Free Broadway in the Park!

Monday June 30th at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park, Broadway in Chicago will be presenting a free evening of "Broadway Music in the Park". Come out to see cast members from Wicked, Jersey Boys, Dirty Dancing, Grease, A Chorus Line, Legally Blonde, and Spring Awakening perform.

I'm still amazed they made Legally Blonde into a musical. But I wouldn't mind seeing the revival of A Chorus Line. When I was in grade school, I took tap and ballet lessons, and we had a two-part recital; the kids performed various "cabaret" acts, and the adult tap classes performed A Chorus Line. Although I've seen the movie, it's been a really long time since I've seen it on stage.

Scene in Chicago

Public Enemies (Johnny Depp's new film) was doing some filming along N. Wells, just south of Lincoln, yesterday afternoon. I didn't get a glimpse of Mr. Depp, but I did see plenty of extras and lots of cool antique cars.

Play ball!

A sure sign that summer has arrived in Chicago ... North Beach volleyball.
June 2008

Dance!

I know I've mentioned him on my blogs before, but watch Where the Hell is Matt? and you cannot help but smile - stick with it until at least the minute mark, and I'm sure you'll watch the rest!

*dances*



If this video brought a smile to your face, check out the group Dance Like You Don't Know How! on Flickr!

Biking Chicago

If you're really interested in biking (whether or not you live in Chicago), there's a great blog out there called, simply enough, ChicagoBikeBlog.

For information about issues, laws, events and more that impact cyclists around Chicago, visit the Chicagoland Bike Federation website.

Free theater in the parks

The following information is from the GroundUp Theatre; I'm not involved with them, but I do love Steampunk! :

The GroundUp Theatre of Chicago presents Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, directed and adapted by Don Johnson . All shows start at 5:00 pm on Saturdays/Sundays and are free! (Note, donations are appreciated, however.)

Performances:
June 21, 22: Ravenswood Manor Park (4626 N. Manor)
June 28, 29: Pulaski Park (1419 W. Blackhawk)
July 12, 13: Skinner Park (1331 W. Adams)
July 19, 20: Winnemac Park (5100 N. Leavitt)
July 26, 27: Touhy Park (7348 N. Paulina)
August 2, 3: Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf)

Suspended in the world of Steampunk subculture, this crowd pleasing comedy features the universal themes of love, honor and betrayal. The family-friendly, 90-minute version is a great introduction to Shakespeare as well as a new take on a classic comedy. Patrons are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and/or chairs to this free, outdoor production. For information call (773) 764-9916 or visit www.grounduptheatre.com.

More photography showcased!

My apologies to those of you who read my blog and see I really haven't written much the past two weeks. It's been a very stressful time but I'm getting back to my writing and photography.

This past week, I was happy to have one of my pictures selected to be showcased on the "Summer in Chicago" webpage, which is run by the Chicago Office of Tourism - Department of Cultural Affairs.

Rogue

I admit, not a usual travel pic. Just a tribute to my sweet kitty, Rogue, 1993-2008. As to her breed, for people always ask, she was a Korat - a sweet-tempered, loyal, intelligent breed which originated in Thailand. In fact, in Thailand, people will give a pair of Korats to a newly-wedded couple as a sign of good luck.

Summer's here!

It's summer in Chicago, and that means lots n' lots of free festivals.

This weekend is the 25th Annual Blues Festival, with entertainers ranging from local favorite Koko Taylor to top national acts like Buckwheat Zydeco and B.B. King, and everything in-between - check it out in Grant Park, Friday through Sunday.

The Printer's Row Book Fair - the Midwest's largest annual literary event - returns to the Loop on Saturday and Sunday (10am-6pm both days). The Book Fair is located on "Printer's Row" on S. Dearborn, between Congress & Polk, with another arm of the Fair stretched along Polk. Entry is free; although events at the Washington Library require tickets (also free) due to limited space. (Brown/purple/pink/orange line to Library; Blue line to LaSalle or Jackson; Red line to Harrison; Green line to Roosevelt or Adams)

* * *

Not free, but also worth going to - this weekend wraps up the 11th annual Chicago Improv Festival. Events range from $5-25; see website for complete listings.

U.S. Marines sunset ceremony

If you are traveling to Washington, D.C., this summer, and you will be in town on a Tuesday evening, head over to the Iwo Jima monument at Arlington National Cemetery for the U.S. Marine Corps sunset ceremony.

It lasts one hour. It's free, reservations are not required (bring your own seating arrangements), it's fantastic, and you will never forget watching the band's precise performance. There is something special about watching the USMC Band with the Iwo Jima memorial, and the capitol, behind them.

Performance times for this summer are:
June 3 - July 28 7:00 pm EST
August 5 & August 12 6:30 pm EST

Chicago Shakes! - Shakespeare, that is

The 2008-2009 season for Chicago Shakespeare has been announced:
- Amadeus, Sept 6-Nov 9
- Edward II, Oct 1-Nov 9
- Midsummer Night's Dream, Nov 25-Dec 7
- Macbeath, Dec 31-March 8, 2009
- Sweet William, Feb 3-Feb 22, 2009
- Twelfth Night, Mar 29-June 7, 2009