Richard Roeper & Billy Dec to co-host an Oscar Viewing Party at Rockit!

**UPDATED** 3.1.12 :: Check out our Oscar Viewing Party Re-Cap Video!! See the exciting behind the scenes party footage, our amazing guests and who won the Oscar Challenge. Hint…it WASN’T the movie critic. Enjoy!!!

Oscars Party Recap from Rockit Ranch Productions on Vimeo.

UPDATE 2/21/12 by Amy:  Movie Critic Richard Roeper & Restaurateur Billy Dec go HEAD TO HEAD on Oscar Picks!  And guess what?!  The loser has to work for the other person!  Watch this video below to see it all go down!  By the way, you too can compete against them for some great prizes here: http://bit.ly/RockitOscars

Billy’s Oscar Challenge from Rockit Ranch Productions on Vimeo.

UPDATE 2/22/12 by Amy: Aw snap, Billy just got schooled by Richard Roeper with this response video below!  Who do you think is going to win?!

Make sure you join Richard & Billy at the event & in this competition! Below sample of some of the fabulous prizes you can win at the event!

-A pair of Roundtrip tickets valid for travel from the US to Europe, Central America or the Carribean from United Airlines

-Three Month Spa Membership at The Peninsula

-Autographed pennant from Chicago Bull Derrick Rose

-One Week of FREE Private Uber Car Rides

-Blackhawks Hockey Stick autographed by the team

-Two tickets for the Opening Night Performance and Post-Show Cast Party for EASTLAND at Lookingglass Theatre

-Two autographed baseballs from Chicago Cub Ryan Dempster

-Fitness Guru Andrea Metcalf’s Package: workout mat, ball, book, dvd and personal fitness consultation

-Burton Snowboard

-Two Premium Seats to March 14th “Show Boat” at the Lyric Opera

-Party at 10 Pin with food, beverage and bowling

-Autographed Lance Briggs Jersey

-Autographed Mike Ditka Book

MEDIA ALERT : February 9, 2012

Richard Roeper & Billy Dec to co-host an Oscar Viewing Party
To benefit the arts through After School Matters

CHICAGO – On February 26, co-hosts Richard Roeper & Billy Dec will hold their 2nd Annual Oscar Viewing Party. Guests will test their movie knowledge by putting their ballot predictions up against Richard and Billy for a chance to win fabulous prizes while hearing their commentary live throughout the telecast.

Tickets are priced at $50 each with a portion of the proceeds going to support After School Matters, a nonprofit organization that offers Chicago public high school teens high quality out-of-school-time opportunities to explore and develop their talents in the arts, while gaining critical skills for work, college, and beyond.

Tickets include delicious passed appetizers from Rockit Bar & Grill, creative “Oscar themed” cocktails from Belvedere and Moet Chandon champagne. Gift bags will be given to the first 100 ticket buyers. Red carpet coverage begins at 5 p.m. telecast begins at 6 p.m.

Click here to get your tickets : http://bit.ly/xsHKGo

About the hosts:
Richard Roeper is co-host of Roe/Roeper on WLS-AM. Sun-Times Columnist. Author of eight books. Former co-host Ebert/Roeper. Contributor, ReelzChannel. Reviews: Richardroeper.com.
Billy Dec is CEO of Rockit Ranch Productions, Emmy Award Winning Entertainment Correspondent, ABC’s “Windy City Live”

Tags: abc, Academy Awards 2012, After School Matters, arts, Author, billy dec, charity, Ebert/Roeper, Entertainment Columnist, fundraiser, Oscar, Oscar Viewing Party, oscars, Oscars 2012, Reelz Channel, richard roeper, rockit bar and grill, Roe/Roeper, sun times, theatre, windy city live, WLS-AM

Slow Food Presents : Goose Island Pig Roast

A lot of talk is given to fast food and the restaurants that are associated with the “eat on the go” movement. However, there is a shift taking place right here in Chicago which prides itself on moving at a slower pace – actually tasting your meal and knowing that it was prepared through sustainable means. Slow Food, a not-for-profit organization believes that “the food we eat should taste good and that our food should be produced in a clean way that does not harm the environment, animal welfare or our health.” Additionally, Slow Food focuses on the producers, stating that they “should receive fair compensation for their work, and be treated with respect in their communities.”

With over 300 members associated with the Chicago chapter, eating slow is catching on fast. If you are interested in joining or simply want to learn more, bring your appetite to the 3rd Annual Goose Island Pig Roast on September 11, 2011 from 2-5p.m. at the Goose Island Beer Company, located at 1800 West Fulton Street. Featuring Slagel Farm pigs prepared by local chefs, beer and soft drinks by Goose Island Brewery, and coffee by Intelligenstia. Not interested in locally raised pork? A vegetarian dish will be provided by Uncommon Ground. Tickets are $60 dollars, proceeds benefiting Slow Food Chicago.

-  Evan Jones, Intern

Tags: chicago, end of summer events, goose island, goose island beer, goose island brewery, intelligenstia, local food, pig roast, slagel farm, slow food, uncommon ground

Rockit Ranch Productions and www.aChicagoThing.com win 4 Telly Awards with Billy Dec Avatar Social Media Anniversary Benefit Video!

What if my avatar literally came to life and spoke to people about a gigantic party to celebrate his 2nd birthday as the “person” behind all my social media platforms (facebook, twitter, blog..) that had  been communicating with tens of thousands of people with similar interests for the last 2 years?  And what if he explained in a really fun way that this huge party would benefit one of our favorite philanthropic missions, feeding people in need.  Well, that was the crazy idea we came up with at Rockit Ranch Productions 6 months ago when we produced the attached video- we just never thought we would actually win awards for it!!??!

Telly Awards honor the very best TV commercials, programs, videos, film productions & work created for the web… and we won these 4!
-Silver Award (the highest honor!!) – Internet/Online Programs, Segments, or Promotional Pieces – Use of Animation
-Bronze Award – Internet/Online Video – Live Events
-Bronze Award – Internet/Online Video – Animation
-Bronze Award – Internet/Online Programs, Segments, or Promotional Pieces – Charitable/Not for Profit

We had a blast making fun of me & my ridiculous updates, food porn, travel, celebrity encounters, behind the scenes work in our nightclubs & restaurants, contests & giveaways.. I love to share on facebook & twitter (you should be following me if not already!).. But the awards above are really due to the collaboration between the Rockit Ranch team and a number of talented animators, directors, videographers, friends.. below.. Thank you all!

Special shoutout to all the local artists who helped create this amazing video! Director/Editor: Catherine Lynch, Cinematographer: Adam Dick, Sound: Sam Fell, Avatar Lead: James Pawula, Animation: Ian Beckman & Ari Flesch, Texturing: Arwa Dabbakeh, Modeling: Whit Alexander, Music: Don Meyer, Underground Music: DJ Kane, Make-Up: Brenda Arelano, Equipment: Zacuto, Invites: M13 Graphics

And of course, the good people at the Greater Chicago Food Depository for all they do to fight hunger in our city, and for providing others with a way to help bring attention and support to their cause.

Tags: animation, anniversary party, avatar, billy dec, bronze award, chicago, Chicago charities, directors, facebook, food porn, fundraiser, greater chicago food depository, internet programs, live events, rockit, rockit ranch, rockit ranch productions, silver award, Telly, Telly Awards, twitter, videographers

Behind the Scenes with Billy Dec – 5 Radio Shows, a Live TV Show on ABC & a PSA all in 5 hours!

I woke up at 5am this morning for a BIG press day with Billy.  We had to do 5 radio shows, a live tv show & a PSA all in 5 hours when he literally just stepped off a plane from France, Hungary, and Austria 12 hours prior.  When he initially told me about how much press he wanted to do BEFORE he was live on Windy City Live- I thought it was absurd, but in all the time I have known him, I can say he pushes himself to work beyond what most people think is feasible.  The main purpose behind all this press was to talk about two events that are the very important to him to support art & theatre in Chicago & raise scholarships for kids -  The Madhatter’s Ball & The Piven Theatre Gala.

The schedule of the day went as follows:
6am – Picked up  Chicago Reader, heard BD won “Best Person to Follow on Twitter”                                                                                                                                          6:15am – Car Pickup

6:30am – Stop at Rockit to pick up Burgers
6:45am – Live on Kiss FM with Angi Taylor at Brother Fred
7:30am – J & Julian Show on B96
7:40am – Fresh with Scotty & Rebecca
7:50am – K-Hits with Eddie & Jobo
8:30am – Make-up & Producer’s Session for ABC’s Windy City Live
9-10am – Live on ABC’s Windy City Live
11am – Steve Dahl Show
11:30am – PSA Shoot for Chicago’s Go Do Good Campaign that Connects Art to Action
1-3pm – Work at Rockit Ranch Productions
3pm – Call in with Andy Giersher

I took my camera with me to show you guys what it’s like to be Behind the Scenes when you are live on radio & tv!!! It was a crazy, fun-filled day, and I was shocked to see that Billy was still even standing to make it out that night! (Billy attended a party for Factor Models and worked at Sunda later that night.  I, on the other hand, was asleep by 10pm)

By the way, for those who follow Billy on facebook & twitter – You may have seen the picture of the bird that he posted that seemed to be injured right outside his office on that day.  I’m very happy to report that by the end of the day, the bird was saved thanks to the help from the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors – we will post a video we took and share the whole story here tomorrow!

-Amy

Tags: abc, abc windy city live, Amy Shah, andy giersher, angi taylor, B96.3, billy dec, brotha fred, chicago, chicago bird collision monitors, chicago events, chicago reader, chicago reader best of 2011, eddie and jobo, facebook, fresh 105.9, fundraiser, j and julian, jeremy piven, k-hits, kiss fm, lookingglass theatre, madhatter's ball, piven theatre workshop, psa, Radio, rockit, rockit bar and grill, scotty and rebecca, steve dahl, theatre, twitter, windy city live

Jeremy Piven & Billy Dec host 2011 Piven Theatre Workshop Benefit AfterParty at Rockit!

This video of Jeremy Piven & I on set of HBO’s “Entourage” is not only funny, but explains what kind of work we have been doing to raise money for children’s art & theatre scholarships for about 10 years now- check it out (its from last season, so event info for this year is updated below!).  Actors out of Chicago like John & Joan Cusack, Kate Walsh, Aidan Quinn… Have all benefited from the same classes (I’m giving away a classes below!) and have hosted the same events with us over the years (giving away some afterparty tix below!) and I look forward to seeing who will make it big out of there next!

I also want to give a shoutout to Jeremy’s mom Joyce Piven who has been running their acting school for 40 years!  I have had a chance to study under her this last year at Piven Theatre Workshop, and can say first hand that I am truly impressed, thankful & supportive of everything she has done and is doing to keep talent evolving at its best in our city instead of making them have to flee to the coasts for the best in acting classes & training! I also want to thank her for honoring me with the Byrne Piven (her late husband and PTW co-founder) Community Leadership Award along with Kate Walsh who won the the Joyce Piven Artistic Excellence Award. Click here for info on us that day!
Most important, I’d really like to invite you all to get involved with us now and join the Piven’s this Saturday, June 25th for the 40th Anniversary of Piven Theatre Benefit at the MCA Loft (5p VIP, 6p for all)!!!!!  Here is all the info & tix: http://bit.ly/izeMKd.  Afterward, join Jeremy Piven and I as we host the AfterParty at Rockit from 9p-11p… For tix click the button below!

HEADS UP- GIVE AWAY!  I am buying 100 tix to treat 100 ppl to join Jeremy & I at our after party at Rockit!  I am also giving away an 8wk children’s/teen acting course at Piven Theatre Workshop that was hugely buzzed about when I did it last year….  I will announce the giveaway tomorrow/Thursday 6/23 on either my twitter or facebook just before noon so make sure you click them and get connected with me!  Enjoy and spread the word!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tags: 40 Years, aidan quinn, billy dec, Byrne Piven, chicago, chicago theatre, jeremy piven, Joan Cusak, john cusack, joyce piven, kate walsh, piven, piven theatre workshop

“Bangkok Food Tours” Company inspired as tourists in Chicago!

Many who follow me on Twitter & Facebook ask me how I navigated my culinary research and development tour through South East Asia last month so I thought I would feature one of the companies that helped me out in this lil fun video. “Bangkok Food Tours!“  They actually began interacting with me on Twitter long before we met in person just expressing appreciation for the foodporn I tend to share often (haha, see people like it)!

I let them know I was coming through Thailand after Cambodia & Laos, they offered to take me around the local eating scene in Bangkok, and bam- it was awesome- loved it- shared all on my Blog/Twitter/Facebook… And everyone freaked out! Click here if missed pics! Also of interest, this quick video I shot on the fly also reveals that this young dynamic duo, passionate about food & their culture, found inspiration to start their company after a food tour trip they caught in Chicago!  Yup, they even took a class in Chicago on how to set up a great food tour company and brought it home to start a Thai phenomenon!

Please share this video celebrating how our worlds connect through social media, food & culture… And get out there and visit them!!! For more info checkout www.BangkokFoodTours.com, and follow them on Twitter & Facebook! Oh, and here’s just an example of some of the dishes at some of the restaurants I tried on a quick but hearty couple hour walking/eating tour with them while in Bangkok last month:

1.    Chareon Wieng – Traditional Roasted Duck Served on Rice
2.    Muslim Restaurant – Curry on Egg, Beef Satay
3.    Café de Laos – freshy stream fish wrapped in betel leat, fried squid stuff with minced pork
4.    Yen Ta Po Wat Kak – Authentic Thai Yen Ta Po noodle
5.    Kallaprapruk – Original Curry Served on Roti, Thai-Style Coconut Ice-cream

Loved it!!!!!

Tags: bangkok food tours, billy dec, cafe de laos, cambodia, chareon wieng, chicago, facebook, food, food porn, food tours, kallaprapruk, Laos, muslim restaurant, south east asia, Thailand, travel, twitter, yen ta po wat kak

Tips on using Social Media in Business on Chicago Live!

I laughed yesterday when I tweeted that I was going to be a guest talking about Social Media in Business on a new live show with Cardinal Francis George & Second City, knowing that immediately thousands of people who follow me stopped what they were doing and went… “HUH?!”  That’s what I love about this new show called “Chicago Live!“  It sounds so diverse, entertaining, relevant, alive & Chicago!

This unique Tribune & Second City production is filmed in front of live studio audience on Thursdays at 6:30p, at Chicago Theatre’s Downstairs Stage, hosted by Rick Kogan, featuring special guests that represent the city’s top newsmakers, entertainers, athletes, artists… w/quick sketches by Second City members! After the show, the audience is invited to a reception with the cast, crew & guests.. Seriously, sounds like a blast!

With that, I’m truly honored to be part of the show this Thursday, May 5th! I’m psyched to join filmmaker Melissa Pierce, and Social Media editor & radio host Amy Guth, on stage to discuss the use of Social Media in Business! Other guests will include Catholic archbishop of Chicago Cardinal Francis George ( interviewed by Manya Brachear), Arlington Park’s Howard Sudberry previewing the upcoming race season (interviewed by Phil Rosenthal), Local bluegrass band Cornmeal, and again… Peformances by Second City!

Please be in the audience, enjoy & cheer us on! Tickets: http://trib.in/fLEtrt AND BTW, would love to get some questions, advice, feedback, thoughts… from you about what all you think I should talk about ahead of time!?  Please let me know on Twitter, Facebook and/or comment below as soon as you can! If you can’t make the show, Chicago Live! re-airs on WGN radio the Saturday following the Thursday tapings from 11p-midnight.  Podcasts are also posted to the Chicago Live! website the Friday after each show.Thanks!!!!

Tags: amy guth, arlington park, billy dec, bluegrass, cardinal francis george, chicago, chicago live!, chicago tribune, cornmeal, facebook, howard sudberry, manya brachear, melissa pierce, phil rosenthal, rick kogan, second city, social media, tribune, twitter

Meet Andrew Zimmern of Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods!”

From dung beetles and rotten fish to fertilized duck eggs and brain tacos, we’ve watched Andrew Zimmern freak us out eating unthinkable things we didn’t even know existed on Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods!” But let me tell you from a personal relationship, he is far more than just able to shock & excite. He’s worldly, intelligent, entertaining, magnetic, funny and well versed in all things culinary & culture- and I really think you should meet him while he is in town next week!

So you know, I also am an Andrew fan in part because he is a huge fan of Chicago, calling us “America’s Greatest Food City” when I interviewed him for the olympics, and recently came to chicago to do a show just on us, actually inviting me to join him  when eating & filming from chicago’s southside (See video above).  Also, how cool of a friend is he to invite a Chicagoan like me to come with him to eat & film in Namibia – will never forget it.

Anyway, I can’t say enough about him, but that you should check him out next Thursday, April 28th, when he’s speaking at Harper College in Palatine, IL. If you can.  He’ll be talking about how foods can be key to a culture’s sustainability & more! Click here for tickets & info, or call (847) 925-6100.

Tags: 2016, andrew zimmern, billy dec, bizarre foods, blogger, chicago, cook, harper college, namibia, olympics, travel, travel channel, travel channel bizarre foods, writer

Chicago’s Common to Honor Dr. Maya Angelou, Dee Robinson Reid, Sherrie Shepherd & Keke Palmer at Gala

Hey everyone! This is Feeny Fernandez from Billy’s office! This week is just a ton of amazing stuff going on in Chicago! Thursday we’ve got President Obama’s event going on at Navy Pier (still some tickets left! more info here http://bit.ly/gNCgkW). Friday is our co-alliance fundraiser at Sunda for Japan through Direct Relief International. And Saturday, some strong women are gonna hit up Chicago…

This Saturday, hip hop artist, actor, and Chicago native Common and the Common Ground Foundation are holding an Inaugural Gala Fundraiser at the InterContinental Hotel to celebrate women in leadership. The evening’s distinguished honorees include Dr. Maya Angelou, actress and singer Keke Palmer, business leader Dee Robinson Reid, and actress and “The View” talk show host Sherri Shepherd.

“One of the things I always say to people is to ‘strive for greatness in any and everything you do,’” says Common. “The women we’re honoring have represented that and so much more! I am truly honored to have the opportunity to celebrate… the honorees.” The evening will include a silent auction, entertainment, and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit Common Ground Foundation’s goals and help expand their reach in local communities.

The Common Ground Foundation was created and founded in 2000 by Common as a way to give back to the community where he was raised. It aims to develop the youth in under-served communities to be contributing citizens and strong leaders through programs that offer the youth with a creative outlet. You can tell what a great guy Common is and how much he cares about his hometown from the video above – what an incredible Chicago cheerleader he’s become!

For more information on the event and the Common Ground Foundation, check out www.commongroundfoundation.org/galafundraiser2011.

Tags: 2016 olympics, billy dec, chicago, common, common ground, common ground foundation, dee robinson reid, dr. maya angelou, fundraiser, hip hop, intercontinental hotel, keke palmer, Music, rapper, sherry on the view, sherry shepherd, the view

Interview with Jerry Bryant of JBTV!

Hey all! Amy Shah here from Billy’s office sharing this story on JBTV.  A few month back, Rockit Wrigley hosted a panel of social media experts including Jerry Bryant, the founder of JBTV.  Our interactive marketing coordinator, Tim Toomey, had the chance to interview the dynamic Jerry Bryant- check it out!

Since 1984, JBTV, the music TV show based out of Chicago has been featuring exclusive interviews, music videos, and live performances and is Chicago’s longest-running music television show.

As the host of the show, Jerry has aired over 3,600 weekly one-hour episodes that have helped local bands reach national level as well as featuring already well-known artists. Some notable musicians making appearances on the show include Fall Out Boy, the Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day & Pearl Jam.

With over 4,000 hours of original content and an audience of 11 million, it’s no wonder the show has won multiple Emmy awards & two Billboard Music Video Awards for “Best Local/Regional Alternative Modern Rock Show.”

JBTV airs new episodes weekly.  Check out their site for more info!

Tags: billy dec, chicago, eddie veder, JBTV, Jerry Bryant, music videos, pearl jam, peter murphy, public access tv, rock music, rockit, rockit bar and grill, rockit wrigley, Tim Toomey, tv show