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Archive for January, 2010
Laughing at Minorities
Posted on January 29th, 2010 by
One of the basic rules in comedy is to never make fun or laugh at the underdog. But for one night in Chicago, laughing at the underdog will be involuntary and highly encouraged.
“Holla, Hola, Heeey (Oy Vey)” showcases the best of all things not white, Anglo, or Saxon in one hilarious show on Friday, Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. at the iO Theater. The show features three very different improv and sketch troupes. BLACKOUT is all African-American; Dominizuelan is Latina and 1, 2, 3, Fag! is, well, really gay.
What these minorities do have in common is that they all regularly play on iO stages and probably didn’t vote Bush/Cheney. All three groups have done a fine job fighting past segregated lunch counters, border patrols and marriage rights to be recognized as extremely talented and funny.
BLACKOUT can be seen performing their show, “BLACKOUT presents: White People” every Saturday at midnight in iO’s Cabaret Theater while also being heard on 89.5 FM Vocalo Radio. (more…)
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Theater Chicago, You Watch
California Dreamin’ with Sheffield’s Lagunitas Pint Night
Posted on January 28th, 2010 by admin
Indecision about where to spend your Thursday evening is easily solved: $4 Pint Night of Lagunitas, Sheffield’s Janurary Brew of the Month.
The California brewery is being spotlighted by Sheffield’s in Lakeview for their eccentric tastes made with the West Coast sun. Tonight, try one of six different selections from Lagunitas for only $4 a pint! Add some substance to your night from Sheffield’s BBQ menu, their house-smoked pork, chicken, ribs and brisket complimented by all the soul-food sides like macaroni and cheese, baked beans and more.
Follow Sheffield’s on Twitter for updates from the bar about special offers, changes and events or just check back with the Chicago Travel Blog.
“The (edward) Hopper Project” Plays at Storefront Theater on Randolph St.
Posted on January 28th, 2010 by admin
Walk through the Art Institute of Chicago and you’ll cross the works of Edward Hopper, famed American realist. His artistic endeavors have received critical and public acclaim for reflecting the lives of everyday Americans in the turbulent period between WWI and WWII.
“The (edward) Hopper Project,” now playing at Storefront Theater, adds real life to the reality Hopper depicted; an ensemble cast enliven his works on-stage, expressing the range of emotions that come as a blessing (or curse) with human life.
The main set piece derives from Hopper’s most-recognized work, ”Nighthawks” (pictured right), with the rest of the set, scenes and actors coming from other paintings. “It began about three years ago,” said Regan Davis, member of WNEP Theater, “[former Art Director] Jen Ellison, gave the writers the idea at one of the monthly writing assignments. We ended up with about 40 or so scenes, and then those got pulled into the show after we wrote more. Nighthawks is the most iconic, it was the one we knew we wanted to use in one way.”
Some of those extra scenes are played out on Wednesday showings of “Nighthawk Sandwich“ at 7:30 p.m. The main show is a combination of those scenes crafted to form a loose narrative, playing on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
All shows are at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $20, seniors and students go for $15. There’s no need to be an art aficionado to appreciate the work of the actors, writers, producers and more who put together ”The (edward) Hopper Project,” but browsing some of his best-known images surely adds perspective.
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Downtown Chicago, Theater Chicago
Mario Tricoci: Instant Radiance and a Sale Not to Be Missed
Posted on January 28th, 2010 by Adam Marks
Mario Tricoci never fails to amaze–and I keep coming back for more. Last week, it was for entirely new experience.
The new “Instant Radiance” facial treatment was designed to revitalize your complexion in just 30 minutes. What’s behind the radiance you ask? A light chemical peel made from salicylic and mandelic acids. The salicylic acid decongests pores, dissolves oil and stimulates collagen production.
It’s the mandelic acid that wins the prize though: the almond-based ingredient enables even penetration and prevents irritation, everyone’s biggest fear when getting a facial (let alone a heavy duty exfoliant).
Results are immediate (I met a pal for lunch afterward) and because there is no downtime, you can go back to the office or hit the Mag Mile for some more shopping without that blotchy, red complexion! Priced at only $60, it’s the spa-goers answer to a results-oriented treatment that’s friendly on the wallet.
And to keep up with your at-home treatments, Mario Tricoci is offering 20% off all retail products until the end of January! Stock up on fabulous skincare from Kinara and Skinceuticals, or get creative with a makeup artist at the custom blending bar. Of course, let’s not forget about the haircare products from brands like Pureology or, my personal fave, Rene Furterer.
Tags: Chicago Spa Deals, Chicago Spas, Facials in Chicago, Mario Tricoci, The 900 Shops
Semi-Annual Stacked Rack Sample Sale at Beta Boutique
Posted on January 27th, 2010 by Adam Marks
Everything you find at Beta Boutique is deeply discounted on a normal day–let alone during one of their semi-annual sales. Known as Chicago’s first and only permanent sample sale, Beta Boutique is located in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood, steps away from Damen Avenue.
Beta Boutique works with top designers and retailers from New York, L.A. and Chicago to provide shoppers with amazing, fashion-forward women’s samples and overstock. Items come from favorite local, domestic and international labels, discounted anywhere from 40 to 90% off. (more…)
Tags: Beta Boutique, Chicago Sample Sale, Chicago Shopping, Clothing Sales Chicago, Designer Clothes Chicago, Sample Sale
Thriller on Ice: The Chicago Winter Dance Festival
Posted on January 26th, 2010 by Cecilia Ehlenbach
This February, a little winter weather isn’t about to hold Millennium Park down. They had me at “dance party on ice,” but if that doesn’t get you, the lineup of themes will–where else could you try “Thriller” or “Saturday Night Fever” on ice?
Check out a Tribute to Michael Jackson, Feb. 6 (here’s some inspiration for you) and a disco night, Feb. 19, in addition to a full lineup of late night ice dancing parties at the Tribune McCormick Ice Rink.
It’s all a part of the brand new Chicago Winter Dance Festival, a completely free program that will have you dancing and skating all February long. (more…)
Tags: Chicago Dance, Family Friendly, free, Millennium Park, On A Budget
Chic-Yet-Cheap Purse Shopping
Posted on January 26th, 2010 by Adam Marks
I’ve covered two places in the past couple of weeks that allow you to play the role of purse designer for the day, Laudi Vidni and 1154 Lill Studio. But sometimes, time is of the essence, and you need a new purse/bag for that hot date, upcoming overseas excursion, or simply to schlep all your goods to and from the office.
So therein lies the issue of where to purchase such goods. The Gucci store is a little outside your budget, yet you can’t bring yourself to buy the impostor from the guy selling bags from a grocery cart on the sidewalk. What’s a girl to do? If you’re looking for fashion, function and a price tag that won’t leave you homeless, check out some of these stores for some great finds!
The Scoop: If you like it, buy it. The selection of over-sized handbags (pictured, right) and seasonal sparklers are always in vogue, but tend to disappear as fast as you can say H&M.
Average Price Range: $20-$50 (more…)
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Chicago Shopping Deals, Filene's Basement, Forever 21, H&M, Purse Shopping Chicago
It’s Last Call at Neiman Marcus
Posted on January 25th, 2010 by Adam Marks
The term “last call” is traditionally associated with a bar at the witching hour, but Neiman Marcus? Actually, yes. The luxury department store is holding its “Last Call Sale,” now through January 27th, where you can save up to 65% off of all fall and winter goods.
I don’t know about you, but I’m a visual learner. Check out these Manolo Blahnik Crisscross Pumps (right) for $313, down from $625.
Tags: Chicago Shopping, Chicago Shopping Deals, Manolo Blahnik, Neiman Marcus
Candlelight Yoga Benefit for Haiti at Exhale
Posted on January 22nd, 2010 by Adam Marks
I love Exhale for their staff, top-notch spa services and amazing body-transforming classes–I always leave feeling good about myself.
But this Saturday night, Exhale’s giving all of us the opportunity to feel good about ourselves, long after we walk out the door.
Exhale is hosting a fundraiser this Saturday, Jan. 23, to raise funds to support the Haiti relief effort. Anna Argeropoulos will be teaching an inspirational music yoga flow class in their candlelit, temple-like yoga studio.
The Vinyasa-style yoga class will conclude with a short meditation and prayer for healing. No worries if you’re a newbie, all levels are welcome.
This will be a donation-only class and 100% of the proceeds will go the American Red Cross. The class runs from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Reserve a spot by calling Exhale at 312-753-6500. Space is limited.
Be sure to check out our last post on other opportunities around Chicago to contribute to Haiti relief.
Tags: Chicago Charities, Chicago Spa
A Local or a Tourist? CTB Meets TLT
Posted on January 21st, 2010 by Rebecca Taras
Here at the Chicago Travel Blog (CTB), we filter our content through a prism RE: how helpful it will be to visitors to our fair city. After all, we’re Concierge Preferred, Chicago’s leading visitor industry publication and marketing company.
In the end, we hope the info we publish here on the CTB and on ConciergePreferred.com is helpful to visitors and locals alike. We also disseminate that content through @CP_Chicago on Twitter, and on our Facebook fan page–with help from our social media friends and allies, like @thelocaltourist.
The Local Tourist is owned and operated by Theresa Carter, an active and proud member of the Chicago social media community and the city’s cultural scene, as well. Her goal? “Help locals experience the fascination of a tourist and the tourist feel the comfort of a local.”
“There is so much to do in this city, you can get stuck in a rut going to the same bar or restaurant because it’s what you know,” says Carter. “Take the time to find a new restaurant, or visit one of the many Chicago museums free admission days. Yes, it’s a tourist activity, but there’s a reason so many tourists come to Chicago to see our museums–these things just aren’t in the locals’ consciousness.” (more…)
Tags: Chicago, Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Chicago Nightlife, Downtown Chicago, Gold Coast, River North
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