Another busy weekend in Chicago. Things to do. Or avoid.

This weekend brings a full schedule of fun things in Chicago.

Or perhaps you can avoid the congestion and street closures that accompany these festivals.

Thursday Night

U.S. Air Guitar Championships Regional Finals - 9:00 pm at the Metro

www.usairguitar.com and also check out the Blog

Friday Morning

Bike to Work Day Rally - 7:30 am at Daley Plaza

Chicago's Bike to Work Day website

Live music, free T-shirts, food and free breakfast for dedicated souls who ride their bicycles to work on Friday. 

Not to be too much of a party pooper, but it IS Friday the 13th.  And the weather looks crappy.  Your guides are leading a tour of Rogers Park on Friday, so we'll be in the gas guzzler.

Saturday

Resurrection Lutheran Church is proud to announce the 6th annual Wrigleyville SummerFest.

June 14, 2008 from 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. on Seminary Avenue at Roscoe Street.

In addition to the bands and the Kids' Zone, plenty of food and beverages will be available, and many local vendors will be showcasing their products and services. We are proud to partner with Chicago Beverage Systems to provide Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft and Heineken beers this year.

Friday Night, Saturday and Sunday

59th Annual Old Town Art Fair - Just west of Wells & Lincoln and north of North Ave.

(Do not try to drive anywhere near here this weekend)

The tree-lined streets of Chicago's historic Old Town Triangle District will again provide a charming setting for the 59^th Old Town Art Fair, the oldest and most prestigious juried outdoor art fair of its kind. Produced by the Old Town Triangle Association, this annual fundraiser benefits a host of local schools, youth groups and neighborhood preservation projects. With the support of more than 750 neighborhood volunteers, this year's Fair will be held on June 14 and 15 from 10am to 6pm rain or shine. The main gate is at Lincoln and Wisconsin Avenues. Requested donation is $7.00 ($5.00 after 4:00) ; there is no requested donation for children 12 and under.+Neighborhood parking is extremely limited. Public transportation is highly recommended.

Saturday and Sunday

43rd Annual Midsommarfest in Andersonville - Clark at Foster

For the Northsiders:   Midsommarfest is one of Chicago’s most unique street fairs. Born out of Andersonville's Swedish heritage, Midsommarfest retains its quaint, international flavor. Old-world Swedish traditions, including a festive dance around the Maypole, are incorporated into an unrivaled array of entertainment for families and adults.

Cool stuff in Lakeview & Chicago on Monday, Memorial Day

events, originally uploaded by digifun.us.

The Wellington-Oakdale Old Glory Marching Society (WOOGMS) parade, a Memorial Day tradition in Chicago's Lake View neighborhood, steps off from Pine Grove and Wellington at 11 a.m. on Monday. It will end with entertainment that includes the Jesse White Tumblers on the lawn of St. Joseph Hospital, 2900 N. Lake Shore. Visit www.44thward.org.

Remember - everybody walks; nobody watches!

A special recognition of the Illinois Gold Star Families who have lost loved ones in military conflicts since Sept. 11, 2001, will be part of the Chicago Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony and parade on Saturday. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza, Dearborn and Washington. The annual Memorial Day Parade steps off at noon on State and Wacker, and heads south to Van Buren. Call (312) 744-3315 or visit www.cityofchicago.org/specialevents.

Upcoming Festivals in Chicago for May

May 16 & 17 - Chicago Mayfest

3100 North Ashland Avenue. $5 to enter

May 24 - Memorial Day Parade

250 North State Street. Free

May 28 to 31 - Chicago Turkish Festival

50 West Washington - Daley Plaza. Free

May 30 to June 1 - 24th Annual Gospel Music Festival

Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph Street. Free

May 31 to June 1 - Belmont/Sheffield Music Festival

3200 North Sheffield - $5 to enter

Filming on the set of Public Enemies - West Newport Ave

Photo Courtesy of haycarrieanne

This photo was taken yesterday - as in April 10, 2008 - in Lakeview on West Newport during the filming of the new Johnny Depp & Christian Bale movie "Public Enemies."

For filming, more modern street lights were taken out and replaced by old-timey street lamps, new cars were relocated (sadly this means towed away) and vintage auto's parked in their places, and extras in vintage period clothing hired to mill up and down the street. 

Your guides still have not seen hide nor hair of the big stars.

Can you "play" at a Chicago "park?"

From today's Crain's Chicago Business

A few days ago, a group of 30-something Loop office workers decided to let off a little post-5 p.m. steam. Being a healthy lot, they headed not to a bar, but to the 3-acre public park plopped amid the huge Lakeshore East residential and office complex on East Randolph Street for a pickup soccer game.

A few minutes later, the cops arrived—and busted one and all for violating an ancient and unknown city law that restricts sporting activities to sites specifically designated for sport. As reported by WFLD-TV/Channel 32, the coppers had been summoned by an adjacent condo building’s management, which says it just was trying to protect the wet turf but clearly considers the “public” park to be mostly private.

This begs the question:  Can you "play" in the "park?"

In our neighborhood, there is a bit of a struggle between parents and dog owners over whether pets should be allowed inside the newly constructed Chi Che Wang Park on West Wolfram in West Lakeview.

Under a little known statute in Chicago, dogs are prohibited from any parks that do not have paved walk ways through them.  Chi Che Wang Park is three-acres of lawn with nary a path, toy, object, or impediment inside its boundaries.  It's filled with families and children playing soccer, football, baseball, softball and Frisbee.   On weekends, some organized Soccer Clubs have been setting up full soccer games.  Nets, goals, uniforms, spiked shoes - the whole shebang.

And if a dog sets a toe-step inside, a neighbor usually calls the police.

Hmmm.  I wonder if a vengeful - oops - I mean - observant - area dog owner were to keep his eye out for one of these "sporting" events being held in this "non sporting" venue - could he call the police?  Or will he just get the brush off?

Interview with Chicago South Side Board of Tourism's Brett Smalls

Opening Day for the Chicago White Sox brings about both excitement as well as a bit of confusion every year at this time. Pat Tomasulo from WGN TV introduces us to Brett Smalls from the Chicago South Side Board of Tourism who shares with viewers some tips on what you'll find on Chicago's South Side.

It's not too late to take part in Chicago's Whiskey Fest

We can not imagine how we missed this last week, but over the weekend, Chicago's Whiskey Fest opened.

America's Largest Whisky Celebration featuring more than 200 of the world's finest, rarest, and most expensive, single malt and blended Scotch, Irish, bourbon, Tennessee, Japanese, Welsh, Canadian and other whiskies from around the world to sample in one Grand Ballroom. Attendees will also enjoy an expansive gourmet buffet all evening and will receive a commemorative Glencairn whisky glass.

Fortunately, Whiskey Fest takes place throughout Whiskey Week.  Therefore, there are plenty of events to attend, including the final event at the Hyatt Regency on April 4.

Other local events you haven't missed yet:

Wednesday, April 2nd

- One North Restaurant, 1 North Wacker Drive, 5:30-7:30 p.m., $30.

It's Hump Day and Whisky Night! Enjoy whiskies from around the world paired with delectable appetizers, while chatting the ears off of whisky reps and distillers

- West Lakeview Liquors, 2156 W. Addison, 6-9 p.m.

Wojcik will be on hand to sample out Bulleit Bourbon, Kentucky's "frontier" bourbon.

- Chief O’Neill’s, 3471 N. Elston, 8-10 p.m., complimentary, but Reservations are required.

Duffy and special guest Gregor Cattanach, global brand ambassador for Johnnie Walker and the Classic Malts of Scotland, will be on hand for a formal sit-down seminar of whisky. There will be lots of whisky, a buffet, and music.

- Rocks Tavern, 1301 W. Schubert, 7-10 p.m.

Rocks is having a Bushmills celebration. while you're there, check out their extensive whisky selection.

Thursday, April 3rd

- Warehouse Liquors, 634 S. Wabash, 4-7 p.m.

Cattanach and Tom Bulleit of Bulleit Bourbon will be on hand from 4-5 p.m. for a special sampling and bottle signing of the Classic Malts of Scotland and Bulleit Bourbon

- Binny’s South Loop, 1132 S. Jefferson, 5-8 p.m.

Brett Potoni hosts a whiskies of the world event, with Duffy, Cattanach and Bulleit. There could be a possibility that every bottle of whisky in the store could be opened.

- Sam’s Wines & Spirits South Loop, 50 E. Roosevelt, 5-8 p.m.

Singleton and Bulleit sampling/bottle signing with Bulleit and Cattanach available from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

- Bar On Buena, 910 W. Buena, 7-10 p.m. – THE SINGLETON VIP PARTY

It's a Singleton VIP party with Master of Whisky Robert Sickler as the guest of honor. Bar on Buena will also be serving whisky flights.

- Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, 3905 N. Lincoln, 7-10 p.m.

Tiered tasting of the Johnnie Walker selections.

- The Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace, 8-11 p.m.

There will be a free Bushmills sampling.

- Red Ivy Tavern, 3525 N. Clark, 8-11 p.m.

Red Ivy will be sampling out their new whisky flights. Bulleit and Cattanach will be on hand from 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Happy Bangladesh Day!

I can't believe I didn't get you a card!

On Devon Avenue in West Rogers Park today (Saturday, March 29, 2008.)

Of course we should close Devon Avenue - the main thoroughfare through this entire neighborhood as well as the only way to get to my open house from the east.

 

Yes, the Scottish bagpipes are a bit odd, no?

Warren Park in Rogers Park

Warren Park in West Ridge/West Rogers Park

With nearly 90 acres of parkland, Warren Park is the North Region’s largest park featuring a number of special attractions for every season of the year. In April, a state-of-the-art skate park and six station baseball batting cages open to the public. The 80-by-80 foot skate park, situated to the north of the fieldhouse, contains the same equipment used by pros, including quarter pipes, pyramid combinations, street spines, launches, grind rails and fun boxes. Admission fee is $2 and is intended for skateboarders and in-line skaters only. Step up to the plate and test your batting skills at the batting cages. At the nine-station cage, choose from a variety of speeds that range from 40 to 70 mph and select either baseball or softball (12-inch) styles of play. The batting cages cost $1 for 15 pitches. Weathering permitting, the cages are open April - September. The hours of operation are Monday, Closed; Tuesday - Friday, 4 - 8 pm; and Saturday and Sunday, 11 am - 5pm. Bring your own bat.

Fitness enthusiasts can hop onto a paved path that winds throughout the park for walking, jogging or biking. Golf-lovers head to the Robert A. Black nine-hole golf course and golf putting practice area located on the northeast end of the park. Warren also boasts a racquetball court open for play on weekdays, 10 am - 7 pm for $6 per person.

In the winter months, Warren Park boasts an outdoor ice rink for skating, as well as a sled hill for all ages. This winter, the ice rink will operate (weather permitting) until March 16, 2008.

Warren Park’s programming ranges from aerobics to unique West African drum classes. For youth and teens, the park has strong after-school program (Park Kids), baseball, basketball and soccer programs. The site is also home to the North Region’s administrative offices.

History

Warren Park was created in the 1970s, born of both conflict and cooperation. The controversy began in 1965 when real estate developers purchased the former Edgewater Golf Club. Shortly thereafter, a coalition of community groups started a campaign to save the land as open space. Despite the strong community objection, however, the site was re-zoned to allow development of high-rise apartments and a large shopping center.

The State of Illinois forcefully intervened in 1970, acquiring a portion of the property to create the first-ever state park within the boundaries of Chicago. Plans to develop the remaining acreage continued, and community opposition stayed strong. In 1972, the Chicago Park District determined to purchase this land. The state transferred its property to the park district in 1975. By that time, the park had been named in honor of Laurence C. Warren (---), an attorney and leading community activist who helped save the open space as parkland. In 1980, Warren Park's nine-hole golf course was officially dedicated in honor of Robert A. Black (---), Chief Engineer to the Chicago Park District for more than thirty years.

Tour: Lincoln Park Zoo in Winter (really Spring)

I helped out some clients today with renting out their investment condo, and since they brought the whole family in from the suburbs, and the condo is located near the Lincoln Park Zoo, I couldn't resist dragging the family over to the new Children's Park inside the Zoo.

The new Tree Canopy Climbing Adventure can be found just south of the Sea Lion pool inside the main gate to the zoo.  This thing is amazing.  Where were play parks like this when I was a kid? 

The multi-level environment is filled with exhibits featuring animals found in jungle canopy trees. 

Outside, other animals seemed to be making do in the early Spring snow. 

Yeah, this guy doesn't look like he's anticipating the warmer weather any time soon.

These two look like they took care of the Easter Bunny.

Diversions - things to do in Chicago this weekend

Ordinarily on the first weekend of Spring, we'd be suggesting all sorts of fun outdoor activities. Not so much this weekend. Here are a couple of indoor diversions that caught our eye for this weekend:

Blue Ribbon Glee Club
10:00 PM on Friday night
The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., in Bucktown.
Tickets $8

This choir of 20-somethings and 30-somthings is not your average choir. The group fills its sets with punk and indie rock standards from bands such as the Clash, Sleater-Kinney and T-Rex. Definitely worth a listen to hear some of these punk hits performed a capella.

The Nylons
8:00 PM on Saturday night
Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street in St. Charles (ouch!)
Tickets $29 to $75.

This takes your guides back to the late 1980's on a cross country road trip belting out a capella (not intentionally a theme this weekend) old standards and hits sung by this quartet. With a history spanning 27 years, the group has seen many changes, but two things remain the same: original member Claude Morrison and the uniquely arranged, completely catching hits.

Diversions - things to to this weekend in Chicago

Some of my favorite suggestions for things to do in and around Chicago this weekend. A bit offbeat...

TRAN - The Atari Musical

Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays : 8 p.m. (ends March 22) Price $15

The Spot in Uptown, 4437 N. Broadway

A gender-bending, multimedia musical satire of the 1982 Disney film "Tron" (one of the first movies to extensively use computer generated images) features '80s music, video game intrigue and characters who attempt to discover where the sexual freedom of the '70s went. Yeah, I know, this only really works for children of the '80's.

The Purr-fect martini contest at the Kitt Katt Club

3700 N. Halsted St.

Think you mix the best 'tini? Prove it by sending us your own "purrfect" recipe now for the chance to win a trip for two to Las Vegas, and see your martini grace Kit Kat's menu for one year.

53rd Annual Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade

Saturday at Noon, starting at Balbo (7th) and Columbus (east of Michigan Ave.)

Not as rowdy as last week's South Side Irish Parade, the St. Pat's celebration kicks off with the traditional dyeing of the Chicago River at its junction with Michigan Avenue (10:45 a.m.) and continues with this hugely popular parade. See floats, Irish step dancers, bands, clowns, Clydesdale horses and more.

Chicago Air and Water show announces Friday Night performance

The City of Chicago just announced a new evening performance for the Chicago Air and Water show. Originally scheduled for August 16 and 17, there will be an evening performance of the air show on Friday night, August 15. Very cool addition.

The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest two-day spectator event in the United States and the longest ongoing show of its kind in North America. Highlighting the show each year is one of the US military's high speed, precision jet teams, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds in 2007 and an array of other military aircraft and hardware.

Diversions - The South Side Irish Parade on Sunday

Kicking off at Noon on Sunday, March 9, at 103rd and Western is the 30th annual South Side Irish Parade and all its related festivities. PLEASE NOTE that this date is one week earlier than usual due to the fact that Sunday, March 16, 2008 is Palm Sunday.

The official website here.

The Wikipedia entry here. This is worth a look just to read the lyrics to the Chicago South Side Irish Song.

Oh, and be careful. The Chicago Police Department says they will be arresting anyone drinking in public and that the fine is $500. This I have to see! In the photo above, that's $4,000!

Diversions - things to to this weekend in Chicago

Bodyslam! The Rise and Fall of CAWC
Fridays at 10 pm
The Annoyance Theatre - 4830 N. Broadway
Tickets $15

A comedic epic in which two innocent brothers struggle against sinister promoters, steroid use and emerging egos when they join the world of professional wrestling. Expect original songs, a Battle Royale and an onstage ring.

Around the Coyote Gallery - Bucktown
March 7 : 6 p.m.
March 8 : 12 p.m.
March 9 : 12 p.m.
1935-1/2 W. North Ave.

A three-day showcase of works by more than 50 artists includes lectures, tours and readings. Each day includes an art sale. Unlike in past years, this year's show highlights artists handpicked by gallery staff.

Schedule:
Friday, March 7
6 p.m.: Opening reception with refreshements
7:30 p.m.: Guided building tour with ATC board member Paul Klein

Saturday, March 8
6 p.m.: Opening celebration for "On Naji al-Ali," an exhibition of work by cartoonist Naji al-Ali, Emily Jacir and Tarek al-Ghoussein
7 p.m.: A panel discussion explores the political implications of "On Naji al-Ali"

Sunday, March 9
3 p.m. Chicago playwright David Alex showcases a scene from his new work, followed by a discussion

Happy Casimir Pulaski Day!

Casimir Pulaski Day is a holiday observed in Illinois on the first Monday of every March to commemorate Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War cavalry officer born March 4, 1747 in Poland as Kazimierz Pułaski. He was a Polish soldier. He is known for his contributions to the US military at the time by training its soldiers and cavalry. The day is celebrated mainly in areas that have large Polish populations. This is a separate holiday from the federal holiday, General Pulaski Memorial Day, which commemorates Pulaski's death at the Siege of Savannah on October 11, 1779.

Illinois enacted a law on June 20, 1977 to celebrate the birthday of Casimir Pulaski and held the first official Pulaski Day celebrations in 1978. The bill was introduced by Senator Leroy W. Lemke (D)- Chicago. Chicago celebrates Pulaski Day on the first Monday in March with an annual parade. Cook County government (which includes Chicago) and the Chicago Public Library also close on this holiday. The holiday is also observed in Wisconsin public schools, celebrated March 4th, as outlined in state statute 118.02 (although this is not universally observed). Indiana also marks the day as a commemorative day by governor's proclamation (IC 1-1-12.5), although it is not a state holiday.

Thank you, Wikipedia.

Chicago Diversion - tour the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Virtual Reality

A virtual design of the 1893 Columbian Exposition at the World's Fair held in Chicago is up and running at the Museum of Science and Industry. Visitors can ride in a simulated canal boat or be taken on a walk along the famous promenade down the middle of the White City.

Leading tours will be Chicago cultural historian Tim Samuelson along with Lisa Snyder who is the project manager for the university of California at Los Angeles' urban simulation team. They have been using architectural drawings, photos, maps and other historical documents to create this virtual environment.

The computer generated model of the fairgrounds is projected on a movie screen in the museum's auditorium and allows the guides to move the screen's point of view to any place in the exposition instantly.

Limited dates and times. No advance reservations. Tickets on a "First Come, First Served" basis. This should be a really hot ticket.

Presentation Dates and Times

Friday, February 15, 2008
10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 16, 2008
10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 17, 2008
11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

Monday, February 18, 2008
10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.

Chicago - Diversions for this weekend

Looking for something to do this weekend? Some of your guides' best suggestions for beating the winter blues include:

Thursday, February 14 - Happy Valentine's Day! X your EX at Metromix' party starting this evening at 7pm, Victory Liquors, 2610 N. Halsted. Put that evil EX behind you starting tonight. Bring a photo of your EX and shred it at the door, then come inside and enjoy!

Every day through Sunday, February 17 - the Chicago Auto Show. Besides about a zillion new cars, meet Chicago Blackhawk stars Patrick Kane and Jonathon Toews, meet Benny the Bull and South Paw (Bulls & White Sox mascots), and a whole bunch of live broadcasts for B96 and WGN Radio.

Comedy: Allah Made Me Funny, Friday, 2/15, 7pm, at Dominican University, 7900 W. Division, River Forest. An African-American, a Palestinian and an Indian walk into a bar... (www.allahmademefunny.com/chicago)

Chicago's Buckingham Fountain to undergo $25-million restoration

This post really is simply an opportunity to post a photo of Buckingham Fountain. A photo of a Summertime Diversion here in Chicago sounded like a great idea to me as I gazed at the weather forecast for tomorrow that contains another plunge into the single digits.

But I digress.

The Chicago Park District approved a project to undertake a $25-million restoration project for Buckingham Fountain on Wednesday. The project will be the most comprehensive restoration yet undertaken on the 81 year old landmark.

$8-million of the cost will come from the reserve fund set up as part of the original endowment for the fountain by its benefactor - Kate Sturges Buckingham. Wasn't she smart to leave enough cash to pay for the perpetual maintenance and upkeep of the landmark that bears her name?

According to the Park District, renovations would start shortly after Labor Day this fall, and last until Memorial Day, 2009. Hopefully they would have the fountain in order by the normal opening day - but are leaving themselves some wiggle room. Normally the fountain runs from April to early November of each year.

Update on how the "Big Game" influences phone calls and visits to properties this weekend

For those that are interested, here is an interesting Superbowl Sunday traffic update.

Since Friday through right now (Saturday at 5:10) I have received 14 short notice requests to see listings. Most of these requests were either from customers directly, or request from Realtors that captured prospects from website leads.

Coming in at #1 with the most number of calls – Dreamtown.
Coming in at #2 with the second most number of calls - @properties.
Tied for 3 and 4 with one call each – Jameson and Coldwell Banker.

I would be curious to hear whether you all think this is due to (a) buyers bored during the snowstorm while snowed in their homes or (b) compressed demand that would otherwise be spread out over the week but instead tried to squeeze all their showings in a short period of time because of the Superbowl.