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”

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

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

Child’s Voice School: Small School Doing Big Things for Hearing Impaired Children

My name is Julie Stratis and thanks to Child’s Voice School, my son, Danny now has opportunities in life we never thought he would have. Danny has a cochlear implant – an incredible example of modern technology. The cochlear implant gives him access to sound, but Child’s Voice taught him how to hear and gave him his voice. The school has empowered us as a family.

Child’s Voice School is changing lives. This small, non-profit, oral deaf school is located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The annual Spring Fundraiser/Family Reunion will be held at the Brookfield Zoo this Saturday, May 4. Funds raised directly impact the children and empower the families in many ways. Providing hearing and speech therapy, music, science and art materials, and the support needed for Audiology services are just a few ways people can help make a difference through donations and sponsorships. You can change the lives of these children immensely!

Child’s Voice is an intense oral program for children who have hearing loss. At Child’s Voice, children are provided the skills and tools necessary to learn to listen and speak and to enjoy the sounds of their everyday lives. Children that participate in the school’s programs range in ages from birth through age eight. They represent a diverse population in geographic location, ethnicity and socio-economic situation. The current families are from over twenty different towns and cities located in six counties across Northern Illinois, with some traveling more than ninety minutes every day to receive services. It is an incredibly unique and amazing school that gives these deaf children new opportunities in life.

Child’s Voice is very excited to announce plans to expand to a new site located in the Roscoe Village.  This program will provide a much needed resource for children with hearing loss and their families to pursue a listening and spoken language education.

To see how you can make a difference or to read more about these amazing kids please visit Child’s Voice.

Thanks to Rockit Ranch Productions for your incredible support and helping these hearing impaired children and their families reach their dreams!

- Julie Stratis

Chairperson & Parent of Child’s Voice Alumni

Tags: art materials, Audiology services, Brookfield Zoo, chicago, Child's Voice, Child's Voice School, children, hearing, hearing loss, Music, non-profit school, oral program, Roscoe Village, science, speech programs Chicago, speech skills, speech therapy, sponsorships, Spring Fundraiser/Family Reunion

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

Rave Runs Bring New Style to Chicago’s 5k

Hey Chicago!  I’m Kendall Rozell, the newest addition to Billy Dec’s intern team at Rockit Ranch Productions.  I have never been too keen on going for a run – the part that really excites me is listening to my favorite type of music, electronic dance.  So when the new trend of the Rave Run started spreading around Chicago, I knew I had to join in!

While running can be very serious and solitary, why not change it up by running in a 5k with glow sticks and dance music but still benefitting great causes?  This running season the Chicagoland area is being treated to three different glow-in-the-dark races

On Saturday, April 27th join runners from all over Chicago at Grant Park for The Rave Run.  Where adrenaline pumping music and special effects lights will pave the way of the course.  The Rave Run focuses on being happy and healthy as you run into a nocturnal world of lights.  The proceeds go to benefit local Chicago charities that are announced closer to the date of the race.

If you can’t make it then, try Living Social’s Glow-in-the-Dark 5k Dance Party on Saturday, June 1st at Soldier Field!  This race allows you to run around the stadium, and then join all the other participants for an after-party on the field, where the Bears play!  The proceeds help Mercy Corps and d.light bring 500 solar lanterns to schoolchildren in Somalia, so they can read and study at night.  So run in lights for lights!

Finally, on Saturday, June 15th try running again in Grant Park for The Glo Run.  It’s the same deal, a 5k at night with great music and lights!  The proceeds benefit Back on My Feet, which uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change how they see themselves!

It doesn’t matter which one you choose because they all have one thing in common…glow swag, dancing, and after parties.  Celebrate your love of running with these new, innovative, charity-driven races!  If it can get me running, then I’m willing to bet these are going to be fun!  If you have any additional questions visit The Rave Run, Living Social, or The Glo Run for more details.

-Kendall Rozell

Tags: Back on My Feet, billy dec, charity, chicago, d.light, dance, dj, electronic dance, Glo Run, glow in the dark, glow sticks, grant park, house music, intern, lights, Living Social, Mercy Corp, Music, neon, rave, Rave Run, rockit ranch productions, running, Soldier Field, Somalia, techno

Calling all Chicago Wine and Rock Enthusiasts!

Tags: Bob Stroud, chicago, food, magnificent mile, michigan avenue, Music, rock and roll, The Drive 97.1, The Signature Room at the 95th®, wine

Autism Speaks to Young Professionals Supports Autism Awareness Month with Illuminate Event

AS2YP Chicago will be hosting Illuminate on April 6th at the Joffrey Ballet Studio to celebrate Autism Speaks’ Light It Up Blue campaign and April as Autism Awareness Month. The event is now sold out, but read on to learn how to get on the waitlist and support AS2YP in other ways!

Autism affects 1 in 88 children in the United States – what can Chicago do to help? Autism Speaks to Young Professionals (AS2YP) calls Chicagoans to commemorate Autism Awareness month and to help Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue this April!

Step One:

Join AS2YP – Chicago for Illuminate, a cocktail reception, taking place on April 6, 2013 from 7-10 p.m. at the Joffrey Ballet Tower. The event includes tasting stations from Chicago restaurants (Rockit Bar & Grill is one of them!), an open bar (courtesy of Goose Island and Bacardi USA), raffle and silent auction, music and most importantly, the opportunity to help Autism Speaks change the future for everyone who struggles with autism. Click here to put your name on the Illuminate wait list, donate to the event or to purchase a tribute to honor a loved one!

Step Two:

Do your part to Light It Up Blue. Wear blue on April 2^nd, World Autism Awareness Day, and purchase blue Autism Speaks light bulbs from Home Depot to light up your own home. With the support of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, buildings throughout Chicago will Light It Up Blue. Keep your eye on the blue skyline all month, join us for our city-wide events and take the opportunity to raise awareness about autism!

Step Three:

Become involved with AS2YP – Chicago beyond Illuminate and Autism Awareness month. AS2YP is making Chicago a more autism-friendly city, playing in LTS Chicago’s sports leagues, planning fundraisers, networking…you name it, we do it, and we invite you to join us! Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about AS2YP and to learn more about membership opportunities. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to receive daily updates on Illuminate and our other activities!

-Tori Tasch, PR Chair for Illuminate, AS2YP Chicago’s annual event

Tags: as2yp, autism-friendly, bacardi usa, city-wide events, events on april 6th, facebook, goose island, home depot, illuminate, joffrey ballet tower, light it up blue, LTS Chicago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Music, rockit bar & grill, silent auction, tori tasch, twitter

Making Spirits Bright: Daley Plaza Tree Lighting

Have you checked out Daley Plaza yet? It is literally the best way to get into the spirit of the season.  Besides grabbing some fun gifts at Chriskindlmarket, you have to stop by and admire the tree.  I did back in November when they lit the tree for the 99th time.

Daley Plaza thinks local when it comes to finding the tree.  This 64-foot tall tree is from Prospect Heights! Don’t you feel jolly and bright seeing the tree get lit? From all of the Rockit Interns–happy holidays!

-Grace Sweeney

Tags: chicago tradition, christmas, Daley Plaza, family activities in chicago, fun things to do during the holidays in chicago, Grace Sweeney, Music, tree lighting in chicago

BACH TO BEER! BYOB group piano classes in Chicago

Hello everyone!  Billy and I have known each other for a long time, primarily on account of my alter ego, C-note – the lead singer for Too White Crew, but today’s blog is not about that.  He’s letting me take up some bandwidth to tell you about a fresh new business I started in the West Loop…

If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play piano, I’ve just made it as easy, fun and inviting as possible.

The Musical U is the first of its kind anywhere – a group piano lesson studio with a state-of-the-art digital piano lab and multi-media learning in a relaxed, BYOB setting.

After years of hearing friends talk about how they wished they could play piano, I decided to take a look at why grown ups haven’t done it so I can make sure that The Musical U flattens each of those issues:  People want to have fun learning, they don’t want to have to buy an expensive piano and commit to a long-term, expensive private lesson regimen just to try lessons and no adult wants to play through six months of nursery rhymes before getting to say, Elton John or Alicia Keys.

So I built a studio that not only addresses these issues, but I’ve also added social and BYOB elements to give it a great sense of, ”We’re all in this together.”

The headset communication system allows for two-way communication between the teacher and the students. Plasma TV’s show the teacher’s hand positions or musical scores. It’s also green-friendly, encouraging students to bring iPads to store their lessons, cutting down on paper lessons and books.  Each piano even has a USB charging station…and of course a cup holder for your favorite adult beverage.

The Adult Piano 101 classes are affordable ($25/class), and each lesson even offers an educational segment on a composer, artist, musical style, genre or some other musical “thing you should know.”  I’m also introducing a full curriculum in 2013 including singer/songwriter classes, theory classes, improvisation classes, parent-child classes…and instructional courses in auditioning, microphone technique and stage presence.

Don’t own a piano?  The Musical U offers inexpensive digital piano rentals so you can practice at home. Basically you can learn to play piano for about the cost of a parking ticket. Online scheduling is available on the website.  If you’re looking for a unique holiday gift or a New Year’s Resolution idea, give a gift certificate from www.themusicalu.com.

Happy holidays everyone! Come see Too White Crew’s anniversary show January 5^th at Joe’s on Weed St!

-John Cordogan

Tags: alicia keys, BYOB, C-note, elton john, guest blogger, Music, musical scores, piano, piano lessons, The Musical U