chicago

For everyone that is single and ready to mingle in Chicago I have the best way for you to meet someone! Interact with young professionals looking to meet their special someone with the first-ever “Dateless in Chicago” event! Just because Cupid’s missed you this year on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you can’t make up for it now. Don’t miss a night where the room will be filled with 100 of Chicago’s most eligible singles this Saturday, February 18th, at Catalyst Ranch from 8-11pm.

What’s up guys and dolls? It’s Wanjiku Kairu signing in from Billy’s office to tell you about a pretty awesome gallery you need to check out ASAP. As you all know, February is Black History month, and in honor of the occasion The Glass Curtain Gallery at Columbia College has been decorated with beautiful and eccentric art work for the Black Gossamer Exhibit collected by curator Camille Morgan. I was able to hang out and interview Camille with my iPhone to discuss the gallery, and what I found will blow your mind! The Black Gossamer displays art created mostly by African American artists and expresses their views on the African American identity in society. Every piece of art will not only entertain you, but educate you as well, it’s a win-win.

“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.

Today, everyone has been affected by breast cancer in some way; for me it was my cousin Carrie Kenney. Carrie was a fun-loving, young woman who was diagnosed at the very young age of 27 and looked to Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization for support. After she lost her battle in 2004, I was determined to make a contribution to the organization that had given so much to my cousin when she needed it the most. To date, Tickled Pink has raised over $800,000 for Y-ME and hopes to reach the goal of $1 million by 2013!

Every once in awhile you come across someone who inspires you to believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams. I met Julie through a women's group ten years ago, and ran the fundraiser for her at...

Letters/X is a performance pieced together by real letters, emails, text messages, Facebook posts and other publicly written submissions that are presented as monologues and original songs. The cabaret was produced in 2004 with Groundup Theatre and has been going strong for nine years.

What does a local Chicago legendary rock venue and a thriving Texas arts festival have in common? After the Reggies SXSW Throwdown, quite a bit! Started in Austin in 1987 South By Southwest has grown into a week long music, film, and culture festival attended by nearly 20,000 people every year. Their lineup, consisting of musical acts, films, speakers, and others, features a great collection of current hot names but also tons of great up and coming artists.

I really just want a Ducati Monster…like, I’ll give you a vital organ for that bike kind of desire. And I don’t even really ride,  actually… I’ve only ridden once.  But that one time was all it took, and in the grand scheme of things that bike is so cool it doesn’t even matter if you ride it. It would instantly increase my street cred, don’t ya think? So, I don’t ride, and I’m not the biggest Son’s of Anarchy fan,  but I was still pretty intrigued when I heard about this event this weekend. Chicago is hosting the World's Largest Indoor Motorcycle Show, Parts Expo, and Motorcycle Swap Meet at the Tinley Park Convention Center.

Mark your calendars and check the temperature for the upcoming 11^th annual Lakeview Polar Plunge! You may think it’s crazy taking a diving into the lake at Oak Street Beach at the end of January, but it’s to help two families in need and other people will be doing it too! Participants should arrive at the beach by 11am because at Noon you will be running towards the water for you’re plunge!

Cancer doesn’t target an age, gender, or ethnicity- it can happen to anyone. It is one of the most well known diseases in the world and affects not only adults, but children each and every day. On January 29^th you can participate in “Step Up For Kids”, an event benefitting Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago and the Family Services Department and help fight the battle against children’s cancers.