Look for ChiIL Mama This Weekend.......And Think Globally-Play Locally

And so it begins...The December Whirlwind
I don't have a large staff, so over here at ChiIL Mama we're going for quality over quantity.   Here are a few fun events we're going to or recommend checking out this weekend.


Feature Event:   Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest
(a summer festival brought indoors for the Chicago Winter)


We LIVE FOR summer music festivals, so with Chi town in the deep freeze for the next 6 months, we can't wait to check out Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest this weekend!   We'll have a photo filled feature and recap of the Saturday sets at Congress next week.   They're bigger and better than ever this year.   So bring the littles Saturday and look for ChiIL Mama at this fun, family friendly fest.   Just like Northcoast Music Fest, kids 12 and under are FREE!


 Have a look at the schedule below, and be sure to grab this FREE LIVE ALBUM just released by CBB artistVan Ghost last week while you look.

The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival is upon us!  Here are the answers to their questions before you ask them.   1. KIDS ARE FREE!- All children 12 years and under will be admitted to the festival free of charge. Because the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival is generous, and kids deserve good live music too. 2. Re-Entry: The cut off for re-entry to the venue is 5pm, up until then one may enter and leave as they please. But remember that if you leave after 5pm, you can't come back. 3. Ticket Pick Up: 3 day passes will be available for pick-up at any of the 3 venues hosting the festival. Single day tickets will be available at the will-call of the venue hosting the festival that day. The will call for Saturday, at Congress Theater, will be located directly north of the theater's entrance, at the corner of Milwaukee and Rockwell.  4. Venue Locations: Friday; The Double Door is located at 1572 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL. It is near the Milwaukee + North ave + Damen intersection. It is also steps away from the Damen Blue-Line stop. Saturday: The Congress Theater is located at 2135 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL. It is just north of the Armitage + Milwaukee intersection and close to the California Blue-Line stop. Sunday: Lincoln Hall is located at 2424 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL. It is near the Halsted + Fullerton + Lincoln intersection and close to the Fullerton Red/Brown-line stop. 5. Our Awesome Headliners: Our Headliners this year are some true live-performance-masters. Need Convincing? Check out some footage of Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zerosand Grace Potter and the Nocturnals performing live!  6. What's Allowed In: INSTRUMENTS! Bring them and JAM AT WILL! By all means, bring your digital cameras, phone or disposable cameras, hula-hoops, fanny packs, purses, European carry-alls, school backpacks (will be searched), lawn chairs, blankets, hipster sunglasses, floppy hats, lighters, cigarettes, empty plastic containers, binoculars, etc. Basically you can bring in anything but drugs, weapons of any sort, and outside food & drink. 7. The Current Ticket Situation: 3 day passes for the festival have sold out, however there are plenty of single days still available. Click here to get yours now. 8. Our Wonderful Partners: A special thanks to Groupon, last.fm, The Chicago Reader, Relix,JamBase, Consequence of Sound, The Chicago Blues Guide, Intonation Music Workshop, andHeadcount.org. Thank you for your crucial support! 9. Our Stellar Lineup/Schedule: See Below. 10. Food on Saturday: You will need fuel for an entire day's worth of astounding live music. Don't worry, our friends at Smoke Daddy will be providing delectable BBQ just for that reason, and a veggie option will also be provided, mmmmnnnn so good. 11. After Party: The Kinetic Playground is hosting the official after-party on Saturday night, so that your day of music may turn into an entire night of music as well! it will be from 10:30pm-till 4:45 am. It will feature Bryn Rich, Chasing Shade, Lemonades, Waldemere Revival, and Sexfsit. For more info click here. FRIDAY - 12/3/2010 Double Door 1572 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL [map] BUY TICKETS Saturday - 12/4/2010 Congress Theater 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL [map] BUY TICKETS Sunday - 12/5/2010 Lincoln Hall 2424 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL [map] BUY TICKETS Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival thanks our sponsors for their support:

Friday--

****Special offer for ChiIL Mama Readers:  We mentioned this before, but since the show starts tonight and is only here 3 nights, we'll say it again.   Legally Blonde has offered us a $20 discount off the top ticket price to this wonderful musical (a favorite with Moms and daughters!)

Click HERE to check out ChiIL Mama's prior post about Legally Blonde, Lookingglass' Peter Pan and Traces....all recommended.

When purchasing tickets, use the code GETOUT .  ($59.50 tickets can be purchased for $39.50).  Does not include $2 facility fee or any applicable Ticketmaster fees.  Ticketmaster fees do not apply to tickets purchased in person at the Rosemont Theatre Box Office. Subject to availability.

Legally Blonde-(short run December 3-5) 

Handel's Messiah Rocks-(December 3 & 4 only)


*We'll have a review up soon for Legally Blonde and Handel's Messiah Rocks!, both starting tonight.





Hello, chainmaille fans!

Hello, chainmaille fans! We are so please to be one of the over 600 artists participating in the One of a Kind Show & Sale again this year.  Visit our booth for amazing handmade chainmaille jewelry.  Also, don't miss the unique artist demonstration with Blue Buddha Boutique owner, founder, artist, and author (when does she have time to sleep?) Rebeca Mojica.  She will be presentingChainmaille: From Chain-Link Shirts to Spectacular Jewelry on Saturday December 4th at 1pm. This is a great time to learn more about the art of chainmaille and check out Rebeca's innovative new book, CHAINED. Who knows?  It might just inspire you to pick up pliers and create a masterpiece of your own. Hope to see you at the show! Rebeca and the staff of Blue Buddha Boutique BLUE BUDDHA BOUTIQUE :: Booth # 8087 ONE OF A KIND SHOW :: Thursday, December 2nd, 2010  through Sunday, December 5th, 2010

JOIN US at the One of a Kind Show, featuring the work of more than 600 artists, 
artisans and designers.

Merchandise Mart
8th floor
222 Merchandise Mart
Chicago, IL 60654

Saturday--

Join us for a wonderful holiday celebration that is sure to be a favorite with your family if it isn’t already.   The kids made some cool jump ropes last year and we all found lots of unique gifts at the craft fair.   In a season swamped with bazaars and craft shows, this is one worth the effort, but it does get crowded, so go early and ditch the strollers.

This year’s Fair features unique vendors, fabulous food, candle dipping, crafts & activities, a raffle (with a ticket included with each paid admission), puppet plays, a chess & game room, an alumni room featuring artwork from our CWS grads and a full entertainment roster.

Look for old favorites and new including the Care to Share room, Waldorf Recycled (for gently used natural toys and other items) and the always-popular Children’s House special shopping area just for the little ones. You can even learn to knit in 15 minutes in the knitting area!

As a special treat, photographer Brian Warling will be setting up a family photo studio from 11AM-3PM where you can have a 5x7 photo taken and given to you on the spot for only $7.50!

Admission is only $5 for adults with students and children admitted free.

www.chicagowaldorf.org for more information and to see the entertainment lineup

Chicago Waldorf School is located at 1300 W Loyola Ave in Rogers Park just 2 blocks west of the Loyola Red Line L stop

 

Sunday--Dance Along Nutcracker--We've been loving this fabulous, free annual event for years.   Embrace your inner fairy with everyone from grown men to children all donning tutus and dancing along to this Christmas classic.   Come an hour early for dance lessons and crafts.

Dance-Along Nutcracker Sugar-plum fairies and toy soldiers of all ages return once again for the ninth annual Dance-Along Nutcracker, an interactive holiday event presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.  Audience members, young and old, are encouraged to dress in their finest tutus and hit the dance floor alongside professional dancers. The Dance-Along Nutcracker®, created in 1985, is the property of the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, the world’s first openly gay musical organization. Any use of the name, concept or imagery without the written permission of SFLGFB is prohibited

Website: For additional information please visit, http://www.chicagoculturalcenter.org

Ongoing--
1.  Downtown Holiday Aventure--Catch The CTA Holiday El Train down to Daley Plaza and check out the ginormous tree, Christkindlmarket, and Macy's window display.


2.  Do The Zoo(s)--Lincoln Park Zoolights is some of the most free fun you can have while freezing.   And they give out these rockin' 3D glasses that make you see santa in all the holiday lights (without a wicked hangover the next day).   Oh yeah, Brookfield Zoo will cost ya, but it's pretty cool this time of year, too.