Illuminate 900: Holiday family fun returns to The 900 Shops

Santa with The Real Elf (Tommy Holl)
Once again, 900 North Michigan Shops will transform its atrium into a winter wonderland, as it hosts its annual, tree lighting ceremony, “Illuminate 900,’ on Thursday, November 15, from 6PM-8PM. The event is intended to be an arts-forward, community-wide kick off to the holiday season and promises to be a most magical celebration. Artists from... Read more »
By Candace Jordan,
November 1, 2018 at 5:26 pm • 

Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade lights up State Street for first time

Ballet Chicago
LUMA8, producer of the annual Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, and partners Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Chicago Park District will host this year’s parade tomorrow, October 20 (from 6-8 pm). This magical nighttime Halloween procession will have a new route this year, marching down... Read more »
By Candace Jordan,
October 19, 2018 at 12:11 pm • 

Rocket Men: Meeting the brave crew of Apollo 8

The thrill of a lifetime, meeting the crew of Apollo 8, shown here with Major General Bill Anders.
To say it was thrilling is a vast understatement. I’ve been lucky to have many opportunities to meet high profile people and celebrities in my line of work, but I’m not sure I have the words to describe what it was like to meet these three American heroes, the crew of Apollo 8–Captain James Lovell,... Read more »
By Candace Jordan,
October 9, 2018 at 11:28 am • 
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Why you shouldn't miss your class reunions

Waterloo, Illinois sunset.
I highly recommend you go back to your high school/college/kindergarten class reunions (any reunion!) if you get the chance. It’s a great way to reconnect with your roots and share stories that only longtime friends can know. This was my 3rd time at Dupo, Illinois’ “No Class Reunion“, lovingly conceived and orchestrated by Marsha Bieber... Read more »
By Candace Jordan,
October 4, 2018 at 11:58 am • 

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", a must-see musical at the Oriental Theatre

For those of us who still believe in magic, put the musical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” on your must-see list. Last night’s opening at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago was packed with kids and adults, like me who were anxious to escape reality for a while. During the 2 1/2 hour musical based on... Read more »
By Candace Jordan,
October 4, 2018 at 11:07 am • 

She was Heavenly Hazel Barr

She was Heavenly Hazel Barr
A force to be reckoned with right up to the very end–Hazel Barr passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 28, surrounded by those she loved. She was a long and loyal champion of the Service Club of Chicago, one of the oldest charitable organizations in the city. Her creativity and passion surrounding her... Read more »
By Candace Jordan,
June 29, 2018 at 4:58 pm • 
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LMFAO's Redfoo will be celebrity guest host at Green Tie Ball 2018

LMFAO's Redfoo will be celebrity guest host at Green Tie Ball 2018
Green Tie Ball 2018 just got a whole lot cooler with the addition of Redfoo (part of the musical duo LMFAO) as its celebrity guest host! Presented by Chicago Gateway Green with the whimsical, Seussical theme of “Green Eggs & Glam,” this year’s event will be held at The Geraghty (2520 S. Hoyne) on Friday,... Read more »
By Candace Jordan,
May 30, 2018 at 8:39 am • 

Michael Kutza to be honored at Chicago International Film Festival's Summer Gala

Michael Kutza to be honored at Chicago International Film Festival's Summer Gala
Michael Kutza, founder and CEO of Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival,  announced that he will be retiring from his role at the end of 2018. The Governing Board of Directors will pay tribute to Kutza’s remarkable career at a special gala, “Celebrating Michael,” on Saturday, July 14 at Loews Chicago... Read more »
By Candace Jordan,
May 28, 2018 at 10:02 am • 

What you need to know if you're going to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding

What you need to know if you're going to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding
Not everyone received a golden ticket to the Royal nuptials but that doesn’t mean Harry and Meghan don’t want you to join them! The marriage of HRH Prince Henry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle will take place in Windsor on Saturday, May 19 and the countdown has begun in earnest for an amazing day... Read more »
By Candace Jordan,
April 26, 2018 at 4:07 pm • 
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New nonprofit, Enchanted Backpack, provides school supplies to underprivileged kids

Founder Carol Lavin Bernick and Director, Hillary Fash with principals who received Enchanted Backpack donations this year. (From L--Melissa Sepulveda, Lourdes Perez, Carol Lavin Bernick, Marsha Alexander and Hillary Fash).
The Lavin and Bernick Families hosted more than 300 guests at The Montgomery Club on April 18 in River North to announce the launch of their new nonprofit Enchanted Backpack.  This organization addresses the need among thousands of Chicagoland students who do not have the supplies or resources fundamental to learning and excelling by delivering... Read more »
By Candace Jordan,
April 23, 2018 at 5:12 pm •