Gapers Block has ceased publication.

Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
 Thank you for your readership and contributions. 

TODAY

Tuesday, March 19

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Detour

This American Life recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary. A decade on the air, all of it here in Chicago. Though the program has never been about the city of Chicago itself, many residents take pride in the fact it originates here.

When Ira Glass announced that the program would be moving to New York, some Chicagoans, took the news personally. A recent discussion here at Gapers Block elicited some strong feelings.

A while back WBEZ did a piece on artists leaving Chicago and aptly quoted one young painter who lamented that cretors come to Chicago to learn, practice and gain a reputation and then leave the city for NY to become famous.

This American Life leaving Chicago does indeed make us feel like the second city.

But how does Ira Glass himself feel about leaving Chicago? Dave Elfving met with him at the Chicago Public Radio studios on Navy Pier to find out.


Press play to listen.

» Or, if that doesn't work, take a listen here (.mp3 file, 3.9MB).

02192006_iraglass.jpg

 

Special thanks to the Coctails for the into and outro music.

 

About the Author(s)

Dave Elfving is a machinechicago.

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