Move your body with Fitness Expert….Amy Leffel-TEAMiFIT.

Eric Smith, NBC5Chicago Street Team

On location at TEAMiFIT Lifestyle Center-676 N. LaSalle Street-with Founder, President and Wellness Coach-Amy Leffel.

Speak a little bit about your background-life before TEAMiFIT and how all this happened?

I received my undergraduate degree at Indiana University in Exercise Physiology and Public Health.  I worked as a personal trainer and exercise specialist-teaching fitness classes at gyms across the city.  Then I went back to school to get my masters degree in Education, where I worked with kids from 1st grade all the way up to 8th.  While as a school teacher, I was also teaching fitness classes and working as a personal trainer on the side.  So I have about seven years working in fitness.  This has been my passion, so doing this doesn’t feel like work.

Amy Got Soul

The initial concept was exercise on location at different outdoor venues across the city.  What gave you the idea to get started that way?

I’ve had this vision a long time.  April through September every year we hold outside classes.  So you’ll have classes happening all around the city…Lincoln Park, West Loop, West Town, River North, Gold Coast, Lake View and South Loop.  We also take these classes to the beach.  And as the weather cools we bring this more of this action to our space here.

So what makes TEAMiFIT different?

TurboKick

TEAMiFit is a one-stop shop promoting health and wellness!  You can come here and get fitness classes for adults and kids.  We have Strictly CORE, TurboKick, Zumba, Strength Boxing classes and more…we’ve got all kinds of flava flava-including Power Yoga and Power Pilates.  We’ve got specialized workshops like plyometric training focusing on high-intensity movements for high impact.  We also have small group personal training called ‘Armed and Dangerous’ for only six people, to work with a personal trainer at a discounted price.  And beginning in November we are going to have educational classes ‘Doing Life Together’, where our lifestyle coaches will educate based on personal experience using their expertise to focus on what our members want.  Topics will include like how to eat right when working out, how to balance life, how to spend smart over the holidays, educational self-massage, couples massage, etc.  The lifestyle coaches will be here to educate and build relationships with our clientele.  We’re basically doing life together.

TEAMiFIT

Amy is definitely on the move in Chicago and wants to get your body moving.  For additional information and register for classes visit TEAMiFIT online and Facebook.  To hear the entire interview, download the audio casts below.

Part 1  Interview w/Amy ‘Body’

Part 2 Interview w/Amy ‘What You Waiting For?’

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Chicago’s Fashion in Focus…the new Dress Code

Eric Smith, NBC5Chicago Street Team

In the fourth year of installment, Fashion Focus Chicago once again lit up the runway with the latest couture fashions this past weekend at Millennium Park. A gathering of the City’s upscale fashionistas and industry insiders, this was a collection of creative intellectuals on the scene-to push the envelope of Chicago’s fashion industry. A call to all in the know that although we are in the Midwest-far away from the East and West coasts, the Windy City is here-determined to make an imprint in the marketplace, and we will do so with our own sense of style and flair.

Fashion in Focus

Within minutes of arriving I was graced with the presence of Melissa Gamble- Chairwoman of the Mayor’s Fashion Council, Jason Felger-Executive Vice President of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, Alice Berry-Chicago Native-designer and Fashion Council member and the one and only Mayor Daley who launched the Council and subsequently Fashion Focus Chicago to establish the city as a fashion destination.

Most impressive was the fact that these collections debuted the next rising stars of top students from Chicago’s fashion design schools: Columbia College Chicago, The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago, Academy Chicago and the School of the Art Institute Chicago.

Dress Code 2009

From the looks presented on the runway this evening, the goal of establishing a fashion mecca here is well in sight! To learn more and score event tickets visit
Fashion Focus Chicago.

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Oh, Snap!

Shlomi Rabi, NBC Chicago Street Team

Yes, the Art Institute of Chicago Renzo Piano’s Modern Wing has been getting all the buzz, and for good reasons: Increasing the gallery space by a massive third? Check! Introducing state-of-the-art technology to maximize the use of light while protecting the artwork from direct sunlight? Check! Showcasing formerly stored masterpieces that position the Art Institute alongside some of the world’s most formidable collections? Check!

But what about the museum goers?

The Art Institute, in collaboration with NBC5, sponsored the Modern Wing Photo Contest to encourage photographers to explore an aspect (both on literal and figuratively plains) that has been missing from the media hoopla and the check-out-this-angle photographs put forth by the AIC’s own talented team of photographers.

The winner was Jungyul Yu, whose work truly captured the spark generated by the interaction of the visitors with the museum’s architecture. Eschewing the rather tempting trap of architectural visualization for the more organic and energetic approach of capturing the hustle-and-bustle of the new wing, Yu has produced an image that is simply and truly refreshing.

Congratulation to Yu and the three runner-ups: Kayo Takasugi, Ricardo Phillips, and Elliot Mandel.

Love it or hate it? Cast your vote on their Facebook page.

The winning image by Jungyul Yu

To find out what else Shlomi has been digging click right here.

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Party In The Park

Cara Carriveau, NBC Chicago Street Team

This weather has me confused – has summer begun yet, or is it over?

Okay, it must be summer.  Feels like it today.  And, because every Thursday afternoon, 4-6:30pm, Party In The Park is rockin’ at The Park Grill…outside on the plaza at Millenium Park, right below the infamous bean.  101.9 WTMX puts on these free shows every week all summer.  Yep…FREE!  Two or three bands jam live while you relax outside sipping Bud Select.  In fact this year The Park Grill even put couches out in front of the stage…so you couldn’t possibly be any more relaxed.

Skip out of work a bit early today and join me for live music from State Of Man and Tom Butwin.

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Dexter Shines at The Shrine

Dave Leonard, NBC5 Street Team, (Video) In this day and age of ringtone rappers, one-hit wonders, and soft-core sex-laden R&B, it’s like a breath of fresh air when a hidden gem can shine through all the filler. With a small selection of songs in commercial radio’s playlist, consumers sometimes are force-fed a daily dose of “microwave music” where the supply often overshadows the demand. Quality soul music is more abundant than one may think…you just have to “listen”. Julie Dexter is here to fulfill that demand. The world-renowned, Birmingham, England-bred, singer/songwriter displayed her dynamic range at a rare showcase this past weekend at the new “it” spot, The Shrine (located at 2109 S. Wabash). Julie Dexter’s vibrant style and jazzy vocals exude soul and her followers came out to support her. The showcase presented by IGM Entertainment had a record crowd turn out to hear the UK songstress perform favorites such as “Ketch A Vibe” and “Faith” off her 2002 album, “Dexterity”. The very popular jazz group, Zzaje, backed the intimate performance at The Shrine. Dexter, who has shared the stage with soulful legends such as Sade and modern heavy-hitters like Jill Scott, Eric Roberson, and Amel Larrieux kicked off her set with a tribute to another legend that inspired her by the name of Michael Jackson. She later transitioned to a jazzy bebop version of Beyonce’s “Déjà vu” that would have made the best “scatters” proud. After paying homage to other greats, Julie Dexter gave the crowd what they came to see…a one-hour set spanning her decade plus career from her first EP, 2000’s “Peace of Mind” to 2005’s “Conscious”. It’s not too late to get familiar with this classically trained musician who writes, arranges, composes and produces her own music. “The Julie Dexter Collection” drops this fall. Do yourself a favor and “Ketch the Vibe”. www.juliedexter.com

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Be a Social Contributor

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

Black-tie event season is starting to pick up, but let’s face it; not everyone can spring for the $500+ ticket – no matter how big your charitable heart is! Well it seems as though many organizations are becoming savvy to the fact that many folks (and large corporations) are having to tighten their financial purse strings lately. Here’s a roundup of some fun events happening this weekend that support and celebrate a variety of causes while showing you a good time in the process.

Skyline Soiree – June 5th

The American Cancer Society’s inaugural Skyline Soiree will be held on Friday at the Harris Theatre Rooftop at Millennium Park. The event was created to balance out their annual grandiose black-tie affair, providing a lower priced event that still provides a high level of fun and entertainment. Hosted by the Associate Board of Ambassadors, the whimsical carnival theme will help guests get into the summer spirit.  Festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres and will include a silent auction, raffle and (of course) carnival games. Tickets are $75 in advance and $95 night-of-event. For more information, please call 312.279.7213 or visit www.skylinesoiree.org.

Lumen

“Let’s Hear it For the Girls” Summer Solstice Fashion Show – June 5th

OK, so this event isn’t exactly charity related, but something should be said for supporting young up and coming Chicago designers, right? Chicago hotspot, Lumen (839 W. Fulton Market) and Outfit Events will present the launch of its monthly female-focused event, “Let’s Hear it for the Girls Party” with a  Summer Solstice Fashion Show featuring summer collections by designers Miriam Carlson, Tiffany Albert, Caroline Borucki and Britney Devaris. If you like what you see in the show, it could very well be your lucky day. Sometime after 11 p.m.,  one piece from each designer’s line will be raffled off! All ladies can enjoy complimentary cover all night long and complimentary champagne cocktailsfrom 9 to 11 p.m.  Remember if you already have plans, this is a new monthly event that you should definitely pencil in your social calendar.  RSVP  required to  info@lumen-chicago.com.

Guiness Book of World Records Bar Crawl – June 6th

This may be the very first bar crawl you’ll ever participate in – or think about joining. Thirsty crawlers from around Chicago are lining up to take part in a once in a lifetime event: The World’s Biggest Bar Crawl. Never mind your liver, at least a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Heart Foundation. This Saturday, Chicago will strive to break a Guinness World Record originally set by 3, 163 bar crawlers in New York City . In order to break the record, all crawlers must visit at least eight bars on the course, with the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishment with an event after party at Stone Lotus Lounge. On crawl day, beginning at 10:00 a.m., participants will earn a participating bar discount card to enjoy $2 drafts, $1 soft drinks, great food and other specials along the way.  Any participants that reach the 8 pub goal will also receive discount cards to use at each sponsor’s establishment, at a later date.

The itinerary involves stops at several food and bev hotspots. Some of the participants include: Bull & Bear, Glascott Saloon, Prost!, State Restaurant & Lounge, Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort, Mad River Bar & Grille, The Coach House, Toasted Ox and more.

The event is expected to have more than 5,000 crawlers on board. A portion of each $15 ticket will be donated to benefit the Children’s Heart Foundation. And, an official judge from the Guinness Book of World Records will be present to make sure that all abide by the official record-breaking rules. For more information please visit http://thebiggestbarcrawl.com/.

Blondes VS. Brunettes Powder Puff Flag Football – June 6th

The longstanding rivalry between hair colors continues with a new fundraiser to Chicago, Blondes vs. Brunettes (BvB). As the name suggests, 22 blondes and 26 brunettes take the competition to the football field in a fundraiser on behalf of The Alzheimer’s Association presented by the Gold Coast Wellness Center. The national organization, began in Washington D.C. over four years ago, brings talented, bright and beautiful women together locally for the ultimate powder puff football game in the hopes of raising funds for patients with the disease.

Game day starts at 1p.m. this Saturday at Diversey Harbor (2601 N. Cannon). A $25 donation will also provide access to the BvB After Party. Fans and patrons can also anticipate halftime entertainment as well as live music from local band Morley Shertz.  After the game, everyone will head over to Sheffield’s (3258 N. Sheffield) for the official Blondes vs. Brunettes After Party, from  3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Expect barbecue, beer and cocktails, as well as $3 Bud Light and Miller Lite bottles in honor of the festivities (those who donated $25 at the game will receive two free beers compliments of Sheffield’s). For more information, please visit http://www.blondesvsbrunettes.com.

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Time To Face The Music

Rebecca Taras, NBC Chicago Street Team

 

Happy Memorial Day Chicago! It’s time to mark your calendars with street festivals, rooftop cocktail hours and of course, the sounds of summer. So grab a group (and in some cases, a bottle and a blanket) and experience a concert in the city before the curtain closes on summer.

Still Going Strong

Chicago’s acclaimed Grant Park Music Festival, led by Principal Conductor Carlos Kalmar and Chorus Director Christopher Bell, opens its historic Gala 75^th season on Wednesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the state-of-the-art Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. The opening night concert features Maestro Kalmar leading the GRAMMY®-nominated Grant Park Orchestra and internationally-renowned pianist Stephen Hough through Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, Key’s patriotic Star Spangled Banner, as well as one of classical music’s greatest hits, Pictures at an Exhibition composed by Modest Mussorgsky. 

All Grant Park Music Festival performances are free to the public. Open lawn and pavilion seating are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Season memberships to the Festival are available, starting at $80 for a specific night of the week (all Wednesdays, Fridays, or Saturdays) or $135 for a season-long membership for all 31 concerts.  Reserved group seating is also available for most concerts. Membership and group sales information is available by calling 312-742-7638 or by visiting the Festival’s website at http://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com The summer series is short, so catch one before the season ends on August15th.

Northshore Classic

Ravinia’s 2009 season presents a diverse lineup of more than 120 events from June 5 through Sept. 19, with 38 debuts, more than 25 free or specially priced events and over 135 guest artists and ensembles including the summer residency of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra featuring Ravinia Festival Music Director James Conlon. Guest artists include Lang Lang, Pink Martini, Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo Ma, Ramsey Lewis, George Hearn, Jackson Browne, Thomas Hampson, Patti LuPone, Christoph Eschenbach, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Diana Krall, Juilliard String Quartet, Joe Cocker, Susan Graham, John Legend, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Bonnie Raitt, David Hyde Pierce, Carrie Underwood, Matthias Goerne, Elvis Costello and many others.

Tickets to Ravinia events are now available online at http://www.ravinia.org/. Orders are also being accepted now by fax at (847) 266-0641 or through mail by sending a printable online order form and payment to Ravinia Festival, P.O. Box 896, Highland Park, IL 60035. Phone orders at (847) 266-5100 and walk-up sales are accepted throughout the season Monday-Saturday10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays and holidays (closed July 4) 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Ravinia Festival is located at Lake Cook and Green Bay roads in Highland Park .

New Kid on The Block

It may not have the history of the Grant Park Music Fest or Ravinia, but Lollapalooza quickly became a legendary festival with a huge following. The third annual GALApalooza, benefiting Parkways Foundation and produced by C3 Presents, will be held Thursday, August 6^that 6 p.m. at the Petrillo Band Shell in Grant Park. The concert space is transformed into a lounge-like atmosphere prior to the Lollapalooza festivities. While crews are making final preparations for the legendary festival, GALA-goers will enjoy a chic, open air cocktail party with outdoor lounge seating, an intimate and creative dining experience, and a concert featuring Lollapalooza artist Vampire Weekend, whose self-titled album was dubbed the 10^th best album of 2008 by Rolling Stone Magazine. GALApalooza and Lollapalooza will be their only U.S. shows this year. Chicago sensation Hey Champ, who is opening for Depeche Mode on the Lollapalooza main stage, will take the stage to treat guests to a l set. In addition, GALApalooza features sounds from DJ White Shadow, performances by Park District Kids, and a silent auction and raffle featuring priceless VIP experiences.  

The James hotel is offering a special overnight package on August 6 which includes two general admission tickets to GALApalooza, overnight accommodations in a king guestroom, and valet parking at The James Hotel. Rates start at $579. For more information or to book this package visit http://www.jameshotels.com/. 

Lounge experiences are available at the $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 level and single tickets are available for $150. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to make reservations, please call Alison Krzys , Director of Communications for Parkways Foundation at 312-742-4807 or visit http://www.parkways.org/.

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Ice, Ice Baby – Chicago Events 2/5 – 2/8

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC Chicago Street Team

“I miss everything about Chicago, except January and February.” Gary Cole

Here’s an unexpected treat. This month we’ll be seeing fireworks – and not just on Valentine’s Day. I’ll toast to that, and that’s the idea behind this unseasonal bonus. The Greater North Michigan Avenue Association has teamed up with Moet & Chandon for a month-long celebration of the bubbly-stuff, and what better way to show it’s a party, especially in Chicago, than with fireworks? They’ll be shooting off from the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue every Saturday night this month.

At this time of year, we do expect to see the word “Frozen”. However, we don’t expect to see it combined with “Fun” and “Fest,” but that’s just what those crazy folks at Millennium Park have come up with. You can, of course, go ice skating, but you can also play ice games and find your way through an ice maze, get your ice portrait taken, and play with ice blocks. The ice king and queen will entertain you (wonder who volunteered for the role of “ice queen”…), and then you can walk through Lurie Garden for the ice-ing on the cake.

Speaking of ice-ing on the cake, this month’s Chef’s Table is at Sugar Bliss Cakes! We just opened registration on Tuesday and there are only a few spots left, so sign up quickly! The woman behind the icing quit a fancy-schmancy finance job to follow her dream, so you know they’ve got to be good. (And they are. Three words: chocolate toffee cupcake.)

The Art Insitute of Chicago is filled with the works of people who followed their passions, and for the entire month of February there is no admission charge to this venerable Chicago institution. Just down the street, the historic Berghoff is offering corned beef sandwiches for $1 with the purchase of a drink from 3 to 5pm.

Apparently it’s no longer too cold to go out in February, it’s too cool to stay in!

Have a great weekend!

Theresa

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The MCA: A Crossroad of our Global Village

Desiree, NBC5 Street Team

What a truly global village we get to live in called Chicago, where art and culture unite. Not only did I get to view Kara Walker’s art in Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim in Spain, but I also got to see her work at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. And—among other amazing exhibitions—her art was just down the street from where Gehry designed a shell that would later reflect the Guggenheim  in Spain, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park. Here’s the synopsis of what’s to see at the MCA, and what happened to me; a real life déjà vu. With this winter weather, you’ll need a long list of exciting indoor activities on your agenda, anyway.

Upon my entrance to the MCA, I ran into Jenny Holzer: Protect Protect. Running until February 1, 2009 (and also in MCA’s permanent collection), Holzer’s exhibition of electronic installations is known for its language in a public space and for analyzing social and emotional realities. While her work is often political, for me, the electronic billboards represent the modern masterpiece that is outdoor advertising and subliminal messaging. Yep, you thought you were just waiting for the EL this morning. However, the red letters running across a black screen –a black screen you didn’t even know you were reading— just decided when you’d buy your next big mac too.

Also on display, the MCA’s USA Today exhibit showcases work from the 80’s and 90’s. Painting, photography and video express the ideology and ‘consequences’ of freedom, race, militarism and globalization in the modern era. In addition, memorable books on select topics were available for the public to peruse. Thought provoking, I noticed many adults sitting down to read them. Perhaps the book of celebrity caricatures commented on the pop-culture we’ve become increasingly obsessed with. Featured was Britney Spears’ belly button in her hey-day and “The Pitts,” when they were actually Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.

Finally, I came across my favorite exhibit, which recalled my visit to Bilbao, Spain last year; The Artists in Depth: Works from the MCA Collection. The collection contains the work of Kara Walker, which was also featured at Bilbao’s Guggenheim during 2007 – 2008 in, Art in America: 300 Years of Innovation. If you’re out of the loop, the eccentric Frank Gehry designed the massive Guggenheim building of half shells which swallow Bilbao’s Nervion River, as well as the shells that sit in our Jay Pritzker Pavillion in Millenium Park, just off our Lake Michigan.

Walker, an African American artist, creates paper-cut installations that often consist of large silhouette scenes resembling the stories of slaves who were once struck with everyday house utensils, a spoon, a knife. As her images conjure such an imaginative spirit while paradoxically portraying sad stories of race and gender, the art feels strikingly fantastical, like you’re watching a Disney film unfold in a parallel universe. They are intimidating and life-like.

Hopefully you’ll take advantage of our MCA. After all, it’s indoor fun when we’ve got an unfriendly outdoor environment. The MCA is located at 220 E Chicago Avenue. For hours of operation, location and additional information, log onto www.mcachicago.org

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Keep Santa in your heart all year!

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team

Much to my delight and surprise, I found myself to be the current “Featured NBC Chicago Street Teamer”! After such an exciting, bustling and fantastic Chicago Holiday season, I feel as though the gifts just keep on coming!

I also realized that in the midst of all the excitement, there were TWO holiday videos that I never actually posted on this site. I know, I know… and I’m sorry. Please forgive Santa.

Due to the “Santa-Clause-y” nature of the videos, I wondered if the time had passed and it was too late to post… BUT THEN I thought, “What would Santa do?”

So, “bada-bing, bada-boom”… here you go. Please enjoy Santa dancing at the Go Green event and ice skating in Millennium Park.

Find more fun and silly videos at JenChicago.com!

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Ice Skating With Zombies

Janelle Rominski, NBC Chicago Street Team

I joined other Chicagoland zombie enthusiasts on Sunday for the first annual “Zombies On Ice” event at the Millennium Park ice rink.

The host of this event, Kitty Zombie, partnered with ChicagoZombie.com and was hoping to break a world record for the most zombies ice skating at one time.

The record was not broken, but there were over 150 zombies from near and far who participated in the event.

There were zombies who live in Chicago and some who traveled from Winnetka, Lockport and even Kenosha, Wisconsin.

You’re never too old or too young to be a zombie either. We had zombies in their 40′s, 30′s, 20′s, teens, an 8-year-old and even two little 6-year-old zombie girls.

As a Halloween and horror fanatic, I jumped at the chance to join other like-minded Chicago-area people to become a zombie on ice and to possibly take part in a new world record.

This event was a great experience. “Zombies On Ice” was much more than just ice skating in makeup and gnarly clothes. It turned out to be a day full of fun, excitement and camaraderie.

To check out photos of the event, click HERE.

Want more Rominski reads? Read more right HERE!

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The Best Weekend In Chicago EVER – Events 9/26 – 28

Theresa Carter, The Local Tourist, NBC5 Street Team

Oh, I am envious of all of you. This is going to be one of the best weekends of the year in Chicago, and I’m going to be out of town. My 20-year high school reunion (yes, in case you’re wondering, I did graduate when I was 9 – ha!) is in Carmel, Indiana, so I’m trekking south on I-65. I haven’t seen most of my classmates since graduation, so this will be an exciting event.

For those of you who aren’t traveling down memory lane, there are so many really cool events I almost don’t envy your struggle to choose!

The first ever Chicago Gourmet sets up on the Great Lawn at Millennium Park, and celebrates Chicago’s world-class cuisine. There will be gourmet samplings and premium wine tastings and celebrity cooking demonstrations in the gorgeous Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Also in Millennium Park is the WIRED NextFest. For my fellow geeks, this will be like giving kids free reign at Great America with no lines and unlimited tries at the whack-a-mole – “oh, look at that! wait – let’s go over there! wow, I want one of those!”

Down the street, the Art Institute is opening “360 Degrees: Art Beyond Borders“. This year long celebration brings together several of Chicago’s leading institutions to explore art and culture around the world. Check out the exhibit on Saturday, and everything else this amazing museum offers, for free. Then you can cross the street to Symphony Center for Macy’s Day of Music. Also free, the home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra is hosting concerts starting at 2 in the afternoon and running all day, on four different stages!

Banned books are the bane of any democratic society. As a member of the Fourth Estate, I especially abhor the idea that someone can tell me what to read or what to write. That’s why I’m particularly disappointed that I will miss Saturday’s Banned Books Week Read-Out. Several authors, including Judy Bloom, a favorite from my youth, will be reading passages from books that some high-minded authoritarian figure thought should be removed from our lexicon. Forgive my soapbox, but I’ve been on it since Wednesday when I heard that the city’s asking bars around the baseball stadiums to stop serving alcohol after the 7th inning during the playoffs.

While I’ve gotten you all riled up, also consider checking out Sacred Spaces Fundraiser and Art Show. This event will raise money for a church in New Orleans that survived Hurricane Katrina but was destroyed by the city. Since the event’s in Downers Grove it’s a bit of a hike, but you can make a donation online.

Well, I can’t leave you like that, so we’ll end on a much happier note, talking about the Blues. The first ever Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival will be at the Congress Theater on November 22. 16 bands for only $31, and right now they’re looking for that last band – the Last Banjo Standing. If you or your friends are in a Bluegrass or Blues band, submit two songs for a chance to be on the same stage as the Avett Brothers and The David Grisman Quintet. Submissions end October 1, so be sure to enter right away! For those of you who are fans, I’ll be offering ticket giveaways.

Have a great weekend!

Theresa

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Cara Carriveau, NBC5 Street Team

Oprah is taping her season premiere at Millennium Park in downtown Chicago this Wednesday.  There was a post about it earlier but I wanted to make sure you knew that you couldn’t simply show up on Wednesday – if you want to get in, you need to come to Millennium Park TODAY (Saturday, August 30th) at 12pm for reservation information. Audience Coordinators will be located on the East side of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion along Columbus Drive just behind the McDonald’s Cycle Center.  Click HERE for all the details!

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Word On the Street: June 28, 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.

Hanging Out Downtown

This week we used the beautiful backdrop of Millenium Park to shoot our segment. We were initially going to use Grant Park, but unfortunately there wasn’t much happeing that Tuesday nights (at least until the Outdoor Film Festival starts in a couple of weeks. But I’m getting ahead of myself.)

Anyway, there’s plenty of options for live music, dance lessons and much more from Wednesday on into the weekends, and most of it is sponsored by the City of Chicago, which does a fabulous job of providing free and interesting entertainment in what’s often referred to as Chicago’s front yard. Here’s a few Web sites if you’re looking for some ideas.

Mayor’s Office Of Special Events
Chicago Park District
Millenium Park Web Site
The Local Tourist Festival Guide

Wii Wars at Harry Caray’s Tavern

I hesited before including this item this week. After all, the Crosstown Classic is on the South Side. And I’m not sure about this new Harry Caray’s in Wrigleyville. I’ve been once, and quite frankly, it felt a little sterile and lacked personality. The joint they had in there before was always jumping after Cubs games, and you were always guaranteed some good entertainment when the tipsy crowd whipped itself into a frenzy — especially after a Cubs win.

But I digress. It takes time for bars to develop a personality. And every Tuesday should be fun when Harry Caray’s allows you to match your skills against a celebrity at Wii Wars. It kicked off on June 17th when visitors had a chance to play Home Run Derby with none other than Mr. Cub himself, Ernie Banks. Brian Urlacher and former Cub Ryne Sandberg will also participate this summer.

Festival Of Life

I don’t get a lot of opportunities to really experience my Caribbean roots in this city — although the odd trek to Uncle Joe’s on the south side for some jerk chicken hits the spot — so that’s why I always look forward to the yearly African Caribbean celebration in Washington Park, which kicks off on Thursday.

Not only is it a fun time during the day, with a huge amount of food and merchandise vendors, but the music is off the hook as well. This year, Beenie Man is back on Friday (check out our 2006 interview). A name that true roots reggae heads will recognize is Gregory Isaacs, who will perform Saturday. And fellas, make sure you take your lady to this one, because no one sings a love song like Gregory Isaacs (sample). And on Saturday night, another reggae legend, Junior Reid, headlines. Check the Web site for more info.

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Ice Skating & I Do in Millennium Park

Blagica Stefanovski, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

There’s something about an ice skating rink in the middle of the city. There’s also something about falling on that same ice when the love of your life asks for your hand in marriage.

Michael and I love eating at the Park Grill, Millennium Park. We even have a favorite table, which provides a phenomenal vantage point of the restaurant and rink. The plan was to skate, take in the city lights and enjoy dinner. Seemed simple enough, right?

I haven’t been on ice skates in years. I wasn’t paying attention to much around me – aside from the way my left foot kept rotating inward with every step. After years of running track in high school, it seems like my ankles became weaker (Dr. Oz, do you make house calls?). I figured Michael skating behind me to make sure I kept my balance and didn’t pull a cartoon banana slip move. He mentioned that his skate needed tying and I thought, ‘Awesome, my ankles need a breather.’ We stopped at the end of the rink, I took a city picture with my digital camera and BAM, Michael looked up at me and asked me to marry him. I was in shock and literally fell to the ground when I realized what was going on. After tears and kisses, I turned around to see the camera posse – Michael had his brother and good friend hiding in the Michigan Avenue shrubbery with cameras. The entire episode was captured on film. More tears gushed. This shot was taken as I turned around to see our paparazzi.

If you are a fan of ‘The Cosby Show’, you know that Dr. Huxtable loved to NOT be surprised. I felt like I was Dr. Huxtable and the whole world was in on the news, but I reveled in not knowing the details. After our Park Grill (the goat cheese ravioli was delish) dinner, another zinger was waiting for me. We strolled over to the Elephant & Castle on Wabash for what I thought were drinks with the Camera Mafia, but turned out to be the Camera Mafia along with our closest friends. Yes, you guessed it. More tears.

In 1995, I was a Western Michigan University college sophomore visiting Chicago for the first time. I strolled up Michigan Avenue and made a wish. I wished to move to the Windy City after college, enjoy whatever job I had and meet the man I’d share the rest of my life with. To be in the center of Chicago, on a crisp March night, with my other half asking me to be his partner in crime is something I’ll never forget.

Frankie was right. Chicago is my kinda town.

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