The Riva Street Report for April 28th, 2008
Last week was an exciting one in the Riva world. Highlights included Irene Kijak’s “Botanical Beauty” show opening, a sleek showcase for her stunning floral photography at the Takohl Design space, a gallery of exceptional jewels in the West Loop on 100 N. Peoria St. off of Randolph. The well-attended party was a big hit with great wines flowing and plenty of interesting people. I was tapped to provide the soundtrack for the affair, 3-hrs of deep chillin’ grooves with a surreal edge complimenting the hypnotic effects on Kijak’s digitally morphed and processed images. My audiovisionary blend included tracks by Ulrich Schnauss, Martinez, Boards of Canada, Phobos, Ancient Astronauts, Keneth Bager, Bent, Air, Afterlife, Zimpala, and Wax Poetic. Congrats to Irene on her first of hopefully many exhibits to come as well as a thanks to Tammy Kohl and her wonderful staff at Takohl for offering such great hospitality………… Then on Sunday, I handled the mood music and emceeing duties for Bridal Beauty Day at Galleria Marchetti, a special event presented by Jennifer, George, and Sophia of The Event Gallery, the company heading up Bridal Loft Chicago, the new downtown wedding one-stop that I am a part of on 1366 W. Lake St. There was a great turnout for all the complimentary hair and makeup services, a very informative wedding planing workshop by Jennifer Ellen and a bevy of happening vendors including Priscilla of Bellissima Photography, Josh from Ally Entertainment, and Donna Lochner, Senior Floral Designer with M&M Events. Look for more of these types of events coming from The Event Gallery crew on a monthly basis, including a new series called Pampered Bride Chicago to be held at The Bridal Loft………… On the agenda for today, Tuesday, April 29th: Concierge Preferred is having their 7th Annual Convention and Tradeshow at Navy Pier from 12:30pm to 7:00pm topped by an after-hours party and Lake Michigan cruise on the Anita Dee. I will be attending with the talented Beth Lambert of Scarlet Designs, purveyor of fine women’s apparel and accessories and host of the monthly bridal industry gatherings that I presented at last month………… On Thursday, May 1st, I will be working with Wine Enthusiast Magazine for their Toast of the Town wine extravaganza, helping out at the front of the house and taking part in America’s premier wine tasting event, a spectacular evening of wines, spirits and music, paired with culinary creations from Chicago’s top restaurants, all in the majestic Field Museum! Attendee’s can expect tastes of over 500 wines, spirits and signature dishes from wine vendors such as 337, Aquinas, Baron Philippe de Rothschild Barossa Valley Estate, Bottega Vinaia, Campo Viejo, Charles de Fère, Château Trimoulet and food vendors such as Aria, Bistro Banlieue, Brasserie Jo, Le Colonial, NoMI, Mambo Grill, Timo, Café Ba Ba Reeba, Scylla and many more. This will most definitely be a party not to miss………… Looking ahead to Friday, May 9th, I will back in the music mix for Gabriela Mondino’s “Birthday With A Cause” that both commemorates Gaby’s birthday while promoting her VisionAR Scholarship and Mentoring Program. I’ll have the honor of crafting an event soundtrack with an Argentine theme and an International twist and look forward to setting the tone in every moment, from warm cocktail vibes early to hot grooves for dancing as the night moves on. It’s worth mentioning here that Riva not only donated music services for the party, but also was the creative force behind the VisionAR logo, business card and the event’s promotional invitation. All together, this is going to be a very unique public event open to all interested parties; one that not only celebrates a great lady, but also a very worthy cause. I hope to see some of you there!