as you saw from my wild and beyond hectic pictures from this weekend, it was a crazy past couple of days hanging out with john mayer, hosting the annual piven theatre workshop benefit with jeremy piven, appearing live on tv and radio and just exploring chicago! so crazy in fact that jimmy kimmel mentioned it last night on his show! and it was featured on new york post page six!
theatre Archives
Twitter pics of Piven, Mayer, Lookingglass, Cubs, Sox, Press, Mayhem & More!
If you follow me on twitter, you know my life is crazy, and that last weekend was no exception. Photos showed me splitting a bottle of patron tequila w/ buddy John Mayer at underground, vacuum packing Jeremy Piven's cell phone in rice after he dropped it in the toilet at sunda, jumping on a dozen tv & radio stations live talking about raising money for art & theatre programs for kids, taste testing more food than most eat in a week, trying to fit more crazy tasks & adventures in a day/night than humanly possible to do whatever I can for my team & city!
It occurred to me though that some of you aren't following me on twitter and are missing out on it all! That's not good! So I included a sample of my tweetpics / life in the last couple days here so you can get a feel for what you are missing! It's always random, always crazy, always entertaining.. and most important.. a great way to stay in touch and create a relationship as I have with so many others! Enjoy- and then click here to follow me on twitter too!
Comcast Sportsnet Interview : Blackhawks, Piven Theatre Workshop Benefit & Lookingglass Theatre's Madhatter's Ball
it's always a pleasure to chat and catch up with my buddy david kaplan on comcast sportsnet - we covered all things chicago but more importantly, our hometown champs - the chicago blackhawks (you have to see these stanley cup pictures, they're a riot!) - the annual piven theatre workshop benefit i host with jeremy piven every year (you can check me out on the set of entourage by clicking here) and lookingglass theatre's madhatter's ball which was a blast last night!
ABC 7 Interview - Piven Theatre Workshop Benefit, Entourage, Lookingglass Theatre's Madhatters
was up bright and early this week to spread the word about arts/theatre in chicago and two events that i have been a part of for just about a decade - last night's lookingglass theatre's madhatter's ball (which i'm sure you saw my tweets about!) and saturday night's piven theatre workshop benefit (to see me on the set of entourage with jeremy piven, click here!) check me out on abc 7 with hosea sanders, i've known him for over 10 years, such a fan, he's truly one of the hardest working guys in chicago!
Lookingglass' Madhatter's Ball to Support Art & Theatre in Chicago!
Lookingglass theatre was formed over 20 years ago by a group of local college kids. 15 yrs ago I became best friends w/ two members randomly, Joey Slotnick and David Schwimmer, who introduced me to the group, and I fell in love w/ it immediately. So much that about 10yrs ago I founded the lookingglass Junior Board to get young professionals involved, where joey, david & I began to host great parties for them called the madhatters ball to benefit the theatre and their children's programs! (See video above!)
This year madhatters ball happens thursday night 6/24 and has a whole new spin on it! The junior board has grown so much and so strong in the last decade, that they are taking it by the horns and producing this amazing event all on their own, which means I get to join you all for the fun and come as a fellow guest to party!
The night starts w/a performance of Lookingglass Alice at the theatre, rolling into a party at the ritz carlton, wrapping w/an after-party at The Underground with one of my favorite djs in the world - dj irie! Tickets and more info can be found at lookingglasstheatre.org
Ellen Live TBS Show at Chicago Theatre!
I love to share awesome prizes, tickets, vip passes...to all the experiences I get invited to w/ all my friends and followers onfacebook and twitter (click on them to get in on it!). Yesterday I made up a fun lil contest to take a couple fans to Ellen's amazing live show at The Chicago Theatre...you got to see these pics & read this review that one of the winners wrote, it's awesome!
Emmy Winner Jeremy Piven back in Chicago to Give away Role on Entourage!
Jeremy Piven & I made this quick lil fun video for you & your friends while i was on the set of hbo's "entourage" playing the role of one of ari gold's agents! it's about how you can get on the show too! So check it out and spread the word on email, blogging, facebook, twitter, or even speaking human to human!
As you will see, we have been hosting this event for the last 8 years raising money for children's scholarships to keep arts & theatre alive in Chicago many times joined by Piven Theatre Workshop Alums like john cusack, kate walsh, aidan quinn, and so many more...
This year our event happens on Saturday June 26th! We went a step further and added an intimate dinner w/Jeremy at Sunda just before the usual crazy festivities at rockit bar & grill from 6p-10p! its a must for mingling w/Jeremy & the crew, enjoying drinks, hors d'oeuvres, music, fun, silent/live auction (including the "entourage" walk-on role!)... and to help get all proceeds to kids who want to excel in art & theatre!
Tickets to the Rockit portion are $125, to include the Sunda dinner its $300, and the number to call at Piven Theatre workshop to order tix is 847.866.8049 and website is www.piventheatre.org for more info!
My Behind the Scenes Freak Out
Omg check out my friends on this 7 person pyramid tightrope w/no safety net right here in chicago! Can't believe they did this after their show private just so you can see it here! You can tell I am freaking out in this video! Share it!
And share it not only because it's shocking- but by getting this video around we support amazing artists & theatre that needs to be seen! I seriously want you to see this lookingglass theatre show called "Hephaestus" at the Goodman theatre in person so bad before it closes in next couple weeks that I got all my facebook, twitter & blog fans like you a secret code for 50% off tix if reserve yours in next 24hrs (ends 6/6) on www.goodmantheatre.org or 312.443.3800, using the code "THEFORGE!"
Btw, when go, read interview with creator tony Hernandez in playbill, where he talks about how I somehow ended up on my back on a pool table at rockit years ago hand balancing one of his contortionist circus girls on my arms for a full performance in front of a packed crowd... omg thank god youtube wasn't as big then.
Who do you think is best in Chicago!?
Just voted for the Chicago Reader "Best in Chicago" awards online! Figured I would share my answers since everyone asks me on Twitter and Facebook about my Chicago favs! (BTW, sorry did these fast, was in a rush, sorry if missed anyone!) You should vote too! (Especially for my places! haha) Voting ends this weekend so go to http://bestof.chicagoreader.com/ now!
Best car wash :: We'll Clean
Best BBQ :: Fat Willies
Best Brewpub :: Goose Island
Best Coffee Shop :: Intelligestia/Aspire at home....chitowns peeps!
Best Cupcakes :: 3 way tie - Foiled (on twitter), Sweet Mandy B's (near my house) or Swirlz (for boxes to friends!)
Best Fashion Designer :: Maria Pinto
Best Interior Designer :: Nate Berkus
Best Thrift Store :: Salvation Army
Best brunch :: Rockit on hubbard (live acoustic, gourmet bloody mary's, mimosa kits at your table, amazing brunch menu... come on!) Or riverside café in bucktown
Best shoe store :: Niketown
Best garden store :: kinsella landscaping
Best gym :: HERO Fitness and equinox
Best home furnishings store :: smart rooms in merchandise mart
Best alfresco dining :: Patio at RBG Wrigley (in nice neighborhood, and can see Wrigley field scoreboard from table)
Best bagels :: ashkenaz
Best college :: U of I champaign urbana
Best gelato :: n/a, I eat peanut butter and chocolate skinny cows with extra crunchy peanut butter globbed on twice a day
Best grocery store :: whole foods
Best Indian restaurant :: vermillion
Best margarita :: que rico
Best Mexican restaurant :: el tapitio
Best Middle Eastern restaurant :: reeza's
Best new restaurant :: kith kin
Best burger :: Rockit Bar & Grill ("good morning america" gave chitown the nationwide recognition for the rockit burger to beat all cities out- love it!)
Best seafood restaurant :: Joe's
Best splurge :: avenue at peninsula
Best sushi :: Sunda (not many people get entire fresh fish anymore and cut them up right there and then, hands down best!) Best wine shop :: House of Glunz
Best liquor store :: Binny's
Best pizza :: connie's and malnatis
Best drink specials :: ½ off wine on Mondays at rockit (actually can get really nice bottles!)
Best cocktail list :: Sunda drink list is pure heaven- I invented the "bd superfresh sakitini" that should win this award in itself! Actually, they are all that good
Best dive bar :: Richard's
Best 4 AM bar :: underground, not many places still packed at 4am, 5am saturdays
Best night of the week to go out :: Saturday, I know its so mainstream, but its just true, and I love people watching. Best smoking area :: far away from me
Best hotel for an in-town getaway :: Peninsula
Best record store :: grew up going to dr. wax
Best local music blog :: www.assault.it
Best dance club :: Underground, you know you are the best when don't have an actual cheesy dance floor but can make everyone dance!
Best local band :: Plain White T's & Lovehammers
Best local hip-hop artist :: kanye
Best local DJ :: Rock City
Best local tribute band :: South of 80 and elevation
Best bartender :: Andy Lee at Rockit River North
Best music venue to play :: Metro
Best music venue to watch :: House of Blues
Best music festival :: Lolla
Best movie theater AMC on Illinois
Best art gallery :: Carrie Seacrist
Best museum exhibit :: TRex Sue
Best public artwork :: art institute and mca
Best touring play :: lookingglass "alice"
Best off-Loop theater company :: Lookingglass
Best late-night theater experience :: wiener circle
Best stand-up comic :: Conan O'Brien
Best sketch/improv troupe :: improv olympic and second city
Best dance company :: Loveabulls count?
Best burlesque troupe :: Baton Club
Best antique store :: Golden Triangle
Best bike shop :: village cycle
Best mani/pedi :: hasn't happened, yet!
Best massage :: Maria at Backup Therapeutic
Best mechanic victor castro at perillo on clark
Best movers :: Bill & Phil Movers
Best place to adopt a pet :: PAWS
Best Cubs bar :: Rockit Wrigley, can see scoreboard from table while watching our tv's
Best Sox Bar jim beam club, great buffet
Best billiards :: rockit river north baby! The best.
Best bowling alley :: lucky strike
Best canoe/kayak rental :: Lincoln park
Best golf course :: Medinah Country Club
Best dance class :: Arthur murray and dance center chicago!
Best music teacher :: Scott Arkenberg at St. Clement
Best yoga studio :: classes at peninsula spa
Kisses from Conan in Chicago!
If follow me on twitter you saw all my pics last night from the chicago theatre "pit" where I was just feet from the stage where conan o'brien was performing live! This pic of him licking labamba's face is my fav... just shows the love he had to be back with the gang & his fans, and how ridiculously funny it all was!
Got a lot of feedback from friends asking me not to blow tonight's 2nd sold out show they had tickets too, so let me cut it short saying I loved the opening where showed him 4 mos ago all washed up at his house with no work, loved that he referenced his days living in chicago/wrigleyville, surprised to see him play the guitar & sing so much, loved all his old characters again, fun to see new local surprise guests, and I'm psyched to see him on tbs soon!
Natalie Merchant for Poetry Center of Chicago
Poetry might not be the first form of entertainment that sells tickets or the most popular artistic method practiced among all, but realize it or not, poetry has been the inspiration and driving force behind countless songs, famous blockbuster movies, high end clothing lines, maybe even the fancy sports car parked in your driveway (or dreams). A special place that houses and nurtures this form of art right in this city is The Poetry Center of Chicago - an independent not-for-profit arts organization that was founded in 1974 and has been in residence at the School of the Art Institute for the past 14 years. Their mission is simple, to "promote poetry through readings, workshops, residencies and arts education, to make poetry more accessible to the general public, to stimulate and encourage young poets, and to advance the careers of poets by offering them professional opportunities."
True to their word, this Saturday - April 27th they are hosting an evening with famous songstress, Natalie Merchant at the Rubloff Auditorium of the Art Institute of Chicago. Natalie will be performing in celebration of her first album in 7 years and for a lucky few people that rsvp first, Merchant is conducting a workshop of how to turn poetry into music, a truly incredible opportunity for lyricists and musicians alike! Tickets are pretty reasonable but for a more personal experience you can purchase VIP tickets and enjoy special seating and access to the post-party with Natalie. All info can be found on www.poetrycenter.org
Poetry might not be the first form of entertainment that sells tickets or the most popular artistic method practiced among all, but realize it or not, poetry has been the inspiration and driving force behind countless songs, famous blockbuster movies, high end clothing lines, maybe even the fancy sports car parked in your driveway (or dreams). A special place that houses and nurtures this form of art right in this city is The Poetry Center of Chicago - an independent not-for-profit arts organization that was founded in 1974 and has been in residence at the School of the Art Institute for the past 14 years. Their mission is simple, to "promote poetry through readings, workshops, residencies and arts education, to make poetry more accessible to the general public, to stimulate and encourage young poets, and to advance the careers of poets by offering them professional opportunities."
True to their word, this Saturday - April 27th they are hosting an evening with famous songstress, Natalie Merchant at theRubloff Auditorium of the Art Institute of Chicago. Natalie will be performing in celebration of her first album in 7 years and for a lucky few people that rsvp first, Merchant is conducting a workshop of how to turn poetry into music, a truly incredible opportunity for lyricists and musicians alike! Tickets are pretty reasonable but for a more personal experience you can purchase VIP tickets and enjoy special seating and access to the post-party with Natalie. All info can be found onwww.poetrycenter.org
Chicago Office of Tourism Goes Deeper w/ www.explorechicago.org!
Not only let kiran and joyce and all at cultural affairs and tourism know about this blog when up- but also reach out to dot or actually who is lois' asst and let them know I promised her lunch and would like to take her to sunda in nxt couple weeks- mention the two awards won to when talking to all and let them know if having anything in may asian month let you know)
I have always been a big fan of the chicago office of tourism not only because tourism they rightfully & successfully promote our city as one of the best in the world creating international fans and big visitor income for the people of our city, but also because they have become an amazing resource for even life long locals like myself who love to learn new things about this deep, historic, diverse & exciting mix of communities, talents, cultures, backgrounds,.. that make up our great city of chicago!
Most impressive is how developed they have managed to build their site www.explorechicago.org which basically has become the 1st stop for all things chicago for way more than just tourists, offering more exciting things happening than you can possible do in a lifetime (all though that would be really cool to try!). not only have I heard many times from others that their site is an industry leader w/many even outside of the tourism industry using it as a model to follow, word is on may 25th they are improving it even further launching all kinds of expanded content & tools to explore & reveal all the history & character deep within Chicago's 77 distinct communities... to really get the feel for what we are made of....
Read more...... (do the read more function here.... btw kr, these all below can become future blogs themselves)
In conjunction with the promotion of Chicago's neighborhoods, the Chicago Office of Tourism will offer a variety of programs, activities, and suggestions for visitors and residents of all ages throughout the summer. Highlights will include:
Chicago Greeter - New Neighborhood Visits, Community Outposts and Greeter for Locals- FREE
The Chicago Greeter service will offer more opportunities to explore Chicago's neighborhoods this summer than ever before. In addition to over 30 neighborhoods currently being served, Chicago Greeter will offer visits to four more communities beginning May 1: Bridgeport, Albany Park, Norwood Park and Humboldt Park.
The popular Hyde Park Greeter Outpost at the Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell, will return and a new Neighborhood Outpost will open in historic Old Town at Second City, 1616 N. Wells. Neighborhood Outposts will offer free guided neighborhood visits on Saturdays, 10am - 3pm, from May 29 - October 9.
Back by popular demand in June and July will be Chicago Greeter for Locals. For the second year, Chicago residents can take a free Greeter visit and explore Chicago, a perfect way to take a "staycation" in your own city.
Family Adventure Days
June 25 - August 28, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
You can experience a true Chicago adventure with your family on action-packed day trips. A neighborhood expert will be your guide for visits to one of six exciting neighborhoods including Bronzeville, Garfield Park, Hyde Park, Jackson Park, Lincoln Park and Pilsen. Participants will enjoy arts, crafts, and nature activities, play games, and tour museums and cultural attractions. Best for children ages 6+ with an adult. $12 per person; lunch and transportation included. Reservations required. Call 312.742.8497.
Scavenger Hunts Throughout City Neighborhoods - FREE
Fun and challenging scavenger hunts will provide a new way to explore Chicago's neighborhoods in Andersonville, Albany Park, Chinatown, and Devon Avenue. You will discover hidden gems and fun facts along the way with clues that can be picked up at any of the Chicago Visitor Centers or printed from www.explorechicago.org.
Chicago Neighborhood Week at the Family Fun Festival in Millennium Park - FREE
July 26 - July 31, 10 am - 3 pm
Chicago neighborhoods will come to life in Millennium Park with hands-on activities including piecing together a giant puzzle while learning about the city's diverse neighborhoods.
Chicago's Downtown Farmstand - Chicago Neighborhoods
66 E. Randolph St.
Local flavors will abound at Chicago's Downtown Farmstand throughout the month of July. You can taste your way through Chicago's neighborhoods and enjoy the Farmstand's wide range of local offerings through cooking demonstrations, neighborhood vendor trunk shows, and specially featured selections. In addition, the Farmstand team will share their favorite pairings of neighborhood items with summer's abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. The Farmstand offers food grown or produced within 250 miles of Chicago including fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs in season; a full range of condiments, preserves, seasonings and other dry goods items; locally-produced ethnic foods; baked goods, and other seasonal items when available.
Neighborhood Festivals and Parades
You can discover the many cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of Chicago communities while enjoying the summer air at various festivals and parades throughout the city. Some annual favorites include: the 57th Street Art Fair (June 5-6) in Hyde Park; the Taste of Randolph Street (June 18-20) in the West Loop; the Gay Pride Parade (June 27) in Lakeview; the African-Caribbean International Festival of Life (July 2-5) in Washington Park; the Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy (July 24) in Chinatown; Fiesta del Sol (July 29-August 1) in Pilsen; and the Bud Billiken Parade (August 14) on King Drive and concluding in Washington Park.
Chicago Neighborhood Tours
Half-day bus excursions will let you experience Chicago's many diverse neighborhoods from an insider's perspective. Tours this summer will include: Albany Park (July 17); Bucktown, Humboldt Park & Logan Square (July 9); Devon Avenue (June 12); Pilsen & Little Village (June 5); Hyde Park/Kenwood (July 24) and South Chicago (June 26).
Chicago Is a Community Garden - FREE
May 28 - September 19
Chicago Tourism Center Gallery, 72 E. Randolph St,
This exhibition will look at urban gardens, vertical farming in the city, and urban chicken keepers through photographs, architectural drawings, and installations. In conjunction with the exhibition, there will be a series of community garden walks throughout the city on the last Saturday of each month.
Neighborhood Experts at the Visitor Information Centers - FREE
The Visitor Information Centers will be offering a variety of programs featuring neighborhood experts at the Chicago Water Works Visitor Information Center, 163 E. Pearson St., and at the Chicago Cultural Center Visitor Information Center, 77 E. Randolph St. This weekly series will highlight the arts, history and culture of the city's neighborhoods through lectures, discussions and performances. Guests will be able to browse through maps and brochures about attractions, tours and events and plan itineraries with knowledgeable and friendly visitor representatives.
For more information about Chicago neighborhoods and events and activities throughout the city all summer long, visit www.ExploreChicago.org.
The study of neighborhood tourism assets was made possible by a grant from the 2016 Fund for Chicago Neighborhoods. Contributors to the 2016 Fund for Chicago Neighborhoods include The Boeing Company; The Chicago Community Trust; the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; The Joyce Foundation; McCormick Foundation; Polk Bros. Foundation; Wieboldt Foundation, and one anonymous donor.
ExploreChicago, the City's Tourism Website
In addition to expanded neighborhood pages, www.ExploreChicago.org provides comprehensive event listings; multi-media content, including audio tours, podcasts and an itinerary builder; a virtual visitor center with downloadable brochures, maps and resources for international travelers; and stunning photographs showcasing the city's best assets. It also features Life by the Lake, a Flickr photo journal series where Chicago-based photographers explore the city and post their photos, and Insider Profiles of Chicagoans who share their favorite things to see and do in the city.
The Chicago Office of Tourism uses Foursquare, the location-based, social networking application for mobile phones, to encourage visitors and residents to explore the neighborhoods, and to promote restaurants and attractions. After following ExploreChicago at www.foursquare.com/explorechicago, you can "check-in" at over 60 eligible citywide locations to earn up to three Chicago-themed "badges", all celebrating Chicago traditions.
Other games on ExploreChicago include Picture Yourself in Chicago where you can create your own Chicago postcard by uploading photos and accessorizing your character and Chicago Neighborhood Express which virtually transports you to a randomly selected neighborhood to discover and explore.
Visitors and residents can follow us on twitter at twitter.com/explorechicago or become a fan on Facebook bit.ly/chifacebook to get daily alerts about fun and free things to do in Chicago. A Twitter Concierge Service (@explorechicago), staffed by visitor representatives who answer questions and provide information about events and activities throughout the city, is available daily.
The Chicago Office of Tourism, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, is the official City agency dedicated to promoting Chicago to domestic and international visitors and to providing innovative visitor programs and services. Visitors and Chicagoans planning to entertain out-of-town guests can receive Chicago brochures, reserve hotel accommodations and receive trip-planning assistance by calling toll-free 1.877.CHICAGO (1.877.244.2246) or visiting www.explorechicago.org. Brochures and information on Chicago events and activities are also available at the Visitor Information Centers located at Chicago Water Works, 163 E. Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street. The TTY toll-free number for the hearing impaired is 1.866.710.0294
Read more section above provided by the chicago office of tourism
I have always been a big fan of the chicago office of tourism not only because tourism they rightfully & successfully promote our city as one of the best in the world creating international fans and big visitor income for the people of our city, but also because they have become an amazing resource for even life long locals like myself who love to learn new things about this deep, historic, diverse & exciting mix of communities, talents, cultures, backgrounds...that make up our great city of chicago!
Most impressive is how developed they have managed to build their site www.explorechicago.org which basically has become the 1st stop for all things chicago for way more than just tourists, offering more exciting things happening than you can possible do in a lifetime (all though that would be really cool to try!). not only have I heard many times from others that their site is an industry leader w/many even outside of the tourism industry using it as a model to follow, word is on may 25th they are improving it even further launching all kinds of expanded content & tools to explore & reveal all the history & character deep within Chicago's 77 distinct communities... to really get the feel for what we are made of....
Chicagoan Michelle Williams in "Chicago" on Broadway!
If you follow me on twitter, you know I flew out to nyc this weekend to support my long time friend michelle williams (of "destiny's child, pic of us above backstage), watching her light up broadway in the production of "chicago!" not only was it super cool to support a local Chicagoan friend making it back (she starred her in "aida") to the most significant theatre district in the world, (not to mention that I sat w/ her other friends beyonce and jay z!), but it was extra special that the story she was telling was a true one centered around another chicagoan's story!
michelle played roxie whose story was based on the real story of chicagaon Beulah Annan who in 1924 was accused of killing the "intruder" Harry Kalstedt. it became a front-page story in the Chicago Tribune when reporter Maurine Watkins realized the sensational appeal her personality could draw through her tongue-in-cheek reports about roxie's supposed pregnancy used to speed up the trial w/a sleek Hollywood like lawyer who helped define the media frenzy and the acquittal. Later Tribune reporter Maurine decided to turn her experience with Chicago's famed murder-row darling into a comedy titled CHICAGO that reached Broadway in 1926. A film version was created two years later and a second film version, "Roxie Hart," starred Ginger Rogers in 1942. (more info on www.chicagothemusical.com)
After I came out of the production raving about michelle's performance, many friends on facebook and twitter asked me how long it was playing... The answer is that this great "chicago" story will probably always be playing somewhere, but my advice is to do what ever you can to see Michelle in it as roxie! She was absolutely amazing as always! I'm really proud of her... now unfortunately her Broadway run ends April 13 (get out here if can!), but you can catch her in it in los angeles from April 20-May 9! don't miss her!
If you follow me on twitter, you know I flew out to nyc this weekend to support my long time friend michelle williams (of "destiny's child," pic of us above backstage), watching her light up broadway in the production of "chicago!" not only was it super cool to support a local Chicagoan friend making it back (she starred here in "aida") to the most significant theatre district in the world, (not to mention that I sat w/ her other friends beyonce and jay z!), but it was extra special that the story she was telling was a true one centered around another chicagoan's story!
michelle played roxie whose story was based on the real tale of chicagaon Beulah Annan who in 1924 was accused of killing the "intruder" Harry Kalstedt. it became a front-page story in the Chicago Tribune when reporter Maurine Watkins realized the sensational appeal her personality could draw through her tongue-in-cheek reports about roxie's supposed pregnancy used to speed up the trial w/a sleek Hollywood like lawyer who helped define the media frenzy and the acquittal. Later Tribune reporter Maurine decided to turn her experience with Chicago's famed murder-row darling into a comedy titled CHICAGO that reached Broadway in 1926. A film version was created two years later and a second film version, "Roxie Hart," starred Ginger Rogers in 1942. (more info on www.chicagothemusical.com)
After I came out of the production raving about michelle's performance, many friends on facebook and twitter asked me how long it was playing... The answer is that this great "chicago" story will probably always be playing somewhere, but my advice is to do what ever you can to see Michelle in it as roxie! She was absolutely amazing as always! I'm really proud of her... now unfortunately her Broadway run ends April 13 (get out here if can!), but you can catch her in it in los angeles from April 20-May 9! don't miss her!
"TRUST" at Lookingglass Theatre, Directed by David Schwimmer & Heidi Stillman
As you might know, I have been a huge fan and supporter of art and theatre in chicago, all my life. If ever asked me what my favorite play was, I would have told you it was hands down "race. How blacks and whites feel about the American obsession." Now, it may have tied with a new play I saw last night, called "trust."
To be forthcoming, both were adapted/written for stage and directed by my best friend david schwimmer, but know that is not why I liked them. In fact, after 15yrs of friendship, I can tell you that we have thoroughly established that our artistic tastes are very different, if not sometimes opposite, so trust me, these works stand absolutely on their own. What I like about them most is that they deal with very current issues, that have a meaningful, impactful and necessary message, that cause viewers to reflect, acknowledge and consider changing immediately for the better, in one way or another.
As a child of a mixed race family growing up in america, the issue of racism in the first of the two plays, really made me feel relieved, as if someone was finally acknowledging my pain, to some other side that I felt existed. Yet, it opened my eyes, as it did with everyone else, that I too was guilty of so much that I was conditioned to think and act upon that was equally wrong, and from that experience, I walked away a better person, and hopefully helped others to be as well by sharing the message.
In "trust," they intertwine all the technology, social media, emails, iphones, im's, facebook, myspace,... used by kids these days and expose the issue of internet predators and rape, and the reality, exposure, and relevancy that the issue applies to all of us right now, in one way or another. I have known schwimmer to be heavily supportive and involved with the national rape foundation for the last ten years of our friendship, and have watched him write out this story for the last three, and what I saw last night at the opening of the play, was real, and something I will never forget.
I hate when people review plays and tell the whole story, so not going to do that. But will share a quick story. I walked out with david yesterday completely numb and effected not knowing how something could move me so much to the point that I actually cried and was visibly freaked out. as people were thanking him for sharing the message, I guess the dazzed look on my face caused someone even more visually effected turn to me and say, "and you don't even have kids, imagine what that is like."
I began to ask this person what it was like having had kids, as I hope to have some one day, and I wanted to know what they were going to do now. they explained how everything must change for them in the house now, as that was all too scary, and all too real. I suggested that they maybe bring the kids to the play, they asked if thought it was age appropriate. I asked if they thought it was any less appropriate than what they are already getting on the internet in his own home, and it immediately became absurdly a big no. in fact, he acknowledged that the stuff out there on the internet that he knew his kids were exposed to fast and free was 1000 times worse, and that this story was about what could happen if don't reflect, acknowledge and change immediately, in one way or another, so was more of a huge help to all if anything.
I think this is a small example of not only theatre that really invoked reaction, being relevant, worthy and well done, but it spreads a message that helps fight real not talked about or even "hidden" harm where it doesn't belong, in effort to make things better for all of us, which is something we can all use more of. Tickets I know will sell out very very fast because message aside, it's a killer play w/killer acting & production, and killer suspense,... and I would be really bummed if you missed it... so please don't wait and go to www.lookingglasstheatre.org .. and please let me know what you think about it...
As you might know, I have been a huge fan and supporter of art and theatre in chicago, all my life. If ever asked me what my favorite play was, I would have told you it was hands down "race. How blacks and whites feel about the American obsession." Now, it may have tied with a new play I saw last night, called "trust."
To be forthcoming, both were adapted/written for stage and directed by my best friend david schwimmer, but know that is not why I liked them. In fact, after 15yrs of friendship, I can tell you that we have thoroughly established that our artistic tastes are very different, if not sometimes opposite, so trust me, these works stand absolutely on their own. What I like about them most is that they deal with very current issues, that have a meaningful, impactful and necessary message, that cause viewers to reflect, acknowledge and consider changing immediately for the better, in one way or another.
As a child of a mixed race family growing up in america, the issue of racism in the first of the two plays, really made me feel relieved, as if someone was finally acknowledging my pain, to some other side that I felt existed. Yet, it opened my eyes, as it did with everyone else, that I too was guilty of so much that I was conditioned to think and act upon that was equally wrong, and from that experience, I walked away a better person, and hopefully helped others to be as well by sharing the message.
In "trust," they intertwine all the technology, social media, emails, iphones, im's, facebook, myspace... used by kids these days and expose the issue of internet predators and rape, and the reality, exposure, and relevancy that the issue applies to all of us right now, in one way or another. I have known schwimmer to be heavily supportive and involved with the national rape foundation for the last ten years of our friendship, and have watched him write out this story for the last three, and what I saw last night at the opening of the play, was real, and something I will never forget.
I hate when people review plays and tell the whole story, so not going to do that. But will share a quick story. I walked out with david yesterday completely numb and effected not knowing how something could move me so much to the point that I actually cried and was visibly freaked out. as people were thanking him for sharing the message, I guess the dazzed look on my face caused someone even more visually effected turn to me and say, "and you don't even have kids, imagine what that is like."
I began to ask this person what it was like having had kids, as I hope to have some one day, and I wanted to know what they were going to do now. they explained how everything must change for them in the house now, as that was all too scary, and all too real. I suggested that they maybe bring the kids to the play, they asked if thought it was age appropriate. I asked if they thought it was any less appropriate than what they are already getting on the internet in his own home, and it immediately became absurdly a big no. in fact, he acknowledged that the stuff out there on the internet that he knew his kids were exposed to fast and free was 1000 times worse, and that this story was about what could happen if don't reflect, acknowledge and change immediately, in one way or another, so was more of a huge help to all if anything.
I think this is a small example of not only theatre that really invoked reaction, being relevant, worthy and well done, but it spreads a message that helps fight real not talked about or even "hidden" harm where it doesn't belong, in effort to make things better for all of us, which is something we can all use more of. Tickets I know will sell out very very fast because message aside, it's a killer play w/killer acting & production, and killer suspense,... and I would be really bummed if you missed it... so please don't wait and go to www.lookingglasstheatre.org .. and please let me know what you think about it...
see the reviews for yourself...
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/stage/2102189,CST-FTR-Weiss15web.article
Illinois Film Office Sponsors Sundance Event & has a reel!
The major reason why I go to sundance each year, and to other events around the country like the grammys in l.a. this wknd & the superbowl in miami the next, is to make sure our city/state has a presence out when the "best" come together & all the action happens- networking, showing support, reminding people chicago rocks & they should visit, and to sell our culture & community as world class to build friendships & business for all... just like I did this last weekend w/our Illinois film office... as you can see in this video!
Granted this particular video is silly off the cuff, but you can definitely see we traveled to work & send a message (amongst all the other silly party things you might here about from me on twitter at 2am). In this video i am w/ Betsy Steinberg the director of the Illinois film office (along with a handful of other energetic & supportive Chicagoans like buddies brook jay of atp & mike mcgrath of mcgrath lexus). How great is it that she (on behalf of our state/city) sponsor one of the most anticipated events at one of the most respected artistic festivals in the world, the "variety magazine top 10 directors to watch at sundance!"
Make sure to check out our Illinois "reel" at end w/ all the cool celebs & movies we have had here, the incentives we give people to film here, me trying to get info out of her about who's coming next,... and all kinds of fun... all while showing the greatest media, directors, producers, and actors, like Philip Seymour hoffman who was being honored that night, that we are highly desirable and inviting in the industry & passionate about making a huge contribution to greatness! (btw, I got to reconnect w/ Philip Seymour hoffman about our last lunch together a couple years ago and he is actually in chi directing at Goodman- we're having dinner next week- will catch up with more to promote his new project out here nxt wk. Enjoy and thx 4 the support il film office!
The major reason why I go to sundance each year, and to other events around the country like the grammys in l.a. this wknd & the superbowl in miami the next, is to make sure our city/state has a presence when the "best" come together & all the action happens- networking, showing support, reminding people chicago rocks & they should visit, and to sell our culture & community as world class to build friendships & business for all... just like I did this last weekend w/our Illinois film office... as you can see in this video!
Granted this particular video is silly, off the cuff, but you can definitely see we traveled to work & send a message (amongst all the other silly party things you might hear about from me on twitter at 2am). In this video i am w/ Betsy Steinberg the director of the Illinois film office (along with a handful of other energetic & supportive Chicagoans like buddies brook jay of atp & mike mcgrath of mcgrath lexus). How great is it that she (on behalf of our state/city) sponsored one of the most anticipated events at one of the most respected artistic festivals in the world, the "variety magazine top 10 directors to watch at sundance!"
Make sure to check out our Illinois "reel" at end w/ all the cool celebs & movies we have had here, the incentives we give people to film here, me trying to get info out of her about who's coming next,... and all kinds of fun... all while showing the greatest media, directors, producers, and actors, like Philip Seymour hoffman who was being honored that night, that we are highly desirable and inviting in the industry & passionate about making a huge contribution to greatness! (btw, I got to reconnect w/ Philip Seymour hoffman about our last lunch together a couple years ago and he is actually in chi directing at Goodman- we're having dinner next week- will catch up with more to promote his new project out here nxt wk. Enjoy and thx 4 the support il film office!
Victoria's Secret "Sexiest in Chicago" w/ "Angel" Alessandra Ambrosio!
If follow me on twitter (click here if you don't), you were in nyc w/me for the actual live Victoria's Secret show! Thought I would show you a small video I took after the show from my flipcam above... the look on my face is pretty stupid I know, and I really had nothing to say, but that's just how good the show was! (and as you can tell, the girls were just shockingly stunning all out there at once strutting so close to me)
On the home front, Victoria secret angel allesandra amrobrosia flew out to host the private vip tv launch of the fashion show right here in chicago a couple days ago at my club "the underground" handing out awards to "chicago's sexiest" winners from their online contest! Here are the results below... and having won for "sexiest club" the underground & "sexiest restaurant" sunda... my super hard working team of 500 & I humbly thank all of you who allow us to serve you!
Blues/Jazz: Green Mill
Male Celebrity: Vince Vaughn
Female Celebrity: Giuliana Rancic
Restaurant: Sunda
Designer Label: Akira
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Architecture: The Modern Wing of The Art Institute
Bar/Club: The Underground
Beach: North Avenue
Sports Team: Chicago Bulls
City View: The Signature Room
Happy Hour: Hub 51
Hotel: Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
Spa: Allyu
Band/Musician: Lupe Fiasco
Athlete: Derrick Rose
Kiss: Ferris Wheel Navy Pier
If follow me on twitter (click here if you don't), you were in nyc w/me for the actual live Victoria's Secret show! Thought I would show you a small video I took after the show from my flipcam above... the look on my face is pretty stupid I know, and I really had nothing to say, but that's just how good the show was! (and as you can tell, the girls were just shockingly stunning all out there at once strutting so close to me)
On the home front, Victoria secret angel alessandra ambrosio flew out to host the private vip tv launch of the fashion show right here in chicago a couple days ago at my club "the underground" handing out awards to "chicago's sexiest" winners from their online contest! Here are the results below... and having won for "sexiest club" the underground & "sexiest restaurant" sunda... my super hard working team of 500 & I humbly thank all of you who allow us to serve you!
Blues/Jazz: Green Mill
Male Celebrity: Vince Vaughn
Female Celebrity: Giuliana Rancic
Restaurant: Sunda
Designer Label: Akira
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Architecture: The Modern Wing of The Art Institute
Bar/Club: The Underground
Beach: North Avenue
Sports Team: Chicago Bulls
City View: The Signature Room
Happy Hour: Hub 51
Hotel: Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
Spa: Allyu
Band/Musician: Lupe Fiasco
Athlete: Derrick Rose
Kiss: Ferris Wheel Navy Pier
My old friend Jude Law rocks Hamlet! and loves Chicago....
If you follow me on twitter you came with me to nyc to last week for the live Victoria secret fashion show (will probably blog about them in next day or so since doing a viewing party of the actual show I saw at the underground on dec. 1st w/ one of the angels!). anyway, I thought while there, I would check out an old buddy of mine from London, playing hamlet on broadway, the always amazing jude law.
First of all, let me just say that jude rocked the part of hamlet beyond belief! I know this because in high school I couldn't understand Shakespeare to save my life, and here I was not only understanding everything, I was thoroughly engrossed, entertained, laughing, shocked,.. & just loving it! Jude stole the show, literally. I almost was nervous for others because he was so big and present on stage next to the rest... but eventually it all grooved together nicely and I give them all major props. Show ends dec 6th, better check it fast!
Anyway, the reason I wanted to share my experience here was because when jude invited backstage to hangout after the show, we literally sat in his dressing room raving & laughing about none other than, of all things... chicago! We have hungout throughout the years in London together but he just cant let go of the days of running around chicago in 2000/2001 with me & our buddy Daniel craig (who you may know as james bond, who happens to be on broadway too with hugh jackman in "a steady rain" which is about, of all things, two chicago cops!), while they were filming "road to perdition" w/ Robert redford and few other greats.
We were the inseparable 3 amigos walking every random chicago street day & night trying every restaurant, café, store, park,... laughing, joking, telling stories,... raiding my mom's fridge, playing Frisbee w/jude's kids during the day, hanging out late at my spots (at that time... the dragonroom, circus, skylight & the bedroom)... just having the best time ever! Jude couldn't stop raving about our culture, art, culinary scene, and most of all.. the nice people... it was fun to update him on my new spots sunda, rockit & underground because they were the exact places I told him I always wanted to open... I could see him trying each item in his head as I told him about our menus and stuff.. it was pretty neat.
Anyway, it just made me really proud to be a part of this city... its just so conducive to building real friendships & everlasting experiences & memories with people from all over the world... and I love that about Chicago... hope you all are taking those opportunities when can... they are all around us... show guests all your fav spots, not just the touristy ones... share your enthusiasm, personality, story & honesty w/ them... and put it all together... and they will never forget us! Cheers
If you follow me on twitter you came with me to nyc to last week for the live Victoria's secret fashion show (will probably blog about them in next day or so since doing a viewing party of the actual show I saw at the underground on dec. 1st w/ one of the angels!). anyway, I thought while there, I would check out an old buddy of mine from London, playing hamlet on broadway, the always amazing jude law.
First of all, let me just say that jude rocked the part of hamlet beyond belief! I know this because in high school I couldn't understand Shakespeare to save my life, and here I was not only understanding everything, I was thoroughly engrossed, entertained, laughing, shocked,.. & just loving it! Jude stole the show, literally. I almost was nervous for others because he was so big and present on stage next to the rest... but eventually it all grooved together nicely and I give them all major props. Show ends dec 6th, better check it fast!
Anyway, the reason I wanted to share my experience here was because when jude invited backstage to hangout after the show, we literally sat in his dressing room raving & laughing about none other than, of all things... chicago! We have hungout throughout the years in London together but he just cant let go of the days of running around chicago in 2000/2001 with me & our buddy Daniel craig (who you may know as james bond, who happens to be on broadway too with hugh jackman in "a steady rain" which is about, of all things, two chicago cops!), while they were filming "road to perdition" w/ Robert redford and few other greats.
We were the inseparable 3 amigos walking every random chicago street day & night trying every restaurant, café, store, park,... laughing, joking, telling stories,... raiding my mom's fridge, playing Frisbee w/jude's kids during the day, hanging out late at my spots (at that time... the dragonroom, circus, skylight & the bedroom)... just having the best time ever! Jude couldn't stop raving about our culture, art, culinary scene, and most of all.. the nice people... it was fun to update him on my new spots sunda, rockit & underground because they were the exact places I told him I always wanted to open... I could see him trying each item in his head as I told him about our menus and stuff.. it was pretty neat.
Anyway, it just made me really proud to be a part of this city... its just so conducive to building real friendships & everlasting experiences & memories with people from all over the world... and I love that about Chicago... hope you all are taking those opportunities when can... they are all around us... show guests all your fav spots, not just the touristy ones... share your enthusiasm, personality, story & honesty w/ them... and put it all together... and they will never forget us! Cheers
Chicago/Paris Ballet & Mime Connection!
I know it is hard for some to believe for some reason, but I love the ballet... and I'm especially excited to share news that because 2010 marks the 90th anniversary of a famous Paris-born surrealist ballet, Le Boeuf sur le Toit (English translation: The Ox on the Roof: The Nothing-Doing Bar), T. Daniel Productions, NFP, (the Chicago Mime Company), has coordinated 2 special performances in it's honor- one for us Chicagoans, and one in Paris on the original stage of the ballet!
The show is particularly important to T. Daniel and Laurie Willets, artistic directors and internationally-renowned Mime Artists, because they studied the art of Mime under Marcel Marceau and Etienne Decroux, two of masters of the modern art! Also, pretty cool that even though Paris is the "spiritual Home" of Mime, T. Daniel and Laurie Willets made Chicago their home base, and Marceau brought his official Paris school to Chicago, the only other city to host his school!
For all who are interested, the basic plot of the ballet is a Frenchman's view of what an American bar would be like during Prohibition. It's shown through a sequence of scenes based on music inspired by Brazil, a country in which the composer spent two years during World War I. The stage set is that of a bar frequented by a number of characters: a bookmaker, a dwarf, a boxer, a woman dressed in man's clothing, a policeman, many more. If you want to check out this historical performance, head out to the Music Institute of Chicago in Evanston on November 12th or check out http://www.tdanielproductions.org/ for more info!
I know it is hard for some to believe for some reason, but I love the ballet... and I'm especially excited to share news that because 2010 marks the 90th anniversary of a famous Paris-born surrealist ballet, Le Boeuf sur le Toit (English translation: The Ox on the Roof: The Nothing-Doing Bar), T. Daniel Productions, NFP, (the Chicago Mime Company), has coordinated 2 special performances in it's honor- one for us Chicagoans, and one in Paris on the original stage of the ballet!
The show is particularly important to T. Daniel and Laurie Willets, artistic directors and internationally-renowned Mime Artists, because they studied the art of Mime under Marcel Marceau and Etienne Decroux, two of masters of the modern art! Also, pretty cool that even though Paris is the "spiritual Home" of Mime, T. Daniel and Laurie Willets made Chicago their home base, and Marceau brought his official Paris school to Chicago, the only other city to host his school!
For all who are interested, the basic plot of the ballet is a Frenchman's view of what an American bar would be like during Prohibition. It's shown through a sequence of scenes based on music inspired by Brazil, a country in which the composer spent two years during World War I. The stage set is that of a bar frequented by a number of characters: a bookmaker, a dwarf, a boxer, a woman dressed in man's clothing, a policeman, many more. If you want to check out this historical performance, head out to the Music Institute of Chicago in Evanston on November 12th or check out http://www.tdanielproductions.org for more info!
Jeff Awards for Chicago theatre talent announced!
I don't think the world really realizes just how talented our theatre scene is in Chicago, nor gives it the credit it deserves, which is probably why in 1968 the Midwest Advisory Committee of Actors formed the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee to honor local Chicago theatre talent themselves, which I would love to help do right now by sharing the results of last night's 2008-2009 award ceremony!
Chicago International Film Fest
from Slumdog Millionaire and Reservoir Dogs to Scorsese, Fassbinder, Wenders, and Herzog.... The Chicago International Film Festival has showcased the brightest and boldest new films and filmmakers, right here in Chicago since1964, in effort to "to discover and present new filmmakers to Chicago, and to acknowledge and award these filmmakers for their artistry!" and now, because I love this festival so much, and love that you support art & culture in chicago w/me by reading this blog, I would like to share tickets with you! Just comment below about what you would like to see, and will pick as many of you as I can of you to attend on me!
if haven't been, you must! I mean, for 45 years, this has been North America's oldest competitive international film festival always discovering a number of talents exposing audiences to a world of film previously unavailable to Chicago... highlighting feature films, directors, documentaries,... from an array of regions around the world, emphasizing a diversity of voices and perspectives... making it a unique Chicago treasure that is fun, informational, & full of diversity... which I am so proud of! For more info, visit http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/ and hope to see you there!
from Slumdog Millionaire and Reservoir Dogs to Scorsese, Fassbinder, Wenders, andHerzog.... The Chicago International Film Festival has showcased the brightest and boldest new films and filmmakers, right here in Chicago since 1964, in effort to "to discover and present new filmmakers to Chicago, and to acknowledge and award these filmmakers for their artistry!" and now, because I love this festival so much, and love that you support art & culture in chicago w/me by reading this blog, I would like to share tickets with you! Just comment below about what you would like to see, and will pick as many of you as I can of you to attend on me!
if haven't been, you must! I mean, for 45 years, this has been North America's oldest competitive international film festival always discovering a number of talents exposing audiences to a world of film previously unavailable to Chicago... highlighting feature films, directors, documentaries... from an array of regions around the world, emphasizing a diversity of voices and perspectives... making it a unique Chicago treasure that is fun, informational, & full of diversity... which I am so proud of! For more info, visit http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/ and hope to see you there!
Chicago 2016 Olympics w/ Actress Anna Chlumsky
You all remember anna from "my girl" back in the day... she also has been on a ton of shows lately like "30 rock" to landing a cool new gig w/ bbc films called "in the loop" w/ james gandolfini... but I think she is cool because of her positive energy and excitement she shows for her hometown of chicago! I also think it's pretty cool that she went to university of chicago, one of the hardest schools in the country.
Speaking of education, If know me, you know I always preach about the importance of educating ourselves constantly and continually. You may also know how passionately I feel about learning social media & interactive marketing, just read my blog about it last week. Well, with that I got some of my readers 20 tix for "the chicago tech expo" on oct 1st, which is a great way for managers, business owners, staff... to learn the latest in technology from over one thousand local business owners there to help.
I know it will be great because the organization behind it, the Dept. of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, has been very passionate about the initiative, and has worked very hard on the event. I have watched the work go into it as I have been volunteering as co-chair of their Education, Communications & Technology Committee on their Hospitality Industry Advisory Group, in effort to give back and share what I have learned over the years... and it is very obvious to me that they are very committed to helping.
Anyway, the tix are on me for those who best comment below about why they need to be at this event, and share which celebrity olympic video has been their absolute favorite. we will pick 20 winners by next weds to each take a ticket on me, to go, learn, explore & enjoy!!!!! (and make sure you hit me on twitter and/or facebook to let me know how it went!) For more information, details & reasons why you should attend, visit www.chicagotechexpo.net.
Chicago 2016 Olympics w/ Actor Joey Slotnick
Joey Slotnick has been one of my best friends for over a decade and to this day still makes me die laughing everytime I'm with him as you can see in this video! You have seen him in "nip/tuck" "single guy" and all kinds of other shows and movies, but I love him best on stage and can't wait to see his new play "animal crackers" about the marx brothers at the Goodman theatre that he talks about in the video! (hear everyone is already raving about it!)
I'm actually bummed because I'm going to miss the big opening night festivities since I am in Moscow on my way to copenahagen for the big olympic announcement on oct 2nd (hope you are following me on twitter for the 411 out here!)... but don't worry, I'm not letting my two awesome tix go to waste! I am treating one of you, my supportive readers and friends, right now with my two tix to the grand opening night!!!! Just comment below on why you want to see joey, and besides his video obviously, what is your second favorite olympic celebrity video and why! We will review all comments in 48hrs and pick the winner of my tix... good luck and thank you!
Oh, and speaking of big events, if want to get Olympics
Joey Slotnick has been one of my best friends for over a decade and to this day still makes me die laughing everytime I'm with him as you can see in this video! You have seen him in "nip/tuck" "single guy," "boston public," "family guy" and all kinds of other shows and movies, but I love him best on stage and can't wait to see his new play "animal crackers" about the marx brothers at the Goodman theatre that he talks about in the video! (hear everyone is already raving about it!)
I'm actually bummed because I'm going to miss the big opening night festivities since I am in Moscow on my way to copenahagen for the big olympic announcement on oct 2nd (hope you are following me on twitter for the 411 out here!)... but don't worry, I'm not letting my two awesome tix go to waste! I am treating one of you, my supportive readers and friends, right now with my two tix to the grand opening night!!!! Just comment below on why you want to see joey, and besides his video obviously, what is your second favorite olympic celebrity video and why! We will review all comments in 48hrs and pick the winner of my tix... good luck and thank you!
Oh, and speaking of big events, if want to get Olympics - my celebrity interview blog post a day until I get to Copenhagen on oct 2nd is almost coming to an end... we only have 8 days left!!!! Now more than ever we all need you to share these videos by phone, face to face, email, facebook, twitter... to let the world know how great chicago (& the usa in general) is and how much we want to welcome the world for the greatest sport, cultural and friendship making event in history!
Chicago 2016 Olympics w/ Grammy Nominated Plain White T's
My guys from the plain white t's are a straight up "chicago band" in my book... not just because they are from here, but because they are down to earth, loyal, sweet, smart, talented, giving guys... tom actually was super nice enough to come out and play solo for me when I launched as host of an nbc show "24/7" a couple years ago, and really all the guys seemed to have always supported our venues at one point or another by just hanging out while in their home town city...
which really brings me to what is most important to me about these guys, they call chicago home, they are proud of it, and they really just support and celebrate our city... by keeping us in their music and videos! I love that so much, I integrated some of their work into their interview here... as they talk about how great chicago is, and how amazing it would be to have the Olympics here in 2016... it's a beautiful thing! thanks guys and good luck!
My guys from the plain white t's are a straight up "chicago band" in my book... not just because they are from here, but because they are down to earth, loyal, sweet, smart, talented, giving guys... tom actually was super nice enough to come out and play solo for me when I launched as host of an nbc show "24/7" a couple years ago, and really all the guys seemed to have always supported our venues at one point or another by just hanging out while in their home town city...
which really brings me to what is most important to me about these guys, they call chicago home, they are proud of it, and they really just support and celebrate our city... by keeping us in their music and videos! I love that so much, I integrated some of their work into their interview here... as they talk about how great chicago is, and how amazing it would be to have the Olympics here in 2016... it's a beautiful thing! thanks guys and good luck!
my celebrity interview blog post a day until I get to Copenhagen on oct 2nd is almost coming to an end... we only have 10 days left!!!! Now more than ever we all need you to share these videos by phone, face to face, email, facebook, twitter... to let the world know how great chicago (& the usa in general) is and how much we want to welcome the world for the greatest sport, cultural and friendship making event in history!
speaking of music in chicago, this friday we have the amazing ting tings performing live at rockit bar & grill river north!!! sponsored by 101.9 the mix - i have 20 tickets for the people that best tell me, in comment section below, what their favorite 2016 celeb video is and why! winners will be announced wednesday by 5pm.
chicago 2016 olympics w/ nbc's "scrubs" zach braff
my buddy zach braff from nbc's "scrubs" is absolutely hilarious in this - and it's totally true - i may have been harassing him to come hang out! but he did the same to me years ago when we first met in chicago, and he wanted to hit the town a couple nights in a row - he loves to have a lot of fun in his favorite city chicago! and as you can tell, as silly as we get, he is a smart passionate guy.....a northwestern grad that knows our culture scene well.....
most important for all of us, tomorrow represents the 30 day countdown to the offical decision as to whether chicago (and the usa in general) will win the honor of being the host of the 2016 olympics! i will be there in copenhagen on oct. 2nd with many others from the olympics committee (and hopefully president obama) to witness this historic decision first hand, because if we get it, it will be the most monumental experience to happen to chicago in my lifetime, and will be so proud and excited to join you in creating and hosting the most beautiful and memorable experience for million (and the 4.4+billion who watch on tv from around the world!).
and how can you help our country and city win in 30 days? just share these videos far and wide today....and every day that you can until oct 2nd as i am posting one new celebrity endorsing us per day until the decision is made! you can clock the buttons below that tweet the post, put on facebook/myspace, you can post it on chatboards, and/or you can simply email a message to all your friends....just do whatever you can to get everyone you can to enjoy and share all these celebrity videos and how great our city & country is on www.aChicagoThing.com! Thanks all!
chicago 2016 olympics w/ nbc's "the office" john krasinski
after enjoying a lookingglass theatre production, john and i were eating at sunda, talking about how cool it would be to have the olympics in the usa....and was super excited to hear i was involved with the effort, so was more than happy to jump on camera real quick with me to talk about it! not only is he a hilarious, talented, nice guy....but he's a huge sports fan, olympic fan & chicago fan (even though he acts like a hater from boston.....haha!)
remember all, how can you show your love for the chi (& the usa as a whole?) take one minute today to tell all your friends & contacts by email, twitter, facebook, phone calls, whatever....& ask all to listen to these wonderful personalities share their stories so the rest of the world knows how great our city (& country) is and how we want to share & strengthen friendships with the rest of our world! don't forget, i am posting one new celeb interview per day here until the oct 2nd announcement that chicago (& the usa) will be the home of the 2016 olympics! so keep checking out who's next! thx and....best of luck to all!
chicago 2016 olympics w/ csi's william petersen
i grew up down the street from chicago's infamous biograph theatre - been going thre since my grade school days at st. clement's when movies were a $1 on tuesdays (omg) - so it was super shocking to see how redesigned and upgraded it is. now showcasing amazing theatre productions like this one i visited to interview chicago actor bill petersen. i cut to the highlights for you all so it's a quick taste - which was hard - we shared so much awesome love for chicago we lost track of time!
by the way, hope you are coming to my party tonight?!?!?!?! it's at rockit (22 w. hubbard) from 7-9pm w/ food, drink, celeb video previews, familiar faces.....and fun! its only a suggested donation of $20 to benefit youth sport efforts in chicago, thru "world sport chicago" - which makes it a great cause - good fun - and a perfect way for me to say thank you to you for giving me a chance to share this with you all.....really hope to see ya at least stop in to say hi!