chicago

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.

After a night of dining out and hitting the clubs, you might feel like you’ve gained 10 pounds. Worry no longer, because parties should be fun, not fattening, Skinny Socials’ philosophy! Skinny Socials, founded by Karen Bobos in 2012, is Chicago’s go-to-guide for a healthy, fun lifestyle.

“They” say to try and do at least one good deed a day right? Open the door for someone, help someone carry their groceries, or even something as simple as letting someone go in front of you in line. In this instance that I speak of, good deeds go a long way. You have the power to help a kids dream come true and have a blast with a couple of your friends!

Less than a decade ago, AKIRA opened the doors of its first women’s clothing boutique in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Since then, they have taken Chicago by storm with their unique clothing, great customer service, and breath taking fashion shows.

Tomorrow night at 8 pm the second edition of Night Heist, an annual fundraiser gala hosted by the Evening Associates Board of the Art Institute of Chicago takes place. The Department of Architecture and Design will feature a private preview of Fashioning the Objects: Boudicca, Sandra Backlund, and Bless.

GOCA Designs is a women’s luxury clothing line that was established in Chicago in the Fall of 2010. President Gordana Rasic and Vice President Omar Villalobos, who are both pursuing college degrees; all the while bringing their fashion dreams to fruition, run the fashion line themselves. Through their combined efforts they aim to, “revamp the fashion industry as a vessel of art; bringing obscure truths into clarity.” Tackling college finals at the same time as showcasing in ‘Latino Fashion Week’ might be a daunting task for some but not for Omar & Gordana. Their passion is electric and their youthful energy is contagious.

Any Chicagoan will tell you, it’s not a spring or summer holiday if it doesn’t have its own 5k race. I think Juneteenth even put in their bid to CARA for a 5k to get the official status...kidding of course. We like to run, and we like to let people know we run, it’s that whole Chicago pride thing, and I can respect that. Well if all you joggers, runners, and aggressive morning CTA station speed walkers had your eyes peeled for the inevitable Easter 5k …look no further!

When a musical groups’ praises grace the pages of The Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal, and The L.A. Times, you know they mean business. Memphis soul masters the Bo-Keys, are the men behind this beautiful blues music that The Wall Street calls a, “Funky authentic groove”. Chicago’s in for a treat because the Bo-Keys are bringing their talents to our city on March 22^nd at SPACE. For only $14 you will be able to see the Memphis Soul masters boogie to their hit song ‘Got To Get Back’. Now I’ll admit I’m not the first one to play blues on my Pandora stations but let me tell you...once I heard this jam with Otis Clay I was SOLD (Downloaded it before I started writing this!)

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!