‘Sup This Weekend?

Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

After a late night of carousing at my fellow Street Teamer’s birthday party, I’m not sure if I’m up for doing much of anything this weekend besides some quality time on my couch. But that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of stuff to get into.

Rising Stars Chef Awards

OK, so Monday isn’t technically the weekend, but Antoinette Bruno, the CEO of StarChefs.com, stopped by today to talk about the Rising Stars Chef Awards at the Trump International Hotel and Tower on Monday night.

It’s a walk-around tasting gala featuring signature dishes from each chef, as well as premium wine pairings. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Check out our podcast interview.

Walk & Roll Chicago

I tend to ignore all of those flyers posted throughout the workplace, but on Wednesday a promotion for Walk & Roll Chicago caught my eye. It will be held this Sunday at Grant Park, and is a 5-mile walk, 10-mile skate or 15-mile bike ride to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society.

I’ve decided to participate in the inline skate, even though I’m not exactly in great skate shape (damn you Chicago weather). It’s not too late to get involved, whether you want to participate, or donate. Log on to www.walkroll.org for more information — and pray for me.

Splendour of the Palace

Alhambra Palace is the place to be on Sunday night for the Akira Spring Summer 2008 Fashion Show. There will be live music entertainment and Alhambra’s famous belly dancers!

The runway show will feature FORD models and footwear from Steve Madden.

Where: Alhambra Palace (1240 W. Randolph)
When: Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m.
RSVP Required: alla@akirachicago.com or contact Lisa at (312) 238-9314

Last Minute Weekend Notes

Fayth (aka Relaxocat), NBC5 Street Team

Happy Friday everyone! The weekend is finally upon us. I’m new to the Street Team, so I thought I’d start by sending a big “Thank you!” to the Team’s “Local Tourist” for writing on the City’s proposed “promoters’ ordinance”. It’s been a topic that could slide right past all of us and then some of our favorite events would be gone forever. If you haven’t read her blog on this topic, please do and get involved.

I’m a believer in keeping it eclectic; do everything! So, you most likely won’t find a particular theme from me except that I love music and getting out. With no further introduction, here we go:

The Chicago Green Festival is this weekend, so check out Marcus’ blog a few posts down. The admission price of $15 also provides you with some free stuff and also some discounts on your purchases. You can also get $5 off of admission by using the bike valet or by bringing in 3 used books for recycling. For more information on event admission click here.

The Green City Market opens tomorrow with a big 10th Anniversary celebration starting at 9 a.m. Why not trot on over to get veggies for your grill? Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill fame will be a guest speaker and leading the pack of chef’s who support the Market. There will be other vendors, information booths, and I heard a rumor that Mayor Daley will guest speak. If you see him, tell him you’re against the “promoters’ ordinance” - ha, ha, ha!

Help a child with cancer by attending The Campfire Ball put on by Children’s Oncology Services / One Step At A Time Camp. This organization provides services, programs and summer camp for children with cancer. “It’s Coed. With Cocktails. Just Like You Always Wished Camp Would Be” The Ball will be in the very interesting and newly opened Ravenswood Billboard Factory building.

• The Campfire Ball
• 4025 N. Ravenswood (at Irving Park Rd.)
• $100 at the door / $75 in advance

How about some honky tonk and BBQ? Local band, The Butcher’s Boy play a very fun live set at Horshoe Place. Jeremy Miller, singer and foot-stomper was recently described to me by a mutual friend as a cross between folk hero Pete Seeger and punk singer John Lydon (a.k.a. Johnny Rotten). I’m not sure about all that, but I just ran into Jeremy last week at the Abbey Pub and didn’t recognize him without his beard. Fortunately, Jeremy is also friendly and polite and re-introduced himself. If you’re up for some foot-stomping of your own, stop by.

Band: The Butcher’s Boy
Plays at: Horseshoe, 4115 N. Lincoln, just north of Irving Park Rd.

Mic Terror and DJ Mental tonight!

Shreyas Shah, NBC5 Street Team

Hip-Hop heads, tonight Good for Party and Bandit Productions team up to provide you with a healthy dose of hip-hop debauchery from emerging stars Mic Terror and DJ Mental.

Mic Terror was recently chosen as Urb Magazine’s “Next 100″. With hits like “Porno Movies” and “Juke Them Hoes”, his hilarious, over-sexed retro-rap rhymes are sure to get the party started. DJ Mental will keep it going with buttery hip-hop from Detroit to Chicago and beyond. Funky Buddha | 728 W. Grand Ave. | RSVP at: rsvp.goodforparty.com for reduced admission.

Columbia College Manifest is Today!

Blagica Bottigliero, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

Hi Gang. With today’s phenomenal spring weather, come on down to the South Loop and check out the premiere annual event for Columbia College: Manifest.

Details:

30,000 people. 50 showcases. 14 galleries. 4 stages. 1 day. Experience Manifest. Columbia College Chicago’s urban arts festival celebrates the work of seniors and graduate students from every department on campus. Manifest 2008 will feature an artwalk & sale, music on four stages, screenings, readings, live radio, Web casts, the TICTOC Performance Art Festival, the Transmission art car exhibition, Spectacle Fortuna’s parade of creativity, and special musical guest OK Go.

MadHatters Ball 2008

NiCole Thomas, NBC5 Street Team

The “Underground”  night club was transformed into “Wonderland” to host this year’s MadHatters Ball. The MadHatters has become the premiere event on the Chicago scene in just seven years. The atmosphere allows a more exclusive crowd to lose themselves partying in “the enchanted forest” and all for a good cause.

The MadHatters Ball is a part of a charity weekend that kicks- off the night before at Lookingglass Theater Company’s Annual Gala. The Lookingglass Theater Company was founded by David Schwimmer and a few of his “Friends” in 1989.

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Slideshow: Madhatters Ball

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The Hollywood actor also made an appearance at the MadHatters Ball alongside Billy Dec, one of the hosts of NBC5’s new show, 24/7 Chicago.

 If you can’t already tell, the theme of the MadHatters was Alice in Wonderland, and guests were dressed the part. Court jesters greeted you at the front door as you walk down a checkerboard oasis to the other side. Through the Lookingglass were many Alices serving hors d’oeuvres and specialty drinks like Pear Martinis or The Italian Job.

Many partygoers sported tuxedos and top hats, while others dared to be more innovative creating their own versions of enchanting creatures. The DJ spun a wonderful mix of electronica and hip-hop that set the tone and kept everyone moving all night long. I rolled out of the party at 3:00a.m., and people were still going in. I guess a MadHatters party just don’t stop!

This upscale event was definitely the spot to be and be seen Saturday night. The MadHatters tickled all my party fancies from the crowd to the music to the drinks, and on top of that, it was all to support charity. If you missed it this year don’t let another year go by without experiencing The MadHatters Ball.

Green Is The Way To Go

Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

I’ve been hearing more and more people lately who are sick of the term “going green.” Well, whatever you want call it, there’s no doubt that we all need to be paying a little more attention to our carbon footprint (a term I’ve come to hate).

This weekend is a good opportunity to learn how you can make a difference. The Green Festival will make its second annual stop in Chicago Saturday and Sunday at Navy Pier. Chicago, led by Mayor Daley, is quickly becoming a trailblazer in the “green” world (although I don’t understand why I get hassled so much by Chicago cops on my low-emission Vespa).

More than 30,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will host 150 speakers, 350 local and national green businesses, and dozens of community and non-profit groups. Experts will provide tips for successful urban green living and demonstrate that protecting the environment and saving money go hand-in-hand.

Event Details:

• Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
• May 17 and 18
• Saturday 9AM - 8PM, Sunday 11AM - 6PM
• $15 per person- all-access for one or both days.
• $10 per person ($5 off admission) for students with ID, seniors over 62, bike riders with a ticket from the Green Festival Bike Valet, bus riders with transfer ticket/bus pass, BetterWorld book drive participants.
• FREE: Kids under 12 and Co-op America or Global Exchange members

Click here for more information on the Green Festival.

Will Illinois Be In The Top Three?

Shlomi Rabi NBC5 Street Team

The California Supreme Court has just overturned the ban on gay marriage, making California the second state to realize that denying a homo of his rights to bridal registry is a sin against humanity. Seriously peeps, what took you so long? And what is taking Illinois so long? Do you not understand what that would do to the Chicago economy? If you think the display windows at Marshall Field’s (whatev, I’m still in denial) are pretty now, wait until the Illinois Supreme Court does the right thing and grant LGBTQF (the last one is for “Fierce”) individuals the right to be distracted by the boredom of quotidian living and plan an over-the-top (or over-the-bottom) ceremony. So common, put the self-tanner down (the whole thing about Summer is a myth anyway), and Do The Right Thing In Illinois.

Taste of Chicago-The Gourmet Sequel

Hungry Z, NBC5 Street Team

Do you love the Taste but wish you could sample some of the city’s more upscale fair? Sure there’s the gourmet tent located near the fountain, but that’s only like three places. Good news my food loving friends, soon you will have a “fancy pants” taste to indulge in. The City of Chicago and Illinois Restaurant Association will co-host “Chicago Gourmet,” billed as “a celebration of food & wine,” September 26-28 in Millennium Park. 

The mayor apparently wants a gourmet version of the Taste, one that will show off Chicago as a world-class culinary destination. Don’t get me wrong, I love sampling Robinson’s Ribs, Harold’s Chicken, Ricobene’s and other street food favorites. But hey, our cuisine is more upscale than some of the country gives us credit for.

There’s a May 20th press conference, but until then details are pretty slim. Rumor has it that a number of big-name chefs are already on board. I’ll fill everyone in with all the details as soon as they become available.

Why Buy Organic?

Jim Grillo, NBC5 Street Team

Sustainable and Green are words “thrown around” out there, but, how “green” are you and what can you do to stamp out “your” carbon footprint on earth?  

 

We caught up with Greg Christian, “The Conscious Caterer” of Greg Christian Catering in Chicago via phone while he was walking and purchasing from local farmers at the Organic Farmer’s Market in Lincoln Park.

 

Here are some points of discussion you will hear in the following audio interview:

 

Why should we be green and/or sustainable?

How can you be more “green” in every day life?

How many miles are on your suit?

Are you alone in trying to help the future of our planet?

 

It’s simple to listen - Just press Play

Greg Christian Catering is leading the charge for the Organic School Project which seeks to transform Chicago-area children into healthier, more mindful eaters, one school and one child at a time.

Thank you for listening,

Jim

Ordinance pulled, for now; Chicago Events 5/15 - 18

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

Chicago culture fans are breathing a sigh of relief today. It’s a shallow sigh, but it’s better than the alternative. An overwhelming response from the creative community and fans of culture, both nationally and internationally, prompted Alderman Schulter to pull from today’s City Council vote legislation that had the potential to decimate the city’s musical, theatrical, comedic, and cultural scenes. This “promoter’s ordinance” is back in committee so we need to keep on top of it, but for now we’ve got a reprieve.

On Friday, Michael Teach and Michael Narvaez of Chicago Acoustic Underground and I poured over the ordinance in horror, and we quickly put up a petition website. By Tuesday afternoon there were almost 6000 comments as word spread. After meeting with a group that included venue owners, major promoters, and other Aldermen, Schulter pulled the ordinance from the vote.

I’m extraordinarily proud to have been part of this effort, and to be part of a city whose culture prompts such an immediate and expansive response when it’s threatened.

Tonight I’ll be talking with Tony Carr on Now Live about the ordinance at 10pm. You can listen to it by visiting my MySpace page. If you’d like to participate in the chat room click here.

Tomorrow night was originally to be my bday bash at Fado (100 W Grand) from 6 til they kick us out, but now it’s much more than just a celebration that I’m gettin’ old. Now we’re celebrating that the Chicago political machine can listen to reason. (Speaking of which, the foie gras ban was repealed today. Tomorrow the council’s voting on the Children’s Museum in Grant Park. Visit savegrantpark.org for more information.)

Next week the newsletter will be back to normal. Please check the online calendar to see events for this weekend. Quickly, there’s the Green Festival, the Green City Market is now open, there are free tours with Great Chicago Places & Spaces, and the Chicago Walk & Roll on Sunday.

Have a great weekend!

Theresa

Free Hump Day Soiree at Le Pomme Rouge Tonight!

Shreyas Shah, NBC5 Street Team

Good for Party Peoples,

if you’re looking for a nice, sexy, laid back place to sip cocktails and listen to some great music tonight, Le Pomme Rouge is the spot. Danni Deahl and Funky Couture will be playing a tasteful selection of French house and smooth electro, there will be $5 Stoli and Cointreau cosmos on special all night, and no cover.

If you’ve never been to Le Pomme Rouge, its an ultra-chic restaurant and lounge in River North, dedicated to opulent comfort and discerning palettes. The place is adorned with sensuous Art Nouveau and gilded Baroque accents, in delicate balance with a hint of Victorian tension.

We hope to see you there.

Le Pomme Rouge
108 W. Kinzie
9pm - 1:30am

50 years of Fashion Fair: GLAM ODYSSEY

Tom Kolovos, NBC5 Street Team

This Sunday the legendary Ebony Fashion Fair celebrates its 50th anniversary.

For those of you that don’t know, Fashion Fair is the African American community’s version of “Glamorama” which it predates, and from what I’ve always heard, puts to shame.

This year the event will take place at The Chicago Theatre on Sunday May 18th at 3 pm and will benefit The Chicago Urban League. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for $35-$125. Click here for more information.

Hope to see some of you there. I will report back on Monday!

TheBestDressedList.com

WE DID IT!!!

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

The promoter’s ordinance is being pulled and WILL NOT BE VOTED ON TOMORROW!

I received confirmation from Alderman Schulter’s office that it’s been pulled. They’re going to return it to committee, so we’ll have to keep our eyes open, but this time there will be input from the entertainment community.

Congratulations to all of you who signed the petition (all 5,742 of you!), who called your Alderman, who posted blogs and comments and told your friends and spread the word.

I don’t know about you, but tonight I’m going to go listen to some live music. After having some champagne.

Theresa

p.s. My birthday bash is this Thursday at Fado, 111 N Clark, from 6 until they throw us out. Come join us to now celebrate this grand effort to protect Chicago’s culture.

‘Cause now we won’t need a license for it

Head Of The Class

 Reggie Brown, NBC5 Street Team

 For the past 15 years, students in Jane Canepa’s Special Events and Promotions class at Columbia College have been required to choose a nonprofit organization and promote a fundraising event.

This year’s Jammin’ with Jane event was held at Pint at 1547 N Milwaukee and benefited the development of the PACODES Panyijiar Community Development Services’.  Their goal is to construct a library for the people in the Panyijiar community in Southern Sudan.

I was invited by Danielle Barrera, a student of Jane’s and former Street Teamer, and was happy to see that they had a great turnout, the room was packed ,and the energy was high.   Check out the documentary God Grew Tired of Us. It is a testament to the will and perseverance of a group of Sudanese refugees that sought a better way of life for themselves and their homeland. The Lost Boys Of Sudan is an organization that was set up to increase awareness and assist in providing continuous development to the much-needed and deserving region of Sudan. With the combined efforts of the students, The Lost Boys, members and supporters of  PACODES and the rest of the world, we have the ability to supply a war torn and impoverished region of the world with the simple basic tools they need to provide education and empowerment for their people.  

I  was able to catch up with the highly accredited Dr. Roy Hammerling (co-chair of Pacodes), and his son, Jeremiah, at the event. This dynamic duo is in the development stages of shooting a new film documenting the construction of the new library.  It is inspiring to see and be a part of an amazing group of people that are actively making the world a better place for everyone. I challenge you to do your part.

(Pictured Above:Jeremiah Hammerling, Danielle Barrera and Dr. Roy Hammerling)

Save Chicago Culture

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

Visit SaveChicagoCulture.org now and sign the petition. Here’s why:

I just got back from a run along the lake front. What is normally an almost-vacation-like experience for me as I head toward the beautiful city skyline with Lake Shore Drive on one side and Lake Michigan on the other was, today, bittersweet.

On my mp3 player were songs by The Attraction, Disonic, Lucid Ground, On The Front, Section 4, Mindsight, Seven Day Sonnet - all Chicago bands. Local music is my passion, but if the Chicago City Council gets its way on Wednesday, those bands could cease to exist or be driven to other, more arts-friendly cities.

On May 14 the City Council will vote on an ordinance requiring any event promoter to have a license and liability insurance. That doesn’t sound so bad, except the language is so broad individual bands and theater groups could be included. Most are operating on such tight margins this would effectively put them out of “business”. Problem is, musicians and actors and other artists are in the business of creating art. The venues are in the business of providing a safe environment and already have licenses and insurance. This is duplicate regulation versus enforcing laws that are already on the books.

This also means that publications like The Local Tourist, Chicago Acoustic Underground, Chicago Music Guide, Gapers Block, Chicagoist, and Time Out Chicago would have to be licensed if we want to put on concerts showcasing the talent we feature. For example, Chicago Acoustic Underground and The Local Tourist are putting on a benefit concert. Even though we both have established solid reputations for our support of local music, AND are hosting this event at a venue with insurance, proper licenses, and a history of safety, we would be required to apply for this promoter’s license and get additional, duplicate insurance.

Performers are exempt from this ordinance, with one glaring exception: if the performer “exercises no other financial or non-performance-related operational responsibility in connection therewith.” Bands are often required to sell their own tickets. So are actors. They do their own advertising and promotion. Some venues will book one band and require them to choose the rest of the lineup. All those bands I listened to this afternoon have been in those situations and therefore would need to get a license.

There’s some question about whether or not it will even be enforced, considering the city doesn’t enforce the existing legislation (which would have prevented the E2 disaster), but that’s a moot point. Reputable venues will comply with the regulations because they’re reputable.

Of course, the city is exempt from this, which seems even more ridiculous considering the response Efrat Dallal Stein, the spokeswoman for the Department of Business Affairs & Licensing, gave to Jim DeRogatis during an interview. Stein said this was also meant to combat overcrowding. “Say, for example, the capacity of the venue is 200 people, and they promote it to 1,000 people, and they have 500 people that show up. They have an issue of overcrowding, they have an issue of 500 people who cannot get in who are standing out in front of the venue.” What, like when the city ran out of wristbands at Looptopia so that thousands of kids were roaming downtown in the middle of the night with no place to go, and there was a mosh pit in Millennium Park with police chasing kids down Michigan Avenue, both on foot and in cruisers? Besides the hypocrisy in that statement, when’s the last time you heard of 500 people being turned away at Metro?

There have been some comments that event promoters should be licensed just like any other business. Yes, some actors and some musicians go on to make ridiculous sums of money, but the overwhelming majority struggle day to day, put in hours of practice after working full-time jobs, and receive little to nothing financially in return. Their “job” is to entertain. It is the venue’s job to provide a safe environment, and there are already laws in place to ensure that safety.

The arts have a long history of patronage. Today’s artists don’t have wealthy benefactors to support them while they create something beautiful, moving, thought provoking, amusing, or entertaining. Instead they have us - the patron that will gladly pay our $5 or $12 or $15 to experience their creativity.

Please, if you feel half as strongly as I do about protecting our vital and vibrant arts and music scene, visit SaveChicagoCulture.org and leave a comment. Chicago Acoustic Underground and The Local Tourist will be presenting comments from this site to every single Alderman and to the Chicago City Council. On the site you can also find your specific representative to contact individually.

This week’s band: Jessica Robbins

The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

From the band: “Jessica Monkey Robbins used to be a magician. She captivated audiences for years. Jessica is now writing songs and doing a little magic on the side.

Jessica scores the music for the highly acclaimed Chicago improv group Virgin Daiquiri- which performs regularly at the IO Theater. The group has played at The Second City- where Jessica played piano, guitar and harmonica. She also has been playing with the improv team MORT at the Playground Theater for three years. Recently, Jessica had the unique opportunity to perform as a musician for the Infamous Commonwealth Theater’s 24 Hour Project.

Her debut EP, Mixed Numbers, portrays all the imagination and lyrical wit Jessica has honed in her songs and live performances. It favors to note that these shows are often influenced by improvisation and a sprightly courtship of the audience unique to Jessica herself. She has performed on the podcast Chicago Acoustic Underground and played many esteemed venues around Chicago.”

Her next Chicago shows are at Beat Kitchen on May 14 and The Castaway Collective on May 17.

Time and Tide Wait For One Man

Natalia Avilez, NBC Street Team

In preparation for 08’s summer of comics , Chicago is not only sizzling in a slew of comic-book flicks such “Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, and The Dark Knight” but also in comic cons including Wizard World Chicago.

Similar to this once neglected genre, the Modern age of comics has not only forced itself into the box offices and homes of millions, the men and woman behind this world of imagination are often over-looked.

Those with imagination, pencils, and brushes in hand that breathe life into the empty Bristol board that lay before them. Those such as local artist, creator and founder of Slipstream Comics , Eric Jimenez ,who remove themselves from the outside world, secluding themselves with their work hours at a time for your viewing pleasure.

With his Spidey senses tingling at an early age, Eric remembers being able to draw before he could read. Using movies and cartoons such as Spider-Man for inspiration Eric had this unexplainable urge to reproduce what he saw. This passion for art continued to follow him throughout his teenage years and with the inspiration of other comic artists such as Carlos Pacheco, (Avengers forever and Arrowsmith), Eric began to create his own style of art which combines his own interests including movies, video games ,and cartoons which he considers to be a mix between realism and cartoony feel.

As an adult, this 24 -year-old, DePaul graduate still holds pencils, inks and imagination in hand and is working on several projects including drawing various illustrations to get colored and sell, the Tourist, (http://panel88.com) as well his own graphic novel ,Temporal .

Temporal, which takes place in 17th century Europe, draws you into an epic quest for 7 magical books, time travel, and a struggle between ancient civilizations . Although it has been in the back of his mind since he was 16 , Eric began actively pitching the concept for the last two comic conventions. With Temporal in his past, present and future Eric is not only ready to show the comic book world what he has to offer but at the same time sharing his love for different cultures, beliefs, and religions through his work.

So what can you expect from this aspiring comic book artist?

Although Eric’s long term goal as an artist to to get Temporal into a movie trilogy ,his immediate goals involve getting steady work in any art field wether it be illustration, story boarding, character design and getting Temporal out. ” The whole reason I am drawing is because I am hoping one person will look at what I am doing and get it, connect with it, and get inspired by it. ” With the first issue’s cover being submitted by local artist Gregory Titus, page colors by Rachelle Rosenburg, along with Eric’s character designs, story line, and inks, Slipstream comics is pleased to offer aspiring artists a chance to help shape the Temporal Universe.

“Just because i know how difficult it has been so far, i would love to bring people with me once I get my foot in the door. I like variety and I love peoples rendition of my characters it would be really cool if I got completely different art styles for a cover or back for every issue.” Eric

You can see some of Eric’s work, including Temporal at this years Wizard World Convention that will be held at the Donald Stephens Convention center in Rosemont June 26-29 . “People at convention can expect something new and better than year before.”

Cant wait? CLICK BELOW

http://www.myspace.com/readtemporal

 

Digging in the Dirt

Angie, NBC5 Street Team

When I moved to Chicago a couple years ago a friend took me to Redmoon Theater’s “spectacle” called the Twilight Orchard which was performed at a park west of the city.  It was so surreal and dreamy and creative that I thought, “I’ve found my people.” I’ve kept my eye on this theater group and even volunteered to build stage sets with them to just be around that ever-flowing, uninhibited creativity. Their latest theater production, A Boneyard Prayer, delivers the beauty and ingenuity that justifies my following.  It’s a love story and a tragedy. It’s a musical and a physical feat.

The story is about an alcoholic man who accidentally kills he and his wife’s little baby then returns 23 years later for forgiveness. But who is doing the forgiving - his ex-wife or him for himself? The couple and all of the characters are gravediggers, just to add an extra creepy darkness to it. The story is touching and makes one ponder the idea of forgiveness, but the performance itself is spectacular. Being a musical, the songs, to my untrained ear, sound Broadway quality and the actor’s voices are magical. The physical performance, on a stage set that made of mounds of dirt and trap doors and holes in the ground, is full of unpredictability and fun, despite the serious theme. The actors are tossing dirt around on each other, shoveling it into the air, rolling around in it and dumping it everywhere. They also perform with life size puppets carved out of birchwood, using the puppets as what could be their alter egos or them in the past or in the future.  The way they play with puppets is abstract and adds another layer to the performance. So the actors are singing, rolling around in the dirt, crawling up through tunnels and trap doors and performing puppetry.  It’s a stimulating collage of performance arts happening in front of you. After the performance, Redmoon always lets the audience come up on stage and walk around the set and touch the props and ask the actors questions. You can touch the puppets and see the craftsmanship up close.  I love Redmoon because they’re all about the hand craft and they haven’t let technology come into their performances too far, if at all. The talent of the performers working physically within the low tech mechanics of their artful stage sets is what makes their productions so stimulating and unique. Check it out before May 25 (it was extended)! See www.redmoon.org for tickets.  

Word On The Street: May 10, 2008

Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

Watch the weekly “Word On The Street” segment on 24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City,” at 12:05 a.m., immediately following Saturday Night Live on NBC5.

Park 52

For this week’s ”Word On The Street” segment we hit Park 52, a welcome addition to Hyde Park’s culinary scene. Designer/owner Jerry Kleiner again teams with Marc Brooks to put their signature stamp on this space.

When you walk in Park 52’s circular rotating main door, you’re immediately reminded of this duo’s previous collaboration, South Loop’s Room 21. Think rich reds and plush, velvety accoutrements in the design, along with the signature Kleiner hand-made silk shantung lighting fixtures. Be sure to check out the high fashion and celebrity photography in black and white and color. Jerry doesn’t spare any detail in his projects, and will not rush any restaurant into opening until his vision is reached — in design, food and service.

Executive Chef Chris Barron (Opera, Red Light, Ritz Carlton, Beverly Hilton, Border Grill, Park Hyatt) and Sous Chef Matt Moss (Cascina Langa Italy, Crofton on Wells, Butter) are behind the food, described as an American bistro dinner menu. Beginning in June, the chefs will buy ingredients from Hyde Park’s weekly Farmer’s Market and incorporate it into the menu.

Park 52
5201 S. Harper Ct
773-241-5200

No Country For Old White Men

Second City is without question one of Chicago’s treasures, and the launching pad for a countless amount of comedians who later went on to the “big time.” And as on SNL — where some of these performers could end up one day — politics seem to be the easiest fodder for laughs.

The previous show, “Between Barack and a Hard Place” was a resounding success, and the current production, “No Country For Old White Men,” mines the same topical, political satire. This from the press release:

“From a You Tube electorate grabbing their 15 minutes of fame to a rare US visit by the British House of Commons, No Country for Old White Men is trading in its Cadillac and country club membership for some sweet soul food and a side of girl power.”

Tickets for No Country for Old White Men are available by phone at (312) 337-3992 or online at www.secondcity.com.

Return Of The Cocktail Party

Looking for something to do on Tuesday nights? Go retro at Return of the Cocktail Party, at River North hotspot Martini Park.

Sip on one of the old-style cocktails — Side Cars, Old Fashioneds, Manhattans — all while kicking back in the loungy and colorful surroundings.

Oh ya, can’t have a cocktail party without the music. Each night will feature a different singer. Check the calendar to see who will be performing.

CHICAGO MINUTE

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

You simply can’t miss this one! On May 19th, come out and celebrate Chicago’s Rising Star Chefs Award winners with a tasting gala to die for! This event will feature signature dishes, wine pairings, exciting cocktails, live music and exquisite food from:Tru, Blackbird, MK, Le Lan and Boka. This not to be missed event is happening at the fab Trump International Hotel & Towers! Tickets are $150 per person, reception 6pm - 7pm. Gala 7pm - 9:30pm. Reserve today at www.starchefs.com/risingstars

“The Trey The Choklit Jock Morning Jumpoff” on WPWX Power 92 , has a new morning co-host and she is a HOT! Her name is Alexx Dupri, and she is a HOT MESS is a great way! Much success and CONGRATS! Hey, Trey!

Grammy-Award winning rapper and SAG card member Common is stepping up his acting career. This time the Chicago native has signed on to co-star in “Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins“. The story centers on John Connor (Christian Bale), now in his 30s, who leads what is left of the human race in a battle against the machines. Common will play a freedom fighter and member of Connor’s inner circle. The project is scheduled to be released on May 22, 2009. 

I’m a sucker for a fashion show and I must strike a pose at least once a week! Project: Lakeview East is an upscale runway show taking place on Wednesday, May 14th at Sura Thai. This event will feature the hippest styles from some of Lakeview Easts top boutiques, including: P+L, Andrea Vagna, His Stuff, Kreative Soul, Skinstinct, Chicago Fur Outlet, Spare Parts, Threadless, Styl Shoes, Universal Gear, Shirts Illustrated, and Buffalo Exchange. The event starts at 7pm. For further details, go to www.lakevieweast.com or contact them by phone at 773.348.8608.