Look for ChiIL Mama This Weekend.......And Think Globally-Play Locally

And so it begins...The December Whirlwind
I don't have a large staff, so over here at ChiIL Mama we're going for quality over quantity.   Here are a few fun events we're going to or recommend checking out this weekend.


Feature Event:   Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest
(a summer festival brought indoors for the Chicago Winter)


We LIVE FOR summer music festivals, so with Chi town in the deep freeze for the next 6 months, we can't wait to check out Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Fest this weekend!   We'll have a photo filled feature and recap of the Saturday sets at Congress next week.   They're bigger and better than ever this year.   So bring the littles Saturday and look for ChiIL Mama at this fun, family friendly fest.   Just like Northcoast Music Fest, kids 12 and under are FREE!


 Have a look at the schedule below, and be sure to grab this FREE LIVE ALBUM just released by CBB artistVan Ghost last week while you look.

The Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival is upon us!  Here are the answers to their questions before you ask them.   1. KIDS ARE FREE!- All children 12 years and under will be admitted to the festival free of charge. Because the Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival is generous, and kids deserve good live music too. 2. Re-Entry: The cut off for re-entry to the venue is 5pm, up until then one may enter and leave as they please. But remember that if you leave after 5pm, you can't come back. 3. Ticket Pick Up: 3 day passes will be available for pick-up at any of the 3 venues hosting the festival. Single day tickets will be available at the will-call of the venue hosting the festival that day. The will call for Saturday, at Congress Theater, will be located directly north of the theater's entrance, at the corner of Milwaukee and Rockwell.  4. Venue Locations: Friday; The Double Door is located at 1572 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL. It is near the Milwaukee + North ave + Damen intersection. It is also steps away from the Damen Blue-Line stop. Saturday: The Congress Theater is located at 2135 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL. It is just north of the Armitage + Milwaukee intersection and close to the California Blue-Line stop. Sunday: Lincoln Hall is located at 2424 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL. It is near the Halsted + Fullerton + Lincoln intersection and close to the Fullerton Red/Brown-line stop. 5. Our Awesome Headliners: Our Headliners this year are some true live-performance-masters. Need Convincing? Check out some footage of Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zerosand Grace Potter and the Nocturnals performing live!  6. What's Allowed In: INSTRUMENTS! Bring them and JAM AT WILL! By all means, bring your digital cameras, phone or disposable cameras, hula-hoops, fanny packs, purses, European carry-alls, school backpacks (will be searched), lawn chairs, blankets, hipster sunglasses, floppy hats, lighters, cigarettes, empty plastic containers, binoculars, etc. Basically you can bring in anything but drugs, weapons of any sort, and outside food & drink. 7. The Current Ticket Situation: 3 day passes for the festival have sold out, however there are plenty of single days still available. Click here to get yours now. 8. Our Wonderful Partners: A special thanks to Groupon, last.fm, The Chicago Reader, Relix,JamBase, Consequence of Sound, The Chicago Blues Guide, Intonation Music Workshop, andHeadcount.org. Thank you for your crucial support! 9. Our Stellar Lineup/Schedule: See Below. 10. Food on Saturday: You will need fuel for an entire day's worth of astounding live music. Don't worry, our friends at Smoke Daddy will be providing delectable BBQ just for that reason, and a veggie option will also be provided, mmmmnnnn so good. 11. After Party: The Kinetic Playground is hosting the official after-party on Saturday night, so that your day of music may turn into an entire night of music as well! it will be from 10:30pm-till 4:45 am. It will feature Bryn Rich, Chasing Shade, Lemonades, Waldemere Revival, and Sexfsit. For more info click here. FRIDAY - 12/3/2010 Double Door 1572 N. Milwaukee Chicago, IL [map] BUY TICKETS Saturday - 12/4/2010 Congress Theater 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave Chicago, IL [map] BUY TICKETS Sunday - 12/5/2010 Lincoln Hall 2424 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL [map] BUY TICKETS Chicago Bluegrass & Blues Festival thanks our sponsors for their support:

Friday--

****Special offer for ChiIL Mama Readers:  We mentioned this before, but since the show starts tonight and is only here 3 nights, we'll say it again.   Legally Blonde has offered us a $20 discount off the top ticket price to this wonderful musical (a favorite with Moms and daughters!)

Click HERE to check out ChiIL Mama's prior post about Legally Blonde, Lookingglass' Peter Pan and Traces....all recommended.

When purchasing tickets, use the code GETOUT .  ($59.50 tickets can be purchased for $39.50).  Does not include $2 facility fee or any applicable Ticketmaster fees.  Ticketmaster fees do not apply to tickets purchased in person at the Rosemont Theatre Box Office. Subject to availability.

Legally Blonde-(short run December 3-5) 

Handel's Messiah Rocks-(December 3 & 4 only)


*We'll have a review up soon for Legally Blonde and Handel's Messiah Rocks!, both starting tonight.





Hello, chainmaille fans!

Hello, chainmaille fans! We are so please to be one of the over 600 artists participating in the One of a Kind Show & Sale again this year.  Visit our booth for amazing handmade chainmaille jewelry.  Also, don't miss the unique artist demonstration with Blue Buddha Boutique owner, founder, artist, and author (when does she have time to sleep?) Rebeca Mojica.  She will be presentingChainmaille: From Chain-Link Shirts to Spectacular Jewelry on Saturday December 4th at 1pm. This is a great time to learn more about the art of chainmaille and check out Rebeca's innovative new book, CHAINED. Who knows?  It might just inspire you to pick up pliers and create a masterpiece of your own. Hope to see you at the show! Rebeca and the staff of Blue Buddha Boutique BLUE BUDDHA BOUTIQUE :: Booth # 8087 ONE OF A KIND SHOW :: Thursday, December 2nd, 2010  through Sunday, December 5th, 2010

JOIN US at the One of a Kind Show, featuring the work of more than 600 artists, 
artisans and designers.

Merchandise Mart
8th floor
222 Merchandise Mart
Chicago, IL 60654

Saturday--

Join us for a wonderful holiday celebration that is sure to be a favorite with your family if it isn’t already.   The kids made some cool jump ropes last year and we all found lots of unique gifts at the craft fair.   In a season swamped with bazaars and craft shows, this is one worth the effort, but it does get crowded, so go early and ditch the strollers.

This year’s Fair features unique vendors, fabulous food, candle dipping, crafts & activities, a raffle (with a ticket included with each paid admission), puppet plays, a chess & game room, an alumni room featuring artwork from our CWS grads and a full entertainment roster.

Look for old favorites and new including the Care to Share room, Waldorf Recycled (for gently used natural toys and other items) and the always-popular Children’s House special shopping area just for the little ones. You can even learn to knit in 15 minutes in the knitting area!

As a special treat, photographer Brian Warling will be setting up a family photo studio from 11AM-3PM where you can have a 5x7 photo taken and given to you on the spot for only $7.50!

Admission is only $5 for adults with students and children admitted free.

www.chicagowaldorf.org for more information and to see the entertainment lineup

Chicago Waldorf School is located at 1300 W Loyola Ave in Rogers Park just 2 blocks west of the Loyola Red Line L stop

 

Sunday--Dance Along Nutcracker--We've been loving this fabulous, free annual event for years.   Embrace your inner fairy with everyone from grown men to children all donning tutus and dancing along to this Christmas classic.   Come an hour early for dance lessons and crafts.

Dance-Along Nutcracker Sugar-plum fairies and toy soldiers of all ages return once again for the ninth annual Dance-Along Nutcracker, an interactive holiday event presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.  Audience members, young and old, are encouraged to dress in their finest tutus and hit the dance floor alongside professional dancers. The Dance-Along Nutcracker®, created in 1985, is the property of the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, the world’s first openly gay musical organization. Any use of the name, concept or imagery without the written permission of SFLGFB is prohibited

Website: For additional information please visit, http://www.chicagoculturalcenter.org

Ongoing--
1.  Downtown Holiday Aventure--Catch The CTA Holiday El Train down to Daley Plaza and check out the ginormous tree, Christkindlmarket, and Macy's window display.


2.  Do The Zoo(s)--Lincoln Park Zoolights is some of the most free fun you can have while freezing.   And they give out these rockin' 3D glasses that make you see santa in all the holiday lights (without a wicked hangover the next day).   Oh yeah, Brookfield Zoo will cost ya, but it's pretty cool this time of year, too. 

Kindie Holidaze and Book Blitz Sneak Peeks!

ChiIL Mama's CD Tree


Sure it's funny when the kids belt out Black Flag lyrics like, "Gimme gimme gimme I need some more. Gimme gimme gimme.   Don't ask what for."   But when it comes to behavior, we want the kids to grow up generous and giving, not greedy.  We all know colorful toys and big, showy productions are a fun part of December, but in our family we make sure to emphasize giving over getting. They already know spending time with family and friends and doing helpful things for others are the best gifts of all.   

Like the toddler who plays with the cardboard box longer than the fancy toy inside, sometimes it's the freebies and the magical little things they remember most.   We'll have green Christmas tips, fun local events that may be under the radar (including a ton of free fun), and loads of holiday hints all month.

That said, there's nothing wrong with great music, books and learning toys.   And we want to GIVE them to YOU.   This month we'll have super specials for our usual Win A Disc Wednesdays.    

Starting December 8th, we'll have a whole Killer Kindie Holidaze Special with ChiIL Mama's top album picks of the year, Grammy Nominees, Our Kidzapalooza Favorites, and other Top Lists in the field.   We'll also feature give aways, live videos, interviews, and more through early 2011.   Here's a sneak peek.


Enter HERE through Tuesday 12/14 for your chance to win all 6 GREAT KINDIE HOLIDAZE GIVE AWAYS!

1. Keller Williams--new CD entitled Kids, and his brand new Because I Said Sobook/CD combo give away.We'll also be posting a new review of both.

2. Dan Zanes--ChiIL Mama's live concert footage and a great give away. You could win an autographed cd-- Rocket Ship Beach- Dan's 1st family album- currently celebrating 10 years of all-ages family music

3. Gustafer Yellowgold--DVD/CD set give away

4. Candy Band--CD give away, exclusive interview, ChiIL Mama's live concert footage from Kidzapalooza 2010

5. Flannery Brothers--CD give away

6. Bari Koral--CD give away

Then, starting December 15th, we have a Bodacious Book Blitz--don't cha love alliteration?   (Everyone has Big Blogger Bashes now). 

We'll be giving away another set of Danbert Nobacon's Anarchist Fairy Tale, 3 Dead Princes and his latest CD, Woebegone.   Click HERE to read ChiIL Mama's review.   These are great for older kids and adults on your gift list, too.  We'll also have never before seen ChiIL Mama footage from Nobacon's Book Cellar reading/ acoustic mini set in Chicago 10/10.   

You can use the handy little search bar to the right of this post, if you want more Nobacon.   We have a full blown Nobacon fest with past posts of live footage from The Devil's Ball, a ChiIL Mama exclusive interview with Danbert Nobacon from The Book Celler, and more Woebegone CD info.   Check it out if you missed it the first time.

Then...have we got something to stuff your stockings and get your undies in a bundle about.   We're so excited to be part of Ayun Halliday's Virtual Book Tour!!   ChiIL Mama will be interviewing the intrepid travel, Mama extraordinaire and author of:

Job Hopper, No Touch Monkey!, Dirty Sugar Cookies, The Big Rumpus and zine, The East Village Inky....and now Zinester's Guide to NYC.

How does she do it?!   I think maybe she's mastered the art of cloning and made a small Ayun Army to do her bidding.   (...something like The Kiss Army with a lot less makeup).   I'm lucky to get my two off to school dressed and fed, then bang out a few blog posts, let alone publish 5 books and a zine!!   We get our piece of Halliday cheer on Wednesday, December 15th, so drop by and we'll dish all the dirt.

Ayun says:

In celebration of the publication of my book, The Zinester's Guide to NYC, I'm going to chop myself up into a million little particles and shoot myself into cyberspace! Traditional book tours are great and all, but they put wear on your luggage wheels. Plus, sometimes nobody shows up and you feel like a total heiner. Or people do show up, except you're having an off night and sound like a total heiner, if not a gibbering drunk. I'm not forgoing a traditional book tour altogether.In fact, I know of several events in NYC  that would be enlivened by your flesh and blood presence:

http://ayunhalliday.com/?cat=3

This month, I'll start "visiting"  blogs, without once having to worry about whether there's something stuck between my gigantic front teeth, or whether my lipstick makes me look like I'm insane. 

"Like" The Zinester's Guide to NYC on Facebook to follow along on her virtual (if not virtuous) book tour--now in progress.
  

So mark your e-calendars and check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL-- early and often.   

Advent Chocolates and Other Coinkidinks

Life is full of odd coincidences, and holiday magic comes in many forms.   We mentioned chocolate advent calendars and The Elf on the Shelf in our Wednesday Traditions post.  So far, we're 3 for 3 in the coinkidink realm (and I swear, no peeking went on).  


Day 1--Gidjit, our elf, hid in the Christmas tree and the chocolates were tree shaped.


Day 2-Gidjit hid among the kids gymnastics ribbons and medals and the chocolate was a horse shoe, which the kids happily linked up, saying medals and horse shoes are both made of medal and very lucky.   Then......on our drive to school we saw a license plate that said....I kid you not....hrsshu!!


Day 3-Gidjit hid on the kids star shaped light on their bedroom wall and.....you guessed it, the advent chocolates were star shaped.   The kids were ecstatic.  What will tomorrow bring? 

Win A Disc Wednesday-It's Santa Claus! Ben Rudnick & Friends (& $20 Coldstone Creamery Card & Family 4 Pack To See The Boogers At Subterranean)

It's hard to believe it's December already!   Here at ChiIL Mama, we're in a holiday gift givin' kinda mood, so our usual Win A Disc Wednesday give away this week is a triple treat!   The first entry form is for the happy holiday CD, by Ben Rudnick & Friends, It's Santa Claus! AND a $20.00 gift card to Coldstone Creamery.


8 Tracks are a thing of the past, but these 8 tracks are a present for the present.  Click HERE to hear them!   Ben Rudnick & Friends, jammin' for the next generation, will take the bah out of your humbug with It's Santa Claus!.   This upbeat CD refreshes traditional favorites and adds something new to the mix.   The original title track, It's Santa Claus!, is sure to be in heavy rotation this month.   Enter below to win your very own copy.

We recently had the pleasure of meeting up with the fabulous folks at Coldstone Creamery, at The Child's Play Blogger Brunch.   They came bearing $20.00 gift cards we're sharing with you, and tasty treats.    We sampled two of their new 8 layer cakes and I can recommend them as delicious (The kids second that opinion!) and easy for holiday entertaining.
  
1.   Follow ChiIL Mama on Twitter, Google Friends Connect, Networked Blogs, RSS Feed or Like us on FB.   2.  Enter below to win.


****One entry per family per week.   Entries accepted nation wide.   Winners picked by random.org number generator.   Contact info remains confidential and will not be sold or shared.   Winners will be listed by first name & last initial only.   Entries accepted through Tuesday midnight and announced next Wednesday.  Good luck!


Enter here for your chance to win the $20 Coldstone Card AND It's Santa Claus! CD










Our 2nd drawing of the week is for Chicago only (or anyone who realistically wants to travel in to Chicago to see The Boogers on 12/11/10).   This week, Chicago peeps, you many enter both drawings once. 


Enter here to win a FAMILY 4 PACK of tickets to see The Boogers playing their final show of the year at Subterranean in Chicago.   The show is Saturday, December 11th at 3:00pm.  It's like a countdown to the new year.....   The show is 12...11...10 and Subterranean is at 2011 W. North.   So come join the mosh pit!    Two thousand one zero it's a punk party all the time.   And today we're gonna party like it's 1979!





We've done a number of reviews and live concert footage from The Boogers CD pre-release party at Schubas.   You can check it all out on The ChiIL Mama Channel on YouTube.   We have 8 live songs off Let's Go! and an exclusive interview with the 3 Boogers, Crusty, Greeny and Sticky.   For our prior feature and recap of the Schubas show, click HERE.

The same deal applies.   It's easy.   Follow or like ChiIL Mama through one or more social media sites, then enter here for your chance to win.   Good luck!

Win A Disc (& $25 Restaurants.com Card) Wednesday-The Boogers Let's Go-And The Winner Is...

Christine W.!   Hey ho, let's go.   Our winner of the $25 Restaurants.com gift card AND the brand new punk rock release by The Boogers likes to rock out with the family to School House Rock.


But.........Our big Boogers bonanza isn't over yet.   If you're in the Chicago area, we're giving away a FAMILY 4 PACK of tickets this week to see The Boogers Live at Subterranean on December 11th at 3pm!   We'll have more details and an entry form up for you soon.

ABC Wednesday--S is for...... T is for...

S is for Skipped.




D'oh!   After faithfully playing ABC Wednesday for 18 weeks in a row, we were so busy last week that we Skipped S.   So Sorry.


We're back on Track with T Today.   T is for Traditions.

Today is December 1st, a time of great celebration in our family.   The first tradition is the reason we were too busy to enter last Wednesday.   Late last night I typed the last of my 50,000 words in 30 days to win my 4th Nanowrimo in a row!  





Du-Jay and Sagezilla won over the weekend when they both finished writing their own 500 word novel for the Young Writers category!   This is Sagezilla's 2nd win and Du-Jay's 3rd.   So we have THREE winners today.





The other December 1st traditions are more, well... traditional. 
  



I can remember advent calendars from my own childhood.   Ours had little cardboard doors that opened over tissue paper pictures and I loved to open one every day from December 1-24th.   Then came the year we got a chocolate one!   Oh joy. My little sister and I were so excited to get to open each door and eat a piece of chocolate in a new surprising shape each day.

But Christmas is the season for sharing, and we'd only been given one.   The fights broke out immediately.   Her piece is bigger....  You opened yesterday....
That's not fair.....   


It got so contentious that my Mom took the whole calendar away (and likely ate the chocolates herself to get rid of the headache all our arguing caused).   And what lesson did we learn.......?


We had a visit from Grammy and Gramps last weekend and they remembered   that disastrous calendar fiasco back in the 70's.   Now that they're grandparents, they really are older and wiser.   They brought two chocolate advent calendars, so the kids each have their own to open every day.   

The grandparents also brought up a new tradition.    They came bearing another advent surprise, The Elf on the Shelf.   This fun kit comes with a hardback book and a cute little elf.   It also has an impressive multimedia web tie in, where kids can log on and play games, print projects and recipes, and officially name their elf and add him or her to the registry.





T is also for our final tradition of the first day of December.   We put up our tree.   It was oddly appropriate for today, because our elf, Gidjit, hid in the tree and both of the kids advent chocolates were Christmas tree shaped.   Hooray for no fights about whose chocolate is bigger!





We hope everyone has a tremendous day.   Click below for more T fun.