General

Have you checked out Daley Plaza yet? It is literally the best way to get into the spirit of the season. Besides grabbing some fun gifts at Chriskindlmarket, you have to stop by and admire the tree. I did back in November when they lit the tree for the 99th time.

What happens when you combine leaders in the world of Chicago arts, culture & entertainment? An incredible musical that takes its audience on a journey of reflection and self-discovery through song, dance, fashion and design. Sita Ram began in 2002 when Krithika Rajagopalan of Natya Dance Company commissioned founding ensemble member of the Lookingglass Theatre Company, David Kresnar, and Grammy-nominated composer, Jai Uttal, to create a world musical that encompassed Chicago’s rich diversity and culture. The first show premiered in 2006 and was a great success. The Hindu epic, Ramayana, is the basis for Sita Ram as it fuses together the past, present & future – all themes that are as relevant today as they were 3,000 years ago when Ramayana was first written.

Hey! It’s James and Catherine from XA and we would like to thank our buddy Billy for allowing us to spread some holiday cheer on behalf of Sweetwater and The Boundary. Guests are invited to get into the spirit – of giving! But what would giving be on an empty stomach? Sweetwater and The Boundary are rewarding the holiday spirit with Tots for Tots!

A catwalk, the latest fashions, batting averages. You’ll find all three when current and former Cubs players take to the runway for the first Strike a Pose celebrity fashion show to benefit the David DeJesus Family Foundation on Thursday, January 17th at the River East Art Center. Kim and David DeJesus will co-chair the event and all funds raised will benefit ALS research, patient care and family support for those afflicted by the disease, a cause near to their hearts.

Martin McGarry, native of Co Mayo, Ireland spent his youth fighting for his place among his many brothers and sisters. His teenage years were spent in boxing rings spanning several continents. As an adult he devoted his life to training boxers and taking kids off the streets, giving them an outlet to box and a safe place to channel their energy. Now he is the one in need.

Be a Hero, Have a Ball! Join Ted Brunson, of WGN’s “Chicago’s Best,” Ed Swiderski of “The Bachelorette” and “Bachelor Pad”fame, renowned DJ Jason Kalendr, and other notable guests for the Autism Speaks Heroes Bash, this Thursday, November 29th, 6pm-9pm, at Sushi Samba (504 N Wells). This is not your average fundraiser! This lively event is known for having the best drinks, the best vibe and the best crowd—drawing a who’s who of Chicago’s most social and generous young professionals.

Burberry asked me a few months ago to participate in a movement called "Art of the Trench" - they explained it as a living document of the trench coat and the people who wear it. The project is a collaboration between Burberry, fans of the brand and the world's leading image makers.

There are some great markets in Chicago. Fun finds and great food are a great way to have a Sunday Funday. But there’s a new market in town, and it all goes down after dark. Fête will be a mix of food, fashion and home goods. In case you didn’t take French in high school, ‘fête’ means party en Français. How appropriate for this nighttime market.

The holidays are always a time for giving back to those in need. Food pantries receive some of their highest donations of the year, toy & coat drives are abundant and bell ringers for the Salvation Army are outside of almost every store. But there’s one important group that tends to be left out of the conversation and they’re some of our best friends…our pets! If people are in need, chances are their pets need some help too.

I know what you’re thinking. It’s too early to talk about holiday stuff. Halloween just ended, right? Well you may not want to participate, but next thing you know, you’ll be hearing “Let it Snow” on LITE FM. In between searching for the perfect gifts for your loved ones, take a break to enjoy some Chicago holiday classics.