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

Browsing all 107 posts in celebrities.

Chicago Hosts Worlds Largest Indoor Motorcycle Show

celebrities, chicago

I really just want a Ducati Monster…like, I’ll give you a vital organ for that bike kind of desire. And I don’t even really ride,  actually… I’ve only ridden once.  But that one time was all it took, and in the grand scheme of things that bike is so cool it doesn’t even matter if you ride it. It would instantly increase my street cred, don’t ya think? So, I don’t ride, and I’m not the biggest Son’s of Anarchy fan,  but I was still pretty intrigued when I heard about this event this weekend. Chicago is hosting the World’s Largest Indoor Motorcycle Show, Parts Expo, and Motorcycle Swap Meet at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

The 28th Annual Chicago Motorcycle Show & Parts Expo is being held on Friday, February 3rd and Saturday, February 4th.  It’s the perfect way to get ready for this motorcycle season. Vendors from all over the country will be in attendance in addition to the greatest Midwest swap meet there is.  Anything and everything you can you can tie into this scene, bikes, leather, novelties and more for sale, trade, and purchase. For all you Sons of Anarchy buffs, Opie Winston, will make a pair of appearances on Saturday, while the rest of the weekend is highlighted with custom bike shows, trophies, over $3,000 cash prizes, live music, food, beer, door prizes and a lot more.

Whether you are an experienced rider, mechanic, or just a passionate enthusiast this is one of the best motorcycle events this city has to offer, conveniently timed during this off season to get you excited for the months to come. Tickets for 1 day are only $10 pre purchased or $15 at the door, and a 2 day pass is only an additional $5 to both prices respectively. There is even a VIP pass for online purchase only, and it’ll get you 2 day admission, a special meet and greet with the celebrity guests, and access to a VIP lounge and open Bar. The only negative thing I can possibly think of is riding on 4 wheels all the way home! To get your tickets ahead of time and all the info visit http://bit.ly/yDCUP2

-Bryan Neubauer

 

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Celebrate 41 Years Of The Hit Show “All My Children” With A Tribute To Pine Valley

celebrities, chicago, movie, Pictures

Having a hard time dealing with the absence of All My Children on ABC? Then buy your ticket to A Tribute to Pine Valley and ask the cast of your favorite soap opera all the questions you’ve been waiting to ask for years! All My Children was an amazing and ground breaking soup opera that was filled with as many characters as there are people on the streets of Chicago, and now’s your chance to meet the cast.

Aired on ABC from January 5, 1970 to September 23, 2011, All My Children (AMC) was the story of the people of Pine Valley, Pennsylvania. AMC was filled with heart breaks, death, disease, doubt, jealousy and revelations and entertained millions of viewers internationally. The show itself has won 33 Daytime Emmy awards, while its performers pulled in 30 Daytime Emmys. In its first season AMC ranked the #1 daytime show in America, and during most of the 80’s and early 90’s it held the #2 spot for most popular daytime show.

Now’s your chance to get up close and personal with six of your favorite Pine Valley citizens. Jackson, Kendall, Jesse, Ryan, David and JR will be at the Rosemont Theatre on January 15th to reveal secrets, share never-been-told stories, and provide AMC trivia to get you back into Pine Valley. Tickets are only $125 and can be purchased here. The trip down memory lane starts at 3pm and runs for two hours, and will be followed up by an autograph and photo session that will go until 7:30pm. You’re only going to get one shot to meet and chat with your favorite AMC stars. Don’t miss it!

Wanjiku Kairu

 

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Celebrate The Kings 77th Birthday With Elvis Fest 2012

celebrities, chicago, Fundraiser, Music

Celebrate “The King” and what would have been his 77th birthday on Sunday, January 8th with Elvis Fest 2012! Elvis Presley was the top hunk back then and he still is to many today. Girls wanted him and guys wanted to be him! Honor who he was, what he did, and how he made people feel with his music by partaking in this event at The Original Mother’s.

Fans will gather from all over to be “all shook up” at this Elvis Fest! Radio Hall of Famer Dick Biondi will be hosting and broadcasting the event live from 7-11pm. There will be numerous Elvis Tribute Artists taking the stage to perform classic songs “that made Elvis The King!” Don’t forget to come dressed in your best Elvis attire too because the winner of the look-a-like contest wins a trip for two to Vegas, yes I said VEGAS, Baby!

When you need a break from shakin’ it all night hydrate with Absolut “All Shook Up” cocktails, Malibu “Aloha from Hawaii cocktails, PBR, and more! Don’t forget to try the FREE peanut butter and banana buffet and sing “Happy Birthday”!

The doors to Elvis Fest 2012 open at 7pm and there is no entrance fee- but there is a $5 suggested donation that will benefit The Original Mother’s favorite charity- the New Orleans Musicians Clinic.

Get your Elvis suit on and I’ll meet you on the dance floor!

-Rhea Drougas

 

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Warhol in Winter – Art Institute Evening Exhibit with Empire Screening

Art, celebrities, chicago, General, movie, Movies, Museum, nightlife, Pictures

Watch out, IMAX.  Chicago’s winter skyline is about to become a giant movie screen. On Friday, December 9, The Art Institute of Chicago, supported by the Graham Foundation for Advance Studies in the Fine Arts, will beam Andy Warhol’s celebrated conceptual film “Empire” onto the top 12 stories of the Aon Center to mark the opening of the museum’s new photography exhibition, Light Years: Conceptual Art and the Photograph 1964-1977.

Shot in one, continuous take over the course of a single evening in 1964, Warhol’s silent footage of the Empire State Building observes the famed structure over a period of several hours from dusk to nightfall and finally, darkness.  Our city’s screening will mark the film’s first large-scale, outdoor presentation in the United States.

While the film will be viewable from Millennium Park, the Evening Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago are offering an indoor option. A special viewing party in the panoramic Modern Wing, entitled “Unveiled: Empire,” will give guests a front-row seat from which to consider one of Warhol’s landmark experimental pieces, all while enjoying hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, and music from one of Chicago’s hippest DJs.  Attendees will also get a special sneak preview of the museums new “Light Years” exhibit before it opens to the public.

The event will take place on Friday, December 9 from 8:00-11:00 PM in the Nichols Trustees Suite, located on the second floor of the Art Institute’s Modern Wing. The cost, which includes food and drinks, is $60 for Evening Associates members and $70 for non-members.

Tickets are limited, and those interested in attending can sign up here. Additional information is available at the Evening Associates’ information line (312-443-3710) or by contacting Jaime Norwood (jnorwood@artic.edu)

“Unveiled: Empire” is just one of many cool cultural events put on by the Evening Associates throughout the year. The group’s mission is to bring Chicago’s young professional community into an active, participatory relationship with the Art Institute of Chicago in order to promote an understanding and appreciation of the arts. Evening Associates members enjoy exclusive museum gatherings, gallery walks and other unique “after-five” events throughout Chicago, taking advantage of the city’s vibrant art and social scene.  More information is available at www.eveningassociates.com.

We hope you can make it! – Sean Mogle


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Reality TV Star and Fashion Trendsetter Whitney Port Is On Her Way to Chicago To Host Design Your Life Shopping And Lifestyle Event!

celebrities, chicago, fashion

You know her from MTV’s The Hills and The City and while she’s certainly left a memorable mark on New York and LA, Whitney Port is coming to Chicago to share stories, give inspiration and answer all your burning questions! Whitney opens up about everything from her book True Whit covering fashion and beauty to romance and career. From backstabbing coworkers and bitchy bosses to long-distance boyfriends and a daring new career in fashion, Whitney managed to handle it all.  After Port speaks, have your phones ready as she’ll answer your questions submitted via Twitter!

Aside from Whitney’s words of wisdom, Dime Worldwide, CS Magazine & Platinum Events set the stage to let you get the jump on Black Friday weekend shopping by giving you the opportunity to see and save on the latest from local design boutiques Pink Label & Akiliam Studio, snag a pair of designer frames or shades from River North boutique Wear Eyewear, get hair and beauty tips from George the Salon, ask fitness experts from Barre Bee Fit the best ways to stay in shape for the working woman, test drive Google’s latest Chicago mobile application Google Places all the while enjoying food, delectable treats from Lovely Bake Shop and sipping autumn inspired Stoli cocktails mixed up by Femme de Coupe.  After all is said and done, leave with tips on designing a life of style, beauty and fun, grab a loaded gift bag and hold on to your wristband for entrance to exclusive after-parties!  For more info and tickets, visit http://designyourlifechicago.com

Chris Mahlmann

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Chicago Fashion Focus Wrap Up

celebrities, chicago, fashion, General, Press

Now that the 7th annual Chicago Fashion Focus has come to an end, this is the perfect time to reflect on the city’s initiative to cultivate local talent. Having just seen a parade of various trades, be it designers, producers, stylists, models, photographers and more, it’s comforting to know that the city is trying to help these emerging artists find a voice. Chicago definitely has been and still is a launching pad for many careers.

The locally based high fashion, boutique, modeling agency Factor Women is no stranger to developing talent and launching them into the world of high fashion. As a matter of fact, the Spring Summer 2012 show season was dominated by some of Factor’s Chicago models.

-Katrina Hoernig, 19 year old,  Whom you may have seen this week at the Millennium Park Tent, has just returned from fashion week, where she was featured by Marc Jacobs, Jeremy Scott, Charlotte Ronson and many more.

-Brittany Burke, 16 years old, spent several weeks traveling from New York to Paris and Milan. She was booked for one of the most coveted shows of the season –a Calvin Klein exclusive. She also walked in shows such as Rochas, Ungaro, Cacharel to name a few.  She is back in the Midwest now, finishing high school.

-Ava Smith, the 22 year old Chicago native ended up booking shows such as DKNY, Helmut Lang, Mugler and many more. She was also featured in a show by the uber talented Chicago grown and New York based, design duo, Creatures of the Wind, as was the aforementioned Katrina.

-Maria Bradley, who is 17 years old, started her first show season with a bang, booked by her stellar agent straight from Chicago. She opened the much talked about Alexander Wang show. Ashley Brokaw proclaimed Maria one of top three new comers on Style.com. Maria was then also featured in Proenza Schouler, Tommy Hilfiger, an exclusive show for Versace and their other line Versus, as well as an exclusive show for Balenciaga in Paris. New York Magazine then featured Maria, three times, including an exclusive interview, as did WWD, Models.com and countless fashion blogs.

It’s exciting to know that all of these talented individuals started here in Chicago and that every year, there will be many more successes like these. As a matter of fact, many new models debuted this year in Factor’s exclusive shows during Chicago Fashion Focus, as well as many other emerging talents.

- Kasia Koniar, Guest Blogger

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Chicago Cubs Kerry Wood 6th Annual Strike Zone Celebrity Bowling Tournament

baseball, celebrities, charity, chicago, cubs, Food, Fundraiser, nightlife, sports

Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood and his wife, Sarah, are holding the 6th Annual Kerry Wood Strike Zone Celebrity Bowling Tournament. Over the years with this fundraiser, they have raised over 2 million dollars for children in and around the Chicagoland area!

There will be 24 corporate-sponsored teams along with a celebrity captain on each one. This event takes place on September 18th at 10Pin and is hosted by Eric & Kathy of 101.9fm THE MIX. If you want to get involved with this fundraiser you can! There is a silent auction taking place right NOW and closes at 10pm on Saturday, September 17th.  Online bidders will be represented by proxy at the event and notified about their winning bids. Definitely go take a look at what’s available- there are autographed baseballs, tickets to Saturday Night Live, and so much more!

The Wood Family Foundation is really dedicated to raising funds for children’s charities and causes, and overall just improving their lives. Take a look at what they do here www.WoodFamilyFoundation.org and for more information on the Celebrity Bowling Tournament!

- Rhea Drougas

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Chicago Gateway Green’s 20th Annual Green Tie Ball

celebrities, charity, chicago, Food, Fundraiser, General, Music, Nature, nightlife, restaurants

I can’t believe this is the 20th anniversary of Green Tie Ball! I remember when I was graduating college and wanted to get involved in one charity that I knew could allow me to make a difference. I had always heard the best party of the year was called Green Tie Ball, so I did my research and found it was so much more than that I had to get involved.

The Green Tie Ball benefits Chicago Gateway Green, whose mission is dedicated to greening and beautifying Chicago’s expressways, gateways and neighborhoods. The non-profit organization was founded in 1986 and since then, have helped to improve both the local environment and the quality of life for millions of Chicago residents and visitors. They are able to improve our communities through three key programs: the Expressway Partnership, transforming city roadways into landscaped parkways; the International Sculpture Program, beautifying gateways through the installation of public, international art on expressways; and the Tree Partnership Program, a large-scale tree planting initiative that transforms vacant land into tree-filled green spaces.

12 years ago I started by stuffing gift bags and helping with whatever I could, I went on to book entertainment, then chaired the event and now was just voted on to the Executive Board of Directors! This Saturday marks the 20th anniversary and it’s back where it originated at A. Finkl & Sons and a “Return to Emerald City” theme. Saturday will be Co-Chaired by Tim SmitheWalter E. Smithe Furniture & Design and Stephanie CastagnierNBC’s The Apprentice 2010, plus we have over 60 of Chicago’s top restaurants including Sunda & Rockit Bar & Grill. Expect fabulous drinks and the best entertainment by Too White Crew, Dr. Bombay and tunes by DJ’s Rock City, Yours Truly and DJ Galvan – with the official after-party at The Underground. Tickets and more info – www.gatewaygreen.org.

- Jon Landan

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900′s Night Out with Bravo TV’s Brad Goreski

celebrities, chicago, fashion, General, nightlife, Pictures

Calling all Fashionista’s! Come and enjoy a night out on the town filled with “fame, fashion, and flavor”! There are plenty of festivities to participate in throughout the night. Hosting this ultimate party is Bravo TV’s Brad Goreski (you may know him from “The Rachel Zoe Project“), CS Magazine, and Gilt City. This is the perfect thing to do with a group of friends for some flirty fun. Taking place on September 8th, celebrate style by attending 900 North Michigan Shops from 6pm-9pm.

You may want to get started at the beauty bazaar! Here, you can get pampered with complimentary services. There are so many different things you can get done from mini manicures to lash extensions. With all that glitz and glam you are sure to work up an appetite, but no worries- Gilt City is providing delicious food from Chicago’s top restaurants. And what’s dinner without a show? Check out fall’s hottest looks with Flash Fashion Show.

In case all the pampering and celeb style makes you want to be a star you get the chance to act like one! Set up at the venue will be Glam Photo Booth! All you need is you, your friends, and your dazzling good looks for a red carper photo opp.

For more info on this event just go to http://www.shop900.com/fno/

Rhea Drougas, Intern

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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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