Wednesday, October 23 Lunch Hour Music - Chris Goranson11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

Noted Chicago jazz guitarist and Chicago French Market favorite, Chris Goranson returns 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 23 for the market's lunch time entertainment. Goranson is a guitar teacher with a degree in Jazz Performance from Northern Illinois University. Currently, he plays in a rock band called OurGlass, who recently performed for JBTV. Catch him from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23 at the Chicago French Market.

Saturday, October 19 Lunch Hour Music - Lee Barrie11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

 

Lee Alec Barrie is a contemporary jazz guitarist whose style has been compared to Larry Carlton, Chuck Loeb and other popular contemporary jazz guitarists. Barrie was professional by age 14, starting out with a teenage rock band, playing Beatles, Beach Boys and Chuck Berry tunes plus some classic R&B.

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These early musical relationships lasted well into his twenties and he had the privilege of recording with Lipps Inc., a Minneapolis-based band best known most for its number one hit "Funkytown" in the late 70's. Barrie's evolution as a guitarist was accelerated when he began to experiment with a Roland guitar synthesizer, which allows his electric guitar to take on the sound of a wide range of instruments. He now has the opportunity to solo as a saxophonist, flutist, organist, violinist and many others, all while playing on the guitar. He chooses the instrument based on the style and mood of the song.

 

Barrie's idea for a "virtual band project"-whereby he plays solo over his pre-recorded jazz backing tracks-evolved naturally. Having taken a break from professional performances for a number of years, he became a self-taught jazz pianist, which gave him the technical and musical skills to arrange and record his own instrumental backing tracks at his home recording studio.

 

A lunch hour featuring the live music of Lee Alec Barrie, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 19 is sure to be an energizing and memorable experience.

Wednesday, October 9 Lunch Hour Music - Annalee 

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

 

Annalee, who is a market favorite, captivates audiences with her jazz infused music. She has a modern interpretation of Jazz, Blues and R&B that still remains true to each style's classical roots. Annalee's work attracts audiences of all ages with its effortless balance of old and new. Annalee comes to the Chicago French Market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 9. You won't want to miss this performance, make sure to stop by and enjoy the sound.

Lunch Hour Music with Steve Justman at the Chicago French Market

Wednesday, September 25
Lunch Hour Music
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Steve Justman

Folk musician Steve Justman joins the lunchtime crowds from 11-2 p.m., March 21. Justman is a Chicago area musician who specializes in performing Americana music. He has performed in many venues in the Chicago area and is excited to return to The Chicago French Market.

Rush Hour Music with Matt Cantlon at the Chicago French Market

Thursday, September 19
Rush Hour Music
4-7 p.m.
Matt Cantlon

Chicago musician Matt Cantlon has been playing guitar and singing for more than 20 years.  In addition to doing solo acoustic gigs, he also plays in the popular duo The Acoustic Generation. Matt averages about 200 live gigs a year and when he’s not performing, he’s busy writing songs. Matt’s song list is quite extensive and includes classic from many different genres. Rock, Country and Pop are just some of the types of music that Matt play on a regular basis.

Meet the Maker: Stu Waters at Pastoral Artisan - Thursday, September 19, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,

Meet the maker of Stu's This is Bloody Mary Mix and Stu's Sour Pickles, Stu Waters, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, September 19 and sample Stu's delicious Bloody Marys and crisp Sour Pickles during this unique complimentary tasting event.

The Joke’s on You. Art You Can Laugh At Opening at Ready Coffee’s ORNOT Gallery August 21

 

Art can be funny -- sometimes inadvertently -- but rarely do we see a show pointedly dedicated to funny art, especially at a coffee shop! But Art You Can Laugh At, hosted by resident comedian Nathyn Gibson at Ready Coffee's ORNOT Gallery (1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, 773-360-7041) is set to open August 21. Packed with local and regional comedians, this is one comedy show not to miss. Get READY to revel in silliness with the sole purpose of making us guffaw and hiccup, laugh until we cry, and maybe even roll on the floor with laughter. The showcase is complimentary to boot and ORNOT Gallery plans to host similar comedic events bi-weekly with the first slated from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, August 21.

The inaugural performance will feature comics Tyler Jackson, Reena Calm, Conor Delehanty, Odinaka Ezeokoli, Katie McVay and Adam Burke. No reservations are necessary. Seating is limited to first come with plenty of standing room. Be there or be square.

About the Performers

Tyler Jackson
Writer and comedian based out of Chicago doing many other things throughout the day that prevent my death. Tyler Jackson started out doing Stand Up in Louisville, KY, where he dived head-first into the scene and quickly started putting on shows and bringing in national headliners, trying to build up the independent comedy scene. He moved to Chicago in October and is working to do shows all over the place, in hopes that his stand up will get better and better! Tyler also is a co-producer for Black Star Comedy and host a mid-day open mic called the Late Late Breakfast.

Conor Delehanty
Conor Delehanty is an up and coming comic based out of Chicago, and he performs in rooms across the Midwest. Conor's act includes a tone of voice that is as engaging as this bio and a stage presence one woman after a show described as 'tall'. Conor's biggest accomplishment as a comic thus far has been taking full advantage of the free food in the Bob and Tom green room.

Conor is a co-producer of Tuxedo Cat Comedy.
 

Odinaka Ezeokoli
I'm Odinaka.  OD if you're a syllable conservationist.  Try not to stare at my chest. One of my favorite quotes about comedy comes from Richard Pryor, "Search for the truth and the funny will come." I love that idea, easier said than done, but I still love it. I tell the story of my life as a mixed up son of Nigerian immigrants, born and raised in the American South but High Schooled in Nigeria, and try to make sense of it to myself and the world. I search for the truth in my life and in society and most of all I dig for the funny. In the words of Mr. Rogers, "Won't you be my neighbor." I'd like to leave you with another quote, this time from rapper and soulja boy protege, V.I.C., "Get silly, get silly."

Odinaka is also a co-producer of the critically acclaimed "Congrats On Your Success" showcase
 

Katie McVay
Comedian. Part-time cheesemonger. Terminally afraid. Half of Yell You Better.

Katie McVay can only be described as... Katie McVay. There's not really anyone quite like her. You've heard comedians lament loneliness before, but never with the endearing combination of anger and positivity that Katie brings to the table. Katie's inability to be anything other than the tiny firecracker she is has resulted in a quick rise to the top of the Chicago stand-up scene. After only about 18 months of leaving audiences gobsmacked with her unique brand of being extremely comfortable in her own discomfort, Katie was asked to join the elite stand-up cast at Chicago Underground Comedy. Her advice web series "Yell You Better" quickly became a YouTube hit and garnered her fans all over this great nation. Sure, Katie has opened for big stars like Tom Papa, and sure, Katie has performed at comedy festivals like Just For Laughs, but that's not what's important. What's important is the way that you see more of yourself in Katie's admittedly damaged take on life than you'd care to admit. See Katie McVay live and let her yell you better.
 

Adam Burke
Originally from the UK, Adam Burke began performing stand-up after writing a piece on comedy for a Chicago magazine. Before long, Burke became a fixture at Midwestern shows and showcases. His absurdist, verbose comedy covers not only the vagaries of life in his adopted hometown of Chicago, but also the usefulness of mammoths, dogs who study law, and the importance of gangland grammar. He has appeared on the Bob and Tom show, WGN 720 AM radio, and the Benson Interruption Podcast, and was listed as one of the Top 20 Comedians in Chicago by Comedy.com. Adam has appeared at the Bridgetown Comedy Festival in Portland OR, and as part of the Just for Laughs Chicago festival for three years running. In addition, he has opened for a wide variety of comedians including Jeff Ross, Maria Bamford, Bo Burnham, Brendon Burns, and Jake Johannsen, and Marc Maron. Adam also co-hosts the Cole's open mic and is a co-producer of Parlour Car.

 

Reena Calm
Reena Calm was made in Israel, raised near Boston, and is now thrilled to be a part of Chicago's amazing Comedy scene. She performs at venues such as The Laugh Factory, Jokes and Notes, The Second City, ComedySportz and SO many different bars. Her parents are proud. Reena has featured in the Chicago Women's Funny Festival, TBS Just For Laughs, and right now there's a hilarious festival going on in her pants. Reena currently produces and hosts the Three Dead Moose Open Mic on Sundays, 100 Proof Comedy on Mondays, and HooHA Comedy on Tuesdays. She also loves talking about herself in the third person.

 

About Nathyn Gibson, Host
Nathyn Gibson is the host of the ORNOT Gallery's Comedy Showcase: Art You Can Laugh At. Nathyn moved to Chicago last summer to pursue comedy. He also co-produces a monthly showcase in Logan Square called Black Star Comedy and is a regular performer in the A Night of Comedy series in Crown Point, Indiana. "Chicago has an amazing comedy scene, and I want to be an outlet to show what this town has to offer," said Nathyn.

Like "Art You Can Laugh At" on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artyoucanlaughat. The Facebook event can be found at www.facebook.com/events/1407343499481259.


About ORNOT Gallery
READY Coffee brings to the Bucktown-Wicker Park area of Chicago a new space to feature local artists whose passion often involves controversial, poignant, and social statements.

"We are looking to be a real player in the Chicago art scene," said READY Coffee's owner, Adam Banks. "We're used to coffee shops hanging art up on the walls as a secondary attempt to 'be local', but we are focused on being local in the best sense of the word.  We are looking to really support local artists and we're not afraid of pushing the edge."

To further showcase artwork, READY Coffee has an Art-o-Mat machine, a uniquely refurbished vintage cigarette vending machine that has been converted to sell small pieces of art wrapped in cigarette boxes. The art sells for only $5. "The Art-O-Mat is the coolest machine that I have ever seen," said Banks. "There is one in the National Portrait Gallery (a Smithsonian Museum) and it's really a beautiful piece of art in and of itself." Anyone interested in providing art objects for READY's Art-o-Mat should call the store at (773) 360-7041.

Like ORNOT Gallery on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ornotgallery and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ornotgallery. Interested artists should contact Cody at ornot@readycoffee.com.


About READY Coffee
READY Coffee, located at 1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. For more information, call (773) 360-7041 or visit the website at readycoffee.com, like them at www.facebook.com/readycoffee and follow them on Twitter @ReadyCoffee.

Celebrate Bastille Day a day early at the Chicago French Market Saturday

Enjoy the 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. cooking demonstration by Le Bouchon’s legendary French Head Chef Jean Claude Poilevey and son, Sous Chef Oliver Poilevey.  A recent inductee to The Culinary Academy of France, Chef Poilevey strives for authenticity in his delicate and romantic French bistro. In honor of Bastille Day, Chef Jean Claude and Chef Oliver will demo classic French dishes.

1 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Sarah Young Trio (Jazz)

Sarah Young was a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk vocal competition in 2010, and won first prize in the Shure Montreux Jazz Voice competition in 2011. Come experience her breath-taking voice with this diverse trio comprised of piano, upright bass and vocals. Enjoy the Free Bubbly Tasting as they perform Jazz, Latin, Swing and Dance Standards with French embellishments and feel. 

For those who don’t know, on July 14, 1789, the people of Paris raided the Bastille fortress-prison to demonstrate their independence and the uprising of the modern nation. This iconic moment in French history, marked the beginning of the French Revolution. Centuries later, Bastille Day has become a worldwide celebration, with parades and festivals held around the globe to honor French culture.

TODAY at the Chicago French Market

4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine will be hosting their monthly tasting.  This month’s tasting will be featuring a diverse array of craft beers that are perfect for summer fun.

 

http://www.pastoralartisan.com/events/free-beer-tasting-chicago-french-market-thursday-july-11-430-630pm

 

Rush Hour Music – Dean Milano

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Complimentary

Singer and songwriter Dean Milano engages in storytelling through his preferred medium, music. Having mastered many styles of music, Milano effortlessly moves between the musical genres of folk, country, rock, ballads, bluegrass and pop.  He spent four years touring with The New Seekers and has been the opening act for the Spencer Davis Group, Bo Diddley, The Kingston Trio in addition to many others.  Come listen from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 11 at the Chicago French Market.

Lunchtime Music by Annalee Hooson Wednesday, March 27

A Chicago French Market favorite Annalee Hooson is back to perform her original and easy listening cover songs. Experiencing a live performance by Hooson, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 27 is a perfect way to unwind during your lunch hour.

Hop the Bunny Train and Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 23

The Metra isn’t the only train at the Ogilvie Transportation Center. Bring the kids and Hop the Bunny Train 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 23. The fun-filled ride will be followed by an Easter Egg Hunt from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, get a chance to meet the market’s special guest, the Easter Bunny. Be sure to also stop by a variety of vendors to sample some of their finest dishes.

Three Kings Epiphany Cake Tasting at the Chicago French Market

Epiphany or Three Kings Day is being celebrated at the Chicago French Market. The Epiphany tradition is taken part in by many families across the world in a variety of ways. Some by moving their wise men closer to the crib each day that Epiphany nears. Other families exchange small presents to symbolize gifts that were bestowed by the three wise men. But most bake a special cake (Galette) with a hidden Feve or trinket. Come enjoy this French tradition, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. January 5 and receive a complimentary piece of Epiphany cake to see if you become the king or queen for the day.

Traditional Menorah Lighting Ceremony December 8

To celebrate the start of Hanukkah, Westfield Old Orchard will host a traditional lighting ceremony for patrons of the Jewish faith, 5:45 p.m. December 8. The 8 ft. menorah resembles other larger-than-life Magical Moments attractions displayed in the center's common area. The event will be facilitated by Beth Hillel of the Congregation Bnai Emunah. Enjoy the lively children's choir, hot beverages, sweet treats and a wonderful evening with family and friends.

Musical Guests and a Holiday Wine Tasting at the Chicago French Market

Thursday, December 6 & 20 - Rush Hour Music with Annalee Hooson

Annalee Hooson

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Complimentary

Grab something to eat and drink and wind down your day with Annalee Hooson, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. December 6 and 20. She is a Chicago French Market favorite and will be performing many original pieces as well as popular easy listening cover songs. Hooson has been enchanting audiences with her jazz acoustic sounds since the age of 13. The Chicago French Market is proud to share her musical styling as a perfect way to wrap up the hectic day.

Steve Justman

Wednesday, December 12 - Lunch Hour Music with Steve Justman     

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Complimentary

 

Make your lunch more enjoyable with the Chicago French Market’s complimentary Lunch Hour Music. Folk musician Steve Justman joins the lunch hour crowd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 12. He hails from the Chicago area and specializes in Americana music. Justman has performed in many of the best acoustic venues in the Chicagoland area and is excited to return to the market. 

Thursday, December 13 - Wine Tasting with Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine

4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Complimentary

Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread and Wine is an European inspired neighborhood cheese shop at the Chicago French Market. In addition to featuring fine artisan cheeses from America and around the world, they also offer small production wines, freshly baked breads and a full complement of related items such as honeys, jams and olive oils. Continuing its monthly wine tasting series, Pastoral will sample varietals ideal for holiday entertaining needs, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. December 13. Its broad wine selection also makes great holiday gifts.