Trolley La La La Chicago Trolley Holiday Lights Tour #ChiILpicks #greatgifts #giftguide

“RIDING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND” WITH CHICAGO TROLLEY HOLIDAY LIGHTS TOUR NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 31, 2012

One of ChiIL Mama's seasonal favorites is back.   Ride in style in a cheerful red Chicago trolley this year.   The holiday lights tour makes our ChiIL Picks List 2012 and makes a great gift for family and friends!

Holiday Magic Comes to Life as Passengers Explore The Christkindlmaket, Zoo Lights, The Magnificent Mile, and More

You'll have more time to explore and your feet won't get sore!!

Chicago Trolley Co. celebrates the holiday season with their enchanting “Holiday Lights Tour,” bringing the magic of the city to life as passengers experience the thrilling lights and sights of Chicago. Running Friday - Sunday evenings Nov. 23 – Dec. 23, and daily Dec. 26 – 31, Chicago’s version of a caroling sleigh ride whisks passengers through the festive lights and holiday spectacles of wintertime in Chicago, including views of the Magnificent Mile, State Street & Macy’s Holiday Windows, the John Hancock Plaza tree, Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest; and stops at two of Chicago’s favorite holiday sights—the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza and Lincoln Park’s Zoo Lights. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available online at www.chicagotrolley.com. 

We've been pitching this one since before tickets first went on sale Monday, Oct. 29, but if for some reason you still haven't booked ahead...here's one more reminder.   Don't wait till they're sold out and get left out in the cold!!

“It is always the goal of Chicago Trolley to give passengers the ultimate tour of the city and the wintertime holiday season is no exception,” said President of Chicago Trolley Co. Rob Pierson. “The holiday lights tour allows passengers to get a glimpse of the beauty and magic that is on display throughout Chicago and is the perfect holiday tradition for the entire family.”

The “Holiday Lights Tour” is a lightly narrated 2-hour tour showcasing the best of Chicago’s holiday lights and sights. Passengers will ride a festive Trolley, decked out in tune with the season, and have time to hop off at both the Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo and the Christkindlmarket, a traditional German American Holiday Market with distinctive crafts, artistic glass ornaments, delicious sweets and holiday food and drinks. Passengers will also enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and a brownie at the John Hancock Building.

Schedule and Ticketing Information

The “Holiday Lights Tour” runs Fridays - Sundays, Nov. 23 – Dec. 23, 2012, and daily Dec. 26 - 31, with three departure times at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The tour departs from The John Hancock Building located at Michigan Avenue and Delaware Streets. Tours hold 32 passengers each and tickets must be purchased in advance online at www.chicagotrolley.com. A limited number of tickets may be available on the day of the event at the Delaware St. Chicago Trolley kiosk. Advance purchase online is recommended to guarantee seating.

Tickets are $26 for adults and $19 for children (3-11).

The “Holiday Lights Tour” is also available as a private charter to groups, with a 25 person group minimum (32 person group maximum Trolley capacity). The Trolley will pick up passengers at any desired location in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs. Suburban pick-up/drop-off may incur additional travel charges. To book a Holiday Lights Tour as a private charter, please visit www.chicagotrolley.com or call 773-648-5000.

About Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company

Founded in 1994 with the idea that teaching actors and comedians to drive a trolley provides a better experience than teaching a bus driver to give a tour, this unique company has entertained and informed millions of locals and visitors on all-day sightseeing tours and private charter transportation including weddings, corporate charters, special event transportation, pub crawls, and more. With more than 70 vehicles, The Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co. connects visitors to the best of Chicago's attractions, restaurants, shops, and entertainment. The popular tour and charter company has earned two Chicago Visitor's Choice Awards, including honors for Chicago's Best Tours/Transportation and for Best Service. The affiliated Stagecoach Group companies, including Coach USA and Megabus.com, also provide deluxe motor coach service to destinations throughout North America.

Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ--Saturday Brunch Begins #foodiefun

Tomorrow marks the launch of Saturday Brunch at Dragon Ranch Moonshine & BBQ? They've had such success withSunday Brunch that they decided to extend it on Saturday, too!  

Dragon Ranch says:

We’ve “mastered the form” of an original brunch! Join us every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am to 3:00pm for our new take on the old brunch classics! Enjoy Eggs Benedict, Grits, and Biscuits ‘N Gravy with an Asian twist!
Book your reservations here!

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Grass Fed Passion House Coffee Tasting 2-4 Friday 11/30 #foodiefun

Grass Fed, the new Bucktown restaurant redefining the American steakhouse, is hosting a complimentary coffee tasting with local company Passion House Coffee Roasters on Friday, November 30^th from 2-4pm.

Sample Passion House’s local roasts Warehouse Espresso Blend and Guatemala Puerta Verde (for more information, see below descriptions). While sipping on fresh coffee, enjoy scones, muffins and croissants, perfect for dunking. The Passion House team, Owner/Head Roaster Joshua Millman and Brew Specialist/QC/Green Buyer Shannon Steele Knuckles, will also be on-site to answer questions.

Grass Fed regularly offers fresh Passion House coffee throughout the day, and features free Wi-Fi and parking behind the building. It's a perfect spot to bring your laptop or tablet—enjoy a delicious blend while relaxing or working at your home away from home.

Warehouse Espresso Blend
This espresso is named after Warehouse, the famous Chicago nightclub where house music was born. Like the club, this coffee is well balanced with talent from around the globe. It goes well straight up or with milk, and tastes of cashew butter, caramel, beautiful flowers, milk chocolate and bright fruit, with an aromatic finish.

Guatemala Puerta Verde
The Alvarez family has been producing coffee at Finca Puerta Verde since the end of the 19^th Century. Their 41 hectare farm is located in Ciudad Vieja, Sacatepéquez, in the Panchoy Valley. The complexity of this coffee is evident from the moment you grind it to your last cooled sip. Candied lemon zest mixed with passion fruit are the star openers of this cup. The lively nature of this punches your cheeks with bright tropical fruits, pineapple and passion fruit, and the sides of your tongue sparkle with clean crystallized sugar and citric acid. As the cup cools, chewy, creamy caramel bounds towards the front with little sparkles of that candied lemon zest peeking back through. Rich Spanish style milk chocolate with notes of Mexican cinnamon lead you into sweet raisins mixed with dried grapefruit. It's the coffee for fruit lovers. 

ABOUT GRASS FED
Opening its doors in summer 2012, Grass Fed is redefining the American steakhouse. The Bucktown restaurant features a chic farmhouse setting and unique twists on the familiar. With a focus on simplicity, Grass Fed’s specialty is a unique fixed price menu for dinner, with a sirloin steak, a house salad and hand-cut fries. The sirloin is sourced from farms in Wisconsin and Missouri, and is 100% grass fed. A chicken and seafood alternative, as well as several vegetarian sides and starters, helps round out the offerings. Grass Fed does its best to make all products in-house where possible, from condiments and sauces to desserts and house infused cocktails. Grass Fed also features fresh coffee throughout the day, roasted locally by Passion House, a weekday lunch menu with fresh sandwiches and salads, and weekend brunch with contemporary American comfort food.

Grass Fed is located at 1721 N. Damen Ave. The restaurant features free Wi-Fi and parking behind the building. For more information, please call 773.342.6000, visit their website at www.grassfedbucktown.com, or follow Grass Fed on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@IAmGrassFed).

ACT OUT OPENING: HANNUKATZ THE MUSICAL!

The New National Pastime Theater

Invites you to join our Rockin' Rollin' Rollickin'

newly updated for your viewing pleasure

HANNUKATZ THE MUSICAL!

plus don't miss out New Year's Eve Masquerade

"At the Exact Center of the Universe"

Family friendly, seasonal fun for those who celebrate Hannukah and those who dont! 

HANNUKATZ THE MUSICAL!

The New National Pastime Theater presents, back by popular demand, 2200 years in the making, here to fill the holiday vOY-OY-OYd!, the only rock ‘n’ roll Hannukah musical on earth, HANNUKATZ THE MUSICAL!  Director Shifra Werch creates a new production in The National Pastime Theater's recently acquired Uptown theater.  You’ve seen The Nutcracker, now see "the Wisecracker," more pa-rum-pa-pum-pumped full of Rock n Roll and laughs for the whole family than the holidays have ever been! Inspired by Terry Abrahamson's best-selling, HANNUKATZ SAVES HANNUKAH,HANNUKATZ THE MUSICAL! is recommended for those who celebrate Hannukah and those who don't.

Starring Wellington Da Silva as the tie-dyed Meowmulkah-sporting title character on his Hannukah-eve visit to the Skokie-based Moskowitz family’s Hannukah-hating kids. Isaac Samuelson and Maren Rosenberg portray the Moskowitz kids Josh and Emily with Rachel Pallante and Jordan Levin as their parents Syl and Gil.  Self-described in his Jerry Lee Lewis-inspired theme song as “a catnippy, kinda trippy, chocolate chippy old hippie,” Hannukatz is a 6'7" talking, rocking, cat armed with an arsenal of rousing Hannukarols like “Do the Chhhh,” “No Jews Allowed,” and “Hannukah is Not the Jewish Christmas.” Grammy-winner Abrahamson (book/lyrics) and collaborator Michael Carlson (music) bring the audience into the musical world

Performances begin November 29^th and run through December 30^th. Shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm with Saturday and Sunday 3pm matinees.

Tickets are $25.  Kids 12 and under are $10. Tickets can be purchased at http://hannukatz.brownpapertickets.com or the box office at 773-327-7077.  Call for group discounts on parties of ten or more. 

*Special Christmas Day 3pm Show followed by a Chinese Feast $50, kids under 12 $15 (post-show meal included in ticket price)

New Year's Eve Masquerade: At the Exact Center of the Universe

The National Pastime Theater closes out the year with a New Year's Eve masquerade ball At the Exact Center of the Universe.  Bring in the new year with wild acts, live blues with Kent Duchaine and his LeadBessie (kentduchaine.com/), exquisite food from local Chicago restaurants, silent auction and a raucous atmosphere, all while supporting the arts.

The National Pastime Theater hosts its Masquerade Ball at the Exact Center of the Universe December 31^st 2012.  Doors open 8pm and close when the last mask drops to the floor.  Tickets are $100 per couple ($50 single) in advance and $150 per couple ($75 single) after December 25^th.

Special Christmas and New Year's Eve combo tickets.  Advance tickets to the Christmas Day performance of Hannukatz the Musical and New Year's Eve At the Exact Center of the Universefor $75.  Must purchase by December 24th.  

The New National Pastime Theater is located within the rediscovered historic Masonic Hall in the Preston Bradley Center at 941 W Lawrence Ave. 4^th Floor in Chicago.  The curious and bold can discover us via the Red Line Lawrence El stop. Bus routes 36, 81, 145 and 151 are all within three blocks of the theater.  Street parking is available or Weiss Hospital offers $5 all night parking two blocks south east for NPT guests.

BYOB is always encouraged for our adventurous patrons and guests.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED-Moniquilla and the Moon Monster

ChiILPicks List for Multicultural, family friendly fun this weekend:

Moniquilla and the Moon Monster

Second installment of the annual Luna Niños Family Series

Friday, November 30 at 7 pm,

Saturday, December 1 at 3 pm, or

Sunday, December 2 at 3 pm

This new hour-long, narrated dance performance – this year written, directed and choreographed by Luna Negra company memberEduardo Zuñiga – finds Moniquilla and friends Veronica and Nico on a quest to find their missing pal, Matias. 

With illustrations by Patricia Marín Escutia, animations by Gustavo Suarez, lighting by Jared B. Moore, and a giant moving set designed by Zuñiga, this immersive and interactive multi-media adventure delights children (and adults) of all ages while serving as an introduction to the dramatic power of contemporary dance.

Luna Negra Dance Theater

Brings New Family-Oriented Dance Adventure to the Stage in

“MONIQUILLA AND THE MOON MONSTER”

Second Installment in Annual Luna Niños Family Series

At the Ruth Page Center, November 30 – December 2

CHICAGO – Luna Negra Dance Theater continues its family-oriented winter series, Luna Niños, this season with the second dance “episode” of the adventures of Moniquilla and friends, this year titled “Moniquilla and the Moon Monster,” presented in three performances only at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street, Friday, November 30 at 7 pm and Saturday-Sunday, December 1-2 at 3 pm.

This new hour-long, narrated dance performance, this year written, directed and choreographed by Luna Negra company member Eduardo Zuñiga, finds Moniquilla and friend Veronica at school one day when they realize that pal Matias is missing.  After a little exploration, they realize that Matias has been abducted by the Moon Monster, who’s in search of the mysterious Book of Magic, and Moniquilla must enlist the help of former nemesis Nico (from the previous installment, Moniquilla and the Thief of Laughter) to help save him.  With illustrations by Patricia Marín Escutia, lighting by Jared B. Moore, and a giant moving set designed by Zuñiga, this immersive and interactive multi-media adventure delights children (and adults) of all ages while serving as an introduction to the dramatic power of contemporary dance. 

The on-going adventures of Moniquilla, presented in annual installments as part of Luna Negra’s Luna Niños artistic initiative, was conceived by Luna Negra Artistic Director Gustavo Ramírez Sansano specifically to reach young audiences through a unique dance experience tailored to their needs.

Tickets for “Moniquilla and the Moon Monster” are $15 and are available online at www.lunanegra.org.  For questions or more information, call 312-337-6882.

Eduardo Zuñiga (Santiago, Chile) began his training at age 15 with The Teatro Municipal School before attending the Houston Ballet Academy, where he performed with both Houston Ballet and Houston Ballet II.  In 2005, Zuniga joined State Street Ballet and in 2006 he joined Texas Ballet Theater under the direction of Ben Stevenson.  He was also invited by Marcia Haydee to guest with Ballet de Santiago.  He spent two seasons dancing with Hubbard Street II under the direction of Glenn Edgerton and Taryn Kaschock-Russell and has worked with classical and contemporary choreographers such as Marcia Haydee, Stanton Welch, Ben Stevenson, John Cranko, Christian Spuck, Alejandro Cerrudo, Andrea Miller, Toru Shimazaki and Edwaard Liang.  Zuñiga joined Luna Negra Dance Theater in 2010.

Since its inception in 1999, Luna Negra Dance Theater has established itself as a significant and vital component of Chicago’s arts and cultural community.  Founded by Cuban-born dancer and choreographer Eduardo Vilaro, Luna Negra celebrates the richness and diversity of Latino culture through the creation of works by contemporary Latino choreographers and through intensive, hands-on education programs that encourage discovery and exploration of personal and community identity.  Now under the leadership of award-winning Artistic Director Sansano, Luna Negra has risen to the forefront of American contemporary dance.  Luna Negra is comprised of ten full company members, including Renée Adams, Christopher Bordenave, Christian Broomhall, Nigel Campbell, Moníca Cervantes, Veronica Guadalupe, Zoltan Katona, Filipa Peraltinha, Kirsten Shelton and Eduardo Zuñiga.

DAVIDsTEA FREE $19.50 Perfect Mug Coupon With $20 Loose Tea Purchase #greatgifts #giftguide

ChiIL Mama adores DAVIDsTEA.   Welcome to Chi-town!   We got in on a rockin' press preview party at their premier Chicago location in Bucktown and were super impressed with the plethora of tea samples we tasted, and the airy, aromatic store.  They'll soon be adding two more shops on Southport and in Lincoln Park.   Check back with us like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We'll have a photo filled DAVIDsTEA review up soon as part of our seasonal, holiday ChiIL Mama's Great Gifts List 2012.

If you haven't checked them out yet, print out this sweet offer and go already.

How to Redeem:

Redeem in Store with attached advertisement

Get a Free Perfect Mug when you spend $20 on loose leaf tea! How perfect is that!? Bring in the attached promotional flyer into retail location to redeem this offer. 12 oz size only - a $19.50 value.

Expires December 1, 2012. Limit 1 use per customer. Cannot be combined with any offer. Valid in U.S. stores only. While supplies last.

CHICAGO THEATERS GET FESTIVE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON #greatgifts #giftguide

League of Chicago Theatres’ 

annual Holiday Guide

highlights seasonal productions

The Chicago theater community will present a wide variety of festive plays and musicals, as well as dance and concert offerings this Holiday season.  In support, the League of Chicago Theatres will once again create a comprehensive Holiday Theater Guide that will be available in mid-November at hotels, theaters, events, and destinations across the Chicago area.  An updated list of holiday shows with additional details about each production will be available throughout the season at www.chicagoplays.com. 

ChiIL Live Shows.com  and ChiIL Mama.com will be reviewing many adult and family friendly theatre favs respectively--holiday themed and not--this month.   Check in with us like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often and we'll keep you up on Chi-town's must see shows.   Theatre season passes and show tickets make GREAT gifts.   We've highlighted our personal favorites in red below, out of The League of Chicago Theatres' List.

The following is a selection of Holiday-themed work playing in Chicago this season.

Classic Chicago favorites include:

The Goodman Theatre presents the beloved Chicago tradition, Charles Dickens’ classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL, November 17 - December 29, 2012.  We'll be there tonight 11/28 and will have a full review up shortly.

Capra’s holiday staple gets the 1940’s radio treatment with IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE RADIO PLAY, now in its eleventh year at American Theatre Company, November 15 – December 30, 2012, and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE AT THE BIOGRAPH! presented by American Blues Theater at Victory Gardens, November 23 – December 30, 2012.

The House Theatre presents its fantastical version of THE NUTCRACKER, weaving dance, text, and songs to tell a story of magic and mystery, November 8 – December 30, 2012.  The House Theatre's Nutcracker is one of our annual favs.   Highly recommended!   We caught them last year and again last week.  Check out our past House Nutcracker coverage here and we'll have a new full feature up soon.   Check out more of our features on The House Theatre including our original video interview with Dennis Watkins here.

THE SANTALAND DIARIES, David Sedaris’ beloved account of his time in the trenches as an Elf at Macy’s returns, now in its eighth year, starring Mitchell Fain at Theater Wit, November 23 – December 29, 2012.

The Mercury Theater presents the Chicago holiday favorite, THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER, November 23 – December 30, 2012.

Black Ensemble Theater presents THE OTHER CINDERELLA, a joyous retelling of the familiar fairy tale with an Afro-centric twist, November 23, 2012 – January 6, 2013.   We'll be catching this one for the press opening this Sunday 12/3.   Check back early and often for loads of theatre news and new reviews at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama under our ACT OUT sections.

Holiday-themed musicals include:

Artistic Director Charles Newell and Music Director Doug Peck team up for a delightful reimagining of Court Theatre’s eccentric holiday classic, JAMES JOYCE’S “THE DEAD,” November 8 – December 9, 2012.

Fox Falley Repertory presents THE WINTER WONDERETTES a holiday musical full of classic “60s hits” and a missing Santa, at Pheasant Run Resort and Spa, November 15 – December 30, 2012.

Porchlight Music Theatre celebrates the true meaning of the holiday season with the new musical THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI, at Stage 773, November 17 – December 30, 2012.

The National Pastime Theater presents HANNUKATZ THE MUSICAL, a totally new spin on Dreidl Days, November 29 – December 30, 2012.

Broadway in Chicago brings Dr. Seuss' classic to life in DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL, featuring the hit songs "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas," at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, December 5 – 16, 2012.   We can't wait to check this one out!  We'll be there for opening night on the 5th and we'll have a full review for you shortly.

Holiday comedies include:

The Second City presents a seasonal blend of hilarious scenes, songs, and improvisation in NUT-CRACKING HOLIDAY REVUE at Up Comedy Club, November 22 – December 30, 2012.

ComedySportz gets in the holiday spirit with IT’S A BIEBERFUL LIFE, a parody of the classic story featuring a fictional Justin Bieber visited by an angel with a distinct resemblance to Robert Pattinson, November 16 – December 29, 2012, as well as THE COMEDYSPORTZ CREW MEETS THE SNOW QUEEN, a special take on the Hans Christian Anderson story, November 17, 2012 – January 19, 2013.

Hell in a Handbag Productions returns to Mary’s Attic with the hilarious and politically-incorrect holiday escape RUDOLPH THE RED HOSED REINDEER, November 29 – December 30, 2012.

Dickens reaches his breaking point in CHARLES DICKENS BEGRUDGINGLY PERFORMS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL.” AGAIN., at the Building Stage, November 29 – December 24, 2012.

Chemically Imbalanced Comedy presents DIRTY 30’S CHRISTMAS, December 7, 2012 – January 19, 2013.

Music and Dance offerings include:

Dominican University Performing Arts presents A LEAHY FAMILY CHRISTMAS, a multifaceted Christmas-themed show combining music, dance, and song, December 1, 2012.

Chicago a capella brings NAVIDAD EN MEXICO, a concert of Mexican Christmas, at Nicholas Concert Hall, December 1 – December 9, 2012.

James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts presents THE MOSCOW BOYS CHOIR - CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD, December 4, 2012 only.

Chicago Tap presents TIDING OF TAP!, a dance celebration of all things wintry, including pieces recognizing Christmas, Chanukah and the snowy season at UIC Theater, December 14 – Dec 16, 2012.

Ruth Page Civic Ballet enchants the entire family with the classic ballet THE NUTCRACKER at James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, December 15 and 16, 2012.  

MCA Stage presents Taiko Legacy, celebrating winter solstice with two of the world’s finest percussionists: Michael Zerang and Hamid Drake, at Edlis Neeson Theater, December 21 and 22, 2012.  Highly recommended!

Family-friendly holiday fare includes:

Piccolo Theatre presents BAH, HUMBUG!, a kid-friendly retelling of “A Christmas Carol” in Panto-fashion, at Evanston Arts Depot, November 9 – December 22, 2012.

Theatre of Western Springs presents MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS, based on the charming children’s story, November 30 – December 9, 2012.

Raven Theater presents the delightful holiday mystery SHERLOCK HOLMES THE CASE OF THE CHRISTMAS GOOSE, December 14 – December 30, 2012.

Other notable works include:

The 20^th Anniversary Production of HELLCAB portrays the story of a cab driver in for the longest night of his life as he transports a bizarre and mysterious array of customers through the gritty streets of Chicago on Christmas Eve, at Profiles Theater, November 9 – December 23, 2012.   We caught opening night and were blown away.   Hellcab is highly recommended.   Do NOT miss this one.   The talent was immense and the giant curtain call alone is practically worth the admission price, and truly something to see.

The moving holiday story, A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE FOR JONATHAN TOOMEY, at Provision Theater, November 21 – December 23, 2012.

Street Tempo Theatre takes audiences on a seasonal adventure with singing, dancing, stories, interactive games and eggnog in IT'S A WONDERFUL SANTA LAND MIRACLE NUT-CRACKING CHRISTMAS STORY… JEWS WELCOME, at Stage 773, November 23 – December 30, 2012.

When a blizzard turns their neighborhood into a snowscape, three young adventurers climb out of their chimneys and create a new land in FOREVERENDIA, presented by The Black Ship Co. at the Athenaeum Theatre, November 29 – December 23, 2012.

Hot Tix

Hot Tix offers half-price tickets to more than 200 Chicago area theaters, full price tickets to all Ticketmaster events including concerts and sports, and Play Money gift certificates. Hot Tix tickets are always half-price and may be purchased up to a week in advance of the performance.  Hot Tix ticket centers are located in the Loop at72 E. Randolph Street, at the Chicago Tourism Center and on North Michigan Ave. at the Waterworks Visitors Center located at 163 E. Pearson. Hot Tix are available for purchase online at HotTix.org.  

About Chicago theater

Chicago theater is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theaters serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. In 2009-10 alone Chicago theater companies produced more than 130 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year Chicago theaters send new work to resident theaters across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. 

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement

The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to promote, support and advocate for Chicago's theater industry locally, nationally and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theater in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theaters and theater professionals.

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago website, www.chicagoplays.com.  Discounted tickets are available at www.hottix.org.

KINDIE LAND: Win FREE Tickets To Beat Kitchen's December Concerts for Kids HERE #giveaway

 

Boogers-I Just Wanna Play

*Wait for Rafflecopter to load up right here (if you've gone through RSS feed or are scrolling down the blog and don't see it, click on the actual page title or "a Rafflecopter giveaway link" and it should pop right up). 
 
Win 4 Boogers Tickets here--Enter through midnight Thursday 11/29--winner announced Friday.   Show is THIS Sunday 12/2 at noon at Beat Kitchen.
 
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Hey Chi-town.   Come ChiIL Out with ChiIL Mama.   We're stoked to be back again as press sponsor for Beat Kitchen's Rockin' Concerts for Kids every Sunday at noon.

ChiIL Mama will be at Beat Kitchen this Sunday shooting Chicago's favorite punk parents--The Boogers--at their hotly anticipated Extractum Victoris CD RELEASE PARTY!    Come pogo with your punk kin and check out their Ramones style rock.   Our friends at Psychobaby will be there with limited edition kids' tee shirts!!

ChiIL Mama will also be shooting a video interview with the band and we'll be reviewing the new album and giving away THREE copies to our lucky readers as well.   

Enter here to win 4 free tickets to any or all of the December concerts & mark your calendars.   2012-2013 is a great kindie (kids' indie) line up in a wide variety of genres.  Enter through midnight each Thursday.  We announce our lucky winners every Friday.   

 

Shows are generally aimed at birth through 8 year olds and their parents.   Kids under 1 are free.   *Note:   Boogers (playing this Sat 12/2) are LOUD punk and their new album is heavier than ever and recommended for 2nd graders and up.   So, bring ear protection for your littles and consider leaving the bitty babies at home for this one!

Check out ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often for the scoop on upcoming events, urban parenting and loads of original content like HD video show footage, video band interviews, reviews, show stills, ticket and CD give aways and more!

Extractum Victoris CD

Our heaviest album yet, Extractum
Victoris, will be released on December
4th!! (CD release show in Chicago on
December 2nd!). *Best suited for 2nd
graders and up. Amazing artwork by
Shawn Dickinson! 
Click here to order on amazon.com


Check out ChiIL Mama's plethora of past Boogers coverage HERE including loads of original live concert clips, our video interview and show shots.

Advanced tickets are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for The Boogers CD Release Show.   This one will very likely sell out!   Of course you can also win 4 free tickets here.   

We have loads of original content on the kindie music scene including video band interviews, live footage on ChiIL Mama's YouTube Channel, free tickets, and tons of great CD giveaways!!    Make it a kindie holiday this year and check out ChiILMama.com like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   Our giveaways are open nationwide.   Tickets are Chicago based.

Looking for a particular favorite kids' band or our past Beat Kitchen features.  Use the handy search bar in the right hand column to search ChiIL Mama's archives.

 Good luck and we'll see you out there!   

 
Win 4 Little Miss Ann Tickets here.  Show is Sunday 12/9 at noon.

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Win 4 Mr. Dave Tickets here.  Show is Sunday 12/16 at noon.   *Last BK Kids Show Till 2013!! 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway