chicago

Over 20 million were watching when I auditioned for Season 10 of “American Idol” and my flirt session with Steven Tyler. Got my golden ticket to Hollywood, then got the golden boot after the infamous and brutal group round.

I think it’s fair to say that St. Patty’s day is THE Chicago holiday. The river runs green, parades take over the streets, and the bars all open at 9am… sold! I’ve been planning since February, and I’m literally counting the minutes until the celebrations start. In case you don’t have your Chi-rish plans yet for Friday nigh though, here’s the perfect way to get yourself ready for the Saturday festivities. Tullamore Dew, One of Ireland's finest whiskeys, is throwing the ultimate ‘Irish True’ St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!

I’ve always wanted to attend a movie premiere but never understood how people knew about getting tickets and the event in advance. I happen to miss the boat every time and would hear reviews about the film the next day.  I FINALLY came across some info about a Chicago film premiere on March 13^th for “The Keeper of the Keys”.

Check out the photos below from the Oscar Viewing Party at Rockit Bar & Grill. Thanks to all who came out- we raised a great amount of money for After School Matters, a nonprofit organization that offers Chicago public high school teens high quality out-of-school-time opportunities to explore and develop their talents in the arts, while gaining critical skills for work, college, and beyond.

You know when you laugh so hard you cry or when something’s so funny that your cheeks start to hurt from smiling so much? Well that was me on Thursday…along with the other 300 people that filled the seats of the Main Stage at Second City to see the 100^th Revue. If you’re unfamiliar, The Second City specializes in sketch comedy and improv and has been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years!

On Saturday, March 3, Rockit Ranch Productions will commemorate not one – but two – major milestones with a larger than life bash at Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 W. Hubbard, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Chicago’s 175th Birthday and the 3rd anniversary of the company’s popular entertainment, arts & culture blog, aChicagoThing.com, founded by CEO Billy Dec.

Dr. Dena Mendes is a five-time cancer survivor and the author of the new book, A Survivor’s Guide to Kicking Cancer’s Ass (Hay House, Nov 2011). A true health advocate, she is also a Naturopathic Doctor, licensed health coach, certified yoga instructor, pranic healer, professional holistic chef, and a motivational speaker who inspires audiences with her riveting and candid anecdotal stories.

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.

When my eyes first glanced at the list of Yelp! Chicago events coming up, one stood out. It included the words, “Rock” & “Racism”…so as a music lover & minority I was naturally intrigued. As I read on, it became apparent to me that I had one place to be on Thursday, February 23^rd and that was The Hard Rock Hotel.