Chicago Publicist K.D. Kweskin Dies

Linda Rae "K.D." Kweskin, a Chicago entertainment publicist for more than 30 years, died June 29 in St. Louis, where she recently moved to be near family.

Kweskin began her career as a publicist in 1985, working with folk singer, writer and producer Bob Gibson. Recalling in a 2005 interview, "Bob had me write his press releases, and because he was sort of famous, the press called me almost immediately to write articles about him." This led to opening her own agency, KD-PR, representing such companies as Raven Theatre, Theater Building Chicago, Stage Right Dinner Theater, Light Opera Works (now Music Theater Works), Theater Wit, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theater and others. She also served on the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee.

She had an extensive theater background including an M.A. in directing from Northwestern University. Originally from St. Louis, Kweskin came to Chicago for graduate school and stayed, working as a freelance director before turning to public relations. She also taught at the International Academy of Design and Technology, and Concordia College, telling students, "If you like to spend half the day writing, and the other half talking on the phone, you could be a publicist."

She is survived by two brothers, several nieces and nephews, and many friends and colleagues.

A remembrance is planned for July 18 in Chicago. For information, contact Myrna Petlicki at myrna_petlicki@sbcglobal.net