July 2025 Favorites

“To be an artist means never to avert one’s eyes.” -Akira Kurosawa

In addition to recapping my end of year favorites (films, plays, books, albums, etc.) I thought for 2025, I’d share each month. Without further adieu and in no particular order, here are some July favorites…

FILMS:

Ikiru and Stray Dog – directed by Akira Kurosawa – H/t to my friend Ron for recommending these as immediate must-watches. He was right and I will do the same for all of you. See them both. Stat!

Scarecrow directed by Jerry Schatzberg – This is the third time I’ve seen this film (I need to buy the Blu-Ray), but this time I shared it with my son Truman. He loved it. And so will you. One of my artistic heroes, Gary Sinise, said it’s among his all-time favorite films and that he aspired to do this kind of acting work on stage (heavily influenced his desire to start Steppenwolf) and screen.

Becoming Led Zeppelin directed by Bernard MacMahon – H/t to my friend Joe, who knowing my love of all things Zeppelin, said this was a must-watch documentary. And it is. Kind of wish I saw it in a movie theatre as the concert footage is incredible. The ultra-rare interview with the late drummer John Bonham will give you chills.

Somm directed by – H/t to my friend John who recommended this doc about master wine sommeliers. There are only about 200 in the world. A fascinating peak into this world and I learned so much about wine. There are three other Somm sequels that I now would like to watch at some point.

PLAYS (Live, In Person):

Sorry written by Melissa R. Randel – A great Vs. Theatre Club night to support my friend and Vs. artist Jeffrey Johnson. He and the rest of the ensemble were truly spectacular. That opening scene will definitely stay with me. Wow.

Reel To Reel written by John Kolvenbach – Another exceptional Vs. Theatre Club night out. This time to support my friend and one of my all-time favorite playwrights, John Kolvenbach (we’ve produced two of his plays). Friend/Vs. artist Jim Ortlieb and the rest of the ensemble crushed it.

ALBUMS:

Radiohead – “In Rainbows” – I’ve been on a Radiohead kick these last few months. Going through their entire catalog, including EP’s and live albums. It’s been fun. Not a bad album in the bunch, but this time through, my appreciation for “In Rainbows” has grown even deeper. I especially love the tracks “All I Need” and “Reckoner”.

Laura Marling – “Song For Our Daughter” – Released in 2020, but just discovered it now. Great album. “Strange Girl” is catchy as hell.

MISC:

“The Mustard Seed Vs. ALS” – I recently learned that my friend and owner of Durkin’s Tavern in Chicago where I used to bartend, Greg Neal (aka “Coach”), was diagnosed with ALS. He started a weekly blog chronicling his journey which you can check out Here. I look forward to his posts every week. He is a true inspiration.