Chicago Culture, Celebrity, Arts & Entertainment
Chicago culture, arts & entertainment with Billy Dec

Browsing all posts tagged with rockit.

10/19/12

Create the best late night Bar/Restaurant! Rockit Ranch bought Martini Ranch. You choose the concept Chicago! (update by Billy Dec)

chicago, Food, nightlife, restaurants

UPDATE 10/19/12- THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! The most voted for concept for our next venue was a play on a “Mexican Dive Bar” at 39% of the votes- so as of right now, we will proceed now in that direction!!!!! Please help us spread the word to hire the best staff for this project, and for positions available at our other Restaurants/Bars/Nightclubs…at our Open Call for Jobs this Monday 10/22/12 from 2p-530p at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard). See: http://bit.ly/SAOFyP & email HR@RockitRanch.com for info.

Thank you all so much for your valuable input! More to come!***

Surprise!  We found a unique opportunity and bought Martini Ranch!  Not only is it one of the few 4am licenses left in the city, and walking distance from our other River North properties Sunda, Dragon Ranch, Underground & Rockit, but tons of Chicagoans from all over (like my partners Brad Young, Arturo Gomez & I) have meaningful history enjoying this local gem w/friends for the last 20+ years! Haha- I even was a bouncer there when I was 21!

So… now what? What should we do with it?  We figured you all have been so critical to our success with your insightful & caring suggestions on what we can  do to serve you better, that we thought we’d let you have a say too! We’d probably open it around the new year, just in time to send our late night crowd & employees there from Underground, while we give UG a fresh new look during the slower winter months of 2013. Which means we need to know what route to take now! 

[poll id="3"]

We will tally all votes and announce our decision in early October!  Thanks all and spread the word to all your friends via Twitter, Facebook, email (please use share buttons here too).. we want to hear what they think too!

AND since we are growing- WE ARE HIRING! Positions include experienced Servers, Bartenders, Managers, Hosts, Security, Cooks, Sous Chefs, Mixologists… At Rockit, Sunda, Underground, Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ and whatever this new concept will be! Email HR@RockitRanch.com if interested!

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08/02/12

Real Men of Chicago, Restaurants Raise a Glass of Rose to Support Bright Pink Charity

celebrities, charity, chicago, Food, Fundraiser, General, Networking, nightlife, Pictures, Press, restaurants

As the Wine Director and Co-Owner of BIN 36, I have the opportunity to support various charities and organizations through donations and special events. This August, I decided to take our philanthropic efforts a step further by creating the “Real Men Drink Pink” campaign, benefiting Bright Pink, the only national breast cancer organization focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women while providing support for high risk individuals. Their efforts and work resonate with me on a personal level.

My family has been disproportionately affected by breast cancer.  I lost my mother, Barbara Duncan, in 1985 at the age of 57, and her sister a couple of years later.  Since then, three of my mother’s sisters have been diagnosed and treated for this indiscriminately vicious disease.  These women shared many things other than breast cancer, including beauty, strength, compassion, dignity, grace, great senses of humor, intelligence, and a passion for life.

We all know someone in our lives that has been touched by the devastating effects of breast cancer.  I am not a doctor, so I have found myself feeling helpless and constantly wondering how I could fight back.  Well, I have figured out a way. I’ve teamed with some of Chicago’s leading men including: Chef Rick Bayless, WLS Radio Host Roe Conn, CEO and Founder of Rockit Ranch Productions Billy Dec, ABC 7’s “Hungry Hound” Steve Dolinskyr, Chicago Bears Kicker Robbie Gould, Time Out Chicago Group Publisher Randy Hano, Chef Paul Kahan, One Off Hospitality Partner/Owner Donnie Madia, Check Please! Owner David Manilow, Naha Owner Michael Nahabedian, and Media Personality Richard Roeper.

It’s a way to say to all women that we care, we support you and that I will do what I can to make others aware that breast cancer has not been cured.  Most importantly, we’re in the fight with you and this is a community-wide issue.

Beginning August 10th through August 17th top Chicago restaurants will be pouring outstanding rose wines at $10 a glass in support of breast cancer awareness and Bright Pink. The campaign is “REAL MEN DRINK PINK.”  100% of the proceeds will go to Bright Pink for raising breast cancer awareness.

Bring your friends, family, office, and even strangers to visit these stellar restaurants and show your support.  Buy a glass, a bottle, or just donate generously at any of the participating restaurants.  You can do this.  While supporting this meaningful initiative, you will have the pleasure of sampling great food and wine from some of Chicago’s best!  Have fun and make a difference all at once.

“Real Men Drink Pink” participating restaurants include BIN 36, Boka, Frontera, Naha, NoMI Kitchen, Publican, Rockit, Sunda,  Telegraph, Topolobampo, and Webster’s Wine Bar. To learn more about Real Men Drink Pink, visit bin36.com or call 312.755.WINE.

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08/17/11

Lollapalooza 2011 Pre/Post Party, Celebs, Bands, Staff… Pics!

celebrities, chicago

If you missed me showing you the play by play on twitter & facebook of Lollapalooza this year, enjoy these pictures!

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07/26/11

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

Art, celebrities, charity, chicago, Food, Fundraiser, 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.

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06/27/11

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

Art, celebrities, charity, chicago, Fundraiser, General, nightlife, Press, Radio, restaurants, Theater, Uncategorized, Video

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

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05/16/11

Billy Dec joining ABC’s NEW SHOW filling “OPRAH” time slot called “Windy City Live!”

celebrities, chicago, General, Homepage Feature, nightlife

Shocking title I know – someone who beat me to the paper just texted it to me! Just wanted to confirm its true and that I couldn’t be more excited! Although I’m sad to see Oprah leave on the 25th, I’m thrilled to join the on-air team for the NEW ABC morning talk show filling her time slot (9a) the very next day (5/26) with such a wonderful group of talent, execs, crew…I can’t wait!

I’m most excited for you all to see my every Thursday segment about Entertainment/Buzz/Social Media/Events (set your DVR’s now just in case!).. But don’t just tune in then, as you never know when or where I might pop up elsewhere on the show… not to mention everyone on it rocks!

As always, follow me on www.twitter.com/BillyDec & www.facebook.com/BillyDec not only for what’s happening behind the scenes  & what’s to come, but also to shoot me any events, trends, stories… you think I should share on the show!! Speaking of, be sure to follow http://twitter.com/#!/WindyCityLIVE &  http://www.facebook.com/WindyCityLIVE?sk=wall as well!!

Shoutout to all on our team…President & General Manager Emily Barr, Executive Producer Marlaine Selip, Supervising Producer Cindy Patrasso, Senior Producer Hank Mendheim, Co-Host Ryan Chiaverini, Co-Host Val Warner, Producers Dan Barbossa, Mary Hynes, David Plummer and Matt Knutson, Producer/Editor Jared Hoffa, Director Greg Klazura, Associate Producers Jessie Kalin, Dawn Watkins, Ji Suk Yi and Lynne Wisnesfski and the Producer for my segments Emerald-Jane Hunter (who was my Producer when I Hosted her show on NBC!), all our fabulous interns Anna Simovska, Chelsea Collins, Courtney Mosley, Dana Weems, Myke Marinkovich, Steven Hurn… And the many many many other great people on set and behind the scenes that I can’t even name because the list is so long and wonderful.. Hope you all tune in and support!

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05/10/11

Cocktails w/ Chicago Bears’ Rashied Davis & Teammates for Education at Rockit!

celebrities, charity, chicago, chicago bears, Food, Football, Fundraiser, General, Homepage Feature, nightlife, restaurants, sports

Fans of the Bears, helping the community, Education, great food & drink, meeting amazing people… This event is for you!!!  Chicago Bears’ Rashied Davis has supported my philanthropic events for art, theatre, feeding poor.. for years.. and I am honored to help him get the word out about how his huge heart has taken it to the next level by hosting his own huge party for a wonderful cause on Tuesday May 17th from 6-8p at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard)!

This amazing event will support Rashied Davis Charities’ efforts to “teach students how to overcome obstacles to success through inspiration, preparation and discipline.” They help empower the fundamentals of reading, writing and speech to underserved kids teaching them how to apply tools to problem solve, communicate properly and just be an all around contributing member of society. I’m fully on board w/their mission, I have often talked about how communication leads to relationship building which leads to personal growth and opportunities.. And I’m always behind a fun time to help accomplish all of that!

So join us May 17th!  You can mingle with a bunch of Chicago Bears like Lance Briggs, Alex Brown, Anthony Adams, Jerry Azumah, Earl Bennett, Johnny Knox… different local celebrities, media, and all around fun supporters from everywhere who just care like you… cocktails, appetizers, silent auction & more… Get your tickets now: http://rashieddavischarities.org/homepage.aspx and I’ll see you there!

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04/05/11

ASIAN COMMUNITY FORMS ALLIANCE WITH ROCKIT RANCH PRODUCTIONS TO HOST ‘JAPAN FUNDRAISER’ AT SUNDA by Billy Dec

Fundraiser

Just as I landed in South East Asia, the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan (where I was supposed to land shortly after).  Upon seeing the immediate destruction on twitter, I knew I needed to somehow help the victims upon my return, where I figured I could do the most good.  Simultaneously, an overwhelming amount of requests from my kind & generous facebook & twitter friends asked that I put together an impactful event that they too can join, so that we can all help the victims of this tragedy together.

As I made my way home, I strategized with my Sunda business partner Aeron Lancero who took immediate initiative working with the Japanese Consulate on our behalf, along with many other Asian American Community organizations, to form an “Alliance” with our Sunda & Rockit Ranch team, to create an event that would benefit one of the top charities in the U.S., that donates 100% of its proceeds directly to the cause.  The organization we chose is Direct Relief International, our event will be held on Friday, April 15th at Sunda, and we will feature a cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a four-course seated dinner with live performances by JASC Tsukasa Japanese Taiko drummers, Classical Japanese dance and Japanese folk music.

Hopefully you can tell we are going all out to make a major contribution here.  To do so, we need to all be a part of this alliance and do whatever we each can, as best we can.  Tickets to our event are available here.  Most important, whether attending or not, if you could be good enough to spread this info (full press release below) to all the people, sites, press, bloggers, twitter & facebook friends, family, office mates… Anyone else you can think of, you too will be helping all greatly.  Thank you so much!

For Immediate Release:

ASIAN COMMUNITY FORMS ALLIANCE WITH ROCKIT RANCH PRODUCTIONS TO HOST ‘HELP JAPAN FUNDRAISER’ AT SUNDA
100 % of Proceeds support Direct Relief International, a relief fund for victims of the recent national tragedies in Japan

CHICAGO –Sunda, located at 110 West Illinois Street, will host a fundraising dinner for Direct Relief International, directly benefitting the recent earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.  Direct Relief International, one of the top rated charities in the United States, is currently coordinating support for relief and recovery efforts in high-level emergency consultations with Japanese organizations, business leaders, and government officials.

The event, to be held on Friday, April 15th, will feature a cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres starting at 6:00pm followed by a four-course seated dinner. Dinner will be accompanied by live performances that include JASC Tsukasa Japanese Taiko drummers,  Classical Japanese dance by Fujima  Shunojo and Fujima Yoshinojo, and Japanese Minyo (folk music) by Yoko Noge with shamisen accompaniment by Tatsu Aoki. Also during dinner, members of the associated groups and Direct Relief will be showcasing their current efforts to provide relief to the people of Japan.

The cost per ticket is $150 but will also be accepting in kind donations and sponsorships. Tickets can be purchased at sundachicago.com.  In addition, there will be a silent auction of an array of gifts donated by many members of the Chicago community. 100% of all proceeds will go to the relief fund that aids efforts to help Japan recover from the natural disaster.

Organizations of the alliance to ‘Help Japan’ include  JACL (Japanese American Citizens League), JASC (Japanese American Service Committee) and The FAN (Filipino American Network).   Event Co-Hosts include KABA (Korean American Bar Association),  IABA (Indian American Bar Association),  AABA (Asian American Bar Association) and OCA (Organization of Chinese Americans).

For more information or reservations contact Jamie Weil via email at Jamie@rockitranch.com or via telephone at 310-270-3054.

About Sunda

Chicago’scomfortably stylish New Asian restaurant serving contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes from Japan, China and the Southeast Asian Island region,is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to midnight and on Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Valet parking is available during all hours of operation. For more information or reservations, please call (312) 644-0500 or visit www.sundachicago.com.

About Direct Relief International

Direct Relief International is California’s largest medical relief organization, active in all 50 states and 70 countries. It works with more than 1,000 health clinics across the U.S. to assist in emergencies and an ongoing basis, providing them with free medications for people in need.  Direct Relief is among the largest medical suppliers to Haiti in response to the 2010 earthquake.  For more information, please go to www.directrelief.org.

About Rockit Ranch Productions

Rockit Ranch Productions is Chicago’s premier restaurant and entertainment development company, specializing in the creation, marketing and management of some of the city’s top venues including the New Asian restaurant Sunda, as well as the The Underground and the ever-popular Rockit Bar & Grill (with locations in River North and Wrigleyville). For more information, please go to http://www.rockitranch.com/.

Partners

About Japanese American Citizens League

“The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization, with 112 chapters across the United States and a chapter in Japan. The JACL’s ongoing mission is to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry.”

Direct Relief International has collaboratedwith the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) to support relief and recovery efforts in Japan through the formation of the Japan Relief and Recovery Fund.  100% of funds donated to the Japan Relief and RecoveryFund, which will be managed by Direct Relief International, will be dedicated exclusively to relief and recovery efforts in Japan.  For more information, please go to www.jaclchicago.org.

About Japanese American Service Committee

Established in 1946, the Japanese American Service Committee (JASC) is currently providing support groups and counseling for individuals traumatized by the devastation in Japan.  The JASC also provides a vast array of psychosocial programs with special expertise in culturally and linguistically-sensitive services not widely available in other traditional care settings.  In addition, the JASC offers programs, classes and events that not only preserve the culture, history and legacy of Japanese Americans, but also keeps them living, developing and relevant in today’s contemporary culture.  For more information, go to www.jasc-chicago.org.

About The Filipino American Network (FAN)

The FAN is a Chicago-based cultural education networking 501( c ) 3 organization focused on engaging and reconnecting Filipino-Americans with their Philippine culture and traditions through events and opportunities that include monthly mixers and our annual events such asAdobofest, The Chicago Filipino-American Film Festival, Senior Gift Basket Drive and the Passport to the Philippines at the Children’s museum at Navy Pier. For more information, please go to www.fan-chicago.org

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03/25/11

Interview with Jerry Bryant of JBTV!

Art, celebrities, chicago, General, Homepage Feature, Music, nightlife, Video

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!

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03/24/11

Gym Class Heroes’ TRAVIE MCCOY Concert Tickets Giveaway!!

Art, celebrities, chicago, General, Homepage Feature, Music, Radio, restaurants

Travie McCoy, lead singer of Gym Glass Heroes, is as you know, the indelible gold-selling group that credits local Pete Wentz as a buddy and collaborator. Travie has taken a quick break from the band to bust out a solo album, the famed Lazarus which of course features the monster hit “Billionaire” with Mr. Bruno Mars. Well I have great news Travie McCoy fans! He’s here in concert tomorrow – Friday, March 25  and I have 3 pairs of tickets for you!

He’ll be performing at 5:30pm at one of my favorite venues in the city, Metro (3730 N Clark St). Travie has also brought along XV, Donnis, Bad Rabbits and Black Cards for the evening.

If you want a chance at winning a pair here’s what you need to do : Comment below on why you love Travie McCoy AND why you think Metro rocks! Best 3 comments win a pair of tickets!

Sidenote….if you bring your concert ticket in to Rockit Wrigley (we’re just down the street) after the show, we’ll give you 20% off — BONUS!

Have at it guys – winners announced 5pm TONIGHT!

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