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

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

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

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

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

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

Follow the conversation on May 23 with hashtag #tribnation.

- Printers Row

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

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

Join One Step Camp at their annual Campfire Ball at venue One!

When I was a kid, I had the best time at camp (I’m sure you did too!) – which is why I’m co-chairing this year’s Campfire Ball at Venue One, benefiting Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. and its One Step Camp for kids with cancer.

We’ll have fun camp-themed foods like tater tots, mini grilled cheese, s’mores and some spiked bug juice to give it a grown up twist! Thanks to Hub 51, Bub City, Theory, Stout, Bridgehouse Tavern and Cork Catering, these bites will be extra tasty. Plus, music by DJ STEP, a digital photo booth, a wine raffle, silent auctions, and a full open bar will keep you busy and entertained all night long. Our thanks to Goose Island, Svedka, and TY-KU for making sure the bar is stocked till the end! Tickets are just $100 in advance and $125 at the door.

For every $1000 we raise, we send one kid to One Step Camp for a week.

What’s so special about camp is that the kids are either currently in treatment or survivors of Leukemia and other cancers, and they’re able to build a huge support system while just enjoying the joys and fun of summer camp. For a couple weeks they get to relax and forget about the rest of the world and just be kids.

All counselors and medical staff volunteer their time to create this safe and fun camping experience for the kids. And, all kids are able to attend camp regardless of what they can afford because of Campfire Ball. Last year, we raised $115,000, sending 115 kids to One Step Camp!

I learned about camp through my brother, who was diagnosed with Leukemia in high school. His nurse recommended One Step, and after he stepped foot on campus as a counselor, he couldn’t stop talking about the water fights, snipe hunts and endless candy eating! Because of him, I support One Step camp in two ways: with the kids, as a volunteer counselor (this year will be my 8th summer and I can’t wait!), and with my friends and yours, by going to Campfire Ball.

We’re hard at work putting the final touches on the big day and we hope you’ll be there! Camp is truly the most amazing place with the most incredible kids. The host committee plus my co-chairs, Chris Eilers, Jordi Izsak and Michelle Weiler hope you’ll join us to make this Campfire Ball the most fun yet!

If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, you can do so here. And, if you have time, take a peek at what’s in store on the 18th here!

- Rachel Drescher

Tags: benefits for children, Bridgehouse Tavern, Bub City, Campfire Ball, Campfire Ball 2013, charity, Chicago charity, Chicago summer camp, Children's Oncology Services, Cork Catering, DJ STEP, goose island, hub 51, One Step Camp, Stout, summer camp, survivors of Leukemia charity, Svedka, Theory, TY-KU, Venue One, wine raffle

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

‘Working In The Schools’ Needs Your Help

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

Decades Pop-up at Space 519!

Hi Chicago! It’s Amanda Puck, fashion fiend and style expert, guest blogging to bring you the latest news about the upcoming Decades trunkshow that no fashonista will want to miss!

Lights, camera, FASHION! Fashionistas get ready to shop til you drop as renowned boutique owners Cameron Silver and Christos Garkinos bring Decades back to Chicago for their sixth trunk show event on Saturday, March 16 (10 am – 7 pm) and Sunday, March 17 (noon – 6 pm). Held within space519, a luxury concept store located at 900 North Michigan Shops, this trunk show is not to be missed!

Decades is the Hollywood destination for red carpet couture and 21^st century luxury designer consignment sourced from the closets of celebrities, stylists and fashion icons and sold at up to 80 percent off retail. This time around, Christos has curated an exclusive selection of perfect-for-spring vintage and modern “future collectibles,” including ready-to-wear, “it” handbags, one-of-a-kind vintage, as well as the brand’s always crowd-pleasing supply of modern designer clothing and accessories from designers including Balenciaga, Burberry, Chanel, Chloe, Christian Louboutin and more!  To continue their trend of outfitting the most stylish feet in Chicago, Decades will also host their famous $150 shoe sale on the final day of the event.  This year, men can get in on the action too, with an assortment of travel bags, exotic wallets, designer clothing and shoes – from Gucci boots to Louboutin loafers.

Fashion fanatics can kick off their shopping weekend with the new Bravo docu-series “Dukes of Melrose,” which follows Decades owners Cameron Silver and Christos Garkinos as they take viewers inside the exclusive and glamorous world of vintage couture.

From 6-8pm on Wednesday, March 13, the fashionable set can mix and mingle with Christos he hosts a special “Dukes of Melrose” viewing party for the fashionable set at Japonais, Chicago’s contemporary destination for unique Japanese cuisine and sushi. Guests will enjoy Moët & Chandon Imperial specials, complimentary signature bites from 6pm-7pm and the chance to win fabulous prizes. Christos will kick-off the screening of the season’s second episode in the Lounge starting at 7pm. RSVP to RSVP@expagency.com! Space is limited.

For fashion lovers who are unable to attend the shopping event, Decades’ fab merchandise will be available for purchase at the retailer’s new e-commerce site!

Tags: 900 North Michigan Shops, Balenciaga, Burberry, Cameron Silver and Christos Garkinos, chanel, Chloe, Christian Louboutin, Decades’ fab merchandise, new e-commerce site, space519

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

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

Wits’ Associates Board Presents: The Blackboard Affair

What better way to celebrate Mardi Gras in Chicago this year than with a themed cocktail party featuring a premium open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a live dj, amazing raffle packages and dancing?! The annual Blackboard Affair takes place this year at The Chicago Cultural Center on Friday, February 8^th at 7pm. VIP tickets are available and include a pre-party reception from 6-7pm with exclusive VIP bar access, co-hosted by Chicago Bear’s kicker Robbie Gould’s public charity, The Golden Touch. Here’s some pictures from last years’ event!!

Founded by Gould, the mission of The Goulden Touch is simply to help those in need. The idea is to balance the incredible importance of giving to others while also making charitable giving fun! The four pillars of the Goulden Touch are Education, Medical Research, Health and Wellness, and Social Service.

The Blackboard event is the annual fundraiser for the Associates Board of Working In the Schools (WITS). Hosted in February just in time for Mardi Gras, the event is a cool cocktail party, and masquerade attire is encouraged for all guests. Hosting this year’s celebration will be Nina Chantele, with music by DJ De La Chapelle, with an after party at Studio Paris!  Time to pull out that mask, those beads, and dress to impress!

For tickets and other information, click here or contact erica@relevancecommunications.com or Brenda@witschicago.org

-Becky Peterson

Tags: charity, cocktails, entertainment, Mardi Gras, masquerade, party

Dress to Impress with 1,600 Other Young Professionals in Chicago – February 2nd!

Hey guys, it’s Kate & Alex from Junior Council, here to give you the scoop about a Chicago event that cannot be missed!

On February 2nd, join Children’s Memorial Junior Council at its biggest event of the year, Snowball.  We will be hosting 1,600 of Chicago’s young professionals sporting black tie dress at Chicago’s historic Union Station! This year is extremely exciting for us since we are celebrating our 25th anniversary, and we are lucky to partner with some of the most premier vendors in Chicago…

Our Sponsors include:

Restaurants – Wildfire, Cafe BaBaReeba!, Gibson’s, The Bedford, Carriage House, Mon Ami Gabi, Zapatista, South Branch, Starfruit, Oak Mill Bakery, Chicago q, and more!

Beverage – Budweiser, Red Bull, Stella Artois, and Buffalo Trace Whiskey.

Entertainment – Rod Tuffcurls and the Benchpress!

If you are new to Uber, don’t forget to obtain your code for a FREE Uber ride to the event!

The Junior council is an awareness and fundraising-based organization directly supporting the Dr. Yogev Treatment Fund at Lurie Childen’s Memorial Hospital. The fund was established in 1988 to ensure that all children with HIV/AIDS have access to high quality pediatric healthcare regardless of their ability to pay for health coverage.

Last year the event raised over $125,000 and we hope to exceed expectations this year! Plus, who doesn’t like getting fancy for a cause?

Here is a little taste of the event from 2012:

Please come out for delicious food, drinks, and dancing all to support a great cause next Saturday, February 2nd!

Also, if you are interested in getting involved with Junior Council, we are always looking for new members. The organization’s fun, laid-back yet motivated culture offers young professionals an outlet to volunteer and donate to the Children’s Hospital. For more information, click here.

-Alex Solak & Kate Frankenberg

Tags: 1, 25th anniversary, 600 young professionals, black tie ball, Budweiser, Buffalo Trace Whiskey, Cafe BaBaReeba!, Carriage House, Chicago Q, children with HIV/AIDS, Children’s Memorial Hospital Junior Council, dancing, delicious food, Dress to Impress, Drinks, fancy for a cause, gala, Gibson's, high quality pediatric healthcare, Lurie Children’s Memorial Hospital, Mon Ami Gabi, Oak Mill Bakery, Red Bull, Rod Tuffcurls and the Benchpress, South Branch, Starfruit, Stella Artois, The Bedford, Uber, Union Station, volunteer, Wildfire, Yogev Treatment Fund, Zapatista