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

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

Broadway in Chicago Invites You to Win Tickets to ANYTHING GOES

Hi, I’m Amanda Meyer – on behalf of Broadway In Chicago, I’d like to introduce you to, ANYTHING GOES, which is one of the most timeless Broadway classics of all time. Be sure to catch it at the Cadillac Palace Theatre before May 5! The production includes Cole Porter’s hits “You’re the Top,” “Friendship,” “It’s De-Lovely,”  and, of course, “Anything Goes.” Broadway In Chicago is doing a ticket giveaway to Roundabout Theater Company’s ANYTHING GOES to the Wednesday, May 1 performance at 7:30 p.m. at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph). For a chance to win tickets to see ANYTHING GOES, explain to us, in the comment box, what your favorite musical is and why!

ANYTHING GOES, the 1934 musical comedy about the lovers, liars and clowns on a transatlantic cruise is “a daffy, shipshape romp!” - Variety. When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love… proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail.

The New Broadway Cast Recording of Roundabout Theatre Company’s ANYTHING GOES, nominated for a 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, is available on Ghostlight Records.

The performance schedule for ANYTHING GOES is as follows: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (no matinee performance on April 24), Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 & 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 & 7:30 p.m. (no evening performance on May 5). Please note: Ticket prices and performance schedule are subject to change.

Tickets for ANYTHING GOES at the Cadillac Palace Theatre range from $27-$95. A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Tickets are currently on-sale at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. For more information, visit Broadway In Chicago or ANYTHING GOES.

-Amanda Meyer

Tags: "Friendship", 2011 Grammy Award, 2011 Tony Award, Alex Finke, Anything Goes, broadway, Broadway classics, broadway in chicago, Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chuck Wagner, Cole Porter, Dennis Kelly, donate, Edward Staudenmayer, Fred Applegate, Ghostlight Records, giveaways for "Anything Goes", It’s De-Lovely, Jeff Brooks, Josh Franklin, Joyce Chittick, Kathleen Marshall, Marcus Shane, Martin Pakledinaz, musical comedy, New Broadway Cast Recording, preformance, Rachel York, Roundabout Theater Company, Sandra Shipley, ticket giveaways, tickets, Vincent Rodriguez III, You’re the Top

Human Rights Watch Special Film Screening on March 28th

Can you relate to dealing with a struggle of opinion, being stuck teetering on what morals and ideals you choose to support?  This identifiable theme can be found, in one way or another, in many people’s lives all across the World, which is why this remarkable film by Lise Birk Pedersen is one not to miss, as she transports us over to Russia.

On March 28^th, The Chicago Committee of Human Rights Watch will hold a very special screening, Putin’s Kiss. It is an engaging and moving story of struggle and politics during the Putin era in Russia.  Through the screening, you will experience a first-hand glace of Russia’s political climate through the eyes and struggle of a 19-year old girl, Masha.

Join Masha on her journey beginning with full support of the Nashi Youth Movement and Putin’s policies aiming to remove Russia’s “enemies” which focus on those who support controversial issues, investigative journalists, and human rights defenders.  However, through mixing and mingling with a new set of friends, Masha starts to question Nashi’s beliefs and it’s leaders, causing great angst and confusion.  Come along on her journey, and you will discover what shocking event leads her to make an ultimate decision between the two groups.

After this emotional screening, stick around for a panel discussion to dig even deeper into the context with Human Rights Watch’s Deputy Director of the Europe and Central Asia Division, Rachel Denber, and other special guests.  To round out this memorable night, cap off the evening with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.  Held at the beautiful Museum of Contemporary Art, the MCA galleries will be open for viewing as well.

For ticket information and purchasing, click here!  The film serieswill continue on Monday nights at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago, April 8^th- May 6^th.

-Amanda Macchitelli

Tags: gene siskel film center, museum of contemporary art, Nashi Youth Movement, pecial screening, Putin era in Russia, Putin’s Kiss, The Chicago Committee of Human Rights Watch

Help Redmoon Light-Up Chicago at Spectacle Lunatique!

Emily Reusswig from Redmoon inviting you to ignite your passion for the arts at our annual gala benefit, Spectacle Lunatique, March 9th! Prepare yourself to experience four blockbuster spectacle moments, 1,874 candles, 164 performers and 31 wild happenings throughout seven hours of celebration at Redmoon’s 12^th-annual Spectacle Lunatique.

Redmoon, Chicago’s very own transformative creative force known for producing once-in-a-lifetime over-the-top artistic events, proudly presents our famed, annual gala benefit March 9, 7 PM — 2AM.This event also will debut the theater’s new space as Redmoon moves from their current West Loop location to occupy a 57,000 sq. ft. building at 2120 S. Jefferson in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. The move is Mayor-approved, so you know it’s a must-see.

Themed “Starting the Fire,” the evening will have a primal, earthy, “ritualistic” feel and seek to ignite Chicago with spirit, passion and participation in the arts.  Tickets range from $75 per person to $2,500 for a group VIP experience, and packages may be purchased on our website here!

Here’s a taste:

• Four “Blockbuster Spectacle Moments” reflected by light, ambient sound design, installations and provocative, animal-inspired costumes
• A Confetti Cannon, Bubble And Bomb “Assaults” to keep the energy going
• Specialty drinks and culinary delights from local chefs also will be flowing
• Musical entertainment will delight the ears
• Built in Chicago, 1871, and Firestarter Fund founder Matt Moog will be honored with Redmoon’s inaugural Galvanizer Award for his work promoting community in the digital space

Funds raised will support Redmoon’s original and unique events of a massive scale in landmark locations for all of Chicago, and the inaugural year of Redmoon’s Spectacle Academy impacting youth and emerging artists throughout Chicago.

Come one come all!!! 

-Emily Reusswig

Tags: Art, Chicago's very own transformative creative force, circus, Emily Reusswig, impacting youth and emerging artists, mayor's office, Redmoon, Redmoon’s 12th-annual Spectacle Lunatique

Never A City So Reel

It’s no secret that we Chicagoans can’t get enough of this wonderful city we call home. From the over abundance of restaurants, to the never-ending list of things to do, to the Midwestern charm we badge ourselves with, it’s hard to find a reason to not like Chicago. What makes this city even more special is the fact we have the unique experience to be exposed to people from all different walks of life-right in our very own backyard. How many other cities across the U.S. can truly compare?

This Thursday, Northwestern University is hosting a free night of classic short documentaries, Never a City So Reel: Chicago Portraits on Film, that highlight Chicago people and places. The entire program was inspired from the university’s One Book One Northwestern featured book, Alex Kotlowitz’s Never a City So Real. In this book, Kotlowitz showcases his favorite Chicago people and neighborhoods. The film program, in turn, will be showing short films from NU, Kartemquin Films and the Chicago Film Archives that give you a deeper sense into the heart and soul of the city. Topics range from racism, gentrification, an early gay pride parade, and more.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 21^st at 7:00 p.m. at the Block Museum of Art. Not only will you learn about Chicago’s rich culture, but you will also get the chance to listen to guest speakers and directors Tom Palazzolo and Peter Kuttner.

For more info click here!

-Megan Herbst 

Tags: alex kotlowitz, Block Museum of Art, chicago, Chicago documentaries, Chicago Film Archives, chicago people, early gay pride too, gentrification, kartemquin films, Never A City So Real, northwestern, northwestern university, NU, One Book One, One Book One Northwestern, Peter Kuttner, racism, Tom Palazzolo

What is This Thing Called Love?: Joffrey Ballet Chicago

There is a school of thought held by many editors that two people writing an article is impossible. We assured Billy that would not be the case. We are accustomed to finishing each others sentences. Most get the hang of it. Those that don’t? Not our problem really.

We have shared SO many inexplicably fun times together. Planned SO many fun events together. I’m often grateful we both have all of our vital organs in tact. SO true. For those of you who don’t know us; think AB FAB the wildly successful BBC television show about two best friends.

TRUE! We would definitely have used the Olympic torch to light our ciggy treats back in the day! Actually one of us would have held both of our martinis while the other one lit both cigarettes being careful not to have their heavily Aqua Netted hair explode into a million stars. The sparks would then fly into our big gulp vodkas and we both go up in a blaze of glory! That’s True Friendship.

That story would make an excellent Valentines card. Valentines Day, that’s why we are here. Billy Dec and Rockit Ranch Productions have asked us to invite everyone to our Valentine event. OMgosh! Remember when we first saw Billy? We were at world famous photographer and Chicago icon Victor Skrebneski’s studio. You were gazing around the room at Victor’s photo’s. When suddenly you scream WHO IS THAT?! Victor said very matter -of-factly, “oh, that’s Billy Dec.” We translated that to mean the HOTTEST man on earth. You tried to convince Victor to give you a copy, remember? Too funny! I think the best part of the story is that when we actually met Billy several months later he was as incredibly sweet as he is handsome. Cheers to that!

We do hope you will join us at 6:00 p.m. at The historic Murphy Auditorium on Valentine’s Day Thursday, February 14, 2013 for “What Is This Thing Called Love.”  A concert performance to benefit The Joffrey Ballet  Starring singing sensation Shelley MacArthur and special guests Rodrick Dixon and Alfreda Burke with The City Lights Orchestra conducted by Rich Daniels. 

Tickets for this extraordinary evening include unlimited open bar, free flowing champagne, a spectacular raw bar crafted by by Fortune Fish, Chef Charles Trotter inspired small plates, desserts of unlimited description, chocolates by Vosges, glamourous decor by Bill Heffernan, and Shelley MacArthur’s miraculous show. I actually cried five times during rehearsal Monday. So incredibly moving, she is amazing!

It seems like every Valentine’s Day there is a snow storm or everything is over crowded and crazy expensive. WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED LOVE will satisfy on every level. We can say that because everything we do is absolutely fabulous! Cheers to that my friend we’ve earned it. For tickets and more information  click here!

Hope to see you there!

With Love and Gratitude-

 Shauna Montgomery and Whitney Lasky

Tags: AB fab, alfreda burje, BBC television show, chef charles trotter, fortune fish, Murphy Auditorium, rocdrick dixon, RRP Rockit Ranch Productions, shelley macarthur, the city lights orchestra, the joffrey ballet, Valentines Day, Victor Skrebneski, vosges, what is this thing called love

Joffrey Auxiliary Board’s Pointe of Departure Art Exhibition Benefit

Hi, this is Terrence Chappell. I’m the event chair for the Joffrey Auxiliary Board, and I’m writing to tell you about the Joffrey Auxiliary Board’s Pointe of Departure art exhibition benefit.

Art begets style and American legends as the Joffrey Auxiliary Board hosts their 3^rd annual Pointe of Departure benefit on Thursday, Feb. 7. Located at 108 N. State St., and just overlooking the Joffrey Tower, Block 37’s raw, loft penthouse space will welcome the city’s jet set of budding philanthropists, tastemakers and artists for an evening of commissioned art themed after American legends and inspired by the movement of dance, custom cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, exclusive silent auction gifts, and above all a celebration of the Joffrey Ballet.

Already in its third consecutive year, Pointe of Departure is the Joffrey Auxiliary Board’s signature event of the year. The evening not only sets the pace and direction for the board but also raises money for the Joffrey while featuring and promoting local artists and their work.  From statement pieces to more modest ones guests will have the option of purchasing the displayed art that evening.  Sixty percent of the art sales go back to the Joffrey while 40% go to the artist. Event co-chairs Alan Swanke and David Kimball are both honored and excited to host the board’s big night. Swanke is confident that this year’s Pointe of Departure will raise the bar in engaging and entertaining guests.

“This year’s POD is going to be the best yet. We have done a great job of establishing this event over the last two years and our line- up of artists is outstanding. Those in attendance will not be disappointed,” said event co-chair Swanke.

Kimball trusts that the evening will showcase a wide array of art pieces that will draw guests of varying art tastes and levels.

“The party has a great energy and we have experienced an enthusiastic response from Chicago’s artistic community.  We anticipate some really fantastic pieces on display across all price points,” said event co-chair Kimball.

In addition to co-chairs Swanke and Kimball, the event also includes an event committee of loyal Joffrey Auxiliary board members that have lent their support and efforts for the evening. And for the first time an honorary host committee of social fixtures including mayor’s press secretary Tarrah Cooper, Kathleen Henson of Henson Consulting, Benjamin Newby, James Sims, Maggie Morgan, James Goeke, Trevia Kutti, and Matt Dudek have all signed on to the event – attracting a more varied and robust guest list.

Tickets for the evening are on sale now for $75 and can be purchased here! Guests are also encouraged to sign up to become members of the Joffrey Auxiliary Board at a one-time discounted rate of $250 annually as oppose to the full $275. Members enjoy discounted ballet tickets, invites to private dance rehearsals, and other perks. Hope to see you there!

-Terrence Chappell

Tags: American legends, budding philanthropists, custom cocktails, exclusive silent auction gifts, heavy hors d'oeuvres, inspired by the movement of dance, Joffrey Auxiliary Board, joffrey ballet, point of departure, tastemakers and artists

Maverick Musician to Perform at City Winery: Jose Feliciano

Tonight and January 24th at 8pm, world-renowned musician Jose Feliciano will be performing with special guest DJ Sound Culture at City Winery. Even if you don’t recognize his name, you are probably familiar with some of Feliciano’s work, including the holiday staple “Feliz Navidad.”

Born permanently blind as a result of congenital glaucoma in Puerto Rico in 1945, Feliciano moved with his family to New York City at the age of 5. He began playing instruments at the age of 3, and received his first guitar at age 9. Prior to any classical training, Feliciano taught himself to play simply by listening to records and practicing relentlessly. After his father lost work, Feliciano dropped out of high school to perform in clubs full-time in order to contribute to the family income. Shortly thereafter, he was noticed by an RCA executive and promptly signed to a record deal. The record company used Feliciano’s Puerto Rican background to market him to Latin American audiences, where he quickly became widely embraced. The musician gained popularity in English-speaking countries in 1968 after the release of his rendition of The Doors’ hit “Light My Fire.” His take on the song, along with the record on which it was released, proved wildly successful. The guitarist earned his first gold album, and he was awarded two Grammys for his efforts, including Best New Artist.

On the heels of his overnight emergence into international stardom, Feliciano received an invitation to perform the national anthem during Game 5 of the 1968 World Series in Detroit. Accompanying himself on the guitar, Feliciano re-fashioned “The Star-Spangled Banner,” stirring controversy amongst listeners. Paved with good intentions, his slower, more soulful variation enraged many fans. Those offended considered his re-working of the anthem to be “non-patriotic” and “insulting.” The resulting fallout from the incident would hang like a black cloud over the rest of Feliciano’s career. Although the musician has since garnered numerous honors and awards, he never regained the widespread popularity he once enjoyed prior to the 1968 World Series game. Feliciano’s rendition of the national anthem is still considered to have been the first time an artist publicly altered the song. His stylized performance ultimately laid the way for cultural acceptance of artistic variations of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which we are so accustomed to today.

Over the years, Feliciano has flown under the radar, tacitly accumulating myriad accolades and maintaining critical acclaim. The musical pioneer has earned over 45 gold and platinum records, and has been nominated for 19 Grammys, amassing 9 wins to date. Among the extensive list of other forms of professional recognition for his work are several Lifetime Achievement Awards, including the prestigious bestowal from Billboard Magazine. Feliciano’s musical and humanitarian work has also led to a high school being renamed in his honor, a star on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame, honorary academic degrees, and much more. Jose Feliciano has even been touted as “the greatest living guitarist” and “The Picasso of His Realm.” The groundbreaking virtuoso is credited as the first Latin artist to successfully crossover into the English-speaking market, forging pathways for subsequent artists to follow his blazing trail.

-Nathan Sullivan

Tags: : Jose Feliciano, chicago concerts, Chicago Wineries, City Winery, DJ Sound Culture, Feliciano, Feliz Navidad, Guitarist, Jazz Guitar, Latin American Artists, Latin American Music, Light My Fire, Musician, National Anthem