Saturday, June 30, 2012

Dralion Rocks United Center Through July 1 #original live show shots



ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows original live show shots-Dralion, Chicago 2012 (full set).    Double click on the slide show to go to SmugMug and browse through the photos at your own rate.

We were so stoked to be invited to shoot the first act of Dralion LIVE, during their two weeks in the Chicago area.  Cirque du Soleil's Dralion is THE must see this summer.  What better way to celebrate 2012--The Year of the Dragon?  
Costume Facts
(*Via Cirque du Soleil Dralion's site)
The primary sources of inspiration for the costumes of Dralion come from China, India and Africa. The palette favors vibrant solid colors, while the shapes are guided by the artists’ movements and choreography.
Each of the four elements and its associated family are represented by their own unique color. Blue is identified with air, green symbolizes water, red is for fire, and ochre represents the earth.
  • Over 5,000 meters (16,000 feet) of fabric were used in creating the costumes;
  • The fabrics come from regions around the globe, including China, the United States, Italy, France, England and Quebec;
  • Materials that might be considered unusual were used in creating costumes and accessories: horse hair, raffia, metal, window screen, emu feathers, crystals, Styrofoam, plastic, bubble wrap, fun fur, springs and an array of hardware items
  • To create the texture on the chest plate on the singer’s costume, bugs were glued on and then molded into different shapes;
  • The artisans at the Cirque du Soleil costume workshop in Montreal worked for over three months fabricating the original costumes, hats, wigs and footwear required for Dralion. New costumes are continuously made.
  • The majority of the Dralion costumes are custom-made for each artist, including shoes and head pieces.
  • Dralion has close to 1500 costume pieces including shoes, hats and accessories.
  • The Dralion wardrobe team includes 4 permanent touring staff and 3 local wardrobe employees in each city. The wardrobe team is responsible for maintaining and repairing all costumes.
  • The Dralion tour travels with washers and dryers because most costume pieces are machine washable and then hung to dry.
  • Over 300 pairs of shoes are cleaned and painted by hand every week

The Set

A mammoth structure creates the huge backdrop that dominates the stage. This metallic set piece is 60 feet wide and 26 feet tall and is suggestive of a futuristic Chinese temple or a giant plate of medieval armor.
The most imposing feature is the metallic wall which spans the full length of the stage. Covered with perforated aluminum tiles, the wall is strong and resilient while giving the impression of being light and flexible. The six giant claws attached to the structure allow artists to climb and suspend themselves from the wall.
Three concentric aluminum rings are suspended high above the stage. The first serves as a catwalk for performers and technicians. The second is used to support technical and acrobatic equipment, including the enormous lantern that descends at the end of the first half of the show. The third ring is used to move performers up, down and through the world of Dralion.

What is Dralion:

Fusing the 3000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. The show's name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West.
In Dralion, the four elements that govern the natural order take on a human form. Thus embodied, each element is represented by its own evocative colour: air is blue; water is green; fire is red; earth is ochre. In the world of Dralion, cultures blend, Man and Nature are one, and balance is achieved.

Characters & Acts:
(*Via Wikipedia)
Dralion features 50 members in its performance troupe.   Here are the major players
  • Azala (air): The goddess of air who is dressed in blue, keeper of the sun and the guardian of immortality.
  • Gaya (earth): The goddess of earth, dressed in ochre.
  • Océane (water): The goddess of water, dressed in green.
  • Yao (fire): The god of fire, dressed in red, who is both good and evil.
  • L'Âme Force: The show's singers who symbolize harmony between the four elements.
  • Kala: Represents the heart of the wheel of time, making time evolve.
  • Little Buddha: The chosen child who possesses powers that will eventually allow him to become an Âme-Force, but dreams of being a regular child.
  • Dralions:   Dralions: Mythical creatures inspired by the imagery of the Chinese lion dance and dragon dance.
  • Clowns: The clowns manage to push this otherwise harmonious universe slightly off-kilter.    


Acts
The acts of Dralion combine unique western and eastern acrobatic skills.
  • Single handbalancing: A single woman balances on one hand and accomplishes a variety of poses.
  • Bamboo poles: Five acrobats twirl and throw 25-foot-long (7.6 m) bamboo poles while Yao waves a flag as the acrobats jump over it.
  • Juggling: An artist performs juggling infused with breakdancing and acrobatics.
  • Trampoline: A group of acrobats perform on trampolines using the set's futuristic backdrop both as a diving board and landing pad.
  • Dralions: Three acrobats and three Dralions perform tumbling feats and Chinese lion dance-like dance.
  • Medusa: A group of artists execute graceful and lithe movements, in the style of acrosport.
  • Aerial hoop: A single artist performs choreography using a hoop suspended in mid-air.
  • Spirits: Four couples perform a gravity-defying ballet.
  • Aerial pas de deux: Azala and her male counterpart perform an aerial dance in silks.
  • Hoop diving: Acrobats jump through a tower of hoops, which is sometimes spinning.
  • Skipping ropes: A group of acrobats perform jump rope alone or together in pyramids and in towers.

WHAT THE MEDIA SAY ABOUT THE SHOW:

"I would recommend Dralion highly to those who can appreciate the artistry and acrobatic talent displayed in the show."
The Examiner

"Truly a wonderful experience."
Reading Eagle

"Cirque's unpretentious "Dralion" offers one visual gravity-defying stunner after another."
The Philadelphia Inquirer

Make some lasting family memories with this multicultural feast for the senses.  Hurry and book your tickets today.   Dralion is only in Chicago at The United Center through July 1!   Click here for tickets and more.

Behind The Scenes at Cirque du Soleil's Dralion #behind the scenes photos




ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows original behind the scenes shots-Dralion, Chicago 2012.  Double click on the slide show to go to SmugMug and browse through the photos at your own rate.

Hurry and book your tickets today.   Dralion is only in Chicago at The United Center through July 1!   Click here for tickets and more.

ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows was thrilled to be invited to rehearsal and a private behind the scenes tour.  The care, creativity, talent, and attention to the smallest detail that makes Cirque du Soleil shows so stunning was even more apparent up close.   The grace, pageantry, live music, handmade costumes, stunningly original acts, and gorgeous set design are unrivaled.   

The clowns are a nod to good old fashioned physical comedy and Vaudeville Acts from days of old.   The aerials and acrobatics are a sophisticated, artistic, melding of not only Eastern and Western cultures but of traditional, ancient circus arts and modern twists.   If you're looking for death defying hype like motorcycles in a metal globe, head for Navy Pier and check out Cirque Shanghai.   If you have an appreciation for the finer things in life, the intricate beauty of Cirque du Soleil is well worth the price.

We've loved their shows for years and were happy to cover Ovo, shoot video interviews with the performers, and offer our readers tickets for Quidam and Dralion.  Check back in early and often.   *We have another original Dralion cast interview with Amanda Orozco, Goddess of the Air right here.  


If you missed our prior video interviews with acro-dance juggler extraordinaire, Vladik, and Dralion PR maven, Vanessa, click here.   We cover a LOT of circus arts and Cirque du Soleil has never failed to astonish us.    


ChiIL Mama's Favorite Dralion 2012 Fun Facts:

Back stage there's a trampoline, weights, a full gym, Spanish web, and outdoor sports gear for fun and fitness.  A number of the performers run together and  book races ranging from 5k's to triathlons that coincide with their show dates in a given town.   While in Chicago, various Dralion performers and crew ran in both a half marathon and a 5k the weekend of June 23rd/24th!!  

The globes are made of wood and hand painted in house

The silks for the bamboo pole act are hand painted, as are the costume fabric patterns which are unique to Dralion

New hats are traded out anywhere from approx. every 3 months for the hoop divers who are hard on their head pieces, to closer to once a year for others.   These fabulous headpieces were brand new when we got a sneak peek at the impressive wardrobe area.

Make some lasting family memories with this multicultural feast for the senses.  Hurry and book your tickets today.   Dralion is only in Chicago at The United Center through July 1!   Click here for tickets and more.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Dralion's Goddess of the Air Interview With ChiIL Mama #original video interview



Who saw a Cirque du Soleil show at age 12 and told her Mom, "That's what I want to do when I grow up"....and did it?!   (Her mom just flew in from Orlando last week to see her daughter fly through the air on silks at Allstate Arena).


Who trains for and runs triathlons when she's not rocking the aerial arts in Dralion's graceful love story? (Her partner on the silks for the last two years is also her personal trainer and good friend.)



Who can you see LIVE at United Center through July 1, dazzling in cobalt blue, as Azala, Goddess of the Air?  (this tiny but mighty girl has a lofty job description as keeper of the sun and the guardian of immortality.)


Meet Amanda Orozco, fascinating aerial artist with Dralion and world class athlete.   

Friday, June 22, 2012

Cirque du Soleil-Dralion Ticket Winner Announced

Big congrats to our family 4 pack ticket winner, Stacey!   You have tickets waiting for you at will call for tomorrow, Saturday at 3:30pm at Allstate Arena.   Enjoy!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


We had an amazing time at the opening night of Dralion and highly recommend it!   They are only in the Chicago area for two weeks, so don't delay, and get your tickets today.  The show is full of passion and creativity.   We adored the multicultural costumes, music and unbelievable acts.   Cirque du Soleil remains state of the art with 50+ of the world's most talented performers.   Their attention to detail with hand painted props, custom dyed, entirely original costumes and live orchestra accompaniment elevates Cirque du Soleil above and beyond. 

Check back with ChiIL Mama in the very near future for our original video interview with Dralion's Goddess of the Air, Amanda Orozco, who is tiny but mighty in an aerial arts love story on the silks/tissue.    In her spare time she runs triathalons!!    In fact she's running a half marathon this weekend with other Dralion world class athletes.  Another contingent of performers are running a 5k--also this weekend.   Next week, she'll be one of a hand full of Dralion's stars who will be running special workshops with Chi-town CircEsteem pre-team and team kids!

We were also able to video tape some of the rehearsal on opening day 6/20 and get a special, sneak peek tour behind the scenes!  Check out our stills and vicariously come along on the back stage tour, too.   We'll have those up for you as soon as possible.   

Then check back with ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Show like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often for more original photo and video filled features, great give aways, and heads up on fun events.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Play Locally-Mom's Night Out Tonight-Get Pampered With Sassy City Chicks


Sassy City Chicks is coming to Chicago (TONIGHT!). What makes this event special? It's not JUST shopping!   You'll be sipping cocktails, delighting in (amazing) spa services, and of course take home an uber luxe swag bag with an upgrade ticket. You don't want to miss out on these, as Sassy City is notorious for these for their goodies. 

ChiIL Mama Readers get FREE admission using the code GEN AD when "purchasing" a General Admission ticket, or upgrade for a sweet swag bag.   Click here to order your tickets.

Thursday, June 21, 2012
5 - 10PM

Venue One
1044 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60607

Event Information

Chi City fashionistas: looking for a ladies' night out? Step out in style with the Sassy City Chicks! Our Spring Fashion Bash, hosted at Venue One, will feature discounted apparel & accessories, FREE spa treatments, and sassy swag!

PARKING: Limited street/metered parking available. There will NOT be valet offered at this event. We recommend the parking structure located on Halstead Street:
Central Parking
1 North Halsted Street
Chicago, IL

Food/Alcohol: Cocktail sampling will be offered. No food available at this event.

AGE REQUIREMENT: YOU MUST BE 21 + to attend. No exceptions.
Wanna hear more? Our Sassy Shoppers have a lot to say:
Click here for a sneak peek!

Sassy Tote Ticket info: Click here for our Gift Bag Motto
*IMPORTANT: All ticket sales are non-refundable.*
 

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Cirque du Soleil's Dralion Opens Tonight-Win 4 Free Tickets Right Here #Giveaway


ChiIL Mama/ ChiIL Live Shows has 4 free tickets to see Dralion THIS Saturday at 3:30pm at Allstate Arena, for one lucky reader!  

Enter right here through midnight this Thursday, for your chance to win, then check back Friday 6/22 when we'll announce our winner.

Spread the word and enter like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often!!   This one's short and sweet.

*Wait for Rafflecopter to load up right here (if you've gone through RSS feed or are scrolling down the blog and don't see it, click on the actual page title and it should pop right up).  Entries accepted nationwide.   Enter like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   Winning rocks!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
    


We're so stoked to be heading out to Allstate Arena this afternoon to shoot some hoops--not basketball, but Cirque du Soleil style, at Dralion's rehearsal.  We'll likely even have another surprise performer video interview for you!  

Check out our original Dralion Interviews With Vanessa and Vladik here.



Check out ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows interview with Vanessa, Senior PR Spokesperson for Cirque du Soleil's Touring Shows.  She gave us the scoop on Dralion, the perfect show to see during 2012--the Chinese year of the Dragon!  See clips of Dralion performers in action and get the story behind the show right here.  Dralion is coming to both Allstate Arena and United Center in Chicago this summer, starting June 20th.





Check out ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows exclusive interview with Vladik, juggler with Cirque du Soleil's Dralion.    It was truly a pleasure to chat with the 28 year old who was born into the Moscow Circus.   He now combines elements of acro and dance with his juggling routines.



Click here for our full prior Dralion Coverage on Vladik Then get your tickets today and make some Year of the Dragon memories!

PopCap Pops For Charity: Water With Transatlantic Solitaire Blitz Marathon



We dig Guinness World Record attempts.   We met someone in the record books for walking on hot coals, and it was one of the first things out of his mouth when meeting new people.   My husband, Dug, did a TLC shoot for My Strange Addiction with the Guinness record holder for riding a stationary bike the longest.   It's human, competitive nature to push the boundaries and so much fun to read about the quirky ways people go about gaining their 15 minutes of fame.

Last weekend, 6 Corners BBQ Fest made an attempt at breaking the record for most people wearing sunglasses in the dark, in the classic Portage Movie Theatre (with Corey "I wear my sunglasses at night" Hart.


PopCap Games has just announced another Guinness World Record attempt with an awesome philanthropic twist, and you can get in on the action and donate, too. 

Two women from different continents aim to play 30 straight hours of Solitaire Blitz, their favorite digital card game to raise funds for charity:  water.   Charity:  water works to provide the critical human need of safe drinking water to more than 800 million people in developing nations.  
Laura Rich and Kathleen Henkel  will play a multicultural, transatlantic, Solitaire Blitz in London and New York respectively.   What are they in for? “Longest video games marathon playing a card game”.    They plan to play 30 straight hours from June 26-27.
 
As if we needed another reason to adore PopCap--creative geniuses behind Plants Vs. Zombies, Bejeweled, Bookworm, and Peggle...
 
PopCap will be making a donation to charity:  water for each hour played by both women, going up to a minimum of £6,500, or $10,000.  

Along with its donation, the game developer is encouraging interested parties to make their own pledges through the Solitaire Blitz app on Facebook. All you have to do is check out “Solitaire Blitz” , add the app to your Facebook account, and click on the “Pledge” button to make a donation. You can donate as little as $0.093 per hour; about $2.78 for the full marathon.
PopCap ensures that 100 percent of all proceeds will go to charity:  water 


The Contenders:

Laura Rich

Mother of 3 and student doing a National Diploma course in IT, 31-year-old Laura Rich of South Wales is both a hardcore and casual gamer with almost 20 years experience playing digital solitaire. Her love of the fast-paced Solitaire Blitz and support of charity: water make her confident she'll reach the 30 hour goal.

Kathleen Henkel

Retired substance abuse supervisor Kathleen Henkel of Oakland, NJ is known as Hadja by her 'second family' in Guinea, West Africa where she spends much of the year and recently helped build a well. She has played solitaire all her life and is very motivated to set the world record, as every hour means more funds for charity: water.

 


 

Full Moon Fire Jam Summer Dates



Happy solstice.   Summer is officially here.   What better way to celebrate the season than Chi-Town's free, full moon fire jams.   These are family friendly, alcohol free, monthly outdoor meet ups with sweet pyrotechnics & drum jams.   Highly recommended!

Check out our photo filled past coverage by clicking here.

Here's the new website for full moon jam.   Check it out for all the details.

MonthDay of WeekGather TimeJam Start TimeFinish Time










July 2** Monday gather 7:3pm jam starts 8:00pm end 10:15pm
August 1** Wednesday gather 7:00pm jam starts 7:30pmend 10:15pm
August 30** Thursday gather 7:00pm jam starts 7:30pmend 10:15pm
September 30Sunday gather 7:00pm jam starts 7:30pmend 10:15pm
October 29 Monday gather 7:00pm jam starts 7:30pmend 10:15pm




Bring The Punk Kin and Banger Babies-Riot Fest 2nd Wave Announcements

    
ANDREW W.K., MINUS THE BEAR, NEON TREES, HOT WATER MUSIC, THE ADICTS, PEGBOY, IMAGINE DRAGONS, DEAD SARA AND MORE JOIN

OVER 40 ACTS INCLUDING:

RISE AGAINST, IGGY AND THE STOOGES, ELVIS COSTELLO, DESCENDENTS, JESUS AND MARY CHAIN, THE OFFSPRING, A DAY TO REMEMBER, DROPKICK MURPHYS MORE ARTISTS AND AFTER-PARTIES TO BE ANNOUNCED

   
Here at ChiIL Live Shows/ ChiIL Mama, Riot Fest is one of our all time, annual favorites!!   ChiIL Live Shows has been there every year since Riot Fest started!  Check out our live show shots from some of last years best below.   This year looks to be even better, with an expanded outdoor fest component for the first time.   As always, the outdoor and Congress Shows are all ages.   Click here for our prior 2012 coverage.  

Check out ChiIL Live Shows (free downloads, original pit photos, band video interviews and live show footage) and ChiIL Mama (alt punk parenting) for loads of coverage from Riot Fest 2010 & 2011.  Bring your punk kin & banger babies.   All Riot Fest shows are all ages unless stated otherwise.  If we can walk together why can't we rock together!    

Riot Fest 2011-ChiIL Live Shows original live show shots-click the links below:  

Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg-AAA  
Suicide Machines-AAA  
X-Bottom Lounge  
Social Distortion-Congress 
Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band-Congress  7 Seconds-Bottom Lounge

  http://www.chiilmama.com/2011/10/mellow-yellow-monday-chiilin-at-riot.html

  http://www.chiilmama.com/2011/06/riot-fest-with-danzig-legacy-reunion.html



DAY-BY –DAY LINE UP ANNOUNCED FOR EIGHTH ANNUAL

RIOT FEST & CARNIVAL IN CHICAGO

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 AT CONGRESS THEATER,

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 AND SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 AT HUMBOLDT PARK


**SINGLE DAY TICKETS ON SALE TODAY (WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20) AT 10:00 AM**



The day-by-day line-up for the RIOT FEST & CARNIVAL in Chicago is now revealed. Rise Against, Descendents, Coheed and Cambria, Dropkick Murphys, The Gaslight Anthem, Andrew W.K. (full band), Minus The Bear, Frank Turner and more lead the Saturday bill, while Iggy and the Stooges, Elvis Costello, A Day To Remember, Gogol Bordello, NOFX, Alkaline Trio, Jesus and Mary Chain and more close out Sunday night. The previously announced 30 acts will now be joined by Andrew W.K., Minus The Bear, Neon Trees, Hot Water Music, The Adicts, Pegboy, Imagine Dragons, Dead Sara, Fireworks, Henry Clay People, The Infected and many more to come (full line-up by day listed below).

Single-day tickets are on sale today at 10:00 AM at: www.riotfest.com/chicago.   2-day passes and 3-day passes which include all shows at Humboldt Park and Congress Theater as well as after-parties are now nearly sold-out. VIP passes, which include private stage-viewing areas, drinks and more options, are available at: www.riotfest.org/chicago.

Last month RIOT FEST & CARNIVAL announced it will expand for the first-time ever into an outdoor music event and carnival in 2012 in its hometown of Chicago. The festival is set for Friday, September 14 at Congress Theater and Saturday, September 15 and Sunday, September 16 on the beautiful grounds of Humboldt Park which boasts rolling fields, pavilions, tall trees, picturesque gardens a lake and lagoons with a majestic view of the Chicago skyline. 

Flanked by a handful of hip neighborhoods including Wicker Park and the Division Street corridor, Humboldt Park will accommodate the large carnival atmosphere featuring three main music stages, thrilling rides, games, vendors and gourmet food trucks on the park grounds with stunning views of downtown Chicago. With temperatures averaging around a perfect 75°F/24°C, September is one of Chicago’s most popular months for travelers from all over the world.

The day-to day breakdown for RIOT FEST & CARNIVAL in Chicago is as follows:

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 at Congress Theater: The Offspring; Neon Trees; Pegboy; Dead Sara.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 in Humboldt Park: Rise Against, Descendents, Coheed and Cambria, Dropkick Murphys, The Gaslight Anthem, Slapstick, Hot Water Music, Andrew W.K., Minus The Bear, Less Than Jake, GWAR, August Burns Red, Frank Turner, The Adicts, Nobunny, A Whilhelm Scream, Teenage Bottlerocket, Screaming Females, Off With Their Heads, Deals Gone Bad, Larry and His Flask, The Story So Far, Environmental Encroachment, Fireworks and more to be announced.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 in Humboldt Park: Iggy and the Stooges, Elvis Costello, A Day To Remember, Gogol Bordello, NOFX, Alkaline Trio, The Jesus and Mary Chain, AWOLNATION, The Promise Ring, Chiodos, Built To Spill, Imagine Dragons, Reverend Horton Heat, Fishbone, Screaming Females, White Mystery, The Henry Clay People, Sister Crayon, Japanther, The Infected, Environmental Encroachment and more to be announced.

Now in its eighth year RIOT FEST–the music festival which celebrates rock, indie, punk and underground artists from every era--recently announced the festival will head to multiple cities including next month’s Philadelphia, PA show July 19 at Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing, Brooklyn, NY on September 8 at Williamsburg Park, Toronto, ON on September 9 at Fort York: Garrison Common and Dallas, TX on September 22 at Gexa Energy Pavilion. Previously announced Riot Fest 2012 shows include next and the flagship the 3-day RIOT FEST & CARNIVAL in Chicago, IL on September 14, 15 and 16 at Humboldt Park and Congress Theater. A wide array of confirmed talent is on tap for the RIOT FEST events in every city. For full lineups, visit: www.riotfest.org.

 

Follow ChiIL Live Shows, for original live show shots, original band video interviews, free tickets, downloads, and tour info for Chi, IL and beyond:


 http://chiilliveshows.com/ subscribe by RSS or see us in your in box (sign up on the right side bar)   

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For up to date information regarding all RIOT FEST events, follow online at:

www.riotfest.org

https://www.facebook.com/RiotFest1

http://twitter.com/#!/riotfest


   

About Riot Fest:

RIOT FEST is the brainchild of promoters Michael Petryshyn and Sean McKeough who launched the first Riot Fest in fall of 2005 throughout multiple music venues in Chicago, IL.   Riot Fest brings fans of all ages together to celebrate rock, indie and punk from every era. The fest has become well-known for reuniting influential underground artists and has quickly become one of the top music destination festivals in the U.S. for fans.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Cubs Priceless Adventure-Mastercard #photo & video filled recap

 

When people ask me Cubs or Sox, I always say Blackhawks. 
  

So, even though hockey's on ice (or rather off ice) for the season, my heart still belongs to The Blackhawks.   I was surprised and happy to hear the old school Hawks theme song and see their iconic indian head represented on the screens between innings, when I went to see The Cubs play on 5/29 and 6/13.

    

  I even saw Hawks fans proudly showing their true colors among all the Cubbies red white & blue.   Maybe these hybrid Hawks/Cubs fans are "hubs", eh?  Better than the alternate.   Hee hee.
 
 

That said, when we were invited to a special Cubs day ON Wrigley Field with other members of the press, bloggers and Mastercard Priceless Cubs Pledge winners, we said an emphatic, YES! 

     

We were invited to:
 
*bat and catch with the coaches

 
 
*take a few swings in the batting cage behind the ivy, then keep a ball and get it signed by the coaches
 
    

*dine in style at the Stadium Club
 

*AND catch a free night game--Cubs V. Tigers

 



My kids tease me for saying WOO HOO and awesomely awesome......but even as a writer, I can't think of anything else that better sums up our day ON Wrigley Field.    It was indeed awesomely awesome!   Woo Hoo!!
 
Check out Du-Jay tossing a few balls and getting some great pointers from the pros!!

   
Then see him passing along his new found wisdom to little sister...priceless!

 


My Dad was born and raised in Rogers Park and has remained a life long Cubs fan since 1938.   

            

Here's my dad, Richard Rosene, as a child in the 40's Even though he lives two states away now, he still fervently follows The Cubs.  He also fondly tells stories of taking the el down to games as a child in the 40's.  He remembers sitting in the bleacher seats and his dad buying the kids lemonade, but he never saw a game from anywhere but the cheap seats.   
 
 His art work from April 1947--entitled "Ballgame" 
 
So, it was especially thrilling for him to see his grandson and granddaughter have a rockin' opportunity like this! 

    
The kids dug being on the flipside of the infamous ivy....

       
And walking in the footsteps of the pros... 

   

They also enjoyed getting to keep a ball and get it signed by the coaches!

 
 

It was a highlight getting photographs in "the circle" and hanging out with old and new blogger and press friends. 

    
  Dinner was a huge hit....especially the carry out cups full of gummy bears and M & M's for the game.


     
 
Sagezilla even got a chef's hat from the writer of "Reading Between the  Vines".

    

You too can enter to win a priceless experience by submitting your own Cubs pledge & then proof, by clicking the link right here, but do it now.   The contest closes on June 24th!!   
 
It can be silly, embarrassing, humanitarian or hard to do.  
   

Be creative.

 I pledged to donate 1 bag of kids clothes and toys to a womens' shelter or soup kitchen for every Cubs win to date as of 6/13 (21).  We're filling 'em up and sharing our stuff.   I figure that good karma's a win win situation.   My husband's just thrilled we're clearing the clutter.

My kids are more likely to juggle a ball than hit one with a bat.    They're becoming accomplished circus performers with CircEsteem, Chicago's premier youth circus.  They offer sliding scale classes in circus arts to kids from all income levels and neighborhoods across Chicago.  The team kids have even done circus exchange programs with kids in Africa and Germany, trading off hosting and traveling abroad! 
 
When I asked Sagezilla (9) and Du-Jay (11) what they would pledge to do in support of The Cubs, they eagerly and excitedly planned a few circus tricks to do ON Wrigley Field.    That way their kid energy and enthusiasm will infuse the field and linger there, boosting the Cubs players' stamina, flexibility, and enthusiasm!!

 

Du-Jay (11) pledged to juggle 3 balls 20 times while Sagezilla (9) did back walkovers ON Wrigley Field.  See ChiIL Mama's kids fulfill their pledge right here!

*Disclosure:   Thanks a million to Mastercard for providing this opportunity for us.   The memories we made and the photos and video we shot that day are truly priceless!

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