More Winners Updates: Mindy Hester & Joanie Leeds TODAY!

Chicagoland IS Kindie Land this weekend!!   We've given away all our 4 packs and pairs of tickets, but you can still get out and see a bunch of great family friendly live music and theatre.    Here's the short list of ChiIL Mama's favs, with links to more info.

Saturday:

Kindi Concerts/Live Music: Mindy Hester-Wilmette Theatre 10am-(birth-10 with parents) Jackie B. is our 4 ticket winner.   Click the link for all the details.    

 

Kindi Concerts/Live Music: Joanie Leeds-Beat Kitchen Concerts for Kids-noon-(birth-10 with parents)  *We have a winner unable to go, so a new winner was picked-Erika S.

Check out Joanie Leeds while she's in Chi-Town from NYC.   Let's give her a big Windy Kindie welcome!!   Here at ChiIL Mama, we've reviewed and given away multiple copies of both of her CDs before.   Now we're super stoked to see her live.   Come on out to Beat Kitchen and hear her, meet us, and grab a shiny, new, holographic ChiIL Mama button-FREE.

Here's the latest update from Joanie herself:


Febu-what?
It was 60 degrees in NYC yesterday. What? Isn't it supposed to be snowing right about now? I just heard our very own Groundhog, Staten Island Chuck didn't see it's shadow today which means we are in for a short winter. But if I've learned one thing in life, it's to be wary in trusting a hog from Staten Island. OK, I know there's a song in there somewhere.

To all my new little Nightlights joining us from LA, Boston and Westchester, welcome and thanks so much for coming out to see our January concerts. We had a blast playing for you.


Concerts

Beat Kitchen
Sat. Feb 18th, 2012 
2100 W. Belmont. Chicago, IL
Doors at 11:00 am, Show at 12:00 PM, $6
With Chi-town Nightlights: The amazing kindie-artist Laura Doherty along with Andy Wilkins & Michael Riendeau

Boppin' and Burgers Family Music Series- Blues Bar
 Sun. Feb 19th, 2012
2 West Busse Ave., Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
847-788-9977
12:00 pm, $5 donation suggested
Solo concert

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
Tue. Feb 21st, 2012
180 Woz Way San Jose, CA 95110
408-298-5437
Two 45 minutes shows starting at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM
With Drummer Dan
Come out for my first show in the Bay Area in honor of Bicycle Safety week!

Recess Urban Recreation
Fri. Feb 24th, 2012
470 Carolina St. San Francisco, CA
(415) 701-7529
4:30 PM
With Drummer Dan!

JCC Manhattan
Sun. Mar 25th, 2012
334 Amsterdam Avenue
10:00 AM- 11:00 AM
Full band, Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights
  *Tix available online now!

To find out about upcoming concerts, make sure to check my website or become a Facebook Fan to get all the news & invitations.
 Radio Airplay
Many of my tunes from 'What A Zoo' and 'I'm A Rock Star' have been playing on various radio stations across the country. Some of em' have even made their way to becoming #1. To keep them playing, make sure to make your requests known. XM Sirius Sattelite Radio takes requests right on their Kids Place Live Facebook wall and many others you can call in and request a song. With Valentine's Day approaching, feel free to suggest one of my lovey dovey tunes like, 'Give Me A Hug. Thanks everyone!

Best,
Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights

Sunday:

 Laura Veirs   photo credit:   David Belisle

Kindi Concerts/Live Music: Mr. Dave-Beat Kitchen Concerts for Kids-noon (birth-10 with parents)

Bluegrass in Berwyn at FitzGerald's- 1pm (adults $12/kids just $2-all ages)  5th Annual After Brunch Bash at FitzGeralds with Sunnyside Up and The Teflons!   Click the link for our prior write up with all the details.

 

Kindi Concerts/Live Music:  Laura Veirs Old Town-(3pm all ages with parents/evening adult show)

 

About Tumble Bee

(*ChiILMama will be reviewing Tumble Bee and we'll have a video interview with Laura Veirs, coming soon, too!  So check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We have some amazing things coming.)

Tumble Bee, the first children’s record from the prolific Laura Veirs (whose last release, July Flame, was dubbed “a perfect Sunday afternoon record” by The Oxford American and “sweet and irresistible” by Rolling Stone) inspires listeners to lean in close and hit replay.  The youthful innocence in Veirs’ voice lends itself well to the jaunty spirit of the album. The recording covers a wide range of folk songs, from early 20^th century work songs to the ballads of Jimmie Rodgers, Woody Guthrie, Peggy Seeger and Harry Belafonte.

Veirs and renowned record producer Tucker Martine, her long-time collaborator on seven of her eight records, have created a piece of art that is sure to appeal to children as well as adult fans of Veirs’ previous work.  The album features guest appearances by Colin Meloy (Decemberists), Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Bela Fleck and Brian Blade (drummer for Bob Dylan) among many others. As Smithsonian Folkways recording artist Elizabeth Mitchell says, “This is a luminous, smart, essential and truly extraordinary album.”

Inspired by the birth of her son and by countless fans who’ve told her over the years how much their kids love her records, Veirs became curious about the history of American children’s music.  She and Martine listened to hundreds of songs from the past several centuries, including Harry Smith’s famous Anthology of American Folk Music. They selected what Veirs calls, “a sampling that reflects our richness as a people.” Tumble Bee was recorded at home in the spring of 2011.

“Many of these songs have been forgotten throughout the years,” says Martine.  “We wanted to bring these beloved songs to a new generation with an instrumentation that both honors their traditions and creates something unique.”

A joyous testament to this collective history, Tumble Bee embodies both the uplifting and fearful moments of childhood.  Much more than simply a record for children, Tumble Bee defies category to stand on its own as a vibrant, sonically beautiful recording; listeners of all ages will revel in Veirs at her prime.  “I love this record,” says acclaimed songwriter Sufjan Stevens. “Laura’s folk songs for children prove that the best children’s music never gets old.”

---

Biography

Laura Veirs grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she often spent summers camping with her family, which gave her much of her songwriting inspiration. Veirs has said that she didn’t seriously listen to music until she was in her 20s; instead, she just heard what was in her environment. She listened to folk, country, classical and pop music around the house and on the radio during her youth.

Attending Carleton College in rural Minnesota, Veirs latched onto feminist punk rock from the Pacific Northwest, eventually starting an all-female punk band called “Rair Kx!”. Laura studied geology and Mandarin Chinese. After college, she embraced older country and folk music. Her first foray into songwriting started with a geological expedition in China, where she served as translator. She was miserable and immersed herself into writing lyrics as a way of coping.

She put out her own self-titled album Laura Veirs, recorded live and featuring just her and guitar, in 1999. She has since made seven highly acclaimed records with producer/husband Tucker Martine. Veirs’ seventh album, July Flame, was released in January 2010 on her own record label, Raven Marching Band Records. Her most recent album, “Tumble Bee: Laura Veirs Sings Folk Songs for Children,” was released in November, 2011 to rave reviews both in the mainstream and parenting press.

Veirs tours frequently in Europe and North America and is currently writing songs for a new album. She lives in Portland, Oregon with Martine and their young son Tennessee.

 

Highly recommended and going on all weekend:

THEATRE:  Houdini Box at The Mercury Theatre-(age 5+)

Click the link above for ChiIL Mama's show photos and review.

Magic, music, puppets, and performance unite in this awesome conglomeration, worthy of the escape artist/magic master himself.   The Houdini Box is based on a book by Brian Selznick.   Did you know, he's also the author of Hugo Cabret-the now famous book that inspired the movie Hugo, nominated for 11 Oscars?   This show is a delight for all ages.  

The Houdini Box: Chicago

January 24-March 4, 2012
Recommended for ages 5 and up

The Mercury Theatre
773.325.1700  

3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago

Show times are 11am and 2pm every Saturday and Sunday.   Check the main site for additional weekday shows and more.

Full show details, tickets, interviews, are at Chicago Children's Theatre's main site right here. 

Act Out: Top Theatre Picks-Lost & Found at Actors Gymnasium

Gala Fundraiser at Actor's Gymnasium-opening night of Lost & Found 2012

Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus

Back by popular demand!
February 11 – March 11, 2012

"This production will charm, warm and wow you…sly and nuanced clowning…wordless,  impressive poetry" - Chicago Theatre Blog. 
 
"Director Lawrence DiStasi showcases a wry sense of humor and some superb acrobatics in this quirky Actors Gymnasium show" "Recommended"  - Chicago Reader.




We had the great pleasure of checking out opening night of Lost & Found at The Actors Gymnasium last Saturday.   The caliber of their circus arts is truly top notch.  This colorful extravaganza combines all of our favorite elements--aerial acts, steampunkery, a funky, rag tag band of urchins playing instruments and making mischief, a love triangle, technology as art, low tech fun, recycled and upcycled outfits, drums and toys.  We'll be returning to catch the show again with the kids as soon as possible.  Lost and Found is highly recommended, family friendly fun for all ages.   We were quite impressed with the cast, and the cast off set dressings.  We're also enamored with Co-Artistic Director, Lawrence E. DiStasi's statement about the show.   He says:

I didn't used to like old things.  They kind of depressed me.  But now, when someone takes an old chair or something, a thing that has managed, against all odds, to survive the world for many years, and they give it a little careful attention-I think it's incredibly moving.  And these things have so much personality.  It's almost like they're alive.  Like people.   They have souls in a way.  Unfortunately most of the stuff we all bring into our lives is disposable.  And things that are made to be thrown away, are sad company.  It's so hard to stay away from them, but who needs that kind of sadness?   Anyway, I think there is treasure in our garbage-in what we throw away, and overlook.   And those people we throw away and overlook too.  There is magic in our trash.  And probably our future there too.

ChiIL Mama has potential video interviews in the works with the Artistic Directory and also actor/Chicago Dad, David Catlin, who plays alongside both of his daughters in the show.   Saylor, who is 9 and in 4th grade, went to preschool with ChiIL Mama's Sage.   Saylor's younger sister, Emerson, is a 6 year old first grader and Lost & Found 2012 is her first circus show!   So check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We have lots of exciting things in store.


The Opening Night Gala was lots of fun, too.   We saw a zillion familiar faces including our past video interview subject, Director-David Kersnar, who can be seen HERE. (in his fabulous "Ernie & Bert style bed interview" with Mark Messing) on the set of Goodnight Moon.

We also sat next to an accomplished aerialist, whom we photographed and chatted with in the past, when she played Alice in Lookingglass' last remount of their namesake story.  We also saw familiar faces from CircEsteem, including Will, a talented high school senior, who plays the lead juggler in Lost & Found.   We highly recommend checking it out.

Lost & Found gets ChiIL Mama's GRRREAT GREEN SEAL OF APPROVAL:   99% Recycled! - Costumes, props and set pieces used in this show are re-purposed, recycled, found-object art.

Last year's runaway hit, Lost and Found: A Recycled Circus returns to The Actors Gymnasium! A collaborative original work by Co-Artistic Directors Larry DiStasi and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, together with an amazing team of designers and performers, this circus production explores the world of second-hand treasure. Cast-off junk and cast-off characters are saved in this show and given thrilling, new life. Lost and Found: A Recycled Circus features aerial acrobatics, live music, and magical, found-object invention. 


Click here for The Actor's Gym's main site for ticket ordering info and more.

Order Tickets HERE before it's sold out!!

Shows run every Friday through Sunday till March 11th.
The Actors Gymnasium
927 Noyes St
Evanston, IL 60201


Recommended for ages 5 and up.   
Adults $15
Students with ID and kids under 13 are $10

 Check out ChiILMama's past coverage here.

Winners Announced!

photo credit   ChiILMama.com

ChiIL Mama has a host of winners today:

• Each link will take you right to event information and the entry forms for our current give aways

  Kindi Concerts/Live Music:  Laura Veirs Old Town-4 free tickets (birth-10 with parents)-Jill Q.

• THEATRE:  Houdini Box-4 free tickets to Chicago Children's Theatre (age 5+)-Carolyn O.

  Kindi Concerts/Live Music: Mr. Dave-Beat Kitchen Concerts for Kids-Robin B. 4 free tickets (birth-10 with parents)

• Kindi Concerts/Live Music: Joanie Leeds-Beat Kitchen Concerts for Kids-4 free tickets (birth-10 with parents)-Jill  

  Bluegrass in Berwyn at FitzGerald's 2 free pairs of adult tickets (kids just $2-all ages) -Anna R. & EAD

   

   

• Give Aways Still Going On:

   

  Little Miss Ann photo credit ChiILMama.com 

• Apples, Peaches, Lemonade & Jonas Friddle-Beat Kitchen Concerts for Kids-4 free tickets (birth-10 with parents)

  
  

  • Miss Ann-Township

    4 free tickets (birth-10 with parents)

     

  

• American Girl Doll McKenna SIGNED Books Give Away (2 available-one single McKenna Book & one 2 book set)

• American Girl Doll McKenna Doll/Book Set ($105 value) Give Away

  
  

  • Laura Doherty-Schubas

    4 free tickets (birth-10 with parents)

     

  • **Like our brand new ChiIL Live Shows Facebook Page here

    WIN YOUR OWN DVD COPY HERE AT CHIIL LIVE SHOWS ($19.95 VALUE)! As soon as we reach 100 likes on our brand new ChiIL Live Shows Facebook Page, we'll pick a random winner from all of our likes. We were front row, center, when Colin Quinn performed Long Story Short in Chicago, and the show was hilarious. He's an insightful, witty, comedic genius and his live show, now on DVD/ Blu Ray is a great addition to home collections. I still can't sit down to work without hearing his voice in my head, with the schtick about bloggers and cave men!

    
    

    Colin Quinn "Long Story Short" DVD / Blu and NYC In-Store

    myemail.constantcontact.com
    

    Taped before a live audience at the Helen Hayes Theatre in New York City, Colin Quinn: Long Story Short showcases the comedian's keen observations in the uproarious history of the world, juxtaposing modern-day human behavior with the rise and fall of empires.

Sharp as a Tack-New Brain Gain Game in Chi-Town

We're looking forward to President's day this year.   Du-Jay and Sagezilla will be at Sharp as a Tack, honing their skills and growing their brains in two fun workshops on a couple of their favorite subjects.    At the ripe old ages of 8 & 10, they've already collaborated on 3 novels for Youth Nanowrimo, an international November challenge to write an entire novel in 30 days.    They then adapted one of the stories into a short, shadow puppet play and performed it for their Montessori school.   They've also been designing a card game over the winter, so they're stoked to check out the young inventors workshop as well.   Check out Sharp as a Tack's main site for all the details.

ChiIL Mama will be checking out Sharp as a Tack's space today, so we'll have photos and more details up soon.   They'll be having an open house and community game night February 23rd, so everyone interested can swing by and meet the staff.

What they're all about-from Sharp as a Tack's Site:

Recent research in the fields of Neuroscience, Psychology and Education have acknowledged the significant benefits that board games have on not only a child’s cognitive development and their brain’s motor functions, but also on important life skills such as patience, cooperation, concentration, teamwork and perseverance. They also help to develop leadership skills. 

Sharp As A Tack’s main mission is to help students improve academic achievement by developing their cognitive abilities and to help them develop important life skills that will lead to a lifetime of successes in the classroom, in the community and within their families.

A secondary mission of Sharp As A Tack is to foster an environment that will help improve students’ self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence, as well as to provide a venue to develop interpersonal skills such as communication, cooperation, teamwork and leadership.

Sharp As A Tack’s cognitive development programs offer a unique opportunity for students to develop those skills and abilities in a setting that is, well... just plain fun!

CircEsteem Spring Classes & Summer Camp Registration Is Open Now

Are you inspired by Cirque du Soleil's Quidam and awesome local aerial arts like El Circo Cheapo at Aloft and Lost and Found at Actor's Gym?

Did you know CircEsteem now has toddler and adult classes too?! 

CircusTots

Parent-Tot Circus – MON: 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. $150 per session
Pre-requisite: None; Appropriate Age: 2-3 years old
**NEW** Parent-child bonding with a circus twist. Children and parents alike build strength, coordination, flexibility and memories that will last a lifetime.
Instructor: TBA

CircusTots – WED: 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. $150 per session
Pre-requisite: None; Appropriate Age: 3-5 years old
**NEW** An exciting way for children to increase motor skills while having fun and reinforcing good classroom behavior. Classes include fun games to encourage focus and strength as well as basic circus skills to work on coordination and balance.
Instructor: TBA
Classes will start on March 5 (and March 7), 2012. 

Adult aerial class (Mondays from 6 - 7:15) and adult wheel class (Wednesdays from 7:30 - 8:45)
 

CircEsteem's Spring Session of circus classes start March 5th. Register now to ensure a spot in Saturday Circus Classes.  The 9:00 a.m. Chinese Pole is already full.   All students participating in the Spring Session will perform in the 11th Annual Spring Circus on May 11-12 and 19-20th.  

To sign up for classes, click here to go to CircEsteem's main site.
 
Register now and 
save!! 

We've been regulars at CircEsteem since fall of 2010 and the kids both LOVE it.   Highly recommended.  We'll have loads of CircEsteem photos and videos to share throughout 2012.   Check out our YouTube Channel for our past CircEsteem show clips.

CircEsteem's Summer Camp is now open for registration!   
 
Early Bird Discount: Pay no registration fee AND take off 10% when you
register and pay by March 1. 
 
Multi-Week Discount: Sign up for 2 or more weeks of camp and take 10% off per week. 
 
Refer-A-Friend: Register a friend who is new to CircEsteem and you receive a FREE CircEsteem t-shirt for each friend.   
   

                                                    

Early Bird Offer Expires March 1, 2012


Sign up for 1 week or all 7--
$260 per week with discounts and scholarships available!
  Each week concludes with a show for friends and family.  To download camp info and registration forms click here. 






Join the CircEsteem Family
!

Check out ChiIL Mama's own video interview with CircEsteem's Executive Director, Maribeth Joy.

About CircEsteem Inc.



CircEsteem is a non profit youth circus with a mission of uniting youth from diverse racial, cultural and economic backgrounds and building self-esteem and mutual respect through the practice of circus arts. 
 


To learn more about CircEsteem from the perspective of a graduate, watch a short video here.

Join the CircEsteem Family from Fig Media on Vimeo.

 
  
                                                                                             
CircEsteem Inc.
at Alternatives Inc.

4730 N. Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, Illinois 60640
312 
CircEsteem Website
731 HAHA

Anna and the Cupcakes--Bari Koral's New Release Out Now (review) & Big Give Away Featuring Suzi Shelton, Little Miss Ann & Bari Koral

 

Photo Credit: Joyeuse Photography
 


The Bari Koral Family Rock Band Just Released Their Sophomore CD


“Anna And The Cupcakes”
 A Tasty Selection of Songs for Children and Families February 14
. 


ChiIL Mama was excited to hear Bari Koral's 2nd CD, is every bit as engaging as Rock and Roll Garden.   We especially enjoyed the timely Dragon Comes to Dinner, for the Chinese year of the Dragon.   Bari Koral's infectious charm and joy in childhood pleasures comes shining through every note of Anna and the Cupcakes.   It was a joy to hear her kidalicious, upbeat take on The Avett Brothers' Kick Drum Heart.   Love the Avett Brothers?   Check out our original photo pit shots of their set at Summer Camp Music Festival 2011 here. 

Sure, the usual kindie themes are represented here-with Train Song, Rocket Ship and Butterfly.   However, Koral embraces the sweet silliness of childhood through more unique themes too, including songs celebrating shoes and little cupcake thief's with big imaginations.  The album's namesake song follows the misadventures of Anna, a cupcake loving child with a host of hungry imaginary friends and a stack of disappearing treats.  This CD is a sweet treat that will last a bit longer than Anna's cupcakes and won't cause any tummy aches.  

The CD cover is a bit odd, with a cartoon monkey, an Alice in Wonderlandesque Koral sipping tea, and a tree stump full of cupcakes....but don't judge a disc by it's cover.   Preschoolers and early elementary agers are going to adore this one.


This continues ChiIL Mama's weird February of coincidences, as we've now reviewed the latest creative endeavors of both Bari Koral and Barrie Cole, reviewed 2 Houdini plays, interviewed Mark Messing 2 times, and saw 2 different plays he wrote the score for open within 2 days of each other.  

Anna and the Cupcakes

Bari Koral's 10-song collection of indelible melodies that range stylistically from sprightly roots pop-rockers to infectious blues to country-tinged kickers is the follow up to the group’s first full-length CD, Rock and Roll Garden, which became a hit on the family-music scene, won critical acclaim, and became an award winner, including the Nappa Gold and Parent’s Choice silver.
    In the past, ChiIL Mama gave away Rock and Roll Garden to some of our lucky readers, and this year we have FOUR copies of Anna and the Cupcakes to give away right here.   We also have 3 of Little Miss Ann's latest and more Suzi Shelton, too, but we'll start with one of each.  You can earn extra entries by spreading the word, so FB, Tweet and tell your friends.   Then check in with ChiIL Mama and enter like we vote in Chi, IL....early and often.   Entries accepted nationwide!

Enter at the bottom of this post for your chance to win ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Kindie Collection featuring Suzi Shelton, Bari Koral, & Little Miss Ann!!    This amazing set of 4 CDs and a DVD, includes 3 of the best women rockin' out for little kids today.   One lucky reader will be sent:

• Anna and the Cupcakes-Bari Koral's brand new CD-just released 2/14/12
  
• Walk With Me-Little Miss Ann's new CD-released 1-15-12
• Suzi Shelton's:  No Ordinary Day, Music for Kids, and DVD Suzi Shelton LIVE at Southpaw!!

(Check out ChiIL Mama's live show footage from Little Miss Ann's CD release party and our CD info and video interview with the band right here)

Waltzing Matilda-Miss Ann & Suzi Shelton-LIVE

Walk With Me-LIVE

Put Out Your Hand-LIVE

All month we'll be featuring original video interviews, original live show clips, and reviews of all 3 women's work, culminating in our big give away March 15th.   First up, we're featuring Bari Koral's greatly anticipated 2nd CD.   Then we'll have our original video interview with Suzi Shelton and her son and a bunch more of ChiIL Mama's live show clips from Suzi Shelton & Little Miss Ann performing live, together with their children, at Beat Kitchen in Chicago.


More About Anna and the Cupcakes 
The Bari Koral Family Rock Band, the New York-based band who have emerged as one of today’s top children’s musical performers just released their sophomore album, Anna and the Cupcakes.

The band is led by Bari Koral, an acoustic guitarist, and singer/songwriter who has firmly established herself in the rich tradition of children’s music, while uniquely exhibiting a deep emotional and fun-loving connection with her audience thanks to infectious songs, entertaining themes and driving upbeats. 

Koral and the band have hit the road to perform the Anna and the Cupcakes songs, as well as such old favorites from Rock and Roll Garden like “Backpack” and “Hey Ducky.”

Tour Itinerary Is As Follows:
 

Feb 12  Caspary Auditorium at Rockefeller University, New York, NY

                   
Feb  20 The Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda,  MD-Discover Strathmore Free Open House:  Duke Ellington (Celebrating American Composers)
                   
Feb  21-22  Long Island Children’s Museum, Garden City, NY
         


March 4  92Y Tribeca, New York, NY
                   
March 10  World Café Live @the Queen, Wilmington, DE

****Bari Koral will also be in the Chicago area at
Wonder USA
250 South Waukegan Rd., Deerfield, IL, 224-330-6400
(date and details TBA)

More dates to be announced.
 


On Anna and the Cupcakes, Koral serves up a tasty selection of songs, including title track about disappearing cupcakes, a scampering gingerbread man, (“Gingerbread Man”), a cocoon turning into a butterfly, (“Butterfly”), a zooming rocket ship (“Rocket Ship”), a speeding train (“Train Song”), and the poppy/happy cover of the folk-rock band the Avett Brothers’ “Kick Drum Heart,” among others.
 
In addition to Koral, the Bari Koral Family Rock Band features support from jazz keyboardist Dred Scott who plays bass, piano and keyboards and also produced the album, guitarist John Bertsche and acclaimed pop and Broadway drummer Eric Halvorson. The album was mixed by Grammy-nominated producer Dan Myers (Brady Rymer, Laurie Berkner). 
 



For More Information about the Bari Koral Family Rock Band Please Visit her main web site.  Or check her out on Facebook. Anna and the Cupcakes is available now on CD Baby and Amazon.com.

Enter Here for your chance to win ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Kindie Collection--$62 value (enter through midnight 3/14)

*Wait for Rafflecopter to load up right here (if you've gone through RSS feed or are scrolling down the blog and don't see it, click on the actual page title and it should pop right up).   Entries are easy.   Winning rocks!  

Led Zeppelin 2 at House of Blues Chicago 1-14-12 (live show photos)

Here's a full set of ChiIL Live Shows' pit photos from Saturday's sold out Led Zeppelin 2 show at House of Blues Chicago 1-14-12.   Double click the slideshow for SmugMug and more settings, including easy share options.   We'll be putting up a "best of" much smaller set from this show as well, but these guys were so much fun to shoot and we got so many sweet shots, we didn't want to decimate it down to just a few pictures.   Enjoy!



Here's a video from their recent Ft. Lauderdale, Florida shows and Stairway to Heaven below, so you can get a taste of their live shows.   Check out their Zep2 YouTube Channel for more.

WINDY CITY CIRCUS CANCELS FEBRUARY ENGAGEMENT AT NAVY PIER

Tickets Will Be Refunded At Point Of Purchase

CHICAGO (February 14, 2012) - Windy City Circus has announced it will be cancelling its 10-day engagement at Navy Pier previously scheduled for Feb. 17 - 26, 2012. Founder David Maas has released the following statement:

"We are incredibly saddened to report that in this economy as a new non-profit organization, we have fallen short of our projected sponsorship and funding goals," said Maas. "We want to ensure that Chicago receives a high-quality production that befits our incredible hometown and will be a successful fundraiser for our charitable partners. We are looking forward to mounting Windy City Circus at a future date, and will continue to strive toward that goal."

All tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase. Refunds for tickets purchased at windycitycircus.org will be automatically refunded prior to date of performance purchased.