GREENING OF CHICAGO

LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN!
Even though St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until Wednesday, Chicago begins the celebration in earnest today.

A FEW OF MANY EVENTS

10:45a.m. (approximately)
Dyeing of the Chicago River.
This time-honored Chicago tradition is visible from the east side of the Michigan Avenue bridge, the west side of Columbus Drive bridge and upper or lower Wacker Drive between Columbus Drive and Michigan Avenue. The river is dyed a very bright green that should remain that way throughout the day even if you sleep in for the actual dyeing event. However it is most spectacular right after its initial dye job and with today’s rain will be fading faster than usual.

12p.m.
The Parade.
The 55th annual Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at Columbus and Balbo Drives, then heads north of Columbus to Monroe St.

After the Parade.
Head over to Goose Island Brewpub for STOUT FEST featuring more than 30 stouts on draft from more than 12 local brewers. Through 5p.m. 1800 N. Clybourn Ave.

OTHER STUFF
If you’re not into the St. Patrick’s Day celebration there are other options:

Lillstreet Art Center is inviting anyone who is interested to their Spring Open House featuring workshops for adults and art-making activities for kids.

TODAY”S SCHEDULE OF FREE EVENTS
Kids Activities 12-5pm (1st floor)
Open Studios 12-5pm (2nd & 3rd floor)
Drawing Workshop 12-1pm (3rd floor)
Digital Imaging Workshop 12-2pm (3rd floor)
Screenprint Workshop 1-2pm (3rd floor)
Glass Bead Workshop 1-3pm (3rd floor)
Band Rings Workshop 2-3pm (1st floor)
Wheelthrowing Demo 2-4pm (1st floor)
Embroidery Workshop 3-4pm (3rd floor)
Metal Bracelet Workshop 4-5pm (1st floor)
12p.m. to 5p.m. 4401 N. Ravenswood Avenue. (773) 769 4226.


OPENING TODAY AT THE GOODMAN THEATRE
Rebecca Gilman’s world premiere based on the 1889 Johnstown Flood and the devastation it caused is brought to life in A True History of the Johnstown Flood. Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Through April 18. 
NOTE:  DISCOUNT TICKETS were available at press time for Sunday’s 7:30p.m. performance of A True History of the Johnstown Flood at all Hot Tix outlets.

Deep in the heart of Pilsen

CHICAGO ARTS DISTRICT SECOND FRIDAY GALLERY WALK

Explore the East Pilsen neighborhood at tonight’s Chicago Arts District Second Friday Gallery Night. The area encompasses several contiguous blocks where artists work and live. Approximately 30 neighborhood spots including galleries and some retailers will be open for the walk from 6p.m. to 10p.m. Tonight’s featured event is Blind Date taking place at 1915 S. Halsted St. This exhibit features 15 visual artists and 15 writers exploring the relationship between created image and the written word highlighted by the interplay between opposites. Starting point for walk, 1800 S. Halsted. Street parking available.

HUNGRY

Try Nightwood, a sophisticated contemporary American restaurant with a handwritten menu consisting of 10 appetizers and 10 entrees with new items popping up daily. Tribune critic Phil Vettel described the relatively new-to-the-scene restaurant as “Lula’s all grown up.” Lula’s is the popular 10-year-old Logan Square hangout that is run by the same duo of Amlalea Tshilds and Jason Hammel. If you don’t make it tonight put in on your list to try for Sunday Brunch. 2119 S. Halsted St.

If you’re looking for something more casual, Honky Tonk BBQ may be just the spot. It’s pork shoulder took 3rd place and their wings were 13th out of 101 entries at the 2008 Memphis World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. You can enjoy BBQ and more right in the heart of Pilsen. 1213 W 18th St, Chicago

A New Chicago Jazz Spot –OPENING FRIDAY

From early indications the new West Town “Club Blujazz” looks like it’s positioned to be a winner.  For starters the husband and wife team of  jazz guitarist Greg Pasenko and his wife, jazz violinist Diane Delin, who are running it are not neophytes. They have worked with the best including legends Mel Torme and Frank Sinatra.  Not only that, they have their own label, Blujazz, after which the club was named.   And that’s not all. They are starting smart by opening with jazz pianist MIKE MELVION who has toiled as music director at venues including the Grammys and arranged for the best from Tom Waits to Lou Rawls.

Another plus is that the club is small therefore, intimate, with seating for no more than 100.  The drink menu is peppered with the high-end stuff from classic martinis to single malt Scotches and imported beers.  With the main emphasis on the hooch and the music, the food menu, although not an afterthought, is simple but ample.  Selections include hummus platters, flatbread pizza and an assortment of marinated olives and imported cheese.

Expect to hear top national and international jazz talent at “Club Blujazz.” Expect to pay a cover charge from $10 on weekdays to $20 and up on weekends.

TIP:  For nightowls—you can get into the weekends 11:30p.m. late shows FREE, no cover.  Hours:  Monday through Saturday, 6:30p.m. to 2a.m. Sunday, 6:30p.m. to midnight.  1540 W. North Ave.  (773) 360 8046. http://www.clubblujazz.com

The Chicago Cubs are looking for a few good men/women

The Chicago Cubs are looking for 25 to 30 friendly, energetic and happy people to be ambassadors for the team. The gig is great. There you are basking in the sunshine of Wrigley Field while fans are shouting, cheering and chugging and Cubs management is paying you to be there.
Of course, there is work to be done. As an ambassador you will move around the stands and concourse looking for new fans and visitors and welcoming them to Wrigley Field, answering questions and helping in anyway you can. Maybe they can’t find their seat, maybe they have a question about the game, or where to go after the game. You are there to make their day at the ballpark a positive and exciting experience.
The job may take you outside the ballpark. Some days you might be stationed at the el or surrounding areas to help people navigate their way into the park.

ODDS OF BECOMING AN AMBASSADOR
When the Boston Red Sox started their ambassador program, 4000 people applied, 25 were hired.

STILL INTERESTED
For a more detailed job description, click on "Job Opportunities" at the bottom of cubs.com and then scroll to "Wrigley Field Ambassadors." The pay is yet to be determined. You must submit a resume to: Human Resources/Ambassador Program, and can either send it via fax at (773) 404-4742, or e-mail at cubsjobs@cubs.com. GOOD LUCK!

MEET LYUBA

DAY TRIP!

Just Opened at the Field:  Mammoths and Mastodons:  Titans of the Ice Age

Move over SUE.  Lyuba, a 42,000-year-old baby woolly mammoth, is the most complete mammoth ever discovered.  Currently she is stealing a little of the spotlight from the Field Museum's beloved dinosaur SUE.  But not to worry, SUE is part of the Museum's permanent exhibit.  Lyuba is here for the Field Museum’s new interactive exhibition Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age which opened March 5 and will be on view until September 6, 2010 when, sadly, it must close and Lyuba will be gone.  The new exhibit allows visitors to mingle with Lyuba and other giant pre-historic creatures including short-faced bears and saber-toothed cats.  Visitors are encouraged to touch the furry creatures-- after all they don't bite.  They can also create cave art and learn why these ancient species were both hunted and honored by early humans.  $22 adults, $18 seniors and students with ID, $15 children.  Through September 6, 2010.

While at the Museum check out…the Crown Family PlayLab.  Dad and Mom or Grandpa and Grandma can chill out while the kids dig up fossils, conduct a symphony or paint a masterpiece. 

Coming April 2:  kip fulbeck:  part asian, 100% hapa.

HUNGRY?

EAT inside the Museum at McDonalds or the Corner Bakery.

Or EAT NEARBY at OPERA—a blend of Chinese cuisine with modern presentations.  Opera is open for lunch Monday through Friday 11:30a.m. to 2p.m.  Try one of Opera’s special lunch boxes that feature soup, entrée, side and dessert all for $14.95 (dine in only).  Dinner hours are Sunday through Thursday, 5p.m. to 10p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 5p.m. to 11:30p.m.  1301 S. Wabash, (312) 461 0161.  Valet parking available for $10.

FUN FACTS:

The Field Museum came to be as a result of the 1893 Columbian Exposition and was originally named the Columbian Museum of Chicago.  It was established in 1893 (in a different local) along with The Art Institute, Marshall Field & Company and the Chicago Public Library.  What an exciting time for the Windy City.

HOURS:

Museum hours 9a.m. to 5p.m. (last admission 4p.m.)  1400 S. Lake Shore Drive.  (312) 922 9410.

PARKING:

Parking is available in all four lots on the Museum Campus for $16 for the first 4 hours and $19 thereafter.

A VERY SPECIAL MONDAY

Monday is the slowest day of the week for most restaurants and bars and that is exactly why it is a good day to eat out--no lines, fast service and good deals.

Listed below are a few of today’s bargains:

In Wrigleyville stop by Murphy’s Bleachers for $1 BURGERS, drink specials and between 4p.m. and midnight 25-cent-WINGS. 3655 N. Sheffield, (773) 929 7061.

In Lincoln Park you can fill up at McGees Tavern and Grill with an all-you-can eat CHILI BAR for $6 and wash it down with a $2.50 Bud or go pull out all the stops with a $3 import. 950 W. Webster, (773) 549 8072.


Play Trivia, enjoy a $3 Bud and split a $7 pizza with a friend at The Black Beetle in Humboldt Park. The pub is a favorite of neighborhood regulars. It offers a simple and comfortable atmosphere with exposed brick and wood tables. 8p.m. to midnight. (773) 384 0701.

Meze Tapas Lounge in the Fulton Market part of town offers a $3 Tapas Menu all day. Thirsty? How about a $15 sangaria carafe or a $5 Tjitos Vodka cocktail. 205 N. Peoria, (312) 666 6625.

EYES ON OSCAR

Today, tonight...it’s all about OSCAR.  The Official Chicago Party at the Gene Siskel Film Center is SOLD OUT—at $100.00 per ticket—get in line for next year.  Many other parties are happening from the “The Land of Avatar Party” at Kit Kat Lounge in Boystown, 3700 N. Halsted, to the Oscar party at The Palm Court at the Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton on the Mag Mile. If you're looking for something a little easier on your wallet, try the price friendly $15 a head party at Lobby Lounge, 150 W. Roosevelt Rd in the South Loop featuring the show on 50-inch HDTVs along with crab pizzas. However your best bet could be the party at your neighborhood bar or at home.    

A Chicago Special…Get Up Close and Personal with Oscar…

Kodak and The Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Avenue will give movie fans an opportunity to view and have their picture taken with the real thing at their "Meet the Oscars, Chicago," exhibition.  Stop by between 11a.m. and 6p.m. today and see what it feels like to hold an Oscar.  Admission free.  520 N. Michigan.

Chicago's connection to Oscar…

R.S. Owens and Company, a Chicago based manufacturing firm located at 5535 North Lynch Avenue, makes the Oscar statuettes for the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences along with other statuettes including the Emmy, Clios, MTV and many others.

There’s no place like Nome…or is there?

Everyone knows about Alaska’s Iditarod where teams of dogs pull sleds across the tundra. In last decade or so Iditarod copycats have been rearing their ugly heads in the name of fun and charity across the nation. New York has its Idiotard (note the first 5 letters) (est. 2003), San Francisco established their Urban Iditaron back in the last century (1994) while a growing number of others are cropping up each year from Washington D.C. to Portland, Oregon.

These Iditarod wannabe races consist of teams of four people each often in outrageous costumes substituting for the dogs. They are attached by ropes to shopping carts led by a musher. The object is for spectators to help fill the shopping carts with food (last year over 7000lbs.)—that will be distributed to the needy.

Spectators are invited to come today to Chicago’s OWN Fifth Annual Chiditarod and asked to bring packaged or canned food to donate. The starting horn sounds at noon at Wollcot and Hubbard (1900 W. Hubbard). The race and the fun continues its way winding through the Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village and Bucktown neighborhoods. All and all it’s a good time for a good cause…thank you very mush.  www.chiditarod.org

More on the CHIDITAROD:
Entries will be judged on:
Best art cart
Worst fashion
Most pathetic display
Best in Food
And more.
Where should I watch the race?
The race will follow a course inside these boundaries:
• North Avenue on the North
• Madison on the South
• Halsted on the East
• California on the West

Calling all Losers…
The Biggest Loser is having a casting call for the new season. The weigh off starts at 10a.m. at the NBC Tower and continues to 6p.m.  Be prepared for a long wait—so bring a snack. Don’t even bother to come if you don’t need to lose at the very least 100lbs. 455 N. Cityfront Plaza.

Sign of Spring...
The Chicago Garden and Flower Show returns to Navy Pier. Today through March 14. http://chicagoglower.com

An Art Happening and more...

The trendy Bucktown area kicks off the 2010 festival season tonight with its 3-day art extravaganza The 2010 Spring smART show. Three days of ART where visitors can peek into artist studios and private living spaces, view unique, quirky, cutting edge offerings, enjoy impromptu performances, refreshments and all the Bucktown/Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village area has to offer. 6p.m. to 10p.m. tonight, noon to 10p.m. Saturday and noon to 6p.m. Sunday. Flat Iron Arts Building. 1579 N. Milwaukee.

Stop by the trendy shops along Damen and Milwaukee Aves.

Then stay for the great food/drinks and atmosphere:
Two of many choices…

The Violet Hour

Hot date, trying to reconnect or just looking for great atmosphere and a wide array of cocktail choices-- the Violet Hour may be just the spot. Lauded by publications including Esquire, Conde Nast and GQ, The Violet Hour serves up a heady mixture of classic cocktails and innovative appetizers that can substitute for dinner. Everything here is deliberate and impeccable. The serene space is full of floor-to-ceiling curtains, chandeliers, candles, and high-backed blue leather chairs; the eclectic music is loud enough to comment on but muted enough that you can hear your friends. Sexy, fun and affordable. 1520 N. Damen, (773) 252 1500. http://www.theviolethour.com

Hot Chocolate

A couple of blocks north of The Violet Hour is Mindy Segal’s HOT CHOCOLATE. Segal, named best pastry chef of the year by Chicago magazine, offers an outstanding menu. While recognized for her sweets, her haute comfort food will get you through the worst of a Chicago winter day. Try the Reuben with house-brined corned beef followed by her legendary Banana Volume VI, a banana cream pie with caramelized bananas, banana sherbet, butterscotch and fudge—a meal in it self—that you may want to split with one of your tablemates. By the way the HOT CHOCOLATE is not bad either and you can order it to your liking—all the way up to 90 percent (bitter).
Saturday and Sunday Brunch 10a.m. to 2p.m. or dinner Friday, Saturday and Sunday,
1747 N. Damen, (773) 489 1747. www.hotchocolate.com

Alert:

Discount tickets available for tonight’s performance.

An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin

Cadillac Palace

Theatre

151 W. Randolph St., Chicago

go to: www.broadwayinchicago.com

click on tickets then enter code: "hottix"

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHICAGO

The City Celebrates 173 years...

Chicago is looking good for her age.  On this day in 1837, the City of Chicago was incorporated with a population of 4170.  Today’s Chicago is hovering around 2.9 million citywide—add the rest of Cook County and you’re talking 5.3 million.  Now that’s something to celebrate!  Stop by The Chicago History Museum for this awesome event, sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

The party, complete with a very special birthday cake by Bleeding Heart Bakery, kicks off at 11a.m. There will be musical performances featuring the Latin School Jazz Band and Chinese musician Kerry Leung along with cake for all.  Entrance to the museum will be free and you can stick around after the celebration to tour the permanent and special exhibits at this Chicago treasure.  Step back in time at the ABRAHAM LINCOLN TRANSFORMED exhibit and learn what changed Lincoln’s mind on the question of slavery.  Then travel south of the border to Mexico for a look at a parallel struggle that changed the face of Mexico in the special exhibit BENITO JUAREZ AND THE MAKING OF MODERN MEXICO.  Both exhibits will close April 12, 2010.  

Tired and hungry?  Grab a bite and relax in one of the comfy armchairs at The North & Clark Café in the museum.  The menu, inspired by Chicago history, offers something for all tastes. Top picks include the classic Chicago-styled hot dog and the original recipe for the brownie that was served at the 1893 World’s Fair.  1601 N. Clark St. (312) 642 4600.  www.chicagohistory.org.  Public parking is conveniently located one block north of the Museum at Clark and LaSalle Streets; enter on Stockton Drive.

Looking to make a day of it.

The museum is at Clark and North Avenue, just two blocks east of OLD TOWN.  Go west to Wells, then head south or north along Wells to visit the unique shops and restaurants of Old Town.

OR stay the evening and take in a show at Chicago’s second to none, SECOND CITY.  Now featuring Taming of the Flu and Rush Limbaugh! The Musical. 1616 N. Wells, www.secondcity.com