Category Archives: Books

September 12, 2011 · 7:55 pm

CHIC CHAPEAUX AT PARKWAYS LUNCHEON BENEFITS KIDS’ CAMP

This much I know for sure: Hats and high winds just don’t mix! But this fact didn’t keep 500+ ladies from donning their best chapeaux for Parkways' Ninth Annual Garden Party in the beautiful Tiffany & Co. Foundation Celebration Garden on Thursday, Sept. 8th. This year’s event, co-chaired by Carol Prins and April Shink, raised more than $275,000 which will be used to support the Send a Kid to Camp Fund along with nature and environmental science programming designed to get kids outdoors, active and connected to nature. Proceeds from the Garden Party will enable 3,500 kids to attend camp and will engage 10,000 more children and their families throughout the city to experience the wonder of nature in more than 550 parks. This year, one of the founding members of Parkways, Donna LaPietra along with Bill Kurtis, emceed a paddle raise that brought in an extra $21,000 giving guests the opportunity to further support the Camp Fund. Blue Cross Blue/Shield of Illinois was the recipient of the Jens Jensen Award and Jo Ann Nathan was honored with the Council Ring Outstanding Volunteer Award. I know Jo Ann and this award couldn’t have been given to a more worthy volunteer. She has been involved with Parkways since its inception and served as director of the Jens Jensen Legacy Project. She also co- authored “Inspired by Nature: The Garfield Park Conservatory and Chicago’s West Side” as well as serving on many other related committees and boards. Congrats Jo Ann! Since 1994, Parkways Foundation has raised more than $30 million for Chicago’s parks to enrich communities through historic preservation, environmental initiatives, capital projects and youth/family programs. We have one of the most extensive systems in the country with more than 550 parks, 250 field houses, 33 beaches, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, 10 wildlife gardens and more than 9,000 annual programs, including summer camp for 30,000 kids each year. WHEW! That’s a lot of fundraising efforts since tax dollars alone can’t do it all. And despite the high winds on this day, the weather was perfect…sunny and bright with mild temps. Just the kind of setting to show off the last of your summer outfits with some great (and not-so-great) hats! The ladies mixed and mingled amidst the last flowers of the season while the gorgeous skyline added the perfect backdrop to the many photographers’ pics. After cocktails, the ladies moved inside the massive tent for the luncheon where whimsical hat designs were the centerpieces at every table. Created by the kids from the Teen Leadership Club at Jesse Owens Park, these charming little hats brought the message home to all attendees just why they were there. If you would like to learn more about this worthwhile organization or donate, please visit www.parkways.org. (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins)

TOPSHOP/TOPMAN had one of the biggest store openings I’ve seen in a long, long time. It started earlier this year with a very private dinner at Henri as a sort of meet-and-greet and continued this week in a very big way. There was a private shopping day, a runway show featuring their Brit-inspired looks for Fall/Winter 2011 (hosted by Brittney Payton) and a ribbon cutting ceremony with founder Sir Philip Green, his beautiful daughter Chloe AND surprise guest Miley Cyrus! There was also a by-invite-only dinner at Paris Club on Wednesday, Sept. 7th. One hundred eighty guests showed up for an elegant sit-down dinner. The entire restaurant had been reserved for this party that was planned entirely by TOPSHOP. They left nothing to chance even planning the exquisite white floral arrangements spread throughout the room. It was elegance all the way including the French-inspired menu choices that included chicken paillard, halibut with mushroom veloute, French green beans, Provencal vegetable plate and a truffled chicken terrine among other delicious offerings. The tables were peppered with TOPSHOP honchos giving all of the guests a chance to talk shop with the pros. Their future plans include expanding stores into New York, California and Las Vegas. Pretty soon, every TOP city in the world will have a TOPSHOP! I also hear their personal shopping department is incredible! I love the choices for reasonably priced wardrobe options in our city now. The days are over for most people as far as spending thousands of dollars on clothing. At least I know mine are! Congrats to TOPSHOP for bringing their fun-loving clothing line to town. And, as I told CEO Ian Grabiner, not only do I enjoy the store but I am doubly glad to know it’s run by a lot of very, very nice people! (To view ALL event photos, please click HERE!)

Chicago’s stylish set was dancing with joy up and down Michigan Avenue for the last two weeks during “In Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival” which included our city’s first version of “Fashion Night Out” for its finale on Thursday, Sept. 8th. FNO began in New York in 2009 as a global initiative to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and boost the industry’s economy. It was a runaway success with more than 100 cites across the U.S. participating this year. During the course of Chicago’s evening finale, stores planned a night of fun-filled activities that brought out the stars. The 900 Shops hosted “Fame, Fashion and Flavor” featuring Bravo’s Brad Goreski in its Tzar VIP Lounge as well as a flash fashion show, beauty bazaars, photo booth, in-store celebrations and giveaways. The Shops at North Bridge included styling tips from Chicago magazine’s fashion director Stacey Jones and style editor Heiji Choy Black while Water Tower Place hosted a fashion party and a cookbook signing by “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Guidice. Flashing strobe lights lit up Neiman Marcus’ entryway while inside its plans included a fall trends runway show, Chicago Bulls’ Kyle Korver, tastings from local restaurants, a Factor Model search, a DJ and live fashion illustrations. Saks Fifth Avenue spotlighted handsome and uber talented shoe designer Brian Atwood for the official unveiling of its new shoe salon, 10022-SHOE. He graciously signed his signature stilettos and posed for pics while the 500+ crowd of admirers sipped champagne and swayed to the sounds of DJ Madrid. He also shared a little scoop with me: He is newly engaged to long-time love and handsome hunk himself, Dr. Jake Deutsch! Jake proposed to Brian on his birthday in a chapel in the Greek Islands after a 2 ½ year courtship. My only question to Jake was, “What took so long?!” They are the perfect couple and are blissfully happy! Chair of In-Fashion and Director of PR for ULTA Beauty, Carrie Lannon, along with her 50-strong committee, created an event to remember and are already planning next year’s celebrations. Congrats to Chi-Town on our first Fashion Night Out, Chair Extraordinaire Carrie Lannon, all of the participating stores, Amanda Puck, Julie Selakovich, Wendy Krimins, Tina Koegel and Brian and Jake!!! Can’t wait to see what magical fashion fun next year brings!!! (To see ALL fab fotos by Mila Samokhina, please click HERE!)

Thanks to “Windy City Live” for having me on again recently! I appeared in a segment with Time Out Chicago’s features editor, Laura Baginski, as she discussed their latest issue about Playboy (on newsstands now). I brought my Playboy Bunny ears and made Val and Laura wear them while I gave a little show-and-tell about my long history with Playboy. My friends teased me about being such a saver concerning the memorabilia I had brought but I SAVE everything! Good news and bad news! But I am very happy to have my Bunny costume. Complete sets have sold on eBay for over $10,000! Gerard Butler and Kerry Wood were guests on the show this day, too; check it out below. (I hope you like it!)

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Common Threads ‘Associate Board is hosting its first annual Cook-Off on Thursday, September 15th at Fulton’s on the River, located at 315 N. LaSalle, from 6:30-9 PM. With this new theme, 27 chefs will create and serve their favorite dish either in a glass, on a bun, in a shell or on a stick. Guests will then vote for their favorite in each category and may the BEST chef win! VIP tickets are $150, general admission is $75. For more info, please call Erica Stimac at 312.329.2501, ext. 208, or email Erica@commonthreads.org.

And now for something completely different! For the second year, Studio L’Amour, presents “Superstars of Burlesque” at the Park West at 322 W. Armitage on Friday, September 16th. This show is described as “the most ambitious and spectacular burlesque show ever to hit Chicago.” Every performer in this one-night-only event holds a title from the Burlesque Hall of Fame (the industry’s highest honor). Performers scheduled include Michelle L’Amour (2005), Indigo Blue (the Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2011), Dirty Martini (2004) and Roxi D’Lite (2010) among others. World’s Best Group 2011, The Stage Door Johnnies, is also scheduled to perform along with Trixie Little and Evil Hate Monkey. These names alone make me want to go! I can’t wait to see what Studio L’Amour has in store (a little rhyme, get it?). It also doesn’t hurt that one of my favorite emcees, Murray Hill, will be doing the hosting duties! There will be two shows on Friday, at 8 PM and 10 PM. Tickets are only $25 and can be purchased at the door, online or at Taboo, Tabou, located at 845 W. Belmont. See you there!

And, finally a huge congrats to Dr. Stacie McClane and JAM Productions' Jerry Mickelson on their recent engagement! I attended a party in their honor at the Peninsula recently and the love in the room was palpable. Stacie’s darling daughter and mom were in attendance along with friends. The event was hosted by Yvette Cusack, Kate Covington, Dusty Stemer, Jean Antoniou and Sherry Lea Holson. Congrats, Stacie and Jerry!

That’s the lowdown on this week’s MANY highlights! I hope to “see” you next week, same time, same place. Thanks also to all who voted for my blog in the CBS contest. I will let you know the results, good or bad as soon as I know! 🙂

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I also hope you can join me on Thursday, Sept. 15th, for AUTHOR TALKS presented by the Chicago Tribune. Authors Jacquelyn Mitchard (“Second Nature, A Love Story”) and Elizabeth Berg (“Once Upon a Time, There Was You”) will be discussing their upcoming books at a reception hosted by Literary Editor Elizabeth Taylor. The event will begin at 6:30 PM at the Tribune Tower, located at 435 N. Michigan, and tickets are only $20.

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Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Sports, Television, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Tagged as 10022-Shoe, all of the participating stores, Amanda Puck, April Shink, Author Talks, Bill Kurtis, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Brad Goreski, Bravo, Brian Atwood, Brittney Payton, Burlesque Hall of Fame, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carol Prins, Carrie Lannon, Chicago Bulls, Chicago magazine, Chicago Tribune, Chloe Green, Common Threads, Cook-Off, Council Ring Outstanding Volunteer Award, Dirty Martini, DJ Madrid, Donna LaPietra, Dr. Jake Deutsch, Dr. Stacie McClane, Dusty Stemer, Elizabeth Taylor, Erica Stimac, Evil Hate Monkey, Factor Model, Fame Fashion and Flavor, Fashion Night Out, Fulton’s on the River, Gerard Butler, Heiji Choy Black, Henri, Ian Grabiner, In Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival, Indigo Blue, Inspired by Nature: The Garfield Park Conservatory and Chicago’s West Side, Jacquelyne Mitchard, Jam Productions, Jean Antoniou, Jens Jensen Award, Jens Jensen Legacy Project, Jerry Mickelson, Jo Ann Nathan, Julie Selakovich, Kate Covington, Kerry Wood, Kyle Korver, Lannon, Laura Baginski, Michelle L'amour, Mila Samokhina, Miley Cyrus, Murray Hill, Neiman Marcus, Paris Club, Park West, Parkways Foundation, Peninsula, Playboy, Real Housewives of New Jersey, Roxi D’Lite, Saks Fifth Avenue, Second Nature A Love Story, Send a Kid to Camp Fund, Sherry Lea Holson, Sir Philip Green, Stacey Jones, Stage Door Johnnies, Studio L’amour, Superstars of Burlesque, Taboo Tabou, Teen Leadership Club at Jesse Owens Park, Teresa Guidice, The Shops at North Bridge, Tiffany & Co., Time Out Chicago, Tina Koegel, Topman, Topshop, Tribune Tower, Trixie Little, Tzar VIP Lounge, Ulta Beauty, Water Tower Place, Wendy Krimins, Windy City Live, Yvette Cusack

September 5, 2011 · 9:20 pm

WORLD CLASS POLO COMING TO NORTH AVENUE BEACH!

We are quickly becoming a city of FIRSTS and BIGGESTS and I am so thrilled for our Windy City! Chicago’s first beach polo matches are coming to North Avenue Beach beginning Saturday, October 1st. And, if the recent Kick-Off party for the Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Cup I at Union Sushi & Barbeque Bar is any indication of the interest, we’re gonna need a bigger beach!!! More than 400 guests gathered at this new River North hotspot to hobnob with polo enthusiasts, players and polo royalty like Reute Butler, whose family founded Oak Brook and literally introduced the sport to the Midwest. Reute’s great-grandparents built the Oak Brook Polo Club in 1922 and, at one time, the Butler family had 13 polo fields at the height of the season with 600 to 700 horses stabled there. The Butlers also hosted the U.S. Open Tournament in Oak Brook for decades. (They have a fascinating family history, as you can see, and plans for a book are in the works so stay tuned!) The Chicago Beach Polo World Cup will take place on North Avenue Beach beginning with a VIP, by-invite-only party on Friday, September 30th. The matches begin on Saturday, October 1st with a horse parade, fashion show and more parties. The finals, along with a closing party on the Wit’s ROOF, will be on Sunday, October 2nd beginning at 11:30 AM. This event, founded by The Polo Life, produced its first beach polo event on Miami Beach in 2004. For tickets and more info, please visit, www.ChicagoBeachPolo.com. (Photos by Mila Samokhina…to view ALL images, please click here.)

The first annual Chicago Dancing Festival Opening Night Gala heralded a five day long celebration of dance in Chicago described by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as “the largest free festival anywhere in the country.” More than 19,000 people were able to enjoy the fifth anniversary of this much- anticipated and much-loved event. During its Opening Night Gala, co-founders and artistic directors Jay Franke and Lar Lubovitch welcomed over 400 people to this inaugural event. Franke spoke of the Mayor’s early years as a dancer and suggested that he might have chosen a different course in his life. When the Mayor stepped up to the podium, he said, “I want you to know that’s exactly what my mother says to me, every day. And that’s only fitting as a Jewish mother.” He went on to say, “Nothing has made me more excited for the city than this dance festival, in this sense: We have 19 companies and 19,000 people are going to show up over the next five days to see dance here in the city of Chicago.” And indeed, this past week was a “dream-come-true lineup,” as described by the Tribune’s Sid Smith. On Gala night, there were a series of duets on the MCA Stage beginning with The Joffrey Ballet who opened the five performances with a pas de deux from “Swan Lake.” They sent their own dream team, husband and wife dancers Temur Suluashvili and Victoria Jaiani. Words can’t describe the beauty they bring to the stage so I won’t even try. They were followed by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago who performed “Following the Subtle Current Upstream.” Next, Martha Graham Dance Company danced “Shaker Interior” from “Snow on the Mesa.” Brian Brooks Moving Company performed a seemingly impossible piece by Brian Brooks and David Scarantino. A world premiere by modernist Walter Dundervill closed the show with his translation of “Swan Lake” called “Compression Piece.” The party continued on the Terrace overlooking the Sculpture Garden. On this perfect summer night, VIP guests included Susan and Lew Manilow, Pamela Crutchfield, the Mayor with his wife and daughter, Helen Melchior (who sponsored The Joffrey Ballet in the Dancing Festival), Nora Daley and Sean Conroy, George Jewell, Carrie and Michael Sacks, Commissioner Michelle Boone, Joan Harris, Dia and Ed Weil, Ken Norgan, Phil Lumpkin, Neal Zucker, Linda Johnson Rice, Grace Barry, Sandra and Jack Guthman, Dr. Linda O’Bannon, Jan Melk, Lisa Key, Robert Mills, Kim Venezia and Lindsay Hoey, among others. Following the Dancing Festival’s Saturday night finale, VIP guests enjoyed an after-party called “Last Dance” at the Intercontinental. All of the dancers were invited to attend free of charge, of course! Congrats to event co-founders and artistic directors, Jay Franke and Lar Lubovitch!!! I can’t wait to see what next year’s event will bring! (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins…to view ALL event pics, please click here.)

The third annual Taste of the Gold Coast was held at The Sutton Place Hotel recently. Fun-loving and food-loving guests enjoyed delicious dishes from Il Mulino’s, Chicago Q, The Drawing Room, Carmine’s, RA Sushi, Hendrickx Belgian Bread, Go Roma, Whiskey Bar & Grill, Cape Cod Room, Gaylord, Devon Seafood Grill, Saloon Steakhouse and Pane Caldo. Lynne Jordan & the Shivers, along with Nan Mason & Terry Higgins, kept the music flowing for this event, whose extensive silent auction, benefitted the North Dearborn Association. Produced by Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions, their next venture will occur on Friday, September 30th, at the Dana Hotel with the second annual “Who Is Chicago” event. This evening will highlight and honor 10 influential Chicagoans who are active in the philanthropic community. Emceed by Laura Schwartz, the honorees include Sonya Jackson, Sherrill Bodine, Jonny Immerman, Janet Szylk, Shaun Rajah, Rochelle Trotter, Sergio Fernandez, Linda Novick O’Keefe, Quenten Schumacher and Jamie Haberkorn. For tickets and more info, please visit www.ceceandmelinda.com. Congrats to all of these deserving honorees AND to Cece and Melinda! (Photos by Steve Starr)

Don’t miss the TOPSHOP/TOPMAN opening set for Thursday, Sept. 8th at Pearson and Michigan (in the old Borders spot). Free and open to the public, this event will begin at 9:30 AM with a day filled with activities beginning with a ribbon cutting by founder Sir Philip Green at 10:30 AM. This will be their second flagship store in the U.S. (their first in the Midwest) and will feature over 30,000 feet of trend-setting fashions. The opening day runway show will be hosted by the always adorable Brittney Payton. Will YOU be there, too?

And now I have a wonderful book suggestion for you! Not only does “A Dog Named Slugger” have a wonderful message, but 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the nonprofit St. Francis Service Dogs Organization! The book, lovingly written by Leigh Brill, is a true story about a woman (Leigh) who, at the height of her cerebral palsy symptoms, turned to a service dog organization where she was matched with Slugger, a highly intelligent, devoted and loving yellow Lab. More than just a memoir, this book shines a light on the growing service dog movement, hopefully leading to more trainers, helper dogs and triumphant “Slugger stories” throughout the country and the world. A must- read for dog lovers and people lovers everywhere! Leigh is a writer, speaker and advocate for people with disabilities and is actively involved in organizations promoting the noble work of service dogs. To order, PLEASE visit www.LeighBrill.com and to learn more about this wonderful service dog organization, please visit www.saintfrancisdogs.org.

I hope you will join me for a meet-and-greet with Victory Gardens Theater’s new Artistic Director, Chay Yew, on Monday, Sept.12th, beginning at 5:30 PM at Victory Gardens Theater, located at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Refreshments will be served followed by a season preview presentation. Please RSVP to 777.871.3000.

A reminder! Don’t forget to follow the Yellow Brick Road to buy your tickets for Chicago Gateway Green’s 20th Annual Green Tie Ball on Saturday, September 17th, at A. Finkl & Sons, located at 2011 N. Southport, in Chicago. With fun-loving co-chairs like Tim Smith (Walter E. Smithe) and Stephanie Castagnier (NBC’s “The Apprentice”), you know this formal affair will be something to remember! (Tickets are $125, VIP tickets are $250; purchase yours at www.GatewayGreen.org.)

I can’t wait for the fun-filled week ahead! I’m so excited and grateful to be returning to “Windy City Live” on Wednesday, September 7th, and Monday, Sept. 12th! On Wednesday, with all of the news about the upcoming show “The Playboy Club” and rumors of a real-life Playboy Club opening here, I’ve been asked to come on and discuss my own Playboy Bunny experiences. AND, on Monday, Sept. 12th, I will be discussing all things Chicago with Val, Ryan and Ji. (Windy City Live, Monday-Friday, 9 AM, Ch. 7!)

And, happily for all of you, this will be the LAST time I ask, so please remember to vote HERE for my blog, Candid Candace, IF you enjoy reading it! I will send you ALL lots of money if I win! (Thankfully, voting ends on September 9th!)

Have a happy and healthy week and I will “see” you again soon!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandacecom

P.S. And even though Hurricane Irene was nothing to laugh at, this photo did crack me up! My neighbors had chosen this moment in time to visit the Jersey Shore with their entire family, dog included! Here is a pic of Berit Waterfield with Burger (aka Toto) escaping back to Chicago!

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Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Sports, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Tagged as A Dog Named Slugger, A. Finkl & Sons, Berit Waterfield, Brian Brooks, Brian Brooks Moving Company, Brittney Payton, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Cape Cod Room, Carmine’s, Carrie Sacks, Cece & Melinda, Chay Yew, Chicago Dancing Festival, Chicago Gateway Green, Chicago Q, Chicago Tribune, David Scarantino, Devon Seafood Grill, Dia Weil, Dr. Linda O’Bannon, Ed Weil, Gaylord, George Jewell, Go Roma, Grace Barry, Green Tie Ball, Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Cup I, Hendrickx Belgian Bread, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Hurricane Irene, Il Mulino’s, Jack Guthman, Jamie Haberkorn, Jan Melk, Janet Szylk, Jay Franke, Joan Harris, Joffrey Ballet, Jonny Immerman, Ken Norgan, Kim Venezia, Lar Lubovich, Laura Schwartz, Leigh Brill, Lew Manilow, Linda Johnson Rice, Linda Novick O'Keefe, Lindsay Hoey, Lisa Key, Lynne Jordan & the Shivers, Martha Graham Dance Company, Michael Sacks, Michelle Boone, Mila Samokhina, Nan Mason, Neal Zucker, Nora Daley, North Avenue Beach, North Dearborn Association, Pamela Crutchfield, Pane Caldo, Phil Lumpkin, Quenten Schumacher, RA Sushi, Rahm Emanuel, Raymi Productions, Reute Butler, Robert Mills, Rochelle Trotter, Saloon Steakhouse, Sandra Guthman, Sean Conroy, Sergio Fernandez, Shaun Rajah, Sherrill Bodine, Sid Smith, Sir Philip Green, Sonya Jackson, St. Francis Service Dogs Organization, Stephanie Castagnier, Steve Starr, Susan Manilow, Taste of the Gold Coast, Temur Suluashvili, Terry Higgins, The Apprentice, The Drawing Room, The Playboy Club, Tim Smith, Topman, Topshop, Union Sushi & Barbeque Bar, Victoria Jaiani, Victory Gardens Theater, Walter Dunderville, Walter E. Smithe, Whiskey Bar & Grill, Windy City Live

July 18, 2011 · 9:49 pm

A MAGICAL NIGHT FOR URBAN PREP FEATURES SURPRISE GUEST NEVILLE LONGBOTTOM!

Urban Prep Academies have hosted a few premieres of the latest “Harry Potter” films and we have always been there. This night, however, would be different since it would be the final film in the franchise, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.” I had mixed feelings about the evening since I am a total Pottermaniac and sure didn’t want to see it all come to an end but I still dressed in my prerequisite Hogwarts scarf, drew “Harry” scars on our foreheads (yes, I made Chuck wear one, too), grabbed my wand and out the door we went. We arrived early but not early enough since the line was already snaking around corners. Urban Prep founder Tim King informed me the event was sold out, great for these Academies which are making news with their 100-percent college acceptance for its students. The money raised on this night went to support Study Up!, the Urban Prep program which provides summer internship and academic opportunities for its students. To quote Albus Dumbledore, “It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be” – and these kids all have very bright futures ahead of them, for sure! From the very start, Urban Prep made sure this would be a true wizarding experience for all who attended. Even the initial invitation made me giddy when it opened like this: “Harry Potter is safe at Shell Cottage after destroying a Horcrux containing a piece of Voldemort’s soul. Meanwhile, the Dark Lord has just taken possession of the Elder Wand that legend says is unbeatable. What happens next will determine the fate of the world. And you can find out before anyone else!” After reading that, you bet I would be there!! And the invite went on to say, “So that you don’t have to make a special trip to Gringotts, we are offering an Early Owl discount.” Or how about this cute comment: “Tickets are going faster than a rampaging Hippogriff.” Well, you get the idea…the world was going crazy with Pottermania! Four hundred fifty muggles, wizards and witches attended this special screening and had the opportunity to take photos in front of some really cool movie backdrops. Photogs were snapping away and the head wizard, Tim King, of “Hogwarts in the ‘hood,” as Urban Prep is lovingly called, was in his element greeting the excited guests with a hug and his welcoming smile. All was right in the world but as we entered the theater, we knew that dark forces would be trying to take over in this 2 hour and 11 minute film, that turned out to be my favorite of the eight. We revisited old characters like Remus Lupin, Bellatrix Lestrange, Rubeus Hagrid, Professor Dumbledore, Ollivander, Sirius Black, Severus Snape, Lucius Malfoy and his despicable family, Harry’s mom and dad and, of course, our heroes Harry, Ron and Hermione. The long-feared war had begun and the Dark Lord has seized control of the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting all who might oppose him. The Chosen One has become the hunted one as the Death Eaters search for Harry with orders to bring him to Voldemort…alive. I won’t tell you the end, but expect casualties (none we can’t live without) and a heartwarming ending, that in my mind, definitely leaves room for a sequel! Tim King had given a welcoming speech at the beginning of the film and showed the latest Urban Prep video with some students sharing their heartfelt stories about their experiences. He told everyone to stay in their seats for a special announcement at the end of the film. And I’ll say it was special: Richard Roeper was introduced and then MATTHEW LEWIS, the star of this film who has also appeared as Neville Longbottom in all eight of the movies, came out to thunderous applause and quite a few squeals! He looks much thinner in person and, of course, the false yellow, crooked teeth are gone along with the cardigan. When Roeper asked him to talk about his onscreen friendships, he said, “I would love to give you drama but we get on really, really well. We all started at the same age and shared a bond
.” Then he was asked if it was a challenge to work with the green screen and he said, “There wasn’t actually a snake there and that’s really where your director, David Yates, comes into play. He knew exactly what to say and Jo Rowling’s writing is so rich that we get to cheat. We can just go back to the books, our cheat books, to see what the motivations might be.” One member of the audience asked Lewis if he would give Emma Watson his number. Matthew replied, “I’ll give it to her but I can’t promise she’ll call.” Another audience member asked him, “Since this is the last installment, how do you feel about going from a little kid to a legendary actor?” Matthew replied, “I like you. I see myself as a jobbing actor who still has a lot to do.” Shot prior to the release of “Deathly Hallows,” Lewis plays the reporter in the upcoming independent film, “The Sweet Shop.” He couldn’t have been nicer and took pics with fans as well as signed some books. The VIP After-Party was held in the magnificent Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier. It was a night I’ll never forget and to quote Urban Prep’s motto, “We believe”…in magic!! (To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)

Thirty restaurants participated in this year’s Chefs & the City event held at the Ritz-Carlton. Guests enjoyed delectable treats such as an heirloom tomato confit with compressed watermelon and goat cheese from Mercat, Province’s salmon tostadas, Shanghai Terrace’s seared pork dumplings, Cafe Spiaggia’s crispy flatbreads with housemade Becker Lane pork testa and Lockwood’s house sturgeon with cucumber, potatoes, chilies and crème fraiche by Chef Greg Elliot. The ballroom at the Ritz was perfect for this party. Big and not too crowded yet cozy enough that you could easily find your friends. There was a fabulous fashion show produced by Maria Pinto, in her new role as Creative Director for Mark Shale, that featured its Fall 2011 collection. Maria said, “You’re going to see what you wouldn’t expect from Mark Shale. And love it!” And she was right. Maria sure hasn’t lost her creative touch as she showed outfit after outfit with unexpected pairings of texture, accessories and colors. And she even veered from the mainstream fashion shows by having a “party” onstage as opposed to the normal catwalk work. Granted, it was harder to snap photos but the effect was something brand new. Honorary chairs for the event included Amanda Puck, Rich Varnes and moi. Top restaurants participating this year included MK, Bistronomic (Chef Martial Noguier created a delicious pate that he served with his darling son, Mathieu), More Cupcakes, BOKA/GT Fish & Oyster, The Bristol, Province, Cafe Spiaggia, The Publican, The Chicago Firehouse, Quince, Deca, Sepia, The Florentine, Shanghai Terrace, Fox & Obel Market Cafe, Rebar @ Trump International, prasino, Girl and the Goat, Sprout, Graham Elliot, Green Zebra, Tavernita (Chef Ryan Poli’s new venture), JAM, Union League Club, Lockwood, RL, Mercat a la Planxa and Fortune Fish Company among others. The entire, food and fun-filled evening benefited Vital Bridges, whose mission is to help people throughout metropolitan Chicago impacted by HIV and AIDS to improve their health and build self-sufficiency by providing food, nutrition, housing, case management and prevention services. Joyce Dawson was honored with the “Robert S. Mayo Extra Helping” award for her generosity and commitment to Vital Bridges in a moving ceremony presented by Maryann Weiner and Bill Lasche. Vital Bridges’ Director of Development, Hank Watson, oversaw the event that also included one of my favorite DJs, Sye Young! (He also spins for Common Threads’ World Festival and is a perennial crowd pleaser.) The tastings continued in the Carlton Club for the VIP After-Party. What a wonderful night for a good cause with great peeps! To learn more about Vital Bridges, please visit www.VitalBridges.org. (Additional pics by Steve Starr…to view ALL event pics, please click here!)

Chicago Magazine’s “Bold & Beautiful” event at the Kohler Store (at the Merchandise Mart) honored five deserving women. They included Lindsay Avner (founder and Executive Director of Be Bright Pink), Andrea Metcalf (author of “Naked Fitness”), Monica Pedersen (interior designer and HGTV host), Allison Rosati (NBC Chicago anchor and reporter) and Audarshia Townsend (featured journalist, 312DiningDiva.com and WCIU-TV’s “You & Me This Morning”). Chicago Mag publisher Richard Gamble introduced the ladies at this delightful reception. Fans, friends and families of the honorees enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as well as enjoying all of the latest ideas from Kohler. (To view ALL party pics by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here.)

And the fairytale continued as Prince William, the new Duke of Cambridge, scored all four goals for his team, Royal Salute, in sunny California at the recent Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club! Before the match, Wills said, "Thank you very much for the very warm welcome and thanks to you Ambassador Holden. In terms of coming back, that depends on the result out there today. I'm not a good loser." So I guess this means the people of Santa Barbara will be seeing William and his gorgeous new wife, Catherine, again down the road! Title sponsor Tiffany designed the exquisite trophy named "The Foundation Polo Challenge Trophy" in honor of the foundation that Catherine, Harry and Wills have established. The Prince said, "We are focusing on helping military veterans and their families, and following my father's example, working on sustainable development. We also want to give the most disadvantaged young in society hope and confidence in their lives. We feel passionately about this." It's good to see Princess Diana's strong influence for helping others continues on in her children. Check out this cute video, too…ahhhhh, it’s good to be King (future!)

And speaking of polo, hold onto your hats for what will surely be one of the most exciting events to hit Chicago in a long, long time!!! Title sponsor Grey Goose announced the first ever Beach Polo Tournament in Chicago coming to North Avenue Beach! Beginning on Saturday, October 1st, North Avenue Beach will become home to two days of world-class Beach Polo action being played out in a custom built polo arena on the beach, roughly the size of an American football stadium! The one-of-a-kind sporting environment will be on one side bordered by Chicago’s famous city skyline and on the other by Lake Michigan! Some of the games most notable players will be in attendance including native Chicagoan and world-class polo player David Wigdahl who will field a local team while Argentina’s Usandizaga brothers (Guillermo and Gustavo) will be joined by Chicago’s Ben Rosenfield and Louisville’s Chad Middendorf. Brandon Phillips, a member of the Canadian national team, will team up with Argentine five-goaler Mauricio Devrient and Simon Garber. On the women’s side, Nigeria’s Neku Atawodi will be in attendance as well as Brazilian model and polo player, Paula Chermont. Both divisional championship teams from April’s South Beach Women’s Polo Cup will also be competing, including tournament MVP’s Tara Lordi and Libby Scripps. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit the 100 Club of Chicago which provides support and assistance to the families of fallen police officers and firefighters in Cook County. VIP tickets (that include a two-day pass) are $250 and single-day passes are $150 for Saturday or Sunday. This exciting weekend will also include a player introduction press conference, horse parade, fashion show and awards ceremony as well as other social events throughout the weekend. For tickets and more info, please visit www.ChicagoBeachPolo.com. (Pics by Caitlin Saville Collins!)

I have so much more news but am out of space. I hope you will check out Candid Candace next week as Chicago continues her reign as BEST and most EXCITING city in the world!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats to Barry Axler on his recent installation as the 107th president of Rotary One! Chicago is the birthplace of Rotary which has grown to 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries with 1.3 million members. And, for this year’s 11th Annual Loretto Hospital Foundation’s Golf Outing, Chicago Bears QB Jay Cutler presented the hospital with a check for $20K. Cutler also received the 2011 Distinguished Citizen Award for the establishment of the Jay Cutler Diabetes Screening Program. Good news all around!

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July 12, 2011 · 6:12 am

ZOO BALL’S “HOLLYWOOD & VINES” – LIONS AND TIGERS AND BEARS, OH MY!

The theme for this year’s 2011 Zoo Ball, “Hollywood & Vines,” described the atmosphere perfectly as the guests and the animals became one with the night. The gorillas slept peacefully during the VIP Reception in the Regenstein Center for African Apes. And even though all of the major sponsors attended, the primates didn’t seem to be too nervous. It was indeed an evening where the lush environment of Lincoln Park Zoo intersected with the glamour of old Hollywood as the two tents filled with 980 guests nestled between the animal habitats. You could even hear the Siberian tigers roaring nearby as the glamorous guests took to the dance floor serenaded by the Ken Arlen Orchestra. I had never been to the Zoo Ball before and was looking forward to the evening. I met friends Gale and Jay Gottlieb at the VIP reception and was introduced to Kevin Bell, the charming President and CEO of the zoo. The next day, he had this to say about the event, “I am sure that last night’s event raised significant support for the zoo, but equally important the Ball reminds all who attended, how fortunate we are as Chicagoans to have a world class free zoo in our great city. I cannot thank our Women’s Board enough for their hard work and dedication this past year to make this evening a huge success. We are also so fortunate to have wonderful friends at Guggenheim and BMW. Their support goes a long way to keeping the zoo free for all to enjoy.” (The zoo is open 365 days a year and is the nation’s only free, privately managed zoo.) The baroque, Old Hollywood décor, by Heffernan Morgan/Ronsley, created an atmosphere of enchantment with 6-foot-tall palms and lilies dotting some of the tables while others were topped with twinkling, crystal candelabra and lamps with oversized shades in black and white. Even the dance floor was black and white with massive two-tiered lamps hanging above. Ladies wore both long and short gowns on this warm summer evening and looked so elegant alongside their tuxedo-clad partners. Emcee Bill Kurtis, forever the consummate host, was attired perfectly in a jungle inspired safari vest and pith helmet as he auctioned off four packages that included a ski week in Aspen ($10K), a six-night golf trip to Scotland ($12K) and two BMW driving experiences ($25K). This year’s ball was a record breaker raising $1 million towards the $2 million goal of building Nature Boardwalk. Co-chairs Susan Erler, Rosemary Jones and Kirsten Rider did an outstanding job and thanked their 90-strong Women’s Board as well as their many supporters including Presenting Sponsor Guggenheim, Gold Sponsor Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana BMW Centers and Silver Sponsor Pritzker Military Library/Tawani Foundation among others. The “Oscar” went to corporate co-chair extraordinaire Anne Pramaggiore who encouraged friends to buy 19 tables for the Ball, which was 20 percent of the evening’s proceeds!! I’ll say she deserved an Oscar!!! The delicious menu, created by Food for Thought, began with Grey Goose cured salmon with Fantome Farm Chevre Pizette and Galena dill, kalamata olive “Dirty Martini”, heirloom tomato “Bloody Mary” gazpacho, sweet water prawn cocktail with heirloom tomato, avocado, celery and lemon verbena, roasted garlic and parmesan monkey bread with artisanal flatbreads, surf and turf Barramundi “Oscar” and grilled bistro medallion with jumbo asparagus, tarragon potato puree with Dixie gold tomato béarnaise. Dessert included a chocolate decadence gateaux and summer melon mélange with raspberry Grey Goose glace and brown butter roasted peach, chocolate amaretto crust, orange-blossom honey sabayon and macerated local strawberries with a vanilla “star.” Whew! What a feast! Throughout the evening, guests could take a ride on the delightful merry-go- round. And even though it’s only 11 years old, it’s made to look and feel like one from the turn of the century. What a thrill this was! It made everyone feel like kids again and it was so cool to see the riders dressed in all of their finery on the beautifully painted carousel animals. There was also a vast silent auction table along with dessert stations. Seen in the crowd were designer Borris Powell, MaryKay and Jeff Silverman, Lance and Loretta Rosenmyer, Debra Kerr and Steve Thompson, Kate Covington, Women’s Board President Abby Zanarini, Michael Guevra, Joyce and Ross Hemphill, Christine Zrinsky and Randy Patterson, Rhonda Buss, Mike Harrington, Gloria Castillo, Sherren Leigh, Ken Norgan, Frauke and Kevin Coon, Heather and Bill Blackwell, Brian and Sari Vallow, Jannie and Elliot Pearlman, Laura and Howard Sims, Kimbra and Mark Walter, Donna LaPietra, Alderman Michelle Smith, Pat Hanrahan, Wendy Krimins, Cynthia Holbrook, Tina Koegel and Kathy Nowlin among many others. Even the goody bags, provided by Guggenheim, were spectacular: a men’s large nylon duffle and a woman’s big, beautiful black leather tote filled with More cupcakes!! I loved being at a party in the zoo. What is more delightful than cocktails with cockatoos, big cats and fat cats? Congrats on another great year, LP Zoo! To see ALL event pics (by Caitlin Saville Collins and moi), please click here.

Old St. Pat’s is hosting the 27th World’s Largest Block Party this Friday and Saturday, July 15th and 16th, in the parking lots across from the Church. And the entertainment will be crazy good! Look at this lineup: On the Friday main stage – Farraday at 5:40 PM; Cobra Starship at 7:40 PM; Plain White T’s at 9 PM. On the South Stage – Out for Hours at 5:30 PM and The Spazmatics at 7:30 PM. On Saturday’s main stage – No Love for Linus at 5:30 PM; Matt Nathanson at 7:05 PM and Barenaked Ladies at 8:50 PM. On the South Stage – South of 80 at 6:15 PM!!!! Nearly 20,000 people will enjoy two blocks of music, food and fun. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the gate with a two-night pass available for $75. The price of admission includes five FREE beverages (a choice of beer, wine, soda or bottled water). Entrance gates are at Madison and Des Plaines.I will be a celeb bartender for the night along with Amy Jacobson, Ryan Chiaverini, Ron Kittle, Ginger Zee, Anthony Ponce, Natalie Martinez and Dan Roan among others! Check out the video I taped for the event and I hope to see YOU there!!!

The Women’s Board of the American Cancer Society will present the 26th Annual Women’s Board Fashion Show on Wednesday, July 27th, at the Palmer House Hilton beginning at 6 PM. This unique show will feature designer shoes and handbags in a New York-style runway special presentation that will include Fall 2011 collections from Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Valentino, Prada, Christian Louboutin and more. Fashion show chair, Bonita Friedland, along with her committee, will offer some exciting auction packages too including a trip to NY Fashion Week with VIP status, an $800 Michael Kors handbag, $1,800 worth of designer jewelry, a shopping weekend for two in NY and $1,600 worth of spa services among many others. For tickets ($150), please call (312) 279-7265 or visit www.acsfashionshow.com.

Dance for Life will hold their annual benefit on Saturday, August 20th at the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Congress Parkway) beginning with a Gala Reception at 4:45 PM. This highly anticipated event, which will be hosted by WGN’s Dean Richards, is held annually to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs. Five of Chicago’s most renowned and talented dance companies will come together for this spectacular, celebratory evening of dance on one stage including Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, River North Chicago Dance Company, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Ron De Jesus Dance and The Joffrey Ballet. Currently honoring a milestone 20th anniversary this year, Dance for Life is the largest performance-based AIDS fundraising event in the Midwest and has raised nearly $4 million since 1992. Tickets are $50 and $75 for performance only or $175-$500 that will include the Gala Reception and premiere seating. For tix and more info, please call 312.922.5812 or visit www.danceforlifechicago.com.

Caterer and man-about-town, George Jewell, will open his Three Oaks, Michigan, summer home, Burscott Park, for “A Barbeque Unlike Any Other” to benefit Common Threads on Saturday, August 13th, beginning at 4 PM. Featured chefs, to date, will include David Blonsky, Mark Chmeilewski, Jessie Oloroso, Ryan Poli and Patrick Sheerin with more to be announced. Event co-chairs Greg Cameron, Greg Thompson, Mary Cameron Frey and Karen and Marvin Herman have planned wonderful summertime fun for a great cause. Tickets begin at $150 with free shuttle service from Chicago. Space is limited so get your tix while they last!!! (For tix and more info, please email Adam Levy at alevy@commonthreads.org.)

And for more summer fun, PAWS 9th Annual Beach Party is right around the corner, too!! On Thursday, July 14th, the pups will come out to play at the North Avenue Beach Boathouse! This super fun event to benefit PAWS Chicago will include dancing on deck, cool cocktails, a beachy dinner buffet, live music and some of the cutest little four-pawed creatures you’ve ever seen! This is always such a treat for a wonderful cause so I hope you can come out and join me! Co-chairs Nancy and Ron Officer, Dawn and Jim O’Neal, along with a wonderful host committee, have planned a great day on the beach with tickets beginning at $150 and pet tickets priced at $50. So don your best beach bonnet and we will howl all night long! (For tickets and more info, please call 773.890.5118 or visit www.pawschicago.org.)

Studio Paris, located at 59 W. Hubbard St., is quickly becoming THE hot spot for events! On Thursday, August 18th, from 5 – 8 PM the Women’s Auxiliary of the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children's will host an evening to benefit the development of the Rooftop Retreat on the World’s Largest Ronald McDonald House at 211 E. Grand. They will showcase the bricolage mosaic that will be included on the House’s rooftop plus the artists. This bricolage wall, which is a customized brick mural constructed from pieces of tile, mirrors, paintings and photographs, will be the city’s first skyline mosaic. You will also have an opportunity to put your name on a tile plus hands-on mosaic activity. Co-chairs Carol Beitler and Lesley Goodman have planned a wonderful evening that will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres plus tons of fun! For tickets, $150, please visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.org/rooftop.

Famous and beloved diva around town, Lynne Jordan (of Shivers fame!), will be debuting in Steppenwolf’s Garage Theatre’s production of “Stations Lost” through July 24th. The play, by Tony Fitzpatrick, is being directed by Ann Filmer and will feature Stan Klein and John Rice as well as our darling Lynne. For tickets ($22) and more info, please call 312.335.1650. Break a leg, Lynne!! 🙂

And finally, I hope you all had a wonderful July 4th weekend! The weather was perfect and my neighborhood was loaded with backyard BBQs. Check out some of the cute holiday pics here.

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Please email me if you know of friends who would like to be included on the “Alert List” which is a weekly reminder for Candid Candace or, if you would, sadly, like to be removed from the list. You can also find the blog on the web at anytime at www.CandidCandace.com.

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June 28, 2011 · 6:52 pm

MCA’S “REMIXED/REIMAGINED” BENEFIT IS VISUAL FEAST

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago celebrated its 15th anniversary of its performance program, the MCA Stage, at the "Remixed/Reimagined" 2011 Performance Benefit this week. Co-chairs Sara Albrecht and Jay Franke slammed it out of the ballpark with this highly imaginative, mixed media event benefitting MCA programming. The evening commenced on the front plaza with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of some of Chicago’s most notable food trucks: The Southern Mac& Cheese Truck, 5411 Empanadas and the Hummingbird Kitchen. As guests enjoyed their bits and sips amidst stage road cases for seating, impromptu performers treated them to surprise entertainment. Red Moon Theater delivered a mini-opera while the JASC Tsukasa Taiko group drummed their little hearts out from the museum steps. To conclude the cocktail hour, punk circus marching band Mucca Pazza filtered through the crowd ushering everyone into the theater. Perceptions shifted as the audience became the actors and vice versa when the sit-down dinner was prepared onstage and the entertainment, which was the phenomenal Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, performed from the seats. Décor giants Heffernan Morgan and Event Creative created a magical dining experience in shades of hot pink and purple while Wolfgang Puck created (and donated) culinary magic with his unique menu that included tapas, fried green tomatoes, Japanese barbecued shrimp, biscuits with pork belly, buttermilk fried chicken and roasted beef tenderloin. MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn gave welcoming remarks and co-chair Jay Franke had this to say about the evening: “This evening was a real celebration honoring not only the MCA Stage but its director Peter Taub, who is one of our Chicago treasures. His disciplined and keen approach to programming is what keeps the Stage series so relevant and vital. As a member of the MCA Performance Committee, it was an honor to serve as a co-chair for "Remixed/Reimagined." Seriously, where else in Chicago can you paint the floors hot pink and serve dinner on an orange table? I adore this institution and
their continued quest to indulge in the unexpected. Plus, putting together this event was much like an artistic process, complete with the same passion and love that goes into making great art.” Following the exuberant performance by the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, guests were ushered into the freight elevator where chilled tequila and limoncello shots awaited. Members from DanceWorks Chicago greeted guests on the main floor where dessert, more drinks and dancing ensued. DJ Electric Method was placed high above the front doors – an unexpected location for a change and it was terrific. Everything was placed the opposite of where you would imagine it to be. Get it?? "Remixed/Reimagined??!!" Insanely clever! Co-chair Sara Albrecht had this to say about the event: “The evening was the first time we have had a celebration focused on the performance department of the MCA, which is one of only three museum institutions that have a dedicated performance program and stage. Over the past 15 years we have had performers range from Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, Bill T. Jones, Lucinda Childs and so many others. We incorporated art and performance into the evening in order to try to create a cohesive performance and art vision instead of treating the two as separate organizations under the same roof. We were sold out without the help of any corporate sponsors and raised over $300,000 for the evening with almost 300 attendees. I think our main goal was to break down some of the barriers and make the MCA a diverse welcoming place where you never know what could happen.” It was a night filled with surprises but I shouldn’t have been surprised knowing the creativity of Sara, Jay and the MCA! Congrats to all on a very, very memorable evening! To view all images from this exciting evening, please click here!

The N’DIGO Foundation hosted its 16th annual Gala with a special Tribute to Men on Father’s Day featuring legendary singer/songwriter/producer and all around cute guy, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds who performed at the Symphony Center along with his brother, Kevon. I had never seen Babyface perform but I am telling you now, I will be first in line for tickets when he returns. He gave one of the most energetic performances I’ve seen in a long time. And when he performed with his brother, the ladies were dancin’ in the aisles! The honorees for this evening included Dr. Robert Michael Franklin (Morehouse College prez), Reverend Charles Jenkins (pastor of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church who was introduced by legendary Pastor Clay Evans), Les Coney (Mesirow Financial exec), ABC’s Charles Thomas (who emcee Art Norman introduced as the first African American political reporter at ABC News), Runako Jahi (Artistic Director of ETA Theater who mentored Jennifer Hudson in her acting career) and Dr. Conrad Worrill (Northeastern University Professor). N’DIGO Magazine publisher Hermene Hartman along with her Foundation have awarded over 200 scholarships since its inception and this evening’s 2011 Scholarship Recipients included Andrea Caldwell, Daniel Covington, Jacqueline Gibson, Joseph Laseter, Agustin Castrejon, Mercedes Suall, Reginald Torian III, Desiree Tellis and Adetunji Wilson. Congrats to all on a wonderfully, inspiring evening! Find out more about this organization on the N’DIGO Foundation website. (To view ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here.)

Fabulous, 40 and for a good cause! This describes the first event that was held at the hotly anticipated Melman venue, Studio Paris, this week. Kathleen Henson, founder and CEO of River North PR agency Henson Consulting, celebrated her 40th birthday in grand style with 200 high-profile friends and colleagues at this indoor-outdoor lounge located directly above Paris Club, which is expected to open to the public this week. A highlight of the evening, was a performance by her favorite ‘80s band, 16 Candles. Handsome hubby Mike started the evening off with a loving tribute to his wife, who is the mother of five children all under the age of 11!! All of the ladies in the crowd required hankies it was so sweet. Also seen on the scene were "Windy City Live" hosts Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini, Roe Conn and Richard Roeper, Kathy Hart, Tim Smithe, Kelli Zink, Lindsay Avner, Marcus Riley, Shea Vaughn, Jen Schefft Waterman, Marion Brooks, Jesus Salguiero, Paris Club owners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman as well as Lettuce Entertain You founder Richard Melman and wife Martha among many others. In lieu of gifts, Kathleen asked friends to support her campaign to buy two clean water wells in Africa. To date, she has raised more than $8,000 toward the cause. If you would like to donate, please click here. Now THAT'S a reason to celebrate! Happy birthday dear Kathleen!!! (To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here.)

More than 600 guests joined DIFFA/Chicago (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS/Chicago) recently during the “Believe Rock N Gala,” marking the 23rd year that designers, architects and design industry leaders gathered to help fund and advance the fight against AIDS. The all night fete featured epic food, fearless music and rock stars galore highlighted with a special performance by Evan Dando and The Lemonheads and DJ Jesse De La Pena during the Gala’s first-ever Rock On! after-party. Stephanie Castagnier, known from the hit NBC series “The Apprentice,” poignantly described her life as an orphan of AIDS and how she overcame its stigma to become a successful entrepreneur. Co-chairs for the event included Rick Gilman, Lynn Fordon, Richard Cassis and Georgeanna Farr. DIFFA/Chicago Chairman Jennifer McGregor said, “Tonight we celebrate and honor those who are taking us to a future without AIDS. The supporters, the researchers, the fundraisers, the grant writers and grantees—you are our rock stars! It isn’t IF we find a cure, it is WHEN we find a cure…and we are close.” Honorees included Dr. Niki Alami and Dr. Michael Angarone. Jennifer Cusack was also awarded the “Unsung Hero” award for her continuous support of the organization. Congrats to DIFFA/Chicago for making a difference in our communities for over 27 years! (Photos by Randy Michael Korwin.)

Brenda Sexton has done it again! Her Chicago Link Productions premiered an incredible documentary called “Phunny Business” about the history of Chicago’s first ever black comedy club, “All Jokes Aside.” Located in Chicago’s South Loop, this club flourished during the ‘90s giving early exposure and early paychecks to legendary comedians like Jamie Foxx, Mo’Nique, Dave Chappelle, Bernie Mac, Chris Rock, D.L. Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer, Craig Robinson, JB Smoove and many more. The audience laughed non-stop but there was also a very poignant element to the story as well. The film’s writer/director, John Davies, was in the audience as well as founder of “All Jokes Aside” and a producer on this film, Raymond Lambert. Producer Reid Brody was in the audience as well. I hope local theaters are listening because this film needs a venue! Please put it on your wish list with your favorite theater owners! The after-party at Hotel 71 also rocked – awesome food, beautiful views and darling GM Steve Shern. To view ALL event pics, click here!

Thundermania has returned to Chicago! If you haven’t seen “Thunder From Down Under,” a sexy all-Australian-male revue, then grab your friends and head over to the LaSalle Power Company for some X-citing fun! These guys have been named by AOL and the Las Vegas Review-Journal as the “Best Male Revue” and I believe it! The show has non-stop energy, dynamic dance routines, gymnastics, sexy costumes, awesome Aussie humor, state-of-the-art lighting and audience participation! Yes, I said the ladies can join in the onstage fun! The room was packed with screaming fans as the Awesome Aussies put on a sizzling performance. The 75-minute show will be in town through October 29th on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s a fun lovin’ show but definitely for adults only: Not X-rated but X-citing for sure!

Whew, there’s a lot of stuff goin’ on, huh? I hope you’re finally enjoying this beautiful weather and I hope to see you around town at one of these fun parties soon! In the meantime, that’s the lowdown on this week’s highlights!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats to Chicago Street Style’s Amy Creyer on her one-year anniversary! Here she is shown with cute friends, artist Jun Iseyama, Prada’s JoMarie Bellendir, Amy and artist Megan Weinerman. :) Happy anniversary Amy!

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June 21, 2011 · 8:16 am

GLAMORAMA LAUNCH PARTY FEATURES BLAH BLAH BLAH!

If Glamorama’s Launch Party is any indication of what’s to come for the main event on Friday, August 12th, then we are going to have to wear helmets! I don’t know where to begin to describe this party at the super cool venue, Room 1520 at 1520 W. Fulton, on Thursday night. We had all the ingredients and then some to make this party rock starting with the incredibly fantastic band, Blah Blah Blah, who graced our event with, not only a high octane musical performance, but also with the debut of their first music video which featured the song from their upcoming EP “Why Am I the Only One Laughing?” Watch for a surprise cameo! (The EP is set for release in August and, currently, the band is giving away a free download on their website, BlahBlahBlahMusic.com.) The crowd of 300 fashion and music loving friends rocked out to the hot sounds of Blah Blah Blah as well as the tunes of DJ E- SIX Crossfader King. They “jumped for joy” in the Action Photo Booth (to see all pics, visit ActionBooth.com), had their portraits done by talented artist Rosemary Fanti, enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres and candy counters courtesy of Blue Plate Catering, Hershey and Anna’s Custom Sweets & Treats and were awed by an amazing performance by Hip Hop ConnXion Dancers. There was something for everyone! Local designers Elda de la Rosa and Horacio Nieto brought gorgeous models who sashayed through the crowd in their latest creations to the delight of the guests. As you know Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama is one of the most anticipated fashion shows and parties of the year and I was proud to be its host along with a fantastic Host Committee that included Carol Beitler, Lynne Bredfeldt, Cindy Burns, DC Crenshaw, Fabrice Calmels, Christopher Clinton Conway, Samantha Amato, Erica Bethe Levin, Jessica Zweig, Corri McFadden, Kristina McGrath, Quenten Schumacher, Marcus Riley, Ken Norgan, Helen, Maryanne and Corinne Melchior, Cece Gonzalez, Melinda Joseph, Kerry and Sally Shorr, Lynn McMahan, Rich Varnes, Leslie Hindman, Linda Johnson Rice, Katie McLenaghan, John Walcher, Julee White, Jim Smith, Andrea and Laura Schwartz, Ann Danner, Rhonda Sanderson, Richard Gamble, Tom Gorman, Greg Hyder and Amanda Puck. Event Creative transformed the space to create magic that corresponded to the Ronald McDonald House mission. Scattered throughout the space were oversized Ronald McDonald Houses imprinted with the words HOPE, LOVE and CARE. The point of the evening was driven home when 12-year- old Alisha Van Fosson took to the stage. She tearfully described what the House has meant to her and her family during the course of her 32 surgeries. No 12-year-old should have to bear these kinds of troubles but it was heartening to know that the ray of hope and love for her and her family was a Ronald McDonald House. For the third year, Glamorama has chosen Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana as its charity beneficiary and I couldn’t be happier! Cee-Lo Green and Far East Movement will be performing at Glamorama and I know they will be terrific but my heart belongs to BLAH BLAH BLAH! Hope to see you all at the Chicago Theatre on Friday, August 12th! Special thanks to CS Magazine, Lisa Newman of Creative One Consulting and presenting sponsor Aon Hewitt and Tyronne Stoudemire. We couldn’t have done it without YOU! For Glam tickets and more info, please visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.com (To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina with additional pics by Steve Starr, please click here.)

I am sad to say I had never been to the Friends of Prentice Gala but I am happy to say they didn’t need me anyway since this event is a yearly sellout. For their 25th annual gala themed “Reflections,” the phrase that kept popping up with everyone I talked with was “this party is wild!” And you had to see it to believe it! First of all, it was the largest silent auction I had ever seen with over 750 items. There were trip giveaways, kid stuff, food and wine packages, beauty and fashion offerings, interior décor items and nights on the town that included Lollapalooza, Steppenwolf, The Joffrey Ballet, Lyle Lovett and Victory Gardens Theatre among a zillion others. Everywhere you looked guests were carrying big tote bags for the toy giveaways that were to come. Navy Pier is a gorgeous venue for big events and the décor by Taylor & Co. on this night was simply elegant. Long, willowy branches on the tables were dramatic yet still allowed guests to see each other. Their “Heads or Tails” game is a highly anticipated part of the evening and involved anyone who had purchased a day-glo necklace. I’m not giving this idea away. You need to go next year and see it for yourself! Event co-chairs, Carol Bernick (Friends of Prentice founder), Erica Goldman, Joanne DeSanctis Kirk, Christopher Newton and Stanley Pillman, attracted over 700 guests to this event that raised $450,000 for the charity. For info on this wonderful organization, please visit www.friendsofprentice.org. (To view ALL gala pics, please click here.)

What a great evening at the Peninsula for the annual Illinois Eye-Bank Gala! Only this year, the hosts mixed things up a bit and decided the sit-down dinner would be replaced with a more casual “Summer Sight Soiree” to honor this year’s Woman of Vision, Jean Antoniou, and the Gift of Sight Honoree, Dr. Randy Epstein. Since the temps were rather cool, the outdoor terrace was nixed but the ever resilient Greg Hyder, the Pen’s Director of Catering, simply moved the Tom Kehoe décor inside to the ballroom and all was right with the world. Actually, it looked even better indoors instead of outdoors, who knew? Anyway, the room was filled with friends of Jean’s and Randy’s who were thrilled that they had been chosen for this honor. Event Chair Dr. David Donnersberger said, “This may be the first annual Summer Sight Soiree, but it is our 13th annual spring event benefitting the Illinois Eye-Bank. The woman behind all these years of success is Beverly Blettner. In honor of her efforts, the Beverly Blettner Gift of Knowledge endowment fund was created in 2003. From the start, Beverly understood the need for the Eye-Bank to educate people about eye, organ and tissue donation, and the importance of sharing one’s decision to be a donor with family members.” There was a VIP reception, cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres, a BIG buffet, a raffle, silent auction and music by Deep Blue Field. Greg Hyder lovingly introduced his long-time friend Jean and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Congrats to these two philanthropic Chicagoans on their much deserved honors! For more info on this organization, please visit www.IllinoisEyeBank.org. (To view ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville and Steve Starr, please click here.)

The DuPage Children’s Museum “Champions for Children” Benefit Ball raised more than $335,000 for their annual gala at Hotel Arista this year. This black-tie sit-down dinner’s live auction included a trip on the Orient Express from Venice to Paris, a Sea Dream Yacht Club luxury Caribben cruise and a golf package at Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale. Brenda and Tom Harter Sr. were Honorary Chairs and ABC 7’s Judy Hsu was the emcee for the evening. The DuPage Children’s Museum helps develop learning skills for children through their interactive exhibits and programs. The lead sponsor for this year’s event was Macy’s. Additional sponsors included the Harter Family, Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation and Bulley & Andrews, among others. Congrats on another year of making learning fun for kids! To learn more about this organization, please visit www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

And now for something completely different! Australia’s “Thunder from Down Under” comes to town on Friday, June 24th, to the LaSalle Power Company. This one is for the LADIES! This steamy, internationally acclaimed Las Vegas-based male revue has been drawing raves. Voted “Best Male Revue” by readers of the Las Vegas Review- Journal, this sexy group of guys have appeared on “Ellen,” “Regis & Kelly,” “The Today Show” and the “The View” to name a few. They will be in town until October 29th and will be appearing Fridays at 7 and 10 PM, and Saturdays at 7, 9 and 11 PM. I will meet you in the ticket line! (Tickets are $39.95 per person with a VIP package available at $59.95. (For tix and more info, please visit www.ThunderinChicago.com.)

Don’t forget Common Threads’ Crosstown Culinary Classic on Friday, June 24th at Seasons Restaurant in the Four Seasons. This multi-course dinner is described as a “Culinary Field of Dreams” between Seasons' Chef Kevin Hickey (an avid White Sox fan) and avec’s Chef Koren Grieveson. Tickets are $175 and can be purchased by calling 312.329.2501.

The following night, Saturday June 25th, Dr. Sandy Goldberg will be hosting the Ninth Annual Tasting Stars party benefitting her A Silver Lining Foundation’s free mammography program, “Buy Mom a Mammogram.” The party will be held at DIRTT, located at 325 N. Wells St., overlooking the Chicago River. Guests will enjoy champagne, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and delicious treats from Terry’s Toffee and cheese pairings courtesy of Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine. This wonderful organization funds cost free mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women at six Chicagoland partner hospitals. For more info and tickets ($150), please visit www.TastingStars.org.)

The 62nd Annual Old Town Art Fair is one of the oldest juried art fairs in the country and this year attracted 260 talented artists from every medium. There were beautiful paintings, sculpture, jewelry, woodwork, photography, ceramics, metalworks and even some darling whimsical pieces that were hard to describe except for the fact that they just made you smile. The gardens that were on view this year were especially lush after all of the rain. The Children's Corner offered face painting, Mad Science projects and dancing with Thodos Dance Chicago while the adults were treated to wonderful food stands that included funnel cakes, corn dogs, blue crabcakes, key lime pie, BBQ, sirloin pita pockets, brats, Polish sausage, hot dogs, tacos, tamales, guacamole, sweet potato fries, cheese fries, organic donuts and grilled corn on the cob. My waistline is expanding just writing these words but it was a fine weekend of fun and I can't wait until my little street is magically transformed again next year with the Hobbit-like little booths of the artists. My highlights of the Old Town Art Fair this year included Lucy and Steve Weiss' fantastic party in the courtyard of the famous Yellow House, Diane and Tom Leibig's musical get-together with Tom's famous marinated lamb kebobs, Pat and John Hall's surprise party for former Alderman Vi Daley and the much anticipated launch of Shirley Baugher's latest book about this area we love so much entitled “Hidden History of Old Town.” (To buy this charming book, please click here and to see more photos here!)

I was so thrilled to be on ABC 7’s hot, new show “Windy City Live” this week. I love this show because its entire focus is all things-Chicago. I also think Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini are two of the cutest hosts around. One of the producers calls Valerie “lightning in a bottle” and I couldn’t agree more! To see my segment, please click here and for my WCL back-story, please click here. Watch weekdays beginning at 9 AM on Ch. 7. You will love it too! Good luck WCL! It’s great having you in town! (To view more pics, click here.)

Whew, that’s a lot of news for one week! Chicago is always on the move and I can’t wait to bring you the highlights from around town! See you next week, same time, same place!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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June 13, 2011 · 9:58 pm

NOMI AT PARK HYATT’S RE-OPENING PARTY WAS WORTH THE WAIT

I’ve always loved the outdoor terrace at NoMI in the Park Hyatt Chicago and I’ve also had the good fortune to spend many special occasions at their restaurant which, I think, has the most gorgeous views in the city — although it could be a tie with the views from Chicago Cut’s terrace. In any case, their latest four-month 7th floor renovation has changed NoMI from a special occasion spot to an every-occasion spot and they have done it in grand style. Their recent re-opening party attracted more familiar faces than I’ve seen in one place in a long time and they all had nothing but good things to say about the changes. We all agreed we loved NoMI in the past but feel the new look will see us coming in more often. PR Director Lynne Bredfeldt was beaming like a new mom and happily took everyone on tours to show them the gorgeous new looks in NoMI Kitchen, Lounge, Garden and Spa. And although the spaces are still elegant and glamorous, it has a more casual chic look. Gone are the white tablecloths in the dining room which have been replaced with cool, wenge wood and leather tables. And, not to worry if you were looking for the spectacular Dale Chihuly glass installations that used to command the space in front of the dramatic bank of windows. They are safely ensconced in the cozy, dining/meeting space off to the side and, actually, seem much better suited there. They have been replaced with an artistic, modern white sculpture that snakes along the ceiling like “Wintry Branches” and complements the view rather than competes with it. On this night, every bit of space was packed with 500 admiring friends oohing and aahing over the stylish new look and the fantastic new menu. Attendees sampled Executive Chef Ryan LaRoche’s signature high quality, ingredient driven food from some of the finest artisans and farmers throughout the surrounding region. He said his love of cooking came from his grandfather's garden. He has distinct memories of picking snap peas in his grandpa’s garden in Cape Cod. No wonder he says, “I like to do honest food, which is some of the most difficult food to do. You can’t hide behind whimsical plate presentation.” His menu on this night included Foraged Mushroom and Green Bean Salad, Foie Gra
s Terrine, Beef Tartar, Uni Avocado Toasts, a selection of oysters and Strip Loin with Roasted Tomatoes among other items that were paired with handcrafted cocktails. The tour of the new NoMI Spa features two elegant private suites with services specializing in customized, aromatherapy treatments while NoMI Garden’s new centerpiece is a 30-foot teak bar! As Chef Ryan LaRoche says, “The kitchen has always been the hearth, the heart, the centre of the home…” I couldn’t agree more! Welcome back, NoMI! We’ve missed you! Check out their blog for updates at www.comethinkin.com. (Additional photos by Bob Carl.) To see ALL party pics, please click here.

The Service Club of Chicago is one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in the city. Since 1890, it has continually served the welfare, civic, educational and cultural needs of Chicago and surrounding communities through their grant program. Every single dollar they raise goes towards these efforts. So it was no surprise that their latest event, the Spring Luncheon, was a sellout at the Chicago Club with 220 chapeau wearing women. The title of the Spring Luncheon this year was “The Mad Hatter Luncheon” and indeed, there were some madcap selections for headgear but the ladies had a great time admiring each other’s hats as well as the rare collection from Bes-Ben which was on display courtesy of Mary Robak, Bob Feigenheimer and Susanin’s Patrick Kearney. Some of the creations seen on the fashionable heads around town were created by local milliners Loreta Corsetti, Carla Faso and Laura Whitlock. There were also some creative homemade toppers. The “Hatter’s Contest” was judged by Elizabeth Jachomowicz, Mary Robak and Bunky Cushing. Winners included Mamie Walton for “Most Regal Hat,” Cheryl Bollinger for “Most Original” and Rochelle Smith Trotter for “Most Head Turning Hat.” Elizabeth Jachomowicz gave an informative lecture and presentation on the history and fashion of the Bes-Ben collection as well as sharing many stories from this era. In 1919 milliner Benjamin Green-Field (dubbed Chicago’s Mad Hatter) and his sister Bess founded Bes-Ben. It thrived from the '20s through the '70s with many celebs such as Lucille Ball, Marlene Dietrich and Elizabeth Taylor clamoring his designs. Beginning in 1941, his creations took a whimsical turn with one Chicago socialite receiving a little hat covered with clocks to wear to a charity entitled “Time for Giving.” Not long ago, one of his Independence Day hats, which was covered with flags, firecrackers and stars, broke a record for millinery fetching $18,400 at auction. Bes-Ben’s Michigan Avenue boutique closed in 1978. Congrats to the Service Club for this unique and fun luncheon idea. In particular, congrats to Event Chair Sherry Holson on a job well-done! (To view ALL event pics by John Reilly Photography, please click here.) For more info on The Service Club of Chicago, please visit www.serviceclubofchicago.org.

Chefs & the City recently hosted a Kick-Off Party at the brand new Tzar Lounge, located at 215 W. Ontario, for their upcoming main event set for July 15th at the Ritz Carlton. As always, with this fun-loving charity, the crowd came out in droves. The venue was really cool too with a faux fireplace in one of the booths and a long runway type structure running through the middle with dramatic lighting. Honorary chairs for this event are Amanda Puck, Rich Varnes and moi. Chef Chair is RL’s cute Ryan Pitts. There was a sneak peak fashion show by Mark Shale (Maria Pinto is their new Creative Director) but the main event will be at the Ritz-Carlton on Friday, July 15th, so mark your calendars! This 7th annual Chefs & the City will begin at 7 PM with an exclusive VIP After-Party all benefitting Vital Bridges. With over 30 restaurants participating, grand raffle prizes plus a world class fashion show presented by Mark Shale’s Maria Pinto, this party will be bigger and better than ever so get your tickets while you can by calling 773.271.5117 or visiting www.vitalbridges.org.) Get your forks ready for this wonderful cause! :) Click here for more pics.

Our star chefs of Chicago are very busy these da
ys doing so many wonderful things for charity. Yet another example was the 17th Annual Four Stars of Chicago Restaurant Extravaganza at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers that attracted over 675 guests. This heart-warming event raised $450,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. Emcee, WMAQ-Channel 5 anchor Allison Rosati, presided over a program that included past St. Jude patient Marget Graham, who spoke eloquently about her early physical battles with childhood cancer and eventual triumph. She is now 35, happily married and expecting twins! St. Jude CEO Rick Shadyac also spoke lovingly about his association with the charity. Chicago Cubs' Tom Ricketts was the honorary chair and honorary chef was Levy Restaurants’ Executive Chef David Burns. Participating restaurants included Coco Pazzo, Mercadito, Melting Pot, Mon Ami Gabi, Wildfire, Prosecco, Dinotto Ristorante, Shula’s Steakhouse and Piccolo Sogno among others. Congrats to co-chairs Joe Bisceglia and Joe Shaker on a job well done! Since 1994, this event has raised nearly $6 million for St.Jude’s. (To see how you can help and for more info, please visit www.stjude.org.)

The Center on Halsted’s annual fundraiser, Human First, starred funny girl Wanda Sykes along with versatile singer/actress, Linda Eder at the Harris Theater. For past galas, there have been sit-down dinners and dancing but this comedy and entertainment format seemed to suit the crowd of 1500 just fine. Gala co-chairs Kip Helverson, Jo Minow and David Blowers along with the Center’s staff and Board presented the 2011 Human First Award to Abby O’Neil, her husband Carroll Joynes and David Helverson. The 2011 Community Spirit Award was shared by the Chicago History Museum and Exelon. The Center’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. They have been doing an outstanding job since 1973. Congrats to Center CEO Modesto Tico Valle. If you would like to know more, please visit www.centeronhalsted.org or call 773.661.0788. For more pics, click here.

My month-long May birthday was filled with fun! It’s the good times with friends that make the aging process painless and when Helen Melchior offered to plan a little party for me, I jumped at the chance. She even made a memory album on her Mac all by herself which impressed everyone! I was happy to share the evening with Leslie Hindman, Sheila O’Grady, Cindy Burns, Charley and Chuck, Lauren Dobies, Mary Ann Melchior, Chris Long, Nicki and Nicholas Patrick, Samantha Amato, Paul Iacono, Rhonda Sanderson and Tara Klecka. Helen made her signature guacamole and even served fabulous M Burgers, which I’d never had before but sure will again! It was a memory-making evening and one I will never forget. The following day, Chuck and I went on an adventure to Michigan with the dogs, Mickey and Rooney. Little did we know they despise the great outdoors but we found out soon enough. They cried in the car, they cried in the yard, they cried at the dog-friendly Gordon Beach Inn and, finally, they cried at the wonderful dinner party thrown by Kip Helverson and his partner, Neal Steiner. I guess I won’t wait by the mailbox for another invitation but hope springs eternal. Check out more pics here.

Enjoy summer in the city, coming soon I hope! And in the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this week’s lowdown on Chicago’s highlights!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. On June 25th, please join me for the 9th Annual Tasting Stars premier champagne fundraising event benefitting A Silver Lining Foundation’s free mammography program. The event will be from 7 – 11 PM at DIRTT, located at 325 N. Wells St. Dr. Sandy Goldberg, founder of A Silver Lining, has planned an evening filled with Entertaining Co. hors d’oeuvres, Terry’s Toffee, The Capital Grille Martini Bar, Pops for Champagne and cheese pairings by Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine. For tickets and more info, please visit www.tastingstars.org.

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May 19, 2011 · 9:10 pm

OPRAH’S “SURPRISE SPECTACULAR” IS ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS

THIS IS A SPOILER ALERT!!! If you are one of the few people living in caves who haven’t heard about Oprah’s “Surprise Spectacular Show” then read no further!

Chuck and I were lucky to be invited to what can only be called “The Greatest Show on Earth!” If a bomb, God forbid, would’ve hit the United Center Tuesday night, there would be no more stars left in the world. Every major celeb on the planet was there to pay homage to the most famous woman in the world – Oprah Winfrey.

When we first arrived, we couldn’t believe our eyes at the lines snaking out blocks and blocks in every direction from the United Center. But, surprisingly, everyone was in great spirits, joking and making new friends as the lines inched along towards Mecca, the doors that would allow you access to the most talked about event in town, Oprah’s second- and third-to-last shows of her 25-year span of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” On May 25th, her final show will be taped in her studio for the last time. Too sad for words…some people in the audience had never missed a show and had literally grown into adulthood with her. It must be especially sad for these people. There was even a proposal on stage between a cute firefighter and his girlfriend, Jenna.

Oprah’s “prompters” were working the crowd almost from the moment you entered the building. All dressed in black with boundless enthusiasm, they gave shout-outs to people they saw in the crowd. “Hey, Mayor Daley, did you get the night off?” ‘Da Mayor was seated with Maggie and Nora Daley Conroy and another friend or family member (I couldn’t tell who) and never took his arm off of the back of Maggie’s chair. Carson Kressley was in the audience as well as Chef Art Smith (who made brunch for friends and family at his Table 52 the following day), who was wearing a chic straw hat, white shirt and thin black tie. He’s lost 118 lbs. to date and looks fantastic! The United Center was electric in anticipation of what was to come and there was much dancing onstage and off as the crowd along the stage started doing the Hustle simultaneously to one of the songs. The prompters told us to follow the instructions streaming along the walls at the appropriate time. This show would ALL be a complete surprise to Oprah who was tucked safely away in a sound-proof room. Previously before the show, along with our ticket info, we were given the opportunity to buy a book or books for Oprah’s “First Book” program. This would be a big surprise for her as well and when the time came, we were all instructed to hold our books up which were placed under our chairs, to her tearful delight. This time the gift was for Oprah with love from the 25,000+ audience and it was a very special moment for everyone.

And then the lights dimmed, the countdown for TV began, the music was cued and out came Oprah. She was dressed in the most elegant purple gown with exquisite beading along the waist and neckline with her hair in an elegant slicked back high-styled ponytail. Her diamond chandelier earrings had the largest center diamond stone I may have ever seen. At first glance, it looked like a cluster of diamonds and then you realized the entire center part was one massive stone…only in Oprah’s world! Wow! And then, shortly after O appeared, Tom Hanks walked onstage to wild applause and said, “Today you are surrounded by nothing but love. More than 40 million people have tuned in every week and pulling off this show must’ve seemed like a “‘Mission Impossible.’” Guess who came on next? Tom Cruise!!!! Tom said, “You have been called Glenda the Good Witch and you have always had the power…” With this, Jackie Evancho (“America’s Got Talent”) appeared at the end of the loooooong runway-type stage singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” She continued along the runway to the main stage where she was met by Josh Groban who continued the “Wizard of Oz” medley…and then Patti LaBelle entered the mix and the stadium erupted. After this moving
song, Tom Hanks introduced a “hard-working mother of four” – MADONNA! Madge introduced the first audience participation segment that included both sides of the stadium holding up white cards. A projection of women across the world was shown on the cards which served as a giant video screen and told the story of hope Oprah has spread throughout the world. Madge said that Oprah is the only living woman in the world that she is inspired by. Dakota Fanning then introduced Oprah’s “Youngest Ultimate Viewers.” All of the little kids formed a circle around O and she shook their little hands…so touching. Oprah had a man following her around whose sole function was simply to supply her with Kleenex when she reached out her hand and she needed a LOT of it on this night! Next onstage, was the stunningly gorgeous Beyonce who performed in a little short black tux with red high, high heels. Her dance troupe of 12 beautiful women performed her latest single “Run the World (Girls)” twice because there was some technical problem but BOTH times, it was very high energy and had the crowd on their feet cheering and clapping. Tom Hanks remarked, “I don’t know what Beyonce was recruiting for, but I’m signing up!” Oprah said, “And did you see those quads?!” Beyonce sure DID look awesome! Next, John Legend appeared onscreen from New Orleans at a school that was rebuilt by Target. In honor of Oprah’s 25 years, Target has pledged to rebuild 25 libraries across the country. While we waited for a commercial break, busy bee workers raised a huge structure to the top of the ceiling for the next segment which opened with Diane Sawyer. She told Oprah that she knew she was inspired by the huge oak trees (on her Santa Barbara estate) and that 25,000 oak trees will be planted across the nation to inspire others. Oprah said to the audience, “Everybody gets a tree!” Halle Berry, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes took to the stage and honored extraordinary viewers including a mother to 29 foster children who was in the audience. They all looked so glamorous and then Rascal Flatts performed to a montage showing the many people whose lives Oprah has touched including an Afghan woman who was inspired to be her country’s first talk show host as well as soldiers serving in Iraq.

There was a short break and then the taping for the second show began. It opened with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith who said, “It’s great to be in the house that Michael Jordan built!” And with that, the familiar opening Bulls’ introduction was heard and the lights flashed like the days of old in the stadium and that familiar announcer’s voice was heard, “And now, at guard, 6’6” from North Carolina…” and the crowd just lost it. Michael Jordan got the biggest, most thunderous roar for the night and even Oprah kept mentioning him throughout the rest of the show with awe and surprise. And, as if this all weren’t enough, Jamie Foxx arose from the audience as a surprise, singing “Isn’t She Lovely.” He walked slowly to the stage, greeted O and then the stage opened up to reveal Stevie Wonder finishing the song with Foxx. It was an OH-MY-GOODNESS moment for sure! Wonder sang a new song he had begun for his mother but finished in honor of Oprah. More tissue please! Then we all needed some comic relief and it appeared in the form of none other than Jerry Seinfeld! He is so darn funny! His opening line was, “What is this all about here? How much can one person take?” He had the audience in stitches and continued on with a shtick about how his wife and women in general notice “tones” in men’s voices…as in “I don’t like your tone!” He was so funny, as always! A clever song and dance number starring Rosie O’Donnell came next with Oprah's discoveries appearing onstage: Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz and Nate Berkus. Simon Cowell also made an appearance (a forgettable one and seemingly the weakest link in the show in my opinion…). Next, Oprah’s best friend, Gayle King, and Maria Shriver (who looked so very thin) came out and talked about their love for Oprah. (I can’t imagine how much courage it must’ve taken for Maria to appear after the nasty revelations about the "Sperminator"). On the stage screen the number of students who have gone to school because of Oprah flashed in big, blue letters: 64,688! The audience had all been given glow rings and the instructions said to turn them on now. The march of the Morehouse College Men – 415 strong – began to snake through the crowd up onto the stage all holding lights of their own. The stadium was one giant, glittering candle as these hard-working, successful and courageous men filed onto the stage and around Oprah. She was doing the “ugly cry” now and so was the rest of the crowd. Kristin Chenoweth sang them onto the stage. It was a very touching moment and, at the end of the segment, they all wanted to give Oprah a hug as the show went to commercial break. Oprah said, “Y’all trying to break me down and you’ve done it.” Maya Angelou was up next and read a very moving original poem she had written about Oprah and how her name was so empowering. She was accompanied on the piano by Alicia Keys! OMG! After this moving moment, another break for commercial and Oprah says to the crowd, “Holdin’ up with the shoes y’all!” It was so cute…she had killer heels on and stood for most of the evening! O’s longtime beau, Stedman Graham, spoke next and said, “I love you for making a difference in my life.” She seemed very surprised that Stedman appeared…apparently the limelight is not his thing. And finally the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin sang her version of “Amazing Grace” to the Queen of Hearts, Oprah. Thoughtfully, tissue boxes had been placed next to everyone’s seat in the stadium and we were using them now for sure! Will, Jada and Oprah all held hands and then the final star appeared to the screams of the crowd: USHER!! Oprah said, “It feels like the rapture.” I couldn’t have agreed more…

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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May 18, 2011 · 4:32 pm

SAIC’S “THE WALK 2011” HONORS IKRAM GOLDMAN

It seems to be fashion guru Ikram Goldman’s year or at least month for sure! It began with her Legend of Fashion Award from the School of the Art Institute. The silver Tiffany star-designed honor was given to her at “The Walk 2011” fashion show, held for the first time, in Millennium Park. This year’s event was the largest in its 77-year history and seemed to draw the largest crowd as well. Over 250 garments were shown by 97 student designers during the four shows presented on Thursday, May 5th. There was a dress rehearsal at 9 AM and fashion shows at noon and 3 PM in the lead-up to the main benefit show which began at 7 PM. The evening sponsors included lead corporate sponsor, Swarovski, and members of the MacLean family, Margaret, Barry and Mary Ann. At the beginning of the show, awards were presented to Jacqueline Kim (who won a one-year paid internship with Proenza Schouler), Erin Pianetto (who won a one-year internship with Jenna Lyons and the design team at J.Crew), Alena Savinova (one of my favorites, won a $30K scholarship from an anonymous donor who was sitting in the audience) and Macie Francis (who won a $25K scholarship donated by Ikram and hubby Josh Goldman). Ana Leon won a full scholarship donated by Swarovski and Liz Patelski was a $25K winner for the Eunice W. Johnson Fellowship. This year’s chairs were Marilyn Fields and Greg Cameron along with co-chairs Denise Gardner and Kate Neisser. SAIC President Walter Massey said, “THE WALK is among the premier cultural events in the city, and it directly supports student scholarships.” The fashionable crowd was so excited and filled with anticipation for the evening’s event and they were not disappointed. This was the best WALK yet, in my opinion, and each group of Factor models who came down the runway received oohs and aahs and wild applause. Cameras were flashing everywhere among the well-heeled crowd and the room was electric. The weather was electric too for a brief while with lightning flashes and thunder adding to the excitement. The designs were edgy and architectural and ranged from shades of grey, white and black to brilliant colors that popped on the runway. There was even a male model in a pink garter belt and high heels. I wasn’t sure what statement this outfit was making?! Anyway, there was certainly something for everyone. Friend Nancy Bauer’s designing daughter, Amanda, showed beautiful silks in shades of poppy and lemon yellow. After the dramatic finale, it was time for Ikram’s award. Long-time friend and NY Times Style Magazine Editor, Sally Singer, presented the SAIC Legend of Fashion Award to a woman responsible for making this city a more fashionable place to live, Ikra
m Goldman. Singer said, “It’s her mission to make the streets of the city as dramatic, jaw dropping and visually alive as possible. She does this joyfully and democratically with the work of designers large and small.” Indeed, some of the best dressed women in town are her clients including Desiree Rogers, Mellody Hobson and Linda Johnson Rice to name a few. As we all know, First Lady Michelle was a fan and client as well. After Ikram accepted the award, she dedicated it to her mentor, the late Ultimo founder, Joan Weinstein. She tearfully said, “Joan was larger than life…She created a beautiful and captivating world around her and invited you to enjoy it with her. Were it not for Joan, I would not be here today to accept this award and so I would like to dedicate this award to my friend and mentor Joan.” The after-party on the Harris rooftop, with décor by Event Creative, was one of the more dramatically elegant rooms I’ve seen. There were twinkling candles encased in crystal everywhere you looked with gorgeous rectangles of light swathed in colored cloth hanging from the ceiling. The DJ played, some danced, ALL had a fantastic evening to support student scholarships for SAIC. What in the world will they do next year?! (To view ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville, please click here!)

And the party continued on for Ikram at her fantastic 10th anniversary party on Saturday, May 7th. Hundreds of fashionable friends were invited to this private party at a former Hudson car dealership at 2222 S. Michigan. The invite alone was an indication of the creative excitement to come! The old fashioned red View Master arrived in a little box and you had to view the event details on the little slide disc inside. Too clever for words! Ikram, as you know, is the style guru who advised First Lady Michelle Obama and the woman with the hottest and most exclusive boutique in town. She dresses not only the A list but the A+ list too including Linda Johnson Rice and Desiree Rogers to name two of the most fashionable women about town. When we first arrived at the party, there was a line waiting outside. Now, only for Ikram would Chicagoans wait in ANY line so this was a real testimony to the level of excitement people had for this exclusive event as well as the respect and love they have for her. It was truly one of the most gorgeous parties with the absolutely most fashionable people. Guests were wearing outfits and designers that, in any other venue, would not have been appreciated but, at this party where the watchword was FASHION, it was de rigueur. The massive red draperies greeted you at the entryway and every guest was ushered in front of the bank of paparazzi in front of a wall of gilded frames filled with red roses. SAIC's Nick Cave performed in a wild fur costume with a painted, sequined face with two other models dressed like him. They looked like something from prehistoric times and the crowd went wild. There was also a performance by First Aid Kit, which is a favorite of Ikram. (It is a Swedish folk duo consisting of sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg and they were wonderful.) Famed DJ Jesse de la Pena played tunes that Ikram loved since she sang and danced onstage with her adoring hubby Josh and fashionable friends for a great segment of the party. (DJ Kim Hastreiter AKA OMG played early in the evening.) There was also a magic show where George Lucas appeared out of a big box with Ikram’s name on the front. Everyone who was anyone was there and my head was spinning like a top. When we did finally leave, due to sheer exhaustion, there were adorable Chicago Hot Dog Carts lining the way to the exit. Oh, what a night… (BTW, the fantastic decor was by, who else, Tom Kehoe!) Ikram’s new mega-boutique is scheduled to open at 15 E. Huron (between State and Wabash in the old Suntory/Gaslight Club location) in mid 2011. With over 16,000 square feet, it will also include men’s apparel as well as an in-store café. I can’t wait to see what magic she weaves next! 🙂 (To view ALL event pics, please click here!)

Excitement builds in the lead-up to the opening of TOPSHOP/TOPMAN, coming to Michigan Avenue (corner of Pearson and Michigan) in early September! I had the pleasure of meeting Topshop/Topman founder, Sir Philip Green, at a private dinner for 60 people at the elegant Henri Restaurant recently. He is a charming man and, coincidentally, Chuck and I had met him last year in St. Tropez at Club 55. He was charming Harvey Weinstein’s and Ryan Seacrest’s table and then stopped by ours. He asked me at the dinner if “we were being naughty” and I replied that EVERYONE is naughty in St. Tropez! His staff was at the dinner too and they were equally charming. I know this store will be a huge hit when it arrives and I can’t wait to see it! The proposed plan will include a 35,000-square-foot sales floor with a DJ booth and will include collections from Glamrock, Unique, Psychobilly, Thrift and Bavaria among others. I had never been to Henri, at 18 S. Michigan, but you can bet I will return. This jewel box of a restaurant has the most amazing views of the city as well as a fantastic menu. On this night, we enjoyed a tasting menu that included foie gras, Prince Edward Island mussels, a spring vegetable tart, honey glazed duck breast, a 14-oz. rib eye, house-made pappardelle, Dover sole, crème brulee, chocolate tart and a mille feuille with vanilla cream in a crisp pastry with raspberries. Each course was accompanied by a marvelous selection of wines. This feast was enjoyed by David Shepherd (Managing Director of Topman), Gordon Richardson (Design Director for Topman), Karen Bonser (Design Director for Topshop), Jason Griffiths (Topman Marketing Director), Chicago Mag’s Rich Gamble and Fashion Editor Stacey Jones, Mich Mag’s Susanna Negovan, Leslie Hindman’s vintage clothing specialist Abigail Rutherford, CS Mag’s Samantha Saifer, Nora Daley Conroy and CS Men’s Book publisher Amy Wimer to name a few. Kate Moss was the face for Topshop during the last three years and I understand a search is on for a new “face” for this fashion forward British institution. I suggested an over 50 woman with slicked back hair, perhaps? :) I will be waiting TOPSHOP! (To view ALL dinner photos, many by Jack Edinger, please click here.)

Irreverent funny girl Chelsea Handler wowed the crowd with her one-night-only show at the Chicago Theatre recently as part of the “Lies Chelsea Handler Told Me Tour.” Earlier in the day, she hosted a delightful brunch at Mercat a la Planxa along with Bon Appetit magazine. The event was to introduce Belvedere Bloody Mary vodka (Chelsea’s favorite) to Chicago and from the looks on the happy faces of the guests that included stars of Chicago’s food and media scene, I think it was a hit! Claire Smith, Head Spirit Creator for Belvedere, created this unique vodka and during the course of the delicious three course meal prepared by Chef Jose Garces, it was served in several different ways. My favorite was “Belvedere’s Mary Me Honey” which consisted of Belvedere Bloody Mary, grapefruit juice, honey, lemon juice and orange bitters. Chelsea was there with her “Chelsea Lately” co-stars Brad Wollack, Josh Wolf and Heather McDonald who were also appearing with her on this latest tour. (It was so cute: During the course of the meal, she kept getting up to check on her friends who were seated at another table). Handler’s fourth book, “Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me” is a collection of stories by her friends and family about the ridiculous lies Handler has told them over the years. Her 19-date stand-up tour will include book signings in each city as well, of course! I never miss her show, “Chelsea Lately,” which is consistently the highest rated program on the E! Network. Click here to purchase Chelsea’s latest book! (To view ALL brunch pics, please click here.)

I miss Brenda Sexton, prez of Chicago Link Productions, and was so happy to have her back in town for one of her famous “Girls Night Out” parties! This event was a film premiere for “Something Borrowed” starring Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, John Krasinski and Colin Egglesfield. One hundred seventy-five glam ladies gathered for the movie which was followed by a swanky after-party at AJA, the chic, urban Asian café at The Dana Hotel where, to everyone’s delight, Chicago native and hunky star of the film, Colin Egglesfield, conducted a Q & A with Brenda. He also happily took pics with the group that included Dori Wilson, Stephanie Storkel, Linda Usher, Julee White, Adair Schwartz, Laura Schwartz, Mickey Norton, ABC’s Sylvia Perez, NBC fitness expert Andrea Metcalf, National Van Lines CEO Maureen Beal who was also one of the evening’s sponsors along with Corri McFadden, founder of E- Drop Off who was title sponsor for the event. AJA Restaurant served sumptuous appetizers in addition to a tenderloin station and a sushi station, and included crab rangoon, vegetable spring rolls, sesame chicken and pulled pork sliders. My kind of dishes for sure! Hope to see Brenda back in town more often! She always has the best events! :) For more pics, please click here!

And now I would like to congratulate my friend/photographer, Mila Samokhina. She is an artist who wears many hats and through her hard work, passion and formidable skills, succeeds at them all. She has degrees in engineering, gemology, jewelry design and graphic design in the U.S. and Russia. Her photography skills are in demand from leading publications in Chicago and beyond (including Candid Candace, of course!) and she has exhibited her photos and artwork around the city appearing in many exhibitions. She has also been a guest speaker in the popular “Artist of the Month” lecture series at Adlai E. Stevenson High School of Fine Arts as well as being a Board member and Official Photographer (Historian) for the Women’s Jewelry Association of the Midwest. Her latest award, The President’s Award, has recently been bestowed on her by President Ruth Thuston, of this organization, as well. In the past, she has been honored with the “Entrepeneur of the Year” award and has been nominated with the “Award of Excellence.” In a word, Mila Samokhina is remarkable! Thanks for all you do for everyone Mila and CONGRATULATIONS!

I’m sure you might have already seen this fantastic video entitled “The Most Interesting Thing.” It’s one of the cutest dog videos around and was recently shown on “Good Morning America” too BUT, just in case you haven’t seen this, then please take a look. It will make you laugh out loud!

And that’s the lowdown on this week’s Chicago highlights!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I am so proud to be included as one of CS Magazine’s and Chiquita’s “25 Women Who are Crushing It.” This promotion launches Chiquita’s Crushed Fruit Snack (aka Crushie), which is a delicious high-powered, low-calorie fruit drink! Blueberry/banana is my fav! Congrats to the 24 other “Crushin’ It” girls and I will see you at the Banana Breakfast on May 19th!

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May 8, 2011 · 7:59 pm

THE JOFFREY BALLET’S SPRING GALA RAISES $1.3 MILLION

To quote a lyric from the Broadway hit “A Chorus Line,” “Everything is beautiful at the ballet…” And it really is, especially if that ballet is The Joffrey Ballet! Their annual Spring Gala was one of the most beautiful ones I’ve attended. The co-chairs, Wendy Chronister and Courtney Thompson, worked tirelessly for almost a year on this event, the Joffrey’s biggest fundraiser. This year, the spring Gala was held at the historic Palmer House and it couldn’t have been a better fit. Everything was spectacular and gilded to perfection – the flowers, by Event Creative, were elegantly understated with their pale pastel colors that coordinated perfectly with the colors of the room. The prior performance at the Auditorium Theatre, which provided a sneak peek into the coming Rising Stars season, brought thunderous applause from the audience after every piece was performed. The “After the Rain” pas de deux between Victoria Jaiani and Fabrice Calmels brought tears to most members of the audience. Other outstanding performances, besides our amazing Company, included the Strobel Exelon Step-Up dancers as well as trainees from the school. April Daley and Dylan Gutierrez danced exquisitely in the “Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux.” She was due to dance with Miguel Blanco, who also happens to be her significant other, but he had broken his foot. There was also an excerpt from “Woven Dreams” choreographed by the popular and talented Edwaard Liang. The dancers have never looked better and it was a joy to see them on this night, as always. Artistic Director Ashley Wheater had this to say, “I am incredibly proud of the Company. This year, as artists they faced very challenging work and performed with beauty and grace. They danced at venues across America, from Washington, D.C. to San Diego, drawing large and enthusiastic audiences. I believe the Joffrey is claiming its place in the American consciousness as a source of dynamic, innovative and inspirational dance.” This black tie event always brings out the most glamorous Chicagoans and this time did not disappoint. The gowns and cocktail attire sparkled in the candelight and reminded me of how Monte Carlo must’ve looked under the reign of Princess Grace. And speaking of beautiful gowns, Joffrey dancer Amber Neumann created many of the dresses worn by some of the other dancers! It truly was a memorable evening. Special thanks to 2011 Benefactors and sponsors who included Helen Melchior, Mary Jo and Doug Basler, Ariel Investments, Mr. and Mrs. Marc Berman, the Bluhm family, Rosemarie and Dean Buntrock, Mrs. Audre Carlin, Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Patti Eylar and Charles Gardner, David Herro and Jay Franke, Alphawood Foundation, Ms. Katherine Gehl and Dr. Michael Porter, MK and J.B. Pritzker, Mrs. Barbara Levy Kipper, Mr. and Mrs. John MacLeod, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Murphy, Ann and Ron Waters and Maureen and E.B. Smith, Jr. among others. There was also a moving tribute to two gentlemen who were instrumental in bringing the Joffrey to the level of success it enjoys today, Dr. David Kipper and Mr. Burt Kaplan. I know they were smiling down from heaven with pride. The amazing live auction prize (expertly hammered down by Leslie Hindman for $30K) was a one-of-a-kind adventure to Bhutan and Phuket offered by Aman (the most luxurious collection of resorts in the world) which has partnered exclusively with the Joffrey in North America. After the fabulous dinner, which included chilled grilled shrimp and tuna, delicious dry aged filet with blue cheese butter and reduction, fingerling potatoes and broccolini, guests were encouraged to move to the Red Lacquer Room for desserts, dancing to the Rich Daniels & the City Lights Orchestra and postprandial
cocktails. The dance floor was packed and the crowd (along with the Joffrey dancers) were bustin’ some moves! Oh, what a night! Over 1,000 guests turned out for this annual Gala which raised $1,300,000 in support of our world-class Joffrey Ballet. To view ALL event photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr, please click here).

Another fantastic night honored one of Chicago’s most popular socialites and philanthropists, Mrs. Hazel Barr. It was a sell-out crowd at this exclusive, private club for this popular and much loved lady who looked resplendent in a brocade cream pantsuit designed by Elizabeth M. The event benefitted the Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Fund which is administered by the Apparel Industry Foundation, which annually awards two scholarships to Chicago college students presently enrolled in Fashion Design through tuition. “The Hazel,” as she is affectionately called, has a long list of accomplishments as you might imagine. She has been at the forefront of every fashionable and charity event in the city of Chicago beginning with a Hard Times Party at age 11, where the hostess donned a potato sack and served candy cola, to being the driving force behind The Service Club of Chicago. She attended Northwestern University School of Speech, receiving an Outstanding Actress Award upon graduating, of course! She met and married the love of her life, Warren, and they had three children, Robert, Warren III and Karen, and settled in Hinsdale. She is also a woman of “firsts,” hosting the first party at the new Four Seasons Hotel, the first luncheon at the Trump Hotel, the first party at the Elysian Hotel and the first event on the Terrace at the Peninsula. For more than 20 years, she has been a stage presence at the Rush-St. Luke’s Fashion Show and her runway (Day on the Terrace) fashion show for the Service Club are legendary. In a column she once authored, she said, “The secret to doing anything right is to love the people you’re with, and I love people. Some more than others, you understand.” The toasters on this evening included long-time friends Bunky
Cushing, Mark Heister, Myra Reilly, Mary Pat Burns and me. I filled in for Ken Price, who was busy this evening entertaining journalists from China and overseeing a film production at the Palmer House. However, he had this to say about Heavenly Hazel of Hinsdale: “I am not a roaster, broiler, fryer or microwaver of people of Hazel’s stature. She is the gold standard for others to hold themselves to when it comes to selfless commitment to a cause. Enormously talented, outrageously funny and unbounded energy are just a few of the phrases that describe this absolutely outstanding woman. I would be eager to know how many millions of dollars she has helped raise during her lifetime. Hazel Barr will soon be in the dictionary—not as a name but as an adjective to describe unbridled success.” And I couldn’t agree more… Faces seen in the crowd included Sharyl Mackey, Scott Bobek, Leslie and Bob Zentner, Sherry Lee Holson, Dori Wilson, emcee Bill Zwecker, Cynthia Olson, Mamie Walton, Evelyn Echols, Geri Shute, Tiffany and Brad Griffith, Sherren Leigh, Ann Wallace, Tina Koegel, Rich Varnes, Victor Skrebneski, Paul Iacono, Trevian Kutti, Ken Norgan, Jim Smith, Maria Pappas, Marilyn Miglin, Sherrill and John Bodine, Lisa Kelly, John Regas, Dorothy Whealan, Megan McKinney, Zarada Gowenlock, Ellen Wesley, Greg Hyder, Maria and Bob Zec, Martha and Laura Wallace, Laurie Davis, Susan Ellefson, Tracey DiBuono, Dusty Stemer, Heather Farley, Vonita Reescer, Pat Maxwell, Sheryl Dyer, Karen Peters, Jean Antoniou, Jocelyn Stoller, Eileen and Marshall Weinberg, Amy Wiemer, Elizabeth Brodsky, Joyce Holsen, Lori Daniels, Cheryl Bollinger, Sherry Valukas, Susie Jacobson and Shirley Michels among many others. For ALL event pics, please click here. (Additional photos by Bob Carl)

98.7WFMT’s “Diamond Jubilee” celebration will be hosted by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Susan Graham on Thursday, May 12th. Chicago’s Classical Experience will celebrate its 60th year on the air with a one-night-only benefit celebration at the Harris Theater, located at 205 E. Randolph, with an amazing lineup of talent selected to represent the depth and breadth of WFMT’s rich fine arts programming. The evening, which begins at 6:30 PM, will feature multiple Grammy- winning folk superstar Shawn Colvin, renowned African-American a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock, and popular Chicago-based folk trio Sons of the Never Wrong. Also featured will be the Chicago Children’s Choir and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. The one-hour Diamond Jubilee celebration will continue with a reception in the Harris’ Theater’s lobby and then with a festive dinner on the Rooftop Terrace. Event Chairs are Renee and Lester Crown and Honorary Co-Chairs are Mayor Richard and Maggie Daley. For tickets ($60) to the 6:30 PM performance, please call 773.509.5525 or visit www.wfmt.com/jubilee2011. For tickets ($500) to the performance and dinner and for table purchases, please call 773.509.5434. Hope to see you there! 🙂

“One Enchanted Decade” is the magical title for The Goodman Theatre Gala’s 10th Anniversary Celebration set for Saturday, May 21st at the Fairmont Hotel, located at 200 N. Columbus Dr. The evening begins at the Goodman Theatre, located at 170 N. Dearborn, with a cocktail reception at 5:30 PM followed at 6:30 PM with a performance by Matthew Morrison. Morrison has had a spellbinding career beginning with his musical theater debut on Broadway in the musical version of “Footloose.” His breakthrough came when he landed a role in the Broadway production of “Hairspray” and his awards, nominations and accolades haven’t stopped since. He is now best known for his Golden Globe, Emmy and People’s Choice nominated role as Will Schuester on the hit Fox TV show “Glee.” After the theatre performance, there will be dinner and dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra at the Fairmont Hotel. Gala co-chairs are Margaret Janus and Swati Mehta. For tickets ($1,000) and more info, please call 312.443.3811, ext. 586.

Columbia College’s “Conversations in the Arts” series featured “Project Runway” season four winner, Christian Siriano. Siriano spoke to a full house telling design students to find a balance between creativity and commercialism. He was interviewed by former long-time Chicago Saks Fifth Avenue fashion director and Columbia College adjunct faculty member, Nena Ivon. At a post-event reception for donors and friends of the college, Siriano was the guest of honor. He is an inspiration to design students everywhere and Columbia was thrilled to have him as guest speaker. Fab fotos by Beckermedia.com. To view gallery, please click here.

Congrats again to uber talented Amy Wimer on her new role as publisher of CS’ Men’s Book! She recently a hosted an exclusive launch party at my new favorite spot, the Paris Club, and the happy crowd mixed and mingled and congratulated Amy on her new venture. I love the new look of this magazine and know Amy’s fingerprints are all over it! Congrats Amy!! :) (Check out the great pics by Caitlin Saville and Steve Starr here.)

I hope you can join me for a delightful stage production of “The Coin Purses: Life Lessons for Our Girls” on Saturday, May 14th, at Kennedy King College’s Black Box Theatre, located at 740 W. 63rd St. Back by popular demand, The Pocketbook Lady, Sharon McGhee, has partnered with Reel Beauty, Inc. in their initiative called “SAVING OUR GIRLS” to perform “The Coin Purse Monologues.” These monologues are performed by girls who are currently a part of the programming inside Chicago Public Schools and those who have graduated and become alums of this organization. The performances are based on life lessons for girls with messages that would be helpful as they grow into womanhood. Doors open at 6 PM with the performance running from 6:30 PM – 8 PM. Tickets, $25, can be purchased at the door or in advance for $20 at www.reelbeautyinc.com/donations.html.

Everyone loves a party, especially a party featuring the gorgeous faces from FACTOR! LaSalle Power Company was the venue for a recent fashion show, “A New Generation of Faces,” to present the agencies’ top new models. Evoli, the band featuring Factor Women model Kauri Voss, played while the models walked the runway wearing clothes provided by Ikram. The VIP party featured a live performance by another Factor model, actress and singer Isabella Farrell, as well as a preview of her short film, “Rather Lovely Thing,” which was produced by Billy Rood and Fig Media. Clients, press and VIP guests came from all over the country, ranging from Seventeen magazine, Shahid and Co. (who cast for Abercrombie and Fitch) and Urban Outfitters to local celebs such as Jaslene Gonzalez, Jason Knowles and more. To see ALL event pics, click here.

I hope you can join me on Tuesday, May 24th for “The Big Picture.” This premier event will share the unique vision of Chicago Lost and Found, a not-for-profit organization founded by Mitch Pennell which is dedicated to providing art education by repurposing what most people consider “junk.” What a fabulous idea! Lost and Found provides employment for artists, seamstresses, carpenters and other craftsmen to create art from junk and discarded materials found in alleys, Dumpsters, construction and demolition sites or anyplace where refuse hides. Finished works are sold through exclusive retail establishments and the Chicago Lost and Found website. All proceeds fund educational outreach. To learn more, please come on Tuesday, May 24th, from 6 PM – 9 PM to 1200 W. Lake St. for an evening of food and fun. To RSVP, please visit www.Chicagolostandfound.com.

And finally, special thanks to TCW magazine for selecting me for their upcoming July feature, “100 Women Making a Difference in 2011.” I sure hope I continue to… :)

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com