''What's on Dec'' w/ Billy Dec January 26-February 1: Best Events, Concerts, Parties, Games, Fests...

01/26/2012

Thanks for checking out my "What's on Dec" segment every Thursday at 9am. Follow me on facebook.com/BillyDec and twitter.com/BillyDec and please give me feedback if you go to these events and/or have any events you'd like me to share in the future!

Sundance Festival USA: '2 Days in New York', Jan. 26 at 7:30pm, Music Box Theatre, $12
Details: Be a part of the world premiere screening of director-screenwriter-actor Julie Delpy's sequel (to '2 Days in Paris'). This will be going on the same time it screens at the Sundance Festival in Park City.
Website: http://www.musicboxtheatre.com

Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Festival, Jan. 28 1:30pm, Congress Theatre, $35
Details: A summer festival brought indoors for the Chicago winter, the best blue grass and blues the city has to offer, featuring Drive By Truckers, Dawes, and Joe Pug.
Website: http://lineup.cbbfestival.com/

15th Annual Aon Step Up for Kids benefiting Children's Memorial Hospital, Jan. 29th 8am, AON Center, $100?
Details: Climb 80 floors to the top of the AON Center one of Chicago's tallest buildings to raise money for Children's Memorial Hospital and the Family Services Department. Steppers receive a free t-shirt and complimentary food and beverages. ?
Website: http://www.heroesforlife.org/site/TR/StepUp/StepUpforKids?pg=entry&fr_id=1310?

TopGolf - Suits and Boots 2012, Jan. 28 6pm, TopGolf, $15?
Details: Add some spring break craziness to this cold winter at Top Golf in Woodale, hosted by 97.9 The Loop, appearances by Pete McMurray and the Loop's "Rock Girl", $1 from each game will be donated to The Lakeview Polar Bear Club, beach themed and clothing encouraged.?
Website: http://topgolf.com/chicago/extras/suits-and-boots/?

Strictly Sail Chicago, Jan. 26-29 at 11am, Navy Pier, $12-$15
Details: The 17th annual boat showcase lets you explore designs, gear, accessories, and equipment. There are fun kids activities, giveaways, author signings, and 200 seminars.
Website: http://www.strictlysailchicago.com/

SoxFest 2012, Jan 29th 9am, Palmer House $35-$70
Details: Kick-off the upcoming White Sox season at SoxFest 2012! Join fellow White Sox fans for an exciting weekend of baseball in January. SoxFest features appearances by current team members including new manager Robin Ventura, along with former Chicago White Sox team members. Get autographs. Participate in question and answer sessions. Take your picture with your favorite White Sox players. Play interactive games in the SoxFest Triple Zone. Hang out at the SoxFest family party. Be a part of the excitement of White Sox Baseball at SoxFest 2012!
Website: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/cws/community/sf_day.jsp

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO SOX FEST!

2012 Travel & Adventure Show, Jan. 28-29 10am-4pm, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, $0-$15
Details: Discover authentic travel experiences, win trips and giveaways, and catch great travel deals. Get travel tips from experts including travel channels Samantha Brown and Patricia Schultz. Experience scuba diving, ride camels, enjoy cultural performances and test your tastebuds in the fiery foods challenge.
Website: http://www.adventureexpo.com/ CLICK HERE FOR A SPECIAL $8 TICKET

Vino van Gogh, Jan. 30 at 6:30pm, Raffi's On Fifth, $38
Details: Learn to paint van Gogh art while sipping on your favorite wine. Vino van Gogh teaches you how to create a work of art from a blank canvas in 2-3 hours. They supply the art supplies and instruct you on how to make several different van Gogh portraits depending on the location and day you chose to go.
Website: www.vinogogh.com

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS FOR VINO VAN GOGH!

StyleChicago.com's RESOLUTIONS 2012, Jan 27 at 6pm, Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, $35-$45
Details: An evening of creative cocktails, wine, hors d'oeuvres, sushi, mini spa services, and lifestyle experts on hand all presented by stylechicago.com goodiebags and moving services provided by Move-Tastic
Website: http://www.stylechicago.com/Invite.asp?ID=5&PID=4993

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS TO RESOLUTIONS 2012! LINK TO: http://www.facebook.com/billydec

Winter Games 2012, Jan. 28th 11am, Sheffield's Beer and Wine Garden & Others, $25
Details: the Junior Advisory Board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation bar crawl fundraiser. The bar schedule is 11 am Sheffields (registration, tickets available at the door) 1 pm Trader Todds
2 pm Vaughan's
3 pm Mad River
4:30 pm Uncle Fatty's
6 pm Kirkwood
and competitions include flip cup, Jenga, water sports (with hot tubs!), karaoke, and Olympic-style "speed" events. Prizes available and beer gardens open.
Website: http://chicagoyplc.com/2011/12/winter-games-pub-crawl-january-28-2012/

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS FOR WINTER GAMES!

Uncle Fatty's Winter Music Festival III, Jan 24-28, Uncle Fatty's Rum Resort, $5
Details: A winter warm up music festival at the tropical themed bar including 25 different cover bands, 7 DJs, and 5000 fans. $5 cover at the door.
Website: http://www.unclefatty.com/

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN TICKETS FOR WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL!

Lululemon Athletica Warehouse Sale Chicago 2012, Jan. 27-29 9am-9pm, Donal E Stephens Convention Center, FREE
Details: Get fit for free at the Donald E Stevens Convention Center hosted by Iululemon Warehouse Sale this week.
Website: http://www.lululemon.com/community/blog/lululemon-warehouse-sale-chicago/?icid=HP;HC3;Blog;wk51;012012;warehousesale

6th Annual Soccer Ball, Jan. 27 at , River East Art Center,
Details: This fundraiser brings people from across Chicago together to support the success of Urban Initiatives. Urban Initiatives promotes health, education, and character development to students from 1st to 8th grade.
Website: http://www.urbaninitiatives.org/

Ballroom Dance Chicago's Annual Awards Gala, Jan 27 8pm, $10
Details: To celebrate the winning of The Knot's Best of Weddings 2012 and continued five star accolades on Yelp, Google and various other sites, Ballroom Dance Chicago invites you to join us for a group class and an evening filled with ballroom dancing, performances, music, champagne toasts and hors d'oeuvres BYOB. We will also premier the winning videos of the annual Ballroom Dance Chicago Video Competition.
Website: http://www.ballroomdancechicago.com/Ballroom_Dance_Chicago/Ballroom_Dance_Lessons_Chicago___Latin_Dance_Lessons_Chicago___Wedding_Dance_Lessons_Chicago.html

Chicago Originals Restaurant Week, Jan. 24-Feb. 4, Multiple Locations, $29.12
Details: Chicago Originals are celebrating restaurant week where each restaurant creates a 2,3, or 4 course menu for only $29.12 (35% or more discount)
Website: http://chicagooriginals.com/rw.php

Celebrate Self Employment, Jan. 26 at 6pm, Catalyst Ranch,
Details: The Institute for Arts Entreprenuership teams up with WBEZ and hosts a resource fair for self employed, small business, start-ups, and freelancers.
Website: http://blog.entrepreneurthearts.com/2012/01/07/join-the-iae-and-wbez-catalyst-ranch-to-celebrate-self-employment/

Mamma Mia!, Jan. 26-29 at Various Times, Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre, $18-$85
Details: Mamma Mia! broadway musical comes to Chicago! It's about a mother, daughter, and three possible fathers.
Website: http://www.broadwayinchicago.com/

Winterfest, Jan. 26 at 6pm, Deuce's and The Diamond Club, $20
Details: Lincoln Park Young Professionals host LYPY Winterfest Event! You will have a great networking party atmosphere with cocktails, wine tastings, food, and raffles.
Website: http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=4203785

'Bye Bye Liver' Prohibition Pub Crawl, Jan. 26 at 7pm, Lion Head Pub, No entry fee
Details: Join the cast of "Bye Bye Liver" in a 1920s and 1930s pub crawl. Wear your zoot suits and flapper dresses and help raise funds for the American Liver Foundation.
Website: http://www.facebook.com/events/276764625718132/

Festival of Flesh, Jan. 26 at 20pm, Lucky Number Grill, $7
Details: This revue features burlesque, comedy, glasswalking, hoops, and more!
Website: http://www.luckynumberchicago.com/

Rock' N Rye, Jan. 26th at 8pm, Fat Cat, $10
Details: One of a kind whisky and rye beer tasting over great rock n roll music all night long, tickets available in advance at Fat Cat or by phone.
Website: http://www.yelp.com/events/chicago-rock-n-rye

Driving 88 Release Show, Jan. 26th at 7pm, Reggies Rock Club, $10-$15
Details: Driving 88 does a mixtape release show with special guest Rockie Fresh!
Website: http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/88921?utm_medium=bks

Chicago Outdoor Sportsmen Show, Jan. 26-29 2-5pm, Donald E Stephens Convention Center, $10
Details: A celebration of the great outdoors, family fun for all everything from fishing to rock climbing if its outdoors its here indoors.
Website: http://www.chicagosportsmenshow.com/

15th Annual Grand Chefs Gala, Jan. 28 at 6pm, The Fairmont Chicago, $75-$400
Details: The Grand Chefs Gala/ Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence brings award winning chefs will create and present their signature dishes to over 750 guests. This event benefits The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Website: http://www.grandchefsgala.com/

Lakeview Polar Plunge, Jan. 28 at 12pm, Oak Street Beach, $20-$30
Details: Take a plunge in Lake Michigan for the Lakeview Polar Bear Club's 11th annual benefit. After-party included!
Website: http://www.billydec.com/blog/take-a-plunge-into-lake-michigan-this-january/

Chicago Social Devil's Head Ski Trip, Jan. 28th 6am-10pm, Devil's Head Resort, $125 w Rental, $105 w/o Rentals
Details: Chicago Sport and Social Club are hitting the slopes and want all to join, providing round trip transportation, a lift ticket, and dinner.
Website: http://www.chicagosocial.com/events/view/53

Watson Adventures' Field of Screams Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt, Jan 28th 1:30pm, The Field Museum, $33?
Details: Join Watson Adventures as teams participate in a murder mystery scavenger hunt at the field museum. ?
Website: http://watsonadventures.com/schedule_chicago.html?

Jordan Knight Live and Unplugged, Jan. 28 9pm, Viper Alley (Lincolnshire), $35-$50
Details: After a successful huge tour Jordan Knight is taking the time to have a much smaller and intimate set of performances in front of a smaller audience he can connect with more personally in his live unplugged set.
Website: http://www.viper-alley.com/

Queen of Samba Contest 2012 Jan 28th-29th 10pm, Logan Square Auditorium, $10.70
Details: Hosted by Chicago Samba for the past 18 years this event selects the best Samba Dancers in all of Chicago and celebrates all things Samba from dance to culture and food.
Website: http://www.yelp.com/events/chicago-queen-of-samba-contest-2012

UFC FOX at United Center, Jan. 28th at 8pm, United Center, $40-$250
Details: Check out the UFC fights on FOX at our very own United Center. Fights are Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis, Chael Sonnen vs. Michael Bisping, Chris Weidman vs. Demian Maia.
Website: http://www.unitedcenter.com/calendar/event.asp?event_id=490&layout=button_count&show_faces=false&width=90&action=like&colorscheme=light&height=20',',',

Cirque Du Soleil QUIDAM @ Whole Foods, Jan. 29 11am, Whole Foods Market: Schaumburg, Free
Details: A Cirque Du Soleil bus will be coming to Whole Foods Market Chicagoland locations to bring their show on the road. Customers will be able to participate in many fun activities including: Watch Quidam sizzle reels and behind the scenes video, souvenir photos with a Quidam theme using green screen technology, opportunity to win Quidam show tickets and prizes, receive Quidam branded popcorn bags and postcards.
Website: http://www.yelp.com/events/schaumburg-cirque-du-soleil-quidam-whole-foods

Paint Night at the Poison Cup, Jan. 29th 2pm-5pm, The Poison Cup Wine & Art Boutique, $40
Details: Wine tasting, appetizers and three hours of painting. Sessions will be lead by local artists with selected demonstration pieces, but you're welcome to paint freely.
Website: www.thepoisoncup.com

Mew & View: A Night of Movies, Snack, and Kitties, Jan. 29 7pm-10pm, Tree House Humane Society Bucktown, $5
Details: Cozy up with your next potential kitty companion while watching Where the Wild Things Are. The Tree House Humane Society is a cageless adoption center hosting this years first Mew & View which is an opportunity to support the society, and find a new best friend. Light refreshments and blankets provided.
Website: http://www.treehouseanimals.org/ or http://thhs.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=involved_events_events_calendar

Turbo-thon for a Cause, Jan 29th 10am, Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel, $20-$25
Details: 1st Annual Turbo-thon for a Cause, a kickboxing dance class, will raise money to send care packages to two army units stationed in Afghanista. Ticket price includes admission, one raffle ticket, and post party admission at Bar Louie.
Website: http://www.yelp.com/events/chicago-turbo-thon-for-a-cause

Ironmistess, Jan. 30 at 8pm, Oracle Theatre, FREE
Details: Set in 1840's England, Martha Darby is a widow who has just inherited her husband's iron foundry. A dark comedy 'nightmare' written in verse by UK's April De Angelis.
Website: www.oracletheatre.org

M.A.D.D Rhythms Tap Academy Winter 2012 Session, Jan. 30-Feb.29, Harold Washington Cultural Center, $50-$100
Details: M.A.D.D. Rhythms is kicking off a new year with it's winter session that runs until Febraury 29th. M.A.D.D. teaches toddlers to advanced students the joy, love, discipline and expression of tap dancing.
Website: http://maddrhythms.com/?page_id=1779

Chicago Underground Comedy, Jan. 31 at 9:30pm, Beat Kitchen, $5
Details: A night of comedy at the Beat Kitchen that features a rotation of four to five comics each week.
Website: http://beatkitchen.com/

Tornado Alley, Jan. 31-March 15, 11am/1pm/3pm, Museum of Science & Industry, $16-$23
Details: Watch Storm Chasers Sean Casey and his resaerch crew attempt to discover the orgin and evolution of tornadoes. Experience footage of a tornadoes destructive power at point black range filmed with an IMAX camera.
Website: http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/omnimax-3d-theater/tornado-alley/

Ameriville, Feb. 1- Feb. 26, Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. & Sat. @ 7:30pm, Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, $15-$50
Details: Join Universes as they perform in Ameriville, a amazingly diverse performance piece that will educate you for 90 minutes with a theatrical exploration of race, class, poverty, immigration and political awareness, and entertain you by performing it all through fuses of hip-hop, poetry, flamenco, standup comedy, music and spoken word.
Website: http://www.victorygardens.org/onstage/ameriville.php

The Encyclopedia Show; Candy, Feb. 1 @ 7:30pm, Vittum Theater, $5-$8
Details: Variety show that commissions local and touring artists and experts from many disciplines to use their individual talents to present a different a verbal encyclopedia entry. Wednesday nights topic is 'Candy' and will showcase visual art, comedy, music, and spoken word based on 'Candy'.
Website: http://www.encyclopediashow.com/EncyclopediaShow/Home.html

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