Kinky Boots Opens TONIGHT-Producers Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig Press Conference Video

Check out ChiIL Live Shows HD footage from the press conference.   Here are producers Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig with background on the movie the show was based on and exciting tidbits about the musical adaptation.


Kinky Boots is in pre-Broadway production in Chicago!   They've been in previews since October 2nd, and opening night is TONIGHT 10/17.    ChiIL Live Shows will be there and we'll have a full review up shortly.  We adored the movie and can't wait to check it out the live, stage adaptation!





Check out our prior original video footage of Cyndi Lauper, Composer & Lyricist and Harvey Fierstein, Playwright right here!    


We also have lots of fun stills from the press conference right here, including everyone's fine footwear from kinky boots to leopard heels.

      Billy Porter/ Stark Sands 

                        Jerry/Harvey/Cyndi 

Billy/Stark/AnnaLeigh

3 Production Photos    Credit:  Gavin Bond

Winners Announced-Fam Friendly Chi-Town Tickets #Giveaway

Big congrats to Melissa K.   You've won ChiIL Mama's 4 ticket give away for Harold and the Purple Crayon at Chicago Children's Theatre at 6:30 this Friday, 10/19.   Your name will be on 4 tickets at the box office.   Tickets include a craft making post show pajama party with Wishcraft.   Wear your PJs if you wish.  Full show location and details are here.    Congrats again!


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Shows are selling out for this limited run.   Click here for ChiIL Mama's past Harold coverage then order your tickets today.

Big congrats to Nicole F.  You've won ChiIL Mama's first 4 ticket give away for ChiTAG--Chicago Toy and Game Fair.  Enjoy!

Click here for ChiIL Mama's past ChiTAG coverage then enter below for your chance to win.   We have a total of SIX family 4 packs to give away weekly, leading up to ChiTAG's big 10th anniversary.   Prior entries do carry over, but you can Tweet and share for additional entries throughout the duration.   Good luck! 

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Remember to Check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.  

**Click here for the rest of our family friendly 4 pack ticket give aways going on right now including:  Chicago Toy & Game Fair, weekly tickets to all Beat Kitchen's Concerts for Kids, Six Stories Tall at Adventure Stage Theatre and Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus--Dragons.**

Keep Your Mitts Off These Binders Full Of Women

CLUTCH Announce Earth Rocker as New Album Title

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we've been fans of Clutch's uniquely poetic, genre defying metal for decades, so we're stoked to announce they've got new material coming.   We had a chance to interview frontman, Neil Fallon, recently in Indianapolis and we'll have that exclusive video interview published here shortly.   Clutch is skipping Chicago this fall, but they'll be playing Joliet November 2nd with Monstro and Lionize.   Be there! Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often for loads of original content, pit photos, video interviews, free downloads, give aways and more. Earth Rocker World Tour to Kick off in January 2013   Maryland rockers CLUTCH have announced Earth Rocker as the title of their new studio album.  Earth Rocker is scheduled for a worldwide release in March of 2013 on CLUTCH's label Weathermaker Music. In conjunction with the album's release CLUTCH will embark on the Earth Rocker world tour beginning in The United Kingdom in January of 2013.  In addition to the tour dates, the band will be available for press opportunities on select dates. A complete list of dates can be found below.  A full United States and Canadian headline tour will follow and is slated to run from March 8th through April 20th. The band has completed tracking Earth Rocker with Machine handling all production duties.  Machine is currently in the mixing process on the album.  Fans can keep up on the progress of Earth Rocker by visiting the new website www.earthrocker.com. The website will be a hub dedicated to all things Earth Rocker.  Fans can expect to see daily updates including photos, videos from the studio, song title announcements and samples of new songs.  In addition to the new website CLUTCH has joined the world of twitter.  Follow CLUTCH on Twitter @ClutchOfficial. Frontman Neil Fallon commented on the the recording process for Earth Rocker and how it differs from other CLUTCH albums: "Last minute overdubs are fun.  Harmonicas, tambourines (yes, we use those), claps, the odd backing vocal.  Recording can be monotonous, so those unintended moments can be a lot of fun. It's kind of like kindergarten music class, but with beer.   And sometimes the spontaneity of a last ditch idea breathes a lot of life back into a song that we've been beating up for weeks on end. A looming deadline can be a great muse!" He continues, "It has a lot in common with Blast Tyrant in that Machine's production techniques are really unique.  It differs from Blast Tyrant and a lot of other CLUTCH records in that, overall, the songs are faster and concise." When asked about how this record how it differs from other CLUTCH releases guitarist Tim Sult added, "As far as the composition of the songs go, this is the heaviest and fastest CLUTCH album to date. " CLUTCH will also take to the road starting on Halloween for a quick run of dates including two stops in Flint, MI and two stops in Detroit, MI.  MonstrO will open these shows with Lionize providing direct support. In what has become an annual tradition, CLUTCH will play a string of Holiday tour dates this December.  The dates kick off December 26th in Washington, DC and conclude with a special New Year's Eve performance in Worcester, MA at The Palladium.  Support on these shows will come from Mondo Generator, Saviours and Wino.  A complete list of all dates is below. With Lionize and Monstro 10/31: Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop - Tickets  11/1: Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop (Sold Out - Rescheduled from 5/13) 11/2: Joliet, IL @ Mojoes - Tickets  11/3: Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall (Sold Out - Rescheduled from 5/12) 11/4: Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall - Tickets Holiday Tour With Mondo Generator, Saviors and Wino 12/26: Washington DC @ 9:30 Club - Tickets  12/27: Asheville NC @ The Orange Peel - Tickets  12/28: Lexington KY @ Buster's Billiards & Backroom - Tickets  12/29: Columbus OH @ Newport Music Hall - Tickets  12/30: Sayreville NJ @ Starland Ballroom - Tickets  12/31: Worcester MA @ The Palladium - Tickets  Clutch Earth Rocker World Tour 1/21: Press Day in London, UK 1/22: London, UK @ Islington Academy - Tickets   1/23: Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg - Tickets  1/24: Press Day in Paris, FR 1/25: Paris, FR @ La Maroquinerie - Tickets 1/26: Stuttgart, GER @ Universum - Tickets 1/27: Munchen, GER @ Backstage Club - Tickets 1/28: Press Day in Berlin, GER 1/29: Berlin, GER @ Lido - Tickets 1/30: Press Day in Cologne, GER - Tickets 1/31: Cologne, GER @ Luxor - Tickets 2/1: Brussels, BE @ VK - Tickets  2/2: Hamburg, GER @ Logo - Tickets 2/3: Copenhagen, DK @ Amager Bio - Tickets 2/4: Press Day in Oslo, NO 2/5: Oslo, NO @ Parkteateret - Tickets 2/6: Press Day in Stockholm, SWE 2/7: Stockholm, SWE @ Tyrol - Tickets Follow CLUTCH on Twitter @ClutchOfficial  Like CLUTCH on Facebook  For More Info Visit: http://www.pro-rock.com  http://www.earthrocker.com  http://weathermakermusic.com/

Help Locally: Just a Few Tickets Left to Circus Soiree!

Thursday is the biggest CircEsteem event of the year!  Buy your tickets now!   Check out the items from our silent auction.  Over 60 amazing packages to bid on.   It's CircEsteem like you've never seen us before at this fall's Circus Soirée! Join CircEsteem on Thursday, October 18th from 7pm-10pm at Architectural Artifacts for an evening of inspiring performances, delectable food and libation, a spectacular silent auction- Whimsy, surprise and amazement around every corner! VIP ticket holders can enjoy a private pre-party reception from 6pm-7pm in the Architectural Artifacts garden with special food, an open bar and exciting live performance as well as reserved VIP seating at the main event!   Learn more about the needs behind our fundraising- $50,000 a year-   CircEsteem offers free tutoring and circus instruction 3 days a week, 32 weeks of the year, through our 'HomeWork & CircusWork' program.This program is 100% free to participants and serves over 30 youth each week. 20,000 miles a year to transport-  CircEsteem transports 30 youth a week, picking them up at school and taking them home afterwards.  Money raised at Circus Soirée will help us buy a new van allowing more youth to participate. Will YOU support CircEsteem and help us reach our goals?     40,000 participants   CircEsteem reaches over 40,000 people each year offering over 150 workshops and performances.  We crisscross the city and suburbs providing circus programs at 15 offsite locations 5 days a week.  100% High School graduation rates- CircEsteem has a 100% graduation rate from high school, with all of the students going on to pursue higher learning.  To date CE graduates have amassed over $600,000 in outside scholarships thanks to our partnership with Chicago Scholars.   $10,000 in matching funds- CE has employed over 60 youth since the creation of the CircusTeens Job Program. To date CircusTeens have been paid over $40,000 with almost $15,000 of it being saved for college. In addition CE has provided matching funds to encourage college savings totaling nearly $10,000.   There's still time to buy your tickets to Circus Soirée! Nothing would please us more than having you join our fundraising efforts on Thursday, October 18th at Architectural Artifacts for our Circus Soirée! Your contributions help make our free programming, youth employment efforts and community outreach a continued reality! For more info, to purchase tickets or make a financial contribution  please visit Brown Paper Tickets.   Kindly, Maribeth Joy Executive Director

Chicago Cultural Plan 2012 Released

Here at ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows, we value Chicago's arts and culture.   The city's theatre, music and arts scene are what make this diverse city wonderful and world class.   After a downward spiral of budget cuts, evaporating grants and arts job losses, finally the city has a plan.    Check it out. Chicago Cultural Plan 2012 Released A Vision for Strengthening Arts and Culture in Chicago The City of Chicago has released the Chicago Cultural Plan 2012, the first new plan for strengthening the city's arts and cultural sector in more than 25 years. The new plan fulfills one of the key initiatives identified by Mayor Rahm Emanuel's arts transition team and will serve as the centerpiece planning document for enhancing Chicago's reputation for creativity, innovation and excellence in the arts. The final plan and executive summary can be downloaded at www.chicagoculturalplan2012.org or www.cityofchicago.org/DCASE. The League of Chicago Theatres has already weighed in with their support here: The League of Chicago Theatres congratulates Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Michelle Boone and the City of Chicago on the unveiling of the Chicago Cultural Plan 2012.  The plan, the first of its kind in 25 years, is a visionary tool for supporting and enhancing theatre, arts and culture in the City. “We are thrilled that the plan dedicates the resources of the City of Chicago to our thriving cultural industries and looks towards the arts as a catalyst for innovation,” says Deb Clapp, Executive Director of the League of Chicago Theatres. "Bravo to the City of Chicago!  The Cultural Plan of Chicago allows for our over 250 theatres, as well as Chicago educators and the greater cultural community, to travel on a defined road map - a map that clearly honors and supports our work as well as celebrating and trumpeting Chicago's greatest assets to the world.  This plan gives all of Chicago, in every neighborhood, the opportunity to access an amazing array of theatre and culture," comments Eileen LaCario, Chair of the League of Chicago Theatres and Vice President of Broadway In Chicago. About Chicago theater Chicago theater is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theaters serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. In 2009-10 alone Chicago theater companies produced more than 130 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year Chicago theaters send new work to resident theaters across the country, to Broadway, and around the world.  The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to promote, support and advocate for Chicago's theater industry locally, nationally and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theater in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theaters and theater professionals. For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, www.chicagoplays.com.  Discounted tickets are available atwww.hottix.com.

Great Chi-Town Family Friendly Ticket Give Aways & Winning Wednesdays #giveaways

Fall into free fall fun with ChiIL Mama's Winning Wednesdays


ChiIL Mama has a full plate of fun fall give aways.   Our free kindie concert and theatre tickets are for our Chicago readers (or for you if you can get yourself to Chicago for the show).    


Here's a run down of ALL our current give aways.   Remember....check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often!   Entry is easy and winning rocks.



Chicago Tickets:

4 tickets to Harold and the Purple Crayon at Chicago Children's Theatre (theatre ages 3+)  Enter through midnight 10/16.




*check out our past coverage and click here to enter to win tickets.

4 tickets to Six Stories Tall at Adventure Stage Theatre (theatre ages 8+)  Enter through midnight 11/2.

*check out our past coverage and enter to win tickets here.

4 tickets to Beat Kitchen's Concerts for kids (kindie rock)-ChiIL Mama has free tixs to EVERY show.  New winner announced every Friday.  New winner announced every Friday (ongoing).


Show are aimed at birth through 10 with parents, every Sunday at noon in Chicago's Roscoe Village neighborhood.   Bands vary weekly.   


ChiIL Mama is stoked to be back again as media sponsor for the series.   Check here and on ChiIL Mama's YouTube Channel for 175+ original band video interviews & live show footage.   We have loads of kindie music reviews, new release news and free give aways!

   

*Check out our past coverage and enter to win tickets here every week.   All October Beat Kitchen Concerts for Kids shows are open for entries right now.

4 tickets to Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus Presents Dragons!   Enter through midnight 10/21.


*Enter to win tickets here and check out our past coverage. 













4 tickets to ChiTAG(Chicago Toy & Game Fair)-new winner announced every Wednesday leading up to the fair/6 total.


*Check out our past coverage and enter early and often to win tickets here.  We have 6 family 4 packs and will announce new winners weekly!


There's an autumn chill in the air, and loads of rockin' fun to be had.  So get out to see family friendly theatre or rock out at a kindie concert.  ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama and be sure to check back like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often for the latest entertainment news, photo & video filled reviews, great give aways and more.