I was totally "blown away" when I heard Miguel Sague's only son - "Cha" - Miguel Sague, Jr. - on the Congo drums and doing the vocals during the recital at the Main Branch of the Carnegie Library - designed like a huge mansion - by the Carnegie Museum in Oakland at the Pitt (University of Pittsburgh) campus last Sun. Dec. 26 - 2010. He sounds really good - like his - famous in Pittsburgh, Pa - dad - Miguel Sague, Sr. The New "Guaracha" Latin band the name of the band "Guaracha("Cuban Dance") - loosely translated from Cuban Spanish the name of this Latin band - has a steady gig at the Shadow Lounge - Baum Blvd - Pittsburgh, Pa - starting the second Wednsday in January 2011. Bring a can of food for the Pittsburgh Food Bank to get a discount on the "gate" fee.
Show up - for sure - "Cha" will teach a Salsa lesson - and he is truly fabulous Salsa dancer - I dance a good Salsa with him - ever since he was - literally - a baby - always a good dancer. Mark Custer - a fine trumpet player - continues with "Cha" just like he did with his famous in Pittsburgh, Pa - father. The first song performed - a charming Cuban ballad - showcased "Cha's" smooth voice - as he beats his conga with super energy and talent. We need to mention two other musicians in new "Guaracha's" band - under "Cha's" leadership. Base guitar handled efficiently by Justin Brown - has a smooth sound - however - the regular guitar sounds splendid - as Carlito Pena - the Colombian musician - handles it with mastery. "Cha" performs some popular hits from major South American Countries and Cuba.
I especially enjoyed a ballad "Llorona" - a Mexican masterpiece - performed sensitively and with much control by a relatively young - "Cha". It was a star musical piece in a famous movie about Frieda Kahlo - a famous Mexican painter - whose gruesome works relate to her turbulent life with a well known Mexican painter/muralist - Diego Rivera. A Mexican American movie star - Selma Hayek - was totally brilliant/gorgeous as a main character as well as a producer of the excellent movie about Frieda Kalho's life - called "Frieda".
Copyright@L.Hadley and Associates 2024
Monday, December 27, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Ravinia Park is glorious towards the end of the summer.
It needs to be noted that the next Thursday Aug. 19 - 2013 - Ravinia Park will present a super "two fer". At 5:30 pm there will be a Chopin Recital performed by the National Chopin Competition Winner - then at 7:30 - the Jazz Virtuoso Artists will dazzle the audience with a Jazz concert. The performers will be real giants of the American Jazz Scene - Lee Ritenour, George Benson and Dave Grusin.
The smell of the grass and the lush plants of Ravinia Park has always reminded me of a lot of carefree summers in Chicago. The sound system has always been superb and in the event of the rain - there are areas to hide - especially if you bring your umbrella.
I alwys prefer to go to Ravinia during the week. For me - it's a real pleasure - not to fight the crowds and not to smile a fake grin at the screaming children heavily attending the early shows during the weekend concerts. I have nothing against little kids listening to music but some parents sport a mistaken notion that their screaming kids sound like the finest opera to the strangers who are also entitled to enjoy some outdoors concerts in the summer.
At any rate - the Ravinia concerts organizers have something for everybody this season - which has only about five weeks left.
When you come out - unless you "got money to burn" in those hard economic times - do bring some food and drinks with you since the Ravinia's food and beverages venues - are very pricey - and not that extraoridarily great tasting.
Copyright@L.Hadley - 2023
The smell of the grass and the lush plants of Ravinia Park has always reminded me of a lot of carefree summers in Chicago. The sound system has always been superb and in the event of the rain - there are areas to hide - especially if you bring your umbrella.
I alwys prefer to go to Ravinia during the week. For me - it's a real pleasure - not to fight the crowds and not to smile a fake grin at the screaming children heavily attending the early shows during the weekend concerts. I have nothing against little kids listening to music but some parents sport a mistaken notion that their screaming kids sound like the finest opera to the strangers who are also entitled to enjoy some outdoors concerts in the summer.
At any rate - the Ravinia concerts organizers have something for everybody this season - which has only about five weeks left.
When you come out - unless you "got money to burn" in those hard economic times - do bring some food and drinks with you since the Ravinia's food and beverages venues - are very pricey - and not that extraoridarily great tasting.
Copyright@L.Hadley - 2023
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
We have a real jewel for Russian speaking Chicagolanders over fifty years young!
The Russian Center located 909 Wilson Ave - Chicago, IL. 60626 - a few blocks east of Truman College - phone 773-467-3857 - every Tuesday from 1:30 pm till 4 pm - hosts some fun cultural presentations for older or younger Russians or anybody who likes cultural pieces. If they notice non-Russian speakers - the organizers translate the main gist of the events presented.
Last Tues. July 27-2010 - I was entertained - which means I cried and laughed during a multi-media presentation done by an 80 plus years young - multi talented Russian poet, prosaic, vocalist, composer and musician plus an accomplished master of ceremonies - Mr. Mikhail Kleiner. I intended to stay briefly but the presentation "sucked me in" and didn't let me leave until the very end. I need to mention that even though the show was top notch - two and a half hours should be condensed to ninety minutes - even though it would be a tad longer than a customary one hour presentation - but ninety minutes with an intermission could be managed since the material was worthy an extra time.
The multi-media presentation consisted of video taped part showing the concert in Minsk, Belarus - which could be shortened quite a bit. The first part of the presentation was well presented and magnificently done - with the first number a fabulous Tango - "I wait and wait for you" with the vocals by Fira Rechman - a veteran performer who knows exactly how to deliver lyrics and music in a professional manner which means using dramatic devices of her voice and speech to make a listener - cry or laugh. Then followed a vocal demonstration of a few more spiritual songs - based on an Old Testament Psalms done by a fine older singer Mr. Michail Garlovecki who also knows how to be a presence on a stage since the material he presented could be tedious.
The comment should be made that both singers were superbly accompanied by a masterful piano work by Ms. Olga Bashkena - an accomplish pianist and an instrumental arranger - who certainly knows how to use her instrument as not to upstage the vocals - but showcase her piano skills and the beauty of Mr. Kleiner's compositions.
The second part of the presentation (a video taped Minsk - Belarus - concert) was a tad long and could be condensed. It was a performance - presented and skillfully led by Mr. Kleiner which took place in 1990 in Minsk - Belorus - before most of the creative Belarus Jews - massively left Belarus. Mr. Kleiner sang, played the electric gitar, delivered his poetry and did a good job - as a master of ceremonies.
If you speak Russian and are interested in rich and fabulous Russian culture - by all means - check out the Russian Center - Tuesdays - 1:30 pm. Their phone again -773-467-3857.
Copyright@L.Hadley and Associates - 2023
Last Tues. July 27-2010 - I was entertained - which means I cried and laughed during a multi-media presentation done by an 80 plus years young - multi talented Russian poet, prosaic, vocalist, composer and musician plus an accomplished master of ceremonies - Mr. Mikhail Kleiner. I intended to stay briefly but the presentation "sucked me in" and didn't let me leave until the very end. I need to mention that even though the show was top notch - two and a half hours should be condensed to ninety minutes - even though it would be a tad longer than a customary one hour presentation - but ninety minutes with an intermission could be managed since the material was worthy an extra time.
The multi-media presentation consisted of video taped part showing the concert in Minsk, Belarus - which could be shortened quite a bit. The first part of the presentation was well presented and magnificently done - with the first number a fabulous Tango - "I wait and wait for you" with the vocals by Fira Rechman - a veteran performer who knows exactly how to deliver lyrics and music in a professional manner which means using dramatic devices of her voice and speech to make a listener - cry or laugh. Then followed a vocal demonstration of a few more spiritual songs - based on an Old Testament Psalms done by a fine older singer Mr. Michail Garlovecki who also knows how to be a presence on a stage since the material he presented could be tedious.
The comment should be made that both singers were superbly accompanied by a masterful piano work by Ms. Olga Bashkena - an accomplish pianist and an instrumental arranger - who certainly knows how to use her instrument as not to upstage the vocals - but showcase her piano skills and the beauty of Mr. Kleiner's compositions.
The second part of the presentation (a video taped Minsk - Belarus - concert) was a tad long and could be condensed. It was a performance - presented and skillfully led by Mr. Kleiner which took place in 1990 in Minsk - Belorus - before most of the creative Belarus Jews - massively left Belarus. Mr. Kleiner sang, played the electric gitar, delivered his poetry and did a good job - as a master of ceremonies.
If you speak Russian and are interested in rich and fabulous Russian culture - by all means - check out the Russian Center - Tuesdays - 1:30 pm. Their phone again -773-467-3857.
Copyright@L.Hadley and Associates - 2023
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Southport Avenue - between Irving Park and Belmont has become a fashionable "she-she-poo-poo" treasure.
Chicago' neighborhoods change massively and drastically. Southport Ave between Irving Park and Belmont - has undergone a lot of changes in the last fifteen years. The Music Box Theater has always been an attraction for all kinds of movie buffs.
The various businesses surrounding the Music Box - have also undergone various, big time metamorphoses. The hardware store next to Music Box has had more face lifts than Heidi Montage. The Cullen's Bar and Grill - has expanded massively into the back yard of the building which itself has undergone a number of big structural changes.
Fifteen years ago the old building numbered 3741 - was run down and had a "vintage" clothing store - like from some kind of "time warp" from the early forties. The address 3741 Southport which that building still displays - the same street number - housed for a few years - a lovely, remodeled bakery/coffee shop/deli - called Lucky Stuffy Baking Company where Ms. Lana Hadley and her partner were grinding fresh flour which produced the most delicious muffins and breads - well known to many prominent Chicagoans.
That place including the building - was sold again at the profit - and again - extensively renovated by Mr. Cullen who subsequently had a stroke and became semi-invalid. He made tons of money upon selling that building after he bought that dwelling - addressed 3741 Southport. He totally revamped it to open Cullens's Bar and Grill which still enjoys a lasting success while a new, nicely remodeled restaurant called "Blue Bayou" - across the street - also rehabbed by Mr Cullen - unfortunately - "bit the dust" and closed after several years.
The only original restaurant with the same name as fifteen years ago - which lasted the longest - called "Tunes" located close to Southport and Irving Park Ave - also changed hands and changed the name.
Copyright@L.Hadley and Associates 2023
The various businesses surrounding the Music Box - have also undergone various, big time metamorphoses. The hardware store next to Music Box has had more face lifts than Heidi Montage. The Cullen's Bar and Grill - has expanded massively into the back yard of the building which itself has undergone a number of big structural changes.
Fifteen years ago the old building numbered 3741 - was run down and had a "vintage" clothing store - like from some kind of "time warp" from the early forties. The address 3741 Southport which that building still displays - the same street number - housed for a few years - a lovely, remodeled bakery/coffee shop/deli - called Lucky Stuffy Baking Company where Ms. Lana Hadley and her partner were grinding fresh flour which produced the most delicious muffins and breads - well known to many prominent Chicagoans.
That place including the building - was sold again at the profit - and again - extensively renovated by Mr. Cullen who subsequently had a stroke and became semi-invalid. He made tons of money upon selling that building after he bought that dwelling - addressed 3741 Southport. He totally revamped it to open Cullens's Bar and Grill which still enjoys a lasting success while a new, nicely remodeled restaurant called "Blue Bayou" - across the street - also rehabbed by Mr Cullen - unfortunately - "bit the dust" and closed after several years.
The only original restaurant with the same name as fifteen years ago - which lasted the longest - called "Tunes" located close to Southport and Irving Park Ave - also changed hands and changed the name.
Copyright@L.Hadley and Associates 2023
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Everybody aboard a new train at Old Orchard/Westfield Shopping Center /Chicago/Skokie!
Attention! Attention! Attention! All the children aged from five to a hundred and five - who love to ride a train need to take an eight minute ride around the Old Orchard's Mall - its courtyard - gorgeously big, wide and covered with huge flower pots and flower beds of all the bright colors of coming summer!
I had a great time with the little kids - since the railroad is "big" for little children but "small" and toy like for the adults. Every car has a different colored design and shape and even though the five cars have an electric engine - Steve Vishnevyski - the owner/operator - manages to blow some steam as he drives the mini railroad cars with the nice, shiny finish where the little kids and the middle-built adults can sit comfortably.
If you weigh around 300 lbs. - it's definitely not for you - but barring that possibility - the train ride is tons of fun. I have always liked any kind of trains - the sounds (amply provided by Steve), the smells and the total spirit of the strong locomotive taking me to a different place for some adventure. In the Old Orchard Mall - you will - probably - be familiar with its fresh, spring surroundings and spring plants - especially the flowers - but it's exciting and "different" to waive at the shoppers as they smile at the train going by.
I had a great time with the little kids - since the railroad is "big" for little children but "small" and toy like for the adults. Every car has a different colored design and shape and even though the five cars have an electric engine - Steve Vishnevyski - the owner/operator - manages to blow some steam as he drives the mini railroad cars with the nice, shiny finish where the little kids and the middle-built adults can sit comfortably.
If you weigh around 300 lbs. - it's definitely not for you - but barring that possibility - the train ride is tons of fun. I have always liked any kind of trains - the sounds (amply provided by Steve), the smells and the total spirit of the strong locomotive taking me to a different place for some adventure. In the Old Orchard Mall - you will - probably - be familiar with its fresh, spring surroundings and spring plants - especially the flowers - but it's exciting and "different" to waive at the shoppers as they smile at the train going by.
Copyright@L.Hadley and Associates 2023
Thursday, May 6, 2010
La Classique Studio - has a super fun, fun, fun event coming up soon!
If you like to dance the ballroom style - or if you're thinking about starting - if you are an advanced, a beginner or an intermediate dancer - thinking of improving your dancing for exercise, relaxation and making new friends - you need to stop by at La Classique Studio on Tuesday afternoon. The event is called a tea dance which starts at 1pm and ends at 4pm. The studio owner/instructor - Mr Dan Kanosak - a Thai dance champion who successfully competed in numerous European and American dance competitions - teaches private and group lessons.
Lots of singles of different ages and diverse dance levels like to come. The dance starts at 1 pm - the dance mixer is usually at 2 pm - then Mr. Dan Kanosak teaches a half hour class at 2:30 pm. All this will cost you only $10.00 - for which you get nice refreshments plus coffee or tea are served. In addition - the owner of the studio - an international ballroom dance - champion - Dan Kanosak - teaches a 1/2 hour lesson at around 2:30 pm. What a great, fun-fun-fun way to spend an afternoon.
The name of the studio is La Classique School of Dance - the location is easy to get to by public transportation or park on the side street - the address: 4146 Elston Ave and Hamlin Ave - Chicago, IL. 60618 - the entrance is on Hamlin - so find Hamlin first - otherwise - the address 4146 Elston - completely does not show on Elston. The beautifully designed small dance hall has been used as a Latvian Cultural Center for a long time and Mr. Kanosak rented the Center from them.
Mark your calendars - however - for this Saturday Sept. 11 - 2010 at 8 pm till 12 am. It's time for a yearly - fall dance event - like every year. The showcase will start at 9:30 pm. You will have a lot of complimentary Hors d'oeuvres - all that for only $20 dollars.
Lots of singles of different ages and diverse dance levels like to come. The dance starts at 1 pm - the dance mixer is usually at 2 pm - then Mr. Dan Kanosak teaches a half hour class at 2:30 pm. All this will cost you only $10.00 - for which you get nice refreshments plus coffee or tea are served. In addition - the owner of the studio - an international ballroom dance - champion - Dan Kanosak - teaches a 1/2 hour lesson at around 2:30 pm. What a great, fun-fun-fun way to spend an afternoon.
The name of the studio is La Classique School of Dance - the location is easy to get to by public transportation or park on the side street - the address: 4146 Elston Ave and Hamlin Ave - Chicago, IL. 60618 - the entrance is on Hamlin - so find Hamlin first - otherwise - the address 4146 Elston - completely does not show on Elston. The beautifully designed small dance hall has been used as a Latvian Cultural Center for a long time and Mr. Kanosak rented the Center from them.
Mark your calendars - however - for this Saturday Sept. 11 - 2010 at 8 pm till 12 am. It's time for a yearly - fall dance event - like every year. The showcase will start at 9:30 pm. You will have a lot of complimentary Hors d'oeuvres - all that for only $20 dollars.
Important Note: Mr. Dank Kanosak - a long time Chicago Ballroom Dance Teacher - passed away - suddenly - in the Spring of 2020 - the Spring of Covid-19 - hype and hysteria. He is dancing in Heaven now! Goodbye!
Copyright@L.Hadley and Associates 2023
Copyright@L.Hadley and Associates 2023
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Rogers Park Business Alliance holds a super fun,fun,fun Fundraiser!
This week - Rogers Park Business Alliance - a super fantastic business support - organization - is holding a totally interesting, entertaining in every way and extremely useful - fund raising - gala which is informal and fun. The entertainment will be provided by Bossa Tres - a Brazilian sounding trio.
The new theater called "Mayne Stage" was just remodeled - top notch. It will be a combination venue of a restaurant, bar and a theater. The new owners obtained a liquor license with the vast blessings of our alderman - Joe Moore.
As a longtime resident of Rogers Park - I am looking forward to giving you a report from the opening mini gala. So stay tuned - breathlessly! Listen, everybody! The evening promises to be totally fun, fun, fun. Several super good restaurants will provide excellent food. As far as some stronger spirits are concerned - beer, wine, liquor will also be available with the modest disclaimer that nobody will make a proverbial "idiot" out of themselves by getting drunk or anything like that! I am looking forward to most fun, exciting and entertaining opening - so as I mentioned earlier - stay tuned for the great report!
Here is a quick report - the evening went - totally, sensationally, super good in every way - nobody got drunk - the band was great - Bossa Three - the food was okay - could be better - dancing lessons - dynamite - the local businessmen - and businesswomen - very cool and fun!
The new theater called "Mayne Stage" was just remodeled - top notch. It will be a combination venue of a restaurant, bar and a theater. The new owners obtained a liquor license with the vast blessings of our alderman - Joe Moore.
As a longtime resident of Rogers Park - I am looking forward to giving you a report from the opening mini gala. So stay tuned - breathlessly! Listen, everybody! The evening promises to be totally fun, fun, fun. Several super good restaurants will provide excellent food. As far as some stronger spirits are concerned - beer, wine, liquor will also be available with the modest disclaimer that nobody will make a proverbial "idiot" out of themselves by getting drunk or anything like that! I am looking forward to most fun, exciting and entertaining opening - so as I mentioned earlier - stay tuned for the great report!
Here is a quick report - the evening went - totally, sensationally, super good in every way - nobody got drunk - the band was great - Bossa Three - the food was okay - could be better - dancing lessons - dynamite - the local businessmen - and businesswomen - very cool and fun!
Copyright@L.Hadley and Associates 2024
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