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Cinco de Mayo Parade in Chicago


Cinco de Mayo gets bigger and bigger every year, growing in popularity. 

There is no shortage of things to do in Chicago for Cinco de Mayo, or Fifth of May. Historically, it’s a Mexican holiday celebrating the victory of Mexican forces over French invaders in 1862. Since then, it has become the day when people all across North America celebrate Mexican culture, whether it be through Mexican food, music, or dress.

 Chicago is no different and has a few large celebrations perfect for anyone looking to get into the spirit of the holiday.

Chicago’s Cinco de Mayo Parade is one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the Midwest. Taking place on the holiday itself, the parade includes marching bands, floats, and a plethora of other sights celebrating Mexican culture. The parade starts at the intersection of Cermak and Wood, in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, and moves west down Cermak until it hits Kedzie Avenue. It is scheduled to start at noon, but arrive early for a good viewing position, as the parade is well attended every year.

Cinco de Mayo Festival

This festival held in Chicago’s Little Village is an event for the whole family. Featuring authentic Mexican cuisine and music, the festival is a great place to hang out on the days surrounding Cinco de Mayo. Additionally, there’s no shortage of activities for the kids; from arts and crafts to carnival style games, the festival is a sure hit for any child. The event takes place at 26th and Kostner, and runs from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5. The festival opens at 6pm and ends at 11pm on Friday, then extends its hours for Saturday and Sunday, lasting from 2pm to 11pm.

Posted by michael snell at 5/2/2013 10:55 AM | Add Comment

May 1, 1893, the gates opened at the World’s Columbian Exposition, Chicago Worlds Fair


On May 1, 1893, the gates opened at the World’s Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World’s Fair. Over the next six months, more than 26 million visitors would flock to the 600-acre fairgrounds and 200-plus buildings full of art, food, entertainment and technological gadgets. The fair,  meant to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ first voyage to the New World, served as a showcase for a fully rebuilt and vibrant Chicago, just two decades removed from its devastating fire. On the 120th anniversary of its opening day, here are seven  cool facts, from History.com,  you may not know about 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. 


Posted by michael snell at 5/2/2013 9:09 AM | Add Comment

DIVVY Bike Sharing Program for Chicago Launches in June

When I was Paris  France a couple years ago, I thought their  bike rental program was pretty cool, with rental stations all over the city. 

Now, Chicago launches DIVVY bike sharing program , that will allow people to use bikes for $75 a year!

Divvy is expected to launch downtown around Bike to Work Day on June 14, with about 75 stations.

  By 2014, they want to have 400  stations all over the city. 


Now dubbed “Divvy” to reflect the nature of bike sharing, the program is launching more than 28 kiosks where Lake View neighbors can pick up bicycles. The new cycles will also be painted the iconic “Chicago Blue” to “provide a high level of visibility on the street,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. 

How cool is that?!

Posted by michael snell at 4/30/2013 9:45 AM | Add Comment

El Mariachi Celebrates Cinco de Mayo ALL DAY MAY 5th






3906 N. Broadway Chicago Il. 60640  #773-549-2932

&

3420 N. Broadway Chicago Il 60657  #773-549-7020

Posted by michael snell at 4/29/2013 10:03 AM | Add Comment

Chicago Low Wage Workers STRIKE Today

EARLIER THIS MONTH  lower wage workers in New York City striked - today, it was Chicago's turn.  Workers at McDonalds, Macy's, Sear's, Victoria Secrets  and Subway took to the picket lines!

WAGES IN OUR COUNTRY truly do suck! And I for one am happy to see people fighting back. It is almost impossible to find a job for $10-$15. And event at $15 an hour, that is barely a livable wage. 

Hundreds of employees from stores  walked off the job today in Chicago for higher wages, three weeks after a similar strike by fast-food workers in New York.

The employees marched in the Chicago Loop and near the Magnificent Mile shopping area, calling for $15-an-hour pay, 82 percent more than the state’s minimum wage, and the right to form a union without intimidation. The one-day strike was arranged by the Workers Organizing Committee of Chicago, a group of retail and food workers, according to a statement yesterday. 

There are more than 2.9 million food preparation and serving workers in the U.S., including those who work at fast- food restaurants, according to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May. The median wage for those workers is $8.78 an hour, or about $18,260 a year, the data shows.  MOST BUSINESSES would only have raise the price of items by pennies, to make up for a better wage!


Posted by michael snell at 4/24/2013 8:02 PM | Add Comment

Taverna 750 in Lakeview Plants a Tree For You, for Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual day, celebrated on April 22nd each year on which events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

 The need for trees in our
National Forests is now greater than it has ever been as wildfires, insects, and disease destroy
millions of acres of trees every year. 

Earth Day is now celebrated in more than 192 countries every year and Taverna 750 wants to join in the celebration and protection of plant earth.

Taverna 750 will be celebrating the entire Earth Day weekend from April 19-22nd in collaboration
with the Arbor Day Foundation. 

For each reservation made for Dinner or Brunch April 19-21 Taverna750 will plant a tree in their honor and on Monday April 22nd Taverna 750 will take it one step further by planting a tree in honor of each guest who dines that evening. 

Reservations are encouraged and can be made by visiting our website at www.Taverna750.com. 

Taverna 750 will be serving Dinner Friday and Saturday 6:00-12:00, Late Night Menu Friday and Saturday 11:00-Close, Brunch Sunday 11:00-3:00, and Dinner Sunday and Monday 6:00-10:00.

The concept of Taverna 750 was inspired by Paul D. Cannella’s Grandfather, Paul J. Loverde, and Uncle Chuckie Abruzzini’s restaurant. Grandpa Paul and Uncle Chuckie served up good times, great drinks, and classic Italian food to Chicago’s West Humboldt Park neighborhood between the 1940’s and 1960’s. Their recipes are the basis for several menu items. All of the entrees are small plates, which are meant for sharing with your party. They are served European style, so they will arrive at the table in the order in which they are prepared.

Taverna 750 . 750 W Cornelia Ave. Chicago, IL 60657 . 773-904-7466

Posted by michael snell at 4/18/2013 12:34 PM | Add Comment

The TRUTH about Dog Poop in Chicago

At first glance, Chicago is indeed a beautiful city. But why do I seem to come across dog poop from Lakeview to Edgewater??

 Is there anything worse, then walking down the street, minding your own business, and step in some business! Dog Poop. It stinks and it's messy, it's nasty, there is NO REASON for it  and Dog owners need to take responsibility.

 in some cities, people are SO LAZY, they don't bother to pick up their dogs poop! And I am so sick of it! If you own a dog, clean up after it!

The island of Capri (Italy)  has went high-tech to deal with the age-old problem: dog poop.They have solved the problem and more cities are talking about it. Collecting the offending poop, scanning it, and fining the owner!  Is that in the budget Mr Mayor?!

CHICAGO HAS AN ORDINANCE....

“No person shall appear with a pet upon the public ways or within public places or upon the property of another, absent that person’s consent, without some means for the removal of excrement; nor shall any person fail to remove any excrement deposited by such pet.”

It’s a lovely ordinance,but is it enforced??


Ok - so lets say you ALWAYS pick your dogs poop. You grab one of those "recycle bags" that every store in the world  uses now, right? And you throw it away. But then what? Where does it go?? It gets sent off somewhere, to live on forever and ever and ever.

THOSE BAGS ARE THE WORST INVENTION TO MANKIND!!
You may not think about it, but chances are if you have a dog you're creating excess waste, somewhere. There are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the United States. That's a lot of poop! Poop in those cheap recycle nags, do not disintegrate or evaporate!

A brilliant man in Chicago has come up with THE BEST solution, and THE BEST DOG POOP bags ever made!  Biodegradable Poop Bags by PoopBags.com meet the ASTM D6400 specification for biodegradability, compostability, and comply with California’s compostable product claims.*

FACT  -- 20-30% of all pollutants in waterways attributed to dog waste: Pollutants originating from rainwater run-off via sewer systems, and dogs pooping near watersheds or beaches. Overall, it is believed dog waste is third or fourth on the list of contributors to bacteria in contaminated waters.

Various plastic bag manufacturers probably use the term “biodegradability” – shall we say – loosely and lightly. The ASTM D6400 specification puts a kibosh on all of that. Basically, the specification requires that the material is fully tested to ensure that it will degrade at a similar rate as an apple (composting), and that no large plastic fragments should remain.

More than likely, the loose and light manufacturers’ bags do not meet biodegradable/compostable standards of any sort, and are just regular plastic bags. All in all, bag manufacturers – who claim their bags are biodegradable or compostable but do not meet the ASTM specifications - are misleading consumers and are acting negligently towards the environment.

California’s law, SB 1749, maintains that bags should meet the ASTM D6400 specification for compostable product claims. Several other states are also instituting policies like California. The Original PoopBags proudly meet this standard, and our other bags meet national ASTM certifications as well.

Additional Facts about Poop Bags:
- Made from a combination of corn and other renewable products.

- Shelf stable just like paper plates or paper towels.

- There are no chemical additives to enhance decomposition. The bags degrade naturally when exposed to the earth’s elements and micro-organisms in the soil.

- “Breathe” – allowing heat and moisture to escape or evaporate. This feature reduces bacterial build-up of collected waste, thus reducing odor.

- Will decompose in a commercial composting environment between 60 and 90 days after use. PoopBags.com strongly urges consumers not to place feces-filled bags into home composting systems or green bins as this could lead to E.coli contamination. Basically, dogs eat meat.

- Will decompose in a natural setting at an extended rate comparable to other naturally compostable materials, such as paper, leaves and food waste.

If the poop bags are placed in an “open” or “turned” landfill they will decompose at a rate similar to other biodegradable/compostable materials in the same setting. If the landfill is anaerobic/locked, no biodegradable/compostable products will degrade – even banana peels.

*Please note this statement does not apply to the flushable bags.

BUY the ORIGINAL     BUY THE BEST.

Posted by michael snell at 4/16/2013 7:34 AM | Add Comment

Networking is Dead by Melissa G Wilson and Larry Mohl


Networking is Dead By Melissa G Wilson and Larry Mohl

Do you go to networking events with a pocket full of business cards and hand them out with your elevator pitch in hopes of generating a couple of leads?

Do you meet people at trade shows or seminars and hand out a few more, figuring maybe they have a friend of a friend who might be interested in what you offer?

And how well does that usually turn out?

I don’t know about you, but I have literally hundreds of business cards (all neatly stored in cases and folios) for people I’ve met at Chamber of Commerce events, social gatherings, meetups and any number of “meet-and-greets”. And I’ve never worked with a single one.

It’s not that I didn’t need insurance. Or my carpet cleaned. Or a party planned. Or a massage. It’s just that I couldn’t possibly tell you who, in that massive pile of dead trees, is who.

If that sounds like you, you may be relieved to hear that networking is dead… at least in the traditional mind-numbing way that we’ve been taught to think about it.

You may also be relieved to hear that the new networking is less painful and results in more business.

Want to know how it’s done?

Then you’ll want to read this book.

A Tale Of Two Chicago Networkers 

Networking is Dead By Melissa G Wilson and Larry Mohl

The intriguing thing about this book is that it’s fiction.

Instead of the usual business book that talks at you like a grad school lecture, this one is told as the story of two individuals who want to boost their networking power.

One is a bit shy and doesn’t have a lot of connections. One is outgoing and has a whole lot of connections. Neither is generating any business.

When they’re introduced to a professional networker – correction, someone who knows how to help people make connections that matter – they learn how to do just that.

I had the chance to ask the authors why they chose to tell this story as a fable instead of writing a traditional business book and this is what they said:


Read more at Web Search Social

BUY THE BOOK! 

Posted by michael snell at 4/13/2013 5:43 PM | Add Comment

Vaudeville Era in Chicago Reignites in June


NEW PIVOT MULTI-ARTS FESTIVAL

REIGNITES SPIRIT OF VAUDEVILLE ERA IN CHICAGO’S

UPTOWN AND EDGEWATER NEIGHBORHOODS

JUNE 6 – 22, 2013

 

Top Chicago innovators: Manual Cinema, Mad Shak Dance Company, Mucca Pazza, Theater Oobleck and others 

lead celebration of multidisciplinaryperformance in unique and historic spaces

 

 Pivot Arts launches a new celebration of innovative theater, music and dance in unique and often historic spaces from June 6 – 22, 2013 throughout Chicago’s Uptown and Edgewater neighborhoods. The inaugural PIVOT MULTI-ARTS FESTIVAL answers the City’s call for a reinvigorated Uptown Entertainment District by uniting artists, businesses and local organizations around multidisciplinary “pop-up” performances occurring in a former Vaudeville Theater, an at-one-time Charlie Chaplin film studio and other historic spaces throughout these communities.

 

Over three weeks, audiences will have the opportunity to attend performances, many of which blur the boundaries between theater, music and dance or use some combination of performance disciplines in their work.  Programming includes: live music, theater, dance, puppetry, a community picnic and performances for children.

 

Participating Groups/Artists at time of release: 6018NORTH, Backroom Shakespeare Project, Chicago Architectural Foundation, Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak Dance Company, Manual Cinema, Mucca Pazza, Neo-Futurists, Theater Oobleck, RE|Dance Group, Steep Theatre Company, Ruth Margraff and Café Antarsia Ensemble, Jorge Ignacio Cortinas, Alice Austen, Martin Zimmerman, Steve Moulds and Tanya Palmer.

 

Children’s Performances by: Alternatives Youth Group, Crooked Door Storytelling, Dream Big Performance Workshop, Storytown Improv, People’s Music School and more.

 

Venues: Berger Park, Broadway Cellars, Burke’s Public House, Chase Park, Essanay Studios at St. Augustine College, FLATStheatre (an historic vaudeville space/bank building), Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, Kitchen Sink Café, Lickity Split, Senn High School, Uncommon Ground and The Waterfront Café at Berger Park.

 

FOR COMPLETE FESTIVAL INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT WWW.PIVOTARTS.ORG or call 773-609-0782.  TICKETS GO ON SALE TUESDAY, APRIL 30 WITH RANGE OF FREE EVENTS, FESTIVAL PASSES AND NO MORE THAN $15 PER EVENT.

 

“We applaud Pivot Arts on this exciting new festival,” said Angel Ysaguirre, Deputy Commissioner of Arts Programming at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. “The Pivot Multi-Arts Festival will elevate and expand the cultural assets of the Uptown neighborhood, facilitate neighborhood planning of cultural activity and help the City integrate culture into daily life – all of which are priorities of the Chicago Cultural Plan.”

 

Julieanne Ehre, Director of Pivot Arts adds, “We founded Pivot Arts this year as a home for innovative performance on the far North side of Chicago. Our inaugural festival is a celebration of some of Chicago’s most exciting and unique companies. Our plan is to grow the festival in future years into not only a showcase for work happening here but also as a destination for performing artists and audiences from across the country.”



 

THE FULL PIVOT MULTI-ARTS FESTIVAL LINE-UP AS OF RELEASE TIME:

 

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

ICE CREAM AND IMPROV

4 pm LICKITY SPLIT

6056 N. Broadway Ave.

Interactive improv and storytelling for kids ages four and up at an old-fashioned sweet shop with Second City Alum, Jen Bills.

 

RE|Dance Group presents THE LONELY VISITORS

Choreography by Michael Estanich

8 pm Senn High School Auditorium

5900 N. Glenwood Ave.

The Lonely Visitors collides in a series of images to reveal both the whimsical and perfidious nature of the heart. This moving collection of 30 short episodes, performed by the eight members of RE|Dance Group, ponders the depths and desires of human longing.  Senn High School is celebrating its “Centennial” anniversary and is part of the festival’s tour of historic spaces.

OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION

9:30 pm BROADWAY CELLARS

5900 N. Broadway Ave.

Enjoy drinks and delectables at Broadway Cellars with fellow Pivot Festival revelers.

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

LIVE BANDS ON LAWN

7 pm Senn High School Front Lawn

5900 N. Glenwood Ave.

Meet up on the lawn for free music and a bring-your-own picnic, early summer celebration.

 

RE|Dance Group presents THE LONELY VISITORS

Choreography by Michael Estanich

8 pm Senn High School Auditorium

5900 N. Glenwood Ave.

(see above description)

 

COMEDY NIGHT hosted by MOLLIE MERKEL

11 pm Burke’s Public House

5401 N. Broadway Avenue

Funny lady Mollie Merkel brings together some of Chicago’s best comedic talent all to be enjoyed over drinks at Burke’s Pub.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

ART IN THE PARK(ING) LOT:

A WEEKEND CELEBRATION AT FLATStheatre, FORMER VAUDEVILLE THEATER/ BANK

1050 W. Wilson Ave.

Performances throughout day for all ages include food and drink vendors, Jumping Jack and fun for the whole family.  At night, historic theater doors open for music entertainment. Must be over 21 years old after 8 pm.  Sponsored by Goose Island Catering & Events.

 

10:30 am Chicago Architectural Foundation leads special Uptown Tour for Festival starting at FLATStheatre, historic vaudeville theater, 1050 W. Wilson Ave.

 

IN THE PARKING LOT:

12 pm    Parking lot opens with events for children and food/drink vendors

1 pm      Crooked Door Storytelling

1:30 pm People’s Music School

3 pm      Storytown Improv

5 pm      REIDance Kids

6 pm      Music, Food and Drink

 

IN THE BANK BUILDING:

8 pm      Bank Building Opens with live music and food/beer for 21 years and up

10 pm    HEADLINER, MUCCA PAZZA, the 28-piece, punk marching band that thinks it’s a rock ‘n’ roll band and is known to incite mass dance outbreaks.

 

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

ART IN THE PARK(ING) LOT:

A WEEKEND CELEBRATION AT FLATStheatre, FORMER VAUDEVILLE THEATER/BANK BUILDING

1050 W. Wilson Ave.


IN THE PARKING LOT:

12 pm    Parking lot opens with events for children and food/drink vendors

1 pm      Live Music

2 pm      Alternatives Youth Breakdancers

3 pm      Music, Food and Drink

7 pm      Parking lot closes

 

IN THE BANK BUILDING:

7 pm THE NEO-FUTURISTS presents THE CARTER FAMILY FAMILY SHOW

Written and Directed by Chloe Johnston

The Neo-Futurists present three solo pieces inspired by the lives of these musical pioneers, the original Carter family of country music.

8 pm Shakespeare in the Parking Lot
BACKROOM SHAKESPEARE PROJECT presents TAMING OF THE SHREW 
Some of Chicago's brightest, young Shakespeare stars perform with no director and only one rehearsal making for an adventurous, spontaneous and irreverent take on the Bard.

 

MONDAY, JUNE 10 & TUESDAY, JUNE 11

PIVOT ARTS presents THE COFFEE HOUSE MUSIC/PLAYS

Curated by Tanya Palmer

7 pm 6/10 at Uncommon Ground

1401 W. Devon Ave.

7 pm 6/11 at venue TBA

Tour local coffee houses throughout Edgewater and Uptown, while enjoying new work by exciting young writers from across the country.  Director of New Plays at Goodman Theatre, Tanya Palmer, curates shorts by eight premiere playwrights including: Jorge Ignacio Cortinas, Alice Austen, Martin Zimmerman, Steve Moulds, Kristin Idaszak and others – all inspired by a piece of music around the theme of “home.”


WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

6018NORTH and PIVOT ARTS present FUTURE OF ARTS IN EDGEWATER/UPTOWN

7 pm 6018NORTH

6018 N. Kenmore Ave.

Former MCA Curator and director of 6018NORTH, Trisha Van Eyk, and Pivot Arts co-host discussion on the future of the arts in Uptown and Edgewater with local community leaders.

 

THURSDAY, JUNE 13 – SATURDAY, JUNE 15 AT 7:30 PM; SUNDAY, JUNE 16 AT 3 PM

7:30 pm Manual Cinema and Theater Oobleck

ESSANAY STUDIOS at ST. AUGUSTINE COLLEGE

1333 – 45 W. Argyle St.

Essanay Studios was an American motion picture studio founded in 1907 best known for its production of Charlie Chaplin Films in 1915.  Both Manual Cinema and Theater Oobleck’s pieces are inspired by early film.

 

MANUAL CINEMA presents ADA/AVA.

Bereaved of her twin sister Ava, septuagenarian Ada solitarily marks time in the patterns of a life built for two. However, a traveling carnival and a trip to a mirror maze plunge her into a journey across the thresholds of life and death. Set in a landscape of the New England gothic, ADA/AVA uses a story of the fantastic and supernatural to explore mourning and melancholy, self and other.  Manual Cinema combines handmade shadow puppetry, cinematic motifs, and live sound manipulation to create immersive theatrical stories.

 

THEATER OOBLECK presents POSSESSION: BAUDELAIRE IN A BOX, EPISODE #5.  Baudelaire in a Box is a multi-year project setting the poems of Charles Baudelaire to music and performing them in the cantastoria style with original paintings. For Possession, Ronnie Kuller, Chris Schoen and Jeff Dorchen have each adapted five poems from Les Fleurs du mal with scrolls painted by Dave Buchen.

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 14

7:30 pm MANUAL CINEMA presents ADA/AVA and THEATER OOBLECK presents POSSESSION: BAUDELAIRE IN A BOX, EPISODE #5. 

ESSANAY STUDIOS at ST. AUGUSTINE COLLEGE

1333 – 45 W. Argyle St.

See description above.

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

1 pm STORYTOWN IMPROV presents ICE CREAM AND IMPROV

Francesca’s Bryn Mawr

1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.

Complimentary gelato sundaes and ice cream floats combine with interactive performance for kids.

 

7:30 pm MANUAL CINEMA presents ADA/AVA and THEATER OOBLECK presents POSSESSION: BAUDELAIRE IN A BOX, EPISODE #5.

ESSANAY STUDIOS at ST. AUGUSTINE COLLEGE

1333 – 45 W. Argyle St.

See description above.

 

STEEP THEATER presents BACKYARD BBQ READING SERIES

10:30 pm at Steep Theater

1115 W. Berwyn Ave.

One of Edgewater’s most exciting young theater companies, Steep Theater presents reading of new work accompanied by BBQ.


SUNDAY, JUNE 16

3 pm MANUAL CINEMA presents ADA/AVA and THEATER OOBLECK presents POSSESSION: BAUDELAIRE IN A BOX, EPISODE #5.

ESSANAY STUDIOS at ST. AUGUSTINE COLLEGE

1333 – 45 W. Argyle St.

See description above.

 

MONDAY, JUNE 17 AND TUESDAY, JUNE 18

PIVOT ARTS presents THE COFFEE HOUSE MUSIC/PLAYS

Curated by Tanya Palmer

7 pm 6/17 at Kitchen Sink Café

1107 W. Berwyn Ave.

7 pm 6/11 at venue to be announced

(See above description)

 

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19

Jessica Thebus and Theater Oobleck present ROUGH MAGIC!

Oobleck at 25: The Then and The Now

7pm at venue to be announced

Curated by Jessica Thebus, Performed by Theater Oobleck

 

Theater Oobleck celebrates its 25th anniversary with an evening of “Rough Magic!” including excerpts from shows past and new pieces from Dave Buchen, Martha Bayne, Diana Slickman, and Mickle Maher, with songs by Chris Schoen.

 

The ROUGH MAGIC series is the Chicago Theater Community’s celebration of creative abundance: one-night-only performances that provide an opportunity to learn about and give to local, national and international organizations who are practicing daring, inspired, creative innovation for good. 

 

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

MOLLY SHANAHAN/MAD SHAK presents THE DELICATE HOUR

Choreographed by Molly Shanahan

7:30 pm Senn High School Auditorium

5900 N. Glenwood Ave.

The Delicate Hour is Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak's most recent ensemble work for Shanahan, Kristina Fluty, Ben Law and Jessie Marasa. The evening-length work premiered to critical acclaim in 2012 at The Dance Center of Columbia College. TimeOut Chicago’s Zac Whittenburg described The Delicate Hour as "… a next step in the evolution of a singular voice in Chicago performance...”

 

PIVOT ARTS and VINTAGE THEATER COLLECTIVE present THREE GRACES

8:00 pm Berger Park

6205 N. Sheridan Rd.

Libretto by Ruth Margraff, music by Nikos Brisco and the Café Antarsia Ensemble band, directed by Kate Hendrickson.

THREE GRACES blurs the boundaries between speaking and singing, concert and play.  Two blood brothers – Turk and Greek – wrestle the epic darkness of their fates at the end of the Ottoman Empire.  This panoramic Iliad for modern Greece is inspired by the Nikos Kazantzakis’ novel Freedom or Death, as well as the raw lyric passion of Greek blues and Cretan rebel songs. 

 

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

MOLLY SHANAHAN/MAD SHAK presents THE DELICATE HOUR

7:30 pm Senn High School Auditorium

5900 N. Glenwood Ave.

(see description above)

 

PIVOT ARTS and VINTAGE THEATER COLLECTIVE present THREE GRACES

8:00 pm Berger Park

6205 N. Sheridan Rd.

Libretto by Ruth Margraff, music by Nikos Brisco and the Café Antarsia Ensemble band, directed by Kate Hendrickson.

(see description above)

 

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

DREAM BIG PERFORMING WORKSHOP presents A TASTE OF DREAM BIG

1pm Chase Park

4701 N. Ashland Ave.

Interactive performances for kids by the popular Dream Big performers.

 

PIVOT ARTS and VINTAGE THEATER COLLECTIVE present THREE GRACES

7:00 pm Berger Park

6205 N. Sheridan Rd.

Libretto by Ruth Margraff, music by Nikos Brisco and the Café Antarsia Ensemble band, directed by Kate Hendrickson.

(description above)

 

CLOSING RECEPTION

8:30 pm at Waterfront Café, Berger Park

6205 N. Sheridan Rd.

Music by the Café Antarsia Ensemble at the beautiful, lakefront setting of the Waterfront Café.

ABOUT PIVOT ARTS: Pivot Arts develops new work and presents performances throughout the year culminating in a large-scale, multi-arts festival. Our vision is that of a vibrant community where unique collaborations between artists, businesses and organizations leads to the support and creation of innovative performances.  Pivot Arts was founded in September 2012.

"We are thrilled to partner with Pivot Arts and contribute to making Uptown and Edgewater a continued destination for entertainment," states Jay Michael, Chief Creative Officer of FLATS. "The Pivot Arts Festival is directly in line with FLATS Chicago's mission to be a true community partner and foster an appreciation for the arts and culture."  

 

Additional Premiere Festival Sponsors at the time of release include: Broadway Cellars, FLATS Chicago, Goose Island Catering & Events, Kitchen Sink, Lickity Split, Loyola University Chicago, St. Augustine College, Senn High School and Uptown United.

Pivot Arts Staff/Associates: Katy Collins, Dan Cox, Julieanne Ehre, Tanya Palmer, Eric Reda, Temple Schultz, Emily Wall, Genevieve K. Waller.

Pivot Arts Board: Alyssa Berman-Cutler President/CEO Uptown United; Katy Collins Pivot Arts; Julieanne Ehre Pivot Arts; Dr. Mark E. Lococo Director of Theatre, Loyola University Chicago; Susan Lofton, Principal, Nicholas Senn High School; Matthew Pryor, Counsel, Shakman Compliance; Kathy Van Zwoll, Marketing Consultant.

Pivot Arts Advisory Board: April Browning, Managing Director, Loyola University Chicago; Alderman James Cappleman, 46th Ward; Sarah Gabel, Chair of Department of Fine Arts, Loyola University Chicago; Peter Kuntz, Arts Consultant; Kristin Larsen, Executive Director, Stage 773; Jay Michael, Chief Creative Officer, FLATS Chicago; Alderman Harry Osterman, 48th Ward; Michael Rohd, Artistic Director, Sojourn Theatre; Steve Scott, Associate Producer, Goodman Theatre.

Website: www.pivotarts.org   

Email: info@pivotarts.org   

Phone: 773-609-0782

https://www.facebook.com/PivotArts
https://twitter.com/PivotArts

Posted by michael snell at 4/13/2013 12:49 PM | Add Comment

DOSE Spring Shopping in Chicago April 14



Get DOSED! on Sunday, April 14th at the River East Art Center, 
435 E. Illinois St., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dose is a monthly market featuring the finest selection of vendors in one place: the modern, lofted halls of the River East Art Center. Join us once a month to celebrate Chicago’s most dynamic gathering of innovative fashion, artisan food and high design.


$10 gets you in - Free cocktails and food tastings and Fabulous shopping!
Serving up a stunning selection of the finest in food and fashion, join us and 50 Dosers !

You heard it here first: this is the finest drinking vodka on the planet and it wears its Chicago stars with pride. Next Star Vodka make their DOSE debut with gratis pours of their stellar Chicago mule — ginger beer, lime juice and their fanatic-inspiring spirit — the perfect way to get ready for your Très Awesome photoshoot.

You heard us right: this DOSE is your time to shine. Wear your favorite outfit (or build it at the Market and get plenty of help) and find yourself on the sweep in front of Chicago’s reigning street-style maven, Emma Arnold of Très Awesome. With seriously cool technology, you’ll not only get a great shot, you’ll have a shot at winning some fantastic Spring accessories.


Your ticket to DOSE always includes the opportunity to try the finest brews, wines and spirits free of charge if you’re the appropriate age. We realize, though, different strokes for different folks. You may now trade in your drink ticket for DOSE h2o!

Dose Market

Check this out!
Need a free ride there??  Have you heard of the SIDE CAR app?

SideCar CHI will be providing DOSE-goers the opportunity to try the service and snag a free ride to the Market this Sunday! Just enter the code ILOVEDOSE for a $15 credit toward your first ride.


Posted by michael snell at 4/11/2013 4:57 PM | Add Comment

Side Car Chicago App - Free Ride Sharing


This is cool! High Tech Hitchhiking!

I was so glad to hear that SideCar, a San Francisco-based company that facilitates peer-to-peer ride sharing with a free smartphone application, launched in Chicago recently.

SideCar is moving transportation in a big, sustainable, community-driven direction -- one ride at a time. Whether you’re ready to fill your car's empty seats with new friends or need to get across town in a hurry, SideCar connects you with just the person to help you out.

SideCar is an interactive technology service and ride-sharing platform, that provides an online provide exempt rideshare transportation. Essentially, a quick and hassle-free ridesharing option that offers more safety than casual carpooling and is a completely donation- based way to get around town!

SideCar community drivers are regular people with extra space in their cars and a willingness to give others a ride on the way to where they are going. All community drivers are licensed insured and have passed background checks. 

SideCar is an app, so community drivers can be available for ridesharing at any time. As our community grows, so do the number of drivers and area of coverage. Check your app anytime for a quick, fun and reliable ride.

It's just launching in Chicago - so it will take a few weeks to take off. But how cool is this?



Posted by michael snell at 4/10/2013 5:37 PM | Add Comment

Third Annual Starving Artists Sale for Chicago in June


Growing up in rural Michigan in the 70's, I remember these tacky "Starving Artists"  sales that would set up and sell affordable "art" to the masses, at discounted prices. 

THIS IS NOT THE SAME!!

Chicago Artists Coalition, the 39-year old non-profit dedicated to building a creative marketplace and strengthening Chicago's vibrant arts community by its direct services for individual artists, is pleased to announce details for its third annual Starving Artist extravaganza. Starving Artist pairs celebrated local artists with renowned Chicago chefs who collaborate on edible and aesthetic presentations. The event will take place on Saturday June 29 from 7pm to midnight at CAC's West Loop gallery space located at 217 N. Carpenter Street, Chicago IL 60607. 
 
Tickets are required. All proceeds benefit CAC's mission and programs. For information and a video from last year, CLICK HERE.

Like past events, this year's Starving Artist features a star-studded roster of artists and chefs who are paired to work collaboratively in the months leading up to the event. Their assignment: to inspire each other to create an edible "installation" to be enjoyed by the crowd and a new work of art to be auctioned off the night of the event.

 

"I like to say this isn't your mother's fundraiser," says Carolina Jayaram, executive director of Chicago Artists Coalition. "With our amazing partners, we create an evening that embodies what we do best---facilitating collaborations that allow audiences to interact with art in new and unexpected ways." 


 2013 Artist & Chef Pairs:

*Theaster Gates + Erick Williams of MK 

*Sabina Ott + Bill Kim of BellyQ, Urban Belly and Belly Shack

*Stacia Yeapanis (BOLT Resident) + Fabio Viviano of Top Chef and Siena Tavern

*Cody Hudson + Jared Wentworth of Longman & Eagle

*Jordan Martins (HATCH Projects artist) + Abraham Conlon of Fat Rice

 

Artist and chef pairs will be introduced via a performance processional by The Power of Cheer. Cocktails, beer and wine will flow freely throughout the evening, alongside a series of artisanal food installations to complement the artist + chef offerings.


Artisanal Food Installations and additional partners:

*Taco Battle: Antique Taco vs. Big Star

*Zoe Schor of Ada Street

*Chrissy Camba of Bar Pastoral with furniture designers Bladon Conner & Aaron Pahmier

*Mamas Nuts with artist Lesley Marie Jackson

*Andrea Morris of Cocomori

*Spin Spun Confections with artist Claire Ashley

*KIND

*Time Out Chicago media partner

*Hennessy brand architect Benjamin Newby

*Cage and Aquarium

*Power of Cheer

*La Colombe

*Room and Board

 

"As government endowments for the arts continue to be depleted, it's important to find and support organizations that foster creativity," says Jared Van Camp, executive chef of Nellcote and one of the featured partners at last year's event. "CAC is one of the few left that does this wholeheartedly. Chicago chefs and restaurants can learn a lot and benefit by partnering with the CAC community."




 

Tickets:  

Early Bird Purchase before June 15

$50 artists and arts administrators
$100 general admission
$150 Secret Society (includes a gift bag and Collectors Circle membership, $150 value)

 

Purchase after June 15
$75 artists and arts administrators
$125 general admission
$175 Secret Society (includes a gift bag and Collectors Circle membership, $150 value)

 

* Presale tickets are available by emailing alexis@chicagoartistscoalition.org. 

* Online ticket sales will begin in May.

 

All proceeds from Starving Artist support CAC's mission and programs, including the Maker Grant which is funded in part by a portion of ticket sales. This grant provides critical unrestricted support for a local Chicago artist and will be distributed in Spring 2014.

Posted by michael snell at 4/10/2013 11:41 AM | Add Comment

New Furnace Law for Illinois

URGENT NEWS to home 
and condo owners! 

WOW! I just found this out this past week!!
I had to have my furnace checked, because it was not firing right. It just needed a cleaning, but it is 20 years old.  So my repairman asked me if I had heard about the new law going to effect  next month?

  

2013 Federal Furnace Efficiency Law

  

On 5/1/2013 the minimum efficiency requirement for furnaces in Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin will be 90% AFUE.

  1. Any furnace replacement and/or installation after 5/1/2013 will require a 90%+ AFUE furnace. NOTHING LOWER CAN BE SOLD TO HOMEOWNERS.
  2. 90%+ furnaces are condensing units, meaning they emit water vapor along with carbon dioxide in the flue gases which will rust the sheet metal piping that 80% furnaces are exhausted with. Due to the corrosion 90%+ furnaces require a new PVC flue to be installed.
  3. Depending on the location of the new 90%+ furnace; the PVC flue may be exposed in the interior of buildings and may require  remodeling following the installation.
  4. A chimney liner may also be required at the time of the 90+ furnace installation for existing atmospheric venting water heating

for more info, go to the web address below:

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/residential/pdfs/cacfurn_dfr_confirmation.pdf

 SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN EXACTLY??? If your furnace is located in the basement or near an outside wall, your cost will not be greatly affected, probably a few hundred dollars more. 

However, my unit is in a closet, in the center of my home.  The new furnace would require new piping to go up through 2 OF MY NEIGHBORS CLOSETS and  UP TO THE ROOF!!  Do you know what the added cost would be?  Another $2000+ !!!!

So for me, it makes sense RIGHT  NOW! Um  Mom,  I think I need a small loan....

You  until 5/1/2013 to replace your older  furnace with a new 80% furnace and SAVE NOW!

Posted by michael snell at 4/6/2013 9:15 AM | Add Comment

Chicago Riverfront Riverwalk Project Moving Forward in 2014


Mayor Emanuel’s plan to expand Chicago’s Riverwalk appears to moving forward.

Outgoing U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood announced a $100 million federal loan for the project.

The south bank of the riverwalk will be extended to run six blocks from State Street to Lake Street. The extension will include a splash fountain for children, kayak rentals, floating gardens and a learning center about the river’s ecology.Plus more restaurants and more music.

The city applied for and is slated to receive a $100 million federal loan that will cover nearly the entire price tag of a big makeover for six blocks of the riverwalk, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

The city will repay the loan with higher boat docking fees, advertising and business leases.

Construction is expected to begin next year. With completion in 2016.



Posted by michael snell at 3/29/2013 5:35 PM | Add Comment

Fitness Open House March 24 at Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping

SUMMER and BEACH season is about 12 weeks away? Are you ready?

Was your new years resolution fitness based - and you have not followed through?

 What if I told you,
 you can have a better body in 10 weeks?

Have you heard about Farrells and wanted to check it out? Do you have a friend, family member, a co-worker or neighbor who has inquired about FXB and wants to learn more about the program?  Do  you want to ‘try’ a class?  Do  you  have questions needing answered? Grab a friend and come to open house this weekend!

 

This Sunday, March 24th from 1PM-2PM we’ll be hosting an OPEN HOUSE here at FXB.

 

Be  prepared to do ‘mini-workouts’.  We will conduct a 15 minute warm-up, then a bags demonstration followed by a few bands exercises.  Then, we will transition into a question/answer period.

You will then have an opportunity to sign up for the Spring Session with a DISCOUNT!

 

Please RSVP for this event by emailing  JASON.

jasonhedden@extremebodyshaping.com

Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping

821 W. Blackhawk Street

Chicago, IL  60642

www.extremebodyshaping.com

www.facebook.com/FXBLincolnPark

Posted by michael snell at 3/21/2013 2:43 PM | Add Comment

About Face Theatre Wonka Ball April 26th



Ready for the most exciting event of the year?

About Face Theatre is celebrating its 17th year by presenting a unique and wondrous Wonka Ball. This year, Wonka goes to the circus with Wonka Ball: Circus Maximus combining the unexpected delights of the Big Top with the inspired grandeur of Chicago’s Architectural Artifacts.

Proceeds from the WONKA BALL support About Face Theatre programming including its groundbreaking Youth Theatre, which creates critically acclaimed new work by and about LGBTQA youth and their allies.  The Youth Theatre has performed on major stages across the country, and, through its outreach tour, changes the lives of thousands of young people each year.  AFT also boasts its annual, award-winning main stage season and the ambitious XYZ Festival of New Works.


Hosted by About Face board members Benjamin Sprunger and Billy Lullo, Wonka Ball: Circus Maximus offers a night of dazzling performance, decadent revelry, and sumptuous food and drink. The About Face annual gala is topped off with an extravagant silent auction and the 2013 Leppen Leadership Awards and About Face Youth Theatre MVP ceremonies.

Event:             WONKA BALL 2013: CIRCUS MAXIMUS

Date:               Friday, April 26 at 8 pm;  Ringmaster's VIP Cocktail Party at 7 pm


Location:       Architectural Artifacts, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave. in Chicago

Details:           Featuring a silent auction, open bar, delicious food, music, dancing and performances.


Tickets:          $135 general admission. Ringmaster's VIP Cocktail Party: $135 event ticket + $100 tax deductible donation.  Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For tickets, visit www.aboutfacetheatre.com or call 773-784-8565.



Join us for this amazing celebration! More information online!

Posted by Restaurant Food Wine Chicago at 3/13/2013 7:26 AM | Add Comment

Fashion Outlets of Chicago will sell Gucci, Prada, Saks, Bloomies and Neiman Marcus

Just about 5 minutes from O'Hare will sit The Fashion Outlets of Chicago, the biggest retail project to happen in Chicago in a very long time. 
They claim, it's So Big you'll be able to see runway shows happening on the LED Screens from planes flying into O'Hare. 

The anchors of the 2-floor 530,000 square-foot mall, opening  are Bloomingdale's The Outlet Store, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and Forever 21. 

Chicago Racked  says  the second floor of the mall will be higher-end outlets ranging from Prada to J.Crew.  We're talking Nike Factory Store, Halston, Herve Leger, Helzberg Diamonds, Hugo Boss, Allsaints, Andrew Marc, Brunello Cucinelli, Cole Haan, Georgio Armani, Michael Kors, L.K. Bennett, Gucci and even Haagen Dazs.  

AND in addition to all these supah stah shops, representing the best of the best of 120 outlets, there's two fine dining restaurants; Prasino and Villagio and a first-level food court.

"Beyond the robust slate of retail and dining attractions, Fashion Outlets of Chicago also will offer an exciting set of customer amenities and social experiences, including a world-class art installation,” AWE Talisman Chairman Arthur Weiner said in a statement.

Fashion Outlets of Chicago is located on Fashion Outlets Way off of Balmoral Road in Rosemont and off of I-294 at the intersections of I-190 and I-90. The full store list can be found here.

OPENING  8-1-2013



Posted by michael snell at 3/6/2013 6:50 PM | Add Comment

BULLY Movie is Must See - For Parents and Kids

The powerful documentary 
BULLY is now on Blu-ray & DVD! 

 

 

  "The Most Important Film of the Year."

- Marlo Thomas, Huffington Post

 

 "This movie really does have the power to save lives."

- Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

$10 at AMAZON!  
Bully

From Sundance Award-winning filmmaker, Lee Hirsch, comes a beautifully cinematic, character-driven documentary following five kids and families over the course of a school year.  Offering insight into different facets of America's bullying crisis, the stories include two families who have lost children to suicide and a mother awaiting the fate of her 14-year-old daughter, who has been incarcerated after bringing a gun on her school bus.  With an intimate and often shocking glimpse into homes, classrooms, cafeterias and principals' offices, BULLY is a powerful and inspiring film that every educator, parent and teenager should see.

 

 

Make a difference.  

Join the movement.  

Learn more about BULLY at: www.thebullyproject.com

Posted by michael snell at 2/13/2013 6:23 PM | Add Comment

USA Networks Characters Pop Up Event Feb 21-22


USA Network's Characters Unite pop up event in Chicago  will take place on Thursday, February 21 and Friday, February 22. 

The experience will allow consumers to engage in meaningful conversation about combating injustice and intolerance in all forms, including homophobia. 

Actor Dulé Hill (PSYCH star) will be making an appearance at the event on Friday between 11:30am - 1:00pm.  

Free to the public, participants will be able to create their own custom “I Won’t Stand For…” t-shirts, selecting a stamp that represents an issue about which they are passionate, including discrimination, prejudice, religious intolerance, racism, homophobia, ableism, among others. This is one of numerous stops around the nation for the experience. 

After creating their personalized t-shirts, using a special photo kiosk, consumers are able to take a photo and/or video message to immediately upload to their social media sites. See attached for photos of the pop up event in New Orleans during Super Bowl weekend. 

    Thursday, February 21 and Friday, February 22, 11:00AM-8:00PM 
    Dulé Hill Appearance: Friday, February 22, 11:30AM-1:00PM 
    Millennium Park

    201 East Randolph

    Chicago, IL 60602
    * Characters Unite experience located off Randolph St. near corner of Michigan Ave., west of the Harris Theater


This event is part of the network's Characters Unite Month to shine an even brighter spotlight on the importance of combating intolerance, hate and discrimination. USA Network’s Characters Unite Month features a variety of on-air programming, digital content and community events designed to educate and rally Americans to come together and fight intolerance and discrimination in all its forms. More information and resources are available for consumers at www.CharactersUnite.com. 

Posted by michael snell at 2/11/2013 5:33 PM | Add Comment

Thodos Dance and Lamb Chop Coming to Chicagoland

I LOVE to see shows in small theatres. Most of our theaters downtown are WAY TOO BIG for stage shows. If you are not in the first 12 rows, you miss out on so much. The theatre at Moraine Valley Community College is the perfect size. No bad seats. And they bring in some awesome shows!
Thodos Dance Chicago

Saturday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. in the Dorothy Menker Theater and only $20-$25!

Embracing Chicago's rich history via contemporary dance like never before, The White City: Chicago's Columbian Exposition of 1893 is an ambitious one-act piece complete with period costumes and video projections by Chicago filmmaker Chris Olsen. Legendary Tony Award-winning Broadway choreographer Ann Reinking and Artistic Director Melissa Thodos set the piece to Bruce Wolosoff's Songs Without Words.

All 12 ensemble dancers will perform to tell the story of the legendary 1893 World's Fair through dance. Characters range from Mayor Carter Harrison Sr.; Harrison's assassin, Patrick Prendergast; John Root, one of the key architects of the Chicago World's Fair; and Dr. H.H. Holmes, the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death in his elaborately constructed Murder Castle.

The evening also includes several other thrilling pieces drawn from Thodos' inventive and imaginative repertory.

“Best Dance Event in Chicago of 2011"
— Chicago Sun Times

GET TICKETS!


And this, is SO COOL!

A Lamb Chop Celebration featuring Mallory Lewis

Saturday, April 6, 2 p.m.

Tickets $10-$20

An entertaining hour of laughter and song.  The beloved children's icon Lamb Chop, skillfully bought to life by Shari's daughter, Mallory Lewis.

Fun for all ages, kids will fall in love with Lamb Chop, teens and 20-somethings will remember Lamb Chop from Lamb Chop's Play Along, and grown-ups will enjoy revisiting their youth as they laugh and sing along with Lamb Chop and Mally!

“Once you’ve seen one of Mallory’s shows, you’ll walk away with a wonderful memory and also feeling like you have just acquired a new best friend.”
— Tonya Cook, Iowa State Fair

GET TICKETS!


Posted by michael snell at 2/1/2013 2:13 PM | Add Comment
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