Hot Stove Cool Music Concert to Feature Poi Dog Pondering, Parkington Sisters, Brede Baldwin & Kay Hanley at The Metro Chicago

I’m thrilled to share an event with you that I’m really looking forward to, which will help a number of youth nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area. Theo Epstein (Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations) and his brother Paul Epstein’s “The Foundation to Be Named Later” is bringing Hot Stove Cool Music back to Chicago this Friday at Metro Chicago, and we hope you can join us for this unforgettable event! A limited number of tickets are still available by visiting www.metrochicago.com or by clicking here.

This is the second time this popular event will be taking place in Chicago, while it has been occurring annually in Theo’s old home of Boston since its inception more than ten years ago. When Theo became a part of the Cubs organization, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to expand this terrific cause by bringing it along with him to Chicago. This year, we have a variety of talented musical acts taking the stage – all in the name of charity.  Dropkick Murphys’ front man Ken Casey was just added to the musical lineup, which will make this event even more fantastic. Also performing will be Poi Dog Pondering, Brede Baldwin, Jimmy Chamberlin from The Smashing Pumpkins, the Parkington Sisters, Scott Lucas from Local H, the Hot Stove All Stars featuring Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons and former Letters to Cleo vocalist, Kay Hanley.

Hot Stove Cool Music is not just a concert, but a night of celebrating music, baseball, and giving back. Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper will also be in attendance, as well as comedian Joel Murray – a Chicago favorite! – who will emcee the night. And we’ll take a brief break from the music to auction off an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime prize – two tickets to Game 5 of the Stanley Cup in Chicago on June 22 to see your Chicago Blackhawks vs. Boston Bruins!

With your help, we hope to raise money for multiple Chicago nonprofit organizations, including the Chicago Children’s Choir, City Year Chicago, Girls in the Game, Family Reach Foundation, Chicago Wapiti RFC, Late Night Peace Basketball League and Garfield Park Little League. A portion of this year’s proceeds will also go to the Boston Marathon victims’ One Fund Boston.

The Foundation To Be Named Later was launched in 2005 by Theo and Paul, with the mission to raise funds and awareness for nonprofit agencies who work on the front lines to serve disadvantaged youth and families. The Foundation invests in programs that teach leadership, education and healthy development of families. Throughout its existence, we’ve been able to give more than $6 million in grants and in-kind donations to more than 220 nonprofit organizations, and sent approximately 3,500 children to Fenway Park for a ball game. The Peter Gammons/FTBNL College Scholarship is the signature program of the Foundation, and has sent more than 30 young people with high financial needs and high educational potential to the college of their choice. Each Gammons Scholar receives an adult mentor and a laptop computer to ensure college success, and it’s a program we are all proud to support.

We hope you can make it out to Metro Chicago this Friday, June 21 for an amazing night of music, baseball and giving back, all to help support disadvantaged youth and families in the Chicago area. Again, a limited number of tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.metrochicago.com.

See you all there!   -Allyce Najimy, The Foundation To Be Named Later CEO & Executive Director

Tags: blackhawks, Boston, Boston Marathon, Brede Baldwin, Bruins, chicago, chicago children's choir, chicago cubs, Chicago Wapiti RFC, Chicago Year Chicago, cubs, Dropkick Murphys, Family Reach Foundation, Fen way Park, fundraiser, Garfield Park Little League, Girls in the Game, Hot Stove Cool Music, Jimmy Chamberlin, Joey Murray, Kay Hanley, Ken Casey, Late Night Peace Basketball League, Len Kasper, Letters to Cleo, Local H, metro, One Fund Boston, Parkington Sisters, Paul Epstein, Peter Gammons, Poi Dog Pondering, Scott Lucas, smashing pumpkins, The Foundation to Be Named Later, The Metro, Theo Epstein

Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party is Kickin’ it Country & Rockin’ It Indie Style in Chicago

102! That’s the minimum number of couples who have met and then married after meeting at Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party! What other street fest can say that?  Check out this DNAinfo Block Party Love story. That’s right, none! But not only does the #WLBP have love in the air they are raising money for dozens of good causes and you get to benefit.

Friday June 28th, the much-anticipated headliner, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros and the Punch Brothers kick us off. Then on Saturday, we’re going a little bit country with Phil Vassar & Gretchen Wilson lighting up the main stage. Gretchen was born and raised in Illinois y’all!  And check out Phil Vassar’s shout out to Chicagoan’s!

Not only do we have world-class artists, but you can get your cocktail served by a famous Chicagoan! Our Celebrity Bartenders include: Dr. Ian Smith (New York Times Best Selling Author of “Shred, The Revolutionary Diet”), Aly Bockler (WCIU TV), Alex Perez (ABC World News Tonight), Jason Knowles (ABC7), John Garcia (ABC 7), Daniella Guzman (NBC 5), Stefan Holt (NBC 5), Charlie Wojciechowski (NBC 5), Natalie Martinez (NBC 5), Jeff Conway (24/7 Chicago/NBC), Dina Bair (WGN), Frank Holland (WGN), Duffy Adkins (WGN/CLTV), Andrea Metcalf (Fitness expert), Borris Powell (Borris Powell Designs) and Amy Jacobson (AM 560)!

General Admission tix are $40.00 in advance, $45 at the gate, with a two-night pass for $75.00 (GA tickets include 4 free drinks). You don’t want to miss out on the fun, check out these great photos from previous years.

See you there!  – Lisa Ripson

Tags: abc, adam fields, Alex Perez, Aly Bockler, Amy Jacobson, Andrea Metcalf, Borris Powell, Charlie Wojciechowski, chicago, CLTV, Daniella Guzman, Dina Bair, Dr. Ian Smith, Duffy Adkins, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, festivals, Frank Holland, Grethen Wilson, Jason Knowles, Jeff Conway, John Garcia, Natalie Martinez, NBC, Old St. Pat's Church, Phil Vassar, Sefan Holt, WCIU, Weekend, wgn, World's Largest Block Party

Join Skender Foundation at Summer Eclipse Event

Here in Chicago, it’s not always easy for students to find the resources they need to make life and career decisions. As the Chair and President of Skender Foundation, I, along with so many others want to help Chicago’s students and their families achieve their goals. Our foundation is continuing its ongoing commitment to education and well-being this year through our Summer Eclipse event and we want you to join us!

Enjoy cocktails, silent auctions and fun at Studio Paris at Paris Club (59 W. Hubbard) on July 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.! Our charity partner Chicago Scholars will ensure that while you enjoy your evening, local high school juniors will enjoy the benefits of mentoring and scholarships that will help them get into and through a four-year college of their choice. Chicago Scholars has assisted more than 1,000 students in enrolling in and completing college. They select students who show academic promise as well as integrity, character, leadership and community involvement. Other deserving Chicago area charities will also benefit.

Last year, Summer Eclipse raised $200,000 for various charities in the Chicago area, and this year we hope to top that figure. The event will include French-themed refreshments, a photo booth and a great view of the Chicago skyline from one of the city’s top restaurants. Just like last year, we’ll have live-updated fundraising goals and lots of unique silent auction items.  We can’t wait to see you there! Buy your tickets here!

-Cheryl Skender, Skender Foundation chair and president

Tags: career decisions, chicago events, Chicago foundations, Chicago resturants, Chicago Scholars, college, education, mentoring, Paris Club, scholarships, silent auction, Skender Foundation, top restaurants

The Joffrey Auxiliary Board Invites you to their first Blue Masquerade Ball on June 14

Hi, my name is Terrence Chappell and I’m the event chair for the Joffrey Auxiliary Board, and I’m writing to tell you about the board’s Blue Masquerade Ball.

Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph will open up its door after hours this Friday and transform into a blue oasis, June 14 8pm – midnight, for the Joffrey Auxiliary Board’s first ever Blue Masquerade Ball; a themed, interactive dance party. Guests are encouraged to join in on the Blue Masquerade theme with their attire and of course a blue masque to tap off the event’s blue theatrical theme.

To the backdrop of a live set by renowned Dj Madrid, guests will also enjoy custom cocktails, late night bites from some of Chicago’s famous restaurants, a cupcake bar courtesy of Magnolia Bakery, a step and repeat courtesy of Action Booth, and a special performance by local personality and drag queen Cyon Flare.

The Blue Masquerade Ball is a first for the junior arts board and will act as a fun, summer dance party to counter the board’s more established and art-infused event, Pointe of Departure, which kicks off the winter season for the Joffrey Auxiliary Board. Board chair John P. Walcher, vice chair Camille Britton, and yours truly are chairs for the auxiliary board’s premiere blue bash. While vice chair, Camille Britton, is most excited to experience the social and creative fluidity of the event’s theme, music, and the overall scene, she is also looking forward to sharing the Joffrey’s mission with guests that evening.

“The event is directly benefiting the Joffrey while engaging the younger professionals of Chicago. We are looking to shed light on dance and bring this event back to the core of what’s important,” said Britton.

One lucky guest could walk away with the event’s big-ticket raffle item, two United Airlines vouchers to anywhere in North America and the Caribbean. Other raffle items include a one-of-kind VIVO mask, a $200 gift card to eDrop-off (a luxury designer consignment shop), a stunning piece of jewelry by Cole & Young, as well as a selection of Joffrey merchandise from the Joffrey store. Raffle tickets are one for $20 or three for $50.

The ball also boasts an honorary host committee of social fixtures that have all lent their name and brand to support the evening as well as the Joffrey’s mission including: Samantha Saifer Berngard, Joan Colmar, Jeff Conway, Dj Madrid, Odele Desmuke Hawkins, Candace Jordan, Corri McFadden, Coco Meers, Helen Hall Melchior.  The event committee, made of Joffrey Auxiliary Board members include: Diane Crary, Hillary Deck, Jake Downing, Lucy Dolya, Rosalyn Emerson, Stephanie Kender, David Kimball, Callie Michels, Melissa Mickey, Catherine Napier, Alan Swanke, and Betsy Sylvester.

Tickets for the Blue Masquerade Ball are still on sale now and can be purchased here. A single ticket is $95 while guests can round up six of their friends and enjoy a discount for a 6-pack of tickets for $510 ($85 each guest). Also, if guests purchase two masquerade tickets by June 13, they’ll be entered to win a pair of tickets to La Bayadere. Guests are also encouraged to sign up to become members of the Joffrey Auxiliary Board. Members enjoy discounted ballet tickets, invites to private dance rehearsals, and other perks. Hope to see you there and with your blue masque on of course; see if you can spot me!

-Terrence Chappell

Tags: Action Booth, ballet tickets, Blue Masquerade Ball, Chicago ball, chicago ballet, chicago theatre, Chicago’s famous restaurants, Cole & Young, Cyon Flare, DJ Madrid, drag queen, eDrop-Off, interactive dance party, jewelry, Joffrey Auxiliary Board, Joffrey store, Joffrey Tower, junior arts board, La Bayadere, Magnolia Bakery, Pointe of Departure, private dance rehearsals, raffle tickets, united airlines, VIVO mask

Cancer Survivor’s Eyes Set on Ironman World Championship

34-year-old Kristin McQueen may be recovering from brain surgery, but cancer treatments on the last thing on her mind – She has reached the finals in the Ironman Foundation’s “Kona Inspired – Anything Is Possible” contest.

McQueen, who has fought thyroid cancer for a decade, recently underwent her 10^th brain surgery, her 15^th surgery overall. Treatment side effects have ranged from facial nerve damage, vertigo, and partial airway use from vocal cord paralysis.

McQueen’s coping mechanism is racing. Since diagnosis, she has completed 9 Ironmans, 17 marathons, and countless other races, all while fundraising for the American Cancer Society – raising over $122,000.

Says McQueen: “My main purpose is to raise money so that nobody else has to go through what I have. Along with that, I want to show people that you can’t just give up when life beats you up a little… I know that things can be taken away in an instant. Training is a blessing and racing is my expression of gratitude for life.”

McQueen’s dream? To tackle the Ironman World Championship. Only available to athletes who qualify, the Ironman Foundation introduced a contest, entitled “Kona Inspired – Anything Is Possible,” to allow a handful of committed athletes join the field.

To participate, each contestant provided a 90-second video explaining why he/she embodies the Ironman Mantra “Anything Is Possible. Now, Kristin has reached the finals. She has from June 5^th-15^th to get her video to the top two of 15, based entirely upon public votes. Since you can vote daily, one McQueen supporter has even designed a calendar reminder for download. McQueen’s video is posted at here.

You can help by VOTING daily June 5 – 15th and SHARING Kristin’s story with your friends!

- Tracy Jensen

Tags: American Cancer Society, cancer survivors, cancer treatments, fundraising, Ironman, Ironman Foundation, Ironman Foundation’s “Kona Inspired - Anything Is Possible”, Ironman Mantra, Ironman World Championship, Kristin McQueen, marathons, racing

Cocktails w/ Chicago Bears’ Rashied Davis & Teammates for Education at Rockit!

***UPDATED Monday, June 10th, 2013. Rashied Davis will host this year’s “Cocktails for Education” again at Rockit Bar and Grill – Tuesday June 11th from 6-9pm. For more info and tickets, click HERE!***

Fans of the Bears, helping the community, Education, great food & drink, meeting amazing people… This event is for you!!!  Chicago Bears’ Rashied Davis has supported my philanthropic events for art, theatre, feeding poor.. for years.. and I am honored to help him get the word out about how his huge heart has taken it to the next level by hosting his own huge party for a wonderful cause on Tuesday May 17th from 6-8p at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard)!

This amazing event will support Rashied Davis Charities’ efforts to “teach students how to overcome obstacles to success through inspiration, preparation and discipline.” They help empower the fundamentals of reading, writing and speech to underserved kids teaching them how to apply tools to problem solve, communicate properly and just be an all around contributing member of society. I’m fully on board w/their mission, I have often talked about how communication leads to relationship building which leads to personal growth and opportunities.. And I’m always behind a fun time to help accomplish all of that!

So join us May 17th!  You can mingle with a bunch of Chicago Bears like Lance Briggs, Alex Brown, Anthony Adams, Jerry Azumah, Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox… different local celebrities, media, and all around fun supporters from everywhere who just care like you… cocktails, appetizers, silent auction & more… Get your tickets now: http://rashieddavischarities.org/homepage.aspx and I’ll see you there!

Tags: alex brown, anthony adams, bears, bears 2011, billy dec, charity, charity events, chicago, chicago bears, chicago event listing, chicago summer events, earl bennett, football, fundraiser, jerry azumah, johnny knox, lance briggs, rashied davis, rashied davis charities, rockit, rockit bar, rockit bar and grill, silent auction, sports

Run Home Chicago: A 5K Race to End Homelessness in Chicago

Nobody chooses to be homeless; it’s what happens when you hit rock bottom. In response to the rising number of homeless Chicagoans, Run Home Chicago, a 5K race and Kid’s Dash, aims to end homeless in our city. We are striving to meet this enormous task at hand, which is to provide homeless Chicagoans with shelter, sustenance and services, while also raising awareness of our homeless community, research associations and other non-profits. Our race is this Sunday, June 9th at Soldier Field at 8AM.

Chicago’s very own Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Steve Harvey have signed on to our cause to end homelessness and empowering people on their paths to achieving social, emotional and economic independence. Our race emcee, Andrea Metcalf, the emcee for our race, will motivate runners and kick-off the 5K and following the race, enjoy snacks from Plum Market, Home Run Inn, Skinny Pop, Zico Water and more.

For women, adolescence and mothers with children affected by homelessness, the burdens of finding adequate shelter, food and basic resources, on top of sustaining a line of income and coping with complex emotional repercussions, is incredibly daunting. The Primo Center for Women and Children, a nonprofit housing shelter located in our city and primary host of Run Home Chicago, believes that no woman or family should have to go through this process alone. The Primo Center provides a unique and ambitious program geared towards supporting and empowering women and children in the Chicago area.

Are you ready to run? Sign up for the 5K now!

-Theodora Skolnik

Tags: 5K Chicago. 5K, Andrea Metcalf, Chicago programs, economic independence, empowering women and children, Home Run Inn, homeless Chicagoans, Kid's Dash, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Steve Harvey, Plum Market, Primo Center for Women and Children, Run Home Chicago, runners, services, shelter, Skinny Pop, Soldier Field, sustenance, Zico Water

Joan Cusack & Billy Dec host Piven Theatre Workshop Fundraiser at Sunda & Rockit July 13, 2013

Click here to listen to the interview: Billy Dec & Joan Cusack Host Piven Theatre Workshop Benefit – WGN Radio

The Piven Theatre Workshop Gala Returns

Piven Alumna & Award-Winning Actress Joan Cusack and Billy Dec Co-Host

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Join award-winning actress and Piven alumna Joan Cusack and Emmy Award winning television contributor and Rockit Ranch CEO Billy Dec, on Saturday, July 13 for a red carpet evening of celebration and reunion with fine dining, cocktails and a spectacular live auction. All proceeds will benefit the Piven Theatre Workshop’s scholarships and outreach programs.

From 6pm-8:30pm, guests will enjoy dinner at the award-winning Sunda (110 W Illinois) with a live auction of exclusive items. From 8pm-11pm, guests are invited to attend the Gala at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W Hubbard) for signature cocktails, appetizers, sweets and an exciting live and silent auction.

Exclusive auction items include set visits to Mr. Selfridge with round-trip airfare, New York packages with tickets to hit Broadway shows, Saturday Night Live tickets, A VIP package to Jimmy Kimmel Live, Courtside tickets to a Lakers game and more.

In 1971, Byrne and Joyce Piven founded Piven Theatre Workshop, a small acting school in Evanston, Illinois. The nationally acclaimed school and professional theatre stands as a testament to the Pivens’ enduring vision to train, nurture and mentor generations of students and artists, including hosts Joan Cusack who studied improvisation and Billy Dec, who not only took classes with Joyce Piven, but also acted in their last production “The Good Doctor” and was honored with the Byrne Piven Award for Community Service. Proceeds from the night will help continue to nurture students and artists in the programs.

For tickets, visit http://piventheatre.org/. Sunda VIP Dinner tickets (includes Rockit Bar & Grill Gala): Single ticket $300.00 ($250 deductible), Couples ticket (2) $500.00 ($400 deductible), Table of 10 $2500.00 ($2,000 deductible). Rockit Bar & Grill Gala ticket: $150.00 ($100 deductible). Please note, limited seating is available at Rockit Bar & Grill.

Event sponsors include Rockit Ranch Productions, Sunda Restaurant, Rockit Bar & Grill, The Underground, The Peyton Family Foundation and Grey Goose.

ABOUT PIVEN THEATRE WORKSHOP

Piven Theatre Workshop has excelled as a leader in the arts community for 40 years, maintaining a distinguished legacy in the training of children and adults in the theatre arts. Annually, between onsite and off-site programming, the theatre trains over 1,000 students, provides approximately $30,000 in need-based scholarships and maintains a professional theatre and numerous outreach programs throughout the Chicago area. Piven Theatre Workshop is located at 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL. Visit them online at www.piventheatre.org, on Facebook at “Piven Theatre Workshop” and on Twitter @piventheatre.

Tags: Alumni, benefit, billy dec, chicago, fundraiser, jeremy piven, Joan Cusack, joyce piven, piven, piven theatre workshop, rockit, rockit bar and grill, rockit ranch, rockit ranch productions, sunda, theatre

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 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