Laissez Les Bonnes Temps Rouler with Tony Clifton!

Last Thursday, I was at Blue Line in Wicker Park and met a singer from New Orleans named Gina. I asked her what she was doing in Chicago, and she mentioned that she is on tour and a member of a giant performance group called the “Katrina Kiss My Ass Orchestra.” After laughing, I asked her to explain more about the show…

Turns out that the “Katrina” orchestra is in Comic Relief’s “The Return of Tony Clifton” at the Chopin Theatre. I was unfamiliar with Tony Clifton’s act, but after checking out the website, I’ve learned that he’s a lounge singer character who performs a set complete with burlesque dancers, singers and live musicians. From what I’ve read, his act is very funny and always receives rave reviews!

The shows will benefit musicians from the Gulf Coast who are trying to get back in the swing of things (literally) with new instruments, etc. I can’t speak for the other areas along the Gulf Coast, but one of the things that I loved most about the N.O. (besides the food) was the music. It’s the soul of the city, so I’m definitely planning on checking the show out!

“The Return of Tony Clifton and his Katrina Kiss My Ass Orchestra” runs from July 31st-August 17th at the Chopin Theatre (1543 W. Division, Chicago). Tickets are $15 in advance, and $20 at the door, with all the proceeds benefitting Gulf Coast musicians. For more information, please visit tonyclifton.net!

 

-kb

Girls Night Out at AKIRA Lincoln Park

AKIRA does it again! On Thursday, July 31st, AKIRA will be celebrating the opening of its new Lincoln Park women’s store. There will be makeup consultations, massages, manicures, eyebrow threading (ooh!), appetizers, fondue, beverages, and…a 15% discount on store merchandise! 

In addition to all of the above, there will also be a bachelor auction to benefit the Chicago Academy High School Lacrosse Team! The event will last from 5-10p. For more info, visit akirachicago.com!

On a separate yet related note, AKIRA makes it very hard for me to save money. There’s always something new in the store or on the website! I need want a new dress so maybe I’ll head over there after work…We’ll see.

-kb

It’s Been Awhile…

…since I’ve had a new post! Sorry about that, guys! Life got a little hectic, but I’m back and have some great events and posts so stay tuned!

-kb

BMW Ultimate Drive

Always dreamed about driving a pink car? Okay, how about just driving a BMW? Well, if either (or both sounds appealing, make sure you check out the annual BMW Ultimate Drive Event. The Richmond Group will be bringing the event to Chicago’s 63rd Street Beach on Sunday, July 27th from 12-6p. Everyone has the opportunity to test drive a custom fleet of BMWs and for every test-driven mile, BMW donates $1 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Visit www.bmwusa.com/theultimatedrive to schedule your test drive!

Can’t make it to the event, but still want to help BMW in their efforts to fight breast cancer? Visit their website and find merchandise for the cure.

-kb

Slug It Out For MS!

It’s time to slug it out in the fight against multiple sclerosis! On Saturday August 9th, Multiple Solutions, the junior board of the National MS Society – Greater Illinois Chapter, will be hosting the 8th annual MS Slugfest 2008 at Mt. Greenwood Park on the South Side (115th and Pulaski). MS Slugfest is a one-day, 16-inch, co-ed softball tournament with up to 64 teams of 15 players. The event is held annually, rain or shine, and includes a fully catered lunch by Robinson’s Ribs, the Weber Grill Home Run Derby, and some great fundraising and championship prizes (like Sox/Cubs tickets, gift certificates, etc)! 

So far, over 30 teams have signed up to play in this year’s tournament and I’m confident that Slugfest is on track to meet/surpass their fundraising goal of $130,000! I’ve been to a couple of Multiple Solutions meetings this year, and the Slugfest chair and committee are REALLY working their butts off! So, come on out and support them/us as we take one step closer to a world free of MS!!!

Head on over to www.MsSlugfest.com if you’re interested in playing, raising money, being a sponsor or volunteering. Or you can shoot an email over to msslugfest@ild.nmss.org

-kb

KB’s Journey 07/20/2008

In “KB’s Journey,” I will talk about some of the initiatives and causes that I support, and keep you posted on my philanthropic journeys.

In September, I’ve accepted the challenge to participate in the Capital Challenge Walk, a two-day 50K walk in Washington D.C designed to raise funds for the fight against multiple sclerosis. I’ve been training for two weeks and all I can think about is how much I need a deep tissue massage. To add insult to injury, I’ve started the healthy eating lifestyle again, so not only do my muscles hurt, but I also want six glazed donuts! Whew…I digress!

When I’m training, I’m not walking the full amount but hitting the trail for 5-6 miles at a time in the Chicago summer can make it feel like I’m walking FOREVER! I’m not complaining though because I do my walks on the lakefront so I have some beautiful scenery (and my iPod) keeping me company!

I’m really excited to participate in this walk because it’s all about challenging yourself for the greater good. Plus, I’m doing it in celebration of my mother who tirelessly fought multiple sclerosis for almost 30 years. If she could do that and keep the faith, I surely can walk these kilometers/miles and keep mine. That doesn’t mean that I won’t get tired along the way, but I know that I’ll make it! Now that I’ve ridded myself of any and all excuses not to participate, I’m officially starting my fundraising plan this week. Each participant must raise at least $1500 so in addition to the usual email/phone campaign, I’ve also planned some fun activities (of course) to get folks excited about giving! If you’re interested, stay tuned for the details!

Alright, enough chatting on my end, I have to walk 4 miles at 6a, and my body’s still recovering from the 6 miles this weekend. I’m off to drink a cup of nighttime tea and drift away to La La Land. For more info on the Capital Challenge Walk, visit this site: www.msandyou.org!

Sweet dreams…

-kb

Shop and Celebrate with the Chicago Cubs!

Madison and Friends, Chicago’s premier children’s boutique, and The Denim Lounge are celebrating their 12th anniversary at the Oak Street location (43 East Oak Street) with the Chicago Cubs! There will be a meet-and-greet with players from 4:30-6:30p and they will sign autographs to raise funds for Project 3000. This initiative, co-founded by Derek Lee, is dedicated to finding a cure for Leber’s Congenital Almaurosis (LCA), an inherited form of blindness, and supporting those affected by the disease. 

D. Lee will be joined by teammates Mark DeRosa, Ryan Dempster, Bobby Howry, and Ryan Theriot and the guys will be signing autographs for a donation of $80. Seeing as how the Cubs are actually doing great this year, an autographed photo is a must have for any fan! In addition, all merchandise in both Madison and Friends and The Denim Lounge will be 20% off all day!

I’ve never been into The Denim Lounge, but I’ve heard that the service is amazing and the staff really knows what they are talking about! So, head on over to the store and get some new jeans for fall (that felt weird to type)!

-kb

Quick Hits!

It’s Thursday and that means that the weekend is almost here!!! Man, I will be happy to see 5p on Friday…Anyways, here are a few quick hits for you!

• This Friday, an informal dinner buffet will be held at Cafe Ciao in the West Loop (939 W. Madison) to benefit Sudan International. The cost is $35, and the menu includes appetizers, main courses, and desserts. The dinner will be held from 6:30-8:30p, and due to the size of Cafe Ciao, reservations are definitely suggested. Please call 312-847-2426 for reservations and more information!

• We’re halfway through July, so I hope that you’re taking advantage of shebang’s online sale benefitting Dress for Success! The donations only last through this month, so definitely take a look.

• TONIGHT: There are two major shopping events this evening: Carnivale (AKIRA) and the Designer Shopping Sample sale. Hit the streets and see what goodies you can find (for a good cause and for yourself)! I plan on heading over to AKIRA, so hopefully I see some of you there!

-kb

Carnivale Celebration at Akira!

AKIRA North Avenue

It’s hard to believe that AKIRA is only six years old. I mean, those red awnings and shopping bags are ALL over town. To celebrate their milestone, the North Avenue stores will be hosting Carnivale this Thursday, the 17th! The event will last from 5-10p and feature complimentary Belvedere cocktails, food, and live entertainment.

In addition to the $10 suggested donation, Akira will also be donating 10% of the proceeds to Chicago Gateway Green, a nonprofit dedicated to the greenery and beautification of our wonderful city. Don’t worry though…In exchange for your attendance, the kind folks at Akira will be giving you 10% off all your purchases!

Once you get done shopping, be sure to head over to the free afterparty at Chaise Lounge (1840 W. North Avenue). P.S. The online AKIRA store is finally back up and running! Head on over to www.akirachicago.com to check it out!

Akira North Avenue Locations:

Akira Men

1922 W. North Avenue

Akira Women

1837 W. North Avenue

Akira Footwear

1849 W. North Avenue

And, also don’t forget about the Lincoln Park, Water Tower, and State Street locations!

-kb

Tote Your Philanthropy Around

Give bags and travel accessories have graced the pages of InStyle magazine and have been seen on the arms of celebrities such as Christina Ricci, Sheryl Crow, and Jessica Alba. While that alone makes these bags and accessories stylish by default, it’s the philanthropic nature of the company that earns it a spot on the blog. Give donates 10% of net profits to charities annually. The company’s philosophy is “that part of being chic means not just carrying the bag that you love, but also supporting the organizations you love.” *applause* I couldn’t have said it better myself!

Organizations We Love is a campaign where they choose a different non-profit monthly to donate to and feature on the website and e-newsletter. You can visit the website to be updated on the charity of the month!

Here’s a sample of some of the items available in the Summer 2008 collection:

                                                  

1. Leather Train Case, $295. 2. Katherine Clutch (Metallic), $435. 3. Weekender , $688

I really like the weekender, and consider that a total investment piece. I’ll have to add it to the big ticket savings plan…Anyways, for these bags and more, visit the website at shopgive.com!

-kb