Marina Alyse is an upcoming performer coming out of Illinois, who is eager to shed some light on personal strife. “I just want to write songs people are able to connect and relate to. In many situations you can feel like this is only happening to you, you’re the only one. But that’s not true.” […]

Filter’s new album Crazy Eyes is here to be the voice of the pissed off and betrayed The new album, Crazy Eyes by Filter was released last week.  The multi-platinum band is also following up with a tour to come to Chicago.  To speak to Richard Patrick the founder of Filter and father of Nine Inch Nails was an […]

This article was posted November 8th, 2015 Pilsen has been a central hub for the majority of Chicago’s Mexican-American citizens.  At the heart of this cultured and graffiti clad neighborhood is the National Museum of Mexican Art.  It’s existence for over 30 years has housed Mexican, Latino and Chicano art and on November 6th they […]

George Herrera has been at this festival planning game for several years.  He runs EventSource that is responsible for several other open air festivals, and Festival Cubano is entering its seventh year as a way to bridge Cuban culture into the city of Chicago.  “I’m 100% Cuban, my parents came here in the 70’s.  I […]

The legendary voice behind the classic, “I Still Believe” came to Chicago on the heels of a new EP release.  Brenda K. Starr says the 5-track album is set to be ready later this summer.  Hennessy allowed HalfStack to attend a private dinner to honor both Brenda and well-known salsa singer, Eddie Santiago.  The private […]

[IMPACT] MOVEMENT Seventeen years ago, I gave my life to a stage and bright lights. Dance was hardly on the surge that it’s currently on. Furthermore, hip hop dance was still on an upwards discovery. Movement and technicality was often based on legends like Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Madonna. Inspiration always came from iconic […]

I had arrived at the Dance or Life gala held at the Chicago Hilton Hotel.  The towering walls are donning red lighting while the business around it is both social and welcoming.  I met many retired dancers who have progressed into teaching positions around the Chicago area.  Many were wearing bows that signified that they […]

“Don’t downgrade your dream just to fit your reality.  Upgrade your conviction to match your destiny.” If you’ve had an opportunity to check out the “about” page, I hope you can align this quote to what this page represents for me.  Often our passions feel like huge risks when it sits outside of our comfort […]