Play Locally-Events Round Up Friday Through Sunday

 Moe-Summer Camp Music Festival


My kids are still in school mode till
the middle of next week, so we're wrapping up final projects, photographing the end of the year picnic, school film fest--90 Second Newbery Fest,  moving up to 4th grade luncheon, and making final teacher thank you cards & gifts.

But weather wise.....it's summertime and the livin' is easy.....unless you live in Chicago and there are too many great happenings to choose from!!    Here are a few of ChiIL Mama's favs for this week:

Festivals:

Chicago Blues Fest

click the above link for CHICAGO BLUES
FESTIVAL LINEUP 2012

 A Celebration of Blues
Past and Present 

The 29^th Annual Chicago Blues Festival , the world’s largest FREE
blues fest, will be held in Grant Park on
June 8-10 (Fri-Sun).
The Fest’s theme will be “A Celebration of Blues Past and
Present” and will feature tributes to blues legends we have lost last
year, including Pinetop Perkins, David “Honeyboy” Edwards, Hubert Sumlin,
Willie “Big Eyes” Smith and Mojo Buford. There will also be a number of
city sponsored blues music events outside of Grant Park before and
during the festival.

Midsommarfest in Andersonville 

This fam friendly, multicultural (check out Swedish traditional maypole dances), music and art filled bash is one of our favorites we've been frequenting for years.   Check it out.

 

Midsommarfest is Andersonville's annual summer street festival, now
entering its 47th year. Each year, nearly 50,000 people throng Clark
Street from Foster to Catalpa for two days of music, dancing, kids'
entertainment, and delicious food. Vendors from around the region sell
their wares to passers-by, while ethnic dance troupes and cutting-edge
bands keep the party going.

We are very excited to announce that this year’s 47^th annual Midsommarfest street festival will kick off on Friday evening, June 8^th with a special performance by 16 Candles!
This opening night celebration will take place on Clark Street between
Balmoral and Catalpa Avenues beginning at 5:00 pm, and will also feature
food from some of your favorite local restaurants and of course cold
beer and sangria.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL MIDSOMMARFEST STAGE SCHEDULE!

Printer's Row Lit Fest

Book geek fun for the whole family.   We love this fest and try to swing by every year.    Loads of author book signings, a fun kids area, music and more....

Concerts:

It's a date....a command....a rockin' Portland band!

March Fourth & Jonas Friddle at Martyr's Friday 6/8

We've been promoting this one, but today's the day.   Click the link above for full show details, March Fourth video and more.   Come early to see Chi-Town favs Jonas Friddle at 9:30.   Can't wait to shoot tonight.   March Fourth goes on around 11pm. 

Act Out-Local Theatre:  



Rock of Ages Opening

This week we had the great pleasure of checkin' out opening night of Broadway in Chicago's Rock of Ages in the intimate Broadway Playhouse space at Watertower Place.   The kids adored it!   Best swag.....lighter shaped flashlights for audience participation on the arena rock ballads without the burnt fingers!   Check out our prior coverage here. We'll have a new review up in the very near future.



Just Opened:   We're also hoping to duck by Lookingglass to review Eastland (playing through 7/29) and Steppenwolf in the very near future.



Here's the closing/opening scoop from League of Chicago Theatres show openings 

*on our go see list

*reviews coming soon at ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows



show openings: 
Almost an Evening - Circle Theatre

*The Circus Princess - Chicago Folks Operetta

Dancing Queen - Riverfront Theater

Exit, Pursued by a Bear - Theatre Seven of Chicago

*Go Go Power Rangers: A Mighty Morphin Burlesque - Gorilla Tango Theatre

*Gotham City - DCA Theater-We'll be there for opening night tonight and have a full review for you shortly

*Hank Williams: Lost Highway - Filament Theatre Ensemble

Immediate Family - Goodman Theatre

*Next Up: The Glass Menagerie - Steppenwolf Garage Theatre

*Next Up: Life and Limb - Steppenwolf Garage Theatre

*Next Up: South of Settling - Steppenwolf Garage Theatre

*Rock of Ages - Broadway Playhouse

*Sketchbook: Reincarnate - Collaboraction


show closings:
Camelot - Light Opera Works

Elephant's Graveyard - Red Tape Theatre

Hostage Song - Signal Ensemble Theatre


Hostage Song at Signal Ensemble Theatre
Kin - Griffin Theatre

The March - Steppenwolf Theatre

Peter Pan's Shadow: Part 2 Everland - Dream Theatre

Pride and Prejudice - Lifeline Theatre

tick, tick...BOOM! - Porchlight Music Theatre

*Timon of Athens - Chicago Shakespeare Theater-highly recommended!   The acting is phenomenal and cuts to the quick.   Timon of Athens is a searing, soul and body baring look at what is truly important, how money changes things, and how to truly see who your friends are.   The sets are astounding--transforming from sleek and minimalist to a breathtakingly realistic seascape.   This is a must see!    Closing 6/10.


The Whole World Is Watching - Dog and Pony Theatre Company
 

Special ticket offer
Luna Negra Dance Theater at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., is offering discounted $22 tickets to Luna Nueva on Jun 7-10, 2012. This festival of three new works by Chicago-based Luna Negra Dance Theater (LNDT) is choreographed by Gustavo Ramírez Sansano, LNDT artistic director; Mónica Cervantes Rodriguez, LNDT dancer and choreographer; and guest artist Diana Szeinblum. Offer limited two per customer. Purchase tickets by calling the MCA Box Office, 312.397.4010 and use the promo code LOCT.

Film:  

Bike-In Movie Theater: Talking Heads: Chronology

Classic concert film Talking Heads: Chronology screens tonight at 8:30pm outdoors at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, as part of its Bike-In Movie Theater programmed by The Logan Square International Film Series. Free. 21+

 *Thanks to Gaper's Block for the film heads up.    How can ya beat Talking Heads, Hideout, Bikes and Movies.....all in the same place?!   Where's that like button?

Chic-A-Go-Go 800th Taping:

Wanna BE the show instead of just SEE the show?   We adore Chic-A-Go-Go. 

Saturday, June 9, 2012

12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Chicago Access Corporation

322 S Green St # 100, Chicago, IL

(map)

CHIC-A-GO-GO #800 TAPING JUNE 9th Noon-3pm

NEXT STUDIO TAPING SATURDAY JUNE 9 NOON-3PM

WE ARE TAPING OUR 800th EPISODE!!! Can you believe it! We have super
special guests, the return of the Fantasy Dance, and some genuinely
special AWESOME surprises (that will shock and amaze you)!

SCHEDULED GUESTS INCLUDE

50 year Chicago nightclub veteran MR. LEE performing his ultra-rare 45 “Love and Happiness!”

Amazing Chicago outsider/insider genius WILLIS EARL BEAL!

15-year old wunderkind KATE DIAZ!

San Diego electro-kooks HOT NERDS!

And some super surprises!!!

The taping takes place at the Chicago Access Network Studios, located
at 322 S. Green St. (one block west of Halsted, half block north of Van
Buren).

There is free and metered street parking and some low cost lots in
the neighborhood, but we are also very accessible by public
transportation, as the Halsted bus stops near us and the Blue Line’s
UIC-Halsted stop is only a block and half from the studio.

Dress casual or wear a costume, it's up to you! No invitations or
reservations needed, everyone is welcome, bring your friends! Bring
kids! Bring your friends’ kids!

5 Free Pairs of Tixs to See Kevin Smith on 6/14 #Giveaway

My husband, Dug, & *Joey Lauren Adams--Insomniac With Dave Attell Shoot (boom mic just out of frame)

My husband sticks his hands down celebs shirts for a living.  I shoot rock stars and am in and out of tour buses and back stage green rooms all the time.   Luckily neither of us is the jealous type, and sometimes "it's not what it looks like" really does apply.   It's a cool job sometimes....but it's a job nonetheless.   Sometimes there is a mic or power pack on the end of those hands in the waistband or bra, and the blonde getting off the tour bus really is conducting interviews.   

All the musicians I've met have been completely professional and the line between groupie and working press has never come into question.  It's the guy fans who smirk knowingly at me and quip "What do you have to do to get a photo pass, eh?!"   Hmmmm.   Maybe you have to be a working member of the press or a solid photographer/videographer/writer.   Didn't hear them ask any of the male shooters in the pit next to me....

Dug says the same thing about putting mics on TV and film celebs.  They're the pros....they're used to it and they "get it".  It's the regular people who freak a little at the invasion of privacy.  Fortunately I'm not weirded out that my husband's had his hands on everyone from Julia Roberts to Giuliana Rancic.

Amazingly enough, in 3 days, Dug and I will have been married for 12 years, and we've been monogamously together since 1997.  With the vast majority of our friends divorced, that's an accomplishment.  This August 18th, my parents are celebrating their 50th Anniversary together!

So, in honor of love--long lasting, newly dating, BFF, and whatever configuration works for you....we've got FIVE pairs of tickets for a date night out to see film icon, Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Mallrats).  He will treat fans to a special evening and Q&A, a week from today, Thursday, June 14, at 8pm at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State Street.   His appearance is part of the

TBS Just For Laughs Chicago festival


We adore Kevin Smith's prolific and quirky style, and we aren't afraid to admit to having adult friends who collect Jay and Silent Bob dolls and other memorabilia.   We dig his films and his genre crossing creativity.   This is sure to be an amusing night to remember and we're stoked to be able to give away 10 tickets to you...our readers.


Here's his official bio from the TBS Just for Laughs Site:


There's "prolific," and then there's Kevin Smith, who in addition to a
storied film career and being a NY Times Best Selling Author and reality
TV star, hosts the weekly, wildly popular podcast SModcast alongside buddy Scott Mosier. He has spent nearly 20 years as a writer/director making Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Cop Out, Red State,
and a producing several other films, all receiving acclaim and praise.
Plus, he's released three DVDs of Q&A sessions, and several cable
specials, including the EPIX original Kevin Smith: Too Fat For 40. He's published two books full of essays and blog postings (Silent Bob Speaks and the best-selling My Boring-Ass Life), as well as Shooting the Shit with Kevin Smith - a collection of the best material from SModcast.
One of the first filmmakers to venture into cyberspace, Smith has
legions of fans who follow his podcasting and comic book-writing; and
hey, maybe they even visit his comic book store Jay and Silent Bob's
Secret Stash in Red Bank, New Jersey.  

*Wikipedia excerpt Joey Lauren Adams:

...Adams appeared in Mallrats, written and directed by Kevin Smith.
The two started dating during the film's post-production, and their
relationship provided the inspiration for Smith's next movie.

Meanwhile, in 1996, while Smith was finalizing the script for Chasing Amy, she was cast for a role in the slapstick comedy Bio-Dome, which was directed by Jason Bloom. Adams played the role of Monique, girlfriend to Bud Macintosh (Pauly Shore).

In 1997's Chasing Amy, Smith cast Adams in the lead role of Alyssa Jones, a lesbian who falls in love with a man, played by Ben Affleck. Later, Smith would describe Chasing Amy as a "sort of penance/valentine" and a "thank-you homage" to Adams.^[3] In addition to her acting work on the film, Adams wrote and performed the song "Alive" for the movie's soundtrack.

Adams' performance in Chasing Amy earned her both the 1997 Chicago Film Critics Award and Las Vegas Film Critics Society Award for Most Promising Actress, and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress-Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. From there, Adams was originally slated to play the female lead in Smith's next film, 1999's Dogma, but Linda Fiorentino ultimately got the part.^[4] However, she would later make brief appearances in two other Smith projects: the 2001 film Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and the 2004 animated short Clerks: The Lost Scene, featured on the Clerks X DVD. In both of these appearances, Adams reprised the role of Alyssa Jones.

**My husband and the Insomniac crew ran into Joey in her home town of little rock, while shooting with Dave Attell.   Dug can also be seen on screen in that Insomniac episode, sticking a mic down the shirt of Connie Hamzy  AKA:   Sweet Connie of Little Rock (who BTW didn't just interview & shoot bands, but was in fact a groupie who claimed to have sex with numerous bands' members).    Attell burst in on my husband and Connie in the back room. while Dug was placing the mic and teasingly did an improv bit about...."What are you doing?    You're just the sound guy.   You know the order.   She does me, then the cameraman, then you."    When it aired later, he promised me it was only a gag.......  

Hamzy is mentioned in Grand Funk Railroad's song "We're an American Band" ("Sweet, sweet Connie, doin' her act/ She had the whole show and that's a natural fact.")Wikipedia

Click here to purchase tickets to see Kevin Smith at Chicago Theatre 6/14 and for further show information.   

Enter below for your chance to win!

*Wait for Rafflecopter to load up right here (if you've gone
through RSS feed or are scrolling down the blog and don't see it,
click on the actual page title and it should pop right up).    

Please enter with the full legal name you want to appear on the tickets at the box office if you win.  Enter through midnight 6/12 and we'll announce our 5 winners on 6/13.  We'll contact winners by e-mail, but check here as well (sucks to win and find out after the fact--thank you spam filter).  Your tickets will be held at the Chicago Theatre box office.

Enter like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   Winning rocks!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cirque du Soleil's Dralion is Coming to Chicago #Original Video Interview

ChiIL Live Shows caught up with Dralion performer, Vladik, a rockin' young juggler and musician (born into the Moscow Circus), who now combines acrobatic tricks and modern dance in his juggling routine.    Check out our original video interview above then check him out live in the Chi-town area starting June 20th!

What's part Dragon...part lion...all astounding and coming to Allstate and United Center?    Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion!

Make 2012--The Chinese Year of the Dragon one to remember for your family! 

Catch Dralion performances in Rosemont at Allstate Arena (June 20-24) and Chicago at United Center (June 27-July 1)

Spotlight On:

Vladik Miagkostupov
Act:        Juggling
Country:              Vinetza, Ukraine
Date of birth:     January 27, 1984
Languages spoken:         Russian, English

Vladik’s love of performing was cultivated at a very young age as he was born into a creative family. Both of his parents were part of the Moscow Circus. At the age of 4, his parent started his training in dancing and acrobatics. His father, who is a juggler, taught Vladik juggling. His professional career started at the age of 9. Since then, he performed in more than 30 countries as well, for renowned companies such as Lido de Paris in Paris, Le Cabaret in Monte Carlo and with Dralion by Cirque du Soleil. He won several awards including the gold medal in Paris at the Cirque de Demain competition.

Cirque du Soleil saw him at the Cirque de Demain’s competition and then invited him to send a video. Vladik joined Cirque du Soleil in 2003 as a performer in Solstrom by Cirque du Soleil. He joined Dralion on tour in 2006. His act is not just an ordinary juggling act but includes a modern mix of juggling, dance and acrobatics. He now returns in Dralion for the North America Arena tour.

Vladik was personable and awesome to interview and we are sooo stoked to see him in action LIVE in a few weeks!  

We also caught up with Drailion's PR expert, Vanessa, for an exclusive video interview, coming soon.    She's got the scoop on the whole show and what wonders await.     

Click here to get your tickets today and do up the Year of The Dragon in style with unforgettable Dralion!

Broadway in Chicago: Rock of Ages Opens In Chi-Town

The orginal Broadway cast of the hit musical ROCK OF AGES, featuring Constantine Maroulis, perform a medley from the show

Break out those 80's arena rock t's and those hair band moves.   Rock of Ages is BACK in Chicago from June 05, 2012 - August 05, 2012 at the Broadway Playhouse.

Check out our past review right here.



ChiIL Live Shows will be there this Wed night and we'll have a full review shortly.  

In the mean time:

here's our triple patron interviews from Rock of Ages' 2010 Chi-Town run.




Chicago-Theater.com says:  

Hair band devotees rejoice: The anthems of the '80s are back. The new
musical features the hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, REO Speedwagon,
Pat Benatar and many more.

In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city rocker,
and in L.A.'s most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest
songs of the 80s. This arena-rock love story is told through the
mind-blowing hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Poison and many more.

Dates 

Opening night: 5 June 2012

Booking through until: 5 August 2012

Audience

Rock Of Ages may be inappropriate for children aged 7 and under, according to Chicago-Theater.com.



(*ChiIL Mama's note:  Broadway
in Chicago posted a PG13ish warning that some of the dances and
costumes may be inappropriate for children.   There are "stripper"
characters, but nothing more risque than a bra and fishnets.   I did see
a few younger children in full 80's rock star dress, and they were
having a blast.   Still, parents who are uncomfortable with simulated
lap dances and semi-mature sexual themes might want to make this a
parents night out.)



Last time we made it an adult night out, but this time around Du-Jay (11) and Sagezilla (9) will be rockin' out with ChiIL Mama. 

Run time

 2 hours and 20 minutes with one 10 minute intermission.

Rock of Ages
Theatre : Broadway Playhouse, Chicago Illinois



The worldwide party musical ROCK OF AGES features a mix of 28 rockin' 80's tunes including DON'T STOP BELIEVIN', WE BUILT THIS CITY, THE FINAL COUNTDOWN, WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE, HERE I GO AGAIN, CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING and I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS. 


In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker and in LA's most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the 80's. It's five time 2009 Tony® nominee ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind blowing, face-melting hits of JOURNEY, NIGHT RANGER, STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON, PAT BENATAR, TWISTED SISTER, POISON, ASIA, WHITESNAKE and many more. Don't miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on!


"Impossible to resist!"
- Charles Isherwood, New York Times

"Rock and comedy in perfect proportion!"
- David Cote, Time Out

Rock of Ages the movie hits theatres June 15th.   Here's the movie main site.   Check out the Broadway show then go see the Hollywood take.

First New Clutch Since 2009! Check Out Pigtown Blues

 CLUTCH Premiere (Band Pictured With Daniel P. Carter)

New Single--check Pigtown Blues out now at BBC/Radio 1's "The Rock Show With Daniel P. Carter" and a phone interview with frontman, Neil Fallon.
 
New Tour Dates Confirmed
Maryland rockers CLUTCH are gearing up for the release of their new picture disc single "Pigtown Blues". The single received its worldwide digital release on June 5th and its worldwide physical release is coming on June 19th. This is the first new studio material from CLUTCH since 2009's Strange Cousins From the West,and the first simultaneous worldwide release for Weathermaker Music.
  
Monday June 4th, CLUTCH frontman Neil Fallon was a special guest on "The Rock Show With Daniel P. Carter", which airs on BBC/Radio 1 from Midnight - 2:00 AM UK time. Carter who has been a long time fan and supporter of CLUTCH for years, will be exclusively premiering the track "Pigtown Blues". For more information on the show, click here.
 
CLUTCH will embark on a headlining tour this summer with special guests Prong and Lionize. The run kicks off July 11th in Fayetteville, AR and wraps up July 22nd in Richmond, VA.
 
CLUTCH has also confirmed select dates for August with Lionize. These shows are scheduled for August 9th, 10th, and 12th. Tickets for these dates go on sale for fan club members Wednesday June 6th and for the general public on Friday June 8th and Saturday June 9th.
 
Additionally, the band has also rescheduled the two shows that were postponed this May. These dates are now scheduled for November 1st through 3rd.   MonstrO will be providing support on these dates. Please note that the Flint, MI and Detroit, MI shows are already sold out, tickets for the Joliet, IL show are still available.
 
A complete list of all tour dates can be found below:
 
WITH PRONG AND LIONIZE
7/11: Fayetteville, AR @ George's Majestic Lounge
7/12: Lawrence, KS @ Granda Theater
7/13: Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
7/14: Vienna, WV @ Fishbone Gill & Grill
7/15: Louisville, KY @ Waterfront Park (Forecastle Festival)*
7/17: New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
7/18: Pensacola, FL @ Vinyl Music Hall
7/19: Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club
7/20: Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend
7/21: Baltimore, MD @ Artscape Festival*
7/22: Richmond, VA @ The National
 
WITH LIONIZE
8/9: Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance
8/10: Buffalo, NY @ The Town Ballroom
8/11: Birch Run, MI @ Birch Run Expo Center (WWBN Radio Show)*
8/12: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
 
11/1: Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop (Sold Out - Rescheduled from 5/13)
11/2: Joliet, IL @ Mojoes
11/3: Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall (Sold Out - Rescheduled from 5/12)
 
*CLUTCH only
 
For More Info Visit:
http://www.pro-rock.com
http://weathermakermusic.com/

Big congrats to Non-Equity Jeff Award Nominees and Recipients

 

NON-EQUITY Jeff Award
Nominees and Recipients

RECIPIENTS HIGHLIGHTED IN RED

****Shows with 4 asterisks were highly recommended favorites of ChiIL Live Shows

 

Production - Play
****Opus - Redtwist Theatre
****Punk Rock - Griffin Theatre Company
Red Light Winter - Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co.
Sophocles: Seven Sicknesses - The Hypocrites
Superior Donuts - Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co.
The Word Progress on My Mother's Lips . . . - Trap Door Theatre

Production - Musical
Passing Strange - Bailiwick Chicago
Pump Boys and Dinettes - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre  

Spring Awakening - Griffin Theatre Company
The Light in the Piazza - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
Violet The Musical - Bailiwick Chicago

Director - Play
Blake Montgomery - Moby-Dick - The Building Stage
Helena Kays - 6 Characters in Search of an Author - The Hypocrites
****Jason W. Gerace - Opus - Redtwist Theatre
****Jonathan Berry - Punk Rock - Griffin Theatre Company
Sean Graney - Sophocles: Seven Sicknesses - The Hypocrites
Seth Bockley - The Ugly One - Sideshow Theatre Company

Director - Musical
Elizabeth Margolius - Violet The Musical - Bailiwick Chicago
Fred Anzevino - Pump Boys and Dinettes - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
Fred Anzevino and Brenda Didier - The Light in the Piazza - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
Jonathan Berry - Spring Awakening - Griffin Theatre Company
Lili-Anne Brown - Passing Strange - Bailiwick Chicago

Ensemble
Moby-Dick - The Building Stage
****Opus - Redtwist Theatre
Pump Boys and Dinettes - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
****Punk Rock - Griffin Theatre Company
Shakespeare's R & J - Idle Muse Theatre Company
Sophocles: Seven Sicknesses - The Hypocrites

Actor in a Principal Role - Play
Andrew Burden Swanson - The Last Duck - Jackalope Theatre
Brian Grey - The Oxford Roof Climber's Rebellion - Caffeine Theatre
Brian Plocharczyk - Farragut North - Stage Left Theatre
Dan Behrendt - Red Light Winter - Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co.
****Joey De Bettencourt - Punk Rock - Griffin Theatre Company
Peter Oyloe - Elling - Redtwist Theatre
Preston Tate, Jr. - Superior Donuts - Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co.

Actor in a Principal Role - Musical
Chuck Sisson - The Baker's Wife - Circle Theatre
Courtney Crouse - Pump Boys and Dinettes - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
****Creg Selavi - Urinetown the Musical - Circle Theatre
Jayson "JC" Brooks - Passing Strange - Bailiwick Chicago
Steven Perkins - Passing Strange - Bailiwick Chicago

Actress in a Principal Role - Play
Eileen Niccolai - Orpheus Descending - Shattered Globe Theatre
Jacqueline Grandt - Bug - Redtwist Theatre
Katherine Keberlein - Fifty Words - Profiles Theatre
Melanie Keller - East of Berlin & the Russian Play - Signal Ensemble Theatre
Stacy Stoltz - Assisted Living - Profiles Theatre

Actress in a Principal Role - Musical
Harmony France - Violet The Musical - Bailiwick Chicago
Kelli Harrington - The Light in the Piazza - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
Rachel Klippel - The Light in the Piazza - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Actor in a Supporting Role - Play
****Aaron Kirby - Dark Play or Stories for Boys - Collaboraction
Barth Bennett - A Lesson Before Dying - Lincoln Square Theatre
Dereck Garner - Red Light Winter - Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co.
Eric Burgher - A Behanding in Spokane - Profiles Theatre
J.P. Pierson - One Flea Spare - Eclipse Theatre Company
****Ryan Heindl - Punk Rock - Griffin Theatre Company

Actor in a Supporting Role - Musical
Evan Tyrone Martin - Violet The Musical - Bailiwick Chicago
Jeremy Rill - A Little Night Music - Circle Theatre
Justin Adair - The Light in the Piazza - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
Michael Kingston - Pippin - Bohemian Theatre Ensemble

Actress in a Supporting Role - Play
Caroline Neff - Under the Blue Sky - Steep Theatre Company
Sasha Gioppo - Red Light Winter - Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co.
Susan Monts-Bologna - Superior Donuts - Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co.
Vanessa Greenway - Life is a Dream - Vitalist Th. in association with Premiere Theatre

Actress in a Supporting Role - Musical
Anita Hoffman - The Baker's Wife - Circle Theatre
Dana Tretta - Pippin - Bohemian Theatre Ensemble
Danni Smith - Pump Boys and Dinettes - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
Khaki Pixley - A Little Night Music - Circle Theatre

New Work
Deidre O'Connor - Assisted Living - Profiles Theatre
Keith Josef Adkins - The Last Saint on Sugar Hill - Ma'at Prod. Assoc. of Afrikan Centered Theater
Lucas Neff - The Last Duck - Jackalope Theatre
Scott Barsotti, Molly Each, Laura Eason, Brian Golden, Kristin Idaszak, Kim Morris, Nick Ward, Doug Whippo - We Live Here - Theatre Seven of Chicago
Shepsu Aakhu - Speaking in Tongues: The Chronicles of Babel - Ma'at Prod. Assoc. of Afrikan Centered Theater

New Adaptation
Blake Montgomery - Moby-Dick - The Building Stage
****John Hildreth - Watership Down - Lifeline Theatre
Matt Hawkins - Cyrano - The House Theatre of Chicago
Sean Graney - Sophocles: Seven Sicknesses - The Hypocrites
Steve Moulds - 6 Characters in Search of an Author - The Hypocrites

Choreography
Brenda Didier - Pippin - Bohemian Theatre Ensemble
****Kevin Bellie - Urinetown the Musical - Circle Theatre
Nicole Pellegrino - Spring Awakening - Griffin Theatre Company

Fight / Movement Direction
David Woolley - Superior Donuts - Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co.
Matt Hawkins - Cyrano - The House Theatre of Chicago
****R&D Choreography - Watership Down - Lifeline Theatre

Music Direction
Allison Kane - Spring Awakening - Griffin Theatre Company
Andra Velis Simon - Violet The Musical - Bailiwick Chicago
James Morehead - Passing Strange - Bailiwick Chicago
Jeremy Ramey - The Light in the Piazza - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
Jim DeSelm - Pump Boys and Dinettes - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Original Incidental Music
Andrew Hansen - Hunger - Lifeline Theatre
Christopher Kriz - The Count of Monte Christo - Lifeline Theatre
Kevin O'Donnell - Cyrano - The House Theatre of Chicago
Kevin O'Donnell - Moby-Dick - The Building Stage
Michael Huey - The Spirit Play - The Strange Tree Group
Ovidiu Iloc - The Word Progress on My Mother's Lips . . . - Trap Door Theatre

Scenic Design
Aam Veness - The Light in the Piazza - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre
Amanda Rozmiarek - The Price - Raven Theatre
Bob Knuth - The Women - Circle Theatre
Jack Magaw and Kimberly Senior - Bug - Redtwist Theatre
Ray Toler - Bus Stop - Raven Theatre

Lighting Design
Jared Moore - Lighthousekeeping - New Leaf Theatre
Jared Moore - Sophocles: Seven Sicknesses - The Hypocrites
Kevin D. Gawley - Hunger - Lifeline Theatre
Lee Keenan - Spring Awakening - Griffin Theatre Company
Lee Keenan - The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek - Eclipse Theatre Company
Mac Vaughey - The Ugly One - Sideshow Theatre Company

Costume Design
Aly Renee Amidei - The Count of Monte Christo - Lifeline Theatre
Elizabeth Wislar - A Little Night Music - Circle Theatre
Elizabeth Wislar - The Women - Circle Theatre
Jacqueline Firkins - Cyrano - The House Theatre of Chicago
****Jesus Perez - Urinetown the Musical - Circle Theatre

Sound Design
Christopher Kriz - Bug - Redtwist Theatre
****Christopher Kriz - Opus - Redtwist Theatre
Christopher Kriz - The Count of Monte Christo - Lifeline Theatre
****Mikhail Fiksel - Watership Down - Lifeline Theatre
Thomas Dixon - The Sea - Theatre Mir

Artistic Specialization
Magic Design - Brett Schneider - The Spirit Play - The Strange Tree Group
Percussion - Casey Baker, Kevin O'Donnell, Mike Przygoda - Moby-Dick - The Building Stage
****Puppet, Mask and Video Design - Joanna Iwanicka - Watership Down - Lifeline Theatre
Properties/Set Dressing - Mary O'Dowd - The Price - Raven Theatre
Make Up / Gore Design - Mary Williamson and Christine Conley - Sophocles: Seven Sicknesses - The Hypocrites
Video Design and Cinematography - Nivan Yahaghi and Amanda Clifford - cinematography - We Live Here - Theatre Seven of Chicago
****Music Coach - Zhanna Bullock - Opus - Redtwist Theatre

Dialect Coaching
Anita Deely - Old Times - Strawdog Theatre Company
****Elise Kauzlaric - Punk Rock - Griffin Theatre Company
Eve Breneman - The Light in the Piazza - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre 

Congrats to all the nominees and winners!   You make Chicago a richer and more wonderous city.

For further info about the Jeff Awards, check out their main site here.

Knot Fest--Metal Bands and Dark Circus Arts Invade Council Bluffs, IA and Minneapolis

LINEUP REVEALED FOR FIRST-EVER

KNOTFEST

WITH SLIPKNOT, DEFTONES, LAMB OF GOD, DETHKLOK, SERJ TANKIAN, CANNIBAL CORPSE, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, THE URGE, PRONG, GOJIRA AND MORE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 17 IN COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18 IN SOMERSET, WI/MINNEAPOLIS, MN

TICKETS ON-SALE FRIDAY, JUNE 8  AT 10AM EDT

VIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE

TWO-DATE FESTIVAL

A CONCERT EXPERIENCE TO AWAKEN YOUR DARKEST SENSES

Step into an apocalyptic underworld where firebreathers, nightmarish creatures on stilts, fire and percussive light, and stunning visuals set the stage for anintoxicating and unforgettably sinister concert experience. The first-ever KNOTFEST--an extraordinary two-date metal and hard rock festival--will feature performances from SLIPKNOT, DEFTONES, LAMB OF GOD, DETHKLOK, SERJ TANKIAN, CANNIBAL CORPSE, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, THE URGE, PRONG, GOJIRA and more. KNOTFEST will debut in the heart of America on Friday, August 17 in Council Bluffs, IA at Mid America Motorplex and Saturday, August 18 in Somerset, WI/Minneapolis, MN at Somerset Amphitheater. A list of artists performing at each date is available online at: www.knotfest.com.

“KNOTFEST is a chance for us to bring the sensory-overload of a wild European carnival fest to the heart of America,” explains Slipknot’s M. Shawn Crahan (Clown). “We’re thrilled to delve deep into our catalogue and play a long set for fans. This festival is meant to be touched, felt, smelled and experienced by everyone on top of seeing an amazing day of rock and metal.”

Featuring two heavy-hitting stages of hard music, KNOTFEST will create an intoxicating spectacle, as fans descend into a decadent apocalyptic underworldfeaturing circus big-top tents, pillars of fire, and amusement park rides--including the legendary Ring of Fire carnival ride (Saturday only)--while maskedperformers, firebreathers and nightmarish stilt-walkers roam the festival grounds. Interactive graffiti walls and a drum circle made of junkyard cars willentertain fans and artists alike in the immersive, dark apocalyptic atmosphere. Upon entering the gates, sinister surprises including a Slipknot museum and powerful, vibrant art installations await around every corner for fans to discover and explore.

Tickets for KNOTFEST go on-sale Friday, June 8 at 10:00 AM EDT at the festival’s website, Ticketmaster and the box office. GA tickets and a limited number of VIP packages will be available with amenities ranging from early entrance, a shaded VIP bar and lounge with a main stage viewing area (21+ only), VIP catered meals, preferred parking and a meet and greet with Slipknot. To view all ticket and VIP options for both dates, visit: www.knotfest.com.

Visit www.knotfest.com, www.facebook.com/KNOTFEST and www.twitter.com/KNOTFEST for the most-up-to-date information.

KNOTFEST:

DATE                         CITY                                                   VENUE

Fri       8/17                Council Bluffs, IA                            Mid America Motorplex                  

Sat      8/18                Somerset, WI/Minneapolis, MN      Somerset Amphitheater