU FEI
Logan Center for the Arts | 3 pm | $40
915 E. 60th St. World-renowned guzheng master, composer, and vocalist Wu Fei’s performances masterfully mix a “respect for tradition, an interest in what instru ments can do, and good old fashioned showmanship” (allmusic.com). Her solo guzheng/vocal suite, Hunter, combines traditional guzheng melodies and folk songs with Chinese opera and ancient poetry to create a new and innovative musical
DonMcLean
Hancock Moontricks
www.streetwise.org 9
April 12
KANE BROWN
Allstate Arena | 7 pm | $85+
6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont
Named to the 2021 Time100 list of the most influential people in the world, Kane Brown has been noted as the “future of Country” (Billboard) and one of “31 People Changing the South” (Time).
April 14
THE VERONICAS
House of Blues | 6 pm | $55+
329 N. Dearborn St. Named “the ultimate pop-punk duo of the mid-aughts” by Nylon, The Veronicas have long been recognized for their famed albums that expertly balance vulnerability with a bit of rebellion. The hitmaking duo first emerged in 2005 with their now 4x ARIA-certified platinum debut album The Secret Life of... On March 22, the duo released their newest LP, Gothic Summer, their first international release in 10 years.
MadeleinePeyroux
April 24
BELA FLECK
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts | $65+
9501 N. Skokie Blvd., Skokie
Leading banjo player Bela Fleck is considered one of the most innovative pickers in the world and has demonstrated his versatility of the instrument, which he uses to play everything from traditional bluegrass to progressive jazz.
April 24 & 25
NICKI MINAJ
United Center | 8 pm | $70+
1901 W. Madison St.
Nicki Minaj's unique combination of ferocity and humor, and a rap style built on razor-sharp wordplay, mercilessly blunt lyricism, and delivery that turns on a dime from sugary to snarling, has skyrocketed her from mixtape phenom to enduring global pop star. Minaj is on tour to promote her fifth studio album Pink Friday 2.
April 26
MADISON BEER
Riviera Theater | 8 pm | $65
4750 N. Broadway
Beer began making music when she was 12, and was discovered by Justin Beiber when she was only 13. Beer will be celebrating her most recent album, Silence Between Songs which was released in September 2023. The pop queen has taken a step towards ballads with her new release, blending a mix of soul-searching crooning and upbeat dancing.
April 27 & 28
MADELEINE PEYROUX
| 8 pm Sat; 7 pm Sun | $135+
1200 W. Randolph St.
With her dusky, lyrical style and affinity for reinterpreting classic jazz, blues, and folk standards, vocalist Madeleine Peyroux is a highly acclaimed, internationally recognized artist. Emerging in her teens as a street-busking performer in Paris' Latin Quarter in the 1980s, Peyroux drew favorable comparisons to legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, and eventually caught the attention of the record industry. Her debut album, 1996's Dreamland, featured noted jazz artists and drew accolades for her distinctive take on blues and jazz standards.
May 1
ENHYPEN
Allstate Arena | 7:30 pm | $155+ 6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont ENHYPEN is a boyband created by Belift Lab, consisting of seven multinational members. Inspired by the 'hyphen(-)' that connects one word to another, ENHYPEN means that seven different boys connect to discover one another and grow together. They also have an ambitious plan to connect people and the world through their music.
May 3
ATMOSPHERE
The Salt Shed | 8 pm | $39.50+ 1357 N. Elston Ave. Pioneering hip-hop duo Atmosphere presents “Tour De Friends: Part Deux," a sequel to their first “Tour De Friends" in November 2023. Atmosphere — rapper Slug and producer Ant — put out both
10
KaneBrown
TheVeronicas ENHYPEN
May 7
ALEXIS LOMBRE
The Harris Theater
$15 | 205 E. Randolph St.
The Chicago-born pianist, vocal ist, and composer’s mission is to keep the “soul” in music alive —and her 2017 debut album, does just that. The album is a soulful, straight-ahead reflection of Lombre’s upbringing on Chicago’s South Side, a homage to the area’s lively artistic and cultural heritage.
May 11
PORTUGAL. THE MAN
The Salt Shed | 8 pm | $49+ 1357 N. Elston Ave.
Originally heralding from Alaska, the Portland-based band soared to new heights in 2017 with the infectious single, “Feel It Still,” which earned the group a Grammy award. The group has long-standing passion for social justice, and has consistently exemplified how to deeply commit to both artistry and activism. This dynamic inspired them to officially launch their PTM Foundation in 2020, focused on universal issues related to human rights, community health, and the environment, with an emphasis on causes directly impacting Indigenous Peoples. Their passion for activism has also led to partnerships with organizations such as Keep Oregon Well (Mental Health), March for Our Lives (Gun Reform) and Protect Our Winters (Climate Change), to name a few.
May 13
CRAIG DAVID
The Chicago Theatre | 8 pm | $95+ 175 N. State St.
DOSANJH
Allstate Arena | 8 pm | $120+
6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont
Multi-talented Indian artist
Diljit Dosanjh returns to North America, promising a spec tacular audio-visual experience. In addition to being one of India's most prolific musicians, recording both in Punjabi and Hindi, Dosanjh is also a multi-award-winning film actor, appear ing in films in both languages.
May 17
HEART
Allstate Arena | 8 pm |
6920 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont
Formed by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted group pioneered the female-fronted band when it formed in the '60s. The band has sold over 35 million records, landed 10 albums in the Top 10, and has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
May 20
GARY CLARK JR.
The Salt Shed | 6 pm | $59.50 1357 N. Elston Ave.
Working once again with longtime collaborator and co-producer Jacob Sciba, Clark traverses a landscape of musical influences encompassing R&B/ soul, hip-hop, blues, jazz, country and African chants. The latter, says Clark, stemmed from conversations in the studio about the history of music and African music in particular.
7 pm | $45+
1901 W. Madison Ave. With his signature goatee and stetson, singer-song writer Tim McGraw is one of the most recognizable faces in country music. He has sold over 40 million albums in the US alone. From his 1994 breakthrough album, "Not a Moment Too Soon" to his 2017 duet album with his wife, Faith Hill, McGraw has been a popular and beloved name in Country, with his humor and emotional depth shining through all of his work.
May 31 & June 1
JEFF TWEEDY
Vic Theater | 7:30 pm | $95+
3145 N. Sheffield Ave.
Jeff Tweedy is a dynamic singersongwriter, musician, and poet (and GiveAShi*t artist!) who is a founding member of two of the biggest bands in alternative country rock, Uncle Tupelo and Wilco. Across his successful career, Tweedy has released 20 studio albums.
www.streetwise.org 11
DiljitDosanjh AlexisLombre GaryClarkJr.
THIS PAGE: Diljit
Gary
OPPOSITE PAGE: Kane Brown (Dihang Valdez photo) Madeleine Peyroux (Ebru Yildiz photo). ENHYPHEN (photo courtey of Belift Lab).
CENTER:
The Veronicas (photo courtesy of Enhancentertainment).
Dosanjh (courtesy photo). Alexis Lombre (Courtesy photo).
Clark Jr. Mike Miller photo).
SarahMcLachlan
TheRollingStones
get to! The Together Again Tour will offer everyone the chance to reunite with Ms. Jackson in celebration of her 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlight the milestones for three of Jackson’s most critically acclaimed albums. In addition, Hip-Hop sensation Nelly showcases his greatest hits.
June 21
BILLY JOEL & STEVIE NICKS
June 9
JACOB
COLLIER
Aragon Ballroom | $45+
1106 W. Lawrence Ave.
Recognized by audiences, critics, and fellow musicians alike as one of the most gifted young artists of modern times, Collier already has a seemingly endless list of achievements including five Grammy wins – which saw him become the first British act in history to win four Grammys for each of his first four albums – along with 11 Grammy nominations including Album of the Year in 2021.
the most successful singer-songwriters of the ‘90s. Her 1993 album, Fumbling Towards Ecstacy, made her an international name, and this tour celebrates the 30th anniversary of the record.
June 12
ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS
Ravinia | TBA | TBA
201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park
Despite hailing from distinctly different backgrounds, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant share a maverick spirit and willingness to extend the boundaries of their respective genres. This spirit has resulted in albums combining early urban blues, spacious West Texas country, and the untapped potential of the folk-rock revolution.
June 19
JANET JACKSON & NELLY
United Center | 8 pm | $60+
1901 W. Madison St.
In 2023, Janet was the season opener at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park. The Amphitheatre and its
Soldier Field | 7 pm | $200+ 1410 Special Olympics Drive Billy Joel returns to Chicago for the first time since his 2014-2018 sellout streak at Wrigley Field. Stevie Nicks returns to Chicago after a sold-out concert in June 2023. These iconic musicians will perform their most beloved songs from their illustrious careers.
June 21 & 22
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
United Center | 7:30 pm | $133+
1901 W. Madison St. Rock your body to all of the hits you know and love! The epic celebration of one of the most popular voices in pop will include tracks from his new album, including the lead single "Selfish."
June 27 & 30
THE ROLLING STONES
Soldier Field | 7 pm | $110+
1410 Special Olympics Drive Emerging in the 1960s as the bad boys of rock 'n' roll, the Stones were the down and dirty counterpart to The Beatles' clean-cut image. Courting controversy with their offstage antics, The Stones nevertheless produced some of the most indelible tracks of the decade, channeling their love of American blues into songs like '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,' 'Jumpin' Jack Flash,' and 'Ruby Tuesday.'
12
JacobCollier
LEFT: Jacob Collier (Tom Bender photo).
Sarah McLachlan (Kharen Hill photo)
The Rolling Stones (Mark Selinger photo).
©PuzzleJunction.com
Crossword
Across
1 Breakers
5 Weisshorn locale
9 ___ Saint Vincent Millay
13 Harold Clayton Lloyd, e.g.
14 Boyfriend
15 Dirty money
16 Aussie marsupials
18 Like the Sahara
19 Goddess of wisdom and useful arts
20 Pertaining to the world’s largest desert
22 Wild blue yonder
23 Just say no 24 “Gunsmoke” bartender
27 Blockage of the intestine
29 Kind of cap
34 Olympics chant
35 Cry out for
36 Stalks eaten like celery
37 Normal
39 Lockjaw
40 Change for the better
41 One of the “Little Women”
42 Force unit
43 Had dinner at home
54 More artful
58 State categorically
59 Unconquerable
62 Rani’s wear
63 Bit of sweat
64 Not quite right
65 Salon sound
66 First Lady of Jazz
67 ___-majesté
Down
1 Sean Connery, for one
2 Kings Peak
8 Early iconic role for Madonna
9 “Born Free” lioness
10 Active sort
11 Romance novelist Roberts
12 Egyptian solar deity
13 Police blotter abbr.
17 Stew addition
21 Theoretic
23 Washout
24 Kama ___
33 Change, as a clock
36 Anticlimax
38
39 ___ Aviv
41
44 Underpass
50
52
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Copyright ©2024 PuzzleJunction.com Streetwise 3/10/24 Sudoku PuzzleJunction.com Sudoku Solution To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the Copyright ©2024 PuzzleJunction.com Sudoku Solution 1 to 9. ©2024 PuzzleJunction.com Solution 32 High-pitched 35 Commoner 38 Way out in the ocean 40 Corrupts 43 Barely passing grades 45 In a resolute manner 48 Fancy 50 Locked up 52 In the cooler 54 Kind of beer 55 “The Dukes of Hazzard” spinoff 56 Adjusts, as a clock 57 Poultry 58 Record problem 59 W.W. II vessel 61 Syndicate head 62 Suffix with lion 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 AN NI E UL AN L AKE ME AN Y SE MI AM ID PO SSESS IO N NI LE SA IL OR RE DD EN TE L CE TU S AM PU TATE YA MM ER MA E SC AL P LE ON E I NCH EX AL T NO TE ST AI D ID EAS LE D HA NG ED OB IT UA RY HE RO N NO N L ESSE N ST UF FS LI NE SI DE ST RO KE 59 Pickup shtick? 60 Swimming move 63 Ancient gathering place 64 Dundee denizen 65 Clark’s pal 66 “___ of the D’Urbervilles” 67 Longings 68 Pound sounds Down 1 Concert prop 2 Newbies 3 Org. with a mission
Undisturbed 5 Grommets
Cold war initials 7 Floral ring 8 Dean Martin song subject 9 It’s XC in Roman numerals 10 Inexperienced sailors 11 Valentine for Valéry 12 Where firing takes place 13 Dutch commune 18 Comfort 22 Kind of income 24 Pale sea-green color 25 Plain folk 26 Kind of ray 27 Ice cream flavor 28 2004 Queen Latifah movie 30 Green stuff 31 “The door’s open!”
3/17/24 Crossword PuzzleJunction.com ©2024 PuzzleJunction.com
4
6
last week's answers Streetwise
Sundial number
Chest protector
47 Extended family
49 Environmental condition, poetically
Low in pitch
51 Author Turgenev
Austin of “Knots Landing”
Excursion
5678
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67
53
1234
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