Babes, Blood, and Booze

Laura Lodewyck, NBC5 Street Team

The Chicago Horror Film Festival runs this weekend (9/25-9/27), prepping you for all the gory, slutty fun of the Halloween season with such features as a horror fashion show, “I Want to Hear You Scream” and “Zombie Pinup” contests, and of course, some deliciously disgusting horror films. Hosted by Mr. Willy and his beautiful minions, the festival promises to make good on its promise for “babes…blood…booze”.

But wait, you say, it’s not even October yet! St. Alphonsus’ famed Oktoberfest has got that covered. Their traditional celebration continues the heritage of the original German immigrants who founded St. Alphonus in 1882, updated with top local bands, activities for kids, and beer, beer, beer.

If that sounds a little too traditional for you, there’s always the No Pants Party at Crobar on Saturday… which is exactly what it sounds like. No pants (or skirts!) allowed. Attending in your  undies gets you in for free, no cover all night long.

Email me at llodewyck@nudehippo.com with your favorite under-discovered events, and check out my reports with Nude Hippo  at NudeHippo.com and NBCChicago.com

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Bike Munchies

Laura Lodewyck, NBC Chicago Street Team

Inspired by their love affair with their two favorite things–food and biking–Chicagoans Dimitra Tasiouras and Sharon Bautista founded Fork and the Road bike tours. Now they hope to pass on this perfect combination to you through this summer’s tours: Asian, Latin American, International BBQ, Vegetarian and “Unsung Chicago Classics” (teaser: Mexican street treats to “heroic sandwiches” to Greektown…hm). Hailed as an “eating adventure”, the tours are aimed at trying new foods in undiscovered places, while navigating the city powered by your own wheels (or rented, whatever). The total tour ranges from about 14-22 miles, reportedly at a fairly “leisurely” pace — which sounds like a good thing, given all the food that will be in your belly. From artisan cheeses and sustainable markets to Little Vietnam and”secret” Thailand cuisine, this is no typical Chicago deep-dish tour. Check them out at http://www.forkandtheroad.com.

Email me at llodewyck@nudehippo.com to report your favorite under-discovered Chicago events and check out my past blogs and entertainment reports with Nude Hippo at Nudehippo.tv and NBCchicago.com.

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Summer Lovin’

Ashley Lobo, NBC Chicago Street Team

Summer may not feel like it’s here, but don’t let your summer dreams rip at the seams. The single scene is heating up this Friday with the 9th annual “Summer Lovin ” event held at the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Chicago Magazine and The Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Hospital partnered to host this summer’s coolest party.  You can dance the night away to celebrity DJ; White Shadow, while sipping drinks and tasting treats from 15 of Chicago’s best restaurants.  Not to mention, you can meet and mingle with Chicago Magazine’s “top 20 singles” of Chicago. Did someone say Chicago Blackhawks Adam Burish and  Luvabull Shannon Lersch? The best part is that all of the proceeds will benefit brain tumor research at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Who says you can’t find love and help find a cure all at the same time?

WHEN: 7pm on Friday, June 19, 2009
WHERE: Museum of Contemporary Art.  (220 East Chicago Ave.)
TICKETS: $75 in advance $85 at the door
MORE INFO: http://www.summerlovin.net

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US Air Guitar Championships

Laura Lodewyck, NBC Chicago Street Team
Think you’ve got the stuff to join the leagues of such heros as Craig “Hot Lixx Hulahan” Billmeier, Andrew “William Ocean” Litz, and Fatima “Rockness Monster” Hoang? Come prove it at the US Air Guitar Championships at the Metro this Saturday. All are welcome to enter. The winner from each city will go on to the national championships, and the national champ will represent the USA at the international competition in Finland.

A stage name is (of course) required, and costumes or props are highly encouraged. No equipment or real instruments are allowed, and although you can bring your groupies and roadies, you must rock it alone onstage for the competition. Doors open at 8pm, with the competition starting at 9. Tickets to see the show are $15, and just $20 to enter the competition. Bring it!

Email me at llodewyck@nudehippo.com with your under-discovered events, and check out my reports with Nude Hippo at NudeHippo.tv and NBCChicago.com.

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Chicago Turkish Festival

Laura Lodewyck, NBC Chicago Street Team

Experience the best of Turkey, brought to your own backyard (that is, if your backdoor is across from City Hall, on Washington Street between Clark and Dearborn). The Chicago Turkish Festival continues through this Saturday, followed by the ai Lounge‘s Turkish Festival “After-party“.

This FREE Festival, which runs 10a-6p, includes live performances every afternoon between 12-2p at the Daley Plaza stage (featuring fashion shows of Turkish couture and traditional garb, the Ottoman Military Marching Band, the aptly named “Whirling Dervishes”…). Sample everything from art to music to food at the Festival’s 40 booths, which feature a range of products and demonstrations — so you can watch silk carpet-weaving technique while munching on Orchid ice cream, taking home your own authentic souvenirs and travel info.

Check out Chicago’s 7th annual Turkish Festival before they bring down the tents after close on May 30th. Booths are open until 6pm, and the after-party relocates to 358 W. Ontario til 3am, so load up on that Turkish coffee and celebrate the best of Turkey here in Chicago.

Email me with your favorite local events at llodewyck@nudehippo.com and check out my reports with Nude Hippo at NBCChicago.com and NudeHippo.tv.

 

 

 

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Theatre for Weirdos

Laura Lodewyck, NBC Chicago Street Team

Collaboraction upturns Theatre-with-a-Capital-T in their 9th Annual Sketchbook Festival, closing this weekend at The Building Stage. Formerly held at the Steppenwolf Garage, Sketchbook feels at home here with the casual party vibe provided by the space at The Building Stage – with tiers of open seating, live bands or DJs to accompany seat-shifting and meandering between pieces, and a byob policy (highly recommended) — Sketchbook careens through a weirdly haunting, high energy program of short, strange performance pieces. The visual elements, supported by performance-inspired artwork decorating the space, add striking images to the pieces: a forgotten Nazi hangs suspended from his “zeppelin” in the ceiling; a giant parachute descends to consume the stage; an enormous paper-mache head is worn by an actor in skin-tight, skin-colored leggings (with a lumpy-stuffed crotch). Sketchbook is indeed a show you have to see to believe. Even better is that the mixed program provides for entertainment that satiates the short attention span — each piece runs less than 10 minutes. Check it out this final weekend, tonight through Sunday. 

Email me at llodewyck@nudehippo.com with any wacky, under-discovered events in Chicago, and check out my reports with Nude Hippo.

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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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Would you call this a Miracle? Hundreds of Chicagoans did…

Laura Lodewyck, NBC5 Street Team
It was an event that captured the attention of the entire country. An image that many thought was the Virgin Mary — and other, a salt stain — appeared under the Fullerton Avenue overpass, prompting hundreds of people to visit the shrine for days on end.

The event provides the inspiration for Teatro Vista’s latest production, Our Lady of the Underpass. The play is currently on-stage at the Victory Gardens Greenhouse through March 29.

The play, written by Tanya Saracho, is a story about men and women from all walks of life who are brought together through the real-life event.
Click here to read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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FALL into Angels & Kings TONIGHT…

Ashley Lobo, NBC Chicago Street Team

Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman and New Trier Brotally buddy Alex Beh present their pair of fun flicks tonight! Not only can you meet two famous Chicago boys, but you can support a charitable cause. “The Laundry” is executive produced by Trohman and written/directed/performed by Beh. Some familiar faces are: Tony Hale (Arrested Development), Colleen Camp (Clue, Election) and Joe Nunez (Seven Pounds, Superbad). The evening will also feature Beh’s awarding winning film, “Sugar.” In between the big party you can catch the cool sounds of DJ Matt Roan, Yuir Lane and Andy Davis. All of the cash raised will benefit; Falling Whistles, a new non-profit for child soldiers in DR Congo.

When:
February 5 : 9 p.m.
Price:
No cover (Suggested $10 donation)

Angels & Kings
Neighborhood: River North
710 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL
312-482-8600

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They do, they DO call it Xanadu!

Laura Lodewyck, NBC Chicago Street Team

The concept of the musical re-make of the 1980 Olivia Newton-John film Xanadu walks the thinnest of lines between delightfully shameless glow-stick parody and awkward, somewhat scary comedic attempts (i.e., creepy talking baby/animal commercials). I am happy to report that Xanadu successfully emerges as an energetically entertaining production worthy of all the excitement — glow sticks and all.

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

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The cure for the winter cold: crepe-a-licious

Laura Lodewyck, NBC5 Street Team

It can be tempting to just hunker down and hibernate during Chicago’s cruel winter. But to avoid the inevitable cabin fever, how about a compromise — hit those places closest to home. You’ll be supporting your local businesses, while running (slightly) less of a risk of falling down by not covering as much frozen ground. In just my Lakeview ‘hood, there’s tons of options. Although the relaxing back patios are uninhabitable this time of year, Duke of Perth, El Nuevo Mexicano, and La Creperie are classic favorites.

Read the rest of this post on nbcchicago.com.

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The Globetrotters Experience

Laura Lodewyck, NBC5 Street Team

As a female non-sports fanatic (probably the only student at Notre Dame who loved football games solely because it meant that I could sleep in silence while everyone was at the game), I admit to not knowing much about basketball.

I also must admit that although they’ve played over 25,000 games around the world, my recent visit to the Harlem Globetrotters‘s game was my first. I’ve actually only been to one other basketball game in my entire life, and like most sports, was not been the most thrilling experience for me.

Click here to read the rest of this story and video on nbcchicago.com.

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“Date My Ex, Please” Event Attracts The Curious

Amy Zanglin, NBC Chicago Street Team 

Last week Sheffield’s held it’s first “Date My Ex, Please” event. Couples not only had the chance to get to know each other at the event, but they could also get the skinny on that person from their ex.

What better way to get the scoop on someone than from their past girlfriend/boyfriend? The only catch is, you have to be willing to offer up your ex, who you’re now friends with, to someone else.

Click here for the full story, video and slide show on www.nbcchicago.com.

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Cirque Du Soleil: Kooza

Amy Zanglin, Nude Hippo, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

What’s up Chicago? It’s Amy from NUDE HIPPO.

So it was Thursday morning and it had just been a loooong week at work; all I wanted to do was go home and sleep when my friend Tony asked to do something after work. I felt bad, but I was just too tired. I couldn’t think of anything I’d want to do after work until he told me that he was going to the opening night in Chicago of Cirque Du Soleil’s Kooza. OK, THAT I would make an exception for!!

I had my first taste of Cirque Du Soleil last year when Nude Hippo went down to Walt Disney World and we got to go see the Cirque show down there, La Nouba; and I have been a HUGE fan ever since. The whole concept of Cirque Du Soleil shows to me are just magical; to me it’s like the French Circus meets Vaudeville with this element of beauty mixed in. I am always fascinated from beginning to end and this time was no different.

“KOOZA tells the story of The Innocent, a melancholy loner in search of his place in the world”; now I didn’t know that going in, and you really don’t have to, some of the fun is trying to put together the story in your head and figure out what each different act represents.

For me, my favorites are always the contortionists, it is SO beautiful the way they move their bodies; it is just mesmerizing. I also love the fun, high-energy acts of trapeze, high wire, balancing acts, etc. although they tend to either make my heart race or make me want to throw up from being so nervous for the performers, but of course all goes well and every act is always graceful.

But the entire event from the clowns, to the live singing & music, to each and every breath taking acrobatic performance complete with beautiful costuming is such a perfect summer event to go and see with the family or friends. (Although I don’t recommend it for little ones; I do think children under the age of 5 or 6 might be frightened by some of the performances). You have to hurry though, Kooza is only in town for about a month the show runs from June 26 to July 27, 2008.

Here’s additional helpful information as well:

KOOZA – Cirque du Soleil @ the United Center (Not actually inside the United Center; it’s located in a giant tent in the parking lot; even more fun!!)

Tickets: $55.00-215.00

You can find addtional information at: http://tinyurl.com/6hund3

Such a great show to see in the summer!! Tell me your thoughts, opinions or complaints! E-mail me at NudeHippo@nbc5.com

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Not your typical weekend…

Laura Lodewyck, NBC5 Street Team

Looking for something a little different this weekend? Head downstate to the Testicle Festival at Sportsman’s Club in Mount Sterling. Their slogan is – no joke – “come  one, come all, let’s have a ball!” Featuring games, music, and yes, tasty testicles (pork, beef, turkey, lamb AND buffalo!), you can even try your luck competing in the Testicle Eating Contest. As a vegetarian, I’m not certain if participating in this would make me a really, really bad vegetarian, or just a truly dedicated entertainment blogger and Nude Hippo reporter…?

 

Fortunately, I don’t have to make that decision quite yet, as this Saturday I’ll be busy at the 43rd annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. Last year we braved the heat, getting started a little late due to SOMEBODY’S overheated van holding up the parade…and I tried to storm WGN’s float and got busted. You can see it all here!

 

Experience the Puerto Rican pride for yourself this year, when the parade kicks off Saturday at Columbus and Balbo at noon.

 

Continue the parade theme by joining what promises to be a motley procession in Chicago’s World Naked Bike Ride. “Body painting” starts at 6pm, and the ride officially begins at 9pm. If you just want to sneak a peek at the action, word has it that Halsted and Belmont at around 10:15pm is where you want to be. Check out their web site for entertaining guidelines on conforming to legality and dealing with bike seat “crotch” issues.

  

If you’re up for a road trip: the oldest competitive sport kite team in history, the Chicago Fire Kite Team, is heading to Michigan this weekend to compete at the Michigan Kite Fest.  If traversing to Richland, MI just isn’t your thing, meet with them when they return and learn how to fly such stellar-sounding kites as the Magnum Opus, Killer Bee, or Fire Dart.

  

And just when you think that your secret skill will NEVER be discovered:  if you can ‘Think Like A Cat’, you could win a million dollars on the Game Show Network’s newest addition. Auditions are being held at Hotel Allegro this weekend. Good luck!

 

If you’ve got suggestions for some undiscovered “underground events” that I’ve missed, write me at llodewyck@nudehippo.com. Be sure to type “Lodewyck” into the Search bar in the upper right hand corner to see my previous blogs, and to watch my segments with Nude Hippo.

 

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