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

Techweek Arrives in Chicago June 27th-29th

Hey Chicago! This is Lauren from Sugar & Spice lifestyle blog here to fill you in on the biggest tech news in the Midwest, which is coming to you in the form of “Techweek Chicago”, presented by Motorola.  This annual event, which is also held in New York and Los Angeles, makes it’s way to the Chicago’s Merchandise Mart June 27^th-June 29^th for a jam-packed schedule of exciting speakers, exhibits, demos, and some can’t miss parties! If you are a lover of all things tech, then you will not want to miss this exclusive experience that will allow you to mingle with and learn from tons of movers and shakers in the industry. These three awesome days will feature the latest and greatest tech trends, cool start ups that are gaining momentum, and endless networking possibilities.

If you want in on the action, then you’ll need to purchase a “badge”.   There are different price points available, but the best deal is the $30 badge. With this badge you will gain entrance into three huge parts of the event: Expo, Launch, and the Hiring Fair. The Expo will happen daily (12pm-6pm) and will include over 150 exhibitors and scheduled events, as well as daily happy hours at Bar Techweek.  Some of the exhibitors include: Walker Sands Communications, Wunderland, Chicago Tribune, Cater2.me, American Express, and many more!  Whether you are into fashion, finance, wellness, or global endeavors, there will be something at Techweek to spark your interest. Your ticket will also give you a front row seat to Launch, as over 70 start- ups go head to head with their brilliant business plans in front of a panel of venture capitalists. The company with the best idea will win $100,000 in cash and prizes.  Lastly, if you are in the IT/Software Engineering biz and are looking to make connections, the Hiring Fair is the place for you. This portion of Techweek will work to match talented people with the right jobs.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that Techweek is all work and no play. This packed weekend will include plenty of opportunities for socializing with the brightest minds in the tech business. A few of the highlights include: A Kickoff Party at American Junkie on 6/24, a party at The Onion Headquarters on 6/28, a night of class and cocktails at Studio Paris hosted by Cheeky Chicago on 6/29, and the first annual Fashion Show featuring local designers on 6/29 at the W Hotel.  First get your exclusive badge, then come and mingle with some of technology’s finest! Who knows, you may even meet the next Mark Zuckerberg. For more information and a full schedule of events, head to http://techweek.com/chicago/.

Tags: American Express, American Junkie, Cater2com, Cheeky Chicago, chicago, chicago tribune, hiring fair, IT, job fair, job search, Local, merchandise mart, motorola, party, start ups, Studio Paris, Technology, techweek chicago, The Onion, Venture capitalist, w hotel, Walker Sands Communications, Wunderland

Academy Award Nominated Actor and a Red Orchid Theater’s Michael Shannon and Emmy Award Winning TV Contributor and Rockit Ranch CEO Billy Dec Co-Host “Man Of Steel” Screening

Michael Shannon Returns To Chicago To Co-Host

A Benefit Screening of MAN OF STEEL

 Join Academy Award^® nominated actor and A Red Orchid Theatre founding ensemble member Michael Shannon and Emmy Award^® winning television contributor and Rockit Ranch CEO Billy Dec, on Saturday, June 22 for a benefit screening of Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ action adventure MAN OF STEEL, followed by a reception at Rockit Bar & Grill. All proceeds from the event will benefit A Red Orchid Theatre.

At 2pm, guests will join Shannon and Dec for a private screening of MAN OF STEEL at the AMC Loews 600 North Michigan, with a reception at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W Hubbard) to follow from 5pm-7pm.

The reception will include seasonal passed bites, themed Grey Goose cocktails and a Movie Star Popcorn Bar with inventive toppings. Guests will also be entered into a complimentary raffle to win a dinner for two at Rockit Bar & Grill and two tickets to an upcoming A Red Orchid Theatre production. Event sponsors include Grey Goose, Rockit Ranch Productions, Rockit Bar & Grill and Heineken.

Tickets are $75 per person and can be purchased at http://www.aredorchidtheatre.org/ or by calling 312.943.8722.

About A Red Orchid Theatre:

Now celebrating its 20^th anniversary in Chicago, A Red Orchid Theatre has long served as an artistic focal point in the heart of Chicago’s Old Town. Chicago Magazine named A Red Orchid Chicago’s Best Theatre Company of 2010. Over the past 20 years, its Resident Ensemble has welcomed into its fold an impressive array of award winning actors, playwrights and theatre artists. A Red Orchid is well known for its highly-acclaimed experimental and cutting edge productions. In addition to its professional season, the company also now maintains an exciting youth programming wing.

About Michael Shannon:

Michael Shannon, currently appearing as the villain General Zod in MAN OF STEEL, is a Founding Ensemble Member of A Red Orchid Theatre, currently plays the role of Agent Nelson Van Alden on HBO’s celebrated drama “Boardwalk Empire.”  Michael recently starred in The Iceman and in the award winning film Take Shelter and was nominated for an Academy Award for Revolutionary Road.   Michael originated the role of Peter in Tracy Letts’ Bug, which had its Chicago Premiere at A Red Orchid before playing off-Broadway and being adapted into a major motion picture, also starring Shannon. He has performed on numerous Chicago stages and is currently appearing in Uncle Vanya at New York’s Soho Rep. In the fall of 2012, he will perform in the Broadway production of Grace, a play written by fellow Red Orchid Ensemble Member Craig Wright.  Michael will return to A Red Orchid’s stage in the 2012-13 Season to perform in Sam Shepard’s Simpatico.

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Tags: A Red Orchid Theater, Academy Award Nominated, Actor, AMC Loews Theatre, billy dec, Boardwalk Empire, ceo, chicago, chicago magazine, Emmy Award Winning, General Zod, grey goose, hbo, Heineken, Man of Steel, Michael Shannon, Old Town, Private Screening, red carpet, Revolutinary Road, rockit, rockit bar & grill, rockit ranch productions, Superman, TV Contributor, vip

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

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

Billy Dec Joins Late Night Talk Show: Talk Hard on May 31st to talk all things restaurants/entertainment and who knows what else!

I’ve always loved Late Night talk shows. Conan, Kimmel, and Leno have been in my living room so many times (albeit on T.V) that I feel like we’re best friends. That’s why I love Talk Hard; Chicago’s longest running late night live uncensored talk show. In the audience you get the full experience, and the opportunity to hang with the host, writers, and guests in the Lounge after the show. I’m April Cowgur, the Guest Liaison and Social Media team for Talk Hard and can give you the FULL scoop!

Chicago is widely known for its rich comedy scene, and at Talk Hard you’ll be surrounded by the best of the best! Hosted by Jamie Campbell (ABC, NBC, truTV), and sidekick Kevin Pomeroy (The Stevens Family); Talk Hard is full of off-the-wall segments, videos from the street, interviews with unforgettable guests, and original musical performances.

You’ll especially want to be here for Talk Hard on May 31st, when Chicago’s favorite ambassador and restauranteur, Billy Dec, joins us to talk about his new venue Taco Tequila Tavern ¡AY CHIWOWA!  After the show, join Billy Dec and Arturo Gomez, as they host an after party at ¡AY CHIWOWA!. Get your ticket at half price, by calling the ComedySportz Box Office and using the Promo Code: TACO at (773) 549-8080. ComedySportz is located at 929 W Belmont Ave.  Chicago, IL 60657.

Find us online on our YouTube channel here & watch a video of monologue jokes below.

Life is short, TALK HARD.

-April Cowgur

Tags: abc, arturo gomez, Ay Chiwowa, billy dec, Chicago comedy, Chicago comedy scene, comedy scene, ComedySportz Box Office, conan, host, interviews with unforgettable guests, Jamie Campbell, Kevin Pomeroy, Kimmel, late night live, Late Night talk shows, Leno, monologue jokes, NBC, off-the-wall segments, original musical performances, star personality, Taco Tequila Tavern, Talk Hard, Talk Hard tickets, The Stevens Family, truTV, uncensored talk show, videos from the street, writers

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

Datelivery: Reinventing at home Date Nights

Attention Chicago couples, this one is for you! We are pleased to share with you a new service that will change the way you view date nights. Datelivery is a monthly subscription box service based out of Chicago; that focuses on providing novel and creative date night experiences for couples to enjoy right in the comfort of their home. Each month we plan, package and ship out a different themed date night to our subscribers. Included also in each box, are a number of complementary items to use during the date night that coincide with that month’s theme.

Still wondering the benefits? As a couple living in Chicago we know how expensive it can be going out for a date night. Two meals at a nice restaurant can easily cost $150. The cost of date nights in Chicago is just half the battle. Can we talk about the weather? We can’t recall how often we’ve canceled date night because the weather just sucked. See we bet you can relate. Couples can find comfort that with Datelivery, they can enjoy at home date nights that are not your typical dinner and a movie, but are unique, fun, exciting, competitive, romantic and more importantly delivered monthly at an affordable price.

Our philosophy is that date nights are important in relationships and should be done regularly and kept fresh. However, my fellow Chicagoans you don’t have to battle traffic, dish out $150 on a meal, or base your plans around unpredictable weather every time you want to have a date night. It is possible to have a novel date night right at home. So visit us today at www.datelivery.com and let us start planning your at home date nights.

Check out a review from a blogger who was first to try out our product here.

- Datelivery Team

Tags: at home date night, cheap date night, Chicago couples, Chicago date night, creative date night, Datelivery, home dates, local Chicago, Love, marriage, novel date night, relationships, subscription box, themed dates

The Inspiring “City Lights” of Chicago – Ryan Powers and The Secret Weapons release The Goodnight Goodbye Hour at Lincoln Hall

The beautiful city lights in Chicago sparked a romantic story that led me to write the song “City Lights” for my band, Ryan Powers and The Secret Weapons.  On Saturday, May 18^th at Lincoln Hall, I couldn’t be happier to be releasing the album that song is on. “City Lights” is romance in the darkness, infatuation in the rain, all set to the backdrop of this city that I call home. The city has inspired this vintage pop, romantic escape, lifting someone’s spirits, and trying to lift my own.

I am so excited to share this album with everyone, and when I began to start promoting its release I realized how odd a thing self-promotion is.  I have my most important show to date coming up on 5/18 and I want to handle it in the right way. So, I have to be confident, but not cocky. I have to encourage and excite, but not exploit or act entitled. So how is that done? Not entirely sure other than be myself, share the romance this city and its people have inspired, try to express just how happy and proud I am of these new songs, and to make sure I invite everyone I’ve ever met to come to our show. Also, it’s not an easy thing to ask for help. But, it always helps if you do it in the right way, and hopefully I am.

So here’s my pitch: I love these songs. I love the guys I play them with. And if you would be up for sharing our music with your friends, I would love that too. The album is available for advanced streaming at here. Hope to see you Saturday, May 18th at Lincoln Hall.

Musically yours,
Ryan

Tags: "City Lights", album, album release party, Chicago artist, chicago bands, Chicago music, concerts, lincoln hall, Lincoln Hall shows, music performances, Ryan Powers and the Secret Weapons, Ryan Powers music, vintage pop

CHICAGO’S FIRST ANNUAL RIVER NORTH CRAFT PUB CRAWL

Hey, I’m Doug Simons, a restaurant broker who has been placing some of Chicago’s top restaurant and nightclub operators in business for many years and my partner, Ted Widen who owns ChicagoScene.com, and I are throwing a huge pub crawl in River North called Craft Crawl River North!

Chicago’s first ever Craft Crawl River North will be the largest pub crawl ever in the city’s hottest restaurant and nightlife neighborhood. This May 18th event will begin at noon and run til 9:00 p.m., and will encompass the city’s hottest venues—Rockit Bar and Grill, John Barleycorn, Public House, Bull & Bear, American Junkie, English, Mercer One Thirteen, Epic, Social 25, Moe’s Cantina, and Hubbard Inn.

The event is taglined “BEER-BOURBON-BURGERS”. Each of the 11 participating venues will offer two different Craft Beers at $4 for the day (a total of 22 different beers available) plus all the bars will also offer Gentleman Jack Whiskey drinks at $5 and each will feature its own special gourmet burger at one day only pricing.

This event is like no other—coinciding with the beginning of Chicago Craft Beer Week, this event is different than all others in that it encompasses an entire neighborhood and multiple venues, many of which will provide live entertainment and top DJ’s, or will feature grand openings of retractable rooftops.

Patrons will be encouraged to visit all participating venues and to get their “passport” stamped in order to be entered in a drawing to win a seven day Celebrity Cruise to the Caribbean or other cash prizes.

Don’t miss the first groundbreaking event in the country’s hottest entertainment neighborhood. Go to CraftCrawls.com now before Craft Crawl River North sells out!

-Doug Simons

Tags: American Junkie, Beer, Bull & Bear, burger, Caribbean, Celebrity Cruise, Chicago Craft Beer Week, Craft Crawl River North, Craftg beers, dj, Drinks, English, Epic, Gentleman Jack Whiskey, Hubbard Inn, John Barleycorn, live entertainment, Mercer One Thirteen, Moe's Cantina, night club, passport, prizes, pub crawl, Public House, restaurant, river north, rockit bar and grill, Social 25, venues