Thomas Dyja's recent book, The Third Coast: When Chicago Built the American Dream, is nothing short of a fine ensemble of intertwined Chicago stories that many of us are familiar with but at face value seem disconnected.    

So if most of the stories are renowned (yawn), why read the book?  

If you think you want a more connected and expansive view of Chicago, its blues, jazz, arts, politics, politicians, architects, architecture, urban renewal, racism, writers, makers, breakers, innovations and innovators (McDonald's, the Sears Roebuck catalog and Playboy) you'll want to get a copy.  Dyja, like a blue collar working stiff,  has done all the hard work.  Interlocking incalculable pieces of Chicago’s past and present, he has created an absolutely remarkable overview written with no holds barred.

As if tossed into the back seat of an old fashioned jalopy cab with a driver who sounds like he's been out all night, Dyja is our Chicago history tour guide,  as decades of events and people's lives wiz by on a white knuckle ride.  Screeching only to slow down, but never stopping, Dyja drives you into people’s lives, their living rooms, office spaces, public buildings and bedrooms. As a reader, you bear witness to the notables and the notorious, and one can visualize their intimate thoughts, motivations, hopes and dreams. This book is no rehash; it’s the Pulp Fiction of Chicago tales, and Dyja drives you into the heart of Chicago.

This book, like any good book, left me feeling grateful.  Grateful for all those who have, by fate and foible, been oddly intertwined in creating Chicago. I’m grateful to Dyja for his big shoulders, and this book should be required reading to anyone who gives a rat’s ass about Chicago, past, present and future.

There is a mention of Vivian Maier, and her self-portrait is honorably displayed on the same page as Hugh Hephner (Playboy) and Ray Kroc (McDonald’s). Even if Maier had not been included, The Third Coast: When Chicago Built the American Dream, my love for the book would not be diminished one iota.


-Jeffrey Goldstein

Meet the author, Thomas Dyja, and learn more about his book, The Third Coast, at the 29th Annual Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest, June 7-9, 2013. 

For more information www.thomasdyja.com

May 31 – August 25, 2013

Elmhurst Historical Museum
120 E. Park Ave.
Elmhurst, IL

www.elmhursthistory.org
ehm@elmhurst.org
630-833-1457



Eddie Vedder, 1994 Photo by: Paul Natkin

Paul Natkin is widely considered to be one of Chicago’s most accomplished music photographers. Starting in the early 1970s, Natkin traveled the world documenting signature moments of drama, excitement and excess that propelled rock’s tumultuous history. His astute eye and knack for capturing “the decisive moment” earned international acclaim and resulted in numerous magazine and album covers. Learn the stories behind many of Natkin’s photos of rock icons including Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Pearl Jam, The Who and more. Narrative written by Chicago Sun-Times writer Dave Hoekstra and interpretive video elements produced by Tribeca Flashpoint Academy. Experience engaging interactives including a Rolling Stone magazine photo op and a spyglass for kids to discover hidden clues. Ages 8+.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Admission: FREE Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst , Il.



SPECIAL EVENT

Thursday, May 30, 9 p.m. Shine a Light at the York Theatre

Celebrate the 50-year history of the Rolling Stones and their Chicago tour stop with a screening of the 2008 Martin Scorsese documentary, Shine a Light. Hailed as “one of the most intimate movies ever made about rock-and-roll,” this critically-acclaimed documentary covers the band’s 2006 benefit performances at the Beacon Theatre in New York. The film features exclusive interviews, a star-studded audience, and an incredible soundtrack including guest performances by Buddy Guy, Christina Aguilera and Jack White. Introduction by Paul Natkin, former Rolling Stones tour photographer. Co-sponsored by Classic Cinemas, Elmhurst Historical Museum and Elmhurst City Centre. Presented in 4K digital projection and sound.

York Theatre, 150 N. York St., Elmhurst. Tickets: $8.75 at the York Theatre box office.

More info:

630-833-1457 or
www.elmhursthistory.org or
www.classiccinemas.com

Vivian Maier’s work has connected kindred spirits all over the globe.  More than a year ago, I received a letter from a curator named Gwendolen DeLacy from Melbourne, Australia.  Gwen manages the photography collection of a woman named Maggie Diaz, referred to by many as a prodigal daughter of Chicago photography.  Known in the 50s as Maggie Besson, she walked the same Chicago neighborhoods as Vivian Maier – often carrying the same camera.  Like Maier, she walked on both sides of the street – never intimidated by anyone.  Although Maggie had spent time as a domestic help, she wasn’t much good at it, but was lucky enough to stumble into work as a Girl Friday in an ad agency in the early 50s and soon became a commercial photographer.  Diaz recorded the development of the Lower North Center project (later known as Cabrini Green) and was resident photographer at The Tavern Club on Michigan Avenue. In her spare time, she walked the back streets recording the secret lives of children.  In 1961 she accepted a one-way ticket to Australia as a divorce gift from her Australian husband.  She was never to be seen in Chicago again. 

The State Library of Victoria (in Melbourne) has acquired her archive from the past 50 years, and her works are now held in the National Gallery of Australia.  Something else she has in common with Maier – most of her collection was never printed...until now.

Maggie has not lost any of her Chicago sparkle and at 87 years young, she’s still going.  Hopefully one of these days she’ll make it back to Chicago for a visit. For more information on Maggie Diaz, visit her site at www.maggiediaz.com.au.  Additionally an ABC News feature on Diaz can be viewed at http://www.abc.net.au/arts/stories/s3308727.htm.

Jeff Goldstein