More ChiILoween Fun Today

How bout a little Punk Kin Pie?!

Top Pick:   Punkin' Prom

Chic-A-Go-Go Punkin' Prom A pumpkin carving, costume dance party for kids of all ages

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Since its 1996 debut, CHIC-A-GO-GO has been one of the most original and entertaining shows on Chicago television. People of all ages, colors, and backgrounds, linked by their love of music, dance togetherin harmony on the CHIC-A-GO-GO set. The dancers, who range in age from newborns to youthful seniors, move to the latest Hip Hop music, as well as classic R&B, Rock & Roll, Punk, Funk, and all points in between.

Lincoln Hall is thrilled to present a CHIC-A-GO-GO Halloween event, hosted by Ratso, the rat puppet, with his human side kick, Miss Mia. Miss Mia and Ratso will lead kids of all ages through group dances like the "Limb-Oh", the Zombie and the Monster Mash. There will also be a costume parade along with a costume contest and a pumpkin carving contest. This all ages event is a great way to wear your costumes as much as you can this Halloween season, although coming as yourself is just as fun. http://www.roctober.com/chicagogo/

THE BIG BAD SPOOKTACULAR: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO

by Ike Holter

The Big Bad Spooktacular is back again to take over Chicago in this terrifyingly funny, family friendly, hip hop musical. Who will stop her? Zeke the friendly neighborhood monster is on the mission with or without the help of The Roustabouts, a gaggle of hipster dancers.

Directed by Mary Williamson
Produced by Hannah Michaelson
Presented by Nothing Without a Company

Featuring Patty Corcoran, Rashaad Hall, Conor McCahill, Valerie Lyvers, Amanda Powell, and Ryan Tang

Play date: October 29, 2011
Times: 1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm
Lincoln Park: Northeast corner of Clark and Belden

Wheelchair and stroller accessible

Free to the public

Check out other cool Halloween events at

Haunted Illinois Halloween Website

and

Visit Clark Street

For more information regarding casting and auditions please e-mail:
casting.nothingwithoutacompany@gmail.com

Halloween Spooktacular Returns! To Clark Street!!

Oct 29 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Clark Street in Lincoln Park, between Armitage & Diversey, Chicago, IL, 60614

Driving Directions >

Ghouls, Goblins, Tricks & Treats for ... All Ages!

On October 29, it happens mysteriously and miraculously...Clark Street in Lincoln Park is transformed into a ghoulish wonderland! Why? Because...It's Baaack! The popular, appropriate-for-all-ages, fun for all, ever FREE of charge, colorful, candy-filled, costume-loving CLARK STREET SPOOKTACULAR returns! In fact, the Huffington Post calls it a Must-Do fall festival in Chicago, and while we're blushing, we do agree!

For those of you who celebrated with us before, you know what the Spooktacular is all about: street magicians, jugglers, balloon artists, Halloween inflatables and costumed characters strolling Clark Street in Lincoln Park (from Armitage to Diversey and the south side of Diversey from Orchard to Lakeview), all serving to engage pedestrians in good old-fashioned Halloween fun. If it's your first year at the Spooktacular, well, you're in for a (ahem) treat!

Spooktacular attendees, bring your family, bring your friends, bring your pooch if you'd like, but be sure to come on out! Just register at "Halloween Headquarters" (2260 N. Clark Street) and delight in FREE refreshments, crafts, and games before embarking on a trick-or-treating trek to participating businesses all along the street!

While loading up on tasty treasures, trick-or-treaters will encounter ple

nty of surprises along the way: in addition to street performers and balloon artists, there will also be performances by theater group Nothing Without A Company: Electric Boogaloo! And, of course, Scarecrows On Parade will delight and amuse our costumed revelers during their tour. Lots of local businesses will offer special discounts and surprises, too. And, at 4:30, join in the rousing costume contest, where "best dressed" in a number of age categories will win fabulous prizes. Word to the wise, for those donning costumes: originality and creativity are key! And remember: it's a family event...!

Schedule of Activities:

1:00 – 5:00 pm	Trick-or-treating check-in, refreshments, crafts, games SPOOKTACULAR Headquarters, 2260 N. Clark Street
1:00 – 5:00 pm	Trick-or-treating along Clark Street in Lincoln Park (At participating establishments. Maps available at check-in.)
1:00 – 5:00 pm	Live entertainment along Clark Street in Lincoln Park
1:30, 2:30, 3:30 pm	'The Big Bad Spooktacular: Electric Boogaloo' presented by Nothing Without a Company and written by Ike Holter (At the corner NE corner of Clark and Belden.)
4:30 pm	SPOOKTACULAR COSTUME CONTEST for children and adults 'BEST OF ScareCROW' winners announcement SPOOKTACULAR Headquarters, 2260 N. Clark Street

*Du-Jay won a prize in this one for his Ska-Crow Costume a couple years ago!   We did a DIY scarecrow with Ska bands on all the patches-including The Toasters who are playing Subterranean this Thursday at 10pm-celebrating 30 years of NYC SKA!   http://subt.net/cal-events/?e=306 

Participating retailers will be offering specials and in-store activities for shoppers all day long. Maps will be available at SPOOKTACULAR Headquarters, 2260 N. Clark Street.

**Du-Jay took 2nd place in this one as a little guy, with his DIY Punk Kin costume featuring a green mohawk stem, a giant fabric pumpkin with a pierced nose and all our favorite 80's punk bands all over it.    He topped it off with a flannel, ripped knee jeans and Chucks hi-tops.

Despite our aversion for the paloozafication of all things non-Lolla....this is a pretty good event.   Check out the full line up here.    We've hit this one up for 3 years and it just gets better every time.   Now if someone would just rethink the name....

If you make it down, check out our favorite toy store for the future rock star set--Psychobaby.    These guys rock!

ChiILoween Highly Recommended Events

Ah Howl-o-Ween!   This is one of our favorite times of the year.   We love a good excuse to dress up.   Of course, around here, every day is Halloween.    Since more of the rest of the city is joining us and embracing their inner freak this weekend, we have a few recommendations.    


There are a zillion fun things going down and long, comprehensive lists on the  search engines and bigger publications.    Here at ChiIL Mama, we go for quality over quantity and here are our faves.    We'll have howling good photo filled features up next week.   


Friday:   

Halloween Party at Redmoon Central!

MACHINES. MUSIC. MANIA.

Celebrate Halloween with Redmoon October 28th, 9pm - 1am

Join Redmoon for a ONE NIGHT ONLY party. See our newest mechanical creations, performance moments and FIRE SPECTACLE!!

Free Entry - Cash Bar - Live DJ - Costumes welcome

Join us at Redmoon Central, 1463 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL. Questions? Email boxoffice@redmoon.org. 

Saturday: 

This one's no trick and all treat.   ChiIL Mama was out at Wonder today for a sneak peek at this impressive, new space and highly recommend it!  We'll have exclusive interviews with the founder, a video tour, and a photo filled feature up this week.    For more info about the opening, check out http://shopwonder.com/.


Doors at 8am


First 100 purchasers get a gift card worth a secret amount!


Come see it for yourself if you can.   Ralph Covert of Ralph's World will be playing a free show there at 11am.


*ChiIL Mama will have an original interview with Ralph and live footage from the V.I.R. (very important rocker) show Kidzapalooza weekend posted in the very near future, so ChiIL Out and Check in early and often.

Introducing an entirely new way to shop. For Kids. With Kids. WONDER! is here! 

Please join us on October 29th & 30th for a variety of family fun activities. Plus, the first 100 purchasers will receive a gift card with a secret value! 

Saturday, October 29th 

• 7:45AM – Ribbon Cutting

• 11AM – WONDER! Kid's Concert Series featuring Ralph’s World

• Arts & Crafts at the ALEX Toys Art Bar

• Balloon Artists, Face Painters & More!

Sunday, October 30th – Halloween @ WONDER!

• Come in costume and trick or treat throughout the store

• Pumpkin decorating in the WONDER! Pumpkin Patch

• Story Time with the “Not-So-Wicked” WONDER! Witch

• Arts & Crafts at the ALEX Toys Art Bar

• Balloon Artists, Face Painters & More!

www.shopwonder.com

Sunday:

ChiIL Mama's Sponsored Concert:   
Mr. Singer & The Sharp Cookies at Beat Kitchen at noon

Mr. Singer & the Sharp Cookies, Oct. 30

Check out ChiIL Mama's original interview with the whole band right here!

Then check 'em out in person at Beat Kitchen's Special Halloween show, Spooktacular Activities and a parade!

Can you imagine a better way to celebrate Halloween than with Mr. Singer & The Sharp Cookies? We have the perfect Halloween fun all planned out for you. First, dress up. Come to Beat Kitchen. Dance like crazy.

Meet Sagezilla, Du Jay and ChiIL Mama who have cool, FREE ChiIL Mama buttons to give away!
Then get tattoos and do crafts with Sue from ChicagoKids.com, make masks with Wishcraft AND enjoy special suprises from Building Blocks. Grab a bite to eat at Beat Kitchen. Then head out to join the Roscoe Village Halloween Parade kicking off from Leavitt and Roscoe at 2pm. 

Buy tickets here. Beat Kitchen is located at 2100 W. Belmont.

Remember to ChiIL Out with ChiIL Mama for loads of great music news, reviews, free tickets and awesome give aways.   We have free family 4 packs of tixs to EVERY Beat Kitchen Concert for Kids show and more.    Check back early and often for free kindie and adult music, video games, DVDs, books, toys, concert and theatre tixs and more.    

We also feature video interviews with bands, live show footage, and photo filled features.    Check in early and often for a heads up about upcoming events.

ChiILoween II: Thurs/Fri Recap and The Best of Halloween Weekend

Thursday we were off to a great Halloween weekend start with a school Fall Festival.   For our readers around the world, here's what Halloween traditions look like in Chicago.


Friday was teacher training day, so we got a timely 3 day weekend.   We devoured free IHOP scary face pancakes and enjoyed The Chicago International Children's film festival.   The Moomins in 3D from Finland was a highlight.   Then we got to meet the star of El Tux who flew in from L.A. for the fest.

- 7 min - Jul 12, 2009 - Uploaded by Serpaco1 2007 HBO/NYLIFF Short Film Winner - Written & Directed by Paco Farias A charming tale about a teen who is given a very special tuxedo www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt9QcaWzzeo

We've blogged about the 27th annual Chicago International Childrens Film Festival quite a bit during the past month.   There's still time to give your little monsters THE WORLD.   With over 200 films from 40 countries, this is a fabulous resource and a fest well worth making time for amid all the Halloween hoopla.   Check out their web site for handy age suggestion guides that range from movies for toddlers to teens.   We'll review our favorites later in the week, but catch 'em while you can.

Friday night we got our costumes on and rocked out ChiILoween style with the 7th annual Logan Square kids parade.   Then we checked out the free haunted police station at the 14th precinct.   Man cops can be scary.   Not for the faint of heart.   Both of our kids freaked out and closed their eyes through the whole thing and even the tween girls behind us were screaming their heads off and clutching onto my fleece--and we'd never met them.    Sagezilla had to be carried through with her head buried in her Dad's neck!    It's fabulous free fun for bigger kids and those not easily wigged out, but keep the littles at home!   

The Chicago International Children's Film Festival takes place from Oct 22nd through Oct 31st this year and presents the finest in international film for children and their families.

Films are screening conveniently at locations throughout Chicago: Facets Cinema in Lincoln Park; Regal Cinemas City North Stadium 14; Bank of America Cinema; University of Chicago's DOC Films (Max Palevsky Cinema, Ida Noyes Hall); Illinois Institute of Technology (Hermann Hall, McCormick Auditorium); Center on Halsted (Hoover-Leppen Theatre); and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

The Festival provides Chicagoans with the opportunity to see the best in world cinema made for a younger audience.  This year, the Festival is featuring the largest number of films in its history, with 270 films from more than 40 countries, including 90 world premieres. "This year the Festival received a record number of entries, and the quality and diversity of the films exceeded all expectations," explained Ann Vikstrom, Programming Director of the Festival.  "We are thrilled to present works representing the best in international children's films as Chicago premieres.  The Festival is a wonderful way for children to learn about other cultures, experience diverse viewpoints, and discover the art of cinema from around the globe," said Nancy Goldenberg, Director of Children's Programs.

This year, more than 100 film directors, producers, and other industry professionals will attend the Festival. While here, they will teach workshops, attend screenings and host Q & A sessions after their films.

The Chicago International Children's Film Festival is the largest and oldest film festival for children in North America.  It is the only children's film festival in the world to be designated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as an Academy Award qualifying festival.

Admission to the Festival is $6 for children; $9 for adults. Festival schedule and ticket information is available by calling (773) 281-9075 or online at www.facets.org/kids


Saturday:  We highly recommend going to The Nature Museum at 1:00pm to see Light of the River and meet the director.

Meet animated film director Tetsuo Hirakawa!

This year we will be honored by the presence of noted animated film director Tetsuo Hirakawa, who will speak to audiences after the presentation of his animated film, Light of the River.

 

 

Light of the River Saturday, October 30, 1:00pm Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 North Cannon Drive Light of the River (Chicago premiere) is a lovely animated film about a unique family of rats which sets out on a long journey to find a safe place to call home. Forced out of their peaceful riverbank by construction, the country rat family encounters many challenges - and kindnesses from new city animal friends.  Told through gorgeous animation, Light of the River celebrates the splendor of untouched nature, the freedom of embracing new challenges, and the joy of discovering kindred spirits.

Light of the River was first broadcast in Japan in June of 2009, as part of the NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) environmental campaign "Save the Future." It is the directorial debut of Tetsuo Hirakawa, a former member of the Tokyo animation studio Madhouse, who previously did key animation and in-between animation for productions including The Animatrix (2006), Atashin'chi (2006), The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2006),Crayon Shin-chan: Sanpun Pokkiri Daishingeki (2006), One Piece: Omatsuri Danshaku To Himitsu No Shima (2006), Crayon Shin-chan: Densetsu Wo Yobu Odore! Amigo! (2006), The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006), Summer Days with Coo (2007), Nodame Cantabile (2006), and Detroit Metal City (2008).  

NANOWRIMO  And so it begins again.....   This will by my 4th Nanowrimo in a row, Du-Jay's 3rd, and Sagezilla's 2nd.    The crazy, hard challenge is to write an entire 50,000 word novel between  November 1st and 30th!    The youth version just requires an age appropriate, but still challenging, word count and suggestions by age are on the site.

It's loads of fun, with participants around the world, an active on line site, and numerous local write ins and meet ups.    I'll still be running win a disc Wednesday and popping in with updates, but the blogging and freelance writing will take a back seat for the month.   As a busy writer and Mom to two young kids, it's the only way my novel writing ever moves forward.   The kids' needs always take precidence, then by the time food, dishes, laundry and everything else get done, my poor novels are starved for a few minutes of my time.    Once a year they get the lion's share of my divided attention.

I'm working on a mystery series and the 4th book will be particularly fun, as it's set in Sweden.    No more secrets or plot spoilers.   I'm hoping to edit, and shop around all 4 finished novels later this year.    I've always wanted to be JK Rowling or Corneila Funke "when I grow up".    So nanowrimo here we come.   Saturday's kick off party is at Dave and Busters on Clark Street in Chicago from 12-2.    Non Nano friends and family are welcome, too, but RSVPs are required.   Check in on the Nanowrimo Site for more info.    If you are participating in the Chicago area, be sure to visit the forums, and choose Chicago as your region and local group.




HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:


1.  Frankenplaza downtown

Franken Plaza (Daley Plaza) This Halloween, Daley Plaza becomes Franken Plaza for three days, October 29-31, with special performances, a Monster Bash - complete with prize give-aways, hayrides and trick-or-treating! Lucky number 13 strikes again! Thirteen performers from Chicago's very own Midnight Circus perform at the 13th annual Chicagoween celebration. Watch as Midnight Circus defies gravity and amazes audiences of all ages with heart-stopping feats of acrobatics & spooktacular theatrics! On Saturday, October 30th, don’t miss the Monster Bash complete with a costume contest and treats. Visitors to Daley Plaza are witness to its transformation into Franken Plaza where both kids and adults can take part in arts & crafts and see performances that will thrill. Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman of WCIU will be our costume showcase and contest emcees for the Franken Plaza Monster Bash.  The showcase and contest will take place from 11am to 1pm. It's all FREE. 2.  Chicago Cultural Center

Hallowed Halls The Chicago Cultural Center is transformed into a spooky, magical destination for Halloween fun. Come in costume and join Dream Big Performing Arts Workshop for family-friendly hands-on activities, drama workshops and games.  Enjoy a special performance of Child’s Play Touring Theatre’s One Monster after Another, plus giveaways and more. Activities recommended for children ages 6-12. Pre-registration is not required. All young participants must be accompanied by an adult. Mask and Costume-making 10 am – 12:30 pm Add the finishing touch to your Halloween costume with help from Dream Big Performing Arts Workshop. Drama Workshops and Theater Games 10:30 am – 12:30 pm Create your own scary story, bring a favorite Halloween tale to life, and participate in fun and spooky theater games with teachers from Dream Big Performing Arts Workshop. Performance: One Monster after Another 12:30 – 1:15 pm Join Child's Play Touring Theatre in this rockin' rendezvous with witches, monsters, ghosts and ghouls. All the thrills and chills of Halloween night are combined with music, mystery, dance and song-- a truly rollicking ride to sweep you along! 3.  Chicago Park District (various locations)

4.  Merchants Trick or Treat in Andersonville, Lincoln Square, (Saturday the 30th) Damen Ave. (Halloween, the 31st)

5.   SATURDAY Busy Beaver Button Company all ages party--bands and buttons--what could be better?   $5 for everyone.   Kids welcome.   Make your own glow in the dark buttons with this Logan Square favorite.   These guys rock!!

Put on your glow-in-the-dark buttons and make your way to the all ages, Halloween rock show on Saturday in Chicago!

The party moved to Pancho’s located at 2200 N. California in Logan Square.  Come at 7PM for bands Pink Torpedo, Loose Dudes, andWhite Mystery as well as your favorite button-making cast.

Of course you’ll have your choice of glow-in-the-dark buttons brought to you by yours truly.  Click here for the Facebook Event!

ChiILoween and Best of Rocktober Upcoming/Ongoing Events

UPCOMING/ONGOING: Broadway in Chicago: The Lion King and Pandemonium

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce the new show PANDEMONIUM: THE LOST AND FOUND ORCHESTRA for a limited one week engagement at the Bank of America Theatre (18 W. Monroe) October 12 - 17, 2010.  Individual tickets for this new production from the creators of STOMP are on sale now.   Get your tickets today.

 Danbert Nobacon--rockin' the music and literary world with his unique world view.   

Thursday October 14th @ The Book Cellar (Lincoln Park) 

CHICAGO, IL. 
BOOK READING

ChiIL Mama will have a full review of 3 Dead Princes out this week.

Saturday October 16th @ Martyr's
CHICAGO, IL
MUSIC GIG - MC-ing 'The Old Devil's Ball' with Jon Langford, Sally Timms, Andre Williams and the Goldstars

Saturday, October 16th at 3:00PM

The Verve Pipe kids' show at S.P.A.C.E.

(enter to win tickets at ChiIL Mama through Tues midnight)

27th Annual Children's International Film Festival

October 22-31

I've volunteered a few days a month, in the box office/concessions at Facets Multimedia, for 20 years.   Du-Jay and Sagezilla often volunteer as well.   So I've been a part of the world class Children's Film Fest for decades, and the kids have grown up on it.   Follow the link above to get your tickets now.   These excellent films from around the world tend to sell out.   There's a handy suggested ages guide to help you plan your fest days.

Sunday, October 24th, noon

Chic-a-go-go Pun'kin Prom

Costume Contest, Chic-a-Go-Go Dance Party, Pumpkin Carving, Raffle, Giveaways and more...

Lincoln Hall will be showing the Bears game for dads (or moms!) so you can have a brew and check out the game while your littles are entertained.   Reserve your spot today.   Punkin carving spots are filled already, but there's still room to dance and enter the costume contest.


- 12:30-1:15 dancing & punkin carving in music room. Bears in front room/main bar.

Happy chiILoween!   Check in often for updates and photo filled features and we'll see you out there.

- 1:15-half time end: contests in music room.

- 2nd half of game watching & punkin carving in music room. Chic-a-go-go help kids with punkin carving.


The Bears game will be shown in the front bar for the 1st half and the 2nd half on our 220" HD projector screen in the back room. 


ChiIL Mama had a blast at the recent taping of Chic-a-go-go's Halloween show extravaganza, featuring The Boogers, and a bunch of other wacky bands.   We'll be posting a photo filled Chic-a-g-go feature soon.   We even got to hang with,  John Herndon, the drummer from Tortoise, who was there with his wife and kids.

Women and Children First Bookstore Presents

Family Sing-a-Long, Concert and Booksigning with

Folk Music Legend Peter Yarrow

Sunday, October 17, at 6:00 p.m., legendary folksinger and peace activist Peter Yarrow, from the internationally renowned musical group, Peter, Paul & Mary, will present a family concert and booksigning at the Swedish American Museum Center (5211 N. Clark St., Chicago). This event is presented by Women & Children First Bookstore. Although it is free and open to the public, reservations are required. They can be obtained by calling the bookstore at 773-769-9299, or stopping by at 5233 N. Clark St., Chicago. Doors for this event will open at 5:30 and seating is first-come, first served. A booksigning will immediately follow the concert.

                                           

As a successful artist and activist, Peter Yarrow’s talent is legendary.  His gift for songwriting has produced some of the most moving songs Peter, Paul & Mary have recorded, including Puff, The Magic Dragon, Day Is Done, The Great Mandala and Light One Candle.  More recently, Peter is the author of the best-selling picture book, Puff, the Magic Dragon, Day Is Done and the popular Peter Yarrow Songbook series, an anthology of American folk music for children.  His musical creativity has always gone hand in hand with his commitment to social justice and equity in society.

Sunday, October 24th--The Full Moon Fire and Drum Jam happens every Full Moon during the summer months in Chicago. Started in 2004 by a group of friends celebrating a birthday, the jams have grown in size to accommodate the increasing amount of drummers, fire spinners and families that come to enjoy. The jams are a leave no trace, family event.  

The Lion King
Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois
Dates : Begins September 29, 2010
Running time: 2 hrs 45 minutes including a 15 minute intermission

“A THEATRICAL WORK FOR THE AGES! ”
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
 The wait is over! After 5 long years, Disney’s THE LION KING is finally returning to Chicago for a limited engagement. Experience the phenomenon as it once again leaps onto the Cadillac Palace Theatre stage. Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar®-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” Let your imagination run wild at the Tony® Award-winning Broadway sensation Newsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment.”

Ticket prices are $25 to $97 and may be ordered throughTicketmaster, or see Ticket Information for more options.