New Eastside News Jan 2016

VOL. 4 NO. 1

A NEWSLETTER FROM THE NEW EASTSIDE COMMUNITY

Got a story tip or question? Call 708-628-3652

January 2016

www.neweastsidecommunity.com

Staying true to your New Year’s resolutions

FREE

Wacky winter wear

Locals sport everything from crazy hats, to nose warmers Page 7

Winter cocktail review

Neighborhood venues make winter delicious Page 10

Wanda condos 900k + The “Commit For Fit” team, in partnership with Freshii and Lakeshore Sport & Fitness, encourages exercise and nutrition on Michigan Ave. Left to right: Brian Means, Elise Eggemeyer, Tim Wagit, Faith Williams, Desiree Davis, Fay Lamb, Jimmy Allen

By Daniel Patton | Staff Writer The will to exercise more and spend less may be strong on the first of January, but most studies show that half of such resolutions won’t make it past March. Sometimes the best way to follow through on goals set during midnight champagne toasts is to hire a specialist. Turn to page 6

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NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

JANUARY 2016 / 3

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

NEWS

By Daniel Patton | Staff Writer

Neighborhood maintenance The passageway between the southwest corner of Lake Shore Drive Bridge and the New Eastside received a makeover to increase its appearance and safety. In addition to installing handrails for pedestrians, CDOT removed graffiti and applied a fresh coat of white paint Catch basins, manholes, water valves and inlets on East Randolph St. from Stetson Ave. to Field Blvd. were temporarily removed and adjusted to make way for the street resurfacing project completed in December.

The traffic lights at the intersection of Randolph St. and Columbus Dr. were modified to include right-turn arrows that allow automobiles an exclusive time phase to turn southbound and westbound.

Alderman Reilly initiated the change on behalf of residents who expressed concern about the congestion caused by busy pedestrian activity combined

400 E Randolph ▪ Suite 500

with a “no turn on red” sign that made it impossible for any more than “two or three” vehicles to turn during a typical light change, according to Reilly’s office. At his request, CDOT conducted a study and determined that the sign should remain and the light should be modified to include turn arrows.

Skating ribbon open for the season The Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park is open every weekday from noon to 8 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hourly closures for ice resurfacing will occur Monday through Saturday at noon, 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Skate rentals are available up to 30 minutes prior to closing time.

Christmas tree recycling in Chicago Chicago’s Christmas Tree Recycling Program runs until January 17 and includes two drop-off corrals within proximity of the New Eastside: 1. The intersection of Cannon Dr. and Fullerton Ave. in Lincoln Park;

2. 900 S. Columbus Dr. in Grant Park.

The partnership between the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation helped residents recycle 10,000 trees last Christmas.

Winter overnight parking ban in effect Chicago’s winter overnight parking ban is in effect until April 1. Designed to make way for snowplows by preventing and removing automobiles from parking on 107 miles of the city’s “critical arterial streets” between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., the ban includes a $150 towing fee, a $60 ticket and a $20 daily storage fee for owners of vehicles who violate it, according to Alderman Reilly’s office. Although an online map of priority arterial routes and overnight parking restrictions provided by the Department of Streets & Sanitation does not appear to designate any roadway within the New Eastside as “critical”, neighborhood drivers are nevertheless cautioned to read all signs posted near parking spots before leaving their vehicles.

312 ▪ 528 ▪ 9200

CPS credit rating downgraded ... again The bond rating of the Chicago Public Schools was downgraded from Baa3 to B1, also known as “Junk,” by Moody’s Investment Service on December 21st.

With a $5.5 billion outstanding tab compounded by a $480 million budget gap and a partisan fiscal standoff in Springfield, CPS’ creditworthiness may plunge deeper during the next three months. According to Crain’s Chicago, Moody’s cited the school system’s “precarious liquidity position” and “high credit risk” among the factors currently forcing it to remain “under review.”

Head sculpture removed from Millennium Park Jaume Plensa’s Looking Into My Dreams, Awilda — the giant sculpture of a head that has graced Millennium Park since it was installed to honor the park’s 10th anniversary in 2014 — was removed during the first week of the New Year. Presumably, it will continue it’s international tour, but its www.UrbanRealEstate.com next location has not been released.

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4 / JANUARY 2016

How to Contact Us info@neweastsidenews.com (708) 628-3652 Editor: Elaine Hyde info@neweastsidecommunity.com Managing Editor: Daniel Patton dpatton@southloopnews.com Copy Editors: Tracey Lewis, Shanti Nagarkatti, Kari Greczek Layout/Design: Daniel Patton Community Contributors: Jon Cohn, Tracey Lewis, Shanti Nagarkatti, Matthew Reiss, Angela Gagnon New Eastside News is published monthly be Eastside Enterprises LLC. New Eastside News uses and values community writers and contributors.

Views expressed by community contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of New Eastside News. New Eastside News does not take responsibility for third-party announcements or events. New Eastside News is independently owned and operated.

Copyright @2015.

All rights reserved.

Below: Gail Rogers. Photo: Daniel Patton

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Art and inspiration for kids The Ryan Education Center at the Art Institute

By Angela Gagnon | Community Contributor Located on the first floor of the Modern Wing, The Ryan Education Center in the Art Institute of Chicago (111.

S. Michigan Ave.) is a state-of-the-art facility hosting numerous educational programs for families. As a bonus, it is walking distance from the New Eastside and accessible via the Pedway through the parking garages beneath Millennium Park.

According to Family Programs Educator Melissa Tanner, “the space is a place to make connections to the galleries, or a destination for the young.”

The Family Orientation Room offers a warm and inviting space for children of all ages. Babies can treat their eyes to the gorgeous art mural that adorns the northern wall of the room while they play with soft blocks and explore board books. Toddlers and preschoolers can channel their inner architects and build with wooden blocks, complete puzzles of artistic masterpieces, read picture books, and participate in daily art-making. Older kids have access to interactive, digital technology on the room’s four desktop computers that connect them to art through

matching, storytelling, and image searches.

The regularly changing Interactive Exhibition Space keeps things fresh. Currently, the space features a “Materials Inside and Out,” installation that connects to the museum’s The Art Institute’s Ryan Education Center. Photo: Angela Gagnon exhibition of the work of architect David Adjaye. Chilmaterial.” dren can create their very own “mood If that isn’t enough inspiration to whet board” out of patterns; textures; and your youngsters’ creative appetite, materials like plastic, wood, and paint there are two other exhibit spaces in swatches. The mood boards help chilthe Ryan Education Center that are dren learn how architects use various worth a peek. The Trott and McCorinspirational elements in project demick Spaces currently showcase work signs. According to Tanner, kids have from different community programs. designed bedrooms, tree houses, and Tanner says visitors can “see the exeven a house for cats. tending reach of art education” when Younger children might be attracted they stop by these spaces. to a unique learning tool in the room Children under 14 are admitted free called an “Idea Fort.” Tanner says the Idea Fort is a way that “young kids can to the Art Institute of Chicago. 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60602 · explore the idea of creating space by (312) 443-3600. Visit www.artic.edu. using fabrics of different textures and

Doorperson of the month:

Gail Rogers, Park Millennium

By Daniel Patton | Staff Writer Doorperson Gail Rogers came to the Park Millennium by way of a contract job for a security company ten years ago. Almost immediately, she “fell in love” with her work. When the building’s management expressed a similar albeit professional interest in her a short time later, the native Chicagoan acted on it.

“I was here for a couple of months and Park Millennium hired me,” she says.

Since then, she has seen the location change and improve at a rapid pace.

“The Aqua wasn’t there, the CVS wasn’t there, and the area with the Mariano’s

and all that wasn’t there,” she explains.

“Now it’s a great location and you’re right at everything.”

According to Rogers, the greatest challenge of the job is a round-the-clock demand for customer service. “With all the people in and out,” she says. “It’s like a revolving door. It’s a very busy building and nothing stands still.”

She handles the responsibilities with a virtue that she feels should come naturally to any good doorperson patience. “You have to be a people person,” she says. “That’s the bottom line. You have to like talking and being around people, and then it works.”

The perpetually upbeat Rogers shows an instinctive knack for her profession and does not hesitate to express her appreciation for the residents who help make her job easier.

“They are wonderful, very good people,” she says. “I love them very much.”

When Rogers is not tending to the needs of a downtown high-rise condominium, she likes to relax in her south suburban home and pursue her professional education.

“I’m taking a real estate class now,” she explains. “Once I’m done with this I think I’m going to do that on the side.”

To nominate your doorperson, please email info@neweastsidecommunity.com.

JANUARY 2016 / 5

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Welcome Lilia Marie to the neighborhood

Lilia Marie Pinckney made her arrival to the neighborhood just in time for the holidays! Photo submitted by proud parents Sally and Paul Pinckney.

Juicebox series at the

Chicago Cultural Center

By Angela Gagnon | Community Contributor The long, cold, seemingly endless Chicago winters can be daunting for even the toughest among us. For parents of little ones, “cabin fever” and “stir crazy” rise (or plummet) to challenging levels of intensity once the holidays come to an end. But fear not; New Eastside residents have some nearby, free and culturally stimulating resources specifically designed for youngsters. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers can move, groove, learn and appreciate a unique variety of music, dance and theatrical performances when they attend Juicebox at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Juicebox series is geared toward “the stroller set” and held in a kid-friendly

GEMS World Academy students visit the

Swissôtel’s Santa Suite

Students from GEMS World Academy visit the Santa Suite on the 23rd floor of the Swissôtel. Photo: GEMS World Academy Chicago

Cute Pet Alert

setting. The bi-weekly events bring diverse performers who teach, engage and entertain their young audiences through song, dance, demonstration and instruction.

There are also opportunities for youngsters to join the artists, either onstage or right on the colorfully padded audience seating mat that covers the floor beneath a stunning stained glass ceiling in the Preston Bradley Hall.

Musashi, a 13-year-old Pembroke Welsh Corgi who lives in the Aqua, bears a name that means “Brave Man” in Japanese. Representing a breed of herders known for intelligence and affection, Musashi not only thrives in the parks of the New Eastside, but also remains very active indoors. Photo: Daniel Patton

Admission is free. Performances are usually 11-11:45 a.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month through May.

18th, The International Copoeria Angola Foundation’s CAPO4KIDS headlined. Their Chicago program for toddlers focuses on “cultivating self-value and self-esteem through the use of music and movement.”

The December 5th show brought Little Miss Ann, Chicago singer and music instructor, to the stage. She captivated with upbeat tunes and encouraged little voices to join in. On December

Though winter and spring performers have not yet been announced, Mary May in the Public Relations Department at the Cultural Center says, “We have

some exciting performances planned that include hip-hop, world music and Taiko drumming.”

For the full schedule and more information, please visit The Chicago Cultural Center’s website — www. cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/ supp_info/juicebox.html Left: CAPO4KIDS at the Cultural Center.

Photo: Daniel Patton

6 / JANUARY 2016

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Want to exercise more and eat less?

Continued from page 1.

Dr. Dawn Webster Chiropractor Universal Wellness Source

Claretha Yeager Jade Path Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

No matter how frequently someone works out, according to Dr. Dawn Webster, vigorous exercise can actually complicate individual health under certain circumstances.

Claretha Yeager admittedly takes longer than most specialists in helping clients achieve their post-holiday goals, but the acupuncturist has a record of success to validate the “three-thousand year-old medicine” that she practices.

“Sometimes hitting the gym is not the definition of wellness,” she says.

“Weekend warriors out running, training, hitting the gym… if their posture is off, they leave themselves really receptive to injury.”

Above: the country’s tallest indoor rock climbing wall at Lakeshore Sport & Fitness is a great way to pursue a healthy resolution. Inset: Personal Training Director Drew Scacciaferro. Photos: Patton

By Dan Patton | Staff Writer Drew Scacciaferro Personal Training Director Lakeshore Sport & Fitness “The major challenge of the New Year’s resolution is waiting until the New Year to make it,” explains Drew Scacciaferro. “You’ve got to make a decision now. Not tomorrow. Not the next day.”

Scacciaferro has been a personal trainer for 12 years. Besides holding a degree in the field, he wields nearly a dozen professional qualifications including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), “the gold standard” of the largely unregulated fitness industry. The most frequent desire he hears from new clients in early January is “absolutely weight loss.”

But Scacciaferro never advises his clients to strive for the typical New Year’s “outcome-based goal” like “I want to lose fifty pounds.”

“There’s no specificity or timeline or behavior-based changes,” he says. Instead, he walks new members through a “discovery process” to identify effective individual fitness solutions.

“It’s critical to making that connection,” he says, “asking a series of strategic questions about lifestyle, nutrition, behavior and mindset.”

While weight loss may be discussed, Scacciaferro works with each client to develop an ongoing routine that focuses on “preventive health care” and rarely identifies a particular individual poundage reduction target.

“When you set behavior-based goals, it’s very specific,” he says. “‘I’m going to walk for fifteen minutes three times each week and decrease portion sizes by one spoonful at every meal.’ The numbers, in the end, will take care of themselves.”

Programs include one-on-one, duet, and small group training. Membership includes access to the extensive facility, which includes a pool, a basketball court, a boxing room, squash courts, the country’s tallest rock-climbing wall and 100 complimentary fitness classes per week. On at least one occasion, it doubled as a filmset for Chicago PD. Illinois Center 211 N. Stetson · (312) 856-1111 www.lakeshoresf.com

Dr. Dawn holds a PhD in Chiropractic from Cleveland University in Kansas City and a decade of experience in the field. She joined Universal Wellness Source in Lakeshore East — one of the company’s four Chicago locations — when it opened three years ago. She guides new patients on the path of self-improvement year round.

“It could be January or June, but at some point people say ‘this is the year to get my health together,’” she says.

“Especially in this neighborhood, because people work long hours and get so stressed.”

Initial consultations involve a thorough neurological exam, a structural exam and a series of X-rays. Recommended treatments include corrective as well as chiropractic care. Although the goal is often “to restore the full natural posture back to the person,” the results generally exceed the back-realignment cliché.

“When you start working on chiropractic, you start working with every aspect of your health in general,” she explains. “The most common thing people notice first off is that they are able to move more freely.”

Since 2012, her office at Michigan and Lake has helped hundreds of people seeking control over insomnia and PMS. But come January, the doors spin with dreams of losing weight, quitting smoking, and taking less uncomfortable trips to the bathroom.

“Some people overdo it through the holidays,” she says.

One of the greatest factors contributing to her clients’ symptoms is career pressure, which is abundant in the neighborhood. “We see a lot of people between their early 30s and 50s who work in the Loop and have a lot of stress in their life,” she says.

Since stress tends to increase levels of cortisol, one of the body’s natural steroid hormones, Yeager treats the condition by “working with the natural energies of the body to reduce the natural stresses and help down-regulate the fight-or-flight response.”

In addition to lifestyle and nutritional changes supplemented by natural remedies, Yeager recommends acupunctural treatments when necessary.

“For stress, the number one place to put pins in the body is the ears,” she says. “They are very strong points to help the body relax.”

70 E. Lake St., Suite 630 (773) 669-5724 www.jadepathacupuncture.com

When it comes to her own wellness, Dr. Dawn definitely practices what she preaches.

“We’re bent over all day long,” she says. “Of course I see a chiropractor.”

333 E. Benton Pl., Chicago, IL 60601 · (312) 565-0655 www.universalwellnesssource.com Claretha Yeager. Photo: Daniel Patton

JANUARY 2016 / 7

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

The New Eastside Winter Fashion Observation Specialist presents

Wacky winter wear

By Jon Cohn | Community Contributor It’s getting ugly out there folks.

The holidays are over and all of us in New Eastside are getting ready to do battle with snow, cold, wind, and whatever else Mother Nature throws at us for the next few months.

We have been through it before and, like every good Boy Scout or Girl Scout, know how “to be prepared.”

some short, and some with fur. The locals are a practical sort and do whatever it takes to keep those toes warm.

Pants Nothing dramatic here. Although kids and infants sported a variety of winter pants that were so heavily padded and puffed it looked like we had a bunch of junior Schwarzeneggers walking around.

Our WFOB’s (Winter Fashion Observation Specialist) went out on a few nasty winter weather days to see how some of our veteran residents dress to combat the evils of the winter cold.

Here is what we saw, starting from the bottom and working up: The Crocheted Nose Warmer by nutmegnosies, available at etsy.com. Photo credit Etsy.

Boots We saw all shapes and sizes, from neon green to bright pink. Some were tall,

The Octopus Parasyte Cartoon Knit wool cap by AliExpress

Gloves Forget style: Just keep those hands warm. We saw mittens of all shapes and sizes, made from Thinsulate, wool, fleece and leather. Some were themed — think Mickey Mouse, bunny rabbits and a variety of other animals.

Headwear Here is where the real creativity begins. We saw earmuffs shaped like Vulcan ears, a nose muff (this one was new to us) shaped like a pig’s nose, and even a winter hat with a beard warmer attachment.

Basically, New Eastsiders have a “do whatever it takes and doesn’t matter how it looks” attitude when it comes to dressing for the cold. But as our New Eastside residents have shown, having a little fun with winter dress certainly doesn’t hurt.

Keep fit in the comfort of your own home

By Jon Cohn | Community Contributor The cold air, early darkness, and slippery snow of winter can deter even the bravest New Eastsider from pursuing his or her daily activities. Personal fitness is hit especially hard. A comedian once explained the demotivating effect of cold weather by musing, “What happened to my get up and go? … It got up and went.”

But even when stuck indoors, there are plenty of routines that can help people stay in shape.

Keeping in shape during the cold winter months can be a challenge, but it is one of the best remedies for maintaining a sense of humor. So when the exercise starts converting our fats, sugars and starches into aches, pains and cramps, we can smile at the old cliché: no pain, no gain.

Let us count the ways:

8 / JANUARY 2016

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Looking ahead to 2016 Shanti Nagarkatti | Community Contributor With the books closed on another year, here are a few of the things we’re looking forward to in 2016.

To celebrate Lollapalooza’s 25th birthday, Lollapalooza is excited to announce an additional full day of music programming for the 2016 edition in beautiful Grant Park, which will feature more than 170 musical performances over four days. “When the party can’t wait for the weekend, the movers and shakers make it happen on Thursday! So, we’ve put together an entire additional day of music to celebrate our milestone year. It’s going to be a fantastic party!” says Perry Farrell, Lollapalooza founder.

Lollapalooza 2016 will take place Thursday, July 28 through Sunday, July 31. Four-day General Admission tickets will be available for $335 and single-day General Admission tickets will be available for $120 beginning Spring 2016.

Once again, the second city is the first choice for the NFL Draft. For the second consecutive year, Chicago will

host the 2016 NFL Draft on April 2830 at Grant Park and the Auditorium Theater at Roosevelt University. Last year more than 200,000 fans from across the country participated in the draft festivities in Chicago, including the highly popular Draft Town, a free, three-day outdoor interactive fan football festival in Grant Park. The event covered almost a million square feet of the park with concessions, activities and fan caves for each NFL team.

Real Estate Developments

which has seen a number of new projects alongside Grant Park, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute, including the London House Hotel – set to open in Spring 2016 – to the north of MILA.

oper is seeking a single retailer to fill up to 50,000 square feet, said Tishman Realty President David Rothenberg, making it the largest block of retail space on the Loop shopping strip.

Changes are also coming to State Street spaces. Hungry movie buffs now have a new option with a newly opened dine-in AMC theater in the Block 37 shops…Office Depot is out, and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th is in at the heart of the State Street shopping district. Saks Off Fifth, the retailer’s discount chain, is opening a store at 6 S. State St., in the space that Office Depot occupied before closing its doors.

The new store, which is set to open this spring, would be the sixth in the Chicago area for Saks Off 5th... New York-based Tishman and AXA Real Estate Investment Managers, bought the Amalgamated Bank headquarters at 100 and 112 S. State St. from Amalgamated Bank, which is vacating space and moving to a Loop office tower, the buyer and seller confirmed. The devel-

Celebrations and Events

MMXVI

As 2016 gets underway, completion is nearing for MILA, the bkL-designed, 41-story, 402-unit rental apartment tower at 200 North Michigan Avenue. The tower anchors the corner of Michigan Avenue and Lake Street, from which the project derives its name. MILA is designed to be LEED Silver certified, with availability and pre-leasing details coming in Spring 2016. The location positions the tower in a key spot along “The Cultural Mile”, an evolving stretch of Michigan Avenue south of the bridge

Put on something green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago with parades, events, and a trip to an Irish pub. March begins with the Irish Film Festival and continues through the month. This year, St. Patrick’s Day falls on Thursday, March 17. The downtown celebration occurs Saturday, March 12, beginning with the dyeing of the Chicago River at 9 a.m. and continuing in Grant Park with a parade at noon— starting from Balbo and Columbus Dr. Spring Planting Day Soon the first signs of spring in the city will lift spirits as the Park at Lakeshore East is transformed from an arctic tundra to a verdant oasis. Each year, thanks to the efforts of volunteers, the six-acre park becomes a lush, fragrant flower and garden show in what some residents consider an extension of their own backyards.

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

JANUARY 2016 / 9

Oh, chute: The good and bad of trash chutes Shanti Nagarkatti | Community Contributor

wind up in trash rooms. Whether residents are unaware of their buildings’ recycling facilities or optimistic souls who believe in the existence of a trash fairy remains a topic for debate.

Trash talking is usually associated with sports players trading insults. The term takes on a new meaning when it comes to high-rise living. Some of the most common complaints I hear among my neighbors have to do with actual garbage.

Whether it’s the garbage chute, the garbage room, or rules and regulations surrounding garbage, there’s much ado about refuse.

We all know that living in a multi-story building has its ups and downs. As with many things in life, our inherent human nature is responsible for most of the complications. People can be selfish, lazy, sloppy, misinformed, inconsiderate, or just plain stupid.

Particularly after the holidays, the desire to dispose of decorations, wrappings, and packaging can magnify these traits. Here is a sampling of what I have observed, which many New Eastside residents might find all too familiar.

Locked chutes. At one time or another, residents have experienced the

disappointment of seeing the red light on their floor’s trash chute and the door stubbornly shut. Facing a crossroads, the options are to: either wait for the light to go off or drop the bags and flee, which leads to…

Trash on the floor. In nine cases

out of ten, the result of locked chutes.

Management posts signs reading, “Please don’t leave garbage on the floor of the garbage chute room,” in hopes of deterring bad behavior. In buildings where the recycling and trash rooms are separate, bags full of recyclables

Putting large items down the chute. Pizza boxes, wads of hangers, and down comforters are known to cause clogged chutes. Other items boggle the mind. In one memorable instance, a box spring mattress was disassembled and thrown down the Aqua’s chute. Bemusement over who could do such a thing quickly turned to frustration, once it was learned that the chute would be non-operational for the two weeks (during Thanskgiving) that it would take to clear the blockage, order replacement parts, and complete the repairs. Building maintenance worked overtime, collecting garbage from each floor’s trash room.

While this story gets more exaggerated with each telling, the moral remains: when in doubt, consult your building’s management office. Other resources, such as Salvation Army monthly pickups and My Storage Suite services, can also help ensure communal harmony.

10 / JANUARY 2016

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

‘Tis the season for

warm winter cocktails

By Dan Patton | Staff Writer The best way to enjoy a Chicago winter is to spend it in Cancun. If that’s not an option, a warm cocktail will do.

From December to March, cocoas, coffees, toddies and teas ward off the Windy City chill and turn whipped cream into a blanket. Here’s a list of New Eastside recommendations for the next round.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks

Now Enrolling

Preschool through

8th Grade

Experience the Future of Education. Today.

Chicago’s Premier Preschool through 8th Grade International School Located in the heart of Lakeshore East, GEMS World Academy – Chicago’s inquiry-based curriculum empowers student exploration and critical-thinking. Our technologyrich campus helps students forge rewarding relationships in a valuesdriven environment. As students make connections to the world, they gain the solid academic foundation necessary to become successful life-long learners.

McCormick & Schmick’s renowned dedication to natural ingredients takes the form of freshly made, real whipped cream dolloped on many selections of an after-dinner drink menu that bartender Rob Connaghan calls, “traditional across the board, outside of the Millionaire Coffee that you don’t see anywhere else.”

Millionaire Coffee combines the Irish cream and hazelnut flavors of Bailey’s and Frangelico with a “little bit of a boost,” says Connaghan.

Additional selections include one of the city’s most authentic Irish Coffees: a cup of joe with a shot of Jameson and a sugar cube; and the Spanish Coffee, which Connaghan

recommends pairing with his favorite dessert, the Upside Down Candied Walnut Crust Apple Pie. “The Tia Maria Liqueur and Korbel Brandy in the Spanish Coffee complement the cinnamon ice cream and apple pie,” he explains. “I have a hard time eating it less than once a week.”

All the coffees mix well with McCormick & Schmick’s award-winning happy hour, rated number one by USA Today, and into the evening.

“We do a really good job of getting it down to a cozier level,” Connaghan says. For anyone who wants to enjoy an entrée before hitting the sweet stuff, his current favorite is Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna.

1 E. Upper Wacker Dr · (312) 923-7226 www.mccormickandschmicks.com

there are no official warm seasonal drinks.

“We can make anything hot,” says General Manager Phil Miley. “We have a lot of whiskeys, so if you want to warm it up with a little whiskey — or scotch or bourbon — we got a healthy selection.”

The Sweetwater adds the heat of these higher-proof spirits into its regular specialty cocktails, which may come cold on the outside but go down warm on the inside. The Chi-Town Sipper is a combination of Bulleit Bourbon with Amaretto and Apple. The Blizzard Brisk adds Triple Sec and Lemon to Makers Mark. There are also 82 ales, beers, pilsners, stouts, lagers, porters and ciders to choose from.

The menu puts a thoughtful twist on bar favorites like the Mushroom Sweetwater Swiss burger, served Tavern & Grille with balsamic mayThis hip Michigan onnaise on a Kaiser Avenue restaurant is roll, and traditional full of business peoentrees like the Filet ple and tourists at Mignon Trio, served lunchtime, but don’t with bleu cheese let that fool you: potato puree and when the sun goes grilled asparagus. down, the SweetwaDesserts include ter Tavern & Grille Sweetwater bartender Kevin Blake.

Peanut Butter becomes a local joint Photo: Daniel Patton Mousse Parfait and where bartender Kevin Baked Chocolate Chip Blake knows most of his customers Cookie Dough. For anyone looking to by name. It’s so laid back, in fact, that enjoy the last course in liquid form, Sweetwater is happy to comply.

Caffé Rom barista Victoria Weddington. Photo: Daniel Patton

“We can always add a little Baileys or Kahlua to your hot chocolate,” says Miley.

225 N. Michigan Ave. · Chicago, IL 60601 · (312) 698-7111 www.sweetwatertavernandgrille.com

Schedule a Visit and Tour To learn more about GEMS World Academy - Chicago, meet with the admissions team, and reserve your spot, visit: www.gemschicago.org/eastside or call: 312-809-8910

Amuse The seasonal drink menu at Amuse is the result of a group effort inspired by the Swissôtel’s Santa Suite on the 43rd floor.

“We wanted to bring some festivity down to the lobby,” says Food and Beverage Manager Ben Quick.

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Surgical Instrument Designer and Aqua resident Doug Slomski. “Ergys recommended it as a seasonal drink and it is exactly what I was looking for.”

Additional selections include the Original Sin, a hot cider with pear and plum flavors, and the Sugarbush, which mixes Four Roses Bourbon with maple syrup and Angostura Bitters.

Filini Bar bartender Ergys Dizdari. Photo: Daniel Patton

The resulting lineup — including The Frosted Berry Combo, The Nutcracker, Jack Frost and Winter Mule — offers enough winter-themed flavors to last all season.

The crowd favorite is the Frosted Berry Combo made with black raspberry Belvedere with strawberry puree, cranberry and lime juice topped by frosted berries.

“It’s really delicious and easily consumable so you can down more than one,” says Quick.

The warm one of the bunch is The Nutcracker, a foamy base of steamed cream and Frangelico flavored with Rumchata, Amaretto and white chocolate.

Quick recommends pairing it with the Hot Chocolate Panacotta, a chocolate gelatin combination that “forms like a pudding” and is topped with pistachio whipped cream prepared daily in the hotel’s pastry kitchen.

The dessert is just one of Chef Dan

McGee’s recent contributions to the menu. Other new dishes include the spicy crab Rangoon, which Quick describes as “one of my favorites”; and the Vitality Burger, a black bean burger with avocado pico de gallo on an avocado brioche bun that is “light, delicious and sharable, especially after the heavy holiday meals.”

Of course, the food and drink are just a part of Amuse’s winter charm. “We have our fireplace and it’s just a really warm and comfortable and welcoming area,” says Quick. “Being in the lobby of the hotel, you get to sit and watch all the world pass you by and we really pride ourselves on our service.”

323 E. Upper Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601 · (312) 565-0565 www.swissotel.com/hotels/chicago/dining/amuse/

Filini Bar

“It’s about warming up people and their spirits,” explains Dizdari, who crafted the collection with mingling in mind. With three years’ experience at the lounge, he knows that people like to walk around and explore the attractions in the award-winning Aqua Building. “It’s very inviting and cozy, especially with the fireplace and the lobby,” he says. “People also like to go to the art gallery down the hall.”

221 N. Columbus Dr. · (312) 477-0234 www.filinichicago.com

Caffé Rom “Anyone who loves true Italian coffee would want to come to Caffé Rom,” says barista Victoria Weddington, “We’re the epitome of Italian Coffee.”

Indeed. The white leather barstools and vibrant colors in this sunny little nook are waiting for Sofia Loren to roll up on a Vespa. Offering several custom-ground multi-blend roasts and a variety of desserts including daily

JANUARY 2016 / 11

handmade gelato, Caffé Rom’s Mediterranean dedication is worthy of a Caesar.

This winter, peppermint is all the rage at the cafe, mixing into mocha, white mocha and a brownie that Weddington describes as “super gooey and delicious.” There are also a new eggnog gelato and, as always, the Cornetto, a buttery and flaky Italian pastry baked fresh every morning.

For the non-peppermint lover, Weddington notes that “white chocolate is super popular around the wintertime” and she is ready to wow customers with her expertise on the cappuccino machine.

“All the baristas here go through extensive training,” she explains. “Anywhere from six to fifteen months.” The most challenging aspect of the process, she says, is “Learning how to make the making espresso shot.” The greatest reward: “interacting with the customers” once it’s perfected.

So stop in at the Caffé across from Lakeshore East Park to catch some of the interaction. Or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Either way, Weddington promises that, “You get the feel of being inside a true Italian coffee shop.”

E. South Water St. · (312) 981-7766 www.cafferom.com

Filini bartender Ergys Dizdari creatChristina Wollerman enjoys the Millionaire Coffee at McCormick & Schmick’s, Photo: Daniel Patton ed “something outside of the typical hot toddy routine” to keep customers warm this winter. The seasonal menu offers three selections made from two different ciders, a dash of exquisite bitters and dose of gin, bourbon or rum.

The “Twisted Earl” is a mug of hot cider infused with Earl Grey tea sweetened by honey syrup and orange bitters. The flavors melt into lemon-peel gin from Chicago’s Few Spirits with a steam that feels like a home kitchen.

“The Twisted Earl has a nice cider flavor,” says

12 / JANUARY 2016

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Wanda Tower update

By Daniel Patton | Staff Writer The Wanda Tower at 381-383 E Wacker Drive reached another milestone on its climb to becoming the third tallest building in Chicago. The city’s Plan Commission approved the $1 billion, 1,100-square-foot project in November but details on the amenities and cost of condominiums in the building have been scant, until now.

Exclusive amenities for condominium residents will occupy the 47th floor and will include a kitchen, a dining room, a music room, a theater, a lounge, a pool, a hot tub, a fire pit, and two game rooms.

To begin at the bottom, the tower’s lobby will face the Lakeshore East Park. Although a Wacker Drive address has been cited in many reports, a recent post by the Chicago Architecture Blog suggests that residents and visitors will access the building from Waterside Drive.

One-bedroom units ranging in size from 1,160 to 1,300 square feet will start at $900,000 and go up to $1.5 million. Two-bedrooms, which range in size from 1,700 to 2,400 square feet, will start at $1.3 million and go to $2.5 million. Three-bedrooms from 2,200 to 2,600 square feet will be priced anywhere from $1.5 million to $5.5 million. Four-bedrooms of unspecified square footage will cost between $4.6 million and $7 million.

A hotel will occupy the second through eleventh floors and will share amenities — including a bar, a terrace, two restaurants, an exercise room, and a children’s room — with condominiums on the thirteenth floor.

Full-floor residences range from $9 million to $18 million.

Parking is not included in the price of each unit. Assessments are expected to range from $480 to $9,200 per month, or $5,760 to $110,400 annually.

Nine condominiums will occupy each floor from the 14th to the 46th.

Groundbreaking is slated for April 2016. Completion is planned for 2020.

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New Eastside Performer Explains Why

Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival is worth the trip

The Stuntmen: (left to right) Shane Murphy, Adam Ston, Matthew Reiss, Brian Zeman, Matt Kawa.

Photo: Daniel Patton

By Matthew Reiss | Community Contributor Winter can be a dreary time in Chicago. With the lineup of writers and performers that plan on attending the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival (Sketchfest) January 7-17, your post-holiday doldrums will be kicked to the curb.

Now in its 15th year, Chicago Sketchfest is the largest nonprofit sketch comedy festival in the nation, hosting over 160 groups from around the globe in 4 theaters for 8 nonstop days.

The festival takes place on Stage 773 at the Belmont Theater in Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood.

I am a member of The Stuntmen, a group that has performed at the festival for the past six years. Every January, I travel from Lakeshore East to Lakeview with a bag of pirate hats, Bigfoot costumes, and other props.

One of our group’s most memorable gigs required a breakaway chair for a fight scene in the opening sketch.

After ordering the chair and underestimating the time it would take to ship, I received it on the evening of the show.

Bundling the giant box into a cab, I

raced to the theater and assembled the chair just before the curtain went up.

Two minutes later, to the audience’s delight, the chair shattered over a performer’s back.

I began performing sketch comedy in 1991 and find it personally rewarding. It is a pleasure seeing my words brought to life by a group of talented performers willing to act out my comedic musings.

Second, I love moving my audience to laughter. Our group molds an idea from scratch, commits to it, and braves the risk of rejection at each performance. Sometimes I get nervous before a show, but I view the anxiety as positive—it means I care and am invested in the outcome.

Finally, I love rehearsing comedy. It’s cathartic to give myself permission to laugh and be silly on a regular basis.

Comedy is a life-affirming activity that brings me constant joy and hopefully puts some laughter out into the world in the process.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.stage773.com/ChicagoSketchfest.

JANUARY 2016 / 13

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Houlihan’s shutters downtown location Shanti Nagarkatti | Community Contributor Houlihan’s announced last month that it has closed its downtown location on Upper Wacker Drive, in the Illinois Center.

The reason for the closure was not immediately clear. “Parting is such sweet sorrow,” the restaurant posted on its Facebook page, “We have closed our doors for good and want to thank each and every one of you for all the great memories.”

Leawood Kansas-based Houlihan’s Restaurants, Inc. still operates six suburban Illinois locations in Algonquin, Geneva, Naperville, Orland Park, Park Ridge, and Wheaton. A sign posted on a locked door invited patrons to visit these other outposts.

Long a feature on the Pedway’s dining map, Houlihan’s appeared to have been doing a thriving business for breakfast buffets, happy hours, and

everything in between in the weeks and days leading up to the closure.

During spring and summer, a sidewalk patio provided a prime vantage point for people-watching and enjoying a beverage or two. Its proximity to nearby hotels and offices ensured a steady stream of foot traffic. The establishment was highlighted in this publication as a Thanksgiving dinner option for diners who wanted to leave the food preparation and dishwashing to someone else.

are going up for auction on January 6, 2016. Also on the auction block is a variety of memorabilia, including a football signed by Mike Ditka, a Marilyn Monroe bust, RCA Nipper statue, a seven-foot-long wooden swordfish, and several vintage metal signs.

of auction items, with photos, on its website. Anyone who wishes to take part in the auction must register and provide a bidder’s card and $200 refundable cash deposit. No one under sixteen years of age is allowed on the premises for safety reasons.

Bob King Auctions, specializing in commercial auctions, appraisals, and liquidation services, has posted a list

Plans for the former Houlihan’s space are unknown at press time. The company could not be reached for comment.

Last call at Houlihan’s on Wacker Drive. Photo: Daniel Patton

Among the patrons surprised by the restaurant’s closure is Josh Tamlin.

“The food was always good and they had great deals. The decor was pretty cool, with an awesome fish tank up front and plenty of TVs to watch sporting events,” he said.

A glance through the windows reveals a vacant, darkened interior with stacks of tagged, numbered dishware; kitchen items; dining room furnishings; and miscellaneous odds and ends that

Local spots to watch the Super Bowl

By Daniel Patton | Staff Writer

The Sweetwater Tavern & Grille 225 N. Michigan Ave. · (312) 698-7111 www.sweetwatertavernandgrille.com

During this year’s Super Bowl, the thrill of victory won’t mean much to Bears fans because the team’s post-season hopes ran out long ago.

Luckily, there are a few local venues that can help Chicagoans watch the battle between who-cares and not-theBears while still having some fun.

The Billy Goat Tavern 60 E. Lake St. (312) 346-5620 www.billygoattavern.com The Billy Goat offers fans a chance to celebrate not only football but also another great Chicago tradition: the tavern is part of a chain that includes the legendary lower Michigan Avenue bar and restaurant immortalized by John Belushi and Bill Murray on Saturday Night Live.

“It’s got a neighborhood feel, but it’s still downtown,” says Manager Bill Sianis. “You can come in and get a

On Sundays during the regular season, the Sweetwater on Michigan Avenue goes all out for football. With 82 beers and 25 TVs, fans can travel through a world of hops while enjoying nearly 360 degrees of access to the action. But it doesn’t stop there.

Bears fans at the Billy Goat Tavern on Lake St. Left to right: Kurt LeVitus, Franz Judkins, Kaseem Sinceno, Saul Ramirez, Ben Firkins. Photo: Daniel Patton

cheeseburger and a drink and watch the game.”

With a handful of hi-definition TVs behind the bar and a large monitor in the dining area, the Goat has become a popular stop for fans traveling to and from Soldier Field. It also draws a local crowd that includes former Bears tight end Kaseem Sinceno, who played for the team from 2000 to 2001.

During a recent visit, the down-toearth former pro took time to recount the best game of his career. “It was against the Vikings,” he says. “Four catches, eighty-seven yards: fantasy owners loved me that week.”

In other words: Super Bowl, Schmuper Bowl. The Billy Goat is where fans can support a true hometown hero — the Goat itself.

“We have a live DJ who feeds into our system,” says General Manager Phil Miley. “When a commercial pops up, it cuts to his computer and he plays funny YouTube clips and stuff like that.”

Although Miley explains, “We’re not sure what we’re doing for the Super Bowl yet because people like to watch the commercials,” the Sweetwater will probably cater to whatever the fans demand. The venue has been known to postpone its normal 10:00 p.m-ish Sunday night closing time on occasions when “we’re rocking and rolling.”

14 / JANUARY 2016

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Events

Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confim event information.

Free Kids Events at Mariano’s January 9 and 10 · 11 a.m.

Citrus Showdown January 16 and 17 · noon Tales for Tots January 22 · 3:30 p.m.

Miss Jamie from the Farm January 23 and 24 · 11 a.m.

Penguin Playtime January 30 and 31 · 11 a.m.

Juice & Mimosa Bar 333 E. Benton Pl. (312) 228-1349 http://www.eventbrite. com/o/marianos-chicago-lakeshore-east-4535970073

Chicago’s Navy Pier. Discounted group tickets available on specific dates.

Navy Pier. $7 to $10 www.navypier.com/pnc-bank-winter-wonderfest/

Through Feb. 27, 2016 Pedway Walking Tour & Brunch Explore underground downtown through the Chicago’s network of sublevel passageways from the Radisson Blu to Macy’s. The three-hour tour includes brunch at the Hyatt Regency’s American Craft kitchen and a trivia contest. $50 - $70 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturdays Radisson Blu · 221 N. Columbus Dr. www.goldstar.com/chicago/events/chicago-il/pedway-brunch-tour

FREE ADMISSION FOR ILLINOIS RESIDENTS

Martin Luther King Museum Day

On the American holiday dedicated to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, JR., Chicago’s world-class museums offer free admission for visitors who display a valid ID that has an Illinois address.

Adler Planetarium 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr. · (312) 922-7827 www.adlerplanetarium.org Chicago History Museum 1601 N. Clark St. · (312) 642-4600 www.chicagohistory.org Chicago Museum of Science + Industry 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. · (773) 684-1414 www.msichicago.org Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. · (312) 939-2438 www.sheddaquarium.org

January 2 - 10, 2016 Free days at Chicago Museums Shedd Aquarium January: 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 22-26 Art Institute of Chicago Free Thursday Evenings General admission free to IL residents every Thursday from 5-8 p.m.

Adler Planetarium January 4-8,11,12,15,18-22, 25-29 Chicago Children’s Museum Free 5-8 p.m. every Thursday and the first Sunday of every month for kids 15 and under.. Always free to children under 1 Chicago History Museum January: Monday-Friday Museum of Science and Industry January: 4-8, 11-15, 18-22, 25-29 Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Thursdays free for Illinois residents.

Children under 3 free every day.

Through January 10 Winter Wonderfest Beat the cold at Chicago’s 15th annual PNC Bank Winter Wonderfest.

Enjoy a train ride, a Ferris wheel, a skating rink and dozens more attractions under a dazzling light display in the 170,000-square-foot interior of

Who Killed JFK? The Assassination Theater in the Museum of Broadcast Communications dramatizes the motivations, people and events behind the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy. $39 - $49 Wednesday 2 p.m. · Thursday and Friday 7:30 p.m. · Saturday 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. · Sunday 3 p.m.

Museum of Broadcast Communications · 360 N. State St. www.assassinationtheater.com

January 12 Chef Roast at the River Roast Four chefs prepare a four-course dinner and then the roasting really begins. WXRT Radio’s Lin Brehmer will host an after-feast culinary-themed comedic recipe that calls for “roasting” the main ingredient — the chefs themselves — in a scenic bistro along the river. $75 plus handling fee 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

315 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60654, 312-822-0100 www.riverroastchicago.com/#_doin

January 15, 2016 DJ Ravi at Chicago Cultural Center The Detroit-born DJ lays down the groove that helped him earn a Smart Bar Junior Residency.

Free · Noon Chicago Cultural Center 78 E. Washington St. (312) 744-6630 www.cityofchicago.org

January 17 / 18, 2016 Chicago Sinfonietta presents a Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s “long-standing Sinfonietta tradition” started by the Sinfonietta’s late founder, Maestro Paul Freeman, features Grammy award-winner Victor Wooten playing bass on The Bass Whisperer, a piece he composed with Conni Ellisor.

January 17 · 3 p.m.

Anthem of Praise, Smallwood Wentz Concert Hall 171 E. Chicago Ave. · Naperville (312) 284-1554 www.chicagosinfonietta.org $10 - $60 January 18 · 7:30 p.m.

Anthem of Praise, Smallwood Chicago Symphony Center

220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 284-1554 www.chicagosinfonietta.org $10 - $60

January 22 - Feb. 4, 2016 Chicago Restaurant Week Enjoy two straight weeks of culinary delights at more than 250 restaurants in and around Greater Chicago. Prix fixe menus start at $22 for lunch and $33 or $44 for dinner. See www.eatitupchicago.com for a full list of participating venues.

January 29-31 Ideal Home Show Chicago Ideas for every home including demonstrations, vendors, shopping, celebrities and onsite how-to seminars.

Adults 13 and over $10 (door), $7 (online); Seniors 65+ $7; Children under 12 free with adult Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave. www.idealhomeshowchicago.com

January 30, 2016 Mardi Gras at the Cultural Center The Mystick Krewe of Laff — a social aid and pleasure club named for the Great Spirit of Humor and Fun

JANUARY 2016 / 15

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Events

Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information.

CHICAGO

WINTER RACES Chicago Polar Dash Half, 10K / 5K 1600m Saturday, January 9 · 9am Grant Park 7th Annual F^3 Lake Half Marathon Saturday, January 23 · 10am Solider Field Aon Step Up for Kids (80 Floors) Sunday, January 31 · 8am Aon Center Mardi Gras Chaser 5K/10K Saturday, February 20 · 10am Montrose Harbor Cupid’s Undie Run Children’s Tumor Foundation February 13 · Noon John Barleycorn · 3524 N. Clark St. — hosts a feast for the sensations.

Entertainment includes a line parade and live music by The Heard and Big Shoulders Brass Band. Libations include Hurricanes and Swamp Juice.

Food includes a buffet. After-party at the Billy Goat from Midnight to 3 a.m. $50 · Chicago Cultural Center · Preston Bradley Hall · 78 E. Washington St. www.mystickkreweoflaff.org

January 30, 2016 Celebration of Shrinkage 2016 Polar Bear Plunge Enjoy one of Chicago’s most delightfully cold-blooded and fun-loving events by leaping into the icy waters of Lake Michigan in the middle of winter. Or

stay warm and watch others do it.

Noon · Oak Street Beach www.lakeviewpolarbearclub.com

January 29/30 Oberlin Conservatory Debut The nation’s oldest continuously operating conservatory brings its Contemporary Music Ensemble and Orchestra to perform two consecutive nights in Chicago.

January 29 · 7 p.m.

One Bright Morning by Jesse Jones Ganz Music Hall 430 S. Michigan Ave. (440) 775-8200 www.oberlin.edu/chicago2016 Free admission, RSVP required January 30 · 8 p.m.

Roman Carnival Overture

by Hector Berioz Chicago Symphony Center 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 294-3000 www.cso.org/ticketsandevents Free admission, RSVP required

January 31 D’Vine Affair One of Chicago’s greatest wine events, featurig 90 international vintners pouring 250 varieties, a craft & imported beer tasting, a wine barrel auction and much more. Celebrating its 15th year raising funds for Catholic Charities. $125 Union League Club 65 W. Jackson Blvd. (312) 655-7700 www.catholiccharities.net/Events/SignatureEvents/dVineAffair.aspx

February 5, 2016

Family Valentine Dance at Maggie Daley

Bring the entire family to Maggie Daley Park for a Valentine’s Day treat. Moms, Dads and kids from 2 to 11-years-old are invited to turn the Field House into a sweetie pie boogie. www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/Family-Valentine-Dance-at-Maggie-Daley 337 E Radolph St. · 312 742 3918 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. $10 per family

Cozy up to warm hotel music Although we become a little claustrophobic when winter sets in, the need to get out and “feel the beat” can strike at any time. Music helps shake the doldrums. What better way to beat the winter blues than to go out and listen to some, well, blues? Or jazz? Or oldies? Or maybe even some oldies in a piano bar? Chicago offers a number of melodic options.

Places like Andy’s Jazz, Howl at the Moon and The Redhead Piano Bar offer music every night of the week.

There are also a plenty of hotels playing warm notes on cold winter nights.

They may be a short walk or quick cab ride from home, but still close enough to make it easy for New Eastsiders to find the beat in a hurry. — Jon Cohn

Jazz at The Ritz Carlton Jazz at The Knickerbocker Myles Hayes Chad Willetts Trio Fridays, Saturdays - 8 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Fridays - 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. www.millenniumhotels.com/chicago www.ritzcarltonchicago.com 312 266 1000 312 751 8100 Reggae at The Hard Rock Café Jazz at the Tortoise Club Hurricane John Wade Fridays - 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Fridays - 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Urban Rhythm Mark Brunell Trio Saturdays - 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Saturdays - 8:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. www.tortoiseclub.com · 312 755 1700 www.hardrockhotelchicago.com 312 334 6760 Live music in The Peninsula Gabriel Dacu DJ’s at The Renaissance Fridays, Saturdays - 7 to 10 p.m.

Chicago-based rotation chicago.peninsula.com/en/default Fridays, Saturdays - 7-ish to late 312 337 2888 http://www.marriott.com 312 372 7200 Acoustic Music at The Wit Chicago-based rotation Live Music at the Loews Hotel Fridays, Saturdays - 10 .p.m to 1 a.m.

Fridays, Saturdays - 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Sundays - 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. loewshotels.com/chicago www.thewithotel.com · 312 467 0200 312 840 6600

Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts at the Chicago Cultural Center The international music foundation presents free weekly concerts under the exquisite dome of Preston Bradley Hall.

January 6, 2016 · 12:15 p.m.

Pianist Sean Chen performs Rachmaninoff’s Sonatine and Piano Sonata No. 2.

January 13, 2016 · 12:15 p.m.

The Allant Trio performs Kelly Marie Murphy’s Give Me Phoenix Wings to Fly, Mendolssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1, and Bridge’s Miniatures for Piano Trio.

January 20, 2016 · 12:15 p.m.

Daria Robatkina performs Chopin’s Nocturne and Schumann’s Humoreske.

January 27, 2016 · 12:15 p.m.

The Tekalli Duo performs Messiaen’s Thème et variations, Brahms’ Violin Sonata No. 3, and Chopin’s Grand Valse Brillante.

The Chicago Cultural Center 78 E. Washington Presented by the international music foundation (312) 670-6888 · www.imfchicago.org/hess/main#/hess/schedules/395

16 / JANUARY 2016

A World of Opportunities

NEW EASTSIDE NEWS

Apply now to become part of the only private school in Chicago offering personalized, international education to 15 grades of students under one roof. Applications for the 2016-17 school year are due January 4, 2016. www.bischicagosl.org/admissions