Naperville's American Legion Poppy Day

Thurs May 16, 6A-9A, Route 59, downtown Naperville, and Lisle railroad stations

The City of Naperville has declared Thursday, May 16,  “Americaaper Legion Poppy Day.”  Legionnaires will be at the Route 59, downtown Naperville, and Lisle railroad stations and select other locations during the morning rush hour. As in years past one hundred percent of the funds collected go to support veterans.  But this year Post 43 has selected a specific program of the American Legion, OPERATION COMFORT WARRIOR, to receive the funds. Here is what “OPERATION COMFORT WARRIOR” is all about: It provides wounded service members with rehabilitation equipment for physical therapy and entertainment in the form of soft clothing, electronics, video games, movies, music and more.  100%-yes, let me repeat-100% of all donations to OCW go to gifts for injured servicemen and women.  http://www.naperlegion.org/

Deborah’s Place 2013 Benefit Dinner

Thurs, May 16, 6P–10P, Chicago Cultural Center, G.A.R. Hall and Rotunda 77 E. Randolph, $150 & up

FEATURING: Guest Speaker K. Sujata President, Chicago Foundation for Women Leading Advocate for Women and Girls. Night includes; Reception,Three-Course Dinner, Live Musical Entertainment, Silent Auction & Raffle

http://www.deborahsplace.org/2013/03/2013-benefit-dinner/

Kane & DuPage Go Red For Women Luncheon

Fri May 17, 10A, The Q Center, 1405 N 5th Ave, St. Charles, $50

Women from Kane and DuPage counties and the men who love them will join the fight against heart disease in women at the American Heart Association’s annual Go Red for Women luncheon on Friday, May 17 at The Q Center in St. Charles, Ill.  The luncheon—chaired this year by Kristine Kowalski of KCT Credit Union—is the signature fundraising event of the campaign, which raises awareness of women’s no. 1 killer, heart disease.  The event will be hosted by Laura Schwartz, founder of White House Strategies and author of “Eat, Drink and Succeed.” https://americanheartchicago.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/20122013KaneDuPageGoRedLuncheon/tabid/424822/Default.aspx

Walk NowAnniversary For Austism Speaks 10th 

Saturday, May 18, Soldier Field

Join Autism Speaks as we walk to change the future for all who struggle with autism! Walk Now for Autism Speaks is a fun-filled, family friendly event and is our single most powerful force to fund vital research that will lead us to the answers we need. Experience the power of thousands united by a single cause by joining Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disorder in the U.S. – we need more volunteers to join our fight. Whether this is your first walk or the 10th, take the first step and register today. You will not only raise funds, but you will become a part of a fun and supportive family-focused community.

Read more: http://www.litefm.com/event_portal/view/calendar/event.html?event_id=301183#ixzz2RoL6GtuJ

Rolling Meadows High School Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for Dirone Williams

Sat May 18, 8A, Rolling Meadows High School, 2901 Central Rd., Rolling Meadows, $5 addt'l donations accepted

Rolling Meadows High School will hold a Pancake Breakfast and Raffle fundraiser on Saturday, May 18, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the school cafeteria.  All proceeds will go toward financial assistance for the family of a RMHS student, Dirone Williams, whose younger brother was badly burned last March in an accident at home.  Staff and students at RMHS were greatly moved by the plight of the young boy and think very highly of his older brother, Dirone, who serves as the school's "Milo Mascot" at RMHS home games.  "Dirone has been and will continue to be a shining star in his love for his school, his peers, and (playing) our beloved mascot, Milo," said Jim Voyles, Activities Coordinator/Athletic Director.  "His love for Rolling Meadows High School is an inspiration and motivation for his peers to follow, which they are doing by organizing this pancake breakfast." Raffle tickets may be purchased at $1 each, for a chance to win an iPad mini, Cubs tickets and more!  Seating at the breakfast will be limited to the first 300 guests. http://www.dailyherald.com/calendar/#/event/1086953

3rd Annual Rockin' for Rescue

Sat May 18, 7:30P, U.S. Cellular Field, 333 West 35th Street, Chicago, $100-200

This spring, more than the average baseball fan will be singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game!” That’s because on May 18 the Trio Animal Foundation (TAF) is hosting their third annual Rockin’ for Rescue event at U.S. Cellular Field, proud home of the Chicago White Sox. The Vegas-themed event will feature sin city-inspired gaming and mixed music by one of the hottest DJs in the city for an unforgettable evening at the ballpark. Founded on the mission of assisting shelters, rescue organizations and individuals, TAF is a charitable organization that works to improve the lives of homeless pets by facilitating and paying for quality medical care.  Since 2009, TAF has worked with more than 65 shelters and rescues in the Chicagoland area and across the US, paying for more than 2,000 animals’ medical care. http://rockinvegasstyle.eventbrite.com/

93.9 Lite FM's "Woman of the Week"

As part of our community affairs programming here at 93.9 Lite FM, we are celebrating Chicagoland's "Woman of the Week" and the wonderful things you do!  If any of the above describes you or some of the wonderful women in your life...family, friends, co-workers...please let us know!

Email Diane Banks at DianeBanks@clearchannel.com and tell her your story or your friends story. Diane would love to feature you on "Sunday Conversations" and share your story with all of our Lite FM Listeners! Read more: http://www.litefm.com/pages/community.html#ixzz2Jr5UCEbl

 For more ways to Pay It Fwd check out Lite FM's Community Events page at www.litefm.com/pages/community.html. If you have an event or fundraiser you would like us to mention during Pay It Forward (Tuesday's @ 7:05A), please email Jeff Corder & Karen Williams at mornings@litefm.com  

Thanks for Paying It Forward & Good Luck with your event!

IS BEYONCE EXPECTING?

The New York Post reports there are rumors circulating that Beyonce and Jay-Z are expecting their second child.  The paper notes that Bey wore a high-waisted gown that covered her midsection to last week’s Met Gala and added that photos from her current tour show what some people suggest is a baby bump.  Beyonce recently told ABC News that she would like to give daughter Blue Ivy a sibling, but it sounds like it’s not happening yet. A source close to the couple told People, "Beyoncé and Jay are planning for another baby after her tour is over and things calm down just a bit." But even if she’s not pregnant, it sure sounds like Beyonce is eating for two. According to Radaronline, after her concert in Dublin, Ireland, she ordered in a $1,000 chicken feast. Her order from Nando’s chicken included fourteen jumbo platters of poultry, which amounts to 28 whole chickens and ten large sides of corn, garlic bread, rice, coleslaw and chips. In addition she ordered 70 wings. There’s no word on how many people actually enjoyed the feast. 

LENO’S VIRAL VIDEO MAY HAVE BEEN FAKED

Last week’s a couple who appeared on Jay Leno’s “Pumpcast News” segment became viral sensations when they performed karaoke versions of “Living on a Prayer” and “Sweet Dreams” but it turns out the whole thing may have been faked. According to The Smoking Gun, the couple, Will and Monifa Sims, are actually professionally trained actors from Chicago.  Although this doesn’t prove anything, the site does note that Sims appeared on “Pumpcast News” once before, in 2011.  Will actually admitted to the Chicago Sun-Times that Leno producers gave them fake job titles so it would look less suspicious. "[The producers] didn’t want [people] to think we were actors and it was a 'plant,'" Will told the paper. "They were like, ‘You’re a bartender and she’s a fitness [trainer].'" But in an interview yesterday, Monifa said it was a fluke that she had appeared on the segment twice, telling The Smoking Gun, “when it happened again, I said, ‘I cannot believe it!!’” 

In related news, NBC announced yesterday that Jay Leno will end his 22-years on the Tonight Show during the week leading up to the 2014 Winter Olympics (which start February 6^th), with Jimmy Fallontaking over during the second week of the games. In addition, Late Night with Seth Meyerswill debut Monday, February 24^th. 

FOX ADDRESSES IDOL PROBLEMS

After weeks of rumors, Fox entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly finally addressed the problems American Idol had this past season. He blamed the ratings decline on the age of the show, as well as some creative changes they made to the format. “More so than any one factor is the age of the show right now, but [also] maybe the format this year,” he said. “We expanded some of the middle rounds, we did a boy-girl thing that went over three weeks — that’s really where the ratings took their biggest hit.”  But even though he blamed the decline on this season’s tweaks, he adds there will be more, promising “a few fresh twists…that will be a nice  jolt for next season.” As for the judges, when asked if Mariah Carey, Keith Urban or Nicki Minaj will back he said “everything at this point is on the table,” but added it was “likely” the show will return to a three-judge panel instead of four.

EVENTS  ----------------------------------------------

Live Organ Music & Dance

Mondays @ 7:30P, Aurora Skate Center, 34W113 Montgomery Rd, Aurora, $4-$8

Frank Pellico, who also plays for the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center, plays live during the dance session. Using the only triple-deck Hammond X-66 with 26 ranks of pipe organ sounds in the world, Frank Pellico plays four sets of dances, three waltzes, the Chicago Foxtrot, many All-Skates, the rhomp-trio-conga, and much, much more. http://www.skateaurora.com/index.php/calendar

Millennium Park's Paint the Town Red: Inspiring Peace Through Song

Wed, May 15, 11A, Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park 201 E Randolph

This year’s Paint the Town Red will empower more than 3,500 singers to create a more peaceful Chicago. In connection with this mission, the event will raise awareness and support for the opening of our ninth Neighborhood Choir Program in Englewood.  Singers will gather to perform the Choir’s shared repertoire in a free concert.  In collaboration with Kevin Coval, Co-Founder of Louder than a Bomb: The Chicago Teen Poetry Festival, the largest youth poetry festival in the world, this year’s concert will feature a spoken word poetry performance. Guest performers include DJ Matt Roan, singer-songwriter Jay Adams, and Chicago Children’s Choir alumni The O'My’s.

http://ccchoir.org/events/upcomingevents/paintthetownred.html

MainStreet Libertyville’s Car Fun on 21 classic cruise night

Wed, May 15 (and 3rd Wed's thru Sept) Downtown Libertyville, W. Park Ave. & N. Milwaukee Ave., FREE!

Celebrating its 11th year, MainStreet Libertyville’s Car Fun on 21 classic cruise night will begin Wednesday, May 15 and continues the third Wednesday of each month through September.   From 6-9 pm vintage cars 25 years and older will be proudly displayed on Church Street in downtown Libertyville.  Grab a sandwich from Fine’s or an ice cream cone from Culver’s of Libertyville.  Listen to the sounds of Rhythm Bureau and take a stroll down memory lane.  The proud owners will be on hand to answer questions. Be sure to mark your calendars for the car shows scheduled for June 19 (vintage fire trucks); July 17; August 21; September 18. www.mainstreetlibertyville.org

Chicago Botanic Garden's Model Railroad Garden

Now thru Oct 27, 10A-5P, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, $4-6

The Model Railroad Garden returns for a 14th season to Chicago Botanic Garden! This year's theme, Landmarks of America, features eighteen model G-scale trains running on 17 tracks, winding over bridges and trestles and around nearly 50 models of American landmarks. 

• There are 18 model G-scale (garden-scale) trains running on 17 tracks (one track runs two trains)

• There are close to 50 miniature American landmarks

• There are 26 bridges throughout the Railroad Garden

• 5,000 plants (including annuals) in more than 300 different varieties are in this garden

• The trains travel more than 22,000 miles each season

http://www.chicagobotanic.org/railroad/

Chicago Cultural Center's LunchBreak Music Series

Tues, Thurs, & Fri, 12:15P-1P, Chicago Cultural Center, Randolph Square, 78 E. Washington St., FREE!

The LunchBreak Series in the Randolph Square features music styles from around the world in the Chicago Cultural Center's Randolph Square. The series takes a twist in 2013 when Wired Fridays debuts (each Friday through May) and are set up as a mid-day dance party series featuring DJs and electronic music featuring ambient to dance and soundscape artists. 

Tuesday, May 14:  Blues in May: Kevin Purcell

Thursday, May 16:  Blues in May: Jimmy Burns

Friday, May 17:  Wired Fridays - Fabulous Ladies of Fitness

Tuesday, May 21:  Blues in May: Eddie Taylor, Jr.

Thursday, May 23:  Blues in May: Matthew Skoller and Johnny Iguana

Navy Pier's World Record for Longest Ferris Wheel Ride & Armed Forces Day

Fri-Sun, May 17-19, Navy Pier, FREE!

Witness history as a Chicagoan and Navy Pier’s own Pier Park operations manager, Clinton, attempts to break a world record for the longest marathon on a fairground or theme park attraction! Clinton’s world record attempt will be dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Forces. He will board the Navy Pier Ferris wheel at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17 and ride for more than 30 hours with no sleep, with the intention of breaking the record at 8:30 p.m. on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, capped by a spectacular patriotic themed Navy Pier fireworks display.

http://www.navypier.com/things2do/entertainment/special_events.html#WorldRecord

Hyde Park Garden Fair

Fri & Sat, May 17 & 18, Hyde Park Shopping Center, 55th St. & S. Lake Park, Chicago, FREE!

Shop from among 50,000 handpicked plants at the 54th Annual Spring Sale! Includes annuals, container plants, groundcover, hanging baskets, herbs, house plants, perennials, shrubs, vines, roses, vegetables, and wildflowers - everything you need for a lush, beautiful garden. http://www.hydeparkgardenfair.org/

17th Annual Chicago Mayfest

Fri-Sun, May 17-19, Ashland Ave. and Barry Ave., Chicago (Lakeview)

Ready for summer? This three day festival kicks off our city's festival season and is packed with Chicago’s BEST Bands, festival Cuisine, pretzels, bee, local merchant shopping, dancing and plenty of brews at the outdoor beer garden!

~ Bands: 16 Candles, Two White crew, Haribangers Ball, Mr.  Blotto, The Personnel, This Must Be The Band

~ Kids Day (Sat 10A-2P): On Saturday, bring your family to enjoy fun activities, arts & crafts, healthy food, fun balloons, and raffle prizes as part of Chicago Kids Day.

~ Pet Pageant (Sun 11A-2p): Have fun with your furry friends during the Pet Pageant and Expo on Sunday.

Naper Settlement's Civil War Days

Sat & Sun, May 18-19, 10A-4P, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St, Naperville, $15-5

During Civil War Days, Naper Settlement is transformed into a Civil War encampment where visitors can experience firsthand a turbulent time period in our nation’s history. Learn how the nation changed through the insights of famous people who made a difference in history. Hundreds of re-enactors participate, staging a battle with raging artillery and marching infantry at 2:30 p.m. each day. http://www.napersettlement.com/

39th Annual Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk

Sat, May 18, Orientation Center: Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Ave., Chicago, $100

Tour private homes in the historic Oak Park district during the 39th Annual Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk! Sponsored by the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, this tour will showcase the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries. The Homes:

Harry S. Adams House (1913)

Robert P. Parker House (1892)

Louisa and Harry Goodrich House (1896)

T.S. Rattle House (George O. Gamsey, 1885) *new

W.A. Rogers House (Talmadge & Watson, 1906) *new

Frank Keefer House (E.E. Roberts, 1906) *new

Flori Blondeel House No. 2 (John S. Van Bergen, 1914) *new

Frank Long House (Leon Stanhope, 1929)

Cheney Mansion Oasis patio and solarium (1913) *new

Dr. Charles E. Cessna House (E.E. Roberts, 1905) *new

http://gowright.org/wp2013/

Chicago History Museum's Family Trolley Tours

Sat's, May 18, June 22, July, 27, Aug 10, 10A-12P, Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., $10-20

Take the kids out for some family-friendly urban exploration this spring with the Chicago History Museum's new Family Trolley Tours. Discover the city's underground tunnels, check out hidden rooftop gardens, and trace the path of the Great Chicago Fire on Saturdays once a month with professional tour guide Josh Eisenberg!

May 18: Hidden Places-The trolley will take kids and their parents on a behind-the-scenes tour of Chicago's hidden hideouts, rooftop gardens, and secret spots.  http://chicagohistory.org/planavisit/upcomingevents/tours/bus-tours

Brookfield Zoo's Dinosaurs Alive!

Now thru October 27, 10A-5P, Brookfield Zoo - 31st Street and First Avenue, Brookfield, $15-10.50

See your favorites like the Triceratops, as well as some more obscure dinosaur species, up close at this special exhibit. You can also roam a winding wooded train with 24 life-like, life-size animatronic prehistoric creatures! Also swing by the Dino Dig Station to learn how palentologists find dinosaur bones. Please note Dinosaurs Alive! prices listed are in addition to regular zoo general admission of $15 for adults and $10.50 for children and seniors over 65. Children 2 and under are free.   www.brookfieldzoo.org/CZS/Dinosaurs-Alive

Wrigley Field Tours

Now thru Sept, $25, Kids 2 & under free

Go behind-the-scenes of the legendary home of the Chicago Cubs! You'll learn about its over 98 years of history as you walk around one of our city's must-see attractions. Guided tours are offered on game days and non-game days. http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/ballpark/tours/index.jsp?content=daily 

CONCERTS, THEATER & COMEDY ----------------------------------------------

Fall Out Boy                 Thurs 5/16     6:30P     Riviera Theatre         S/O

10,000 Maniacs             Fri 5/17         8P          City Winery Chicago    $35-45

The Dan Band                     Fri 5/17         9P          House of Blues         $22-25

FAMILY THEATER & CONCERTS

The Cat in the Hat

Now thru May 19, Apollo Theater 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. (Lincoln Park), $10-$16

This Dr. Seuss adaptation follows two children stuck indoors during a rainy afternoon as they are introduced to the mysterious Cat in the Hat.  www.emeraldcitytheatre.com/shows_1213_catinthehat.php

That's Weird, Grandma by Barrel of Monkeys

Sundays 2P, Neo-Futurist Theater 5153 N. Ashland Avenue (Ashland & Foster) Andersonville, $5-10

After teaching creative writing in the CPS system, BOM’s ensemble of actors, comedians, musicians and playwrights selects and adapts some of the thousands of stories generated by children for stage presentation.

www.barrelofmonkeys.org

THEATER

'Barnum The Circus Musical'

Now thru June 16, The Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Ave, $25-59

"Barnum the Circus Musical" follows the life of Phineas Taylor Barnum, the founder of the circus that became the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. http://mercurytheaterchicago.com/barnum/

The Book of Mormon

Now thru Sept, Bank of America Theatre (formerly the Shubert Theatre), $45-115

Written by the creators of South Park, you'll laugh a lot at this Tony Award-winning play. Nine 2011 Tony Awards® say it's the Best Musical of the Year. The New York Times says, "It's the best musical of this century." It's THE BOOK OF MORMON, the Broadway phenomenon from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q co-creator Robert Lopez.  www.broadwayinchicago.com

COMEDY

Louie Anderson

Thurs-Sun, Chicago Improv, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg, $22-24

Louie Anderson: Louie Anderson is one of the most versatile and successful comedians working in Hollywood today, loved by the television audiences who never missed his nightly hit series "Family Feud" or his appearances on late night chat shows or recently on ABC's "Splash." . http://chicago.improv.com/show.cfm?id=235991

Jay and Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie

Sun, May 19, 7P, The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, $38.50

See Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes live as they premiere their new animated film Jay and Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie May 19 at The Vic! A Q&A will follow the screening. http://www.jamusa.com/Venues/Vic/ConcertDetails.aspx?ConcertId=5281

SPORTS  ----------------------------------------------

BULLS (Eastern Conference Semifinals)

Mon, May 6         @ Miami Heat    W 93 - 86                                                 

Wed, May 8        @ Miami Heat    L 78 - 115                                    

Fri, May 10          vs Miami Heat    L 94 - 104                                                

Mon, May 13      vs Miami Heat   6pm         

Wed, May 15      @ Miami Heat   6pm         

Fri, May 17         vs Miami Heat   TBD         

Sun, May 19       @ Miami Heat  TBD

BLACKHAWKS                                                       

Wed, May 15    vs Detroit Red Wings

CUBS

Mon-Wed            May 13-15         vs Colorado Rockies

Fri-Sun               May 17-19         vs New York Mets

WHITESOX

Mon-Wed            May 13-15         @ Minnesota Twins

Thu-Sun             May 16-19         @ Los Angeles Angels

CHICAGO FIRE (Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem in Bridgeview)

Sat                      May 18              @ Philadelphia

flickr/shygurl88 

SOURCE: ChicagoTribune 

5 TV series slated for Chicago productions

A total of five scripted TV series slated for next season will shoot in Chicago, according to Betsy Steinberg, who heads up the Illinois Film Office. That is a record high for the city. All are one-hour dramas.

NBC, which renewed “Chicago Fire” for a second season, has also picked up the show’s police-themed spin-off, “Chicago PD.” Co-creator Derek Haas (working with writing partner Michael Brandt and producer Dick Wolf) told the Tribune that the show will have more in common with “Hill Street Blues” than the typical high-concept crime procedurals that have become predominant on network TV.

Additionally, NBC gave the go-ahead to “Crisis,” which will shoot in Chicago — an unexpected turn of events since the pilot was shot in LA. Dermot Mulroney and Gillian Anderson star in the political thriller. The serialized drama will be held for midseason, according to Deadline.com, when it can air uninterrupted after the Winter Olympics.

ABC has also picked up two of the three of its pilots that shot in Chicago this spring. “Betrayal” stars James Cromwell opposite Hannah Ware (last seen as Kelsey Grammer’s troubled daughter on “Boss”). Ware plays an unhappily married woman who begins an affair with a lawyer who happens to be squaring off against her husband in court.

And Steve Zahn and Christian Slater will play brothers — one bipolar, the other a con artist — on “Mind Games” (formerly known as “Influence”). The pair run an agency that uses human psychology to solve their clients’ problems.

On a smaller scale, CNN has ordered an eight episode docuseries called “Chicagoland,” produced by Robert Redford and set to debut in early 2014. And last month Bravo announced that it will also launch a Chicago-based reality series called “100 Days of Summer” about young Chicagoans “working the boardrooms and the bedrooms, eager to make a name for themselves