Plus: Dance for Life; Labor Day Weekend getaway; Photographer Ernest Collins; It's all "Sweetness"; Big Shoulders Fund Ball; Olivia at Hindman; Broadway in Chicago PRESENTS…; Skrebneski Documented; Lake & Country loves Shauna; Playboy Club Bunny Reunion; Chicago theater is WINNING; A Toast to Tutoring; Brenda climbs for Special Children's Charities; All Together Now for the YWCA; Missing Randi; REV UP Chicago; Haute Dog Chicago; Eversight Mystery Masquerade; This & That; Darling videos and SO much MORE!
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I felt a little guilty accepting the invitation for opening night of Chicago's newest drag club, LIPS Chicago on Friday, August 23. After all, my first date with Chuck was at the Baton Show Lounge, then located at 436 N. Clark, and it felt a little like cheating. The Baton, an iconic female
impersonator show that just celebrated 50 years in February, has always been our go-to place, taking family, friends and anyone who would say yes, there to party. The legendary tennis player Jimmy Connors was a guest of ours at the Baton and I still have photos of
him tipping Chilli Pepper onstage. On this night, I wondered who I would see at this new drag spot and if there would be a crossover of guests and/or performers between the two. I did see Mimi Marks, former Miss Everything who came to fame at the Baton and who is renowned for her beauty and popularity as a performer. I missed her when she left the Baton but now I know where to find her. And, as the LIPS show unfolded on opening night, I realized there is no need for concern as the two clubs are as
different as can be and there's certainly more than enough room for both, and then some! LIPS Chicago (2229 S. Michigan) is the 5th location of this 23-year- 
old drag/dinner chain (others are located in Manhattan, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale and San Diego). According to its founder and former drag perfomer himself, Yvonne Lamé, the Chicago location is the largest and grandest to date. Upon entering, guests part red velvet curtains and are smack dab in the middle of a set right out of Alice in
Wonderland. Designer Robert Tabar, along with performers Tori Sass and Kinley Preston, transformed this former Ford Motor Company showroom into the "Palace of Versailles but with a drag queen running it', according to Lamé. Four, 8-foot chandeliers and and an amazing, state-of-the-art sound and lighting system keep this room sparkling and humming all night long. Brightly colored decor features a giant floral bustier
over the entrance, disco balls, bejeweled mirrors, pink leopard tufted walls, campy mannequin legs sticking out everywhere and so much more. On this night, the Queens arrived in style, pulling up in a vintage Rolls Royce
and spilling out in ballgowns and stilettos before striking a pose on the red carpet for the anxiously awaiting paparazzi. The club is pegged "The Ultimate in Drag Dining–Where the Boys are Men and so are the Girls"! Its Diva cast features Shavonna B. Brooks, Mimi Marks, Ruff N' Stuff, Angel LeBare and Delilah J. Brooks with other performers that include the former Baton performer Victoria Le Paige, Ari Gato, Hinkypunk, Saffire Blue and many others. For the opening party, delicious appetizers were served but, in general, this is a serious restaurant too with dishes
developed by Tom Schmitt, of the award-winning Little Goat restaurant. All items are named after LIPS performers and include appetizers (elote corn fritters, crispy shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, short ribs, spinach and artichoke dip, fried calamari, chicken tenders, Caesar and 
wedge salads and a Too Wong Foo sampler platter) and entrees (shrimp fettucine alfredo, flat iron chicken with kohlrabi slaw, chicken penne pasta ala vodka, lobster ravioli, curried garden veggies, Dover sole, grilled salmon, cheeseburgers, filets and more). There is a different show every day of the week. On Wednesdays, Delilah J. Brooks hosts "Twisted Broadway", Thursdays, "Dinner with the Divas" hosted by Angel LeBare, Fridays and Saturdays, the
"Glitz & Glam" show is hosted by Shavonna B. Brooks, a South Shore native who worked in the Atlanta location for 5 years before returning home to her roots here in Chicago. A late night, adults-only show is in development for Saturday night called "Taboo", and Mimi Marks hosts a modern hits show, "Showstopper Sundays" on Sunday night. (For Sunday brunch, there will be a Dragalicious Gospel Brunch). This club is a great addition to our already rich drag show landscape. At the Baton, I feel like everyone there is family and it will always be my favorite but I'm glad to have LIPS in Chicago, dining, drag and drop dead decor? Who can beat that? (Get all the deets here!)
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Dance for Life celebrated its 28th annual event on August 17 with a record-breaking crowd of over 3,100 dance enthusiasts at the Auditorium Theatre. I was so happy that co-chairs Tom and Mark Ferguson Gomez switched it up this year! Instead of going to the Hilton Chicago BEFORE the performance for the party/buffet/cocktails, they put it where it should be, FOLLOWING the performance. This way, everybody could let their hair down and celebrate the amazing
collaboration between our city's finest dance companies at the main event! For the hour long show at the theatre, seven outstanding
companies strutted their stuff onstage and
showed the remarkable diversity of dance this city has to offer. The show opened with Giordano Dance Chicago performing "SOUL", choreographed by Ray Leeper. (This piece holds a
special place in my heart as it was created and dedicated in my honor by the company.) This highly energetic piece features music by Al Green, Tina Turner and Gladys Knight and the Pips and
the crowd couldn't stop clapping and dancing in their seats. At the end, a resounding standing ovation reverberated throughout the space. The crowd welcomed every number with enthusiasm and appreciation. The Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater dedicated its moving piece, "Mar de Fuego/Sea of Fire", choreographed by Carlos Rodriguez, to its late founder Dame Libby Komaiko. Hubbard Street Dance Chicago honored the life of founding member/teacher Claire Bataille in "Decadence/Chicago" by Ohad Naharin. The Joffrey Ballet performed two works, one featuring the much loved husband/wife duo of Temur Suluashvili and Victoria Jaiani who danced to an excerpt from Yuri Possokhov's "Bells." Other performing
companies included Chicago Human Rhythm Project/Stone Soup Rhythms, Robyn Mineko Williams and Artists and Chicago Dance Crash that presented an exciting and athletic mix of hip hop and modern dance. A finale, featuring the world premiere of "Release" choreographed by Randy Duncan, combined dancers from various companies. A highlight for me during the party at the Hilton was seeing the joy on everyone's faces over the success of the event. I especially loved seeing Dance for Life co-founder Harriet Ross, hoisted onto the shoulders of the co-chairs for a victory dance! The event supports the Dancers' Fund through Chicago Dancers United, a nonprofit
expertly presided over by president Robert Neubert, that provides financial assistance to dance community
professionals facing critical health issues. On this night, Neubert announced an exciting partnership between the American Cancer Society (VP Peter Steele) and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (president John Peller). Thanks to all who supported this wonderful event and, to see more photos/event details, check my Chicago Tribune column here!
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I first became aware of Ernest Collins, the renowned Chicago photographer, in 2018 during a Fleurotica fashion show at Garfield Park. He had been hired to photograph the models wearing their striking plant and floral fashions but, in true Ernest style, he upped the ante for these photos ten-
fold (as seen in the photo). I was covering the event for my Tribune column and immediately noticed him stationed in a corner with the most striking, hand painted back drop that I'd ever seen in my life. He's larger than life and was barking orders to the models on how to pose and I could sense he was frustrated. As I came to know him, this chaotic environment was completely the antithesis of
the way he likes to work. He's a perfectionist in the best sense of the word which means he knows what he wants and his instincts are spot on–honed, no doubt, during the 20+ years he spent working in Paris. His studio is awe-inspiring too with the most gorgeous fashion photos filling every wall. On the day of our shoot, he was assisted by
Kendall Howard, a handsome, affable guy who obviously knows what Ernest needs out of a shoot and delivers. It was short and sweet but the results were unlike anything I'd seen before. He saw me in a way I've never seen myself. I've worked with a lot of photogs (I've been modeling since I was 13) but I've never come across one who was so sure of himself before–he sees things in a unique way
and knows how to get what he wants out of a photo shoot and model. His
directions are subtle but oh-so effective. We chatted a bit before and after the shoot and he excitedly told me about a model he had just photographed. (See the before and after shots above! OMG) Since he posted her photos on his website (ernestcollins.com), she has become one very popular lady! And, get this, she is 82 years old! Thanks for this amazing experience Ernest and keep up your beautiful work! (Follow him on Insta @ernestcollins)
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Chuck and I both love road trips, near or far, so for Labor Day Weekend, we were itching to hit the road. On Sunday, we took a ride to The Farm farmstand in Westmont. We were dying for some end-of-summer fresh veggies and this place at 34 E. 63rd St. in Westmont,
Ill. was just the spot. It was bittersweet to return there as we used to love taking my mother-in-law Jean Jordan there on weekends following a visit. We bought so much it was like we were getting ready to hunker down in a root cellar for the winter but it was such
fun. And then, on Monday, as I was perusing Instagram, I came across a bucolic photo of art expert Gary Metzner and his husband who were spending a stay-cation in Geneva, Illinois at the Herrington Inn & Spa. Well, that photo was all the inspo I needed so off we went, the three of us, on another little roadtrip. The clouds were like sky paintings they were so beautiful and, with the top
down, we were able to enjoy it ALL. The ride is less than an hour from Chicago so perfect for a quick getaway. We had been to Geneva once
before but it was a fast drive through. We planned on taking our time this time and got a chance to see just how charming Geneva really is. The Herrington Inn is located on a site that was the town's first known dairy dating to 1864 (on the riverfront at 15 S. River Lane). It was also home to Geneva's founding family, James and Charity Herrington. The Inn is a perennial AAA Four Diamond award winner and we weren't one bit surprised after we were given a grand tour. Most of the rooms are
equipped with fireplaces and balconies. The bathroom we saw could make the Ritz in Paris jealous! We also discovered that it is pet friendly (for small dogs and with a fee) but
still….I can't thank Gary enough for posting that sweet photo on Instagram–it was a great day in Geneva! (An aside about Gary, he was recently included in Art 50: Chicago's Visual Vanguard 2019. According to the article in NewCity Art, "Art 50 shines a light on this group of power players, whose work making our city’s art scene thrive too often goes unacknowledged. We bring you our take on those who wield the most influence in the Chicago art world, from nonprofits with humble beginnings to philanthropists with some of the deepest pockets in Illinois." Congrats Gary!
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Walter Payton's family, including his daughter Brittney, wife Connie Norwood and son Jarrett, were on hand for the unveiling of the "Sweetness'" statue on September 3. The 12-foot, 3,000-pound statue is outside of Gate O at Soldier Field and was sculpted by Fisher Sculpture and designed by Populous. (A George Halas statue was also unveiled) “This is truly a good representation of Walter and who he is," said Connie Payton, his widow. "So we couldn’t be prouder.” Several of Halas’ and Payton’s relatives were in attendance, as well as Payton’s contemporaries, including Mike Ditka, Dan Hampton, Matt Suhey and Steve McMichael. A lasting tribute, so fitting!
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Modern Luxury/ Chicago Social Magazine just released its jam-packed 25th anniversary issue! I was thrilled to be included in the article, "25 Most Intriguing Chicagoans" along with an amazing group of Chicago notables. Thanks so much CS and congrats to all! (See complete list here)
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A collection of 27 outfits worn by Hollywood legend Olivia de Havilland is going up for auction next month at Hindman Auctions! The Sept. 17 online auction also includes haute couture designs by Christian Dior that de Havilland, who turned 103 in July, wore at movie premieres and galas between 1954-1989. Prices for the outfits, some of which include shoes, range from $300-$5,000. The items up for sale next month are being sold by her family. A preview party will be held at the auction house on September 9.
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Broadway In Chicago presents the Chicago premiere of the internationally acclaimed hit theater show THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL Story! Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 6 for a limited two-week engagement (Nov. 19 thru Dec.1) at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place. (For tickets/more info, click here!)
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The 13th annual Big Shoulders Fund Ball will be held on Friday, September 27 at City Hall (838 W. Kinzie St.) For the first time since its inception, the event will be co-hosted by the Big Shoulders Fund Next Generation Boards–Chairman's Advisory Council and Auxiliary Board–comprised of nearly 400 professionals and civic leaders. The proceeds will benefit the two Next Generation scholarship funds, which provide access to safe, supportive schools for nearly 200 deserving children each academic year. For tickets, $125, and more info, click here!
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Legendary photographer Victor Skrebneski has come out with his definitive coffee table book titled "Skrebneski Documented: 1948-2018" ($150 at Rizzoli, Sept. 10). Skrebneski said, "Everything there is what I do. That's it. The book is personal and every picture means something to me." The book documents his extraordinary life in pictures beginning in 1948 and includes stories behind his iconic images of Andy Warhol, Cindy Crawford, David Bowie and Iman, Orson Welles, Dennis Hopper, Kathleen Turner and so many more. Follow this link for the two Chicago book signings! Not to be missed!
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More congrats are in order for Chicago's own Shauna Montgomery, everybody's favorite former runway star, who
was recently the cover girl (with a feature article) in Lake & Country magazine! The 10 page feature article by Susan Murray (with photography by Bob Cosearelli) focuses on her and husband Barry's beautiful Lake Geneva home with bonus shots of their Trump Tower condo. To read/see article, click here!) I met Shauna back in the 70s when we were both models and I've been a fan ever since! Congrats with love Shauna!
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Mark your calendars NOW for the Playboy Reunion to end all Reunions for former Playboy Club Bunnies! A HUGE party is planned for 2020, the 60th anniversary of Playboy Clubs, at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, organized by Diana Petersen, for June 25 to 28th. If you worked at any of the Clubs as a Bunny, please contact Diana for more info at formerplayboybunnyreunion@gmail.com.
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The Actors Training Center (ATC) of Wilmette received the Award of Honor from the Illinois Theatre Association (ITA) at ITA’s Red Carpet Gala, on Aug. 24 at Drury Lane Theater. Each year the Illinois Theatre Association recognizes both individuals and organizations for their significant contributions of
promoting quality theatre throughout the state of Illinois. Recipients are nominated by the Illinois theatre community, approved by ITA's divisional representatives and accepted by ITA's Board of Directors. This year, ITA awarded its highest honor to the nonprofit Actors Training Center for its educational contribution to the Chicago theatre community. Actors Training Center founder Carole Dibo, accepted the award from Kevin
Long, Illinois Theatre Association president, who nominated the Center for the honor. He spoke of the impressive history of ATC mentioning alum who have gone on to be included in national theatre tours, on Broadway, Netflix and Amazon. “ATC provides the highest quality professional training for actors who choose to take classes at ATC. Not only is the training incredible, but what separates ATC from other places is that ACT is such a welcoming and supportive professional training program. The atmosphere you have created truly helps any actor that steps through your doors to produce the best work possible,” Long said. The Center's annual fundraiser will be held on Saturday, November 3 at Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Dr. in Lincolnshire. "Money for Funny, Music for Free" will benefit the ATC's Scholarship and Building Funds. (For info, click here!)
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Our theatre community is a lot like Charlie Sheen–WINNING! Congrats are also in order for Porchlight Theatre Company who scored a formidable 17 Jeff nominations this year! ("Sunset Boulevard" opens October 11!) The Paramount Theatre in Aurora also had a lot to celebrate, scoring 16, followed by Court Theatre in Hyde Park with 15! Make sure you check out these three winners!
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Chicago Lights, an organization that creates opportunities for Chicagoans to overcome economic and social barriers, will host A Toast to Tutoring at Dance Studio (59 W. Hubbard St.) on Oct. 15. The event will celebrate the life-changing one-to-one, student-volunteer 
relationships created through the Chicago Lights Tutoring program. For 55 years, the program has provided high-quality tutoring and mentoring for students living in the Near West, Near North, and South Side neighborhoods of Chicago to cultivate their academic and social potential using one-to-one relationships. A Toast to Tutoring will offer guests an opportunity to further their impact by sponsoring a Tutoring student for the upcoming 2019–2020 program year. Guests will “toast to tutoring” with beer, wine and prosecco, hors d’oeuvres and DJ entertainment. (For tickets, more info, click here!)
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Longtime friend Brenda McHugh is honoring the 50th anniversary of the founding of Special Children's Charities by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro! She is making the climb in honor of her late husband, Jack McHugh (McHugh Construction), who was a founder of the Charities. The event came to be following the first Special Olympics games held in Chicago in 1968. Jack put together a group of influential friends (he knew them all!) as a way to fund programs for people with
disabilities in Chicago through the Chicago Park District. SCC is still the fundraising arm of Special Olympics Chicago and pays for the majority of special recreation programs at the CPD and for events and activities that more than 7,500 people with disabilities enjoy through Special Olympics Chicago. Brenda is training 6 days a week at Well-Fit (1700 W. Hubbard) which is the only altitude training facility in the Midwest. She is hoping to raise $100K for SCC/SOC! If you would like to support this worthy cause, please click here! (She leaves Sept. 9 for an 8 day climb). Whew…I'm exhausted just writing about it.
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Join YWCA Metropolitan Chicago Tuesday, September 10 for a small, private gathering at All Together Now, a bottle shop, all-day eatery and market in Chicago's Ukranian Village. The event will feature a seasonal, cocktail-style menu with a specially curated selection of wine sourced exclusively from women-led wineries. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the YWCA and its mission to empower women and eliminate racism. (For tickets, more info, click here!)
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I received some bittersweet news this week. My longtime (and much loved) Chicago Tribune editor, Randi Stevenson, is leaving for the San Antonio Express-News. They are SOOOO lucky to have her! She's been a rock, an advocate, a champion and a friend and she will be sorely missed. Best of luck to you Randi from your biggest fangirl.
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I hope you can join the Apparel Industry Board and me for REV UP Chicago on Thursday, October 10 at Perillo Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Gold Coast (834 N. Rush St.) starting at 6 pm. This fashion show fundraiser, chaired by Frances Renk, will support and celebrate our city's top local designers–Elda de la Rosa Couture, Peach Carr Designs, Mark Roscoe, Lauren Lein Ltd., Rebellion, Tamra Ellingson, Ann Everett Designs and Model Atelier! These fabulous designs will be modeled by some of our town's most notable Chicagoans and emceed by the one and only Ji Suk Yi! I'm thrilled to be this year's honoree! Thanks to all who are supporting this wonderful event! I hope we can all make Marsha Brenner proud. (For tickets, starting at $75, click here!)
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And, right around the corner is the 4th annual Haute Dog Chicago coming Thursday, September 19 to the Peninsula. Celebrate fashion with Canine Companions for Independence and watch some of Chicago's finest and their very couture canines take to the runway modeling fashion from local boutiques for this wonderful cause, providing assistance dogs FREE for those in need. (For tickets/more info, click here!)
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And another not-to-be-missed event is this year's Eversight Mystery Masquerade Celebration at the Peninsula on Thursday, October 24 honoring much loved Sherry Lea Holson and the remarkable Dr. David Lubeck. Proud to return as co-chair with Michael Caputo and a stellar committee who has upped the ante on this year's event with lots of surprises planned around every corner! Join us and help Eversight restore sight and prevent blindness through the healing power of donation, transplantation and research. And, as always, special thanks to the late Beverly Blettner who helped put this nonprofit on the map. (For tickets/more info, click here!) MASKS ON!
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Chicago Gateway Green will host its annual GREEN TIE BALL, this year themed "I Dream of Greenie" drawn from the inspiration of the venue, The Alhambra Palace (1240 W. Randolph) on Friday, September 13. Join co-chairs Grant DePorter, Lee Golub and celeb host Pete Wentz (Fallout Boys) along with 25 participating restaurants for a night filled with fun, fundraising, charitable gaming from Rivers Casino, dancing and so much more! (For tickets/more info, CLICK HERE!)
That's it for this edition! If you've enjoyed it and are not yet a subscriber, please sign up here! And, if you have events or news to share, please send them along! I would love to hear from you!!
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. And something to leave you with a smile……
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