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.

TV and Movie Season kicks up every summer...and this year we have The Mob Doctor, Chicago Fire and more filming right here in our great city, and they all start with the same thing, a casting call, so here's one for you!

Circus performers, magicians, and DJs, oh my! On June 30th, the most exciting spectacle in Chicago will take place at The Riverfront Theater under a 70-foot tent, and you should be there to experience it! The Lookingglass Theatre Junior Board’s signature fundraiser, The Madhatter’s Ball, is coming to River West on an epic scale.

Celine Thum, MD at Maimonides Medical Center here! I'd like to tell you a story about an experience that has stuck with me forever…

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.

Via Meghan Goulette: Had such a fun afternoon in the park yesterday with our CEO, Billy Dec, after invited to watch him play in the Nike Northside vs Southside Challenge. White Sox player AJ Pierzynski may have coached the Southside team to a victory, but Billy and the Northside crew gave them a run for their money (led by Johnny Knox of the Chicago Bears who stepped in to coach when Cubs’ Ryan Dempster ended up on DL). The event showcased the Nike Fuel Band, keeping stats on calories (check the video for Johnny poking a little fun at Billy’s stats), steps & more…I actually just bought the band for my dad! Highlight of the game by far was Billy’s double play complete with a sky high catch (AJ coined it the “2nd best catch ever”…see what he called first best in the video). Shout out to all the players listed below!

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

It's that time of year again for Jeremy Piven & Billy Dec to join forces and host the best party of the year all to benefit the Piven Theatre Workshop & their new Theatre they are building!! Every year these two guys do whatever they can to help raise funds for children's art & theater scholarships in Chicago and without exception it's always a good time, it always brings out a fun, philanthropic crowd, celebrities, pro-athletes, media, influencers, movers & shakers… it's the perfect opportunity to party it up for an excellent cause.