Category Archives: Culture

Celebrate Warm Weather This Summer with Concerts, Food, and Fun at Ravinia

Celebrate Warm Weather This Summer with Concerts, Food, and Fun at Ravinia

 

Is there anything better than a summer night in Chicago? This year, celebrate family, friends, and warmth at Ravinia! Chicagoans are a short train ride away from all that Ravinia has to offer; music performances, dining options, and large, grassy lawns. Known to be surrounded by trees, Ravinia is a little escape from the downtown skyscrapers to beautiful mother nature.

 

Starting on June 13th, the festival’s summer lineup features everything from country music to metal, bringing in music favorites from all genres. This year, Chicagoans will have the chance to see big stars such as Sheryl Crow, Amos Lee + David Grey, Steve Miller Band, OAR, Aretha Franklin, and Alan Jackson. Ravinia also hosts kid’s concerts and events; this year’s lineup brings symphonic performers to compose music from Tim Burton films and Disney’s Fantasia, as well as the acrobatic group Golden Dragon Acrobats from China.

 

Tickets for performances range from $10 to $75 based on the venue chosen and who is performing. Ravinia has 5 different venues; two indoor stages, a pavilion, a terrace, and a lawn. The indoor stages and pavilion are for more traditional concerts with assigned seats, while the terrace provides reserved tables that allow eating and drinking during the show. Lastly, the lawn is for those who want to throw down a blanket, relax in the grass, and listen to the music.

 

There are countless options for dining at Ravinia. With four restaurants, an ice cream shop, and refreshment carts floating around, you’ll never be hungry. Looking to save a few dollars? Ravinia encourages picnics on the lawn! If you don’t want to pack meals for you and your friends, Picnic Box, a service provided by Ravinia, will pack one for you to pick up before show time. Alcohol is allowed at all venues, whether concertgoers bring their own drinks or enjoy the fully-stocked bars, making Ravinia the perfect place for social gatherings.

 

No matter what age, you’re sure to have a good time. Bring your family and friends to a concert this summer at Ravinia and enjoy the great music, the warm weather, and some fun!

 

For more about the Ravinia and to see performance schedules, please visit www.ravinia.org.

 

 

See below for detailed instructions on buying tickets (from Ravinia). Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 28 at 5 a.m. Central Time.

 

For security purposes, anyone who intends to purchase tickets must change his or her password before Ravinia puts more than 100 summer concerts on sale, beginning at 5 a.m. on April 28. Those who do not already have a myRavinia account are advised to create an account now. Ravinia also advises patrons to verify their personal information, including mailing address and phone number, once they log on.

 

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO BUYING TICKETS

Ravinia manages its own box office, so make sure you are at www.ravinia.org. Ravinia cannot vouch for any secondary-market sellers. One $7 service fee will be added to each order (not to each ticket). Ravinia anticipates the heaviest traffic between 5 and 10 a.m. If there is a wait, please do not log in with multiple devices, as it could cause further delays.

  • Click Login at the top of the home page and log in to your account with your myRavinia e-mail address and password.
  • From the calendar, navigate to the first concert for which you wish to buy tickets. Click on the calendar box to view the performance information. Click “Learn More” to see the concert page and available ticket options. Click on the relevant “BUY NOW” button and specify how many tickets you want to buy. You may purchase up to a maximum of 10 tickets per concert, per order. Remember, everyone needs a ticket, regardless of age.
  • Repeat the previous step for each concert for which you wish to buy tickets.
  • Select Print@Home tickets or choose to have paper tickets mailed to you.
  • Complete and pay for your order. You will receive a detailed order confirmation by e-mail.

 

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5 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

5 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago

 

If you’re like most Chicagoans, then every year St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just your average “holiday.” In Chicago it is a huge celebration with good times, good friends and most importantly good food.  Chicagoans go all out when it comes to this festive green holiday.

 

Here’s how to catch the St. Patrick’s Day spirit:

 

1. We dye our emerald river green!! In true Chicago fashion, every year around 40 pounds of eco-friendly dye is dumped into the Chicago River and it lasts around 4-5 hours. The dyeing starts at 9:30 a.m. and is located at the corner of Columbus and Wacker Drive.  The dyeing of the river has been a beloved tradition for about 50 years, and it draws in crowds that also follow the parade around the city.

 

2. We have TWO parades! We have a parade on the north side of the city which usually resides on a Saturday (this year March 14) so that families and tourists can come out and enjoy the festivities. The downtown parade starts at 12 p.m. at Columbus and Balbo. The parade proceeds north on Columbus and the viewing area is in front of Buckingham Fountain.

 

The Second Parade that takes place in Chicago is the South Side Irish Parade. It is a family friendly event which is supported by the surrounding community.  It is said that this parade is one of the biggest Irish Heritage celebrations outside of Dublin. This year it is on Sunday March 15. It starts at 12 p.m. and is located on Western Avenue between 103rd and 115th Streets.

 

3. We have the best food! As Chicago is known for being a foodie city, there are many restaurants around the city that make authentic Irish cuisine. Several locations include McNamara’s on Irving Park and The Abbey Pub just off of Elston Ave. on Grace St.

 

4. We have numerous parties around the city! In Chicago, we do St. Patrick’s Day pretty big. Whether this means going to the parade, or starting the fun bright and early at 8 a.m. with a pub crawl, Chicagoans are very diverse on what they like to enjoy throughout the city. Most restaurants in the city take part in the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, whether it is signing up to be a stop on a bar crawl, or having green beer specials, this is one holiday that bars and restaurants enjoy.

 

5. Four words: Irish American Heritage Center. The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that go on here are among Chicago’s largest. The Irish American Heritage Center is hosting two celebrations: one on March 14 and the other on March 17. What sets these celebrations apart from the other ones throughout the city is the live music, food, and activities all in one place. Saturday March 14, the center will hold its St. Patrick’s Festival which will follow the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade on the north side of the city. This is a fun and family oriented event which includes traditional as well as contemporary Irish music, dance, food and arts and crafts. For more information on the festivities going on at the Irish American Heritage Center you can visit www.irishamerican.org.

 

Have a great St. Patrick’s Day!

 

 

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10 Ways to Have Fun in Chicago This Winter – On the Cheap

10 Ways to Have Fun in Chicago This Winter – On the Cheap

 

Set a New Year’s resolution to save money this year? While Chicago abounds with expensive meals out, days of pricey sightseeing and nights on the town, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself through the cold months on the cheap.

 

Top 10 Ways to Enjoy Low Cost Fun in Chicago

 

1.       Trek across Northerly Island by snowshoe

Bring your camera to capture great views of the city while getting a winter workout in. At only $5 for snowshoe or cross-country ski rentals, you can explore this expansive park near the Planetarium. Check here for a calendar of days the program is running. Note that there must be three inches of snow to participate – so check their Facebook page or call 312-745-2910 for up-to-date information on access.

 

2.       See what the Soho House hype is about for the cost of a latte

Curious about West Loop’s new glamorous social club, the Soho House (113 – 125 N. Green St.)? While much of the club is designated for members or hotel guests only, the coffee shop and bar in the stunningly decorated lobby (The Allis) and the two restaurants (Chicken Shop and Pizza East) are open to the public. One of our favorite stops in the neighborhood, we recommend finding a lovely sun-lit table in the lobby and ordering a latte or freshly-concocted Bloody Mary to soak up the Soho House atmosphere.

 

3.       Enjoy a homemade meal in a cozy flower shop

The Flower Flat in Lakeview (620 W. Addison) is a former flower shop offering a unique café. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served; dinner only on Friday nights. Take advantage of Friday night’s rotating $19 prix fixe menu featuring dishes such as red wine marinara spaghetti with mozzarella meatballs and peppered shrimp on creamy polenta.

 

4.       Visit the tropics for free at the conservatories

Surround yourself with gorgeous flowers, plants and streams when you step inside the heated haven of Lincoln Park Conservatory. Located just south of Fullerton, the Conservatory features four rooms: the Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House and Show House (which hosts annual flower shows). Access is free.

Head further west to visit the Garfield Park Conservatory (300 North Central Park Ave.), which is an expansive tropical setting featuring six multi-faceted greenhouses and two grand exhibition halls. Admission is also free, however donations are recommended.

 

5.       Turn your favorite walk into a bike ride with Divvy

Missing your outdoor workouts? Cover more ground and work up some body heat while biking around town. The Divvy rental bike system is available year-round and you can check out a bike for a $7 24-hour pass or kick start unlimited rides with a year-long membership for $75. Because the intent of the bike program is to offer transportation from one point to another, rides must be 30 minutes or less. If you decide to ride for longer, slight overtime charges will be applied.  The program offers 3000 bikes across the city found at 300 docking stations, so you are guaranteed to find one near where you want to go.

 

6.       Dine at last year’s hot restaurants

Missed a few restaurant openings last year? Head in now that lines have subsided to comfort hits such as Leghorn Chicken’s new location on 600 W. Ohio St. ($7 for a Nashville Hot chicken sandwich on a buttermilk biscuit), or Shake Shack (66 E. Ohio St.) where you can devour a classic ShackBurger for only $5.19. Dine on endless tacos, burger and po’ boys at Big & Little’s, located at 860 N. Orleans and 1034 W. Belmont. This favorite Chicago diner was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and continues to draw regulars back for more delicious eats.

Or, make it fancy and head to Enolo Wine Café in River North (450 N. Clark St.) for a $13 “Tall, Dark and Handsome” flight of 3 glasses of red wine or a $4.50 tasty bruschetta (top picks include Prosciutto, Fig Jam and Mascarpone, or Bacon Jam, Torched Burrata, Arugula and Tomato).

 

7.       Take advantage of free museum days

Chicago has so many options to get your cultural fix. From Degas at the Art Institute to dinosaurs at the Field Museum, Illinois residents can enjoy some of Chicago’s best museums for free on select days (bring your driver’s license to show proof of residency). Choose Chicago put together a list of specific dates museums open up to residents for free.

 

 8.       Conquer a new workout for free

Many fitness studios offer a trial workout for free for new customers. Tackle your New Year’s resolutions by finding your new favorite workout. TITLE Boxing Club offers a free first boxing experience, and Power Sculpt Fitness offers a free trial class (check out Cycle & Sculpt or Tabata Express).

 

9.       Eat and drink on the cheap with local happy hour specials

Warm, cozy bars draw you in from the cold for fun and camaraderie. Keep bar tabs low by heading in for the happy hour specials. Get your coworkers or friends to tag along to split a few appetizers. The Lobby Lounge in the JW Marriott (151 W. Adams St.) offers $5 wine specials and $5 appetizers such as pizza flatbreads and chicken bites from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

McCormick & Schmick’s on Rush and Chestnut has a great priced happy hour menu in the early evening hours each day of the week tempting you with items ranging from $2.99 (Garlic Rosemary Fries) to $5.99 (American Kobe Style Carpaccio and Baja Fish Tacos).

If you’re craving a Hawaiian island menu, head to Roy’s (720 N. State St.) for Aloha Hour every night from 4:30 – 7 p.m. to enjoy $6 cocktails such as Cucumber Martinis and $6 bar bites such as Red Curry Chicken Samosas and Tempura-Crusted Ahi Rolls.

 

10.   Collect extra cash by selling clothes at consignment shops

Make a few extra bucks to fund your social life as you clear up space in your closet. Donate clean items in great condition that you no longer want to consignment shops such as Second Time Around (823 W. Armitage). Earn on average 30 – 40% of the original value of an item, or 50% for new items with tags still on. Second Time Around is looking for designer clothing and accessories that you no longer need and can sell to someone else who would enjoy them.

Le Thrift Consignment (1821 W. Chicago Ave.) is currently accepting winter hand bags, clothing, jewelry and accessories for similar prices, no appointment necessary.

 

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Find Your Path in 2015 with The Detoxitarian’s Desire Map Workshop

Find Your Path in 2015 with The Detoxitarian’s Desire Map Workshop

 

Please welcome Marcy E. Cruice, HHC, “The Detoxitarian” and Licensed Desire Map Facilitator, for a Guest Post this week.

 

At the core of everything we do and every decision we make is a desire. A desire to feel good, to feel happy. Likely, we are striving for something that we hope will give us that “good” feeling. But, let’s be real, good and happy are pretty vague. What does good feel like? What does happy feel like?

 

We tend to seek out the things that we hope will make us feel good, it’s human nature. And, sometimes it works. But what about when it doesn’t? What if we could get really clear on the feelings we want most and start generating those feelings right now instead of waiting and hoping for them?

 

This is exactly the conversation that Marcy E. Cruice, a Chicago-based, licensed Desire Map Facilitator is starting. She attributes her recent personal and professional transformation to her discovery of The Desire Map and the uncovering of her core desired feelings. From accepting love to the birth of her online coaching program, THE DETOXITARIAN™, The Desire Map was a complete game-changer. It provided her with the clarity and insight to rearrange her perspective, her expectations, her decision-making process and her relationship with her feelings and she is excited and ready to share this experience with you so you can start to create a life that you love!

 

Beginning in January, Marcy will be hosting workshops and retreats based on The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte that will guide you through the process of getting clear about how you want to feel: in your work, your relationships, your home, in your body. By exploring the five major areas of your life, you will be given the opportunity to examine how you are currently feeling and how you want to feel. You will uncover your core desired feelings, the feelings you most want to feel. You will: be supported and provide support, connect with a new tribe of like-minded men and women, experience an indescribable energy and accountability, play with words, create, expand.

 

If there is anyone capable of guiding you through this transformation, it’s Marcy. She is inspiring, passionate, fun to be around and maintains an incredible balance between emotion and logic. She is from Logan Square and works independently as a health and lifestyle coach. She is passionate about living deliberately and works with her clients to assess their health and lifestyle goals, remove the blocks and to commit to progress.

 

Through her unique and self-created approach, Marcy has led her clients to lose weight, increase energy, kick nasty illness, transform relationships and careers, discover clarity, learn how to grocery shop and meal plan, ask the tough questions, identify and eliminate food allergies, remove toxins and decrease cancer risk.  She hosts workshops and events; provides corporate wellness and business consulting; leads grocery shopping tours; speaks; runs online programs and books clubs, and more! As an extension of THE DETOXITARIAN™, she recently became licensed as one of the first Desire Map facilitators because “the clarity that desire mapping uncovers almost immediately removes a set of mental toxins that undoubtedly are causing us stress and holding us back.” She will be the first to host these exclusive workshops in Chicago!

 

Winter Desire Map workshops take place on January 17-18 and February 7-8. Sign up before the spots are filled!

 

Marcy Cruice

 

Desire Map Workshop

 

Desire Map Workshop

 

Desire Map Workshop

 

Marcy Cruice

 

To learn more, visit marcyecruice.com. Be sure to connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and sign up for updates and announcements and random doses of desire.

 

{Photos courtesy of Marcy E. Cruice and Sylvia G. Photography}

 

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Dose Market: Bringing You Unique Chicago Goods with Spirit and Pizzazz

Dose Market: Bringing You Unique Chicago Goods with Spirit and Pizzazz

 

Earlier this year, many savvy Chicagoans had the pleasure of shopping the Dose Market, a pop-up market featuring local artisans of all sorts. Featuring new purveyors at each event, the Dose Market offers up small-batch foods, new and vintage fashions, unique jewelry and textiles, home goods, and more. Many of the booths are hosted by the designers, creators or owners themselves, so you’ll have a chance to meet the personalities behind the brands.

 

 

Next Dose Market: September 21

 

Why is this important? Because the Dose Market is returning on Sunday, September 21 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and you’re invited! The market is back for the fall – this time featuring drinks, brunch, men and women’s fashion, music, home goods and so much more. (Brunch options include the brand-new Eastman Egg Company – incredible-looking made-to-order farm egg sandwiches.) They’re even hosting an interactive portion with makeup services, street art collaboration and tarot card readings. The event will take place at Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan St.), a bold and industrial event space in the West Loop. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $8 or at the door for $10.

 

Dose Market

 

Features from the Spring Market

 

Previously held at the River East Arts Center, this spring the Dose Market took up residence at Chop Shop’s 1st Ward (2033 W. North Ave.). Conveniently located near the Milwaukee-Damen-North intersection, Chop Shop is a cool spot – part bar, part restaurant and part butcher shop. Stop in for a bite to eat or to pick up tonight’s dinner makings. The shop is structured with a hip loft-style vibe – high ceilings, exposed duct work, and a second-story balcony leading to a little rooftop deck. Walk through the shop to the back and you’ll enter 1st Ward – the venue that housed the Dose Market can also be rented for private events. Entering through Chop Shop has its benefits – you can order a beer in carry it into the market.

 

Dose Market Chop Shop First Ward

 

As you step into the market you’ll gaze upon several organized rows of vendors, each with a different story. On the wall is projected an animated video and just beneath it sits the Smilebooth, a tech-savvy photo booth that pulls in the traditional props and backdrop but lets you immediately print, text, e-mail or share your favorite photos on social media.

 

Dose Market Spring 2014

 

Highlights from the spring market:

 

Chi Chi Sport – Show your Chicago pride with running shorts from Chi Chi Sport! The ladies behind the brand were inspired by the races they’ve each participated in and their love for this city. You can flaunt your love as well by wearing these Chicago flag- branded shorts on the lakefront path or out and about.

 

Dallas Maynard Jewelry – Geometric and edgy, Dallas Maynard creates bold jewelry sure to earn you compliments. Drawing inspiration from sculptural design, archaeological elements and natural earth materials, each piece has a unique character and story to tell.

 

Alapash Home & Terrariums – Looking for a conversation starter piece for your home? Terrariums add a city-appropriate bit of eye-catching green to your kitchen or living room. Representing one of Chicago’s most interesting shops (1944 W. Montrose), Alapash was selling globe terrariums filled with miniature scenes at the Dose Market.

 

Prohibition Spice Co. – Tempting foodie taste buds, Prohibition Spice Co. creates tasty spice blends tailored to specific dishes. Many are designed to be mixed with sausage to enhance its natural flavor in varieties such as Andouille, Beer Barrel Bratwurst, and Moonshiner Breakfast. Their website features recipes for both meat and non-meat dishes utilizing their spices and rubs. On a more regular basis, Prohibition Spice Co. can be found at the French Market (131 N. Clinton).

 

REMIX Aromatherapy – Add a new scent to your repertoire with perfumes, colognes and even bug spray by REMIX Aromatherapy. Created by acupuncturist and herbalist Giselle Wasfi, the scents are good for your skin and can dress you up for your next night out.

 

REMIX Aromatherapy

 

Dose Market

 

Dose Market

 

Prohibition Spice Co.

 

Alapash Terrariums

 

Dose Market

 

Chi Chi Sport

 

Dose Market

 

Dose Market

 

While the vendors rotate at each event, this is just a sampling of the type of goods you’ll find on your adventure. Hope to see you on Sunday!

 

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Why Millennium Park is Your Go-To Spot for the Summer

Why Millennium Park is Your Go-To Spot for the Summer

 

Don’t look now, but summer is blowing by! It’s hard to believe, but there’s still time to fit some cool activities into your summer. Millennium Park hosts a wide range of free events throughout the summer and we’ve got deets for you. Check out our August calendar and schedule your plans now!

 

Each free Millennium Park event has something different to offer. Love to workout in the mornings? Millennium Park’s scenery offers the perfect setting for a relaxing morning workout. Check out the Millennium Park Workouts to try new activities like yoga and get moving!

 

Millennium Park also offers a wide host of music events, for lovers of Jazz (Chicago Jazz Festival, Made In Chicago) to electro indie (Loops & Variations, Downtown Sound) music to classical Brahms (Grant Park Music Festival).

 

Movies for everyone! Get your movie fix at Millennium Park Summer Film Series, with a different movie every Tuesday. Check out movies like Avatar and Dream Girls to top off those sweet summer nights.

 

 

What To Bring:

 

A blanket or something to sit on is definitely recommended, but some go the extra step and bring little tables and chairs.  Snacks are a must and open alcohol is allowed within the event perimeters. Great spots such as Mariano’s across from the park (333 E. Benton Pl.) offer a wide selection of picnic fare and drinks. Don’t be afraid to have a little fun! Bring your wine, bring your friends, and bring your dancing shoes, because your summer just got a lot fuller!

 

Millennium Park Concerts, Free Concerts Chicago, Loops and Variations

 

 

Book Your August Calendar Now with these Fun Free Events:

(Click on the links to find out more! Information courtesy of City of Chicago.)

 

 

Monday, August 4, 2014

6:30 pm  Downtown Sound featuring Maps & Atlases + Wooden Shjips

 

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

6:30 pm  Millennium Park Summer Film Series featuring The Birdcage

 

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

7:30-8:15 am  Mid-week Yoga with Rachel Bers of Bloom Yoga Studio

6:30 pm  Grant Park Music Festival featuring The Seven Deadly Sins

 

Thursday, August 7, 2014

6:30 pm  Made In Chicago: World Class Jazz featuring John Moulder’s Earthborne Tales of Soul and Spirit

 

Friday, August 8, 2014

7:30 pm  Grant Park Music Festival featuring Northern Lights

 

Saturday, August 9, 2014

7-11 am  Millennium Park Workouts

7:30 pm  Grant Park Music Festival featuring Northern Lights

 

Sunday, August 10, 2014

6 pm  Millennium Park Presents featuring Chinese Fine Arts Society Rhythms of China 2014

 

Monday, August 11, 2014

6:30 pm  Downtown Sound featuring Russian Circles + Colin Stetson

 

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

6:30 pm  Millennium Park Summer Film Series featuring American Graffiti

 

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

7:30-8:15 am  Mid-week Yoga with Rachel Bers of Bloom Yoga Studio

6:30 pm  Grant Park Music Festival featuring Bolcom and Mozart

 

Thursday, August 14, 2014

6:30 pm  Made In Chicago: World Class Jazz featuring Matana Roberts: Coin Coin Chapter Two: Mississippi Moonchile

 

Friday, August 15, 2014

6:30 pm  Grant Park Music Festival featuring Daphnis and Chloé

 

Saturday, August 16, 2014

7-11 am  Millennium Park Workouts

7:30 pm  Grant Park Music Festival featuring Daphnis and Chloé

 

Monday, August 18, 2014

6:15 pm  Millennium Park Presents featuring Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert

 

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

6:30 pm  Millennium Park Summer Film Series featuring Dreamgirls

 

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

7:30-8:15 am  Mid-week Yoga with Rachel Bers of Bloom Yoga Studio

7 pm  Millennium Park Presents featuring Harris Theater + Chicago Dancing Festival: Chicago Dancing Festival Simulcast

 

Thursday, August 21, 2014

6:30 pm  Made In Chicago: World Class Jazz featuring Fareed Haque – Chicago: Crossroads of the World

 

Saturday, August 23, 2014

7-11 am  Millennium Park Workouts

7:30 pm  Millennium Park Presents featuring Chicago Dancing Festival Celebration of Dance

 

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

6:30 pm  Millennium Park Summer Film Series featuring Wizard of Oz

 

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

7:30-8:15 am  Mid-week Yoga with Rachel Bers of Bloom Yoga Studio

6:30 pm  Millennium Park Summer Film Series Bonus Film featuring Avatar

 

Thursday, August 28, 2014

6:30 pm  Made In Chicago: World Class Jazz featuring Homage to Nelson Mandela: Ernest Dawkins’ Memory in the Center, an Afro Jazz Opera

 

Friday, August 29, 2014

Chicago Jazz Festival

 

Saturday, August 30, 2014

7-11 am  Millennium Park Workouts

Chicago Jazz Festival

 

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Chicago Jazz Festival

 

 

To find out more information about these events and summer in Millennium Park, visit www.cityofchicago.org.

 

 

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Glappitnova Brings Together a Kaleidoscope of Chicago Culture

Glappitnova Brings Together a Kaleidoscope of Chicago Culture

 

You know that feeling when you leave somewhere more motivated than when you went in? I had the opportunity to attend Glappitnova last week, and left feeling inspired, motivated and generally cooler for living in Chicago.

 

Read up on Glappitnova in the article I wrote in June.

 

Enter scene from Wednesday:

 

Mingling amongst the fashionistas, start-up mavens, cultural personalities and many more, I absorbed what the festival had to offer. Held in Moonlight Studios in the West Loop, the event took over the studio with several rooms to showcase the talents of local speakers and performers. Guest stars such as the Bachelorette’s Frank Neuschaefer introduced speakers as they embarked on their 10 minutes of storytelling.

 

“You are defined by your purpose” – “Use your talent responsibly” – “I failed so many times and now I’ve figured it out” …. These were some of the words of wisdom heard at Glappitnova. A few of the fabulous speakers I saw included:

 

  • Aalap Shah – Founder of SoMe Connect, who overcame failure after failure when he learned that he had to be either all in or all out, and threw himself all in
  • Case Kenny and Seth Sutton – Co-founders of PRSUIT, who bring together genuine guys sharing meaningful stories on their website, prsuit.com
  • Luvvie Ajayi – Blogger and Co-founder of the Red Pump Project, who witnessed the power of the Internet when she reconnected with an old friend half a world away, and now uses the Internet to help others
  • UB Rodriguez, WGCI Radio Talk Host, who built bridges so strong they carried him to his dream career

 

Host Frank Neuschaefer

 

Aalap Shah

 

Luvvie Ajayi

 

Hearing the lessons, the jokes, the inspiration and great tales through the night reminded me of how many unique personalities and talents there are in Chicago. Stepping outside the bounds of your usual scene has its perks – new connections were made, drinks were had and dancing ensued.

 

Following the speeches were performances by The Brothers StarRace, Lili K and Klassik. Klassik’s performance was both intimate and crowd-energizing. Stepping off the stage and onto the dance floor, he brought the crowd into a clapping, dancing circle around him. Great way to get the party going!

 

klassik, glappitnova

 

 

Stay tuned for next year’s Glappitnova event, and learn more about the organization and how you can get involved at glappitnova.com.

 

{Images by Lauren Fondriest | The Chicago Lifestyle}

 

 

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Taste of Chicago: Behind the Scenes with the Operations Manager

Taste of Chicago: Behind the Scenes with the Operations Manager

 

The annual Taste of Chicago launched this week – once again showcasing various delectable tasty treats, cool brews to wash it down, and crowds of hungry people. But through the masses I had the chance to sit down with one in-the-know individual and interview him.

 

Taste of Chicago

 

Johnny Meeks (22 years old, from Barrington, Illinois), the Assistant Manager to Taste of Chicago Day Operations, had this to say:

 

Q: What’s your favorite part about Taste of Chicago?

 

A: That is truly such a tough question. There is so much going on that makes the entire experience what it is. I would have to say I personally love the ability to snag quick little portions of amazing food and some of the best grub Chicago has to offer. I can grab a small deep dish slice, some Bourbon Street chicken jalapeño nachos, the always famous smoked alligator sausage, all while sipping an ice cold 312 and enjoying some amazing local talent on stage throughout the whole day.

Taste really brings together a true Chicago experience that may take someone months to complete, only in matter of beautiful 5 summer days. I also get a kick from the all the food tents yelling and howling all day long. It truly wouldn’t be the same without them.

 

 

Q: What’s the best way to live the Chicago Lifestyle?

 

A: Oh man, that’s an even tougher question! Well first of all, this may sound weird, but save seeing the bean and all that classic mumbo for another day. Come hungry and ask around for the best local grub in that area. Chicago is home to such great restaurants that each provides their own unique experiences.

If you have the time, do everything you can to go see a daytime Cubs game and park yourself right in middle of the left field bleachers. They may not serve Old Style anymore, but man, are those bleachers such a fun time. Grab some friends, go root on the city’s die-hard loved Cubbies and just wait till the 7th inning when the bleacher all stars start heckling the other team and make everyone laugh till it hurts. Chicago provides a little of everything for absolutely everyone. Also, what ever you do, never ever, under any circumstances, ask for ketchup.

 

Taste of Chicago

 

Q: What’s do you suggest to people for next year that come to Taste of Chicago?

 

A: I would personally suggest just sticking to the “taste” options from all the vendors. Don’t get me wrong, going for the full meal choices are all amazing and phenomenal, but I would recommend using your tickets for as much as you can possibly get. Spend them across as many vendors as you can to really live Taste the way it’s meant to be.

Oh, and without a doubt, apply double the sunscreen and only use SPF as high as you can. (Chuckles) You’re going to get a tan no matter what, I promise you.

 

Thanks Johnny!

 

 

Learn more about the Taste of Chicago here – and catch it before it closes on Sunday!

 

Taste of Chicago

 

 

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Miss or Kiss? What You Missed at Chicago Pride 2014

Miss or Kiss? What You Missed at Chicago Pride 2014

 

You wait for it to come once a year. You take hours to prep for the festivities. You probably have a drunk relative wandering around making bad jokes. It’s like Christmas, but with more colors.

 

Every year, Chicago hosts one of its biggest attractions and certainly its most colorful: Pride. Chicago Pride is held the last Sunday of June every year running north from Wilson and Montrose to Sheridan and Diversey. Completing its 45th year, the Pride Parade is only a single part of the Pride Week that Chicago holds every year, but has become to be known as the signature Pride event.

 

Did you miss it? Technically, but what Pride means to its on-goers may draw you to attend next year. Besides the eye-catching floats, skimpy outfits, and the blast of Lady Gaga, Pride fosters an environment that means a lot to people from all walks of life. Check out what these Pride-goers had to say when we asked what Pride meant to them:

 

“As for me, I’m trying to figure it out, but as I look around and over the years I’ve noticed that a lot of people are proud of the fact that they can express themselves and this was not possible years ago, decades ago. Now that it is possible, it’s something to be even more proud of and celebrate.” - Steven, 31, Chicago

 

“To express yourself, to not be afraid of who you are. It’s acceptance, all over. Everyone’s okay with everyone and it’s amazing. Everybody should be who they are, period.” – Fabie, 19, Chicago

 

“Pride means everything. Happiness, equality, love, acceptance, being myself. And it means the world to me.” - Lorenzo, 28, St. Louis

 

“I think it’s a time to reflect on and be grateful for those who have come before us. We’re really lucky that we haven’t had to fight some of those fights that we’ve seen before, where people are literally beaten. So I think today we pay homage to those people as well as celebrate who we are.” – Paul, 34, Chicago

 

“[Pride is] an opportunity to embrace who we are, not only as a community, but as an entire nation, as the entire world.” – Kyle, 24, Florida

 

“I have a quote, I forget the philosopher, but it says, ‘To be comfortable, to be so at ease with one’s environment, that you can’t tell where your body ends and the world begins, because bodies extend into spaces and spaces extend into bodies.’ That’s what Pride means to me.” – Jasmine, 21, Baltimore

 

 

Pride creates a home for love, acceptance, and yes, men in tight swimsuits. Check out more of what you missed at Pride this year and watch our Pride video. See you all next year!

 

To get more information about future Prides and events held during June for Pride Month, visit www.chicago.gopride.com for details.

 

 

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