Philip Potempa – Page 5

Chester and Peggy Potempa, parents of columnist Phil Potempa, help Evelyn LaHaie display the four plaques designating the Jackson 5 with “Living Legend Honors” bestowed by the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, from the living room of her Hobart home in May 2021. Nominated for the honor by LaHaie, the Jackson 5 were inducted as “Living Legends” in 2011. (Philip Potempa/provided)

Of Notoriety: Gary talent booking icon to Jackson family: ‘I’m not dead!’

July 15, 2026 at 11:49 a.m.

One of the famed names readers often write me about is our local notable Evelyn LaHaie of Hobart.

Chester and Peggy Potempa, parents of columnist Philip Potempa, share champagne and dinner in the ballroom at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster with Red Skelton tribute artist Brian Hoffman in July 2023, celebrating Chester’s 94th birthday. (Philip Potempa/provided)

From the Farm: Happy first heavenly birthday, Dad, with family party memories

July 10, 2026 at 5:24 p.m.

Dad would have celebrated his 97th birthday Sunday, and per usual, he’d be surrounded by family and friends.

Artist Mark Vander Vinne’s oil painting "Out There Somewhere" is among the 20 featured works in “A Brush with Nature” in the Atrium Gallery at South Shore Arts at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster, now through Aug. 30. (South Shore Arts/provided)

Of Notoriety: Nature on canvas, Disney young villains and patriotic concert

July 9, 2026 at 3:14 p.m.

Entertainment news from around the region.

Tribune Columnist Phil Potempa, left, interviewed Towle Theater Managing Director Jeff Casey on the Sept. 15, 2021, episode of the Of Notoriety radio show in the Hammond studios of WJOB 1230 AM. Casey and co-founder Kevin Bellamy announced their retirement from the theater in 2024. (Provided/Tony Panek)

Of Notoriety: Hammond’s Towle Theater in leadership transition

July 8, 2026 at 4:38 p.m.

Two years ago I reported big changes for Towle Theater in Hammond as the stage space prepared to start a third decade of programming.

Columnist Phil Potempa was joined by performance artist Cara Schmitt of Munster to share parade announcing duties from the grandstand along Ridge Road for the town of Munster’s 2025 Fourth of July Parade on July 4, 2025. (Luke Miiller/provided)

From the Farm: Happy 250th birthday America with Disney World memories of 1976 bicentennial

July 3, 2026 at 3:20 p.m.

As someone who experienced the 1976 bicentennial, it doesn’t seem that there’s much fanfare surrounding this weekend’s Fourth of July.

Mark Mendelsohn as Johnny and Kat Evans as Frankie are the stars of Terrence McNally's romantic stage drama "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune” through July 12 at Dunes Summer Theatre in Michigan City. (Tony Martin/provided)

Of Notoriety: Dunes Arts Summer Theatre continues 75th season with ‘Frankie and Johnny’

July 1, 2026 at 5:18 p.m.

A new production of "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" playing through Sunday, July 12, at Dunes Summer Theatre in Michigan City.

Comedian Tom Dreesen embraces columnist Philip Potempa on Sept. 26, 2003, backstage at Riddles Comedy Club in Orland Park, Illinois, before his stand-up comedy show. (Philip Potempa/provided)

From the Farm: Comic Tom Dreesen was a neighborly good friend to the famous and everyday folk

June 29, 2026 at 12:41 p.m.

I could always count on calling comic and raconteur Tom Dreesen to share a great story and provide great quotes. And now it’s time to give Tom the same treatment.

A free tribute concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 27, dedicated to superstar Cher and starring Lisa McClowry, direct from “Legends in Concert” in Las Vegas, marks the first headliner entertainment show at Wind Creek Casino, Hotel and Spa in East Hazel Crest, Illinois. (Image courtesy of Wind Creek Casino)

Of Notoriety: ‘Cher’ at Wind Creek, fights at Horseshoe, Canterbury salutes U.S.A

June 26, 2026 at 11:44 a.m.

Entertainment news from around the region.

Maestro Kirk Muspratt will continue as musical director and conductor of the Northwest Indiana Symphony after he contract recently was renewed through 2029. (Photo courtesy of Kirk Muspratt)

Of Notoriety: Northwest Indiana maestro will continue raise baton through 2029

June 24, 2026 at 4:51 p.m.

The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra has renewed the contract of Music Director and Conductor Kirk Muspratt’s contract for three years.

Buttons, a chest sash and correspondence from early women leaders of Lake County are showcased this month in the exhibit “A Right Worth Fighting For: The History of the League of Women Voters of the Calumet Area” at Gary Public Library through June 28. (Philip Potempa/for the Post-Tribune)

Women’s suffrage exhibit in Gary headed to Crown Point and Merrillville

June 22, 2026 at 4:12 p.m.

Two exhibits celebrating the history of women’s suffrage in Indiana continue through June 28 at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center.

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