"Sax" Appeal

Erik Sorensen (Video)

A little change never hurt anybody; and it’s a good thing, too. Because if it did, tomorrow’s Grand Unveiling of Hotel Sax’s $25 million renovation would pack a big enough wallop to leave anyone seeing stars.

Fresh off a complete overhaul which began in January 2007, the lavish hotel boasts a sleeker, more luxurious building, equipped with the latest technologies accommodation has to offer, including: a sixth floor technology lounge with tech butler and areas with the latest state of the art technologies and personal gaming consuls – from Xbox to Guitar Hero. How many places do you know of, where Bill Gates, Paris Hilton and Bam Margera could spend a night, and all leave smiling? Meet Hotel Sax.

Guests getting in on tomorrow’s action will include the Gilda’s board, Chicago VIPs, local politicians and industry heavyweights. Among the debut’s attractions will be a unique musical experience by Jon Davis.

“Leveraging the latest in music technology, Jazz pianist Jon Davis will perform a ‘remote’ piano performance at Hotel Sax Chicago
from New York’s Carlton on Madison Avenue each night. The simulcast performances will be transmitted via the Internet to a signed
limited edition Elton John Signature Series Red Piano (valued at $80,000) by Yamaha. The rare piano will mimic his every keystroke
live on the fourth floor of the hotel. The piano will be up for silent auction at the end of each night. A simulcast such as this
has never been performed in the United States.”

Somehow, “Everything but the kitchen sink” doesn’t quite say it.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Gilda’s Club Chicago. (A local organization offering free support to cancer patients and their families.)

Hotel Sax Chicago
333 N Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60610

For more info on Hotel Sax
visit: www.hotelsaxchicago.com

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Missy Higgins Returns To Chicago

Erik Sorensen (Video)

Twenty-three-year-old Australian singer/songwriter, Missy Higgins will be performing at Martyrs, in Lincoln Park on October 7th as part of her U.S. Tour for her new record, “On A Clear Night“. …And for someone that’s from “the land down under,” she does just fine at being on top.

If you haven’t heard of her, the best thing you might do today is visit MissyHiggins.com, where you can listen to all of her newest album. Chances to see an artist like this, at an intimate venue like Martyrs, are rare. Especially when Australian fans would die to be able to see her without the aid of binoculars.

Shortly after Releasing her first album, “The Sound Of White,” in 2005 with Warner Bros. and winning the “Artist Of The Year” award in Australia, she skyrocketed to fame in her native country, and it’s only a matter of time until word spreads to the U.S..

Shuffling back and forth between piano and guitar, she captivates her audiences with a gimmick free performance and incredibly modest personality. Rarely do you see a performance that goes above and beyond the studio recording and reminds you why you buy tickets to see musicians perform live.

No need for wardrobe malfunctions, help from Chris Angel or giant boas to entertain,here. This is the real deal.

Missy is a can’t-miss.

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In Good Company

Erik Sorensen (Video)

Every once in a while, a band comes along that separates you from your conversation, seizes the attention of the room from beginning to end, and leaves you saying “Wow”. That moment came as soon as “Company of Thieves” set foot on-stage at The Beat Kitchen (Chicago) for their full-length CD debut.

In an era when many mainstream acts rely heavily on pyrotechnics, dancers and costume changes to entertain; how refreshing to see a band capture you with raw talent. Laced with traces of Funk and Jazz, Company of Thieves‘ unique Indie Rock sound makes it hard to peg them into any one category. Believe me, I tried. (I’ve never used the backspace key that much in my life). But while I lack the category to describe them, this much is certain: These guys, (and girl) can play.

From front to back, there’s not a chink in their melodic armor. Marc Walloch’s guitar work beams with originality and innovative style, while Dorian Duffy (Bass) and Mike Ortiz (Percussion) combine forces to form the Thieve’s driving rhythm section. At the front of the band, is Genevieve Schatz, who’s combination of sultry singing and hypnotic stage presence push the band into a spectrum all their own. And it’s easy to see how, after only a short while, they’ve managed to acquire such a loyal fan base.

The band’s first full-length album, “Ordinary Riches,” is well on its way toward propelling Company of Thieves into local favorites status. (Quite a feat, considering they had only been together for 4 months before teaming up with accomplished producer, Sean O’Keefe to create the album). “Putting in the time, effort and money to get a solid foundation and representation of the band was necessary for us to come out strong,” explains bassist, Dorian Duffy. “…No sense in wasting time.” That, they are not.

On July 14th, C.O.T. will take the stage at Metro (Chicago) for the second time in as many months. Joining them on the bill will be established Chicago rock band, Wax On Radio. “We really want to focus on touring and getting this album out to as many people as possible,” adds Duffy. So far, it’s working. One by one, C.O.T. continues to earn their way into the hearts and ears of Chicago fans. The only thing these thieves are stealing – is the show.

To listen to Company of Thieves, and for additional show info, visit:
www.Myspace.com/CompanyofThieves

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Irish Fest 2007 Is Here

Erik Sorensen (Video)

If you live on Chicago’s South Side, the only question easier than “Who won the 2005 World Series?” is “What are you doing Memorial Day Weekend?”. That’s because from May 25th – May 28th, Gaelic Fest will take place in Chicago’s Gaelic Park.

The fest has been a South Side tradition for years, and is a no-brainer for weekend activities. If you live in Cook County, anyone will tell you that it is a part of their Childhood, some of their best times in High School, a reason to come home from College, and a place to take your kids and reunite with old classmates as an adult.

Most people go for the food, the beer and the music; but expect to get much more out of it than that. This year’s fest, like always, offers a whole lot more. A short list of events includes: Irish dancing, an Irish imports tent mall, theatre productions, Gaelic Athletic Association Football, children’s petting zoo and free pony rides, children’s entertainment tent, carnival rides and some of the best tribute, irish, and local bands around. Check out the website to see who’s playing and for more events.

If you’re worried about the weather, don’t be. Most of the activities take place under huge tents. But Irish Fest is one of the few places where the weather is almost as big a tradition as the event itself. You just might wind up utilizing a pair of sunglasses, a poncho, some sunscreen and a windbreaker all in one day. The forecast is usually more up and down than the carnival rides and part of the fun is going, rain or shine. It’s sunny, it’s muddy – but that’s Gaelic Fest.

$15 – General Admission
$12 – Adults 65+ and kids 12 & under
FREE – Children 3 and under

Includes UNLIMITED Carnival Rides and FREE on-site parking

FEST HOURS

Memorial Day Weekend

Friday: 3pm-11pm
Half Price Admission 3pm-4pm

Saturday: Noon-11pm

Sunday: Noon-11pm
Mass at 10:30am
Monday: Noon-8pm

Irish Fest 2007 Website

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