Studs Terkel centenary

Studs Terkel

Photo: Martha Williams

Local institutions salute the larger-than-life yarn spinner, known for his long-running radio show The Studs Terkel Program and his Pulitzer-winning writing. Here are some of the highlights.

Storied party
The Newberry Library celebrates at the Studs Terkel 100th Birthday Party with tales from friends, collaborators and devotees, including presenters Alex Kotlowitz, Alison Cuddy and Jon Langford. Terkel family friend Rick Kogan emcees the event, which features live music and distributes a zine with anecdotes and illustrations from Chicagoans. Newberry Library, 60 W Walton St (312-943-9090). Wed 16, 5:30–8pm; free.

History, channelled
Studs, a former historian-in-residence at the Chicago History Museum, has his own history revealed by WFMT’s critic-at-large Andrew Patner. The lecture “100 Years of Studs Terkel” features radio and TV clips. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark St (312-642-4600). Wed 16 at 6:30pm; $15, members $10.

Passing time
The Steppenwolf Theatre stages a reading of Terkel’s reflections of death and dying, Will the Circle Be Unbroken, which features the stories of ordinary people ranging from firemen and doctors to an AIDS caseworker and a Hiroshima survivor. Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N Halsted St (312-335-1650). May 21 at 7pm; free.

Video helped the radio star
Terkel documentarian Tom Weinberg curates the Studs Terkel Film and Video Festival, culling three programs from a collection of more than 250 videos. Chicago History Museum, Rubloff Auditorium, 1601 N Clark St (312-642-4600). Jun 2 at 10am, noon, 2pm; free. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St (312-744-6630). Jun 17 at 2, 4, 6pm; free.