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

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

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

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

Join the Trio Animal Foundation & Help Save Homeless Animals in Chicago!

Hey Chicago!!! This is Sue Naiden from the Trio Animal Foundation and I want to tell you how you can help save the homeless animals in Chicago! The Trio Animal Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists shelters, rescues and individuals by paying the medical bills of homeless pets.

To give you a little background, TAF was founded in honor of a very special dog named Trio. At just four weeks of age, Trio had her back leg bitten off when she was used as bait in a dogfight. Tiny enough to fit in a shoebox, Trio was only given a 10% chance to live. Destined for great things, Trio miraculously recovered and for the next ten years went on to care for the sick and injured foster dogs in Chicago. With Trio as the inspiration, TAF has assisted over 65 rescue groups and has paid the medical bills of over 2,000 homeless animals.

On May 18, 2013, join TAF and Andy Avalos, NBC 5 Morning Meteorologist, at Rockin for Rescue-Vegas Style at US Cellular Field to raise medical funding for the sick and injured animals in local Chicago shelters.

Enjoy a private evening in the members-only Stadium Club with open bar, appetizers, dinner, dessert and late night snacks while dancing and gambling to the backdrop of the historic US Cellular baseball field. Each single ticket also includes $5,000 in gaming chips to start off your evening of Vegas-style fun ($100)

.

For you high rollers out there we have an Exclusive VIP experience which includes a behind the scenes look at the stadium from the tunnels out onto the warning track and dugout with a Rolling Stone’s Magazine photographer capturing the moment with the JUMBOTRON as your backdrop. With $10,000 in gaming chips in your pocket you’ll be escorted back to the where your night of food, drinks, gambling and dancing will begin ($200).

Purchase your tickets today and help with our life saving efforts! Learn more details and find out how to volunteer at the Trio Animal Foundation. For the latest updates please join our page Facebook page.

-Sue Naiden

Tags: Andy Avalos, animal rescues, animal shelters Chicago, dinner, dogs, homeles animals Chicago, local shelters, NBC5, non-profit animal shelter, Rolling Stone’s Magazine, Stadium Club, Trio Animal Foundation, US Cellular Field, Vegas themed charity, vegas-style event

Chicago’s premier bridal event: Brides Bubbles & Bliss Soiree

Calling all Chicago brides-to-be! Chicago’s premier bridal event, Brides, Bubbles, and Bliss is back for the fourth consecutive year with a dazzling, bubbly-brimming display of the best in couture gowns, premiere Chicago caterers, and wedding day trends. Behind this chic affair are producers Cara and Scott Nava, founders of Carasco Photography, and two true gems within the wedding world. As professional photographers specializing in “day of” imagery, this highly sought-after pair saturates the bridal scene with fresh insight and extensive knowledge.

Looking to catch a glimpse of the hottest dresses walking this season’s runways? You’ve come to the right place. Amid designers like BHLDN and Jenny Yoo will be Romanian-based couture designer, Ersa Atelier—a line of American bridal envy with enough eye candy to keep even the grooms in the room at full attention. Delight in the collaborative musical styling of electric violinists from Chicago Symphony Sounds and the DJs of Okyne Media Lab, and when you’re ready to take your place as model, head over to the beauty bar where Jouer’s makeup artists will provide the lovely ladies of the room with makeup touchups all night long. Longing for more? No problem, Jewell Events Catering will keep you satisfied with seasonal bites while you brown the hottest trends in tablescape design by Revel Décor, Ashland Addison Florist and Soirée Weddings and Events.

This is the not-to-miss bridal event of the year, so come and enjoy a few Veuve Clicquot cocktails and take in the finest in wedding inspiration that Chicago has to offer!  We’ll see you at 6pm at the Bridgeport Art Center’s Skyline Loft this Wednesday, May 1^st!

As if you needed another reason to come – check out this video with highlights from last year’s soiree.

See you there!

-The Brides, Bubbles and Bliss Team

Tags: American bridal, and Bliss, Ashland Addison Florist, beauty, BHLDN, Bridal, bridal event, bridal scene, Brides, Bridgeport Art Center’s Skyline Loft, Bubbles, Cara and Scott Nava, Carasco Photography, caterers, chic trends, Chicago Symphony Sounds, couture gowns, designers, dj, Dresses, Ersa Atelier, Gowns, groom, Jenny Yoo, Jewell Events Catering, Jouer’s, makeup, Music, Okyne Media Lab, professional photographers, Revel Décor, Soirée Weddings and Events, trends, Veuve Clicquot, wedding day, wedding dresses

Chicago’s Gluten & Allergen Free Expo 2013

Where are all my gluten free friends? Living gluten free seems like it has become a popular American trend, but many are required to sustain this diet for a healthy wellbeing. If you think back five years ago, when you asked for a gluten menu, chances are you would get a look of confusion. As if you just asked the server a trivia question of some sort. Luckily, gluten free options are popping up all around the Chicago scene including grocery stores dedicated to specific diets like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s. But, I have something greater than a menu; the gluten free gods are now bringing us the USA’s largest – The Gluten & Allergen Free Expo!

On April 20^th-21^st, over 120 national and local Chicago vendors will take over The Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center and transform it into a comfortable tasting for those with gluten and allergen sensitivities. Vendors will not only be offering tastings of their goodies but share knowledge about recipes and general tips about lifestyle. All vendors will have signage indicating allergy information—have no fear! Not only can you sample and purchase some of the products but attend classes about cooking, baking, traveling and saving money.

Some of the vendors you can expect to see are Glutino, Udi’s, Enjoy Life, San-J, Schar, Truebar, Ian’s, Whole Foods, Smart Flour, Rudi’s, Holy Crap, Pamela’s Products, Kinnikinnick Foods, Zee’s Apparel, Crunchmaster, AST Enzymes, Andean Dream, Kiki’s, Health Yip, Freedom Foods, Bella, Zipfizz, Zemas, Surf Sweets, Gluten Free Passport, Hail Merry, Blue Diamond, Lucy’s, Penn Street Bakery, El’s, Tasterie, Lola’s Gourmet Chocolate, The Gluten Free Bar, Farmo, Keeki, Chicago Vegan Foods and many more.

Calling all early birds! If you want to be first to meet the vendors the doors open at 9am both days for you! Tickets are $35 per adult and $10 for children ages 3-12. For 10am, regular admission, tickets are $20 per adult and $5 for children ages 3-12. For information about The Gluten & Allergen Free Expo, go here. Hope to see all you gluten and allergy free friends trying all the new goodies and spreading the love!

-Sammi Raines

Tags: allergen free, allergy, Andean Dream, AST Enzymes, Baking, Bella, Blue Diamond, chicago, Chicago Vegan Foods, classes, Cooking, Crunchmaster, diet, El’s, Enjoy Life, Farmo, Freedom Foods, gluten, gluten free, Gluten Free Passport, Glutino, Hail Merry, Health Yip, Holy Crap, Ian’s, Keeki, Kiki’s, Kinnikinnick Foods, lifestyle, Local, Lola’s Gourmet Chocolate, Lucy’s, menu, Pamela’s Products, Penn Street Bakery, restaurants, Rudi’s, sampling, San-J, saving money, Schar, sensitivity, Smart Flour, Surf Sweets, Tasterie, tasting, The Gluten Free & Allergen Free Expo, The Gluten Free Bar, The Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center, Trader Joe’s, traveling, Truebar, Udi’s, vendors, whole foods, Zee’s Apparel, Zemas, Zipfizz

#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