Tag Archives: Chicago Dancing Festival

July 16, 2012 · 11:09 am

ARETHA FRANKLIN WOWS N’DIGO GALA CROWD

…PLUS WINDY CITY LIVE’S EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATION, ELI’S BAKES BIG CAKES, CUPID'S ARROWS FIND HEDY AND LAURIE, WORLD’S LARGEST BLOCK PARTY, MARCO'S BENEFIT FOR ONE HOPE UNITED, UPCOMING EVENTS, PEOPLE IN THE NEWS, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

I knew she was called the “Queen of Soul” and I certainly loved her music but it wasn’t until I attended the 17th annual N’Digo Gala that I realized WHY she IS the Queen! This event was something special. First of all, I adore N’Digo Magazine publisher/founder Hermene Hartman. She is a one woman dynamo who loves her community and is the pure definition of giving back with her N’Digo Foundation, which she founded in 1995. This foundation awards merit-based college scholarships to students from Chicago and the suburbs and, to date, has awarded 286. Hermene’s friends and fans are legion and her Gala always includes top notch entertainment plus fun-loving, well-dressed attendees. In years past, performers including Babyface, Ray Charles (with a full orchestra), Jerry Butler and Nancy Wilson, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, George Benson, Ledisi and Seal have all appeared at this event. More than 1,500 guests turned out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of soul music as well as to support the foundation at this black-tie gala themed “Legends de Soul.” The dynamic and inspiring program began with hosts Hermene and NBC’s Art Norman welcoming the crowd. Hermene introduced a video showcasing past scholarship recipients and what they’re doing now, saying, “These are the youths who’ve done it their way and are now living their dreams.” It was a wonderful confirmation of the good that this organization does. The 2012 winners were introduced onstage as Pastor Charles Jenkins and the choir of Fellowship Chicago Baptist Church performed their hit song, “Awesome.” Music legends The Impressions took the stage as the concert began at 7 p.m. wowing the audiences with their infectious energy as well as their classic songs that included “Gypsy Woman” and “Super Fly,” which was an homage to the late great Curtis Mayfield. Comedian Jonathan Slocumb – a favorite of Ms. Franklin for his clean-cut style – had the crowd in stitches especially during his impersonation of Reverend Jesse Jackson who happened to be coming down the aisle at the same time. Arie Crown Theater was filled to capacity when the Queen took the stage and announced, “Hello Chicago, here I am!” Before her performance, Michelle Boone, the Mayor’s Cultural Commissioner, proclaimed June 30th to be Aretha Franklin Day in Chicago – it’s good to be Queen! She performed tirelessly for at least two straight hours, never leaving the stage. (The only concession was removing her shoes.) She looked great in a white gown embroidered with large pink/red flowers and her voice rocked the rafters as she sang hits such as “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher” and “Skylark.” She introduced “Skylark” after telling of being turned away from “The Ed Sullivan Show” at age 17 when they told her they had overbooked. She said, “This is the song I was going to sing.” She played the piano during a moving tribute to Whitney Houston as photos were shown overhead. “She was gracious, she was real and my Christian sister,” said Franklin of Houston. As the show continued, photos were also shown of Aretha with greats such as Stevie Wonder, Clive Davis, Don Cornelius, Smokey Robinson and Ray Charles among many others. I couldn’t believe the energy this 70-year-old woman had! It was an incredible history making moment as she finished her performance with “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” to standing ovations…oh what a night! Ms. Franklin has won 18 Grammys and is the first female to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I couldn’t believe she would allow anyone into her dressing room after this tiring performance (let alone me!) but she did and I will never forget it. My cameraman and photog were the only media allowed in her dressing room and I will be forever grateful to Hermene for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity…check out my Watch312.com video below! But the party didn’t stop there, as guests moved onto the terrace for more refreshments, small bites and dancing – I even learned how to do the Wobble!! BTW, watch for N’Digo Magazine in your local Walgreen’s coming soon for just $1.00! Guests seen on the scene included Tom Ricketts, Albert Grace, Jr., Wayne Watson, Les Coney, Cassandra Gaddo, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, designer Quinton de’ Alexander, Art Norman, Rick O’Dell, Dionne Williams, Milton Carroll, Jocelyn Stoller, Reverend Helen Carry, Ernesto Borges, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Henderson, Reverend Jesse Jackson, KC McNeil and James Bell. (For more information about this wonderful N’Digo Foundation, click here!)

It’s one of my favorite shows and I’m so glad they're doing SO well! “Windy City Live” hosted its one-year anniversary on June 11th at Epic on Hubbard. I was expecting this by-invite-only party to be jam packed but it was the PERFECT number of people – not too many and not too few. Executive Producer Marlaine Selip explained, “We invited all of the people who’ve made this night possible, our family, our producers, our advertisers and our friends.” It was a joyous affair and the whole place was reserved for this party including their lovely rooftop bar area where everyone seemed to congregate on this perfect summer evening. A giant cake, courtesy of Eli’s Cheesecake, was the first thing guests saw as they entered the venue. Along with Marlaine, “WCL” hosts Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini welcomed the crowd and thanked their many contributors. New General Manager John Idler was in the crowd and laughed as Ryan joked about having his 10-year contract drawn up and ready for him to sign. It was a loving group of supporters who were all there to cheer this great show on. Seen in the crowd were “WCL” Supervising Producer Cindy Patrasso, producer Emerald-Jane Hunter (with hubby Ronny), Dawn Watkins, “WCL” regulars Mark DeCarlo, Nina Chantelle, Hank Mendheim, Billy Dec and Roe Conn (with Barb), “Chicagolicious” stars AJ Johnson and Niki Robinson, winner of “The Bachelorette” Season 5 Ed Swiderski, Kathleen Henson, Debi Lilly, RJ and Jerrod Melman, Cub great Ernie Banks, Amy Tara Koch, Grant DePorter, Chef Kevin Hickey, Terri Hickey, Maureen Schulman, Steve Shern, Jess Altieri, Paul Bryant, Veronica Zepeda, Chuck, Lindsey Avner, Kevin Aeh, Erica Strama, DC Crenshaw, Margaret O’Connor, Jim Karas, Shea Vaughn, Dan Uslan, Lisa Ripson, Brook Jay, Graham Kostic, Nicole Pearl, Stephanie Krol, Nick Harkin, Carly Leviton and Rachel Gillman among many others! HUGE congrats and happy anniversary, “WCL” – Can’t wait to see the mountains you'll climb! (To see ALL the party pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr, please click here!)

Maureen and Marc Schulman have been very busy this week! Besides the "WCL" party, they also appeared at the opening of Taste of Chicago! Kelsey Grammer (Chicago Mayor Tom Kane on Starz original hit series “Boss”) performed some "mayoral" duties when he opened Taste by cutting a 1,000-pound Eli's Cheesecake in celebration of Chicago's 175th birthday and the 32nd birthday of Taste of Chicago AND Eli's Cheesecake. Restaurateur Eli Schulman debuted the cheesecake at the first Taste of Chicago in 1980. Grammer, along with the leads from “Rock of Ages,” led the crowd in "Happy Birthday." The cake was then served free to the public. Awwwwww… (Great pics by Jennifer Girard.)

Love was in the air for a popular and much-loved couple who “have been living in sin for the last 43 years," according to Hedy. Hedy Ratner, founder and co-president of the Women’s Business Development Center, and Mort Kaplan, of Morton H. Kaplan and Associates, finally tied the knot after fooling friends and family with a few false starts (some would call them pranks) for the last few years. Last year’s party celebrated Hedy’s birthday with a fake wedding but this time, the nuptials were for real. Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg wrote a delightful column on this remarkable and loving couple and in his interview, he asked them what had changed. “A couple of things,” said Mort. “I had a stroke in January and something happened in that period that I did not like. She wanted to get a prescription filled, and one doctor said, ‘Who are you? You’re the girlfriend.’ And I said, ‘She’s not the girlfriend!’ She was the quarterback of my recovery.” They were married on July 1st at Orchestra Hall. And they will CONTINUE TO live happily ever after! 🙂

Speaking of love, beautiful chanteuse Laurie Marchese is ENGAGED to longtime love, Bill Russ. Laurie lives in LA now but is originally from Oak Lawn and Bill, who also lives in LA, is from Aurora. Their love story could be a Hollywood movie: They met 30 years ago on the set of “Risky Business,” where Bill was an assistant to the producer and a stand-in for Tom Cruise, and Laurie was an extra in a crowd scene at the Highland Park Movie Theater. They had a whirlwind teenage romance and then parted ways as their careers moved in different directions. Fast forward to 2012 after fatefully reuniting, Bill arranged a surprise marriage proposal at the same theater where they met all those years ago and, of course, Laurie said YESSSSSSSSS!!!! Cupid’s arrows have hit their marks AGAIN!! Congrats Laurie and Bill!

The 28th annual World’s Largest Block Party for Old St. Pat’s was another blowout event with almost 18,000 people attending this two-day event in the parking lot across from the Church. This party is known for creating marriage matches and has connected dozens of attendees throughout the years. I was so thrilled to be a guest bartender along with Natalie Martinez, Dean Richards, Ravi Baichwal, Anthony Ponce, Stefan Holt, Marcus Riley, Borris Powell, Sherren Leigh, Dori Wilson, Jason Knowles, Aly Bockler and Andrea Metcalf. Proceeds support the church and the Center for Social Concerns on the Old St. Pat’s campus, which houses the following outreach programs: Horizons for Youth, Career Transitions Center of Chicago and the Global Alliance for Africa. Ben Folds Five and Lifehouse headlined the event. Watch312.com was THERE to cover all the fun – check it out below!!

Hope you can join me for the second annual White Party in support of One Hope United. Founded by handsome man-about-town Marco Foster, this night will also be a celebration of his birthday! Marco decided what better way to celebrate than to give back with 100 percent of all proceeds going to this wonderful charity whose mission is to protect children and strengthen families in Chicago. Hosted by Akira Chicago’s owner Jon Cotay, WGN’s “Living Healthy Chicago” host Jane Monzures, PR pioneer Chris Foltz and moi, this party with a purpose will be held on July 27th at Underground, located at 56 W. Illinois, from 9 to 11 p.m. Hope to see you there! (For tickets and more info, please click here.)

Congrats to David Rothstein and his dynamic and talented music company on their 12-year anniversary! This versatile 11-piece orchestra has won numerous awards, performed for celebrities and Fortune 500 companies, and is regularly flown cross country for special events. And besides being such a talent, he has a big philanthropic heart, too! His “Share the Love” program is nothing short of genius. After weddings, instead of throwing away floral arrangements or begging guests to take them home, David delivers them to the nearest nursing home or women’s and children’s shelters. He has also made numerous charitable contributions of his musical talent. And on top of it all, this cute guy is single, too! (Ladies are you listening?) Anyway, I’m thrilled for his success and can’t wait to watch his star climb even higher! (For more info, please click here and for a sample of his work, see video below.)

After almost 17 years in the luxury and exotic automotive industry, handsome Sven Asmus has decided to pursue his passion. On July 11th, Hilton/Asmus Contemporary Art Gallery opened its doors at 716 N. Wells St. in Chicago’s River North Art District. His gallery will specialize in modern and contemporary paintings, limited edition graphics, glass art, sculpture and photography. A separate division, Art Travel Adventures, will arrange art-related trips throughout the world to places like Spain, Turkey and the Himalayas. For more info, please visit www.hilton-asmus.com. Congrats and good luck, Sven!

Congratulations are in order for Chicago’s own Sherren Leigh! The Arnstein & Lehr law firm is honoring the TCW magazine founder and publisher with its sixth annual Woman of Vision Award on behalf of her Today’s Chicago Woman Foundation, which is highlighting 30 charities for its 30th anniversary. One of these charities, the Chicago Battered Women’s Network is also supported by some of the firm’s attorneys who will be presenting a check earmarked for CBWN. For more info on the TCW Foundation, please click here and for info on CBWN, please click here.

Now for some up and coming Windy City events! This year’s Chicago Dancing Festival will begin on August 20th thru August 25th. Venues for this free-to-the-public festival will include Grant Park, MCA, Millennium Park, Harris Theater and the Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University. Works will be presented by world class choreographers and performed by top dance companies from across the country. (For more info, please click here!)

Chefs & the City will be returning for its eighth year to the Ritz-Carlton on July 27th. Guests will enjoy savory fare presented by 26 of Chicago’s top chefs to benefit Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care which helps people impacted by HIV/AIDS. The VIP Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and the Main Tasting at 7:30 p.m. DJ Megan Taylor will be mastering the mixes while Honorary Chairs Amanda Puck, Rich Varnes, Jason Dohmann and Chef Chair Ryan Pitts mix and mingle. There will be a live auction as well as a grand raffle. (For tickets, beginning at $250, visit www.vitalbridges.org.)

“Live.Love.Life: Where Grit Meets Glam,” hosted by WGN’s Jane Monzures, will be held at the Chicago Cultural Center on August 18th from 8 p.m. until midnight. This benefit for Northwestern Memorial Foundation will feature entertainment, fashion and sports all mixed into one philanthropic package! For more info, visit www.live-love-life.org.

Skyline Soiree will be held at the River East Art Center on July 27th from 7 to 11 p.m. Hosted by the Associate Board of Ambassadors of the American Cancer Society, this party will include an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, silent auction and live music by Final Say: A Maggie Speaks Band. For tickets, $95 in advance and $105 at the door, please visit www.skylinesoiree.org.

I am so happy Chuck and I got a chance to take a weekend getaway trip to Michigan – we were thrilled to spend time with good friends in fabulous spots! The lake was like glass and I even tried kayaking for the first time with friends Paul Iacono, Ken Norgan and Pepe Conforme. We also had a delicious dinner at fabulous caterer George Jewell’s Burscott Park estate and met uber-talented interior designer, Jim Dennen. (Friends if you need a designer, OMG call this guy – his home is completely and utterly gorgeous!) Thanks to all for a great time away from my computer, sort of! 🙂 (To view more pics, please click here!)

Well, I hope you’re having loads of summer fun and staying cool! Thanks for joining me again for another edition of my blogazine! If you’re so inclined, please follow me on Twitter and join my Facebook page, Candid Candace. Have a wonderful week!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Loved the pics Diane Edelman sent from her trip to Sapphire, North Carolina. “Every view was picture perfect. It’s incredible what God has created,” said Diane who had travelled there with her beloved Chadwick Randolph Cat IV. :)(To see all of these great pics, click here!)

WORLD CLASS POLO COMING TO NORTH AVENUE BEACH!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandacecom

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

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

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

August 9, 2011 · 8:42 pm

51st GLAMOURCON HIGHLIGHTS PLAYBOY PLAYMATES, PAST AND PRESENT!

Glamourcon is a bi-yearly event that celebrates the world of glamour and pinup art with an emphasis on Playboy Playmates. This year at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare, more than 20 Playmates participated. There were girls from every era including the current Playmate of the Year, Claire Sinclair. Claire’s looks harken back to the days of famous pinup Bettie Page with her dark hair and short cropped bangs. Even her flirty, polka dot skirt reminded me of a kinder, gentler time. No wonder Hef picked her! Of course, I guess it doesn’t hurt to be dating his son, Marston, either! At 20 years of age, Claire is one of the youngest Playmates of the Year! My husband wondered if she even had her driver’s license and I replied that I am sure she has no shortage of limo offers! She is cute, adorable, bright, funny and sexy all rolled into one package. Her star turn at MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris revue brought the house down during her hot burlesque number on the big, red lips sofa. But enough about Claire – there were lots of other fabulous Playmates there too like Janis Schmitt, Miss February 1978 (who I was a Bunny with in St. Louis), Lee Ann Michelle (Miss February 1979), Liz Glazowski (4/80), Charlotte Kemp (12/82), Kerri Kendall (9/90), Crystal McCahill (5/09) and her mom Gale Olson (8/68), Henriette Allais (3/80), Cathy St. George (8/82), Lorraine Michaels (4/81) and Lisa Sohm (4/77), among others. The two-day event attracted more than 600 fans and offered everything under the sun pin-up related including vintage Playboy magazines, original artwork, t-shirts, sculptures, Playboy clothing, photography sessions, an old-time burlesque show by Vaudezilla.com and jewelry to name a few of the highlights. It was great seeing favorite friend/fans like Tom Shimada who never fails to amaze me. During the last show, he had found a Playboy cover that I had never seen and he did it again this year! He brought an unknown cover from Mexico dated March 1981. Playmate Cathy St. George had done the identical cover for the U.S. version in October 1981. Playboy is one of the original “recyclers!” Also seen on the scene, the “Playmate’s Friend” Larry Armstrong (who always finds treasures to bring to the show), John O’Neill, photographer Tom Testolin, Seth Grenald, calendar and poster dealer Thomas Helmke (who presented me with my calendar from 1982), John Newman, artists Alex Lord and Steve Baier along with dear Jeff Evans (who is the only person I know with a baseball signed by almost every single 500+ home run hitter including Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Frank Thomas, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Willie Mays, Reggie Jackson and Barry Bonds to name a few!!!). Friend and United Airlines pilot, Bloke Mauer, touched my heart by gifting me with half of his pilot’s wings! The next Glamourcon will be at the Hilton in Long Beach, California, on November 5th and 6th. I talked to Patti Connors and we hope to make it a Bunny/Playmate reunion with Janis Schmitt and Debra Jensen McMurray, (Miss January1978). Who knows, maybe we can take a casserole over to the Mansion to console Hef! Thanks to all who attended Glamourcon 51 and event founder Bob Schultz! Hope to see you all in Long Beach!!! To learn more about the event, click here. (To view ALL event photos, please click here!)

The Shedd Aquarium’s 5th Annual BLU event was an ocean lover’s delight with more than 1,000 guests mixing and mingling at the historic aquarium on a perfect night in Chicago. The star of the show was the jellyfish (jellies) exhibit but the true star was the aquarium itself. Opening in 1930, it has been a top cultural attraction in the city and, on this night, with the decorative lighting, the exhibits looked like stage sets. The jellyfish were glowing and undulating in their temporary homes (which I hope becomes permanent!) and the sharks, along with 500 other species, were swimming lazily in the Wild Reef complete with its own crashing surf. I am ashamed to say this was only my second time at the Shedd, but thanks to their dynamic Auxiliary Board, who presented this event, I will be returning again and again. There is so much to see here! On this night there were tastings from some of Chicago’s top restaurants including farm raised caviar from Big Fish Farms, tuna and salmon tartar from cibo matto at the Wit, Spanish saffron rice and chicken from Emilio’s Tapas, steak tartar from Hubbard Inn, house smoked sturgeon from Lockwood Restaurant, tacos de carnitas from Mercadito, pan seared goat cheese from Prairie Grass Café, duck breast and beet salad from newcomer Roka Akor Sushi and Steak and a gorgeous chocolate tower of fondue from the Melting Pot among many others. At the end of the night, when dancing began on the Lakefront Terrace, delicious pizza from Aurelio’s was served. Co-chairs Janet Barnes and Julie Hawkins, along with the Shedd staff led by Katie Clark, planned a perfect night under the stars that raised over $150K for conservation and educational programs. I hope to meet you by the shark tank sometime soon! (Fab fotos by Mila Samokhina).

Lots more summer fun coming in the Windy City with the first ever “Street Food Artistry Event” on Sunday, August 14th, at Galleria Marchetti, located at 825 W. Erie, from 1 – 7 PM. This unique event celebrates Chicago’s street food culture and will include food trucks, street-inspired dishes, food carts, street inspired art, photography and more. There will even be an adorable doggie ice cream truck, LickLick, which will cater to the four-legged guests! Owner Adreana Droz says, “We use only top-grade human ingredients in our doggie treats and ice cream. There are no preservatives or stabilizers of any kind.” Fido can choose between flavors such as peanut butter bacon, green apple cheddar, carrot carob and strawberry almond mint. Makes me wish I was a dog! (Not really!) The silent auction will benefit Common Threads, Chicago Street Musicians and the University of Chicago Charter School. Tickets are only $35 can be purchased by calling 312.884.1278 or visiting www.streetfoodchicago.com/event-deets.

The 47th Chicago Film Festival will honor actor Martin Sheen with a much deserved Lifetime Achievement Award before he premieres his latest film, “The Way” on Friday, August 19th. He will walk the Red Carpet beginning at 6:30 PM alongside his son, Emilio Estevez, who wrote and co-directed with his dad. The film is a feel-good movie about the relationship between a father and son. Film Fest founder Michael Kutza always reins in top talent for his galas and this year is no exception. The film will premiere at AMC River East with a post reception across the street at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Legendary Bill Kurtis will be the emcee and RL’s Rich Varnes is the chair for this event along with a great host committee. Tickets are $200 and can be purchased by calling 312.683.0121 or by visiting www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

It will be a week of dance next week beginning with the 20th anniversary of the Dance for Life Gala coming to the Auditorium Theatre, located at 50 E. Congress Parkway, on Saturday, August 20th. This event benefits DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids) and will feature five dance companies including The Joffrey Ballet, Ron de Jesus Dance, Giordano Jazz Dance of Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance and River North Dance Company plus two world premieres by choreographers Harrison McEldowney and Randy Duncan. Tickets begin at $50 for performance only and $175 for pre-event reception and performance. To purchase tickets or for more info, please call 312.922.5812 or visit www.danceforlifechicago.com.

Following this dance theme, the Chicago Dancing Festival will present its opening night benefit gala at the MCA with Mayor Rahm Emanuel as the host on Monday, August 22nd. (He used to be a ballet dancer, dontcha know?) The night will feature an intimate evening of duet performances by Brian Brooks Moving Company, Faye Driscoll, Hubbard Street Dance, artists from The Joffrey Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company and the Chicago Dancing Festival’s first ever original commissioned work by Walter Dundervill. The performance begins at 6 PM followed by cocktails and dinner. This event kicks off five days of the festival with the Grand Finale on Saturday night, August 27th, beginning at 7:30 PM with the “Celebration of Dance,” which is open to the public in Millennium Park. For tickets ($250) and more info, please call 312.931.9954 or visit www.ChicagoDancingFestival.com.

ASIDES! Congrats to Tails in the City for being a destination point for John Legend and girlfriend Chrissy Teigen. Darling owners Bruce Haas and Philip Emigh tell me they stocked up on Poochee collars and leashes, a new carrier and bed plus lots of toys and treats. John was in town touring with Sade but, before the show, they headed to Table 52 for Chef Art’s famous fried chicken!

Chicago’s own Steve Starr is known for his photography skills but the set stylists for the much-talked about new television show, "The Playboy Club," sought him out for something else. Steve also has cases of vintage items available for purchase in the Lincoln Antique Mall (on Irving Park Road near Kedzie). There, they found some wonderful pieces for their set including a vintage radio and French sunglasses circa 1962. Steve Starr – a man of many talents!

Hope some of you caught me on “Windy City Live” Monday morning! It was so much fun sitting at the “BIG Chat Desk” with Val, Ryan and Ji… :-) I will be on again on Monday, August 15th, at 9 AM on Ch. 7. If you missed it, please check it out below AND, if you enjoy the segment, please Facebook “Windy City Live” and let them know!

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Well, that’s this week’s lowdown on some fantastic highlights! Hope to see you all at Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama Friday night benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities!!! Tickets are still available by visiting www.RonaldHouseChicago.org or by calling 630.623.2309.

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Wishing the happiest of birthdays to beloved Fred Gohl! A zillion family and friends celebrated his recent 95th birthday! Happy Birthday Fred and many, many more!

Tag Archives: Chicago Dancing Festival

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