The Joffrey’s “Pointe of Departure” Party: An Art-Filled Fun Fest!

It looks like there’s a new sheriff in town among the young see-and-be-seen set. The Joffrey Ballet’s Auxiliary Board (JAB) hosted one of the hottest parties in recent memory Thursday night at Archisesto in the West Loop. The place was so packed you couldn’t see inside because of all of the steam on the windows! The event was a fundraiser for the Joffrey Ballet featuring the art of local artists and would-be artists based on the inspiration from a dancer’s toe shoe called “Pointe of Departure.” I think the success of this event even surprised the co-chairs John Walcher and Jennifer Anton along with their formidable board and host committee. The crowd was young, chic and hot…with a fantastic DJ, Sadie Woods, who kept the atmosphere pumping with energy. There were three levels and so much to see. Even Joffrey dancers donated some original artwork: Matthew Adamscyk created a beautiful acrylic piece entitled “Odett” and Temur Suluashvili donated a stunning black and white photograph of toe shoes as well as a sculpture entitled “B+.” Women’s Board members Dana Hokin Garvey and Barbara Levy Kipper were also a part of the action. Dana’s “En Pointe” was done in beeswax, bristle and graphite on paper. Barbara, an accomplished photographer, donated seven pieces from her own collection that included handsome Joffrey dancer Fabrice Calmels as Othello. Her work has been widely exhibited and covers a range of interesting topics including selections from her far-reaching travels. Photographer Mila Samokhina’s photographs were transformed into artistic watercolor images and raised $1,200 for the evening. Renowned artist Francine Turk offered one of her coveted charcoals on linen entitled “Angeline.” The Joffrey VP of Development, Rhonda Brown, painted a lovely acrylic of two young African American girls on a bench. There was something for everyone at every price point with the Joffrey reaching back into their own archives to offer vintage performance posters as well. The extensive silent auction included beauty treatments, sports memorabilia, event tickets, dinners, hotel stays, a private party at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, a champagne and jewelry party at Takhol as well as tickets for two on United to the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort in Nayarit, Mexico. Artist Rosemary Fanti created gorgeous illustrations of guests on the spot. There was something to see and do in every corner! The “Pointe of Departure” committee consisted of Auxiliary Board members Camille Britton, Ashley Chan, Amanda Ciborowski, Diane Crary, Rachel Eisenhauer, Rosalyn Emerson, Coco Meers, Melissa Mickey, Bradley Parks, Abigail Reddel, Nico Rodriguez, Ben Strobel, Alan Swanke, Betsy Sylvester and Annie Wallis. The artwork for the evening was curated and installed by Sadie Woods. The tasty and extensive food offerings were by Wolfgang Puck. It was a truly exciting evening with a creative ballet inspired theme. I think this Auxiliary Board will be a force to contend with around town with their unique ideas and endless energy. This was their first major event so you can imagine what the future holds. JAB Membership Chair Callie Michels is going to be a VERY busy lady! (Additional pics by Caitlin Saville…click here for ALL event  pics!)
 
I am so excited about the upcoming Sixth Annual World Festival set for Monday, March 7th, at Soldier Field from 6-9 p.m. Over 60 of the world's most renowned chefs will bring their culinary expertise together for Common Threads' biggest fundraiser. Celebrity chefs will offer their signature gourmet creations and vintners will serve accompanying fine wines. This event supports the organization's after-school cooking courses for low-income children and families. There is so much excitement planned with so many great chefs participating so please mark your calendars now for this always fantastic party to support this great cause. This year, Chef Art Smith and Michelin Star Chef Jason McLeod will host “A Black Tie Ball” on the Sunday evening (March 6th) before World Fest at the Elysian Hotel, located at 11 E. Walton, beginning with a reception at 5 p.m. followed by a sit-down dinner. The ticket price for this event is $1,000 per person which will also include VIP entrance to Monday’s event. World Fest’s Honorary Host will be Gail Simmons and event co- chairs are Rama Dandamudi, Merita Tan, Anne and Daniel Wirtz, Chuck and moi. General admission is $250 with a VIP package for $500 as well as opportunities to host a Chef’s Table. The VIP Reception, from 5-6 p.m., will feature a must-see surprise fashion show! The VIP After-Party will begin at 9 p.m. at The James Hotel Chicago, located at 55 E. Ontario. This is one of my favorite events in town so I hope you will join me to support the wonderful work of Common Threads at their biggest fundraiser! For tickets and more info, please contact
Eleanor Leichenko at 312-329-2501 or e-mail her at Eleanor@commonthreads.org. My fork and party hat await…
 
Whenever PAWS hosts an event, the room is always filled with wonderful photo ops of darling furry guests who are always welcomed to attend. Their “Animal Magnetism” party at Gallerie Marchetti attracted over 350 guests and raised nearly $100,000 for Pets are Worth Saving. Event emcee was the ever glamorous Fox TV’s Anna Davlantes. Co-chairs Ashley and Noah Pettit should be very proud of their wonderful success. The invite called for “urban chic” attire and, in this case, the pets were as well dressed as their “parents!” Take a look at my Chicago Now site and check out the darling pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr to see for yourself!
 
Chicago Q Restaurant, located at 1160 N. Dearborn, was the scene of a power dinner for 30 of the city’s notables recently. PR whiz Dori Wilson and TCW magazine’s Sherren Leigh teamed up to invite some of their high-powered friends to a private dinner at this fabulous BBQ spot. The upstairs lounge featured a cozy fireplace where the invitees gathered for pre-dinner cocktails. Owner Fred Latsko has done a great job with his latest restaurant venture combining great food, southern quality service with a modern ambience to create an unforgettable dining experience. Chef/Partner Lee Ann Whippen presented her prize-winning whole pork shoulder and demonstrated the way to “pull” it for maximum effect. She also showed us the part called the “money maker” which is where the accolades are won in competition – even Master Chef Bobby Flay tips his hat to her famous dish. Other delicious courses included house bacon cheddar hush puppies, baby green salad with cornbread croutons, pulled chicken and pork, linguini with spinach and smoked cherry tomato sauce, Kobe brisket baked beans, coleslaw and honey butter cornbread. For dessert, espresso ice cream brittle was served. The guests who dined in the private wine room on the second floor included the Sun-Times’ Stella Foster, Dr. James Chandler (neurosurgeon from Northwestern), Cheryl Rucker Whitaker (Chicago Community Trust), Todd Hatoff (Allen Bros. Meats), Chaz Ebert (TV producer), Cheryl Pearson McNeil (Sr. VP with Nielsen), Lee and Tom Baur (investor and businessman), Carrie Hightman (NiSource Gas) and Harry Hightman, Vi Nelson (publicist), Eileen and Howard Weinberg (lawyer), Janice Corley (real estate) and her cute hubby Ray Blaney (WGN), Kyle Williams (JP Morgan), Perri Irmer (CEO Ill. Sports Facilities, lawyer, architect), Cheryl Coleman, Emilio Rivers and Scott Wilker (Salon Duo partners), Joy Germont and moi. It was such a fabulous meal with some really cool peeps. I even took a tour of the kitchen and it was spotless and clearly filled with proud employees. I can’t wait to return! (Chicago Q, 1160 N. Dearborn, 312-642-1160) Click here to view more pics from this night to remember.
 
The Maxim Chicago Party celebrated the biggest weekend in football and was hosted at SpyBar by NBC Chicago’s Marcus Riley along with gorgeous Maxim spokesmodel, April Rose. The party was filled with glam guests including the Chicago Blackhawks Ice Crew, Maxim models, Playboy Cyber Girl Danielle Fornarelli as well as Lingerie Football League players from the Chicago Bliss Breanna Junea and Michele Sotak. The Svedka video booth was a highlight of the party and featured streaming videos of the guests all night long. So cool. Sushi x provided delectable edibles and the party continued into the wee hours. Thanks to Steve Starr and Mila Samokhina for the great pics…I felt like I was there! (Check out my Chicago Now site for the rest of the sexy pics.)

Come celebrate the launch of Amy Creyer’s fashion blog, Chicago Streetstyle Scene, at a party on Thursday, February 24th, at the Cynthia Rowley boutique at 1653 N. Damen from 6:30-8:30 p.m. There will be complimentary manicures, hair styling and mini makeovers as well as sweet treats by Vosges. Be one of the first to view Rowley’s 2011 Spring Collection and receive 20-percent off, too!!! Amy’s blog competes with the best in the international blogosphere and serves as a “digital park bench” for readers to experience Chicago street fashion. Congrats Amy! To RSVP, please call 773-276-9209 or e-mail Chicago@cynthiarowley.com.
                                                                                                               
The invite reads, “Stellar music, killer drinks, better patrons, one hell of a party with proceeds benefitting an amazing cause; STAND UP Chicago, it’s time to ACT!” With proceeds benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association, LaSalle Power Company along with Ashlea Abbene from English Chicago, will be hosting the first ever “Rock to End Alzheimer’s, a Concert to Conquer.” The event will begin at 8:45 p.m. at the LaSalle Power Company, located at 500 N. LaSalle, on Friday, February 25th. Participating bands will include The Paper Game, Noise FM and headliner Seth Bradley and The Personnel. Other special guests will include Mike Hall from the Big 10 network and Special K from Kiss FM. General admission is only $10 and the Rock Star VIP package is $35. For tickets and more info, click here!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day! “See” you next week!
 
Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
P.S. Hundreds gathered to protest global warming…