Tag Archives: joffrey

April 27, 2009 · 10:53 pm

JOFFREY WOWS SPRING GALA CROWD!

How does one describe a magical evening like Friday night when the Joffrey Spring Gala was held at the Hilton Chicago? From beginning to end, the memory-making moments never stopped. First, guests arrived at the Auditorium Theater for a wine reception starting at 5:30 p.m. and the performance began at 6:30 p.m. Gala co-chairs Sandy Deromedi, Mary Jo Basler and Jay Franke welcomed the crowd and thanked the sponsors and artistic director Ashley Wheater and executive director Christopher Clinton Conway introduced the program which began with an inspiring video. The production was, in a word, breathtaking. I’ve followed the Joffrey dancers for a while now and I will tell you, they are a world-class ballet company and every time they dance, they are so much better than the time before. (If you haven’t gotten tickets for the Spring Series, DO IT NOW! You don’t have to be a dance aficionado to appreciate these thrilling performances. The program began with all of the Exelon Strobel Step-Up students performing "Groove", a fast paced, energetic piece that showcased these young dancers’ incredible skills. (They are brilliantly and passionately directed by former dancer Pierre Lockett.) Next up was our own Joffrey Ballet performing a pas de deux from “Reflections” and danced exquisitely by Christine Rocas and Temur Suluashvili. Then “Age of Innocence” choreographed by Edwaard Liang and danced by Derrick Agnoletti, Raul Casaola, Aaron Rogers and Mauro Villanueva. A haunting “Aria” was performed by Matthew Adamczyk and you could hear a pin drop in the audience with his skillful performance. “In the Middle Somewhat Elevated” was danced to perfection by Fabrice Calmels and Victoria Jaiani. This number was very modern and Pulp Fiction-esque in feel and had the audience enthralled. The closing piece – the highlight – was “Carousel A Dance.” With music by Richard Rodgers and choreographed by the genius Christopher Wheeldon, the company was at its peak. The clever and unique staging made the country fair come to life for everyone in the audience. It was danced by the gorgeous Victoria Jaiani and handsome Matthew Adamczyk with “friends” Mauro Villanueva, Allison Walsh, Elizabeth Hansen and Temur Suluashvili. It brought the audience to their feet as the dancers took bow after bow amid a waterfall of glittering confetti. It made me so proud to be a part of this incredible organization that I could almost bust. My husband and I were moved to tears… Photos from top right: Gala co-chairs Sandy Deromedi, Jay Franke and Mary Jo Basler; Exelon Strobel Step-Up students; Joffrey dancers taking their bows; Gala hostesses Jessica Steffenson, Astra Gamsjaeger, Heidi Keeling and Marjorie Habermann; Liz Ryan, Shawna Owen, Sophie Bross and Heather Webster; Pam Strobel with Jeff and Lisa Leiden; Julie Garwood and Julie Johnson; me and Jesus Salguiero; Nancy Bauer and Debbie Beitler; Kelly Dettman and Judy Pierpont; Sheryl Dyer and Alan Sax; Margaret O'Connor, Harold Ramis, Erica Ramis, Katherine Veach and Mayari Pritzker.

On this night, we were fortunate enough to be picked up and driven to the theatre and gala in a 1960 Rolls Royce limousine with chauffeur courtesy of our friends Deb and John Gross. Now I know how Queen Elizabeth feels!!! Thanks so much Deb and John!! You made a special evening even MORE special! Photo: me and Christine Ott with the vintage Rolls Royce limo.

The Gala was held at the Hilton Chicago at 720 S. Michigan Ave. and guests were transported there via trolleys that were running constantly. Gala co-chairs Sandy Deromedi, Mary Jo Basler and Jay Franke thought of EVERYTHING and in this very tough economy brought in 950 guests and raised almost $1.2 million dollars this year for the Joffrey! This is simply amazing and I know how hard they all worked to make this happen! Huge kudos and thank you to Sandy, Mary Jo and Jay!! Presenting sponsor was Harris Private Bank and the dinner and performance was underwritten by Alphawood Foundation. Premier grand benefactors included Abbott Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Doug Basler, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Deromedi, Mr. Fred Eychaner, Mr. Jay Franke and Mr. David Herro, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Levy and J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation. Thank you all! Photos from top left: Richard and Kate Benson; Harriet and Irwin Ross.

There was a cocktail reception in the Normandie Lounge and then dinner and dancing by Rich Daniels and the City Lights Orchestra in the Grand Ballroom. The Grand Ballroom has never looked more elegant thanks to the floral and décor efforts by Jonathan Ryan of “A Perfect Event.” It was simply breathtaking: There were two-foot-tall white floral arrangements composed of soaring calla lilies, amaryllis, peonies and hydrangeas placed on various tables in beautiful crystal vases. On other tables were chic, modern silver based lamps with white shades and then on the rest of the tables, were gorgeous small white and pale green flowers all set on custom made Fortuny linens. A dramatic touch were the apple green uplights on the second balcony highlighting all of the gilding and moldings. It was the crowning touch and even the giant crystal chandeliers seemed to sparkle a little brighter. Dinner began with smoked salmon, followed by filet mignon topped with an herb crust, truffle sauce, sautéed spinach, fingerling potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The dessert, an apple tatin surrounded by caramel sauce under a golden chocolate cage with fresh raspberries, was a delightful tribute to the Joffrey Ballet. Photos from top left: Angela Flenoy of Sara Lee and Sharon Ford; arriving at the Hilton; Linda Johnson Rice; decor by Jonathan Ryan of A Perfect Event; Marci Holzer and her darling family; delicious Joffrey dessert.

We all danced until the wee hours and hated to say goodbye. Everyone was at their most elegant and I can’t wait to see what next year brings! Chuck and I were whisked back home in our vintage Rolls and then we turned back into pumpkins but were very happy pumpkins indeed! Hope to see you all there next year!!! Photos from top left: John Amato and Rhonda Sanderson; Greg Hyder, Michelle Desjardins and Bob Golant. For more photos from this magical evening, click here!

Saturday night we attended the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Ball at the Civic Opera House as guests of Kristina and Mike McGrath. It was a packed audience and the rooms were beautifully decorated by Kehoe Designs with massive hanging baskets of flowers and six-foot-tall florals on the auction tables. They had a silent and live auction which raised almost $250,000 with the entire event raising over $2.9 million for cancer research. This is the first time I’ve seen these wireless remote bidding devices that were used but they were very effective. Bidders could watch their bids on the giant live screen and bid from the comfort of their tables throughout the course of the evening. For the live auction, a behind-the-scenes tour with Katie Couric and breakfast at Tiffany’s went for $22,000. Mike and Kristina McGrath donated a 2010 Lexus IS 250 convertible with your choice of colors which is the first of its kind in Chicago. It sold for $50,000. Lucky Mike also won one of the raffle prizes which was a gorgeous diamond and platinum ring from Tiffany’s. A silver lab puppy was auctioned off for $25,000 to United Airlines president Glen Tilton and wife Jackie. An Indianapolis 500 racing package with a full racing suit from Danica Patrick sold for $32,000. Haity and Jim McNerney, CEO of Boeing, were event chairs. CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo was the emcee for the evening and Natalie Cole gave an amazing performance. Natalie has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and needs a kidney. My tablemates informed me they saw her last year and this year she looks much frailer. We wish her the best. Next year’s chairs will be Victoria and Gary Holdren. Photos from top left: Discovery Ball at the Civic Opera House; dining on stage at the Civic Opera House; Kristina and Mike McGrath with a Tiffany's model; bidder's board; United Airlines president Glen Tilton and wife Jackie with their new puppy; performer Natalie Cole; 2010 Discovery Ball co-chairs Victoria and Gary Holdren; Shauna and Barry Montgomery; David and Julie Lampert. For more photos from this event, click here!

There are lots more fun events coming up and I want to share a few with you. The first party is hosted by Graham Kostic from “Glossed and Found.” It will be held on Thursday, April 30th, at Galleria Unico from 6 to 8 p.m. to honor their spotlighted profiles. Honorees are Jessa Brinkmeyer, Toni Canada, Lisa Trunda, Harold Zimmerman and moi. Space is limited so please RSVP to Rachel@glossedandfound.com if you can join us. The second event, Art Rocks, will take place on May 1st and is hosted by Cynthia Rowley, Melissa and Henrique Kerch, Claudia Kleiner, Christine Sanderson, Kasia Koniar, Tracey Mayer and moi aussi. This is the official after party for Art Chicago and space fills up fast. Enjoy local paintings, digital art, specialty drinks and mingle with Chicago’s hottest fashion and art scene. RSVP to http://www.Factio-Magazine.com/artrocks. The final fun and exciting party will be the premier of the cult classic movie Star Trek on May 8th with a private screening at 600 N. Michigan Ave. theatres. Tickets are $100 and will benefit Columbia College. They can be purchased online by clicking on this link. Doors open at 5 p.m., movie starts at 5:30 p.m. and the after-party at Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar will start at 8 p.m. There will be a special introduction by Trekkie Richard Roeper. This is a Chicago Link Productions event so you just know it will be loads of fun! Photos from top right: Glossed & Found logo; Art Rocks invite; Star Trek poster.

I hope to see you around our wonderful town and I also hope that someday spring will arrive……in case you’ve forgotten, this is what it looks like! This photo was taken last year in Harbor Country in Michigan during the Celebration of Home and Gardens Tour which benefits Heartland Alliance. This year it will take place on Saturday, June 6th. For ticket info, please call (312) 660-1319. It is a wonderful way to spend the day and you’ll bump into a lot of friends too… :) And now, if you feel like you’re swimming with sharks in this terrible economy, take a tip from our little friend and see how it will all work out in the end.

Love,
Candace 🙂

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Tagged as American Cancer Society, artrocks, Candace Jordan, candid candace, CandidCandace, Chicago, Chicago Link Productions, civic opera house, CNBC, Discovery Ball, gala, Glossed & Found, heartland alliance, Hilton Chicago, joffrey, Katie Couric, Lexus, Natalie Cole, star trek, tiffany's, United Airlines

April 19, 2009 · 6:31 pm

CHICAGO WELCOMES BIGGER, BOLDER BARNEY’S!

Thursday, April 16th, will go down in history as the day the Big Boy came to town! The new, bigger Barney’s is the most beautiful store in Chicago and the turnout on opening day proved it. Everyone wanted to see it and, by the expressions on their faces, they were pleased indeed. With jaw-dropping square footage and attention to every detail, this store must be the crown jewel in the Barney’s empire. From the flooring to the dressing rooms and everything in between, the design and furnishings are done to perfection. I could move right into the dressing rooms and be perfectly content! The designer selections are unique and varied, I’m sure in large part because it is an opening but I hope this endless variety continues. Even one of the sales girls told me she never even knew Marni had such great designs until they sent the new stuff for this opening. So please NY, don’t give up after this week is over!!!! There is a dramatic winding staircase in the center of the store that takes you to all six levels. Beauty, skin care and fragrances are on the lower level; accessories, hats, jewelry and sunglasses are on the main floor; designer collections and shoes are on the second level; sportswear and denim are on the third; the fourth and fifth floors are for men and the sixth floor contains Chelsea Passage with selections for the home. BUT the most important feature of the sixth floor is the fabulous restaurant, Fred’s! This chic dining spot has incredible views and a petite and exclusive outdoor patio with only three tables with a beautiful view straight down Oak Street to the lake! Imagine sitting above our greatest shopping street and looking at our sparkling lake on a lazy summer day? Makes me feel woozy just thinking about it!! Michael Celestino, Barney’s executive vice president, told me it’s been 22 years since they’ve opened a restaurant so they are feeling really happy about this decision and he thinks their location is perfect. Their other two dining spots are Green Grass in Beverly Hills and Fred’s in NY. Not only will our Fred’s be open for lunch but it will also be open for dinner and brunch. When I went to dinner here on opening night, the place was packed with fun, friendly faces and I predict it will be a new hotspot for those in the know. Michael told me Fred’s in NY is the best kept secret among the locals for dinner and I suspect it will be the same way here. You have to make a reservation for dinner and then come to the side entrance on Rush Street. Then a security guard will check your name and you will be escorted to an elevator inside the store. I think it will be fun and feel like our very own speakeasy! Fred’s is named after the grandson of the original property owner that Barney’s is built on in NY. Their incredible chef, Mark Strausman hails from NY. For the opening, they decided not to do a big blow-out since this economy wasn’t conducive to it, so champagne and donuts were the order of the day. Delicious sugar donuts by Mindy Segal served on silver platters were the perfect touch. The store is open seven days a week and Fred’s serves food from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday thru Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday. I saw a gazillion people there opening day including Jerry Kleiner (who was passing out cards for his new restaurant, Via Ventuno—which is his retooled Room 21), Christina Gidwitz (trying on chic designer dresses), John Carroll, Amalie Drury with Jeff Corney, Sophie Bross, Helen Melchior, Kathy Lidbury, Scott McLellan, Chryssi Cochanis, Jazmin Arellano (who just landed a job with Maria Pinto), DJ John Svendsen from Norway, Carol Beitler, Lorenzo Beard, Margaret Rainone, Naywri Wright, Demetri Alexander and his wife Marisa Murillo, Ann Waters, Martha and Laura Wallace, Hazel Barr, Scott Bobek, Janice and Ray Blaney, Joy Germont and Marie Amelio. Photos from top right: Barney's at 15 E. Oak St.; display area; Jerry Kleiner and John Carroll; Carol Beitler, Margaret Rainone and Lorenzo Beard; Barney's dramatic staircase; Naywri Wright; Fred's; Fred's outdoor dining space; Barney's executive vice president Michael Celestino and me; Fred's bar area; Fred's head chef Mark Strausman; donuts from Mindy Segal; Martha and Laura Wallace; Ann Waters, Helen Melchior and children's book author Kathy Lidbury; Marie Amelio and a friend; Jazmin Arellano and DJ John Svendsen; Kimberly Gleason and Sophie Bross. For more photos from this event, click here.

Speaking of great stores, a BIG thank you to Neiman Marcus, Mary Ann Henderson and Tina Koegel for arranging a wonderful luncheon for members of the Joffrey Women’s Board Thursday. The luncheon served two purposes: one, to thank outstanding members of the Joffrey Women’s Board who had served on committees this past year and two, to introduce Santiago Gonzalez’s Spring 2009 handbag collection. Santiago is the son of luxury handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez. Neiman’s scored on both counts and everyone enjoyed meeting Santiago and fondling his luxurious handbags up close. All of the Nancy Gonzalez bags are handmade in Columbia using precious skins such as Caiman Crocodile and Malaysian python. Santiago assured us that the crocodiles are farm-raised and each bag has a numbered emblem from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora to attest to this fact. He went on to say that it takes seven years of training to learn how to make these beautiful bags since matching the skins is an art form. The factory employs 700 people and 99 percent are women. His mother is very spiritual and studies with the Dalai Lama and has provided her workers with a day care center that cares for 150 children. The company was started 10 years ago when Nancy was unable to sell a surplus of bags after a store closing. Santiago suggested she send them to him and he would sell them to his college friends in NY. When the landlady heard he was selling bags out of his grandmother’s apartment, she hit the roof—until she SAW the bags. Then she suggested he take them to her friend, Dawn Mello, at Bergdorf Goodman and the rest, as they say, is history! Last year, the company sold over 55,000 handbags, each one unique. Santiago says, “True luxury is never trendy and the only hardware should be in your jewelry, not on the bags.” Their totes come with a banana leaf as a nod to their native Columbia. It was particularly delightful for me speaking with him since he goes to St. Tropez every year and we knew many of the same people. Here’s to your continued success, Santiago, and maybe I’ll be lucky enough to run into you in the South of France next year! :) Photos from top right: Santiago Gonzalez, me and Tina Koegel; Kate Benson and Marina Tater with Gonzalez handbags; model showing a Nancy Gonzalez bag; Astra Gamsjaeger and Kelly Detman; Santiago with his mother Nancy Gonzalez's bags; Lisa Leiden and Women's Board president Kathleen Klaeser; Marilyn Slattery; Rebecca Besser and Liz Ryan; Santiago with models; Linda O'Bannon; Francis Elliot and Santiago with the handbag he autographed for her.

Dave Curry really knows how to think outside the box: He has invented a unique concept in footwear called Podi, which means "foot" in Greek. Formerly in commercial real estate, inspiration struck Dave on the Michigan shores. While watching his daughters play in the water, he noticed his own footwear was trashed. He felt there had to be a better way than shelling out another $150 or more for shoes so in 2004, he came up with the idea of interchangeable shoe covers which can be removed or replaced based on one's mood or outfit. Curry designed six shoe covers for women and five for men. For $129, you receive the shoe base, three covers and an environmentally-friendly knapsack to keep it all in. Each extra cover is just $19.99 and you can even design your own cover using his Van Gogh style which arrives as a blank canvas. I see this as a boon for children who seem to go through shoes faster than you can blink an eye. To see how this innovative invention works, click here. Good luck, Dave! Photos from top left: Dave Curry with his Podi Wear; women's Podi shoe and cover choices.

On a personal note, I would like to congratulate my friend Simona Groza (beautiful manager of Luca Luca on Oak Street) and Dennis Garcia on their upcoming wedding on August 23rd. It will be held in the Hotel Sun Garden in Turda, Romania. Simona is beloved by so many and we all wish her and Dennis mountains of happiness! :) Photo: Dennis Garcia and Simona Groza.

I think we are finally headed for spring!!!! And as we all know, there is no place prettier than Chicago at spring time…unless it’s Chicago in the summer! Now here is a video that will exhaust you by simply watching it; I don’t remember cheerleading ever being quite like this!

Love,
Candace 🙂

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Tagged as Barney’s, Bergdorf Goodman, Chicago, dalai lama, dave curry, Fred’s, joffrey, Luca Luca, mark strausman, michael celestino, Mindy Segal, nancy gonzalez, Neiman Marcus, podi, santiago gonzalez, spring

April 14, 2009 · 9:55 pm

“ROYAL KILL” THRILLS!

Gold Coast Bentley/Lamborghini was the place to be Thursday night for the sneak peek of the psychological thriller, “Royal Kill.” Close to 200 beautiful people showed up to mix and mingle. Hazel Barr and I co-hosted with local creative director Joey Majumdar who introduced the film to Chicago. “Royal Kill” is an independent action-thriller and is inspired by true historical events in Nepal. Supposedly, there was even an incident involving an unknown supporter of the Nepalese royal family during the screening in L.A who attacked an expert on Nepalese history criticizing the films political views. Director/writer Babar Ahmed said, “The political issues in Nepal need velvet gloves to be solved. As a filmmaker, it is my duty to point out the problems occurring in the world. It is important to exchange points of view. We should, however, never rely on violence as a solution.” Amen to that! “Royal Kill” stars Academy Award nominees Eric Roberts and the late Pat Morita (this was his last film) along with professional wrestler, Gail Kim, in her debut role. Even though we only saw a sneak peek, the story line revolves around a high school girl who is unaware of her status as the last living heir to a kingdom in the Himalayas. A fierce assassin arrives intent on her destruction at the same time the king’s bodyguard also arrives to protect her. As the battle for the princess’s life intensifies, the line between good and evil begins to blur with a finale that defies all expectations. Based on true events, this movie was written and directed by up and coming award-winning Ahmed who arrived at the party in an enormous black limousine and introduced the film clip himself! He seemed to be a kind, gentle and soft-spoken man but clearly this movie, his second, is his passion. The movie opened this weekend in Washington, D.C., L.A. and Chicago. Chic guests included Ann Wallace, Alison and Ed Howlett, J
osh Walters, Amanda Hunt, Brooke Skinner, Missy Vitale, Cindy Burns, Mary Pat Burns, Sharyl Mackey, Toni and Rick Canada, Greg Hyder, Jim Smith, John Regas, Charley Jordan, Nicole Jacobs, Caitlin and Connie Saville, Wally Brewster, Bob Satawake, Corinne, Mary Ann and Helen Melchior, Amelia Silva, Margie Habermann, Craig Hogan, Lori and Don Shroud, Felicia and Kurt Winiecki, Sara Albrecht, Greg Zgnona, Myra and John Reilly, Jon Wool, Sven Asmus, Margaret O’Connor, Julie Darling, Jolanta Rouge, Leticia Herrera, Rhonda Sanderson, Simona Groza, Susan Ellefson and Bryan, Terrence Chappell, JaDon Mendenhall, Tessa Gillenwater, Tracey Tarantino, Eddie Tom, Jr., Veronica Ludwig, Amanda Wurzbach, Jeffrey Ward, Jim Brewster, Jr., Sheryl Dyer, Jenna Wade and her mom Beverly, Tony Hardy, Brooke and Patrick Eisenmenger, Elizabeth Bertucci, Erica Lynette Edwards, Jennifer Kiefer, Manny B., Karen Williams, Lynn McMahan, Jenny Sepulveda, Vicky Tesmer, Susan Grimm, Patrick Plante and Veronica Zepeda among many more. Photos from top right: Royal Kill writer/director Babar Ahmed and event co-chair Joey Majumdar; event co-host Hazel Barr and John Regas; Lindsay and Kristina Burn; Helen Melchior and me with dancers Temur Suluashvili, Victoria Jaiani, Mauro Villanueva, April Daley and David Gombert; viewing Royal Kill; Cindy Burns, Mary Pat Burns and Sharyl Mackey; Margie Habermann, Amelia Silva and Karen Williams; Saints of Society Chuck and Warren Barr; dancers Megan Quiroz, me, April Daley, Erica Lynette Edwards and Alexis Polito; Beatriz Gomez, Joey Majumdar and Dolores Barbary; Bryan Herb and Joel Cabrera; Rick and Tony Canada; Terrence Chappell and Nekesha Josey; Charley Jordan and Nicole Jacobs; Craig Hogan, Bob Satawake, me, Jenny Sepulveda and Wally Brewster; Sara Albrecht and Gregg Zgonena; Jolanta Ruege and JaDon Mendenhall; Tracey Tarantino, Sheryl Dyer and Leticia Herrera. For more photos from this event, click here (Thanks to Caitlin Saville for many of these images)!

The Joffrey Ballet was also out in force for this fun event and were represented by April Daley, Victoria Jaiani, Fabrice Calmels, Mauro Villanueva, David Gombert, Temur Suluashvili, Alexis Polito, Megan Quiroz, Erica Lynette Edwards, John Mark Giragosian and Brian McSween. Beautiful chanteuse Celeste Van Dahm played a soulful saxophone tribute to the late Pat Morita; there was also a DJ but sadly, there was no dancing! SOOOOO from there, we journeyed to Billy Dec’s Underground for CS's 2009 Men of Style party!!!! Billy hosted the party along with CS and was their handsome cover model and when we arrived with six gorgeous dancers, the gates parted and we were whisked to the best table in the house with Billy himself greeting the dancers and offering them all his card. We danced, laughed, ate and drank champagne and then it was time to turn back into a pumpkin. The place was packed and I want to congratulate all of the Men of Style. If you haven’t seen the magazine (which means you’re living in a cave!) then here are the deserving men: David Barnett, Danny Wirtz, Jeff Mills, PJ Loughran, Nicholas Scimeca, Jeremy Bustos, DJ Rock City, Fernando Beteta and Greg Hyder. I’m very happy for ALL of these smartly dressed males but one of them stands out in the crowd: Greg Hyder. If you don’t know Greg – and I highly doubt that since he’s the most sociable man you’ll ever meet – then I want to tell you about him. Not only is he a dear friend but he is so popular in Chi-town that he could literally run for office! He grew up in Tennessee and moved to Chicago in 1980. After college, he went to South Africa to work with children in a mission as a teacher. He’s worked in the hotel business from the East Coast to the West Coast beginning with the Ritz Hotels before moving back to Chicago in 2000 to open the Peninsula Hotel. The rest, as they say, is history! Greg is a true philanthropist, having chaired many galas including Howard Brown, Center on Halsted, Cystic Fibrosis, Grand Chef’s, Lupus Foundation, Orchid Ball and the Gift of Sight Gala but fashion and music have always been his great loves: In college, Greg was a music major, as was his supportive partner of ni
ne years, Jim Smith. He is a caring man and a loyal friend and I’m very proud and happy for him garnering this much deserved honor! Woooo Hoooo Greg! 🙂 Photos from top left: Celeste Van Dahm playing a tribute to the late Pat Morita; dancers at the Underground; Fabrice Calmels; Melissa Schumacher and Patrick Smith; a sexy Underground server; Sheryl Dyer, Greg Hyder, Leticia Herrera and Lynn McMahan; Greg surrounded by his admirers; Michael Lapenski, Rod Kaup, Patrick Sheehan and Greg; Jim Smith admiring Greg's photo; Greg and Missy Vitale; Greg, Leticia Herrera and Simona Groza. Click here for more photos from The Underground and for more photos of Greg, follow this link.

Make sure you save Thursday, April 30th, for another fun party when CS style editor Graham Kostic hosts a party to honor the spotlighted VIPs from “Glossed and Found!” This spring cocktail party will be held at Galleria Unico (44 E. Superior St.) from 6 to 8 p.m. to honor Harold Zimmerman, Lisa Trunda, Jessa Brinkmeyer, Toni Canada and yours truly! :) I want to thank Graham for spotlighting me this month on his fabulous website!! If you aren’t signed up to receive this fun, up-to-the-minute site, what are you waiting for?! Upcoming videos include an interview with Isaac Mizrahi, Trish McEvoy, Mary Poppins, a burlesque show and much, much more! Thanks so much Graham and CS…I can’t wait!! To RSVP to this event, email Rachel@glossedandfound.com. Photos from top right: Glossed and Found logo; Graham Kostic.

Terri Lee Ryan’s new book is out and her first book signing will be at David Yurman (40 E. Oak St.) from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 29th. Entitled “Life is One Big To-Do List: A Woman’s Life After 40,” this charming and funny book is written with refreshing candor and self-deprecating humor. CS will be covering the event and a percentage of sales (Yurman and Ryan’s) will be donated to Gilda’s Club. Jon Wool’s Finesse Catering will be providing tasty hors d’oeuvres so we know it will be a great party!! For more party and book info, please contact Terri at terrileeryan@aol.com. Photo: Ray Drymalski with Terri Lee and Pat Ryan.

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter and Passover! Hope you enjoy this video. It just goes to show you never to judge a book by its cover….:-)

Love,
Candace 🙂

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Tagged as babar ahmed, Bentley Gold Coast, Billy Dec, candace, Candace Jordan, Chicago, chuck, cs, David Yurman, eric roberts, gail kim, glossed and found, joffrey, pat morita, royal kill, Underground