Taste of New Zealand — no... it's not Australia.

Taste of New Zealand — no... it's not Australia.

If you were around downtown Chicago on Friday, you might have seen the incredibly long line on Michigan Ave.  The occasion? It was a chance to see the New Zealand All Blacks up close and personal. The team — fresh on there way to Saturday’s match at Soldier Field were signing autographs and offering a Taste of New Zealand fare at Howells & Hood in the Tribune Building. Hundreds showed up. Generously sponsored by Air New Zealand, the even was to commemorate the first time in 34 years that the New Zealand team has played on US soil. It was the fourth time they played the US Eagles. The Eagles recently qualified for the Rugby World Cup for 2015.

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 31: Air New Zealand celebrates New Zealand with the All Blacks in Chicago at Howells and Hood on October 31, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photos by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for Air New Zealand)




Air New Zealand flew the All Blacks in special. Chicago is not on their regular travel route but this was an event that was worth a stop over. Fans at the Howells & Hood luncheon learned the famous New Zealand Haka Dance as well has get a chance to snap a selfie or get an autographs from All Blacks players. On the menu was lamb meatballs, mini-burgers, fish and chips. New Zealand is also known for great wines which was provided by Nautilus and Fire Road. The All Blacks are the reigning World champions. The November 1st game was a sell-out at Soldier Field with 61,500 people in attendance — three times what the Eagles usually get in attendance. For rugby fans, Taste of New Zealand was a chance of a lifetime… as was the game itself. The All Blacks barely broke a sweat as the trampled on the Eagles 74-6. Ouch. The All Blacks have claimed two World Cup Championships and are virtually undefeated with 34 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws since 2012. Guess the Eagles need a little more practice before going to the World Cup. They are also hoping to make it to the 2016 Olympics. Good luck with that.

Electrifying Giordano Dance

Electrifying Giordano Dance

Giordano Dance took to the stage Saturday to kick off their 52nd year. Known for electric and highly-energy performances, they leaped onto the stage to an audience that was just as electrified to see them. Their presentation was entertaining and unconventional which is typical for them. Giordano Dance is less about telling a story through dance as they are about conveying energy. They are less about displaying subtle emotional overtones though dance than they are about presenting energy that jolts a reaction from the audience. When they do use emotion in their presentation, they are highly effective but it tends to be an emotion that seems that of a crowd — think of the emotions of a flashmob.



As a result, the audience is really gets into their performances and shows them unbridled support. They are a small ensemble of dancers and total only eleven dancers. They take command of the stage and feel like a much larger dance company with the look and feel of a company twice or three times their size. They have the presence and stamina to that of a small army. This group really dominates a stage like none other I have seen. Their movements are highly aerobic and explosive. They are quick and decisive.

The opener of the show best described the tone for the evening. A dance piece titled A Ritual Dynamic had the company moving, jumping, and leaping across the stage at a pace that would kill most aerobic instructors butts. The music for this was Egyptian Disco. This is a music piece that really needs to be heard to understand the energy of what started the evening. I would encourage you to research it up on YouTube. It starts with a steady rhythm of drums and builds with complexity. While it is quite relaxing with a jazz flute adding texture to the musical beat, it builds into a frenzy as it guides the listener. The music also has Spanish guitar which gives an sense of exoticism. The movements of Giordano Dance were less Middle Eastern or classically Spanish than one would expect from this piece of music. The energy was exuberant and unrestrained. In fact, upon reflection, I wondered how such a small group can keep up that level of energy throughout an evening. They don’t do slow dance movements. Everything moves at a pace that makes the viewer loose complete track of time. The evening whips by rapidly. It seems that one sits down and two hours flies in the beat of a heart.

This evening, the company proved how extremely adaptive it can be. At the beginning, it was announced that Maeghan McHale, one of the featured soloist, would not be able to perform as the result of a foot injury. Quite amazingly, Giordano Dance closed ranks and pulled together a show that was stunning without missing a beat. McHale’s piece Alloy was quickly substituted with Gravity — a duet dance piece by Dean Rozanski and Katie Rafferty. They did a wonderful job particularly considering the short notice. Choreographed by Lindsey Leduc, Gravity was a more of a romantic piece. The musical center of Gravity is a musical piece of the same name that was written by Sara Bareilles. It is a lovely musical selection that moves at a slow and builds at a steady pace. The dance while executed beautifully, was not slow. It was quite aerobic and intense. It lacked a certain amount of depth of feeling, passion or tenderness that the music was intended to carry. Instead it was a bit more forceful. The movements didn’t quite jell for me as much as their other works. The dance was lovely and well performed but not to that piece of music. The two did not mesh.

Exit 4 was choreographed by Roni Koresh. This had a very tribal and urban feel. There were a lot of very interesting gestures and movements that made the work become exceptionally powerful. Whether it was with funky repetitive head gestures, the air of toughness with the walking and body posturing or perhaps it was the shouts from the dancers; there were many aspects of this performance that seemed to signify the coming together of a group. It was about urban gang assimilation and of isolation. It is a piece that has a grittiness as if it conveys aspects of life in prison without escape. It was very engaging in it’s raw and violent approach. As an audience member, this rawness was tempered with exuberance with music selections that mixed Turkish, Persian and Iraqi beats. Dancers acted like vultures circling their prey.  It seemed to depict a message of what it is like to be apart of a society as it falls into chaos and making a choice at some point to walk away or choose to be apart of it. It seemed to ask the question of whether being a part of a society in disarray is helpful or is it more admirable to exit to maintain individuality.

    The last half of the program was two pieces: the first was Entropy and the finale was Feelin’ Good Sweet — a world premiere.  Entropy was created by choreographer Davis Robertson. Looking at the piece, it had to be exhausting to perform and required much strength and endurance from the dancers. The men carried the female dancers as they “awoke” to the morning sun and birds. This was an inventive, original and different. It was a interesting contrast to the finale Feeling Good Sweet. Feeling Good Sweet has more buzz and glitz than the rest of the performance. It was flashy with more lighting effects and costuming but it was also similar to Bob Fosse’s work for Sweet Charity. This dance number seemed approachable and something the audience instantly resonated with.  The music was a mixture of Micael Bublé, Aretha Franklin and Waren Wade. It was straight up jazz and jazz inspired dance. It was a very sexy rendition. As mentioned, this felt like Sweet Charity. But unlike Bob Fosse’s movie work of the dance sequence, this jazz work seemed current and relevant to today.  It anything, this was a mixture of what really great jazz dance contains. The audience loved this piece — and with good reason. It was fun, entertaining and high energy. It was a perfect end and lacked for nothing. It looked back at jazz and at the same time brought it forward and into the. Ray Leeper, the choreographer of Feelin’ Good Sweet did brilliant work. The audience jumped to a standing ovation with numerous energy as the dancers displayed throughout the evening. I hope Feelin’ Good Sweet becomes part of Giordano Dance’s standard repertoire.

SOFA CHICAGO - a must see!

SOFA CHICAGO - a must see!

If your image of an art opening is people coiffed in all black garb milling around looking at painting of old fruit and sipping wine — this is NOT that kind of art event. This is AMAZING. The SOFA Art and Design CHICAGO event is dedicated to artists that work in Sculptural Objects and Functional Art (aka.. SOFA).  So no, you are not going to see lots of oil painting and watercolors of some dried piece of fruit. Instead, you are going to see work that is beyond beautiful, it is also functional or developed with such skill that it will leave you mind boggled. This is the 21st anniversary of the event and there is much to see.



Often over looked, this work is not your typical work as it is not found in a frame. You will find the work in many museums and very many public and private collections as it represents skilled artists that have taken their craft to a new level. These works don’t typical fall in the categories that many galleries often exhibit.  Much like suits of armor, period furniture or sculptures found in many museums, they fall in the categories of applied arts — where art and design is applied to everyday objects to make them beautiful. Fine art aims to produce objects that are beautiful and provide a level of intellectual stimulation. The SOFA CHICAGO event represents both — applied arts that fall quite nicely into the fine art category. This is an international exhibit with 14 countries represented and over 70 galleries from around the globe. Unlike many gallery events where there may be one or two artists present, this show will have hundreds of artists present and the opportunity to see thousands of works of art — and as a bonus, this show is so popular, many of the artists will be there on hand to talk with. On an international scale this event is amazingly huge and sitting in Chicago’s backyard. And just to make it clear, this is a fine arts and crafts show… not an arts and crap show. No potholders crocheted by grandma, no doilies made of recycled plastic bags or strange lawn objects made of beer cans. This is a show that even if you hate art, detest going to art museums and leave running in terror from the Museum of Contemporary Art Museum, this show will take your breath away. This exhibit will have artwork executed in glass, wood working, metal work, porcelain, ceramics, textiles and so much more.

    This event is beyond any other art event in that artists are also creating work on the spot. One of highlights and favorites of this event is an opportunity to see Corning Museum of Glass “Hot Glass Roadshow”. Since 2005, the Hot Glass Roadshow has been mesmerizing the viewers as they work with molten glass as it comes out of furnace. This year, the winning entry from the SOFA CONNECT contest will be constructed on site the first day of the exhibit.  The Corning Museum of Glass is the world’s largest exhibit space devoted to the presentation of contemporary art glass. Their road show helps audiences understand the process, be able to ask questions and develop a better understanding of the media. This is really fun to watch. Kids will love it too. This is art in process. To be blunt — this is my favorite part of the SOFA CHICAGO. But I may have a new favorite. The American Association of Woodturners will be giving live presentations of wood working on a lathe. A particular fondness for this, I have worked on a lathe and the feeling is exhilarating. Seeing experts in this exhibit making art on the spot will have many guys (and gals) recalling memories of their father and grandfathers working in their woodshops. These craftsmen ramp up the experience of SOFA CHICAGO and make going to the event more of accessible and approachable. It is art that is demystified. There is also the Craft School Experience.  Five of the leading craft schools: Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, Penland School of Crafts, Peters Valley School of Craft, and Pilchuck Glass School have joined together for a collaborative exhibit. This interactive exhibit strives to capture the essence what the craft school experience is all about. It features artworks of master teachers, resident artists, and students who have studied or taught at one or more of the participating schools. Through their combined efforts they are working to promote and encourage education and excellence in craft by emphasizing their unique opportunities for students to realize their abilities and focus on creativity. Expect to see some really interesting and thought provoking work.

Making the Connection:

CONNECT is a university-level design competition. Six art and design schools are chosen and offer students a forum to show their work. Each school creates an innovative environment incorporating seating, lighting and installations, and to exhibit their designs to an international audience. It is environment design for the attendees to relax and “connect” with other attendees. This is design applied to the environments with participants seeing and enjoying how architectural design flows seamlessly into their lives and into their living spaces. Spaces are approximately 575-square foot areas where visitors can relax and “connect” with other attendees. A jury assembled by SOFA CHICAGO will review all installations and the winning school will be awarded a cash prize. This years schools include:

Illinois Institute of Technology
Pratt Institute
University of California | Davis
University of Cincinnati | College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning
University of Iowa
University of Massachusetts | Dartmouth

 

SOFA CHICAGO
makes it easy.

When you go to the Louvre, you want to see the Mona Lisa right? You want to see the best of the best? At SOFA CHICAGO, there is so much beautiful work that it can be pretty overwhelming. They put together a best of the best or a list of the “do not miss” pieces. This is SELECTS. These are pieces that have been highlighted and chosen by noted curators, designers, and critics. A brain child of fair Director Donna Davies, she tapped top professionals in the art and design communities to review the fair and make their picks. “We’re adding these selections to give our audience another opportunity to connect with the artwork,” said Davies. “Seeing what pieces each of these curators, designers, and critics have noted gives our visitors opportunities to further engage with artworks at the fair.” These highlights are available online to peruse though and then you can see them up close and personal at the show. One of the pieces that people seem to agree upon is a work entitled

Gilder River Vessel by Jennifer McCurdy. It is a wheel thrown porcelain and is approximately 7 x 14 x 10". It is presented by the William Zimmer Gallery.   Panelist Interiors Chicago Editor-in-Chief Diana Bitting noted “As someone that is not a skilled ceramist, I cannot fathom the amount of effort and the impeccable technique it took to craft this gorgeous vessel. A jaw-dropping heirloom.”

SOFA CHICAGO
LECTURE SERIES

Take a break during the day and step into a couple of the presentations The SOFA CHICAGO Lecture Series. They feature engaging presentations by renowned artists, critics, curators, designers and collectors on a variety of topics. The series of lectures begin on Friday during the Fair. There over two dozen presentations to pick from.  Speakers will share their insights into current trends in art and design, and lectures include artists speaking about their own bodies of work to panel discussions addressing larger themes. The Lecture Series is included with general admission. One of the interesting ones that caught my eye is Transition From Wood to Glass.  Represented by Thomas R. Riley Galleries of  Cleveland, OH, Harry Pollitt discusses his aesthetic transition from wood sculptures to kiln cast crystal and achieving the same flowing, sensuous curves and negative space that make his wood sculptures so distinctive. There are so many, you will want to plan your day. It is very easy to spend the weekend here.

One last thing…

Before you go, do yourself a favor and go to www. http://www.sofaexpo.com/chicago/booth-events. This is a list of all the special events that are happening. There is so much there. As there are over 70 exhibitors, each has something going on to entice you. Look over the list as there are some interesting demonstrations, talks, book signings, tours, films/video screenings and presentations. If you can’t do the weekend consider the Opening night preview on November 6th. This one of the most anticipated evenings of the year, will mark the official start of the fair. The SOFA CHICAGO Opening Night Preview is a must-attend event for members of the art and design communities, collectors and patrons, as it offers the very first opportunity to view and purchase artwork from exhibiting galleries. Mark your calendars and put SOFA Chicago on it.

Hours and costs

SOFA CHICAGO is open Friday and Saturday 11 am – 7 pm; and Sunday 12 pm – 6pm. Tickets are available in advance or at the door, and they allow access to all aspects of SOFA CHICAGO. Tickets are $20 for general admission; $30 for three-day pass.  Students and senior and groups (10 or more) are $15. For advance ticket sales, go online to www.sofaexpo.com.

Halfstack Highlights - Meet Brede Baldwin

Halfstack Highlights - Meet Brede Baldwin

A couple of weeks ago, Halfstacker Cora Vasseur introduced us to up and coming singer/songwriter: Brede Baldwin. He's a 15 year old who is passionate about music, grateful for his opportunities and has a boat load of talent! Today, we share with you Cora's up close and personal chat with Brede about his journey so far on our most recent episode of Halfstack Highlights. This kids is going places and it is inspiring to hear from such a talented young individual with his priorities straight, dreaming big and making it happen.



Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen and subscribe via iTunes.


If you liked the interview - make sure to listen to this podcast to hear more from Brede Baldwin. And if you have not checked out or subscribed to his youtube channel, you can do so here and check out the video below to hear a great cover from this young crooner. Also, make sure to keep up with him on facebook and twitter to stay up to date on the projects he is working on!

Maybe Sunday - Local Love

Maybe Sunday - Local Love

As Kickstarter Alums, all of us at Halfstack know what it takes to have a dream and chase after it! Which is why we are always so excited to share local people and brands doing big things and following their dreams. Our mission, after all, is to share the love and get these up and comers to attention they deserve! So, without further ado - meet Maybe Sunday. Maybe Sunday is a recently launched, Chicago based brand brought to us by two Alumni from SAIC - Jason Guo and McKenzie Thompson.

Maybe Sunday makes fully printed apparel for the active lifestyle. Their first collection includes hats, scarves and shirts with creative, bright and on point printed photo imagery. They are taking "street style" to the next level with their fun and spunky product range which highlights everyday, mundane and pop culture items like gumballs and gummy bears in an interesting manner on shirts, hats and scarves. They use Italian inks on Korean fabrics which showcases vibrant colors and clear imagery. They are a brand that is as devoted to making clothing that not only looks good, but feels good too. As serious as their product development techniques are, the line is as fun as can be!

All photos courtesy of Maybe Sunday, Shot by: Aric Crafford

During the past six months the duo has worked tirelessly to finesse the brand’s identity and goals, and to design and produce apparel that is both unique and accessible to many.They also just recently opened up a concept store in Chicago's burgeoning art district in Pilsen. The team is working hard at crafting the brand in real-time and making plans to expand their line and grow.



It is always amazing to see students fresh out of school following a dream. It is even more refreshing to see them staying right here in Chicago to do it and putting in the due diligence to make sure they can see some success. So, make sure you help support your local dreamers and check out their kickstarter page! Remember, any donation amount helps bring this Chicago brand closer to its goals. If you have some time, make sure you check out their pop up shop in Pilsen at: 1711 S Halsted Street, Chicago IL, 60608

You can also check them out on social media here

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maybesunday312

Instagram: http://instagram.com/maybesunday312

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maybesunday312

-
Jen Lezan
Editor in chief
Halfstack Magazine

Back for Round 3 — Vogue Knitting LIVE

Back for Round 3 — Vogue Knitting LIVE

The weather is changing. It’s getting cold. It’s time to think about sweaters and burrowing in for the winter under an afghan. Having never been an advocating to be a couch potato, running outside, biking in the forest preserve or going to the beach isn’t an option. Doing something when sitting on the couch it. Knitting is fabulous as a means to get through the winter. So it’s time to check out Vogue Knitting LIVE.

 

If this doesn’t get you thinking itching to knit, nothing will. It is a three day weekend of fibers, fashion and fun. It doesn’t matter if you are a totally beginner or super advanced, there is something here for you. If you're a trend setter/style watcher, they got you covered. It you view knitting as a craft than an outlet for fashion, you will find things to help inspire you.

Vogue Knitting LIVE will be held in downtown Chicago at the centrally located Palmer House Hilton Hotel. Located near Millennium Park and right on Chicago’s State Stree shopping area, the event gives fellow knitters a chance to connect and see those whose work they love. This communal Vogue Knitting LIVE brings Vogue Knitting magazine to life with knit couture fashion shows, inspirational master-level technique, design classes for beginners and experts and more.

Never thought of Knitting?

Knitting is a relaxing, zen-type of activity. It is productive in that you can see your work grow with your efforts. A beginner knitter can start out by making something small like a tiny toy for a baby or tackle a large like a sweater. Learning only the two stitches to knit, you will be amazed at how easy it to achieve lovely looking projects. Advanced knitters will be challenged some of the intricate works of art being displayed. Vogue Knitting Magazine pushes the level of expertice forward with what is considered home made garments and turns them into the hand made treasures. They help knitters turn their crafts into art and offer information on finishing details that help give refinement or polish to a person’s efforts. You will make something that can be worn with pride. 

To help with that, Vogue Knitting has rounded up some of the best knitters and fiber artists in the business and pulled them together in Chicago for a one weekend only event. It is a Who’s Who of those that knit and those who teach this craft with passion. Cully Swansen (grandson of grandson of master knitter Elizabeth Zimmermann and son of knitting designer Meg Swansen) is on board teaching Zimmermann’s Percentage Knitting System. It is a must for knitters who want to design their own garments. Concerned about how long it takes to knit a sweater?  Amy Detjen, co-authored Knitting with Two Colors with Meg Swansen, is offering a seminar on how to increase your knitting speed. For those looking to add more texture to their work Nancy Marchant, known as the queen of the Brioche Stitch, will be teaching how to use Brioche to give color and texture. Norah Gaughan, former design director for Berroco Yarns, is offering a seminar on Modern Sweater Structure: A Design Workshop. For those that really have fallen in love with machine knitting, Susan Guagliumi is offering a number of classes to select from. Ms Guagliumi is the guru on working with knitting machines and creating hand manipulated stitches. Her book and video, Hand-Manipulated Stitches for Machine Knitters is perhaps the best teaching tool available for those wanting to learn the ropes of machine knitting. Join acclaimed toy designer Susan B. Anderson to learn all about this incredibly popular knitting genre. Plus there will be giveaways for her books, patterns and yarn.  Not in to knitting but perhaps would like to try weaving? Think about Beginning Weaving for Knitters. Offered by Deborah Jarchow, this seminar will introduce you to three different looms so you can decide what is right for you. So you really don’t know jack about knitting but would be interested in giving it a whirl, try the Knitter’s Bootcamp. This is a series of classes that walks you through the process and demystify the concepts.  To be blunt, there are so many seminar that are attractive, one will have trouble figuring out just which ones to go too.  The level of expertice is amazing. These are individuals who are true craftsmen in their field and who are more then happy to share their knowledge with you. You will want to take advance, if not to try it, but then to at least see what they are doing. There is also an textile art gallery running during the show with amazing conceptual work that uses knitting as the medium of creation.

Knitting is easy and relaxing

Key word here is relaxing. To aid that, there is a free YOGA (yes— yoga) class on Saturday at 10:15. This is seated yoga and doesn’t require a matt but is also appropriate for long days at work. There are massages offered by Oxygen Spa Studio and Verde Wellness on Saturday and Sunday. You may walk in tense, you will walk out at one with the universe.

Speaking of Show

Ready for some entertainment? How about this? Get a chance to see Steven Berg of Steven Be Inspired. Steven will offers two free lectures on Unleashing your Creative Potential on Saturday. The Sunday FREE lecture is called Pin It, Shop It, Design It, Wear It With Steven Berg! Steven is a very entertaining lecturer and he is someone you will not want to miss. Energetic, gregarious and fun, he is a real crowd pleaser and pushes the bounds of creativity in a charismatic and humorous way. On a deeper level, Dr. Carrie Barron (psychiatrist)  & Dr. Alton Barron (orthopedic surgeon) will offer a talk on creativity.  The Creativity Cure: How to Build Happiness With Your Own Two Hands will discuss how creativity can be used as a fuel for working through depression and works in building long-term happiness. And for the guys: Sunday’s Panel Discussion is entitled Men at Work — How They Turned Their Passion Into Their Careers. This panel pulls together men who knit who have made it their livelihood.

Looking Chic.

Knitting is about craft but it is also about style. As you are knitting along, you will know your what you are working on will be ahead of trend as opposed to behind. Check out the FIVE fashion shows that will be offered on Saturday October 25

10:30 am - 11:00 am —Vogue Knitting Fashion Show

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm — Rowan Fashion Show

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm — Koigu Wool Designs Fashion Show

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm — Knitting Fever Presents: Miss Bliss & Noro Fashion Show

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm —Vogue Knitting Fashion Show

And there are books!

Knitting and books go hand in hand. So getting a chance to meet the authors, have a lesson with them and pick their brain is an opportunity you will not want to miss. Here are the times when you can have the author sign your copy of their book.

Barbara Walker

Author of so many books, but everyone will want A Treasury of Knitting Patterns if you don’t already have it. It is a bible of knitting.
Friday, October 24,  6.00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 25, 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Nancy Marchant

Author of Knitting Fresh Brioche
Saturday, October 25, 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Rosemary Drysdale

Author of Entrelac 2
Saturday, October 25, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Trisha Malcolm

Author of 60 Quick Luxury Knits & Knit Noro 1-2-3 Skeins
Saturday, October 25, 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 26, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Registration starts as early as Thursday October 23rd. Friday October 24th is a day devoted to seminars. Classes start at 9:00 AM run in three-hour blocks. The second set of the day start at 2:00 and run until 5:00. The last set start at 6:00 and go until 9:00.  This schedule of classes runs again on Saturday. For those who don’t feel like sitting for three hours, there are also 2-hour classes or modules that run on Saturday starting at 9:00 AM and also at 2:00 PM.  Sunday; classes from 9:00 until 5:00 PM

The Market place – a pop-up shopping mall of fibers, patterns and supplies, is open on:
Friday  5:00 PM — 8:30 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM — 6:30 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM — 4:00 PM
You will also find crocheting patterns, fibers for weaving, patterns for plush toys for kids, small and large projects.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.vogueknittinglive.com or at the door. One-Day Marketplace Tickets (for attending on Saturday OR Sunday) are $20 and Two-Day Marketplace Tickets (for attending both Saturday AND Sunday) are $25. Friday evening Marketplace is free with the purchase of either a One-Day or Two-Day ticket. Kids under 12 are free; students receive half off Marketplace Tickets and save $15 on classes.

Parking is available at Palmer House with a weekend special for $16 a day. It is also close to parking at the Grant Park Garage and at 55 East Monroe. The Palmer House is also conveniently located right above the Monroe Stop on the Red Line and as well as a host of bus lines that come down State. Transportation is not a problem, so enjoy.

A Deal Just For You

Just because Vogue Knitting Magazine knows are HalfStack readers are special, they have offered us 50% off on classes AND tickets to the event when you register online. When you register, use the promote codes:

CHI50: Half off Classes
CHI50MP: Half off Marketplace Tickets 

Please note: the promo codes are case sensitive and they are exclusive to HalfStack readers.  Enjoy the day with half off from HalfStack and Vogue Knitting Magazine. 

JuiceRx - Local Love

JuiceRx - Local Love

The road to healthy can be long, tumultuous and frustrating, but it doesn't have to taste bad! JuiceRx, a local juice cleanse brand, shared some of their awesome juice concoctions with me to try this month. I will be the first to say that the idea of a magical juice cleanses helping you drop the pounds and inches in a week is a bunch of baloney. BUT, a brand that is meant to help you kick start your health, get you the nutrients you need and detoxify your body of the bad stuff is what JuiceRx is all about.

There is a lot of controversy about the so-called detox diets, especially due to the fact that many are not sustainable. Of course you will lose weight if you are not eating and only sustaining yourself on liquids. Yet, once you begin eating "normal" again the chances of you gaining are much higher. There is also some research that shows that you are slowing down your metabolism when you are on a prolonged cleanse. Yet, there are also some positives that relate to juice cleanses, especially when done under the supervision of your doctor and to help supplement your health rather than just as a crash diet.

Juice Cleanses are known to help those suffering from inflammatory diseases, allergies, chronic pain, autoimmune diseases or bloating. They are a great way to flush out the bad and help kick those sweet cravings. Yet, it's important to note that the juices are not just some magical elixir that automatically flush your body. It takes time and it is so important to drink a lot of water while on a cleanse in order to flush your body properly. The JuiceRX options are a switch up from your typical store bought juices and a much easier way to "juice" in general. As an at-home juicer, I know from experience the amount of time, produce necessary to make one serving of juice and the expenses that can come along with it. Let's just say it's a lot! It's worth it, but it can be a bit much for the non-experienced juicer.

These cleanses, raw foods and elixirs aren’t about fad, or fashion. They’re about high quality nutrition that encourages healing and youthful vigor to improve quality of life today, tomorrow, and well into the future. Unlike many cleanses and health foods, the JuiceRX flavors delight even the pickiest palate. I had the opportunity to try out the "Regular" one day cleanse that had a variety of green juices, fruit based juices and the amazing horchata juice. The juice I make at home tends to be a bit thick, but in comparison the JuiceRX juices were fine, easy to drink and pulp free. Which means your body absorbs it in less than 15 minutes. They use a specialty juicer that applies 5,000 pounds of pressure to fresh, organic fruits and vegetables to extract (that's what all that cold-press stuff means) their juices. This means you get the maximum vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and phytonutrients in every serving. Dean, the founder states that this press delivers 3 to 5 times more nutrition than any other juicing technique, with over 50 lbs of fruits and vegetable nutrients delivered in a 3 day cleanse! Who eats 50 lbs of fruits and veggies ever?

Did I mention how good they tasted? Seriously, this Mexirican was all about that horchata. I almost felt like I was cheating drinking it because it tasted like my favorite drink from my favorite hole in the wall taco place. JuiceRX has taken this Mexican classic and turned it into something that not only tastes amazing, but has managed to make it really good for you, too! They mixed up organic cashews, added a hearty dose of copper, which is known to support bone health and protects against free radicals and of course included cinnamon, which is also known for its cholesterol lowering and blood sugar regulating properties. So good!!

So, besides letting me try out their juices, the JuiceRX founder - Dean Kasal  - sat down with me to share his story. It's always amazing to me how entrepreneurs get their start and Dean, just like many others I've spoken with, started his business out of a personal journey. After years in the corporate grind, Dean was stressed and unhealthy. Facing a constant battle with Ulcerative Colitis and a life of prescriptions that ended up hurting him more than helping him, he was afraid of the life in store for him. After less than a year of popping prescription pills that promised to keep the disease at bay, blood tests revealed elevated liver enzyme levels indicating serious liver damage had occurred. As it turns out, this damage was caused by the pills that were intended to restore health. For someone as young as Dean was at the time, this news was mind blowing.

It was the wake up call he needed to make some life altering decisions to get himself back on the path to health. In 2009, in an attempt to find a natural and holistic way of healing, Dean began juicing. A year later he found himself completely cured of a disease that he was told was incurable. All because of his journey with juicing. He realized to feel better he had to do better for his body and that started by changing what he put into it. This led him to launching what is now JuiceRX. He wanted to share his journey and new found health with the world.

Now, nearly 5 years later, Dean has grown his local business in an amazing way. Now offering shipping nationwide and a new line of Raw Foods, he is set to continue to take on the health industry by storm. The FoodRX addition is a great take on the mail order food system. There are not many companies that offer both food and juice options. Typically, it is one or the other, but Dean saw a need and decided to give his customers what they were looking for: a raw food line that tastes good and is good for you. All meals are made fresh for you the day they are delivered. For best taste and maximum nutrition, enjoy within 6 days of delivery (not including delivery day for local deliveries). My favorite is the Southwestern Chili. Filling, spicy and best with the cashew sour cream! If you haven't checked out JuiceRx - do so today and give them a try, you won't regret it!

Some PR strategies for you indie creatives brought to you by 4DPR

Some PR strategies for you indie creatives brought to you by 4DPR

Creatives know all too well the challenge of building your brand.  You may have the best music in the world, a truly innovative new clothing line, or a studio full of amazing artwork, but if no one knows about it, achieving your creative dreams will be even more of an uphill struggle than it already is.   That is where Dexter Martin comes in.  Dexter is the founder of 4 D PR Strategies, a boutique public relations firm that represents small to mid-sized brands.  They specialize in clients in the fashion, lifestyle, and creative arts sectors.  4D PR Strategies can help creative with service specialties such as media relations and training, strategic sponsorships /partnerships, and brand creative services.

Dexter left his job as an analyst in the banking industry to pursue something more personally satisfying.  He was a good writer, a great listener, a consumer of media news, and experienced in helping clients develop workable business strategies.  After a series of “informational interviews”, Dexter decided to use his skills and passion for helping others to start 4 D PR Strategies.   His first project was to provide PR and promotion support for a new bed & breakfast company in the Andersonville neighborhood.  “After working on this first project, I knew I had made the right decision,” he says.

He believes his business background is unique benefit to his clients.  Dexter prides himself in helping clients clarify their strategic focus into an implementable plan.  For most of his clients, the creative side is their primary focus.  Dexter helps his clients keep their creative focus while incorporating key business strategies.  He strives to continually offer value to his clients to help them achieve their creative dreams.

One project, Dexter is particularly fond of is his work with the Chicago International Social Change Film Festival.  He used his personal passion for this project to land several major sponsors, such as Whole Foods, for the festival.  The sponsors not only provided financial support, but also significant credibility to the festival.

More recently, Dexter has expanded his business to include Hotspot Radio Show with Dexter.   He uses the radio show to focus on a variety of current topics with guests who may offer a different perspective than that found in the main stream media.   For example, during one recent show, Dexter’s guest was a chiropractor who discussed the value of alignments but also the benefits of chiropractic treatment on digestion.   Dexter’s ultimate goal is to develop and offer media content under the 4D Media umbrella, providing clients with production support, sponsorship, and overall marketing of their unique content.  You can check out Hotspot Radio Show with Dexter at  The Hot Spot Radio Show w/ Dexter Link

You can learn more about 4D PR Strategies at www.4DPRStrategies.com or call (312) 988-7183.
Written by: Louis Vasseur - Small Business/Music/Creative Guest Blogger

Chicago Gourmet Event Turned Out to be a Blast for All

Chicago Gourmet Event Turned Out to be a Blast for All

Usually, I don’t get out of bed on the weekends but this past Saturday, I decided it was time for me to get up, get out and eat some great food and drink wine until I can’t drink another drop of wine. The weather was nice and hot, giving me enough courage to get up, get out and have some fun- for once.  After showering and getting dressed for the event, I left the premises; anticipating for what’s next ahead. As I arrived onto the scene, I have noticed that there were a lot of reporters waiting in line to receive their media pass just so they can turn in their assignment to their boss in addition to informing the world about the Chicago Gourmet event and what it had to offer.  The vendors were not prepared to pass out the media passes, so I wound up reading a book just to kill time.

After all, I do get bored easily. “It’ll be fifteen minutes when we pass out the media passes, sorry for the inconvenience,” one of the vendors said, smiling. I nodded, re-reading Jackie Collins’ Dangerous Kiss. Fifteen minutes passed and I was line, receiving my bag of goodies such as a champagne glass for wine tasting, a free Chicago Gourmet USB (which I thought was pretty cool because that meant I didn’t have to purchase another USB at a local store), and a few brochures and other goodies that made my heart smile tremendously.

DJ Jay Illa

First, I checked out the Chipotle pavilion where the servers were passing out free bowls of hot, spicy chili that made my mouth water. I tasted the bowl of chili and immediately, I was in heaven! With a small mixture of ranch and Frito chips, I couldn’t stop eating the bowl of chili. Afterwards, I moved from the Chipotle pavilion onto the wine and beer tasting pavilion. I had tasted a cup of Blackberry Lemonade drink and I was hooked! I was so addicted to the drink that I had asked the server to give me two more drinks. Then, there was the seafood pavilion, which I absolutely enjoyed. Their fresh shrimp were simply tasteful. Cold. Fresh. Delicious. Just how I liked it. Afterwards, I visited the Candy Personality, where they informed on what kind of personality I have based on what kind of candy I eat.

I picked the New York Peppermint Patty. “You are sweet, resourceful, have a great sense of style and people respect you,” one of the servers said, giving me a few flyers to look at on my way to devour more delicious candy. 

I smiled and thanked her for telling me my candy personality. Then, off to the BBQ, Barilla Pasta, Bon Appétit I went, observing various pavilions that I wanted to check out but was too full from the food I had stuffed inside my abdomen and a tad bit too tipsy from the drink I had earlier to check out. In the midst of it all, I had a chance to partake in some really great contests such as a free car and cruise tournaments. I was excited to partake in those contests because I felt that a nice car and an exotic cruise was (and still is) long overdue. Hey, when you have two adorable kids that keeps you up most of the night, you’d want to take a long vacation as well. Two hours have passed, and I was tired, stuffed and drunk.  Giggling from ear to ear, I began dancing to really some cool tunes by Ed Sheeran and others, showing off my crazy dance moves to the attendees at the event.

I had checked out as many pavilions possible and it was time for me to return to a place that is nice and quiet and has heat/air conditioner: home.  While taking a bus back home, I was elated to have had a chance to become a part of something extravagant, something worthwhile. Would I do it again, if given the chance? Most definitely- and then some.

By: Dana Rettig - Out & About/Culture Blogger

Stuff to do - Weekend part 2 - Water Street Studios ŏn-sŏm' bəl 2014

Stuff to do - Weekend part 2 - Water Street Studios ŏn-sŏm' bəl 2014

If you're thinking the suburbs are seriously lacking in the culture dept. then you are sadly mistaken! Although Chicago is known for the arts scene, many of the suburban areas right outside of the city have established amazing communities for local artists. One area in particular that has seen tremendous growth in its culture and arts sector is Batavia, IL. A beautiful town in the western burbs, just 40 minutes or so outside of Chicago. The Water Street Studios has created an environment for growth and development for artists in the area. The Batavia Artists Association at Water Street Studios was founded to advance art education and appreciation by developing the promotion of fine arts in Batavia and neighboring communities.

If you are looking for some art, culture and fashion in the burbs this weekend, then make sure to check out ŏn-sŏm' bəl: A Bold Event To Support The Arts - this Saturday September 27, 2014.

Featured Artists: Steve Banks, Kari Kraus, Valerie William, Lisa Limas, Eli Borrowman, Jenna Walsh & Victoria Belz, Danielle Dobies, Angela Zeedyk, Dawn Tutt, Jen Evans, Patricia Davoust, Katherine Kratzer & Claudia Canon, Lisa Dienst-Thomas

Fine Art Show Curated By: Rita Grendze, Sculptor

Fashion Show Curated By: Curator, Andrea Reynders, Professor Emeritus and former Sage Endowed Chair in Fashion Design, SAIC

Purchase your tickets to the event here.