KUDOS TO 2019 BROADWAY IN CHICAGO ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARD RECIPIENTS

2019 BROADWAY IN CHICAGO 

ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL 

MUSICAL THEATRE AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED

BEST ACTOR: JACOB SIMON (DEERFIELD, IL)
BEST ACTRESS: MARGUERITE REED (PALOS PARK, IL)
BEST PRODUCTION AWARD: CARY-GROVE HIGH SCHOOL
BEST DIRECTION AWARD: SUSAN S. GORMAN (DEERFIELD HIGH SCHOOL)
BEST SCENIC DESIGN AWARD: BENET ACADEMY
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD: CARY-GROVE HIGH SCHOOL
BEST ENSEMBLE AWARD: LIBERTYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Best Actor and Actress Award Recipients will Represent Illinois in
“The Jimmy Awards®,” also known as The National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, named after James M. Nederlander



In celebration of outstanding achievement in high school musical theatre performances, Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the award recipients of the Eighth Annual Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards (IHSMTA) sponsored by NBC 5: Jacob Simon of Deerfield, IL (Deerfield High School) as BEST ACTOR for his portrayal of “Bobby Child” in CRAZY FOR YOU  and Marguerite Reed of Palos Park, IL (Mother McAuley High School) as BEST ACTRESS for her portrayal of “Betty Haynes” in IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS. Jacob and Marguerite will represent the state of Illinois at The Jimmy Awards® (also known as The National High School Musical Theatre Awards®) in New York on June 24, 2019.

Cary-Grove High School was awarded Best Production presented by Guardian Music Travel for their production of ALL SHOOK UP and Benet Academy was awarded Best Scenic Design presented by SPL, celebrating excellence in scenic design, for their production of PIPPIN (designed by Ramon Marth and Charlie Pipal). Susan S. Gorman was awarded the Best Direction Award for her direction of Deerfield High School’s production of CRAZY FOR YOU. Two new categories were presented this year: Cary-Grove High School was awarded Best Choreography for their production of ALL SHOOK UP (choreographed by Amy Krigas), and Libertyville High School was awarded Best Ensemble for their production of PIPPIN.

On Monday, May 6, Broadway In Chicago crafted a full day of workshops with theatre professionals for twenty-four nominees that culminated in a performance on stage at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place. During the day, nominees performed for a panel of casting agents and theater professionals who chose the recipients of performance awards. 

In addition to a workshop led by CHICAGO THE MUSICAL cast member Christophe Caballero (Dance Captain/Swing), whose previous theatrical credits include four Broadway shows including original Tony®-winning companies of La Cage Aux Folles & Jerome Robbins' Broadway (who also performed at the Tony Awards® during each of the last three decades), each nominee received tickets to CHICAGO THE MUSICAL. The musical will play at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph) from May 7-12, 2019.

BEST ACTOR Jacob Simon and BEST ACTRESS Marguerite Reed will be sent to New York City, on an all-expense paid trip, for a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase, where they will represent the state of Illinois at The Jimmy Awards® on Broadway, on Monday, June 24, 2019. The Jimmy Awards® are named for legendary Broadway theater owner and producer James M. Nederlander. Broadway In Chicago is a Nederlander presentation, and is excited to join the network of theatres across the country participating in The Jimmy Awards®.

The Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards have proven to be a stepping stone for young performers, with several appearing in Broadway productions. Nathan Salstone (2012 IHSMTA Best Actor) made his Broadway debut in HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD, and John Clay III (2013 IHSMTA Best Actor) made his Broadway debut this year in CHOIR BOY. Other Illinois winners have also been successful at The Jimmy Awards®: Jonah Rawitz (2014 IHSMTA Best Actor) was awarded the 2014 Jimmy Award® for Best Performance by an Actor, Cecilia Trippiedi (2016 IHSMTA Best Actress) was awarded the 2016 Jimmy Award® for Best Dancer, and Darian Goulding (2018 IHSMTA Best Actor) was a 2018 Jimmy Award® finalist.

The 72 participating high schools involved in the program are given opportunities to see Broadway In Chicago shows and receive invitations to special events throughout the year. Recently, students performed with the cast of DEAR EVAN HANSEN (including the star of the National Tour Ben Levi Ross) at Broadway In Chicago’s Summer Concert at Millennium Park, in addition to performing with HAMILTON Chicago Company’s Miguel Cervantes (Alexander Hamilton) at the Illinois Bicentennial Birthday Party at Navy Pier.

For more information on The Jimmy Awards®, also known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, visit www.jimmyawards.com. For more information on both awards and complete rules and regulations, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com/about/IHSMTA/.



ABOUT THE JIMMY AWARDS®
The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) program impacts more than 100,000 students who participate in high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of Touring Broadway productions throughout the United States. Presented by the Broadway League Foundation, the program sends a Best Actress and Best Actor winner from each of these competitions to New York for a week-long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only talent showcase on Broadway. Named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $2,000,000 in educational scholarships. The eleventh annual Jimmy Awards® will take place on Monday, June 24, 2019 at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. Coaching and rehearsals for this one-of-a-kind event will be held Monday, June 17, 2019 through Monday, June 24, 2019 in New York City. For more information, please visit www.JimmyAwards.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 19 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

Broadway In Chicago proudly celebrates 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: ChiIL Mama's Holidaze 12 Days of Giveaways

Big congrats to all our winners!

All winners have been privately e-mailed as well. Please reply within 24 hours to secure your winnings. Thanks for reading ChiIL Mama and happy holidays to all!

Disclosure: It's our pleasure to partner up with so many wonderful companies. Thanks to all of them for providing us with our giveaways. As always, all opinions are our own.

1.  $100 hhgregg Gift Card, out of 1,380 entries--Amanda Sakovitz

2.  6 Kids' DVDs & Scholastic Read Along Books 
($69.84 value), out of 540 entries--Heather Chaffer

3. Tagamoto™ City Road Set ($19.99), out of 525 entries--Janelle Thoma

4. 2 Innovative NEKZ:)™ Scarf Alternatives in Adult & Youth Sizes ($32-$51 value depending on style), out of 500 entries--Kristi Lundine

5. PackIt Freezable Wine Carrier Bag in single size, French Bull ziggy pattern ($14.99), out of 315 entries--Yesenia Rodriguez

6. Coloring Animal Mandalas Book ($10) by Chicago Artist Wendy Piersall, out of 315 entries--Kim Smith


*All winners randomly selected by Rafflecopter.


Check back with us like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. It's rewarding! ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows provide great giveaways, flash giveaways on Facebook/Twitter, original content, photo & video filled features and happenings in Chi, IL and beyond. All giveaways are open nationwide. 

Disclosure: Once again. It's our pleasure to partner up with so many wonderful companies. Thanks to all of them for providing us with our giveaways. As always, all opinions are our own.

First 8 WINNERS ANNOUNCED ChiIL Holidaze 12 Days of Giveaways #ChiILHolidaze

We have 8 winners to announce today! Winners have been contacted via e-mail and need to reply with an address within 24 hours. 

Also, we still have 6 giveaways running through 12/20 so enter below to win #7-12. Open nationwide.

Now drumroll please!

1. WIN: 2 RefresH2Go 22oz Bottles and a 2 Pack of Water Filters/Straws 3 winners ($22 each). 880 entries.

• LaTanya Thornhill
• Kat McQuaid
• Shelly Peterson

2. WIN: GameStop-1 yr. Subscription to PowerUP PRO ($14.99 value). 215 entries.

• Diana Samuel

3. WIN: ($108 Value) Gift Card For A Year of Netflix Streaming. 945 entries.

• Thomas Murphy

4. WIN: A Macy's Believe Gift Bag ($75 est value) Containing (DVD, book, ornament, stocking, apron, doll, t-shirt and more). 530 entries.

• Katie Klein

Includes book & DVD below, which can be purchased, as well as special items not available for sale:

"Yes, Virginia" Storybook,

$16.99 - 10% of the purchase price is donated to Make-A-Wish

"Yes, Virginia" Animated Special,

$9.99 - 10% of the purchase price is donated to Make-A-Wish

5. WIN: Playskool Sesame Street Let's Imagine Elmo ($39.99). 615 entries.

• Westin Hahn

6. WIN: Littlest Pet Shop Style Set  ($39.99). 520 entries.

• Timothy Jay

Still open through midnight 12/20:

We'll be updating all giveaway "click to enter" links right HERE. Good luck and Happy Holidaze to all!

It's on people! Once again we have 12 days of wacky, wonderful giveaways for a myriad of ages and types. This is NOT the place for sexist breakdowns of boy toys and girl toys. If your girl loves to code and hates dresses and your uncle wants a tutu, more power to 'em. We'll just be categorizing loads of cool finds, not cool people! Interspersed with our reviews and eco friendly, clutter busting, edu-toys, kindie music, and other great gift ideas will be LOTS of rockin' giveaways through Dec 17th for 1-6 and Dec 20th for 7-12. 

7. WIN: 4 Tickets ($60 value) to Lifeline's Fam Friendly Lions in Illyria. Based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night (ages 5+). Under age 2 not admitted. Enter through midnight 12/20.

8. WIN: $100 gift card to hhgregg. Enter through midnight 12/20.

9. WIN: Coloring Animal Mandalas Book ($10) by Artist Wendy Piersall. Enter through midnight 12/20.

10. WIN: 2 Innovative NEKZ Warmers in Adult & Youth Sizes. ($32-$51 value depending on styles.) Enter through midnight 12/20.

11. WIN: ($69.84 value) 6 Kids' DVDs & Scholastic Read Along Books Enter through midnight 12/20.

 

 

12. WIN: a Tagamoto™ City Road Set by HEX BUGS ($19.99). Ages 4+. Enter through midnight 12/20.

So check back like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. It's rewarding. All of our giveaways are open nationwide, to anyone in the US. A few are Chicago based tickets, so if you can get here, enter away!

Winners Announced & ChiTAG is HERE This Weekend at Navy Pier

Big congrats to ChiIL Mama's Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG) Family Pass Winners from the past 3 weeks via Flash Giveaways on our social media sites alternating with our traditional blog form where we had 290 entries. Our winners have been e-mailed passes. Contact us ASAP if you are listed and did NOT get your pass.





Winners are:
Nicole Lynn
Jill Boysen
Westin & Alina Hahn

As always... all our readers are winners. If you didn't win a freebie this time, we still have a printable discount coupon for everyone. 

Click here and scroll down for years of our past original Chicago Toy and Game Fair coverage (more than 20 features).

Then check back with us early and often for our photo filled recaps of ChiTAG 2014, more great giveaways, news, reviews, and video interviews.

We'll be up bright and early Saturday for a press/blogger brunch and early preview of ChiTAG. Follow along on our social media outlets below for real time updates, flash giveaways and photo fun.

Bonnie Kenaz-Mara's Facebook Stream
ChiIL Mama's Facebook Page
ChiIL Mama's Twitter
ChiIL Mama's Pinterest
ChiIL Mama's Instagram
ChiIL Mama's Google +

ChiIL Live Shows' Twitter
ChiIL Live Shows' Facebook Page 



Come on out and play at the 12th annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG), arriving in the Windy City on Saturday, November, 22, 2014 and Sunday, November 23, 2014. As the only fair of its kind in the United States open to the public, ChiTAG Fair returns to Navy Pier in Chicago, the world’s top city for toy and game inventors, for a weekend of fun-filled discovery, interactive events, and of course, play.



ChiTAG 2014 Highlights & Happenings

Discover the top trends in toys and games this year at the 12th Annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair, a two-day, fun-filled celebration of the power of play and creativity. Founded in 2003 as the only U.S. fair of its kind also open to the public, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair provides a unique outlet for fun-seekers from far and wide to preview, play, and purchase the hottest toys and games, rediscover classics, and meet the inventors behind the ingenuity. The memorable weekend kicks off holiday fun with contests, live stage entertainment, interactive exhibits, tournaments, and more. Revel in the fun of the ChiTAG fair, the global toy and game hub for consumers, inventors, trade, and media.

ChiIL Mama's Favorite:

Revel in the opportunity to meet the inventors of some of your favorite games, including Nick Grisolia and Pete Greenley the inventors of Boomer, Zoomer and Zuppies, Laura Robinson the creator of Balderdash, Dan Klitsner the inventor of Bop It and Simon Swipe, Tom Quinn the inventor of Game of Things, and many, many more!

November 22 & 23, 2014
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Navy Pier, 2nd Floor Festival Hall A (far east end of the Pier)
Chicago, IL

Bringing together inventors, designers, manufacturers, retailers, the public and the media, the TAGIE Awards are hosted in conjunction with the Toy & Game Inventors Conferences, the playCHIC toy inspired fashion show and the Chicago Toy & Game Fair weekend. In praising creative minds from around the world, the evening also pays homage to masters of invention who differentiate themselves with an exceptionally innovative spirit for fun, philanthropy, inventor advocacy, creativity, and humanitarianism.

Founded in 2003 by the Chicago Toy & Game Group, the ChiTAG Fair commemorates the toy and game industry as the global hub for consumers, inventors, trade, and media to preview, play, and purchase the hottest new toys and games, while rediscovering the classics and meeting the inventors behind the ingenuity of play. For $10 per adult ticket and $5 per children’s ticket, fair attendees can explore the booths of more than 150 toy and game exhibitors, participate in engaging contests and tournaments, enjoy live stage entertainment, and much more.

ChiTAG Doors Open

The first 1,000 attendees through the doors on Saturday, November 22, will receive a free copy of the acclaimed book, About Jenga, by author and Jenga creator Leslie Scott. Leslie Scott will also be attending the Fair and autographing copies of her book during the Fair.

Young Inventor Challenge (YIC)

Open to boys and girls ages 6 to 18; this showcase exhibits imaginative original toys or games from aspiring inventors. Prize packages are awarded to “Best in Show” in junior and senior categories, along with two runners-up and one “People’s Choice” recipient. Judging will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00p.m., and the winners will be announced at 5:00 p.m. 

Official Illinois State Yo-Yo Contest on ChiTAG Stage

Perfect your technique with a dynamic performance competition featuring hands-on tips for all skill levels. The immensely entertaining contest is open to all ages with the longest standing yo-yo participant taking home the title of champion.

Legoland Discovery Center Girl Scout Program

Make your own scene using LEGO® bricks and mini figures and snap photos for each frame of your comic. Edit each photo to make your visual story come to life. http://www.chitagfair.com/girl-scouts-and-boy-scouts/

Star Wars Character Luncheon in the Lakeview Terrace Room

Meet and eat with your favorites from Star Wars 501st Legion: Vader’s First. Registration required. | Cost: $30 per child, $36 per adult | Tournament for children ages 6 to 14.
http://www.chitagfair.com/star-wars-luncheon/

  

12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Catan National Championship - US Qualifier
Take a chance at becoming a Catan Worldwide Champion by competing in the CWC

USA Pre-Qualifier a ChiTAG.

http://www.chitagfair.com/settlers-of-catan-national-championship-us-qualifier/

12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Rummikub USA Championship Presented by Goliath Games

Participate in the first U.S. Rummikub Championship event for the opportunity to win a trip to Germany to attend the 2015 Rummikub World Championship event!

Dino Zoo Live sponsored by Spin Master

Get ready for the ultimate playdate – 65 million years in the making – as Erth’s DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE guides your family on a breathtaking pre-historic tour. You’ll observe, meet and interact with an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance that will thrill and entertain kids while stimulating their imaginations in ways that will forever connect them to their world.

Grandparents Day

ChiTAG celebrates fun at all ages and on *Sunday grandparents get in for free! Bring your grandchildren along and enjoy the fun together.

Legoland Discovery Center Girl Scout Program

Make your own scene using LEGO® bricks and mini figures and snap photos for each frame of your comic. Edit each photo to make your visual story come to life. http://www.chitagfair.com/girl-scouts-and-boy-scouts/ *Boy and Girl Scouts in uniform get in free to ChiTAG!

Frozen Parade starting at the ChiTAG Stage

*Sunday-Come dressed as your favorite character from Disney’s “Frozen” and receive free admission to the ChiTAG Fair. All ages are invited to participate.

Adventure Sandwich Performance on ChiTAG Stage

Watch Adventure Sandwich perform live action cartoon scenes that combines music, art, & storytelling to encourage the imagination to run wild.

Mayfair Games Boy Scout Badge Design

Join Mayfair Games for a special workshop on Game Design. Participants will receive a special design kit from Mayfair containing components. http://www.chitagfair.com/girl-scouts-and-boy-scouts/

ABOUT THE CHICAGO TOY & GAME GROUP

The Chicago Toy & Game Group, Inc. is a family of toy industry initiatives designed to encourage and promote the power of play and invention in social, educational, and professional environments. The Chicago Toy & Game Group consists of the Chicago Toy & Game Fair; International Toy & Game Inventor and Industry Conference; International Summit for Professional Inventors; playCHIC Fashion Show; Toy & Game Inventor Awards; National ChiTAG Networking Events; Games for Educators; and DiscoverGames.com. For more information, visit www.ChiTAG.com, join in the conversation on Facebook, or follow the fun on Twitter @ChicagoToyNGame.

To keep up with the latest news about ChiTAG, “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChicagoToyandGameFair and follow us on Twitter @ChicagoToyNGame and Instagram @ChicagoToyandGame. For more information please visit www.chitagfair.com online.

As always, check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. It's rewarding!

Winners Announced & Three New Giveaways & A Discount Code For All #giveaways

Big congrats to the next round of ChiIL Mama's Holidaze 12 Days of Giveaways Winners

1.  Jean D--out of 500 entries.  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3DS game, DVDs, toys and MORE! ($92.95 value) 

2.  Jane Z--out of 285 entries.  FireZone Fun 10-Pass (value $90)  

3.  Lori M--out of 320 entries.   Lincoln Logs® Redfield Ranch™ Building Set, SRP $39.99 in a Cool Barrel

Check back with ChiIL Mama tomorrow, 2/2, for our next 3 BIG giveaways & a sweet discount code for all of our readers, and start 2014 a WINNER!

Winners Announced: 4 Tickets to Illumination at Morton Arboretum & Little Miss Ann at Beat Kitchen #giveaway

Big congrats to ChiIL Mama's ticket winners this week.

Lindsay J. won 4 free tickets to Illumination at The Morton Arboretum ($40 value) out of 370 entries!   Click here for more details on Illumination.  

Sujal P. won 4 tickets to Little Miss Ann at Beat Kitchen THIS Sunday at noon out of 35 entries.   Click here for full show details and to enter to win 4 tickets to any/all Concerts for Kids Shows through January.   ChiIL Mama is elated to be back as press sponsor for the 3rd year now.   Come chiIL out with us every Sunday, with family friendly music in many genres, aimed at kids birth through age 10 with their parents.   Beat Kitchen knows parents AND kids rock!


Follow ChiIL Mama on Facebook & Twitter to be the first to know about our rockin' giveaways.   Then enter like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often.   Tickets are Chicago based.   Our other giveaways are open nationwide, to anyone in the USA. 

Right now we're in the middle of ChiIL Mama's Holidaze 12 Days of Giveaways.   Check back daily for great new reviews, video interviews, and free goodies for YOU to win.   

All remain open for entries through midnight December 14th, so spread the word!   We have something for all ages and include giveaways from American Girl, Hex Bugs, K'NEX, Hasbro, Activision, and many more.

Congrats To Our Winners-- 10 FREE Müller Yogurt Coupons Winners Announced #giveaway #ad

Disclaimer:  Thanks to Johnsonville and Quaker Oats (Muller) for sending a sample our way to review and providing us with coupons for our readers.  All opinions are our own.

You were the first 5 to comment & all win 2 coupons each for a free Müller Yogurt (your choice of flavors).   If you haven't done so already, please e-mail me your address at zbluesun@gmail.com and we'll send that right out to you. Enjoy!

1.  Nicole

2.  1 stopmom

3.  Hetal

4.  Katie K.

5.  Amber M.

You were the first 5 to comment & all win coupons for a free pack of Johnsonville Brats (your choice of flavors).   Last call for addresses for our Foodie Tuesday flash  Johnsonville Brats giveaway winners:

1.  Sara G. 

2.  Lawna N.

3.  1 stopmom

4.  Jennifer H.

5.  Nicole

We'll be mailing all the coupons for both of these giveaways tomorrow so watch your mailbox & enjoy!

Disclaimer:  Thanks to Johnsonville and Quaker Oats (Muller) for sending a sample our way to review and providing us with coupons for our readers.  All opinions are our own.

17 Winners Announced, ChiIL Picks List and More #spon

Disclaimer:   Thanks to all the kindie musicians, theatres, authors, publishers, Warner Brothers and American Girl for providing us with giveaway prizes and review copies.   All opinions are our own.

ChiIL Out with ChiIL Mama This Summer for great giveaways, photo & video filled recaps, reviews and the heads up on sweet family friendly events.   Big congrats to all our July winners.   Check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often.   

We notify winners here and by private e-mail.   All winners please send your address to us at zbluesun@gmail.com and we'll send your winnings out to you within the month.   Enjoy!

July Winners:

2 ChiIL Picks Book Bonanzas:

*Lost in Suburbia : A Momoir, by Tracy Beckerman (5 paperbacks available/$15 value each)

1  Chris F.

2  Kelli R.

3  Christine U.

4  Jeanne

5  Teresa O.

*The Ordinary Acrobat by Duncan Wall (5 hardbacks available/  $26.95 value each). 

1  Katie K

2  Melanie M

3  Ann C

4  Pam C

5  Judy R

#3/#4.   ChiIL Picks Blu-Ray & DVD Movies

*Jack the Giant Slayer Blu-Ray/DVD combo! ($44.95 value) out of 320 entries!  Congrats to WILLIAM G.

*Saige Paints the Sky (American Girl) Blu-Ray/DVD combo!  ($26.99 value) out of 225 entries!   Congrats to Aaron P.

#5/#6/#7.    Rockin' 20 Kindie CD Extravaganza 

We're giving away sets of awesome brand new releases along with 2012 & 13 favs of ours.   It's road trip season ya know.   And time to ChiIL out and kick back with some of the best kindie artists around.   

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List--Kindie Land 

  *Set 1:  Great American Tunes  for July 4th & beyond ($74.95 value)  Congrats to Lisa P.

 One lucky reader will win these 6 sweet CDs:

• Putumayo Kids Presents American Playground (featuring loads of greats including favs of ours Dan Zanes & Elizabeth Mitchell--brand new 6/18 release) $14.98

• Ratboy Jr.--Champions of the Universe (These guys are one of our all time favs, back with a 2nd release.) $12.97

• Shine and The Moonbeams (brand new release) $9.99

• Ozomatli Presents Ozokidz (LA culture mashers known for singing about immigration protests, gang violence & hurricane Katrina they've now expanded their boundaries again and released a rockin' CD of kids' tunes about photosynthesis, spelling, balloons, germs, skateboards and a runaway moose that's so good you won't want to stop playing it the second you drop the kids at camp.  Freakin' hilarious, great musicians bringing quality, multicultural music in a range of genres.) $10

• Live in Lexington--Under the Copper Beech-Ben Rudnick & Friends ($14.99 with 4 panel eco-jacket)  Sure he's got a new one out, but this one's too cool for the 4th of July.

• Okee Dokee Brothers--Take it Outside (Grammy Winners-Best Children's Album of the Year for Can You Canoe)

ChiIL Mama had the great pleasure of catching the Okee Dokee Brothers for a video interview and shooting their live show at The Beat Kitchen in Chicago, where we sponsor an annual, weekly kindie music concert series.   They're down to earth, cool guys, with an eco-friendly bent and talent to spare.   We've given away copies of Can You Canoe earlier this year.   Now check out one of their earlier albums, Parents Choice Silver Award Winner and one of our favs, Take it Outside. $15 

($77.93 value)

*Set 2:   Kidzapalooza Favs ($82 value):  Congrats to Bellaz V.

ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama at one of the best kindie fests in the nation!   We've covered Kidza all 3 days of EVERY year of it's existance.   We'll be back again for 2013.   To get you jazzed for the fest, we're giving away a CD set including Ella Jenkins' latest release-Get Moving, and kindie favs that have graced the Kidza stage in years past.   One lucky reader will win 6 CDs from these Kidzapalooza Favs: 

• Ella Jenkins'--Get Moving  Click here for samples from Get Moving. $11.98
• Rocknoceros--Colonel Purple Turtle $15
• Candy Band--High Five  Click here for samples from High Five $11.04
• Recess Monkey--In Tents $14.99
• Recess Monkey--Flying $14.99

(These guys are long time favs of ours and we've had the pleasure of shooting their live shows at Kidzapalooza and catching them for a video interview.   They have a new release out--Deep Sea Diver.   But we also adore their last two, In Tents and Flying.)

• Laura Doherty-Shining Like a Star $13.99 Parents Choice Silver Award Winner and Laura's latest release

($82 value) 

Here's the rockin' 2013 Kidzapalooza lineup!    

ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?!   

 Ralph’s World

The Not Its

The Q Brothers

The Blisters

Peter DiStefano & Tor

Jambo

School of Rock

Ella Jenkins

Kristian Bush

Perry Farrell

Special Guests 

Free & Open to the Public (Lolla or not):

Not up for navigating the Lolla crowds or hanging with thousands of hipsters?   ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama at this awesome FREE breakfast, and catch some of the best Kidzapalooza performers... in air conditioning.  RSVP ASAP!   Rocker Brunch always fills fast.

  *Set 3:   Windy Kindie CDs ($96.80 value!!)  Congrats to Tonia G.

  Our own home town kids' musicians are awesome.   Look for these Chicago favorites at street fests all summer & at Beat Kitchen's Concerts for Kids again this fall.   One lucky reader will win these 8 CDs by Chicago Kindie favorites: 

• Pop of the Tots--Human Tim + Robot Tim $9.99
• Mud, Mommies, and Mayhem--Poochamungas $12.00
• Mr Singer & The Sharp Cookies--Bouncing Ball of Energy $9.99
• Mr Singer & The Sharp Cookies--Muddy Water Beaver Dam Band(full album download card)  $9.99
• Ice Cream Vendors--Now!  With More Dog Barks $13.99
• The Dreamtree Shakers--Dream and You Will See (An oldie but goodie & still one of our favs.  Also check out their new release Big Top Tent) $10
• Istvan & His Imaginary Band--Sweet!  $8.00
• Boogers--Extractum Victoris (This is their latest & heaviest kids' punk yet and one of our top picks of the year.  ChiIL Mama's even quoted right on the front page of their site.) $12.84

($96.80 value!!)

  #8.  Mini Bunny Bonanza ($39.95 value) 2 winners--Congrats to Nicole F. & Melanie M.

  For those summer days when some bunny needs a nap and some big bunny needs a break!!   Let Randy Travis & Lilly Tomlin take over on the endless story reading detail for a while.   Then watch your little one drift off to sleep to Deborah Poppink sweet, original tunes.   She's an over 40 mom of 2, and she gets it! Hop from Spring into Summer with bunny fun from our ChiIL Picks List for birth to 7 year olds.   *Some bunny will win both a DVD story collection & DidiPop CD! (Since bunnies know how to multiply over the summer months... we'll double this winning!!  2 winners chosen.) 

• Scholastic Storybook Treasures Read Along DVDs--The Springtime Collection featuring Max's Chocolate Chicken.   12 stories on 3 DVDs with narration by Lily Tomlin, Randy Travis and others.  $24.95 

• DidiPop--Bunny in the Moon CD--bedtime songs for falling asleep $15.00

We love summer time and want to share our ChiIL Picks List for rockin' kindie music, movies, eco-friendly finds, events and more with you, so 2013 can be the best summer vacation EVER.   

Disclaimer:   Thanks again to all the kindie musicians, theatres, authors, publishers, Warner Brothers and American Girl for providing us with giveaway prizes and review copies.   All opinions are our own.