Kurman Staff At Chicago French Market's First "Bon Anniversaire"

The Kurman Communications staff celebrated Chicago French Market’s (131 N. Clinton St., Chicago) first “Bon Anniversaire” at the VIP reception that was held yesterday evening (Thursday, Dec. 16) at the market.

Sebastian Bensidoun, owner of Chicago French Market was on-site from Paris, France to greet and celebrate with attendees including Arlington Heights Mayor/Director of Metra, Arlene Mulder who spoke of her thoughts regarding Chicago French Market during a short opening speech, “My love for France and my love for trains have met,” says Mulder who travels to France every year. Other attendees included U.S. Equities CEO, Bob Wislow; Premium Espression COO, Joerg Oberschmied; Lisle Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, Julie LaFonda; Lisle Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Paula Gleason and French Embassy Trade Office Managing Director, Pierric Bonnard, among many others.

Attendees enjoyed champagne, hors d’oeuvres, sweets and a beautiful Croque en Bouche Arch de Triumphe (pictured) created by award-winning Chicago French Market artisan vendor Vanille Patisserie. Attendees also listened to the sounds of smooth jazz by Annalee Hoosen (sonicbids.com/annalee).

Chicago French Market continues on with the celebration this weekend. Help celebrate their first “Bon Anniversaire” during the two-day celebration in honor of Chicago’s first year-round, indoor market Friday, Dec. 17 until 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 18. Enjoy live music, drawings, and free tastings throughout Chicago French Market. Each day, 1,000 guests will receive a complimentary reusable tote bag, ideal for purchases made at one of the 30 artisan vendors. The market will open at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Chicago French Market vendors will distribute “scratch off cards” to customers for a chance to win gift certificates for the market.

Tomorrow’s (Saturday, Dec. 18) festivities: Santa Claus will be at the market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy cake cutting and refreshments at 1:30 p.m., and live entertainment from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Attendees are in for a treat as the LaSalle Academy Carolers will perform from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and two separate $300 gift certificates to L20, a Michelin three-star restaurant will be won in a drawing.

About Chicago French Market

Chicago French Market is a European-inspired market offering an array of local produce, meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheese, wine, chocolates, pastas, artisan-made goods, specialty drinks, flowers, prepared meals and a seating area for customers. Chicago French Market’s diverse group of local vendors stay open year-round, six days per week, and is located within the new MetraMarket development at 131 N. Clinton St. (between Washington and Randolph Streets). For more information, visit http://www.chicagofrenchmarket.com/.

Mayne Stage at Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest, August 21-22

Mayne Stage is participating in the 9th annual Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest in Rogers Park, Noon to 9 p.m., Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22.

The free, open-to-the-public, weekend-long arts festival features more than 100 artists, open studios and live entertainment on three outdoor stages. Guests experience music, theater, food and drink on the cobblestone streets of the Glenwood Avenue Arts District. Stop by the Mayne Stage booth to meet the team behind-the-scenes. Visit www.glenwoodave.org for more information.

To learn more about Mayne Stage, visit www.maynestage.com or call (773) 381-4554.

Fiera Italiana brings Italian culture, entertainment to Daley Plaza Oct. 5-9

In honor of Chicago’s rich Italian American heritage, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) is hosting Fiera Italiana from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., October 5 - 9 at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington Ave.). This outdoor festival-style event brings food, drink, performing arts, entertainment, fashion and more in celebration of the culture of Italy. The festivities will be the kick off to the tradition that is the annual Columbus Day Parade on October 12.

“This year, we have a new addition born from the passion and excitement that drives us,” says Jo Ann Serpico, President of the JCCIA. “Fiera Italiana contributes to the character and vitality of our Columbus Day extravaganza.”

Fiera Italiana, an open-to-the-public event, is an opportunity for the JCCIA along with assistance from area businesses, to share its mission and celebrate Italian American heritage. Live entertainment is planned for each day of the festival during the busy lunch hour between noon and 1 p.m. The midday entertainment kicks off Monday, October 5 with a live fashion show from ZZAZZ Productions under the direction of Italian American, Tracey Tarantino. The high energy fashion show features Italian runway music and professional models showcasing the designs of Italian designers like Paul Sisti and Melissa Serpico. Musical entertainment throughout the week includes performances by Paul Ciminello and young, up-and-comer singer/songwriter Franco Campanella, plus Paul Miuccio, Tony Spavone, Enzo Incandella and Paul Motondo.

In addition to top performers from the Chicago area, visitors enjoy shopping, wine tasting, culinary demonstrations, dining, artistic showcases and strolling performers on the plaza. Fiera Italiana participating merchants include jewelry designs from Amber Treasures, Carol Akiyama and Maria Marchese. Also prominent during the festival are several local Italian food and beverage vendors including Palermo Bakery, Rex Italian Foods, Massa Italian Café & Gelateria and Suparossa.

The parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is also onsite, and the JCCIA has a booth selling Italian flags, t-shirts and other Italian themed paraphernalia. Members of Italidea are also on-hand further promoting the Italian culture by distributing information about its Italian language instruction courses and school programs. Attendees may also receive information from the Italian Cultural Institute and Illinois Department of Human Rights, who will both have representatives available.

Sponsoring the event this year is Italian Steakhouse Gene & Georgetti, Rago Brothers Funeral Homes, Tony’s Finer Foods and Turano Baking Company. In addition to being a sponsor partner, Supreme Lobster and Seafood Company is also a featured food vendor at Fiera Italiana. The CEO of Supreme Lobster, Dominic Stramaglia, is the Chairman of this year’s Columbus Day Parade.

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is an independent non-profit association dedicated to preserving Italian American heritage and providing a unified voice for metropolitan Chicago’s Italian American community. Founded in 1952, the JCCIA serves as a congress for more than 65 Italian American organizations, as well as a clearinghouse for information about the Chicago area Italian American community. Working alongside the JCCIA are its three divisions: the Women’s Division, West Suburban Women’s Division and Young Professionals Division.

“The goal of Fiera Italiana is for the JCCIA to showcase the culture of Italy and the Italian American heritage to Chicagoans and visitors of Daley Plaza,” says event producer Michelle Durpetti, managing partner of McGowan Durpetti & Associates. “As an Italian American myself, it is an honor to be a part of such a great event that everyone can enjoy.”

For more information about Fiera Italiana, contact McGowan Durpetti & Associates at (312) 994-2620. For more information about the JCCIA, visit www.jccia.com.