Music

Summertime Chi…there’s nothing quite like it: concerts nightly, festivals every weekend, crazy cool parties (like last week’s Talent Show) every weekend; it’s nonstop fun this time of year & there’s more to come this week!

For over 3 years now we at Rockit Ranch have shared our platform with up-and-coming talent of all kinds in Chicago, showcasing them right here on aChicagoThing.com, to give our city's potential future entertainers a celebratory & supportive boost toward a quicker & more successful entry into the Art, Culture & Entertainment industry in our city & beyond!

Chicago Sport and Social once again takes over North Avenue Beach on Saturday, July 7th to host the city’s biggest beach party and sand volleyball tournament. More than 5,000 attendees will be transported to the ultimate fantasy beach bash filled with food, drinks, sun, competition and live music.

Hello, Chicagoans! Monika Dixon and Kristin Kojzarek here from Monika Dixon Public Relations and we’re both excited to tell you all about LUX MGT’s upcoming “Midsummer Fashion Show” event! We thrive on reaching everyone with the latest news about the hottest local events, and we would love for all of you to join us on July 13th.

I’ve always LOVED Paris and all things French. My grandmother lived in France briefly as a young girl, my great-uncle taught French in Australia for over 20 years, my mother’s family lived in Belgium for 9 years (where they speak French) and I took French in middle school and high school. Sadly, from lack of practice my knowledge of the French language has dwindled, but my love of the country and culture remains strong. I was fortunate enough to go to Paris for Christmas 3 years ago with my mom and I fell more in love with it all. One of the most impressive things I saw on my trip was the Palais Garnier, home of the Paris Opéra Ballet, one of the most well known ballets in the world and the oldest (the company was started during the reign of Louis XIV). While I didn’t get to see them perform – they were touring at the time – I was able to see the beautiful theatre where their performances take place and it was awe-inspiring.

Great weather is forecast for this weekend in Chicago, yet again! Summer is well on its way along with all the non-stop events happening around. However, the city can welcome a new event to its list this weekend: Oak Street Summer Block Party! Check out this LIVE mention on ABC 7 Chicago's of this awesome event: http://bit.ly/MkCGEg

Wigs, gaudy makeup, beads, crazy costumes and...don’t forget the rainbows. Chicago’s 43rd annual Gay Pride Parade is this Sunday at 12 pm! Show your support for our city’s vibrant LGBT community by lining the streets for one of the most popular parades in the city (and country!). It’s always a crazy event with people cheering the procession and enjoying the show, culture, and reveling in our city’s dazzling diversity!

I attended the 6th Annual Grand Slam Party at Rockit Bar & Grill last week and would love to tell you all about it…just in case you missed out. The Grand Slam party is an event that stems from the Bring Me Home campaign, which is an amazing union between the Chicago White Sox’s Paul Konerko and Gordon Beckham and Children’s Home + Aid, a foster organization in Chicago.

Everyone grab a Chicago Social! There's a 3 page, 9 photo huge spread on Rockit Ranch Productions' 10 Year Anniversary - with really fun quotes and comment by the partners and friends! Scroll through the pictures for some of the great shots featuring the Stanley Cup, Barbara Streisand, David Beckham and more! - KatieRose Cronin

Hi Readers! Stephanie Sells here… met BD ten years ago back in his days at Le Passage and we’ve been friends ever since… So I wanted to extend an invite to all of his readers…