Tonight: Social Media/PR/Marketing Challenge

Glenn Murray, NBC Chicago Street Team

My friends at Windy City Social have created a networking event “on steroids” with a powerful line up of marketers and social media experts at the Social Media / e-commerce Marketing / PR Challenge, an interactive networking event 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, at The Metropolitan Club (located in Sears Tower).

How it works: Three business leaders will present live businesses cases. Participants will work in teams to develop the best possible Marketing plan, which they will present to the group. Each business leader will pick a winning team. Each winning team member will receive a great prize provided by the event sponsors.

The names of winning team members and links to their sites will be listed on the Windy City Social website for a month. There will also be time during the evening to network, enjoy appetizers and drinks and meet the sponsor companies.

The expert panels will be led by Troy Henikoff, CEO of OneWed Inc, Jonny Imerman, the founder of Imerman Angels, and Greg Hall, Brewmaster at Goose Island. Expect other business leaders to drop by.

Tickets are $55

Ticket Price Includes*
- Entry into competition
- Wine from Lynfred Winery and beer from Goose Island
- Met-club appetizers

A portion of the net ticket proceeds will benefit Imerman Angels.

Windy City Social founder Hope Bertram created the organization to “answer a need for successful men and women to connect on social, intellectual and professional levels.”

For more information on this event and on the organization visit their web site.

www.windycitysocial.com

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New Hotel Seeks Chicago’s Wittiest Workers

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

theWit Hotel is hosting a job fair Tuesday, seeking 300 employees for its planned opening in late May.

The hotel, which be located at 201 N. State St., is looking for people to work in the hotel restaurant and spa. Positions include Front Desk, Night Audit, PBX Operations, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Bell People, Restaurant Servers, Banquet Servers, Hosts, Cooks, Receptionists, Licensed Experienced Massage Therapists, Licensed Experienced Esthetician and more.

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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Lolla Adds The Killers, Tool, Lou Reed

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

This year’s Lollapalooza lineup continues to take shape. The Tribune’s Greg Kot reports that multiple industry sources confirmed at the South by Southwest Music Conference that The Killers and Tool will play the festival, scheduled for Aug. 7 – 9 in Grant Park.

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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Claypool’s Musical Mutant Mischief

Maureen Vana, NBC Chicago Street Team

Les Claypool brought the sideshow to center stage Saturday night at The Riv. The Oddity Faire: A Mutated Mini Fest entertained with the strange, complete with intermissions any circus would be happy to house. Fire breathing, disappearing drill bits, cloaked strings, and a light up tuba were just some of the unique tidbits that dotted the evening’s performances.

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See Photos from the Show

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Early this month, Les Claypool began his tour supporting his latest release, Of Fungi and Foe. The tour has hosted a variety of opening acts including Devotchka, Saul Williams, and Secret Chiefs, and all three appeared at Saturday’s show.

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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Blackhawks set to face League’s Best Team

Paul M. Banks a.k.a. The Sports Bank, NBC Chicago Street Team
The Winter Classic may have received all the hype, but few regular season games will have more importance than Wednesday night when the Blackhawks welcome the NHL points leading San Jose Sharks to the United Center.

“It’ll be a good test, a huge game we gotta be up and ready for,” Hawks defenseman Brent Seabrook said.

On Sunday the Hawks (38-22-11, 87 pts) broke their five game winless streak.

Read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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Chazz Palminteri: A Bronx Tale

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team
One of my favorite spots to hang in all of Chicago is The Joynt. The place just oozes “cool” with phenomenal live music, stiff drinks and private parties, like the one last week for Chazz Palminteri and his one-man show, A Bronx Tale. Overall, the biggest “take away” I got from this night of fun and excitement was succinctly put by Chazz himself… “Don’t waste your talent.”

Word up, Chazz. Advice taken.

For more “good advice” videos, check out JenChicago.com!
Find me on Facebook! (Search: JenChicago)

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Hadassah is tougher!

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

Last week I had a chance to learn about an organization called Hadassah. Hadassah Chicago Chapter is a Jewish organization that started in 1913 and promotes Zionist ideals in the United States, Israel and throughout the world. What these women and men have been able to accomplish in the past 94 years, is nothing short of outstanding. From funding hospitals and colleges to being the leader in stem cell research, Hadassah is making a huge difference in the lives of so many.

Hadassah Chicago Chapter alone raises TWO MILLION each year to support their programs! The group continues to grow in the Chicago area with events like the one I went to recently at LUXBAR. The food was outstanding and Bridget Albert, the Master Mixologist, whipped up some delightful concoctions with some of my favorite new liquors, like Pama. Everyone was kind, informed and obviously very dedicated to the cause. I learned so much about Israel, after chating with Howard Kaplan, that it is now on my list of “places to visit”! Howard described the Israeli landscape as “downtown Miami beach” and even went on to call Israel a “junior America”!

Overall, this is an amazing organization that knows very clearly their purpose and the impact that people can make when they join together for a common goal. In the words of Fran Givertz, President, “Yes, times might seem tough, but Hadassah is tougher.”

To find out more about Hadassah Chicago Chapter check here. If you are ready to help support the initiative, on April 30, Chicago Hadassah hosts their largest fundraiser of the year starring hot Israeli dance company Renana Raz and teens from the Hadassah Neurim Youth Village. All proceeds benefit Hadassah Neurim, which each year gives 1,200 at-risk Israeli children the education and confidence building they need to succeed and help their country. For tickets and sponsorships, call 847.675.6790.

For more stories of hope, check out JenChicago.com.
Facebook (search: JenChicago)

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Attention Chicago Artists!

Damaris Woodbury, NBC Chicago Street Team

This is just the coolest thing ever and something every up and coming Artist with big dreams yearn for!

Whatever your media: Oral, digital, paint, film, performance, music, photography, etc., this expo is for you! The only one of its kind in the entire nation, Chicago is hosting the Creative Chicago Expo on Saturday, April 4th from 10am – 4pm at the Chicago Cultural Center. This one-day, free event that is open to the public is intended to connect business, space, housing, and cultural resources with individuals and organizations in all artistic disciplines, including music, film, fashion, theater, dance, visual arts, design and new media.

In its 6th year, the Expo adds new exhibitors and additional workshops to its line-up. In 2009, the Expo introduces “Consult-a-thon,” a unique opportunity for artists to schedule appointments for one-on-one consulting offering Career coaching,and industry specific experts offering advise. The one-on-one consultations are $10 for 20-25 minutes with an expert in your field. The complete list of consultants and a link to make appointments are posted on www.chicagoartistsresource.org. Check it out! The link has been posted since March 16th so get your spot now!

They have free 45 minute “how to” workshops ranging from “Art Festival How-To” to “Building a Board of Directors” to “Time Management for Artists.” Click here for a list of “Ask the City” representatives that will be available to answer your questions as well as the latest list of exhibitors.

This is a network opportunity like no other! Get out there, network and be on your way to making your artistic dreams a reality!!!

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Spring Weekends at the Chicago Cultural Center

Damaris Woodbury, NBC Chicago Street Team

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs continues to host its Sunday Salon Series in Spring 2009. It’s one of the most popular programs at the Chicago Cultural Center. The weekly series, which draws in capacity crowds, showcases a wide variety of classical music by local, national, and internationally based classical artists.

Tiffany Dome

According to the Program Coordinator, you’ll hear everything from fourteenth-century songs to Brahms symphonies to world premiers by exciting composers living right here in Chicago.

Most performances, unless otherwise noted, are held on Sundays at 3 pm in Preston Bradley Hall, under the world’s largest Tiffany stained-glass dome at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street. Admission is free. For more information about the Sunday Salon Series, call 312.744.6630 or visit www.cityofchicago.org/CulturalAffairs/.

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World Music Wednesdays

Damaris Woodbury, NBC Chicago Street Team

Old Town School of Folk Music is launching their new spring/summer 2009 music and dance series!

Every Wednesday from April 1 to June 24, 2009 from 8:30-10:30 at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue. World Music Wednesdays is a unique, free community series that explores the rich diversity that exists in the Chicago community. This series will present music, dance and culture of Africa, Europe, Asia, The Middle East and The Americas.

Latin Rock from Argentina and Colombia, Gypsy bands from Hungary, Jazz from the Caribbean, band of musicians from Mali’s Sahara region, Greek folk music, are just a few of the shows being offered.

Admission is FREE on most Wednesdays. Call (773) 728-6000 or visit oldtownschool.org for more information.

For a general listing of shows, please visit: World Music Wednesday On-Line: http://www.oldtownschool.org/concerts/world.html

I’ve written many a blog about the Old Town School of Folk Music. I’m a huge fan, as it enhances Chicago’s culture by offering music and so much more. I’ll be taking a Brazilian Capoeira class soon and invite you to check out all they offer in the area of music, song and dance!

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Word on the Street

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

This week’s Word on the Street segment was shot in a very cool new spot bar/lounge in Wicker Park called Edge (1700 W Division Street). The weekends are always poppin’ at this spot, but weekdays are nothing to sneeze at either. Tuesdays are Jazz, Art and Wine, Wednesdays are Single Sangria night and Thursday is Retro Martini Night.

Summer Concerts: Summer in Chicagoland just isn’t the same without at least one trek up to Highland Park for a show at Ravinia. The 2009 summer concert lineup has just been released. Some of the acts scheduled to perform include Blondie, The Steve Miller Band, Bonnie Raitt, John Legend and much more. The concerts kick on on June 5th, but if you want tickets, you’d better get on that now.

Food Network: If you find yourself in the same old rut when it comes to your dining experience, the check out Bespoke Cuisine’s monthly Mix-it-Up cooking parties. Learn to create a gourmet meal from professionally trained chefs, eat and drink with with some like-minded fellow foodies.

Viewing Parties: If you’re a couch potato, then there’s no need to suffer alone. Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club has a number of weekly viewing parties for some of your favorite shows. So if you’re a fan of Desperate Housewives or Make Me a Supermodel, it’s always a lot more fun to check it out with some friends. And of course, entertainment is provided by Kit Kat’s fabulous divas.

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New Dating Concept: Meeting Live People

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

It doesn’t seem that long ago that the concept of meeting someone through a personal ad was taboo. In fact, you would have been ashamed if a co-worker found out you posted an ad in a newspaper.

Those days are long gone. There’s no shame in admitting you met someone on Match.com, and your profile — pics, interests and all — are out there for the world to see.

That’s the reasoning behind a new after-work concept called North Meet South. It’s the brainchild of Kimberly Brown, who wanted to create a setting for singles to meet in a fun setting while eliminating the stress of the typical hookup scene.

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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Entertainment News for March 20, 2009

LaShonda Matlock, NBC Chicago Street Team

SEEING RED!
Anne Hathaway begged Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani to autograph her dress – after he accidentally spilt red wine all over the gown. The Devil Wears Prada star was at a private dinner for the 76-year-old fashion icon in New York on Tuesday (March 17th) night, which saw Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna turn out for the style mogul.

An eyewitness tells the New York Daily News, “Anne was covered in wine, but she laughed about it. She told him, ‘I want you to autograph this dress and sign it right now.’”

AND HERE COMES THE RIHANNA & CHRIS BROWN SEX TAPE…
We’ve already had the engagement rumors, wedding rumors, baby rumors, so at this point why not throw in a sex tape rumor?

Star Magazine claims that Chris Brown has a graphic video featuring him and Rihanna being very intimate in (how should I put this) “various ways”. Sources are saying that Rihanna is terribly afraid that Chris is going to leak the video if things continue on the current path and they eventually break up. The source went on to say, “Rihanna has no issues with her sexuality. But she’d be mortified if her friends and family found this out! This whole beating incident is terribly humiliating for her. She’s already traumatized and will do anything to make it all go away as quickly as possible.“

CHICAGO GOSSIP:
Tom Brokaw, former “NBC Nightly News” anchor and NBC special correspondent, speaks at the Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. tonight at The Field Museum.

NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant will be sharing footwear designs with students today at Walsh Elementary. The star will also do a youth basketball clinic later this evening.

And if you want to know where the celebs like Kobe and others are partying tonight then click on my TWITTER account for all the latest scandal and gossip!

SIGHTINGS:
Actress Sandra Bullock stuck in 6pm rush hour traffic with her security detail on Michigan Avenue…. Billy Dec running from B-96 in Prudential Plaza next door to 103.5 KISS-FM for his second on-air appearance Thursday morning.

WEEKEND HOT SPOTS!
FRIDAY: Stay Lounge. The official after-party spot and best of all everyone is V.I.P.! Stay Lounge- 111 West Erie.
SATURDAY: Bon V hosts Image Magazine party and to get in free just mention IMAGE at the door! Bon V – 1100 W Randolph St

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Common Threads World Festival

Candace Jordan, NBC Chicago Street Team

The 4th annual World Festival benefiting Common Threads, will be held on Monday, March 23rd, at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., from 6-9 PM.

Taste and celebrate world culture with the country’s top chefs! Sample cuisine, sip cocktails, watch performances highlighting countries around the globe, and bid on exciting silent and live auction items including a vintage Bambi Airstream trailer designed by White House decorator, Michael S. Smith!

Join honorary chair and mistress of ceremonies, Gail Simmons, and event co-chairs Katherine Chez, Candace Jordan and Mayari Pritzer for Chef Art Smith’s biggest fundraiser for Common Threads.

Founded in 2003, CT educates children on the importance of nutrition and physical well-being, and fosters an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking. In 2008, CT served nearly 1,000 predominantly low-income children, ages 8-12, throughout Chicago and in South Central Los Angeles through after-school cooking and garden programs, a summer camp, special events and activities including twice yearly etiquette classes.

There are two ticket levels: general admission is $250 and the VIP package is $500. This includes the VIP Reception starting at 5 PM and the VIP After-Party at the James Hotel (55 E. Ontario) where you will mingle with the chefs and enjoy an incredible show by the Million Dollar Quartet!

The show renenacts the jam session of the century with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins! High energy, food, fun and friends for a great cause! What more could you want? Please call Kristin for tickets and more information at (312) 752-2692. I’ll see you there!!

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Single Sex in the Second City

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

A new Chicago Web site offers a unique take on the issue of sex, dating and being single in the city. Well, at least we’re assuming that in the history of mankind — ever since Adam first sampled Eve’s.. umm.. apple — that there’s anything unique still to be said about hooking up and bumping uglies.

But Lustandbust.com is giving it a shot, launching a Web site that bills itself as a “one-of-a-kind entertainment hub for singles in Chicago.”

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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Brackets, Burgers, Brews and Basketball

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

You’ve studied the field, filled out your bracket, and now the only thing left to do is figure out where to watch the games.

If you’re into the group atmosphere, there’s countless bars in Chicago offering big-screen TVs, cold brews, and plenty of extra incentives to check out their spot.

Click here to view a list of cool places to watch the games on nbcchicago.com.

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A Very Happy Happy Hour

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

Nobody is happy about the sagging economy, but the one silver lining may be the great food and drink deals popping up all over town.

Martini Park, otherwise known as the playground for grownups, is ramping up its Happy Hour menu in a way that only adults can enjoy.

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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Society of Illustrators Traveling Exhibition

Erik Sorensen, NBC5 Street Team

Artists and non-artists alike looking for Thursday plans and who aren’t still recovering from St. Patrick’s Day should look no further…

Beginning  March 19th – April 24th, The American Academy of Art will be hosting the Society of Illustrators traveling exhibition. The prestigious organization has chosen the Academy, which happens to be my Alma Mater, as the exclusive host for the Chicago-area.

“We’re proud to host this exhibit at the Academy, given our long history of producing accomplished illustrators,”  – Academy President Richard Otto.

Look to see a high quality show that boasts some of the best illustration talent around. The show consists of 40 original works and will be held in the Bill L. Parks Gallery, 332 South Michigan Avenue.

“Since its founding in 1923, the American Academy of Art has trained and educated some of the nation’s most notable and prolific fine artists and illustrators, including: Haddon Sundblom, illustrator of the original Coca-Cola Santa Claus; Gil Elvgren, famed for pin-up art during WWII; T. Allan Lawson, fine-arts painter commissioned to paint the White House holiday card in 2008; and noted comic book and graphic novel artist Alex Ross, among dozens of other greats.”

The exhibit is free and open to the public Monday – Thursday, from 11a.m. to 4p.m., or by appointment. A special media and student preview will be hosted from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 19.

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What’s in the Box?

Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago Street Team

We’re starting to see some interesting nightlife concepts starting to pop up all over the city. The old entertainment adage of trying to get butts in the seats has never been more apparent than in this horrible economy. We’ve seen parties with live ponies. And now, the next big thing involves — are you ready? A box.

It’s all gonna go down at a new spot called Veil, which will be located inside the former West Loop space where Reserve was located. The owners are dubbing the new spot a “theatrical ultra lounge.”

Read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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The Afro-Irish Connection

April Lawson, NBC Chicago Street Team

The term “Black Irish” is commonly used to refer to dark haired Irish Caucasians that don’t resemble the porcelain skinned, red or flaxen haired stereotype. But here is some little known history.  During the mid-18th century there were small numbers of black African and Caribbean people residing in Ireland especially Dublin. Never very numerous, most of them were assimilated into the larger population by the second third of the 19th century.

Notable Americans like Alex Haley, Rosa Parks, Jimi Hendrix, Derrick Jeter, Claude McKay and Ella Fitzgerald can all trace their roots back to Scottish/Irish ancestors. So does that make Shaquille O’Neal Black Irish? Not for certain, but here are some well-known native born Afro-Irish. Samantha Mumba is a pop singer and actress of Zambian and Irish descent from Ireland. Her most notable role was Mara in the 2002 film, The Time Machine. Songwriter and bassist Philip Parris Lynott came to prominence as the frontman of the wildly popular Irish rock band, Thin Lizzy.  Thin Lizzy is best known for the hit ‘The Boys are Back in Town, 1976  He was the son of an Afro Brazilian father and an Irish mother. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to the entire global village!

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Lost on Twitter Island

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC Chicago Street Team

As a study recently showed, Chicagoans are avid users of Twitter. It’s an amazing tool that can create multiple opportunities both personally and professionally.

But, the key word is that it’s a “tool.” When we’re out and about among real live people, shouldn’t we prefer to talk to those real live people and keep the phone in our pocket?

That’s not always the case. Have you ever been out somewhere and pulled your phone out saying “I’ve got to tweet this,” and looked around the room to see everyone else doing the same thing?

Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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Get Figgy With It!

Rikki Greenberg, NBC Chicago Street Team

The ladies of Chicago based event company Fig Media Incorporated need your help! 

Fig triathletes Emily Hard and Toby Geise  are training for a triathlon sponsored by Team in Training, a national organization that provides support for group training, coaches, mentors and participants while raising money for Leukemia and Lymphoma research.

In order for Hard and Geise to participate in the triathlon, they need $7400 (all proceeds go towards research for Leukemia and Lymphoma). So grab your best party dress and help support the girls, Team in Training (TNT) and the Leukemia Lymphoma Society by marking March 24th at Rockit Bar & Grill on your calender.

Besides the opportunity to put money towards a good cause, your sparkling presence automatically has access to a raffle with tons of pampering prizes. I wouldn’t be able to turn down an opportunity to win a Ruby Room (spa) group healing center experience or a Michael and Michael salon gift certificate, so why should you?

Cureit Networking Benefit Event

Rockit Bar & Grill

6 pm – 9 pm

22 W. Hubbrad

$40 in advance

$45 at the door

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The Murphy Hill Gallery Brings Fine Art to Chicago’s West Side

Glenn Murray, NBC5 Street Team

The Murphy Hill Gallery, the brainchild of photographers Ralph Murphy and William Hill is a fine art gallery located on Chicago’s West Side in the Homan Square Bldg (site of the original headquarters for Sears and Roebuck) The gallery houses a wide variety or work across all media including painting, photography, sculpture, film, video and performance art.

In summer 2008 the gallery expanded to include The Marc Rubin Experience. This collaboration with acclaimed Chicago artist Marc Rubin is dedicated to exhibiting classical contemporary fine art with an exciting international vision.

"Chatisement of Cupid" by Bill Hill

The gallery also serves the community by hosting youth organizations, photography classes and awareness films in the gallery’s theater. Murphy Hill Gallery and its owners was proudly named among the top nine “home / design / garden people and stores to watch in 2007″ by the Chicago Tribune.

I applaud the dedication and the love of art by both Mr. Murphy and Mr. Hill (an award winning photographer and one of the gallery’s featured artisans). They have created a gem of an organization on Chicago’s West Side and deserve to be recognized for their efforts.

Visit The Galley Web Site
www.murphyhillgallery.com

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