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

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 15^th 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

Tags: 41, abc, All My Children, Characters, Daytime, emmy awards, Meet and Greet, Opera, Pennsylvania, Pine Valley, Rosemont Theatre, Soap, tribute

The Gift Theatre Company Celebrates 10 Years With 10 Performances

The Gift Theatre Company, one of the smallest equity troupe’s in the Chicago, is celebrating their anniversary of ten successful years and are inviting all to experience it with them. The theatre’s newest performance, appropriately titled “Ten” is a quick sampler of short ten minute plays written by, ten playwright phenoms, David Rabe, Eric Bogosian, JT Rogers, Craig Wright, Caitlin Montayne Parrish, Andrew Hinderaker, William Nedved, Jenny Connell, & Maggie Andersen.

The ten performances run for a total of ten days. Ensemble member Jenny Connells, Guy Massey, David Rabe, and Craig Wright’s pieces have all already received great reviews and the shows complimenting them help to make the entire production a perfect, well you get the idea… ten! This performance truly is a Gift, that’s right, it’s free! Respect, right? I’m sold.

The show opened January 5th and runs until the 15th with times Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 4:00 and 7:30 pm, and again on Sundays at 2:30 pm. So if you’re looking for a nice afternoon or evening out at a show for the fabulous cost of free, reserve your seat by calling 773 283 7071 and enjoy the celebration with the Gift Theatre Company (4802 N Milwaukee Avenue). Man, that was a lot of tens… For more information visit http://bit.ly/zPvBls

-Cheers,
Bryan Neubauer

Tags: Anniversary, Celebrate, Gift Theatre Company, Performance, Plays, Ten, The Gift Theatre, theatre

Chicago Brew Ho Ho Shines Light on Local Home Brewers

There’s no better way to spend your Saturday than basking in beer samples & treats… for FIVE hours.

Next Saturday, January 21^st from 2-7 pm the Chicago “Brew Ho Ho” event is going down. For just $20 at the door you get 10 beer sample tickets & 5 treat tickets and a sample of Angel’s Envy bourbon.

Everyone’s invited but you must RSVP@brewhoho.com at which time you’ll receive an email confirmation with the location of the event.

Chef Won Kim (Marketing Event Chef At Whole Foods Lincoln Park and Private Chef) is the man behind the mystery and has been for the past “Brew Ha Ha” and “Brew Hey Hey” events that showcase local home brewers. This is the ONLY event in Chicago to showcase home brewing and the idea behind this fun event series is to experience one-of-a-kind beers from up-and-coming brewers with baked treats from yours truly, Chef Won Kim.

Here’s the list of featured brewers that you’re taste buds will be gushing over:

Brutally Honest Brewing, Powell Brewhouse, Big Dicks Brewing, Soma Ale Works, Corazon, Rockwell Brewing, New Oberpfalz and Second Story Brewing

So it’s safe to say that I know where I’ll be next Saturday & I suggest you meet me there.

-Amanda Rivera

Tags: Ale, Beer, Big, Brew, Brewhouse, Brewing, Brutally, chef, Corazon, Dicks, Foods, Ho, Honest, Kim, New, Oberpflaz, Powell, Rockwell, Second, Soma, Story, Whole, Won, Works

Relive An Infamous Chicago Snow Storm This Winter With Blizzard ’67

It’s January 26^th, 1967 in Chicago and snow has been falling for five hours. Four inches of snow had been predicted, but it’s clearly risen above that calculation. You’re caught in a carpool in the middle of the blizzard with three work rivals. The good news is if they freeze to death before you do then that sweet promotion you’ve been waiting for is right at your fingertips! This is the melodrama that follows created by Chicago veteran Jon Steinhagen and directed by Russ Tutterow the Artistic Director of the Chicago Dramatists. Blizzard ’67 is sure to keep you warm and cozy as you enjoy the mind games played by four businessmen inside of a car during the blinding Windy City blizzard of 1967. Watch these strong men crumble under the pressure of the devastating blizzard and enjoy the psychological changes they go through during the storm.

Celebrate the chilling 45^th anniversary of the blizzard that covered Chicago streets in 23 inches of snow and shut down activity for nearly 4 days in January. Bundle up and head out to see Blizzard ’67 in the Chicago Dramatists Theatre at 1105 West Chicago Ave. The play takes place inside one of the 50,000 abandoned cars in the city on that unforgettable day. Blizzard ’67 opens on Jan. 5^th and runs through Feb. 12^th playing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm. For more information visit http://bit.ly/w6WSLH.

Stay warm!

Wanjiku Kairu

Tags: 1967, Blizzard, chicago, Chicago Dramatists Theatre, January, Jon Steinhagen, Russ Tutterow, Snow

Taste of Chicago Turns into a Nibble

I heard the news on the radio.  Taste of Chicago is going to be revamped (again) for 2012.  The Taste will be chopped from 10 days to 5, and moved from the 4^th of July week to mid-July (July 11-15 to be exact).  I had always thought that the excitement from the Taste came from its grand proportions – of food, music and crowds. Yes, I said it, the crowds.  The immense, hungry crowds walking their way into Grant Park, bibs tied on to catch the drool, in anticipation of sampling the flavors that make Chicago the dining capital of the world!  The Taste was the thing to do leading up to the 4^th of July.

So why make these changes?  The organizers want the focus to be put back into the food – with renowned chefs coming in, featuring not only Chicago favorites, but also “offerings from Chicago’s new and emerging culinary scene” – - less festival and more “foodie”.  And the reason for the change in date? It would mean less competition with other festivals that take place during that busy and bustling summer holiday, like Naperville’s Ribfest and Milwaukee’s Summerfest.

For me, the Taste of Chicago was the big kickoff to summer.  It was the turkey leg in hand, triple scoop of ice cream, and deep dish pizza enjoyment, while waiting for Elvis Costello one night and the spectacular fireworks production on another, simply feeling that sense of awe to be there.  That is now a thing of the past.  We’ll have to wait until the middle of summer to see just exactly what the new Taste will look like, but I’m sure I won’t be the only one who’ll still be heading there, with drool bib in hand.

Click here for upcoming details on Taste of Chicago 2012.

- Jocelyn Flojo

Tags: 2012 events, chicago, chicago restaurants, food, food events, restaurants, summer, summer events, taste of chicago, Taste of chicago 2012

Cupcakes for Courage: Chicagos Largest Mobile Cupcakery Hits Hollywood!

When life throws you lemons, what do you do?  Make cupcakes, of course!

As children, sisters, Kathryn and Laura Pekarik, shared a passion for baking.  Always thinking they would eventually start some kind of business their idea was put on hold when Kathryn was diagnosed with T-Cell Lymphoma cancer in May 2010.

While trying to keep their minds off the cancer and divert attention away from the effects of the treatments Kathryn and Laura began to invent their cupcake recipes and continue the dream of one day starting that business.

Later that year, a benefit was held in Kathryn’s honor to help defray the costs of her medical care.  To  contribute, Laura baked 250 of their own recipe cupcakes to host a bake sale at the event.  With such rave reviews, the brain child of these two sisters, Kathryn and Laura Pekarik was born; Cupcakes for Courage!

While Kathryn  continued treatment, Laura took Cupcakes for Courage to the next level.  Little did they know these little  delectable cupcakes would take her to Hollywood.

Cupcakes for Courage is one of the contestants competing for $10,000 this Sunday on Cupcake Wars.

Upon Kathryn’s persistence, Laura pulled out all stops and took the steps needed to get them there and created a Cupcake Wars application video.

As Laura says, “we don’t hope, we do! …and that is exactly what Cupcakes for Courage is all about; doing and giving back by providing Chicagoland these wonderful little cakes while raising money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Research, Ride Janie Ride and others in our community and beyond.  We also strive to protect the environment for generations to come in using biodegradable, recyclable and sustainable packaging.”

The “Green Machine’s” weekly schedule makes frequent stops Tuesday thru Friday in the city…also catering cupcakes to weddings, parties and special events.

By Andrea Pekarik Welch “Cupcake Mama”

Tags: Baking, chicago, Courage, Cupcakes, Cure, Mama, Wars

From NYC to Chi Town: A Clever Move

I moved to Illinois from New Jersey a month ago with big plans of starting my young life in Chicago. Almost every day a Chi-town veteran asks me one question, why Chi? You would think that having been so close to New York City I would get sucked into its gravitational pull, but no, I found asweet escape from those filthy streets. Coming from the NYC area few peoplerealize how delightfully overrated NYC truly is. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking my tri-state, but I certainly had a few clear reasons to leave the city that never sleeps for its Midwestern equivalent. Here are my top ten reasons to move to Chicago!

#10 Super Speedy Service – I ordered a sandwich for lunch today and as soon as she handed me my receipt the chef handed me my sandwich. Nice.

#9 Gorgeous and safe parks – No doubt you’ll find a park that fits your recreational needs in the largest park district in the US!

#8 Travelling with the Chicago Grid System – It’s impossible to get lost when the street signs tell you how far you are from your destination. Who needs a GPS when you’ve got the grid?

#7 Reasonable rent – Seriously I pay $550 a month and have a gorgeous room, gigantic closet and excellent roommates. This must be heaven.

#6 Swimming in Lake Michigan! – Clear water, hot beach bods, endless sunshine and waves

#5 Beautiful and clean streets with an amazingly clear skyline – With everything that Chicago has to offer I’m not surprised that it looks like a Winter Wonderland in January and a Shore side Metropolis in July.

#4 The food will make your taste buds dance – There’s no need to be fearful of where your fish came from or how long the veggies have been out. Food here is fresh and delicious, from subs to soups to brie sandwiches, you’re pallet will thank you.

#3 Summer festivals – What beats Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago, Chicago Air & Water show, Chicago Jazz and World Music Festival?

#2 Endless labyrinth of night activities – Besides bar/club hopping, crazy last minute suggestions from friends will lead you to a verysuccessful night

#1 Reason to move to Chicago: The amazing Midwesterners who always seem to have time for a conversation – This is an excellent way to find out what’s going on around the city and make cool new friends.

Having never been to Chicago prior to now I had no idea what to expect of the city, but what I found was something I wasn’t willing to let go of any time soon. Chicago is a gorgeous, clean, whimsical town full of quality entertainment and class A people. Why would you ever leave?

-Wanjiku Kairu

Tags: 2012, chicago, Clean, festival, food, Lake, lollapalooza, Michigan, Midwestern, Music, nightlife, Parks, Reasons, Taste, travel, World

Celebrate The Kings 77th Birthday With Elvis Fest 2012

Celebrate “The King” and what would have been his 77^th birthday on Sunday, January 8^th 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

Tags: 77, birthday, chicago, Elvis, King, Music, Presley, The, Vegas

Worlds largest Sketch Comedy Festival Right Here in Chicago!

As many of us begin to complain about this brutal breeze that our Chicago winter has to offer, we begin to think of INDOOR activities that will take the place of what we would rather be doing OUTDOORS! But, have no fear because I have the answer (laughter is promised too!) Starting January 5^th and running through January 15^th, The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival is here for the 11^th year in a row at Stage 773!

By the way, did you know that Chicago is the sketch comedy capital of AMERICA!? So with that being said, it’s no surprise that The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival is the WORLD’S largest sketch comedy festival! With 162 performances by MORE than 138 local, national and international sketch comedy groups, this show is one for the record books. The tickets range from $12 to $15 to see a single show but there are also Day Passes ($35) & “Season Passes” (150) for the entirety of the festival. Panels of sketch comedy experts are an added bonus. If you’d like to make it a family event here’s the link for the 2012 Kids & Teen Performer Schedule! http://bit.ly/xmdKak

P.S. In the past years Stage 773 has had over 10,000 people in attendance so guarantee your giggles before it’s too late!

To order tickets you can call Stage 773 concierge box office at 773.327.525 or visit their website here.

-Amanda Rivera

A Night of Murder And Mystery At The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Museums planned multi-million dollar purchase of a fine Leonardo Da Vinci classic has come to a bloody halt. The museum curator has just been murdered, and it’s up to you and your team of investigators to discover who done it! All you have to do is crack the code left in the curator’s appointment calendar to discover what drove his murderer to commit such a dastardly crime. Shocking secrets will be revealed as you and your mystery team discover clues that uncover the murderer and his motives. If you love who-done-it live mysteries where you’re the key detective then you’re going to want to head out to the Art Institute of Chicago at 111 South Michigan Ave this Saturday the 7^th at 2pm.

The hunt is being produced and executed by Watson Adventures, an incredibly cool and unique company that specializes in private hunts, public hunts, hunts at museums, in neighborhoods, basically if you want to get your scavenger hunt on, contact these folks! Tickets are $36 and it’s recommended that you bring a large group of friends to help because it’s not going to be easy uncovering the mystery. The mystery will last about 2 1Ž2 hours and the winner of the hunt get’s a hefty mystery prize! For more information and to purchase your tickets click here. It’s sure to be a killer good time.

See you there!

-Wanjiku K

Tags: Art, chicago, Da Vinci, Institute, Leonardo, Murder, Mystery, scavenger hunts, secrets, Solved, watson adventures