Get Outta The House And Into The Parlour-Parent's Night Out

Dennis Watkins--mild mannered marketing manager by day...maniacal magician on Friday nights.   Whatever hat he's wearing, Watkins is full of surprises.   He has impeccable comedic timing and an arsenal of unique tricks up his sleeve.  His current one man show at The House Theatre is sure to become a Chicago cult classic.      

The Magic Parlour is part parlour tricks and part clairvoyant charisma, with a wicked twist of Jim Rose circus freak mystique.    I've seen quite a few magicians over the last 10 years of navigating kid birthday parties, and this show is something else entirely.   This is magic with an edge...a knife wielding, razor blade swallowing EDGE.    Yes, in case the 10:30pm start time didn't convince you to leave the punk kin with a sitter, you REALLY don't want your littles trying this at home.    But, in the hands of a pro like Dennis, these tricks are a real treat to see.

We had a chance to check out The Magic Parlour and were blown away.   Before the show even started, we fell in love with the fabulous parlour space that lurks under The House Theatre.   With the same stage magic that turns waitresses to queens and creates a palace out of plywood and paint splatter, this basement has been transformed.   Where there once was duct work and darkness, a wabi sabi drawing room complete with a bar, rich burgundy walls, paintings and even a chandelier, has been created.   I can't imagine a more perfect backdrop for The Magic Parlour.

Watkins first mounted the show as a fundraiser, but it was so successful it has now turned into an open run.   The night we went, his audience was diverse and colorful, with bearded hipsters in vintage thrift chic sharing sofas with silver haired couples.   Dennis worked the room and actively involved everyone, breaking down the 4th wall.    By the end of the hour, all were well and thoroughly befuddled and entertained.

Dennis comes from a long line of magicians, and whether he's genetically predisposed to expert illusions, confounding mind reading and life threatening tricks, or he's just got great insider information, this is one crazy, amazing late night magic show well worth seeing.   If you've checked out the show, come back and bring your friends.   Dennis does change out and update his act.   If you haven't seen it, you don't know what you're missing.

Highly recommended!

Join The House for an hour of mind-boggling magic and impossible mind reading with award-winning magician Dennis Watkins!

Every Friday night at 10:30 pm.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

Beat Kitchen-Concerts For Kids

 At Beat Kitchen every weekend, kids rock!

Remember, ChiIL Mama has family 4 packs of tickets to every show, so enter HERE for your chance to win!

Lindsay & The Shimmies this Saturday!

Show starts at noon, Saturday, February 5 at Beat Kitchen

Celebrate the release of Lindsay & The Shimmies new EP "Bright Colors" at this rockin' kids show! Lindsay, Heather and Aerin will get you moving and singing along to original tunes and familiar favorites. See you there!

Buy tickets here. Beat Kitchen is located at 2100 W. Belmont.

To keep up to date with Concerts for Kids, become our Facebook friend at www.facebook.com/kidsshowschicago.

Mindy Hester & The Time Outs! Sunday, February 13
Get your dancing shoes on. Show's at noon.
Mindy Hester & The Time Outs!, known for their witty, catchy and energetic rock parodies, have been called Weird Al for the diaper set. Two songs from their fourth studio album, "Juice Box Hero" have just won Kids Music Awards. Check out their new songs online, then come boogie down at Beat Kitchen -- Hester's Chicago stop for their national tour. Plus, complimentary kids snacks will be provided by the leading premium organic food companies HappyBaby and Stonyfield Yogurt. Buy tickets here. Beat Kitchen is located at 2100 W. Belmont.

To keep up to date with Concerts for Kids, become our Facebook friend at www.facebook.com/kidsshowschicago.

Save the Dates...
Check out our hot and happening Concerts for Kids! lineup
Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont shows at noon on Sunday unless noted Feb 19: (Saturday) Little Miss Ann Band Dress Wacky Dance Party Feb 20: Super Stolie and the Rockstars Feb 27: Karen 4 Kids! Mar 6: Human-Tim + Robot-Tim Mar 13: Little Miss Ann Band w/The Candy Band Mar 20: Jeanie B! and The Jelly Beans Mar 27: Mary Macaroni

To keep up to date with Concerts for Kids, become our Facebook friend at www.facebook.com/kidsshowschicago.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

Swan Lake-Multicultural Culture-Two Days Only

THE STATE BALLET THEATRE OF RUSSIA PRESENTS "SWAN LAKE"

AT THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY

FOR THREE PERFORMANCES ONLY FEBRUARY 4 – 5, 2011

CHICAGO - The State Ballet Theatre of Russia brings the world’s most beloved ballet, “Swan Lake,” to glorious life for one weekend only Friday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 5 at 2 and 8 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E Congress Pkwy.  Hailed by the New York Times as “full of enchantment,” this company of distinguished dancers has showcased the unparalleled art of Russian ballet to countries throughout the world.  Tickets start at $30 and are available at ticketmaster.com/auditorium or by calling (800) 982-2787.

The classic “Swan Lake” has charmed audiences since its St. Petersburg premiere in 1895 and is considered the embodiment of “Russian Ballet.”  Set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, with choreography by M. Petipa and L. Ivanov, the ballet tells the timeless story of a young prince named Siegfried who falls in love with Odette, a princess who takes human form at night but each morning is turned into a swan by the evil sorcerer Von Rothbart.  In this consummate tale of love conquering all, the spell may only be broken if a prince pledges eternal fidelity to her.

The State Ballet Theatre of Russia is the touring company of The Voronezh State Opera and Ballet Theatre, which has origins in the 16^th century and was re-founded in 1961.  This company has toured with productions of traditional Russian classics throughout the world.  With a company of 65 dancers, the theater’s repertoire includes work by both classical and modern Russian composers, including “Swan Lake,” “The Sleeping Beauty,” “Cinderella,” “The Nutcracker,” “Giselle,” “Don Quixote,” “Le Sylphide,” “Scheherazade,” “Gavalry Halt,” “The Stone Flower,” “1001 Nights,” “Carmen”-suite, “Cipollino,” “Doctor Aubolit,” “Francesca di Rimini” and “The Fountain of Bakhchisarai.”  Its performances are relatively new to U.S. audiences, as the company first graced American stages in 2006.  The Director of the Company is Honored Artist of Russia Igor Nepomnyashchy and the Artistic Director of the Ballet is Lyudmila Sycheva.

“Swan Lake” will be performed Friday, Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 5 at 2 and 8 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre. Tickets are $30 - $87 and are available at www.ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or in-person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL.

This event is part of The Soviet Arts Experience (October 2010-January 2012), a Chicago-wide showcase of works created under (and in response to) the Politburo of the Soviet Union. Visit www.SovietArtsExperience.org for a full schedule of events.

“Swan Lake” is also part of the Auditorium Theatre’s 2010-2011 season subscription series.  For more information or to purchase a subscription or group tickets call (312) 431-2357 or visit www.auditoriumtheatre.org.

About the Auditorium Theatre’s Family Series

ATRU’s Family Series is designed specifically to awaken children’s interest in live performance and plant the seed for developing an appreciation of the arts. This unique opportunity allows patrons to receive a free children’s subscription with the purchase of any full-price adult subscription package.  This special offer expires on Friday, February 4, 2011.  This year’s Family Series encompasses an eclectic mix of dance and music offerings, and includes “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah,” The State Ballet Theatre of Russia in “Swan Lake” and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Patrons may choose at least two of the aforementioned shows.  Each family performance is followed by a question and answer session with members of the shows’ artistic teams.  This interactive experience can dramatically change the impact of the performing arts on its viewers, and with the involvement of families it can also empower youth to express themselves.

Win A Disc Wednesday-February Double Disc Month Begins!

Double Discs All Month--Dig it?

Groundhog day kicks off another free CD filled month of Win A Disc Wednesdays.  Punxatawney Phil, that furry little immortal (125 years-allegedly the same groundhog) weather man, predicted an early spring!   Sounds good to us, as we're still digging out of close to 2 feet of snow, from last night's blizzard.   To celebrate, we're offering double discs all month for Win A Disc Wednesdays!   This also means double the reviews, and more live concert footage and interviews.   Here's the scoop:

Week 1--Mama Doni & The Mama Doni Band(upcoming March release) & Laura Doherty (also enter to win 4 tixs to her Schubas show 2/13)

Week 2--Little Miss Ann & Super Stolie (also enter to win 4 tixs to each of their shows at Beat Kitchen 2/19 & 20)

Week 3--The Okee Dokee Brothers & The Poochamungas-we'll have interviews and live footage from their January Beat Kitchen

Week 4--Two adult bands the whole family can enjoy--The Shams Band and How Far to Austin--We have a video interview with Tate and Katie, reviews for both CDs and photos of The Shams LIVE at Lincoln Hall.

You can begin to enter to win any or all of them today, and continue throughout the month, till each winner is chosen.   Enter through midnight Tuesday each week. 

Between the blizzard and the flu, we're a bit behind, but we'll have full reviews up for both of this week's CDs as soon as possible.   In the mean time, here's our entry form.

We're going to try something new for the new year and offer all the month's CDs the first week, but still post reviews and chose winners one week at a time.   This will make it even easier for you to enter once for all artists you are interested in and spread the word.   We'll even give you xtra entries for Tweeting or sharing on your blog or Facebook.  

One entry per family per artist--xtra entries for documented sharing.  All you need to do is: 

1.  follow ChiIL Mama on Google Friends Connect, Networked Blogs, RSS, or Twitter.   You can also "like" our Facebook page if you like.

2.  enter below

****BONUS:  One extra entry for each social media outlet you share this on, but you must include your blog link, Twitter post, etc. on the additional entries for them to count.   

Win A Disc Wednesday-Keller Williams Kids CD (3 winners chosen)

Big congrats to our 3 lucky winners today:


Mary R.
Christine W.
Cheryl D.


This fantastic CDs is one of our all time favorites.  Back when my 9 year old son was 1, I was still working weekends.   When my husband was off on film/TV shoots, we'd leave Du-Jay with a wonderful group of hippy friends.   These 4 roommates lived on Bosworth, in a colorful, magical apartment we nicknamed The Land of Boz.   Du-Jay loved it there.   The place was chock full of toys, life sized cardboard movie characters, colorful wall hangings and great music.   They were the best sitters ever, because they truly played with him and enjoyed his toddler energy.


One day I came to pick him up and Du and his 4 sitters had even bigger grins than usual.    They happily told me how they had put on some Keller Williams and Du had loved the music so much he danced his little butt off all day and kept saying "More more!"    Then he began singing along, recreating Kellers creative range of odd sound effects.   The sitters got such a big kick out of his enjoyment that they burned a few live Keller concerts to CD for me and had them waiting at pick up time.   Those tunes are still in rotation today!


That was the beginning of years of enjoyment for our family.   Keller just released his SIXTEENTH album.  When we heard he was also making his first kids CD and we were asked to review it, we wrote his publicist with an enthusiastic YES PLEASE!!   We can't wait till Saturday to hear Keller live at Park West.    He shines in improvising and noodling around during live shows.


Right before Christmas, we had the awesome opportunity to give away one copy of Kids and one copy of Keller's new book/CD combo, Because I Said So!  The book, which is also pretty fantastic,  features a little cartoon Keller kid and the timeless lesson, you can't always get what you want.

KELLER WILLIAMS RELEASES HIS FIRST CHILDREN’S BOOK

‘BECAUSE I SAID SO’
AS RAVE REVIEWS ROLL IN FOR KELLER’S FIRST-EVER KIDS’ ALBUM!
LOOK FOR KELLER WILLIAMS
AT SPECIAL MATINEE PERFORMANCES
FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Hand-in-hand with the release of “one-man-band” Keller Williams’ sixteenth album — and first-ever album for kids and families — appropriately titled Kids, Keller once again breaks new ground with the publication of his very first children’s book, Because I Said So (Fun Read Publishing, $20, for ages 2-8, 33 pages).

Based on Keller’s song by the same name (featured on Kids), Because I Said So is told through the eyes of “L’il Keller,” who begins by asking, “Mommy, can I have some pink flamingos?”  The little fellow soon learns the important life lesson that you can’t always have what you want, and there isn’t always a good reason why.  “You can't have an alligator, tractor, giraffe or hippopotamus, cause I said so!"  Enhanced by the cleverly drawn illustrations of Virginia artist Bill Harris, Because I Said So is humorous, colorful, whimsical, and wise.  Included with the book is a CD containing the song "Because I Said So.”  Because I Said So is available at www.kellerwilliamskids.net.

Kids has already been warmly embraced by music tastemakers:

"[Keller's] big-hearted wit is perfectly suited to the songs on Kids, a record that will entertain children of all ages without talking down to them." - All Music Guide
“Kids sparkles with invention.”  - Technorati.com
“This is hands-down my favorite kids album of all time.”   - Perfect Porridge

A variety of gift packages that include both Kids and Because I Said So, as well as kid-sized T-shirts with the cute-as-can-be goat babies from the album cover, are available at www.kellerwilliamskids.net.

Click HERE for a free download of the CAR SEAT track

There's still time to see Keller LIVE at Park West this Saturday.

Keller recently performed as the “Super Music Friend” along select Yo Gabba Gabba Live! tour stops in northern California and the Pacific Northwest.  Beginning in February, in addition to a full schedule of evening shows for adults, Keller will also present several matinee shows especially for children and families.   

Keller KIDS shows are coming in HOT! Keller will be doing a kids matinee shows at:

Park West - Chicago, IL (Sat, FEB. 5, 2011)
Theater of Living Arts - Philadelphia, PA (Sat, FEB. 12, 2011)
Variety Playhouse - Atlanta, GA (Sat, FEB. 19, 2011)
Ogden Theatre - Denver, CO (APRIL 16, 2011) 

Ken Crampton of Everybody Drum will be opening for Keller with a special drum circle at Park West, Theater of Living Arts, and Variety Playhouse. You wont want to miss the video visuals from our man Tweeky. Get there early because the show starts at doors! Family 4 Packs & SUPER FREEK tickets are available for Chicago, Philly, ATL, and Denver shows.

Long considered one of the most unique and prolific performers in all of rock, “one man band” Keller Williams is known for flying by the seat of his pants onstage.  Keller will bring that same air of joyful spontaneity and infectious good humor to a show for kids and families at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 5 at Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago.  Keller will also perform an adult show at Park West at 8:00 p.m. on February 5.

Keller encourages families to join him for a down-home good time, with plenty of music, dancing, videos, and more than a few surprises. He’ll play tunes from his new, critically praised kids’ album, Kids, enhanced by live video footage mixed with visuals related to each of the songs.  Ken Crampton & Everybody Drum will open this very special show with an interactive drum circle.  Following the performance, Keller looks forward to meeting families and signing copies of his new children’s book, Because I Said So.

When Keller Williams addresses kids in song or words, it’s with extreme sincerity, respect, and more than a dash of his famous quirky, tongue-in-cheek sense of humor.  Every song on Kids clicks into a kid’s world, from the bouncy, two-beat “Taking a Bath” to the compellingly hip speak-singing of  “Horseback Rider” and “Grandma’s Feather Bed” to the catchy, rhythmic, danceable “Keep It on the Paper.”  The songwriting, Keller says, “was not necessarily singing to the kids. A lot of it was me singing from the perspective of the kids. That was my plan, to get on their wavelength, on their level, and be one of them, so it’s kind of like one of their friends singing to them.”

In conjunction with this fall’s release of Kids, Fredericksburg, VA resident Keller Williams has also released his first children's book, Because I Said So.   Based on Keller’s song by the same name, the story is told through the eyes of “L’il Keller,” who learns that you can’t always get what you want, and there isn’t always a good reason why!  With cleverly drawn illustrations by Virginia artist Bill Harris, Because I Said So is humorous, colorful, whimsical, and wise. Included with the book is a CD containing the song "Because I Said So.” Because I Said So is available at www.kellerwilliamskids.net.

Everybody Drum is a nationally recognized outreach program that empowers people through the rhythms of the visual and audible arts.  Ken Crampton has been drumming and facilitating drum circles for over 17 years and has studied with such master facilitators and drummers as Arthur Hull, Babatunde Olatunji, and Mamady Keita. 

WHAT:    Keller Williams Plays for Kids!, with special guests Ken Crampton & Everybody Drum
WHEN:    Saturday, February 5 

Doors open 2:30 p.m.. Show starts with drum circle at 3:00 p.m.  Keller Williams   performs at 3:30 p.m.

                
WHERE:  Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL
TICKETS: $15. Discounted Family 4 Pack and “SUPER FREEK” tickets are available through Park West. SUPER FREEK tickets include one ticket to Kelller Williams’ afternoon kids’ show and one ticket to his evening adult show ,with access to a special meet–and-greet with Keller prior to the adult show.

INFORMATION: 773-929-5959.   HYPERLINK "http://parkwestchicago.com" http://parkwestchicago.com 
  

Whether you're a long time fan or this is the first time you've heard of Keller, we highly recommended checking out the show, CD and book, or any combination of the three you can swing.    Keller's truly a unique and gifted musician...and he just might make you and your family dance your butts off, too.

photo credit-all Keller Williams photos by C. Taylor Cruthers

ABC Wednesday--C is for......

Cold Chicago Canine!   This is our little old lady dog, Alia, who is almost 17 years old.   She wiped out in the deep snow this morning, but is happily curled up by the fire now.   We had a major blizzard yesterday with some pretty amazing thunder snow.   I've never seen anything like it.   We could see lightening illuminate the night through the dense flakes, and hear huge cracks of thunder.   The winds were fierce.


CPS Closed schools for the first time in 12 years.


Check below for more alphabetical fun from around the world.

Free Ticket Tuesdays-February Bands & Dreamworks Madagascar LIVE! Announced

Chicago may be buried under 2 feet of snow today, but we have a blizzard of free family 4 packs of tickets to give away throughout February.   We also have double discs all month.   So, instead of just one CD a week for Win A Disc Wednesday, 1 lucky winner each week will get to enjoy TWO new bands. We'll also have double the reviews, live footage and interviews.


You can begin to enter for everything today and continue throughout the month.   We often have the opportunity to add concerts as the month progresses, so check in like we vote in Chicago--early and often, to see what's new.

ChiIL Mama's Free Tickets Tuesdays Details:

For this month, ChiIL Mama has Free Family 4 Packs of Tickets to all of Beat Kitchens Concerts for Kids and Schubas Family Series and early entries for a family 4 pack to Dreamworks Madagascar LIVE! at Rosemont Theatre's opening night, 3/16.

Winners will be announced every Tuesday. 

Enter below for your chance to win!

1.   Follow ChiIL Mama on Twitter, Google Friends Connect, Networked Blogs, or RSS.   

2.   Fill out the form below, and you're in.

1 entry per person.   Entries counted until midnight the Monday before each drawing takes place.   All contact info remains confidential and will not be shared, sold, stored or written on bathroom walls.   Winners first name, last initial and city will be published.

**Bonus:   We think sharing is great, so we'll give you 1 xtra entry for every documented share on social media sites.   Twitter, FB and share away.   Include your link on additional entries.

We'll also give you 1 xtra entry if you "like" us on Facebook.   Good luck! 

ChiIL Mama's Free Ticket Tuesdays Groundhog Day 4 For All Winners Announced...

Keller William's balancing act includes a family show by day and 18+ show at night.   Catch him February 5th at Park West.


Congrats to all 4 of our family 4 pack winners.   Beat Kitchen and Schubas will have Julie and Whitney on the guest list.  Allstate Arena will have tickets under Camille's name for Monster Jam.  Park West information will be e-mailed to you.    Bring a valid ID.    Please confirm your win at zbluesun@gmail.com.   If you are no longer able to attend the show, please let me know ASAP so we can pick another winner.

• Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam-Camille S. and her son, Henry
• Keller Williams-Amanda (under kids' names she wrote, too many to type)
• Lindsay and The Shimmies-Julie A. and her daughter Kayleanne
• Susan Salidore-Whitney B.

Click HERE for details about all the shows.


We are still accepting entries (nationwide) through midnight tonight to win Keller Williams excellent Kids CD.   3 winners will be announced tomorrow.   Enter HERE for your chance to win.