Tag Archives: Superstars of Burlesque

September 20, 2011 · 10:02 pm

MISERICORDIA FAMILY FEST RAISES $1.2 MILLION

Misericordia held its 31st annual Family Fest and 10,000 people attended! I had never been to this joyous event before and I couldn’t believe how BIG it was! The 31-acre campus held wonders of all sorts. There was entertainment everywhere you looked and on multiple stages that included Pirates Over 40 (Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band), Lesley Byers & the Jazz Cats (pop and oldies), the Shannon Rovers, Misericoridia Heartzingers & Heartbreakers (choir), Artie Fitzgerald, Croatian Vines, Dr. Mark & the Sutures, Loyola Academy Ramblerettes, Brian Horner (Misericordia drummer), Finbarr Fagan, Big Rock Bluegrass Band and McNulty Irish Dancers. There was also a Ronald McDonald magic show, a Misericordia Puppet Tree with Peter Martin and a Children’s Sing-Along with Sandy Lucas. And this is just a FEW of the acts! No one can refuse Misericordia’s formidable Executive Director, Sister Rosemary Connelly, who has been the ED for 42 years! Her Assistant ED of 40 years, Lois Gates, seemed to be everywhere at once on the fairgrounds making sure everything was running perfectly and that everyone was in their proper places, it was and they were! Father Jack Clair, Assistant ED for 11 years, and Kevin Connelly, CFO for 19 years, all keep this loving place running like a top. I’ve never seen such organization! From the ticket-takers to the trolley drivers, everyone knew exactly what needed to be done and when. And the FOOD!!! OMG! The International Food Tent served Polish, Mexican, Greek and American specialties while the Budweiser Beer Tent held everyone’s attention with the ongoing Bears game (they won!) that was shown on two large screen TVs. They thought of EVERYTHING! There were live and silent auctions, Misericordia Art, Greco Garden plants, clowns, a dunking booth, demonstrations by Rainbow Dogs Pet Therapy, Frisbee Dogs, and the Jesse White Tumblers to name a few. You couldn’t reach the overflowing, bakery goods table (Hearts & Flour Bakery), with all treats made by Misericordia’s kids. The Bakery is on-site and allows for a work opportunity for the residents. Everything from cookies, brownies and Irish soda bread plus an assortment of other breads and caramel corn can be ordered online and shipped anywhere! The Bingo tent was filled as well as the Wheel of Fortune, Pot-O-Gold and Chances-R tables. There were gifts from Heartworks & Gardens, Gift It Again, Gentle Touch, Heartstrings and the Misericordia Boutique. Gently used and new toys, games, crafts, garden supplies and even Christmas gifts were to be had around every corner. And did I mention the kiddie rides, the ring toss and Bozo buckets? There was a moment of silence observed at noon in honor of those that died on 9/11 as well as a ceremony to honor the late Jerry Gleason, a longtime supporter whose dealership has provided cars for the raffle for years. Misericordia is one of the most worthwhile charities around offering exceptional programs for more than 600 children and adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities from diverse racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. This year, Misericordia will move forward with construction projects in order to welcome some of the 500 individuals on its waiting list. Family Festival 2011 raised over $1.2 million dollars for these good works. If you’re interested in more info, bakery items or to make a donation, please visit www.Misericordia.org. In Latin, Misericordia means “Heart of Mercy” and I can sure see why. See you all next year for this love-filled fest!

With drinks named Mr. Grant, Mr. Martin, Mr. Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, I expected something very special but I was prepared to be disappointed. I'm an unabashed traditionalist so with all of the plans and rumors swirling about the changes and renovations being made to our/my Pump Room, I was more than a little apprehensive when we were invited to a "soft opening" last week. The entryway is not on Goethe anymore, where you used to enter through the lobby to the hotel. Oh yes, you can still enter here but the real (proper) entry is now at the corner of State and Goethe. The simple sign, Pump Room at Public Chicago, is surrounded by high hedges and reminded me of the first time we went to The Delano in South Beach. It has the same cool vibes and the same chic, white, clean looks but still manages to be cozy and inviting. The first thing you see upon entering are those iconic black and white photos…still there, thankfully, but arranged and presented in a fresh, new way. The front desk greets you with a smile and I loved seeing Jay Schuster (formerly of Sepia) installed as the restaurant's director. The orbs on the dining room ceiling are what you notice first. They remind you of the planets in the night sky and as the room grew darker, their soft glow lit the room with just the right amount of light. And I was thrilled to see Booth One along with its original white phone still intact, albeit in a more modern incarnation. According to the friendly bartender, the place is owned by partners Ian Schrager and Chef Jean George Vongerichten. Chef's menu is a "complete sister" to his menu at his award winning NY restaurant, ABC Kitchen. And it WAS delicious! The old Byfield's is again a cozy bar with a fireplace and glowing back bar. I can see this as a terrific place to meet for a pre-dinner cocktail with friends. We didn't get a chance to view the changes to the old Ambassador East hotel, now called Public Chicago, but if the restaurant is any indication of what to expect, then I think we will all be in for a treat! (Official opening is set for October 11th.) Congrats to Ian and Chef Jean George! I can't wait to come back for more!!!!!

We attended a fantastic burlesque show last week! Surprisingly, this was one event Chuck didn’t seem to mind attending with me! It was called “Superstars of Burlesque” and was held at Park West. The room was packed for this show (one night only, two shows) that featured entertainers who all hold titles from the Burlesque Hall of Fame, the industry’s highest honor. Produced by and starring the dynamic Michelle L’amour, the show was eclectic and captivating with a dozen acts. Hysterical funnyman/woman Murray Hill did the hosting duties. Most of the stars, as you would expect, had amazing figures and were exceptionally athletic, too. Duh??!!! Michelle also owns and teaches burlesque instruction at her school, Studio L’amour. View ALL pics from this fun evening here!

Tyra Banks first appeared on the cover of Chicago-based Sophisticate's Black Hair magazine when she was 18 years old. Coming full circle, she visited the offices this week on her book tour for her debut work of fiction, Modelland (first in a series of three). The cover, designed by Howard Tullman's Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy (also Chicago based), captures one of Tyra's gorgeous eyes! Says SBH Publishing Director Bonnie Spurlock, watch for Tyra in an upcoming issue (cover again??!!!) and check out the video below filmed at SBH's offices. Congrats to Tyra, Bonnie and Howard!! Can't wait to read Modelland!!!

Actor Harry Lennix of Matrix, Ray and The Five Heartbeats (where he co-starred with Robert Townsend) fame dropped by the Illinois Center for Broadcasting’s downtown campus this week. He has hired delighted ICB grad, Tanesha Manuel, to edit the trailer for his latest film entitled “Mr. Sophistication,” which will star Academy Award winning actress Tatum O'Neal. Congrats are in order for Tanesha and ICB!

There are some great events coming up! Please enjoy CANDACE RECOMMENDS and I hope to see you at some of these fun soirees!

On Friday, Sept. 23rd, we have the Joffrey Ballet’s 7th annual Couture & Cocktails at 2222 S. Michigan (the Hudson) beginning at 6 PM. For tickets, please visit www.Joffrey.org. Come and meet the fantastic dancers and congrats in advance to co-chairs Rebecca Besser and Kristina McGrath!

Come celebrate all things gourmet at Chicago Gourmet, presented by Bon Appétit, September 23th through 25th. Saturday is sold out, so get your Friday and Sunday tickets while they last HERE! Chicago Gourmet features gourmet food, wine, spirits, and beer tastings, live cooking demos, educational seminars, and more. The Hamburger Hop, a lively burger showdown, kicks-off the weekend on Friday night (Sept. 23rd) in style on the Harris Rooftop from 6 – 9 PM, and the Grand Cru provides daily elegance with unmatched tastings of some of the world's finest wines. (Both Grand Cru and Hamburger Hop tickets are in addition to the cost of general admission). 🙂

Saturday, September 24th, the Chicago Lighthouse will be the beneficiary of the Flair Runway Show at Saks Fifth Avenue hosted by TCW’s Sherren Leigh and Cassandra Gaddo. Following the show, The 900 Shops will offer two hours of exclusive preview shopping. For more info, please call 312.997.3679.

The Lyric Opera’s Opening Night Gala is set for Saturday, October 1st. The featured performance will be “The Tales of Hoffmann.” For tickets and more info, please visit the Lyric Opera website here.

The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus will hold its 9th Annual Best Friends Reception & Season Preview on Monday, October 3rd, at the Fairmont, located at 200 N. Columbus Dr., from 6 – 8 PM. Guests are asked to make a $150 donation for attending. For more info, please call 773.296.0541.

Save the date for Thursday, October 13th, for the “Art of Home” Gala Benefit. I am proud to be the Honorary Chair for this event to benefit the Lakeside Community Development’s housing programs which will be held at the Zhou B Art Center, located at 1029 W. 35th St. from 6-9 PM. “Art of Home” celebrates the unique perspectives of more than 50 Chicago area artists regarding the idea of “home.” Artwork will be auctioned at the event via silent and live auctions. The event will also feature live music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $150 in advance and $175 at the door. For tix and more info, please click here.

Also set for Thursday, October 13th, the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago will present its “Heart of the Matter” Leader Luncheon 2011 at the Swisshotel, located at 323 E. Wacker Dr. beginning at 11:30 AM. Honorees include Gloria Castillo, Patricia Hemingway Hall, Dolores Kunda, Jackie Taylor and Lindsay Avner. For tickets and more info, please call 312.553.2000.

The Art of Fashion, presented by StyleChicago.com comes to Millennium Park on Friday, October 21st beginning with a VIP reception at 6 PM. Featured designers include Borris Powell, Eva Pazola, Lara Miller, Nade Baer, Nora del Busto, RUCH, Shernett Swaby, Squasht by Les, Sylwia Wilczynska and Zamrie. Tickets range from $35-$95. To reserve and for more info, please visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/193113.

And now for some sad news. I can’t thank you all enough for allowing me to terrorize (beg) you into voting for my blog for the CBS Best Blogger Contest. I want you all to know that I’m not blaming you for my psychologically, crippling loss. In my “Local Affairs” category, the People’s Choice winner was Second City Cop and Editor’s Choice winner was Gapers Block. To view other winners – not me 🙁 – in all categories, please click here. Congrats to all!

I will see you all next week, same place, same time…I hope!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Shelley and Bill Farley recently hosted a grand fete at their elegant East Lake Shore Drive apartment to celebrate tenor Rod Dixon (of Three Mo Tenors fame) and soprano, Alfreda Burke’s, one-night performance of “Hallelujah Broadway,” at the Auditorium Theatre Saturday night. At the party, Shelley also had the pleasure of performing the closing song from the show with them! 🙂

CHIC CHAPEAUX AT PARKWAYS LUNCHEON BENEFITS KIDS’ CAMP

This much I know for sure: Hats and high winds just don’t mix! But this fact didn’t keep 500+ ladies from donning their best chapeaux for Parkways' Ninth Annual Garden Party in the beautiful Tiffany & Co. Foundation Celebration Garden on Thursday, Sept. 8th. This year’s event, co-chaired by Carol Prins and April Shink, raised more than $275,000 which will be used to support the Send a Kid to Camp Fund along with nature and environmental science programming designed to get kids outdoors, active and connected to nature. Proceeds from the Garden Party will enable 3,500 kids to attend camp and will engage 10,000 more children and their families throughout the city to experience the wonder of nature in more than 550 parks. This year, one of the founding members of Parkways, Donna LaPietra along with Bill Kurtis, emceed a paddle raise that brought in an extra $21,000 giving guests the opportunity to further support the Camp Fund. Blue Cross Blue/Shield of Illinois was the recipient of the Jens Jensen Award and Jo Ann Nathan was honored with the Council Ring Outstanding Volunteer Award. I know Jo Ann and this award couldn’t have been given to a more worthy volunteer. She has been involved with Parkways since its inception and served as director of the Jens Jensen Legacy Project. She also co- authored “Inspired by Nature: The Garfield Park Conservatory and Chicago’s West Side” as well as serving on many other related committees and boards. Congrats Jo Ann! Since 1994, Parkways Foundation has raised more than $30 million for Chicago’s parks to enrich communities through historic preservation, environmental initiatives, capital projects and youth/family programs. We have one of the most extensive systems in the country with more than 550 parks, 250 field houses, 33 beaches, nine museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, 10 wildlife gardens and more than 9,000 annual programs, including summer camp for 30,000 kids each year. WHEW! That’s a lot of fundraising efforts since tax dollars alone can’t do it all. And despite the high winds on this day, the weather was perfect…sunny and bright with mild temps. Just the kind of setting to show off the last of your summer outfits with some great (and not-so-great) hats! The ladies mixed and mingled amidst the last flowers of the season while the gorgeous skyline added the perfect backdrop to the many photographers’ pics. After cocktails, the ladies moved inside the massive tent for the luncheon where whimsical hat designs were the centerpieces at every table. Created by the kids from the Teen Leadership Club at Jesse Owens Park, these charming little hats brought the message home to all attendees just why they were there. If you would like to learn more about this worthwhile organization or donate, please visit www.parkways.org. (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins)

TOPSHOP/TOPMAN had one of the biggest store openings I’ve seen in a long, long time. It started earlier this year with a very private dinner at Henri as a sort of meet-and-greet and continued this week in a very big way. There was a private shopping day, a runway show featuring their Brit-inspired looks for Fall/Winter 2011 (hosted by Brittney Payton) and a ribbon cutting ceremony with founder Sir Philip Green, his beautiful daughter Chloe AND surprise guest Miley Cyrus! There was also a by-invite-only dinner at Paris Club on Wednesday, Sept. 7th. One hundred eighty guests showed up for an elegant sit-down dinner. The entire restaurant had been reserved for this party that was planned entirely by TOPSHOP. They left nothing to chance even planning the exquisite white floral arrangements spread throughout the room. It was elegance all the way including the French-inspired menu choices that included chicken paillard, halibut with mushroom veloute, French green beans, Provencal vegetable plate and a truffled chicken terrine among other delicious offerings. The tables were peppered with TOPSHOP honchos giving all of the guests a chance to talk shop with the pros. Their future plans include expanding stores into New York, California and Las Vegas. Pretty soon, every TOP city in the world will have a TOPSHOP! I also hear their personal shopping department is incredible! I love the choices for reasonably priced wardrobe options in our city now. The days are over for most people as far as spending thousands of dollars on clothing. At least I know mine are! Congrats to TOPSHOP for bringing their fun-loving clothing line to town. And, as I told CEO Ian Grabiner, not only do I enjoy the store but I am doubly glad to know it’s run by a lot of very, very nice people! (To view ALL event photos, please click HERE!)

Chicago’s stylish set was dancing with joy up and down Michigan Avenue for the last two weeks during “In Fashion: The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival” which included our city’s first version of “Fashion Night Out” for its finale on Thursday, Sept. 8th. FNO began in New York in 2009 as a global initiative to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and boost the industry’s economy. It was a runaway success with more than 100 cites across the U.S. participating this year. During the course of Chicago’s evening finale, stores planned a night of fun-filled activities that brought out the stars. The 900 Shops hosted “Fame, Fashion and Flavor” featuring Bravo’s Brad Goreski in its Tzar VIP Lounge as well as a flash fashion show, beauty bazaars, photo booth, in-store celebrations and giveaways. The Shops at North Bridge included styling tips from Chicago magazine’s fashion director Stacey Jones and style editor Heiji Choy Black while Water Tower Place hosted a fashion party and a cookbook signing by “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Guidice. Flashing strobe lights lit up Neiman Marcus’ entryway while inside its plans included a fall trends runway show, Chicago Bulls’ Kyle Korver, tastings from local restaurants, a Factor Model search, a DJ and live fashion illustrations. Saks Fifth Avenue spotlighted handsome and uber talented shoe designer Brian Atwood for the official unveiling of its new shoe salon, 10022-SHOE. He graciously signed his signature stilettos and posed for pics while the 500+ crowd of admirers sipped champagne and swayed to the sounds of DJ Madrid. He also shared a little scoop with me: He is newly engaged to long-time love and handsome hunk himself, Dr. Jake Deutsch! Jake proposed to Brian on his birthday in a chapel in the Greek Islands after a 2 ½ year courtship. My only question to Jake was, “What took so long?!” They are the perfect couple and are blissfully happy! Chair of In-Fashion and Director of PR for ULTA Beauty, Carrie Lannon, along with her 50-strong committee, created an event to remember and are already planning next year’s celebrations. Congrats to Chi-Town on our first Fashion Night Out, Chair Extraordinaire Carrie Lannon, all of the participating stores, Amanda Puck, Julie Selakovich, Wendy Krimins, Tina Koegel and Brian and Jake!!! Can’t wait to see what magical fashion fun next year brings!!! (To see ALL fab fotos by Mila Samokhina, please click HERE!)

Thanks to “Windy City Live” for having me on again recently! I appeared in a segment with Time Out Chicago’s features editor, Laura Baginski, as she discussed their latest issue about Playboy (on newsstands now). I brought my Playboy Bunny ears and made Val and Laura wear them while I gave a little show-and-tell about my long history with Playboy. My friends teased me about being such a saver concerning the memorabilia I had brought but I SAVE everything! Good news and bad news! But I am very happy to have my Bunny costume. Complete sets have sold on eBay for over $10,000! Gerard Butler and Kerry Wood were guests on the show this day, too; check it out below. (I hope you like it!)

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Common Threads ‘Associate Board is hosting its first annual Cook-Off on Thursday, September 15th at Fulton’s on the River, located at 315 N. LaSalle, from 6:30-9 PM. With this new theme, 27 chefs will create and serve their favorite dish either in a glass, on a bun, in a shell or on a stick. Guests will then vote for their favorite in each category and may the BEST chef win! VIP tickets are $150, general admission is $75. For more info, please call Erica Stimac at 312.329.2501, ext. 208, or email Erica@commonthreads.org.

And now for something completely different! For the second year, Studio L’Amour, presents “Superstars of Burlesque” at the Park West at 322 W. Armitage on Friday, September 16th. This show is described as “the most ambitious and spectacular burlesque show ever to hit Chicago.” Every performer in this one-night-only event holds a title from the Burlesque Hall of Fame (the industry’s highest honor). Performers scheduled include Michelle L’Amour (2005), Indigo Blue (the Reigning Queen of Burlesque 2011), Dirty Martini (2004) and Roxi D’Lite (2010) among others. World’s Best Group 2011, The Stage Door Johnnies, is also scheduled to perform along with Trixie Little and Evil Hate Monkey. These names alone make me want to go! I can’t wait to see what Studio L’Amour has in store (a little rhyme, get it?). It also doesn’t hurt that one of my favorite emcees, Murray Hill, will be doing the hosting duties! There will be two shows on Friday, at 8 PM and 10 PM. Tickets are only $25 and can be purchased at the door, online or at Taboo, Tabou, located at 845 W. Belmont. See you there!

And, finally a huge congrats to Dr. Stacie McClane and JAM Productions' Jerry Mickelson on their recent engagement! I attended a party in their honor at the Peninsula recently and the love in the room was palpable. Stacie’s darling daughter and mom were in attendance along with friends. The event was hosted by Yvette Cusack, Kate Covington, Dusty Stemer, Jean Antoniou and Sherry Lea Holson. Congrats, Stacie and Jerry!

That’s the lowdown on this week’s MANY highlights! I hope to “see” you next week, same time, same place. Thanks also to all who voted for my blog in the CBS contest. I will let you know the results, good or bad as soon as I know! 🙂

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I also hope you can join me on Thursday, Sept. 15th, for AUTHOR TALKS presented by the Chicago Tribune. Authors Jacquelyn Mitchard (“Second Nature, A Love Story”) and Elizabeth Berg (“Once Upon a Time, There Was You”) will be discussing their upcoming books at a reception hosted by Literary Editor Elizabeth Taylor. The event will begin at 6:30 PM at the Tribune Tower, located at 435 N. Michigan, and tickets are only $20.

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