The Family Crews: So you wanna be a star? Season 1 – Episode 5
March 17, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Entertainment, Fab Episodes
Watch Bad Girls Club – Season 4 – Reunion – Part 1
March 17, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
Just in case you missed part 1 of the reunion last
night check it out here. Enjoy:)
Just Wright Trailer Featuring Queen Latifah & Common
March 11, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Entertainment, Fab Movies
Jessica Simpson On The David Letterman Show
March 11, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Entertainment, Fab Episodes
America’s Next Top Model – Cycle 14 – Premiere’s Tonight + Perez Hilton + Andre Leon Tally!
March 10, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Entertainment, Fab Episodes
Watch America’s Next Top Model Season 14 Episode 1 Free Online Stream. A new season for America’s Next Top Model will premiere it’s first episode on March 10, 2010. Cycle 14 will have 33 semi-finalists compete for a chance to be Tyra’s friend but only 13 will make it into the Top Model loft in New York City. The lucky finalists are shocked when special guest Perez Hilton reveals their first challenge is to undergo makeovers! One of the most influential members of the fashion world,Andr Leon Talley, joins the judges panel alongside Tyra Banks and Nigel Barker.The America’s Next Top Model Season 14 Premiere Episode will be aired by the CW Network at 8:00PM. Who will be the lucky 13 finalists to go through and have a chance to become America’s Next Top Model? Find out this TONIGHT!
Fabolous’ and DJ Drama’s There is No Competition Mixtape + Full Free Download!
March 05, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Music
Let’s Talk About Pep – Episode 8 (Full Episode)
March 03, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
Fantasia For Real: The Re-Invention of Fantasia (Full Episode)
March 03, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
FAMU Sextape Scandal + Full Video
March 03, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
Looks like FAMU is in hot water after a sextape from the university has surfaced online.
Watch video below:
Fab Mixtape: Jim Jones – Pray For A Hustler (Free Download)
March 02, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
1.INTRO [WORLD PREMIERE]
2.CERTIFIED GANGSTA PT II FEAT. GAME [EXCLUSIVE]
3.CERTIFIED GANGSTA INTERLUDE FEAT. DJ 007
4.BLACK ON BLACK [EXCLUSIVE]
5.INTERLUDE 6.WASTED [WORLD PREMIER]
7.BUST A MOVE [EXCLUSIVE]
8.SUPA HOT
9.FEDDY
10.SO HARLEM FEAT. MAX B [CLASSIC]
11.HARLEM FOREVER FEAT. JUELZ SANTANA [FREESTYLE]
12.HIT EM UP [EXCLUSIVE]
13.INTERLUDE
14.GET MONEY FEAT. YOUNG JEEZY [FREESTYLE]
15.HOW TO BE A BOSS PT 2
16.TRYNA WIN FEAT. MAINO
17.AROUND MY WAY [CLASSIC]
18.SUPA STARS FEAT. MAX B [CLASSIC]
19.LIFE’S LIKE A MOVIE FEAT. MAX B [CLASSIC]
20.HOW G IS THIS [FREESTYLE]
21.COME HOME WITH ME [CLASSIC]
22.HOT BOYS [FREESTYLE]
23.HARLEM
24.NA NA NANA [WE GETTIN MONEY LIKE]
25.WUT YOU TALKIN ABOUT
26.GIMME 20 DOLLAS [REMIX] FEAT. RON BROWNZ & MASE
27.PAPER PLANES [FREESTYLE]
28.CERTIFIED GANGSTA
29.45TH & BROADWAY
30.GETAWAY [UNRELEASED]
31.ICE CREAM PAINT JOB
32.DOUGH BOY [EXCLUSIVE]
33.BYRD GANG MONEY
34.ARAB MONEY
35.SHOULDERS MOVE
36.SHOW OFF [EXCLUSIVE]
37.WHO SHOT YA [FREESTYLE]
38.MAGNUM FORCE
39.THUG MUSIC
40.REAL NIGGAS [FREESTYLE]
41.LOVE COME DOWN
42.WISHING ON A SUCKA MC [FIRE]
43.RELIGION
44.DAY & NIGHT
45.FAST MONEY FEAT. ATM
46.TAKIN PICTURES
47.DRUG DEALER [FREESTYLE]
48.D BLOCK- DIPSET FEAT. SHEEK LOUCH & JADAKISS
49.DOWNFALL [GREEN LANTERN FREESTYLE]
50.FALLEN SOLDIERS
51.Track 51
Download Here: Jim Jones – Pray For A Hustla
Keeping Up with The Kardashians Season 4 Episode 10 – Delivering Baby Mason
February 24, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Episodes
Watch The SPINdustry E! Special Online
February 22, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
Hummel leads No. 4 Purdue past Illinois
February 20, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
Robbie Hummel had 22 points and 12 rebounds, and No. 4 Purdue finished strong to beat Illinois 75-65 on Saturday for its ninth straight win.
E’Twaun Moore added 18 points and Keaton Grant scored 13 of his season-high 15 points in the second half for the Boilermakers (23-3, 11-3 Big Ten). The win moved Purdue into a tie with No. 11 Michigan State for the conference lead.
Demitri McCamey of Illinois scored six points, and his 16 assists tied for the fourth-most in Big Ten history. Mike Davis had 16 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks and Brandon Paul added 13 points for the Fighting Illini (17-10, 9-5).
Purdue closed the game on a 14-5 run to sweep the season series. The Boilermakers outscored the Fighting Illini 24-3 from the free-throw line.
The Boilermakers won despite 1-of-10 shooting from JaJuan Johnson, who had averaged 21 points in his previous four games.
Read the original article from Journal Star.
Distributed via Chicago Press Release Services
Jacksons: A Family Dynasty – TV Show – Watch Online
February 09, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Entertainment
Download: History Of Chicago Music 1908-1980
January 29, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
The good people over at the Numero Group, Chicago’s (the world’s?) preeminent soul historians have dug even deeper into garages and basements, far beyond ’60s and ’70s dusties, to put together a chronological megamix of our city’s musical development—starting way, way back in 1908. You know, when the Cubs were last winners. THAT long ago.
Last summer, the mix was premiered at Millennium Park’s Audio Picnic series. Read the complete story.
Now you can download it for free: right here.
Check out the complete tracklisting after the break.
Introduction – Chicago That Toddling Town
1908 – I’m Afraid To Go Home In The Dark – Billy Murray
1916 – Some Sweet Day – Marion Harris
1919 – Darktown Strutters Ball – James Reese Europe’s Hellfighters Band
1923 – Made A Monkey Out Of Me – Original Memphis Five
1924 – Night Hawk Blues – Coon-Saunders Nighthawk Orchestra
1924 – Mecca Flat Blues – Priscilla Stewart and Jimmy Blythe
1926 – Sunset Cafe Stomp – Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five
1926 – Doctor Jazz – Jelly Roll Morton and his Red Hot Peppers
1926 – Banjorino – Dixieland Jug Blowers
1927 – Miss Annabelle Lee – Paul Whiteman’s Rhythm Boys
1932 – Bugle Call Rag – Mills Brothers
1932 – If You See My Savior- Thomas A. Dorsey
1937 – New Shake Em’ On Down – Big Bill Broonzy
1939 – Rural Rhythm – Hoosier Hot Shots
1944 – Little Joe From Chicago – King Cole Trio
1945 – Chicago Breakdown – Big Maceo
1947 – Ora Nelle Blues – Little Walter
1948 – I Can’t Be Satisified – Muddy Waters
1949 – Tennessee, Tennessee – Homer & Jethro with Chet Atkins
00:54:00
1952 – Red Hot, Chili Mac – The Morocco’s
1955 – Dirty Bird – The Flips
1956 – Saturn – Le Sun Ra & His Arkestra
1956 – So Long – The El Ray’s w/ Willie Dixon
1958 – You’re Breaking My Heart – The Daylighter’s
1958 – Lover’s Reunion – The Dontells
1958 – Teenagers Letter Of Promises – Juanita Rodgers
1958 – Twirl – The Vongayles
1959 – Double Trouble – Otis Rush
1960 – The Shepards – Tragic
1961 – Apache War Dance – Earl Hooker
1961 – The Opals – Hop Skip & Jump!
1961 – Ricky Allen – Cut You A Loose
1962 – Gorrila – The Ideals
1962 – Tell Her To Come On Home – Little Mack
1962 – Sadness & Madness – The Conquistadors
1964 – When I’m With My Baby – The Magnetics
1965 – I’ll Never Say Goodbye – The Vontastics
1966 – A Lover’s Reputation – Denise LaSalle
1966 – The Girl I Threw Away – The Knaves
1967 – Devastator – Stormy
1967 – Nona – Vincent Chapelle
1968 – A Portrait Of God’s Love – Cindy & The Playmates
1968 – You’re In My Mind – Graf Zeppelin
1968 – Greyhound Bus Jingle
1968 – Don’t Waste My Time – The Daughter’s Of Eve
1968 – The Great Train Robbery – The Little Boys Blues
02:03:00
1969 – Kent Schneider – Church Is Within Us
1969 – Untitled – Phil Cohran & The Artistic Heritage Ensemble
1969 – Puppet On A Chain Pt.1 – Third Creation
1970 – Like A Ship – T.L. Barrett
1971 – Dignitaries Of Hell – Coven
1972 – I’ll Get You Back – Renaldo Domino
1973 – Jesus Will Help Me – Gospel Comforters
1973 – Jenny – Heaven & Earth
1974 – It’s Free! – The Bishops
1975 – Never Coming Back Again – The Final Solution
1975 – Talking To Myself – Hollins & Starr
1979 – How To Love – Dedrick LaMar
1979 – Boogie Child – Spirit Touch
1980 – Where’s My Dog – The Buzzards
Things to do this weekend: Jan 29–Jan 31
January 29, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
FRIDAY 29
AROUND TOWN/SEX & DATING – Whole Foods Singles Night
Maybe you’ll be able to bag a date at this get-together for eligible singles. Music and snacks will be provided. Register by phone or at the customer-service desk. Must be 21 to attend. Whole Foods, 30 W Huron St (312-932-9600). 7–8:30pm.
Christine Tarkowski, Parking Ramp, 2009
ART & DESIGN – Chicago Cultural Center openings
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs celebrates new exhibitions by artists Christine Tarkowski, Angel Otero and the late Hollis Sigler. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St. 6–8pm. FREE.
NIGHTLIFE – Fairmont a.k.a. Jake Fairley
Talk about a guy who’s marching to the beat of his own drum machine. A native to Toronto, he grew up with few friends showing the passion for electronic music that he found in himself, and subsequent years of bedroom production has led Jake Fairley out of his basement and into techno’s spotlight as a young and unique talent. He’s released records on Traum, Kompakt and esteemed ethereal techno label Border Community and he’s recently started taking his live show out on the road. Mixing a host of live P.A. equipment, vocals and effects his is a truly one of a kind show. Smart Bar. 10pm. $12, $10 before midnight.
MUSIC – Rosanne Cash
Over the past three decades, Rosanne Cash has defined herself as a songsmith of quiet intensity, improbably cutting a path distinct from that of her titanic father, Johnny. Yet on her lovely new album, The List, Cash eschews her own material in favor of a dozen chestnuts culled from a list that her father gave her in 1973, titled “100 Essential Country Songs.” Tonight, she sings from his list. Harris Theater, 8pm, $42–$45.
FILM- Odd Man Out, The Third Man
Carol Reed never got the respect he deserves as a director. Yeah, he directed Oliver!, but everybody makes mistakes. He also directed the tense little drama Odd Man Out, in which the inhabitants of Belfast deal with a wounded revolutionary on the run. And of course Reed directed The Third Man, with Joseph Cotton chasing his tail in Vienna looking for the mysterious Harry Lime (Orson Welles). Both must be seen on a big screen to be fully appreciated. Music Box, 3733 N Southport Ave between Grace St and Waveland Ave (773-871-6604). El: Brown to Southport. Bus: 80 Irving Park, 152 Addison. Regular and midnight $9.25, first daily show $8.75.
SATURDAY 30
Pentagram in the 80s
MUSIC – Pentagram
There’s not a doom-metal band around that can rightly claim freedom from Black Sabbath’s influence, but the nearly 40-year-old Virginia-based Pentagram is nevertheless a special case. The maniacal Bobby Liebling has fronted the group since its 1971 inception, setting a groovily evil example for everyone from St. Vitus to High on Fire. Empty Bottle, 10pm, $20.
NIGHTLIFE – Hercules and Love Affair + Kid Color + Vapor Eyes
It’s only once in a blue moon that an electronic act can make an impact that reaches outside of dance music’s insular world. Andy Butler’s Hercules and Love Affair project was one such act. Praise for his 2008 album came in from far and wide; our TOC review is one of the only five star reviews in recent history. We did receive word recently that he’s scraped most of his band so unfortunately, tonight’s performance is a strictly DJ affair, but rest assured his set will be filled with the same emotive disco, house and techno that he exudes in his productions. Local favorites Kid Color and Vapor Eyes open. Abbey Pub. 8pm; $15, 18 and up.
FILM – My Name is Julia Ross and Two O’Clock Courage
Remember double features? No? Neither do we, but we still think it’s a great idea, and the Bank of America Cinema has a doozy tonight: My Name is Julia Ross and Two O’Clock Courage. Both are psychological thrillers from the 1940s involving amnesia. That’s inspired programming. And if you’re worried about time, it’s worth noting that both movies are short, so you should be out and on your way to the bars by about 10:15pm. Bank of America Cinema, 4901 W Irving Park Rd (312-904-9442). Bus: 54, 54A, 80, X80. Sat 30 at 8pm. $5, seniors and kids under 10 $3.
ART & DESIGN – “Suitable Video” and “The Power of Selection, part 1″ receptions
Allison Schulnik, Mike Rea, Sterling Ruby, Miller & Shellabarger and Siebren Versteeg are among the artists in these two great shows, which close next week. Western Exhibitions, 119 N Peoria St, suite 2A. 5–8pm. FREE.
SHOPPING & STYLE – Binth warehouse sale
One glance at the Japanese woodblock-style screenprints and animal silhouettes embellishing many of this local paper company’s cards will have you cutting off your Gmail account and returning to the lost art of letter writing. Drop by Binth’s warehouse sale today and pick up a new habit, along with discounted cards, prints and posters. 321 N Justine St (312-243-7326). El: Green to Ashland. Bus: 9, 65. Sat 30, 10am–4pm.
SUNDAY 31
GAY & LESBIAN/TIME IN/MUSIC – Gaga Ooh La La Grammy’s Party
Sip a Gaga Ooh La La martini and see if she scores any awards at this Grammy’s viewing party. Kit Kat Lounge, 3700 N Halsted St (773-525-1111). El: Red to Addison. Bus: 8, 152. 7pm, FREE.
Allison Schulnik, Forest (still), 2009.
ART & DESIGN – Artist Talk: Aspen Mays
Up-and-comer Mays discusses her photography and sculpture show “From the Offices of Scientists.” Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S Cornell Ave. 2–4pm. FREE.
FILM – Fellini’s Casanova
The title says it all. Fellini taps into his darker side for this rather bleak portrait of one of Europe’s greatest lovers. No clowns and fat ladies here. In fact, at times this feels more like something from, say, Pasolini. But we mean that in a good way. Museum of Contemporary Art Theater, 220 E Chicago Ave, ground level entrance, (312-397-4010). El: Red to Chicago. Bus: 3, 10, 26, 66, 125, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151. Sun 31 at 6pm. $8.
MUSIC – Occidental Brothers Dance Band International
The name aside, Occidental Brothers Dance Band International offers Chicago’s own answer to Central African dance music, drawing from Nigeria, Ghana and the heart of the Congo for inspiration. Congolese legend Samba Mapangala is on hand for tonight’s show, a fund-raiser for Walter Payton College Prep’s Humanities Festival. Lincoln Hall, 6pm, $20, all ages.
THEATER – Awake and Sing!
Amy Morton’s production opens at Northlight tonight.
State siphons tobacco-settlement funds
January 28, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
If you smoke and itch to quit, don’t look to the state for help. Despite an annual infusion of about $300 million from the landmark tobacco settlement, Illinois continues to spend less than most others on programs designed to prevent people from lighting up, according to a national ranking.
Illinois finished 41st out of the 50 states in the percentage of settlement money funneled into prevention and stop-smoking programs during the current fiscal year, the nonprofit Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids recently reported. Tennessee was at the bottom, North Dakota at the top.
The Land of Lincoln’s lowly status was lamented by public health officials and some politicians, who describe a lost opportunity to use the pot of money to help cut the smoking rate.
“That money was supposed to help take care of the problems the industry had caused in all the states,” said Kathy Drea, vice president of advocacy for the American Lung Association in Illinois.
In 2002, $46 million from the settlement was earmarked for prevention and cessation programs, according to state budget figures. In 2004, it had dropped to $12 million. In the current fiscal year, it will be $9.7 million, a fraction of what the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends. In its own state-by-state ranking, the agency recommended that Illinois spend $157 million on such programs.
By comparison, tobacco companies blanket the state with about $452 million in marketing and advertising annually, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
The rate of smokers in the state’s adult population dipped only a percentage point in the last decade, from 22 percent in 2000 to 21 percent today, according to the CDC.
The money from the settlement is an easy, even a necessary target during an ongoing budget crisis, some lawmakers admitted. Under the 1998 agreement, tobacco companies were required to give billions to the states over 25 years.
“Legislators just use it to fill the budget gaps,” said Craig Johnson, mayor of Elk Grove Village. “It’s become just another source of revenue.”
Frustrated by the state’s dwindling support for programs to reduce smoking, Johnson took tobacco prevention into his own hands, sponsoring a 2006 ordinance that added a $1,000 annual fee for all village merchants with a tobacco license. It also specified that all proceeds — about $30,000 annually — go toward prevention and cessation programs for village residents.
Similar efforts exist in other municipalities. Cook County uses a portion of its tobacco tax on the Healthy Lungs Initiative, aimed at providing cessation counseling and quit programs to smokers.
But the patchwork of locally funded programs doesn’t substitute for a comprehensive statewide approach, Johnson said.
“If the state was doing its job, we wouldn’t have to be doing any of this,” he said.
The settlement agreement doesn’t specify where the funds go but recommends “significant funding” for public health causes related to smoking.
From the start, state lawmakers have taken advantage of that wiggle room. In 2000, most of the settlement in Illinois was spent on election-year property-tax rebate checks of up to $300; Illinois was one of just two states to use the funds for tax relief. Over time, funding for prevention and cessation has continued to dwindle.
State Sen. Jeff Schoenberg, D-Evanston, said that in the early years of the settlement, much of the money was diverted to pay for general government operations. After he and other legislators objected, he said, the bulk of the fund was reserved for health programs.
Today, most of the money helps pay for the state’s Medicaid program, which provides health care to low-income people, Schoenberg said. It’s a good use of the money, he said, because every dollar spent on the program brings in matching funds from the federal government.
“I’m sympathetic to the desire by the advocates to have more resources for tobacco-cessation programs,” he said. “But we’re dealing with an unprecedented budget crisis and need every available dollar to leverage that additional federal support to pay our health care costs.”
The money that does fund prevention and cessation efforts goes toward the state’s “quit line” telephone counseling service and to the state’s health department, which distributes the funds to local health departments via grants.
In Cook County, the Public Health Department receives about $750,000 a year from the settlement funds, about half what it received in 2001, said Gina Massuda Barnett, director of chronic disease prevention. The department has gone from 11 staffers dedicated to prevention and cessation to four, she said.
“It’s very challenging to take a comprehensive approach to prevention and control,” she said, noting that the four staffers serve more than 125 suburbs.
A successful cessation program encompasses a variety of approaches, she said, including education, counseling both in person and online, stop-smoking medications, support groups and marketing campaigns. She noted that the cadre of remaining smokers has persisted in their habit despite a decade of sharply higher taxes, severe limits on where they can light up and other restrictions.
“They’re the most difficult to get quit,” she said.
State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-ChicagoChicago reviews
, knows the holdout smokers very well — she was one. After 30 years of smoking, she finally took her last puff Dec. 14, 2007, after multiple failed attempts to stop. Strict adherence to a quit-smoking medication and online counseling got her over the hump.
“It was an amazing experience,” she said.
Feigenholtz said she advocated the Legislature use the tobacco settlement funds for a comprehensive prevention and cessation program from the start, but now, with the state facing a potential $12.8 billion deficit by the end of the next budget year, the settlement funds may get raided further.
“We all know the prevention and cessation programs are tremendously valuable,” she said, “but in these times prevention of any kind becomes a luxury item.”
Georgia Garvey and John Keilman contributed to this report.
DJ Little Row Presents Bo$$ Ladies Volume 7 Mixtape (Free Download)
January 26, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Music
Five things to do today: January 26
January 26, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
BOOKS – Alex Kotlowitz
Peabody and Polk award-winning journalist Kotlowitz ((There Are No Children Here, Never a City So Real) reads new stuff. Northwestern University, 5:30pm, FREE.
The Rockabillies
ART & DESIGN/AROUND TOWN – Book Signing for The Rockabillies
Rockabillies are far from gone. Photographer Jennifer Greenburg has, in fact, captured several of them in her first photo book. Signing copies and speaking on rockabilly culture, Greenburg presents her opinions on the significance of the 1950s-bred culture. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave (312-280-2660). 6pm. FREE.
DANCE – Dancers at Work Forums: Growing the Local Dance Scene
First in an eight-part series running through November, this Department of Cultural Affairs panel features Chicago Dance Crash’s Mark Hackman, Deeply Rooted’s Kevin Iega Jeff, Shirley Mordine and The Moving Architects’ Erin Carlisle Norton. They’ll be in conversation on the sustainability of careers in dance, marketing strategies and audience development. Choreographer/ethnographer/dance scholar Meida Teresa McNeal moderates. Chicago Cultural Center, Garland Room, fifth floor (78 E Washington St, 312-744-6630). El: Red to Lake; Orange, Pink, Green, Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph. Bus: 3, X3, 4, X4, 6, 10, 14, 26, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151, 157. Metra: Elec Main to Millennium Station. 6pm–7:30pm, FREE!
MUSIC – Bloodiest + Follows
Brooding local supergroup Bloodiest boasts members of 90 Day Men, Yakuza, Lustre King and Sterling’s Eric Chaleff and Tony Lazzara. Both Chaleff and Lazzara do double duty in the similarly crushing Follows, featuring former Electrelane guitarist (and Time Out Chicago contributor) Mia Clarke and former Russian Circles bassist Colin DeKuiper. Cobra Lounge, 7pm, FREE!
FILM- A Face in the CrowdA Face in the Crowd reviews
If you only think of Andy Griffith as Matlock or the aw-shucks sheriff of Mayberry, check him out in A Face in the Crowd, which allows him to play the dark side as a folksy guitar player seduced by fame. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N State St at Randolph St (312-846-2600). El: Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to State/Lake; Red to Lake; Blue to Clark/Lake. Tue 26 at 8pm. $9, students $7, members $5.
Things to do this weekend: January 23–24
January 23, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
If you’ve got a wide open Saturday afternoon, I suggest you drop in at Martyr’s for the annual TOC Chili Cook-Off, which involves tasting and voting on the deliciousness of various chilis, drinking beer (for those of age, obviously), and hearing some fearsome blues rock from the Chicago Stone Lightning Band —featuring yours truly on the drum kit. I’m fairly terrible at self-promotion but in this case, some of the proceeds will be going to Haiti so I’d be remiss not to mention the event. You’re also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Chicago Food Depository. But, if that’s not good times enough for you, there are five more things going on today and Sunday is pretty solid, too. If you haven’t seen Antonioni’s The Passenger on a big screen, I highly recommend it—go by yourself and wear a moustache for a more existential experience.
SATURDAY 23
DANCE – Quiet (A Disruptive Fog (or a hogshead full of vapor called memory))
Goat Island Performance Group alum Karen Christopher, recently relocated to London, and sound artist Mark Booth turned their Crosscut grant into a multimedia work on “memorials, collections, seeds, synesthesia, time, dreams, and memories (both imagined and real).” Photographer John W. Sisson, Jr. is also in the mix, filling Epiphany’s gorgeously beat-up, Romanesque nave with still and moving images. Epiphany Episcopal Church (201 S Ashland Ave, 312-243-4242). El: Green, Pink to Ashland. Bus: 9, 20. 7pm, $10
Ryan Leslie
MUSIC – Robin Thicke + Ryan Leslie
Like Ne-Yo, Ryan Leslie trades in what you might call “retro-future soul.” His songs are sleek, forward-looking, synth-driven productions; vocally, however, Leslie’s presentation evokes the dignified showmanship of the Motown era. Robin Thicke is kind of a poor man’s Justin Timberlake—the ladies love him, but he reminds us of Bill Murray’s SNL lounge lizard. Not helped by the fact that he’s titled his latest Sex Therapy. Ew. Vic Theatre, 7:30pm, $38.50, 18 and older.
COMEDY – The Red Bar Comedy Club
Having a laugh downtown is suddenly looking brighter with this polished night of stand-up comedy. Ontourage, 157 W Ontario St (312-573-1470). El: Red to Grand; Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Chicago. Bus: 22, 65, 156. 9pm, $10.
ART & DESIGN – “We Are the World.”
This group show, which considers the cultural significance of Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson’s 1985 attempt to help African famine victims, opens tonight. Roots & Culture Contemporary Art Center, 1034 N Milwaukee Ave. 6-9pm. FREE.
FILM – Hellzapoppin
If you’re a Marx Brothers fan and you want to expand your anarcho-comedy horizons a bit, check out Hellzapoppin’, starring Ole Olsen and Chic Johnson, a pair of Vaudeville comics who jumped to the big screen, zaniness intact. Bank of America Cinema, 4901 W Irving Park Rd between Lavergne and Lamon Aves (312-904-9442). Bus: 54, 54A, 80, X80. Sat 23 at 8pm. $5, seniors and kids under 10 $3.
SUNDAY 24
MUSIC – Prefuse 73
Prefuse 73 is Scott Herren, an Atlanta-born, Barcelona-dwelling producer who favors beats that loll and whir as much as they break and boom, gurgling vocals chopped apart and stitched back together, and hazy textures that turn into breathlessly busy wallpaper. Empty Bottle, 9:30pm, $15.
FILM - The PassengerThe Passenger reviews
Michelangelo Antonioni’s The Passenger is the rare and exquisite film that can mix cool existentialism, politics (an arms dealer and colonial politics play a prominent role) and the plotting of a thriller (assumed identities, murder). And, this being an Antonioni film, it’s all composed in images that are both beautiful and troubling. Museum of Contemporary Art Theater, 220 E Chicago Ave, ground level entrance (312-397-4010). El: Red to Chicago. Bus: 3, 10, 26, 66, 125, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 151. Sun 24 at 3pm. $8.
DANCE – Ballroom Dance Chicago Opening Party
Szewai Lee, who moonlights as a choreographer and co-director of Portable Dance, and her beau, Matthew Sove, started Ballroom Dance Chicago in 2007. Breaking in their new Ravenswood digs, the instructors are offering a 45-minute ballroom lesson and brief performance before opening the stage to comers ready and willing to share anything that doesn’t require technology. Once that’s done, you’re welcome to cha-cha till they kick you out. Ballroom Dance Chicago (4043 N Ravenswood Ave, 312-504-5866). El: Brown to Irving Park. Bus: 80. 7pm–11pm, FREE.
ART & DESIGN – “Aspen Mays: From the Offices of Scientists.”
SAIC alum Mays mixes photography and sculpture to ask what knowledge looks like. Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S Cornell Ave. Noon–5pm. FREE.
Five things to do today: January 22
January 22, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
Jeremy Bolen, Ilie Nastase, 2009.
ART & DESIGN – “Postcard Trouble.”
Artists and musicians Jeremy Bolen (who frequently contributes photos to TOC) and Bobby Burg show new work in an exhibition opening tonight. Andrew Rafacz Gallery, 835 W Washington Blvd, second floor. 6–9pm. FREE.
NIGHTLIFE – The Martinez Brothers
Considering that Steve Jr. and Christian—known to the world as the Martinez Brothers—are only 21 and 18 respectively, they give good reason to make budding DJs the world over jealous. The two of them have achieved more in their music careers than most of us will ever dream of. Raised by a disco-loving father who schooled them on house beats at an early age, they’ve gone on to become a major deal in their native New York, not to mention with the growing number of fans they have around the world. Seamlessly traveling through house—from body n’ soul to deep—and techno—from jacking to minimal—these kids do it all with their DJ sets, which should make this performance cause for serious excitement. Spy Bar. 10pm, $20.
MUSIC – The Joan of Arc Don’t Mind Control Variety Show
Joan of Arc’s Tim Kinsella presents a one-of-a-kind variety show including performances from A Tundra, Birthmark, Disappears, Jeremy Boyle, Litesalive, Matt Clark, Owen, Pillars and Tongues, the Zoo Wheel, Vacations and Slick Conditions, plus a solo set from Kinsella himself, naturally. Other “surprise special guests” are promised, fueling rampant speculation as to whether an alleged Cap’n Jazz/Owls reunion will take place. Empty Bottle, 10pm, $10.
DANCE – Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan: Moon Water
Named for a 5,000-year-old ritual dance from China, Taiwan’s Cloud Gate does lush choreography on an epic scale like no other company from that part of the world. Moon Water, from 1998, probably director Lin Hwai-min’s best-known work, is at last receiving its Chicago premiere. Set to Mischa Maisky’s honeyed takes on Bach for solo cello, Moon Water is non-narrative but compellingly fluid; although the stage is only barely wet, Lin’s translation of tai chi concepts into contemporary dance vocabulary is deep enough to swim in. Free pre-performance talks by Lin precede both shows at 7pm. Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E Randolph Dr (800-882-4275, harristheaterchicago.org). El: Green, Orange, Brown, Purple (rush hrs) to Randolph. Bus: 3, 4, 6, 20, 60, 147, 151. 8pm, $30–$65.
GAY & LESBIAN - Glitter in the Gutter
Drag novices and aficianados alike will enjoy this cheap and cheerful drag musical sitcom. Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N Broadway (773-561-4665). El: Red to Lawrence. Bus: 36, 81. 8pm, $8.
Five things to do today: January 20
January 20, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
Here’s a story that I have not heard reported much in the mainstream news media: The stimulus response from Western country’s has probably been too weak. That’s not the gist of this story about why developing nation’s have been less hard hit by the recession/depression, but it wouldn’t be an illogical way to summarize the data the story contains. Developing countries such as India, Brazil and China invested more money by percentage of their GDPs in stimulus and in many cases increased social and jobs programs at the time when it was likely to be needed. The result? A much softer landing than Western Europe and the U.S. in terms of reduced economic growth and, tellingly, a happier, more content population, which even returned the incumbent to power in India. So, while we’re not out of it yet—while we’re fuming at Wall Street bankers, maybe we can also demand a bit more from our current administration. The proof is out there, stimulus stimulates.
Helen Maurene Cooper, fluorescent on orange with sparkles, 2009.
ART & DESIGN - “Helen Maurene Cooper: Hard Candy.”
Luscious colors and textures suffuse Cooper’s large-scale photos of Harold Washington students’ fingernail art. President’s Gallery, Harold Washington College, 30 E Lake St, room 1105. 9am–6pm. FREE.
FILM – Blue VelvetBlue Velvet reviews
Ever since Blue Velvet, we’ve never been able to take either Heineken or Pabst Blue Ribbon seriously as beer options. Of course, we’ve also had weird nightmares involving severed ears and Isabella Rossellini. Great movies have a strange power over us. This one should have a strange power over you. Doc Films, University of Chicago, 1212 E 59th St between Kimbark and Woodlawn Aves (773-702-8574). Metra: Elec Main to 59th St. Bus: 4 (24hrs), X4, 14, 28, 59, 171. Wed 20 at 7, 9:30pm. $5.
MUSIC – State Champion + Rabble Rabble + Phantom Family Halo
No-frills neo-country with a taste for the shambling, stripped down and shuffling over anything close to slick, the Louisville/Chicago act State Champion is celebrating the release of its Stale Champagne, a disc that shows “casual” is not the same thing as “lazy.” Also on the bill is the skuzzier and louder Rabble Rabble plus Louisville’s equally ramshackle Phantom Family Halo. Empty Bottle, 9pm, $5.
DANCE – DanceMasters Class with Lee Ching-chun
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan’s associate artistic director leads a master class for intermediate and advanced students and professionals at Hubbard Street’s West Loop facility. Ms. Lee combines contemporary dance with ancient techniques Tai Chi and Tao Yin (an ancient form of Chi Kung). Her meditative movement lesson will include material drawn directly from Lin Hwai-min’s Moon Water, which the company performs Sat 22 and Sun 23. Lou Conte Dance Studio (1147 W Jackson, 312-850-9766) El: Blue to Racine. Bus: 126. 6pm, $15.
GAY & LESBIAN – Grindr Party
Meet all those hot guys you’ve been cruising live at this homage to the latest, greatest iPhone app. The Glenwood Bar, 6962 N Glenwood Ave (773-764-7363). El: Red to Morse. Bus: 147, 151. 8pm, FREE.
T.I.’s Wife Tiny Speaks On T.I. Getting Out
January 18, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Entertainment
Museum free days!
January 12, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
Rarely is there a slow day for Chicago’s big, bustling museums. But a few museum reps have tipped me off to the fact that January is the least crowded time. To get Chicagoans in the door, several museums are offering free days this month. I listed highlights below and threw in some exhibit recommendations to provide ample compensation for freezing your butt off on the lakefront.
Shedd Aquarium: From January 16 to 21, and every Monday and Tuesday in January, aquarium-goers can see the original galleries (Local Waters, Waters of the World and Caribbean Reef) for free, or pay a discounted admission of $16.95 (kids ages 3–11 $11.95 ) for the rest of the aquarium, which includes the new Fantasea show.
Museum of Science and Industry: MSI offers free general admission weekdays January 4–29. This includes the neato and very popular “You! The Experience.” We’d also recommend the additional $5 for “The White House: A Look Inside.” We were surprised at the miniature exhibit’s incredibly revealing view of the Prez’s house—worth the extra lil’ chunk of change.
Field Museum: The museum carries its Target Free Second Mondays program into the new year. This month, get free basic admission January 11. We recommend the newly rehabbed Grainger Hall of Gems, which is included in basic admission.
Art Institute of Chicago: Free admission days are always packed at the Art Institute, but January’s free days (Thursdays 5–8pm) are less crowded than the other 11 months.
Museum free days!
January 12, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
Rarely is there a slow day for Chicago’s big, bustling museums. But a few museum reps have tipped me off to the fact that January is the least crowded time. To get Chicagoans in the door, several museums are offering free days this month. I listed highlights below and threw in some exhibit recommendations to provide ample compensation for freezing your butt off on the lakefront.
Shedd Aquarium: From January 16 to 21, and every Monday and Tuesday in January, aquarium-goers can see the original galleries (Local Waters, Waters of the World and Caribbean Reef) for free, or pay a discounted admission of $16.95 (kids ages 3–11 $11.95 ) for the rest of the aquarium, which includes the new Fantasea show.
Museum of Science and Industry: MSI offers free general admission weekdays January 4–29. This includes the neato and very popular “You! The Experience.” We’d also recommend the additional $5 for “The White House: A Look Inside.” We were surprised at the miniature exhibit’s incredibly revealing view of the Prez’s house—worth the extra lil’ chunk of change.
Field Museum: The museum carries its Target Free Second Mondays program into the new year. This month, get free basic admission January 11. We recommend the newly rehabbed Grainger Hall of Gems, which is included in basic admission.
Art Institute of Chicago: Free admission days are always packed at the Art Institute, but January’s free days (Thursdays 5–8pm) are less crowded than the other 11 months.
Five things to do today: January 11
January 11, 2010 :: Posted by - admin :: Category - Fab Local News
MUSIC – Metal as Art
An evening of haughty headbanging features French experi-metallers Hypno5e, Boston’s blistering Revocation and the precision-minded Binary Code. Empty Bottle, 9:30pm, FREE!
FILM – The Sun
If you know Russian director Aleksander Sokurov, it’s probably for his ultra-long-take film Russian Ark. But he’s not just a one trick pony. He’s been turning out interesting work for over a decade, including a trilogy of films about dictators. The Sun focuses on Japan’s Emperor Hirohito in the closing days of World War II, emphasizing his retreat from the practical realities of his crumbling empire. It’s bold, powerful filmmaking. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N State St at Randolph St (312-846-2600). El: Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple (rush hrs) to State/Lake; Red to Lake; Blue to Clark/Lake. Mon 11–Thu 14 at 6, 8:15pm. $9, students $7, members $5.
Christopher Dresser, Teapot made by James Dixon and Sons, c. 1880.
ART & DESIGN – “Apostles of Beauty: Arts and Crafts from Britain to Chicago”
Japanese-inspired objects and crafty Chicagoans delighted our critic when she visited this survey of the late 19th century’s most important design movement. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave. 10:30am–5pm. $18, students and seniors $12, kids 13 and under free. $2 discount for Chicago residents.
NIGHTLIFE – RehabRehab reviews
Recently voted best party in America—outside of the Big Apple—by New York hipster mag Paper, Rehab is pretty much THE next gen party in Chicago. Packed every monday with beautiful folk who’ve barely cracked 20, its a bastion of fashion, revelry and decent music—this may be the one area where it’s not as cutting edge as it could be. The crowd doesn’t seem to care though, because they turn out consistently every Monday to dance their asses off to residents Team Bayside High, Skyler and Kid Color and any of the various guests they invite in on the regular. Debonair Social Club. 9pm, $5.
GAY & LESBIAN/AROUND TOWN – Hambingo!
A drag queen hosts this charity bingo get-together.
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