Riva To Play Big Conscious Choice Gala

Mark Riva has been chosen to perform for Conscious Choice Magazine’s 20th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, September 6th. By invitation only, this celebratory event is being held at the fabulous Allyu Spa located on the Chicago River at 600 West Chicago Avenue. Riva will not only provide the DJ driven soundtrack to the evening’s festivities but is also lending his signature sounds to a limited edition private label mixed CD going out to all attendees as a special commemorative gift. Rounding out the night will be catering by Greg Christian, a live music by the India Music Ensemble, organic libations, and a silent auction benefitting FamilyFarmed.org.

CFF Party Taps Riva’s Sonic Branding

Mark Riva’s chic sounds will be in the mix at Chicago Fashion Foundation’s Annual Membership Party on Wednesday, September 10th at W Hotel, Lakeshore. CFF is celebrating the unveiling its new website and sharing exciting news about upcoming events such as Fashion Focus 2008, and new for 2009, the Chicago Fashion Foundation Scholarship Benefit, and more! Enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and mingle with Chicago’s stunning fashion elite. Groovy Goodie Bags for current and new members will include a very special limited edition Riva styled commemorative gift CD. Hope to see you there!

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When: Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

Time: 6pm - 8pm

Where: W Hotel, Lakeshore (room TBD) 

644 N. Lake Shore Drive

(312) 943 . 9200

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Cost: Complimentary for members, $10 for non-members. Please RSVP by September 7th to: rsvp@chicagofashionfoundation.org

Chicago Couturist To Launch New Riva Designed Website

Mark Riva is just putting finishing touches on the new website for well-known Chicago fashion design house, Mira Couture. Featuring extensive imagery of Mira’s bridal wear and wardrobes shot by Mark Sojdehee of Pret A Poser Photography, the flash animated site is slated to launch on Wednesday, August 27th. Look to this post for an official unveiling as well as a behind the scenes look at the fashion shoot at Sutton Place Hotel featuring models Kristen Muller (pictured above) and Danielle Moinet.

The Solar Groove Revolution Returns

Summer’s in full swing and there’s no better time for the perfect jet-set beach party soundtrack, Mark Riva’s nationally released mixed CD, Sungrooves. An exotic blend of lush melodic ambience and exciting percussive energy, Sungrooves’ eclectic palette of jazzy instrumentation and deep house vibes offer a seductive oasis for those who want to chill AND groove. Available wherever fine music is sold. Keep it tuned here for upcoming news on Sungrooves events happening soon.

Summer Ad Campaign Makes A Splash

Wide open space, warm liquid ambience, spa-like luxuries, contemplative perfection, the simple act of blissfully listening, oceanic possibilities, with a special focus on the receptive feminine. All of this and more is evoked in the ‘08 summer ad campaign for our Weddings by Riva division. The premise of The Sound of Bridal Luxury approach? Clean and pure image advertising. One that matches the high-end stature of the Riva brand within the upscale lifestyle context of Chicago Social Brides, the wedding publication by Modern Luxury, creators of Chicago Social and many more fine magazines across the country.

The Hiatus Is Officially Over

For all intensive purposes, one might think my extreme lack of activity on this site is an indication that nothing is happening. On the contrary, SO much has been happening I’ve all but put the project on hold, or rather, just taken an extended hiatus from it. Well, it seems I’ve turned a corner, and it is with great excitement that I find myself back here, typing away with the goal of giving you a quick recap of the past few months and a peek into what’s in the pipeline and looming on the horizon. Once accomplished, look for individual posts that go into greater detail on the most significant things mentioned. So, what the heck have I been up to since, say June? Well, the short list of accomplishments include: a new Riva location on the River, the ongoing development of the Riva Media division, the Mira Couture project, the Bridal Loft and Loft on Lake, the Suzuki Sport & Social promotion and The Macallan campaign, and on the music front, the maturation of Lux Sonique, a very busy wedding season, and the new Riva ad campaign. More coming soon!

Riva Entering Summer Mind Warp

Wow. The past month has been a blur, to say the least. I blinked and suddenly it’s early June. My attention elsewhere and everywhere, the Blogzine has been in “chill mode,” no doubt. Let’s just say I have been busy. So busy, any Street Report might resemble a small novel at this point. So now I’m checking back in to dispel any rumors of my demise. All is going incredibly well and I can’t wait to carve out some time in the schedule very soon to tell you all about it. In the meantime, enjoy the warming trends and keep loving each day as if it’s the last.

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!

Chicago Wine Enthusiasts To Celebrate This Thursday

This Thursday, May 1st, Wine Enthusiast will be presenting TOAST OF THE TOWN CHICAGO, 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 will have a chance to taste over 500 wines and spirits and signature dishes at America’s premier wine tasting event.

Riva Spins VisionAR Scholarship Bash May 9th

VisionAR is a scholarship and mentoring program helping Argentine students who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence and financial need. The VisionAR organization will hold its first Chicago-based benefit in conjunction with the birthday of it’s founder and director, Gabriela Mondino, on Friday, May 9th. Open to the public, this special fundraising event will bring together an eclectic international crowd on the rooftop of a prominent downtown highrise complete with outdoor pool, wine tasting, and global grooves by Mark Riva. Please click the above invitation for details and RSVP today!

The Riva Street Report for April 17th, 2008

I have a tendency to run wild in the streets when the weather is as fine as it was yesterday; really the first warm day since my last Report on April 4th. This wonderful Wednesday worth remembering began on a high note with Adam Edmonds of Ogilvy Action, the brand activation arm of the world renowned Ogilvy Group. Lively conversation on the invention of brand experiences and creative ways consumers and businesses interact with them ensued. I also got the lowdown on a big retail program with AMEX here in Chicago that Adam is heading up; an initiative I will be privileged to be a part of starting in May that will definitely keep me out ‘n’ about this summer…………. Departing from O.A.’s office at the Merchandise Mart, home of the upcoming Artopolis extravaganza kicking off Friday, April 25th (FYI - don’t miss Factio Magazine’s Bowler Hat Art Party that same night to mingle with art buyers, collectors, Chicago socialites, and VIPS in the media-art embellished En-Vent loft space at Ogden just North of Fulton on Carroll), I headed East to Fox & Obel, Chicago’s premier gourmet market at 401 E. Illinois, for a light lunch and quick browse through their always-intriguing aisles………… Next, since I was just a hop away from River East Art Center, I bopped down to Chicago’s newest artfully elegant space to pay a visit to Jennifer Wolff, Event Sales Coordinator, and catch up on happenings since I last saw her for the Wedding Chicago Bridal Brunch and Fashion Show. While there, I learned about Project 465’s Open House going off this Sunday, April 20th from 6PM to 9PM with a tour of REpose gallery, one of Chicago’s newest and progressive arts destinations, along with a creative melange of art, wine and music………… My next stop was just North on Ontario for a meet-up with Jessica Schwarz, the multimedia wizard of Lime Productions. Lime is one of the freshest media boutiques I’ve come across in a while, a personalized service with a special niche in custom “digital memory art” that humanizes technology to capture your most important life moments. Jessica and I have been talking for some time and as we met in her fabulous penthouse studio with its lake views it was evident there was collaboration in the air, particularly about the art of lifestyle branding. That’s all I can say for now, but keep it here for future developments are they seem surely to occur………… Time was flowing and I soon heading West to my next appointment on Wacker and Adams with Deborah Sakelaris of Rodas Coaching to get the scoop on her business and life coaching services. Recommended by a good friend, Deborah impressed me with her listening skills and sense of humor as I rolled out a synopsis of my master plan. When it was all said and done, I had a good feeling that she might be quite an ally in the future and we made plans to reconnect in mid-May to continue the discussion………… Onwards and upward I went, popping into the Trump on 401 N. Wabash Ave. in River North (312-588-8100) to catch up on the news about Rebar, their vibrant new lounge experience on the Mezzanine level set to open this Friday, April 18th complete with artful murals, marble bar, multi-tiered ceiling and great views of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue Bridge. No formal opening bash has been planned as of yet, but stay tuned for more info as it emerges………… From there it was off to the XSport for a healthy fitness session followed by a delicious salad and glass of wine at Park 52, the highly anticipated American Bistro in Hyde Park owned by Jerry Kleiner (Red Light, Carnivale, etc.) and partner Marc Brooks………… All told, it was a great Spring day in Chicago. Here’s to many, many more!………… Ciao, Mark

Irene Kijak’s Images To Mark Earth Day

“Botanical Beauty” is the name of the upcoming exhibition of surrealistic digital photographs by Irene Kijak at Takohl Design Gallery in Chicago. The opening reception on Wednesday, April 23rd from 5:00PM to 8:00PM will be complimented by a special sonic environment styled by Mark Riva. Takohl Gallery is located at 110 North Peoria St., Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60607. Telephone: (312) 421-6222. Web: takohl.com. For more information on this exciting event, please contact Irene at irene@irenekijak.com or (312) 266-1901.

La Vita Bella Pulls Out All The Stops Saturday, April 19th

Chicago Brides and Grooms, this weekend La Vita Bella invites you to Red Carpet Treatment, a chic wedding event at the hip House Red wine boutique on happening Madison Ave. in Forest Park; a glamorous affair featuring wine tasting, food pairing, lavish florals and beautiful expressions in sound by yours truly, Mark Riva. For the occasion, LVB has commissioned Riva to design a very special soundtrack and press it into a private label commemorate gift CD for all attendees; a masterful blend filled with an eclectic tapestry of artists and compositions such as Tony Bennett’s delightful “Stepping Out,” Laura Pausini’s passionate “Cosi Importante,” 4hero’s “Sophia” from their soulful ‘Play With The Changes’ CD, Marvin Gaye’s rare instrumental “Cakes,” the world’s best-selling tenor, Andrea Bocelli, performing “Bellissime Stelle,” Aria’s uplifting rendition of “Ave Maria,” Pat Metheny’s jubilant “Praise,” Can 7’s bossa-smooth “Eternally,” Michael Buble’s cha-cha-ing version of Dean Martin’s timeless “Sway,” (a tough call over The Pussy Cat Dolls), Elton’s timeless “Are You Ready For Love?,” The Hollie’s classic “Carrie Anne,” and Alice Peacock’s exuberant “Bliss” followed up perfectly with Sixpence None The Richer’s sweetest “Kiss Me.” England’s masterful Crazy P is in the mix as well, adding its super-funky anthem “Bumcop” while the Beatles “I Will,” Carly Simon’s “The Right Thing To Do” and Bill Wither’s “I Want To Spend The Night” provide just the right touch of intimate acoustic romancing. The musical melange is crowned with two cinematic pieces, “L’idylle” from La Vie En Rose, the outstanding French film starring magnifque Oscar winning actress Marion Cotillard, and ever-so-poignantly, the charming theme to “La Vita e Bella,” the 1998 Cannes Film Festival winning film written, directed by and starring Italy’s national treasure Roberto Benigni. Talk about sonic branding! Effortlessly jetting across eras and genres, this carefully crafted sonic experience offers a striking balance of classic and contemporary with a nice international twist. Yes, life is beautiful………………… All told, Red Carpet Treatment promises to be an occasion that makes a lasting impression, an afternoon of all things bridal assembling a grand collection of some of the local industry’s finest vendors including bridal boutique Vegas to Venice, Rosemary Hall Calligraphy, Prints-On-Chocolate, Westgate Flowers, Hair by Chelsea, Oak Park Jewelers, Jennifer Mordani Photography, Richard Sturm Vodka, Paper Source, vocalists Salle Huber and Jazz Couture, wedding cakes by Le Royale Icing and Roeser’s Bakery, wellness consultant Karen Hanrahan and spiritual consultant Reverend Coach Queen, wedding venue Carleton Hotel of Oak Park, Mark Riva mixing up the chic sounds, and of course, La Vita Bella presiding over the all-important wedding coordination and consulting department………………… Hats off to Stacey Iannessa for her style and vision in designing this incredible program, one not to be missed! Call 708-771-5589 to be placed on the VIP list.

Come Party With A Purpose This May on Navy Pier

Celebrating what’s working in our communities – for people, for businesses and for the environment, Chicago’s Green Festival showcases more than 350 diverse local and national green businesses displaying and selling eco-friendly, fair trade and sustainable products while more than 150 visionary speakers appear for panel discussions, presentations and main stage speaking events. You’ll also enjoy great how-to workshops, green films, a fair trade pavilion, yoga and movement classes, kids’ zone, delicious organic beer, wine and cuisine, and live music.

Introducing The Spirited & Soulful Brit Diva

Meet Leona Lewis, the English singer-songwriter and winner of the third series of the popular British television talent show The X Factor. Her 2006 debut single, “A Moment like This” broke a world record fifty thousand downloads within thirty minutes. Her second single “Bleeding Love” was the biggest selling single of 2007 in the United Kingdom. Her debut album, Spirit, released in November 2007, became the fastest selling debut album ever in both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It’s only a matter of time before she’s a household name here in the States.

Annual Latino Film Fest Now In Progress

The International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago is currently celebrating its 24th year of promoting Latino culture in the United States through the best and most recent films and videos from Spain, Portugal, Latin America and the United States. Running through April 16th. 

Hero of the Big Screen Passes On

“To his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support. Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played. Indeed, he committed himself to every role with passion, and pursued every cause with unmatched enthusiasm and integrity. We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humor. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved. No one could ask for a fuller life than his. No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country. In his own words, “I have lived such a wonderful life! I’ve lived enough for two people.” - The Heston Family 

Engage With Today’s Leaders This May

The 4th Annual M2W, commencing May 8 & 9th at the Chicago Cultural Center, is once again set to drop the science on increasing your brand’s emotional, cognitive and financial share of the largest, most lucrative, most active market of all… women. M2W features the savviest companies, best speakers and the brightest minds with real world track records and the ability to show how to successfully market to today’s woman, the same women who control over 80% of all consumer purchasing across every brand category! Guys, are you listening?

The Riva Street Report for April 5th, 2008

Ahh, it’s a sunny, beautiful Saturday - finally! Are we ready to party? Yes, it’s been a long cold season and there’s nothing like the long awaited big thaw to get the creative juices flowing. Wouldn’t you agree?… Me, I’m still floating after Michael and Melissa Shane’s superb wedding gala last Saturday at Newberry Library, a celebration of love, family, friends, fabulous food by Limelight Catering and, of course, sweet music from Riva that ran the gamut from Bach to Bowie to Jamiroquai and Coldplay. Talk about bridal style. Melissa glided down the wedding aisle to the Beatles’ “Across The Universe” and the couple’s first dance was Van Morrison’s “Into The Mystic.” The ever-so-tasteful soundtrack built from there into an ecstatic crescendo at midnight to put a close on one exquisite night to remember. Many thanks to Kim of Limelight and Karen Aubrey of Newberry for making my overall experience run that much smoother and a big congrats to the happening newlyweds, Mr. & Mrs. Shane………………… This week was relatively eventful and topped by a whirlwind Friday on the street. I started the morning at Phil Stefani Signature Events with Catering Director Jennifer Monti and her delightful staff. Considering the expanding Stefani Group empire includes “Riva,” the restaurant on Chicago’s Navy Pier as well as out west in Naperville, it was just a matter of time before this Riva would be invited to help out with some signature sounds. After years of fielding much public speculation of my ties with the fine Italian seafood establishment, it was like connecting with long lost extended family. Bravissimo!………………… I continued to make the rounds, next on to Red 7 Salon in River North for a long overdue cut by stylist extraordinaire Crystal and then down the bustling Dearborn corridor between Wacker and Ontario Streets for a jaunt starting with lunch at Blue Water Grill, the glitzy seafood-focused spot in the former Spago location run by B.R. Guest, owners of high-profile New York eateries like Blue Fin, Blue Water Grill and Ocean Grill………………… Next, I was off for peeks into numerous restaurants and venues in the area, beginning at Keefer’s on Kinzie to say hello to Sabrina Garcia in their Special Events department then the warm and stylish Amalfi Hotel for a chat with Business Development Manager, Amy O’Donnell where I bumped into Trevor Brody of Coe Financial Group who is planning his wedding at the Trump and at Amalfi looking at quest rooms. While Trevor revealed he was going with a band for his reception, it did turn out that he just so happens to lead financial seminars specifically for DJ’s out of his Deerfield office. Such a small world, isn’t it?………………… I walked across the street from there to get a view of the new Marriott properties at 410 N. Dearborn, a nice bundling of their Residence Inn and Springhill Suites brands for “two suite hotels… one sweet location.” Speaking with Senior Sales Manager, Michele Worth, I learned that just next door, Lettuce Entertain You had hip “Hub 51″ in the works, a new culinary destination bolstered by the “Sub 51″ nightclub at its base………………… Then it was off for a quick tour of A Mano, the new trattoria by the boys at BIN 36 just below this smart food and vino oasis. Everything looked and sounded great with a stunning open kitchen and smoothed-out soundtrack. And the aromas - oh so divino! With a $5 bar menu from 5pm to close and $5 artisan pizza’s from 5pm to 7pm nightly, A Mano is destined to be a hot after-work spot worth checking out………………… Well, the day was only warming up and I was next on my way to Hotel Sax to say hello to the ever-dapper Mauricio Martins, Director of Front Office Services, and do a once-over of the fabulous Crimson Lounge during its quieter daylight hours………………… Zipping across the riverfront plaza to Trump Hotels & Tower, I had a chance to briefly meet up with Monika Lotter, Director of Catering, and get the scoop on “Rebar,” the Trump lounge set to open this month. Keep it here for more details soon………………… Time flies and my meter was just about empty, so it was back to the car but not without a glance at the Melting Pot’s cozy lounge stage where David Bruce’s Live 1 Man Band plays its heart out every Thursday through Saturday night. I’ve heard good things about this from Josh at Ally Entertainment and look forward to stopping in to catch the show sometime soon………………… What next, you ask? How about a drive northbound to meet up with the Margo and Nick Ten Eyck at Sansappelle, the legendary couture atelier on the top floor of 34 E. Oak. Nick and I were soon off to Hugo’s Frog Bar for Happy Hour with its lively piano bar sounds and ran into Sandra Smith-Doghmi of Red Carpet Concierge on the way. Sandra and I met two weeks ago at the Scarlet Designs Gathering I was the guest speaker at and from what I gather she’s got a few things going on worth reporting about here soon. All settled in at Hugo’s, there was no shortage of things to discuss with Nick since he is quite the music afficionado himself. And, as happens in these situations, a brilliant idea was birthed over a few Dewars on the rocks, with inspirational blueprints scribbled on napkins for a hip, new lounge night in the Gold Coast neighborhood, one catering to Chicago’s fashion scene with only the very finest global grooves in the mix. More info as this unfolds, and hopefully soon………………… All told, what a day! Anything else? Last but not least, I’m prepping for a big story on the launch of the Bridal Loft in the Riva Special Events page. Thanks largely to the vision and hard work of Jennifer Ellen, doors have just opened this weekend by appointment only and an official grand opening is slated for some enchanted Thursday evening in June to be announced. Stay tuned here for details or check out the website-to-be at BridalLoftChicago!………………… Ciao, Mark

Impact on Local Events Planning To Be Major

Already serving L.A., NYC, Toronto, Washington, and South Florida, BizBash is an inspiration for planners seeking to peek inside other people’s truly amazing events. Now, the oh-so hot source for the freshest news, most dazzling trends, and super-premium suppliers is expanding to Chicago next month with a website, e-newsletter and magazine. Local editors will be scouring the city looking for new ideas and innovative events to cover, so if you’re working on something big, send them an email. On the horizon:  The First BizBash Event Style Show on Wednesday, August 20th! Chi-Town, I do believe we have arrived.

Global Diversity Mediated Through The Power of Film

Pangea Day taps the power of film to strengthen tolerance and compassion while uniting millions of people to build a better future. In a world where people are often divided by borders, difference, and conflict, it’s easy to lose sight of what we all have in common. Pangea Day seeks to overcome that - to help people see themselves in others - through the power of film.

On May 10, 2008 - Pangea Day - sites in Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai and Rio de Janeiro will be videoconferenced live to produce a program of powerful films, visionary speakers, and uplifting music. The program will be broadcast live to the world through the Internet, television, digital cinemas, and mobile phones.

Of course, movies alone can’t change the world. But the people who watch them can. So following May 10, 2008, Pangea Day organizers will facilitate community-building activities around the world by connecting inspired viewers with numerous organizations which are already doing groundbreaking work.

The Goals

• Bring together millions of people from all over the world in a unique shared experience
• Use the power of film to create a better understanding of one another
• Form a global community striving for a better future

The Results

• People will unite globally to shift the agenda on multiple issues, from war to climate change
• It will establish a structure for people to build new relationships with those from other countries by continuing friendships made at the screenings and via the new online community
• Millions of people will have access to a growing library of inspiring content promoting a more unified world, which can be accessed on demand by millions of people and will encourage further creativity and action
• Organizations doing significant work will strengthen their fundraising capacity
• Dozens of talented filmmakers will make big strides in their careers
• A Pangea Day documentary will be made to catalyze future activities

Click here to see 2006 TED Prize winner Jehane Noujaim outline her plans for Pangea Day.

Visit the Pangea Day website.

The Stunning Revival Of Chicago’s “Hotel of Presidents”

Enjoying a $128 million renovation, The Blackstone at 636 South Michigan Avenue has just reopened as a luxury Renaissance brand hotel. A favorite retreat to movie stars, sports legends, royalty and presidents since 1910, The Blackstone has been meticulously restored to its original grandeur, housing a seamless mix of traditional architecture and modern design, highlighted by contemporary video art and over 1,400 works by local artists. Luxurious accommodations and amenities enhance each of the 332 stunning guest rooms and 4 stately suites, while 11,000 square feet of lavishly preserved event space carry on the tradition of opulent affairs. The hotel has updated the traditional lobby rich with gilded details, French walnut paneled walls and brilliant chandeliers with an avant garde video-generated computer art piece. The artist, Lincoln Schatz, installed a robotic camera on the rooftop that transmits changing views of Chicago’s lakefront on side-by-side 50″ plasma television screens located above the guest check-in pods. All rooms are equipped with a flat screen television, two-line telephone with data port, voice mail, mini bar, fine Chaz Stevens linens, complimentary in-room coffee, hairdryer and bathrobes as well as high-speed internet access.

Jewel Encrusted iDiamond Auctioned Off For Charity

The world’s most expensive MP3 player, Diamond iPod, was recently auctioned off at the Feast of Albion charity event in London. Handcrafted by Norweigan jeweler Thomas Heyerdahl the piece is one-of-a-kind. The ipod shuffle and accompanying earphones are bedecked in 18K white and pink gold with 430 diamonds which is estimated to be worth $32,000. The glittering music player recently went under the hammer at The Feast of Albion fundraising dinner in the UK. Featuring performances by Annie Lenno among others, the exclusive event was held by luxury group Quintessentially to support the Soil Association. The iDiamond was part of an auction prize which also included a chauffeured Jaguar XJ and VIP tickets to see Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters perform Dark Side of the Moon for the final time as well as other money-can’t-buy additions.

Exclusive Theater Chain Slated For Chicagoland’s Barrington

Coming soon to the wealthy Chicago suburb of South Barrington, a new deluxe cinema to open this year by Australian entertainment conglomerate Village Roadshow. Gold Class Cinemas will boast boosted amenities, including plush reserved seating, special parking privileges and upscale food and beverage offerings with seat-side waiter service. This ultra high-end moviegoing experience comes at the cost of $35. Plans are already in the works for 20+ more Gold Class Cinemas around the country by 2010. 

Botanical Fashion Show This Friday

March 28th, 7PM-10PM, Garfield Park Conservatory 

Get ready for Fleurotica, a botanical fashion show treating guests to a variety of artistic floral interpretations in wraps and clothing, hats, parasols, corsages and more, all made from flowers, plants and leaves. This creative runway soiree, a collaborative event between the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Chicago-area florists and students from the Millinery Department of the Art Institute of Chicago, features stunning floral arrays in Horticulture Hall, beautiful lighting, music, refreshments and professional photographers. Tickets are $100 for general admission; $150 for runway seating. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 773.638.1766, ext. 26. For more information, call 773.638.1766.

Symphony Center’s Cinematic Sounds

The Chicago Symphony’s MusicNOW season concludes April 7th with a performance of film music led by composer and conductor Brad Lubman. The program features Philip Glass’ suite from the acclaimed film The Hours. The haunting and lyrical score was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Original Score in 2004. Golijov’s suite is from Youth Without Youth, a new film by director Francis Ford Coppola. The film, Coppola’s first in more than a decade, recounts the story of an elderly professor whose apparent immortality makes him a target for the Nazis. Golijov’s score reflects the influences of many types of music, including the classic Hollywood style of Bernard Herrmann’s film scores and the post-romantic and expressionist works of composers including Liszt, Debussy, and early Schoenberg. Please note location: Harris Theater, Millennium Park.

Big Celebration of Art, Antiques & Culture Coming April 25th - 28th

It’s that time again;  Artropolis is coming to Chicago with it’s three main events: Art Chicago, NEXT and The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair along with several satellite shows and special cultural events . Art Chicago - The Centerpiece of Artropolis, will feature more than 180 of the world’s leading galleries, creating a show of contemporary and modern art, drawing collectors, curators and visitors from around the globe. Art lover’s can look forward to a showcase of some of the most influential and exciting artists who are shaping the direction of the contemporary art market today. Thousands of art works will be on display, representing a wide variety of media, disciplines and concepts that have become the hallmark of Art Chicago. Featuring more than 130 of the world’s top dealers, The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair will display antiques and fine art from a wide range of categories, periods and locales. In addition, ARTropolis delivers three satellite art fairs including The Intuit Show of Folk and Outsider Art and The Artist Project, each offering a broad range of material from emerging, independent and self-taught artists.

Interactive Music With A Twist

The new Absolut Vodka website asks the question, “In An Absolut world, would machines be creative?” To find out, log on and sit in with the Absolut Quartet, courtesy of MIT-affiliated scholars jeff Lieberman and Dan Paluska, and play a virtual keyboard soon riffed on by a mechanical four-piece band located on New York’s Lower East Side which interprets your main phrase into an online composition that’s sent to your inbox moments later. For singers out there, try out for the Absolute Choir, created by Sweden’s Teenage Engineering, featuring 10 robotic voices ready to vocalize your most musical text input!

Riva Riffs On The Hot New Bridal Book

This coming Monday night, Mark Riva will be the featured speaker at Scarlet Designs monthly Gathering on Oak Street, a fun, informative and informal networking event for businesses serving the Chicago Wedding Industry. Riva will speak on the topic of music as it relates to a couple’s “bridal style,” the topic of last month’s Scarlet Gathering speaker, Casey Cooper, co-author of “What’s Your Bridal Style?,” the new book helping couples create personalized, unique, original weddings that embody their style. In the spirit of the book, Riva will share his secrets for providing couples with the ability to articulate their musical style.

Come meet, mingle & network with your friends & peers in the industry!

Date: Monday, March 24th, 2008
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Location: Scarlet Designs / Pret-a-Poser
65 East Oak Street; 2nd floor
RSVP: 65eastoak@gmail.com
Questions: Please call 312.860.0261

(B.Y.O.B. - non-alcoholic beverages will be provided - but feel free to bring a bottle to relax with a glass of wine)

5% Sessions Present Osby + Haque Live In Chicago

5% Sessions has aspired over the last few years to bring world class artists together for their intimate and passionate performances, carrying on the tradition of the New York loft jazz sessions which provided a platform for the creation of brilliant music by offering a unique atmosphere in which both the audience and the musicians felt part of the same energy. This Saturday night, they are excited and proud to have a unique opportunity to present Greg Osby and Fareed Haque - two inspired and iconoclastic jazz musicians who will be performing pieces written especially for 5% Sessions. So please come mingle with the musicians and expect a wonderful evening of creative, genre-defying music presented without amplification.

LINEUP
Greg Osby – Saxophone
Fareed Haque – Guitar
Jim Feist – Tabla
Jason Smart – Drums

This is a BYO event.
Wine glasses will be provided.
Suggested donation $20 (students $10)

Saturday, March 22, 2008
Doors 8:00pm
Show begins 8:30pm

Nimrod Systems
200 West Superior, 3rd Floor, Chicago
Please RSVP at: 312.953.5148
wjafar@nimrodsys.com

Wine Bar Expanding To Chicago Fairmont

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel gathered together a gaggle of journalists on Friday to celebrate the premiere of Napa Valley’s Crane Brothers wines at Eno, the hotel’s year-old wine, cheese, and chocolate bar. The Ritz Laguna’s Eno, a room outfitted with dark wood wall paneling and long tasting tables, is the second opened by the hotel’s owner, Strategic Hotels & Resorts, which recently opened a third at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego.

Eno is surfing a trend in the restaurant industry, taking the mystery—and intimidation factor—out of gastronomy by offering novice foodies classes and cheat sheets detailing the new bites they’re sampling. Laguna’s Eno offers weekly “Eno-versity” classes hosted by boutique winemakers who fly in for intimate wine tastings—a boost for small wineries hoping to spread the word. The room, which holds 36, offers 300 to 500 varietals and 50 kinds of cheese from all over the world. Chocolates come from a rotating list of local chocolatiers. Wine, cheese, and chocolate are all available in flights, with cheesemonger Jason Truckenmiller and sommelier Kevin Anderson on hand to suggest food-and-wine pairings.

Strategic is planning four more Enos: for the Fairmont Chicago, Four Seasons hotels in Mexico City and Washington, D.C., and an as-yet-unannounced location in San Francisco. Credit for the concept, which made its debut at the InterContinental Chicago in December 2006, goes to Strategic president and C.E.O. Laurence Geller; the San Francisco-based restaurant design company Puccini Group brought it to life.

Read the entire piece by Irene Lacher here.

Mega-Event Hits Hollywood (FL) Hard Rock This April

The annual Billboard Latin Music Conference, the single most important Latin music industry event in the world, will once again take place this year on April 6-10th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL.

Bringing together over 1,000 powerful music executives, artists, composers, sponsors and press, it features four full days of programming, showcases, educational sessions, parties and networking events. Week highlights include the Billboard Bash, a pre-awards extravaganza featuring live performances by top acts, and the annual Star Q&A, an intimate one-one interview conducted by Billboard’s executive director of Latin content, Leila Cobo.

The week is capped off by the longest running, most prestigious awards show in the music industry, The Billboard Latin Music Awards, which honors the biggest and brightest stars in the industry. From the dazzling red carpet to stunning performances by the N0. 1 artists on the charts, this is “the” Latin music award show that truly reflects the best in the marketplace.

The Visionary Family of Fashionable Zines

V is a magazine about fashion with a capital F and all the things that go with it: art, music, film, architecture… you name it. The monthly, wide-circulation magazine is edited by Stephen Gan and Christopher Bollen. Contributors include Tama Janowitz, Mario Testino, Mario Sorrenti, and Karl Lagerfeld. Interview subjects have included Joan Didion, Gwen Stefani, and Norman Mailer.

V began as a more mass market version of the high art publication Visionaire, which has come out in limited, numbered editions three times a year since Spring of 1991. Each issue has a specific format and theme around which prominent artists, designers, photographers, and others guest edit the publication. The New Yorker called it a “gallery in print” and W called it “the couture version of a magazine.” The magazine is sold at a starting price of $175 per issue. However, collectors are said to pay up to $5000 for hard-to-find issues such as No. 18, which came in its own Louis Vuitton portfolio case.

Currently, Visionaire 53 Sound features more than one hundred original sound pieces by leading artists, musicians, and personalities. See and hear works by Cindy Sherman, David Bryne, Cat Power, Courtney Love, Christian Marclay, U2, Doug Aitken, Michael Stipe, Yoko Ono, Robert Wilson, Raymond Pettibon, Malcolm McLaren, Alexander McQueen, and more.
In Fall 2003, Visionaire began publishing yet another magazine, titled Vman, which aims specifically at the male audience. Its covers feature celebrity personalities such as Tom Brady, Ryan Gosling, Josh Hartnett, Hayden Christensen, and David Beckham. Vman magazine is published biannually.

16 Hot New Chefs Take To The Kitchen

Let the flames begin. The newest crop of 16 rising chefs from across the country take on the windy city of Chicago. Returning to the kitchen, cookbook author, actress and host Padma Lakshmi presides over the judge’s table alongside head judge Tom Colicchio, renowned culinary figure and chef/owner, Craft Restaurants, judge Gail Simmons, of Food & Wine Magazine and judge Ted Allen, Emmy-winning cookbook author and TV personality. In what will prove to be the most exciting season yet, some of the biggest and most respected chefs will guest star on Bravo TV’s “Top Chef: Chicago.”

The 16 “Top Chef: Chicago” cheftestants, including Chicagoan’s Valerie Bolon and Stephanie Izard, will be skewered down week by week as they compete to out-flavor, out-cook and out-do their competition. The winning chef will receive $100,000 in seed money to help open a restaurant, furnished by the makers of the Glad family of products, a feature in Food & Wine magazine, a showcase at the Annual Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, a gourmet dream vacation in the French Alps, and will earn the title of “Top Chef.”

BizBash Celebrates The Big Apple’s Most Impressive Happenings

In a city that hosts events 365 days a year—366, this year—getting noticed is no small feat. Whether it’s politicos hobnobbing at the Clinton Global Initiative, socialites making the scene at the Costume Institute benefit, or indie rockers hitting the stage during the CMJ Marathon, there’s always a big event happening in New York. From gatherings that influence entire industries—TV’s Upfront Week, the Auto Show, the National Book Awards—to happenings that command the city’s attention for weeks at a time—the Tribeca Film Festival, Fashion Week, the U.S. Open—BizBash rounds up the best of the best for their seventh annual Top 100 list. These are the trade shows and conferences, gala dinners and award shows, parties and parades that make New York happen.

Renowned German Trance Master Returns

ATB
Saturday, March 15th
9:00PM - 3:00AM
Congress Theatre
2135 N. Milwaukee
Chicago , IL 60647

Promoter: Exact Events
Tickets: Want Tickets

The ‘Color Redefined’ Campaign

How exactly does one write a song about a color? Isn’t that a bit like “dancing about architecture” or sculpting a guitar solo? That was the idea dreamed up by Rehab when Gap asked for an unusual idea for its spring “Color Redefined” campaign. For the web-only push, the San Francisco creative development and production company asked a variety of artists — The Raveonettes (Black & White), Dntel (Red), Swizz Beatz (Green), The Blakes (Blue) and