The Generalife Gardens of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. This May, Patrick and I visited his parents, who were living in Cordoba, Spain for the semester. It was a delightful trip, and our hearts were warmed with Andalusian soul food and red wine, cafe culture, and the relaxation of being in a country that prioritizes …
The combination of Pielok’s expert violin with Falcone’s self-taught accordion and vocals brings energy full of both whimsy and depth. Falcone’s voice, joyful accordion and classic Italian hand gestures bring the party, while Pielok’s violin is soulful and at times heart-wrenching. Falcone said La Tosca has “a mission to keep alive the life stories of the protagonists of these timeless melodies.”
After an over 20-year civil war between the north and the south ended in 2005, the referendum will now give Southerners the possibility to vote on whether they want to secede from the north.
On our walk back from the cemetery, I noticed a small, lovely market. We hadn't eaten much that day (pain au raisin and café au lait for me) so we stopped to see what looked good. The weather was fine that day, and we had a free late afternoon, so I suggested we buy some bread, cheese, vegetables, olives, and wine, and have a picnic!
What fun to find old newspaper articles from my time living in Krakow in the spring of 2011! Check out a few articles written during my Poland year: Drop in: The Kiełbasa Van This piece is from the August 2011 edition of the Krakow Post, Poland's English-language newspaper. August 2, 2011 On a dark street near the …
I've been doing substantial writing & media relations work recently at the Kehrein Center for the Arts. I'm glad to share two recent pieces: Africa Out West Embodies Diasporic West African Traditions in Feast of Drum & Dance & a press release: Grand Unveiling of Mural "Everybody's Welcome" Honored Black Artists and Austin Community. I …
Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Deontay Wilson, a Chicago-based filmmaker. Deontay premiered his first documentary "Westside Stories: Paradise Lost" last week at the Kehrein Center for the Arts - where I'm currently working as a communications consultant. Check out my coverage of the event here: Deontay Wilson's "epic poem" documentary series receives …
Exactly ten years ago today, I moved into a studio apartment on Glenwood Ave in Uptown, Chicago, and I am feeling reflective. Ten years in Chicago! A lifetime has passed, it seems. In 2013, I was 25, hot off my post-college jaunts around the world. I’d chosen Chicago based on the Masters of Arts in …
Nowa Provincja, a cafe in Krakow where I met Polish students for English lessons back in 2011. “Ok, now bring your left leg to the front - circle your ankle,” I told three elementary-school age girls facing me, standing on one leg in a park. It was a beautiful mid-August day. The temperature was in …
Continue reading Summer work and the circular nature of life
“I ask no favor for my sex. All I ask of our brethren is that they take their feet off our necks.” - Sarah Grimké, abolitionist and feminist in the 1800s. This quote came to my mind yesterday, as I reviewed my latest feature in National Catholic Reporter: New group discerning the future of a …
Sophie Vodvarka Chicago-Based Freelance Writer 