Archives for October 2010

Jonathan Toews Michigan Avenue Cover Party…

October 5, 2010 by

The United Center’s Harris Club was packed, but surprisingly there wasn’t a Hawks game. That’s right, a special VIP list arrived Monday night to honor Michigan Avenue Magazine’s latest cover boy, Jonathan Toews. He has a gold medal, a Stanley Cup Championship ring and now Toews graces the cover of a Chicago luxury magazine. I don’t think Patrick Sharp anticipated this much competition from one of their youngest teammates. The Harris Club showcased some of the United Centers best food, specialty drinks (A classic “#19 Martini” in honor of Toews) and delicious desserts. Although Toews was a main attraction at this private party, the Stanley Cup caused quite a scene. As a nice parting gift party goers got to pose, kiss and hug the Stanley Cup for a professional photo. There was nothing better than being in great company, sipping a martini and gazing down at the Hawks Indian head on the ice. Michigan Avenue Magazine and Harris Bank couldn’t have partnered for a better party.

[nggallery id=14]

New Music: Attn. RADIOHEAD fans..

October 4, 2010 by

Don’t leap off your seat just yet….it’s not new Radiohead music per se. But, during the lull in the band’s recording process for their next record, drummer Phil Selway has released his solo debut under his full name Philip Selway. I mean, this is both a strange and bold set of circumstances that a guy in any band steps off the drum stool and picks up a guitar (in this case, an acoustic one)..let alone the guy who drums for arguably the biggest rock band on earth. Yes, Dave Grohl has pulled this feat off and he drummed for a rather big group himself..but that’s a different story entirely. And let’s face it..considering Mr. Selway’s business card for his day job, the bar is set extraordinarily high.

Phil Selway in his most familiar position behind the Radiohead drum kit The good thing is that he doesn’t seem to be resting on his Radiohead laurels, and is venturing off on a very different singer-songwriter course. There’s some nice hooks in here, and his voice is actually quite good. All in all, you might find it to be a nice soft soundtrack to brisk sunny autumn days.

Reviews of the record are mixed, but to me if you’re a fan of Radiohead then you know Thom Yorke‘s solo material, and you likely checked out the solo work of guitarist Jonny Greenwood. This then, is just another chapter in the canon of the Radiohead family, and it’s a noble effort at that.

Along with Selway, the excellent Lisa Germano lends her voice, former Soul Coughing bassist Sebastian Steinberg chips in, as does Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche (Jeff Tweedy himself is listed in the credits having helped arrange one of the tracks).

Try it for yourself by checking out my favorite track on the record “A Simple Life” below, plus his website is still offering the lead single “By Some Miracle” as a free download.

The Lion King: The Musical

October 4, 2010 by

Disney’s; The Lion King, came to life at the Cadillac Palace. After a 5 year hiatus, the Broadway show is back and better than ever. It’s here for a short run in Chicago. (The last show is November 27th.) If you liked the movie, you will definitely be impressed with the Tony Award-winning performance. I was in awe how they brought each animated character to life with creative costumes, body paint, stilts, dancers and talented actors. The set, tribal chanting and pulsating drumming made you feel like you were roaming the wild African Pridelands. Animals came down the isles (half man- half puppet) for added effect and for a few hours you forgot you were sitting in a theatre.

The Disney cartoon was geared for kids, but this musical is for all ages. I enjoyed all of the memorable music (Elton John’s “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life“) and bright dazzling costumes mixed with the shirtless studly dancers. The actors voices were incredible and I especially loved Pumba and the giraffes strutting across the stage. Each animal both moved and danced realistically yet artistically. The performance even made me get teary eyed when Simba’s father died and I heard a little kid behind me ask, “Mommy, why isn’t he moving?” I’ve watched the movie countless times, but it doesn’t compare to seeing it live. Go appreciate the “Circle of Life” and have a “problem-free Philosophy…Hakuna Matata” kind of night!

[nggallery id=15].

Feel YOUR Boobies

October 4, 2010 by

Feel your boobies! Yes, that’s correct-I’m asking you to touch your boobies in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (It’s the very least you can do!) It’s never to early to take precaution into your own hands…literally. Fellow Chicagoan and Founder/Executive Director of “Bright Pink“; Lindsay Avner, created a live webcast called “Treasure Your Chest” to guide you. (If you missed it live no worries, please watch the video below.) Lindsay was joined by E! News host; Giuliana Ranic, for the demo. It’s fun, super easy to follow and get to “first base” with yourself in the comfort of your own home. Lindsay has created a buzz in the National Cancer community and she’s changing the lives of young women nationwide with her organization, Bright Pink. It is a national non-profit with a sole focus on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in high-risk women. If you’re interested in getting involved be sure to check out their upcoming events. I hope to see you at the Hard Rock Hotel for her “Power of Pink” event this Thursday. In the mean time, be sure to sport your PINK wardrobe this month, even if it means being extra girly and nauseating to some.

She’s a Very Freaky Girl!

October 1, 2010 by

Well… at least she danced to the Rick James classic, “Super Freak” in her starring role of Olive in the hit movie Little Miss Sunshine; which earned the young actress Abigail Breslin an Oscar nomination. Breslin was the honorary emcee of TOQUE — An evening with Chicago’s Culinary Masters. This was the 5th Annual Event to Benefit Children’s Oncology Services, Inc.

I got to interview the 14 year old star, and she was wonderful. She was more articulate than I was when I was her age….. let me think, when I was 14 I was chasin’ boys, and definitely not thinking about MC’ing any events with 350 people in attendance– like this one! Breslin got up in front of the crowd like it was another day at work. She spoke with ease in front of all the charitable attendees.

We got to experience the culinary delights from the city’s highly-acclaimed chefs at TOQUE, and I even got to to meet and talk to several of the chefs.

Abigail told me about her upcoming animated film called Rango. She lent her voice to the film, and said it was so much fun! The animated film is about a chameleon that aspires to be a swashbuckling hero finding himself in a Western town plagued by bandits. Looks like a fun movie to be released in March of 2011.

For more information about Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. click HERE.

[nggallery id=17]

Photos by Francis Son