A Communal Labor of Love

You da best [READER]( Hopefully, by now, you’ve all seen evidence that the Reader’s Best of Chicago issue is out in the world. Maybe you’ve picked up a copy at one of [our distribution locations]( [downloaded the PDF]( or seen the wave of reactions—good, bad, and yowch—on [social media](. Or you’re a subscriber, and you’ve had a copy [sent to you](. More than any other issue, Best of is a communal labor of love—and just a touch of hateration; not only is the whole staff on board, you as readers and voters get to have your say. Culture editor extraordinaire Brianna Wellen, who led this year’s Best of effort for editorial, says it best in her [introductory essay]( “Some business to get out of the way: the reader poll results were determined by you, the readers! If you're angry about the results, you only have yourselves to blame! Let this be a reminder to keep a close eye on when voting begins next year so you can campaign for your favorites to get the top spot. Or better yet, share your own losses and gains on social media and tag us @Chicago_Reader with the hashtags #bestofchi and #BoC2020. Tell us what made your year worthwhile, shine a light on the people, places, and things that helped you survive, and we'll share with our followers.” Thank you to everyone who voted, who’s weighing in on social media, and who’s going out of your way to pick up copies. We appreciate all of you. You’re truly the best. Co-Publisher Wear a mask please! For more details on the Reader, see [www.chicagoreader.com]( and for ways to support, see [www.chicagoreader.com/support](. [Another seven days of Chicago fun]( Upcoming events and recommendations from our listings coordinator By [Salem Collo-Julin]( [@hollo]( [This is not an artist retreat]( Reflections on a year in lockdown By [Mads Horwath]( [Chicago band Porcupine explore hardcore’s potent possibilities on The Sibyl]( By [Leor Galil]( [@imLeor]( [CHICAGOANS OF NOTE]( Ayala, aka King Hippo, DJ and producer]( “You bring people together and something will always happen. . . . The how is pretty easy, but the why is more important to me.” By [Salem Collo-Julin]( [@hollo]( [Ken-Matt Martin takes over at Victory Gardens]( After a tumultuous year, the theater's new artistic director is ready to listen as well as lead. By [Kerry Reid]( [@kerryreid]( [Issue of March 18 - 31, 2021 Vol. 50, No. 13]( [Download Issue]( (PDF) 1971 Chicagoans have relied on the Reader for trusted alternative coverage of our city. The Chicago Reader is now a 501c3 nonprofit organization which means our survival is in your hands. In order to continue to be your trusted alternative voice of Chicago, we need your help. If you can donate just $5 today, we can show the world that community funded, independent journalism is the future. [DONATE TODAY!]( [View this e-mail as a web page]( [@chicago_reader]( [/chicagoreader]( [@chicago_reader]( [Chicago Reader on LinkedIn]( [/chicagoreader]( [chicagoreader.com]( [Forward this e-mail to a friend](. Want to change how you receive these e-mails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](. Copyright © 2021 Chicago Reader, All rights reserved. You are receiving this e-mail as an opted-in subscriber via our website, Facebook, or event to one or more of our newsletters, memberships, or e-mail lists. Our mailing address is: Chicago Reader 2930 S. Michigan Ave. Suite 102Chicago, IL 60616 [Add us to your address book](