Category Archives: Web/Tech

January 26, 2015 · 10:06 am

TODAY’S CHICAGO WOMAN MAGAZINE: FAREWELL TO A CHICAGO TREASURE

PLUS SARAH AND WOODY'S WARM-UP; STEVE HARVEY ROCKS; RMHC'S FIFTH; TICKLED PINK FOR BRIGHT PINK'S 10TH; SPEX SEES HOPE FOR LITTLE CITY; JACOB'S "SWEET" 40TH; COSTNER'S "BLACK OR WHITE"; JOHN'S WORDS OF WISDOM; WILKIE WEDS; MY 2ND ACT; PURPLE AFFAIR FOR THE BEAR; I HAVE A VOICE GALA; REVERIE'S PARTY FOR PRIMO; SAMANTHA'S SMALLTALK; NEW WATCH312 VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

TCW's Sherren Leigh–Last Look.

For 32 years, Today's Chicago Woman Magazine has kept its promise. It has been a loyal and vigorous champion of women's rights and issues and for all things Chicago. Recently, as a contributor (my videos appeared online), I received this message from TCW Managing/Digital Editor Carrie Williams: I have some news I’d like to share with you and it’s best said in a quote by Sherren Leigh, owner of Leigh Communications, Inc. “Yesterday was my

Amy Carr, Kathleen Henson, Andrea and Laura Schwartz.

birthday and I made a decision to close TCW effective with the January issue, which comes out this Friday. After publishing the magazine for 32 years, I want to work less, enjoy life more and embrace new activities while I’m in excellent health. It’ll be a new chapter in my life I’m looking forward to. I have

Sherren with Claire Keating and Chelsea Vaccaro.

enjoyed our working relationship over the years and wish you the very best in the future.” We wanted to give you the courtesy of hearing the news straight from us before it is covered in the Chicago Tribune in the next day or so. As for me, I want to thank all of you for your dedication and talent."

Ilene and Bruce Duhan with Azeeza and Rehan Khan

I had such mixed feelings about hearing this news. First of all, I think Sherren has been one of the hardest working women in "showbiz" who certainly deserves a break. As long as I've known her at TCW,

Julee White, Kerry Bowler, Nicole Townsend and Leah Chavie

she's been a tireless worker–never leaving her work behind even though the days were done. In this terrific Chicago Tribune article by Melissa Harris , Sherren shares, "I want the luxury of a do-nothing day. I have a house in Michigan, and I used to joke after I turned 50, the new three G's were geezers, gardening and golf,

Azeeza and friends.

and I haven't had time for any of them." She also said the recent deaths of her ex-husband and close friends, including Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka (who she'd had lunch with a week before she passed) and Flying Food Group founder Sue Ling Gin

Azeeza's TCW cover.

were factors in her decision. The Tribune article states that Sherren launched the business as a women's career convention in 1979 at Chicago's Apparel Mart, charging $5 for an advance tickets and drawing about 17K people. In 1982, following the success of her cross-country conferences, she launched the magazine titled Today's Chicago Woman calling it a "smart read" for "smart women." Sherren also

Leah Chavie and Dr. Julian Dixon.

founded the TCW Foundation to give back to women's and children's charities around town. She is the real deal so, in honor of TCW, Sherren and all of her contributions to Chicago, friends and fans gathered together to celebrate the last issue of the magazine and its dynamic founder at Fulton Market Kitchen on Wednesday night. Fashion designer

Chris Schmidt and Diego Rocha.

Azeeza Desai Khan appeared on the cover shot by John Reilly Photography. However, Sherren's not really retiring. Her LinkedIn update describes her new "job" as "independent contractor and consultant." Frankly, I would like to see Sherren try her hand at Chicago politics. We could have no better champion.

Three years ago, Chuck and I were invited to the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago for the official announcement that the production of The Steve Harvey Show was coming to the Windy City. I saw lots of media types there and all of the NBC employees had puffed out chests over this exciting news and, rightfully so. Larry Wert, former

Limo for Day 1 with Michael Coleman

President and GM of NBC5, had worked long and hard to bring Steve to Chicago. During his comments, he jokingly added that he had to throw in a fur coat for Steve's wife Marjorie to convince her to make the move to our colder clime. It was a joyous occasion that involved a lot of backslapping, photos and congratulations. Steve exudes such charisma, he's like a rock star with

Katie McLenaghan, Jodie Wilmot, Jennifer Brieva, Paul Iacono and Rochelle Trotter.

everyone gravitating to him like a magnet. I have pics of him and I chatting, but I have no idea what sort of babble came out of my mouth since I was completely smitten, too. He's a work-a-holic, as most

Dining table being set up in Intercontinental Ballroom.

of you all know, who works as a comedian, television host, radio personality, actor, and author. He hosts The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Steve Harvey, and Family Feud almost simultaneously. And besides his hosting duties, he's written several books Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, Straight Talk, No Chaser and A Conspiracy Of Wizards: The Cloven Accord, Book One.

Sharing some makeover tips.

Where he finds the time, I can't even imagine, although he's been quoted as saying, "By failing to have a vision, you are stripping yourself of every possible blessing, relationship and opportunity." Steve clearly has lots of visions and, from the looks of

Beautiful extras for the dinner party segment.

things, plenty of blessings, too! Last week, by serendipity, I received a very exciting call to appear on this top-rated national show and I had to pinch myself. The executive producer had also cast me in

With darling Wendy Gross before her makeover.

the premiere of hometown reality show, Chicagolicious, a few years earlier. So many coincidences! The title of the segment for my Harvey Show appearance was My Fair Lady and my role was similar to Professor Henry Higgins who turned a girl who's a little rough around the edges into a lady. To see their production team in action was like watching a lunar launch–precision, timing, attention to details–it was astounding. The day of the first shoot

Elegant Intercontinental Ballroom

(there were two), I was picked up in a loooong limo which made me feel quite special and also amused my darling doormen. The shoot took place at the Intercontinental, which is a glorious old world-style hotel on Michigan Avenue. There I met my willing "victim" Wendy Gross. Wendy's brother and a couple of her

Katie McLenaghan, Jodie Wilmot and Jennifer Brieva after taping.

childhood male friends submitted her for a makeover and she couldn't have been more delightful. I took her through a series of "classes" that included instruction in fine dining, elocution, fashion, the art of conversation and etiquette do's and don'ts. She was darling as is, a sort of rough and tumble NY sports writer with a very strong penchant for

A selfie with Steve Harvey Show's talented makeup artist.

the NY Giants. Her everyday (and every night) attire consisted mainly of sports jerseys and cut-off jeans. I made it clear that we weren't looking to change who she is as a person, but rather, just filing down the

With Dimitra Apostolopoulos, Ali Galante and Brian.

rough edges. The true test came when she was my guest as a "dinner party" I hosted in the Grand Ballroom. Her entry made guests gasp. I can't share any more details, but I hope you will watch this heart-warming, joyful segment when it airs Tuesday, February 3rd!

Makeup artist Amana Marleen Jones and hairstylist Dorota Pabian.

always, was spot on and very insightful. (I'll keep you posted on the air date). I returned to shoot the actual studio segment with Steve a couple of days later with a live audience. They loved it and Steve

Talking to Steve Harvey and his wife Marjorie at his Launch Party at Hard Rock. (Pic by Mila Samokhina)

mentioned that this was one of the best makeover shows they've ever done! I want to thank my friends who joined me at the dinner party: Jennifer Sutton Brieva (with her friend Jodie Wilmot), Paul Iacono, Rochelle

Congratulating Wendy after the show!

Trotter and Katie McLenaghan. You most certainly dressed up the shoot! Thanks to the show's expert staff– all the producers, makeup artists, hair stylists and more–who made this moment in time one that I will never forget! (The Steve Harvey Show, weekdays

Kerry and Sarah Wood thank the crowd

from 2 to 3pm on WMAQ, NBC 5).

Beloved, retired pitcher Kerry Wood kicked off the 2015 Cubs Convention weekend with his annual Woody’s Winter Warm-Up fundraiser on January 16^th at the new Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch Restaurant and Chicago Sports Museum. More than 550

Marie Whitney Epstein and Theo Epstein with Kerry and Sarah Wood.

fans, supporters and celebrity friends were in attendance for this annual event benefiting the Wood Family Foundation. Emceed by WTMX radio personalities Eric Ferguson and Kathy Hart, the Warm-Up featured musical performances by the Plain White T’s and DJ Matt Roan. Guests enjoyed ‘meet and

Cubs Dallas Beeler, Jon Lester and Jacob Turner

greet’ opportunities with players, a premium open bar, food stations and raffle. The silent auction featured a home makeover, behind the scenes at Comcast Sportsnet, first pitch at Wrigley ($2050) and a wagon full of 70

Lauren Wysocki, Kip Lewis, Danni Wysocki and Kelly Crull

bottles of spirits. The live auction’s Ultimate Cubs Experience package went for $12,500 and included two game tickets in Theo Epstein’s private box at Wrigley Field and a 7th inning stretch’ sing-a-long

Ryan Chiaverini and Tiffany Turkowski

with Kerry. “This is one of our favorite events to host and with the new location, guests were able to enjoy music as well as the interactive games in the Chicago Sports Museum," explains Kerry. Chicago Cubs (past and present), local celebrities and media personalities served as ‘guest-bartenders’ mixing drinks and competing for tips while also challenging guests in the Museum’s

Lovehammers Dino Kourelis with wife Kim and Bobby Kourelis with wife Bessie

interactive games. Those in attendance included: members and coaches of the 2015 Cubs team including, Jon Lester, Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo, and Jake Arrieta, former players -Mark DeRosa, Bob Howry, and team executives Tom Ricketts (Co-owner), Laura Ricketts (co-

Plain White T's Tim Lopez, De' mar Hamilton, Tom Higgenson, Dave Tirio, Mike Retondo

owner) with darling Brooke Skinner, Theo Epstein (President), Jed Hoyer (Exec VP) and Crane Kenney (President of Business Operations). Additionally, Ron Kittle (former White Sox),

Brooke Skinner and Laura Ricketts

Chris Ritter (Chicago Fire), LaRoyce Hawkins (Chicago P.D.), TJ Zizzo (Top Fuel driver), Paul Blair (DJ White Shadow), Jerry Hester (former University of Illinois basketball star), Jarrett Payton (philanthropist), John Vincent (Ditka’s), Dino Kourelis (Lovehammers), Bobby Kourelis (Lovehammers), Ryan Chiaverini (Windy City LIVE), Sarah Spain (ESPN Radio), Kelly

Naomi Ollis, John Sturgill, Tiffany Turkowski, Michael Pagliuco and Art Velasquez

Crull (Comcast), Kip Lewis (Comcast), Jane Monzures (WGN Radio), Pete McMurray (WGN Radio), Showbiz Shelly (B96), JNiice (B96), Lisa Fielding (WBBM-AM), Brendan Greeley (Steve Dahl Show),

LaRoyce Hawkins (Chicago P.D.)

Aly Bockler (WCIU's "You & Me This Morning") and DC Crenshaw were in attendance. “The money raised from this event (more than $100K) enables us to grow Pitch In, our after-school mentoring program, so that we can continue to support students at Lawndale Community Academy,” explained Sarah Wood. Congrats to all!

Take a walk down memory lane with me in my new Watch312 video! These are highlights from my favorite shows, from camel riding to Pacino, with a special shout-out to Illinois Center for Broadcasting's Bill Natale, the talented cameramen I've worked (and played with) through the years (including Alonzo Stallings, Dave Thennes, Matt Natale and Brian Kaempen (also an editor). My patient editor Kes Akalaonu does a great job with the videos and I'm so lucky to have him! (Other editors included Josh Orr and Brian). I've also been lucky to have promising students from ICB join me on many of my shoots. They've helped out with everything from manning the cameras to social media. It takes a village and I've been blessed with a city! Thanks to all and I look forward to an even bigger 2015!

Ribbon cutting for new House

Ronald McDonald House Charities has a brand new HOUSE! The fifth Ronald McDonald House was dedicated January 18 in Winfield in the Western suburbs near Central DuPage Hospitial, now a part of Northwestern Medicine. The grand opening featured a ribbon cutting ceremony and a

Senator Michael Connelly, Val Warner, Doug Porter, Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanquinetti, Mayor Ruben Pineda

balloon release with special guests including Illinois State Senator Michael Connelly, Val Warner (co-host of ABC’s Windy City Live), Mike Vivoda (Northwestern Medicine West Region

New Ronald McDonald House in Winfield

President), Erik Spande (Village President), Jack Bajor and Tony Reyes (Village of Winfield trustees) and Dave Sabathne and Patricia Haskins (Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce members). One very special family was also

Mike Vivoda and Senator Michael Connelly

in attendance—the Posts—who will be the first family to stay at the new Ronald McDonald House while their 17-month-old son Caleb, receives treatment for ependymoma at the CDH Proton Center. Known for its advanced

Val Warner, Doug Porter and Kathleen Henson

pediatric care, hundreds of families each year visit the Hospital during, what is likely, one of the most trying times in their lives. Now, those families have a place to call home while their child

Val Warner

receives life-saving treatment. The new 19,000-square-foot, two-story, craftsman-style House is located at 0N150 Winfield Road, across the street from Central DuPage Hospital. In addition to families of children at CDH, the House will

Ronald McDonald House's Mary Agnes Laguatan

also support families of hospitalized children at the CDH Proton Center in Warrenville, Delnor Hospital in Geneva and other area hospitals. Situated among beautifully landscaped walking paths,

Cheerful interior of new Ronald McDonald House

a reflection pond, and a wooded river basin in the oxbow of the DuPage River, the new Ronald McDonald House will be a comforting ‘home away from home’ for families in need. Designed by Antunovich Associates, the
new House will accommodate 52 people, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Mike Vivoda and RMHC's Doug Porter

Common areas include comfortable living spaces, a spacious dining and kitchen area, fitness center, game room, laundry facilities, an outdoor patio and even a unique putting green, courtesy of the Illinois PGA. Keeping in mind their youngest guests, the House also features a walk-in toy closet sponsored by longtime supporter Coldwell Banker, where each child can select a toy upon arrival. Multiple play spaces

Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanquineti

and a game room will also provide hours of entertainment. Other stand-out features include a whimsical art glass display in the vestibule depicting fond family memories such as rain boots splashing in puddles and a kite flying high from artist Rita Shimelfarb, and a donor wall, created by artist Chris Duh, which features backlit birdhouses with lighting that changes to reflect the time of day. The $6.3 million project has been financed largely by support from the Cadence Health Foundation, the Cadence Health Auxiliary Board and the Topfer Family Foundation, as well as countless other generous donors. RMHC always does it right! Congrats! (To learn more and become a volunteer, click here!)

Tickled Pink for Bright Pink will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Friday, February 20, at Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan). For the past nine years the fabulously-pink, feathered affair has raised close to $1 million to benefit breast cancer organizations. Tickled Pink Chicago was founded by Jodi Fyfe in 2004 in honor of her cousin Carrie Kenney, who lost her seven-year battle with breast cancer at the age of 35. In 2013, Tickled Pink Chicago announced its partnership with

Jodi Fyfe and Lindsay Avner

Lindsay Avner's Bright Pink, the only national non-profit organization focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. Together these two dynamic groups have combined forces for a common goal. The 10th anniversary party will include live music by the Chicago Players, tastings from more than 50 restaurants, an open bar, raffle prizes and so much more! Come join the party and support a great cause! Until February 1, tickets are $95 and after $125. (For tickets and more info, click here).

Get your poker face on! Spex, Chicago’s premier destination for luxury eyewear and sun wear, joins with Little City Foundation Friday, March 6th, from 6:00pm to 12:30am, to present “Seeing Hope Together.” This is the third year of sponsorship for the action-packed poker tournament and casino night fundraiser. The

Dr. Carrie Roitstein (Spex Managing Dr.), Boyce Moffit (Spex GM), Robert Rich (Spex CEO) and Michael Caputo (Spex Director of Marketing).

Montgomery Club, located at 500 W. Superior Street, will visually dazzle guests who attend in support of children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Iconic fashion sun wear collections will be playfully modeled by the Spexettes and artistically displayed during the festivities. The "gaming for a cause" party will include a lavish, all-night buffet by Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse; a premium open bar, raffle and

The Spexettes!

goodie bags. Little City has successfully changed lives, created hope and challenged the limits placed on children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities for over 50+ years. Their comprehensive services and programs make them the preeminent organization of their kind in Illinois. Michael Caputo, Spex Director of Marketing, said, "We’re particularly proud of our association with an Illinois organization whose core advocacy –

OMG–It's HIM!

simply stated, sees hope." (For tickets and more info, click here).

The recent screening at Kerasotes Showplace Icon brought out some heavy hitters! Handsome hunk Kevin Costner (who is taller than you think) walked the Red Carpet with Black or White co-star Anthony Mackie and director Mike Binder. This is the story of a

Co-star Anthony Mackie, director Mike Binder and Kevin Costner

grandfather (Costner) who is suddenly left to care for his beloved granddaughter. When her paternal grandma (Octavia Spencer) seeks custody with the help of her brother (Mackie), the little girl is torn between two families who love her

Q & A with Black or White cast after film.

deeply. Based on real events, the movie is a look at two seemingly different worlds, in which nothing is as simple as black or white. During the Q & A at the end of the film, Costner said he financed the movie himself when bigger

Black or White director Mike Binder

studios passed it up with the hope that it will "provoke thoughtful and more complex conversations about race." He ended with, "I've had a full career playing some of the most interesting leading men in film but, if this was my last, I would feel complete." Can you spell Oscar? (Photos by Mila Samokhina)

Birthday boy Jacob Neminarz

Fulton Market Kitchen is on a hot streak! This cool spot at 311 N. Sangamon was also the destination for a party for the much loved Jacob Neminarz. Founder of Sugar Hills Bakery, Jacob celebrated his 40th in style with an intimate group of friends who enjoyed a 10 course tasting menu (the highlight being a whole deep fried

Jacob with Anna Majewski, Monika Dixon, Gosia Martyka-Long, Debi Lilly and Amanda Marinello.

Jacob with Anna Majewski, Monika Dixon, Gosia Martyka-Long, Nina Mariano, Debi Lilly and Amanda Marinello.

snapper with tempura peppers) from Chef Kyle Petersen. The delicious offerings included "Little Wedges" salad with Maytag bleu cheese; beef tartare with homemade steak sauce and quail eggs; bay scallops and

Amanda and Giacomo Marinello

sweetbreads with crispy lemon and spiced tobiko; ravioli and foie with mascarpone veal jus; prime angus filets with bacon roasted green beans; lamb with spiced cauliflower puree mint; chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts and FMK fries with chili-citrus aioli. Whew! I felt like I was dining with Henry VIII! The dramatic chocolate cake in

Marcus Boggs, Gary Zickel and Geoff Dixon

the shape of the number 40 was a masterpiece from Sugar Hills Bakery, of course! Friends seen on the scene included Monika and Geoffrey Dixon, Nina and Bob Mariano, Debi Lilly and Mike Springer, Marcus Boggs,

Red snapper with Nina in background (Pic by Debi Lilly)

Anna Majewski (Jacob's darling business partner), Amanda and Giacomo Marinello, Gary Zickel, Gosia Martyka-Long and her husband Jim. The cocktails, crafted by award-winning mixologist Brian Sturgulewski, were Jacob's favorites–Mascow Mules and Old Fashioneds. The party continued at Bordel, a Parisien-style speakeasy in Wicker Park. Happy Birthday Jacob!!! Love you!

I met my good friend John St. Augustine when he contacted me to join him on his

John St. Augustine

WGN radio show. This was a few years ago and he never ceases to amaze me. John is an author, radio rock star, motivational/inspirational speaker and beloved dad of beautiful Amanda. While he enjoys using radio to reach the masses and writing books and blogs to round out his "platform", he's decided to add a unique event to his lineup. The "Common Sense for

Living an Uncommon Life

Uncommon Times" speaking tour is underway! John will be barnstorming across America, from living rooms with groups of 25 to public and business venues of 250 and more, he is thrilled to share the messages of his best selling book "Every Moment Matters" along with some real nuts and bolts life lessons that

John St. Augustine's "Every Moment Matters 2015 Tour"

are desired to inform, inspire and entertain your guests and audiences in a truly unique event. If you are interested in hosting John in your private or public space or business/organization, please contact him here (www.johnstaugustine.com) and make your event a memorable one! I love his quote: "If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got."

The Women Survivors Alliance will presents its inaugural performance of "My 2nd Act" in Chicago on Sunday, February 8 at the Athenaeum Theatre (2936 N. Southport) at 2 pm. This live storytelling event features 10 Chicagoland women, survivors of 8 different kinds of cancers, reading their personal stories of taking their lives back after a cancer diagnosis. These women are not professional actors, but everyday survivors who have created 2nd Acts and are using their gifts of time and experience to give back to society for the greater good! Three lucky attendees will take home a beautiful Survivor Journey pendant (valued at $350) from Rogers & Hollands Jewelers! (For tickets and more info, click here!)

On Saturday, March 14^th generous hearts will come together to celebrate 12 years of giving to help individuals and their families with Down syndrome. The 2015 international GiGi’s Playhouse "I Have a Voice Gala" will be held at The Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. Hosting more than 1,000 guests in the Chicagoland area and emceed by CBS news anchor Rob Johnson, this gala is their most important fundraiser of the year. The funds raised will support the organization’s mission to increase positive awareness of Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community. GiGi’s Playhouse currently has 24 locations providing FREE educational and therapeutic programs across the US and Mexico. This year’s event will also feature entertainment by the band 7th Heaven. To learn more about GiGi’s Playhouse, to purchase tickets and learn about sponsorship opportunities, please click here.

The Blackboard Affair Masquerade Ball, an annual fundraising event benefiting Working in the Schools (WITS), will be held on Saturday, February 7th, at Preston Bradley Hall in the Chicago Cultural Center featuring a premium open bar, beer by Revolution Brewing, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live DJ, amazing silent auction and dancing. Suggested attire: creative black

Legendary dancer Ann Reinking, Chris Olsen and Melissa Thodos (company founder)

tie and masks. :-) (For tickets and more info, click here).

Thodos Dance Chicago will celebrate its 23rd anniversary, "Get Inspired Chicago!", on Saturday, March 7, at the Pritzker

Thodos Dance Company doing a Bob Fosse inspired number. (Photo by Cheryl Mann)

Pavilion Stage in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., with an exciting evening full of "Chicago Inspired" drinks, food, and dancing. Immediately following the performance at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, TDC will host a post-show benefit on the enclosed stage with incredible night views of the city as its dramatic backdrop. The evening will be devoted to celebrating Chicago as a significant source of inspiration for creativity and community. (For tix and more info, click here).

The Auxiliary Board of Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation will host a Purple Affair for the Bear Masquerade Party to benefit the Foundation. On January 31, enjoy a magical night of live music, dancing, delicious food, cocktails and a silent auction at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., from 8 pm to midnight. (For tix and more info, click here).

Gather your friends to Sip, Spa & Shop in benefit of the Primo Center for Women and Children on Thursday, January 29, at Lou Canellis' and Ryan Baker's hotspot Reverie, 414 N. Orleans. Enjoy passed appetizers and a signature Reverie Cocktail for a $10 donation at the door.

Michael Wilkie and his soon to be Mrs., Teri Leontios.

(Men are welcome!) RSVP at rsvp@reveriechicago.com.

Confirmed bachelor Michael Wilkie has changed his tune with the announcement of his upcoming marriage to longtime companion Teri Leontios. The happy couple will wed at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo on February 25. You may recall, Michael caused a Fleet Street scandal when he danced with Princess Diana at the Field Museum when she came to town for a visit. Congrats to

Jean-Claude Baker in front of his Chez Josephine.

the lovebirds!

Sad news–Beloved New York restaurateur, Jean-Claude Baker, reportedly committed suicide at the age of 71. His restaurant, Chez Josephine (414 W. 42nd St.), was the home of unique artists with Chicago's own, Morris Gearring planning to mount his show, "Something About Oscar", there. Jean-Claude was adopted by legendary dancer

SmallTALK host/producer Samantha Thomas.

Josephine Baker as one of her Rainbow Tribe. He will be greatly missed. He was always such a gracious and colorful presence.

Chicago native Samantha Thomas, an Emmy Award-winning producer, foodie, restaurant lover, new blogger, daughter and a big sister, has launched SmallTALK. This web-based show will take you on a meet-and-greet across Chicago, getting to know people on the social scene as well as some of the best spots to grab

Filming the first SmallTALK segment at Fig & Olive

something delicious to eat. Early in her career she worked as a television news producer for several local markets across the U.S. including Missouri (CBS), Las Vegas (FOX, and CBS), and Chicago (CBS). Samantha said, "The goal of SmallTALK is to highlight what makes Chicago, "Chicago", by introducing viewers to their neighbors and places that fill up the neighborhoods." I was honored to be her first interview so take a look at her first episode filmed at Fig & Olive, 104 E. Oak St.

I hope you've enjoyed this week's edition and I hope you had a memorable Martin Luther King Day. This is one of my favorite quotes from this humanitarian/Civil Rights activist.

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I'd like you to meet Angelica and Toby from the Zoological Wildlife Foundation in Miami. The sad one on the left is Angelica who's upset because she's been put in a "timeout". Toby is trying to lend a friendly paw. Awwww! (Thanks to WCIU's "You & Me This Morning" for sharing this darling clip!)

2015 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FROM THE MOVERS, SHAKERS AND JUST PLAIN COOL!

PLUS NYE AT THE CASINO; DELANO SOUTH BEACH'S STAR-STUDDED NYE PARTY; BAILIWICK CHICAGO'S COOL AUCTION GALA; HAPPY 125TH TO AUDITORIUM THEATRE; BLOGGING TIPS FROM AN EXPERT (NOT ME); MOST POPULAR CHICAGO CELEB HANGOUT; AMY GUTH'S EXCITING WGN RADIO NEWS; DONNIE LOVES JENNY (VIDEO) AND SO MUCH MORE!

2015. I can hardly believe it….time is flying by so quickly! Last year already seems like a blur to me. I have lots of plans for this year and I hope you've made some, too. I really don't believe in resolutions because, typically, they go unrealized. I prefer to use the word "plans" because it denotes a solid course of action. Mostly though, my plans/hopes are more of a sentimental nature rather than a work-oriented one. I want to slow down a bit and really appreciate what I have, where I've been and where I want to go. I want to travel more and spend more time with my friends, near and far. I want to hug my husband and play with my Chihuahuas–oh, I still have my ambitions, but I want to combine them in a more balanced overall package. I love my work and want to grow it, but I also want to play more, too! Here are New Year's goals/dreams from some of our town's Movers & Shakers!

Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis

Donna LaPietra (beloved philanthropist; Kurtis Productions): With all Donna and Bill do for Chicago, it's no surprise that they had a quiet NYE. Every night for them is a party so this is her witty response: "Sorry to say we neither moved nor shook — let alone stirred. But very happy to be welcoming a new year!" LOL!

Jessica Zweig and her soon-to-be-husband Brian Fisher

Jessica Zweig–(Bride-to-be, former CheekyChicago.com, now
JessicaZweig.com)–2015 is the year I become a wife, so my largest new year's resolution is to build the strongest foundation for my marriage with the greatest friend, partner and soon-to-be husband (Brian Fisher) a woman could ask for. I manifested and accomplished so much of what I set out to do in

Eli and Jessie Kalin Mash

2014, and so my 2015 intention is to ride this wave of abundance, joy and love…and to let more of it in.

Jessie Kalin Mash— (Newlywed, Emmy award winning Style Producer for ABC 7 Chicago's Windy City LIVE)– We actually rang in the new year at a good friend's wedding at Hotel Monaco. It was the perfect setting for New Year's Eve. The wedding ceremony was at 7:30pm – and then we celebrated the new couple and new year until 1:30 am. My new year's resolution is to learn how to cook! We received such fancy

Melissa Forman and Family

cookware for our wedding earlier this year… and now I need to learn how to use it!

Melissa Forman–(WCIU's "You & Me This Morning" co-host, happy mother of four)–Her resolution? Just keep jumping for joy!!!!!

Borris Powell

Borris Powell–(fashion designer, SEX + LOVE creative director)–This year I did the Eve of Eve Party at Union Station. It was everything that I thought it would be and more… For sure the place to be. I wanted to get the HUGE gathering out of my system because I really enjoy being with a small group of friends in one of our homes when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Morning… I never make resolutions, just goals… I set goals throughout the year to keep me on track of my future wants and needs. Going into 2015, my goals are to ensure that I have another dress on a Major Red Carpet. I've now had a piece at the Oscars, the Grammys, and The 2014 Emmys. I'm looking for my 4th and maybe 5th in 2015, I'm also working on 2 shows that I want to have contracts on this year. One would be my own show and the other is the show called SEX + LOVE where I've been named creative director of fashion. And now that I've signed

Tina Weller and Mary Lasky on NYE

a major contract with a nanotechnology company, I'm excited that I am the 1st to bring you stain-proof garments in the luxury world of Fashion… And these are just a few things that I'm introducing this year…

Tina Weller (Weller Dental) with Mary Lasky (Service Club members extraordinaire)– "We (the Wellers) rang in the New Year at Fig & Olive–we sat in the lounge by the DJ and enjoyed cocktails and dinner as we danced and laughed. We were joined by Mary and Jim Lasky and Michael Burkamira and Janet Lee. My

David Heiner and Whitney Reynolds

resolutions this year are fitness related. I hope to be in the best shape possible and have been working on this goal since Fall 2014. I also want to spend more time with my family."

Whitney Reynolds (The Whitney Reynolds Show)–"We (David Heiner and I) went to Hugo's Frog Bar for dinner and then rang in the NY over champagne and board games with our close friends and four-legged babies. Resolutions: 1. Grow The Whitney Reynolds Show to new PBS markets with permanent time slots. 2. Start journaling about my childhood and the funny adventures of this small town southern girl that's made her way in this big city."

Elysabeth Alfano and Ken Kornbluh in Mexico

Elysabeth Alfano (Creator/Executive Producer and Host The Dinner Party)–"My New Year’s Resolution is the same every year: to have the peace of mind to be my authentic self, and the serenity to acknowledge those I love- family, friends and pets – and my blessed life while pursuing my passion. And when life gets so busy and chaotic that I stray, I keep trying to find my way back to a place a gratitude and balance. To sing and/or hum more around the house."

Kristina McGrath–(PR/Customer Service Outreach McGrath Lexus)–"We hosted a "last minute" New Years Eve party at our

Mike and Kristina McGrath

home in Utah. It was filled with about 100 family and friends. The best part was that I didn't hire a caterer and we girls spent the day cooking. I couldn't have dreamed of better quality time! My wish for 2015 is to simplify my life. Sometimes it's too easy to hire people to do things. Our lives move too quickly and I want to slow down. New Year's Day was spent designating responsibilities to my family–I had the joy of watching my nieces blow up balloons and decorate with "tacky" Wal-Mart decorations (sorry Wal-Mart fans!) while the guys cooked the meat–alllll day long! Of course we could've hired someone to decorate, but nothing made me

Amie Hana

happier than to watch their excitement. This might not have been the fanciest party, but it was the most special New Year's Eve party thus far!"

Amie Hana (Photographer; graphic design artist)–"My hope for 2015 is for a greener world !! Why not add one or two GREEN mini-resolutions to your New Year’s list this year? Much smaller in scale than many of the lofty goals we make and break year after year, these steps can add green cheer all year long to our environment, health and even our pocketbook. Recycle your Christmas tree through the TreeCycle Program; refuel your vehicles during the evenings; carpool; take the bus;

Alderman Bob Fioretti and Nicki Pecori

bike and walk more; turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth; take shorter showers, repair faulty plumbing and collect rainwater for your plants. It's such easy steps that make such a difference.

Nicki Pecori (Director of Community Affairs at Illinois Housing Development Authority) and Bob Fioretti (2nd Ward Alderman and Mayoral Candidate)—"Bob (Fioretti) and I stayed home for New Year's Eve and it was wonderful! I made a delicious dinner: mixed green salad with balsamic dressing, shaved parmigiano-reggiano and dried cranberries; grilled salmon with honey mustard glaze; roasted new potatoes with fresh rosemary from my indoor herb garden; buttered

Bunky Cushing surrounded by admirers

asparagus spears and a champagne toast. We resolve to eat healthy, continue to work hard, and enjoy each day of the new year! We also watched two of Bob's DVR'd episodes of Superman (circa 1952) with George Reeves while we waited for the clock to strike midnight."

Bunky Cushing–(Beloved man-about-town, author "Squire of Society", philanthropist)– "Write more, Eat less; Walk more, Worry less." (I love this).

Marcus Riley (President of the local chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and popular event

Kay Yasin and Marcus Riley (Pic by Dwayne Kuan)

host)– "I did it up big again this year at HighSight's Eve of the Eve celebration at Union Station. This annual event attracts thousands with proceeds benefiting the organization's scholarship programs. We kept it closer to home on New Year's Eve with a more intimate party at Ravenswood's "Grand Tour," and later boogied in 2015 to the sounds of DJ Ryan Ross at "The Southern" in Wicker Park."

Michael Caputo

Michael Caputo–(Director of Marketing, Spex/ 21 Chicago locations/ Voted 'best eyewear' in Chicago READER poll.) –"New Year's Eve? I was home settling into SHOWTIME's "Penny Dreadful" series marathon with an icy bottle of prosecco! Commercial breaks found me writing New Year cards to out-of-state friends that I simply couldn't dash a Christmas card to before the big day. My New Year Resolution is to stop using my kitchen only for cocktail ice; I want to spend more time preparing good food for friends. I made a

Dorri McWhorter

terrific lasagne for Christmas and took a pic like any proud mama!"

Dorri McWhorter (YWCA Metropolitan Chicago CEO)–"My New Year's resolution is simply to STAY JOYFUL! We get so caught up in all the hard work and seriousness of life that I've decided no matter what I will find joy in everything I do! You enhance your creativity when you come from a place of

Erica Bethe Levin

joy! I plan on being highly creative this year so let the joy flow!"

Erica Bethe Levin (Co-founder CheekyChicago.com/ Bride-to-Be)–"My New Year’s resolution is to spend time on what really matters in life: family and friends and the little things that make me happy. To continue mentoring and empowering women to follow their dreams. And to maintain health and happiness."

Amy Guth (RedEye and Metromix GM, WGN radio host)—"I love NYE and the "clean slate" feeling it brings. This year, I kept it low key and called into WGN Radio to

Amy Guth

visit with the other hosts on-air and, of course, to offer up a special NYE #GuthGauntlet report or two– people watching is some of the best entertainment around! My resolution for 2015 is to raise awareness about the successes and challenges of women in the workplace."

Elda de la Rosa (Fashion designer extraordinaire/ RICORSO fashion illustrator/tailoring director)—"This last

Elda de la Rosa

year I have freelanced for my friend's design label (RICORSO) and was blessed to be offered a full time position as the fashion illustrator/tailoring director. It's a new design label and it consists of a design team of four creative individuals. I absolutely love my new job and working with other creatives. I plan on making 2015 my best year yet!"

Leslie Hindman (Founder Leslie Hindman Auctioneers)–"My 2015 resolution is to work hard and play harder!" (

Besties – Mary Lou Gorno with Leslie Hindman

Frankly, I don't know how much harder she could work!)

Mila Samokhina (Photographer/artist/gemologist)—"New Year's Eve night we spent with our parents in Tallinn, Estonia. It was the best gift we could give ourselves! My resolution for 2015 is simple: Always love everybody and everything I do; Live fully; Enjoy every

Mila Samokhina with daugher Elena and hubby Arthur

day; Laugh often; Give positive input in life and try to bring happiness and joy to all I do. And, of course, I'm looking forward to my daughter Elena's wedding in Nice, France this September! Could not be happier for her and Peter!"

Paul Iacono (President Chicago Dowel Company)— "This past New Year's Eve was pleasant. My great friend (and former babysitter I might add) Dede Lubeznik

Paul Iacono with Reute Butler

invited me to join her and several others for dinner at Hugo's. After dinner we all headed back to the beautiful home of Jay & Gale Gottlieb for dessert, champagne, and a competitive game of Charades. What a thoughtful hostess Gale is! Even though there were only 8 of us, she had fun NYE-themed gift

Cece Gonzalez and John

bags for each after the night was over. My NY Res: getting to bed earlier on week nights!!!"

Cece Gonzalez (Co-founder Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions)– "I went out for dinner to a Havana restaurant with my boyfriend John and some friends. We celebrated with dancing, salsa, merengue and bachata, latino way!!"

Melinda Joseph (Co-founder Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions)–"My boyfriend (Jay) took me to

Melinda Joseph and Jay

Las Vegas to see Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett at the Cosmopolitan where I also made a donation to the casino." Both she and Cece's New Year's resolutions involve "exercising more and spending more time with their families as well as growing Mac & Cheese Fest (which will return on 10/24/15) from

Gayle Anthony with hubby Jim

2K to 5K in 2015."

Gayle Anthony (Paris Ceramics USA, Sales Director)–"We've been in Palm Beach enjoying the warm temps and playing a lot of golf. We've been going from one thing to the next and haven't had a minute to write

Kathleen Casey

or think about resolutions, but what's most important to me in 2015 is spending more time with my family!"

Kathleen Casey (Founder Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation)–"I will continue to be an advocate for children battling childhood cancer. This disease remains the number ONE death by disease and these children need us to be their voices to get more funding to provide hope for a cure! I would also like to experience new things in the coming year be it through classes, travel

Co-chairs Courtney Pitt and Brian White with friend

or the many things our glorious city of Chicago has to offer! Wishing everyone a year filled with good health, happiness, love and laughter."

With a sell-out crowd, the English Speaking Union (ESU) hosted its fifth annual New Year's Eve Bash at the Casino Club. Billed as

Kim Gleason and Brian Kearnes

a "friend raiser", not a fundraiser, 220 black and white tie-clad guests enjoyed cocktails, a lavish dinner and dancing to the Ralph Wilder Orchestra. Guests were greeted by co-chairs Courtney Pitt and dashing Brian White. Gardenias were passed to each attendee as they arrived by models dressed in period costumes

Rodger and Janet Owen

appropriate for the party's English Regency theme. In the ballroom, elegant table decor consisted of tall pink, white and black feather centerpieces. The menu featured Lobster Thermidor followed by filet mignon with black truffle butter. Mango and raspberry mousse domes were served for dessert. Seen on the scene were Janet and

Danielle Rollins and John Fornego

Rodger Owen, Kim Gleeson and Brian Kearnes, Marci and David Gookin, Mary and Tom Bagley, Susan and Harlow Higinbotham, Anne and Steve Deli, Kathy and Dr. John Q. Cook, Jackie Thompson, Caroline and Heather Wright, Pauline and Neil Sheehan, Loren and Larry Ekstrom, Elyse and Walter Leavy and Vonita Reeser and Richard Miller. (The next big event for the ESU will be the Shakespeare Competition

Walter and Elyse Leavy

for local high school students that will be held at Roosevelt University on February 9. The group's major fundraiser is a black tie gala that will be held on Saturday, June 13. Mark your calendars now)! (Photos by Jennifer Girard)

Julz Goddard and Ne-Yo

Right about now, I'm having South Beach envy and wish we were having some sun n' fun on the Right Coast! Fortunately, we've made plans to stay at the Fontainebleau in February. This will bring back many happy memories spent there with my mom, Elsa Stott, before she passed. NYE was craaazzy at the Delano South Beach , another favorite SoBe spot. Here's their write-up: "We rang in 2015 in lavish style Wednesday evening at

Mario Chalmers and friend

our poolside oasis Delano Beach Club where Roc Nation artist J. Cole took to the stage to ring in the new year and graced the crowd with an epic midnight performance featuring his new album and classic hits "Work Out” and “Power Trip,” as host Yes Julz hyped the crowd. Taraji P. Henson was spotted with her posse of girls, snapping selfies in their

Julz Goddard, Victor Cruz and Kevin Ogletree

cabana. Cleveland Brown’s quarterback Johnny Manziel was also in attendance enjoying the performance with New York Giants star wide receiver Victor Cruz and teammate Kevin Ogletree. Following the

J. Cole performs

poolside soiree, the event headed downstairs to Delano’s subterranean lounge FDR where J. Cole hosted an eventful, sold-out after party. R&B star Ne-Yo made quite an entrance, walking in with a massive entourage and later was spotted in the

Darrell "Mr. Modelman" Fletcher, Lia Shahrebani, Nathaniel Florence and Rell Walker

crowd taking photos with revelers. Miami Heat players Mario Chalmers and Luol Deng were also in attendance to help kick off the New Year with a bang at Delano South Beach." Now THAT'S a party!

I'm still on a high after attending the blow-out bash celebrating the Auditorium

Co-chairs Phil Lumpkin, Helen Melchior, Auditorium Theatre ED Brett Batterson and Joan Colmar

Theatre of Roosevelt University's 125th anniversary! The magical evening consisted of a star-studded performance at the Theatre that welcomed more than 2,000 patrons and a Gala dinner at the Palmer House. The evening began at the Theatre with a 90 minute tribute that included Broadway legend Patti Lupone. When she belted out "Don't Cry for Me Argentina", she had

Ken Norgan, Tara Klecka and Michael Kutza

the crowd in the palm of her hand. (Her great grand aunt Adelina Patti appeared onstage 125 years ago for the grand opening!) The tribute was hosted by Chicago actor John Mahoney. Dancers from Alvin

Brian Johnson, Joan Colmar and Ashley Wheater

Ailey American Dance Theater (Vernard Gilmore) and the Joffrey Ballet (Rory Hohenstein and Christine Rocas), singers from the Lyric Opera of Chicago (Jonathan Johnson and Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi) and The Apollo Chorus, musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass and an "All-star Chicago Rock Band" featuring local rock icon Jim Peterik, Paul Wertico, Barbara Unger-Wertico and Richard Patterson all

Ji Suk Yi and Morris Gearring

graced the stage paying tribute to the diverse entertainment that has been, and continues to be presented at the Auditorium Theatre. Besides Lupone's performance, highlights of the performance included the Joffrey Ballet’s Christine Rocas and Rory Hohenstein performing a pas de deux from “Romeo and Juliet” and Alvin Ailey’s Vernard Gilmore in an excerpt of Ailey’s

1960 masterpiece, “Revelations.” The performance concluded with a rare treat: the gilded panels on

Co-chairs Phil Lumpkin, Helen Melchior, Auditorium Theatre Executive Director Brett Batterson and co-chair Joan Colmar.

both sides of the Auditorium stage were lifted to reveal the full grandeur of the proscenium, allowing the audience a unique glimpse at the architectural mastery of the theatre’s designers and creators, Dankmar Adler and

Reginaldo and Jennifer Montague and Roderick Hawkins

Louis Sullivan. Following the performance, the Auditorium welcomed 600 guests to a post-performance reception at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel hosted by co-chairs Helen Melchior, Phil Lumpkin, and Joan Colmar. I especially loved the "greeters", students from the Theatre

Servers with champagne line the entry to the Auditorium Theatre

Conservatory of the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, who welcomed guests in period costumes as they arrived. The table decor in the Grand Ballroom kept to the 19th century theme, too, with crystal candle holders resembling old fashioned oil lamps. The theatre raised more than $500,000 to support the

Elizabeth Queen and Kyle DeSantis

initiatives of the Auditorium Theatre. The evening concluded with yet another surprise: Auditorium Theatre Executive Director Brett Batterson invited a combination of friends, staff, donors and artists of the theatre for a communal hymn of Auld Lang Syne, an auspicious song of luck and good fortune heading into the future. Here's to 125 more! (Photos by Bob Carl and Dan Rest)

I don't know about you, but I'm a huge fan of Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Walhlberg! And I loved the premier of their new show last night, "Donnie Loves Jenny", that premiered on A

Interviewing Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg (Photo by Matthew Reeves)

& E. Both McCarthy and Wahlberg executively produce the show and they have even started up a production company, D&J Productions, in order to do so. Donnie Loves Jenny‘s first episode was an hour long and documented their

With Donnie and Jenny–so in love! (Pic by Matthew Reeves)

lavish wedding. The remainder of the season will be 30-minute shows that will follow the Wahlbergers, an A & E reality show focusing on the Wahlberg brothers' Boston restaurants. Check out this cute snippet here and watch my first Watch312 interview below with the lovebirds to see how it all began!

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

Kathy "Butch" Jerinic with Leatrice Berman Sandler and Jill Renn

Bailiwick Chicago’s annual Chicago Casting Auction raised more than $50,000 for the company, earning the top bidders starring roles in Bailiwick Chicago’s upcoming production of Wonderful Town! More than 35 roles were auctioned off during the event at this year’s new venue, Michelle’s Ballroom, 2800 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Contenders for leading and major

Executive Director Kate Garassino, Dr. Amy Robbins and Artistic Director Lili-Anne Brown

supporting roles took the stage during a nail-biting live auction, often egged on by the crowd to show off their vocal talents. Additional supporting and chorus roles were won via silent auction. The evening also included musical performances by Bailiwick Chicago ensemble members, signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and enticing silent auction prizes. Following eight weeks of rehearsal, the winning

Jill Renn and Kyle Pollio

bidders will star in a public production of the musical classic Wonderful Town directed by Company Member Varris Holmes with music direction by Kyle Pollio and choreography by Company Member Jon Martinez. (The production will be presented February 23 – 28, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets go on sale Thursday, January 15,

Company members Danny Bernardo and Danni Smith

at castingauction.com). The “winning” cast of Wonderful Town will include: Jill Renn as Ruth Sherwood, Leatrice Berman Sandler as Eileen Sherwood, Andy Lambros as Robert Baker, Barry O’Driscoll as Wreck Loomis, Laura Ladewski as Helen Wade, Herb Quinde as Mr. Appopolous, Rusty Rector as Chick Clark, Joshua Steinfels-Saenz as Frank Lippencott

Kyle and Becky Hendricks

and Amy Robbins as Tour Guide. Supporting roles include Michelle Bibergal, Larry Blust, Stuart Burstein, Carol Christensen, Jenny Davis, John Dreixler, Denise Doherty, Jenna Dreixler, Paula Goedert, Bliss McMahon, Cris Piper, Linda Quinde, Myles Tobin and Peg

Executive Director Kate Garassino, Board president Nancy Studenroth, Board VP Stuart Burstein and Artistic Director Lili-Anne Brown

Wander plus students from Franklin Fine Arts Center, British School of Chicago and other CPS schools. With music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Betty

Company members Chris Kristant and Casi Maggio

Comden and Adolph Green and book by Joseph A. Fields and Jerome Chodorov, Wonderful Town debuted on Broadway in 1953, winning five Tony Awards including Best Musical with a Tony-nominated revival in 2003. Wonderful Town tells the story of two sisters from Ohio who come to New

Company member Sam Dubina, Jenn Jones and Company member Heather Stuck

York to make their fortunes: Ruth, the older, wisecracking one in writing and journalism, and Eileen, the younger, beautiful one in show business. Their subsequent adventures, which include dive apartment-dwelling on Christopher Street, involve the various wacky denizens and citizens of bohemian

Eric Martin, Jon Martinez, Lili-Anne Brown, Kate Garassino and Geoff Bleeker

Greenwich Village they encounter while on their search for fortune, fame and romance in the big city. Last year’s Chicago Casting Auction, which culminated in a sold-out public run of The Drowsy Chaperone, raised nearly $70,000 to support Bailiwick Chicago programming.

Eric Eatherly–RIP

On a very sad note–Beloved performing arts publicist, Eric Eatherly, passed away in an auto accident while visiting his family in Tennessee during the holidays. He was the vice-president of the Silverman Group and the principal publicist for the Joffrey Ballet. A celebration of his life will be held at the Joffrey Tower on Sunday, January 17, from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Friends can make a donation in his name to the Joffrey Ballet. He was

Jimmy Greenfield

one of the kindest people I've ever met and he will be sorely missed. RIP dear Eric.

Have you ever thought about becoming a blogger, but don't have a clue how to go about it? Well, learn from the best–Chicago Now Community Manager Jimmy Greenfield, who is offering a Blue Sky Innovation presentation on March 10 at Tribune Tower. His classes usually sellout so, if interested, book here now!

Amy Guth

Congrats to Amy Guth, RedEye/Metromix GM and WGN radio host! Her show, RedEye Remix (produced by Katie Gibson) on WGN radio 720, has added

Michael Keaton with his CIFF Hugo

a third hour, now airing from 11 p.m. on Saturdays until 2 am Sundays. Woot! Woot!

The Chicago International Film Festival is the first to recognize actor Michael Keaton's skills for his electrifying performance in "Birdman." He was awarded the Founder's Hugo for his portrayal of an actor trying to revive his career! #SoDeserving

Chicago Cut

Congrats are in order for Chicago Cut Steakhouse that was recently named "Most Popular Celeb Hangout" by the Chicago Tribune (Luis Gomez). Love this hotspot and the love and care co-owners David Flom and Matt Moore give to all who

Chicago Cut's David Flom with Charles Barkley

enter! Can't wait to return!

Thanks to WCIU's "You & Me This Morning" for having me back to co-host in December! I love hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow! They are so

Having fun at WCIU with Executive Producer Rob Morhaim, hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow and Floor Manager Nika Clark

much fun to work with and so patient! LOL! Waking up to this show starts your day off positive and joyful! Don't miss it Monday thru Friday from 6-9 am.

That's it for this edition. I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I love writing it. 2015 will be an exciting year for all of us and I hope we can all take the ride together!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats to Caffeinated Club whose awesome beverage roll-out continues across the country! Congrats to their newest L.A. Brand Ambassadors Aubree and Brett Connors! (And Happy 30th Aubree!)

Aubree Connor's 30th with brother Brett and mom and dad–Patti and Jimmy

Lonnie Rodriguez, Aubree Connors, Rocky Mosele and Brett Connors

FALLING DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE AT REDMOON’S SPECTACLE LUNATIQUE

PLUS “INTO THE WILD” AT THE BEAR TIE BALL; RMHC’S NEW HOUSE; AN EVENING IN BLOOM; JAY AND DAVID’S HUMANITIES HONOR; LEGENDARY LANDMARKS 2014; FOUR STARS FOR ST. JUDE; CHICAGO FILM FESTIVAL TV AWARDS; JOFFREY SPRING GALA; MERIT SCHOOL OF MUSIC HONORS RENEE; ZARADA AND MARK’S FURRY FUNDRAISER; JEN WEIGEL’S EMPOWER HOUR; CHEFS & THE CITY; A STYLISH STYLIST’S WORKSHOP; TWO CHICAGO HOTELS ON IT LIST; BARRINGTON’S RUN FOR THE DERBY PARTY; CHICAGO FIRE AND P.D.’S WRAP PARTY; BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR FRIENDS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Redmoon Theater‘s Spectacle Lunatique is one of the most visually exciting fundraisers in town and, this year, they honored tech entrepreneur Howard Tullman with the Galvanizer Award for his contributions to the “vibrancy of Chicago.” The ceremony surrounding his introduction to the crowd was straight out of Julius Caesar! Preceded by a 30 piece drummer band, Howard arrived on a rickshaw pulled by Redmoon theater members. Talk about an entrance! Spotlights followed him around the 18,000 square-foot warehouse space in Pilsen before he climbed the ladder of a sky-high podium where a video played behind him thanking him for his contributions to Chicago and beyond. The rest of the evening was equally as exciting beginning with a gigantic swing-set where guests were encouraged to take turns upon their arrival. I saw pool playing bears, cocktail servers dressed as tables and some in Victorian garb offering drinks from ancient looking bicycles. Bright red balloons carried hors d’oeuvres as well as tiny remote controlled drones that delivered sweets to attendees! I felt like I had truly fallen down the rabbit hole just like Alice. Several of Chicago’s top chefs presented their culinary creations at tasting stations, including Luca Corazzin (312Chicago), Thai Dang of Embeya, Jerl Griffin of Flemming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Mark Mendez of Vera and Jason Vincent of Nightwood, to name a few. Aerial artists from Redmoon and Aerial Dance Chicago performed overhead and aided the chefs in presenting their creations from the sky to the mouth. At 8 pm, executive artistic director Jim Lasko and producing artistic director Frank Maugeri greeted the crowd via video, sharing a preview of the Great Chicago Fire Festival, which launches this summer with a series of community workshops in 15 different Chicago neighborhoods, culminating in a grand finale river procession on the Chicago River, October 4. Throughout the evening, guests had a chance to enjoy a private 10-minute tasting dinner prepared by Michael Carlson of Schwa complete with a serenading opera singer for a donation of $1000 (I saw the Mayor and wife Amy Rule partaking), or a private birthday party for two wit
h a bear, fireworks and Redmoon performers for a $250 donation. The night continued with an open bar, sweet and savory bits, and music and dancing. Matt and Lucy Moog served as co-chairs for this fantasy-filled gala that attracted 750 and raised nearly $400,000 for Redmoon’s free public summer programming. (Photos by Al Zayed).

It was a lovefest at the UIC Forum for the 21st annual Bear Tie Ball, “Into the Wild, a Road to the Cure” benefitting Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation on Saturday, March 8. More than 600 suppporters turned out to raise funds for this organization that was founded in 1993 by Kathleen Casey in honor of her dear son, Barrett “Bear” Krupa. Bear passed away at age 8 after battling a form of pediatric cancer called Wilms tumor, all through his illness he showed more concern for other young patients than he did for himself. Inspired by his compassion, his mother Kathleen founded Bear Necessities in his honor. Bear passed away not long after the Foundation was formed but his loving legacy will live on through the dedication and compassion of his loving mom, sister Courtney Krupa and legions of friends and supporters. So this night wasn’t only a fundraiser, but also a celebration of the “Bear”. The evening began in the ginormous Pavilion where guests had a chance to bid on an extensive silent auction. The auction had many creative items but my favorite part was the children’s artwork. Painted by young cancer patients, the pieces included a Chicago Blackhawk portrait by Dominic Damato, an owl painting by Alysn Kee and a darling child’s chair painted, again in honor of the Blackhawks, by the talented Giselle Fernandez. NBC-5’s Peggy Kusinski was the emcee for the evening and did a fabulous job, as she always does. She wears her passion on her sleeves for so many worthy events around town and it was wonderful to see her at the podium. She acknowledged special guests Alderman Bob Fioretti(with his beautiful Nicki Pecori), Cheryl and Mario Tricoci, Sandy and Gary Fencik, designer Mark Roscoe, Anna Davlantes and longtime supporters Tracy and Ross Scurto, Jr. She went on to say, ” The Foundation has become a national leader raising more than $16.9 million for critical research and support services with a presence in 36 states, Canada, and as far away as Germany. Amazingly, Bear Necessities receives NO funding from any state or federal agencies. Every dollar they raise comes directly from donations and events like this.” Father Paul White, Bear’s parish priest, delivered the invocation. He has a wonderful demeanor and knows how to present just the right balance of seriousness and humor. He ended his prayer with a plea for the Cubs and the crowd loved it and him. Auction Chair Kristine Farra did a great job with the live auction! There were such exciting packages like a guitar signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts (that sold for $5K, I think somebody got a steal!). A darling Labradoodle named Parker almost went home with Paul Iacono who drove the bidding up to $12K but, in the end, the perky pup was won by Shea and John Bubeck for $12,500. A moving video featured young cancer patients and their wishes for the future. Kathleen and Courtney presented the William J. Casey Hope Awards, named in honor of Bear’s grandpa, to the Magellan Group and Dr. Stewart Goldman. Bob Arthur, president of Magellan, accepted the award on his company’s behalf and said, “The mission of Bear Necessities is a righteous one.” Dr. Goldman, a neuro-oncologist at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, was one of Bear’s doctors. Kathleen introduced him by saying, “From squirt gun fights to the worst jokes, he bribes kids to get motivated. He gets it when others don’t. He was there with me through Bear’s scans and delivered a heartfelt speech at his memorial. We must further our commitment to funding research and we need more Stewart Goldmans!” Dr. Goldman responded, “Knowing Bear was always about knowing fun. I learned about courage, strength and giving back from him.” It was such a moving part of the evening and I was so proud and honored to serve as the event chair. Goldman then introduced Bear Hug Ambassador Abigail Phillips, 25, who was his patient. She was diagnosed with brain cancer at 13 and is now working on her master’s degree. She joked that the doctors advised her to “milk this for all its worth.” She said she “owed her life” to “Dr. Stew” and that “he always tried to find a better way to treat cancer so kids wouldn’t have to suffer the way I did.” A Fund a Bear auction and raffle followed before dancing and dessert began. Wonderful supporter Jacob Neminarz of Sugar Hills Bakery supplied tasty cookies shaped like, what else, a bear! More than $650,000 was raised to support the programs of Bear Necessities, the Bear Hug program which provides customized experiences for kids battling cancer, and the Bear Discoveries Program which provides grants to researchers. There are lots of ways to help, so please check out their website and become a Bear-lanthropist, too! (Congrats to last year’s co-chairs Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto). Thanks to Buccellati for my beautiful jewels, too! (Photos by Mila Samokhina).

The 50th Annual Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards will return to the Radisson Blu Aqua (221 N. Columbus Dr.) on Thursday, April 10. Co-hosted by Mary Ann Childers and Jay Levin, this evening will also honor Chicago Fire actor Jesse Spencer with the 2014 Artistic Achievement Award. “CSI” executive producer Carol Mendelsohn, will receive this year’s Commitment to Excellence Award for Television and production company STORY will receive the Commitment to Excellence Award for Television Commercials. (For tickets, $100, and more info, click here, or call (312) 683-0121).   Hope to see YOU there!

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana and partner Cadence Health broke ground on the 5th Ronald McDonald House at the site of the western suburbs’ first House on Tuesday, March 18. As the snow melted at 25 Winfield Road – the address of the new home, directly across the street from Central DuPage Hospital – it was clear that spring, and construction on the new home, are just around the corner. Guests of the event were encouraged to write messages of hope and togetherness in metallic ink on small, smooth stones. The stones will greet families staying at the new home, and guests will be encouraged to take a stone as they leave, after their stay, as a source of ongoing inspiration for their families’ recovery and journey of healing. A model of the beautiful two-story, $6.25 million Ronald McDonald House near Cadence Health was a focal point at the event. The new House will feature 12 family-size bedrooms, laundry and kitchen facilities. Families of patients at CDH, Delnor Hospital in Geneva and the CDH Proton Center in Warrenville will be able to use the facility. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2015. Congrats RMHC!! (www.ronaldhouse.org)

Former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah and The Azumah Student Assistance Program Fund are teaming up with Laugh Factory Chicago to bring you some of the best comedians in Chicago on Tuesday, April 8, at the Laugh Factory (3175 Broadway)! “Laugh Out Loud,” will be hosted by WGCI’s Leon Rogers, and will feature well known comedians including Tony Sculfield, Brian Babylon, Vanessa Fraction, Liza Treyger and Clark Jones. VIP ticket holders will enjoy an hour-long pre-event private cocktail reception with comedians and hosts beginning at 6:30 pm that will include light fare and preferred show seating. (General admission seating will begin at 7 pm with the comedy show beginning at 8:00 pm).   For tickets, beginning at $25, click here! (Experience the fun from last year on my Watch312.com video with co-hosts Jerry Azumah and Israel Idonije!!!

http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js

brightcove.createExperiences();

After this long, cold Chicago winter, spring’s coming-out party, an “Evening in Bloom“, showcased the eye-candy colors and sweet fragrances of the season. The benefit and preview of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show kicked off the season in style inside Navy Pier’s Festival Hall on March 14. Bob and Nina Mariano, of Mariano’s, presenting sponsor, co-chaired the event. Honoring the show’s theme, “Do Green. Do Good.”, the event benefitted several local nonprofit organizations and businesses including the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs, Chicago Gateway Green, Garden Gallery & Studio, Peterson Garden Project and Urban Alliance. Congrats Nina and Bob! I love this event that makes us all dream of the light at the end of the winter tunnel. www.chicagoflower.com.

The ninth annual Legendary Landmarks awards honored Theaster Gates, Joseph Antunovich, and the corporate landmark, John A. Terlato and Terlato Wines with Landmark status. The awards were given at Landmarks Illinois’ Legendary Landmarks Celebration on Thursday, March 13 at the Four Seasons Chicago. Former CBS anchor Bill Kurtis, a legend himself,was Master of Ceremonies.The event co-chairs were Richard Driehaus and Dan McCaffery. The Celebration Committee included Shelley Gorson and Janet Rotner, co-chairs, Madeline Gelis, Frieda Ireland, Karen Prieur, and Sandra Rand.  This labor of love and landmarks paid off since this event was the organization’s largest one to date with more than 600 guests, raising the most funds, over $660,000! There were 11 Legendary Landmarks in attendance besides the evening’s honorees. They included Richard Driehaus, Leslie Hindman, Richard Gray, Michael Kutza, Susan and Lew Manilow, John W. McCarter, Jr., John Vinci, Father Jack Wall, Lee Flaherty and Jane Nicholl Sahlins. Congrats to all! (Photos by Diane Alexander White Photography).

The Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) has announced it will be honoring Jay Franke and David Herro with the 2014 Public Humanities Award at the IHC’s annual benefit luncheon on Tuesday, May 20, at the Palmer House Hilton. Given annually by the IHC since 1984, the Public Humanities Award recognizes individuals and organizations who have helped transform lives and strengthened communities through the humanities. Together, Jay and David have played an instrumental role in the founding and growth of the Chicago Dance Festival, the only free festival of its kind in the nation. Since 2006, the Festival has since grown to present more than 55 exceptional dance companies from Chicago and cities throughout the country as well as abroad, and performed before more than 60,000 people while maintaining free admission for all. Co-Chairs are Antonio Gracias, Sabrina Gracias, Alton Harris, Andrea Kramer, Susan and Lew Manilow and Kerryann Haase Minton and Josef Minton. (For tickets or more info, call Monika Collins at 312.422.5584 or visit www.prairie.org/PHA. (All proceeds from the luncheon will support the Illinois Humanities Council).

On Tuesday, April 8, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will host its 20^th annual Four Stars of Chicago Restaurant Extravaganza at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers. Since its inception, Four Stars has raised more than $7.9 million for the kids of St. Jude. This year’s event will feature more than 20 of Chicago’s top restaurants with NBC 5 Chicago’s Allison Rosati returning as emcee. Ron Boire, EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer and President, Sears & Kmart, will be the honorary chair. (For tickets and more info, visit www.stjude.org)

The Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet will host its 12th Annual Spring Gala on Friday, April 25^th at the Chicago Hilton. This year’s theme, “We All Speak Dance,” will be a celebration of the international language of dance, the company, and its educational programs. Through its Community Engagement and Joffrey Academy of Dance programs, the organization impacts the lives of thousands of children, teens and young adults, including more than 5,000 Chicago Public School children.   The black-tie event will begin at 6:30 PM at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 East Congress Parkway) with a special, one hour performance featuring dancers from the company as well as student dancers fromits programs. The performance will be followed by a trolley ride to the Hilton to enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing. After dinner, the evening will continue with entertainment from the Bill Pollack Orchestra, as guests join the Joffrey company members on the dance floor. Tom Kehoe of Kehoe Designs will transform the historic Hilton ballroom with spectacular images from the Joffrey archives. The event’s co-chairs are Women’s Board members Elisabeth Adams and Dana Hokin Garvey. (www.joffrey.org/gala )

If you love animals, then I hope you can join me on Tuesday, April 22nd, for a concert to benefit Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) at Fourth Presbyterian Church (Anderson Hall), 126 E. Chestnut.   Zarada Gowenlock and RL Restaurant will team up for this evening of music that will feature wine, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment provided by Mark Longo. Zarada has been volunteering for CACC for years and, after the success of the last RL Concert Series benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities (and hosted by Ken Norgan), she thought this would be a great idea to raise some money for the Medical Fund of CACC to procure diagnostics and treatments for animals in need. For tickets ($100) and more info, email markalanlongo@hotmail.com.

It will be a star-filled night in Chicago when DuSable Museum of African American History presents it’s annual “Night of 100 Stars Gala” on Saturday, April 5, at the South Shore Cultural Center. Honorees who have made outstanding contributions to society include Linda Johnson Rice, Kyndal Buchanan, Pastor Charles Jenkins, Dr. Carol Lee, Haki Madhubuti and Michael Wilbon. Val Warner and Charles Thomas will emcee. (For tix and more info, click here).

Merit School of Music will honor world renowned soprano Renee Fleming at its 35th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, May 8, at the Palmer House Hilton. Co-chaired by Judith Istock and Richard Thomas, the event will also include entertainment by Merit Honors Jazz Ensemble. For tickets, $500, and more info, click here.

Two hotels in town were included in Travel & Leisure’s 2014 IT List! Congrats to the Langham Chicago and the Thompson Chicago hotels! Love them both!

Thanks to Darby Hills for bringing the Run for the Roses Derby Party to my attention! Save the date for this 4th annual event presented by Barrington Children’s Charities on Saturday, May 3, at Old Barrington Farm, 26059 W. Scott Road in Barrington. (For tickets, $100, and more info, click here).

I’m thrilled to be an honorary co-chair, along with RL’s Rich Varnes, for the annual Chefs and the City event on Wednesday, April 23, at the Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd. from 6-9 pm. Participating restaurants include Jellyfish, bellyQ, RPM Italian, Vincent, Sepia, Swirlz, Tanta, Azzurra EnoTavola, Karyn’s Cooked, Mexique, The Lobby and Tre Soldi. This evening of elegance will feature creative cocktails, with an appetizer and four-course tasting menu prepared by these exceptional chefs to benefit Vital Bridges on Chronic Care Center. (For tickets and
more info, click here). Hope to see you there!

Class is in session! Celebrity fashion stylist and creative director for Zendaya Coleman, Law “Luxury” Roach, and former Miss Universe Organization Fashion Director, Alisha Crutchfield, are set to kick-off their first five-city Midwest tour for StyleWise Academy. The Academy will offer a crash course for would-be and wanna-be fashion stylists focusing on style kit necessities, how to win clients, secure paying jobs and more. Its first stop will be in Chicago on Saturday, April 12, at the Columbia College campus from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Attendees will also be provided with lunch and have a meet-and-greet with the instructors. To register for a seat, receive updates and learn more information about tour dates, click here.

Birthday wishes are in order for two Chicago notables. Handsome man-about-town/philanthropist Paul Iacono celebrated with a birthday bash organized by friends Katie McLenaghan and Beth Feiwell. Beth’s beautiful West Lakeview home was filled to bursting with FOP’s (Friends of Paul’s). I saw Peter and Cynthia Au, William Holdeman, Frances Renk, Laura Dantuma, Franco LaMarca, Marcus Boggs, Alex Vasileski, Kadmiel Christmas and Whitney Ariese, Juliane and John Donohue, Connie Dec and Jake Elvey, Jeff Shea and Melissa Hopgood, Jennifer and Joaquin Brieva, Margaret O’ Connor and Michael O’Meara, Lori Allen and Chad Sodorholm, Cadey O’Leary Hershoff, Jeffrey Schwarz and Jacqui Rovirosa, Rachel DeMarte, Rhonda Sanderson and Samantha Amato. Photographer Lori Allen snapped pics which, much to the delight of the guests, were framed as take-away gifts at the end of the evening. Happy birthday Paul!

I was happy to celebrate my dear friend Rhonda Sanderson’s birthday recently at Table 52 with her beautiful daughter (my goddaughter) Samantha Amato and her sister Debbie Pickus.   Chef Art Smith’s Sunday brunch menu made us weep it was so good. Happy to see Jesus Salgueiro dining there as well with Erica Mann Ramis, Harold Ramis’ lovely widow. Happy BD Rhonda!!!

And last, but not least, Marc Brooks, president/CEO of Hyde Park Hospitality, celebrated his birthday with friends recently at the Godfrey Hotel. He had so many pals there I couldn’t fit them all in one photo! They looked like they came straight from Central Casting, so cute!! Happy birthday Marc!

NBC’s Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. celebrated the end of their taping with a wrap party at the Montgomery Club on Saturday, March 15^th. Chicago Fire cast members in attendance included Taylor Kinney, Monica Raymund, Lauren German, Charlie Barnett, Christian Stolte and David Eigenberg. Jon Seda, Patrick John Flueger, Archie Kao, Elias Koteas and Amy Morton attended from Chicago P.D. NBC recently announced the renewal of both shows and is ranked No. 1 for adults aged 18 to 49, a demographic favored by advertisers. Everyone enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from Gibson’s Restaurant Group. Congrats to both!

The Women’s Board and the Board of Trustees of the Chicago Zoological Society are hosting their annual Gala to benefit the Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, April 26. This black tie event, themed “Around the Whirl in 80 Years” will celebrate the 80th anniversary of this venerable city treasure at 3300 Golf Road in Brookfield, Ill. beginning at 6:30 pm. A. Marek Fine Jewelry is the presenting sponsor. For tickets and more info, call (312) 553-2000.

The “Women’s Empower Hour” at Metropolitan Capital (9 E. Ontario St.) welcomes Jenniffer Weigel (two f’s, not a typo), Emmy-Award winning broadcast journalist, author and columnist for the Chicago Tribune, to host a discussion and Q&A on “Lessons for Life: Love Yourself and Align Yourself Spiritually,” at a complimentary luncheon on Wednesday, April 23, from 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Jen has been a broadcast journalist in Chicago since 1995 starting in radio and then moving to television. She won an Emmy Award for her on-camera reporting at CBS, and is now a columnist and video contributor for the Chicago Tribune. She has written three books: Stay Tuned, I’m Spiritual, Dammit! and This Isn’t the Life I Ordered. Her one woman show “I’m Spiritual, Dammit!” had three successful runs on the Chicago stage. Jenniffer writes the Lessons for Life column for the Chicago Tribune.   The “Women’s Empower Hour” series, featured quarterly throughout the year, offers informative workshops for proactive women in the Chicagoland area to learn and share ideas, stories and information.   To RSVP for this complimentary event, please e-mail events@metcapbank.com.

Honoring diverse cultures will be the order of the day at the International Women Associates (IWA) Gala on Friday, April 11, in the Gold Coast Room of the Drake Hotel. “Sail Away with IWA” will take you on a virtual cruise that will include “ports of call” in Greece, Italy, Morocco and Turkey. Shop in these countries’ colorful “bazaars” to bid on unique silent auction souvenirs of your trip. A portion of this year’s proceeds will be directed to IWA’s philanthropic programs including tutoring CPS students at Swift Elementary School, which has a large immigrant population. For tickets and more info, click here!

A pre-preview party was recently held in the Baker Furniture showroom at the Merchandise Mart to announce the 17th annual Preview Party for the Chicago International Art, Antique & Jewelry Show on April 24. The party will honor the 60th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. The show will run from 4/24 to 28 and will feature exhibitors from around the world. (For Preview Party tickets and/or more info, call 312.238.6023.

Hope you’re enjoying our warmer weather! I have happy feet just anticipating what’s to come!

Love, as always,

Candace 🙂
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Leave a comment

Filed under Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Food and Drink, Music, Web/Tech

February 13, 2014 · 12:31 pm

DOHA: A WORLD OF WONDER IN THE CAPITAL CITY OF QATAR

BLUE SKY INNOVATION LAUNCH; STANLEY PAUL FOUNDATION HONORS; MICHIGAN AVENUE MAG COVER PARTY; THE DINNER PARTY; NATALIE’S BIG DAY; TICKLED PINK FOR BRIGHT PINK: JONNY’S BLUE & WHITE PARTY; HOPE THROUGH CARING; NINA AND BOB’S FLOWER SHOW; VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Qatar Airways plane had to be de-iced four times before our departure to Doha, the exciting capital city of Qatar, which is located on the coast of the Persian Gulf. I remember when they announced the opening of this direct route from Chicago to Doha and I was thrilled to be included as one of Qatar Airways Ambassadors when they first introduced this flight. They hosted a grand gala on April 11 at the Field Museum and everyone who was anyone was in attendance. The program included a performance by Jennifer Hudson and an eloquent welcome speech by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker.

I was beyond impressed and dreamed of a trip to this exotic city that is experiencing a growth explosion thanks to its recently discovered natural gas reserves. My dream came true when we left for Doha on January 26, Boeing 777 business class, which we came to realize is like our first class. With a menu created by Michelin starred Chef Tom Aikens (who specializes in French cuisine), Chef Ramzi Choueiri (Middle-Eastern fare), legendary Chef Nobu Matsuhisa (Japanese cuisine) and Vineet Bhatia, a Michelin starred Indian chef.

I knew this trip was going to be something very special and, boy, was it ever! The seats fully reclined into a bed, and a massaging one at that! The flight attendants were chic, attentive and anxious to please. The 14 hour trip seemed to fly by with all of the attention….I have two cute sets of pajamas as well as awesome toiletries courtesy of Salvatore Ferragamo. When we finally touched down, we were greeted by Liz Walsh, PR manager Doha International Airport, and Yasmin Ahmad, PR Qatar Airways. They made us feel like visiting royalty. We felt the same way when we reached the Ritz-Carlton, Doha, with a lineup of staff waiting outside that included Hoss Vetry (general manager), Mohamed Ahmed Rabie (guest services director), Hanny Gunawan (PR director) and Gregory Laguesse (PR assistant manager). It was wonderful to see how proud they are of this beautiful five-star property! The first thing you noticed upon entering the elegant marble-filled lobby was the chandelier, the largest in the Middle East. Made in Austria, it features more than 2,300 Swarovski crystals and is awe-inspiring. The hotel boasts 8

//fast.wistia.com/assets/external/popover-v1.js

restaurants, a 235-slip marina, indoor/outdoor pools, squash courts, two indoor tennis courts and so much more! Our room overlooked the dramatic skyline of Doha which was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. The buildings seemed to change in ways that were seemingly impossible. And at 5 am, I was awakened by the most haunting sound, the first call to prayer. It was so beautiful that I had to step out onto the terrace to experience it even though jet lag was at full strength.   Five times a day, just like church bells on a Sunday morning, one hears the call to prayer, which is made by a male caller from a mosque, calling the faithful to stop activity and pray. The call to prayer can be heard everywhere, including shopping malls and even inside cabs on the radio. Men and women pray separately and it’s Islam law to have a mosque within walking distance of all Muslim people so, wherever you are, you will hear the call. I knew of the custom, having heard it on our trips to Morocco, but I never get tired of it. It’s so calming, much like meditation because it makes you stop and take a breath. The following day, we toured the Hamad International Airport near Aspire Park which will accommodate more than 30 million annually when it’s completed (sometime soon they told us). This state-of-the-art hub will include a hotel, a swimming pool, squash courts, 72 luxury shops, mind boggling children’s play areas, spas, game areas and fine dining (including a homemade chocolate bar and multiple juice stands) to name a few. It will also be able to accommodate the world’s largest aircraft, the A380. The Emir has his own terminal, of course, which will accommodate the Royal Family and visiting dignitaries. When we were there, they were testing the fire alarm announcement and it felt like something out of a Tom Cruise disaster film.

Lunch was at The Torch, which is the city’s tallest building and is nothing like we’d ever seen before. We were given a tour by Claudia Olaru, the Torch’s assistant communications director. She showed us their rooms which all had dramatic, digitally controlled lighting panels with your choice of more than 10 colors and spectacular views of the city. The pool jutted out away from the building on the 23rd floor and was a marvel of design engineering. We ate at the appropriately named Flying Carpet Restaurant which felt like something right out of Arabian Nights. We were completely hooked. That afternoon, we visited the private art collection of Sheikh Al Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani at his museum. The artifacts come from around the world with a focus on Middle Eastern and Islamic history. The Museum also has an extensive collection of vintage and classic cars and I was amused to see that the Sheikh had a lot of interest in American models. I saw rare Model T Fords, Pierce Arrows, Desotos and a couple of Indy 500 Pace Cars. That night we enjoyed an elegant trip to the St. Regis via Rolls Royce to enjoy Gordon Ramsey’s new restaurant and some Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha, the only other official outpost of JALC outside of New York. The next day, a tour of Souq Waqif put us on sensory overload. We smelled exotic spices and saw the camel, bird and horse markets, my favorite was the Falcon Souq. This Souq is home to everything falcon, from hoods and training materials to the birds themselves. When we walked into the first showroom, we saw these elegant birds all resting on their perches. Most were hooded, as they’re highly trained and dangerous but they’re oh-so beautiful. We could look, but not touch since these falcons can cost more than a high end sports car, and are much more than a pet. In fact, on Qatar Airways, falcons must have a seat booked for them in business class, along with their keeper because they are so highly valued! It was an amazing experience and I could’ve stayed in this Souq all day just watching these magnificent birds and the Arabs who were inspecting them for hunting and the high-profile competition that occurs regularly in this part of the world. (That weekend, the Souq hosted a Spring Festival that attracted more than 50,000 visitors)! We lunched at Al Bandar restaurant which had views overlooking the area. As we dined we could hear the lion-like low roars from the camels nearby. A table of burqa-clad women were smoking hookahs while, at another table, a beautiful group of young local women were taking selfies and smoking hookahs, too. It was pretty surreal and we loved it.

That afternoon, we moved to another Ritz-Carlton property, Sharq Village & Spa.   This secluded retreat is set up like a village with a unique desert castle design. Spread out along almost a quarter mile of coastline property, it features a 15,000 sq. ft. infinity pool and extensive 70,000 sq. ft. spa center, Six Senses. Rooms at Sharq Village feature oriental décor, wood accents and canopy beds. They include a private balcony overlooking the resort village or Doha Bay. We swam in the beautiful pool and enjoyed massages and pedicures in the spa before dinner at the Islamic Art Museum.

The Alain Ducasse restaurant, IDAM, was breathtaking in all areas of the senses. The French Mediterranean cuisine with an Arabic twist was prepared to perfection by executive Chef Romain Meder and head pastry Chef Olivier Lannes. Even though only “mocktails” were served, the glittering skyline and food presentations more than made up for a glass of wine or two (or three)….:-) We even tasted “camel”…which didn’t taste like chicken (LOL!) but rather a sort of tasty, gamey pot
roast. (It’s braised for 7 days). We even had a tour of the pristine kitchen which took the experience to a whole new level. (The Museum was designed by I.M. Pei who came out of his retirement in his 90’s to work on this project! The building even excels his other masterpiece, the Louvre Pyramid).

The following day, we were told to expect some excitement in the desert with a day of “dune bashing” planned. Well, anything that has “bashing” in its description is something that I’m a little leery of but off we went anyway…..five of us with Chuck riding shotgun with our driver Amir. Amir told us he “loved to drive fast” which sort of made the hair on my neck stand up but I was committed to experiencing this trip that I’d already heard so much about. The desert is just what you would expect, miles and miles of white sand with no horizons in sight, but as you got further out near the GulfCoast, the dunes started to look like mini-mountains. As Amir careened up and down them sideways throwing sand all over the Toyota Land Cruiser, we all squealed with delight. Clearly, he had done this a jillion ties before and, even though it seemed dangerous, I felt like we were in good hands. It was beyond thrilling! When we first arrived, Amir had to adjust the tire pressure for better traction. While we waited, I took a ride on a camel. This was my second camel ride, but I hope it won’t be my last. The rocking motion as this noble animal rises into the sky is so much fun and as we headed out on the sands, my mind went back to the times of the nomads who actually depended on these animals for their livelihoods. It was a humbling experience.

The Al Shaqab Royal Stables were on our agenda for the afternoon. I don’t have words to describe the vastness of these stables owned by the Emir and his family. At 1 million square meters (which is more than 600 miles), it’s the largest equestrian facility in the world. It houses 450-475 prize winning Arabian horses including two world champions plus Marwan Al Shaqab, the highest achieving Arabian horse in the history of the breed with 3 World Championships to his name.   We saw the Riding Academy (which is open to the public for a nominal fee), the Royal viewing box, the dressage stables, the indoor/outdoor arenas, the breeding and show center, the show jumping stables, the veterinary clinic, the horse’s swimming pool, jacuzzis and more. It was mind blowing….

We left with great regret the following day. The people of this delightful city were so friendly and so quick to help if you had questions. The hospitality at the hotels and restaurants was nonpareil. The building explosion keeps the skyline constantly changing. Education City, which is a passion of the former Emir’s beautiful wife Sheikha Mozah, is now being built. It will house more than 40 of the leading universities from around the world including Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, Cornell Medical, Texas A & M and more. Clearly, this is a city on the move and we were so honored to be there for its exciting beginnings.

The Chicago Tribune hosted an exciting launch party for Blue Sky Innovation, its premium website and newsletter aimed at the growing community of innovation-minded professionals in the Chicago area on January 29. The party, held at River East hotspot Cicchetti, was packed with supporters who came out to hear about this new exciting venture from Tribune Media Group that officially launched on October 16 with United Airlines as its exclusive presenting sponsor. Chicago Tribune editor Gerould (Gerry) Kern and VP/Associate editor Joycelyn Winnecke welcomed the crowd and shared their enthusiasm for this latest venture. “As we move beyond the Great Recession, a new economy is emerging in Chicago. It is being created inside Chicago’s business incubators, by small-business entrepreneurs, in large companies that are reinventing themselves, in university research centers and other public and private ventures. Conveying the vitality, energy and drama of Chicago in the 21^st century is one of our most important goals at the Chicago Tribune. Today the Tribune launches Blue Sky Innovation, a new premium digital site to keep you up to speed with this scene and serve the needs of innovation-minded professionals across the Chicago area,” said Kern. Blue Sky will be offered on www.ChicagoTribune.com with a sampling of its content appearing in
the Chicago Tribune print edition in the Monday business section. Its first Innovator’s Series will feature a conversation with entrepreneur/investor Mark Cuban and Blue Sky reporter James Janega on March 6 at the Merchandise Mart. (click here for tickets). (Party photos by Megan Bearder, www.MeganBearder.com )

Have you experienced the The Dinner Party yet? If not, you are missing something very special! The Dinner Party is a completely new and different kind of show, and the brain child of fabulous host Elysabeth Alfano. On the show, Alfano invites three national or Chicago celebs and a known chef to a dinner party. Over food, wine, chocolate, Twitter and a few impromptu performances, the unscripted conversations flow! Filmed live and streaming live, the audience is a part of the party and live filming at Chicago City Winery. In addition to the live show, audience members enjoy large tastings of the chef’s appetizer and entrées, a wine pairing from City Winery, and Vosges Chocolate. Audience members twitter in questions for the stage guests making this one big, interactive dinner party. And as you know, the best conversations happen over dinner. An original option for Valentine’s Day!   Join the next Dinner Party on February 17th with Chef Tim Graham of Travelle, Lookingglass Artistic Director, Andy White, Improviser Susan Messing, architect Jordan Mozer and host Elysabeth Alfano. Anna Fermin is the opening act and, in addition to the great food provided Chef Graham and Vosges Chocolate have a special Valentine’s Day treat for all who attends!! (For tickets and more info, click here!)

Every year I look forward to the Stanley Paul Foundation event. Established in 1990, this foundation has awarded more than a quarter of a million dollars in scholarships for tuition to college students studying Fashion Design in honor of Stanley’s beloved sister Raelene Mittelman, who loved fashion and had a strong wish to assist in the education of its students. On Wednesday, April 23 at The Casino, the tables will be turned and the maestro himself will be honored! Stanley Paul is a fitting choice since 2014 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Foundation as well as the 50th anniversary of Stanley’s musical impact on Chicago. Here’s looking at you kid! I can’t wait to toast YOU and all you do for so many! (For tickets and more info, contact the Apparel Industry Board, Inc. at aibi@aibi.com ).

Arthur Murray presents “Dancing with Chicago Celebrities” on March 7 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive. This 9th annual “Pink Carpet Premiere” raises funds for the fight against breast cancer. All net proceeds will be donated to the Northwestern Memorial Foundation. The star-studded line-up will include Ravi Baichwal (ABC 7), Aly Bockler (WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning”), Daniella Guzman (NBC-5), and Reid Simpso, former NFL player. (For tickets and more info, click here)!

Michigan Avenue Magazine scored another cover coup with beautiful “True Detective” star Michelle Monaghan appearing on front of their winter issue! The party, held at Rockit Bar & Grill, was hosted by Mich Mag’s president/publisher Dan Uslan and editor-in-chief JP Anderson. Belvedere Vodka cocktails were flowing as the guest mixed and mingled with the beautiful covergirl. The event was also supported by Bob Loquercio Auto Group. Congrats to all!

Join the party at Howells & Hood on February 22nd for Mingle for Myeloma hosted by MMRF Chicago Young Professional’s Group. The evening will include cocktails (courtesy of Wirtz Beverage Group) and hors d’oeuvres plus a silent auction. All proceeds from this event go to benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). The MMRF strives to find new treatments, and ultimately a cure for a rare and fatal blood cancer called multiple myeloma. My dear friend Misty Callahan recently lost her mom to MM so I hope you will come out to help fight this deadly disease that affects so many loved ones. Admission tickets, $55, will be available online until 2/15. After, price will increase to $65. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door, $75, the night of the event. (Info and tix here)!

Just what we all need right NOW! The Chicago Flower & Garden Show will celebrate spring with its “Evening in Bloom” opening event on Friday, March 14 inside Navy Pier’s Festival Hall. Nina and Bob Mariano will co-chair the evening that will include musical entertainment, cocktails, tastings and sweet treats. The show, themed “Do Green. Do Good“, will benefit several local nonprofits. (For more info, visit www.chicagoflower.com)

NBC 5’s Natalie Martinez recently married her long-time sweetheart, Flavio Fama, in the Florida Keys with 50 of their closest friends in attendance. They honeymooned in Key West. These lovebirds met in the Turks & Caicos in 2002 and their first date was at a friend’s wedding in Costa Rica! Long may you love Natalie and Flavio! (Cue the music and release the doves!)

This one is for my friends down south….the St. Louis Boat and Sportshow will begin on Wednesday February 26 at America’s Center & Edward Jones Dome (701 Convention Center Plaza). Duck Dynasty’s John Godwin will join the show on Saturday, March 1; craft beer tastings from Anchors & Ales will be on Friday, February 28, kayak and paddleboard indoors at Paddler’s Party Cove; take scuba diving lessons in the “Be a Diver” pool; learn the latest techniques in fishing at the Outdoor Classroom; let the kids loose in Kids’ Cove and, last but not least, enjoy the new and antique and classic boats on display. The show runs through Sunday, March 2. (www.StLouisBoatShow.com)

The “Hope Through Caring” Award Dinner will benefit the ALS Foundation (Lou Gehrig’s disease) on Saturday, March 15, at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. Randy Green, president First Bank of Highland Park, will serve as chairperson and the event will honor Harvey Gaffen, president of the board for the Les Turner ALS Foundation. The evening will include a silent and live auction plus a Judith Ripka jewelry bar.

This year, “Tickled Pink” will partner with “Bright Pink” for a fun-filled evening of fundraising!   Tickled Pink was founded in 2005 by Jodi Fyfe in honor of her cousin Carrie who lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 35. Bright Pink, founded by Lindsay Avner, is the only national non-profit focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. Join these two powerhouses on Friday, February 28 at Block 37, 108 N. State, from 7- 12 pm. (For tickets, $125, and more info click here!)

The second annual Blue & White 2014 Party will be held on Thursday, March 6, to benefit Imerman’s Angels! Join founder Jonny Imerman and his “Angel Mentors” as they celebrate another great year of providing free one-on-one support to cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers at John Barleycorn, 149 W. Kinzie St. from 7-10 pm. (Tickets are only $60!)

Thanks so much to WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning” for having me on this week to share my top event pics! I also got a chance to share some of my Doha, Qatar, trip highlights! It was truly a PARTEEE on this day since Amanda Puck, Matt Roan, Michi Marshall and Fabio Viviani were also on the show! Love this entertaining show and its beautiful co-hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow!

http://video.limelight.com/player/loader.swf

And, last but not least, a huge birthday hug to Beth Silverman, founder/owner of The Silverman Group! Friends and fans gathered at the LillStreet Loft to celebrate with her on her 50th birthday!! Love you Beth!

I have lots more news but you would probably need a pot of coffee to continue reading! Please join me next week when I’ll share more of the 411 on 312 with news of the movers, shakers and just plain cool!

Love, as always,

Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. How would you like to look like this at 82? Wowza! Love this eternal supermodel Carmen Dell’Orefice!

3 Comments

Filed under Travel, Web/Tech

November 4, 2013 · 12:42 pm

WINDY CITY CHIC: CHICAGO’S FASHION WEEK!

…PLUS JHIRMACK’S SILVER SISTERS; FRYE’S 150TH; ABOUT FACE THEATRE'S SUPPER CLUB GALA; LINDA AND DESIREE’S PUMP ROOM BASH; BETRAYAL’S CAST PARTY; ART INSTITUTE’S SNAP GALA; RADIO HALL OF FAME; F.A.M.E.; BEST BUDDIES; HALLOWEEN IN CHICAGO; FELIX MAG; AMIE’S BARBIE BASH; BEAUTIFUL BIRTHDAYS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Chicago is pulling ahead of the competition for the most fashionable city! One of the hottest events in town, Fashion Focus: Chicago’s Fashion Week (October 15th through 20th) was a citywide celebration of Chicago’s fashion industry
presented in conjunction with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and the Mayor’s office. Highlights during the week included a variety of runway shows in
Millennium Park showcasing the latest trends in menswear, emerging and established designers, shopping events and much more. “Fashion Focus is a great way to showcase our great city as well as highlight the achievements of talented, up-and-coming local designers,” said Mayor Emanuel. “I’m proud that Chicago is home to this
flourishing creative industry and look forward to continuing to cultivate its growth.” DCASE Commissioner Michelle T. Boone said, “This year, Fashion Focus highlighted fashion within the creative industries, emerging designers and menswear while still spotlighting Chicago’s top talent. The city has a vibrant fashion community that we want to share with the rest of world
and perhaps further enhance its status within the industry.” I say amen to that! The week kicked off on October 15th with Designer and Muse. Hosted by the City of Chicago and Michigan Avenue Magazine, the opening event partnered with local celebrities in the creative industries (music, culinary, film, theater and dance) with a
designer who created a look for his or her “muse” that was showcased throughout the evening. Pairings included Maria Pinto and Jeanne Gang (architecture), Azeeza Kahn and Alpana Singh (culinary), Shernett Swaby and Mindy Segal (culinary), and Diego Rocha and Naomi Beckwith (visual arts) among others. (The event was by invitation-only.) The following afternoon, designer Julius LaCour featured his
designs for women and men at Maison De LaCour Fashion Presentation. Luxury Management produced this event in the Chase Promenade North tent at Millennium Park that was free to the public. On October 16th, Fashion Focus: Taking it to the Streets could best be described by a quote from fashion icon Coco Chanel, when she
famously said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” This fashion extravaganza welcomed international designers Sarah Stevenson from Toronto Fashion Incubator and Christine Phung from the Atelier de Paris, an incubator program in the City of Light. Chicago
designers included Lagi Nadeau, Shelby Steiner Agnes Hamerlik, Randall Hill, Laura Takataka, Nicole Puszynski, J. Toor and Chicago Playground. On October 17th, the Urban Shapeshifters debuted in Chicago, focusing on menswear and featured local, national and international menswear designers J. Cheikh, Michelle Tan and Jack Cave
from Chicago, Brandon Scott from Los Angeles and Rana Rojo from Miami. In partnership with Chicago’s Gallery Aesthete, international designers participating included Boris Bidjan Saberi
from Barcelona, Ann Demeulemeester from Antwerp and Comme de Garcons from Tokyo and Paris. The Art of Fashion Runway Show returned for its sixth season presented by StyleChicago.com. This popular show featured 10 spring 2014 looks from 10 Chicago-based designers who included
Maria Pinto, Calvin Tran, Eva Pazola, Boris Powell, Lily & Migs, Michelle Tan, Mark Roscoe, Hector-Javier MonArrez, Shalini Sharma and Shernett Swaby. On October 19th, designers, industry professionals and fashion entrepreneurs were invited to network and share ideas during Industry Day at the Chicago Cultural Center. The day featured keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops that
advised attendees about the newest business strategies and trends in the fashion industry. Northern Grade, a new pop-up market in Millennium Park, brought menswear to the Chase Promenade South tent on the weekend of October 19th and 20th. (Northern
Grade is a mobile menswear market featuring vendors of products manufactured in the United States; items for sale include clothing, footwear, gear, games, paper goods, grooming supplies and much more.) During this weekend, Fashion Focus 2013 presented FashionChicago, the StyleChicago.com designer shopping event in Millennium Park. This shopping
extravaganza featured more than 30 of Chicago’s best apparel, jewelry and accessory designers and included AndreaGems, Anna Hovet, Archer Townsend, Atir Design, Barbara Keisman, Bourdage Pearls, Buckle Up Babe,
Brynn Capella, Calvin Tran, House of Gemmes, Jennifer Reeves Designs, Jules, K. Amato, Lil & Migs, Michelle Tan, Nade Baer, Nomadic Ant, Jewelry, Nora del Busto, Sevigne Atelier, She Beads, Shruti Kirti, Squasht by Les, Susan Elizabeth
Designs, Tongue Tied and 4 Tamara Nicole. Home to more than 400 local designers and 300 independent boutiques, Chicago boasts one of the most creative fashion communities in the country. Since 2006, the City of Chicago’s Fashion Initiative partners with the industry on resources and high-profile events for local designers and independent boutiques to gain visibility, learn about the business of fashion and elevate the industry. For more information on the City of Chicago’s Fashion Initiative and Fashion Focus: Chicago’s Fashion Week, visit www.fashionfocuschicago.org. Love our fashion forward city!

There is a movement afoot and it’s not a political one, though it inspires passion in those involved. As we baby boomers age, there is a dilemma among many women (and men) who are
afraid to embrace the natural aging process: The subject is whether or not to dye your hair. Author Diana Jewell wrote an interesting book on this topic titled, “Going Gray and Looking Great” and she also inspired
women from across the globe to come together as Jhirmack Silver Sisters to celebrate their commonality: keeping, enjoying and embracing their natural (silver) hair color. Chapters have formed
across the country – there are even some that reach as far away as New Zealand and Chile! – so obviously she’s on to something. I was thrilled when she came to Chicago for the first time to celebrate with like-minded women here. The two-day weekend began with a reception at Cite, a restaurant located 70 stories atop Lake Point
Tower. Overlooking breathtaking views of Chicago, the women snapped pics, shared secrets and enjoyed the camaraderie that comes naturally to this group of women who are aging gracefully, fearlessly and
beautifully. The following day began with a luncheon at the Marriott Courtyard Michigan Avenue. Glam L.A. stylist Arden Reece produced a seriously chic fashion show with day and evening looks from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue that wowed the crowd.
Makeup artist extraordinaire Marcus Geeter shared cosmetics tips that included 1) Use a pore minimizer before applying makeup (he liked The POREfessional by Benefit Cosmetics); 2) Use finely milled HD powders
(he likes one from ITCosmetics.com); 3) Use neutral or earth-tone eye shadows; 4) Use black mascara, a brush-on brow (and a gel fiber brow adds fullness); and 5) Use a highlighter on your cheeks, center of
forehead and chin (he likes Watt’s Up by Benefit Cosmetics). He also recommended Candid Candace coral lipstick by Camp Cosmetics…wink! 🙂 “The Sultan of Silver” George Bruno followed with chic hair demos showing the versatility of gray hair. I was proud to deliver the keynote speech. (Special thanks to Donna
LaPietra for my cool video, too)! A packed goody bag included awesome Jhirmack products (the event’s presenting sponsor) created especially for Silver Sisters!
(Thanks so much, Peter LaFleche!!!) After the festivities at the Marriott, we all boarded trolleys to Millennium Park where we performed the famous “Silver Sister Strut” while the television cameras rolled and photographers snapped. I’m proud to be a Silver Sister and can’t wait till they return to the Windy City! (Great pics by Amie Hana). (For more info about the Silver Sisters, visit their Facebook page here!)

Do you remember Frye boots? Back in the ‘70s, if you didn’t have a pair of these boots, you had no “cool.” Well, recently, The Frye Company – America’s oldest operating footwear
company – celebrated its 150th (WOW!) anniversary with a private party to celebrate the opening of its new Chicago location. The store featured a wide range of footwear and accessories, including the company’s anniversary capsule collection
of classic styles with details like stars and stripes and stone-washed finishes. The brand’s creative director Michael Petry was in attendance to mix and mingle with more than 300 fans. Guests sporting their Frye footwear included Amelia Eaton, Christopher Free, Jessica Moazami and Cait Weingartner. The playlist for the evening was provided by
DJ Matt Roan and also featured a live set by up-and-coming band Blondfire, all decked in Frye footwear. Their history and heritage is told in every stitch of every shoe they’ve made over the last 150 years, across cultural shifts and changes in
fashion for generation upon generation. On March 10, 1863, John A. Frye opened the doors of a small shop on Elm Street in Marlboro, Mass. This is where generations of Frye men would dedicate themselves to the art and craft of shoemaking, creating new patterns, discovering new materials and even inventing shoe-making
machinery. Now, Frye boots are accessorized and envied on city streets, worked and roughed up on country roads and chosen above all others for their inimitable style and uncompromising quality. I’m still a fan!

More than 100 guests traveled back to the exclusive underground society of the “Roaring Twenties” for About Face Theatre’s Black and Tan Supper Club on October 11th at the luxurious Stan Mansion, located at 2408 N.
Kedzie Ave. The “secret venue” was revealed to guests just one week prior to the event, creating a magical and mysterious throwback to Chicago’s “black and tan” nightclubs of the 1920’s. The swanky
supper club soiree raised nearly $40,000 for About Face Theatre programming, including its groundbreaking and acclaimed Youth Theatre, which creates a safe space for LGBTQA youth to tell their stories and create community. Guests
decked out in formal and festive attire sipped classic cocktails and enjoyed fine dining by J&L Catering. The evening’s hosts, AFT artistic associate Paul Oakley Stovall and New York performer Brad Simmons, entertained with 1920s jazz
standards including “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore”, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” and “Pennies From Heaven”. The duo were joined by special guest performers Meghan Murphy and fellow AFT artistic associates Scott
Bradley, John Francisco and Benjamin Sprunger; the Black and Tan Supper Club was co-chaired by Jim Andrews and Jason Held. About Face Theatre is one of Chicago’s most acclaimed theatre companies and is a national leader in the
development of new work exploring gender and sexual identity. Since its founding by Kyle Hall and Eric Rosen in 1995, the company has debuted more than 48 world premieres by writers and directors who have been recognized with several
Tony Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, The MacArthur Fellowship and dozens of Joseph Jefferson Awards. The About Face Youth Theatre (AFYT) was created in 1998 as a safe
space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning and allied young people to become activists and theatre-makers. Youth participants engage in a two-year
process of sharing stories, conducting interviews, writing a script and developing performances to create a full-length production that is produced in About Face Theatre’s mainstage season. (Photos by Timmy Samuel.)

Linda and Desiree threw a party and EVERYONE came! On October 30th, the Pump Room Chicago was filled to bursting with excited chatter and fashionable ladies for an exclusive women’s only event to
celebrate “Life, Love & Beauty”. The party was hosted by Linda Johnson Rice (chairman of Johnson Publishing), Desiree Rogers (CEO of Johnson Publishing), Mitzi Miller (editor-in-chief of Jet Magazine) and Fashion Fair Cosmetics. The evening also premiered a short film, “Say Yes” by Sundance Award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay, which
celebrates women of color and encourages them to embrace their individual beauty and embrace what it means to “say yes” to life’s possibilities. Inspired by Fashion Fair, the film is described as “highlighting beautiful women of all hues
and ages who explore the power of the affirmative.” I invited my dear friend Paul Iacono, who is one good sport: I didn’t realize it was women-only until we arrived! LOL but luckily, I convinced him to stay and
he turned out to be a highlight for a lot of the ladies as they snapped pics with him throughout the evening. During the cocktail party, guests had the opportunity to sample Fashion Fair products, receive personal makeovers
by talented make-up artists, listen to music by glam celebrity DJ Kiss and mix and mingle with some of the most beautiful, diverse and accomplished women of Chicago. Special guests included actress Drew Sidora, actress/singer/songwriter Michelle Williams and ever popular female
impersonator Chilli Pepper. During the course of the evening, a dramatic tribute sculptural portrait, commissioned by fashion designer Barbara Bates, was presented to Linda. Created by artist Debra Hand, the piece represented Mrs. Eunice Johnson on her historic journey to change fashion history. Debra explained that Mrs. Johnson took Linda along with her on buying trips to Europe when she visited the top designers’
showrooms. The Eiffel Tower in the piece represents those trips and Mrs. Johnson’s influence on the international fashion industry. In the artwork, a young Linda stands atop a hat box marked with the initials “FF” which
represents the Fashion Fair legacy Mrs. Johnson built and the foundation upon which Linda now stands as she continues the work started by her mother. Photos include Mrs. Johnson sitting in the front row of a European fashion show, working with models, speaking with designers such as Yves St. Laurent, Fashion Fair
Cosmetics, and Linda with her mother and quotes from both. There are also international postage stamps denoting her travels as well as one that bears the photo of Linda’s father, John H. Johnson. The title of the piece is “Family Recipes” and it was AWE-INSPIRING! It was a very touching moment when it was unveiled for Linda. When Paul and I left, the place
was still jumping and I saw lots of ladies doing the “wobble” to a hot DJ Kiss mix. (I wish I could learn this darn dance…it looked so cool!) Anyway, congrats Linda on an amazing life…can’t wait to see where you take us next! (For Jet Magazine info, click here and for Fashion Fair product info, click here!)

All the stars aligned at the Dana Hotel in River North recently for a cast party for “Betrayal”, the hot new series that recently debuted on ABC-7. Guests joined
hosts from “Windy City Live” to mix and mingle with cast members who included James Cromwell, Henry Thomas, Stuart Townsend and Hannah Ware. Set and filmed in Chicago and billed as part thriller/part romance, the series centers around photographer
Sara Hanley (played by Hannah Ware) who is married to prosecutor Drew Stafford (played by Chris J. Johnson). A chance meeting between Hannah and Jack McAllister
(played by Stuart Townsend) leads to an instant attraction that becomes complicated and dangerous. The show also features Wendy Moniz, Elizabeth McLaughlin and Braeden Lemasters. (To see ALL of the fab fotos by Mila Samokhina, please visit my Chicago Now blog here!)

The Art Institute of Chicago’s Department of Photography hosted Snap: The 5th Photography Benefit Gala on October 19th in the museum’s Modern Wing. This year’s event celebrated the museum’s encyclopedic
permanent collection of photography with proceeds contributing to the Photography Gala Fund, the largest single source of acquisitions support for photography at the Art
Institute. This fund has helped make possible landmark purchases of work by André Kertész, Richard Misrach, Daido Moriyama and Ed Ruscha, among others. The event was
co-chaired by Meredith Bluhm Wolf and Dia S. Weil. The gala began in the Art Institute’s fine-dining restaurant Terzo Piano with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a stunning nighttime view of Chicago’s skyline. Popular at previous Snap galas, guests once again had the opportunity to get their photo snapped in classic photo booths and
sets depicting famous images. A seated dinner of locally grown, seasonal fare followed in the Modern Wing’s Griffin Court with an innovative setting designed by INDO, a Chicago-based design and fabrications firm
specializing in site-specific installations created with recycled and repurposed materials. Following dinner, a live auction of photography sessions by internationally renowned photographers including Moyra Davey, Abelardo
Morell, Jason Salavon, Tony Tasset and James Welling was conducted by Alexander Gilkes of Phillips. The photography collection began in 1949 with the gift of nearly 250 photographs by Alfred Stieglitz and his circle. The Stieglitz Collection, along with the Julien Levy Collection of surrealist and
avant-garde works, gave the museum core strength in early 20th-century photography from the United States and Europe. With approximately 22,000 objects, the present collection is encyclopedic in scope. (To learn more, click here.)

For more than 90 years, radio has educated, entertained and inspired us. To honor this important medium, the Museum of Broadcast Communications is hosting the 2013 National Radio Hall Fame Gala on November 9th at the
museum (located at 360 N. State St.) beginning at 6 p.m. Hosted by broadcast icon Larry King with entertainment by country star Reba McIntire, the 2013 class of inductees range from a dynamic and trend setting team that changed Chicago’s radio landscape to
one of the most respected play-by-play voices in baseball. Radio’s daring duo Steve Dahl and Garry Meier have been honored with an award but the jury is still out whether or not Dahl will attend. Charley Steiner, a current member of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ play-by-play team, is also an honoree. For tickets ($350 and up), call 312.245.8200.

Embrace your incomparable, unique style sense and join event producer/photographer Amie Hana and restaurateur Vincent Tan for “Barbie
in Chicago” on November 9th at Block 37 for an unforgettable evening of fun, great food, cocktails, fashion show, live entertainment and more! Emcees are Jillian Conley (author of “Dating Chase Walker”) and Jeff Conway (former producer for NBC5’s “24/7 Chicago”). There will be musical performances by De’Borah from
“The Voice” and international performing artist Divalicious Jovie Calma. The Benjamin Cottrell-produced fashion show will feature designs by Eileen Fisher, Borris Powell and Mark Roscoe Designs. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Dress For Success, which provides clothing for job interviews to low-income women. For tickets and more info, click here.

Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment (F.A.M.E.) will present its second fashion show – An Evening of Glamour – on November 20th beginning at 7 p.m. at Studio 3G, located at 1017 W. Washington. Guests will enjoy a champagne reception with hors d’oeuvres and Lily’s Talent Agency models. Hosted by B96’s Showbiz Shelly, the event will feature evening wear by Anna Fong, Lauren Lein, Nathalie Loma and Victor Miller. Proceeds will benefit young Chicagoland performing artists with financial aid and mentorship. For tickets and more info, click here or contact tommy@famechicago.com.

The Best Buddies Illinois Gala will take place on November 22nd at the Four Seasons Hotel. My friend Simona Garcia described the good work that they do: “I joined the Best Buddies board earlier this year and have been impressed with everything they do in terms of creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships and offering integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It was founded in
1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver. In our state, Best Buddies serves about 6,000 students in 84 middle schools, high schools and colleges and the adult programs serve about 500 individuals annually.” Great cause Simona and I hope everyone will join you at the gala! For more info, visit www.bestbuddiesillinois.org.

HUGE congrats are in order for Tails in the City on its largest Halloween Pet Parade to date! This year, more than 250 dogs participated in this furry fun that also raised money for PAWS Chicago! Congrats to Bruce Haas and Philip Emigh on another great event – can’t wait to see what you have in store for next year!

And speaking of this spooky holiday, Boystown’s legendary Halloween Parade on North Halsted went under the big top this year for a twisted take on
the circus theme. Now in its 17th year, this beloved annual event kicked off at 8 p.m. on Halloween with spectators and costumed revelers lining North Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison. The parade route was filled
with circus sideshows ranging from acrobats to aerialists and fire-eaters to freaks. New this year was the crowning of costume contest winners before the parade start. Winners in each of the five categories (drag, group, original, scariest and pet) were then invited to ride a float through the parade route. They also
received prize packages valued at more than $2,000 that included gift certificates to local businesses and overnight getaways. The Halsted Halloween Parade is
sponsored by the Northalsted Business Alliance and draws thousands of participants and spectators to the Lakeview neighborhood. (Thanks to Bill Pritchard of ChicagoPride.com for this info with photos by Anthony Meade. This website is THE go-to-place for all LGTB news and events! To see more of these creative costumes, click here!)

Special thanks to Felix Magazine and Jessica George for choosing me for a Style Icon feature! I’m thrilled and grateful! I shot at the historic Glessner House Museum with talented L.A. lensman Isaac Alvarez, who’s as funny as he is cool.

Birthday shout-outs to dear friends Marissa Rudman, Michaela Parrillo and Jan Flanagan! Marissa celebrated her big 5-0 in grand style at Studio Paris and Michaela and Jan partied the night
away with friends at Tavern on Rush. Three elegant women who are as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside…happy birthday to ALL!

Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition! Please send any news my way and I’ll try to add it next time. Also, if you would like to advertise on Candid Candace or Watch312.com, please let me know! 🙂

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Want a perfect pet portrait or, for that matter, a personal one? Well, look no further than photographer Paul Sherman! This wonderful artist has been in the business for years and is TERRIFIC! I’ve shot with him many times (he did my last cover for TCW Mag!) and I highly recommend him. For more info, call (773) 886-9501. Here’s lookin’ at you, kid!

2 Comments

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

October 23, 2013 · 10:13 am

THE CHICAGO HUMANITIES FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 24 YEARS

…PLUS JOFFREY’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS; COSTUME COUNCIL’S DECADES LUNCHEON; JACK AND THE GREEN COAT GALA; A NEW ONLINE ART RESOURCE; PAUL STUART'S RAT PACK; PATRICK SHARP SUITS UP FOR ZEGNA; JANE MONZURES’ LIVE.LOVE.LIFE; JUBALEE!; URBAN LEAGUE’S FELLOWSHIP DINNER; SUSAN G. KOMEN PAINTS IT PINK; DIFFA’S DINING BY DESIGN AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) held its annual Gala Benefit on October 2nd at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago with more than 350 of Chicago’s civic, corporate and cultural leaders in attendance. In keeping with the theme “ANIMAL: What Makes Us Human”, the ballroom was transformed into an animal-
embellished sanctuary. Tables featured animal print runners and floral arrangements adorned with peacock and pheasant feathers, all created by Flower Firm. Attendees enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner provided by the Four Seasons, which
included a dessert sampling with edible chocolate tigers and giraffes in homage to the theme. After dinner, the Chicago Humanities Festival recognized Robert R. McCormick Foundation for its strong commitment to the humanities and its long-standing partnership
with CHF. Current CHF Board Chair Bill Fraumann presented the honor to President and Chief Executive Officer David D. Hiller. “We were delighted to be part of that very special evening,” said David D. Hiller. “We have had a long and fruitful partnership, supporting educational efforts and
celebrating those things that, in the words of this year’s festival, make us human and humane.” Following the first award presentation, CHF saluted three key academic partners: Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois, who
were honored as vital partners in CHF’s mission to bring renowned pioneers and thinkers in literature, history, science, politics, art, and music to the festival. Audience members enjoyed a video that featured interviews from key leaders at each of the universities, as well as CHF
Executive Director Phillip Bahar and Artistic Director Matti Bunzl, and highlighted the respective campuses. President Morton Schapiro (Northwestern University), President Robert J. Zimmer (University of Chicago) and President Robert A. Easter (University
of Illinois) received the award from Bill Fraumann on behalf of their respective universities. “To have the three university presidents together at one time with David Hiller from the McCormick Foundation marked an extraordinary moment in the Chicago Humanities Festival’s 24 year history,” said CHF Artistic Director Matti Bunzl. “We were honored to have the
opportunity to give our collective thanks to these longstanding partners.” Attendees were then treated to a video about Stages, Sights and Sounds, which documented the annual international theater festival for students, families, and theatergoers of any age. The video featured interviews with artists, cultural leaders and students who attended performances
this past May. Following the video, three teachers from Schubert Elementary spoke about their personal experience with the Stages, Sights and Sounds program and the positive impact it has had on their students. “It has been said that education is not about filling a pail, it’s about lighting the fire,” said Juana Miranda, a third grade bilingual
teacher from Schubert. “Thank you for providing my students with the opportunity to experience the arts, and for striking the match. Closing out the night, CHF Gala Benefit co-chair Allegra Biery introduced the singers from
the Ryan Opera Center, who performed several musical theater and operatic songs under the direction of Andreas Mitisek, General Director of Chicago Opera Theater. The Gala Benefit was co-chaired by Allegra Biery (senior vice president of Northern Trust) and R. Scott Falk (partner at Kirkland & Ellis). The evening raised more than $640,000 to advance CHF’s mission to create opportunities for
people of all ages to support, enjoy and explore the humanities. Specifically, more than $120,000 was raised during the paddle raise, lead by CHF board member Cheryl Harris and auctioneer extraordinaire Greg Dellinger, which will support CHF’s First Time for a Lifetime (TM) education and outreach initiatives, which enhance student attendance, teacher development and education resources. The Chicago Humanities Festival began in 1989 as a
dream shared by a determined group of Chicago’s cultural leaders eager to extend the riches of the humanities to everyone. Since that first year, some of the world’s most exciting thinkers, artists and performers have come to Chicago each fall for a festival that celebrates ideas in the context of civic life. (For more info, click here.)

The Joffrey Ballet’s 8th Annual Couture & Cocktails was held recently at Park West with nearly 300 enthusiastic supporters. Co-chaired by Sonya Jackson and Kathleen Henson, this glamorous fall
fashion event featured a coalition of couture and dance with a dramatic runway show that presented designer selections from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Produced by ZZAZZ Productions’ Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, the 40-minute show featured more than 40 looks with mini-performances interspersed by Joffrey Academy of Dance students.
For the first time in the event’s history, the breathtaking fashions were presented through sophisticated dance interpretations of the 2013 season including the hit La Bayadere (now at the Auditorium Theatre thru 10/27), Episode 31, Romeo
and Juliet, Russian Masters and The Nutcracker. The dancers sparkled on the runway wearing dramatic costumes from these productions and Joffrey dancer Fabrice Calmels surprised and wowed the crowd with his
own runway walk wearing a Tom Ford tuxedo for the finale. Prior to the show, new executive director Greg Cameron and artistic director Ashley Wheater joined Jackson and Henson onstage to share heartfelt
remarks about the mission of the Joffrey and its work throughout the country. And, with a nod to televised fashion events and awards shows, glam co-hosts Sonya and Kathleen were spotted throughout the evening in three wardrobe changes modeling various designers
from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Neiman’s Wendy Krimins and Tina Koegel were in attendance and very thrilled with the night’s action! Former C & C featured designer Pamella Roland added couture power flying in several evening gowns for the event. A digital live
auction that included couture and cocktail themed packages rounded out the evening before guests took to the dance floor with the Joffrey dancers. The event raised nearly $200K to advance the mission and support Joffrey programming in Chicago and beyond. For more info on the Joffrey and performance schedules, visit www.Joffrey.org. (To view ALL pics, please click here!)

The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum hosted a group of 35 members and their guests at the Four Seasons Chicago on October 11th for a luncheon and presentation by vintage guru Cameron Silver and author
of the recently released fashion history book “Decades: A Century of Fashion”. After their meal, guests enjoyed an exclusive preview of the Decades Trunk Show at space519. Decades is the
vintage and haute consignment retailer in Los Angeles, acclaimed for its collection of designer clothing and accessories dating from the 1920’s to today. Known for their discerning eye, co-owners Silver and Christos Garkinos and their teams oversee the acquisition of an edited selection of authentic vintage treasures and future
collectibles. Their clientele in Los Angeles includes celebrities such as Julianne Moore, Selma Blair and Charlize Theron (among many others) who not only shop their collections but also sell to the store. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum. (Photos by Robert Kusel.)

The world’s greatest golf champion Jack Nicklaus will headline the Western Golf Association’s third annual Green Coat Gala to benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation on November 6th at The Peninsula
Chicago, located at 108 E. Superior St. The winner of 18 major championships, two Western Open titles and the Western Amateur Championship, Nicklaus will take the stage after dinner and chat with longtime friend, two-time U.S. Open
champion and ESPN lead golf analyst Andy North. This black-tie event is expected to raise more than $600,000 to help fund college scholarships for deserving golf caddies. Volunteer event chairs are Sharyl and Mike Mackey. The evening also will feature current University of Illinois Evans Scholar Mark Abtahi, who will share his personal experience of how the Evans
Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity for young golf caddies. The Evans Scholars Program is one of golf’s favorite charities and is country’s largest privately sponsored scholarship program providing full tuition and housing. For more information, visit www.wgaesf.org.

“Art is a reflection of personality and therefore it should be the center of attention in any room,” said designer and art curator Irena Feldman, who recently launched a unique online service that is designed to make art more accessible. DecArte is an online art database that allows people the option to rent artwork before buying.
With years of experience in the interior design world, Irina felt like this was a natural progression for her business. “The rental option allows people to start their art journey without risk, all the while from the comfort of their own home,” said Feldman. She even offers an art personality quiz to help you find the piece that's right for you from a worldwide selection of artists. Fear no art and click here for more info!

More than 150 guests recently celebrated the Rat Pack in conjunction with luxury men’s clothier Paul Stuart and Esquire magazine. The event commemorated a special in-store exhibit from Reel Art Press, honoring the
legendary clique that defined life in the fast lane throughout the late fifties and early sixties. The Gold Coast location showcased an exhibit of original, limited-edition, signed images created by a select group of photogs including Sid Avery
and Bob Willoughby who captured the Rat Pack in their heyday. In conjunction with the event, Paul Stuart is also offering the collectable photographic book titled “The Rat Pack” (referred to by the L.A. Times as ‘the
Rolls Royce of Sinatra memorabilia’). This deluxe master edition is a limited, numbered edition of 2,250 published by Reel Art Press retails for $950. Guests
enjoyed signature Rat Pack-era drinks such as Manhattans, martinis and Prosecco, as well as a selection of hors d’oeuvres that included New York strip medallions topped with artichoke and black truffle mouse, lobster thermidor,
and (of course!) mini cherry pies. The sounds of Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin filled the boutique, thanks to Myles Hayes and his trio. Notable attendees included Stanley Wozniak, Jessica Moazami, Paul
Arnow of Black Label, Herb Stokes of The Affluence Group, Alayna Crenshaw of Pomellato, Stephanie Degen, Hugh Mallaney of Illinois Mechanical Sales, stylist Naima Naito, and Joseph Baldassare & Tony Nourmand of Reel Art Press.

Dressed in Ermenegildo Zegna Couture, Stanley Cup Champion and Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp hosted a private event to celebrate the store’s new design on the
Mag Mile with nearly 200 friends and fans. Clad in Zegna were DJ Michaelangelo L’Acqua, Saam Hagshenas and Jonathan Marks of the local band Hey Champ. DJ Michaelangelo provided the lively beats throughout the store and the Hey Champ duo performed a live set for the well-dressed crowd. Created by Zegna’s in-house
architects, the Chicago store design is based on the creative concept developed by architect Peter Martino for the Zegna global store in Milan. With the addition of a second level, the store now covers over 4,300 square
feet of space. Seen on the scene were Hawks players Brandon Bollig and Michael Kostka, Jerry Azumah, Eric Ferguson, Jon Harris, Stefan Holt, Chef Bill Kim, Saira Cooper, "Check Please!"Catherine De Orio and Alicia Roman. (Photos by Daniel Boczarski and Barry Breicheisen courtesy of Zegna).

Join WGN “Living Healthy Chicago” host Jane Monzures for Live, Love, Life on November 2nd at the Museum of Broadcast Communications to benefit the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Department of Neurology and the Feinberg School of Medicine for research of rare degenerative brain diseases. Jane recently lost her beloved mom, Barbara, to this disease and she hopes you'll join her for this event to celebrate her life and support a great cause! Click here for tickets ($125) or to make a donation.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel will receive this year’s JUBA! award from the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP), the world’s first year-round presenter of American tap dance and contemporary percussive arts, on October 28th on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion Stage in Millennium Park. CHRP’s annual gala, JUBALEE! supports performance, education and
community programs that reach more than 20,000 people every year. This special evening will be hosted by broadcast legend and civic leader Bill Kurtis. Past JUBA! Award honorees included Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Bill Irwin, former Mayor Rich Daley, Maggie Daley, Ted and Susan Oppenheimer, Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra. The evening will include performances by CHRP’s resident ensemble BAM!, the Greg Spero Trio, youth from the Bronzeville Lighthouse Charter School and other special guests. For tickets to JUBALEE ($150, $250 and $500), contact Catherine Painter at CPainter@chicagotap.org or 312-542-2477 ext. 203, or visit chicagotap.org.

Philanthropists Ann Lurie (president of Lurie Holdings and of the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Foundation) and Dolores Kohl (president and CEO of the Dolores Kohl Children’s Museum) will be honored at UNICEF’s 3rd annual Chicago Humanitarian Awards Luncheon on October 25th at the
Ritz-Carlton. Co-chaired by Susan Schmitt and Susan Sholl, the luncheon will also showcase The Eliminate Project, UNICEF’s global campaign to rid the world of maternal and neonatal tetanus, a deadly disease that steals the lives of nearly 60K newborns and a significant number of women each year in 26 countries. For tickets ($65) and more info, click here.

Susan G. Komen recognized Chicago’s fight against breast cancer on October 16th by honoring Dr. Funmi Olopade at a reception with some of Chicago’s top business leaders. The evening kicked off with a lighting of the LaSalle Street Bridge in the color pink to
mark October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Olopade is an international leader in cancer genetics, seeking personalized treatments for the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. Much of her work is focused on women in
Chicago, where discrepancies in breast cancer mortality rates between African American women and white women are among the highest in the country. “African American women in Chicago are more than twice as likely to die of breast cancer compared to
white women,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder and chair of global strategy for Komen. “This is stunning. And it is a clear sign that we have work to do in ensuring that every woman has access to education, screening and treatment.” To date, Susan G. Komen has invested more than $17 million
dollars into research in Illinois through 74 different grants. And since 1997, the Chicagoland affiliate has granted more than $13.5 million dollars toward community-based efforts
here in Chicago. The evening’s event was graciously underwritten by Howard Bernick and raised $215,000 that will go directly towards breast cancer research and Chicago community initiatives. Guests in attendance to mark the second annual bridge lighting included co-chairs Janet and Craig Duchossois, Lisa and Jeff Aronin and Catherine Perez; guests Ann
and John Barney, Eve and Rich Biller, Nancy Brinker, Dennis Carlin, Nora Daley and Sean Conroy, Bonnie Gordon, Andrea Herenton, Leslie Hindman, Jeff Jacobs, Carol and Larry Levy, Wade Miquelon, Harriette and Ted Perlman, Michael Perlow, John and Colette Rau, Stephen Schwartz, Robin Loewenberg and Mark Tebbe and Beth and Bruce White. (For info about this much-needed organization, please click here.)

Don’t miss the 52nd annual Golden Fellowship dinner, “The Power of Opportunity: Moving Chicago Forward”, presented by the Chicago Urban League on November 9th at the Hilton Chicago. The event, co-chaired by E. Scott Santi and Gregory Wasson, will be hosted by beloved comedian Damon Williams and feature the O’Jays! Honorees for 2014 are Reverend Jesse Jackson and Louis Gossett, Jr. For tickets, ($600) and more info, click here.

The Society of Architectural Historians will present awards for excellence at its upcoming gala on November 9th at The Casino (195 E. Delaware Place). The theme of the gala, “A Century of Progress: 1913-2013” recognizes the changes in the urban landscape over the past 100 years and will honor Adrian Smith & Gordon Gill Architecture, Judith Paine McBrien (The Archimedia Workshop), Blair Kamin (Chicago Tribune’s Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic) along with Zoe Ryan, Alison Fisher and Karen Kice of the Department of Architecture and Design at the Art Institute of Chicago. For tickets ($150) and more info, click here.

The International Beethoven Project (IBP) welcomed over 250 guests including Honorary Chairman Richard H. Driehaus and Inese Driehaus, for its Masquerade of LOVE, the opening night ball for Beethoven Festival:
LOVE 2013. Held at the Merit School of Music on September 7th, the event benefitted IBP, a Chicago-based non-profit dedicated to the promotion of revolutionary culture, inspired by the music and life of Ludwig van
Beethoven. IBP Founder, President and Artistic Director George Lepauw announced at the Masquerade that the organization met The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation’s previously announced $100,000 challenge grant, resulting in a
total of more than $200,000 for the organization and its ambitious Beethoven Festival programming. This is the largest matching grant
the Driehaus Foundation has ever made to a performing arts organization. The 2013 Benefit Chairs were Erika R. Knierim and Christine Rosso. Additional distinguished guests included Merit School of Music President Duffie Adelson; architect Lucien Lagrange; Alliance Française de
Chicago Board President Hervé de la Vauvre; Abe and Angela Thompson; Chicago Intercollegiate Council CEO and Chairman Conrad Miczko; Jim and Joan Shapiro; and gallerists Sven Asmus and Arica Hilton. The IBP’s mission is accomplished through the presentation of an
annual Beethoven Festival, concerts, mixed media exhibits, lectures, the production of recordings and films, the commissioning of new music and art, publications and educational outreach in schools and universities, as well as in nontraditional venues. The
unconventional and multidisciplinary Beethoven Festival was inspired by concert pianist and Founding Artistic Director George Lepauw’s cultural explorations of Paris, London, Beijing and New York. (For more info, click here.) (Photos by Charles Osgood and Paul Crisanti.)

Delectable dishes, daring designs and magnificent tablescapes! DIFFA/Chicago’s 2013 DINING BY DESIGN titled “Beauty and the Feast” is set to take “wow” to the next level from November 7th through 9th. Guests will enjoy masterpieces in richly designed tablescapes by top designers and delicious tastings by renowned local chefs from Henri, Embeya, Piccolo Sogno and more at the Merchandise Mart, 8th Floor. During this time, DIFFA/Chicago will offer the public two distinct ways in which to enjoy this popular event beginning with a public viewing, EYE CANDY on November 8th (tickets are $10), followed by POP UP, Table Hop & Taste on November 8th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Tickets start at $40.) For tickets and more info, call 312.644.6412.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of Candid Candace! And if you missed my Sunday Chicago Tribune column, click here for fab photos from the Art Institute of Chicago’s Auxiliary Board Masquerade Ball co-chaired
by Toni Canada, Roxy Goebel, Jade Newburn, Matt Pettinelli and Steve Somogyi! Leslie Hindman Auctioneers’ Corbin Horn was a stand-out with his face paint inspired by surrealist artist Rene Magritte!

I also hope you have a very happy Halloween! We can’t WAIT to spend time back in Old Town with friends Lucy, Steve and Isabel Weiss at their “spooktacular” home on Menomonee on All Hallows’ Eve! BOO!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Here’s another great event for Halloween hosted by The Cure It Foundation’s Junior Board on October 26th! Monster Masque will be held at the St. Germaine School (located at 9734 S. Kolin Ave. in Oak Lawn) and will feature great costumes, music, haunted house, raffle and fab food. The party is fun for the whole family and will support kids touched by childhood cancer.

Leave a comment

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

October 15, 2013 · 8:43 am

PRIMO CLASSICO BR’ITALIA’S FAST CARS AND KIND STARS

…PLUS AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS GALA; THE LANGHAM CHICAGO’S GRAND OPENING; DANCING WITH THE GIORDANO STARS; HALLOWEEN PARTY PICKS; A BIG NIGHT FOR ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL; WCIU SHOWS CAMP LOVE; CIARA PARTY AT LUMEN; ELDA’S NEW SPOT; AKIRA’S SUPERSONIC BOOM; NINA AND BOB’S 12TH; NEW WATCH312 VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

I knew this wasn’t going to be easy but I had no idea how difficult moving could be. Sadly, now I know and I feel like it’s taken years off our lives. We downsized to a beautiful condo – albeit one smaller than our former home – so I expected to be surrounded by packing boxes for a while but I didn’t realize that I wasn’t going to be able to find anything even with perfectly labeled boxes. It took me three days to find my underwear (I know, too much info, but it’s true) and I still can’t find Chuck’s files nor can I locate our CDs. A little Cole Porter with wine right now would certainly do us a lot of good! Thank goodness for my stepson, Charley Jordan, or else we would still be breaking down boxes for recycling! Paul Gonzalez, who is a dear friend, was our designer for our house on Menomonee and he is lending his magic here at our new place…and it’s actually beginning to look like a smaller (more manageable) version of our old house. Most of my treasured antiques and artwork look even better here than they did before. Paul and I find ourselves continually saying, “Where was that? I don’t remember seeing this before”, etc. Chuck said it’s like Christmas all over again for me opening boxes with new/old treasures and, in a way, he’s right. We’re still overwhelmed but the pros far out way the cons as we enjoy this elegant building with friendly neighbors, a beautiful patio (which the dogs LOVE), a heated garage, doormen and so much more. The park across the street is an added bonus and it makes me feel like I’m living on the edge of Central Park. It’s a perfect location on a charming street and we’re anxious to make new friends in this wonderful part of Chicago. And even though I’m venting right now, once I find that underwear box, I’ll be golden.

The sky was Windex blue and the temperature was perfect for the annual Primo Classico, this year themed Br’Italia, to celebrate all things British and Italian at Lake Forest Sports Cars on September 22nd. More than 300 people turned out for this beloved event chaired by noted philanthropists Diane and Quinton Primo. The event benefitted the Primo Center which was founded in 1985 by Quinton’s father and he and Diane are continuing the tradition in style raising funds for this program dedicated to providing interim and supportive housing for homeless women and children and to ending the cycle of poverty. The celebration actually began the night before at the Primo’s elegant home in Lake Forest. They hosted an intimate evening to thank the sponsors and supporters of the event. Diane greeted guests as they arrived and master mixologist Benjamin Newby was stationed by the door entrancing guests with his “smoke under glass” Manhattan presentations before dinner and the evening’s entertainment began. Grammy Award-winning entertainer Arturo Sandoval played the piano and sang to a rapt audience in the drawing room before a delicious dinner was served. Fabulous Chef Charles Webb created a menu that was inspired by his recent travels to Italy, Spain and Sicily the week before. It included short ribs with truffle potatoes, Maine lobster with organic tomatoes and basil, homemade gnocchi and Australian rack of lamb with blueberry balsamic reduction among other delicacies. Dessert highlights included orange scented trifles with strawberry and blueberry mousse, flourless chocolate bites with pistachio cream and fresh berries. Diane and Quintin graciously thanked everyone for coming and talked about the center and how it benefits so many. For the main event on Sunday, guests could pose by a mini Trevi Fountain or be snapped on the paparazzi- packed red carpet. Lake Forest Sports Cars owner Rick Mancuso donated his gorgeous showroom for the event and Carla Giordano of the Lamborghini Club of Chicago did a great job assembling vintage and one-of-a-kind cars for attendees to ooh and ahhh over. (A $2 million Maserati garnered LOTS of attention!) Each food station was tastier than the last and included offerings from Bella Via Ristorante, Pelago, Prosecco, The Florentine, Tesori, Tocco, Travelle, Volare Ristorante and Blue Plate Catering to name a few. Maurice Hennessy – an eighth-generation member of the famed Cognac house – was on hand as a sponsor and also donated a one-of-a-kind trip to his family’s estate in France. Actress/director Phylicia Rashad snapped this package up along with another making her the perfect choice as the evening’s honoree. G-Man Greg Dellinger served as auctioneer for the afternoon and I think he’s the best in the business. Not only does he raise big money for the charity but he’s also entertainment in and of himself flying around the room encouraging bidders to go higher. He really puts his heart and soul into his work and it always brings big rewards dollar-wise. Auction highlights included an exotic trip to Muscat, Oman courtesy of Qatar Airways that included two business-class tickets and a five-night stay in a suite at the Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace. Susan Gohl, who is always so charitable, donated her elegant 107-foot yacht, the Susanna Bella, for a cocktail cruise with eight friends in Naples, Florida. Dana Hokin, another charitable friend, donated a stay at her family’s fabulous Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, for five nights in a charming beachfront cottage. A New York trip included tickets to “Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark” courtesy of glam woman-about-world Sugar Rautbord. Other live auction items included dinners for 10 prepared by chefs Vogel and Jean Tippenhauer. An Aston Martin generously offered at cost by Lake Forest Sports Cars brought in big money for the Primo Center as well. A fashion show produced by Trevian Kutti included selections by Vivienne Westwood, Monique Lhuillier, Moschino, Blumarine and Trussardi. Ballerinas from the Chicago Ballet School danced to the show’s hot soundtrack that was created by London DJ Sweet T. International model Daje Barbour opened and closed the show. The event was a great success due in large part to its outstanding host committee that included Oswald Boateng, Melissa and Brian Babcock, Mary Jo Basler, Les Coney, Joan Colmar, Alderman Bob Fioretti and Nicki Pecori, Kathleen Gaynor-Dickey, Susan Gohl, Hedwig and Robert Golant, Maurice Hennessey, Paul Iacono, Kathleen Klaeser, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Sugar Rautbord, Frances Renk, Rochelle and Charlie Trotter, Dan Uslan, Mamie Walton, Andrew Hart, Kathy Reilly and so many more! More than $400,000 was raised to benefit the Primo Center for Women and Children which is an interim and supportive housing program that provides a safe, healthy and positive environment for homeless women and their children. To see ALL of the fabulous photos by Mila Samokhina, click here and let me take YOU to the party below on Watch312.com!

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

The Langham Chicago opened in grand style recently along the Chicago river elegantly occupying the Mies van der Rohe landmark building at 330 N. Wabash. Langham Hospitality Group Executive Chairman Dr. K.S. Lo and Managing Director of The Langham Robert Schofield invited a select group to the afternoon luncheon and ribbon cutting ceremony that included former Mayor Richard Daley, Dirk Lohan (designing grandson of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe who designed the Lohan Lobby in the hotel) and Lang Lang, world famous pianist who is also The Langham ambassador. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on the plaza overlooking the river and included remarks by Alderman Brendan Reilly, Daley and Lohan. Dr. Lo thanked the crowd for attending and for welcoming The Langham to Chicago. Mayor Daley mentioned Chicago as a global city and how important it is to have this latest jewel in Chicago’s crown. (His father was at the groundbreaking in 1973 for this landmark building.) This hotel is the Langham Hospitality Group’s fourth U.S. property and offers 316 rooms (starting at 516 square feet, making them some of the largest in the city); a world class Chuan Spa; Tiffin afternoon tea in the Pavilion Lounge; an elegant Langham Club Lounge with legendary butler service directed by Carlos Carrera; a Mediterranean inspired restaurant, Travelle, under the director of Chef Tim Graham; a 22,000-square-foot health club; a 67-foot pool; 15,000 square feet of event space and so much more. The artwork rivals any museum’s collection with many pieces selected by Dr. Lo’s glamorous daughter Katherine Lo Bo Lun. An evening event featured Lang Lang at the piano much to the delight of all in attendance. Notables seen on the scene included Katie Benson (CEO and executive director of Langham Hospitality Investments), Joe Aguilera (Langham hotel manager), Rebecca Werner (PR Director The Langham Chicago), Paul Iacono, Helen Melchior, Joan Colmar, Darleen Hill, Veranda Dickens, Bunky Cushing and Kathy Adams to name a few. Since 1865, The Langham has built a legacy based on luxurious comfort and service innovation and it continues this tradition, much to our delight, right here in Chicago! Watch the party on “Candid Candace Chicago” below! (For more info, click here.)

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

More than 200 of Chicago’s most fabulous and philanthropic headed to the swanky Gold Coast club The Back Room for the Women’s Auxiliary of Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s third annual cocktail party on September 26th. Co-chaired by MaryAnne Smith, Lesley Prizant Goodman and Carol Beitler, the event raised funds to support the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House located in Streeterville. As guests dined on signature food and cocktails from the club, they were also treated to a jazz performance from the Bobby Lewis Quartet. The fabulous fete also brought out some well known Chicago faces such as PGA Tour golfer Luke Donald and wife Diane (RMH Women’s Auxiliary member), former Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith, NBC Chicago’s Daniella Guzman (RMH Women’s Auxiliary member), Stefan Holt and Kye Martin, Heather Farley, Helen Melchior, Sheryl Dyer and Bill Chunowitz, among many others. Always located in close proximity to area hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses provide a “home away from home” for the families of sick children who are receiving life-giving care at nearby facilities. The Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s provides care and comfort for 86 families each and every night. For more information, visit www.rhmccni.org.

Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) hosted its 8th Annual Dancing with the Giordano Stars competition benefit at Park West on September 26th. Patterned after the hit ABC series “Dancing with the Stars,” the popular competition dance benefit was hosted by NBC’s Wayne Johnson and drew a crowd of more than 300 enthusiastic fans and raised more than $120,000, setting a record-high total for this event which benefits GDC and its outreach programs. The evening began at 6 p.m. with cocktails and light fare, followed by the competition. The five male competitors and their GDC dance partners were Executive Director of the Auditorium Theatre Brett Batterson (with Katie Rafferty); VP Sales Bridge-X Technologies, Inc. Kip Helverson (with Maeghan McHale); President, KMKCK Corp. Ken Moll (with Rachael B
erube); Kendall College Director of Strategic Initiatives Joe Monastero (with Ashley Downs); and Ford model David Sanchez (with Laurel Bashore). The five female contestants and their GDC dance partners were ViLiving general counsel Tara Cope (with Devin Buchanan); co-founder and co-proprietor of Barrington Hills’ The Gentleman Farmer CSA and market farm Jessica Green (with Zachary Heller); freelance artist Sheila Newman (with Martin Ortiz Tapia); Embeya restaurant Director of Sales Komal Patel, (with Joshua Blake Carter), and Chicago civic and philanthropic leader Sara Crown Star (with Sean Rozanski). Ken Moll was voted Best Male Contestant and – in a very close race – Jessica Green won for Best Female Contestant. (An honorable mention went to Sara Crown Star.) For more info on programs and GDC events, call 312-334-7777 or click here.

Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control (FCACC) held its ninth annual fundraiser – Big Night – recently with a record turnout! More than 400 tickets were sold and more than $92,000 was raised during this popular celebrity chefs event that secured funding for another year to provide support and comfort for the animals at ACC. Proceeds will also support its foster program that saved the lives of nearly 400 animals last year. Fifteen Chicago chefs including Jill Baron of MANA Food Bar, Ryan Pitts of RL and Toni Motamen of Raw Bar & Grill served tastings of their favorite dishes to attendees who sipped on cocktails from the Muttini Bar serving Cosmopoodletons and non-alcoholic Kitty Cocktails. Famed Chicago Chef Jackie Shen started Big Night in partnership with FCACC in 2005 to benefit the organization by raising money and awareness for animals from Chicago’s city shelter. Jackie now provides oversight from afar, living in Michigan and operating her restaurant The Stray Dog, in New Buffalo. She helps to recruit chefs year after year. Notable Chicagoans came out to support the cause including emcees Channel 7 Sportscaster Jim Rose with his wife, lifestyle design expert Lakesha Rose, as well as businessman and Chicago Wolves owner Don Levin, generous longtime supporter of Friends. A variety of exclusive items were purchased during the live and silent auctions including VIP passes to “Conan” donated by iO Theatre owner Charna Halpern, a behind the scenes tour at the Shedd Aquarium, Blackhawks and Bulls courtside seats and more. Live entertainment was provided by violinist extraordinaire Katarina Visnevska and animal communicator Carolee Biddle. (For more info on FCACC, click here.)

Celebrate the season of giving at the Metropolitan Family Services 32nd Annual Holiday Celebration on December 7th beginning at 6 p.m., at the Chicago Hilton, 720 S. Michigan. Enjoy live entertainment from Sammie Torres and Friends, cocktails, dinner and dessert along with fabulous live and silent auctions. There will be a special raffle for a wine collection featuring select vintages. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit the programs and services of Metropolitan Family Services, which has empowered families to learn, earn, heal and thrive since 1857. Tickets are $350. For more information, visit www.metrofamily.org or call 312-986-4172.

Huge kudos to WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning” for the great segment on my favorite makeup artist Michael Perich and his fabulous CAMP Cosmetics line! Co-hosts Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman hosted a great segment on fall cosmetic trends from CAMP and it was terrific and informative. If you missed it, check it out below! Congrats to Michael! (To view CAMP’s fabulous makeup line, click here!)

http://assets.delvenetworks.com/player/loader.swf

And speaking of “You & Me This Morning”, I was thrilled to return to the show recently to discuss my top five event picks for fall! If you missed the segment, see below and put these hot parties on your calendar now!

http://assets.delvenetworks.com/player/loader.swf

Recently, R&B singer Ciara hosted the Hennessy V.S. party at Chicago hot spot, Lumen. The singer rocked darker locks with an all-black ensemble, including a chic cropped black sweater (a la Miley) and black leather pants. She thanked the crowd for coming out and for supporting her new album, Ciara. Later in the evening, the singer was spotted chatting up Tone Kapone from the Power 92 Hot Boyz radio show. (Pics by Onasis.)

In the fight against breast cancer, it’s a team effort. That’s why Chicago Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman has joined with the National Breast Cancer Foundation and P &G Brands to host the “Best Defense Day of Action” on October 22nd at Halas Hall. He’s leading the charge in the program to ask men to work with the women in their lives on an early breast cancer detection program and will tell his personal story at a media event at noon. (His grandmother is a breast cancer survivor.) So join Peanut at 1920 Football Dr. in Lake Forest beginning at 11:45 a.m. and be inspired. 🙂

Looking for something spooky to do for Halloween? Well, look no further than “Boo: A Halloween Ball” on October 31st at the Chicago History Museum from 7 to 11 p.m. There will be terrifying tales told by Steppenwolf’s Jessica Thebus and music that will wake the dead by DJ Nix with devilishly delicious craft cocktails. Come dressed to impress in your most spooktacular costumes for an event so good, it’s to die for!!! LOL! (For tickets and more info, click here.)

And another great Halloween event will be at Chicago’s favorite wine-driven destination, The Boarding House, on November 2nd. An All Hallow’s Eve affair will benefit Imerman Angels, whose mission is to provide personalized connections that enable 1-on-1 support among cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers. From 6:30 to 10 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy a bar package featuring a selection of spooky cocktails and bewitching wines and beers on the haunted first floor and subterranean cellar of 720 N. Wells. The evening’s festivities will also include complimentary appetizers, decked-out décor and a costume contest judged by Imerman Angels’ very own founder, Jonny Imerman. Tickets to the event are $85 per person and will be available through www.TicketLeap.com or by calling (312) 280-0720.

Join Children’s Oncology Services as they celebrate their 35th Anniversary Gala on November 7th at the Chicago Cultural Center. The evening will feature Michael Lerich & Orchestra as well as a packed silent auction. The evening will benefit the COS’ One-Step Programs that offers camp experiences for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. For tickets and more info, visit www.onestepcamp.org)

Beloved Chicago designer Elda de la Rosa is relocating and having a BIG Farewell Event at her Edgewater location on October 17th. Join Elda at 5555 N. Sheridan Road from noon to 8 p.m. for this big sale consisting of all bridal gowns, special occasion pieces, accessories and one-of-a-kind fabrics at deep discounts! Elda will launch her 2014 collection on November 1st at the new “Made in Chicago” AIBI store in the Gold Coast located at 17 E. Pearson! Good luck Elda and I’ll see you soon!

Don’t miss Akira’s 11th annual fall fashion show and signature event of the season, Supersonic Boom, on October 20th at Grossinger City Autoplex beginning at 4 p.m. You’ll experience sensory overload with small bites from top restaurants around town, a breakdance performance from Brickheadz, mini massages from ellehomme Holistic Med Spa and a fabulous Akira pop-up shop! The show will feature Kristin Cavallari and 30 of Chicago’s top models! Proceeds from the evening will benefit YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. For tickets, beginning at $30, click here.

Congrats to Nina and Bob Mariano on the recent grand opening of their 12th store, this one located in the South Loop at 1615 S. Clark St. (Mayor Emanuel was present for the ribbon cutting ceremony.) He knows what buyers want and gives it to them in grand style at great prices! And aren’t they just the cutest couple around, too?! Mariano’s has created approximately 4,200 jobs in Chicagoland to date and this new location will add another 425 positions. A hot party held that night brought out the FOMs (Friends of Mariano’s) in force! Congrats, Nina and Bob! Love you!

More congrats are in order for Katie Cahnmann and her fabulous event site, NowYouKnowEvents.com, as they celeb
rate their third anniversary! Her loyal crowd of friends and followers enjoyed a fun filled night out at River North’s Blackfinn Ameripub!

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte doesn’t need any more battery power but he has joined forces with Duracell as they donate their new Quantum batteries to the City of Chicago’s Fire Department. This is part of Duracell’s commitment to donate 1 million batteries to the first responders across the country that need them for life-saving devices. #NICEWORK (Photo by Barry Brecheisin.)

ABC 7 Chicago President and General Manager John Idler and “Windy City Live” host Val Warner supported an event for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), an organization that advocates for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Val emceed the fundraiser that also honored Rocky Wirtz, chairman of the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, for his community service. The event took place on October 8th at Lloyd’s in Chicago. Congrats John, Val and Rocky on your good work!

Congrats to the happy couple, Macy’s Andrea Schwartz and Dr. Steve Stryker, on their recent engagement! Here’s to a lifetime of happy memories together!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition! I hope to get back on track now after our big move and thank you for your patience. I’ve missed you terribly so stay tuned for the 411 on 312 right here on CandidCandace.com! You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, Chicago Now, videos at Watch312.com and every Sunday in the Chicago Tribune!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Here’s what’s happening in our new ‘hood next weekend: On October 20th, you won’t want to miss this furry 10th annual Halloween Party & Parade hosted by Tails in the City with an adorable costume contest from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. – hope to see you there!

Leave a comment

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

September 18, 2013 · 9:37 am

GREEN TIE BALL AND MORE: CHICAGO IS ON FIRE WITH HOT EVENTS FOR FALL!

…PLUS DWYANE WADE GIVES BACK; PGA WIVES TOUR; ADLER’S CELESTIAL BALL; MUTT STRUT; JACKIE TAYLOR’S NEW HIT; DEVIL’S BALL; BARBARA BATES’ FASHIONABLE FUNDRAISER; JOFFREY’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS; ODYSSEY’S $2-MIL RENO; VICTOR AND SHERREN ARE DREAM WEAVERS; I “HEART” REKLAMA AND MILA; A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO; TOP FALL EVENTS AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Green Tie Ball, benefitting Chicago Gateway Green, always has the BEST themes in town! For 2012, the theme was “Alice in Wonderland” and boy did they ever have fun with that! As soon as you entered the grounds of “Finkl Town” (aka A. Finkl & Sons at
2011 N. Southport), you knew it was going to be a fabulous night. With dramatic decor that included oversized lamp fixtures on every bar with big clocks hanging from the shades, this event propelled me right down the rabbit hole along with 3,000 other guests! Characters that included Alice, the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter roamed the grounds giving all of the
guests great opportunities for photos. And for this year’s 22nd annual event, it was no different: Themed “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”, this gala was a very sweet treat indeed. Co-chair Lee Golub (along with wife Sandy) described
it best: “This year’s theme will satisfy your sweet tooth and bring music makers and dreamers of dreams together. Just like Wonka offered the children of his adventure a lifetime of chocolate, events like tonight allow us to offer
Chicago a lifetime of sustainability and beauty. So, for tonight, claim your Golden Ticket, delight in our pure imagination and dare to dream of a better Chicago.” More than 50 restaurants participated in the gala which the “Food
Dude” David Lissner described as “the largest damn culinary event ever!” Several of the restaurants had fun with the Willy Wonka theme including Old Town restaurant, The Refinery. Pastry Chef Hetty Art, enclosed five Golden Tickets inside her chocolate fudge with the winners receiving gift bags. Too
cute! Other highlights included a bubble-blowing DJ from Red Moon Theatre Company, glow-in-the-dark cotton candy and characters from the Willy Wonka movie that included a chocolate boy and a huge, purple
Violet Beauregarde. For the third year, Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini emceed the event alongside co-chairs Sandy and Lee Golub (who was dressed as Willy Wonka)! Dancers opened the night with a hot DJ set by Justin
Jacobson and later, Lee Golub drummed onstage with his cover band, Dr. Bombay. In a nearby tent, Rivers Casino hosted craps, roulette and blackjack tables with winnings going towards the raffle. The headliner of the night, SNDCLSH – a DJ duo
consisting of Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco and DJ Sky Gellatly – kept the guests on the dance floor including the VIPs in the Oompa Loompa lounge. For the last song, Fiasco rapped out his hit “The Show Goes On”
while confetti rained down from the stage. This year's attendance of 3,500 was a record breaker! Guests seen on the scene included Kim DeJesus, Joanna and Grant DePorter, Erica Strama, Lana Bramlette, Jason
Erkes, DJ Rock City, Katie Cahnmann, the Landan twins, Alayna and DC Crenshaw, Chef Ryan Poli, Kimberly and James Feeley, Daniela Guzman, Anna Davlantes, Alicia Roman, Tony Abruscato, Brenda Arelano, Rachel Haley, Susanna and Tom Negovan, Donnell Wolford, Bob Sirott and Bridget Halanski. Other familiar faces
included Joe Minoso and Yuri Sardarov of NBC’s “Chicago Fire”. Each year, the Green Tie Ball raises funds for the Expressway Partnership Program, an initiative aimed at “beautifying the gateways and transforming the roadways into parkways.” This year's event raised more than $480K. (For info about Chicago Gateway Green, click here.) (Additional photos by Dwayne Kuan.)

Families and children staying at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s (located at 211 E. Grand Ave.), were treated to a visit from members of The PGA Tour Wives Association on
September 11th, complete with Patriot Day activities for the kids. The visitors, who were in town for the BMW Championship that took place recently in Lake Forest, included Diane Donald, Amber Watney, Rachel Thompson, Lori Points, Katie Robinson, Amy Wilson,
Brittany Horschel, Rosalind Schwartzel, Taylor Fowler, Debi Rolfing, Lynn Fowler and Stephanie Mrofchak. The PGA Tour Wives Association gives back to golfing communities and child-related charities through volunteerism and other contributions. The fun-filled afternoon at the House featured a variety of activities, such as a
“Hands Helping Hands” craft where children created American Flags to send to U.S. troops and their families, a special ceremonial salute with the Chicago Fire Department, and a delicious lunch of dishes from the PGA Tour Wives Association’s commemorative book, “Beyond the Fairways and Greens”. The special day originated with Diane Donald,
wife of PGA Tour player Luke Donald. The couple (who call Chicago home) became supporters of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana in the fall of 2012 when they first visited the House near Lurie Children’s. Today, Diane serves on the charity’s Board of Directors, and Luke has been raising money for RMHC-CNI through a unique fundraising initiative called Birdies for the House. Love this! Congrats and thanks ladies!

At the Adler Planetarium’s Celestial Ball, more than 725 guests helped raise $1.4 million for the Adler’s STEM education programs which
reach more than 90,000 students and teachers each year with a special emphasis on at-risk communities. Apollo astronaut James Lovell, Jr. was the honorary chair and Elisa Primavera Bailey, Linda Gerstman and Donna Beering Wheaton were ball co-chairs.
With a theme of “Infinite Horizons”, the decor transported guests on a trip throughout the galaxy. A fabulous auction offered a family trip to Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and a rare charcoal Labrador puppy. The Adler Planetarium, dubbed America’s First Planetarium, was
founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler and inspires young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

And could Dwyane Wade be any cuter?! Oh my goodness, an awesome athlete, handsome as can be AND charitable?! He is the real deal and it was a thrill to meet him at his recent Wade’s World Foundation
Gala hosted by CNN’s TJ Holmes at the Peninsula on September 6th. The VIP reception was packed with bold-faced names that included Michi and Brandon
Marshall, James Feeley, Dionne Williams, Deborah and Adam Farmer, Dr. Ian and Triste Smith, Alderman Carrie Austin, Damon Williams, Zoraida Sambolin and Kenny Williams, Secretary of State Jesse White, members of Mindless
Behavior (they have more than 1 million Twitter followers, don’t cha know?!), Michael Malone, Urban Prep’s Tim King, Father Michael Pfleger, Jolinda Wade, Jon and Andrew Landan, Lisa Newman, Astra Gamsjaeger and so many more. Wade’s sister Tragil introduced him
at the reception and congratulated him on his 10 years in the NBA (with the Miami Heat) and the 10 year anniversary of his foundation. The event also featured performances from violinist Lee England, Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Vashawn
Mitchell, singers Kristen Lowe and Mae Ya Ryan and comedian Damon Williams. Wade’s high school basketball coach Jack Fitzgerald spoke about how Wade had always been a team leader and children
from the foundation recited the “Live to Dream” pledge. Marjorie and Steve Harvey and Laura Ricketts received the 2013 Philanthropy Awards. (For more info and photos, check out my Chicago Tribune column here!)

Don’t miss Jackie Taylor’s “It’s All-Right to Have a Good Time”, the life story of Curtis Mayfield, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center in previews now through the 21th! Reggie Torian, the lead singer of the Impressions, will be making his acting debut! Written by Jackie Taylor and directed by Taylor and Daryl Brooks, the production will begin on September 22nd. (For tickets and more info, click here.)

Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control will host their 9th annual celebrity chef's benefit, “Big Night”, to help the city’s neediest animals on September 26th from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington. More than a dozen of the city’s best chefs will participate in this event that will also feature an open “Muttini” bar, silent and live auctions (that will include Conan O’Brien tix and Sidney Garber jewelry) and so much more! ABC 7’s Jim Rose and his beautiful wife Lakesha will emcee. For tickets ($100 donation, $125 at the door) and more info, click here!)

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University’s Junior Board brings “old Chicago” back to the Historic Landmark Theatre with the 3rd annual Devil’s Ball, on September 27th. Presented by Rivers Casino and themed after “old Chicago neighborhoods”, the event will host nearly 250 young professionals and feature a menu that will include deep dish pizza, mini Chicago hot dogs, Little Italy’s Italian beef, Spanakopita as on ode to Greektown and egg rolls and pot stickers highlighting Chicago’s Chinatown! Yum!!! (For tickets – $65 – and more info, click here.)

National breast and ovarian cancer charity Bright Pink’s 4th Annual FabFest is back, hosted by E! News anchor and breast cancer survivor Giuliana Rancic, on September 29th at the Westin River North! At the event, more than 500 women from across the nation will join together for a day of health, wellness and beauty – all in support of the cause. (For more info, visit www.BrightPink.org and www.FabFest2013.org.)

I have a soft spot in my heart for The Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails coming to Park West (located at 322 W. Armitage) on October 4th. Co-chaired by dual dynamos Kathleen Henson and Sonya Jackson, this is the 8th annual C & C and the second largest fundraiser for the Joffrey Ballet. I was proud to create this event with Helen Melchior, a long-time supporter/board member/mentor for this awesome company and, from the very beginning, it’s been all about the dancers! So happy to see this tradition continue in such a grand way and led by dear friends Kathleen and Sonya! This year’s event will feature a presentation of Joffrey costumes as well as the Couture Collection from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue that will include menswear! I hope you can all come out and join us for this chic event benefitting Chicago’s world class ballet company! For tickets and more info, visit www.Joffrey.org.

Celebrating 10 years of Chicagoans “strutting” their stuff for dogs in need, Chicago Canine Rescue will host their popular Mutt Strut on October 5th in Lakeview along Newport Avenue (between Southport and Lakewood). Dog-lovers and their four-legged friends are invited for a 1.5-mile walk with their “mutt” followed by a block party with food, entertainment and more! Highlights will include a doggy fitness course, K9 cake eating contest, dog wash and nail trims along with a children’s bouncy house, face painter and costumed characters! Pet expert Steve Dale and NBC 5’s Kye Martin will be the celeb emcees. To register in advance ($25), click here! (Kiddies and doggies free!)

I had always wanted to take a trip on the Odyssey. My last time aboard was when my dad was still alive back in the ‘80s and, after I’d read about its recent $2 million reno, I was anxious to return to see the changes that were made and also to verify for myself all of the press I’d read. I was even more excited when they asked me to cover it! So, with my crack Watch312.com team in tow, along with my husband Chuck, we set
off on another new adventure aboard the largest vessel cruising Lake Michigan, the Odyssey Chicago. As we wended our way up the gangplank, I was delighted to see that every passenger was given a great photo op behind its signature lifesaver. And as I entered the space, I was blown away. I thought it was nice back in the ‘80s but now it's a floating palace…take a look at my video and you’ll see what I mean!

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

A special thanks to Sherren Leigh and legendary photog Victor Skrebneski for making a dream come true. I’m thrilled to be appearing on my second cover for beloved Today's Chicago Woman Magazine for its 31st anniversary issue in October AND having it shot by Victor! It was the experience of a lifetime – read all about it here in my latest Chicago Now post. Thanks so much, Sherren and Victor and Dennis Minkel! (www.TCWMag.com)

And now, here are some not-to-be-missed events for fall! Hope to see you at one or more!

1. Primo Classico Br’Italia (benefitting the Primo Center): September 22nd at Lake Forest Sports Cars, 990 N. Shore Dr. in Lake Bluff from 1p.m. to 5 p.m.

2. Goodman Season Opening Benefit: September 24th, featuring “Pullman Porter Blues” (Performance follows the gala dinner at The Standard Club)

3. Ronald McDonald House Annual Cocktail Party: September 26th at the Back Room, 937 N. Rush from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

4. Big Shoulders Fund Ball: September 27th at the Illuminating Co., 2110 S. Wabash from 7:30 p.m. to midnight.

5. Imerman Angels’ Tuxes & Tees Ball: September 28th, Roosevelt University Ballroom at 430 S. Michigan

6. Chicago Humanities Gala: October 2nd at The Four Seasons at120 E. Delaware beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Congrats are in order for The Joffrey Ballet! The Board of Directors of the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation have awarded The Joffrey Ballet a $500,000 challenge grant, creating an endowment for the purpose of producing and performing full-length story ballets for years to come. This grant represents one of the largest awarded to a single cultural institution in the Foundation’s history!!

So honored to have been included on the cover of this week’s Reklama with the beautiful Larisa Kronfeld! Thanks to fab fotog Mila Samokhina for making this happen and for her brilliant coverage of the Service Club’s Day on the Terrace fashion show which was also featured. 🙂

Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Candid Candace! We will be moving next week so wish me luck! My next report will be from the Gold Coast where we’ll be firmly ensconced with a doorman and a heated garage – I’ll finally know what all of the fuss is about! 🙂 And lastly, I always want to leave you smiling so this video should definitely do the trick!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. On the rooftop at Epic Sky, with a great backdrop of the city, Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan came to Chicago to promote the new home for their show – “LIVE! with Kelly and Michael” – on ABC 7 weekdays at 9 a.m.! Good luck, Kelly and Michael…you make a great team!

Leave a comment

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

September 4, 2013 · 1:04 pm

MUSINGS ON THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

…PLUS NEIMAN’S BEAUTY BASH (VIDEO); CHICAGO CHILDREN’S CHOIR’S “RED JACKET OPTIONAL”; WILLY WONKA’S GREEN TIE BALL (VIDEO); MICHIGAN AVENUE MAG CELEBRATE FIVE YEARS IN STYLE (VIDEO); DWYANE WADE’S STAR-STUDDED GALA; BEAR TIE BALL; CHICAGO INNOVATION AWARD NOMINATION; GLOBAL LATINO FEST; NIALA’S THIRD; ORYX MAG LOVES CAMP; SPACE519’S CHIC LAUNCH; HERITAGE AUCTIONS BRINGS VINTAGE TO BARNEY’S; SERVICE CLUB’S DAY AT THE RACES; CHICAGO FIRE’S SOCCER & STYLE AND SO MUCH MORE!

August is always a lazy month except for Macy’s Glamorama which seems to me to be the last gasp of summer fashion and fun. I know Kerry and Sarah Wood’s Woody’s Wiffleball
Classic added some star-studded excitement to the calendar as did Dance for Life and the Air and Water Show. And even
though the Thunderbirds didn’t perform, it didn’t cut down on the number of parties and the perfect weather still attracted crowds along the lakefront. We spent the day in the most beautiful penthouse in Chicago
with old friends. It was idyllic and a wonderful respite from our currently tumultuous life.

As some of you may or may not know, Chuck and I recently sold our home in Old Town. As much as we’ve loved this old house, it was time to move on. With multiple gardens and never ending maintenance, we decided our lives needed a breather. I never realized how much trouble, time and effort it required to move after 20 years in one
spot. I can’t believe the stuff I saved. Here’s my story: We had been talking about it for a year. Six
months ago, we put our house up for sale and it sold recently. For a while, I had mixed emotions since this house has held nothing but happy memories for Chuck
and me but as the years progressed and we became busier and busier, the fun of gardening in three gardens (deck, backyard and front yard) became harder and harder on both of us. In fear
of becoming something similar to Big Edie and Little Edie’s “Grey Gardens”, we did our best to keep up. But, as old houses get older, this presents a whole new set of problems we had no desire to deal with, gardening being the least of them. I’ve been packing for
months and it’s been bittersweet going through photos and memories – and goodness knows I have a few! – but what I’ve come to realize is how absolutely liberating it is to get rid of the old (except for your treasures) and begin anew. I
found out I’d saved so many things I didn’t really need, like one tiny yellow flipper that my mother had saved when I learned to swim. I also realized that no one will want my baby shoes (although Chuck is giving me a hard time about throwing them away.) Once
I started tossing, it was hard to stop. The first time Chuck met the woman who raised me and who was like a mother to me, Mary Johnson, she gave him a Mister Ed talking puppet. The joy on her face as she pulled the cord to make it talk was priceless but I figured it was just another tchotchke I could dump. When I was cleaning Chuck’s closet and saw
that he had squirreled it away in his sock drawer, it made me cry so it will definitely be moving to our new home. I once read an article about only children (of which I’m one) and had to laugh when it said they are savers and borderline hoarders. Sadly, this description fit me to a T but I’m determined to find and create a jewel box filled with only the
things we love and couldn’t live without. I also have some tips for first-time buyers: China cabinets are a definite no-no. (You never use the stuff you always think you will one day and most of it doesn’t go in the dishwasher anyway so who needs it?!) My days of formal
entertaining are long gone – friends are lucky to get chips and dip lately around my house so I have no qualms about giving away all of our crystal. And if you receive crystal as a wedding gift, which I know you will, run don’t walk to return it otherwise you’ll dust it for
20 years and then give it away. Another thing to remember when you buy your first home is to buy the best you can afford as far as home furnishings and decor. Everything else will wind up in the junk heap when you move so all of those Ikea purchases – although thrifty – wouldn’t be my first choice. I also suggest buying from auction houses:
These are great spots to find the unique and one-of-a-kind at great prices. It’s not so good for sellers but for buyers, it’s nirvana. There was a great article in the Tribune Magazine recently by Cindy Dampier titled “Lighten Your Load”. I was riveted reading it – her opening line read, “If you want to really see your stuff, move out of a place you’ve lived in for more than 10 years. Live in any one place north of a decade and the days in
which it’s easier to pretend you don’t see the 15 cheap floral shop vases on the closet shelf will start to outnumber you.” Today, I felt liberated to give things away to friends of ours who have always loved our style. These were pieces bought just to fill spaces. Don’t get
me wrong, they were the perfect objects for these particular spots but probably wouldn’t be right for a new place. The smiles and gratitude on our friends’ faces were worth way more than what we paid for these items. I’m happy to know that the people who bought our house are planning on raising a family here. This is definitely a home that will
be perfect for children. The backyard is completely enclosed with no alley so no fear of intruders and no worries for Mom and Dad when the kids want to play in the backyard. Another happy thought is the fact that I know they love this house as much as we loved it when we first bought it. Change is good (scary but good!) and Chuck and I are very much looking forward to our next chapter…albeit one with less maintenance!

It was a true beauty bonanza at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue for its launch party, co-hosted with Cheeky Chicago, to celebrate its newly renovated cosmetics department on August 22th. Almost 200 guests turned
out for this beauty bash that also included nail art from Astrowifey, music by DJ Mister Wolf, blowouts from Blowtique and special guest Tim Quinn, national director of artistry from Giorgio Armani. Dapper Quinn shared stories about celebrity makeovers and worked with guests to select special scents from Armani Prive
fragrance: He told me the fragrances were inspired by Armani’s travels and life experiences. Armani had even created a scent similar to the inside of the church he frequented with his mother when he was a child. I loved it! The line
for nail art from expert Astrowifey was three deep as she applied her unique skills to adorn each guest’s nails. The photo booth was a crowd
favorite, too, with everyone sharing their flipbook photos while they sipped Effen cucumber and black cherry cocktails. Even the appetizers were artistic with food displayed over various cosmetic products encased
within plastic trays! Special guests seen on the scene included Cheeky Chicago’s Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin, Fabrice Calmels, Corri McFadden, Marcus Riley, Bianca Camarena, Angi Taylor, Jessica Rosas, Claudia Sulkowski, Natasha Jovic, Kat Miletic, Molly Ellingsen, Stephanie Guerrieri, Jessica Schultz, Jelena Saric, Kathryn Sharples and Ven Effect founder Cecil Booth. The entire store is undergoing an amazing transformation. If
you haven’t visited in a while, you will love the changes for this “Jewel on the Mile”. Next up, the shoe department will have a
similar celebration bash with model/actress Joanna Krupa on September 12th! Hope to see you there! (For more info on Neiman’s special events, click here!)

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

The Chicago Children’s Choir, under the direction of president/artistic director Josephine Lee, will host its annual Red Jacket Optional fundraising gala, celebrating the Choir’s 57th anniversary on October 18th at 6 p.m. at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. The Choir hopes to raise $1 million to continue to offer music education to nearly 3,500 Chicago
children, of which 72 percent come from low-income families. This event will bring together hundreds of philanthropic Chicagoans for a night of performances by 300 children in addition to the top-level Voice of Chicago. The gala will also debut the organization’s
new after-school program, the Englewood Neighborhood Choir, with their first-ever performance. “Violence in Chicago has reached epidemic proportions,” said Lee. “We as a community must help our city’s children find an alternative to the streets, and music holds that power to change lives.” For tickets ($500) and table sponsorships, please contact Emily Hallock at ehallock@cchoir.org.

One of Chicago’s most celebrated charity events, the Green Tie Ball, returns this year with a whimsical “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” theme. Hosted by Chicago Gateway Green, which is dedicated to greening and beautifying
the region’s expressways, gateways and communities, the Green Tie Ball (presented by A. Finkl & Sons) will be held on September 7th on Finkl’s factory grounds at 2011 N. Southport. Founded in 1992 by Chicago Gateway Green’s late founder Donald
DePorter, the Green Tie Ball is one of the city’s largest celebrations with officer-at-large Grant DePorter continuing the traditions of his father. This year’s event will feature DJ sets by SNDCLSH consisting of Lupe Fiasco and DJ Sky Gellatly. (Fiasco, a Chicago native, is a Grammy-nominated artist.)
Co-chair Lee Golub and his band Dr. Bombay will also take the stage, as well as other guest deejays throughout the evening. Partygoers will enjoy tastings from more than 55 of Chicago’s top restaurants, like Siena Tavern, Lockwood, Mercadito, Jellyfish, Tavernita and Public House, as well as multiple open bars with premium
offerings. ABC7’s “Windy City Live!” hosts Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini, will return to emcee once again. The fundraiser is co-chaired by Lee Golub of Golub & Company and his
wife, Sandy. Vice co-chairs are Grigory Pekarsky of Vesta Preferred Realty and Molly Bromiley of Northern Trust. There will be a VIP reception from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. where guests arriving on the green carpet, adorned in their most
marvelous green-tie attire, will be greeted with a champagne toast as they make their way to the cocktail reception. In addition, a silent auction and Rivers Casino charitable gaming area – the ball’s exclusive gaming sponsor – will feature roulette, blackjack and craps. Winnings from the
casino game will go toward tickets for the raffle. VIP tickets ($250 in advance or $275 at the door, both options which includes admittance to the VIP cocktail reception and gala.) This popular gala, returning each year with a new and engaging theme, raises
funds for Gateway Green’s Expressway Partnership Program. It was first held in 1992 as a 500-person street party and is now one of the best-known charity events in Chicago, attended last year by nearly 3,000 people and raising more than $450,000. The gala attracts Chicago’s most prominent public, political and media figures, environmental
supporters as well as young professionals and local celebrities. General admission ($150 pre-purchased, $175 at the door) can be purchased here. For more info about Chicago Gateway Green, click here. (Photos by Mila Samokhina…and to see my Watch312.com video from last year’s “Alice in Wonderland”-themed event, see below!)

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

Michigan Avenue Magazine celebrated its fifth anniversary in style with cover girl and Grammy-winner Michelle Williams. Held at Chicago’s newest
luxury hotel, the Langham Chicago, the evening included a red carpet reception, a video tribute (filmed by our Watch312.com team) and a surprise Eli’s Cheesecake birthday presentation. Almost 300 fans and friends turned out to congratulate
president and publisher Dan Uslan and editor-in-chief JP Anderson. Take a look at the fun on my Watch312.com “Candid Candace Chicago” show below!

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

Basketball great Dwyane Wade and Wade’s World Foundation (WWF) will celebrate dual 10th anniversaries with a benefit gala on September 6th at the Peninsula Chicago. Dwyane will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of his foundation and his 10th year in the NBA with the Miami Heat. The evening will also honor comedian/talk show host Steve Harvey and wife Marjorie along with Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts with Excellence in Philanthropy Awards. Starting at 6:30 p.m. with a reception on the Shanghai Terrace, the event will also include a red carpet reception, dinner, cocktails and live performances. Former CNN reporter TJ Holmes will serve as the emcee.
Surprise guest performances will highlight a tribute to Wade. Wade’s World Foundation provides support to community-based organizations that promote education, health and social skills for children in at-risk situations. As part of the 10th anniversary celebration, D-Wade and WWF will host a series of events to support our youth and the work of his foundation. For info on the foundation, click here and for tickets ($350), contact D. Williams Public Relations Group at 312.243.9060.

Mark your calendars now for the 21st anniversary of the Bear Tie Ball on March 8th at the UIC Forum from 6 p.m. to midnight. Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation was founded
in 1992 by Kathleen Casey. This national foundation is named in memory of her eight-year-old son, Barrett “Bear” Krupa, who died after a courageous 5 1/2 year battle with Wilms Tumor, a pediatric cancer. Over the course of
two decades, the Bear Tie Ball has been the organization’s largest, most important fundraiser. Last year’s co-chairs Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto raised more than $750,000. I’m honored to be the chair of this year’s big event and know I have very large shoes to fill! Hope you can all join me! (For tickets and more info, please click here!)

The Ninth Annual Global Latino Fest will commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month with a showcase of culture, cuisine, arts and entertainment from Argentina, Brazil, Cuba and Mexico with a marquee event on October 11th at Germania Place, located at 108 W. Germania Place. All proceeds from the event will support The Resurrection Project’s (TRP) “La Casa”, an initiative that combines affordable housing with support services to help students graduate from college. Prominent guests who will be in attendance include Alderman George Cardenas, Tsi-tsi-ki Felix, Andrew Hayes, Sherren Leigh, Cheryl Pearson McNeil and Toni Preckwinkle. For tickets and more info, call 312.346.0211.

Congrats to Niala Conte, owner of the new fashion outpost NIALA CONTE (formerly Strut Boutique) that opened recently at The Shops
at North Bridge, located at 520 N. Michigan. “With the success our stores are receiving in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, and at our Geneva, Ill. location, we felt expanding into a third boutique was the natural progression for the company,” said Conte. Shoppers
will find an exciting selection of women’s clothing, handbags, clutches and jewelry. Niala also carries selections from designers Borris Powell and Sheetah Patel. I love this store and Niala’s taste is impeccable. I even found my Joffrey Gala cocktail dress here and it’s one of my favs! Good luck Niala! (For more info, call 312.832.3200 or follow Niala on Facebook and Twitter @nialaconte).

I’m so excited for my CAMP Cosmetics’ Candid Candace lipstick! Oryx Magazine, the official magazine of award-winning Qatar Airlines, has chosen it as a “Wish List” item! It will featured, along with other “highly covetable” products, in its October issue! Oryx reaches a high volume audience of 1.4 million passengers per issue!! It truly is the BEST coral shade you can buy if I say so myself! For more info on Candid Candace lipstick, click here! (Thank YOU sooooo much, Oryx and Qatar Airlines!!!!!!)

Don’t miss the chic launch of karl lagerfeld + melissa, a shop-in-shop set to open at space519 on September 12th from 6 to 8 p.m. Annie Barlow, Kimberly Burt, Toni Canada, Eva Daiberl and Amanda Puck are co-hosting this event that will include Moet champagne and macarons plus Melissa shoes, couture dolls and accessories from Mua Mua. RSVP to whitney@space519.com and I’ll see you there!

Have you visited the Heritage Auctions’ vintage luxury collection at Barney’s yet? OMGoodness! What a great idea to add a section like this to a major store! The collection includes vintage luxury accessories from Hermes, Chanel and Christian Dior. Highlights include an Hermes 23 cm black Caiman croc Constance bag from the 1980’s, an Hermes 35
cm Rouge H Ostrich Birkin bag from the 2000’s and a Chanel cream lambskin leather Double Flap bag from the 1990’s! Vintage couture is here to stay and now has a nice home at Barney’s! Thanks to Heritage Auctions Chicago director Barbara Conn for this cool info! (For more info, visit www.ha.com.)

The Bark Breakfast Benefit will be held on September 7th at the Omni Hotel beginning at 10 a.m. This event will benefit K-9s for Warriors and will include the NBC cast of “Chicago Fire” along with the Mayor. The K9s for Warriors program/rescue pulls dogs from shelters and trains them to be service dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury resulting from their service to our country. Ninety-four percent of every dollar raised goes directly to veteran and service dogs. (To make a donation and for more info, click here.)

The Service Club of Chicago’s “Day at the Races” will be held on September 21st at Arlington International Racecourse (the Governor’s Room) beginning at 12:30 p.m. Co-hosted by Heather Jane Johnston and Sally Jo Morris, the event will feature a cocktail reception, luncheon buffet and a limo bus from Gibsons. (For tickets and more info, email info@serviceclubofchicago.org.)

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a good street fest and this one sounds fabulous: Lincoln Square will celebrate its 26th annual Apple Fest, “Apples, Cider and Hay Bales…Oh My” on September 21st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Giddings Plaza, located at 4700 N. Lincoln Ave. This free event will include more than 40 vendors and will showcase all things fall. You will have the chance to enjoy amazing apple inspired dishes including apple cider,
apple pies, apple pizza, apple caramel bread pudding, apple smoked pulled pork sandwiches…well, you get the idea! There will also be live music, a kids’ zone, a bounce maze, storytelling, face painting and more! Hope to see you there!

Soccer and Style, a fashion show featuring the hunky Chicago Fire players, will be held on The Wit’s ROOF, located at 201 N. State St. on September 19th beginning at 6:30 p.m. (The show starts at 7:30 p.m.) Come see your favorite players walk the runway in this season’s hottest looks from Penguin, Diesel and
Chicago Fire apparel while supporting a great cause. All proceeds will benefit the Chicago Fire Foundation, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for youth and communities throughout Chicagoland by promoting health and wellness, education and the environment. The Foundation also supports organizations that share this vision. (For tickets – $50 regular and $75 VIP – click here.)

The American Cancer Society’s 5th Annual Skyline Soiree will be held on September 20th at City Winery, located at 1200 W. Randolph. The event will feature wine-themed activities and include live
music by Final Say: A Maggie Speaks Band, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a raffle. Celeb guests will include Kate Pankike (“Project Runway” designer Seasons 11 & 12), Ed Swiderski (winner of Season 5 “The Bachelorette”), Showbiz Shelly (B96 radio) and ESPN’s Sarah Spain. (For tickets – $105 online and $120 at the door – click here.)

The Chicago Fringe Festival 2013 presents “Love, Guts, High School”, a wickedly funny one-woman play by Jeannette Bonner. This breakout hit about young love, self-acceptance and taking life advice from a Magic 8 Ball will premiere at The Gift
Theatre, located at 4802 N. Milwaukee in Jefferson Park on September 5th. (It will run through the 8th.) Bonner plays herself offering an engaging and often self-deprecating recount of relationships she grapples with during her secondary school years. It’s a must-see! For tickets and more info, click here!

And last but not least, I’m so thrilled that my Watch312.com internet show, “Candid Candace Chicago”, is nominated for a Chicago Innovation Award! The gala event will be held at the Harris Theater on October 30th…my fingers are crossed!!! (For tickets and more info, click here!)

I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of Candid Candace! As always, please email me any news and events that you think are special and I’ll try to add them here. I shared a story recently on my Chicago Now blog that has received a lot of interest. It’s a human interest story about my upbringing that you might like. The title is “What Mary and Jim Johnson Taught me About Racial (In)Equality”. Wish they were here now…

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats to the Drake Hotel’s Shaun Rajah! After nine years as special events manager at the Palm Court, he is moving on to a new position as senior catering sales manager! Welcome him as a new U.S. citizen, too – so happy for you, Shaun!

1 Comment

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

August 23, 2013 · 9:31 am

GLAMORAMA: A LIGHT-INFUSED FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA

…PLUS KERRY AND SARAH’S STARRY DAY AT WRIGLEY; SERVICE CLUB’S FABULOUS FASHION FETE; ERNIE LOVES MILA; COMMON THREADS AND RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE’S FALL PARTIES; GOVERNOR QUINN’S PUPPY LOVE; JESUS’ GALLERY SHOW; STEVE HARVEY WANTS YOU; SING WITH CHICAGO; AN EVENING WITH SMOKEY; KOOL-AID MAN LIGHTS UP CHICAGO; MY WCIU CO-HOSTING JOB; BASH ON WABASH; MY TOP EVENT PICKS ON WGN RADIO, TWO NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama was described by Macy’s VP of special productions Mike Gansmoe as an “illuminating journey of fashion seen through the varied lenses of history, pop music, culture, science and
technology.” I simply call it fantastic and another home-run hit out of Macy’s ballpark! The show, which benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana for the fifth year,
featured captivating musical performances by multi-talented singer, songwriter and producer Sheryl Crow and iHeartRadio Rising Star winners The Summer Set. Aerial feats of daring from Cirque du Soleil, cutting
edge lighting and visuals and the best of fall fashions from Macy’s rounded out the hour-long show. It was like a rock concert with an explosion of fashions set against a stunning display of light and sound and I was
mesmerized from the very first number which was a performance by Cirque du Soleil from their Las Vegas “Mystere” production. It was a balancing act performed by two heavily muscled men with whimsically dressed
characters crawling, jumping and somersaulting around the stage that had to be seen to be believed. Macy’s chairman/president/CEO Terry Lundgren then welcomed the crowd and introduced Ronald McDonald House Charities’ ambassador family, the Maules. Sisters Neilah and Jaden were
involved in a horrible car accident last July when an intoxicated driver hit them and both girls wound up in the hospital for six months undergoing extensive, multiple surgeries. A video showed what the Houses mean to families of children like this and how they provide care and comfort throughout the world. Mother Kellie Maule said the Ronald McDonald House felt like “going home” and that “it
provided consistency in a world that was rapidly changing.” She also called it a “godsend.” The theme of the event – “Fashion in a New Light” – was created by longtime show director/choreographer Myron Johnson, who
celebrated his 27th year in this position. My friend and VP of media relations and cause marketing for Macy’s North & Midwest Regions, Andrea Schwartz, said the next Glam planning begins the minute the last one ends. Her PR ladies (who include Lauren Rapisand and Liz Kores) had a huge task this night and executed it with perfection although the door people were more than a little
tough this year. I guess this is a necessary evil for such a big event that everyone and their brother tries to crash. (More than 350 press credentials were issued for the four-city tour!) In any case, the evening kept everyone on the edge of
their seats with excitement from beginning to end. More than 100 outfits were showcased on the runway on 42 stunning models that travel from city to city for the event. The show was first seen in Minneapolis,
came to Chicago and went on to L.A. and San Francisco. It requires seven days of rehearsal and more than 10 hours of model fittings. The show uses 42 computers, 350 lighting fixtures, 12 projectors and
60,000 watts of sound with the backdrop comprised of 80 LED panels! Designs from Tommy Hilfiger started off the show featuring sporty, back-to-school looks that included cropped jeans and letter jackets reminiscent of the Fonz. Jean Paul
Gaultier highlighted chic, metallic puffy vests. (I’m lusting after the silver one with the roll collar so hands off people.) Tallia Orange showed cool, wearable menswear looks a la “Mad
Men”. (Designer Mark Roscoe is a fan.) There were a lot of mixed patterns and Rachel Roy presented blazers, bomber jackets, a hot orange catsuit, floppy hats and sparkly separates. A new line for Macy’s – Maison Jules – debuted this
night showing Parisian-inspired street style with a nod towards Audrey Hepburn (who DOESN’T give a nod towards Audrey?!); I loved the ballet flats with the Birkin-inspired handbags, too. Adult and kid dancers performed in a break-dancing production
number that included futuristic LED lights. I loved seeing crowd favorite Bailey “BailRok” Munoz return and steal the show again. I was so thrilled to interview the star of the show, Sheryl Crow, who is as beautiful on
the inside as she is on the outside. She was stunning in a Yves St. Laurent batwing silk top and skin-tight white jeans with black lace detail. She told me that she has two small boys so supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities
was important to her; she also told me she loves everything about Chicago and always looks forward to visiting. She said she loves the vibe here and the people and then laughingly added the shopping. She is an amazing musician and
played at least three different guitars on this night. She sang songs from her upcoming album, “Feels Like Home” (due out in September), that included “Easy”, her first solo country hit. Sheryl said it’s “about drinking beer in your
backyard”…and I loved it! She ended with my all-time favorite “Every Day is a Winding Road”, at which point, silver confetti rained
down and all of the models came out to dance in the audience. (I was verklempt, talk amongst yourselves for a moment…) The elaborate after-party followed and had more moving parts than a
Ferris wheel. I saw a fashion fortune telling booth, an American Express Wheel of Fortune, Instagram– and prop-filled photo ops, more than a dozen Patron bars, DJ Dan Jordan spinning like a demon, fabulous food, Lancome touch-up stations, a celeb-filled VIP lounge and so much more. This is truly fashion’s night out in
Chicago and I was honored to be there covering it for my Chicago Tribune Candid Candace column and for my Watch312.com internet show “Candid Candace Chicago”…SEE VIDEO BELOW!) I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about it as much as I enjoyed attending and writing about it. I also want to thank WGN Radio’s Steve Cochran Show and Windy City LIVE! for having me on to talk about this much loved and much-anticipated yearly event. (For upcoming Macy’s event and fashion news, click here and for Ronald McDonald House Charities info, click here.) (Photos by Mila Samokhina).

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

The Service Club of Chicago hosted its annual Day on the Terrace Fashion Show and luncheon recently at the Peninsula Chicago with a record-breaking crowd of more than 300. This charitable organization, founded in 1890, is one of the oldest in Chicago now celebrating its 123rd year. The
45-minute show featured more than 80 fall looks from retailers that included Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, Vera Wang, Maximilian of Bloomingdale’s, Tom James, Black Tie Formalwear, Burdi, Escada, Intermix, Ralph Lauren and Starr Couture; local designers included Elda de la Rosa and Shalini and vintage looks from Lulu’s on the Avenue added a touch of
fashion history to the show. Members, local celebs and media personalities served as models and included chefs Giuseppe Tentori and
Travis Strickland, Anna Davlantes, Jane Monzures, Rob Johnson, Mary Ann Childers, Bill Zwecker, Fabrice Calmels, Alexi Giannoulias, Ryan Baker, Dan Uslan, J.P. Anderson, John Carroll, D.C.
Crenshaw, Greg Hyder, Rich Gamble, Sherren Leigh, Kim Vatis, Rich Varnes, Stanley Paul and Fabrice Calmels among many others. Co-chairs Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou and Sheila
O’Grady planned an exciting event this year breaking records in both attendance and funds raised. Chair emeritus Hazel Barr served as fashion show commentator along with show producer Tracey Dibuono and president Vonita Reescer
celebrated her 65th birthday with a surprise cake presentation. Standouts included Sheila O’Grady and Toni Canada (both wearing darling caps and chic designs by Ralph Lauren), Monika
Dixon, Sheree Valukas and first-time Service Club model Elizabeth Queen glowed in glamorous ball gowns by Vera Wang. Evans Scholars escorted models during the Neiman Marcus segment and I was thrilled to wear a beautiful Carolina Herrera cocktail dress. (The long version was worn by Lucy Liu at
the Golden Globes.) One hundred percent of the $40,000 funds raised will go directly to the organization’s grant program, which supports various non-profits in the Chicagoland area. To see ALL of the great event photos by Mila Samokhina, Caitlin Saville Collins and John Reilly Photography, click here and see all of the fun on my Watch312.com video below!)

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

Excited fans at Wrigley Field were able to witness former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood’s return to the mound on August 10th…but this time the game was Wiffle ball and his teammates were a combination of celebrities and media personalities. Wood and wife Sarah
hosted the First Annual Woody’s Wiffle Ball Classic, an all-day sporting event sponsored by Walgreens which began with a sixteen corporate team tournament and ended with a Home Run Derby and celebrity “Wiffle for a Diffle” game. The event raised more than $490K for the Wood Family Foundation. The outfield of Wrigley was divided into four “fields"
(Fenway, Field of Dreams, Wrigley and Yankee) during the day, complete with backdrops and bleachers where corporate teams competed against one another. The tournament began with
Cubs special announcer Wayne Messmer singing the national anthem. Various celebs and local media personalities served as captains and players for participating teams such as Walgreens, United Airlines, InCapital, JP Morgan Chase,
Sloane Valve Corporation, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch, Leo Burnett, Hillshire Brands, Field of Dreams/All Star Ballpark Heaven, WinTrust Mortgage, Select Rehab, Chicago Trading Company, Chicago Athletic Club, and Four Corners Tavern
Group. Funnyman Bill Murray jumped in to play in the outfield with the Wintrust Mortgage and Walgreens teams while also working the crowd of Bleacher Bums all day. Leo Burnett “Bad Apples” team had a cheer going all day with former Chicago Bear Steve McMichael at the helm. In the end, it
was the All Star Ballpark Heaven team captained by Matthew Perry that was crowned the “2013 Wiffle Ball Champions” and received the official Woody’s Wiffle Ball Classic trophy. The field was then prepared for the Home Run Derby which was pitched by Wood. (The crowd went
wild seeing Kerry back on the mound!). Participants included Jenny McCarthy, Moises Alou, CM Punk, Derrek Lee, Michael Barrett, Bill Murray and Matthew Perry. Former Cubs Alou, Lee, and Barrett wowed fans but when all was said and done, it was Michael Barrett who won and received the title of Home Run Derby Champion.
“American Idol” winner Lee Dewyze kicked off the celebrity “Wiffle for a Diffle” game with the national anthem followed by Wood Family Foundation scholar recipient Gaby Santoyo throwing out the first pitch. Approximately 70 celebrity players donned in full
throwback baseball uniforms (red and blue) took to their positions on the field and batting line up and the fun began. Emcee Paula Faris (former NBC Chicago sports reporter) announced the batters who came out to their chosen theme song.
(Jenny McCarthy, for example, chose Beyonce’s “Who Runs the World”.) Entertaining moments included: Bill Murray making “Biggest Loser” winner Danni Allen run laps for striking out when at bat, WWE wrestler CM Punk trying to hit the ball with a fold-up chair instead of a bat, Kerry striking
wife Sarah out, and Bill Murray going deep in his first at bat. Chicago Blackhawks anthem singer Jim Cornelison sang the seventh inning stretch and former Cub Glendon Rusch hit the game-winning grand slam for the Blue team captained by Sarah with Bill Murray as honorary co-captain. “Woody’s
Wiffle Ball Classic was the most fun our Walgreens team has ever had. We are happy to be able to support the Wood Family Foundation and the work they do,” explained Wade Miquelon, CFO for Walgreens. “Training camp starts Monday for the 2014 tournament. We’ll be back!” Celebrities that participated
included Matthew Perry, Bill Murray, Joel Murray (“Mad Men”), Jenny McCarthy, George Wendt (“Cheers”), Adam Rodriguez (“CSI: Miami”), CM Punk (WWE), Mark Moses (“Mad Men”), Josh Charles (“The Good Wife”), Todd Walker (former Chicago Cub), Moises Alou (former Chicago Cub), Michael Barrett (former Chicago Cub), Steve Trout (former Chicago Cub), Ron Harper (former Chicago
Bull), Kristy Swanson (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer”), Kevin Farley, Sarah Colonna (“Chelsea Lately”), Derrek Lee (former Chicago Cub), Aimee Garcia (“Dexter”), Neil Flynn (“Scrubs”), DB Sweeney (“Mountain Men”), Ed Swiderski (“The Bachelorette”), Lee Dewyze
(“American Idol”), Peter Mackenzie (“Hart of Dixie”), Jeff Dye (comedian), Finesse Mitchell (comedian), Jim Cornelison (Chicago Blackhawks anthem singer), Danni Allen (“The Biggest
Loser”), Chris Chelios (former Chicago Blackhawk), Lloyd Eisler (Olympic ice skater), Pat Finn (Marvin Marvin), Eric Gilliland (film director), Lisa Guerreo (“Sunset Beach”), Scott Eyre (former Chicago Cub), Ernie Halvorsen (“The
Amazing Race”), Cindy Halvorsen (“The Amazing Race”), Steve McMichael (former Chicago Bear), Ramon Martinez (former Chicago Cub), Glendon Rusch and Wayne Messmer. Local media personalities
and celebrities that participated included Ryan Baker (CBS Chicago), Lou Canellis (Fox), Ryan Chiaverini (“Windy City LIVE”), Roe Conn (“Roe and Roeper”), Janet Davies (ABC), Anna Davlantes (Fox), Eric Ferguson (“Eric and Kathy”), Brotha Fred (Kiss FM), Megan Glaros (CBS), Jerrod Melman (restaurateur), RJ Melman,
(restaurateur), Kathy Hart (“Eric and Kathy”), Dave Kaplan (Comcast / WGN), Catie Keogh (“24-7 Chicago”), Natalie Martinez (NBC), Pete McMurray (WGN radio), Showbiz Shelly (B96), Dionne Miller (Fox), Jane Monzures (FM101 News), J Niice (B96), Richard Roeper (“Roe and Roeper”), Allison Rosati (NBC),
Tracy Schmidt (Crain’s), Marc Silverman (“Waddle & Silvy”), Sarah Spain (ESPNChicago.com), Rafer Weigel (ABC), Derrick Young (CBS), Kelli Zink (CelebTV.com) and Billy Dec (restaurateur). The Wood Family Foundation (WFF) is a non-profit 501c3 organization that was founded in June 2011 by Kerry and his wife Sarah. The
WFF works to improve the lives of children in Chicago by raising funds for children’s programs and acts as an advocate for the children, inspiring others to join them in their mission of giving kids the resources they need to succeed. For more info about this wonderful organization, visit www.woodfamilyfoundation.org. (Photos by Mila Samokhina, Kenny Kim and Collin Pierson).

Speaking of baseball, our very own Mila Samokhina was on hand when Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks, was honored in Wrigley Field recently for his nomination by President Obama with the Medal of Freedom honor! Banks played in 11 All-Star Games and hit more than 500 home
runs in his career; he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. Mila is his official photographer and was on hand in his box to capture these photos. She and her husband Arthur renewed their vows recently in Paris where they attached a love lock with their names
engraved on the Pont de l’Archevêché. (They’ve been married 30 years!) This longtime Paris tradition is spreading throughout Europe even though Mayor Emanuel won’t allow this in Chicago. Locks of love appear on both the Pont des Arts and Pont de l’Archevêché in Paris. Newlyweds Kyla and Tim Smithe have a lock there, too! Awwwwwww…

Mark your calendars for Common Threads’ Third Annual Cook-Off on October 2nd at Fulton’s on the River from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Join 30+ of Chicago’s finest chefs as they compete to raise funds for CT’s culinary programs in Chicago. For tickets ($75) and info, visit CommonThreads.org. AND don’t miss CT co-founder Jesus Salgueiro when he presents his fabulous new art exhibit, “Going Gaga for Love Mandalas,
a prayer for love and all the great things in life” at the Gruen Gallery (located at 226 W. Superior) from 6 to 9 p.m. on September 20th. Event proceeds will benefit Common Threads and the Born This Way Foundation. We love Jesus and his limitless positivity, not to mention his amazing talent! Congrats!

Save the date – September 26th – for the third annual Cocktail Party hosted by the Women’s Auxiliary Board of Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s. Tickets are $150 and include live music and entertainment, top shelf open bar and appetizer buffet. The party will be held in The Back Room (located at 937 N. Rush St.) from 6 to 9 p.m. and will raise funds for the World’s Largest Ronald McDonald House where 86 families find care and comfort each night. (For tickets to this sure-to-be wonderful evening, please click here!)

Congrats to Governor Quinn for signing the Puppy Lemon Law on August 17th at Wiggly Field, located at 2465 N. Sheffield Ave. This law will now allow consumers to receive a refund, replacement or reimbursement of veterinary costs for animals purchased with a pre-existing or undisclosed disease or illness. The law will also require pet stores to notify customers and the state veterinarian of a life-threatening outbreak of contagious diseases. While there is obviously never a replacement for a pet, this law will place increased financial pressure on pet stores, which in large part obtain pets from puppy mills. Good job, Governor!

Delivery, a food truck and a chance to win big?! This is what one lucky Chicagoan will win this fall when Giordano’s brings its pizza and their new BIG food truck to your neighborhood! Anyone who orders Giordano’s for delivery between now and September 15th will be automatically entered for the chance to win a block party in his or her neighborhood with Giordano’s food truck! How fun is this? May the best pizza lover win!

“The Steve Harvey Show” wants YOU! If you’re single, a Chicago local and between the ages of 18 and 45, then Steve wants you to join him for a filming of a “Singles Symposium” at Navy Pier on September 7th. This entertaining event will be filled with goodies and surprises – one for the record books, I’m told, so email Jessica Smedick at jessica.smedick@steveharveytv.com ASAP with a photo of yourself!

Thanks so much to WGN Radio’s “The Bill Leff Show” for having me on last week! It was a fun segment with his sidekick Jennifer Stevens – they make a great team and it was a privilege to return to discuss all of Chicago’s hottest parties! Missed my top pics? Listen here!

I can’t wait to attend the South Loop’s 10th annual Bash on Wabash this weekend! This old fashioned street festival will celebrate Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Food Pantry. There will be a wide variety of live musical acts, activities (dunk tank, animal costume contest, mechanical bull riding, etc.), food trucks, a kids’ stage and a ton of local vendors! It all starts at 11 a.m. on August 24th on Wabash Avenue between 13th Street and 14th Place. Hope to see you there! (For more info, click here!)

Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control’s Big Night will include more than 400 animal lovers gathered under the Tiffany Dome in the Chicago Cultural Center on September 26th from 6:30 to 9 p.m. for a great night of food, fun and fundraising. More than a dozen of Chicago’s finest chefs (expertly organized by Executive Chef Jackie Shen) will prepare a tantalizing
array of unique dishes. Phil Stefani’s will serve a variety of fine wines including the signature “Muttinis” to loosen up the crowd and, of course, there will be exciting auction items – from diamonds to doggie treats – to bid on during the silent and live auctions. ABC sports anchor Jim Rose and his beautiful wife Lakesha will emcee the event! (For tickets – $100 pre-sale and $125 at the door – click here.)

The Chicago State University Foundation (CSUF) Board of Directors will host its 19th Annual Circle of Friends event, “Circle of Friends presents An Evening with Smokey Robinson”, on September 19th (which also happens to be Chuck’s birthday)! This scholarship fundraising concert will take place from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. beginning with a Strolling Supper at the CSU Academic Library (located at 9502 S. King Dr.) followed by the one and only Smokey Robinson in concert at the Jones Convocation Center beginning at 8 p.m. (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.) This event is the CSU Foundation’s major fundraiser and proceeds will provide scholarships, technology enhancements and general support for Chicago State University students. Concert tickets range from $50 for general admission seating to $200 for VIP seating that also includes an open bar and appetizers. Sponsorship packages are available as well that include the Strolling Supper reception. Those interested in sponsorships may reach the foundation at 773.995.3839. Visit the CSU website here to purchase tickets.

The Kool-Aid Man came to town recently and I got to meet the big red pitcher – what a thrill to meet a childhood icon! He was in the Windy City doing “Random Acts of Fun” for Chicago area families at the Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, Wendella Boat Tours and North Avenue Beach. Keep up the “tasty” work, KAM! (Thanks to Kathleen Henson and Henson Consulting for this “cool” intro!)

Thanks so much to WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning” for giving me the privilege of co-hosting its dynamic show last week! Jeanne Sparrow was off to a family reunion and I was so excited to sit in her spot on the couch next to Melissa Forman. I’m telling you, these two make it all look so easy but believe me, it is NOT: A two-hour show with multiple segments and a zillion moving parts is not a simple thing to handle but Melissa and Jeanne certainly make it look effortless. Their team is on top
of every news story and it was awe-inspiring to witness the behind the scenes action. I think I flunked Teleprompter 101 but was thrilled to have this opportunity! Love to Melissa, Jeanne and producer Rob Morhaim and congrats on your fabulous show! (Don’t miss this show every weekday from 6 to 8 a.m. on the WCIU, the U, channel 26!)

I can’t WAIT for this month’s Randolph Street Market on August 24th and 25th at 1350 W. Randolph! This weekend extravaganza will feature a back-to-school theme with more than 250 vendors, fabulous food, cocktails and live music – it’s a block party with benefits…and I’ll see you there! For more info, visit www.randolphsteetmarket.com.

That’s all for now! Hope you tune in next week for more fabulous photos, videos and the hottest event news in the Windy City!

Love as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats to Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro on their fourth wedding anniversary! This loving couple announced on their big day that WHEN the Illinois Marriage Equality bill passes, and is signed by the Governor (expected early next year), they will hold a HUGE celebration at Table Fifty-Two and remarry in Chicago to
celebrate the historic occasion. I hope my invite doesn’t get lost in the mail! CONGRATS ART AND JESUS!

P.P.S. Hope you’re enjoying my Candid Candace column every Sunday in the Chicago Tribune! 🙂 Please send me your events for consideration, too!

Leave a comment

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

← Older posts

Newer posts →