Category: Entertainment

Coalition Calls for Added Funding of Brookfield Zoo in Capital Bill

February 13, 2019February 13, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Coalition Calls for Added Funding of Brookfield Zoo in Capital Bill Infrastructure investment will fix crumbling facilities and spur local economy while preventing cuts to conservation and education programs As negotiations over the state’s first major capital construction program in a decade get underway, the B-NICE Coalition (Brookfield Zoo: Needed Infrastructure for Compassionate Education) is calling…

Entertainment, Government, News, Suburban Chicagoland

Moraine Valley students perform in original theatrical production

February 13, 2019February 13, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Moraine Valley students perform in original theatrical production Moraine Valley Community College will present “American Griot,” an original play exploring Muslim influence on the American music genre known as the blues. The Academic Theater production will run Feb. 21 to March 3, in the John and Angeline Oremus Theater, inside the Fine and Performing Arts…

Education, Entertainment, Features, General Topics, News, Religion, Suburban Chicagoland, Theater

Gary Sinise book event at Steppenwolf Feb. 18

January 16, 2019January 16, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Gary Sinise book event at Steppenwolf Feb. 18 Due to Popular Demand Steppenwolf Hosts a Second Discussion with Co-Founders Gary Sinise and Jeff Perry About Sinise’s New Book Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service By popular demand, Steppenwolf Theatre Company will host a second conversation with co-founder Gary Sinise on Monday, February 18 at…

Books & Films, Entertainment, Features, news release, Releases, Suburban Chicagoland, Theater

Field Museum waives entrance fee for all of February

January 16, 2019January 16, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Field Museum waives entrance fee for all of February Illinois residents can enjoy free admission every day in February (c)Field Museum, Lucy Hewett What: For the fourth year in a row, the Field Museum will be free for Illinois residents during the entire month of February. Free Days are roughly an $80 savings for a…

Entertainment, General Topics, News, news release, Releases

Illinois State Museum Wins Leader Institution of the Year Award

January 15, 2019January 16, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois State Museum Wins Leader Institution of the Year Award The Illinois Association of Museums has recognized the Illinois State Museum as the Leader Institution of the Year (2018), one of the association’s “Awards of Distinction” that recognize excellence in the museum field, the highest honor given by the IAM. In presenting the award, an…

Entertainment, Features, General Topics, Government, news release

Submission being accepted for 2019 Milwaukee Film Festival

January 15, 2019January 15, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Submission being accepted for 2019 Milwaukee Film Festival MILWAUKEE – Tuesday, January 15, 2019 – The 2019 Milwaukee Film Festival, presented by Associated Bank, will run Thursday, October 17 – Thursday, October 31, 2019. Milwaukee Film’s annual 15-day festival will include feature films, shorts programs, education screenings, post-film conversations, panels, and parties. The event screened…

Entertainment, Festival, General Topics, Movies, Releases, Theater

April named Arab Heritage Month by new Illinois Law

January 10, 2019October 4, 2020 Ray Hanania 1 Comment

April named Arab Heritage Month by new Illinois Law Illinois Legislature passes law to designate April as Arab American Heritage Month. The bill was introduced by Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, and co-sponsored by State Senator Steve Landek and Representative Mike Zalewski. The bill restores respect for Illinois’ Arab American community which was disrespected…

Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Entertainment, Festival, Government, Illinois Legislature, News, Opinion, Racism, rayhanania, Religion, Suburban Chicagoland

Wolves Hockey Team lights up the ice

January 8, 2019November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Wolves Hockey Team lights up the ice Wolves light up the ice at the Allstate Arena in a game against the San Antonio Rampage. It’s phenomenal hockey and sports excitement from start to finish By Ray Hanania The American League hockey team the Chicago Wolves trounced the San Antonio Rampage this past week 3 to…

Blogger, Commentary, Entertainment, Features, Opinion, Orland Park, rayhanania, Sports, Suburban Chicagoland

Gelsosomo’s in Lemont offers great food and hilarious comedy shows

January 8, 2019November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Gelsosomo’s in Lemont offers great food and hilarious comedy shows There are not a lot of comedy clubs in Chicago’s Southwest Suburbs but two stand out you should visit, Riddles in Alsip and Gelsosomo’s in Lemont. Riddles offers the traditional award winning comedy experience while Gelsosomo’s offers a mix that includes music entertainment, great Italian food…

Blogger, Comedy, Commentary, Entertainment, Features, food, General Topics, Opinion, Orland Park, rayhanania, Suburban Chicagoland, Theater

Danztheatre Ensemble presents “Getting Old Sucks”

January 7, 2019January 7, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Danztheatre Ensemble presents “Getting Old Sucks” Getting Old Sucks is a Danztheatre work exploring the universality of aging through individual experiences. Getting Old Sucks runs Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm, and Sundays, 3pm, February 22 through March 3, 2019 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church (1650 W. Foster Ave., Chicago). What does aging mean to you?: Getting Old Sucks,…

Entertainment, Features, News, Theater

Steppenwolf Theater announcers premier of “The Children”

January 7, 2019January 7, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Steppenwolf Theater announcers premier of “The Children” Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the Chicago premiere of The Children written by Lucy Kirkwood and helmed by celebrated Chicago director Jonathan Berry. The cast includes previously announced ensemble members Ora Jones (Rose) and Yasen Peyankov (Robin), with acclaimed actress Janet Ulrich Brooks (Hazel) rounding out the cast. Following…

Entertainment, Features, News, Theater

Men turn into zombie customers during last-minute holiday rush

December 22, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Men turn into zombie customers during last-minute holiday rush As the calendar approaches the Christmas holidays, men experience a transformation, turning into addled, confused zombies desperately searching for the last-minute gift for their wives, girlfriends and significant others. Although the retail business has a name for every experience, they haven’t figured this male zombie shopper…

Baby Boomers, Blogger, Business, Commentary, Entertainment, Features, Humor, Opinion, rayhanania

Paul Ciolino co-hosts new WLS radio show on crime

December 22, 2018December 22, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Paul Ciolino co-hosts new WLS radio show on crime Reavis High school graduate and criminal investigator Paul Ciolino is the co-host with former police officer and attorney Lupe Aguirre of The POPO Report every Saturday night on WLS AM 890 Radio from 7 to 9 PM (Chicago time). Each week, the show examines stories about…

Chicago, Crime, Entertainment, Features, General Topics, National, News, Politics, Radio

Kevin Hart and the real problem with the Oscars

December 21, 2018November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Kevin Hart and the real problem with the Oscars Comedian Kevin Hart made a comedy joke that lampooned Gays and he was quickly tossed from hosting this year’s Oscars. But the real controversy is the Oscars. Are they even relevant anymore? By Ray Hanania I wish the Oscars reacted to complaints as fast and as…

Blogger, Comedy, Commentary, Entertainment, Opinion, Politics, rayhanania

New comedy club opens in Chicago’s Logan Square

November 29, 2018November 29, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

New comedy club opens in Chicago’s Logan Square On November 1st, 2018 Logan Square Improv opened its doors to the public. Logan Square Improv, or LSI, is the newest addition to the lineup of comedy theaters in Chicago, and the first of its kind in the Logan Square area. Co-founded by Chicago comedians, Andrew Lemna…

Briefs, Comedy, Entertainment, Features

Chicago’s Top Holiday & Seasonal Events

November 20, 2018May 1, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago’s Top Holiday & Seasonal Events Happy Holidays! With a distinct chill in the Chicago air, we have officially made it to the most wonderful time of the year. From the city’s top shopping destinations, including a one-of-a-kind art show and a beloved antique market, to holiday entertainment opportunities, including a festive musical and elevated…

Briefs, Chicago, Editors Pick, Entertainment, Events, Features, Festival, General Topics, News, Theater

Sketch Comedy Festival Jan. 10-19, 2019

November 13, 2018November 13, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Sketch Comedy Festival Jan. 10-19, 2019 SketchFest Executive Producer Jill Valentine is thrilled to announce the official line-up for the 18th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, taking place January 10 through January 20, 2019 at Stage 773. Since its inception in 2002, the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival has grown to be the largest festival of…

Chicago, Comedy, Entertainment, Events, Festival, Humor, News, Theater

Friends of Park opposes private use of park for Obama library

October 31, 2018October 31, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Friends of Park opposes private use of public land for Obama library Friends of the Parks responds to the Chicago City Council adoption of an ordinance authorizing construction of the Obama Presidential Center on park land in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side. Public Pressure Ensures Movement Toward a “Park Positive” Outcome for Jackson Park Friends…

Chicago, Education, Entertainment, Government, News, Politics