Hey everyone! If the Mayans were correct, the world will end in about eight days. Billy was kind enough to let me take a few minutes of your time to let you know about a great way to make what might be the last toast you ever make: a toast to the end of the world.

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!

Hello everyone! Billy and I have known each other for a long time, primarily on account of my alter ego, C-note – the lead singer for Too White Crew, but today’s blog is not about that. He’s letting me take up some bandwidth to tell you about a fresh new business I started in the West Loop…

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.

Dylan McHugh from Kambio Group here to tell you about the best pub crawl in chicago! It’s almost time for that day in December that makes the cold winter worth it. No, not Christmas: The Twelve Bars of Christmas!

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.

The holidays are upon us, shopping is in full swing and the stress of finding the perfect gift is alive & well. Maybe that stress can be alleviated, at least a little bit…December 6th-9th the One of a Kind Show & Sale Chicago returns to Merchandise Mart for the 12th year! For unique, artisan gifts this an event you don’t want to miss. Over 600 talented artists from across North America will come together to sell their goods at this market. Categories of what you can find at One of a Kind range from accessories, fashion & jewelry to ceramics, glass, mixed media & painting to gourmet & holiday – and many others!

In my mind, “holiday” is synonymous with melt-in-your-mouth treats. You know the kind I’m talking about… bites of buttery, sugary, sticky goodness. From gingerbread cookies to snowballs to French macaroons, baking (and enjoying) delicious delicacies is definitely at of the top of my Christmas list.

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.