I used to write a column in “today’s chicago woman” about chicago entertainment, nightlife, culture, art,… similar to what I do on this blog I guess (but in a glossy magazine with an editor)…. And after being in new orleans for the last 24hours, I thought of one of my favorite articles I wrote post-katrina after returning from a very impactful trip just after the disaster- as you can see me internally destroyed above, amongst all the destruction in the 9th ward, the part of new Orleans hit the hardest.

In light of coming here direct from vegas yesterday (read and you’ll understand), recent disasters in Haiti & chile, and having hung out with all my local friends here who really enlightened me about their recovery when they described what it was like to win the recent superbowl I happened to be at, I had to share the article here.  Please read it and let me know what you think, I really think you will like it…

InSide With Billy Dec

The POWER OF Entertainment

I NEVER REALLY UNDERSTOOD the power of entertainment until I recently visited New Orleans and saw the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. It was an experience that I’ll never forget.

A local New Orleans businessman, Robert LeBlanc,contacted me for advice to strengthen his post-Katrina nightclub business, Republic New Orleans, and more importantly, to lend a Chicago perspective on how he and other business owners, could better rebuild the city’s entertainment industry as a whole. Trust me, when I initially heard the request,

my jaw dropped. That really uncomfortable moment-of-silence thing happened, followed by a weird stutter that made no sense, all while I tried to figure out how to respond. The letters “O” and “K” finally came out. And then my flight was booked. The day came quick when Robert picked me up from the very empty New Orleans airport. From a distance, he looked like a strong 6-foot 6-inch athlete type, but up close, there was something very different about him. It was all in his eyes. They were piercing, like he was in the middle of a fight, had a million things on his mind and wanted something from me. It was intense, and at first, a little scary. Immediately he handed me a detailed itinerary. I was shocked; this trip was no joke. I knew I was helping the entertainment business at night, and I’d requested that my days be full of physical charity work, but this itinerary had me all over the city almost every hour of every day. And it hit me: panic. I felt that for every time slot blocked with a huge commitment, I had to seriously make a significant contribution or I’d be letting many people down. To make matters worse, first stop out of the airport parking lot was the 9th Ward, one of the worst hit spots.

Chicago As Example

Let me just say that I was knocked senseless by the destruction. I’d seen it on TV, but now was feeling it. It hurt. The horizon was lifeless as far as you could see, and the “better” hit areas where houses were still standing, were incomprehensible — boats on land, cars on houses, houses on cars, personal belongings on the outside of homes, gigantic trees with their roots facing up. It was a mess. Initially I became so numb I couldn’t do anything but sit there. But as every second went by, my head was racing with horrific thoughts of not knowing what I could ever give Robert and these people that would remotely even matter! As I freaked out internally, I began to just spill whatever advice I could give Robert about the entertainment business to hopefully compensate in quantity chatter where I thought I’d be lacking in quality advice that actually makes a difference. And interestingly enough, that’s what sparked the conversation that completely enlightened me. Robert explained that he and many around him thoroughly appreciated my advice because I was “part of a city, part of a culture, that not only at one time rebuilt after the destruction of the Chicago Fire, but was strong enough internally to rebuild so that it was better than it was before, to the point of being one of the greatest cities in the world.” And a lot of that success came from similar characteristics that they feel New Orleans shares, like our “strong sense of community, pride, energy, integrity and character.” Robert agreed with many out there that when looking at other cities to model their recovered structure after, “Chicago was the perfect prototype for New Orleans to follow.” He said that many there felt those similar characteristics that show unity and identity in our two cities were in part created, maintained and strengthened by our long history of integrating our unique blends of music, food, hospitality, and most of all, entertainment, into our individual cultures.

On The Move

I also found myself in the business and tourist areas. Hotels, restaurants, and live music venues were all operating at the highest of levels. The food was amazing, the jazz was outstanding, the shops went on and on with unique finds, and that palpable historic city feel was as moving as ever. And yes, the infamous French Quarter looked perfectly intact. Most importantly, the locals were so full of positive energy and support for their fellow community members that they projected this amazing love and pride for the lifestyle and culture they’ve always lived and enjoyed—and were sure to get back even better than it was before Robert and his staff at Republic New Orleans put on an amazing fashion show fundraiser the first night I was there. Reopening launch parties and fundraisers were everywhere. I watched people who’d never been in the hospitality business before fill  gaps wherever they could just to keep the entertainment venues staffed right to ensure the customer was having a perfect experience. It all made sense; these people were fighting to recapture the life that they once had. Rebuilding the entertainment was necessary to doing that, as it defined them, brought visitors, empowered them to live the lifestyle that they loved. And they were happy that I was there. I could feel it. Why? They showed the love to every single person there to visit, help, enjoy, whatever. You came to join them and that meant everything.

Never Bored Here

I saw school groups flying in to clean. Tourists were helping the economy financially. Bravo’s “Celebrity Poker” left Vegas to film in New Orleans raising awareness an money for them at the same time. Random people from everywhere around the country came to just show their support. I even bumped into our very own Chicago NBC 5 news anchor Don Lemon down there, who was taking his week off to simply volunteer. It was beautiful. We realized that we were working in the same area the next day, so we decided to go together. It was there that I met the most amazing person who embodied everything about New Orleans. He was a little 80-year-old man named Oliver Williams who’d lost his home, one that he’d built with his own two hands over 50 years ago. He stood in a completely gutted room stripped of everything he

had, with only tools in his hand and his son by his side trying to put it all back together. As we started talking, I asked him if he left the house when he heard about Katrina. Oliver said in his New Orleans accent, “Oh ya, you always leave when you hear the hurricanes are coming!” Trying not to offend, I ask him why he just doesn’t just find a new home

somewhere else at this point in his life. And that’s when he summed it all up for me with the greatest smile ever that reflected a lifetime of great experiences: “I’ll never leave New Orleans. I love it. I never get bored here. I love the entertainment!” Wow. I got it.

Time To Entertain

Empowered with that, I knew it was time to do my thing. Yes, I helped where I could, showed support, contributed as a tourist, but I was asked down as an entertainment consultant, and couldn’t leave that part out. I thought it was only right to host a big party on my last night at Republic New Orleans to contribute to the much-needed entertainment spirit. Celebrity friends like singer Macy Gray and actress Robin Tunney happened to be out there supporting too and joined us that night on stage in front of more than a thousand people. I gave as many smiles, greetings, hugs, handshakes, support, advice and help as I could, but I have to admit, New Orleans had it going on no matter what! Everyone was enjoying a good time with their fellow neighbors and guests and having a blast! And from what I learned on this trip, that’s very important, if not critical, too. My ride home obviously was filled with great thoughts of New Orleans, and a firm commitment to return very soon. In fact, I sincerely hope you’ll pick up and leave for New Orleans after reading this article—you’ll make a difference just by being there. I will say, however, that once there, I couldn’t wait to get back to Chicago. I couldn’t wait to do more to support and build the entertainment industry here, ultimately strengthening our culture and community, so that whatever kept Robert, Oliver and all those in New Orleans fighting to keep the spirit of their city alive, will always be there for us too, if not stronger.

I was flipping thru channels last night and saw jessica biel on cnn w/ larry king talking about how millions of children around the world don’t have access to clean water, and thought about how when I was in 3rd grade at st clements, a speaker came in to teach us the same, and passed on many ways we can help conserve from as simple as turning the water off when brushing our teeth. That talk has actually stayed with me forever since couldn’t fathom that water could ever be scarce anywhere, but realized although I was trying to follow the speaker’s advice all these years, I never did any work to try and help share the message, so trying to help do that now.

if following me on twitter you probably saw all the behind the scenes pics of me joining Sunda chef Rodelio Agligot on set for his killer cooking demonstration on nbc’s the today show on what happened to be our first Sunda birthday!

well after Rod and I were done, we wandered on to The Today Show with Kathie lee and hoda set- and I heard “is someone hungry” so knowing me I raise my hand- proceeded to get directed to Kathie Lee and Hoda live on camera – and told to eat some cheese – which after found out it was human breast milk cheese! you must see the end – where this video cuts into the next day where they bring me up again!!!

Omg omg omg omg oh well- we sure represented chitown’s culinary loving scene!!!!!!!! True fans right?!??! omg. Cant take me anywhere – Happy 1st Birthday Sunda!

I know a lot of people throw academy award parties across the nation, but wanted to let you know of the 51 “official” academy award parties sanctioned by the academy of motion pictures, arts and sciences, chicago has had one of these “official” parties for the last 16 years!

One of my scariest press memories actually was when I hosted it about 5 years ago w/my buddy Amanda puck who dragged me in to do steve dahl’s radio show absolutely terrified because for months he had been making fun of me live on his show (even made my mom cry once when she heard him in the car)!  In the end, glad amanda helped me face my fear, because ended up that steve and I realized we were actually two nice guys that totally didn’t understand the other til we talked in person.. and we actually created a very nice friendship out of it!

Anywho, this year the official party celebrating the live simulcast of the 82nd annual academy awards will be from 6p-11p sunday march 7th at the gene siskel film center (164 n. state st) hosted by great friends like roger & chaz ebert, harold ramis, Betsy steinberg, mike mcnamara, Amanda puck, david zapata, brook jay and more! tickets at ticketmaster are $100 & all proceeds will benefit the gene siskel film center of the school of the art institute of chicago- enjoy!

If follow me on twitter you probably are watching me chase whales (or tequila, quac,..) off the coast of Mexico… But wrote this about some killer artist friends w/a great event happening earlier to share, so sending it in to my blog from the boat now!

Everyone checkout this true art infused event powered by a love of fashion, a knack for art and a bond over fellow women across the world. Wednesday, March 10th allow yourself to experience “Gold Rush” – a combination of an art exhibition and fashion in one, featuring local designer Sahar Dad and local artist Misa Verbeek.

Sahar Dada might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of “mainstream” fashion but you’ve more than likely seen her work, seeing that she’s been outfitting Chicago’s South Asian community for almost six years.  Previously acclaimed for her eccentric Eastern themes stemming from her roots of Pakistan, she has built a strong clientele all over the U.S., Canada, England, Dubai and Pakistan.

In August, 2009, she was selected by the Chicago Sister Cities International Foundation to represent Pakistan at the annual World Fashion Chicago (WFC) Runway Show. There she shared the runway with world renowned designers including Dolce & Gabbana and Escada. Building on the success of WFC, Sahar introduces her first western inspired collection –

The Gold Collection. These Modern designs uniquely transition Sahar’s multi-cultural background into an exemplary display of graceful flair, sophistication, and exquisite feminine elegance.

When Misa Verbeek was a little girl in the Czech Republic, she used to watch her grandmother – a fashion designer – work with women. She too was a visionary; a very talented lady. Sadly, because of many circumstances during those times – most notably the war and communism – she never fulfilled her dream. Misa knew from a very young age, she would become an artist, to make her grandmother’s dreams and hers, a reality. Whether wood, metal or abstract…Misa has dedicated her artistic creations to women and the emotional voyage of love, grandeur, and passion. With a keen understanding of pureness and the vulnerability of finding inner strength, Misa’s art liberates emotions and compliments Sahar’s vision and designs.This Wednesday you can see these two worlds collide for yourself – tickets and more info at www.goldrushchicago.com – one of my favorite elements being that all goes to benefit The Ronald McDonald House, an organization I have always deeply respected and supported

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

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

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!

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!

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!)