Explore Chicago Humanities Festival

Who doesn’t love culture and the arts? The celebration of life’s faceted dramas? Whether you’re a sophisticated Bernini sculptor lover or a self-proclaimed Blue Man groupie, there’s enough going on in this city to accommodate every taste. But if you want to get one step closer aficionado status, remember there’s only two more weeks to attend the exciting and educational events at the 19th Annual Chicago Humanities Festival through November 16.

This year’s theme reflects the concept “Thinking Big,” as it surveys the history and future of politics, architecture and global cities. Other disciplines featured include visual arts, literature, film, music, philosophy, cultural criticism, science, and performance. Logon to chifestival.org to sign up for events. Tickets are purchased on an event by event basis and range from $5 to $10 (students and educators are free). Events are hosted in 25 different venues around town by authors, professors, performers, musicians and more.

On November 1, be sure to check out “Rome the Monumental” at Northwestern University in partnership with the Instituto Italiana di Cultura. The event explores Rome‘s historic ingenuity and architecture. The Newberry Library is also hosting the exhibition, Artifacts of Childhood: 700 Years of Children’s Books. Historians and critics Leonard Marcus and Donna Seaman will discuss the leaders that influenced and shaped American Children’s Literature and Audrey Niffenegger, a professor at Colombia College’s Center for Book and Paper Arts will also be there. She will discuss her book, The Time Traveler’s Wife.

The Chicago Humanities Festival is one of the unique cultural experiences this city has to offer. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule your events today!

Basil Hayden’s Tastemaker Design Chicago with Nate Berkus

On Thursday night, three lucky designers and finalists of Basil Hayden’s Tastemakers Design Chicago showcased their work at Crimson Lounge. Sponsored by Basil Hayden Bourbon, Out Magazine, Chicago Home and Garden Magazine, and celebrity designer Nate Berkus, emerging designers were asked to design an item from four categories: fashion, furniture, artwork and interior design. However, the competition stipulated that designers’ pieces reflect the inspiration of Basil Hayden bourbon.

The three finalists were Brian Lump – coffee table, Rion Stassi – chandelier, and Sarah Tranum – chair. While Lump and Stassi’s unique designs assumed the bourbon’s bold color and sophistication, Tranum’s chair resembled its smooth and warm taste, with sleek lines and round, rocking edges. Stassi’s design, however reminded me of a lamp I’d hang at the ranch as its eight dark wooden arms curved in the formation of antlers. And Lump’s coffee table, while chic and simple, reminded me of an item sitting at an old boyfriend’s studio—again, dark wood, but its body the shape of a surfboard, or even a body board. However, Tranum’s chair, while modern and different, is definitely an item I could envision in my study, in the living room, and, perhaps in my bedroom.

But alas, I was not the only one voting. That’s right; attendees were given the power to choose the Grand Prize Winner. While Berkus chose the three finalists, we were given some bourbon for the evening to consider the items a final time. To make the decision more challenging, the charismatic Berkus explained that while the finalist would win $10,000, this competition wasn’t about the money. We were about to change the trajectory of someone’s career. Forever. Wow, what pressure.

Ultimately, Rion Stassi’s chandelier won the heart of the people and the competition. Congratulations to Stassi and to all the designers for their hard work and dedication to their craft. While there could only be one winner, all talented designers clearly have a bright future ahead of them.

Maven Launch Party with Top Chef Chicago Winner, Stephanie Izard

On Friday, October 10, managing partners Renae Placinski and Sarah Vargo will host the official launch party for Maven, a new company offering clients an innovative approach to event planning, promotions and publicity.

While the first event of the evening is an invite-only reception featuring DJ Sye Young and designs by Emperor’s New Clothes, Maven invites the public to attend the second shindig at Le Passage on 937 N Rush Street, from 10 PM – 2 AM. Launch sponsors include Equinox Fitness, Icelandic Glacier Water, Vranas Properties, and Flirty Girl Fitness, to name a few. Guests are asked to RSVP to sarah@maven-chicago.com and say Maven at the door for complimentary admission.

Just to give you a little preview of what to expect, last week I attended Maven’s launch of the Diva Series at Madame Tartine. The Diva Series, Maven’s tribute to women in Chicago PR, media, fashion, fitness, beauty and lifestyle, honored Stephanie Izard, winner of Top Chef, Chicago (and first female to win Top Chef). I had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie and asked what her favorite food is. For those of you who missed Top Chef, Stephanie loves Mediterranean cuisine and is currently going through a Spanish fix. Lots of seafood, garlic, and who could forget those tapas? Mmmm, I’m getting hungry for more Maven events, as I also met other VIPS, fellow Street Teamers, and CelebTV host Kelli Zink. But not to worry gentlemen, Maven is saving room for seconds. Yep. I hear that Maven is cooking up a series for you too; Divo.

For more information, log on to, www.maven-chicago.com. So, see you next Friday and don’t forget to say Maven at the door! Oh, and should the doorman ask, a Maven is an expert or connoisseur, one with special knowledge or dazzling experience. In one phrase, “One who understands.”

Chicago Only U.S. City Named Best In Travel - 2009

As if your friends and family needed another reason to visit the Windy City, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2009 just named Chicago one of the top ten cities to visit in 2009. As the only American destination to make the competitive cut, the globe-trotting experts at Lonely Planet sited Chicago’s business, art, architecture, food, music, theater and overall culture as the winning criteria. According to expert-author Karla Zimmerman, “If you want your finger on America’s pulse, don’t head to New York or LA. The heart beats in Chicago.”

McDonald’s and Oprah –the most American icons since apple pie and baseball—originate here, along with other ubiquitous, historical and random landmarks alike, including jazz and blues festivals, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Green Mill, the Chicago Theater, and Picasso outdoor art. But the Lonely Planet also nods their hats to what has yet to come. With Trump Tower International’s 2009 completion and the world-renowned architect Calatrava’s Spire building (not to mention the Sears Tower), our skyline will soon be home to the three tallest buildings in North America, perhaps facilitating our bid for the 2016 Olympics; as if our array of world-renowned sports teams (Bears, Bulls, Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks, etc.) weren’t enough.

As Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2009 released last month, expert-author Zimmerman scooped the city before Obama could scoop the President-elect title. This is just one more piece of evidence that points to Chicago’s bright future. Despite our inferiority complex to cities like New York, it’s nice that the “Second City” is finally getting some recognition among the first cities of the world. Other global cities on the list you’ll need to visit this year include Antwerp, Beirut, Glasgow, Lisbon, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Warsaw and Zurich.

Just pencil those in on your calendar – I’m sure you’ll be able to make it.


Photo Extra: The tower under construction behind us is Trump International in Spring 2007! Now complete, its' addition to the skyline continues the city's tradition of skyscrapers and unique architecture.