Tag Archives: Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Cup I

October 5, 2011 · 10:45 pm

THE “SPORT OF KINGS” COMES TO NORTH AVENUE BEACH!

Pounding hooves, clicking mallets, cheering fans, hot club music…all of this happened for the first time on North Avenue Beach this weekend. The Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Cup I, 2011 took place Saturday and Sunday on the sands near the boathouse as eight international teams of men and women took to the field, erghhh…I mean beach! This two day event was one of the best parties I’ve been to in a long, long time! DJ Geronimo played the hot club music between chukkers that reminded me of high season in St. Tropez! The attendees had all dug deep into their closets to find the most fashionably appropriate polo-viewing outfits and they ALL looked so very chic. Beach polo was created first in Dubai in 2004 followed by the Miami Beach Polo World Cup in 2005. For the debut event here, team sponsors included Grey Goose, Gascon, Lutfthansa, Titan Commercial, Amstel/Comcast and Trump Residences. The winning team was Titan Commericial led by players Ben Rosenfield, Chad Middendorf and Guille and Tavi Usandizaga. The horses and players were so close to us, you could hear the snorts and see the sweat (on the horses!). It was so exciting and there was so much going on during the matches. The festivities actually began on Thursday at the Noble Horse Theater on Sedgwick with an incredible, hands-on clinic with the pros. Setting the stage for the World Cup weekend, top rated players Nic Roldan and Brazilian Paula Chermont, along with a team of other players directed an eager group of Chicagoans in practices such as riding, shot techniques, rules and strategy. Following the clinic, there was an after-party at Gallery 1028. Friday night, the Crimson Lounge at the Sax Hotel was the scene for the Press Party where guests mixed and mingled with the players and on Saturday, the main event began. There was a men’s and women’s fashion show presented by Cityblue Apparel & Denim. It was so cool to see the models on the “runway” in the sand which then extended through the VIP Pavilion. I even saw fashion maven Nena Ivon there surveying the show with her unerring eye. President of The Polo Life, Bruce Orosz, had this to say: “Our event continues to grow, thanks to incredible and continuing support from our sponsors and many polo enthusiasts, whose population is also increasing. As interest in the ‘Sport of Kings’ expands, we feel we should follow suit.” Orosz has plans on expanding the beach games to spots around the globe. Alex Webbe, chairman of the International Beach Polo Association added this, “Although over 3,000 years old, the ancient sport of polo made its first appearance in Chicago’s Dexter Park in 1876 when the California Polo Club staged a practice game much to the delight of an enthusiastic assemblage. Three years later, the Chicago Polo Club would be formed. Familiarly played on emerald expanses of the finest Bermuda grasses, beach polo reduces the size of the playing area to a more crowd-friendly size in an effort to drop the action into the laps of the spectators. The sport of beach polo has grown over the years, serving as a ‘moveable feast’ of sorts, bringing this exciting equestrian sport to cities and locales that would not otherwise have the opportunity of observing this age-old sport.” This event truly was a ‘moveable feast’ with fabulous food from Fogo de Chao and Union Sushi & BBQ, photo booths, a Gascon wine tent, an Amstel beer tent, pop-up shops and even electric violinists! The beach was filled with happy laughter and, as both days drew to a close, the sand and dance floor was filled with high spirited, dancing polo-nistas…and this was BEFORE the AFTER-PARTIES began! Whew! Congrats to all involved for bringing (and promoting) this exciting event in Chicago: Grey Goose, Bruce Orosz (Polo Life President), Lou Vasta (producer/partner Chicago Beach Polo), Don Miguel Gascon, Union Sushi & BBQ Bar, Rock Sake, Amstel Light, Tim Huizenga, Mark Mitten, Alex Webbe, Vincent Anzalone, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Dan Uslan, Lonnie Rodriquez, Bettie Bomb PR, Rebecca Kussman, Rebecca Janoff, The Polo Life, the amazing men and women players and their athletic ponies and so many more! Can’t wait to see what next year brings! My only complaint is that the event should be held two weeks earlier. Saturday was very cool but sure didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits! For more info, please visit www.ThePoloLife.com. (Additional photos courtesy of Helena Rafeyan and Caitlin Collins. To see ALL event pics, please click HERE!)

The 26th annual fall benefit for the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation kicked off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton featuring guest speaker/actress, Goldie Hawn. The event was co-chaired by Michelle Friedman, Ashley Hemphill Netzky and Lara Shipp Shiffman. Children from the Music Institute of Chicago performed for 750 happy guests anxious to hear Goldie, whose mother was a breast cancer survivor, speak. The room was a sea of pink with linens provided by BBJ and assorted pink blossom centerpieces courtesy of Heffernan Morgan/Ronsley. Attendees also had the chance to bid on new and collectible handbags from upscale boutiques and private collections for the “Purse-sue the Cure” silent auction. Bryan and Julie Barrish and family, Neil Bluhm, and Cari and Michael Sacks were Daisy Sponsor supporters for this event, which raised $635,000 to support breast cancer research, fellowships and educational programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern. LSCRF has begun to “Light the Way to Find a Cure,” turning Chicago’s beautiful skyline pink to raise awareness throughout the month of October. To learn more about this wonderful organization or to make a donation, please visit www.lynnsage.org.

I hope you got a chance to enjoy Chicago’s FIRST “Open Streets” event downtown this weekend. This concept, introduced previously to the city by the Active Transportation Alliance, closed seven blocks of State Street to buses, cars and cabs so pedestrians could enjoy a safe place to stroll, bicycle, walk the dog and meander free from the worries of traffic. Sponsored by the Illinois Center for Broadcasting, this popular idea, called a “ciclovia” (Spanish for bike path), originated in Bogota, Columbia. Ciclovias are now popular in many places around the world including New York (where Park Avenue is closed) and San Francisco (where Grant Avenue is closed). The Loop Alliance helped Active Trans organize this year’s event along with help from supportive Aldermen Brendan Reilly and Robert Fioretti as well as Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Ty Tabing. This fun day included an Imagination Playground, a Scavenger Hunt, a dunking booth, the Windy City Rollers, break dance instruction, a skateboard park and live streaming from the Illinois Center for Broadcasting featuring Bionce Foxx and Ernie Scatton. Watch for video from Watch312.com with highlights coming soon! 🙂

Macy's scored another coup having my favorite “Girl Next Door,” Kendra Wilkinson/Baskett, make an in-store appearance at their State Street store for a signing of her latest book, “Being Kendra: Cribs, Cocktails & Getting My Sexy Back.” This is her second book, following her New York Times bestseller, “Sliding into Home.” In her current book, she “reveals her private side, sharing the ups and downs, the joys and challenges of motherhood, marriage, and life in the spotlight.” I will tell you, the opening paragraph catches your attention immediately. “Hank and I had sex on the staircase today. Right there, flat-out spontaneous sex with our clothes mostly still on. Steps digging into my back, the banister acting as a bedpost. It was quick and skillful.” Kendra is blatantly honest which makes her such a successful author and popular reality star. She told me she asks the E! Channel to “put it all in because it’s life. If there’s dog poo on the floor, I tell them to show it.” She has lived a large part of her life in front of the cameras and her intent is to build security for Baby Hank so “he doesn’t have to live that lifestyle.” (Kendra was a stripper when she was discovered by Hef.) Her appearance at Macy’s was filmed by E! for an upcoming show segment. Tribune nightlife reporter Luis Arroyo and Black Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide (owned by my friend Bonnie Krueger) also covered this fun event. Kendra’s fans filled the lower level in anticipation of her arrival. I loved talking to her…she’s real, press savvy and driven. Go Kendra! Go Kendra! (Thanks to Macy’s Kamal Bosamia and Andrea Schwartz for this terrific opportunity!) Check out my interview below on Watch312.com and see how interested she is in my own Playboy history!

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

The coming weeks will bring lots of exciting events and here are a few CANDACE RECOMMENDS. Hope to see you at one or more of these fun fundraisers!

On Thursday, October 6th, the International Film Fest Opening Night Gala will feature “The Last Rites of Joe May” and its star, Dennis Farina. Bill Kurtis will emcee. For tickets and more info, please visit www.ChicagoFilmFestival.com.

On Friday, October 7th, designer Hector MonArrez presents his FRONT ROW 2012 Fashion Show at the Union League Club beginning at 6:15 PM with a VIP champagne reception. Tickets (starting at $45) can be purchased by visiting www.monarrezcollection.com.

On Thursday, October 13th, the Art of Home will celebrate 50 Chicago area artists in a benefit to raise funds for Lakeside Housing programs. I am so proud to be a part of this worthy event which will take place at Zhou Brothers Art Center at 1029 W. 35th St. from 6-9 PM. For tickets ($150), please click herge!

Fashion Focus Chicago begins on Monday, October 17th and runs through the 23rd in Millennium Park. Tickets are $35 for general admission which applies to each of the four shows in the tent this year. All ticket holders will be seated, no SRO crowds this year! There are a host of other fashionable events surrounding Fashion Focus including the FIRST show called NEXT FASHION CHICAGO, which will occur Monday night, October 17th, from 6:30 – 10 PM at the Germania Club, located at 108 W. Germania Place. The show, produced by Rose Mandel/Mandel Productions, is the first full-length group show and will include designers Elda de la Rosa, Sahar Dada, Sujata Gazder, Hector-Javier MonArrez, Mira Couture, Fraley Le, Gary Gonzales and Cleons. Featured stores include Bottega Contessa, Sofia, Furla and Cache. I am proud to be an emcee along with NBC’s popular Marcus Riley! For tickets, beginning at $30, please visit www.NextFashionChicago.com.

Saturday, October 15th, the Kohl Children’s Museum will celebrate 25 years with “An Evening to Imagine” at 2100 Patriot Blvd. in Glenview. The fun-filled celebration will feature music, dining, dancing and magic with surprises for the entire family! Individual tickets start at $500. For more info, please visit www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org or call 847-832-6600.

And lastly, on a personal note, I want to congratulate two friends on their EMMY nominations: Steve Weiss and Catie Keogh! Catie’s show – “24/7” - has once again been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Magazine Programming! Her show runs on NBC 5 at 12:30 AM as well as 35 times a week on the NBC Nonstop Channels. Congrats to one of the hardest working women in showbiz! And my neighbor/friend, Steve Weiss, and his company, ZACUTO, have been nominated for FOUR Emmys – one for Outstanding Achievement for Documentary Programs, one for Outstanding Achievement for Informational Programming, one for Interview Programming and one for Outstanding Crafts Achievement Off-Air: Editor-Program. I wish them both the BEST of luck!!! 🙂

Well, this is the lowdown on Chicago’s highlights for this week! I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Candid Candace and that I “see” you again next week, same time, same place!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Dogs really are man’s best friend, in many, many ways… 🙂

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Tagged as 24/7, Active Transportation Alliance, Alex Webbe, Amstel Light, Amstel/Comcast, Andrea Schwartz, Art of Home, Ashley Hemphill Netzky, BBJ, Being Kendra: Cribs, Ben Rosenfield, Bettie Bomb PR, Bill Kurtis, Bionce Foxx, Black Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide, Bonnie Krueger, Brendan Reilly, Bruce Orosz, Bryan Barrish, Cache, Caitlin Collins Saville, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Cari Sacks, Catie Keogh, Chad Middendorf, Chicago International Film Festival, Cityblue Apparel & Denim, Cleons. Bottega Contessa, Cocktails & Getting My Sexy Back, Crimson Lounge, Dan Uslan, Dennis Farina, DJ Geronimo, Don Miguel Gascon, E!, elda de la rosa, Emmy awards, Ernie Scatton, Fashion Focus Chicago, Fogo de Chao, Fraley Le, Front Row 2012 Fashion Show, Furla, Gallery 1028, Gary Gonzales, Gascon, Goldie Hawn, Grey Goose, Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Cup I, Guille Usandizaga, Hank Baskett, Hector Mon Arrez, Hector-Javier MonArrez, Heffernan Morgan Ronsley, Helena Rafeyan, Illinois Center for Broadcasting, International Brach Polo Association, Julie Barrish and family, Kamal Bosamia, Kendra Wilkinson, Kohl Children's Museum, Lakeside Housing, Lara Shipp Shiffman, Lonnie Rodriquez, Loop Alliance, Lou Vasta, Luis Arroyo, Lutfthansa, Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation, Macy's, Mandel Productions, Marcus Riley, Mark Mitten, Michael Sacks, Michelle Friedman, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Mira Couture, Music Institute of Chicago, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Neil Bluhm, Nena Ivon, NEXT Fashion Chicago, Nic Roldan, Noble Horse Theater, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Open Streets, Paula Chermont, Rebecca Janoff, Rebecca Kussman, Robert Fioretti, Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rock Sake, Rose Mandel, Sahar Dada, Sax Hotel, Sliding into Home, Sofia, Steve Weiss, Sujata Gazder, Tavi Usandizaga, The Last Rights of Joe May, The Polo Life, Tim Huizenga, Titan Commercial, Trump Residences, Union Sushi & BBQ, Union Sushi & BBQ Bar, Vincent Anzalone, Watch312.com, Windy City Rollers, Zacuto, Zhou Brothers Art Center

September 5, 2011 · 9:20 pm

WORLD CLASS POLO COMING TO NORTH AVENUE BEACH!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandacecom

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