Category: Entertainment

Flanagan’s Wake returns to Chicago at new location

September 14, 2017September 14, 2017 Ray Hanania No Comments

Flanagan’s Wake returns to Chicago at new location Chicago Theater Works adds second production to venue line-up CHICAGO – The producers behind Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding are pleased to announce the long-running improv/comedy, Flanagan’s Wake, will return to Chicago Saturday, September 23 through Thursday, November 9. Flanagan’s Wake, which has played in the Chicagoland area…

Entertainment, Features, News

National Magazine names Ziyad Tahini “Best” Tasting

September 8, 2017September 8, 2017 Ray Hanania No Comments

National Magazine names Ziyad Tahini “Best” Tasting Cook’s Illustrated crowns the Mediterranean food company’s Tahini as their favorite among leading brands. Cooks Illustrated, the iconic magazine that investigates how and why recipes work, named Ziyad brand All Natural Tahini as the best tasting sesame seed paste on the market. The recognition is the result of…

Editors Pick, Entertainment, Features, food, News, Recipes

Under-appreciated Kirstie Alley deserves better

August 20, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania 9 Comments

Under-appreciated Kirstie Alley deserves better Actress Kirstie Alley has had fame and controversy, but the one thing she isn’t without is talent. Jettisoned to fame with a great character performance in the TV Sitcom “Cheers,” she has meandered through acting opportunities since. But one of her best efforts, Fat Actress, deserves a second chance. By…

Blogger, Commentary, Editors Pick, Entertainment, Features, Opinion, rayhanania

Do you feel like Tiny Tim, and want to play him?

July 13, 2017July 13, 2017 Ray Hanania No Comments

Do you feel like Tiny Tim, and want to play him? The Goodman Theater is putting out a call for all aspiring “Tiny Tims” for a 40th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol. Auditions will be held Saturday August 12. The production will feature acclaimed Chicago actor Larry Yando who stars, in his 10th year,…

Entertainment, Features, News, Releases

U2 Skips Chicagoland in latest tour

July 6, 2017July 6, 2017 Ray Hanania No Comments

U2 Skips Chicagoland in latest tour Dublin’s Irish rock band skips Chicago six county region which has largest Irish American population U2 The Joshua Tree Tour 2017; Biggest Tour Of The Year Surpasses 2.4 Million Tickets Sold. First North American Leg Wraps to rave reviews having played to more than 1 million fans. New shows…

Entertainment, News

Celebrity homes for Martin, Kennedy, Lear for sale

July 5, 2017 Ray Hanania No Comments

Celebrity homes for Martin, Kennedy, Lear for sale Dino Martin’s L.A. kPad Cooler Than Ever; Jackie Kennedy’s childhood home & the Norman Lear estate, up for sale, according to Top Ten Real Estate Deals Dino’s LA Pad Cooler Than Ever! All dressed up and ready to welcome a new Rat Pack, crooner Dean Martin’s…

Entertainment, Features, Photos, Releases

World Music Festival celebrates cultural diversity Sept 8 – 24

June 30, 2017June 30, 2017 Ray Hanania No Comments

World Music Festival celebrates cultural diversity Sept 8 – 24 19th ANNUAL WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL CHICAGO ANNOUNCES HIGHLIGHT PERFORMANCES OF DIVERSE INTERNATIONAL MUSICIANS CELEBRATING THE RICH CULTURAL DIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, SEPTEMBER 8–24 Headliners and highlights include Salif Keita, an all-night Ragamala featuring Anindo Chatterjee, Satish Vyas, Alam Khan and a special debut of the Bharath Symphony…

Entertainment, Features, News

Illinois should loosen up its restrictions on fireworks

June 29, 2017November 29, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Illinois should loosen up its restrictions on fireworks I boiled eggs the other day on the stove, and when I was done, I was smart enough not to put my hand on the grill cover where the eggs were boiled. So, I didn’t get hurt. Why is lighting a sparkler or a few bottle rockets,…

Entertainment, Opinion, rayhanania

Performances announced for 2nd annual Chicago Open Air Fest July 14 – 16

June 20, 2017August 20, 2019 Ray Hanania No Comments

Performances announced for 2nd annual Chicago Open Air Fest July 14 – 16 Featuring KISS, Ozzy Osbourne, Korn & More, ReverbNation Battle Of The Bands Contest Is Now Open, Allowing One Unsigned Band To Take The Festival Stage, Loudwire Premieres New Installment In “The Vikings Are Coming!” Animated Video Series Performance times have been announced for the 40-plus bands…

Entertainment, Events, Festival, News, Suburban Chicagoland

O’Neill comedy “Ah, Wilderness” opens June 17 at Goodman Theater

June 13, 2017 Ray Hanania No Comments

Eugene O’Neill’s comedy “Ah, Wilderness” opens June 17 at Goodman Theater AH, WILDERNESS!, EUGENE O’NEILL’S “WELCOME DOSE OF LOVE AND LAUGHTER” (LA TIMES), BEGINS SATURDAY, JUNE 17. STEVE SCOTT DIRECTS THE RARELY-PRODUCED COMING-OF-AGE COMEDY WITH A CAST OF CHICAGO FAVORITES, AND NIALL CUNNINGHAM AND AYSSETTE MUÑOZ AS THE LOVE-STRUCK YOUNG COUPLE. Experience the fireworks of love—first…

Entertainment, News, Releases

Countryside offers free music

June 8, 2017September 28, 2018 Steve Metsch No Comments

Countryside offers free music Summer concert series starts tonight By Steve Metsch Countryside will provide a diverse soundtrack for this summer with a series of free concerts through August. The “Countryside All Stars” summer concert series will be in Countryside Park on 61st Street, a half-block east of Brainard Avenue. Opening acts start at 6…

Entertainment, Events, News

100 year old woman continues working

May 30, 2017May 30, 2017 Ray Hanania No Comments

100 year old woman continues working Baby boomers working late into life. Meet the Woman Who Refuses to Retire After 76 Years in Direct Sales – Step Into Success. On her 100th birthday, Harriet Lonergan shares how party plan has shaped her life, income and friendships. Harriet Lonergan turns 100 today and has no intentions of…

Entertainment, Features, news release, Videos

Book: “Chicago is not Broke” offers good insights

May 29, 2017May 31, 2017 Ray Hanania 2 Comments

Book: “Chicago is not Broke” offers good insights CiviLab Publishes crowd-funded book: Chicago is not Broke — Funding the City we Deserve” Author Tom Tresser does 50 public forums across the city The CivicLab (www.civiclab.us) and the TIF Illumination Project (www.tifreports.com) has published a crowd-funded book. “Chicago Is Not Broke. Funding the City We Deserve.”…

Restaurant Review: bd’s Mongolian Grill, Naperville

May 27, 2017September 28, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Restaurant Review: BD’s Mongolian Grill, Naperville Balancing meats, vegetables and spices in a small bowl like an Eiffel Tower is just one part of the fun at bd’s Mongolian Grill in Naperville. The restaurant has a great tasting selection of meats and vegetables and a fantastic menu to satisfy your hunger and enjoyment By Ray…

Editors Pick, Entertainment, Features, food

Inaugural baseball tourney a huge success

May 26, 2017September 28, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Inaugural baseball tourney a huge success The OYA Orland Park Warriors 10U travel baseball team hosted their inaugural “2017 Warriors 10 U Weekend Rumble” baseball tournament from May 3 through May 7, 2017. The tournament consisted of 10 teams from local and regional communities including Orland Park, Tinley and as far away as Cary, Illinois. While…

Editors Pick, Entertainment, News, Sports

Chicago’s Top Chefs Head to Wrigley Field

May 24, 2017September 25, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Chicago’s Top Chefs Head to Wrigley Field The Chicago Cubs, Levy and Maker’s Mark introduce a new rotating Chef Series to bring Chicago’s best restaurants to Wrigley Field. World-renowned, award-winning Chicago chefs will serve up dynamic takes on ballpark fare during a rotating pop-up series beginning June 2 in the recently refreshed Sheffield Counter, located…

Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne headline Toyota Park July 14 – 15, 2017

May 24, 2017September 28, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne headline Toyota Park July 14 – 15, 2017 Headlines Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne and Korn will be joined by Rob Zombie, Slayer, Godsmack, Megadeth, Stone Sour, Seether, Anthrax and many more. Onsite attractions including food experiences, Headbangers Bier Hall, David Ellefson Coffeehouse, the Caduceus Wine Garden and kickoff dinner with Jose Mangin at Chicago…

Entertainment, Releases

Vin Diesel Fate of the Furious on DVD June 27

May 18, 2017September 28, 2018 Ray Hanania No Comments

Vin Diesel Fate of the Furious on DVD June 27 The #1 action film in the world, The Fate of the Furious, goes full-throttle on Digital HD on June 27, 2017, and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on July 11, 2017, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. The latest exhilarating installment of…

Entertainment