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Chicago Culture, Celebrity, Arts & Entertainment
Chicago culture, celebrity, arts & entertainment with Billy Dec
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CEO Billy Dec TV Reel
TV / WEB / FILM / HOSTING / ACTING
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Our Emmy Winning Video
Journey to Sunda
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Our Obama Shoutout
A huge honor
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On the radio
Live on DREX Kiss fm
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My Old Reel
New one coming soon!
Browsing all 25 posts in Pictures.
01/14/12
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 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!
Tags: 41, abc, All My Children, Characters, Daytime, emmy awards, Meet and Greet, Opera, Pennsylvania, Pine Valley, Rosemont Theatre, Soap, tribute
12/08/11
Warhol in Winter – Art Institute Evening Exhibit with Empire Screening
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
Tags: Andy Warhol, Aon Center, art institute chicago, Empire State Building, Evening Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago, Graham Foundation for Advance Studies in Fine Arts, Jaime Norwood, Light Years, modern wing, Nichols Trustees Suite, Sean Mogle
08/31/11
900′s Night Out with Bravo TV’s Brad Goreski
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
Tags: 900 north michigan shop, 900 shops, brad goreski, bravo, bravo tv, chicago fashion, chicago summer events, cs magazine, fame, fashion, flavor, gilt city, shopping events, the rachel zoe project
06/17/11
Chicago Photographer Gino Baileau on the rise!
Hey fellow Chicagoans – Dana Ragazinskas from Billy Dec’s office here! I’d like share with you this “up and coming” photographer that I dig - even Perez Hilton has taken note!
Gino Gusich, also known by his artist name Gino Baileau, is a self-proclaimed photographer who grew up in the suburb right outside of Chicago called Melrose Park. At 20 years of age and a college student at the University of Illinois, his talent is far beyond his years. I’ve always said that you can’t judge a book by its cover, nor can you really understand what’s going on inside it until you’ve really taken a look at it. That’s exactly how I feel when I look at Gino Baileau. Although he has a strong “tell it like it is” personality, he remains mysterious and hard to figure out. This is what drew me in, leaving me wanting to know more about him. One thing I knew for sure was that when it comes to photography, he means business! Gino first picked up a camera about 3 years ago and he hasn’t put it down since. He pushes the creative envelope every chance he gets.
Since the time I sat down with Gino about a year ago (which you can find on his website under: Reflection Magazine Interview), he has definitely hit his “to-do list” hard since! Gino has recently recorded 3 songs, created a blog for himself, and updated his website with even more pictures and interviews to add to his already large collection.
Photos seem to make the world go round. We take pictures to remember, to share, to connect with others, and to express ourselves. With just a click of a button and a sudden flash, a camera instantly captures a moment in time, freezing it for all of eternity. It has been said that “a picture is worth a thousand words,” but when it comes to young photographer Gino, a picture seems to be worth so much more. So be sure to follow Gino Baileau with me, as we watch him turn his dreams into a reality because he definitely has a one-way ticket to the top.
Tags: Art, chicago, chicago blogger, gino baileau, gino guisch, perez hilton, photographer, photography, Pictures, reflection magazine
05/03/11
“Bangkok Food Tours” Company inspired as tourists in Chicago!
Many who follow me on Twitter & Facebook ask me how I navigated my culinary research and development tour through South East Asia last month so I thought I would feature one of the companies that helped me out in this lil fun video. “Bangkok Food Tours!“ They actually began interacting with me on Twitter long before we met in person just expressing appreciation for the foodporn I tend to share often (haha, see people like it)!
I let them know I was coming through Thailand after Cambodia & Laos, they offered to take me around the local eating scene in Bangkok, and bam- it was awesome- loved it- shared all on my Blog/Twitter/Facebook… And everyone freaked out! Click here if missed pics! Also of interest, this quick video I shot on the fly also reveals that this young dynamic duo, passionate about food & their culture, found inspiration to start their company after a food tour trip they caught in Chicago! Yup, they even took a class in Chicago on how to set up a great food tour company and brought it home to start a Thai phenomenon!
Please share this video celebrating how our worlds connect through social media, food & culture… And get out there and visit them!!! For more info checkout www.BangkokFoodTours.com, and follow them on Twitter & Facebook! Oh, and here’s just an example of some of the dishes at some of the restaurants I tried on a quick but hearty couple hour walking/eating tour with them while in Bangkok last month:
1. Chareon Wieng – Traditional Roasted Duck Served on Rice
2. Muslim Restaurant – Curry on Egg, Beef Satay
3. Café de Laos – freshy stream fish wrapped in betel leat, fried squid stuff with minced pork
4. Yen Ta Po Wat Kak – Authentic Thai Yen Ta Po noodle
5. Kallaprapruk – Original Curry Served on Roti, Thai-Style Coconut Ice-cream
Loved it!!!!!
Tags: bangkok food tours, billy dec, cafe de laos, cambodia, chareon wieng, chicago, facebook, food, food porn, food tours, kallaprapruk, Laos, muslim restaurant, south east asia, Thailand, travel, twitter, yen ta po wat kak
04/04/11
Billy Dec cambodia, vietnam, laos, thailand & hong kong 2011 travel / food pictures!
I’m back from exploring South East Asia! After so much amazing feedback from my pictures on Twitter & Facebook, I wanted to accommodate requests to share my pics here as well- enjoy! Not only will you see that I returned again to do a tremendous amount of new food research & development, but you will more so feel how blown away I was by the amazing the people, nature, temples, beauty, animals, culture, & experiences!
I encourage you all to please visit that area of the world as soon as possible while some of what moved me most remains relatively untouched. And please share this link, these pictures,.. with your friends & family so they too can see what its all about! Big shoutout to Kipling & Clark for their excellent planning help! Along with all the amazing hotels, accommodations & tours that you will see noted in the pictures below..
And for all those who have missed out on my adventures, and want to be connected with me for all that is to come, click and follow me here: www.facebook.com/BillyDec & www.twitter.com/BillyDec (Also, click on the pics below to see my twitter commentary!)
Tags: Asia, billy dec, Camboadia, Chiang Mai, chicago, Hong Kong, Kipling & Clark, Laos, Pictures, Thailand, travel, Vietnam
03/01/11
Sharing New Travel Experiences, Food, Cocktails & More on Twitter & Facebook
Thank you all who enjoy & share my passion for Chicago on this site, it means a tremendous amount to me! Recently some have asked for more than what is happening in Chicago right now- like what’s next for me in the future? Haha- who knows?!? I want to know that myself! And unfortunately, I don’t think this would be the place to make a bunch of silly guesses.. Save that for late night at one of my spots after a couple beers. Way more fun.
I will say that all those who “follow me” on Twitter &/or Facebook see that I am constantly exploring & sharing new food, cocktails, events, cultures, experiences… Because I love to live, learn & share, no matter where it takes me. In the last 6 months alone I have shared all of the above from Africa to Canada, NYC to LA, DC to Dallas, Miami to Vegas, and of course, all through the greatest city in the world, Chicago. Next week I plan to continue in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam… And in Hungary & Austria in a couple months! What’s that mean about “what’s next?” Again, no idea! But I invite you to “follow me” on facebook & twitter so that you too can be the first to enjoy all that I can learn & share! Thanks all!
….”Life is a journey, not a destination.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
09/20/10
Positive Picture of Fenger High School, One Year After Tragedy
Almost a year ago today, young student Derrion Albert captured the attention of the world when he lost his life after being brutally beaten outside of Fenger High School on the south side of Chicago. As you can see from my video volunteering at the school soon after as “Principal for a Day” (click here) and the amazing photos captured by artist Sandra Steinbrecher (must see), there is new life and positivity coming from the kids, teachers, community and their school, that its a turnaround joy that I just had to share with you so that you can see & support along with me!
As I have talked about before, I have the honor of being a part of Mayor Daley’s “Principal for a Day” for the Chicago Public School system once a year. It’s a tremendous program that I am so thrilled to be a part of! Being able to visit a CPS school, spend an entire day with students, exchange stories, walk the halls, hear about their programs and student groups, shine any guidance on them that I can offer…it’s just a great feeling and always one of my favorite times of the year.
Last year, after I had heard about what had happened, I knew immediately that I wanted to help and decided I would be Principal for a Day at Fenger High School, only a few weeks after the murder of Derrion Albert. I have to admit I was nervous, more so than usual, and had no idea what I was in store for. But I was so blown away by what and who greeted me that day.
Elizabeth Dozier, the real Principal at Fenger, is an outstanding woman and so great at what she does. She was so gracious to me that day and I couldn’t have been more impressed with her, the faculty and the students I had the privilege of spending time with. It was a mere month after a tragedy had taken place outside their school and one of their own was killed and these kids were so positive, so willing and excited to learn, I just couldn’t believe it. I honestly feel like I was the one that benefitted more from being there that day, not the other way around.
Last year, CPS identified Fenger as a Turnaround School for the year. Renovations took place, curriculum and programs were enhanced and new highly trained staff was brought on to turn the tragedy that had taken place into a fresh and much deserved new start for the students. Sandra Steinbrecher, a super talented local photographer, was on hand all year to capture highlights of this initiative. See for yourself the touching and inspiring turnaround this school has made! For more information on Fenger High School, please visit http://www.fengerhighschool.org.
Tags: billy dec, chicago, chicago public schools, derrion albert, fenger, fenger high schoool, mayor daley, one year anniversary, principal for a day, sandy steinbecher, south side
07/29/10
2010 Stanley Cup Champions 3rd Annual Blackhawks Convention
Chicagoans are die hard sports fans, win or lose, but it’s even more sweet when we national championships! The day after the Hawks took home the Stanley Cup I posted the pics of me hitting the town with the team, sharing the cup w/chicago and celebrating an excellent season…I received over 250,000 hits that morning, how crazy is that?!? (click here to see them!)
In keeping with the celebration and gearing up for next season I wanted to share (as I always do) some of my badges to the 3rd Annual Blackhawks Convention this weekend! From July 30th to August 1st at the Chicago Hilton you can hang out with players, Hawks alum, enjoy Q& A sessions, try your luck at interactive games, and just revel in all the Blackhawks glory! Check out my facebook page to see how you can win them today!
Tags: 3rd annual blackahawks convention, badges, billy dec, blackhawks, blackhawks convention, chicago, chicago hilton hotel, facebook fan page, free tickets, giveaway, hawks, like fan page, sports, stanley cup, stanley cup champions, summer, win
07/07/10
Macy Gray in Chicago at Glamorama w/ a New CD!
I’m sure you can tell from all my stories and pics on twitter that macy gray is not only my good buddy, but one of my favorite female singers of all time! if don’t know her, she’s a super sweetheart, a 2 time Grammy winner, a great mom, has sold more than 15 million records, and is just an absolute talent- and riot! (pic of us at grammy’s this year)
I especially got to give her huge props for her newest CD, “The Sellout.” after not being happy with the outcome of her previous project, “Big,” she holed up in a recording studio with just a few select friends and musicians, and killed it w/this new creation, as you probably saw in the past couple weeks on Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America and The View… so spread the word and pick up her songs on itunes or Amazon today!
Oh, and if want to see her in person in chicago, she is performing at the annual Macy’s Glamorama 2010 on August 13th to benefit the Ronald McDonald Charity which I love! This event is truly one of the best of the year– a mix of fashion, music and charity always makes for a great combo. Read more for full Glamorama info….
Tags: amazon, billy dec, charity, chicago, eric hutchinson, glamorama, good morning america, grammys, itunes, jimmy fallon, macy gray, macy's glamorama, ronald mcdonald house charity, the sellout, the view