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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 11 posts in Radio.
12/07/11
103.5 KISS FM Stuff-A-Bus 2011
Many of us use buses to navigate our way throughout the city, either going to school or work. We pack them full of people trying to avoid the blistering cold at the bus stop. This year help over 700 families by filling a bus with toys, blankets, coats, clothing, and canned goods. Starting December 8, 103.5 KISS FM, AT&T, Taco Bell, and The Salvation Army are teaming up to Stuff-A-Bus in Arlington Heights on the corner of Palatine and Rand Road.
Come out and join others as they celebrate the holiday season by helping those in need. You’ve already stuffed a turkey and are planning to stuff stockings – now is your chance to Stuff-A-Bus! Take a look at the schedule below to see when donations are being accepted.
Thursday, 12/8 – 4p-8p w/Jordan & 8p-12m w/Special K.
Friday, 12/9 – 4p-8p w/Jordan & 8p-12m w/Special K.
Saturday, 12/10 – 12p–12a w/ Special K.
Sunday, 12/11 – 12p–12a w/ Special K.
Monday, 12/12– 4p-8p w/Jordan & 8p-12a w/Special K.
Tuesday, 12/13 – 4p-8p w/Jordan & 8p-12a w/Special K.
Learn more here: http://www.1035kissfm.com/pages/StuffABus2011/
Tags: 103.5, Arlington Heights, AT&T, Bus, canned goods, chicago, chicago radio, CTA, donations, FM, giving, holiday charity, holiday season, Jordan, KISS, kiss fm, Special K, Stuff-A-Bus, Taco Bell, The Salvation Army
09/08/11
Chicago Band Map & Atlases at 1st A.V. Fest
Unless you’re some sort of magic snowman reading this blog in a Wi-Fi equipped freezer somewhere, you probably don’t want summer in Chicago to end. Part of the problem of losing the warm weather is it means we have to temporarily say goodbye to the gajillion music festivals that take place here. But before winter hits and the magic snowmen reclaim the streets, the pop-culture/entertainment website The A.V. Club is bringing us one more outdoor festival.
On September 10 and 11, the very first A.V. Fest will be held in Chicago. The fest, which features twelve indie rock bands, will take place outside The Hideout on Wabansia and Elston Avenues from 12pm to 10pm. Champaign, IL band Hum and North Carolina band Archers of Load are the headliners while local Chicago bands Maps & Atlases and Disappears will also be playing.
And the best part: IT’S FREE! But be sure to give the $10 suggested donation, a portion of which will benefit Rock for Kids. So go and enjoy some cool music in the city before you need to put on a parka to do so! For a complete schedule and to RSVP go to: http://www.avclub.com/fest/
David Lauer, Fall Intern
Tags: abc, archers of load, chicago, chicago bands, chicago charitable events, chicago events, chicago music festivals, disappears, free weekend events, hum, maps and atlases, music events, rock for kids, the a.v. club, the hideout, weekend events, windy city live
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
Tags: abc, abc windy city live, Amy Shah, andy giersher, angi taylor, B96.3, billy dec, brotha fred, chicago, chicago bird collision monitors, chicago events, chicago reader, chicago reader best of 2011, eddie and jobo, facebook, fresh 105.9, fundraiser, j and julian, jeremy piven, k-hits, kiss fm, lookingglass theatre, madhatter's ball, piven theatre workshop, psa, Radio, rockit, rockit bar and grill, scotty and rebecca, steve dahl, theatre, twitter, windy city live
04/28/11
Tips on using Social Media in Business on Chicago Live!
I laughed yesterday when I tweeted that I was going to be a guest talking about Social Media in Business on a new live show with Cardinal Francis George & Second City, knowing that immediately thousands of people who follow me stopped what they were doing and went… “HUH?!” That’s what I love about this new show called “Chicago Live!“ It sounds so diverse, entertaining, relevant, alive & Chicago!
This unique Tribune & Second City production is filmed in front of live studio audience on Thursdays at 6:30p, at Chicago Theatre’s Downstairs Stage, hosted by Rick Kogan, featuring special guests that represent the city’s top newsmakers, entertainers, athletes, artists… w/quick sketches by Second City members! After the show, the audience is invited to a reception with the cast, crew & guests.. Seriously, sounds like a blast!
With that, I’m truly honored to be part of the show this Thursday, May 5th! I’m psyched to join filmmaker Melissa Pierce, and Social Media editor & radio host Amy Guth, on stage to discuss the use of Social Media in Business! Other guests will include Catholic archbishop of Chicago Cardinal Francis George ( interviewed by Manya Brachear), Arlington Park’s Howard Sudberry previewing the upcoming race season (interviewed by Phil Rosenthal), Local bluegrass band Cornmeal, and again… Peformances by Second City!
Please be in the audience, enjoy & cheer us on! Tickets: http://trib.in/fLEtrt AND BTW, would love to get some questions, advice, feedback, thoughts… from you about what all you think I should talk about ahead of time!? Please let me know on Twitter, Facebook and/or comment below as soon as you can! If you can’t make the show, Chicago Live! re-airs on WGN radio the Saturday following the Thursday tapings from 11p-midnight. Podcasts are also posted to the Chicago Live! website the Friday after each show.Thanks!!!!
Tags: amy guth, arlington park, billy dec, bluegrass, cardinal francis george, chicago, chicago live!, chicago tribune, cornmeal, facebook, howard sudberry, manya brachear, melissa pierce, phil rosenthal, rick kogan, second city, social media, tribune, twitter
04/04/11
Chicago’s Common to Honor Dr. Maya Angelou, Dee Robinson Reid, Sherrie Shepherd & Keke Palmer at Gala
Hey everyone! This is Feeny Fernandez from Billy’s office! This week is just a ton of amazing stuff going on in Chicago! Thursday we’ve got President Obama’s event going on at Navy Pier (still some tickets left! more info here http://bit.ly/gNCgkW). Friday is our co-alliance fundraiser at Sunda for Japan through Direct Relief International. And Saturday, some strong women are gonna hit up Chicago…
This Saturday, hip hop artist, actor, and Chicago native Common and the Common Ground Foundation are holding an Inaugural Gala Fundraiser at the InterContinental Hotel to celebrate women in leadership. The evening’s distinguished honorees include Dr. Maya Angelou, actress and singer Keke Palmer, business leader Dee Robinson Reid, and actress and “The View” talk show host Sherri Shepherd.
“One of the things I always say to people is to ‘strive for greatness in any and everything you do,’” says Common. “The women we’re honoring have represented that and so much more! I am truly honored to have the opportunity to celebrate… the honorees.” The evening will include a silent auction, entertainment, and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit Common Ground Foundation’s goals and help expand their reach in local communities.
The Common Ground Foundation was created and founded in 2000 by Common as a way to give back to the community where he was raised. It aims to develop the youth in under-served communities to be contributing citizens and strong leaders through programs that offer the youth with a creative outlet. You can tell what a great guy Common is and how much he cares about his hometown from the video above – what an incredible Chicago cheerleader he’s become!
For more information on the event and the Common Ground Foundation, check out www.commongroundfoundation.org/galafundraiser2011.
Tags: 2016 olympics, billy dec, chicago, common, common ground, common ground foundation, dee robinson reid, dr. maya angelou, fundraiser, hip hop, intercontinental hotel, keke palmer, Music, rapper, sherry on the view, sherry shepherd, the view
03/24/11
Gym Class Heroes’ TRAVIE MCCOY Concert Tickets Giveaway!!
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!
Tags: 20% off, bad rabbits, billionaire, billy dec, black cards, bruno mars, chicago, concerts, deals, Donnis, gym class heroes, metro, music venues, rockit, rockit wrigley, ticket giveaway, travie mccoy, travis mccoy, wrigleyville, XV
06/28/10
Twitter pics of Piven, Mayer, Lookingglass, Cubs, Sox, Press, Mayhem & More!
Art, baseball, celebrities, charity, chicago, cubs, Food, General, Movies, Music, nightlife, Pictures, Radio, restaurants, sports, Theater
If you follow me on twitter, you know my life is crazy, and that last weekend was no exception. Photos showed me splitting a bottle of patron tequila w/ buddy John Mayer at underground, vacuum packing Jeremy Piven’s cell phone in rice after he dropped it in the toilet at sunda, jumping on a dozen tv & radio stations live talking about raising money for art & theatre programs for kids, taste testing more food than most eat in a week, trying to fit more crazy tasks & adventures in a day/night than humanly possible to do whatever I can for my team & city!
It occurred to me though that some of you aren’t following me on twitter and are missing out on it all! That’s not good! So I included a sample of my tweetpics / life in the last couple days here so you can get a feel for what you are missing! It’s always random, always crazy, always entertaining.. and most important.. a great way to stay in touch and create a relationship as I have with so many others! Enjoy- and then click here to follow me on twitter too!
Tags: annual event, billy dec, charity, chicago, entourage, facebook, hbo, jeremy piven, john mayer, live radio, piven, piven theatre workshop benefit, rockit, rockit bar and grill, rockit ranch productions, sunda, the underground, theatre, twitter
06/09/10
Chicago's Laura Baron on VH1's "You're Cut Off!"
join kiss fm, time out magazine, vh1 & the rockit ranch crew for a crazy kickoff to tonight’s blackhawks game six of the Stanley cup finals!!!!!!!! “You’re Cut Off” premieres tonight on VH1 taking 9 self proclaimed “princesses” who have lived nothing short of blessed lives and simply cuts them off. No money, no pricey belongings, no swanky living accommodations… and makes them work like hard working chicagoans like the shows host, my long time chicagoan buddy laura baron! (clip above hilarious!)
laura, who’s been featured on NBC, CNN, Extra and quite a few others, is teaching these young ladies how to grow up, take responsibility and live outside their perfect bubbles of decadence. A true Chicagoan, Laura chose her hometown to celebrate the premiere of the show at her hometown fav Rockit Bar and Grill tonight from 6-9pm…. And we are psyched to kick off this crazy victorious chicago night with her and the vh1, timeout, kiss fm crew & you!!!!!!!
Tags: ask laura baron, billy dec, blackhawks, cnn, extra, kiss fm, laura baron, life coach, MTV, NBC, princess, Radio, reality tv, rockit, rockit bar and grill, rockit ranch productions, spoiled, stanley cup, time out magazine, vh1, You're Cut Off
06/07/10
My radio reel is very Chicago!
I was recently asked out of no where by two different contacts to hear my voice on radio… so put this lil mix together of some past radio interviews I did… and thought I would share w/you all because it stirs up great feelings of all the amazing things there are to talk about in this great city of chicago! I can go on all day about it… it all just makes me so happy… thanks to all who let me on… and to all who tune in… more to come I hope… Enjoy!
Tags: billy dec, chicago, chicago radio, drex, emmy, emmy winner, entrepreneur, eric and kathy, mancow, President Barack Obama, Press, Radio, reel, the mix
06/04/10
Who do you think is best in Chicago!?
Art, bucktown, charity, chicago, Comedy, cubs, fashion, Food, General, Movies, Museum, Music, nightlife, Pictures, Radio, restaurants, sports, Theater, Video
Just voted for the Chicago Reader “Best in Chicago” awards online! Figured I would share my answers since everyone asks me on Twitter and Facebook about my Chicago favs! (BTW, sorry did these fast, was in a rush, sorry if missed anyone!) You should vote too! (Especially for my places! haha) Voting ends this weekend so go to http://bestof.chicagoreader.com/ now!
Best car wash :: We’ll Clean
Best BBQ :: Fat Willies
Best Brewpub :: Goose Island
Best Coffee Shop :: Intelligestia/Aspire at home….chitowns peeps!
Best Cupcakes :: 3 way tie – Foiled (on twitter), Sweet Mandy B’s (near my house) or Swirlz (for boxes to friends!)
Best Fashion Designer :: Maria Pinto
Best Interior Designer :: Nate Berkus
Best Thrift Store :: Salvation Army
Best brunch :: Rockit on hubbard (live acoustic, gourmet bloody mary’s, mimosa kits at your table, amazing brunch menu… come on!) Or riverside café in bucktown
Best shoe store :: Niketown
Best garden store :: kinsella landscaping
Best gym :: HERO Fitness and equinox
Best home furnishings store :: smart rooms in merchandise mart
Best alfresco dining :: Patio at RBG Wrigley (in nice neighborhood, and can see Wrigley field scoreboard from table)
Best bagels :: ashkenaz
Best college :: U of I champaign urbana
Best gelato :: n/a, I eat peanut butter and chocolate skinny cows with extra crunchy peanut butter globbed on twice a day
Best grocery store :: whole foods
Best Indian restaurant :: vermillion
Best margarita :: que rico
Best Mexican restaurant :: el tapitio
Best Middle Eastern restaurant :: reeza’s
Best new restaurant :: kith kin
Best burger :: Rockit Bar & Grill (“good morning america” gave chitown the nationwide recognition for the rockit burger to beat all cities out- love it!)
Best seafood restaurant :: Joe’s
Best splurge :: avenue at peninsula
Best sushi :: Sunda (not many people get entire fresh fish anymore and cut them up right there and then, hands down best!) Best wine shop :: House of Glunz
Best liquor store :: Binny’s
Best pizza :: connie’s and malnatis
Best drink specials :: ½ off wine on Mondays at rockit (actually can get really nice bottles!)
Best cocktail list :: Sunda drink list is pure heaven- I invented the “bd superfresh sakitini” that should win this award in itself! Actually, they are all that good
Best dive bar :: Richard’s
Best 4 AM bar :: underground, not many places still packed at 4am, 5am saturdays
Best night of the week to go out :: Saturday, I know its so mainstream, but its just true, and I love people watching. Best smoking area :: far away from me
Best hotel for an in-town getaway :: Peninsula
Best record store :: grew up going to dr. wax
Best local music blog :: www.assault.it
Best dance club :: Underground, you know you are the best when don’t have an actual cheesy dance floor but can make everyone dance!
Best local band :: Plain White T’s & Lovehammers
Best local hip-hop artist :: kanye
Best local DJ :: Rock City
Best local tribute band :: South of 80 and elevation
Best bartender :: Andy Lee at Rockit River North
Best music venue to play :: Metro
Best music venue to watch :: House of Blues
Best music festival :: Lolla
Best movie theater AMC on Illinois
Best art gallery :: Carrie Seacrist
Best museum exhibit :: TRex Sue
Best public artwork :: art institute and mca
Best touring play :: lookingglass “alice”
Best off-Loop theater company :: Lookingglass
Best late-night theater experience :: wiener circle
Best stand-up comic :: Conan O’Brien
Best sketch/improv troupe :: improv olympic and second city
Best dance company :: Loveabulls count?
Best burlesque troupe :: Baton Club
Best antique store :: Golden Triangle
Best bike shop :: village cycle
Best mani/pedi :: hasn’t happened, yet!
Best massage :: Maria at Backup Therapeutic
Best mechanic victor castro at perillo on clark
Best movers :: Bill & Phil Movers
Best place to adopt a pet :: PAWS
Best Cubs bar :: Rockit Wrigley, can see scoreboard from table while watching our tv’s
Best Sox Bar jim beam club, great buffet
Best billiards :: rockit river north baby! The best.
Best bowling alley :: lucky strike
Best canoe/kayak rental :: Lincoln park
Best golf course :: Medinah Country Club
Best dance class :: Arthur murray and dance center chicago!
Best music teacher :: Scott Arkenberg at St. Clement
Best yoga studio :: classes at peninsula spa
Tags: alice in wonderland, amc on illinois, andrew lee, andy lee, arthur murray, ashkenaz, assault.it, avenues, back up, best of, bill and phil movers, billy dec, binny's, carrie seacrist, chicago reader, conan o'brien, connie's, dance center chicago, dj rock city, dr. wax, el tapitio, elevation, equinox, golden triangle, hero fitness, house of blues, house of glunz, hubbard, improv olympic, jim bean club, joe's, kanye west, kinsella landscaping, kith kin, lolla, lookingglass theatre, loveabulls, lovehammers, medinah country club, merchandise mart, metro, niketown, paws, plain white t's, que rico, reeza's, richard's, riverside cafe, rockit bar and grill, rockit wrigley, second city, skinny cows, smart rooms, south of 80, sue, sunda, the peninsula, trex, u of i, u2, underground, vermillion, village cycle, whole foods, wiener circle