Rapping for a Cure at Gildapalooza on June 6, 2013

Hey Chicago! This is John Losurdo from St. Charles, but you might know me better as Johnny L. I am a 17-year-old cancer survivor.

At 4 weeks old, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma, an aggressive cancer. Since then, I have endured chemotherapy, surgeries, biopsies, transfusions, and everything in between. Growing up with cancer was anything but normal, and kids teased me by calling me “Cancer Boy.”

Through my hardships, I found an outlet in music to help escape the world. I recorded “Fearless,” a song dedicated to overcoming cancer as well as any type of discrimination for being different. The proceeds from this song, available on iTunes, will go to Children’s Cancer Research. Every kid deserves a fighting chance, and hopefully with this money we can even find a cure.

This past year I have focused on giving back. A group I am proud to affiliate with is Gilda’s Club. They provide incredible support programs to anyone affected by cancer. The evening of June 6, Gilda’s Club will host their summer concert event, GILDAPALOOZA, at the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville. It will be a night filled with games, music, and socializing. Come join the fun to help support this worthwhile cause. Proceeds will help Gilda’s Club help EVERYONE!

I would love to see you there, because I will be helping to kick things off with a performance of one of my newest songs, Diagnosis…

I love Chicago because it is a world class city filled with world class people, and it inspires my music every day. Follow me on my Facebook and Twitter pages to stay updated– my album, “Different Colored Eyes Same Vision” drops soon.

Peace, Love, and Forever Hope!

Johnny L

Tags: available on iTunes, cancer survivor, Chicago cancer awareness, Chicago cancer outlets, Children’s Cancer Research, cubby bear, Diagnosis, Different Colored Eyes Same Vision”, GILDAPALOOZA, Gilda’s Club, Johnny L, Music, Performance, wrigleyville, “Fearless”

The Sh*t Show, Now A Part of Just for Laughs: June 11th at Stage 773

Hey comedy lovers!  This is Rasa Gierstikas from the Shit Show comedy showcase.

My co-producer/ host, Ever Mainard and I are excited to tell you that our comedy show, the Shit Show, is going to be a part of TBS’s Just for Laughs here in Chicago on Tuesday, June 11 at 10pm at Stage 773 (1225 W Belmont Ave). Tickets are only $15 and are on sale now.

The Shit Show is a monthly comedy showcase that happens the last Friday of every month at the Shambles (2050 W. Division) hosting the best variety of comedic performers in Chicago. This interactive show is the most fun you will have at a comedy show. Prizes are given to audience members, as well as, performers with the night’s “Best Joke!” by The Shit Show’s very own Hotdog Man (Keith Paesel) – as determined by the audience.

With sponsors like Fireball Whisky, Revolution Brewing and Mingle Around, the show is guaranteed to be a blast.

The Shit Show has been described as a “sidesplitting… bighearted, monthly comedy bonanza” (Chicago Reader), “…hip- genre crossing comedy…” (the A.V. Club) and a “comedy extravaganza” (Redeye).

We have some great comics lined up for JFL’s and would love to see you there!

For more information or to buy tickets, please visit here. Thanks!

-Rasa Gierstikas

Tags: chicago reader, comedy show, comedy show Chicago, comedy showcase, Fireball Whisky, hotdog man, Just for Laughs, keith paesel, Mingle Around, Redeye, Revolution Brewing, Stage 773, TBS’s Just for Laughs, the a.v. club, the Shambles, the shit show, The Shit Show Chicago

The Lookingglass Theatre Junior Board Welcomes you to The Madhatter Ball at Venue One

Ten years ago, I attended my first Madhatter’s Ball, and it was unlike anything I had ever experienced! Lights, music, fanfare, and hats galore! Not only is this annual event an incredible spectacle, but the people I have met over the years through Lookingglass have become lifelong friends. The theatre brings extraordinary plays to the people of Chicago, and consistently engages our diverse community through talk-backs, volunteering, and educational outreach. I hope you will join me in supporting this wonderful organization of remarkably talented and caring people who create beautiful art, educate Chicago youth, and throw awesome parties!

Tags: Anthony Fleming III, Art, chicago theatre, Chopin Vodka, dante the don, DJ Q, DJ RedLine, dr. bombay, educate Chicago youth, Hubbard Inn, Justin Jacobson, lookingglass, Lookingglass Ensemble Member, madhatter's ball, Madhatter’s Ball Chicago, Madhatter’s Speakeasy, market, New Holland Brewery, Primal Roots Wine, rockit bar & grill, sunda, The Lookingglass Theatre Junior Board, theatre, Venue One, Wendy Mateo, West Loop

PAUL STUART KICKS OFF ZOO BALL FESTIVITIES WITH THE WOMEN’S BOARD OF THE LINCOLN PARK ZOO

Greetings from the team at Paul Stuart, one of Chicago’s most exclusive classic men’s and women’s clothiers! Spring celebrations are in full bloom at our two locations (107 East Oak Street and 208 South LaSalle Street) as Paul Stuart celebrates our 75^th anniversary as a leader in defining classic American style. Paul Stuart recently partnered with another Chicago icon—the Lincoln Park Zoo, and specifically, The Women’s Board, in conjunction with its highly anticipated summer gala. Paul Stuart was thrilled to host The Women’s Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo for a preview event to kick off the year’s festivities for Zoo Ball 2013: Wild at Heart.

Paul Stuart Men’s Clothing

Terri Kingdom & Alice Shaft

Pictured (left to right): Randy K. Lewis, Charlotte Monhart, Vasiliki Weiden, Paul Kelly, Kevin Bell, Peggy Swift White & Jennifer Caruso

The cocktail party was hosted by our own Paul Kelly, regional manager of Paul Stuart, at the “Town House” on Oak location. Guests of honor included Zoo Ball co-chairs, Charlotte Monhart, Vasiliki Weiden and Jennifer Caruso and Peggy Swift White, the Women’s Board President. Mark Walter, the CEO of Guggenheim Partners (presenting sponsor of Zoo Ball 2013), and his wife Kimbra were also in attendance alongside Kevin Bell, Lincoln Park Zoo’s President & CEO. Guests enjoyed small bites—such as lobster tacos and wild popsicles—courtesy of luxury caterer Boutique Bites, paired with Maker’s Mark cocktails, white wine from The Wine Cellars Group, and Goose Island craft beer. Guests enjoyed perusing Paul Stuart’s expansive inventory (especially the bright and bold spring patterns) and taking in the musical styling of jazz artist, Kyle Asche.

Goose Island Matilda

Maker’s Mark

Shrimp Ceviche in Cucumber by Boutique Bites

The buttoned-up preview party at Paul Stuart is just a little taste of what can be expected at Zoo Ball 2013’s annual affair on July 12. We hope you will join us at the beautiful gala this summer—you might just find another Paul Stuart surprise in store! For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit here.

- Paul Stuart Team

Tags: American style, Boutique Bites, Charlotte Monhart, Chicago nonprofit, Goose Island craft beer, Jennifer Caruso, Kyle Asche, Lincoln Park Zoo, Maker's Mark, Mark Walter, men’s clothier, Paul Stuart, Peggy Swift White, Summer Chicago gala, The Wine Cellars Group, The Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, upscale menswear, Vasiliki Weiden, Zoo Ball

Hall&Madden Shirts: Your Closet’s Favorite Item

Hey Chicago – this is McGregor from Hall&Madden.

My best friend and business partner, Richard A. Hall, and I created a new Chicago start-up that makes it easier and less expensive for Chicago guys to get well-fitting, luxury dress shirts.

A dress shirt is the first thing people notice and the last thing you want to get wrong. Men’s shirting leaves a lasting impression and that is why each shirt is hand picked and individually designed to encompass life both in and out of the office.

For $150, you are shipped a set of three curated shirts. Subscribers are given the choice to receive shipments suitable to their schedule (every three, four, or six months). By cutting out the middleman with a completely vertical business model you get the quality of a single shirt retailing for way too much money.

Our company pulls the same high-end cotton as reputable names such as Burberry and Hugo Boss, but includes the additional luxury of mother of pearl buttons and single needle stitching–details the big boys often forget.

Let us save you from having to go shopping. After signing up you’re invited to book a one-on-one fitting with a personal stylist. Rest assured there will be no cash registers, annoying robot music or pushy salesmen in our River North HQ.

Cheers to a better-dressed Chicago,

- McGregor J. Madden

Tags: Chicago-based fashion, clothing, custom-shirt subscription service, designer label shirts, dress shirts, fashion, Hall & Madden, handmade single-needle stitching, high quality shirts, laser cut men’s suits, McGregor Madden, mens clothing, mother-of-pearl buttons, Propersuit, Richard Hall, shop, shopping online, subscription service

Meet Chicago’s Own: Keith Masters

Music fans, this one is for you! Sammi here, bringing you exciting news from our local Chicago music scene. If you like electronic pop music, you’re going to love what I have in store for you.

Meet Keith Masters! You may have heard his tunes on NBC’s The New Normal, ESPN, or at the NFL Pro Bowl. His music blends elements of hip-hop, electro, pop, glitch, dub and disco. So, if you’re looking to get up and dance Keith is your guy!

Currently, Keith Masters is working on his big single release, “Very First Time” dropping in the early summer. This song is perfect for summer because it is light and fun, yet can easily be a hit at your favorite nightspot. He has started a Kickstarter campaign, in hopes of getting on the radio. If you’re looking to be in a music video or learn how to produce a song check out this page.

On May 18^th, Keith is hosting a Single Listening Party to share “Very First Time” at 821 S. Western Ave APT 4. Come enjoy free entry, free drinks, free food and dancing at 7pm! Keith will even be bartending for part of the night so you will get to experience his signature cocktail. The rooftop will be open to enjoy drinks, meet people in the music community and to view our beautiful city. There will be a raffle; for every $10 pledged to the Kickstarter, you’ll receive a raffle ticket for a surprise gift. The winner will be announced at the end of the party. If you can’t wait for that surprise, enjoy a free download of his hit single, “Nobody But Me” from Keith himself.

Check out some of Keith Masters music on Soundcloud and check out the video below!

So movers and shakers, enjoy this night to meet Keith Masters and support our local music community! For more information about the event click here. See you there!

- Sammi

Tags: "Nobody But Me", "Very First Time", ABC’s The New Normal, Chicago local music scene, Chicago music, disco, dub, electro, electronic pop music, ESPN, free download, glitch, hip hop, Keith Masters, kickstarter, local music, Music, music community, music video, NFL Pro Bowl, pop, pop music, pop music Chicago, Radio, Single Listening Party, single release, summer hits, summer music

3rd Annual Laughing Hearts Comedy Night

Laughter is the best medicine! No, really…it’s been proven (kind of). Chicago is the best place to find laughter with our awesome improve comedy scene. And, coming up is a night of hilarious comedy at the 3^rd Annual Laughing Hearts Comedy Night on Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30pm at Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont Ave). 100% of the ticket proceeds go to the American Heart Association!

I have been raising money for the Heart Association since I was a little girl going door to door. Through participating in the Chicago Heart Walk since 2004, I’ve raised over $21,000. All of this is in memory of my wonderful Mom, Tracey, who passed away of heart disease in 2003. She was the first person in our hometown to have open heart surgery… at the age of 15! My mom was an advocate of the AHA and coordinated many events on its behalf. After doing the heart walk for a few years I thought….what else can I do to raise money? I’m a graduate of the second city conservatory, I love to laugh and make people laugh, and with those passions Laughing Hearts Comedy Night was born!

Performers include Off Off Broadzway, Rabbit Rabbit, ComedySportz and stand-ups Adam Burke, Maria Wojciechowski, Monique Madrid and Corey Rittmaster. There’s also a silent auction with awesome items like Blackhawks tickets, Cubs tickets, bottle service at Ay Chiwowa, restaurant gift certificates, acting classes, theater tickets, portrait sessions, and a ridiculous big basket of booze from Beam! Check out the site and like the LHCN Facebook page for tix & info, and make plans to attend! It’s good for the heart! See you there!

- Patricia True Agos

Tags: 3rd Annual Laughing Hearts Comedy Night, acting classes, Adam Burke, american heart association, Ay Chiwowa, Beam, Blackhawks tickets, bottle service, Chicago Heart Walk, Chicago improve, ComedySportz, Corey Rittmaster, Cubs tickets, heart disease, improve, improve comedy scene, laughing hearts comedy night, Maria Wojciechowski, Monique Madrid, Off Off Broadzway, portrait sessions, Rabbit Rabbit, second city conservatory, Stage 773, theater tickets

Join One Step Camp at their annual Campfire Ball at venue One!

When I was a kid, I had the best time at camp (I’m sure you did too!) – which is why I’m co-chairing this year’s Campfire Ball at Venue One, benefiting Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. and its One Step Camp for kids with cancer.

We’ll have fun camp-themed foods like tater tots, mini grilled cheese, s’mores and some spiked bug juice to give it a grown up twist! Thanks to Hub 51, Bub City, Theory, Stout, Bridgehouse Tavern and Cork Catering, these bites will be extra tasty. Plus, music by DJ STEP, a digital photo booth, a wine raffle, silent auctions, and a full open bar will keep you busy and entertained all night long. Our thanks to Goose Island, Svedka, and TY-KU for making sure the bar is stocked till the end! Tickets are just $100 in advance and $125 at the door.

For every $1000 we raise, we send one kid to One Step Camp for a week.

What’s so special about camp is that the kids are either currently in treatment or survivors of Leukemia and other cancers, and they’re able to build a huge support system while just enjoying the joys and fun of summer camp. For a couple weeks they get to relax and forget about the rest of the world and just be kids.

All counselors and medical staff volunteer their time to create this safe and fun camping experience for the kids. And, all kids are able to attend camp regardless of what they can afford because of Campfire Ball. Last year, we raised $115,000, sending 115 kids to One Step Camp!

I learned about camp through my brother, who was diagnosed with Leukemia in high school. His nurse recommended One Step, and after he stepped foot on campus as a counselor, he couldn’t stop talking about the water fights, snipe hunts and endless candy eating! Because of him, I support One Step camp in two ways: with the kids, as a volunteer counselor (this year will be my 8th summer and I can’t wait!), and with my friends and yours, by going to Campfire Ball.

We’re hard at work putting the final touches on the big day and we hope you’ll be there! Camp is truly the most amazing place with the most incredible kids. The host committee plus my co-chairs, Chris Eilers, Jordi Izsak and Michelle Weiler hope you’ll join us to make this Campfire Ball the most fun yet!

If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, you can do so here. And, if you have time, take a peek at what’s in store on the 18th here!

- Rachel Drescher

Tags: benefits for children, Bridgehouse Tavern, Bub City, Campfire Ball, Campfire Ball 2013, charity, Chicago charity, Chicago summer camp, Children's Oncology Services, Cork Catering, DJ STEP, goose island, hub 51, One Step Camp, Stout, summer camp, survivors of Leukemia charity, Svedka, Theory, TY-KU, Venue One, wine raffle

Call for Volunteers: Printers Row Lit Fest June 8-9

Calling all literary and book lovers! Chicago Tribune’s annual Printers Row Lit Fest, the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest, drawing more than 125,000 book lovers and featuring over 250 authors and 150 booksellers, is approaching June 8 – 9! The event’s success relies on over 200 volunteers and we need your help!

Benefits of being a Lit Fest Volunteer include free t-shirt, free lunch and rubbing elbows with amazing authors such as Judy Blume, cartoonist Art Spiegelman, celebrity chef Rick Bayless and more!

The online volunteer application can be found here. More information about this year’s presenters and other frequently asked questions can be found at: printersrowlitfest.org.

This is Chicago’s biggest literary event of the year and a chance to get exposed to some of Chicago’s best literary figures. Help continue a Chicago literary tradition by signing up to volunteer today! Follow @PrintersRowFest for festival updates and become part of the conversation.

- Chicago Tribune’s Printers Row Team

Tags: Art Spiegelman, authors, cartoonist, celebrity chef, Chef Rick Bayless, chicago festivals, chicago tribune, Chicago Tribune’s annual Printers Row Lit Fest, Chicago’s biggest literary event, education, free outdoor literary event, Judy Blume, Lit Fest Volunteer, literary festivals, Midwest festivals, volunteers

Green Festival Back In Chicago, May 18th & 19th

Where are all my eco-friendlies at?! Sammi, here to talk nothing other than the Green Festival coming to our beautiful windy city on May 18^th & 19^th at Navy Pier. Let’s kick off this spring weather with one the largest (24,000 participants in 2012) and most diverse festivals including education, shopping, food and loads of fun activities!

At the festival expect to experience everything green including:  a vegan and organic food court, the Sierra Club Green Cinema, fashion exhibits, workshops, music, dancing, yoga, an organic beer and wine garden, speakers, educational activities and so much more! Green Festival will also feature the Green Marketplace, where you can buy goods and services from our local Chicago businesses.

Not only are you able experience all the fun, but also you don’t have to worry about making a carbon footprint by negatively impacting the environment as a result of the event. While the Green Festival is working towards a zero waste event, they have a 90% Resource Recovery Rate. All vendors practice these standards to ensure sustainability; food vendors use composting for scraps. Expect to see resource Recovery Stations with volunteers to answer any questions you may have.

Tickets range from $10-$32 dollars, but if your 18 or under or bring four cans of food to donate to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, expect FREE admission! Check this out for more ticket information.

Last year, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. spoke at the event and left us with these wise words, “Green Festival is not an event. It is a lifestyle.” On that note, see you all there!

-Sammi Raines

Tags: 2013 festivals, 90% Resource Recovery Rate, an organic beer and wine garden, buy green goods, chicago festivals, composting, dancing, diverse festivals, eco-friendly, education, environment, fashion exhibits, food, greater chicago food depository, green, Green Festival, Green Festival Chicago, Green Marketplace, green services, green vendors, Local, local Chicago businesses, Music, navy pier, organic, Recovery Stations, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., shopping, speakers, sustainability, the Sierra Club Green Cinema, vegan and organic food court, workshops, yoga, zero waste event