LEGENDARY LANDMARKS CELEBRATION; HORT COUTURE DEBUTS AT CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW; PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL; BATON SHOW LOUNGE CELEBRATES 49; BRIAN ATWOOD FOCUS OF HISTORY MUSEUM LUNCHEON; THE 900 SHOPS HOP TO IT FOR EASTER; JUDI'S "REGAL TREATMENT"; LESLIE ZEMECKIS PREMIERES MABEL; OLD ST. PAT'S CELTIC CELEBRATION; ANIXTER CENTER HONORS ALEX; HIDE-N-SEEK AT CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM; GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO HAS A LOT TO CELEBRATE; HOTTEST UPCOMING EVENTS; PLAYBOY FACES OFF WITH FACEBOOK; ANDREA'S BIG BD PARTY; ROSEANNE'S SIZZLING REBOOT; THIS-AND-THAT; CUTE VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!
Holiday Heroes, a nonprofit that provides parties for hospitalized children who are terminally or chronically ill, hosted "Cocktails & Capone", a fundraiser held at CHEZ under the chairmanship of
Felicia Winiecki on March 14. Nearly 200 guests attended, many dressed gangsta-style, helping raise funds that will provide over 160 hospitalized kids with an experience that includes a themed party with decorations and fun
crafts for them and their siblings, a catered meal for the entire family plus a $100 gift card! The evening centered around a Q & A and book signing with the last living relative of gangster Al
Capone, his niece Deirdre Marie Capone! She discussed her life and recent book, "Al Capone," with the much loved reporter/former news anchor Robert Jordan during an evening
produced by Bonnie Kaplan. It was a homecoming, of sorts, for Deirdre as she recalled being taken to this same venue, that was formerly the famed Chez Paree nightclub, with her famous Uncle Al on her 15th
birthday! (She's 78 now). The performer that night, the one and only Nat King Cole, sang "Unforgettable" to her to celebrate! Congrats to Felicia and all the supporters who attended in support of Holiday Heroes!
Landmarks Illinois attracted over 800 guests to its annual Legendary Landmarks Celebration on March 8. Always a packed house for this event, the Hilton
Chicago was filled with historic preservation advocates, supporters and friends to honor this year's Legendary Landmarks honorees-- Daniel Levin, founder and chairman of
The Habitat Company; Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President and Fred Berglund, president of Berglund Construction. The
evening began with a cocktail reception that was so full that it was hard to navigate. Guests then moved on to the main event, the awards presentation, this year held in a bigger
ballroom, the International Room, due to increased attendance. As partygoers filed in, they were energized by the sounds of the Soul Children of Chicago who were rippin' it up onstage. Bonnie McDonald,
president/CEO Landmarks Illinois, welcomed the crowd before the video presentation of "People Saving Places: Landmarks Illinois at Work." Following the program, attendees enjoyed an elaborate dessert reception in the Grand Ballroom. The gala raised over $850,000 to help fund the nonprofit's Advocacy Program, the heart of Landmarks Illinois' work to preserve and protect historic landmarks.
Another great year for the Chicago Flower & Garden Show! A special thanks to director Tony Abruscato and his crack team on ALL the hard work they did to bring spring to Chicago in such grand style! Both the
opening night charity benefit, Hort Couture, and the show itself were great successes! Hort Couture attracted over 600 stylish guests who mixed and mingled throughout the 170,000+ square-foot space amid 21
fragrant, colorful gardens. Each garden was inspired by the show's theme, "Flowertales: Every Garden Has a Story to Tell" with book-related motifs everywhere you looked! One of the lead sponsors,
Subaru, presented a garden of wonder inspired by "The Wizard of Oz." There must be a 1000 Instagram photos of this delightful space that included a yellow brick road leading to a backdrop of
the Emerald City and a brand new Subaru Forester. To add even more excitement, the whole cast of characters from the literary classic were on hand for photo opps--Dorothy
(portrayed by The Spirit of Oz' Holly Webb) even had a live dog to complete her spot-on look! Another favorite of mine was the garden designed by the students and teachers from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. As you walked through the Hobbit-house shaped door, guests
entered an enchanted forest filled with wizards, mad hatters, witches and more. I was in heaven since I prefer to live in a land of
make believe almost full time! I also loved the exquisite tablescapes by Debi Lilly and Kehoe Designs--who NEVER disappoint! (See video here!) And, as if all of this fun and beauty wasn't enough, the floral fashion show just blew everyone away! I had a chance for a sneak peek backstage before the show (see video here) and it was a bee hive of activity as 13 popular, local designers put the finishing touches to their
garments and accessories made of fresh cut flowers, plants and other natural materials. Participating designers were Debi Lilly (A Perfect Event), Ali Martin (Big Al's Wonderland), Stacey Carlton (The Flora Culturist), Elda de la Rosa (Elda de la Rosa Couture), Sheryl Timmerman
(A Special Touch), Melinda Whitmore (Vitruvian Fine Art Studio), Amy Crum (Amy Crum Designs), Laura Daluga and Brian Skol (Department of Floristry), Ian Hargrove (Against All Odds), Ramsey Prince and Borris Powell (Ashland Addison Floral and Event
Decor) and Tami Smallwood (Tami Trace Designs). The finale, by Vitruvian Fine Art Studio's Melinda Whitmore, was dramatic and awe-inspiring! (See this video here!) The event benefited Bernie's Book Bank, a nonprofit that focuses on book ownership for at-risk kids in the Chicagoland area, and The Get Growing
Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show that produces outreach initiatives to cultivate the next generation of gardeners. Congrats to Tony and his fabulous team for, yet another, magical production! The show returns March 13 thru the 19th in 2019! For details, click here! (Photos by Mila Samokhina)
Hands clapping, heads nodding and a standing ovation greeted the pre-Broadway world premiere of "Pretty Woman The Musical"on March 28, at Broadway in Chicago's Oriental Theatre. Based on the Touchstone Pictures film "Pretty Woman," written by J.F. Lawton and book by Lawton and the late Garry Marshall, the musical is a foot-stomping romp from Hollywood Blvd. to the penthouse of the Beverly Wilshire with a stellar, talented cast. When the leads first came onstage, in particular,
Samantha Barks who plays Vivian Ward, I stupidly thought how can someone be so beautiful and have a voice to match? Well, first impressions were instantly cast aside when she opened her mouth to sing. This award-winning actress can do it all and
you just couldn't take your eyes off her. She easily went from the hooker character to a well-groomed, glam socialite type without losing a beat or heart. She was lovable, funny (there are so many great lines in this production) and a great dancer to boot, pun intended! Wait till you see her in her thigh-high, black,
patent leather boots! The male lead, Steve Kazee, is a Tony and Grammy Award-winner and was wonderful (sufficient) in the role of Edward Lewis but I didn't think he had the power or charm of a Richard Gere. I wish he had been sexier and more dynamic, but this didn't diminish my enthusiasm for the show. The set was spectacular and so very clever. Even before the show opened, the backdrop made the audience feel as if they were looking out over Hollywood from behind
its iconic sign. I just loved it and fell immediately into the moment. A standout in the show and my very favorite was Eric Anderson (who seemed to play every single role except for the leads!) He was brilliant in everything he portrayed and went from a down-and-out guy selling maps to stars homes on Hollywood Blvd. to being the polished manager of the Beverly Wilshire seamlessly. I thought there was so much to see and love in this production. Granted, there are tweaks that need to be made, some things could be cut, but overall, I would go back to see it again in a heartbeat. I left on sensory overload, with songs in my heart. And this is exactly what you would expect from an uplifting, funny, smart musical like this. All of the producers attended the performance and an after-party was held in the Walnut Room at Macy's State Street. As guests entered, they were each presented with a glass of champagne with a strawberry in it just
like Vivian and Edward enjoyed in the production. Awwwwww! Guests in attendance included Dean Richards, Ji Suk Yi (doing her thing now for the lucky Sun-Times), Lisa Fielding, Brenda Arelano, Lisa Kraus, Jerry Nunn, Margie Korshak, Steve Traxler, former Joffrey Ballet star Abigail Simon, Michael Kutza, Jeanne Malkin, Susan Ellefson, Diane and Sandy Whiteley, Chris Dudley (Illinois Film Office director), Suzanne Friedman and Rick Nicita (CAA partner), among many others. Rumor has it, Julia Roberts might be attending the premiere when it reaches New York on August 1. Now that is something I wish I could see. Runs now through April 15 at the Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.), 2 hours, 20 minutes.
The Baton Show Lounge (436 N. Clark) celebrated
its 49th anniversary with a private event at the Club on March 14. The evening began with a reception where guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and the soothing sounds of Antonio Edward. A new 2 hour long anniversary show followed with star
performers Chilli Pepper, Maya Douglas, Sheri Payne, Ginger Grant, Angel Sanchez, Sasha Colby, Victoria Le Paige and the reigning Mr. and Mrs.
Continentals Ramon Ventura and Shantell D'Marco (see her performance here!) tearing up the stage. The room was packed with fans, friends and supporters, including a 93 year-old Cubs fan who never missed her turn at tipping the performers. Owner Jim Flint thanked the over-flow crowd and got teary-eyed up thanking his mentor/ landlord Al Friedman. Congrats with love to Jim, Dan Neniskis, the entire staff and, of course, the fabulous, energetic performers!
Pretty sure this event will be a sellout! The Chicago History Museum with host its annual Spring Luncheon, this year featuring darling shoe designer Brian Atwood in conversation with Chicago Magazine's Susanna Homan on Wed., May 30! Details will follow for this event co-chaired by Yolanda Stemer, Toni Canada and Melissa Skoog Dunagan! Can't wait!
It was almost cuteness overload at The 900 Shops from March 23 to the 31st when Mr. Easter Bunny hopped onto the 5th floor, providing photo opps and joy for all who visited! The space was decorated in pastel shades
with crystal chandeliers, colorful "flowers" and a cloud of balloons that cascaded from the ceiling down to the floor. Kids, and adults, stood wide-eyed waiting in line for this magical, charming Easter experience! Kudos to 900's crack team Alicia Skruba, Stacy Kolios, Taylor Stucker and David Murga on a job very well done!
Accomplished artist/friend Judi Regal is really making waves in the art world! Her recent one woman show at the Coral Springs Museum of Art was a hit as is her new coffee table book! She's had feature articles in Art Hive Magazine and Simply the Best Magazine and more! Read her latest feature, "Regal Treatment" by Bruce Helander here and take a look at her website here! Congrats Judi! YOU are a force!
Author/producer/director/writer Leslie Zemeckis premiered her recent film, "Mabel, Mabel, Tiger Trainer" at the Chicago History Museum on March 25. I was proud to introduce Leslie and her film about Mabel Stark, the world's first female tiger
trainer. Leslie became a bit emotional talking about Mabel. Her husband, famed producer/director Robert Zemeckis who is also the film's executive producer, told me she gets very close to her subjects and feels very protective of them. Leslie has written and produced
books and films about underdogs and the disenfranchised, women in particular, and she wears her heart on her sleeve concerning her subjects. A Q & A followed conducted by the Museum's Director of Special Events, Jessica Trent. Leslie and Robert left for NYC the following day for a by-invite-only party at MOMA for the film where they celebrated after at a private dinner party attended by Martha Stewart.
Old St. Pat's hosted its 22nd annual Siamsa na nGael, the glorious Celtic musical celebration, at the Symphony Center on March 6. Originally founded in 1996 by Father Jack Wall, the event attracted over 2000 guests. For the first gala,
Father Wall brought in powerhouses Maggie Daley and Shirley Ryan as co-chairs and now the event has become a major fund-raiser for Old St. Pat's as well as an extraordinary musical prelude to St. Patrick's Day in Chicago. The evening included a pre-concert dinner and post-performance and
a reception in the Grainger Ballroom catered by Blue Plate. For dessert, sugar cookies were iced with bright Irish green shamrocks and, of course, Irish coffee was served. All monies raised will benefit Old St. Pat's many charitable outreach programs. Congrats to co-chairs Shelley and Bill Farley, Virginia and Norm Bobins and Jim and Lynn Kiley on a great night!
The Anixter Center is honoring Alex Pissios, president and CEO of Cinespace, on May 3 in one of its big, onsite studios. Besides being a remarkable human being, Alex is also one of the most generous people. He's keeping up with his family commitment to help those with disabilities while doing as
much as he can to boost the residents in the neighborhood of his studio, North Lawndale. This TV/movie studio is the production venue for the hit shows Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire and Chicago Med as well as Empire and The Chi. It also happens to be the biggest U.S. movie studio outside of Hollywood AND has two college campus programs on the lot--DePaul Cinema Arts and Tribeca Flashpoint.
Themed “Sharing Strengths, Building Partnerships,” the evening—a cinema extravaganza that will showcase the work of some of Chicago’s most exciting young filmmakers—will raise funds to help children, teens, and adults with disabilities through programs that include employment training and job placement, residential services and health care. For tickets and more info, click here!
The Chicago Children's Museum (CCM) opened its doors to more than 300 adults for the 8th annual Hide-N-Seek event on March 3. The event raised over $90,000 to support the
museum’s innovative exhibits, educationally-charged programming, mission-driven free field trips and community inclusion initiatives. Hosted by
CCM's Metropolitan Board, the event featured a "Throwback" theme that included a surprise performance by a Michael Jackson impersonator, a flip cup sponsored by Coyote Logistics, duck racing in the museum's WaterWays exhibit, a photo booth and more! Music was provided by DJ LA Jesus and the Gold Coast All Stars Band.
Congrats to Giordano Dance Chicago! Not only did they knock the socks off of the Harris Theatre crowd during its two-day Spring Series on March 23 and 24 but they also recently cut the ribbon on their permanent home, the former Hermon Baptist Church on Clark St. So much to celebrate!
Chuck and I could hardly stay in our seats during the rousing Spring Series performance. Every number was jaw-dropping, especially considering this small company (only 15 members) appeared onstage for almost every number! Presented by longtime supporter Susan Carlins (Make it Happen Initiative),
the 2 day experience celebrated 55 years of this much loved company. During the performance, even executive director Michael McStraw sang a tribute from the musical "La
La Land," ("Audition-The Fools Who Dream") to perfection I might add. And for the finale, the dancers surprised artistic director Nan Giordano with a special performance they choreographed in secret. Not only did the tears flow on Nan's pretty face, but the whole audience needed Kleenex. Oh, what a night! Congrats, with love to Giordano Dance Chicago!
In honor of the growth and success of the Northwestern Medicine Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, friends, family, survivors and clinical staff will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the launch of the institute at the Minds Matter Benefit Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton on Friday, May 11. The fundraiser will highlight the institute’s milestones in research, education and care since its first fundraiser a decade ago at Table Fifty-Two. Actress/producer Bonnie Hunt will be emceeing this year's event just as she did for the first gala! For tickets, $400, more info, click here!
UPCOMING EVENTS: Jane Goodall keynote speaker at the 2018 Women in Science Luncheon at the Field Museum on Tuesday, April 3 (I'm going ape over this!); DuPage
Children's Museum Benefit Ball on Saturday, April 7; White Sox Charity Gala "Beyond the Diamond" on Tuesday, April 10 at the Park; St. Jude's Four Stars of Chicago benefit on Wednesday, April 11 at the Sheraton Grand; Urban Gateways "Art for All" on
Thursday, April 12; Children's Place Assn. party honoring Blue Man Group at Morgan Mfg. on Saturday, April 14; Northwestern Hospital Benefit chaired by Jim Karas at the Four Seasons on Wednesday, April 18; Joffrey Ballet Spring Gala on Friday, April 20; Maryville Academy honors Justice Anne Burke,
Jean and William O'Neill at Spirit of Maryville Awards benefit on Friday, April 20; Discovery Ball benefiting the American Cancer Society on Saturday, April 21; Saks
Fifth Avenue/Giordano Dance Chicago fashion show fundraiser at VISTA on Thursday, April 26; F.A.M.E.'s "Recognizing Chicago Talent" gala at Chicago Yacht Club on Saturday, April 28; "Wonders of the Park", the 11th annual gala for the Lincoln Park Conservancy, will be held on Saturday, April 28 at the Four Seasons; UNICEF Gala Chicago on Saturday, April 28 at The Geraghty; Stanley Paul Foundation/AIBI will honor Maureen and Marc Schulman at the Casino on Wednesday, May 9; Association
House of Chicago's Faces of Hope benefit on Friday, May 11 at Chicago Cultural Center; Misericordia/Bloomingdale's "Dress Up" luncheon/fashion show on Friday, May 11 at the Hilton Chicago; About Face Theatre's WONKA Ball on Friday, May 11 at the Museum of Broadcast Communications;
Jesus Christ Superstar celebration presented by the Lyric Women's Board and Guild Board of Directors on Friday, May 11; Goodman Theatre's 40th anniversary gala featuring Broadway's Renee Elise Goldsberry on Saturday,
May 19, at the Fairmont; Misericorida's "Artist in All" benefit on Wednesday, May 23 in the Art Institute's Modern Wing; Friends of the Chicago River's "Big Fish Ball" on Tuesday, June 5, at the Westin Chicago River North; Ingalls Development Foundation will present Patti LaBelle at the Hilton Chicago on Saturday, June 16; and the Chicago Lighthouse "Seeing What's Possible" gala will be held at the Four Seasons on Friday, June 22; Eversight Illinois' "Gift of Sight" gala on June 28 at The Peninsula.
Boy, Facebook is losing friends left and right after the recent scandal involving revelations that personal data of 50 million users was obtained and misused by British data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica. The latest company to decamp, Playboy! Chief Creative Officer Cooper Hefner issued a statement via Twitter and Instagram last week. I understand the reasoning but will be sad not to be able to share PB's posts on
this platform.
And 50th birthday wishes are in order for Macy's Andrea Schwartz Stryker! She celebrated with friends at a private party at Nomi on March 23 with a special cake her darling husband Steve surprised her with! Here's to many more celebrations
dear Andrea!
More congrats are in order for former Windy City Live co-host, Ji Suk Yi! The Sun-Times, in a stroke of genius, has hired her as a feature reporter! I knew she wouldn't last long on the open market! Long may you reign Ji!
And last but not least, I had a chance to visit my friend Michael Perich's brand new store in Glen Ellyn. Located at 485 Main Street, The Gnome Colony is just what the name implies, a magical place filled with wonders--from his Michael Perich Makeup & Skincare line to gifts, clothing, home decor, fragrances and more. There's even a tiny fairy door built right into the check-out counter! He will soon be adding antiques and more fun stuff so I can't wait to go back and check out this cool cabinet of curiosities! Congrats with love Michael!
Over 18 million people watched the "Roseanne" revival last week! I loved seeing these familiar and much loved characters after 21 years off the air! What did you think? I can't wait to see it when it returns on Tuesdays, 7 pm, on ABC-7.
That's all for this edition! I hope you've enjoyed all the fun news from this thriving city--so many people doing so much good and having a damn good time while doing it! Now that's my definition of living life to its fullest! Until next time.....
Love, as always,
Candace
[email protected]
P.S. Bill Conner biked across the United States in honor of his 20-year-old daughter, Abbey, who died suddenly in January. Along the way, he met someone very special -- the man who received Abbey's heart. (You'll need a Kleenex).
