Tuesday, August 24, 2010

FREE RELEASE TUESDAY: ChicagoBIGTEN Charity Bar Crawl in River North Benefits Alumni for Public Schools Organization

Which Big Ten college is the ultimate champion? Let’s find out! From 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, August 28, ChicagoBIGTEN organization presents the Big Ten Charity Bar Crawl to raise money for Alumni for Public Schools. Face other Big Ten school alumni in physical challenges at 11 different venues. The Chicago BIGTEN’s goal is to raise $25,000 and 100 percent of the money raised goes to Chicago Public Schools.

At 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. each college’s fans and alumni meet at its designated “home” bar:

• University of Illinois- LaSalle Power Company
• Indiana University- English Bar & Restaurant
• University of Iowa- Theory
• University of Michigan- Rockit Bar & Grill
• Michigan State University- Epic
• University of Minnesota- Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant
• Northwestern University- Blue Frog Bar & Grill
• The Ohio State University- District Bar
• The Pennsylvania State University- NV Penthouse Lounge
• Purdue University- Bull and Bear
• University of Wisconsin- Social 25

Beginning at noon, every 45 minutes, Big Ten competitors rotate to each venue to compete in different physical challenges. For a schedule of each challenge, press here.

Tickets include a wristband for college themed discounted drinks, $3 Bud Light Bottles or drafts, and $5 Absolut. No cover at the participating venues and a raffle entry form.

Tickets are $15 in advance, or $20 on August 28. To purchase tickets, visit www.ChicagoBIGTEN.org.

Participants should check-in at any bar before noon. Fado has a late check in of 2 p.m. Each person’s donation is non-refundable.
About Alumni for Public Schools
Alumni for Public Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports volunteer partnerships between Chicago chapters of university alumni associates and Chicago Public Schools. Alumni for Public Schools wants to increase students’ awareness of post-secondary options and learning.

To learn more visit www.APS-Chicago.org or call (773) 553-1549.

About ChicagoBIGTEN
Chicago Illini Club President Cameron Croft founded The ChicagoBIGTEN in 2010 to serve as an advisory board and produce events to bring Chicago area Big Ten University Alumni together. It has 11 alumni chapters from the different Big Ten schools.

To learn more about The ChicagoBIGTEN, visit www.ChicagoBIGTEN.org.
For more information on ChicagoBIGTEN Charity Bar Crawl contact Barcrawl@ChicagoBIGTEN.org or call (773) 340-0010.

Free Release Tuesdays at Kurman
This is part of Kurman Communications' Free Release Tuesdays series. Are you a non-profit or charity with an upcoming event? Let us help promote it with our new service, FRT- Free Release Tuesdays.

What is it? All you have to do is send us news on your upcoming event, including the details-- date/time, location, images, a link to a website, etc. We'll pick our top selections and post them on our highly-read blog! Got Buzz receives thousands of page views monthly by consumers and journalists who are looking for things to do and content to feature.

KCI is pleased to help you spread the news! Send all materials to kurmanstaff@kurman.com, and remember to follow us on Twitter @kurmanstaff.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Bella Bacinos Welcomes Paolo Scavino and Giacomo Grimaldi Wineries to Sept. 1 Wine Seminar

Join Bella Bacinos for its September 1st Wine Event featuring Italy's notable Paolo Scavino Winery and Giacomo Grimaldi Winery. Family representatives Enrica Scavino and her husband Ferruccio Grimaldi will guide guests through the tasting of eight wines, including four Barolos. The cost of $45 per person includes the wine, light fare and artisanal cheeses of Piedmonte, Italy. The event, which begins at 6:30 p.m., is part of Bella Bacinos' on-going educational Wine Seminar Series, that in the past has included wine luminaries Paul Hobbs, John Duval of Penfolds Grange fame and Pinot Noir Maestro Ken Wright, among others. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Make reservations for this event by emailing bacinos@comcast.net or call wine director Dan Bacin at (708) 420-9600.

The legendary Paolo Scavino Winery, from the Piedmonte region of Italy, was founded in 1921, and consistently produces outstanding Barolos, as well as notable Langhe blends and Barberas. Enrica Scavino, granddaughter of founder Paolo Scavino, makes her appearance with her husband Ferruccio Grimaldi, of the Giacomo Grimaldi Winery.

The Giacomo Grimaldi Winery, known as a top producer of Barolos, includes the famous Via Nuova vineyard. Join these two Barolo producers, and enjoy the wine that has historically been known as, "The king of wines, the wine of kings."

Bella Bacinos serves authentic Napoletana wood fired pizza, homemade ravioli and other Italian specialties in the restaurant's dining room and outdoor patio. Bella Bacinos' award-winning wine list includes more than 600 wines from around the world, including more than 20 served by the glass. The restaurant is located at 36 S. La Grange Rd., Downtown La Grange, Ill. and is open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, and is closed Monday for private events. For private events, please call Hande Dokur (708) 352-8882. For more information, visit http://www.bacinos.com/.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Mayne Stage Weekly Performance Update

New Rogers Park venue strengthens fall line up
with new shows

Mayne Stage (1328 W. Morse Ave., Chicago; 773-381-4554) announces new performances to add to its fall line up including Super Jamzz II, Catherine Feeny, Terisa Griffin, The Spring Standards, Heypenny and Kyle Andrews, Chévere, Michelle L'amour, Amy & Freddy, Jamie Kilstein and Glenn Wool, Jessie Arlen, plus Maria Bamford. Tickets for these shows are on sale this Friday, August 20 at 10 a.m. online at www.maynestage.com or via phone at (773) 381-4554. Mayne Stage also announces the "Largest Chicago Bears Showing in Chicago" this NFL season.
Frank Russell: Super Jamzz, August 26
Super Jamzz II at Mayne Stage, August 26

One of Chicago's monster electric bassists, Frank Russell and his band, open Super Jamzz II at Mayne Stage, Thursday, August 26 at 8 p.m. Super Jamzz II is an orchestrated variety show with some jamming and lots of improvisational music and singing.
Russell has been playing bass since age 14 performing with artists like Art Porter, Freddie Hubbard, Ramsey Lewis, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Alphonse Mouzon, Ken Chaney, Nicholas Barron, Mike Wolf, Willie Pickens and may others through his career. Russell has also recorded five CDs with Chicago guitarist Henry Johnson, and is a past recipient of the Hennessy Best of Chicago Jazz Search. Russel's ultra tight band opens Super Jamzz II with Charles Heath on drums, Tony Carpenter playing percussion, Greg Spero on keyboard and Peter Lerner on guitar. Special guests include Mile Davis keyboardist Robert Irving III, singer Nicholas Barron, bass master Brian Derek, saxophonist Brian Gephart, singer Nanette Frank, bass guitarist Wally Hustin, drummer Clyde Davis and more.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and on sale now at www.maynestage.com or (773) 381-4554.

Catherine Feeny, September 3Catherine Feeny
performs September 3
Catherine Feeny makes her Mayne Stage debut Friday, September 3 at 8:30 p.m. off her newly released third album, People in the Hole.
Feeny gained notoriety after her second album, Hurricane Glass, and the single "Mr. Blue," which played in the film Running with Scissors and the television show The O.C. The song also reached the A-list at Britain's most listened-to radio station, BBC Radio 2. Feeny toured the British Isles extensively, both as a headline act and in support of such artists as Martha Wainwright, Kelly Jones (The Stereophonics) and The Indigo Girls. Her music "soothes the listener into quietude... and only then coils its complications and ambiguities around you," says critic Dain Cairns.
Tickets are $10 in advance, or $12 on September 3. Tickets are available beginning Friday, August 20 at www.maynestage.com or (773) 381-4554.

Terisa Griffin, September 4R&B soul with Terisa Griffin, September 4
Singer, songwriter and performer Terisa Griffin performs at Mayne Stage Saturday, September 4 at 8 p.m.
Griffin, who comes from a long line of talented singers, was a member of the All-State Chorus for three years in high school before receiving a vocal grant to attend college where she gained a love for chamber music and jazz. While in college, she fell in love with R&B and rock 'n roll music and names Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle and Tina Turner as inspirations. Learn more about Terisa Griffin at www.terisagriffin.com.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and on sale Friday, August 20 at www.maynestage.comor (773) 381-4554.

The Spring Standards, September 8The Spring Standards, September 8
Listen to three-piece folk rock band, The Spring Standards , Wednesday, September 8 at 8:30 p.m. at Mayne Stage. The Spring Standards is an independent, folk-rock band hailing from New York City. Comprised of member James Cleare, Heather Robb and James Smith, this musical trio released their EP No One Will Know July 2008, co-produced by Rhett Miller of Old 97s.
After much success and appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, the band went on to release its first full-length album April 2010 titled Would Things Be Different. The band's ability to play a wide array of instruments as well as perfect the three-part harmony has allowed them to open for such acts as Old 97s, The Clarks and Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers. Most recently, The Spring Standards were selected to perform at the famed Austin music festival, South by Southwest. Learn more at www.thespringstandards.com.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance, or $10 on September 8. Tickets are on sale Friday, August 20 at www.maynestage.com or (773) 381-4554.

Heypenny w Kyle Andrews, September 10Heypenny with Kyle Andrews, September 10
Mayne Stage welcomes indie rock band Heypenny and co-headliner indie artist Kyle Andrews to its stage Friday, September 10 at 8:30 p.m. Heypenny, based in Nashville, Tenn., is the four-member band of Kevin Bevil, DJ Murphy, Ben Elkins and Aaron Distler.
The band's second release, Cop Car EP, which launched August 2009, along with their quirky videos for songs like "Parade," have given the quartet a name for themselves. Citing such bands as Wilco, Coldplay and The Beatles as inspirations, the band has produced a unique sound, intertwining guitars and horns, as well as an alluring stage presence.
Singer-songwriter Kyle Andrews fuses together the sounds of the keyboard and guitar with strong melodies and moving vocals, impressing audiences everywhere he goes. After moving from Chicago to Nashville, Andrews recorded and self-released his debut EP in 2004, followed by his first full-length album,Amos in Ohio, in 2006.

Don't miss these two "tour de force" bands in the Windy City. Visit www.heypenny.com orwww.kyleandrews.com for more information.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 in advance, or $10 on September 10. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 20 and may be purchased online at www.maynestage.com or at (773) 381-4554.

Chevere, September 11Chévere in Concert, September 11
Chévere brings its Latin/Jazz/Funk/Blues music to Mayne Stage Saturday, September 11 at 9 p.m. with high voltage percussion and compelling original compositions.
Chévere has been mixing Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Jazz and Blues into an exciting and unique sound collage for more than 30 years. Chévere has played at many outdoor festivals including the Chicago Jazz Festival and Summerfest. The nine-member band has an impressive array of virtuosic melodic soloists with percussion deeply rooted in traditional folklore and religious music. Learn more at www.cheveredechicago.com.
Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and on sale now at www.maynestage.com or (773) 381-4554.
Chicago Bears Football, September 27 and October 3
"Larger Than Life" Football at Mayne Stage launches September 27

Forget huddling around a tiny television to watch the Chicago Bears this season. Mayne Stage offers the "Largest Bears Showing in Chicago" with its 22-foot screen for NFL football. Beginning Monday, September 27 (Bears vs. Packers), Mayne Stage offers a food buffet with Buffalo Wings, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Chili, Nachos, Crudités, Lobster Macaroni and Cheese, Spring Rolls and Fresh Fruit. The first 100 guests on Sept. 27 receive a complimentary signature Miller Lite 12 oz. Alumi-Tek aluminum beer bottle. Doors open at 6 p.m., buffet begins at 6:30 p.m. The Sept. 27 game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. The buffet and viewing are $12 per person in advance, or $15 per person at the door.
The second "Larger than Life" football viewing at Mayne Stage is Sunday, October 3 (Bears vs. Giants). Doors open at 6 p.m., buffet begins at 6:30 p.m. and kick off is at 7:20 p.m. The buffet and viewing are $12 in advance, or $15 at the door.
Sunday Night Football is featured on the Mayne Stage screen every Sunday evening if there is no music programming. Check the Mayne Stage website for dates and details atwww.maynestage.com.
Michelle L'amour, October 9
Michelle L'amour's
BIG SEXY SHOW,
October 9
Michelle L'amour brings her jaw-dropping burlesque, "Big Sexy Show" to Mayne Stage Saturday, October 9 with shows at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Titleholder of Miss Exotic World 2005, L'amour has performed her stripteases for upwards of 40 million people on NBC's America's Got Talent and Showtime's Sexual Healing , along with International performances from Canada to Brazil. She has her own successful book of photographs called "The Most Naked Woman," and directs and stars in instructional videos called "Tools of the Tease." Her Bix Sexy Show brings together world-class performers representing countries and disciplines from Egypt, Britian, Israel, Germany and America. Guests will see sexy dance numbers, eye-popping illusions, death-defying vaudeville acrobatics and, of course, show-stopping solo performances from L'amour herself.
Attendees must be ages 21 and older. Tickets for Michelle L'amour's Big Sexy Show are $15 and on sale beginning Friday, August 20 at www.maynestage.com or (773) 381-4554.
Amy & Freddy, October 22-23

Amy & Freddy 15th Anniversary Celebration, October 22-23
Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen, the Chicago-based "Dynamic Duo" bring cabaret performance to Mayne Stage Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23 at 8 p.m. each night.

Amy & Freddy have captivated audiences for 14 years, standing out above the rest coast-to-coast. Amy has been a professional entertainer since she was a young child with a powerful and soulful voice that mesmerizes listeners, and a risqué humor that keeps them doubled over in laughter. Freddy has made a name for himself as one of Chicago's most well-known pianists, and works as a freelance musician and piano and voice teacher when not performing with Amy.

In 1998, Amy & Freddy traveled to Denmark as featured artists at Copenhagen's New Year's Concert. The duo has opened for several familiar names including Mary Wilson and The Supremes, Phyllis Diller, Bea Arthur, Jennifer Holiday, Judy Tenuta, Lois Bromfeld and Judy Gold. Amy & Freddy have produced four very successful albums: Amy and Freddy-the debut, Life is a Cabaret, Naturally Flawless and Feeling Good-all of which have been recognized nationally and received rave reviews.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets for Amy & Freddy are $15 each and available starting Friday, August 20 at www.maynestage.com or (773) 381-4554.
Jamie Kilstein + Glenn Wool, November 12-13Jamie Kilstein and Glenn Wool, November 12-13
Co-headliners Jamie Kilstein and Glenn Wool take Chicago's Mayne Stage Friday, November 12 and Saturday, November 13 with shows at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. each night.
Jamie Kilstein is a comedian, writer and radio host, regularly contributing to The Onion and The Huffington Post. He was in the recent bestseller Sataristas alongside Stephen Colbert, George Carlin and other iconic satirists. Kilstein was invited to the most sought after show at The Montreal Comedy Festival in 2007 and 2008, and brought his one-man show there in 2010 after debuting it at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater.
Glenn Wool is a Canadian stand-up comedian, although not foreign to the Chicago stage. His material veers between sagely political and gleefully silly, discussing both the pop group Franz Ferdinand and the Pope's contribution to cryogenics programs during his time onstage. Wool has performed with fellow alt-comic favorites Kumail Nanjiani and Hannibal Buress, while his comedic talents have also found him headlining stages in Switzerland, France, Croatia, Australia, New Zealand, India and beyond. Fresh off his sold-out co-headlining "Snowed in Comedy Tour" across Canada, Wool hits the U.S. to release his long-awaited new album, Let Your Hands Go.
Tickets are $10 each and available beginning Friday, August 20 at 10 a.m. at www.maynestage.com or (773) 381-4554.
Jessie Arlen, November 26
An Evening with Jessie Arlen, November 26

Jessie Arlen performs unique and original jazz arrangements at Mayne Stage Friday, November 26 at 8 p.m. Arlen, an Evanston native, is a vocalist and songwriter with roots in jazz making her Mayne Stage debut appearance. She released her debut album Certain Surprise in early 2010 featuring unique and original arrangements of jazz standards, joined by many of Chicago's best musicians. Arlen was the featured vocalist at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas for the 2008 and 2009 New Year's Eve celebrations. She has also headlined concerts at the Lula Lounge in Toronto, and The Auditorium Theater's Jazz Cabaret Series, "On the Road." Learn more about Jessie Arlen at www.jessiearlen.com.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and go on sale Friday, August 20 at 10 a.m. Tickets may be purchased online at www.maynestage.com or via phone at (773) 381-4554.
Maria Bamford, December 3-4
Maria Bamford at Mayne Stage, December 3-4

What young stand up comedienne/actress was able to marry John Travolta in the feature film "Lucky Numbers," teach Jenna Elfman how to play the violin on "Dharma and Greg," and make out with Jon Cryer on ABC's "The Trouble with Normal?" Only Maria Bamford of course, who began her stand up career performing at comedy clubs in Minneapolis before relocating to Hollywood in the late 90s. Her unique character-based quirky performance style quickly separated her from the pack.
Bamford boasts notable performances at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colo., and multiple late-night appearances on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn and Jimmy Kimmel Live. She is the star of a Comedy Central series called The Comedians of Comedy, based on the documentary of the same name, and is the first female comic to have two Comedy Central Presents half-hour specials. She was listed as Variety's Top Ten Comics to Watch, and was voted by Comedy Central viewers as one of their Top Ten Favorite Comics.
Laugh with Maria Bamford at Mayne Stage Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4 with shows at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. each day. Tickets are $20 and available Friday, August 20 at 10 a.m. at www.maynestage.com or (773) 381-4554.

About Mayne Stage

Mayne Stage is located at 1328 W. Morse Ave. in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. Mayne Stage showcases emerging and established local and national musical acts, theatrical performances, comedy and more. It is the ideal location for a variety of private events. For more information, or to see a list of upcoming shows, call (773) 381-4554 or visit www.maynestage.com
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Eat, Drink and Be Merry August 20 with Academy for Global Citizenship and Chicago's Top Chefs

The Academy for Global Citizenship is hosting a benefit this Friday, August 20 featuring signature dishes from Chicago's best chefs, drinks from an award winning mixologist and a wine tasting. The event takes place 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at  2023 West Carroll, Fourth Floor, a private loft space in the Kinzie Industrial Corridor, featuring an outdoor roof deck with unbeatable downtown Chicago views. Tickets are $60 and available at www.agcchicago.org

Signature dishes are being provided by: Alex Cheswick, owner and chef of May Street Market, Allie Levitt, owner and chef of Mado, Cleetus Friedman, owner and chef of City Provisions, and Hugh Amanom, head chef of The Chopping BlockJohn Kinder, lead mixologist for Death's Door Spirits will be creating signature cocktails.

Additionally, organic, locally brewed beers from Two Brothers,  Half Acre, Bell’s, and Metropolitan; organic and locally distilled spirits from Death’s Door and North Shore Distillery, and organic and sustainably produced wines will be served.

The event is sponsored by Green Grocer Chicago and friends!

The Academy for Global Citizenship is a unique Chicago Public Contract School, located on the Southwest side of Chicago. Our mission is to empower all students to positively impact the community and world beyond. In pursuit of this mission, AGC is committed to:
  • serving the whole child
  • modeling academic excellence
  • developing inquirers
  • cultivating international awareness
  • fostering environmental stewardship
  • facilitating collaboration within the community
Rigorous academic expectations lie at the heart of achieving our mission. As an International Baccalaureate candidate school, AGC employs an inquiry-based philosophy that challenges each learner to construct personal meaning from concept-driven units of study. Moreover, AGC’s innovative curriculum prepares students to be environmentally and internationally minded by examining how their choices impact their community and the world.


An AGC education extends beyond a solid academic foundation. Organic, nutritionally balanced meals, daily yoga, gardening, wellness instruction and ecologically sustainable practices throughout the school encourage learners to develop healthy and sustainable lifestyles for themselves. Ultimately, the Academy for Global Citizenship engages the whole child in an enriching educational community focused on fostering academic excellence, international awareness and environmental stewardship.


Their larger goal is to inspire the way society educates the lifeblood of our future by fostering systemic change. Their children will be the environmental, social, and political stewards of tomorrow. Let's equip them with the advantages and opportunities afforded by unsurpassed education and the dream of potential.

Free Release Tuesdays at Kurman
This story is part of Kurman Communications' Free Release Tuesdays series. It's a free service that we provide to not-for-profits to help them tell their story.

Are you a non-profit or charity with an upcoming event? Let us help promote it with our service, FRT- Free Release Tuesdays.


What is it? All you have to do is send us news on your upcoming event, including the details-- date/time, location, images, a link to a website, etc. We'll pick our top selections and post them on our highly-read blog! Got Buzz receives thousands of page views monthly by consumers and journalists who are looking for things to do and content to feature.

KCI is pleased to help you spread the news! Send all materials to kurmanstaff@kurman.com, and remember to follow us on Twitter @kurmanstaff. Thanks.