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ALL EYES WERE ON MAMIE WALTON AT THE ILLINOIS EYE-BANK GALA!

…PLUS BETTY WHITE RULED THE NIGHT AT MBC, A NAVY PIER HOTSPOT FOR LOCALS!, GLAM LAUNCH PARTY (WATCH 312 VIDEO!), ZOO-OLOGIE BASH IS BACK, OLD TOWN ART FAIR (HIGHLIGHTS ON WATCH312!), SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Honorees Mamie Walton and Dr. Joel SugarIt’s not often that you feel transported to Britain here in the Windy City but this was the theme and the ambiance for the recent Illinois Eye-Bank Gala honoring Mamie Walton as the 2012 Woman of Vision and Dr. Joel Sugar as the Gift of Sight Honoree. (Joel has Blog 2 - Eyebank Executive Director Diane Hollingsworthbeen the Illinois Eye-Bank’s Medical Director for 25 years.) The party, titled “Annabel’s: Indulge in London’s Veddy Best,” brought out more than 200 guests to the Peninsula on a perfect summer night. This hotel has one of the finest patios in town and when the weather is as flawless as it was on this night, no one wanted to move inside for dinner! Mamie Walton’s British roots made the party’s theme so appropriate for this magnetic and ageless woman. Blog 3 - Glam guests and Mamie fans through and through!With décor by Tom Kehoe, the Grand Ballroom perfectly captured the look and feel of the famed London nightclub, Annabel’s, with purple linens, gold napkins and Blog 4 - Beloved Hazel and Warren Barrchairs and even a signature Annabel’s touch, a circular dance floor. This legendary club was founded in 1963 and named after the late Sir James Goldsmith’s wife, Annabel. It was the first of its kind – a members-only nightclub that catered to an exclusive clientele that included royals such as Blog 5 - Miss Arab USA, Christina Rafida, and Secretary of State Jesse WhitePrincess Anne and the Prince of Wales, President Richard Nixon, Aristotle Onassis and Frank Sinatra. Entertainers who have performed there include Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross and, most recently, Lady Gaga. On this night, we had our own top-notch entertainment with Mamie herself serenading us in song (“Time Blog 7 - The always darling Tom Segesta and wife RobinAfter Time”) in perfect pitch. As she glided around the dance floor in a glamorous vintage black Chanel cocktail dress, you felt like you were truly a lucky member of an exclusive club, the Mamie Walton Fan Club! Her dress, by the way, was worn 20 years ago to Annabel’s when she and her late Blog 8 - Ken Norgan, John Regas, Bill Zwecker, Warren Barr and Tom Gormanhusband, Julius, were in London. After dining out with friends, the Morales, they hit Annabel’s. He was the Ambassador for Great Britain to Panama at the time. Blog 9 - Tina and Jeff Weller and cute friendsThe Mark Olen Trio performed and Franklin Lamphere sang three songs from the 50’s and 60’s. Master of Ceremonies was the incomparable Bill Zwecker who is a long-time Blog 10 - The Squire, Bunky Cushing!friend of Mamie’s. Eye-Bank Executive Director Diane Hollingsworth announced the Beverly Blettner Gift of Knowledge education fund and acknowledged Amy Wimer. “Beverly looked for one person to carry that torch and it was Amy who Blog 11 - Gayle Anthony, Toni Canada, Heather Farley and Lynn McMahanchaired the event for the first three years.” Dr. Randy Epstein introduced Dr. Sugar and awarded him his honor. Bill introduced last year’s Woman of Vision Blog 12 - Linda and Mark Heisterhonoree Jean Antoniou who proudly presented Mamie with her Woman of Vision Award to wild applause. Guests for the evening included Hazel and Warren Barr, Greg Hyder and Jim Smith, Vonita Reescer, Myra and John Reilly, Tiffani Kim and Brad Griffith, Sherren Blog 13 - Margaret O’Connor and Sherrill BodineLeigh, Tina and Jeff Weller, Ken Norgan, Maria Zec, Mary Ann Rose, Heinz Kern, Lynne Bredfeldt, Ray Drymalski, Dr. David Donnersberger, Margaret O’Connor and Dr. Michael O’Meara, Eileen and Howard Weinberg, David Brandt, Sheryl Dyer, Sean Eshaghy, Toni and Rick Canada, Heather Farley Blog 14 - The one and only Stanley Paul!and Bruce Ingram, Tom Gorman, Linda and Mark Heister, Gregg Zgonena, Cynthia King and Rich Varnes, John Regas, Her Serene Highness Princess Anna Christina Radziwill (whose maternal aunt was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis), Stanley Paul, Karen and Peter Martino, Megan McKinney, Lynn and John McMahan, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Segesta, Bunky Cushing and Sherrill and John Bodine among many others. More than $80,000 was raised to help restore the sight to over 1,000 people each year throughout Illinois. Congrats to Mamie and Joel on their much deserved honors and to learn more about this worthy organization, please visit www.IllinoisEyeBank.org. (To view more pics, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Chef Heather Terhune and Manolis AlpogianisIt was one of those perfect nights in Chicago that we wait all winter for. Everyone was dressed in their best with smiles from ear to ear. If you live here, you know what I'm talkin' about. And it Blog 2 - The cute Alpogianis boys, Executive Chef George, Dad and Manoliswas on this night that a new, chic soon-to-be hotspot opened on Navy Pier called City Porch. I was proud to co-host the party with owner Manolis Alpogianis of America's Dog fame. He and his family have a long history of restaurant successes and this new spot will be yet another notch on their belts. For opening night, Chef Heather Terhune (Sable) featured some of her Blog 3 - Fabrice Calmels, Charley Jordan, Eddie Howlett, Lauren Dobies and Chuckspecialties. Every month, there will be a celeb
rity Blog 4 - Jim and Bonnie Spurlockchef with Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia) in July and in August, Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven and The Purple Pig) will be featuring his special menu. The menu under Executive Chef George Alpogianis (Manolis' cute brother) and Chef de Cuisine Anthony Riley has a variety of delicious Blog 5 - Alexi Giannoulias and his cute momselections in place under "Big, Small and Sweet Plates." For small plates, mouth-watering dishes like Moroccan buffalo wings, Wagyu beef sliders, Havarti mac & cheese, chicken souvlaki and hand-packed crab cakes are on the menu. Salad plates include a killer Blog 6 - Manolis, friend, Desiree Rogers and Neal Zuckerlobster avocado salad, heirloom tomato salad and chicken chopped salad. Big Plates offers some of the best margherita pizza I've tasted in a long, long time and the sandwich offerings are too extensive to mention! There is also a section for the little ones (whose menus I always covet) as well as fabulous Blog 7 - ICB’s Bill Natale and Myki Romanosweets including Eli's Cheesecake, skillet cookies and chocolate peanut butter Napoleons! Designed by Gretchen Dockendorff (with input Blog 8 - Corri McFadden (2nd from L) with friendsfrom Manolis) this new restaurant offers a chic dining experience looking over Lake Michigan and the skyline. It's charming yet upscale all at the same time. Chef Art Smith had this to say: “What I love about City Porch is the fact that it brings the best of Chicago to a very popular destination place, Navy Pier. Yes, Blog 9 - Amanda St. Augustine and cute friendthere are funnel cakes, corn dogs, etc. but now, there are beautiful artisanal foods prepared by Chicago's very best. Our city has amazing chefs and thanks Blog 10 - Dionne Williams and Lauren Rapisandto Manolis Alpogianis and his family they will introduce this to thousands upon thousands of tourists at Navy Pier, too.” On opening night, bold-faced locals came out to play and party! Hopefully, I will see you on the City Porch soon – the Adirondack chairs arranged for fireworks viewing are genius! Watch for Watch312.com's "Candid Candace Chicago" video coming soon!!!! (To see ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Christina Thomas and Kathleen HensonOn Friday evening, June 8th, hundreds of Chicago’s most fashionable and philanthropic joined together at the Greenhouse Loft (located at 2545 W. Diversey) for Macy’s Glamorama Blog 2 - Part of the Glam 2012 Host Committeekickoff event, the Glam Launch Party! I was so proud to chair this event for the third year benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI). The evening was a nod to the 60’s, coinciding with the 2012 Glamorama theme “British Invasion: The Music Then, The Fashion Now!” and featured the music of Blog 4 - Jeff Conway, Quenten Schumacher, Chuck and Paul IaconoAmerican English (who Blog 3 - Niala Conte, Borris Powell and chic friendwere just voted the top Beatles cover band in the country!) They kept the crowd dancing with rousing renditions of all of the Beatles classics along with a great DJ, Lee Michaels. At this exclusive event, guests mixed and mingled while sipping on cocktails courtesy of SkinnyGirl Cocktails (thanks for the Blog 5 - Paul and Rosanne Huebenerintroduction Tom Strehle!), Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Voga Wines, and enjoying passed appetizers from Food for Thought catering. Sweet treats were courtesy of our new sponsor, Amy DiTomasso of Sugar Blog 6 - The one and only Rosemary FantiChic Designs. Models, dispersed throughout the expansive space, showcased collections from local designers Anna Fong, Borris Powell, Elda de la Rosa and M2f Brand Denims. The view of Chicago from the beautiful landscaped rooftop garden was a highlight and as guests enjoyed Blog 7 - Nicole Townsend (in red), Marco Foster and friendscocktails and hors d’oeuvres al fresco, other supporters were busy having their photos taken by on-site photog, Steve Ewert. Other highlights included a performance from the high-energy hip hop dance Blog 8 - Cute party gueststroop, Hip Hop Connixon, fashion illustrations by beloved Rosemary Fanti and the ever popular (and my favorite!) Action Booth that had lines all night long! Familiar faces spotted at Blog 9 - Fabrice Calmels and Larisa Elizondothe party included RMHC-CNI Chairman of the Board Paul Huebener and chic wife Rosanne, Macy’s Kamal Bosamia, Shops at Northbridge Marketing Manager Erica Strama, Glam Host Committee members Blog 10 - Kamal Bosamia (center) and friendsPaul Iacono, Katie McLenaghan, Lynn McMahan, Quenten Schumacher, Michaela Parrillo, Macy’s Andrea Schwartz, Dr. Steven Stryker, Katie Cahnmann, Justin Jacobson, Kerry Shorr, Sally Shorr, Fabrice Calmels, publicist Kathleen Henson, Heather Farley, Stephanie Krol, Julianne Glatz, Joan Colmar, Helen Melchior, Corinne Melchior, Vonita Reescer, Erica Ford’s David Sanchez (R) and model friendsStrama, Eric Himel, Tom Gorman, Dionne Williams, Cece Gonzalez, Melinda Joseph and Michelle Durpetti  among many others! To purchase tickets to the MAIN EVENT, GLAMORAMA, featuring Robin Thicke and Karmin at the Harris Theater, please click here . And to see the fun on Watch312.com’s "Candid Candace Chicago," looky here! (Oh, and check out this gallery for more pics from Steve Starr and moi!)

Blog 1 - Jennifer Graziano, Creator of Mob Wives franchise, Pia Rizza, and Deanna Morales, manager-ceo of Wite Gold management and prThe “Mob Wives Chicago” premier party for cast member Pia Rizza took place June 10th at JBar in The James hotel. Jennifer Graziano, creator of the “Mob Wives” franchise, was Blog 3 - Deanna Morales and Crystal Petersalso there with more than 100 guests. According to the press release, “Pia Rizza is the daughter of Vincent Rizza, a dirty Chicago cop who worked for the Mob. He testified against the Mob and then went into the Witness Protection Program. Pia has struggled all her life to hide from the shame of having a ‘rat’ for a father. It’s been especially difficult to avoid the judgments and Blog 2 - Deanna Morales, Meredith Spiros, Laura Kranz, Pia Rizza, Bella Rizza, Veronica Rubio and Julio  Delgadofinger pointing in a town like Chicago. With the success of the original ‘Mob Wives NYC,’ it would only be a natural progression to feature women that were associated with the ‘alleged’ Chicago Outfit.” I haven’t seen it yet but will be on the lookout! Sadly, Lord knows, everywhere you go in the world, the first gesture is of a machine gun when you tell people you’re from Chicago.

Blog 1 - Auxiliary Board President Deborah Barr_ Co-Chairs Melissa Kearney, Frank Favia and Jodi McNallyThe Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoo-ologie Gala was their biggest one yet, with 1,000 guests raising more than $150,000! Hosted by the Auxiliary Board and co-chaired by Frank Favia, Melissa Kearney and Jodi Blog 2 - John Eisel, Stephanie Eisel (Auxiliary Board member), Linda Barham, Peter BrownMcNally, the sold-out event included gourmet food, signature drinks and exclusive after-hours access to Lincoln Park Zoo which is one of the nation’s last remaining free admission zoos in the world. Thanks to décor by Flower Firm, a luxury tent was reminiscent of a South Beach celebration with young, hip Blog 3 - Sarah Grueneberg, Executive Chef of Café Spiaggia and runner up on Bravo's Top Chef TexasChicagoans dancing to the beat of DJ Rock City and enjoying cutting edge cocktails. Nibbles were offered from some of Chicago’s best restaurants including GT Fish & Oyster and Mercadito. Luxury raffle winners took Blog 4 - Hollis Hanover (Auxiliary Board member) and Mark Hanoverhome incredible prizes: a Bulgari handbag, two round trip tickets to Europe courtesy of United Airlines and a custom Lilly Pulitzer bicycle. Seen on the scene were Ryan Chiaverini, emcee Billy Dec, Café Spiaggia Executive Chef Sarah Grueneberg, LPZ President and CEO Kevin Bell, Rockit Ranch’s Arturo Gomez and Akira’s Jon Cotay among many others. (Photos by Jaclyn Simpson Photography.)
 
No%20bullI met Karen Wojcikowski at Gene & Georgetti’s and I think she is someone you should know. She is the founder and president of The Bully Police Squad, an organization she created after receiving numerous cases of reported bullying, many of which have involved death. Karen, a Chicago police officer with 15 years of service, is a life Kid bullycoach and public speaker, speaking to schools, parents, teachers and children on the effects of bullying and educates them in the process. She hopes to establish a national hotline for bullying victims and parents and is in the process of writing her first book, “Stop the Bull.” To learn more about the Bully Police Squad and how you can help, please click here or call their 24-hour toll-free number at 800-914-1873 and don’t worry, they never let any call go unanswered. Great job Karen and congrats! (Karen is in the process of completing her Master’s at Penn State University.) Hello, Chicago Tribune! I have a Remarkable Woman candidate for YOU!
 
Blog 1 - Shannon Waterfield (above L), Lucy Wojtas (below L), Christina Wojtas, Isabel Weiss, Sharon O'BrienThe 63rd Annual Old Town Art Fair was one of the best ones yet! We live in the heart of Old Town and every year, I can’t wait to hear the little hammers hard Blog 2 - Chuck with Tom Leibig and Bob Millsat work outside my door with artists building their booths for one of the largest juried art fairs in the country! With 300 artists Blog 3 - Plaque outside our house for Old Town Garden Walkparticipating this year and more than 50 private gardens open to the public, many for the first time, this was a weekend to remember. There was great festival food from Adobo Grill, Stanley’s Kitchen & Tap, Phil Stefani’s, Caroll’s Corn Crib and more. Music by Brad Cole Music and Check With Lucy made the weekend simply perfect! It was pretty awesome people watching, too! Check out this Watch312.com video and see what I mean! 

Blog 1 - Tom Dreesen, Roe Conn, Larry Wert and Joe AhernThe Museum of Broadcast Communications celebrated its 25th anniversary on June 12th. More than 400 guests came out to see legends of television including Betty Blog 2 - Keith Magee and Betty WhiteWhite, Hugh Downs and John Mahoney at the MBC’s new location at 360 N. State, which also served as its unofficial grand opening. (The official ribbon cutting occurred the following morning.) With 62,000 square feet, this building houses the National Blog 3 - WGN’s Marty WilkeRadio Hall of Fame, sets and costumes from “Bozo’s Circus,” puppets such as Charlie McCarthys, vintage radios and TVs, one of the cameras used in the Kennedy-Nixon debate, a Blog 4 - Brenda Arelano with John Mahoneyformer “Meet the Press” set and a studio dedicated to Paul and Angel Harvey among many other objects of interest. Collections span more than 25,000 TV programs, 5,000 radio shows and 12,000 commercials totalling Blog 5 - Ill. State Treasurer Dan Rutherford and NBC 5’s Carol Marinalmost 100,000 hours of viewing. The evening began with a welcome from founder, president and CEO Bruce Dumont followed by comments from Richard Price (event co-chair and Blog 6 - MBC’s Bruce Dumont and Pat Brickhousechairman and CEO of Mesirow), Pam Cullerton (event co-chair/civic leader) and Cheryl Pearson-McNeil (SVP of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Nielsen). Hugh Downs spoke next and recounted his first TV appearance: “It was 67 years ago and my first spot was in Blog 7 - Ruth and Hugh DownsSeptember of 1945. I was asked to do a newscast. The lights began to heat up and by the end of it, sweat was all over my seersucker suit, which I thought was a good thing because it kept me from catching fire.” (He also went on to say that, “The really innovative stuff came out of Blog 8Chicago.”) John Mahoney introduced Betty White as “one of the most talented people in the world.” She quipped, “Boy, have I got YOU fooled!” and went Blog 9 - E. Patrick Johnson, Stephen Lewis, Alonzo Brown, Roderick Hawkinson to say, “I’ve lusted after him for so long and he finally did my show. And it STILL didn’t happen.” (I whispered to Betty that she was the only woman I knew who could cuss like a trooper and still be elegant! Blog 10 - Chuck with Cheryl Pearson-McNeilHer smile was from ear to ear…LOVE that lady!) Lucky guests included Keith Magee (my sweet host), Carol Marin, Dan Rutherford, Tom Dreesen, Larry Wert, Marty Wilke, Joe Ahern, Dean Richards, Terry Hemmert, Rich Koz, Theresa Gutierrez, Lyn McKeaney, Rob Johnson, Brenda Blog 11 - Gail Leahy, Lyn McKeaney and friendArelano, Steve Starr, Kathy Brock, Barb and Roe Conn, Thea Flom, Mancow, Pat Brickhouse, Roderick Hawkins, Melissa Kennedy, Alan Krashesky, Paul Harvey Jr., Toby Eveland, Caroline Cracraft, Stephen Lewis and Alonzo Brown among others. For more info, please visit www.museum.tv. (Pics by Steve Starr and moi…view more here!)
 
That’s all for this week! Hope you enjoyed the Style Network’s second "Chicagolicious" show Monday night – I know I sure did!!! May your flowers not wilt and may the force of summer be with you!!
 
Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

 

P1040498P.S. Click here for a story that will make you go "awwwwwwww!"

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KERRY WOOD HITS HOME RUN WITH “WOODY’S WINTER WARM-UP”

…PLUS A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH GEORGE CLOONEY (SADLY, NOT MINE), JESSICA RADLOFF'S CRITICS' CHOICE HIGHLIGHTS, MORRIS' ONE-MAN SHOW, A VALENTINE'S SHOW UNLIKE ANY OTHER, RANDOLPH MARKET INFO AND MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Yolanda Linneman, Kerry Wood and fan Ronnie Woo WooThe queue of white stretch limos out in front of Harry Caray’s was the first thing you noticed besides the plethora of news trucks. I think every station in town Blog 2 - Limos at the ready!was at Navy Pier to cover Cubs’ pitcher Kerry Wood and his beautiful wife Sarah’s first “Woody’s Winter Warm-Up” fundraiser. The place was packed with sports stars, TV personalities, fans and Blog 3 - Valerie Warner styling behind the barfriends, all there to support popular Cubs pitcher Kerry and his Wood Family Foundation, the beneficiary of the night. “Woody” had recruited guest bartenders who suited up in t-shirts and bar aprons and competed for tips Blog 4 - Cubs catcher Michael Brenlywhile serving drinks and food to guests. Volunteers included Val Warner (“Windy City Live”), Lou Cannelis (Fox Chicago), Peter McMurrary (The Loop FM), Cubs players Ryan Dempster, Tony Campana, Travis Wood, Chris Voldstad, Ian Stewart, Matt Garza, Randy Wells, Marlon Byrd, former Cub Rick Sutcliffe, Jon Lieber, Gary Blog 5 - Dutchie Caray surrounded by fansMatthews, Michael Brenly and new manager Dale Sveum. Even Bears players Otis Wilson, Richard Dent and Israel Catie Keogh enlists a new 24-7 reporter for Tom RickettsIdonije did some mixing behind the bar. Other notables in attendance included Cubs owners Todd and Tom Ricketts, President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Cubs players Jeff Blog 7 - Ernie Banks’ signed jerseySamardzija, Darwin Barney, James Russell, Josh Vitters and David DeJesus, Delores “Dutchie” Caray, Joanna and Grant DePorter, Barb and Roe Conn, event organizer Blog 8 - '85 Bear Otis Wilson and cute friendDaphne Ortiz, Erica Stimac, Catie Keogh and Jeff Conway ("24/7") along with super-fan Ronnie Woo Woo, who was accompanied by his gorgeous daughter, Yolanda Linneman. The evening also included a delicious dinner buffet of Italian beef sandwiches, mini lamb burgers, mac and cheese, rigatoni, Chicago style hotdogs and other tasty treats. The silent auction was a sports lover’s dream come true and many of the offerings had “Do Not Touch” signs Blog 9 - Crowd scene at Harry Caray’snext to them like Ernie Banks’ signed jersey and bat. There were dozens of autographed baseballs, jerseys and other sports related memorabilia as well Blog 10 - Wood’s signed jersey at auctionas a pig roast for 100 courtesy of Carvetti’s in Lake Geneva! The entertainment was world class, too and opened with an acoustic set by singer/songwriter William Beckett. Hosts for the night were Ryan Chiaverini ("Windy City Live") and Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster, who brought the house down with his spot-on Blog 11 - With Theo Epsteinimpersonation of Harry Caray. (He told me he was VERY nervous but no one would've guessed this!) Ryan Chiaverini also sang and played guitar to “Sweet Home Chicago” and even Theo Epstein got in on the action playing “Rockin’ in Blog 12 - A delicious dinner buffet!the Free World” on guitar alongside the Grammy-nominated Plain White T’s. Cubs pitcher Randy Wells sat in for a song (Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’”) that he dedicated to Ron Santo. Blog 13 - Ryan Dempster and Ryan Chiaverini(They closed the show with their number one single, “Hey There Delilah.”) DJ White Shadow (aka Paul Blair) kept the crowd fueled for fun with his hot mixes (he produced Lady Gaga’s Blog 14 - Thomas Strehle wins the top live auction prize“Born this Way” album). An incredible live auction package went to Jim Beam VP Thomas Strehle for $7K and included first pitch privileges, tour of the press box, photo op, four box seats and a half hour batting session with Woody! It was doubled for the under-bidder to bring this package to $14K for the charity! More than $80,000 was raised for the Wood Family Foundation that is dedicated to supporting children’s charities in and around Chicago. To view ALL pics from this fun evening, please click here.
 
Blog 1 - Jessica Radloff giving me a shout-out!The film critics’ award ceremonies are just a recent memory now and, hopefully, all of your favorites won! But for Glamour.com’s West Coast entertainment contributor Jessica Radloff, the Critics' Choice Movie Blog 2 - The HeartthrobAwards will forever be etched in her memory! Of course, there were a gazillion stars there since this is the largest film critics organization in the U.S. and Canada so Jessica happily conducted tons of interviews for the Glamour network including Melissa McCarthy (who was battling laryngitis), Judy Greer (who was hilarious according to Jessica), Ellie Kemper, Wendi McClendon-Covey (who said she would sign up for Blog 3 - OMG! The kiss!“Bridesmaids 2” even if the script sucked), Bridesmaids’ director Paul Feig (“one of the nicest people you'll ever meet in Hollywood”) and Blog 4 - Another heartthrob, Brad!Elle MacPherson (who she interviewed at the NBC/Universal Golden Globes After Party), among others. But of all the stars, the one person at the top of her Wish List of “Five Celebs She’s Dying to Blog 5 - Interviewing Elle MacPherson at after-partyInterview” was George Clooney – “the epitome of a movie star” (and who doesn’t agree??!!!) – so when she saw him approach on the red carpet, she knew this might be her chance. Blog 6 - The cast of Modern FamilyShe said, “George, could I ask you one question for ‘Glamour’?” But in the end, her only thought was to ask for a hug! And he graciously complied giving her “the most wonderful hug and kiss a girl could ever get from her Hollywood crush!” What Blog 7 - Asking George a question backstagea moment for this lucky and deserving lady! (To read Blog 8 - Octavia SpencerJessica’s WHOLE story and see ALL of her fab pics , please click HERE!) But let me back up and give you a little history about this incredible woman with this great job and you’ll understand why Clooney hugged and kissed her: I met Jessica years ago when she did a Blog 9 - Jessica Radloff with her intern Rachelstory about me for AOL.com. She was very gracious and is, of course, a fantastic writer, entertainment and sports host. Jessica hails from St. Louis and graduated from the University of Arizona in only two and a half years majoring in media arts and double Blog 10 - Madonnaminoring in journalism and theatre arts. She got her start in the entertainment industry by interning with NBC Sports in St. Louis, the “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Young & the Restless” and Carsey-Werner. Jessica also studied with the Groundlings (a competitive, improvisational troupe based in L.A.) and is a member of the Blog 11 - Interviewing Melissa McCarthyAcademy of Television Arts and Sciences (aka the Emmy organization). She is a regular contributor to Glamour and Glamour.com as well as CS Magazine, Blog 12 - Michelle WilliamsL.A.’s WHERE magazine and HuffPo. For a couple years, Jessica also starred on the Oxygen sitcom, "Campus Ladies" (executive produced by Cheryl Hines) and one of her very first scenes was featured on “Ellen.” As you can see, this girl is well on her way to superstardom. Pretty soon George Clooney will be begging HER for a hug! Congrats Jessica…I’m a FAN! 

OscarBrown2012-624x873There are lots of great shows on the horizon beginning on February 10th at the DuSable Museum with Morris Gearring’s one-man show, “Something ‘Bout Oscar.” This show features Morris’s personal insights and stories about the late Oscar Brown, Jr. (1926 – 2005), a writer, poet, and commentator on life and civil rights plus a collection of Oscar’s most famous songs with musical backup by the respected Calvin “Koco” Brunson and his band. Gearring will be joined onstage by the renowned poet, Nikki Giovanni, and Maggie Brown, daughter of the legendary singer who will perform “Lyric” and duet on “The Last Hurrah.” Don’t miss this outstanding production! There will be two shows on Friday, February 10th at 10:30 PM and 8 PM. For more info, please visit www.somethinboutoscar.com or www.dusablemuseum.org. See you soon, Morris!

Blog 1Here is a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s show for lovers! For the 10th year in a row, the Queen of Burlesque Michelle L’Amour is bringing her BIG SEXY SHOW to the historic Music Box Blog 3 - Parker & SevilleTheatre at 3733 N. Southport on Saturday, February 11th for two shows – one at 8:30 PM and one at 11:30 PM. This show is an eclectic mix of burlesque and vaudeville and will feature The Chicago Starlets (voted the World’s Best Burlesque Group) and Toronto’s comedy duo Parker and Seville. You may know Michelle from her appearances on “America’s Got Talent” and on the WGN Blog 2 - The Chicago StarletsMorning News. Her new burlesque-infused fitness DVD, “Tease & Tone,” shows you why she has earned the ranking by 21st Century Burlesque as one of the “Top 5 Burlesque Stars in the World!” For more info, please contact Ajay Gosain at ajay@thepropelr.com or Leslie Smith at lsmith@tkhlaw.com.


 
Randolph Steet Market infoMark your calendars now for my favorite market in town – the Randolph Street Market – coming to Plumbers Hall at 1340 W. Washington on February 4th and 5th. Lovingly nicknamed the “Barneys of Vintage,” this market includes vintage treasures of every kind plus music, food and drinks. Designer Nate Berkus said, “I love this market…the quality is incredible!” There is free parking in big onsite lot plus free furniture delivery downtown. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more info, please visit www.randolphstreetmarket.com. (Sally Schwartz, I will see you soon!)
 
Watch 312 logoI love this city and all it has to offer! Next week, watch for coverage of Watch312.com’s Launch Party plus more exciting news from the Windy City! And, as always, thanks for checking in! (Please “Like” Watch312.com’s Facebook page, too!)
 
Teresa Potasiak and Ines ArocenaLove,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Teresa Potasiak and Ines photoP.S. Loved these pics from friends Ines Arocena and photographer Teresa Potasiak, who have just returned from a trip to Uruguay. Now this is the way to get through Chicago’s winters!

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CHICAGO FILM CRITICS AWARDS: A STARRY, STARRY NIGHT

…PLUS IAN SCHRAGER’S PARTY AT PUBLIC CHICAGO, FREDERIC FEKKAI IS FETED AT NOMI, JOFFREY BRIDGE PROGRAM, SEND GOCA TO NYFW, WINTER IN CHICAGO AND MORE!

Blog 1 - Executive Producer Sharee Pemberton and Dennis FarinaWhat a full week in Chicago! And here I was worried I wouldn’t have anything to write about at this time of the year! The Chicago Film Critics and Comedy Awards Show can be described in one word: surreal. I have never seen so many stars in one place in Blog 2 - Regina Taylor awards James Earl Jones the Oscar Micheaux Awardsuch an intimate setting. I was told to come to the Ritz’ 11th floor for a press conference, that I thought was supposed to begin at 4 p.m., but sadly had started at 3 p.m. and was over by the time I arrived. So, I waited in a Blog 3 - Mellody Hobson and George Lucaslittle anteroom with a few other people who included ABC 7’s Janet Davies, PR whiz Dionne Williams, photogs Mila Samokhina and Shauna Bittle along with a few others. I was sure I had missed my Blog 4 - LeAnita Ragland-Brooks and Sr. Producer Lisa Newmanopportunity when event creator/founder Sharee Pemberton swept into the room along with Event Creative’s Lisa Newman. I had previously been invited for dinner but figured this would be a massive affair and I would never even get Blog 5 - CFCA’s President Dan Gire shows off Crystal Cove awardclose to the stars to get photos but boy was I mistaken! Sharee opened doors to reveal an intimate dining room set up with a beautiful buffet for around 25 to 30 people! I couldn’t believe it when I saw George Lucas and Mellody Blog 6 - Cuba Gooding, Jr. and N’Digo’s Hermene HartmanHobson come in with the cast from “Red Tails” including handsome Terrence Howard, Nate Parker, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and director Anthony Hemingway. As if this wasn’t enough, James Earl Jones arrived with his Blog 7 - Emcees Roe Conn (Barb) and Richard Roeper (Sarah Cooley)protective wife, Cece. It was, as I said, surreal! I sat with N’Digo’s witty Hermene Hartman, DuSable Museum Prez Carol Adams and Dionne Williams among others at a table right next to Lucas who was seated next to Mr. Blog 8 - Sr. Producer Abe Thompson with wife AngelaJones. Others seen at the dinner included Abe Thompson and his beautiful wife Angela, Tyronne Stoudemire, Urban Prep’s Tim King, Roe Conn with glam wife Barb, Richard Roeper and Sarah Cooley (just back from Mexico Blog 9 - Muppet’s star, Jason Segeltogether), “The Muppets” writer and star Jason Segel and Tara Jenkins among a few others. Before the dinner began, Pastor Charles Jenkins gave a blessing. Every time James Earl Jones spoke, the room quieted to a whisper just to Blog 10 - Nate Parker with DuSable’s Dr. Carol Adamshear his legendary voice. What a thrill! After the dinner, we all filed downstairs to the Broadway Playhouse in Water Tower Place. Before the awards show began, there was a video presentation featuring movies filmed in Chicago that included clips from the Blog 11 - “Red Tails” Anthony Hemingway, Nate Parker, Tyronne Stoudemire and Cuba Gooding, Jr.Blues Brothers,” “Home Alone,” “About Last Night” and others. Then emcees Roe Conn and Richard Roeper came to the podium, Richard with a glass of red wine. After he toasted the crowd, he explained that the proceeds Blog 12 - Girls just wanna have fun!from the sale of these embossed wine glasses would benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities. As they mentioned the honorees, Roeper commented on Chicago’s own Dennis Farina by jokingly saying, “Farina Blog 13 - Jason Segel receives his Comedia in Excellence Awardhasn’t been a cop in 25 years and still had the fourth highest arrest record.” Shirley MacLaine accepted her Commitment to the Craft Award via a video. Roe Conn said, “Shirley couldn’t be here but she did send an astral Blog 14 - Emcees Roe Conn and Richard Roeperprojection.” Then the cast of “Red Tails” was introduced to wild applause followed by announcements of winners for Best Original Score (“Drive”), Best Cinematography (“Tree of Life”), Most Promising Blog 15 - Terrence Howard and Janet DaviesPerformer (Elizabeth Olsen for “Marcy Martha May Marlene”); Most Promising Filmmaker (Sean Durkin for “Marcy Martha May Marlene”), Best Foreign Film (“A Separation” from Iran), Best Documentary (Steve James for “The Interrupters”) and Blog 16 - Hermene Hartman, Dennis Farina and Dionne WilliamsBest Animated Feature (“The Adventures of Tintin”). After these awards were announced, RMHC’s Doug Porter told the crowd of 400 that the new Ronald McDonald House, which will be the world’s largest, will open in June and provide 95 rooms for families every Blog 17 - 7’9” Kenny George, the tallest basketball player, with cute friendnight. The next award for Best Original Screenplay went to the “The Artist” – FANTASTIC and a must-see! – followed by Best Adapted Screenplay (“Moneyball”), Best Supporting Act
ress
(Jessica Chastain for “Tree of Life”) and Best Supporting Actor (Albert Brooks for “Drive”). Brooks accepted his award Blog 18 - The Nichols Sisters performingvia video as well and said, “I am sorry I can’t be there tonight. Someone forgot to pick me up from my hotel.” Jason Segel was honored by the Comedia in Excellence Award. (He was so cute and kept flirting with the model/actress who presented the exquisite awards created by Crystal Cave.) Final awards went to Michael Blog 19 - Sr. Producer Abe Thompson and RMHC’s Doug PorterShannon, a Red Orchid Theatre ensemble member (“Take Shelter”) for Best Actor; Michelle Williams (“My Week with Marilyn”) for Best Actress; Terrence Blog 20 - Urban Prep’s Tim King, Sarah Cooley and Richard RoeperMalick (“Tree of Life”) for Best Director and Best Picture (“Tree of Life”). The first Oscar Micheaux Award was presented to James Earl Jones, who commented that his father starred in Micheaux’ 1939 melodrama, “Lying Lips.” The first Comedy Awards came next with honors Blog 21going to Antonio Banderas, Anne Hathaway, George Clooney, Melissa McCarthy, “The Adventures of Tintin” and Alexander Payne. The Second City theater group Director Anthony Hemingwaywas recognized with the Big Shoulders Award. The Nichols Sisters, Jennifer Hudson’s cousins, brought the house down to close the show by singing “Happy Birthday” to event planner Jeanne and David Kaplan, critics and presentersextraordinaire, Lisa Newman. The after-party continued back at the Ritz where Dennis Farina and his longtime girlfriend Marianne Cahill were seen Greg and Arnette Faulknergreeting the guests. Huge kudos to CFCA President Dann Gire and Executive Producer (and Comedy Awards founder) Sharee Pemberton on a memorable night in the Windy City! I can’t wait to see what next year brings!

 
Blog 1 - Chef Jean Georges and Ian SchragerThe parties never stop in Paris by the Prairie: On Tuesday, January 10th, TWO fabulous parties happened within hours of one another! The first event, hosted by hotelier Ian Schrager, was held at his PUBLIC Chicago and Blog 2 - Chef Jean Georges, Ian Schrager, Chef Bradford Phillips and Chef Jean Johocelebrated the launch of award-winning Chef
Jean-Georges Vongerichten
’s latest cookbook, “Home Cooking with Jean-Georges: My Favorite Simple Recipes.” The place was packed with Blog 3 - Cheeky Chicks Joran Thompson and Erica Bethe Levin150 fans and friends all anxious to chat with Chef Jean-Georges and get their books signed. A Q & A followed with Ian, Chef Jean Georges and Pump Room Executive Chef Bradford Phillips. When asked that the difference was between cooking for Blog 4 - Gilt City’s Nicole Banks (R) and friendpeople in NYC versus Chicago, Jean-Georges replied, “The people are nicer here.” Well, he instantly created 150 new friends for life! Seen on the scene were Victor Skrebneski, Michael Kutza, Karen and Marvin Herman, Dennis Minkel, Sherren Blog 5 - Marvin and Karen Herman and friendsLeigh, Dan Uslan, Rebecca Besser, handsome hairstylist Frederic Fekkai (who had appeared on “Windy City Live” that morning with Chef Jean-Georges), WCL’s Valerie Warner, Ryan Chiaverini and social media expert Ji Suk Yi, WCL Blog 6 - Sherren Leigh and Michael Kutzaproducer Marlaine Selip, Cheeky Chicks Erica Bethe Levin and Joran Thompson, PR whiz Jill Katz (who planned the party), Playboy’s Jimmy Jellinek (Jill’s little brother), Alpana Singh (“Check, Please!”), legendary Chef Jean Joho, Elena Samokhina and Gilt City’s Nicole Banks, among others. To view ALL of the party pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)

 
Blog 1 - Host Amy Tara Koch and Frederic FekkaiAfter the PUBLIC party, it was onto the Park Hyatt’s NoMI restaurant, where hostess with the mostest/awesome author Amy Tara Koch had planned an intimate dinner party for 13 of her friends for Blog 2 - Frederic and friends at NoMIhairstylist-to-the-stars, Frederic Fekkai – although as guest Lynn McMahan learned, he was so much more than this, being a helicopter skier, organic gardener, lover of holistic retreats and father of three. Amy kept the guests on their toes by expertly rotating everyone around Blog 3 - Gale Gottlieb, Lynn McMahan and Toni Canadathe table to make sure we all got a chance to chat with Frederic. Lucky guests included Toni Canada, Lynn McMahan, Rebecca Besser, Blog 4 - Naomi Reese, Naomi Beckwith, Dusty Stemer, Rusty Reese and Amy Tara KochRusty and Naomi Reese, Dusty Stemer, Chuck Garfien, Naomi Beckwith and Gale Gottlieb, among others. Watch for Amy’s latest book, “Five Minute Fixes: Easy Style Solutions for Busy Women,” coming soon. Can’t wait to buy it and use it! (To view ALL pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here!) 
 
Blog 1 - Pierre Lockett and his Bridge dancersWe all know about The Joffrey Ballet but not enough people are aware of their wonderful Bridge Program that was launched in the fall of 2010. Dance master Pierre Lockett heads up this initiative that provides access for children in Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods to dance instruction, increasing diversity in the Joffrey Blog 2 - Joffrey Bridge Program studentsAcademy’s students. Thirty students from each of the 11 schools will receive onsite dance instruction twice a week, with 40 to 50 talented students being tapped to attend Saturday classes at the Joffrey Academy. For more info on the Joffrey’s community outreach programs, please click here.
 
Goca_flyer[1]We have such an amazing community of young designers here in Chicago and recently, the design team from GOCA (Gordana Rasic and Omar Villabos) were invited to show at the Emerge! Show during New York Fashion Week. And as is often the case with new designers, their budgets aren’t as bright as their futures, so please join me in a “GOCA Fundraiser: Making Gordana Rasic and Omar VillabosDreams Come True” party on Friday, January 27th at NV Penthouse Lounge, located at 116 W. Hubbard from 6 – 9 p.m. Host committee members include Sandra Smith-Doghmi, Michelle Gomez, Shari Duffy, Benjamin Cottrell and Amir Attaie. GOOOO GOCA!
 
If you’re looking for a magical night for kids of all ages, then please check out the world premiere of “The Houdini Box” coming to the Mercury Theatre at 3745 N. Southport Ave. on January 24th (through March 4th). This Chicago Children’s Theatre production is based on Brian Selznick’s first book of the same name. The Tribune’s Chris Jones called it one of the “top 10 shows to watch for in 2012.” Selznick is also the author of “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” the basis for Martin Scorcese’s current smash hit, Golden Globe winner for Best Director, “Hugo.  For more info, please click here
 
P1020107We all knew it was coming…it was just a matter of time. And now that it’s here, I feel like winter has really arrived. There is nothing quite as beautiful as that first snowfall. Sigh…but now I am done with it and ready for spring!
 
Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Iphone photoP.S. Look at my new iPhone cover by Caitlin Saville Collins! Not only do you get a great case but you also get a photo session with this wonderful photog. LOVE this wonderful gift idea, Caitlin! For more info, please contact Caitlin at c.savillephotography@gmail.com or click here for her website.

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