PDA

View Full Version : All Access Chicago: Concierge Preferred's Picks for Sept. 12-14


lizseymour
09-09-2008, 08:29 PM
Chicago Goes Celtic: It’s not just for the fans of the Irish. Celtic Fest (http://www.celticfestchicago.us) is an annual celebration of Celtic music and culture from the nations of Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man, Cornwall, Wales, Galicia, Spain, and Brittany, France. On Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14, see over 150 musical acts and dances on nine different stages. This festival is unusual in that it highlights different Celtic instruments at two of its tents - the Harp Tent and Uilleann Pipe Tionól (featuring the Irish bagpipe). Among the other stages are a dance performance stage, as well as an interactive tent where the general public can learn how to Celtic dance. Another stage is dedicated to showcasing young students who are keeping the Celtic music scene alive. Other features include the Kids' Oasis; the Scottish Heavy Athletics Competition, Sheepherding Demonstrations; a coffee and tea garden, as well as several Celtic themed restaurants. Admission is free.

[B]Sample Sale: Chicago’s very own 1154 LILL Studio will host a one-of-a-kind event for on Saturday, Sept. 13 (http://www.1154lill.com/events/SSWTrsvp.asp): their first ever sample sale and warehouse tour! 1154 LILL will open the doors to their warehouse for everyone to shop current and discontinued styles of their bags, accessories, fabrics and accent pieces, all at 50-75% off. Guests will also be able to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the LILL production facility and actually see how a LILL bag comes to life. The newest styles for Fall/Winter 2008 will also be made available ahead of store delivery, so you can design a new custom bag before anyone else in the country. The sale’s hours are from 9 a.m. -3 p.m., but it pays to get there early: the first 50 people through the door will also receive a complimentary LILL SAM (makeup accessory bag) and Compact combo. $5 entrance fee, with 100% of proceeds being donated to a local Chicago charity.

Viva Tequila!: It’s bigger than Cinco de Mayo, at least in Mexico. On Saturday, Sept. 13th Salud (http://www.saludlounge.com/upcoming.asp) celebrates Mexican Independence Day with its 5th Annual Tequila Festival. This fiesta features live music, beer and, naturally, tequila specials. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. While you’re there, sample the September Specialty Drink of the Month: Jalapeno-Pomegranate Margarita, made with Distinguido Blanco ($9).

S’wonderful at Stefani’s 437 Rush: It’s Gershwin Night at Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush (http://www.stefanirestaurants.com/437rush.htm). Come enjoy a musical journey through the works of George Gershwin, performed by four singers and one pianist, and emceed by Gershwin aficionado "Alesandro." Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 6:30 p.m. followed by a four-course wine dinner by Chef Federico Comacchio at 7:30 p.m. $90 plus tax and gratuity. The wine dinner evening takes place Saturday, Sept. 13.

Moon Festival Rising: The Chinese Moon Festival (http://www.moonfestchicago.com/home.html) is also known as the Mid-autumn Festival. Chinese culture is deeply imbedded in traditional festivals. Just like Christmas and Thanksgiving in the West, the Moon Festival is one of the most important traditional events for the Chinese. A Chinese harvest celebration features dragon and lion dances, kung fu performances, lantern and talent shows, merchants, kids' activities and more. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. The program includes: Feast for 1,000 Elders, where senior citizens from area senior homes are invited to partake in this traditional feast (reservations required); Traditional Chinese lion and snake dances; Family Talent Show; Taste of China Culinary Show; Elvis impersonator Rick Saucedo; and Shaolin Kung Fu demonstrations. The event is free and takes place in Chinatown Square.