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Friday, August 10, 2012

Wicked Wild Wizard World Comic Con 2012 #Photo Filled Recap


ChiIL Mama's Adventures at Comic Con 2012


We had a blast at Wizard World Comic Con 2012 Thursday.   This show is massive, with something for all ages.   Steampunk costume pieces abound, and collectors and autograph hounds will have a field day.   There's also a robust "Artist's Alley" where you can see illustrators in action, and numerous authors are available for book signings.


   


Vintage toy and comic collectors as well as gamers can gather and geek out all weekend.   



The people watching's prime!

We went last year--you can check out our 2011 photo filled recaps here and our hints about kids' day this Sunday.



Thursday, my kids were elated to find an Elope Dragon hat & Totoro backpack.   We've been searching for both for a year, after they sold out locally.   We also got some rockin' steampunk goggles, 2 blind box punk unicorn collectable characters, 2 tiny steampunk hats and a Skelanimals backpack.




There are loads of unique, hand made items.   Our fam has called all barrettes, clips and hair hoo-has "hair babies" since Sagezilla was 3 and had some wooden doll heads on bands.   So, we were amused by these actual hair babies.



Space....the final frontier.   Get in a relaxing space and ChiIL Out at Wizard World Comic Con.



Pros of going on a week day....crowds were down, so we got first pick of the merch and could move quickly or spend time getting more in depth info from the vendors.

Cons of going on a week day....crowds were down, so we didn't get as many outrageously cool costume shots as we do on Comic Con weekends. 



Must See:

Chevy is everywhere!    Stop by their booth front n center--ya can't miss it.   Fill out a short form and leave with some hot shades and a chance to win some serious cool cash!!
   

"Skully Business"






Pricey Favorites we wish we coulda' bought but restrained ourselves:



I dig their symbol, too.   Kinda like a sweet celtic tat version of those plastic dealies that went in the center of 45's back in the day...


We're all about the UtiliKilt.   In fact we were just on their web site Wed night, drooling over the cool styles and colors.   Then there they magically were at Wizard World.   What can I say...  I dig dudes in skirts and have a soft spot for Scots.   Price range $200-$525.


You can enter on their web site to win one free, but only if you've already got one.   Sigh.   You've gotta photograph yourself in it (complete with feet) and send the shots in with a cool back story, for your chance to win one.  



Xtra hot with punk boots--can I win one for taking a picture of HIM in it...including the feet?!   There's gotta be some loop hole...





h. NAOTO
Upscale Anime Punk Boutique Fashions from Japan





This kitten's got style.  Meee Yow!   I'd love to fill my closet with these dark, Japanese goth goodies.  











They also have a web site right here with some sweet deals that'll make you puuuurrrrrrrr.   




  

To the bat cave!!   Wizard World Comic Con 2012 will be gone after Sunday, so go already!   Then check back with ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL....early and often.   We'll have more Top Picks and Must See Tips for Wizard World all weekend!

Facets Film Happenings

Starting Friday, August 10th
A SIMPLE LIFE        
 
Ah Tao is a domestic helper who has worked as maid and nanny for several generations of the Leung family since her teens. Over the 60 years that Ah Tao dedicated to serving the household, elders passed away, children were born and grew up, and most members of the family emigrated. She now takes care of Roger, a bachelor film producer and the last family member to remain in Hong Kong. One day, Ah Tao falls ill when preparing supper. In the evening, Roger returns from a trip and finds the aging servant unconscious after a stroke. But life without Ah Tao makes Roger begin to realize just how important she is to him and he decides to look after the woman who has nursed him all his life. The two grow closer to each other, and their mutual affection brings solace and contentment to their lives. More Info  
Facets Film Portal
  
FREE FILMS ONLINE @ FACETS FILM PORTAL 

 Facets Multi-Media's mission is to preserve, to present, and to distribute independent, world, and classic film, and to educate adults and children in the art and legacy of film.

Facets Film Portal extends that mission by scouring the web for streaming films that have fallen through the cracks, and presenting our discoveries daily. Feel free to search, to watch, to discuss, and to suggest what would make your experience better.  More Info 
 
Facets in the Community
 
Facets Town Hall Meeting 
August 13, 2012    
The movie theatre needn't be a violent place.
   
Please join us on Monday, August 13, at 7pm for a Town Hall Meeting on the issues of movies and violence at Facets, 1517 West Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614.

Please RSVP by clicking the link below.  You can also contact event coordinator Mary Hayes at mary@facets.org or at (773) 281-9075 ext. 3076.

The discussion will begin with a distinguished panel moderated by Gretchen Helfrich, host of WBEZ's Odyssey program.

As a non-profit organization with a 37-year commitment to creative children's programming, we strongly feel that a national debate about the culture of violence needs to lead to positive solutions. The tragic event in Colorado makes immediate action essential.

We look forward to having you join us on August 13th.  RSVP   
Facets Film Fun
 
FACETS 2012 FILM-LYMPICS  
August 2 - August 16 
Pretty much like the regular Olympics, only YOU decide who gets the gold!

In the spirit of the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games, we at Facets are hosting some games of our own. Today and next Monday we will post 3 competing movie titles and their trailers on our Facebook page for your viewing and judging pleasure. Also, you can compete directly for Olympic Glory by sponsoring your favorite film to be the "Phelps of the Film World", for our Closing Ceremony, which will at long last definitively determine the top three films ever made (professional film critics and list-makers, start looking for a new day job). Check out Facets Facebook page or click here for more info:  More Info

This Week's Recommended Rentals:  
Mars Attacks!    

As America follows the adventures of the latest craft to explore Mars, Facets digs into the red planet on film. Well, sort of.
Watch out for Martians!

 
     

Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964)
Daniel Defoe's castaway adventure novel reworked into a masterful sci-fi flick that boasts great special effects, sprawling Techniscope lensing, and piercing Technicolor footage of the Death Valley locations.  

Aelita: Queen of Mars (1924)
A Moscow engineer designs a spaceship and travels to Mars to meet the woman who haunts his dreams. He succeeds but finds himself embroiled in a Martian proletarian uprising.. 

Christmas on Mars (2008)  
The frontman of The Flaming Lips, Wayne Coyne, takes to directing with this experimental sci-fi freak-out about the first space station on Mars preparing for the first Martian baby to be born during the first Martian holiday.

Visit our rentals website for these selections and more. 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Gorilla Tango Burlesque at Chicago Comic Con August 9 – 12


Photo by Jason Brown; L-R: Phaedra Black as The Penguin and Crystal Paradise as Robin and Marie Curieosity as Batman


Wanna monkey around after Chicago Comic Con?   If you're 18+ you'll go ape for Gorilla Tango Burlesque.   Didn't get your fill of spandex and scantily clad super heroes at Wizard World?   Then Gorilla Tango's talent are your go to gals for a flirty & nerdy, wicked & witty night out.



Check out ChiIL Live Shows Gorilla Tango Reviews here:

Dark Comedy Full House Musical Horribly Wrong In All The Right Ways

ChiIL Live Shows had a chance to check out Superboobs:   A Superhero Burlesque Adventure and also Attend The Tale of Danny Tanner:  A Full House Musical.    


Their Burlesque is playful, grrrl powered fun for couples or a night out.   All body types are represented, not just sleek, airbrushed Barbie types.   Most of all, the actors look like they're having a great time, thoroughly enjoying their campy parodies.   Seeing a Gorilla Tango Burlesque show is kinda like spying on a girly slumber party or 21+ kids playing R rated charades with a costume bin.


There's even a lobby bar!    Gorilla Tango is not just hooters.....their shows are a hoot....clever, smart, sexy spoofs.    Come check 'em out.    Highly recommended adult fun.


We're super stoked  Attend The Tale of Danny Tanner:  A Full House Musical has been extended yet again!!  Check the below for show dates and times. This show was horribly wrong in ALL the right ways.   I haven't laughed this hard in ages.  The audience was on the floor laughing from the time the opening number echoed forth.  


The actors' parodies were so funny I can't believe the cast actually made it through the whole show without cracking, though I saw a few tell tale facial twitches.   Attend the tale....before it's too late.   If you drove, you might want to forgo the lobby bar on this one...lest someone in the audience gets any ideas!   There's always the blue line el--Western stop a short walk away.    However you get there, go already.  Check out more details about Attend The Tale of Danny Tanner here.

Completely sold out since it hit the ground running in May, ATTEND THE TALE OF DANNY TANNER: A FULL HOUSE MUSICAL has been extended yet again! It will perform TUESDAYS at 7:30pm, August 14 & 21, and September 4-25,2012. Tickets are $15; on line HERE or 773-598-4549 for tickets and more info.


Gorilla Tango at Wizard World Comic Con

Looking to hang with your favorite Gorilla Tango Burlesque (GTB) performer? Want an awesome picture of you and your best buddies with The Joker, Obi Wan Kenobi or Princess Peach? Drop on by and visit GTB at Chicago Comic Con Wizard World Convention! Gorilla Tango Burlesque will be at the famed comic and entertainment convention all weekend long and will feature a ‘photo booth’ where you can take free photographs with your favorite scantily clad superhero or fantasy character! Look for us on the convention floor – we’ll be the ones with the bright lights bouncing off of sexy C3P0s! Come by for free autographs, free photographs and free fun!

Also to note: during the convention the following Gorilla Tango Burlesque shows will be performing:


HOOTER RANGERS: A SPICY MORPHIN' BURLESQUE - performing Fridays at 9pm (Bucktown Venue)


TEMPLE OF BOOBS: AN INDIANA JONES BURLESQUE - performing Fridays at 10:30pm (Bucktown Venue)


Photo by Greg Inda; Diva LaVida as Obi Wan Kenobi.

A NUDE HOPE: A STAR WARS BURLESQUE - performing Saturdays at 9:00pm (Bucktown Venue)



Photo by K.Leo: Slightly Spitfire as Superman/Clark Kent

SUPERBOOBS: A SUPERHERO BURLESQUE ADVENTURE - performing Saturdays at 10:30pm (Bucktown Venue)
and



Photo by Jason Brown. Kali CandyKiss as Catwoman


HOLY BOUNCING BOOBIES: A BATMAN BURLESQUE – performing Saturdays at 9pm (Skokie Venue)
Tickets are $20; must be 18 or over. For tickets or more info click HERE, visit  or call 773-5984549.




MORE ABOUT GORILLA TANGO BURLESQUE

Over the past year and a half, Gorilla Tango Burlesque has gone from the debut of the surprise hit “Boobs & Goombas: A Super Mario Burlesque” in Ocotober 2010 to a local burlesque/comedy powerhouse with literally thousands of audience members through the door to see unique burlesque parodies of everything from Star Wars to Indiana Jones, from superheroes to 1990s pop-culture phenomenon -- and that's just a small selection of what they have available for-- as their slogan states-- "the Discerning Nerd." GTB will be debuting HOLY BOUNCING BOOBIES: A BATMAN BURLESQUE at its new venue, Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre (7924 Lincoln Avenue, Skokie IL 60077) on Saturdays at 9pm beginning August 4th and continuing through September. Also, look for A Walking Dead burlesque parody coming this Fall!

MORE ABOUT Chicago Comic Con Wizard World Convention
Wizard World, Inc. produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premiers, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests. Wizard World, Inc. also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide. Chicago Comic Con will take place August 9-12, 2012 at Donald E. Stephen Convention Center (Rosemont). For more information, click here.


Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) provides year-round theatrical venues where audiences of all ages can consistently go to see a wide variety of talented artists. GTT exists to provide artists with an opportunity to produce their work in professional environment. GTT was created by Dan Abbate and boasts two venues: an 80-seat performance space in Bucktown and a 150-seat performance space in Skokie. 


GTT Bucktown is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GTT is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #73 Armitage and #56 Milwaukee buses. Street parking is readily available.  Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre is located in the heart of Downtown Skokie; street and lot parking available. With shows for all ages, all GTT performances are on a rating system, similar to the one used in movie theatres. GTT offers a variety of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for show details, rating information, tickets, and more.


Photo by K.Leo: L-R, Lacey Lay (Fish), Coco Rufus (Goomba), Lily e'Claire (Luigi), Sweet Ginger Rose (Princess Peach), Coo d'Twat (Mario), Hazel Hellbender (Chomper), Diva LaVida (kneeling - Toad), and Penelope Paddedbustle (Turtle).

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

North Coast Photo Filled Coverage & Final After Parties Announced #NCMF



The Third Annual
NORTH COAST MUSIC FESTIVAL
“Summer’s Last Stand”
***Final After Parties Announced***
***After Parties Open to General Public***
***Three-Day Passes Sold Out***
***Single Days & After Party Tickets Still Available***
***Toast of the Coast Finalists & Competition***
***MixMag***
***GroupMe***

Now that we're done Lollin' about Grant Park for 2012, it's time to Rock Union Park and get your fest buzz on AGAIN.   Check out ChiIL Live Shows/ChiIL Mama for great, photo filled North Coast coverage, starting with past years right here.





  


North Coast Music Festival is thrilled to announce the final batch of official after parties! Joining the already amazing line ups are DOCTOR P, ALESSO, ELIOT LIPP, PAUL OAKENFOLD, FELIX da HOUSECAT, EOTO, and more!

Head to Clubtix.com for more information and tickets!

Friday
  • ·      Eliot Lipp, The Coop, & Thibault at Bottom Lounge – Tix
  • ·      Paul Oakenfold at Transit – Tix


Saturday
  • ·      Alesso at the Mid  Tix
  • ·      Doctor P and EOTO at Congress – Tix
  • ·      Felix da Housecat at Bottom Lounge – TIX


Three Day Passes Sold Out!
North Coast Music Festival is excited to announce that three-day passes have completely sold out! Luckily, single day passes are still available, exclusively through Clubtix.com! Single day passes are moving fast, so don’t hesitate to purchase tickets any longer! Head to Clubtix.com for more information!

After Party Tickets Open to General Public!
After letting the dedicated fans of North Coast Music Festival purchase tickets to the after parties first, we’ve opened up the after parties to the general public! You can purchase tickets now exclusively at Clubtix.com!

Toast of the Coast
The third annual Toast of the Coast contest, presented by Dos Equis, would like to thank everyone who participated! We were overwhelmed with the enthusiasm and talent from all those you entered. North Coast Music Festival would like to congratulate the following finalists: The Palmer Squares, Banksthegenius, Flow Theory, Second City Citizens, Supreme Regime, Vapor Eyes, The Reverend Funk Connection, Indigo sun, Danny Grooves, and Digeometric!

Tuesday, August 7th, head to the MID to check out the freshest talent the Midwest has to offer as they compete for a chance to play one of the main stages at North Coast Music Festival! This event is completely free with RSVP, head to Clubtix.com for more details!

MIXMAG
North Coast Music Festival is absolutely thrilled to partner with one of the biggest dance music publications, MixMag! You can now get it on your iPad or iPhone. Get your first issue free, including a FREE DJ mix from  North COast Music Festival 2012 artist Maya Jane Coles. 

Just click here for details: [http://www.mixmag.net/digital]

GROUPME
Tired of losing your fellow coasties at Union Park? Stay in touch with your friends at the festival and receive updated information from the festival exclusively through Groupme! Head here (https://groupme.com/northcoast) for more information!

Be sure to check out all the amenities for the Dos Equis VIP Experience here.

If you’re interested in getting involved in promotional opportunities, or if you would like to cover the festival, please contact Zach Partin atpress@northcoastfestival.com.

Tickets are available now at Clubtix.com!

Union Park
1501 West Randolph
Chicago, IL 60607
Noon | All Ages

Wizard World Through The Magic of Smart Phones


Wizard World Unveils Mobile App In Time For Chicago Comic Con

Breaking News Today--Schedules, Profiles, News, Photos, Maps, Notifications And More Just A Tap Away

Now druids and droids can work in harmony!   So make sure your super hero spandex has a smart phone pocket.   ChiIL Live Shows/ChiIL Mama will be there again this year, to bring you loads of photo filled coverage. 


Just in time for its longest-running and most-attended show, Wizard World today unveiled the “Official Wizard World Comic Con App,” a must-have for attendees to get the most out of events before, during and after each show, beginning with Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, August 9-12 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill.  

The free app is available for smartphones running on iOS or Android, in the App Store (Apple) and Google Play.

The Official Wizard World Comic Con App serves as a robust event guide for convention attendees, as well as a way for fans to connect with each other and learn about what's new with Wizard World year round.  Some of the standout features include:

  • Event schedule, with days, times and details of programming, photo ops, VIP events and more.  Attendees can mark their favorites and share with friends on Facebook and Twitter
  • Push notifications of programming updates and contests
  • Celebrity and artist profiles
  • Convention Map
  • Handy ticketing function for upgrades and upcoming events
  • Exhibitor specials and profiles
  • Photos and videos updated from the show floor
  • News and info from Wizard World's Twitter, Facebook and Blogs
Features will be added as the app grows, and fans are encouraged to let Wizard World know which they enjoy most and which new ones would be helpful.

“The app is a great way for attendees to keep up with all the fun activities going on at Wizard World shows and to be a part of our shows year round,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World CEO.  “We think it's a good start and we look forward to feedback from attendees and other fans as to how to make it serve them even better.”

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2012 DATES *****


August 9-12, 2012 – Wizard World Chicago Comic Con
September 29-30, 2012 – Wizard World Ohio Comic Con
October 26-28, 2012 – Wizard World Austin Comic Con
November 30 - December 2, 2012 – Wizard World New Orleans Comic Con
TBD, 2013 – Wizard World Toronto Comic Con
May 30 - June 2, 2013 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

Chicago Dancing Festival-Fabulous Free Fun 8/20-25






IN JUST 2 WEEKS –
CHICAGO DANCING FESTIVAL
KICKS OFF 6TH SEASON OF FREE DANCE EVENTS

·       80 Chicagoans take the stage in BOLERO CHICAGO
·       Students from AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS perform a World Premiere tribute to Maggie Daley

·       6 Days of events offer FOUR PERFORMANCES, a day of DANCE FILMS and an interactive SOCIAL DANCE LESSON

August 20 – 25, 2012


The final program line-up is set for the annual Chicago Dancing Festival, taking place at venues across downtown Chicago August 20–25.  The Festival, co-produced by renowned choreographer/Chicago native Lar Lubovitch and esteemed Chicago dancer Jay Franke, enters its sixth season, expanded this year to six consecutive days of dance events that are all completely free.

“The Chicago Dancing Festival continues to grow as one of the country’s most amazing dance showcases, bringing the best dancers and choreography from around the world to our stages,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “The Festival enriches life throughout the city and in our neighborhoods, and shines a global spotlight on the wonderful culture that Chicago has to offer.”

Highlights of the 2012 Chicago Dancing Festival (CDF) include the premiere of Bolero Chicago, choreographed by New York-based innovator Larry Keigwin and starring 80 non-dancer members of the Chicago public.  Created over a two-week residency and set to Maurice Ravel’s iconic “Bolero,” Bolero Chicago uses movement generated by the cast members themselves to exemplify Chicago’s unique culture and style.  Another highlight is the Festival debut of After School Matters’ Hip Hop Culture Dance Ensemble performingTouch of Soul, a new work by contemporary choreographer Nicholas Leichter, commissioned by the Festival to honor the memory and legacy of beloved arts champion and former Chicago First Lady, Maggie Daley.  Additionally, local troupe Giordano Dance Chicago makes its Festival debut with Two Become Three, a humorous duet about the arc of romance by contemporary Swedish choreographer Alexander Ekman, also a Festival commission.

Three different performance showcases featuring top ballet and modern dance professionals from Chicago and across the country, a look at Chicago’s ever-evolving dance community in an informative lecture-demonstration, a day-long screening of dance films that feature collaborations between dance artists, filmmakers and musicians, and an interactive social dancing lesson all complete the week’s offerings.  The Festival culminates with it signature Grand Finale on the stunning outdoor stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

CHICAGO DANCING FESTIVAL 2012 SCHEDULE

Monday, August 20, 7:00 pm – “Chicago Dancing”
Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive
·        After School Matters Hip Hop Culture Dance Ensemble, Touch of Soul, a new work by Nicholas Leichter (CDF commission)
·        Bolero Chicago by Larry Keigwin (Chicago Premiere)
·        Giordano Dance ChicagoTwo Become Three by Alexander Ekman (CDF commission)
·        Hubbard Street Dance ChicagoScarlatti by Twyla Tharp
·        The Joffrey BalletIn the Middle, Somewhat Elevated by William Forsythe

Tuesday, August 21 – “Dancing Movies”
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Avenue
Curated by Sarah Best  
·      12 – 8 pm (concurrent in the MCA lobby) – All is Not Lost (2012), a dance-film collaboration between Grammy® Award-winning pop band OK GoPilobolus Dance Theatreand director Trish Sie, places band members and Pilobulus dancers in a playful and surreal human kaleidoscope.

·     ** 12 pm and 5:45 pm – Fanfare for Marching Band (2012), directed by Daniele Wilmouth with choreography by Chicago’s own Peter Carpenter and starring circus punk marching band Mucca Pazza, this fantasy short follows the adventures of a ragtag musical militia.   



·      12:15 pm and 4 pm – Feature-length documentary First Position (2011), directed by Bess Kargman, follows six talented ballet hopefuls through preparation and competition in one of the most prestigious youth ballet competitions in the world, the Youth America Grand Prix.


·      2 pm and 6 pm – Academy Award®-nominated documentary PINA (2011), made by Wim Wenders in collaboration with the dancers of the Tanztheater Wuppertal, captures the emotional intensity and unique aesthetic of German post-modern dance pioneer Pina Bausch.

Wednesday, August 22, 7:30 pm – “Dancing East & West of Chicago”
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway
·        Ballet ArizonaRubies by George Balanchine
·        Brian Brooks Moving CompanyDescent by Brian Brooks (Chicago Premiere)
·        Martha Graham Dance Company, Chronicle by Martha Graham
·        Pacific Northwest Ballet guest artists Lesley Bausch and Seth Orza, Afternoon of a Faun by Jerome Robbins
·        Stars of San Francisco Ballet Sofiane Sylve and Vito Mazzeo, The Sleeping Beauty (pas de deux) by Marius Petipa

Thursday, August 23, 6 pm – “Dancing Under the Stars”
Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Avenue
·        Chicago Dancing Festival partners with SummerDance Chicago for an evening of participatory dancing as people of all ages and skill levels come together on a 4,900 square-foot, open-air dance floor for an introductory one-hour dance lesson, followed by music and dancing.  This evening begins with a Polka Dance lesson by Paul Collins followed by dancing to the beats of Joe Walega and the Happy Hearts Orchestra with instruction from Ethnic Dance Chicago.

Friday, August 24, 6 pm – “Chicago Now”
Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Avenue
  • A discussion on the current state of dance in Chicago will be moderated by journalist and former dancer Zac Whittenburg, featuring a panel of distinguished Chicago dance leaders, including Lane Alexander (Chicago Human Rhythm Project), Ron De Jesús (Ron De Jesús Dance), Carrie Hanson (The Seldoms) and Julie Nakagawa(DanceWorks Chicago).  The program will include brief performances by The Seldoms, Ron De Jesús Dance and FootworKINGz. 

Saturday, August 25, 7:30 pm – “Celebration of Dance”
Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park
·        After School Matters Hip Hop Culture Dance Ensemble, Touch of Soul by Nicholas Leichter
·        Bolero Chicago by Larry Keigwin
·        Houston BalletDrink to Me Only With Thine Eyes by Mark Morris (performed with live music)
·        Hubbard Street Dance ChicagoTabula Rasa (first movement) by Ohad Naharin
·        Martha Graham Dance CompanySteps in the Street (excerpt from Chronicle) by Martha Graham
·        Stars of New York City Ballet Ana Sophia Scheller and Gonzalo Garcia, Don Quixote (pas de deux) by Marius Petipa
·        Stars of San Francisco Ballet Sofiane Sylve and Vito Mazzeo, Continuum (pas de deux) by Christopher Wheeldon

All programs are subject to change.

Ticket Information
All events are free but tickets for the indoor performance showcases (Harris Theater, Auditorium Theatre and MCA) are reserved in advance.  Tickets for these shows became available July 17 and “sold out” within hours, however wait-lines begin at each venue one hour prior to the performance and tickets unclaimed within 15 minutes of the curtain time will be released to those in the wait-line.  No tickets are needed for the “Dancing Movies” screenings at the MCA, the “Dancing Under the Stars” program at Grant Park, or the outdoor “Celebration of Dance” finale performance at the Pritzker Pavilion.  Anyone unable to attend one of the indoor performance showcases is encouraged to take part in one of these three non-ticketed events.

Prima Parti
Following the performance of “Chicago Dancing” at the Harris Theater will be the “Prima Parti” opening night after-party.  Tickets are $200 per person and can be purchased by emailing primaparti@chicagodancingfestival.com or by calling 773-609-CDF5 (2335).  “Prima Parti” attendees will enjoy VIP seating for the performance followed by cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and the chance to mingle with the professional artists in the Harris Theater Rooftop Tent.

About the Chicago Dancing Festival
The Chicago Dancing Festival was founded in 2006 to elevate awareness of dance in Chicago, to increase accessibility to the art form and to provide inspiration for local artists.  Its mission is to present a wide variety of excellent dance, enrich the lives of the people of Chicago, and provide increased accessibility to the art form, thereby helping create a new audience.  Its vision is to raise the national and international profile of dance in the city, furthering Chicago as a national and international dance destination. 

Past seasons have attracted new and returning audiences of thousands with the highest quality offerings in ballet and modern dance from companies from all across the nation and outside of the United States.  Since its inaugural event, more than 40 different companies have performed for 50,000+ audience members — growing from an audience of 8,500 in 2006 to more than 18,000 in 2011 — all with free admission. 

Lar Lubovitch (Founder, Artistic Director) is one of America's most versatile and highly acclaimed choreographers and founded the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company 44 years ago.  In the years since, he has choreographed more than 100 dances for his New York-based company, which has performed in nearly all 50 American states as well as in more than 30 foreign countries.  Born in Chicago, Lubovitch was educated at the University of Iowa and the Juilliard School in New York.

Jay Franke (Founder, Artistic Director) first danced with the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company in 2005.  Franke began his formal training at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas.  In 1993, he was selected as a Finalist for Presidential Scholar in the Arts and accepted into the Juilliard School.  Upon receiving his B.F.A. in Dance from the Juilliard School, Franke went to work with the Twyla Tharp Dance Company, “THARP!”.  Franke has since danced with The 58 Group, Lyric Opera Ballet Chicago, and most recently Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

The Chicago Dancing Festival is grateful for its 2012 supporters, including:  InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Official Hotel Partner; Chicago Sun-Times, Exclusive Media Sponsor; Museum of Contemporary Art; Harris Theater for Music and Dance; City of Chicago, Millennium Park; The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University; Jamie and Rob Taylor; David Herro and Jay Franke; UBS; Illinois Arts Council; National Endowment for the Arts; Art Works; The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust; The Chicago Community Trust; The Sun-Times Foundation; The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation through The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture.

For more information, please visit Chicago Dancing Festival.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

FIDLAR Video Interview-Playing LIVE @Lollapalooza Today at 1PM #lolla



Like The Pixies and Social D?  Come check out So-Cal skate punks, FIDLAR, at Lollapalooza at 1pm TODAY (Sat).  Also check out our live show photos from their Wednesday night show at Lincoln Hall right here.   They're just coming off a string of sold out Chi-Town shows at Lincoln Hall, Double Door and Subterranean!!

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