Behind The Scenes at Cirque du Soleil's Dralion #behind the scenes photos

ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows original behind the scenes shots-Dralion, Chicago 2012.  Double click on the slide show to go to SmugMug and browse through the photos at your own rate.

ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows was thrilled to be invited to rehearsal and a private behind the scenes tour.  The care, creativity, talent, and attention to the smallest detail that makes Cirque du Soleil shows so stunning was even more apparent up close.   The grace, pageantry, live music, handmade costumes, stunningly original acts, and gorgeous set design are unrivaled.   

The clowns are a nod to good old fashioned physical comedy and Vaudeville Acts from days of old.   The aerials and acrobatics are a sophisticated, artistic, melding of not only Eastern and Western cultures but of traditional, ancient circus arts and modern twists.   If you're looking for death defying hype like motorcycles in a metal globe, head for Navy Pier and check out Cirque Shanghai.   If you have an appreciation for the finer things in life, the intricate beauty of Cirque du Soleil is well worth the price.

We've loved their shows for years and were happy to cover Ovo, shoot video interviews with the performers, and offer our readers tickets for Quidam and Dralion.  Check back in early and often.   *We have another original Dralion cast interview with Amanda Orozco, Goddess of the Air right here.  

If you missed our prior video interviews with acro-dance juggler extraordinaire, Vladik, and Dralion PR maven, Vanessa, click here.   We cover a LOT of circus arts and Cirque du Soleil has never failed to astonish us.    

ChiIL Mama's Favorite Dralion 2012 Fun Facts:

Back stage there's a trampoline, weights, a full gym, Spanish web, and outdoor sports gear for fun and fitness.  A number of the performers run together and  book races ranging from 5k's to triathlons that coincide with their show dates in a given town.   While in Chicago, various Dralion performers and crew ran in both a half marathon and a 5k the weekend of June 23rd/24th!!  

The globes are made of wood and hand painted in house

The silks for the bamboo pole act are hand painted, as are the costume fabric patterns which are unique to Dralion

New hats are traded out anywhere from approx. every 3 months for the hoop divers who are hard on their head pieces, to closer to once a year for others.   These fabulous headpieces were brand new when we got a sneak peek at the impressive wardrobe area.

Make some lasting family memories with this multicultural feast for the senses.  Hurry and book your tickets today.   Dralion is only in Chicago at The United Center through July 1!   Click here for tickets and more.

CHI, IL LIVE METAL TONIGHT-REGGIES & EMPTY BOTTLE

ChiIL Live Shows--Black Tusk-headliners at Ultra Lounge last March

Today's the day.   We gave you the heads up about both line ups weeks ago, but this is it.  ChiIL Live Shows will be catching up with Municipal Waste and Black Tusk for Video Interviews and we'll be shooting stills at their sets at Reggies.   Click here for tickets and all the details. 
18+
7pm
$15




MUNICIPAL WASTE 
Website

3 INCHES OF BLOOD

Website

BLACK TUSK

Website

WEEKEND NACHOS

Website

  

photo credit-Empty Bottle site

 

Then if we can still make it over to Empty Bottle, we plan to catch the end of:

Tonight!

Thu Jun 21 2012 9:00 PM

• Bongripper
• Winters In Osaka
• Bruce Lamont
• Akkolyte
• Machismo

$8 or Free with RSVP



ChiIL Live Shows--Black Tusk with Thou opening for Monstro at Ultra Lounge last November-Click here

Cirque du Soleil's Dralion Opens Tonight-Win 4 Free Tickets Right Here #Giveaway

ChiIL Mama/ ChiIL Live Shows has 4 free tickets to see Dralion THIS Saturday at 3:30pm at Allstate Arena, for one lucky reader!  



Enter right here through midnight this Thursday, for your chance to win, then check back Friday 6/22 when we'll announce our winner.

Spread the word and enter like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often!!   This one's short and sweet.

*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).  Entries accepted nationwide.   Enter like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   Winning rocks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

**Also enter to win 4 Tickets to Disney's Beauty and The Beast Musical--by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre by clicking right here.  You have 5 days left to enter.

We're so stoked to be heading out to Allstate Arena this afternoon to shoot some hoops--not basketball, but Cirque du Soleil style, at Dralion's rehearsal.  We'll likely even have another surprise performer video interview for you!  

Check out our original Dralion Interviews With Vanessa and Vladik here.

Check out ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows interview with Vanessa, Senior PR Spokesperson for Cirque du Soleil's Touring Shows.  She gave us the scoop on Dralion, the perfect show to see during 2012--the Chinese year of the Dragon!  See clips of Dralion performers in action and get the story behind the show right here.  Dralion is coming to both Allstate Arena and United Center in Chicago this summer, starting June 20th.

Click
here for our full prior Dralion coverage on Vanessa including upcoming
local philanthropy with CircEsteem, ticket purchasing links, and more.

Check out ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows exclusive interview with Vladik, juggler with Cirque du Soleil's Dralion.    It was truly a pleasure to chat with the 28 year old who was born into the Moscow Circus.   He now combines elements of acro and dance with his juggling routines.



Click here for our full prior Dralion Coverage on Vladik Then get your tickets today and make some Year of the Dragon memories!

Full Moon Fire Jam Summer Dates

Happy solstice.   Summer is officially here.   What better way to celebrate the season than Chi-Town's free, full moon fire jams.   These are family friendly, alcohol free, monthly outdoor meet ups with sweet pyrotechnics & drum jams.   Highly recommended!



Check out our photo filled past coverage by clicking here.



Here's the new website for full moon jam.   Check it out for all the details.

Month	Day of Week	Gather Time	Jam Start Time	Finish Time
July 2	** Monday	gather 7:3pm	jam starts 8:00pm	end 10:15pm
August 1	** Wednesday	gather 7:00pm	jam starts 7:30pm	end 10:15pm
August 30	** Thursday	gather 7:00pm	jam starts 7:30pm	end 10:15pm
September 30	Sunday	gather 7:00pm	jam starts 7:30pm	end 10:15pm
October 29	Monday	gather 7:00pm	jam starts 7:30pm	end 10:15pm

RIOT FEST SECOND WAVE ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENTS

  
ANDREW W.K., MINUS THE BEAR, NEON TREES, HOT WATER MUSIC, THE ADICTS, PEGBOY, IMAGINE DRAGONS, DEAD SARA AND MORE JOIN

OVER 40 ACTS INCLUDING:

RISE AGAINST, IGGY AND THE STOOGES, ELVIS COSTELLO, DESCENDENTS, JESUS AND MARY CHAIN, THE OFFSPRING, A DAY TO REMEMBER, DROPKICK MURPHYS MORE ARTISTS AND AFTER-PARTIES TO BE ANNOUNCED

 
Here at ChiIL Live Shows/ ChiIL Mama, Riot Fest is one of our all time, annual favorites!!   ChiIL Live Shows has been there every year since Riot Fest started!  Check out our live show shots from some of last years' best below.   This year looks to be even better, with an expanded outdoor fest component for the first time.   As always, the outdoor and Congress Shows are all ages.   Click here for our prior 2012 coverage.

Check out ChiIL Live Shows (free downloads, original pit photos, band video interviews and live show footage) and ChiIL Mama (alt punk parenting) for loads of coverage from Riot Fest 2010 & 2011.  Bring your punk kin & banger babies.   All Riot Fest shows are all ages unless stated otherwise.  If we can walk together why can't we rock together!  


Riot Fest 2011-ChiIL Live Shows original live show shots-click the links below:

Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg-AAA
Suicide Machines-AAA
X-Bottom Lounge
Social Distortion-Congress 
Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band-Congress 
7 Seconds-Bottom Lounge

http://www.chiilmama.com/2011/10/mellow-yellow-monday-chiilin-at-riot.html

http://www.chiilmama.com/2011/06/riot-fest-with-danzig-legacy-reunion.html







DAY-BY –DAY LINE UP ANNOUNCED FOR EIGHTH ANNUAL

RIOT FEST & CARNIVAL IN CHICAGO

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 AT CONGRESS THEATER,

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT HUMBOLDT PARK

**SINGLE DAY TICKETS ON SALE TODAY (WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20) AT 10:00 AM**


The day-by-day line-up for the RIOT FEST & CARNIVAL in Chicago is now revealed. Rise Against, Descendents, Coheed and Cambria, Dropkick Murphys, The Gaslight Anthem, Andrew W.K. (full band), Minus The Bear, Frank Turner and more lead the Saturday bill, while Iggy and the Stooges, Elvis Costello, A Day To Remember, Gogol Bordello, NOFX, Alkaline Trio, Jesus and Mary Chain and more close out Sunday night. The previously announced 30 acts will now be joined by Andrew W.K., Minus The Bear, Neon Trees, Hot Water Music, The Adicts, Pegboy, Imagine Dragons, Dead Sara, Fireworks, Henry Clay People, The Infected and many more to come (full line-up by day listed below).

Single-day tickets are on sale today at 10:00 AM at: www.riotfest.com/chicago.   2-day passes and 3-day passes which include all shows at Humboldt Park and Congress Theater as well as after-parties are now nearly sold-out. VIP passes, which include private stage-viewing areas, drinks and more options, are available at: www.riotfest.org/chicago.

 

Last month RIOT FEST & CARNIVAL announced it will expand for the first-time ever into an outdoor music event and carnival in 2012 in its hometown of Chicago. The festival is set for Friday, September 14 at Congress Theater and Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16 on the beautiful grounds of Humboldt Park which boasts rolling fields, pavilions, tall trees, picturesque gardens a lake and lagoons with a majestic view of the Chicago skyline. 

Flanked by a handful of hip neighborhoods including Wicker Park and the Division Street corridor, Humboldt Park will accommodate the large carnival atmosphere featuring three main music stages, thrilling rides, games, vendors and gourmet food trucks on the park grounds with stunning views of downtown Chicago. With temperatures averaging around a perfect 75°F/24°C, September is one of Chicago’s most popular months for travelers from all over the world.

The day-to day breakdown for RIOT FEST & CARNIVAL in Chicago is as follows:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 at Congress Theater: The Offspring; Neon Trees; Pegboy; Dead Sara.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 in Humboldt Park: Rise Against, Descendents, Coheed and Cambria, Dropkick Murphys, The Gaslight Anthem, Slapstick, Hot Water Music, Andrew W.K., Minus The Bear, Less Than Jake, GWAR, August Burns Red, Frank Turner, The Adicts, Nobunny, A Whilhelm Scream, Teenage Bottlerocket, Screaming Females, Off With Their Heads, Deals Gone Bad, Larry and His Flask, The Story So Far, Environmental Encroachment, Fireworks and more to be announced.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 in Humboldt Park: Iggy and the Stooges, Elvis Costello, A Day To Remember, Gogol Bordello, NOFX, Alkaline Trio, The Jesus and Mary Chain, AWOLNATION, The Promise Ring, Chiodos, Built To Spill, Imagine Dragons, Reverend Horton Heat, Fishbone, Screaming Females, White Mystery, The Henry Clay People, Sister Crayon, Japanther, The Infected, Environmental Encroachment and more to be announced.

Now in its eighth year RIOT FEST–the music festival which celebrates rock, indie, punk and underground artists from every era--recently announced the festival will head to multiple cities including next month’s Philadelphia, PA show July 19 at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, Brooklyn, NY on September 8 at Williamsburg Park, Toronto, ON on September 9 at Fort York: Garrison Common and Dallas, TX on September 22 at Gexa Energy Pavilion. Previously announced Riot Fest 2012 shows include next and the flagship the 3-day RIOT FEST & CARNIVAL in Chicago, IL on September 14, 15 and 16 at Humboldt Park and Congress Theater. A wide array of confirmed talent is on tap for the RIOT FEST events in every city. For full lineups, visit: www.riotfest.org.

 

Follow ChiIL Live Shows, for original live show shots, original band video interviews, free tickets, downloads, and tour info for Chi, IL and beyond:

http://chiilliveshows.com/ subscribe by RSS or see us in your in box (sign up on the right side bar) 

ChiIL Live Shows Facebook Page

ChiIL Live Shows Twitter

For up to date information regarding all RIOT FEST events, follow online at:

www.riotfest.org

https://www.facebook.com/RiotFest1

http://twitter.com/#!/riotfest


About Riot Fest:

RIOT FEST is the brainchild of promoters Michael Petryshyn and Sean McKeough who launched the first Riot Fest in fall of 2005 throughout multiple music venues in Chicago, IL.  

Riot Fest brings fans of all ages together to celebrate rock, indie and punk from every era. The fest has become well-known for reuniting influential underground artists and has quickly become one of the top music destination festivals in the U.S. for fans.

Cubs Priceless Adventure-Mastercard #photo & video filled recap

When people ask me Cubs or Sox, I always say Blackhawks.   

So, even though hockey's on ice (or rather off ice) for the season, my heart still belongs to The Blackhawks.   I was surprised and happy to hear the old school Hawks theme song and see their iconic indian head represented on the screens between innings, when I went to see The Cubs play on 5/29 and 6/13.   



I even saw Hawks fans proudly showing their true colors among all the Cubbies red white & blue.   Maybe these hybrid Hawks/Cubs fans are "hubs", eh?  Better than the alternate.   Hee hee.

 

That said, when we were invited to a special Cubs day ON Wrigley Field with other members of the press, bloggers and Mastercard Priceless Cubs Pledge winners, we said an emphatic, YES!  




 


We were invited to:

*bat and catch with the coaches

*take a few swings in the batting cage behind the ivy, then keep a ball and get it signed by the coaches

  
 

*dine in style at the Stadium Club

*AND catch a free night game--Cubs V. Tigers

My kids tease me for saying WOO HOO and awesomely awesome......but even as a writer, I can't think of anything else that better sums up our day ON Wrigley Field.    It was indeed awesomely awesome!   Woo Hoo!!

Check out Du-Jay tossing a few balls and getting some great pointers from the pros!!






Then see him passing along his new found wisdom to little sister...priceless!

My Dad was born and raised in Rogers Park and has remained a life long Cubs fan since 1938.
  
 
       Here's my dad, Richard Rosene, as a child in the 40's


Even though he lives two states away now, he still fervently follows The Cubs.  He also fondly tells stories of taking the el down to games as a child in the 40's.  He remembers sitting in the bleacher seats and his dad buying the kids lemonade, but he never saw a game from anywhere but the cheap seats.  

His art work from April 1947--entitled "Ballgame" 

So, it was especially thrilling for him to see his grandson and granddaughter have a rockin' opportunity like this! 





 The kids dug being on the flipside of the infamous ivy....







 
 


And walking in the footsteps of the pros... 





They also enjoyed getting to keep a ball and get it signed by the coaches! 

It was a highlight getting photographs in "the circle" and hanging out with old and new blogger and press friends. 




 

Dinner was a huge hit....especially the carry out cups full of gummy bears and M & M's for the game. 
 

   

Sagezilla even got a chef's hat from the writer of "Reading Between the Vines".

   

You too can enter to win a priceless experience by submitting your own Cubs pledge & then proof, by clicking the link right here, but do it now.   The contest closes on June 24th!!    

 

It can be silly, embarrassing, humanitarian or hard to do.
  


Be creative.

I pledged to donate 1 bag of kids clothes and toys to a womens' shelter or soup kitchen for every Cubs win to date as of 6/13 (21).  We're filling 'em up and sharing our stuff.   I figure that good karma's a win win situation.   My husband's just thrilled we're clearing the clutter.

My kids are more likely to juggle a ball than hit one with a bat.    They're becoming accomplished circus performers with CircEsteem, Chicago's premier youth circus.  They offer sliding scale classes in circus arts to kids from all income levels and neighborhoods across Chicago.  The team kids have even done circus exchange programs with kids in Africa and Germany, trading off hosting and traveling abroad! 

When I asked Sagezilla (9) and Du-Jay (11) what they would pledge to do in support of The Cubs, they eagerly and excitedly planned a few circus tricks to do ON Wrigley Field.    That way their kid energy and enthusiasm will infuse the field and linger there, boosting the Cubs players' stamina, flexibility, and enthusiasm!!

Du-Jay (11) pledged to juggle 3 balls 20 times while Sagezilla (9) did back walkovers ON Wrigley Field.  See ChiIL Mama's kids fulfill their pledge right here!

*Disclosure:   Thanks a million to Mastercard for providing this opportunity for us.   The memories we made and the photos and video we shot that day are truly priceless!

Mucca Pazza-A Vodka Infused Woolly Good Time! #album review #live show shots

Mucca Pazza blew the roof off The Hideout last Tuesday, June 12th, in a sold out, sneak peek/album release party for Safety Fifth, now out on Electric Cowbell.   Check out their main site for more of a taste of Chi-Town's punk rock marching band.

ChiIL Mama has caught their head muckety muck, Mark Messing, for video interviews twice at Chicago Children's Theatre--once in a duo with Brian Selznick, author/illustrator of Hugo Cabret.  (Brian's book was the basis for Oscar Award winning hit movie, Hugo, and The Houdini Box play.)  

The other Mark Messing/ ChiIL Mama interview is in a duo with genius director, David Kersnar, in an amusingly Ernie and Bert-like bed interview on the set of Goodnight Moon!   Check them both out by clicking the links above.

Mark is the mad maestro and musical mastermind behind Mucca Pazza and the scores to numerous musicals and plays including the critically acclaimed Hunchback Variations.




Freaky Facts:

We shot the heck out of their live show, but didn't try to do anything as formal as an interview at The Hideout.   But I did have a few burning questions that Mark Messing and one of the girls were happy to enlighten me on.

ChiIL Live Shows:   Does anyone have their old uniforms from school bands they actually used to BE in back in the day?  

Mucca Girl:   Yeah, one guy does, but he has to remain anonymous because technically he stole it....  

CLS:  Where do the others all come from?   

Mucca Girl:   We've had good luck finding cheap ones on Ebay.   Sometimes when a band is doing new uniforms they'll contact us and ask if we want their old ones.   Or sometimes thrift stores.   The wool hats are handmade, new for us, though.  

CLS:  You must be roasting!  

Mucca Girl:   Yeah, I'm ready to change outta this!  Most of the costumes are wool and really hot.   I dry cleaned mine recently and it was still a little stinky.  

Mark Messing:   We spray all the costumes with Vodka, to keep down the funk.  

CLS:   Wow!   Vodka, huh.   Does that work?!  

Mucca Girl:   Not always, but it definitely helps.  

CLS:   Maybe with all that vodka soaked wool seeping into your pores, the costumes are still ripe, but you just don't notice or mind so much anymore, eh?  

 

There was plenty of funk (of the good kind) to go around at Hideout, and Mucca Pazza certainly didn't stink up the joint.


Space was at a premium and the band created some serious heat with their hot new material, but no one was complaining.   Mucca Pazza worked the space well--splitting the sizable (30 member) band to border three sides of the rectangular room, encompassing their captive audience and narrowly missing a few noggins with their brass trombones.  They even managed to "march" around a bit in the friendly confines....swapping sides and wending through the crowd.   I think I got goosed a couple of times by caution tape pom pom flinging cheerleaders.  Fun fun!   Been there...shot that...bought the t-shirt.

We snagged a press preview of their new album, Safety Fifth (Electric Cowbell), and have been thoroughly enjoying it!     

Mucca Pazza--Italian for crazy cow or mad cow--is always high energy, wabi sabi, and entirely endearing.   Over the years, we've seen them play to a zombie cast, rock out on top of a paper mache elephant?! and even march into a port-a-let with a sousaphone!!   They're a must see live, but they can't play every night.   And when you're jonesing for more Mucca, Safety Fifth can fill the void!

Their third disc can't help but make listeners grin ear to ear.   The drums and all the horns make the band, but we also dig all the eclectics like mandolin, glockenspiel, violin, and of course, the accordion.   Mucca Pazza defies easy classification with whiffs of New Orleans brass carousing around with Balkan folk, surf, reggae, marching band, gypsy, jazz, and the kitchen sink.   Mucca Pazza is....seriously talented musicians, being seriously funny, while having some serious fun.   Highly recommended.   Just don't lick the uniforms......

**Check them out SOON.   They're playing a FREE ALL AGES SHOW at Garfield Park Conservatory at 6:40 on 6/20.  Go already!!**