THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE AND EXELON REJOICE WITH THE RETURN OF THE 8TH ANNUAL “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” JANUARY 19 – 20

ChiILpicks--ChiIL Mama's Great Gifts List It may be hard to think beyond the holidays at the moment, but tickets are on sale now for the 8th annual “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah,” January 19 and January 20.   Tickets are great clutter busting gifts that create lasting family memories. The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. with this annual, aural, all ages, celebration. Chicago favorites Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson join 200 of Chicago’s finest musicians and vocalists, under the direction of Bill Fraher and Suzanne Mallare Acton, for two public performances only—filling the historic landmark theater with the joyous sounds and exuberance of this All-American reinvention of Handel’s “Messiah.” 200 Musicians and Vocalists With Soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson Pay Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. with the 8th annual “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah,” January 19 and January 20. Chicago favorites Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson join 200 of Chicago’s finest musicians and vocalists, under the direction of Bill Fraher and Suzanne Mallare Acton, for two public performances only—filling the historic landmark theater with the joyous sounds and exuberance of this All-American reinvention of Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets ($30 – $74) are on sale now and available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).  A one-hour Student Matinee performance is offered on Friday, January 18, open to any student elementary through high school for $10 each. Tickets are available by calling (312) 341-2357. Performance Schedule and Ticket Information “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” performs at the Auditorium Theatre: Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. (one hour Student Matinee Performance*) Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, 213 at 3 p.m.** Tickets to the Jan. 19 and 20 performances are $30 - $74, available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or in-person at the Auditorium’s Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy). *The Friday, Jan. 18 student matinee is available to elementary through high school student groups of 10 or more people. Group tickets are $10 each and available by calling (312) 341-2357. **A free Q&A with “Too Hot to Handel” artists immediately follows the Sunday afternoon performance. Since its 2006 Chicago debut, “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” has continued to reinvigorate audiences while paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “This show provides our community with a truly unique way to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, not only because of Dr. King’s deep love of gospel and jazz music but the way in which it represents Chicago’s diversity in both performers and audience members,” said Executive Director Brett Batterson. “It’s incredible to see an entire audience brought to their feet with such vigor and excitement. It is a true celebration of music, and of a man so important to United States history.” “Ingeniously re-imagined to embrace black musical tradition, the aptly named ‘Too Hot to Handel’ proved that even the most revered classical masterpieces can be taught to swing.” (Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich). Mixing gospel and jazz stylings, “Too Hot” brings music lovers of all genres to their feet. Brought to life onstage by 200 Chicago musicians including 150 voices from the citywide “Too Hot” Choir under the direction of Old St. Patrick’s Church music director Bill Fraher, and a 50-piece symphony orchestra and jazz ensemble under the baton of conductor Suzanne Mallare Acton. “Too Hot to Handel” then brings the powerhouse voices of Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson to lead the group through the incredible music that fills the Auditorium Theatre. The show is enhanced through LED screens that will not only display historical photos of Martin Luther King Jr. but will also capture the performers and audience members during the performance. Video Production made possible through the generosity of Bill & Shelley Farley. In tandem with “Too Hot to Handel,” the Auditorium’s Department of Creative Engagement utilizes innovative programming to involve the community by teaching Chicago students about Martin Luther King Jr. and the power of music and celebration. For the 4th consecutive year, the Auditorium invites Chicago Public School students, grades 3-12, to write an original poem celebrating Dr. King's vision of the beloved community. Finalist’s poems will be published in “N’DIGO” Magazine. In addition, the grand prize-winner will receive 4 free tickets to the “Too Hot to Handel” opening night performance and will recite their poem on stage before the show.  Poems must be sent via mail to Attn: THTH Poetry Contest, 50 E Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60605, and received by Friday December 7, 2012. Auditorium Theatre’s Department of Creative Engagement is also reaching out to CPS High School Choirs and inviting them to apply to a “Too Hot to Handel” Master Class facilitated by the “Too Hot to Handel” stars. Students will have the opportunity to work with “Too Hot” conductor Suzanne Mallare Acton, perform a solo piece and receive coaching from “Too Hot” vocalists Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon and are invited to attend the Student Matinee performance. Please contact atru-education@auditoriumtheatre.org for more information on the Master Class. The Auditorium also offers the “Too Hot” Residency Program, bringing together the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the music of “Too Hot to Handel.” A free program for CPS Grades 3 – 8, students will examine Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the beloved community while gaining a basic understanding of musical composition. Under the guidance of “Too Hot” Teaching Artists, students will create a final musical composition reflecting on and musically articulating their own vision of what Dr. King’s beloved community means to them now. Residencies take place in December and early January. No musical training or instruments necessary. Also available free to CPS Grades 3 – 8, is a One-Day Workshop where students will study elements of “Too Hot” to understand how small personal choices have a big impact the community.  Students will use this knowledge to create a quilt that will be displayed in the Auditorium lobby expressing how they individually can make a positive difference.  Contact Christina Bourné, Director of Education and Creative Engagement at (312) 341-2353 or cbourne@auditoriumtheatre.org. “Too Hot to Handel” is presented by Exelon. “Too Hot to Handel” educational outreach programs are made possible through the JPMorgan Chase Foundation with additional support from The PrivateBank and The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation for the student matinee performances.  Additional support provided by Friends of “Too Hot to Handel”, “N’DIGO”, and “Chicago Jazz Magazine”. We also highly recommend America's #1 Nutcracker, running through the 27 at Auditorium Theatre.   Check out our video interviews with some of the Joffrey Nutcracker kids and our original dress rehearsal footage (2011) right here. Auditorium Theatre 2013 Subscriptions Subscriptions for the Auditorium Theatre’s current season are now on sale. For more information or to purchase a subscription call (312) 341-2356 or visit auditoriumtheatre.org. The Auditorium’s season packages include: 2-Show Jazz Series – Save 10% when you purchase tickets to both “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz Gospel Messiah” on January 19 – 20, 2013 and River North Dance Chicago with Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic - The Cuban Project on April 13, 2013. About the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E Congress Pkwy, is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural and community programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. The Auditorium Theatre is generously supported by the Illinois Arts Council, CityArts, and the Palmer House Hilton. For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theater tours, call (312) 341-2310 or visit auditoriumtheatre.org.

BabbaBox Makes Our Great Gifts List #BabbaBox #greatgifts

BabbaBox rocks!   There's something exciting about getting an old school box in the mail.   And BabbaBox is full of art, stories, and fun to help you and your 3-6 year old get creative together!



Kids are inherently creative, colorful, messy artists.   When you don't have time or space to break out the paints and deck out the windows, BabbaBox can help!

    Photo by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara   ChiILMama.com

You and your kids will be having so much fun together they won't even realize they're actually learning.

 

BabbaBox sent us a sampler with the out of this world theme of Sun, Moon and Stars.   We got celestial with fun, age appropriate art and science about the day and night sky we all share, without making an over the top mess or a zillion trips out for craft supplies.  

I remember doing photo exposure paper at camp as a child, so it was a nostalgic, fun art project for me to expose stars with my own kids and frame up the project.

Sometimes as a parent it seems like it's all about the kids...always...and it usually is.   That comes with the job description.  However, BabbaBox always includes a fun little sumpin sumpin for the parents.  I was pretty excited to get my own little piece of star sweetness--a wine topper.  Because when the whine party stops and the littles are finally asleep the real wine party can begin!

We're also pretty jazzed about the paper mache night light project.   These are useful, creative crafts you'll be happy to hang on to...unlike some of that "art work" on the fridge and walls that mysteriously disappears only to be replaced by twice as many doodle and paste projects.   We love the BabbaBox's easy instructions and cool tie ins for a variety of ages and abilities. 

   

If you're looking for a great gift for your own kids or others that goes beyond plastic land and will inspire hours of creative enjoyment and learning, check out BabbaBox.   

BabbaBox is a theme-based box delivered to your door that allows you to enjoy a little convenience and inspiration! As any parent can attest, the most important thing you can give to your child is quality time. BabbaBox makes this possible by helping you to save time, money, & mindspace.

Just think! Fantastic monthly activities with ALL the materials for kids ages 3-6. Included in the box are 3 projects + 1 bestselling book + digital download + parent surprise gift!

The best part? Babbabox makes a GREAT unique gift during the holiday season.

Act now! Get 50% off your first month when you sign up for a monthly membership using the code, SWAY100. Offer expires December 31, 2012.

Click here for the main BabbaBox site and ordering information. 

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of BabbaBox. The opinions and text are all mine.

DAVIDsTEA FREE $19.50 Perfect Mug Coupon With $20 Loose Tea Purchase #greatgifts #giftguide

ChiIL Mama adores DAVIDsTEA.   Welcome to Chi-town!   We got in on a rockin' press preview party at their premier Chicago location in Bucktown and were super impressed with the plethora of tea samples we tasted, and the airy, aromatic store.  They'll soon be adding two more shops on Southport and in Lincoln Park.   Check back with us like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We'll have a photo filled DAVIDsTEA review up soon as part of our seasonal, holiday ChiIL Mama's Great Gifts List 2012.

If you haven't checked them out yet, print out this sweet offer and go already.

How to Redeem:

Redeem in Store with attached advertisement

Get a Free Perfect Mug when you spend $20 on loose leaf tea! How perfect is that!? Bring in the attached promotional flyer into retail location to redeem this offer. 12 oz size only - a $19.50 value.

Expires December 1, 2012. Limit 1 use per customer. Cannot be combined with any offer. Valid in U.S. stores only. While supplies last.

American Girl Author Valerie Tripp and #PricelessChicago With #Mastercard #greatgifts

American Girl tops ChiIL Mama's Great Gifts List.   American Girl has an impressive commitment to literacy and philanthropy.   They publish an exciting array of books that get girls interested in reading and engaged with history.   And of course the dolls and accessories are adorable, well made, and so much fun to collect.

Look Ma!   No lines!

We were given an amazing opportunity with Mastercard's Priceless Chicago perks.   The last weekend of October, we got to meet and interview author Valerie Tripp, shop at American Girl Place Chicago an hour before the store opened to the public, and have a fabulous brunch at the American Girl Cafe!   It was a priceless experience to share with my 9 year old daughter.   



Author, Valerie Tripp, was personable and wonderful.


Mastercard is offering another special early access/brunch for purchase by the public in December.   We'll have all the details as soon as they're available.   This one will be exclusively for Citibank Mastercard holders, so get your plastic ready, or apply today.   Highly recommended!

It was truly a treat to meet Valerie Tripp, one of the original American Girl book authors and personal, long time friend of company founder, Pleasant.   Valerie is a prolific writer whose American Girl books about Felicity, Kit, Josefina, Molly, and Samantha are well loved and read around the world.

Samantha, Sage, Caroline & Kanani share brunch at the famous & fabulous American Girl Cafe

Something Old/Something New:

We enjoyed a fabulous brunch in the American Girl Cafe with many press and blogger friends, their daughters and lucky members of the Mastercard holding public.   Before we went, my daughter Sage had trouble narrowing down just which American Girl dolls would get to come along on our adventure.



That morning she was elated to open her brand new historical character doll, Caroline, so of course she decided to bring her.   We had saved Caroline for the day of our Mastercard Priceless Chicago brunch and let the excitement and anticipation build. 



Then, of course, Sage also wanted to bring her Samantha doll and books for Valerie to sign.   So, we had one of the oldest, original Pleasant Company American Girl Dolls and the very newest of the collection on board.   Finally, Sage wanted Kanani--the Hawaiian girl of the year from 2011 along for a trip to the salon.   Her long, lovely hair does tend to tangle when the doll is well loved and played with often.   So she joined our special shopping day, too!   

Kanani's wearing a vintage American Girl Olympic Suit with a medal (from gymnast McKenna's 2012 collection) from our recent meeting with real Olympic Medalist, Aly Raisman, also at American Girl Place, Chicago, a few weeks before.   We also have McKenna, they gymnast doll of the year 2012, but Kanani resembles Sage more closely, so she chose to dress her as a gymnast instead.

Click here for our photo filled feature on our recent meeting with real life Olympic Gold Medalist, Aly Raisman

Before:



Although her messy buns were cute and matched Sagezilla's own gymnast buns, the doll was in need of some pro hair styling help!   We'd never been to the Doll Salon before and left quite impressed.  For $20, Kanani left with a super cool lattice style, two long fishbone braids, and patriotic ribbons to match her Olympic suit!

After:

Check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We will be publishing our original video interview with Valerie Tripp along with some footage of her brunch talk in the very near future.   We'll also have a big American Girl book give away up this month, an American Girl Cafe Birthday Party feature, and more.

If you've got a young, American girl in your life, this opportunity truly is a priceless day out together!

*Thanks again to Mastercard for brunch with Valerie Tripp, a $50 gift card to use during our fun day, and early access to the store.   Thanks to American Girl/Mattel for providing us with books, dolls & magazines to review and great giveaways for our readers over the years.   All opinions are our own.

Blue Buddha Boutique Blog Hop #giveaways #greatgifts

Chainmaille Kit Giveaways by 
Blue Buddha Boutique 

ChiIL Mama's super stoked to be participating in another blog hop with our fav local chainmaille artists--Rebeca Mojica and Blue Buddha Boutique, a Chicago based chain maille supplier.   We dig supporting small businesses and creatives in the community.   

This time of year we're also always on the lookout for cool holiday gift ideas, and this makes ChiIL Mamas Great Gifts List for sure.   Rebeca has just released easy starter kits and printable on line instructions (for either right or left handers).



She's crafty...she gets around:

Rebeca sent us several of the kits to try out, and we had a blast.   Sure, these are geared for adults, but my 9 & 11 year olds were able to make some amazing pieces without getting too frustrated.  We tag teamed it for some family fun and between all of us we found our strengths--some were good at opening, closing, weaving, or figuring out where we were in the pattern.   It was too much fun.

There's no special gear needed like soldering irons, chemical tanks or a big studio space.   You can weave chainmaille in any space you've got.



In fact, my 11 year old son is completely addicted and is now going for the rings and pliers every spare moment.  He finished a gorgeous Celtic Visions Star Pendant in silver, green, black and blue and now he's making another one, and adding his own unique triangle twist to it, too.   Now he's ambitiously plotting chainmaille costume pieces for himself for Renaissance Faire next summer!

These kits make unique gifts for the crafty on your list, and if you're the crafty one, they're an awesome DIY option for handmade gifts people will actually treasure and want to wear.   

Celtic Visions Star Pendant from Colorful Starter Pack

Now we're midway through this super cool Mesh & Rosettes starter kit which makes two bracelets or can be adapted to one wide cuff or necklace instead.   During the course of our giveaway, we'll be posting more photos, videos and updates as the project progresses.   In the mean time, enter below for your chance to win a Shaggy Loops Bracelet Kit from now till midnight on November 25th.

Mesh and Rosettes Bracelet from the Purist Starter Pack

Blue Buddha says:

“Chainmaille Starter Packs” have finally come to Blue Buddha and just in time for the holidays!  These new packs (which we think will also make great gifts!) contain everything you need to get started creating beautiful chainmaille jewelry.  Absolutely no guesswork involved!  We provide you with the tools we love for beginners, projects we know people can succeed at and even color customization we know will look beautiful together.  All you have to do is click!

The "All-in-One, Easy Start to Chainmaille Pack" is the only one that comes with pliers.  For the others, we created the Tool Pack which comes with Euro Tool Ergo Pliers, Tool Magic and a bead mat.  This allows people to kindof mix and match - purchasing one Tool Pack and then their favorite Starter Pack: Colorful, Purist (which is all one solid metal for more classic tastes) or Scholar (which is based on Rebeca's book, CHAINED.)  There is also no cross-over of projects in these different packs, so because Tools are separate, people can purchase more than one without any overlap or the hassle of having to pay for pliers over and over when they really just need one set.

The Scholar pack (which is the biggest investment at $138.65) is built to take people from complete novice to advanced/intermediate weaver.  Plus, with kits available on our website for every project in the book, people can really grow just by starting with that pack.

Enter to win a kit for Blue Buddha's “Shaggy Loops” project (shown here) customized with any two colors you like.

Enter here for your chance to win!

We're so excited to offer one of ChiIL Mama's lucky readers a Shaggy Loops Kit.  The contest is international and will close at midnight central time on Sunday, November 25, 2012.

*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).   Enter like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   Entries accepted through midnight on 11/25/12.   Winner will be announced on Monday 11/26/12.

*a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks to Blue Buddha for providing us with rockin' awesome chainmaille kits so we could check them out ourselves and also give one away!

Two years ago, we featured Rebeca Mojica and her gorgeous Chain Maille Instructional book--Chained.   Check out our feature and interview here. 

NEW for 2012

We're so happy to be able to introduce our readers to Rebeca's new baby--starter packs.   She says

"From working at bead shows, I know there is a definite demand for quick-and-easy starter packs.  Chain maille can be very confusing to a newbie, and eyes start to glaze over real quick when one starts mentioning gauges and inner diameters and aspect ratio.  Sure, Blue Buddha has a ton of kits at all skill levels, but for someone brand new to the craft, even that can be confusing. "  

Each Starter Pack is completely different from the next, allowing you to mix and match without any overlap in projects.  Our convenient Tool Pack is also kept separate so you won’t end up needlessly paying for extra tools over and over again just to get more projects.  Each pack is designed to take the user from complete novice to at least an intermediate level.  The largest pack (the “Scholar” Pack) even takes people past intermediate and closer to advanced.  Each pack also comes with a handy “Get Started Guide” with tips for how to hold your pliers and open and close your jump rings properly.  Also included is a bag of practice rings so newbies can try their opening and closing skills without damaging the rings in their project kits.

Rhondo a la Byzantine bracelet from Scholar Pack

Not a newbie?  Feeling ambitious?  The Scholar Pack is based on the designs from Rebeca's book.  This kit features the most advanced project, Rhondo a la Byzantine bracelet.   How cool is that?!   Once you've mastered the beginner Byzantine and Helm weaves, it's doable!

But wait, there’s more!  Comment** on THIS POST though midnight CT on November 28th for your chance to win Blue Buddha's Grand Prize Giveaway: an “All-in-One, Easy Start to Chainmaille” pack $49.95 value!  This pack comes with two pairs of pliers, a mini bead mat and kit and instructions for one of our most popular projects, “Celtic Visions” bracelet.  We’ll choose one lucky winner on the 29th – it could be you!

Sure there's a learning curve, but these kits were surprisingly simple to use and the directions were clear and colorful, and even came with a troubleshooting sheet.  Our only near disaster was long hair related and resulted in a hairy necklace and a tiny, minor hair cut.   

Sage has been so jazzed about her Celtic Visions Star Pendant and the fact she made it herself that she's worn it every day since she finished it a week ago.   She's gotten a ton of compliments on it!

I'd highly suggest checking out the great info at the other blog hop sites--especially Angelica Brigade's great how to on opening and closing jump rings.   (You can also enter their Blue Buddha giveaways to maxamize you shot at winning while you're over there visiting.  Most are open for another week.)

Also remember to enter here at ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   You can come back for additional entries daily if you share this on Twitter and social media. 

Wednesday, NOVEMBER 14TH
The Beading Gem’s Journal

Thursday, NOVEMBER 15TH
Beading Daily Blog

Friday, NOVEMBER 16TH
Angelica Brigade Blog

Monday, NOVEMBER 19TH
Handmade Artists Forum Blog

ChiIL Mama blog - Bonnie Kenaz-Mara
Tuesday, November 20th

Lovestruck Jewelry Blog - Sara Richardson
Wednesday, November 21st

Click here to enter to win the Blue Buddha Boutique blog GRAND PRIZE. This particular giveaway will run until November 28, 2012.

Check 'em out, link up, and good luck!