Simply Stylist Comes to Chicago!

Hey Chicago! Sammi, here with your latest summer fashion news! Ever want to shop and network all in the same place? For the first time ever, Chicago is welcoming Simply Stylist- an event where you can connect with top individuals in the fashion industry and pamper yourself.

Simply Stylist started in 2009, with the intentions of connecting consumers with top designers, bloggers, stylists and other influential individuals in the fashion industry. The events started in New York and Los Angeles, now onto the windy city!

What to expect? An explosion of everything fashion! On June 8, 2013 Simply Stylist will transform The Dana Hotel & Spa into the hottest place for fashion with host, Catt Sadler of E! News. You will get the chance to shop the latest summer trends with the help of celebrity stylist, Jacqueline Rezak. You will then attend a panel of speakers and learn from the style expert, Corri McFadden of eDrop-Off; celebrity stylist, Trish Townsend (styles Carrie Underwood); fashion blogger, Jacey Duprie of Damsel In Dior; beauty expert, Stacey Roney founder of GlossedandFound and celebrity makeup artist,Tia Dantzler (client: Jennifer Hudson). This year Simply Stylist has included a PR component, in specific, Kelly Ryan O’Brien will discuss tips on #SELFSMARKETING.

Check out this video by Simply Stylist at the 2013 Los Angeles event.

If you want a chance to meet the panelists and go home with fresh nails and some gifts, this is your spot! Tickets range between $20-$200 depending on which tier you choose: VIP, Fashion and Beauty Lover or Shoppaholic. For tickets visit here. For more information about the event visit Simply Stylist. See you there!

- Sammi

Tags: beauty expert, bloggers, carrie underwood, Catt Sadler, celebrity makeup artist, celebrity stylist, Corri McFadden, Damsel In Dior, designers, E! News, eDrop-Off, fashion blogger, fashion in Chicago, fashion industry, fashion news, GlossedandFound, Jacey Duprie, Jacqueline Rezak, jennifer hudson, Kelly Ryan O’Brien, lastest summer trends, los angeles, network, New York, Shoppaholic, shopping in Chicago, Simply Stylist, Stacey Roney, stylists, The Dana Hotel, Tia Dantzler, Trish Townsend

Legendary Chicago Bulls Coach, Phil Jackson, Launches New Book at Printers Row

Legendary Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson, famous for guiding the Bulls to six NBA championships and the Los Angeles Lakers to five, will be appearing at the next Printers Row event on Thursday, May 23 with Chicago Tribune sports reporter K.C. Johnson to discuss his new book, “Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success.”

Jackson is widely considered one of the greatest coaches in the history of the NBA, has been named one of the ten best coaches in league history and employed the unique coaching techniques that earned him the title of  “Zen master.”

Join Phil Jackson on May 23 at 7pm at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St. Hear him discuss with the Chicago Tribune how he inspired his players to championship and grew to be one of the most innovative coaches in the league.

Get your tickets here. $20 for ticket only; $45 for ticket plus copy of “Eleven Rings” – save nearly 20% on the book when you purchase it with your ticket in advance. (Present your ticket at registration to receive your copy of “Eleven Rings.” Books purchased in advance must be picked up on site at the event.)

**Students receive a $15 student discount ticket and groups over ten qualify for $10 discounted tickets. Books will be for sale at the event for $30.76. For parking information, please visit the venue’s website.

Follow the conversation on May 23 with hashtag #tribnation.

- Printers Row

Tags: "Eleven Rings", #tribnation, basketball, basketball coaches, bulls, chicago bulls, chicago events, chicago tribune, Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success, K.C. Johnson, legendary basketball coaches, Los Angeles Lakers, nba, NBA championships, Phil Jackson, players, Printers Row, sports reporter, student discount, ten best coaches, Zen master

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

A Red Orchid Theatre invites you to join actor Michael Shannon and fellow members of A Red Orchid’s Ensemble at Arlington Park for an amazing DAY AT THE RACES!

Hey Chicago! I’m Jennifer Sultz, a freelance Event Coordinator and Development Associate for A Red Orchid Theatre. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had an amazing time collaborating on many events with Billy Dec and the fantastic Rockit Ranch team! On Saturday, May 11, 2013, A Red Orchid Theatre, now celebrating its 20th year in Chicago, will host an afternoon at Arlington Park as a kick-off benefit for their upcoming show SIMPATICO by Sam Shepard.

A Red Orchid Founding Ensemble Member Michael Shannon & Kirsten Fitzgerald, Artistic Director of A Red Orchid Theatre at the 20th Anniversary Gala – Photo by Chris Zoubris

The production will feature Ensemble Members Guy Van Swearingen, Jennifer Engstrom, Mierka Girten, Doug Vickers and Academy Award Nominee Michael Shannon (of HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE and General Zod in this summer’s blockbuster MAN OF STEEL). The afternoon will feature a scene from the show, a buffet lunch and bar (wine & beer), a silent auction, and a panoramic view of Thoroughbred racing action!

Michael Shannon & Billy Dec, Co-Hosts of A Red Orchid Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Gala – Photo by Chris Zoubris

Reservations are required and tickets are $150 with limited capacity. Tickets can be reserved at here or by calling (312) 943-8722. Come join us at the races for this spectacular benefit event, sponsored by Arlington Park!

-Jennifer Sultz

Tags: A Red Orchid Theatre, Academy Award Nominee Michael Shannon, arlington park, Arlington Park theatre, chicago theatre, development associate chicago, Doug Vickers, Ensemble Members, freelance event coordinator, General Zod, Guy Van Swearingen, HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE, Jennifer Engstrom, kick-off benefit, Man of Steel, Mierka Girten, racing, Sam Shepard, SIMPATICO, theatre in Chicago, Thoroughbred

The Art Institute of Chicago Welcome’s You To: Night Heist

With so many fun events going on in our busy city it can be difficult to decide what to do. If you are bombarded by events and feel your friends pulling you in different directions, think no more! What if I told you, that you could experience a concert, art exhibits, and philanthropy all in one place? You are invited to The Evening Associates and The Art Institute of Chicago’s third annual fundraising celebration—Night Heist.

On April 26, 2013 at 8 p.m. the doors of the Modern Wing will open to a night of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music entertainment and a silent auction. You will also be able to go behind the scenes of the famous art exhibit, Picasso and Chicago. Live performances by Wait, What?, Chicago’s four-piece homemade indie rock band and Keith Masters, a Chicago native whose style includes a little bit of hip-hop, electro, pop, glitch, dub and disco music. His hit songs include, “Gary Busey” and “Tonite’s Hero.”

The Evening Associates, Art Institute members, welcome everyone to join their love for art through their events held about once a month. This group of Chicagoans are passionate for spreading awareness about the museum while offering a night of unique fun and socializing. To learn more about the event and Evening Associates click here.

So while you plan your weekend remember that this Friday night you can celebrate your passion for art & music in one unique space! Tickets for the event are $85-150 and available online or by calling (312) 443-3132. Proceeds go to the museum. See you there!

-Sammi Raines

Tags: Art, art exhibit, Artist, band, cocktails, concert, disco music, dub, electro, entertainment, fundraising, Gary Busey, glitch, hip hop, hors d’oeuvres, indie rock, Keith Masters, kickstarter, live music, members, Night Heist, philanthropy, Picasso and Chicago, pop, silent auction, talent, The Art institute of Chicago, The Evening Associates, Tonite's Hero, Wait, What?

Your Invited to a Birthday Party: Celebrate 30 Years of Rainbows!

Hey Chicago! I am Liz Whelan and I’m working with Rainbows For All Children, the Chicago-based non-profit that focuses solely on helping children overcome the grief, fear and sadness that comes after a significant loss or tragedy. They are celebrating a milestone birthday and you are invited to help support their cause.

Join Kathy Brock and Miss Chicago 2013 as they celebrate three decades of Rainbows For All Children. The Chicago-based charity is celebrating its 30^th Anniversary by hosting a huge birthday party event on Wednesday, April 24 at the Union League Club of Chicago. The evening will include a touching tribute to Rainbows Founder and President, Suzy Yehl Marta, as well as a joyful look to the future. At $100 per person, the event will also feature plenty of culinary delights, libations and entertainment.

The newly-crowned Miss Chicago, Savannah Teegarden, will be introduced as Rainbows’ official partner ambassador.  The organization’s mission directly aligns with the Beauty Queen’s platform – helping children overcome loss and tragedy.

Rainbows 30^th Anniversary Celebration will kick-off at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and entertainment. The dinner portion of the evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Union League of Chicago is located at 65 W. Jackson St. in Chicago’s loop.

For more information about the 30^th Anniversary celebration and Rainbows, please visit www.rainbows.org. To register for the event click here.

-Liz Whelan

Tags: Anniversary, beauty queen, birthday, cause, charity, chicago, children, Kathy Brock, Marta, Miss Chicago 2013, non-profit, Rainbows For All Children, Savannah Teegarden, support, Suzy Yehl, Union League Club of Chicago

#Foodiechats will Share Our Strength and Rockit for No Kid Hungry

#Foodiechats ”Food Trends” 2-Year Celebration Fundraiser

Monday, May 13, 2013

Hosted by Rockit Ranch Productions @ Rockit Bar and Grill

5:30pm-8:30pm

Benefactor: No Kid Hungry

#Foodiechats is very excited to bring people together from all over the world for our 2-year celebration fundraiser. Our theme for the evening is “Food Trends.”

Our event will be taking place on Twitter of course and live in Chicago, at Rockit Bar and Grill. All ticket proceeds will benefit the amazing charity, No Kid Hungry.

Those in Chicago who want to attend our event, click “Donate Now” and in the “Other,” field enter your donation of $46 to attend our celebration.

You may be wondering why $46 to attend…One $46 Donation provides one child with one year of meals!

Included in your $46 donation will be incredible cuisine provided by Sunda, Ay Chiwowa, and Rockit Bar and Grill.  Each restaurant will set up as a pop up restaurant inside Rockit Bar and Grill! You’ll have a chance to feast on three of Rockit Ranch Productions Restaurants all in one night!

#Foodiechats is a Hashtag Twitter Chat every Monday 7:00pm CST/8:00pm EST- hosted by Founder, Steve Green.

Through the power of our Hashtag #Foodiechats, Foodies from around the world join in the conversation. We’re excited to “Share Our Strength” as a community during our 2-year celebration to provide hundreds of children with a year of meals for only $46! How amazing!

To our #Foodiechats community all over the world who are unable to attend, your help during this one of a kind Live an Online event will help make a difference. We ask that you donate what ever you can afford; even $5 helps their cause.

We look forward to eating and tweeting with all of you! Join #Foodiechats every Monday on Twitter at 7pm CST/8pm EST

Check out out #Foodiechats 1-year Video:

Steve Green – @steveGOgreen

Founder of #Foodiechats

Tags: "Food Trends" 2-Year Celebration Fundraiser, 2013, @Foodiechats, and Rockit Bar and Grill, Ay Chiwowa, billy dec, cuisine provided by Sunda, events on Monday, foodie events in chicago, May 13, no kid hungry, rockit bar and grill, rockit ranch productions, share your strength, steve go green, Steve Green - @steveGOgreen Founder of #Foodiechats

‘Working In The Schools’ Needs Your Help

Tags: Bears' kicker Robbie Gould, Founder-All Terrain Inc., WITS, WITSummer Books, Working In The Schools

“Eras of Hope” Where Fundraising and Fashion Meet Again!

Hi, Chicago! This is Sarah Vargo from Maven, creator of The Diva Series, Divo Series and author of the upcoming book, Life Is Your Party. Excited to stop by Billy’s blog and say hello!

I am on the Executive Host Committee for One Hope United’s “Eras of Hope” this Saturday, April 6^th, 6-10pm at Hubbard Inn, 110 West Hubbard. Join us as we travel through time to celebrate One Hope United’s 118-year history of protecting children and strengthening families with our fashion event supporting the Blue Ribbon campaign and Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

And as if raising money and awareness for a wonderful cause wasn’t wonderful enough…you get to dress up in your favorite featured era! The event will offer a fashion show produced by Benjamin Cottrell Designs featuring four fantastic designers creating looks from four different eras.

Thrilling Thirties: Borris Powell
Fabulous Fifties: Tamara Nicole
Super Seventies: Garic Stephens
Into the Future: Calvin Tran

Natalie Martinez (NBC Chicago) will be our fierce emcee and we have a dynamo event team:

HOST COMMITTEE:

Philip Jones
Andrea Metcalf
Lisa Lockwood
Brian Tomkins
Jetta Bates
Marisa Buchheit
Carmen Rivera
Justin Jacobson

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:

Benjamin Cottrell: Benjamin Cottrell Designs
Marco Foster: Chicago Models
Jenaeth Markaj: One Hope United
Glenn Murray: 220 Communications
Sarah Vargo: Maven

Brand Relations Specialist: Shari Duffy

Bites and beverages provided by Hubbard Inn, St. Claire Vodka, and Aged 2 Perfection. Hair styling by Strange Beauty Show.

Saturday, April 6th from 6PM -10PM at Hubbard Inn

$50 general admission in advance
$100 VIP tickets –pre-sale only

Read more about One Hope United, purchase tickets and RSVP to the Facebook invite.

Thanks for your love and support – come find me on the dance floor!

Much love, Sarah

Tags: charity, child abuse prevention month, designers, fashion, fundraising, one hope united, runway, vip

Make A Wish Foundation Annual Wish Ball

The Make-A-Wish Foundation Illinois Chapter’s signature fundraiser, the annual black-tie Wish Ball, will take place on Saturday, May 18^th at 6pm at the UIC Forum! This will be an evening to remember, featuring live and silent auctions, dinner, dancing, raffles and much more!

The emcees of the night will be Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini, hosts of Windy City LIVE! If that weren’t enough, actor and comedian Martin Short joins us for a special performance that is sure to be a crowd pleaser! This is an event you don’t want to miss!

Tickets are $500/person, $5000/table and $10,000/premium table. Reserve your tickets now at http://www.events.org/wishball2013.

Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength and joy. This year, Make-A-Wish Illinois will provide life-changing wish experiences to more than 700 children.

-Becky Peterson

Tags: Actor, Annual Wish Ball, black tie, children, Comedian, dancing, dinner, dreams, fundraising, make a wish foundation, Make-A-WIsh Foundation Illinois Chapter, Martin Short, raffle, ryan chiaverini, silent auctions, UIC Forum, val warner, windy city live, wish ball