GARY SINISE & LT. DAN BAND ROCK THE BEACH; BAJA WINE COUNTRY; THE ONE AND ONLY HOTEL DEL CORONADO; SUMMER FUN FOR CHILDREN'S PLACE BENEFIT; A SPOTLIGHT ON HUBBARD STREET DANCE; A DOGGIE MIXER AT THE MARRIOTT; BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS' LAWN BALL; SPACEY HONORED BY GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER; VOICES FOR ILLINOIS CHILDREN HONOR LOCAL NOTABLES; C-STRATEGIES WITH MIKA AND BECKY; TOP GUN'S I-BAR; MEXICO'S OLDEST CANTINA; CHANCE THE RAPPER HONORED AT DUSABLE; BBC DOC FILMS IN CHICAGO; CS MAG HOSTS AURELIEN'S GRAND OPENING; EMMANUEL'S NEW PROXI; MY TOP EVENT PICKS; HEARTWARMING VIDEOS AND SOOO MUCH MORE!
The League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) presented its 28th annual Corporate Night Benefit on June 12. This annual fundraiser invites members of Chicago’s corporate community to support the CSO and its diverse programs during a festive evening that features a performance by the CSO and a special guest artist. This year’s Corporate Night concert
featured Pink Martini performing with the CSO, led by acclaimed pops conductor Steven Reineke. The concert was attended by nearly 2,500 patrons including 150 Chicago area music teachers and students, whose admission was underwritten by
Corporate Night sponsors. The event was chaired by Susan C. Levy, executive VP and general counsel at Northern Trust, and the event chair for the League of the CSOA was William Ward.
Corporate Night guests, representing many of the CSO’s longtime corporate supporters, were welcomed into Symphony Center from Michigan Avenue on a hot pink carpet to music performed by a brass quintet made up of members of the Civic Orchestra of
Chicago. Guests enjoyed more live musical entertainment from a Civic Orchestra jazz trio during a 5 p.m. cocktail hour, followed by dinner in a variety of spaces throughout Symphony Center including the historic Grainger Ballroom, the Thomas
Club (with its dramatic views of Michigan Avenue) and throughout multiple floors of the Rotunda. Elegant floral designs and décor for the evening were created by the Flower Firm. Shades of
green and blue linens accented by floral arrangements of yellow tulips and roses with cymbidium and green trick dianthus livened up the Grainger
Ballroom; fuchsia peonies, orange spray roses and red roses with looped lily grass and lemon leaf were featured in the Rotunda and fuchsia peonies, green trick dianthus and iron cross begonias brightened up Buntrock Hall. Following dinner, Corporate Night guests joined concertgoers in Orchestra Hall for the evening’s program that opened with conductor Steven Reineke leading the CSO in a
performance of Chabrier’s España. The program continued with a full set of selections from Pink Martini’s mix of classical, jazz and golden-era pop music. Pink Martini vocalists Storm Large and China Forbes both made special appearances in this concert, singing some of the band’s most popular hits including “Amando mio,” “Je ne
veux pas travallier” and “Hey Eugene.” Chicago fashion icon Ikram Goldman, who was featured on Pink Martini’s 2016 recording Je Dis Oui!, made her local singing debut in a cameo appearance
performing “Al Bint Al Shalabiya,” or “the girl from Shalabiya,” in Arabic. Drawing inspiration from music across the globe, pianist Thomas Lauderdale founded Pink Martini in 1994 to
play at political fundraisers for causes such as civil rights, environmental sustainability, affordable housing and public broadcasting. A
year later, Lauderdale invited Harvard classmate China Forbes to join the band, whose 1997 debut album, Sympathique, quickly garnered the group international recognition and awards. Pink Martini performs its
multilingual repertoire on concert stages and with orchestras throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Northern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South America and North America. They previously have collaborated or performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Boston Pops, National Symphony and Cleveland orchestras, as well as NPR’s Ari Shapiro, civil rights activist Kathleen Saadat and Rufus Wainwright. (Photos by Todd Rosenberg and Dan Rest) What a night!
We finally ticked something off our bucket list when we enjoyed a stay at the legendary Hotel del Coronado near San Diego recently.
I'd read so much about this grand dame, built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, that the thrill of actually staying there fulfilled a longtime dream. Hotel del Coronado is an American treasure, and now, one of our
fav vacation spots. The hotel itself can be seen for miles with its distinctive dark cranberry and white dome rising above everything around it. Coming over the long bridge, our anticipation increased just seeing its
inviting and elegant exterior. Happily, the hotel is very, very pet-friendly (as well as kid-friendly) which made this spot
perfect for us. (See video here) The interior is magnificent too with its intricately carved ceilings and columns of California redwood and Illinois oak. They still have the original gilded, filigreed elevators with
operators standing by to take you to one of its 4 floors. The activities offered are endless and include an oceanfront spin class, world-class spa, marshmallow roasts, clambakes under the stars, movies on the beach, painting classes by the sea, boat rentals, a MERMAID fitness class complete with colorful tails to
wear and so much MORE! The restaurants on the property include the chic 1500 Ocean and so many more. When we were there, Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band performed an oceanfront
concert on Father's Day (his 3rd annual) to benefit his foundation that supports our nation's defenders,
veterans, first responders and their families. A VIP meet-and-greet before the concert was a thrill! Gary interacted (and took photos) with each and every guest treating us all like we were the only people in the room. The concert, as many of you have witnessed in Chicago and
elsewhere, was spectacular from start to finish with each band member displaying an astonishing array of talents. They just "rocked," pun intended. (See video here) A tour of the North Island Naval Air Station in Coronado doubled our patriotism. We were awed by the carrier, the USS Theodore
Roosevelt, and views from the control tower. A trip to The World Famous I-Bar, where scenes from "Top Gun" were filmed, was too cool for words. Miniature airplanes and personalized beer mugs (pilots
only please) filled the ceiling. The squadron memorabilia on the walls go back to pre-World War I and a model of every airplane to ever
wear Navy markings hang from the ceiling. (See video here) And, if you entered the bar wearing a "cover" (hat) or touched any of these objects, you had to buy the bar a round of drinks! (Thanks to Navy pilot Lt. Commander Mike Higgins for the heads-up!) During our stay, we were also
privileged to enjoy a tour of the Baja wine country with renowned Chef Flor Franco, the Del's PR manager Sara Baumann and two new friends from Chicago, Amy and Dan Roesch. We couldn't have had more game companions than these four as we hit every spot worth visiting in Valle de Guadalupe thanks to the amazing
and wide-ranging connections of Chef Flor! She seemed to have friends in every corner of Baja California! Our first stop was Finca la Carrodilla where the darling owners offered a tasting, tour and lunch at their elegant
vineyard. (See video here). Next stop, another lunch and tasting at El Cielo with owner Gustavo Ortega and Chef Marcos Marin. Again, magnificent scenery with warm, gracious hosts.
(See video here) The next stop was my favorite and also, apparently, a favorite of Chef Rick Bayless too. Adobe Guadalupe is a charming inn (only 6 guest rooms), vineyard and horse farm (specializing in Aztecas, a cross between Andalusian and Quarter Horse). The grounds and common areas are quaint and grand all at the same
time. Filled with antiques under high, arching ceilings, the rooms were straight out of Architectural Digest. I could happily live in the kitchen! As if this weren't enough, Chef Flor had lots of other plans for us! A stop at Deckman's (a Michelin-starred restaurant seemingly in the middle of nowhere) included open fires with every variety of delectable dish grilling on top. The smells alone sent you to heaven! (See video here) In Ensenada, we visited its oldest bar/cantina, 125 year-old Hussong's. The place was packed with
smiling, happy faces dancing to the music of two bands of strolling musicians while they enjoyed the cheapest and strongest margaritas on the planet. (See video here) We were on sensory overload at this point and barely even noticed the long wait at the border to cross back into the U.S. (Sort of!) And, as we learned, a trip to the Del would not be complete
without experiencing its world-class Sunday Brunch in the Crown Room. This room is dramatic in its own right with a soaring ceiling resembling an upside down ship's hull. It was even designed by a ship-builder with NO nails in any of the tiny slats of beautiful wood. And the brunch! Anything you could dream of, was on display. Breakfast, surf, meat, international, garden and dessert
(think donut bar) stations offered enough food to satisfy Henry VIII! We never wanted to leave the Del and all the magical experiences it offered. I also wish we could be there for its Labor Day weekend Beach Polo Cup on September 1 to 3rd as I know it will be yet another inDELible memory-maker! Special thanks and kudos to Wayne Harth (Hotel Del Coronado's Director of Catering & Special Events) and Sara Baumann (Del's Public Relations Manager) for making all of this possible. We have memories that will last a lifetime and can't wait to go back. (For more info about this fab hotel, click here)
The Children's Place Association (CPA) held their annual young professionals' summer fundraiser at Chez, in the Streeterville neighborhood, on June 16. The Mad Hatter-themed event attracted 200 guests and raised a record-breaking $65,000 for the non-profit. This year’s party was a night of pure imagination
that featured live music by Chicago Funk Mafia, a reception, silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and a liquor tasting by Mesh & Bone. CPA was founded in 1991 to transform the lives of children in the very worst circumstances – those confronting
illness and extreme poverty. It helps them overcome challenges so they can live their best lives. Today, the nonprofit serves those facing numerous health
issues, including cancer, epilepsy, heart conditions, autism and HIV. It intervenes at critical points in children’s development to effect positive, long-term impact and its award-
winning, comprehensive services include early education with onsite medical care for kids challenged by
illness or disabilities; supportive housing for families struggling with health issues and homelessness; a residential center with 24-hour nursing for medically complex children; foster/adoptive care for abused/neglected children and case management; mental health support and a summer camp. Its international program helps vulnerable children in Africa and the Caribbean.
The Guild Board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago raised over $500,000 in support of local youth at its 13th annual Lawn Ball at the prestigious Saddle & Cycle Club on June 16. The Lawn Ball generates critical resources for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, which offers children
from some of Chicago’s most disadvantaged communities a safe place to go after school and programming to build academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership. The event kicked off on the club's gorgeous grand terrace, overlooking the vast lawn with a VIP
reception. Guests sipped cocktails, mingled, enjoyed music, placed silent auction bids on luxury items and took part in a live auction with auctioneer Gary Metzner of Sotheby’s Chicago that included experiences such as a getaway to Napa Valley complete with dinner at French Laundry; a trip to the Hawaii Four Seasons
Maui and an exclusive Chicago Cubs “GM for the Day” experience with Jed Hoyer. President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Mimi LeClair, said, “The children of
Chicago are fortunate to have such fierce advocates in the Guild Board. The funds raised by the Lawn Ball are critical to giving our kids the opportunities to build safe and productive futures.” Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s
(BGCC) Guild Board was founded in 2005 by a group of socially-conscious professionals committed to advancing the mission of BGCC through a combination of talent, advocacy, and passion. The Guild Board membership is comprised of 70 business and civic leaders who actively engage in raising awareness and funding for BGCC by hosting several fundraising events throughout the year, including the annual Lawn Ball, which has raised over $3 million since it began in 2004.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, one of the world’s premier contemporary dance organizations, held its Season 39 Spotlight Ball on June 7 at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park. The gala, chaired by Sara Albrecht with honorary chair Mayor Emanuel and corporate honoree Exelon,
raised more than $800,000 for Hubbard Street’s artistic, community-focused, education and youth dance programming. More than $225,000 of that total came from a paddle raise that night led by Gary Metzner which included a $20,000 match provided by Hubbard Street’s Board of
Directors. Over 450 guests attended including artists, civic and corporate leaders, philanthropists and former artistic director Jim Vincent and founding artistic director Lou Conte. The evening began at the Harris Theater for a special gala performance of Hubbard Street’s Summer Series kicking-off the company’s 40th Anniversary. Mayor
Emanuel greeted guests and offered opening remarks in the theater preceding the performance that featured works from each decade of the company’s history, including founding artistic
director, Lou Conte’s signature piece The 40s. “It’s been my dream to bring back The 40’s for this kick-off to our anniversary year. It’s been very special to have Lou in the studios getting into the details of the style and coaching the dancers with such history and substance in his delivery,” said artistic director, Glenn Edgerton. “The works chosen span our history and were performed with inspired enthusiasm and in a way that
honors the legacy of the former dancers and creative team.” Guests were then transported to the Fairmont Hotel’s Ballroom where artistic director Glenn Edgerton welcomed
the crowd. Attendees enjoyed a three-course dinner; wines from AJR Ventures, Brooks, and Wine Sisterhood; Tito’s Handmade Vodka; and magical décor by Kehoe Designs.
Following a video about Hubbard Street’s in-school Movement as Partnership (MAP) program, director of arts
education for Chicago Public Schools, Evan Plummer, spoke about the impact of both Hubbard Street’s in-school education programs as well as the DreamTix program launched during the theater company's Fall Series in November that provides free tickets to CPS students. “The
arts change lives and, at Hubbard Street, we believe the core purpose is to transform lives, whether that be in the theater, in the studio, or in the classroom,”
said executive director, Jason Palmquist. The gala evening concluded with dancing to music by DJ Tess Kisner, of No Small Plans Productions. (Kenneth C. Griffin
was the presenting sponsor of Hubbard Street’s Season 39 Spotlight Ball. Benefactors included Sara Albrecht, Denise Stefan Ginascol and John Ginascol, and David Herro and Jay Franke). (Photos by Bob Carl)
The Gene Siskel Film Center (GSFC) of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) honored one of Hollywood’s most versatile, engaging actors when they presented Kevin Spacey with the Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award at the Four
Seasons Chicago. The evening, co-chaired by advisory board members Eda Davidman and Melissa Sage Fadim, celebrated the two-time Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG and Tony award-winner’s accomplishments throughout his illustrious career and gave attendees the rare opportunity to listen in as Spacey spoke
with Chicago’s own, actor Jeremy Piven, in what proved to be a lively, in-depth and hilarious conversation filled with star impressions, insights into a celebrated career and so much more. A retrospective of
film clips from Spacey’s most memorable performances accompanied the conversation. The evening also featured personal videos from Spacey's friends and included clips from Annette Bening, Peter Gallagher, Samuel L. Jackson, Lionel Richie,
past Renaissance Award recipient and GSFC Advisory Board member Robert Downey, Jr. and the wife of the late Gene Siskel and GSFC Advisory Board member Marlene Iglitzen. Attended by more than 300 guests and raising more than
$370,000 for the Film Center, the evening culminated with the presentation of the Renaissance Award to Spacey by Advisory Board Chair Ellen Sandor and SAIC President Elissa Tenny. The gala supports the Film Center’s eclectic film programming as well as lecture series and discussions with visiting scholars and filmmakers, providing the opportunity for students and the Chicago community to not only see the best in the cinematic arts but to also engage with filmmakers. Past honorees include William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman, Michael Mann, Nicole Kidman, George Lucas, Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, Reese Witherspoon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Morgan Freeman, 
Mark Ruffalo and Scarlett Johansson. (Photos by Bob Carl)
A darling “Doggy Mixer” was held recently at the Chicago Marriott with its partner Nature’s Recipe pet food. A partnership was announced with select Residence Inn by Marriott locations across the country to celebrate pet travel all summer (something we are HIGHLY in favor 
of!) A recent survey from Nature's Recipe found that, although two-thirds of pet parents nationwide wish they could take their dog on every trip, nearly half avoid traveling with their dog due to inconvenience. To help 
alleviate worry and prevent guilt about leaving Fido behind, Nature's Recipe is providing resources for pet parents to "fuel their dog's wag" away from home, all summer long. With pet parents naming lodging as their biggest barrier to traveling with their pup, Nature's Recipe is partnering with select 
Residence Inn by Marriott locations in pet-friendly cities across the country to make pet travel easier this summer. Hotel guests and their pets who stay at participating Residence Inn by 
Marriott locations will receive a full "VI-Pup" premium experience, complete with welcome bags full of dog food and travel essentials at check-in and ideas for local pet-friendly activities to help "fuel the wag" all summer long. "I've traveled to hundreds of places and many of my favorite trips included 
my four-legged family members," says Stefanie Michaels, travel expert and parent to eight dogs and cats. "Bringing your pets on trips can be a great bonding experience and with the help of Nature's Recipe tips and resources, I hope more pet parents will bring their dogs along on their adventures to live a big life together this summer." Rooney couldn't agree more! Arf! Arf! (See darling video here!)
Voices For Illinois Children, the leading statewide, non-partisan children’s advocacy organization, celebrated 30 years of successfully advocating for and supporting policies and programs that improve the quality of life for kids in Illinois. At a recent benefit at Savage Smyth, a
venue overlooking the Chicago skyline, more than 220 guests supported VFIC as it honored noted Chicago philanthropists, Merri Dee (former WGN-TV anchor), Terry Mazany
(president/CEO of The Chicago Community Trust) and the late George Kelm and his wife Miriam.
(Mr. Kelm was a Voices Board Member and founding member for its continued dedication and support of children-related causes). Notables in attendance included Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, former Illinois Senator Carol Mosely-Braun and VP at The Northern Trust Company Jacki Robinson-Ivy. (To find out more
about this worthy non-profit, click here)
I recently attended a stimulating networking event hosted by C-Strategies hosts' Mika Ann Stambaugh and Becky Carroll. The event at Hubbard Street Inn featured a panel discussion with media pros Amy Carr (Chicago Tribune), Jennifer Graves (WLS-TV) and Jan Parr (Crain's Chicago Business). The Q & A took guests behind the scenes in Chicago's newsrooms to discuss what's driving news
coverage in today's 24/7 news cycle. The invite-only guest list included Tony Abruscato, Kendra Chaplain, Dominic DiFrisco and grandson Pasquale, Jayme Nicholas, Alpana Singh, Leah Kaplan, Laurie Dimakos, Jason Erkes, Janet Isabelli Wilkerson, Molly Sullivan, Karen Kring, Maya Solis, John Fritchey, Diana Palomar, Leslie Ann Dimas, Emily Boylan, Alexandra Eidenberg and many more! Thanks to ALL, I learned a lot!
I'm so excited to be included in a Wildpictures documentary for the BBC about finding the American dream in the Heartland! I filmed all day yesterday with the show's charming host and revered British actress Miriam Margoyles (I loved her as Professor Sprout in my fav Harry Potter film,
"Chamber of Secrets"). Miriam is talking to Americans from all walks of life from Chicago to New Orleans to discover just what makes us tick. She has been a pure delight–fascinating, talented and
opinionated–everything you would want in a show host! Even Chuck and Rooney got in on the act! I share what living in Chicago means to me and how my long and winding road brought me
here. We film more tomorrow when I take her to an event at the Art Institute. Other locations will include a shopping trip to Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue with my fav personal stylist, Cynthia Holbrook, and PR director Tina Koegel. I'll also be taking Miriam to my fav salon, the Charles Ifergan Salon & Spa, where she will receive a makeover. Stay tuned for all the fun! The show is set to air near the end of the year. Woot! Woot!
We attended a unique grand opening hosted by CS Magazine recently. The Aurelien, a luxury rental building
at 833 N. Clark, opened its doors for a first-look that included a fashion show and reception. Guests toured these new Gold Coast residences that features a rooftop pool (heavenly), a fitness and yoga center, a meditation lounge, social club, a
bocce ball court, grill stations on a landscaped garden terrace, a library, business center and so much more! Modern
Luxury Group publisher, Randy Hano, was Charles-in-Charge as he welcomed guests to the roof before the fashion show began. The skyline views were breathtaking and we saw lots of darling, familiar faces at this super party! Congrats CS and Aurelien for a memorable night!
More congrats are in order for beloved restaurateur Emmanuel Nony on the opening of his new Proxi restaurant, located at 565 W. Randolph Street. We had heard nothing but great things about this spot so were anxious to
experience it ourselves! Thanks to friend Jan Melk for this wonderful opportunity! Emmanuel was even waiting for us at the curb,
thanks to Jan and her connections! Inside, the decor is so chic it makes you weep. Shades of black, grey, silver and taupe reign supreme in this temple to multicultural street food. Attention to detail is everything here and even the drink coasters matched the designs in the restaurant by a famous NY artist. Dishes include Indonesian pork jerky, Fried Fish Collars, Burrata (to die for), Tempura Elotes, Farmer's
Market Bhel Puri, Coal Roasted Oysters, Roasted Monkfish and so much more! A fried corn dish sent us straight to the moon! Saw
other friends there too like Tom Kehoe with Nina and Bob Mariano. The bar is open until 2 am and there will soon be an outdoor patio. In short, this hotspot has everything–great food, chic decor, cool crowd scene and the cutest owner on the planet! Congrats to Emmanuel, his chef and partners on another
wonderful spot! We can't wait to return! (For more info and reservations, click here!)
I know I shared this info in a past blog, but I just received these cute pics by Timothy M. Schmidt and I couldn't resist. Here's another look at Chicago International Film Festival
founder Michael Kutza as he receives Italy's highest honor, Onorificenza di cavalierato, for his 50-year contribution to Italian film from Consul General Giuseppe Finocchiaro and Mrs. Fabiola Di Clemente Finocchiaro. Thanks for all you do for the WORLD of film Michael Kutza!
The DuSable Museum of African American History hosted its 22nd annual Night of 100 Stars gala, this year at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. The event broke attendance (over 750) and fundraising goals (over $700K) and honored community leaders, including the one and only Chance the Rapper (Chancelor Bennett). Rising star recipients were recent high school
grads Eva Maria Lewis and Adonis Perryman. Ertharin Cousin received the Humanitarian Award and Lonnie Bunch III was honored with the President's Award. Chance was presented with the Trail Blazer Award by his proud parents, Lisa and Ken Bennett. (See Chance's fiery acceptance speech here and see all pics/read Tribune column (with all the fun deets) here)! (Photos by Duane Excell Savage)
My top upcoming events include Lincoln Park Zoo Ball (Friday, July 14); We Dream in Color (Saturday, July 15); PAWS Beach Party (Thurs., July 21); Chicago Film Festival Jane Fonda Tribute (Sat., July 29); Service Club of Chicago's Day on the Terrace 
(Monday, July 31); Eversight's "Seeing Stars" 70th anniversary celebration (Wednesday, July 26); Summer Lovin' (Friday, July 28); Ravinia Women's Board Gala (Saturday, July 29); Shine and Dine (Thursday, August 10th); Frankie Knuckles 2nd annual gala (Saturday, Aug. 26); I Am 4 Kids 
Foundation Awards (Sunday, August 27); Garfield Park Conservatory Rebuilding Metro Chicago Celebration (Thursday, Aug. 31); Catholic 
Charities Gala of the Arts (Friday, Sept. 8); Expo Chicago's Vernissage (Wednesday, Sept. 13); Haute Dog Chicago (Thursday, Sept. 14); Polish American Medical Society (PAMS) Ball (Saturday, Sept. 16); Symphony Ball (Friday, Sept. 22). Hope to see you at one or more of these worthy events!
Jack McHugh, a member of the McHugh Construction family, passed away recently at age 87 in Florida. A celebration of his life will be hosted at Gibson's 
Restaurant (1028 N. Rush St.) on Tuesday, July 25, from 5 to 9 pm. Jack's longtime pal, comedian Tom Dreesen, will speak at 7 pm. Peg Lombardo says "all are welcome." Our memories of Jack go way, way back. He had a killer sense of humor and a demeanor that was something to witness. Sinatra was a huge fan and friend too. He was loved by one and all, but none more so than the love of his life, his beautiful wife Brenda. RIP dear man. You were a bright star and a shining light for everyone who knew you.
That's it for this week! I hope you had a great holiday weekend and I hope you've enjoyed another jam-packed edition of Candid Candace! And, if you're not a subscriber, please sign in here so you won't miss all the fun news from Chicago and beyond. My lists are never shared, only treasured!
Happy summer, happy grilling!
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
P.S. As always, something to leave you smiling!
