EXPO Chicago is an opportunity for galleries from around the world to display the work from one…read moretheir featured artists. The Festival Hall at Navy Pier is a perfect venue for it. The space is huge - like a department store, complete with concrete floors - and is divided into booths. Each booth has a different gallery. Lesser known, emerging artists are around the perimeter and more familiar, established artists are in the middle. Each gallery has a representative there with a Mac Book, ready to discuss the work, the artist, or a sale. Also throughout Festival Hall are places to buy drinks and snacks. There are places to sit. At least two VIP sections are upstairs with (what I understood to be) the same drinks and food for purchase. This year (and I'm not sure if this is the case every year), the food and drinks were provided by Eataly. A number of the artists had social and political artwork; however, most was not. I believe there was a nice variety of art and that everyone could find something that spoke to them. I had a grand time at the EXPO but when my friend told me that the prices for each piece of art was over $10K, everything I saw was colored with privilege. For example, the privilege to make art in the first place, the privilege to buy expensive art, and the privilege to pay to walk around (essentially) a large art store. I like art and I own nice pieces, but I can still appreciate that it's a privilege.

Yaay, I finally got to see what the Civic Opera House is like, and I really liked it. It is…read morecurrently the venue for the musical West Side Story, a story with music I'm familiar with and have always enjoyed from the classic 1961 musical film. I'm not sure I would have ever visited the Opera House otherwise as I've not been trained by anyone to be an opera fan. Anyway, this place is quite large and I learned its seating capacity is 3563. It has a large and deep main floor with comfortable and roomy seats for a change and good sight lines and that's where we sat. There are also 3 balcony levels that aren't too deep. The acoustics were fine but didn't sound quite as crisp as at Cadillac Palace Theatre where I last saw a performance, and maybe that's just due to the size of this place or the quality of microphones the actors used. West Side Story is a long but very enjoyable production that lasts 2 hours and 40 minutes. The first act lasts about an hour and 25 minutes. The pro tip is to hit the restrooms before it starts! Speaking of the restrooms, they are located downstairs, and that spacious level is decorated like a mini art gallery for your enjoyment. The cast was young and talented, but they always are aren't they. Our outing was tip-top delightful and I hope to return here again someday.

I think I last came here 2 years ago for an opera about a boxer. This time I saw Carmen, the…read moreballet! It was very good, and we had decent seats. Not very many bad seats here, and the ushers were helpful getting us to our seats. We appreciated the live music in the lobby and the way we were ushered to free stalls in the bathroom during intermissions. I was confused about the lack of merchandise in the lobby. I was looking forward to at least browsing the Carmen shirts, fans, mugs, or whatever but they had nothing to buy but overpriced drinks.

While visiting Chicago for a professional training, I discovered the best little spot. Let me get…read morethis name right: Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District. Wow, that's a mouthful. I can't help wonder if locals have a nickname for it? It is right across from O'Hare airport, so maybe locals mostly stay away. But whether you happen to live near by or just in town for the weekend, this entertainment district is a one-stop-shop for all your unwinding needs. My training was at Crowne Plaza hotel where I was always lodging, so this oasis of entertainment was delightfully within easy walking distance. Once here, you'll find a plethora of restaurants and other activities ("Would you say I have a plethora of piñatas?"). A quick rundown of some of the current restaurants located around the district's circle: Fat Rosie's Taco and Tequila Bar The Sugar factory (milkshakes, sundaes and food items) Bub City BBQ Adobe Gilas Tex Mex Saltwater Coastal Grill Crust Brewing Fogo de Chao Brazilian Strakhouse As for entertainment: Joe's Live for live music and concerts King's Dining & Entertainment (bowling, pool tables and food) An AMC Dine-in theatre Pete's Dueling Piano Bar iFLY indoor skydiving And a nice little dispensary for all of your out-of-state needs when you hail from Indiana! (That little disposable pen "wrote" some great stories for both me and a friend! Sometimes, you just need to lie there, listen to music and loose track of the time!) One of the coolest things about this entertainment district is this faux-grass field right in the middle that makes the circle. People were just hanging out and talking and listening to music and (I think) drinking. (I'm not sure if public drinking is allowed there, so don't hold me to it. But I am pretty sure that was the vibe.) Kids were running and playing on the artificial turf and having a great time. I feel like this field is used for organized sports and activities, but it was open for the public to use on that particular evening. If you find yourself in the Rosemont area of Chicago or staying near O'Hare, swing by the (hold on, and let me get this straight) Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District. There is something for everyone at all price points!

Parkway Bank Park, while it sounds like a sport stadium, is actually a retail/dining/entertainment…read morecomplex in the Rosemont area of the city, just a few miles from ORD. It's conveniently located in this area and is surrounded by countless hotels, additional shopping complexes, movie theater and other restaurants. There is a large activity green area in the center an it surrounded by spots like Kings Bowl, Zanies Comedy Club, Sugar Factory, Harley Davidson and a few other spots. As noted in other reviews, I can't tell the target demographic for this "park". And honestly there may not be one, but on the surface, not sure who they created it for. We sat at the benches for a while after having lunch at Fat Rosie's and then popping into the dispensary. There is a large multi-level parking garage dedicated to the park. It's a pay lot, but super convenient. Overall, solid complex offering a few options and the ability to be outside. 3.5 stars for me, but since we don't have half stars, 4 it is.

Probably one of the coolest unknown theatres in the city. Well it must known by some since it's…read morestayed in business since 1981, they mainly focus on adaptations from literature giants like Burroughs, Salinger, Bradbury, Dick, Twain, and Algren to name a couple. I had the pleasure of seeing a German interpretive play Seven Doors based on the seven deadly sins. At this times it was quite disturbing but overall the actors were phenomenal. The theatre is small and it might be easily overlooked from the street because it's a store front theatre but inside the place has depth. Only having two stages it's really set up for smaller crowds but you're not packed in. The walls are filled with colorful photo's and old posters from Chicago performances, these are really cool to look at. In my opinion it gives the theatre a historical presence. If you get a chance check it out, I'll be added it to my list of favorite theatres!! Support the arts!!

Very homey, cool vibes at this little hole in the wall theater…read more Performers from The Uploose Odditorium killed it last Friday! The monologues and interactive games were equally enjoyable. Performances were all impressive & don't forget to check the art on the walls in the hallway. Unique, all the way around!

Greetings! I…read moreattended a Volunteer opportunity in Lake Forest, IL where I met for the first time, Mr. Brian Fowler. Brian is the Director of 'NOWSTALGIA!!' and was hired by Lake Forest Place to entertain local folks with his singing for an hour music specific to a 'Summer' theme including 4th of July highlights. My first impression of Brian is his smile. It is genuine and constant. Refreshing... Second impression is Brian's energy. I'm sure Brian has performed for much larger audiences and yet given the small venue that that I was attending (less than 50 people), there was no missing his energy and fun attitude he shared with all of us. The audience's participation was welcomed as other cheered on. Brian brought back favorites songs we knew as kids and it was easy to see that everyone was comfortable to sing along. Who doesn't remember "This Land is your Land"? Seriously. Additionally, Brian's sound was perfect, not too loud nor too quiet. Not only does Brian possess a great singing voice, but he speaks well, as well! His microphone use was on point, no reverb or feedback. He uses a laptop to queue up his selections and took mere seconds between songs to hit start while he kept dialog going with the audience. No awkward pauses here! Lastly, all in all Brian did a fabulous one man show. I checked out his website and he offers quite a selection of options for entertainment needs including additional singers, back up bands, etc. It's all a matter of what's in your budget. With Brian's amazing background (check out his bio), the sky's the limit! So, if you are looking for an Entertainer who's in it because it's his passion and not just to pay bills on a part time basis I'd recommend you give Brian a call. Check out his website. There are plenty of pics and youtube video to view as well. Thanks Brian - I enjoyed your show! ~

Looking for a fabulous venue to have a wedding, a grand party, or perhaps a music recital? This…read moreawe-inspiring room in this imposing building is owned by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). You've probably walked past it to or from Michigan Avenue shopping (it's just a block and a half west of the "Mag Mile." If like me, you first thought it was some family's mausoleum, you wouldn't be too far off the mark. The building was originally erected in 1926 to honor one of the founders of the ACS by its members. A concise history of the structure and its recent (1987 & 2003) renovations can be read here: http://www.murphyauditorium.com/history.htm. While the most recent restoration is chronicled in the ACS' official bulletin at http://www.facs.org/fellows_info/bulletin/2006/regnier1106.pdf It was following this 2006 restoring that the Fellows of the ACS decided to offer the auditorium for public events. A recent concert of Beethoven's newly discovered piano trio was premiered here in 2009 as covered by the Tribune: http://tinyurl.com/yjeqzdm John Von Rhein sums up his review with a plea for further concerts in this hall. This concert was also broadcast live over WFMT-FM. Even if your event is less groundbreaking than that one, you owe it to yourself to have a look inside. You can do this virtually by viewing their photos at the above site. The rental rate is also at their Web site. The auditorium's event coordinator is Catherine Carey and their phone number is above. Ms Carey's email is ccarey@facs.org

If you are looking for a grand, aesthetically pleasing venue for a party or an event, then you…read moreshould consider this place.if you are looking for someplace that has a good location that is lose to the Loop, Streeterville, and River North area. I was kind of thrown off for a moment when I walked in the front door. The company whose party I was attending has a history of choosing outstanding venues for their parties. When you actually walk in the front door of an elegant looking building from the exterior, you are greeting by a rather out of date, worn down entrance to the auditorium. Don't let this fool you because when you have entered the auditorium yourself, expect to to get blown away with how grand it really is!

The Renovo String Orchestra is one of the best that the Chicago area music scene has to offer. You…read morecan tell that everyone who is associated with this place (performers and staff) cares deeply about bringing high quality performances to its audiences. The folks here are friendly and passionate patrons of the arts. I had a chance to see this group perform at Rockefeller Chapel, among other fabulous productions, and they simply brought the house down. The praise showered down, non stop, from the last row in the balcony to the first row of the orchestra. This is the quintessential Chicago ensemble. Go see them live - You will love it!

Such a lovely exhibit…read more The location is perfect for this rich, immersive experience. A small vintage building, tucked away on a side street, feels quaint yet grand. The newly renovated lounge is beautiful, with large windows and original hardwood floors. The gift shop offers a ton of lovely items. The staff that I encountered were wonderful. Everyone was very professional, friendly and helpful. Once inside the grand room, excitement is in the air. Spacious and dim, we anxiously await what we know will be special. There is a balcony and small seating areas. The music starts and the images roll across the walls. The sound and visual systems are perfect. It was moving and, detailed yet grand. I wished it would go on forever. Even if you are not a classical music aficionado, you will thoroughly enjoy your experience. This exhibit is perfect to attend as a group or alone.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a private showing before the public tickets went on sale. I…read morehave seen several of the immersive exhibit at the space as well as one in Paris. This was by far one of the best.