PLUS LINCOLN PARK ZOO'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY; RAVINIA GALA HOSTS AUDRA MCDONALD; MARWEN'S PAINTBRUSH BALL; SURPRISE GUEST FOR MUSEUM OF BROADCAST COMMUNICATION'S SNL PARTY; A STERLING EVENT; A MEMORIAL TRIBUTE FOR HEAVENLY HAZEL; JAMMIN' ON THE JAM WITH CHAZ; REV UP CHICAGO CELEBRATES LOCAL DESIGNERS/PERILLOS; NAVY PIER'S EXCITING NEW ADDITION; IN THE SWIM AT 900 NORTH MICHIGAN SHOPS; LINDA YU SPOTLIGHTS A FAVORITE ON "FOOD WE LOVE"; DANCE FOR LIFE GALA; NETFLIX' "VERSAILLES"; WHO ARE THE MOST STYLISH MEN IN CHICAGO?; LOSING A GOOD FRIEND; CONGRATS TO MABLE; CUTE VIDEOS AND SOOO MUCH MORE!
There was a galaxy of stars, fans, friends, film lovers and well wishers at this year's Chicago International Film Festival's "Summer Gala, Celebrating Michael" on July 14 at the Loews Chicago.
Presented by the governing board of Cinema Chicago, the non-profit arm of the Festival, this year's exciting event honored and celebrated the life and legacy of the founder and artistic director Michael Kutza. The film-inspired party was planned in collaboration with
Kurtis Productions (Donna La Pietra and Bill Kurtis), who always know how to bring the FUN and that they did in abundance beginning at check-in. Small replicas of
Oscar statuettes designated table seating. An array of life-size, cardboard cut-outs of iconic Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Clint Eastwood
peppered the lobby during the reception and made for exciting photo opps. A silent auction offered everything from a home-cooked lasagna dinner prepared by the
honoree to exciting signed movie memorabilia. A VIP reception was held on the hotel's beautifully landscaped third floor terrace. I had no
idea this space even existed and it offered jaw-dropping views of the city's gorgeous skyline. Those enjoying the view included Kathleen Turner ("Body Heat", "Romancing the Stone'), director Andrew Davis ("The
Fugitive"), producer Paula Wagner ("Mission Impossible I-III", "Marshall"), actor Terrence Howard ("Empire", "Hustle & Flow") and his wife Miranda, director/producer Steve James ( "Hoop Dreams", "Life Itself"), independent filmmakers
Joe and Kris Swanberg ("Kissing on the Mouth", "Weekends"), filmmaker/director Jack Newell ("Open
Tables") and Hong Kong filmmaker Scud, among many others. Over 300 guests were in attendance including Leslie Hindman, Cynthia Olson, Mamie Walton, Stanley Paul, Paul Iacono, Susan Gohl and Jonathan Grabill, Victor Skrebneski, Sara Albrecht, Tom Kehoe, Jeanne Malkin, Mr. and Mrs. Bob
Scarpelli, Greg Hyder, Jim Smith, Ken Norgan, Helen Melchior, Beth Silverman, Linda Johnson Rice, Desiree Rogers, Neal Zucker, Marko Iglendza, Cathy and Joey Mondelli, Christie Hefner, Todd Hatoff, Kip Helverson and Trey Gonzalez,Les Coney, Sonia Evans and Keith Pegues,
Nina Mariano, Donnie and Estelle Madia, Lee Blackwell and Tom Baur, Susan and John Coletti, Phil Lumpkin, Doug Van Tress, Regina Taylor, Randy Crumpton and so many more. A video opened the program and featured some of film's greatest musical compilations-- "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend", "Singin' in the Rain," "Come to the Cabaret" and
"It's Another Day of Sun" from the Academy-Award winning movie "La La Land." Bill Kurtis appeared on-screen as a '40s film star with slicked back hair to welcome the crowd. The final video number, "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody"
(sung by Fergie in the film "Great Gatsby"), preceded the firing of colorful streamer cannons into the crowd. A live auction, conducted by Greg Dellinger (G-Man), featured a signed Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers guitar and a Naples, Florida, yacht cruise package (donated by the ever generous Susan Gohl). ("Empire" star Terrence Howard was the lucky winner of this package to the tune of $5600)! A massive 3-layer, film-inspired Eli's Cheesecake was presented before dinner with the honoree cutting the first slice. ABC-7's Janet
Davies introduced the first speaker, Andrew Davis, who shared, "The role Michael has played in offering actors, film makers, writers and producers the opportunity to experience sharing their voices, visions and aspirations with the world has been a true gift." He added, " For 55 years, Michael has managed, nurtured, nourished and run the Film Festival like it was his own child." And it truly was.
Kathleen Turner spoke next. "We must appreciate and not underestimate what Michael Kutza has done. You better just bless him and be very thankful you have him or I'll come back." The program also featured a Q & A between co-chair Chaz Ebert and Kutza. It was a wide ranging discussion about Michael's life in film and the founding of the festival at age 22. (The first Festival in 1965 honored Bette Davis!) Chaz asked Kutza about the secret for the Festival's 55 years of success. He said, "It's the energy of seeing something
that no one's ever seen before that keeps the spark alive for me." A video compilation included accolades from Martin Scorsese, Tom Cruise, Jacqueline Bisset, Geraldine Chaplin, Michael Douglas, Sophia Loren, Helen Mirren and Taylor Hackford, Leslie and Robert Zemeckis, Oliver Stone and Liv Ullmann among many others. Producer Paula Wagner presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Kutza calling the Festival "one of the greatest
festivals in the world." During her congratulatory remarks, she told Kutza, "you're not retiring, you're evolving." The inscription on the golden statue read, "For pioneering a world class event that celebrates the art of cinema and for making an indelible impact on the cultural landscape of Chicago." The evening concluded with a surprise performance by guest Kari Keillor who sang, "You're Gonna Hear From Me", from the 1965 film "Inside Daisy Clover". Kutza said the theme of his upcoming autobiography, "Who's Looking" due out in late 2019, was inspired by this song. (Congrats to the CIFF team/rock stars Vivien Teng, Mimi Plauche, Jackie O'Connor, Lauren Ponto and Sam Flancher on a great night!) The Chicago International Film Festival begins on October 10 and runs through the 21st. (For info, please click here). (Timothy M. Schmidt Photography)
The Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo hosted its annual Zoo Ball, this year raising more than $1.2 million to benefit this beloved institution. Themed “Zoobilee," the event honored Lincoln Park Zoo’s 150-year-long commitment to connecting people
with nature. More than 800 guests joined the Women’s Board in celebrating the zoo’s incredible milestone with an enchanting night of dinner, drinks and dancing. After a spectacular cocktail reception under the stars, complimented seamlessly by stunning décor from Erin McDonald Design, Zoo Ball guests were welcomed to enjoy delicious
seasonal fare provided by Jewell Events Catering. Jugglers, contortionists and stilt-walkers from Actors Gymnasium added to the festive atmosphere. Following remarks from the Women’s Board president, Caroline Huebner, guests took to the dance floor where they enjoyed the sophisticated sound of the
award-winning Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra. Over the past 41 years, the exceptionally successful evening has enabled the Women’s Board to provide major support to Lincoln Park Zoo. Funds raised at Zoo Ball in 2018 helped fund the soon-to-be-unveiled Searle Visitor Center, for which the Women’s Board raised $3 million. Since its inception in 1976, the Women’s Board has contributed more than $25
million to a wide range of capital projects and habitats. “We are honored to mark the zoo’s incredible 150-year milestone with support from the amazing advocates and friends of Lincoln Park Zoo,” said Huebner. “The Women’s Board proudly serves to preserve the zoo’s irreplaceable role in the city of Chicago while building for its future, the
animals it protects and the community it serves. We are thankful to all that made this night so very special.” Prominent guests at the ball included Lincoln Park Zoo president/CEO Kevin Bell; Chairman of the Lincoln Park Zoo Board of Trustees Biff Bowman; Board of Trustees Civic Chair Barbara Malott Kizziah; Charlie and Caroline Huebner; Laura and George Bilicic; Mamie and Greg Case; and Mayari Pritzker. The event was expertly co-chaired by Krista Coan and Allyson Pooley. (Photos by Robert Carl, John Reilly and Alain Milott)
The Ravinia Women’s Board hosted its annual gala with more than 600 guests in attendance on July 15. The elegant crowd helped raise nearly $1 million for the not-for-profit Ravinia and its REACH*TEACH*PLAY education programs that reach 85,000 people each year. These programs include starting and maintaining elementary
school orchestras in budget-strapped Chicago Public Schools and Lake County schools, with Ravinia supplying teachers, instruments and all other needs. A pre-gala performance featured singer/actress Audra McDonald and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra presenting vocal classics by Gershwin, Sondheim, Loesser, and more, and was conducted by Andy Einhorn in his debut with
both the CSO and Ravinia. McDonald has previously performed in concert at Ravinia and co-starred in the festival’s lauded Sondheim at 75 series in Passion, Anyone Can Whistle and Sunday in the Park with
George. Following the performance, guests enjoyed cocktails and dined to the sounds of alumni of Ravinia’s Jazz Scholars program. The annual gala is the only performance fundraiser benefiting the not-for-profit festival and its mission, especially its efforts to
bring music back into schools through its REACH*TEACH*PLAY education
programs. This year's benefit was overseen by a Women’s Board committee headed by gala co-chairs Judy Konen and Michele Ihlanfeldt, as well as Women’s Board chairman Judy Castellini. The cocktail reception sponsor was BMO Harris Bank, and the dinner sponsor was Allstate Insurance Company. Exquisite decor designed by FROST Chicago was inspired by a forest with cool earth tones, luscious greenery and crystal chandeliers that changed colors in the tent throughout the evening. The concert was performed in memory of Keene H. Addington II. (Photos by Patrick Gipson)
Marwen's 2018 Paintbrush Ball raised $740,000 to benefit the non-profit's free visual arts programming and college and career planning for Chicago youth from under-resourced communities and schools. Held
at Revel Fulton Market, the event celebrated outgoing president/CEO Antonia Contro and her 25 years of leadership. Deputy director Akilah Halley emceed the evening which featured remarks and special tributes to Antonia by Chairman Emeritus Steven Berkowitz and Marwen trustees and event co-chairs Molly Morse
Limmer (founder of 2050 Art Services) and Rich Stoddart (president/CEO at InnerWorkings). Additional notable guests included Amy and Andy Bluhm, Penny Pritzker and Bryan Traubert, Maria Pinto, Lukas Walton and Samantha Baiz Walton, Dan and Julie Wheeler, Michael Fassnacht (president/CEO of FCB Chicago), Andrew Swinand (CEO of Leo Burnett North America), Britt Nolan (CEO Leo Burnett North America) and
Steve Koch (former Deputy Mayor of Chicago). A proclamation was presented by Mayor Rahm Emanuel officially declaring June 1, 2018 as Marwen Day in Chicago in Honor of Antonio Contro. It recognizes her 25-year contribution to young people and their families along with Marwen's continued positive impact on creative youth development in Chicago and throughout the country. Contro also announced a $1 million planned gift from long-time supporter Virginia James to launch a new Legacy Fund for Marwen -- a critical step towards ensuring the organization's perpetuity and future. (Photos by Timmy Samuel, Starbelly Studios)
The Museum of Broadcast Communications is recognizing the longstanding love affair that Chicago has had with Saturday Night Live over the last 43 seasons. On Friday, August 10th, Lorne Michaels, SNL's creator and executive producer, will attend the fundraising event, "Chicago Celebrates Saturday Night Live," at the MBC. Guests will
enjoy special access to the museum’s visiting exhibition, Saturday Night Live: The Experience" and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres with proceeds benefiting the museum, a non-profit organization dedicated to the history of broadcasting and home of the National Radio Hall of Fame. (For tickets/more info, click HERE)! Some of the legendary names who have graced the SNL stage
were discovered in Chicago at Second City and iO Theater by Michaels and his producers--John Belushi, Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, Tina Fey, Chris Farley, Amy Poehler, Mike Myers, Gilda Radner, Seth Meyers and so many more!. Saturday Night Live: The Experience is a 12,000 square-foot exhibition created to chronicle the history of NBC’s
iconic franchise, while taking visitors through its famously hectic weekly schedule. Ten immersive galleries bring visitors into the Michaels’ office, the writers room, the control room and more. Over 500 authentic artifacts, including iconic costumes, original sets, props and scripts are featured. The experience concludes with a full-scale recreation of SNL's longtime home in New York, Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center.
The 14th annual “A Sterling Event” will be held on Saturday, September 29, at the Hyatt Regency
McCormick Place (Regency Ballroom), 2323 S. Martin Luther King Drive. The elegant black-tie gala will benefit the programs of A Silver Lining Foundation, including its "Buy A Mom A Mammogram" program which funds the entire spectrum of breast health testing (mammograms through biopsy) for uninsured and under-insured individuals. Event proceeds will provide potentially lifesaving cost-free testing to those who would otherwise fall through the cracks. The gala will include live and silent auctions as well as a cocktail reception, dinner, live entertainment and dancing. WGN's Micah Materre, will once again emcee the event. For tickets, $300, and more info, click here or call 312.345.1322!
Navy Pier is bursting at the seams with excitement! On June 26, another key milestone was celebrated in the Pier's ongoing transformation as it debuted the new Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion. The sold-out grand opening event highlighted the Pier’s Chicago-
centric experiences in dining, retail, dining and entertainment and included dynamic performances by Chicago Children’s Theater, The Actor’s Gymnasium and The Happiness Club. The event welcomed about 850 guests and raised more than $460,000 for Navy Pier’s free public
programming as part of the Pier’s commitment to offer accessible and unique experiences designed to inspire, educate and connect communities and guests across the city and globe. A key element of the Pier’s ongoing Centennial Vision redevelopment, the Fifth
Third Bank Family Pavilion stretches more than 200,000 square feet from the west main entrance of the Pier to WBEZ, and is a hub of more than 50 Chicago-centric experiences that showcase and represent the city’s best offerings in dining, entertainment, retail and more. Click here for a full listing of establishments within the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion. (Heidi Zeiger Photography)
The Peninsula Chicago and the Service Club of Chicago hosted a memorial tribute to the late, great Hazel Barr on July 17. Over 100 friends and admirers gathered in the Grand Ballroom to share "Hazel Stories & Memories." I think she would've loved this elegant affair that featured a 10-foot-tall portrait of her in a rococo gilded frame from a "Day on the
Terrace" runway show, an event she co-founded. A ginormous floral and feather arrangement, courtesy of Kehoe Designs, was created in one of her favorite colors, red! Her husband of 67 years, Warren Barr, spoke movingly and eloquently about the "love of his life" and thanked the crowd for its support and
attendance. Jean Antoniou, this year's "Day on the Terrace" co-chair, shared her memories of Hazel as did Greg Hyder, the Peninsula's catering director. He called her "tough but fair" and recounted her desire to host the first "Day on the Terrace" event in the then soon-to-be-opened Peninsula, where it's been held ever since. It was a wonderful night for remembering and honoring a woman who changed the philanthropic landscape of Chicago.
Thanks to WCIU's "The Jam" for hosting Chaz Ebert and me on a recent show to chat about the Chicago International Film Festival's Summer Gala (featured above). Host Jordan Cornette, a former star Notre Dame basketball player, was fabulous (and patient!)...As you can imagine, between the two of us, Chaz and I had a lot to say! LOL! (To see video, click here!)
A reminder! Don't forget to grab your tickets for the hot "Rev Up Chicago" fashion show presented by the Apparel Industry Board! The evening will honor Pat and Joe Perillo and feature a runway show with a dozen local designers, including Armigami, Brandon Blackshear, Caroline Rose, Heidi Hess, Lauren Lein Ltd., M2057, Mira Couture, Model Atelier, Rebellion, Ricorso and Varyform! (Fab invitation portrait by Rosemary Fanti) For tickets/more info, click HERE!
A magical pop-up inspired by the sea! Now through July 30, don't miss the 900 North Michigan Shops' marine-inspired experience in partnership with Shedd Aquarium, Chicago Public Library and the ocean conservation group, Blue Ring. It's an underwater-
inspired oasis of enchantment and engagement for mermaids and sailors of any age! For the first time ever, visitors can tuck into the iconic shopping center to do everything from visiting with an ethereal mermaid to learning about ocean conservation from a deep sea diver! Children can even commit to caring about the ocean by becoming an "adopted child of the sea" during a special ceremony. Check it out daily from noon to 4 pm on the 2nd and 5th levels at 900 N. Michigan Avenue (The 900 Shops)!
I just love reading Linda Yu's "Food We Love" column in the Chicago Sun-Times! She always features the most interesting people and recipes and, this week, she hit upon one of our favorite restaurants (and people)--Tufano's, 1073 W. Vernon Park Place, and Joey DiBuono, owner of this much loved family restaurant! To read the article and discover his secret recipe for lemon chicken, click here!
The 27th "Dance for Life" returns to the Auditorium Theatre on Saturday, August 18 featuring 7 dance companies--Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The
Joffrey Ballet, Hanna Brictson and Dancers, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Chicago Dance Crash and Nomi Dance Company! The concert will open with a work choreographed by Randy Duncan that honors Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's founding artistic director Lou Conte and Giordano Dance Chicago's artistic director Nan Giordano! For tickets/more info, click here!
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum will celebrate the most stylish men in Chicago at the 3rd annual Chicago Men's Fashion Awards, co-chaired by John Rogers and Maggie Morgan, on Wednesday, September 12. The art-deco inspired evening, taking place at Room & Board, 55 E. Ohio, will feature a fashion show presented in collaboration with Saks Fifth Avenue and Room & Board. (For tix/more info, click here!)
Another friend has left us all too soon. Angela Murges passed away surrounded by her family on July 5. She was a long-time and much loved friend and, during the 70s and 80s, there was no stone left unturned in our quest for fun with her husband Paulie and her dearest friend Kathy O'Malley Piccone. She loved to dance
and, for many years, toured the country as a professional Latin jazz dancer. She worked as a manager at Ranalli's in Lincoln Park for more than 20 years. During a beautiful and emotional ceremony at St. Giles Catholic Church, her only daughter Giana Pisellini shared a touching eulogy. "My mother Angela was a beautiful woman and her beauty radiated from her core, her essence, her soul. She saw the good in everyone and strove to be positive and bring out the best in others." Amen to this Giana....she was truly an inspiration for all who knew her. RIP Ang....you'll dance circles around those angels.
Chuck and I just finished binge-watching "Versailles" on Netflix. It was so well done, you felt like you were there. The visuals, the actors and the stories are so spot-on, they draw you in like a spider's web--we just can't wait for Season 3! If you haven't seen it, check out this trailer and tune in:
Congrats to Mable Buckner-Payton, president/CEO of the Streeterville Chamber of Commerce. She will be honored by the Board of Directors and aldermen at a ceremony at CHEZ, 247 E. Ontario, on Wednesday, September 26. Love and congrats Mable! You so deserve this!
I hope you're all enjoying this beautiful summer! It always reminds us why we live and love here, right? May your grills stay hot and your coolers chilled!
Love, as always,
Candace
[email protected]
P.S. And, of course, something to leave you with a smile and a message!
