The Tidings of Tap- This Sunday!

It's December, which means that holiday shows are in full swing.

There are plenty of Christmas Carols, Nutcrackers, and Hallelujah Choruses in Chicago this year, but if you are looking for something different, the Chicago Tap Theatre may have your answer.

This Sunday, for one show only, they are presenting their annual holiday spectacular Tidings of Tap.


 In the past it's been a revue, but they are steppng things up a notch this year, and have written a story and a plot around the theme of winter and holidays.  As it has the past two years, the show will feature nationally ranked rhythmic gymnast Dasha Merkulov.  It also features tap dance students, high production values, and some of the best professionals in the area, including artistic director and master teacher/performer/choreographer Mark Yonally.  The show has received excellent reviews and record-breaking attendance over the last two years, and this year should expand on that.

Here's a promo video, courtesy of CTT.

Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) was founded in 2002 with the idea of preserving the history of the quintessentially American artform of tap while taking it to the next level in terms of innovation, creativity, and quality.  They perform exclusively with live music, and have tapped from everything from David Bowie to Duke Ellington.   They also pioneered the idea of "tap opera", telling stories through tapdance and adding memorable characters and strong plots to the already virtuoso footwork.  They teach classes all year round, and also serve as a hub for local tap professionals to practice and perfect their craft.

There is just one show, Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL.

Tickets range from $25 – $41 and are available at 847.673.6300 or ChicagoTapTheatre.com.

Ride The Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier for Free!

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day it's true, but it's also National Ferris Wheel Day!

To celebrate, Navy Pier, Chicago’s mission-driven cultural district, is offering ‘wheel fun’ for everyone – couples and singles alike – including complimentary Centennial Wheel rides.

You can take your Valentine for a romantic ride aboard the city’s most famous wheel, which was recently rebuilt and features enclosed and heated gondolas and picturesque views of the skyline and lake from over 200 feet in the air.  You can also bring your kids!

Those interested in taking advantage of the #WheelWednesday free ride offer must RSVP online in advance   (DO IT TODAY!)  Free tickets are limited on a first come first serve basis.
UPDATE:  The free Centennial Wheel rides are now apparently sold out.  Put it on your calendar for next year! 
There are still tickets for Men Seeking Women for the event listed below.

Even if you don't have a Valentine, you can still participate!

In addition to the event above, there will be an evening singles speed-dating event on the wheel, called Spinning With Singles, which is followed by a singles mixer aboard a private yacht. That event includes food, open bar, and music by the appropriately named DJ LoveBug.  Registration is still open for men (which I guess means that the female registration is sold out.)
As you can imagine, it costs money to do this single mixer. REGISTER HERE.

And sorry, ladies, I won't be attending!  I already have a Valentine!  (I know you are disappointed!)

The free rides are all part of the Pier’s #WheelWednesday series, an initiative to make the attraction available and accessible to all by offering the community complimentary rides on select Wednesdays periodically throughout the year. ·For more information, visit www.navypier.org. 

WHEN: Wednesday, February 14

• Complimentary Centennial Wheel rides for pre-registered guests take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. · SOLD OUT
  
• Spinning with Singles – group speed dating on the iconic Centennial Wheel – begins at 6:30 p.m TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR MEN

.

WHERE: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, Ill. 60611

Happy Father's Day!

Want to wish you all a very happy Father's day!

My son gave me a very nice Father's Day Card. It's a nesting card, with 5 different panels, that are supposed to be all about me. Clearly done at school, but fun.  A few days ago he was asking me about my favorite movie, my favorite color, and my favorite foods, so I kind of thought this might be where this was heading.

Still it paints a strange picture of me as a bird-hating, bird killing Diet coke drinking clown/fiend of indeterminate weight who desires a moped, eats pizza all the time, has high brow taste in movies, wants to win the lottery, and lets his son speedskate and go to camp.

Except for the bird-killing part, he's kind of got me down!

I decided to do this now for my dad, for when I was 8. (that would be Father's Day 1972, which happens to be the first "Official Father's Day" in April of that year when Nixon signed Public Law 92-278 in April.  ) The day was Sunday June 18, 1972, just like this year!

Here's mine about my dad at that time:  (along with my son's answers for reference)

ALL ABOUT:

NAME: Alan
AGE:  34 (He turned 35 Aug 1, 1972)
EYES: HAZEL
HAIR: BALD
HEIGHT: 6'1"















FAVORITES:
FOOD: Chinese food
DRINK: Gingerale
MOVIE: The Sting
SPORTS: Watching Baseball
CHORE: Going to work





DREAM BIG: 
I know you want to travel and play bridge.  I know you want to go to Disneyworld.  I know you want me to work with my head and not my hands.  I know you want me to mow the lawn.









NO THANKS:
I know you don't like insects.  I know you want to have a dog.  I know you don't want to mow the lawn. I know you don't like to argue with Mom.








PORTRAIT:

5 REASONS WHY I LOVE YOU:

1. You are really smart and good at math.
2. You play games with me.
3. You like to tell funny jokes
4. You share your candy with me.
5. You are very generous to other people.


I Love you, Dad!

National Donut Day 2017!

There are many more holidays and commemorative days than I had growing up.  Sure we have Christmas and Fourth of July and Chanukkah and all of the religious holidays. And Memorial Day. But then National Secretary's Day came into the forefront. Then National Take your kid to work day.  My cousin even started his own, Dinner Day, when you should have dinner with a neighbor that you don't know that well!  (and it's made into a state commemorative holiday in Pennsylvania!)

Well, one of these unofficial holidays since 1938 is tomorrow, and this one is near and dear to my heart.  Tomorrow, June 2, is National Donut Day.

Salvation Army Doughnut Lasses.  (photo courtesy Salvation Army)

First started in 1938, the first Friday in June commemorates the Doughnut Lassies, brave young women who were part of the Salvation Army's mission to provide emotional and spiritual support to our troops during World War I.

A vat of Salvation army donuts.  For the recipe, look below.

Exactly 100 years ago, over 250 volunteers went to France to help.  They lived in huts near the frontlines and were there to provide clothing, food, and support for the soldiers.

Because of rationing and the conditions of the huts, it was difficult to make baked goods for the soldiers, but some clever volunteers of the Salvation Army (Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance ) came up with the idea of frying donuts (7 at a time) in soldier's helmets.  The soldiers loved them, it became a big thing, and the soldiers ended up with a new nickname (doughboys).  One can probably trace this as the beginning of  the American love affair with the donut.

In the Chicagoland area, National Donut Day means some delicious and tasty snacks are for people who aren't soldiers also.  And it gives an opportunity to perhaps give back a little also!

A dozen of Glazed and Infused's finest 

GLAZED AND INFUSED:  As an official partner of the Salvation Army, they are donating 50% of all of the sales of the "Salvation Army Donut", a Vanilla bean glazed with The Salvation Army colored sprinkles.  They are $3.00 each or $30 for 12.  You can stop by any of their 5 city locations tomorrow, and if you act quickly, you can even order a donut delivery for your office!

JEWEL/OSCO:  The Salvation Army will also be at Jewel Osco tomorrow and Saturday collecting donations.  Anyone who donates will get a coupon for two free Clyde's donuts, which are sold in store. Visit the link to see times and specific locations

STAN'S DONUTS:  You get a free donut with any purchase!

DUNKIN' DONUTS:  You can get a free classic donut with the purchase of a drink (while supplies last.

KRISPY KREME: There are only two locations in the Chicagoland area (Elk Grove in the North adn Homewood in the South.  But if you live near there, you can grab a free donut with no purchase necessary!

Some of Clyde's donuts available
 for free at Jewel/Osco

BRIDGEVIEW BANK:  While not specifically about National Donut day, the first Friday of each month is free donut day at Bridgeview bank.  Donut day 12 times a year!  They give away Stan's Donuts, coffee, and even some free financial advice!

DORITE DONUTS:  They don't have anything listed on their website as a special, but their donuts are awesome.  I queried them in case they add something last minute.

FIRECAKES DONUTS:  Another great donut shop that may or may not have something special for #donutday.  But you should definitely check them out.

DONUT DELIGHT: I've never been here, but I hear its' amazing.  As far as I know, they don't have any specials for tomorrow.

DOUGHNUT VAULT:  I don't know about these guys either, but wanted to list them as well, because you can never have too many artisanal donut listings in one blogpost! UPDATE: They will be featuring their most popular special: salted caramel old fashioned.  Sounds delicious!

If you are feeling more in an artisan DIY frame of mind., check out a couple of these links:

A Parenting Production: Doughnut Day Freebies and Recipes
Salvation Army Famous Doughnut Recipe
NY Times- Mark Bittmann
Food Network
Huffington Post: Greatest Donut Recipes

And if you'd like to read even more about Donut Day, check out the Salvation Army Page

Happy Donut Day!  Let me know how you celebrated in the comments!

PREVIEW: The Magic Flute at the Lyric Opera!

The Magic Flute is Mozart's masterpiece and has become a holiday and opera staple.  It's family friendly, fantastical, lends itself well to spectacle and action, and has entranced children and adults alike for hundreds of years.

This year it is on stage at Lyric December 10 through January 27, and you won’t want to miss this whimsical new production.

Readers of this blog are invited to be among the first to see the show and save 20% off of the first week’s performances!

See below for details.

If you don't know the story, here's a brief synopsis:

Rehearsal image courtesy of the Lyric Opera.

In Mozart’s final opera, Princess Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, has been captured by the high priest Sarastro . Prince Tamino falls in love with a portrait of Pamina he receives from the queen’s three ladies. The queen tells Tamino that if he finds Pamina, she will be his.

Papageno, the queen's bird catcher, joins him on the quest. Aided by a magic flute and magic bells, Tamino and Papageno endure various trials separately and together, including an encounter with the comically savage Monostatos. Three young genies are their guides. Eventually, the Queen of the Night is vanquished, Tamino and Pamina are united, and Papageno finds love with Papagena as the queen's forces of evil yield to the forces of good.

And here's a great animated video synopis produced by Minnesota Public Radio.




The roles are played by some Lyric Opera favorites, as well as some newcomers.  The three genies are played by Chicagoland child actors, and with a huge cast of both children and adults.

And of course the set design and sound will be up to the Lyric Opera's stellar standards.

Save your seats today — use promo code FIRSTWEEK16 to save 20% off performances on December 12 and 14 on lyricopera.org or by calling 312.827.5600.


The Magic Flute opens on Saturday, December 10, with 11 performances through January 27 at Lyric’s Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Tickets start at $39 for adults and $20 for children and are available now at lyricopera.org/Flute or at 312-827-5600. Performances are in German with projected English translations.

Holiday Remix- Popup Store and Event!

This year, the annual Holiday craft show at the Broadway Armory is going to be longer than ever. It's not that they are extending their time at the Armory or adding an extra day- what they've done is started a pop-up store on Bryn Mawr to help market and sell the local artists wares.

The 2nd annual Holiday Remix show will take place at the Broadway Armory on Saturday Dec 10 from 11 am to 4 pm.  In addition to wares by over 50 artists, there will be food, drink, and an opportunity to donate to local wunderkind charity Care For Real.

If you miss the event, or you liked what you saw but want to find more, the Pop-Up store is at 1056 Bryn Mawr (in the old Johnny Sprocket's bicycle shop, next to Bridgeview Bank)  The store is staffed entirely by volunteers and is open on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m and Saturday-Sunday (except December 10, of course) from noon to 6 p.m. through the end of the year.  Also, this year, as a proof of concept, the artists keep 100% of the sales.  The pop-up store costs are being funded by the Edgewater Development Corporation.  If the store idea is successful, another arrangement would have to be worked out.

Sample of some of the old books made into journals.
More info at http://www.bookjournals.com

My son and I walked by and in the store last week, and it's full of interesting work and really fun gifts, including handmade journals, photographs, jewelry, artwork, and even some furniture.  My son bought a handmade wooden yoyo.  I ogled a lot of beautiful handmade journals (including a set of them that takes old library books and uses the cover and then binds some of the pages into the book itself, to give a very arty feeling to the book.)

Many of the artists are local, although the definition of local is loose. For example, the book artist that I liked so much is a former Chicago artist now living in Portland, Oregon.

For more information about Holiday Remix, and the popup store, visit RemixChicago.com

For more information about the Edgewater Development Corporation, visit http://edgewaterdev.org/

EAR WORM: The Jimmie's Nothin' For Christmas

Photo of the Jimmies from their Facebook Page

I was listening to the radio this morning, and I heard what may be my new favorite holiday song:  The Jimmies Nothin' For Christmas.  It's a great song that features a non-recalcitrant girl/torch singer who is getting nothing for Christmas because she's been bad.  She then lists her multiple sins, which are funny and hilarious.  The background music is piano and a little punky, like a lot of the Jimmie's work.

 Here are the lyrics of the opening.

I'm getting nothin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad
I'm getting nothin' for Christmas
Cuz I ain't been nothin' but bad.

 I cut my sister's long blond hair (somebody snitched on me)

I bacon wrapped my teddy bear (somebody snitched on me) 

I dared my friend to lick my shoe
I tried to brush my teeth with glue
I died the family cat dark blue
Somebody snitched on me.

It turns out that it's not an original song, I just hadn't heard it before.  I did a little research and found a lot of other people had covered it, including Eartha Kitt, Spike Jones, Shirley Temple, Reliant K, Smash Mouth, and a lot more.  According to Wikipedia, in 1955 it was a million seller and was on the Billboard charts by 6 different artists!  I don't know how I missed this song, but somehow I did.

I've listened to a few of the versions now, and what I really like about the Jimmies version is that it's not cutesy.  It's about this girl who has accepted the fact that she has been bad, and she kind of likes it.  (Probably because I don't have a daughter!)

The song is off of a holiday album of the Jimmies called "Mama Said Nog You Out" which features lots of traditional and untraditional holiday tunes.

Enjoy it, and Happy Holidays everybody!)

Find more versions of the song on Amazon.

Chocolate As A Religious Experience

NOTE: We received a candy basket from Hershey's as an inducement to write about chocolate. (As if we need an inducement!) All thoughts about chocolate, Hershey's, and Christian or Jewish Holidays are entirely our own.

We recently received an Easter basket from Hershey's.  My wife had met them last year at the Blissdom conference, and at that time they very graciously agreed to send us a basket full of candy. And this year we were on their list again!

They didn't have a Purim basket, but it's hard to say no to free chocolate.

As you may have guessed (if you didn't already know), we are Jewish. We are not very religious, and don't keep kosher, but we're quite proud of our heritage and we're Jewishly active in our own way, and one of those ways is to celebrate the difference between us and the other prevalent religions and cultures. (I'm not sure if this is centered in Jewish philosophy or if this is my own idea, but I have a memory of talking with a rabbi about how Judaism in general celebrates by being different. What has made Judaism continue onward is that we make ourselves different - through circumcision, through putting on t'fillin, wearing yarmulkes, through eating different foods, through prayer, etc. We Jews bond together in our difference, and as such are able to continue through lots of adversity.  )

Hoo boy, I didn't really mean for this to turn into a rant on religion.

Anyway, an interesting thing about Judaism is that a lot of our religious activities center around food.  We eat latkes (potato pancakes) and chocolate gelt (little chocolate coins) at Chanukkah. We eat matzah, even chocolate matzah, at Passover. During Purim it's the triangle shaped Hamentaschen pastries with either poppyseed or raspberry or chocolate inside. (Hmmm... do I detect a trend?)

We don't observe Easter, or St. Patrick's Day, or Christmas, or any of a number of other holidays that 90% of the American population does celebrate. But we do eat chocolate, which makes Easter one of our favorite secular holidays to celebrate! (And in that, I celebrate the unity of two fine religions!)

Our "Holiday" basket from Hershey's contained Twizzlers, Reese's Mini Reester Bunnies, Cadbury Creme mini eggs (these were very cleverly packaged in a 12-pack mini egg carton), Hershey's pink and green chocolate Kisses, and candy-coated chocolate Cadbury Mini Eggs.  If we were hosting an egg hunt, this would be great stuff to create a maze with. (Wait, it's not a maze, is it?  It's more like a chocolate puzzle, or maybe a trail of eggs, or...you know, I really don't know what the tradition is. I know that there are chocolate eggs and there is hiding involved. But other than that, I'm a little fuzzy on the actual details of egg hunts.)


Anyway, we're not going to do that. So the question is, what are we going to do with all of this sweet candy?

I have a few ideas....