Artist of the Month: Miriam Paz

Chicago native Miriam Paz, better known by her stage name “DJ Miriam,” has been a trailblazer for Latina women in the music industry during her six-year long career as a DJ.

Throughout the years, DJ Miriam has gained national recognition. In 2022, DJ Miriam was the only woman-DJ to headline the Sueños Music Festival, the largest Latin music festival in the Midwest, held annually in Chicago’s Grant Park.  Prior to headlining Sueños, DJ Miriam opened for Bad Bunny, who is recognized as the world’s biggest Latino artist, during his Ultimo Tour Del Mundo stop in Chicago.

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Honoring Illinois' Fallen Heroes: Abraham Lincoln and Camp Butler National Cemeteries

As Memorial Day approaches, we take a moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifices of those who served our nation. Illinois has two significant national cemeteries: the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery and the Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Located in Elwood, the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery was dedicated in 1999 to honor the legacy of President Lincoln, who established the national cemetery system during the Civil War. This serene space covers nearly 1,000 acres and provides veterans, along with their families, a peaceful final resting place. Its memorial walkway features monuments that recognize veterans from various conflicts and organizations, including the first federally approved monument honoring LGBTQ veterans, which was dedicated in 2015.

The Camp Butler National Cemetery, located near Springfield, carries considerable historical significance. Established in 1861 as a Union Army training camp, it later served as a Confederate prisoner-of-war camp. Today, over 25,000 veterans and their family members rest here, including soldiers from both sides of the Civil War. Notable interments include Medal of Honor recipient Seaman John H. Catherwood and Colonel Otis B. Duncan, the highest-ranking African American officer during World War I.

Both cemeteries are solemn and powerful reminders of Illinois' commitment to honoring those who sacrificed for our freedom.

Chicago Jazz Classic: Benny Goodman

• Chicago
• Music

Did you know the “King of Swing” Benny Goodman was from Chicago? A master clarinetist and bandleader, Goodman led one of the first racially integrated bands in the U.S. and earned immense popularity.

A son to poor, Jewish immigrants, Goodman grew up in the Maxwell Street neighborhood and was enrolled in free clarinet lessons at the Kehelah Jacob Synagogue. He was tutored by Chicago Symphony Orchestra member Franz Schoepp. He played several venues with a litany of bands, and made his professional debut in 1921 at Central Park Theater.

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National Pick Strawberries Day

National Pick Strawberries Day falls on May 20. Strawberries are a summer fruit that are loved and cherished by many for the nostalgia of sunny days they bring. A fun activity in itself, strawberry picking allows for quality time to be spent with nature and loved ones.

To celebrate this day, here is a list of strawberry picking fields in Illinois:

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