Players 50

Text-heavy graphic with bold, colorful categories: The Music Makers, The Advocates + Changemakers, The Institutions, The Rising Stars + Storefront Stalwarts, The Producers + Places, over a black background.

by Todd Hieggelke | January 14, 2026

Players 2026: The Fifty People Who Really Perform for Chicago

Two smiling men pose closely together against a light background. One man wears a red plaid shirt and a green scarf, while the other wears a blue checkered blazer and white shirt. Both appear happy and friendly.

by Newcity | January 14, 2026

Players 50 2026: The Music Makers

A person with short, curly dark hair and light skin, wearing a brown coat and a dark floral scarf, stands in front of a neutral background, looking at the camera with a soft expression.

by Newcity | January 14, 2026

Players 50 2026: The Advocates and Changemakers

Two people stand against a plain light background, smiling. The woman on the left has short curly hair and wears a black scarf, while the man on the right has white hair, a beard, and a black shirt with a bold white circular pattern.

by Newcity | January 14, 2026

Players 50 2026: The Institutions

Three adults pose closely together, smiling warmly at the camera. The woman in the center is hugged from behind by a woman on the left and a man on the right. They all wear cozy, colorful sweaters and appear happy and cheerful.

by Newcity | January 14, 2026

Players 50 2026: The Rising Stars and Storefront Stalwarts

A man with short dark hair wearing a blue suit jacket and a light pink collared shirt looks directly at the camera against a plain light background.

by Newcity | January 14, 2026

Players 50 2026: The Producers and Places

by Brian Hieggelke | January 7, 2025

Players 2025: The 50 People Who Really Perform for Chicago

by Newcity | January 7, 2025

Players 50 2025: Comedy

by Newcity | January 7, 2025

Players 50 2025: Opera

by Newcity | January 7, 2025

Players 50 2025: Dance

by Newcity | January 7, 2025

Players 50 2025: Theater

by Brian Hieggelke | January 9, 2024

Players 2024: The Fifty People Who Really Perform for Chicago

by Newcity | January 9, 2024

Players 50 2024: The Producers and Places

by Newcity | January 9, 2024

Players 50 2024: The Rising Stars and Storefront Stalwarts

by Newcity | January 9, 2024

Players 50 2024: The Institutions