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Showing posts with label Park West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Park West. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

THE JEFF AWARDS ANNOUNCES THE 50th ANNIVERSARY NON-EQUITY THEATER AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Celebrating its 50th anniversary 

awarding recognition for Non-Equity theater

the Joseph Jefferson Awards 

announces its nominations for theater excellence 

among Non-Equity theater during the 2023 season


A complete list of nominees can also be found online in the Non-Equity and News and Events sections at www.jeffawards.org

Celebrate Chicago -- literally the best theatre town in the world. Kudos to all the nominees for the 50th Non-Equity Jeff Awards (AKA: Theatre Prom), March 25th at Park West. NYC may have Broadway, but Chicago has 250+ theaters including a plethora of tiny storefronts and non-equity companies doing stunning work. Here at ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows I cover as many as humanly possible! The nominees in bold below are ones I had the great pleasure to see. Check back like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often, for original reviews, theatre news, interviews, ticket giveaways, and more.

This year’s Non-Equity awards spotlight 144 theater artists across 24 categories of excellence in theater production among shows from 32 companies. During the most recent season which ran from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, Jeff Awards members attended 91 Non-Equity productions. From these, 46 productions became “Jeff Recommended” and, therefore, eligible for award nominations. 

Four theater companies are recognized for the upcoming Non-Equity awards with more than 10 nominations each. Kokandy Productions garnered the most honors, with 17 from two productions. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre received 16 nominations, followed by Invictus Theatre Company and Refracted Theatre Company which both received 10. “Tambo & Bones” from Refracted Theatre Company drew the largest nominations for a single production (10).

Among New Work, eight world premiere plays are in award consideration. In addition, the Jeff Awards recently expanded award categories to recognize Short Run Productions (nine to 17 performances). Within this category, nominees are announced for Production, Ensemble, Director and Performer.


2024 NON-EQUITY JEFF AWARD NOMINEES

PRODUCTION – PLAY

"Cat's Cradle” - Lifeline Theatre  

"The Crucible” - Invictus Theatre Company  

"Dying For It” - The Artistic Home  

"Indoor Cats” - Red Theater  

"Right Now” - Facility Theatre  

"Tambo & Bones” - Refracted Theatre Company  

"We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, from the German Südwestafrika, Between the Years 1884 - 1915” - Theatre Y  

 

PRODUCTION – MUSICAL

"American Psycho" - Kokandy Productions   

"Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre   

"The SpongeBob Musical" - Kokandy Productions   

"The Threepenny Opera" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre   

"tick, tick… BOOM!" - BoHo Theatre   

 

ENSEMBLE – PLAY

"Cat's Cradle" - Lifeline Theatre   

"The Crucible" - Invictus Theatre Company   

"Jane: Abortion and the Underground" - Idle Muse Theatre Company   

“Panther Women: An Army for the Liberation” – Prop Thtr (i/a/w Perceptions Theatre)

"The Pragmatists" - Trap Door Theatre   

"Right Now" - Facility Theatre   

"We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, from the German Südwestafrika, Between the Years 1884 - 1915" - Theatre Y   

 

ENSEMBLE – MUSICAL 

"American Psycho" - Kokandy Productions   

"Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre   

"Promises, Promises" - Blank Theatre Company   

"The SpongeBob Musical" - Kokandy Productions 

 

NEW WORK

India Nicole Burton – “Panther Women: An Army for the Liberation” – Prop Thtr (i/a/w Perceptions Theatre)

Tina Fakhrid-Deen – “Dandelions” – MPAACT (Ma'at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theater)

Mora V. Harris – “Indoor Cats” – Red Theater

John Hildreth – “Cat’s Cradle” – Lifeline Theatre

Evan M. Jackson – “The Last Queen of Camelot” – Idle Muse Theatre Company

Shannon O’Neill – “The Kelly Girls” – The Factory Theater

Ed Rutherford & George Howe – “Murder, ReWrote” – Hell in a Handbag Productions

Micah Ariel Watson – “Alaiyo” – Definition Theatre


DIRECTOR – PLAY

Charles Askenaizer - "The Crucible" - Invictus Theatre Company

Mikael Burke - "Tambo & Bones" - Refracted Theatre Company

Heather Currie - "Cat's Cradle" - Lifeline Theatre

Dado - "Right Now" - Facility Theatre

Wyatt Kent - "Indoor Cats" - Red Theater

Tyrone Phillips - "Fairview" - Definition Theatre

Kezia Waters - "We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, from the German Südwestafrika, Between the Years 1884 - 1915" - Theatre Y

 

DIRECTOR – MUSICAL

Fred Anzevino - "The Threepenny Opera" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Derek Van Barham - "American Psycho" - Kokandy Productions

Daryl D. Brooks - "Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Bo Frazier - "tick, tick… BOOM!" - BoHo Theatre

 

PERFORMER IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE – PLAY

Brittney Brown (Regan Kelly) - "The Kelly Girls" - The Factory Theater

Laura Coover (The Woman) - "Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle" - Griffin Theatre Company

Ny'ajai Ellison (Camae) - "The Mountaintop" - Invictus Theatre Company

Julian Hester (Scratch) - "Witch" - The Artistic Home

Patrick Newson Jr. (Bones) - "Tambo & Bones" - Refracted Theatre Company

Felicia Oduh (Ariel) - "Alaiyo" - Definition Theatre

Aila Ayilam Peck (Layla) - "Hatefuck" - First Floor Theater

Soleil Pérez (Agnes) - "Agnes of God" - Redtwist Theatre

Mark Pracht (John Proctor) - "The Crucible" - Invictus Theatre Company

William Anthony Sebastian Rose II (Tambo) - "Tambo & Bones" - Refracted Theatre Company

 

PERFORMER IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE – MUSICAL

Neala Barron (John Wilkes Booth) - "Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Frankie Leo Bennett (SpongeBob SquarePants) - "The SpongeBob Musical" - Kokandy Productions

Britain Gebhardt (Bessica Feltcher) - "Murder, ReWrote" - Hell in a Handbag Productions

Carl Herzog (Macheath) - "The Threepenny Opera" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Brandy Miller (Fran Kubelik) - "Promises, Promises" - Blank Theatre Company

Patrick O'Keefe (Balladeer and Lee Harvey Oswald) - "Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Kyle Patrick (Patrick Bateman) - "American Psycho" - Kokandy Productions

Alec Phan (Jonathan) - "tick, tick … BOOM!" - BoHo Theatre

Rory Schrobilgen (Chuck Baxter) - "Promises, Promises" - Blank Theatre Company

 

PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – PLAY

Kristin Collins (Elizabeth Sawyer) - "Witch" - The Artistic Home

Shawna Franks (Juliette) - "Right Now" - Facility Theatre

Jada Jackson (Keisha) - "Fairview" - Definition Theatre

Patrick Newson Jr. (Kofi) - "Alaiyo" - Definition Theatre

Kathy Scambiaterra (Serafima) - "Dying For It" - The Artistic Home

Maria Stephens (Alice) - "Right Now" - Facility Theatre

James Turano (Deputy Governor Danforth) - "The Crucible" - Invictus Theatre Company

Michaela Voit (Abigail Williams) - "The Crucible" - Invictus Theatre Company

Sarah Wisterman (Panda) - "Indoor Cats" - Red Theater

Korinne Yonan (Maleficunt) - "Sleeping with Beauty" – PrideArts


PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – MUSICAL

Megan Elk (Mrs. Peachum) - "The Threepenny Opera" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Parker Guidry (Sheldon J. Plankton) - "The SpongeBob Musical" - Kokandy Productions

Luke Halpern (Susan) - "tick, tick… BOOM!" - BoHo Theatre

Jon Parker Jackson (Samuel Byck) - "Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Chamaya Moody (Polly Peachum) - "The Threepenny Opera" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Caleigh Pan-Kita (Evelyn Williams) - "American Psycho" - Kokandy Productions

Quinn Rigg (Squidward Q. Tentacles) - "The SpongeBob Musical" - Kokandy Productions

Amanda Rodriguez (Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme) - "Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Nathe Rowbotham (Lucy Brown) - "The Threepenny Opera" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

 

PRODUCTION – SHORT RUN

"It's Only a Play” - Saint Sebastian Players  

"The Minutes” - Edge of the Wood Theatre

"Once on This Island” - PULSE Theatre Company  

"That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven” - Visión Latino Theatre Company  

 

ENSEMBLE – SHORT RUN

"It's Only a Play” - Saint Sebastian Players  

"The Minutes” - Edge of the Wood Theatre

"Once on This Island” - PULSE Theatre Company  

"That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven” - Visión Latino Theatre Company  

 

DIRECTOR – SHORT RUN

Xavier M. Custodio - "That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven" - Visión Latino Theatre Company

Melanie McNulty - "Cry It Out" - Theatre Above the Law

Janet Rourke - "The Minutes" - Edge of the Wood Theatre

Iraida Tapias - "North & Sur" - Water People Theater

 

PERFORMER – SHORT RUN

Manuel Duarte (Emcee) - "Lotería: Dichos, Proverbios, Albures" - Teatro Tariakuri

Jack Hradecky (Mr. Peel) - "The Minutes" - Edge of the Wood Theatre

Casey Huls (Frank Abagnale Jr.) - "Catch Me If You Can" - Surging Films and Theatrics

Gwen La Roka (Gwen La Roka) - "Mi Casa Es Tu Casa!" - UrbanTheater Company

Daniella Rukin (Lina) - "Cry It Out" - Theatre Above the Law

Carter Sherman (Amelia Carter) - "Miranda: A War-Torn Fable" - The Impostors Theatre Company

Billy Surges (Carl Hanratty) - "Catch Me If You Can" - Surging Films and Theatrics

Kris Tori (Alfonsina Storni) - "North & Sur" - Water People Theater

Allyson Womack (Jessie) - "Cry It Out" - Theatre Above the Law

 

SCENIC DESIGN

Kirk Anderson – “Right Now” – Facility Theatre

Kevin Hogan – “Dying For It” – The Artistic Home

Rose Johnson – “Agnes of God” – Redtwist Theatre

Sydney Lynne – “Tambo & Bones” – Refracted Theatre Company

Kevin Rolfs – “The Crucible” – Invictus Theatre Company


COSTUME DESIGN

Jakob Abderhalden – “The SpongeBob Musical” – Kokandy Productions

Natasha Vuchurovich Dukich – “Right Now” – Facility Theatre

Jessie Gowens – “The Crucible” – Invictus Theatre Company

Kotryna Hilko – “Tambo & Bones” – Refracted Theatre Company

Beth Laske-Miller & Rachel Sypniewski – “I Promised Myself to Live Faster” – Hell in a Handbag Productions

Cindy Moon – “The Threepenny Opera” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Rachel Sypniewski – “Princess Ivona” – Trap Door Theatre

 

SOUND DESIGN

Hannah Foerschler – “The Kelly Girls” – The Factory Theater

Ethan Korvne – “Tambo & Bones” – Refracted Theatre Company

Santiago Quintana – “Right Now” – Facility Theatre

Danny Rockett – “The Pragmatists” – Trap Door Theatre

Stefanie Senior – “Cat’s Cradle” – Lifeline Theatre

Sebby Woldt – “Indoor Cats” – Red Theater

 

LIGHTING DESIGN

Mark Bracken Jr. – “Dying For It” – The Artistic Home

Ellie Fey – “Witch” – The Artistic Home

Maggie Fullilove-Nugent – “The Threepenny Opera” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

G. “Max” Maxin IV – “American Psycho” – Kokandy Productions

Eric Watkins – “Tambo & Bones” – Refracted Theatre Company

 

PROJECTION DESIGN

DJ Douglass – “The Mountaintop” – Invictus Theatre Company

Alex Gendal – “Alaiyo” – Definition Theatre 

Eme Ospina-López – “Tambo & Bones” – Refracted Theatre Company

 

CHOREOGRAPHY

Breon Arzell – “American Psycho” – Kokandy Productions

Lauryn Schmelzer – “Promises, Promises” – Blank Theatre Company

Jenna Schoppe – “The SpongeBob Musical” – Kokandy Productions

 

MUSIC DIRECTION

Harper Caruso – “tick, tick… BOOM!” – BoHo Theatre

Heidi Joosten – “American Psycho” – Kokandy Productions

Heidi Joosten – “Assassins” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Aaron Kaplan – “Promises, Promises” – Blank Theatre Company

 

ORIGINAL MUSIC IN A PLAY

Natasha Bogojevic – “The Pragmatists” – Trap Door Theatre

Przemysław Bosak – “Princess Ivona” – Trap Door Theatre

Ethan Korvne – “Tambo & Bones” – Refracted Theatre Company

Petter Wahlbäck – “Dying For It” – The Artistic Home

 

ARTISTIC SPECIALIZATION

Henry Bender (Properties Design) – “Wise Guys: The First Christmas Story” – The Factory Theater

David Blixt (Fight Choreography) – “Witch” – The Artistic Home

Lolly Extract/Jabberwocky Marionettes (Puppet Design) – “I Promised Myself to Live Faster” – Hell in a Handbag Productions

Ele Matelan (Foley Design) – “The SpongeBob Musical” – Kokandy Productions

Patrick McGuire (Properties Design) – “The SpongeBob Musical” – Kokandy Productions


MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS

By Theater Company

Kokandy Productions 17

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre 16

Invictus Theatre Company 10

Refracted Theatre 10

The Artistic Home 9

Facility Theatre 8

Definition Theatre 6

Blank Theatre Company 5

BoHo Theatre 5

Lifeline Theatre 5

Red Theater 5

Trap Door Theatre 5

Edge of the Wood Theatre 4

The Factory Theater 4

Hell in a Handbag Productions 4

Theatre Above the Law 3

Theatre Y 3

Vision Latino Theatre Company 3

Idle Muse Theatre Company 2

Prop Thtr (i/a/w Perceptions Theatre) 2

PULSE Theatre Company 2

Redtwist Theatre 2

Saint Sebastian Players 2

Surging Films & Theatrics 2

Water People Theater 2


By Production

"Tambo & Bones"                             10

"The SpongeBob Musical"                               9

"American Psycho"                               8

"Assassins"                               8

"The Crucible"                               8

"Right Now"                               8

"The Threepenny Opera"                               8

"Cat's Cradle"                               5

"Dying For It"                               5

"Indoor Cats"           5

"Promises, Promises"           5

"tick, tick… BOOM!"           5

"Alaiyo"           4

"The Minutes"           4

"Witch"           4

"Cry It Out"           3

"The Kelly Girls"           3

"The Pragmatists"           3

"That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven"           3

"We Are Proud to Present a Presentation …"           3

"Agnes of God"           2

"Catch Me If You Can"           2

"Fairview"           2

"I Promised Myself to Live Faster"           2

"It's Only a Play"           2

"The Mountaintop"           2

"Murder, ReWrote"           2

"North & Sur"           2

"Once on This Island"             2

"Panther Women: An Army for the Liberation"           2

"Princess Ivona"          2

 

By Individual

Heidi Joosten   2

Ethan Korvne 2

Patrick Newson Jr. 2

Rachel Sypniewski 2


  


ABOUT THE JEFF AWARDS

The Jeff Awards is one of the most active and engaged theater awards organizations in the country evaluating hundreds of theatrical productions annually and holding two awards ceremonies highlighting work over the past Equity and Non-Equity seasons. Through our recommendations, awards, and honors we help foster the growth of companies, encourage artists, bring new appreciation for diverse storytelling, and cultivate civic pride in the achievements of the Chicago theater community. Originally chartered in 1968 to recognize Equity productions, the Jeff Awards Non-Equity Wing was established in 1973 to celebrate outstanding achievement in non-union theatre. For more information, visit www.jeffawards.org.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON NOMINATIONS AND THE AWARDS PROGRAM

The Jeff Awards website lists all current nominees, previous recipients and nominations, and other Jeff Awards information and news. Visit www.jeffawards.org.

The 50th Anniversary Jeff Awards for Non-Equity Theater will be held Monday, March 25, 2024, at Park West in Chicago, IL. Doors will open at 6:00pm with a cash bar available, and the awards will begin at 7:00pm. General Admission tickets are $71 (includes $55 ticket + required fees) and  available now at www.jeffawards.org. A group rate of $60 (includes $45 ticket + required fees) is available for parties of 10 or more. Festive cocktail attire is suggested, and the public is cordially invited. An after-party will be held at Park West with light food and a cash bar. For more information, contact Johnny Buranosky, Non-Equity Wing Chair, at  nonequitywing@jeffawards.org.

Names of award recipients will be released immediately following the program on March 25th on the Jeff Awards website under Non-Equity Awards at www.jeffawards.org

Thursday, January 14, 2016

DON'T MISS A LIVE COMEDY EXTRAVAGANZA WITH SUPER TROOPERS’ BROKEN LIZARD 2/25 AT PARK WEST


HALCYON THEATRE PRESENTS
MEOW WHAT?
A LIVE COMEDY EXTRAVAGANZA WITH SUPER TROOPERS’ BROKEN LIZARD
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25 AT PARK WEST


Broken Lizard, the hilarious comedy troupe best known for the cult film comedy Super Troopers (and its long-awaited 2016 sequel Super Troopers 2), is coming to Chicago with their live one-night comedy extravaganza Meow What?  Lizards’ Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske, stars and creators of the movies Super Troopers, Club Dread and Beerfest, appear live in Meow What?: An Evening with Broken Lizard, Thursday, February 25, 2016, 8 p.m. at Park West, 322 W. Armitage. 

Tickets, $25-$45, benefit Halcyon Theatre, the Albany Park-based Equity theater company fiercely committed to making the stage as diverse as the city of Chicago. jamusa.com/park-west

Meow What?: An Evening With Broken Lizard
Thursday, February 25, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.)
Park West
Tickets: $25, $30, $35 and $45 at jamusa.com/park-west
All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian

About Broken Lizard
Broken Lizard is a five-man comedy and film-making group, devoted to intense sunshine, Floridian deep tissue massage and the advanced study of keeping it realism. During their travels, they made Super Troopers, Beerfest, Club Dread, The Slammin’ Salmon and Puddle Cruiser. Now they are raising funds to complete Super Troopers 2 at supertroopers2movie.com.

About Halcyon
Halcyon Theatre is fiercely committed to making the stage as diverse as the city of Chicago. Dedicated to presenting new voices from inadequately represented communities, Halcyon works to recast classic works in order to showcase contemporary relevance.


Based in the Albany Park neighborhood, Halcyon Theatre was formed in 2006 to connect people, transform borders and ascend toward a more just union. The theatre’s artistic philosophy is driven by the continuing belief that at every point of human history where there has been an explosion of artistic creativity, it has happened when different cultures and traditions have met and learned from each other. Halcyon’s work includes productions as well as providing platforms—including Compass Lab as well as writing workshops & new play labs—for artists to grow and reach their full potential. www.halcyontheatre.org.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

PHOTO RECAP: The Black Angels at Park West, Chicago #OriginalPhotos #LiveShowShots


The Black Angels
with Roky Erickson and Golden Animals
Park West, Chicago IL
2/5/14


Christian Bland – guitar, drone machine/organ
Alex Maas – vocals, bass, organ/drone machine
Stephanie Bailey – drums, percussion
Kyle Hunt – keyboards, percussion, bass, guitar

The Black Angels' live show is where they truly shine, with a trippy, visual light show and kickin' girl drummer!  Despite some audience grumblings about this particular show tending toward their slower material, The Park West show was still a lot of fun.













Blue Horizon recording group The Black Angels' latest release, Indigo Meadow came out last April.

Indigo Meadow is heralded by the high-powered “Don’t Play With Guns.” Penned just days before last year’s mass shooting in Aurora, Colorado, the song is streaming now exclusively via The Black Angels’ newly relented www.theblackangels.com. In addition, the “Don’t Play With Guns” companion video clip can be viewed at the band’s’ visionary YouTube channel, The Black Angels TV, located at: http://www.youtube.com/user/TheBlackAngelsTV.
“Our music has always tried to shed light on issues that may be hard to deal with or confront,” says singer/multi-instrumentalist Alex Maas. “If people think they can ignore the issues they are wrong. Don’t play with guns, don’t touch a hot stove, don’t give your child a poisonous snake, don’t turn the cheek when artists are willing to discuss these issues.
“In ‘Don’t Play With Guns’ the antagonist is a female who has the power of persuasion over a man,” he continues. “Substitute the female antagonist with a Nation, substitute the manipulated man with yourself. Heed the warning: Don’t Play With Guns.”
The Black Angels’ most revelatory collection thus far, Indigo Meadow marks the Austin, Texas-based band’s fourth full-length release, following 2010’s acclaimed Phosphene Dream. Once again The Black Angels prove themselves the undisputed avatars of contemporary psychedelic rock, simultaneously exalting the genre’s kaleidoscopic past as they thrust it further into the future. Now a four-piece – ably supported behind the board by producer/mixer John Congleton (David Byrne & St. Vincent, Explosions In The Sky, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah) – the band have brought new focus to their wide-ranging songcraft, the righteous riffs and dogmatic drones gaining increased power as they fuel a more expansive emotional terrain. The ominous organ grooves and carpet-bombing beats surely resonate with blood and fire, but songs like “Love Me Forever” and the deep blue title track also see a little light entering the Black Angels’ notorious heart of darkness. A 21st century trip as transcendent as any in the canon, Indigo Meadow masterfully affirms the Black Angels’ full-throttle commitment to the psychedelic ethos of creativity, community and boundless experimentation.





Here are some of our favorite shots from the Park West show:





















Park West Cafe Table Still Life...






Monday, February 3, 2014

INCOMING: The Black Angels LIVE at Park West THIS Wednesday & at Moogfest in April


Park West
8pm
18+

The Black Angels
with Roky Erickson and Golden Animals
February 5, 2014 8:00 PM
Door Open: 7:00 PM

TICKET PRICES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
INDIVIDUAL: 
Ticket Price: $26.00
Fees: $7.61
Order fees: $3.00


RollingStone Premiere:
The Moog Sound Lab ft. The Black Angels

WATCH : THE BLACK ANGELS PERFORMING "DON'T PLAY WITH GUNS"
(CLICK BELOW)



In December, Moog Music partnered with Rolling Stone to premiere the next video in their Moog Sound Lab series with Austin-based quintet The Black Angels (Alex Maas - vocals, bass, organ, drone machine; Robert "Bob" Mustachio of The Warlocks standing in for band member Stephanie Bailey - drums, percussion; Kyle Hunt - keyboards, percussion, bass, guitar; Christian Bland - guitar, drone machine/organ; Jake Garcia - guitar, bass). Following 2010's acclaimed Phosphene Dream, the band stopped by the Moog Sound Lab to perform their new single "Don't Play with Guns" off their new album, Indigo Meadow. This LP marks The Black Angels' fourth full-length studio album, and their most revelatory song collection to date. 

Kyle Hunt of the Black Angels says of the Moog Sound Lab experience, "So glad we had time to swing by the Moog Sound Lab to record with nothing but Moog synthesizers!  We doubled some bass lines in the studio with a vintage Moog Prodigy (while recording Indigo Meadow). After playing through the Sub Phatty (in the Moog Sound Lab session) that day I realized that I could pull off some of the doubled bass lines with my left hand while playing the organ parts on my right hand. It was fun to strip away our "go to" guitars, organs and fuzz pedals and see what can happen when you explore analog synthesis with modern stability and patching!" 

The Moog Sound Lab is an original content media channel produced by Moog Music that invites artists and bands to perform in the Moog Music factory in Asheville, North Carolina. Armed with an unlimited supply of electronic instruments from Moog, musicians create a unique analog interpretation of their original material. The first half of the 2013 Moog Sound Lab series included Toro y Moi, Washed Out and Zola Jesus.  For behind the scenes photos of Moog Sound Lab session, visit www.facebook.com/moogsoundlab.

Moog Music is currently gearing up for Moogfest 2014, the annual festival created by Moog that celebrates the innovative spirit of its founder, Dr. Bob Moog. The iconic synthesizer manufacturer recently announced that the festival is returning as a 5-day event with a variety of activities, including daytime conferences and nighttime music showcases. Taking place April 23 - 27, 2014 in Asheville, North Carolina, the daytime presenters will include Laurie Anderson, Giorgio Moroder, film scorer/musician Cliff Martinez (Drive Soundtrack)  and other futurist thinkers.

Today Moogfest announced headliners including Electronic Music Pioneers KRAFTWERK 3-D to present 3 Concerts at Moogfest 2014 and a dance party featuring music super producer Nile Rodgers and his band CHIC plus more HERE. 70+ more artists to be announced - Sign up for the mailing list at Moogfest.com to keep up with breaking news, announcements and ticket information.

About Moog:
Moog Music is the leading producer of analog synthesizers in the world. The company and its customers carry on the legacy of its founder, electronic musical instrument pioneer, Dr. Bob Moog.  All of Moog’s instruments are hand built in its factory on the edge of downtown Asheville, NC.


Moog Sound Lab:  Website  |  Facebook 

Moogfest:  Website  |  Facebook  | Twitter



Tuesday, June 11, 2013

TBS Just for Laughs Chicago Comedy Fest is Baaaaack June 11-16 #JFLChicago @TBSVeryFunny #comedy



ChiIL out with ChiIL Live Shows this weekend, with the best medicine.   Yes, that would be laughter, and the Dr. is in the house.   The annual TBS Just for Laughs Chicago is baaaaaack in Chi, IL and this fest is a laugh riot.   Check out our TBS Just for Laughs Chicago coverage from 2012 here.

We're particularly stoked for Russell Brand, Bill Maher, and Seth Meyers, but laughter abounds at loads of our favorite venues all over town. 

We've adored Bill Maher since waaaaay back in the day.   Anyone seen him in Cannibal Women in The Avocado Jungle of Death from back in 1989?!   If not, check it out after the fest is over.   It's the good kind of cheese & one of our favs.  

A young Bill Maher stars with Shannon Tweed, Adrienne Barbeau and Karen Waldron.


The government hires a feminist at the local university to track down the Piranha Women living in the uncharted Avocado Jungle (westernmost outpost is San Bernardino) to convince them to move to a reservation condo in Malibu. She hires a guide at the edge of the jungle, a male chauvinist pig, and they have many arguments about men and women as they work their way in, and eventually confront the Piranha Women. Written by Ed Sutton 


The U.S. government, eager to protect the nation's avacado supplies, recruits feminist professor Margo Hunt to make contact with the Piranha Women, an all-female tribe who believe men are only good as a source of food. Accompanying Dr. Hunt on her trip are Jim, a guide of questionable competence, and Bunny, a student of unquestionable incompetence. Written by Jean-Marc Rocher


For the next 6 days, no Cannibal Women for YOU.   Get outta the house and laugh it up.   We've highlighted some of our top choices, but you can't go wrong... just follow the funny.   Some of the best shows are in the smaller venues, off the beaten path.   And like performers at music fests, famous comedians pop up unannounced, sit in with each other, and create some one of a kind mash ups.   TBS Just for Laughs Chicago is renowned for that.  Be there.

Here's what's happening:

June 11, 2013

6:30 PM - The Heat - FREE Advance Screening - ShowPlace ICON

7:00 PM - Double Threat: Junior Stopka & Mike Lebovitz - STAGE 773 - The Pro

7:00 PM - iO Theater presents TJ & Dave - STAGE 773 - The Box

8:00 PM - Pete Holmes - UP Comedy Club

8:30 PM - Double Threat: Kellye Howard & Brianna Baker (BEDE) - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

8:30 PM - Double Threat: Mike Stanley & Sean Flannery - STAGE 773 - The Pro

8:30 PM - Naked Sports Live Podcast - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

9:30 PM -Secret Big-Time Local Comedy Showcase - STAGE 773 - The Box


10:00 PM - The Shit Show - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

10:00 PM - Wrestling with Depression Podcast - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

10:30 PM - Pete Holmes - UP Comedy Club

June 12, 2013
7pm - Moshe Kasher - STAGE 773 - The Pro

7pm - The Comedy Bar Kickass Showcase - STAGE 773 - The Box

7pm - The Dailymotion Comedy Showcase - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

7:30pm - Anjelah Johnson - The Vic Theatre

7:30pm - Russell Brand - The Chicago Theatre 

7:30pm - The Whitest Kids U' Know - Park West

8pm - Second City Alumni - UP Comedy Club


8:30pm - The Todd Barry Podcast - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

9:30pm - The Annoyance Theatre presents Messing with a Friend - STAGE 773 - The Box (*Hilariously recommended!   We dig Susan Messing big time.)


10pm - @DadBoner and Friends, You Guys - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

10pm - Above Average presents: Tripp & Tyler and The Katydids - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

June 13, 2013

7pm - Moshe Kasher - STAGE 773 - The Pro

7pm - Team Coco Podcast - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

7pm - The Dailymotion Comedy Showcase - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

7pm - The Lincoln Lodge - STAGE 773 - The Box

7:30pm - David Cross & His Super Duper Pals - The Chicago Theatre

7:30pm - John Hodgman, Performing as Celebrated Humorist John Hodgman in: JOHN HODGMAN TONIGHT! - Park West

7:30pm - Nick Swardson - The Vic Theatre

8pm - Pete Holmes - UP Comedy Club

8:30pm - A Tight 60 - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

8:30pm - Chelsea Peretti - STAGE 773 - The Pro

8:30pm - Dancing Around the Shit Fire with Kyle Kinane - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

8:30pm - Set List: Stand-Up Without A Net - STAGE 773 - The Box


8:30pm - Stage Time - Jokes and Notes

10pm - @DadBoner and Friends, You Guys - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

10pm - Double Threat: Kumail Nanjiani & Friend - STAGE 773 - The Pro

10pm - Jokes and Notes Presents The Urban Comedy Hour - STAGE 773 - The Box

10pm - The Combo - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

10pm - Knuckleheads - UP Comedy Club

11:30pm - Above Average presents: Tripp & Tyler and The Katydids - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

11:30pm - The Super Serious Show - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

11:59pm - Set List: Stand-Up Without A Net - STAGE 773 - The Box

June 14, 2013

7pm - Doug Loves Movies Podcast - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

7pm - The Dailymotion Comedy Showcase - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

7pm - The Playground presents Alone: Chicago's Best Solo Acts - STAGE 773 - The Box


7:30pm - Dylan Moran - Yeah, Yeah - Park West

7:30pm - Nick Swardson - The Vic Theatre

7:30pm - Seth Meyers with Special Guests Al Madrigal & Hannibal Buress - The Chicago Theatre

8pm - Knuckleheads - UP Comedy Club

8:30pm - A Tight 60 - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

8:30pm - Chelsea Peretti - STAGE 773 - The Pro

8:30pm - Comics to Watch - Jokes and Notes

8:30pm - Dancing Around the Shit Fire with Kyle Kinane - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

8:30 - Set List: Stand-Up Without A Net - STAGE 773 - The Box


10pm - Competitive Erotic Fan Fiction - STAGE 773 - The Box

10pm - Double Threat: Kumail Nanjiani & Friend - STAGE 773 - The Pro

10pm - The Combo - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

10pm - The Sullivan & Son Comedy Tour - Park West

10pm - Todd Barry - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

10:30pm - Bad Boys of Comedy - Jokes and Notes

11pm - Knuckleheads - UP Comedy Club

11:30pm - The Blackout Diaries - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

11:59pm - The Super Serious Show - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

11:59pm - Set List: Stand-Up Without A Net - STAGE 773 - The Box

June 15, 2013

7pm - Bob Newhart Live - The Chicago Theatre

7pm - Chelsea Peretti - STAGE 773 - The Pro

7pm - Maria Bamford - Park West

7pm - Pete Holmes - You Made It Weird Podcast - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

7pm - The Dailymotion Comedy Showcase - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

7pm - The Playground presents Alone: Chicago's Best Solo Acts - STAGE 773 - The Box


7:30pm - Stars of truTV's Impractical Jokers - The Vic Theatre

8pm - Knuckleheads - UP Comedy Club

8:30pm - 5-Star Leading Ladies - Jokes and Notes 


8:30pm - A Tight 60 - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

8:30pm - Chelsea Peretti - STAGE 773 - The Pro

8:30pm - Dancing Around the Shit Fire with Kyle Kinane - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

8:30pm - Kill All Comedy - STAGE 773 - The Box\


9:30pm - Artie Lange - Park West

10pm - Double Threat: Kumail Nanjiani & Friend - STAGE 773 - The Pro

10pm - Stars of truTV's Impractical Jokers - The Vic Theatre

10pm - The Combo - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

10pm - Todd Barry - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

10:30pm - Best of Chicago - Jokes and Notes

10:30pm - The Playground presents The Tomkat Project - STAGE 773 - The Box

11pm - Knuckleheads - UP Comedy Club

11:30pm - The Blackout Diaries - STAGE 773 - The Cabaret

11:30pm The Super Serious Show - STAGE 773 - The Thrust

11:59pm - Artie Lange - Park West



June 16, 2013 - Sunday

7:30pm - Bill Maher - The Chicago Theatre


8pm - The Lil Rel Show - Jokes and Notes

Here are the biggest shows broken down by venue:

Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.:
David Cross & His Super Duper Pals - Thursday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Seth Meyers, Al Madrigal and Hannibal Buress - Friday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Bob Newhart Live - Saturday, June 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Bill Maher - Sunday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m.

The Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.:
Anjelah Johnson - Wednesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m
Nick Swardson - Thursday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Impractical Jokers - Saturday, June 15 at 7:30 and 10 p.m.

Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave.:
The Whitest Kids U’ Know - Wednesday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m.
John Hodgman -Thursday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Dylan Moran: “Yeah, Yeah” - Friday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Maria Bamford - Saturday, June 15 at 7 p.m.

Artie Lange - Saturday, June 15 at 9:30 and 11:59 p.m.


Saturday, October 13, 2012

PLAY LOCALLY: Our Top Weekend Picks for 18+ & Family Friendly Events

Keller Williams Interview With ChiIL Mama from ChiIL Mama on Vimeo.



ChiIL Live Shows/ChiIL Mama chat with Keller Williams about How Creatives Parent and How Parents Create


TODAY (Saturday)


American Girl Place



Meet the Author: Kathleen Ernst 1-3pm--free and open to the public.

Meet Kathleen Ernst, the award-winning author of Caroline Abbott’s six-book series! This informal session is your girl’s opportunity to meet Ms. Ernst in person and have her favorite books signed. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.
Event details by store



Keller Williams at Park West (18+)8:30pm GA/ doors 7:30


ChiIL Live Shows will be there...will YOU?!   Highly recommended.   We've had the great pleasure of interviewing Keller Williams and shooting stills at his adult and kindie shows for years.  Check out our live show shots from Summer Camp Music Festival, Kidzapalooza, and Chicago's own Park West last year.   


This multitalented musician goes beyond the jam band genre with a plethora of great releases for adults, a kindie (kids' indie) album, and a kids' book/CD combo!!   We've given away loads of his CDs, and even the book/CD to our lucky readers.











This time through he's just playing for the big kids (AKA adults and kids 18+). 





It was great to meet Keller, his wife, Emily, and the kids, Ella and Cabell last year at Park West in Chicago.   Click HERE for our show stills and sneek peek.



Since ChiIL Live Shows & ChiIL Mama have a national following in the jam band and kindie communities check out Keller's upcoming tour dates beyond Chi-Town on his web site and keep up to date on Twitter, FB and social media sites. 



Check out some of our past Keller coverage on ChiIL Mama here and ChiIL Live Shows here.


Tickets are still available.   Click here for tonight's show details.



Sunday





Brunch With Gymnast, Gabby Douglas 


It's going to be a week of meeting heros and girls who rock.   My gymnast daughter is elated to meet two members of the US Olympic girls team.   Sunday we'll have brunch with Gabby Douglas and Monday we'll meet Aly Raisman at American Girl Place, Chicago.   Who are your heros?   


Olympic Champion Gabrielle Douglas will visit Chicago with her mother, Natalie Hawkins, to highlight a special event exclusive to mothers and daughters. 

What: Douglas will speak to hundreds of mothers, daughters and supporters at the “Pink Pearls & Pretty Dresses: Girls’ Empowerment Brunch.” The event is a fundraiser for Inspire Girls to Lead Our World (iGlow)—a Chicago mentorship program for young girls.

When: Sunday, October 14, 2012; 12pm-4pm

Where: Donald E. Stevens Convention Center; 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018

Why: The event will be a day of inspiration and empowerment for young girls and their mothers. It will also help raise funds for iGlow so that it can continue delivering resources and guidance for young women in the Chicago-land area.  In short, iGlow provides platforms for young girls to get answers to their questions about life and their struggles.
  

Aly Raisman Monday


Come to American Girl Chicago on Monday, October 15, for a chance to meet gymnastics two-time gold-medalist Aly Raisman! The first 300 girls in line at the Michigan Avenue entrance will receive a ticket to meet Aly, who will sign autographs and appear in photos from 5 – 7 p.m. Remember to bring your camera! Learn more about our Chicago store: http://bit.ly/Vi4LEn



All Weekend


Logan Center For The Arts Opening



Logan Launch Festival, October 12-14

The new Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts will officially open to the public with a free three-day Logan Launch Festival on October 12-14, 2012. The Logan Launch Festival will include ongoing activities throughout the building–and outside on the courtyard stage–featuring over 50 events organized for the occasion. The weekend highlights art of all sorts, with an architecture lecture by the Logan Center architects, plays written by alumni, film screenings and sound installations, the launch of family programming, Greek tragedy adaptations, and student talent. View the full schedule of events at loganlaunch.uchicago.edu.





Harvest Fest at North Park Nature Center   

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