Illinois Bicentennial Celebration to Include ISM Launch of “Story of Illinois” Website

The Illinois State Museum (ISM) is highlighting artifacts that tell the story of Illinois’ rich heritage as part of the state’s Bicentennial celebration.

Here at ChiIL Mama, I'm particularly interested in the Illinois Bicentennial celebration since both of my children and my husband were born here in Chicago, as was my father, and his parents. His grandfather came to Chicago from Sweden and we've been here now for 5 generations.



Illinois Association of Museums has partnered with ISM to launch the “Story of Illinois” website, featuring objects from the ISM Illinois Legacy Collection, as well as collections from other museums across the state that help bring the state’s heritage to life.



“The collections from museums in Illinois help tell the unique story of Illinois, from statehood 200 years ago and beyond,” said Illinois State Museum Interim Director Robert Sill. “The new ‘Story of Illinois’ website will allow anyone to go online and sample some of the best of Illinois history, art, culture, and science.”

The new website, built by the ISM, previews some objects that will be on display in the “Bicentennial and Beyond:  The Illinois Legacy Collection” exhibition, which will open at the Illinois State Museum in Springfield on June 30. 



“You will find some rare, quirky, and beautiful objects on the website, such as the Lone Ranger’s saddle used by Brace Beemer from the Wabash County Museum, a ceremonial war club used by the Potawatomi Indians from the Chicago History Museum, a painting by Illinois native and American Impressionist Ivan Summers from the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, and a photoelectric relay used at the Chicago Century of Progress Exposition of 1933-34,” said Illinois Association of Museums President Karen Everingham. “Each item has its own story to tell.”

While Illinois became a state 200 years ago, the collections held by Illinois museums help tell a story of Illinois dating back approximately 500 million years.  From animals, fish, insects and plants to minerals, jewels, paintings, manuscripts, stone tools and fossils – the “Story of Illinois” website will feature some of the best artifacts and treasures from the collections of the participating museums.





Objects will be added to the website regularly during the celebration of the Illinois Bicentennial this year and promoted through the ISM Facebook page.

Find the website at this link. 

Click HERE for more information on the Illinois Association of Museums.

Click HERE for more information on the collections, programs and exhibitions of the Illinois State Museum. 

Registration Open For COMEDY PREP SCHOOL One Day Workshop at STAGE 773 for Ages 12-17

STAGE 773 

INVITES YOUNG ASPIRING COMEDIANS TO LEARN, PLAY, AND PERFORM AT 

COMEDY PREP SCHOOL

Registration is now open for students ages 12-17 to participate in the one-day comedy extravaganza that unites Chicago’s young, up-and-coming comedians May 12

Stage 773 producers of The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival and Chicago Women’s Funny Festival are excited to announce the return of Comedy Prep School (CPS), a one-day festival for young comedians on Saturday, May 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Comedy Prep School features workshops taught by professional performers and teachers from Chicago’s world class comedy institutions, as well as opportunities to learn, play, and perform with 100+ fellow young comedians. In addition to this, attendees will be treated to an exclusive performance by hilarious, high caliber comedy group, Ms. Mistoffelees. Individual students and groups ages 12-17 are invited to register.

“As Chicago’s premiere off-loop comedy hub, we are so excited to bring together the youth in our industry through the return of Comedy Prep School, “ says Jill Valentine, Executive Director of Stage 773. “This festival provides us not only with the opportunity to teach young, aspiring comedians about comedy and its styles, but also serves as a way for us to embrace comedy with this next generation of artists.”



Comedy Prep School features four, age-appropriate workshops that are taught by highly skilled professionals in the comedy industry. These workshops include Comedic Song Writing, Advanced Improv: Go For It!, Physical Comedy, and Writing for Diverse Voices. Comedic Songwriting, taught by Mollie Rehner, allows students to learn how to find “the funny” when writing a song through song structure, point-of-view and rhyme. In Advanced Improv: Go For It!, Micah Philbrook gets students out of their head and into the scene by teaching confident choices, reckless agreement, and unapologetic support. From miming to slapstick, Sarah Barnhardt provides young comedians with the tools to release their inner comedian in Physical Comedy. Nicole Hastings teaches how to find your voice and respect other’s experiences in comedy with Writing for Diverse Voices.

After a day of workshops, students are invited to see the skills in action with a performance from professional group, Ms. Mistoffelees. From there, they will be able to take the stage themselves and play and perform for each other. Lunch and snacks will be provided throughout the day.

Registration for Comedy Prep School is $100 for students ages 12-17. Chaperones are requested for large groups. The cost includes all workshops and performances, lunch, and snacks. Additional information is available online at www.Stage773.com, by phone 773.327.5252, and in person at the Stage 773 box office, located at 1225 W. Belmont. To sign up, please contact Tim Soszko at cps@stage773.com.

Teachers:
Mollie Rehner an actor, comedic song writer, rapper, and producer in Chicago. She is a member of the infamous Chicago musical comedy group, The Cupid Players, and co-stars in Rehner & Nixon and Trifecta. She was featured in The New York Television Festival with her online comedy duo Hard Candy and performed in Gilda’s LaughFest. A producer for The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival and Chicago Women’s Funny Festival, Rehner is a former Late Night intern for Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Fallon and performs all over Chicago and the United States.

Micah Philbrook an improvisor, actor, writer, director, and teacher based in Chicago. He is half of the tim&micah project, an avant garde sketch comedy troupe; a founding member of pH Productions, an award winning theater ensemble known for original comedic works; the executive producer of That Sunday Show, a modern comedic variety show; and he’s a regular performer with Those Who Can’t, an improv showcase featuring teachers of improvisational theater. Micah has toured the Atlantic ocean and the Caribbean on cruise ships, performing with The Second City, and toured North America and Europe, performing and teaching improv and sketch comedy, with the tim&micah project and pH productions. Since 2008, Micah has been a faculty member of the Second City Training Center in Chicago where he has taught well over 160 classes in the comedic arts.

Nicole Hastings is a teacher and performer with the Second City, teaching a range of classes in the Beginning Improv, Music and Conservatory programs. She has performed Off-Broadway in Blank! The Musical and at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in Thrones! The Musical. She can be seen in The Deltones at iO, as well as in Baby Wants Candy and The Improvised Sondheim Project. At Second City, she has been an ensemble member in The Second City Touring Company, Fast, Loud & Funny, Life Hacks and American Mixtape. Nicole is a native of Northern California and a graduate of Columbia University in New York.

Sarah Barnhardt is a producer and performer in Chicago.  Physical comedy is her jam!  Therefore, she helped create The Comedy Dance Collective, a sketch comedy group that uses physical comedy and dance to delight their audiences.  Recent credits include The Comedy Dance Collective (performer and producer) and THIS IS THE WORST (solo show), both of which have been seen at various venues and festivals around Chicago and beyond.  She is also the creator and producer of Deep Dish Pizzazz: Chicago-Style Comedy, a show that features different Chicago comedic acts and serves up laughs to audiences in her hometown of Winston-Salem, NC.  Sarah is a graduate of the Second City Training Center’s Writing Program, Conservatory, and Music Program and has studied at The Annoyance and The Playground. 



About Stage 773
Stage 773 is a vibrant anchor of the Belmont Theatre District and home to Chicago’s finest off-Loop talent. As a performance and tenant venue, our four stages provide entertainment for everyone: comedy, theatre, dance, musicals and more. We are a not-for-profit, connecting and catalyzing the theater community, while showcasing established artists and incubating up-and-coming talent.

ADULT NIGHT OUT: Chicago Premiere of BIRDS OF A FEATHER Via Greenhouse Theater Center

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Chicago Premiere!

Greenhouse Theater Center Presents

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

By Marc Acito

Directed by Artistic Director Jacob Harvey

April 27 – June 10, 2018

ChiIL Mama will be ChiILin' at Greenhouse Theater Center for the press opening of BIRDS OF A FEATHER on April 30th. We embrace all types of families here, and love banned books. We also can't wait to check out Marc Acito’s touching and humorous play BIRDS OF A FEATHER, directed by Artistic Director Jacob Harvey. Based on one of America’s most banned books, Acito’s hit comedy brings to life the story of the Central Park Zoo’s gay penguins to tell a truly hilarious human story. Check back soon for my full review. 



The Greenhouse Theater Center is pleased to conclude its 2017-18 season with the Chicago premiere of BIRDS OF A FEATHER which will play April 27 – June 10, 2018 at Greenhouse Theater Center (Upstairs Main Stage), 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at greenhousetheater.org, in person at the box office or by calling (773) 404-7336. 

BIRDS OF A FEATHER features Abu Ansari, Aaron Kirby, Marika Mashburn and Paul Michael Thomson.

It takes two to Tango. Roy and Silo are your typical gay American dads with one noticeable exception: they’re penguins! No strangers to the spotlight, these two Central Park Zoo chinstrap penguins have partnered and adopted an egg, but will they be able to raise little Tango together? BIRDS OF A FEATHER is a heartwarming and surprising tale, based on the true story that became one of the most banned books in the U.S.

“Birds of a Feather is a play that at its core explores the most complex, contrary, and difficult animals to predict: human beings,” comment director Jacob Harvey. “Actio does something brilliant in this piece as he employs fun and feathers to allow us insight into our own bird-brained existence.” 

The production team for BIRDS OF A FEATHER includes: Joe Schermoly (scenic design), Christina Leinicke (costume design), Will Coeur (lighting and video design), Jeffrey Levin (sound design), Nick Thornton (movement director, dramaturg), Jena Sugay (asst. director), Mara Santos (asst. dramaturg), Merle Palmer (stage manager) and Rebecca Rogers (asst. stage manager).

Educational Partnership with North Central College
BIRDS OF A FEATHER will be presented through an educational partnership with North Central College, allowing students to shadow professional actors as the production’s understudy cast. Students will be immersed in every facet of the production, serving not only as understudies but as assistant designers and assisting members of the production team, in a program that serves as an extension of classroom work and a springboard into the Chicago theatre community. The student understudy cast will have two guaranteed performances at the Greenhouse, one for a high school audience and one for the public. A NCC student will also shadow the stage manager.



Location Greenhouse Theater Center (Upstairs Main Stage), 2257 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Dates: Previews: Friday, April 27 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, April 29 at 7:30 pm
Press Performance: Monday, April 30, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Regular run: Wednesday, May 2 – Sunday, June 10, 2018
Curtain times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2:30 pm. Please note: there will be an added performance on Wednesday, May 2 at 7:30 pm; there will not be performances on Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 pm or Sunday, May 6 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: Preview: $20. Regular run: $35 - $45. Students and industry: $15. Tickets are currently available at greenhousetheater.org, in person at the box office or by calling (773) 404-7336. Season Flex Passes are also available.



About The Artists
Marc Acito (Playwright) wrote the book of the Broadway musical Allegiance, which New York Newsday recognized for its “well-structured book” and “fully developed characters.” Acito’s comedy Birds of a Feather won Washington D.C.’s Helen Hayes Award for Best New Play. He won the Ken Kesey award for his novel How I Paid for College, which he adapted as a one-man musical starring Alex Brightman. Other projects include A Room with a View (Old Globe and 5th Avenue Theaters), Chasing Rainbows, about the adolescence of Judy Garland (Goodspeed Musicals) and It’s a Secret, a musical in Mandarin for Broadway Asia in China. This June, he’ll direct his rock musical comedy Bastard Jones at the cell theatre in New York. A former commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered, Acito now writes regularly for Playbill and teaches Musical Theater History and Story Structure at NYU. He’s a proud member of the Dramatists Guild, MENSA and Weight Watchers.

Jacob Harvey (Director) is the Artistic Director of Chicago's Greenhouse Theater Center (GTC), beginning his tenure by launching the organization’s producing arm with the Solo Celebration, a series of 16 solo plays and events over eight months. He also contributed to the series as a director, helming the Chicago premiere of Circumference of a Squirrel, as well as the co-production I Do Today (The Other Theater Company). Jacob is also the director of GTC's recent hit production of Machinal, which was award four (out of four) stars by Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune and named one of the top ten productions of 2017.  Locally, he has taught for American Theatre Company’s Bridge Program, and was named one of Newcity’s “Players 2017.” A freelance director, teaching artist and producer, Harvey was awarded the Bret C. Harte Director/Producer Fellowship for Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s 2013/14 Season; served as Associate Producer and Interim Director of Programming for the Drama Desk Award Winning New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF); and served as the Co-Artistic Director of the Ovation Award-Nominated Mechanicals Theatre Group in Los Angeles. He is also a Producer for Your Theatrics International, a full service entertainment production company, specializing in the production of theatrical events around the world. With a fervent passion for developing new musicals, he was the Co-Producer of Ladyhawks (NYMF 2013 Best of Fest under the title Volleygirls) and the Associate Producer of Ryan Scott Oliver’s 35MM: A Musical Exhibition. Other regional directing credits include, Mr. Marmalade (The Theatricians), The Shape of Things (Silver Bell Productions), the world premiere of the new musical The Many Selves of Mia Scott (Carrie Hamilton Theater) and assistant director of the world premiere of Marcus Gardley’s The House The Will Not Stand (Berkeley Repertory Theatre). He is also the creator of the upcoming musical web series currently in development, The Cycle. Jacob attended the BFA program at Marymount Manhattan College and is a graduate of The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. 

About the Greenhouse Theater Center
The Greenhouse Theater Center is a producing theater company, performance venue and theatre bookstore located at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Our mission is first and foremost to grow local theatre.

The Greenhouse Theater began its producing life in 2014 with the smash hit Churchill, after which came 2016’s much-lauded Solo Celebration!, an eight month, 16 event series highlighting the breadth and depth of the solo play form. This year, the Greenhouse announced a full subscription season, with a mix of multi-character and solo plays. With a focus on our community, the Greenhouse has also launched the Trellis Residency Initiative, an initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of Chicago theatre creators, as well as the MC-10, an ensemble of mid-career playwrights whose works will be included in future Greenhouse programming.

As a performance venue, our complex offers two newly remodeled 190-seat main stage spaces, two 60-seat studio theaters, two high-capacity lobbies and an in-house rehearsal room. We strive to cultivate a fertile environment for local artists, from individual renters to our bevy of resident companies, and to develop and produce their work. In 2016, the Greenhouse announced a new residency program, which offers a reduced rate to local storefront companies while giving the Greenhouse a stake in the resident’s success. We house Chicago’s only dedicated used theatre bookstore, located on the second floor of our complex. 

With new ideas always incubating, the Greenhouse is flourishing. Come grow with us!

Second City High School Improv All-Star Team Sundays at 6PM

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Venue: Judy's Beat Lounge

Family friendly improv fun

Here at ChiIL Mama, we're huge fans of improv. I was first introduced to the form in a high school class and went on to found an award winning improv troupe at Miami University that lasted over 20 years. My teens, husband and I checked out the Chicago high school improv All-Star team performance last Sunday and it was lots of fun. We have 3 friends on the team and it was great to see the next generation embracing the theatre form and expressing themselves creatively in the moment and on the spot. 

We love Chicago's After School Matters programs where kids are paid to learn a variety of skills in the arts, tech, and more. Last year my two teens did a summer long, paid internship with Lookingglass Theatre where they built and performed an entire show. As a mom, I'm elated Chicago teens aren't just relegated to after school and summer jobs in fast food or retail. The Chicago high school improv All-Star team has another show this Sunday at 6pm. Check it out!

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Tips:

Bring in food and drinks purchased at Second City: We had a tight turnaround and my kids came straight from their own rehearsal for The Odyssey at The Actors Gymnasium, so we didn't have time to stop for dinner before the Second City Show. We were happy to discover we could order carry out food in the bar and bring it in to the show. There is also a small lobby bar for the 21+ crowd, right outside of Judy's Beat Lounge,  where their show takes place, and it's fine to bring drinks in.

Parking tip: Greenbox street parking is more reasonable than the parking garage.

Description

The Second City Training Center and After School Matters have partnered to create a Chicago high school improv All-Star team. Composed of After School Matters students who have completed at least one year of improv training and directed by Jeff Poole, the Head of the Second City Teen program. Most nights this group performs The Panic, a high energy long form improv, it is family friendly and entertaining for fan of all ages.

Cast:

Auriel Anderson
Marcellis Browder
Savannah Clark
Samuel Contreras
Tegan Daley
Maya Fragoso
Ari Kelo
Maxwell Kroll
Talen McChristion
Izabella Mims-Haddad
Brendan Mohen
Camelia Patron
Mikhayla Sowemimo
Jacob Tate
Quinton Thompson

Assistant Direction by Alec Santillian

Direction by Jeff Poole

Tickets:  $13 Standard, $11 Student, $7 TC Student

4 Shows Only -Sundays at 6pm Click here to order tickets

FIRST LOOK: Lyric Opera's JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Opens April 27th

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

FIRST LOOK: Ryan Shaw as Judas, Heath Saunders as Jesus

and Jo Lampert as Mary Magdalene in the

North American premiere of the Olivier Award-winning

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

April 27 – May 20, 2018 at Lyric

**The Chicago production will feature members of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus and include a total of 37 musicians and 48 cast members; the London performances comprised 11 musicians and 27 cast members.**

Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama, we're excited to catch Lyric Opera's latest Broadway at Lyric production, Jesus Christ Superstar. There's been a huge resurgence in interest in this rock opera after the Easter airing of Jesus Christ Superstar on NBC. We're eager to see Lyric's take live, and will be out for the press opening to review on April 28th.



The North American premiere of Timothy Sheader’s explosive Olivier Award-winning production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar opens this month at Lyric and includes artists Heath Saunders as Jesus, Ryan Shaw as Judas, and Jo Lampert as Mary Magdalene. Lyric is the only place to experience the grand scale of this acclaimed production in its first staging outside London.

Jesus Christ Superstar runs April 27 to May 20, 2018 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago (press opening April 28). Single tickets start at $35 and are on sale now at jcsuperstar.org, in person at the Lyric Opera House box office, or by calling 312-827-5600. To guarantee a front-row rock concert experience, Lyric is also offering exclusive, $99 stage-front seating over the orchestra pit—the closest possible position to the stage—for the first time in the company's history of presenting Broadway musicals.



Three-time Olivier Award winner Timothy Sheader directs the North American premiere of his acclaimed 2016 production from Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Sheader will be joined in Chicago by the original creative team, including conductor Tom Deering, Olivier Award-winning choreographer Drew McOnie, Tony Award-nominated set & costume designer Tom Scutt, and Olivier Award-nominated lighting designer Lee Curran. 

Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic rock opera that reinvented musical theater for the modern age. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this global blockbuster tells the story of the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, from the perspective of Judas Iscariot. As Christ’s followers grow more fervent, Judas must make his fateful choice between faith and betrayal. Filled with an exciting mix of musical styles that draw upon 1970s rock, gospel, folk and funk themes, this contemporary imagining of the biblical tale features high-energy dance and powerful storytelling.



ARTIST BIOS


HEATH SAUNDERS (Jesus) debuted on Broadway in 2016 in the much-acclaimed musical Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. Previously he was seen in the show in its American Repertory Theatre production. He has appeared Off-Broadway in Newton's Cradle (New York Musical Theatre Festival), for which he also wrote the music and lyrics. Other New York appearances include Lennon (Union Square Theatre), I Am Harvey Milk (Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center), and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (New York City Center Encores). Regionally Saunders has been seen in Twelfth Night (Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.). The 12 (Denver Center), Rent (Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre), and James and the Giant Peach (Seattle Children's Theatre).


RYAN SHAW (Judas) is an Atlanta native who made his New York debut in Tyler Perry’s play I Know I’ve Been Changed. Shaw subsequently established himself doing Motown covers, joining the group Fabulous Soul Shakers and later opening for Van Halen’s 2007/08 North American tour.  His first album, This is Ryan Shaw, earned him a 2008 Grammy nomination for “I Am Your Man.” Shaw again received Grammy nominations in 2011 (for “In Between”) and 2014 (for “Yesterday” on his latest CD, Real Love).  He had the honor of playing Stevie Wonder in the original Broadway cast of Motown the Musical. During 2016, he lived in London performing in one of the city’s longest-running shows, Thriller Live, which honored one of Shaw’s all-time favorite artists, Michael Jackson.


JO LAMPERT (Mary Magdalene) has been seen Off-Broadway in Hundred Days (New York Theatre Workshop), Joan of Arc: Into the Fire (Public Theater -- Lucille Lortel Award nomination), you’ll still call me by name (New York Live Arts), Rimbaud in NY (Brooklyn Academy of Music), New York Animals (New Ohio), Iphigenia in Aulis (Classic Stage Company), Dance, Dance Revolution (Ohio Theater). Selected regional: Marie Antoinette (American Repertory Theatre/Yale REP), Prometheus Bound (A.R.T.), and The Last Goodbye (Williamstown Theater Festival). Lampert’s film and television credits include The Path and Orange is the New Black. She was seen in Japan in Elizabeth Swados’s The La Mama Cantata and on a world tour of Nikki Nack with tUnE-yArDs.

Lyric’s premiere of Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar generously made possible by Lead Sponsor The Negaunee Foundation and cosponsors an Anonymous Donor and Mr. and Mrs. J. Christopher Reyes. Major in-kind audio support provided by Shure Incorporated. Production by The Regent’s Park Theatre London.

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lyrics by Tim Rice. In Association with The Really Useful Group Limited. Production by The Regent's Park Theatre London. 


About Lyric
Lyric Opera of Chicago’s mission is to express and promote the life-changing, transformational, revelatory power of great opera. Lyric exists to provide a broad, deep, and relevant cultural service to Chicago and the nation, and to advance the development of the art form.

Founded in 1954, Lyric is dedicated to producing and performing consistently thrilling, entertaining, and thought-provoking opera with a balanced repertoire of core classics, lesser-known masterpieces, and new works; to creating an innovative and wide-ranging program of community engagement and educational activities; and to developing exceptional emerging operatic talent.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO Anthony Freud, Music Director Sir Andrew Davis, and Creative Consultant Renée Fleming, Lyric strives to become the great North American opera company for the 21st century: a globally significant arts organization embodying the core values of excellence, relevance, and fiscal responsibility.

To learn more about Jesus Christ Superstar, go to jcsuperstar.org or visit lyricopera.org. You can also join the conversation with @LyricOpera on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. #LyricJCS  #Lyric1718 #LongLivePassion

DISCOUNT CODE: Save 25% on Label Daddy Washable Labels For The Summer Lost N Found Season

Camp Season's Coming Label Your Lookalikes! 

ChiIL Mama's partnering up with Label Daddy once again, on a sponsored post, so our readers can get a jump on the summer migration of stuff to the lost and found. Order yours today. I have one spacey teen, and in her Freshman year she's lost an expensive calculator, at least 4 hoodies, NIKE slides, a pair of pants, a pair of shorts, a double digit # of lunch boxes and bags, her poms team t-shirt, 5 bus passes, and more. If this sounds familiar, stock up on some washable labels and increase your chances of getting some of your lost items found. We've been using them since the kids were infants and we still do. You're never too old lose your stuff.  

Label Daddy is the number one solution for labeling your belongings! Their exclusive laminated coating gives labels an extra layer of protection and is a must for camp! Remember to label all clothing, sports equipment, electronics, and other personal belongings your kids bring to school, camp, sports leagues, day care, vacation, and other places. Label Daddy labels keep them from getting lost or mixed up with others. These labels are great for adults too! -- Put them on your sunglass/eyeglass case, phone, camera, sports equipment, tablet, e-reader, hats, clothing, and more.

These labels are super durable peel-and-stick washable labels -- they're washer/dryer safe, microwave safe, dishwasher safe and UV resistant! Label Daddy labels are also fun and attractive. You design your own labels! Pick from tons of colors, sizes and logos, including MLB, NBA, and NHL team logos, other sport and fun logos, and more. These labels are made in the USA and shipped directly to you worldwide.

Save 25% on any label order from Label Daddy - this is the best discount available anywhere. Click here. The discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Disclosure: I have been compensated for sharing this deal with my readers. As always, all opinions are my own.

Free Family Friendly Events: ComEd’s annual “Switch on Summer” May 6th. 2018

Are you as sick of winter as we are, here at ChiIL Mama? Maybe if we turn on Chicago's iconic fountain, Mother Nature will take a hint and bring on the warm spring and summer fun. Come on out for ComEd’s annual “Switch on Summer” festivities. For the first year, the free event will take place on a Sunday from 12pm-3pm, making it a perfect opportunity for a family outing in the city! 

Click here for more info: Switch on Summer 2018

Join ComEd and the Chicago Park District as they mark Chicago’s official season-changing signal – turning on the Buckingham Fountain. The fourth annual “Switch on Summer” event will take place on Sunday, May 6th, from 12:00-3:00 p.m. and will include free giveaways, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment from Sixteen Candles Band. WGN Meteorologist Tom Skilling will serve as the event host, and more than 20 of Chicagoland’s most beloved organizations will join ComEd and the Park District to help kick off the city’s favorite season.

When: Sunday, May 6th, 2018, from 12:00-3:00pm
The fountain will be switched on at 2:00 p.m.

Where: Buckingham Fountain
301 S Columbus Dr.
Chicago, IL 60605

Games, Giveaways & Entertainment
FREE giveaways and family activities from our event partners
FUN games to help you learn about saving money and energy
LIVE entertainment and music from Sixteen Candles



Learn More
Learn more about assessments, rebates, discounts and recycling. Visit ComEd.com/HomeSavings. Explore your solar possibilities at ComEd.com/Solar






Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
Adler Planetarium
Art Institute
Better Business Bureau Serving Chicago and Northern Illinois
Brookfield Zoo
Chicago Architecture Foundation
Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Parent Magazine
Chicago Park District
Chicago Sky Basketball
Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (Special Events Committee)
Diet Coke
Field Museum
Grant Park Music Festival
House Theatre
Icebox Derby (Internal ComEd)
Ignition/Havas (Internal ComEd)
Lincoln Park Zoo
Morton Arboretum
Museum of Science & Industry
National Museum of Mexican Art
Navy Pier
Old Town School of Folk Music
Puerto Rican Arts Alliance
Shedd Aquarium

The Joffrey Ballet

GIVEAWAY: WIN 4 Tickets To See Little Miss Ann & Red Yarn at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music & CDs ($78 Value)

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Little Miss Ann and Red Yarn Double Header Kids' Concert 11am Sunday, April 15th

We love it when our friends & favorites play well together, and when they introduce us to new friends too. Here at ChiIL Mama, we've interviewed Little Miss Ann, recorded her live, and partnered up on giveaways and concert features for years. We've also covered Old Town School ribbon cuttings, concerts, festivals and more. Red Yarn from Portland is new to us, and we're excited to check them out. They performed together last year at SXSW and now they're going to rock Chicago!

Chicago's Little Miss Ann, is the reigning "Queen of the Kindie Scene" in Chicago. She's a Chi, IL mom, an award winning kids musician, former public school teacher, and a veteran instructor at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. We're jazzed she's hosting Portland folk musician "Red Yarn" for an all-ages hootenanny this Sunday. Get your tickets and bring your Little Folk, Rock Tots, and puppet lovin' progeny to Old Town School at 11am Sunday. Don't miss this!

Little Miss Ann has released five albums including her recent Parents' Choice award winning album "Keep On." Red Yarn blends puppetry and engaging folk music to engage the whole family in singing, playing and dancing along. He is celebrating the release of a new album, "Red Yarn's Old Barn."

Click here for more info and to book your tickets. Catch both in a double header family concert at Old Town School this Sunday, April 15. Chicago's Little Miss Ann and her band, with special guest Red Yarn (a popular touring folk artist from Portland, OR). 

ENTER HERE for your chance to WIN

a family 4 pack of tickets & CDs by both artists 

ENTER HERE

Open through midnight 4/12/18. Winner will be e-mailed and announced here and on ChiIL Mama's social media outlets.

Disclosure: Thanks to the bands and Old Town School of Folk Music for providing tickets and CDs for our giveaway. We've partnered up with both OTSFM and Little Miss Ann many times over the years. As always all opinions are our own.