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 extraordinarily great tasting.
Copyright@L. Hadley and Associates 2026
Monday, August 9, 2010
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 - big time - 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 - though - 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 videotaped 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 to not upstage the vocals - but showcase her piano skills - as well. The beauty of Mr. Kleiner's compositions - shines through..
The second part of the presentation (a videotaped 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 - Belarus - before most of the creative Belarus Jews - massively - left Belarus. Mr. Kleiner sang, played the electric guitar, 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 - 2025
Last Tues. July 27-2010 - I was entertained - big time - 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 - though - 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 videotaped 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 to not upstage the vocals - but showcase her piano skills - as well. The beauty of Mr. Kleiner's compositions - shines through..
The second part of the presentation (a videotaped 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 - Belarus - before most of the creative Belarus Jews - massively - left Belarus. Mr. Kleiner sang, played the electric guitar, 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 - 2025
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 2025
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 2025
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 2025
Copyright@L.Hadley and Associates 2025
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!
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!
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 2026
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