celebrities

Hi readers! Mary Frances Bragiel from WLS-AM 890 here! The Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago has competition. Think modern European, think contemporary, think Misericordia. A home in Chicago that supports more than six hundred children and adults with developmental disabilities. Hundreds of Misericordia residents spend their time during the year creating works of art on canvasses, ceramics, wood, glass and jewelry, never allowing their disability to get in the way of their creativity. As a result the 15th annual "Artist In All" event will take place Wednesday, May 23rd in the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago.

The CANstruction A-CAN-emy Awards & Gala was last night at Merchandise Mart and it was such a fun event! I attended and wanted you to give you readers a behind the scenes experience… so click away! As you know from our previous entry, CANstruction is a unique charity event that raises donations for the Greater Chicago Food Depository by having teams build amazing creations out of cans and other food items. It is the largest donation of food in a single food drive in the city of Chicago – pretty impressive!

Hey Readers! This is Pat Gilroy from the Chicago rock band The Super Happy Fun Club! I've known and worked with Billy throughout the years and I'm excited to be a guest blogger today! In the summer of 2010 I received a troubling text about a friend who was part of a brutal attack. He stood up for someone who was in harm’s way, and in a terrible turn of events, became the victim. (check out the full story here). Matthew Leone (bassist for the rock band Madina Lake) was at the beginning of a very long journey back to normal life.

Hi readers. Candice Warltier here from Communication Strategies Group, a Chicago-based communications firm. We are calling on all Leno fans! We know you love to laugh, and aChicagoThing wants to hook you up with tickets to a rare Chicago appearance by Jay Leno! This Saturday, April 28, 2012, Leno takes the stage at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, to celebrate OMNI Youth Services 40th anniversary – and we have three pairs of tickets to give away! Eric Ferguson, WTMX radio “Eric and Kathy” morning show co-host, will serve as emcee and Second City, the world’s premier comedy club, will make a brief performance. Be sure to visit Billy's Facebook page today for a chance to win a pair of tickets!

Hi aChicagoThing readers, Carol Johnson here! Capping off an illustrious nightlife career that spans decades at the forefront of cutting edge nightclubs (Shelter, Drink, China Club), amazing restaurants (Cantare, Gibsons Restaurant Group, Il Covo), I’ve joined forces with comedy culture icon Jamie Masada in bringing his standup magic to the Chicago scene.

The Wieners Circle has been my fav go to places to enjoy w/ friends (like me & Jude Law above) since I was in 5th grade!  Born & raised 3blks away, I remember walking w/my fam or friends once a week to rent VHS tapes next door, and I always got a cheddar cheese fry & chardog to go!  Back then they didn't scream obnoxious profanities at customers who love it like they do now, but their food hasn't changed a bit and is still the best!  That killer combo of great food & entertainment (or abuse) is probably why they just landed their own reality TV show that premieres tonight on Tru TV at 9 p.m.! Support & watch it!

What happens when you mix radio personalities, spa treatments, a fashion show, and a charity?! A girl’s night out, duh! But fellas don’t fret because you’re invited too! The 2^nd Annual ‘Girls Night Out -Go Red for Women’ to support the American Heart Association is taking place at Alhambra Palace Restaurant on Wednesday, February 29^th from 7-10 p.m.

CHICAGO – On February 26, co-hosts Richard Roeper & Billy Dec will hold their 2nd Annual Oscar Viewing Party. Guests will test their movie knowledge by putting their ballot predictions up against Richard and Billy for a chance to win fabulous prizes while hearing their commentary live throughout the telecast.

“Hey You” this Thursday Feb. 9th – Sunday Feb. 12th Hot and Heavy Burlesque’s annual tribute to Pink Floyd’s: The Wall will commence at their new venue, Stage 773. Featuring brand new acts, sets, and features, the show continues to impress year after year, and has quickly become one of Hot and Heavy’s feature presentations. This powerful visual journey of a performance will guide the audience through the amazing double album we’ve all adored for years, interpreting the film written by Roger Water’s, and incorporating elements from the bands live performances, light shows, and all things that throw Pink Floyd up on a pedestal.

In case you missed some of the pics, here are some of the most clicked on ones from my Facebook & Twitter that apparently were most appreciated (and a couple surprise extras!)!!!! As a guest of Gatorade there to "#WinFromWithin" you will see my killer training session w/ celeb trainer Gunnar Peterson (still sore), behind the scenes shots from all the pre/post parties, how I treated one lucky Twitter/Facebook follower to the Superbowl last minute, and of course fun red carpet & party shots w/new & old celeb friends like.. David Arquette, Jessica Szohr, LMFAO, LL Cool J, Hines Ward & more!