MTV’s “Best Breakout Artist” Andrew Belle back in Chicago!

as you may know, I try to help a lot of chicago talent thru twitter and facebook who could use a little exposure for their songs, art, craft,… a simple shout out, an introduction, or maybe even a spot on our stage,… and when they do make it big, I’m still all about pumping them up… anything to help the ultimate dream that I think we all share, which is the reason why I started this blog… and that’s to show the world, whatever it takes, that chicago talent, art & culture… is absolutely world class!

and with that, it is my honor, to say congrats to chicagoan andrew belle, who was recently named MTV’s “Best Breakout Artist” w/his songs now being played on shows like “Keeping Up With the Kardashians”,” “One Tree Hill,” “90210” and more!  And for his huge launch of his debut full-length album “The Ladder” which was just released on Tuesday on iTunes exploding on to the scene making it #1 on the singer/songwriter chart and the 24th most downloaded record in the country overall! (get it all here http://www.andrewbelle.com)

with that much success, this chicago rockstar of ours deserves a party- so since our relationship all started with him performing at rockit brunch, for many weekends over the last couple years, where else to celebrate this enormous album launch, killer award, long list of accomplishments,… than back at home!  So with that, join andrew & crew, along w/ his rockit family and friends for a celebratory live performance at rockit wrigley this Sunday night!  If haven’t heard him (or even if have), watch this video… you will really dig being with him, and hearing his passion live, on this special night… for info & rsvp contact info@rockitwrigley.com

Chicago’s Tickled pink to fight breast cancer!

like many others out there, my buddy jodi fyfe lost a loved one to breast cancer.  What I love about her though is she took immediate action to begin a very big fight, so that hopefully one day others wouldn’t have to feel that pain as well.  I met Jodi about 5 years ago when I was hosting a segment for metromix tv, there to cover and support her new tickled pink breast cancer fundraising event she had started, and was so wow’ed by her passion and determination, I never stopped supporting since.  Some years I joined all the chicago media invited to jump behind the bar to entertain and serve guests unique pink specialty drinks, some years I’ve grabbed the mic and hosted, but every year, I’m just a proud and excited guest there to enjoy all the wonderful people that have been brought together to fight this all too common battle in a really fun and positive way!

5 years & over $150,000 donated toward the cause later… jodi and her tickled pink team continue on and we will be with her… as I hope you will too! This year we get to be served and entertained by local Celebrity & media like.. TEAM WFLD-TV of Kori Chambers, Amy Freeze, Nancy Pender, Chris Sowers and Tera Williams. TEAM WGN-TV of Dina Bair and Tom Negovan. TEAM WMAQ-TV of Rob Elgas, Christian Farr, Natalie Martinez, Liz Parker, Alex Perez, Anthony Ponce, Marcus Riley, Matt Rodewald, Phil Rogers, Kim Vatis, Zoraida Sambolin and Ginger Zee, Susan Carlson of WBBM-TV, Susanna Negovan of Michigan Avenue, Amanda Puck of XA The Experiential Agency Inc.,  Liz Crokin of TheBootsGirls.com and Radaronline.com and last but not least.. the charitable firemen of the Windy City. 

My role?  To work with my underground & rockit ranch team to make sure the party rocks so all these superstars above can work their magic and make sure you and your friends have an absolute blast! so the party is at our place, the underground, this Friday, feb 26^th from 7-10p… drinks, food, Music, fun, amazing crowd, be there! for more info and tix go to www.tickledpinkchicago.com … and at bare minimum… just help spread the word as there are unfortunately many people out there that this could benefit in one way or another!  And together with jodi and the tickled pink crew- we will keep on fighting! You rock- b

Dynamic chicago theatre mix must see

If you follow me on twitter, you know I serve on the board of directors of the lookingglass theatre as I tweeted from our quarterly meeting yesterday about exciting new developments and collaborations to come… one artistic collaboration that I think is super cool with lookingglass is with their upcoming launch of hephaestus: a greek mythology tale combing elements of circus, theatre, live music, and dance… w/ silver guy entertainment @ the Goodman theatre.
 
the cast includes not only dear friends, but the world’s most elite circus performers- veterans from the wallenda family, ringling bros, and cirque de soleil, led by creator and artistic associate tony hernandez, & heidi stillman. They have been rehearsing & training for the past few months in sarasota, florida with the famous wallenda family, once only able to do a three person pyramid, but now with the space at the goodman theatre, coupled with the trust, traning & balance of their teammates, they are able to do a seven person pyramid(see pic above) for this show!

As for the storyline, it follows the tale of hephaestus, who was born weak, disfigured and crippled, and was cast down from the heavens to earth by his mother, hera.  on earth, he became an extraordinary artist, turning metal into beautiful works of art.  he creates men out of steel, encounters sea nymphs, and ultimately falls in love w/ the most beautiful goddess of all.

I have seen earlier productions of this play- it is an absolute must see- trust me. the show runs from april 7-may 23, and will probably sell out. Get tix now by calling goodman theatre box office at 312-443-3800 or website www.goodmantheatre.org!

care for women in chicago & beyond

in honor of international women’s day, “care” (www.care.org), an organization dedicated to helping women around the world by improving education, health, and economic opportunity, presents “half the sky live” on thursday, march 4 at 7:30pm in select theatres nationwide. this will be a one night interactive movie event inspired by pulitzer prize winning journalists nicolas kristof and sheryl wudunn & new york times bestseller “half the sky” which follows stories of extraordinary women around the world as they struggle to overcome oppression.

the “half the sky” event also features a screening of a short documentary by academy award winner marisa tomei and lisa leone, w/musical appearances & celebrity commentary by india arie, maria bello, diane birch, michael frantic, dr. helene gayle, angelique kidjo, nicholas kristof, sarah, duchess of york and others! 

Thank you to my buddies joe & jen shanahan, maria ponce, anna davlantes, and others,… who turned me on to an amazing opportunity to support, through an invitation to the care chicago women’s initiative event that includes a VIP pre-screening cocktail at webster’s wine bar (1480 w.webster ave.) from 5:00 to 7:15pm, followed by the “half the sky live premier” at webster place theatre (1471 w. webster ave.) from 7:30-9pm. tickets are $50- includes cocktails, appetizer and movie!  donations will go towards care’s education program for girls. to rsvp for event, email nmoslehuddin@care.org – see you there!

Dance marathon to help children’s memorial hospital!

Anytime you can mix entertainment, fun, energy, dancing, music, spirit,… to do good, I’m a huge supporter… which is why I am a huge fan of the infamous annual ‘Chicago Dance Marathon’ to benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital!

It’s pretty amazing to watch Hundreds of “dancers” gather for 13.1 nonstop hours of straight crazy dancing to show support and dedication to helping kids in need! Check this video, you can see it’s quite a unique experience that helps so many, so I encourage all to grab some friends and join in!

This year the event takes place Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place from 8am-9pm. Click here to register
and Check out Children’s Miracle Network at (childrensmiraclenetwork.org) for more info!

(and yes, fist pumping will be allowed as long as its used for good!)

Boxer Fres Oquendo, Buster Douglas & more!

Support our Chicago boxer friend Fres Oquendo aka “Fast Fres” aka “The Big O” for his big fight this Saturday at the Horseshoe Casino (Hammond, IN) as he goes for the NABA/USBA Heavyweight Title against Demterice King.  Oquendo, who has called Chicago home since he moved from puerto rico as a kid, has promised that he “will take care of King come Saturday night” in response to King saying “I won’t go the full 12 rounds… I’m knocking him out all the way out!”

And speaking of heavyweight big boxing talent in the house, one of my favs James “Buster” Douglas, will be in the house celebrating his 20^th anniversary of knocking Mike Tyson out!  In addition to watching the fight ringside showing love for these talents & chitown sporting events, buster will be there for the weigh-in as well as meeting w/ fans, so get in there boxing fans! For tix & info go to www.TicketMaster.com (Shoutout to chicagoan Tom Tsatsas & Hitz Boxing who brought this high profile event to chicago!)

Rockit Billboard Social Media Campaign

Rockit Billboard Campaign from A Chicago Thing on Vimeo.

happy president’s day!!

Just a simple shout out to all of our presidents- and our very own in office now from chicago- here’s a video of the last time we were in chicago together- driving up with secret service w/ just the two of them I share the stage with in front of masses of amazing fellow Chicagoans is something I will never ever forget… enjoy!

White Sox Frank Thomas Retires w/ Big Honor! Richard Dent’s to come!

There’s some breaking news today in the world of Chicago sports teams that really hit home w/ me! The White Sox declared they will retire Frank Thomas’ No. 35 as the former Sox player simultaneously announced his retirement! I had to give him a shoutout – he’s always been one of my favorite players and friends to hang w/ back when he played for and lived in Chicago!

Word has it that Thomas’ uniform number will be retired during a ceremony on August 29th at Cellular Field when the Sox take on the NY Yankees – also known as “Frank Thomas Day!” Congrats brother – what an unbelievable honor that is so rightfully deserved!

In celebration of all, sharing this pic of Frank and another Chicago sports legend buddy, Richard Dent, at my bday party a couple years ago! Thought it was relevant because just hung w/ Richard in Miami for the Superbowl.

Bummed about news that he didn’t get entry into the 2010 class of The Pro Football Hall of Fame after 6 times up for it as a finalist in the last 7 years. Huge bummer – but Richard – keep your head up man, you are an inspiration for athletes, Chicagoans and football fans alike. You’re time will come!

Chicago artists, musicians, performers, talent….of all kinds….

one of the reasons I started this blog was to give amazing people in chicago a platform to share their talents with a lot of cool people… like you!  If you have anyone that you think deserves some attention, just hit me on twitter or on my facebook page, and will check them out!

in meantime, enjoy this chicago band named “fly phoenix” that Kinelam who follows me on twitter sent in… love that they are rocking michael Jackson on guitars in a garage sounding great getting a ton of youtube comments from girls loving their look…just haven’t seen that a lot lately… can’t wait to see what you send in!

Chicago Big Brothers Big Sisters

Shout out to my buddies Jillian Harris & ed Swiderski of “The Bachelorette” who turned me on to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Chicago Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2010 that they are competing in… sounds like a blast! And all for an amazing cause… which I love…

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States – they’ve been connecting with and helping kids for over a century! Their main goal is to develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people, ages 6 through 18. Here are some unbelievable stats that really impressed me even more so with this organization :

By participating in the young mentoring programs, Little Brothers and Sisters are :

More Confident in their schoolwork performance

Able to get along better with their families

46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs

27% less likely to begin using alcohol

52% less likely to skip school

Big Brothers Big Sisters offers dozens of programs altered to address specific needs, ethnicities and areas such as community-based, school-based, mentoring military children, etc.

To kick jillians and ed’s butts in bowling and to support this amazing cause in a super fun way… click… http://tr.im/NFi3

Chicago Blackhawks’ Brian Campbell Foundation Texas Hold ‘Em Event!

Shout out to Chicago Blackhawks’ brian campbell for launching his new foundation “Campbell for Kids” raising funds for chicagoland charities helping children w/ learning disabilities, autism & other special needs!

Join brian, other pro-athletes & celebs tmrw/Weds (2/10) at Horseshoe Casino for a fun texas hold’em tournament charity launch party! Not only are there cash prizes, but I love that if you beat a Blackhawk or other celebrity player you get the jersey off their back!

Drinks, Food, Gaming, Live Entertainment, silent/live auctions,.. & more! Tickets at www.campbellforkids.org! roundtrip shuttles from Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W Hubbard) leaving at 4:20pm, 5:05pm, 5:50pm, 6:50pm & back for the Official AfterParty @ Rockit are free!  Seeya there!

Chicago’s Own Restaurant Show “Check, Please!”

Everyone’s fav chicago food show is the long time award winning “Check, Please!” so it is with great honor that I announce that rockit bar & grill was featured on the show this week! click here for our feature – http://tr.im/M3yA. (secretly I have been dying to be on this show forever, so really psyched!)

This popular restaurant review program takes three everyday people who have each picked their favorite restaurant which each in the group have to visit.. and then critique amongst eachother along w/ the fabulous host my good buddy alpana signh.

Since its premiere in 2001, the show has become a huge success in the Chicagoland area, winning several local Emmy awards building a waiting list to be on the show exceeding 27,000 people! I also hear they may be expanding and taking the show on the road? No matter how big it gets, I will always love it because it started in chicago, by Chicagoans, for Chicagoans,… for more info go to www.wttw.com/checkplease

Grammy Red Carpet, My Bday & The Chicago Recording Academy!

If follow me on twitter you got to join me on the red carpet at the grammys last weekend! Every year I find it exciting, but this year with twitter I was surprised to see how many were loving the tweet pics I sent in real time- couldn’t believe the numbers of hits from you all! Thank you!  Anyway, w/the responses from you all I got a ton of requests for video of the chaos so cut and pasted some together here!  Pretty crazy huh… so random…

Shout out to buddies common, Giuliana rancic, black eyed peas,.. who were super fun to hang out with on the carpet… as well as nick cannon who you will see as well in the video who is actually coming out to chicago next week for his wife mariah carey’s performances at the chicago theatre and to dj my “twitter/blog one year birthday party” that you all requested!  Amazing timing I know- His wife is performing down the street, he was my blog launch dj a year ago,.. it all just makes sense!

And omg I can’t believe its been one year, I learned a ton and have enjoyed blogging here and tweeting w/ all of you so much- thank you for the opportunity and I promise way more fun to come!  So speaking of fun, my twitter/blog bday party is Saturday February 13th at the underground! Trust me, this will be one party you do no want to miss!!! (comment below for big requests for tables, vip list,… will do our best)

Oh, and one last huge shout out, the recording academy that is responsible for the grammys has a tremendously respected and all around amazing chicago chapter right here in our own backyard that anyone remotely interested in the music industry needs to check out and be a part of- I have enjoyed it for years and highly suggest it!  For more info go to http://www2.grammy.com/Recording_Academy/Chapters/Chicago/

Chicago Equinox Cycle for Survival to Fight Cancer

Come out to celebrate the first annual Cycle for Survival race in Chicago! Cycle for Survival began in 2007 by Equinox member Jennifer Goodman Linn, who had been diagnosed with a rare soft-tissue cancer.  She credits her exercise regimen at Equinox gym with helping her get through her battle with cancer.

Over the past 3 years, the event has raised more than $2 million for cancer research with over 2,000 participants.  Past proceeds have funded a clinical trial at Memorial Sloan-Kettering resulting in a new chemotherapy regimen that has proven more effective at shrinking tumors in patients.

The Chicago event will take place on Saturday, February 6 at the Equinox in the Loop and will consist of 100 teams, each with up to 8 members.  I’m especially proud to say that the rockit ranch family will have its own team participating in the event!  To donate to the fundraiser through our team click  http://tr.im/MPjZ Hope to see you all there!

February Free Days at Art Institute Chicago

I’m goingIn LA recovering from Grammys last nite and got a tweet from my pals at The Art Institute of Chicago about it being free the entire month of February and had to spread the news! Seriously, one of the most world class cultural & art experiences right here in our own backyard- when is the last time you visited?! (Its been too long for me- I’m going!)