KINDIE LAND: FLASH GIVEAWAY! 4 Free Tickets to Beat Kitchen's Big Fall Kick Off THIS Sunday and More!

**Be the first to comment below to win ($32 value)!   Please leave your full name for the guest list (ID will be checked at the door).   And you WIN.   Just like that.**



ChiIL Mama is baaaaaack as press sponsor for Concerts for Kids at Beat Kitchen for the 3rd season & that means tickets, giveaways & original photo & video filled kindie music features for YOU.



(*shows aimed at birth-10 year olds w/ adult)

ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama for loads of free tickets to live music and theatre all over Chicago.   We love to mix it up around these parts.   We generally run Rafflecopter form giveaways (picked randomly by computer for equality) and give you the heads up for a week or two... if not more.  We never spam or share your info & contacts are only used to send you your fabulous winnings.

We also frequently run FLASH GIVEAWAYS to reward our regular readers, Facebook and Twitter fans, and those lucky enough to be dropping by right when it goes live.   It couldn't be easier... When you see FLASH GIVEAWAY pop, comment and YOU WIN.    

So... this one's on you.   If you're one of those people who stopped entering things because random computer # generators hate you and you never get picked, no excuses this time.  GO.

Some quick fingered computer junkie beat you to the freebies for this Sunday? Come on out anyway.   It's 4 bands for just $8 per person!!   Following weekly single band shows are just $6.

ChiIL Mama's been at every fall & winter Beat Kitchen Kids Fest for 3 years, but we will be missing this one.  It coincides with my daughter's gymnastics meet (sometimes the mama has to come before the ChiIL) but I'm sending along lots of great kindie CDs the Beat Kitchen will be giving away all day.  

ChiIL Picks List for THIS Sunday:

OCTOBER 20 11:00-3:00 BEAT KITCHEN 2100 W BELMONT CHICAGO, IL $8 Get Tickets! Get Directions! Concerts for Kids Presents FALL FEST! Featuring at 2:00pm The Socialists With 1:00 - Dos Tradiciones Ensemble 12:00 - Miss Jamie from the Farm 11:00 - Sarah Jayne Lane Sponsored by ChiIL Mama Crafting with Easel Arts Studio Face painting with Unicoi Art Studio Free PsychoBaby t-shirt for first 25 kids!

And you're still in luck for future free four packs of tickets...   

WIN Free Tickets to Beat Kitchen's Concerts For Kids October/November

This one's for the planners.   You can come back and enter like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often.   Here's the whole awesome, upcoming schedule so you can plot out your Sundays.   We pick new winners weekly and announce 'em right here every Friday.   

What's better than cheap weekly live kindie concerts & rockin' out with your little folk, punk kin, banger babies, indie urchins and rock tots???   
Winning FREE tickets from ChiIL Mama!

We're also your source for loads of original content on the kindie scene.   We shoot our own live show video clips, stills, video band interviews, CD reviews, and loads of music and ticket giveaways.   So come on by and ChiIL out a while.   For the coolest fam friendly fun in Chi, IL and beyond.

UPCOMING FALL CONCERTS Click the Rafflecopter Links below for your chance to win 4 free tickets to any/all: THE BOOGERS OCT 27 • 12 PM Get Tickets! Click here for your chance to win 4 Tickets From ChiIL Mama HUMAN TIM + ROBOT TIM NOV 3 • 12 PM Get Tickets! Click here to enter

ISTVAN & HIS IMAGINARY BAND NOV 10 • 12 PM Get Tickets! Click here for your chance to win 4 Tickets From ChiIL Mama  MARY MACARONI NOV 17 • 12 PM Click here for your chance to WIN 4Tickets from ChiIL Mama

All concerts are at:

Beat Kitchen

2100 West Belmont Avenue

Chicago, IL 60622

#2 ChiIL Mama's Holidaze 12 Days of #giveaways

ChiIL Mama's Holidaze 12 Days of Giveaways:

#2  TUESDAY 12/4--$100 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO PSYCHOBABY

*Disclosure:   Thanks to Psychobaby for providing the gift certificate for ChiIL Mama's Holidaze Giveaway.

Video Above:  Psychobaby-The Boogers LIVE at Beat Kitchen 12-2-12 Extractum Victoris CD release party.  Footage by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara for ChiIL Mama.   

The band gave a shout out to Chicago's own funky, fun kids' shop, Psychobaby, and dedicated this song to them.   (to the tune of The Ramones Psychotherapy)

ChiIL Mama's got a free $100 chance for you to check Psychobaby out.   Enter right here.   If you're not in town, you can still win and use your $100 on line!

*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 or "a Rafflecopter giveaway link" and it should pop right up).   Enter like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 


You don't have to have a baby to find rockin' toys, games, and some of the hippest outfits in town at Psychobaby, but you'd have to be a bit psycho NOT to check 'em out.   Though my "babies" are now 9 & 11, we still shop at Psychobaby for collectibles, learning toys and truly unique gifts.   

Of course, there are few sights cuter than a baby or toddler sporting punk and metal band tees!   I used to DIY a whole punk kin and rock tot wardrobe for mine back in the day, because black toddler wear was super scarce and barely existed.   Now Psychobaby carries an extensive line for your cool kids!   If you can't find your favs...they'll custom make you one.

We're all about supporting local families and their small businesses, and Psychobaby's owned by two Chicago moms, not a cold, mega corporation.   They have so many super cute little fashion favs for metal minis, pop divas, and snarky punks, that I can't even browse their cool on line collection without thinking about adopting!   They have rockin' specials like mustache Mondays and One Piece Wednesdays.


Check out the rockin' Boogers Tee's that Psychobaby gave out free to the first 50 kids at the CD release on Sunday.   ChiIL Mama has 3 copies of Extractum Victoris to give away to our lucky readers and their punk kin, along with a full review and loads more great live footage from their CD release show, coming up soon.

Click here to check out Psychobaby on line, on Facebook, blog and on Twitter.   

Are you in the Chi-Town area?    Don't miss their Thirsty Thursdays through December.

Has this year flown, or what?! Lets get this Hipster Holiday season underway and kick off our Thirsty Thursdays! Shop at our brick & mortar for 30% off while you sip on some free adult beverages. Yes, we said a third off and booze (think Prosecco, spiked hot chocolate, and beer), it's a Christmas miracle! Enjoy Thirsty Thursdays from 5pm - 8pm every Thursday, until the week before Christmas, December 20. Get sauced and save 30% TONIGHT!

Starting next Tuesday, and continuing every Tuesday through December, we will have $10 personalized tees in the Psychobaby Custom Shop. This deal is exclusive to our brick & mortar, so swing by and grab a cute kids' t-shirt as a stocking stuffer for your favorite Psychobaby!

As if that weren't enough fun, beginning today, any purchase over $75 includes a free personalized stocking. Psychobaby will get your name on the fast track to Santa's nice list with lively libations, personalized tees, and super sales! Have a Hipster Holiday!

Check back with ChiIL Mama early and often for great give aways every day for TWELVE DAYS.   All remain open till midnight 12/15.

ChiIL Mama's current give aways & entry dates (through midnight Chicago time).  Click our side bar buttons to enter:  

*Milk Unleashed Shelf Safe Milk Prize Pack 12/4

*4 tickets to Baby Loves Disco on Dec 8th at noon at Beauty Bar this Saturday 12/8 at noon ($60 value)  Enter through midnight 12/6.

*4 tickets to Little Miss Ann at Beat Kitchen Sunday 12/9 at noon.  Enter through midnight 12/6.

*4 tickets to Mr. Dave at Beat Kitchen Sunday 12/16 at noon.  Enter through midnight 12/13.

*ChiIL Mama's Holidaze 12 Days of Giveaways (check back daily for great new prizes) through 12/15

1.   Any Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book of Your Choice

2.   $100 gift certificate to Psychobaby

KINDIE LAND: Win FREE Tickets To Beat Kitchen's December Concerts for Kids HERE #giveaway

 

Boogers-I Just Wanna Play

*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 or "a Rafflecopter giveaway link" and it should pop right up). 
 
Win 4 Boogers Tickets here--Enter through midnight Thursday 11/29--winner announced Friday.   Show is THIS Sunday 12/2 at noon at Beat Kitchen.
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Hey Chi-town.   Come ChiIL Out with ChiIL Mama.   We're stoked to be back again as press sponsor for Beat Kitchen's Rockin' Concerts for Kids every Sunday at noon.

ChiIL Mama will be at Beat Kitchen this Sunday shooting Chicago's favorite punk parents--The Boogers--at their hotly anticipated Extractum Victoris CD RELEASE PARTY!    Come pogo with your punk kin and check out their Ramones style rock.   Our friends at Psychobaby will be there with limited edition kids' tee shirts!!

ChiIL Mama will also be shooting a video interview with the band and we'll be reviewing the new album and giving away THREE copies to our lucky readers as well.   

Enter here to win 4 free tickets to any or all of the December concerts & mark your calendars.   2012-2013 is a great kindie (kids' indie) line up in a wide variety of genres.  Enter through midnight each Thursday.  We announce our lucky winners every Friday.   

 

Shows are generally aimed at birth through 8 year olds and their parents.   Kids under 1 are free.   *Note:   Boogers (playing this Sat 12/2) are LOUD punk and their new album is heavier than ever and recommended for 2nd graders and up.   So, bring ear protection for your littles and consider leaving the bitty babies at home for this one!

Check out ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often for the scoop on upcoming events, urban parenting and loads of original content like HD video show footage, video band interviews, reviews, show stills, ticket and CD give aways and more!

Extractum Victoris CD

Our heaviest album yet, Extractum
Victoris, will be released on December
4th!! (CD release show in Chicago on
December 2nd!). *Best suited for 2nd
graders and up. Amazing artwork by
Shawn Dickinson! 
Click here to order on amazon.com


Check out ChiIL Mama's plethora of past Boogers coverage HERE including loads of original live concert clips, our video interview and show shots.

Advanced tickets are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for The Boogers CD Release Show.   This one will very likely sell out!   Of course you can also win 4 free tickets here.   

We have loads of original content on the kindie music scene including video band interviews, live footage on ChiIL Mama's YouTube Channel, free tickets, and tons of great CD giveaways!!    Make it a kindie holiday this year and check out ChiILMama.com like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   Our giveaways are open nationwide.   Tickets are Chicago based.

Looking for a particular favorite kids' band or our past Beat Kitchen features.  Use the handy search bar in the right hand column to search ChiIL Mama's archives.

 Good luck and we'll see you out there!   

 
Win 4 Little Miss Ann Tickets here.  Show is Sunday 12/9 at noon.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Win 4 Mr. Dave Tickets here.  Show is Sunday 12/16 at noon.   *Last BK Kids Show Till 2013!! 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kindie Land: ChiIL Mama Sponsors Beat Kitchen's Kindie Series Again for 2012-13

ChiIL Mama's back again as media sponsor for another year of weekly kindie rockin' fun for your little folk, punk kin, and banger babies.   Beat Kitchen's Concerts for Kids kicks off with a BIG Fall Festival September 30th from 11-3.  Then mark your calendars for sweet day shows every Sunday, where you can drink some of the best bloody marys in town and dance with your littles for a song.        

For the fall festival, we'll be there in person with our infamous Rock Tots Photo Spot and Instrument Petting Zoo!   B.Y.O.C. (cameras that is) for some of the cutest photo/video ops.   You may have seen ChiIL Mama's Rock Tots tent at Do Division and Burger Fest this summer or Beat Kitchen festivals last fall and winter.    Check out our past photo features at the bottom of this post.

For just $8, you can rock out for 4 hours, get crafty, punk your hair, paint your face, and have a ton of fun with your birth through 10 year olds.

Be there!

We'll be bringing you loads of CD give aways, original live show videos and photos, video band interviews, kindie music reviews, and more, year round.




Check out ChiIL Mama's original, video interview with Suzi here.

We're particularly stoked for superstar Suzi Shelton at noon, in from NYC, with Chi-Town's own queen of the Kindie scene, Little Miss Ann.    



ChiIL Mama's original video of Suzi, Miss Ann & their kids Tomboy in a Princess Dress 
LIVE at Beat Kitchen-Chicago

**Click here for LOADS of our past Little Miss Ann coverage including 2 video interviews, live show footage, photos and more.**


We're also excited to hear the Young Stracke Allstars at 1pm.   These talented kids study at Old Town School of Folk Music and include a number of our school friends among their ranks!

See ya Sunday!



*Click here to check out our photo filled footage from Beat Kitchen's Fall Fest 2011-ChiIL Mama's Rock Star Photo Booth

*Click here to check out our photo filled footage from Beat Kitchen's Winter Fest-ChiIL Mama's Rock Tots Photo Spot (dress up & instrument petting zoo)

So check in with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We'll be adding loads of brand new footage and features on the fall fun festival musicians all week!!

It's Small Business Saturday Today-Shop Locally

We spent Black Friday hangin' out at home as a family, cuddling up watching movies, and avoiding the mauls....I mean, malls, at all cost.    Sure there were smokin' deals to be had, but we were holding out for today and tomorrow--Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.   We're all about shopping locally, as a first stop, and when at all possible.    Then ordering on line is a great next step when you just can't find that illusive thing.

Small Business Saturday falls annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  It forms the trifecta with the two busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

I'd never heard of Small Business Saturday before this year (they just started in 2010), but what a genius idea.   We picked up a card about it at our local toy store, Play, in Logan Square, a few weeks back on Neighborhood Toy Store Day.   Check out our photo filled feature here.

Why Shop Small Business Saturday?

There were nearly 28 million small businesses in the United States last year and over the past two decades, they created 65 percent of net new jobs, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.  

The small business advocacy group. The 3/50 Project says, "For every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures". 

“Small business is the engine of job creation in the US economy,” said Mr. Chenault, chairman and chief executive officer, American Express.  “It is also among the sectors hardest hit by the recession.  By spreading the word about Small Business Saturday, we can help raise awareness about the critical role small businesses play in cities and towns across the country at a time when they need support the most.” 

Check 'em out on Facebook-Earn $25

American Express is launching campaigns on Facebook and Twitter driving consumers and business owners to facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday where they can participate in many ways, including:

• American Express is giving a $25 statement credit(1) to 100,000 Cardmembers who register their Card and use it to shop on Small Business Saturday at any locally-owned, independent small businesses that accept American Express. 
• American Express is also giving $100 of free Facebook advertising(2) to 10,000 business owners who sign up at facebook.com/smallbusinesssaturday to help build online buzz and drive customers to shop at their businesses on Small Business Saturday.  By simply entering a few pieces of information and clicking a button, these business owners can create a personalized, geo-targeted ad that will run on Facebook leading up to November 27th. Facebook has donated $500,000 in Facebook credits for these small business owners to use in the future.
• Small business owners can also download online promotional materials and use a number of social media tools to promote their businesses on the inaugural Small Business Saturday. 
• Everyone can spread the word about the day and their favorite businesses by giving a shout-out to their favorite local shops and restaurants via Facebook and Twitter.  
• For every person who ‘likes’ Small Business Saturday on Facebook, American Express is donating $1 up to $500,000³ to Girls Inc. to empower young women to be the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

ChiIL Mama's Favorite Local Toy Stores:

Cat & Mouse Game Store-(Bucktown) - 2212 W. Armitage

Recurring Events

Every Tuesday - Game Night, 6:30-10 pm
Every Wednesday - D&D Encounters, 7-9 pm 
Every Thursday - D&D for Kids (ages 10-14), 4-5:30 pm 
Monthly - Chicago Yo-Yo
Club (check schedule for dates)

Play (Logan Square) – 3109 W. Logan Blvd.

Building Blocks Toys - (Wicker Park &  Lakeview) 2130 W. Division & 3306 N. Lincoln Ave.

 

http://www.buildingblockstoys.com/events?task=view_detail&agid=58&year=2011&month=11&day=25

PsychoBaby (Bucktown) – 1630 N. Damen Ave.

Timeless Toys (Lincoln Square) - 4749 N. Lincoln Ave.

Three Wishes (Wilmette) - 1515 Sheridan Rd. 

November 19-December 1st
Bring new or gently used children's books to donate to
a great organization, Bernie's Book Bank. They connect children needing books with books needing children!

There are donation bins at all the stores--just come in and let us know you brought a book. You'll receive a raffle ticket for drawings the night of the event for great prizes and gift certificates.

Geppetto's Toy Box (Oak Park) - 730 Lake St. (at Oak Park Ave.)

Second Friday of the month means....it's GAME NIGHT!  We LOVE games and think they're a great way to spend time together, friends or family.  So to encourage you to "tune out and play", we will always give you a little deal on Game Night: buy 2 games and get 20% off the pair!

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

RSVP on Facebook

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!