Concierge Key Notes 
 
Issue XLXVIIIMAY 2014   
 
Cloud Gate
    
Concierge Key Notes MAY 2014
FEATURED EVENTS

Komen Chicago Race for the Cure   May 11
Butler Field- Grant Park

Turning dollars raised into lives saved across the Chicagoland Area.    5K/10K Timed Run & 5K/1 Mile Fun Walk      Register at www.komenchicago.org

------------------------------------------------- 

Jazz Unites - 40th Anniversary Duke Ellington 

Tribute Concert                      May  11  
Harris Theater  
International and local jazz artists perform music that Ellington wrote, inspired, or influenced-a vast repertoire indeed! This year's Ellington Tribute Concert features The Duke Ellington Orchestra and is being held on Mother's Day. This signature event will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Chicago's first Ellington Tribute in Grant Park and the 115th anniversary of the incomparable composer's birth date. Time: 4:00 PM

------------------------------------------------- 

Musicians Club of Women -

FREE Mid-Day Concerts               May 12

Preston Bradley Hall, Cultural Center

78 E. Washington

Natalie Sherer, Piano     12:15PM

------------------------------------------------------------- 

Dancing in the Street  May 15

Harris Theater 205 E. Randolph St. 

Chicago Children's Choir honors the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, celebrates South Africa's 20th year free from apartheid and remembers the late Nelson Mandela in this uplifting concert. With special guest Kurt Elling,

--------------------------------------------------------------- 

The Sound of Music       Now thru May 18

Lyric Opera of Chicago 20 N. Wacker Dr. 
The inspiring story of the von Trapp family stars Billy Zane (Titanic, Chicago) as the Captain and Jenn Gambatese (Wicked, Tarzan: The Musical) as Maria! Packed with hits from "Do-Re-Mi" and "Favorite Things" to "Edelweiss" and the title song, it also features new sets and costumes and the brilliant sound of the Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Chicago Farmers Markets    May - Oct

Chicago's Farmers Markets bring more than 70 vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers to neighborhoods throughout the City of Chicago.  Opens on Saturday, May 10 at Lincoln Park (Armitage & Orchard) and Division Street (Division & Dearborn) and Sunday, May 11 at Beverly (95th & Longwood) before the official opening at Daley Plaza (Washington & Dearborn) on Thursday, May 15. A complete list of all markets with dates and times can be found at chicagofarmersmarkets.us.
------------------------------
Green City Market     May thru Oct 25
2430 N. Clark St.
Green City Market's 2014 outdoor season runs Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7am to 1pm. The market is located at the south end of Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton Drive (approximately 1790 N. Clark) http://www.greencitymarket.org
--------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL WRIGHT 2014 Housewalk      Sat May 17
The Trust's renowned annual house-walk features rare interior tours of private homes and public buildings, ALL designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in his Oak Park Studio.  Experience the glorious architecture of the famed Historic District, and share a fun-filled day with visitors from around the world. Tickets: $125 non-member.  Space is limited. Phone: 877.848.3559.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Ballet Chicago On Pointe     May 17 - 18
The Ballet Chicago Studio Company brings five exciting works to the Harris Theater stage: Balanchine's brilliant Divertimento #15 (1956), his romantic Valse-Fantaisie (1967), his virtuoso romp, Tarantella (1964), Daniel Duell's evocative Ellington Suite, and the Ballet Chicago premiere of resident choreographer Ted Seymour's Brahms Intermezzi, performed with live piano. SAT/8:00PM; SUN/3:00PM
------------------------------------------------------
Jessye Norman: Stand Up Straight & Sing! May 19
School of the Art Institute (112 S. Michigan Ave.)
The Chicago Humanities Festival hosts opera legend Jessye Norman as she narrates her extraordinary journey from a childhood in segregated Augusta, Georgia, to star of the world's grandest stages. Get up close and personal with one of history's greatest singers! 6:00PM Tickets are available at chicagohumanities.org or through the CHF Box Office at 312.494.9509.
-------------------------------------------
Cirque Shanghai    May 23 - Sep 1
Pepsi� Skyline Stage at Navy Pier 
"Cirque Shanghai: Warriors combines awe-inspiring acrobatics with the martial prowess of Chinese Kung Fu and Wu Shu masters.   The Wednesday and Saturday 8 p.m. shows are followed by Navy Piers spectacular fireworks display! Performances are approximately 75 minutes with no intermission.  For tickets, visit Ticketmaster, the Navy Pier Skyline Stage box office or call 800.745.3000 
------------------------------------------------------------
RANDOLPH STREET MARKET         MAY 24-25 
1350 W. Randolph & 1340 W. Washington
Antique Shows Flea Market
SHOP INDOORS AND OUTDOORS! 150+ Vendors of Vintage, Antique, Indie Designer, Global Goods, Fancy Foods. Free Parking In Huge Onsite Lot! Cost: $10 at the gate. 10am-5pm both days.
--------------------------------------------------
Bike the Drive     May 25 
The popular, Bike the Drive, event closes Lake Shore Drive to traffic and allows bikers five hours of riding bliss along 15 miles of Chicago's lakefront.
------------------------------------------------ 
Musicians Club for Women Artists in Recital Series

FREE mid-day concert  Fri. Jun 6  12:10 PM

4th Presbyterian Church   126 E. Chestnut St. 

Angela Presutti-Korbitz, Soprano

 
NAVY PIER FIREWORKS
Navy Pier is the destination for spectacular fireworks fireworks perfectly synchronized to music on Lake Michigan. Don't miss the twice weekly fireworks shows all summer long, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day! Be sure to check the schedule for additional shows added throughout the year. Whether viewing from the dock or on board an evening cruise, fireworks is the perfect way to end your day at Navy Pier!*
 
Saturday   May 24       10:15 pm 
Wednesday May 28     9:30 pm  
Saturday May 31         10:15 pm 
Wednesday  June 4     9:30 pm  
Saturday June 7          10:15 pm  
*Schedule subject to change or cancellation
 
SPORTS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Chicago BLACKHAWKS (2nd Round Playoffs)
Blackhawks United Center 1901 W. Madison
FRI MAY 9 vs. WILD (away) TBD; SUN MAY 11 vs. WILD TBD; TUE MAY 13 vs.  WILD (away) TBD; THU MAY 15 vs. WILD TBD

----------------------------------------------

Chicago Cubs Home Games  cubs logo
Wrigley Field (Clark & Addison)
Brewers: Fri May 16 1:20pm; Sat May 17 1:20pm; Sun May 18 1:20pm; vs. NY Yankees: Tue May 20 7:05pm; Wed May 21 1:20pm; vs. NY Mets: Tue Jun 3 7:05pm; Wed Jun 4 7:05pm; Thu Jun 5 6:05pm 
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Chicago White Sox Home Games
whitesox Cellular Field 35th & Shields 
vs. Arizona D-backs: Fri May 9 7:10pm; Sat May 10 6:10pm; Sun May 11  1:10pm; vs. NY Yankees Thu May 22 7:10pm; Fri May 23 7:10pm; Sat May 24 1:10pm; Sun May 25 1:10pm; vs. Cleveland Indians: Mon May 26 1:10pm; Tue May 27 7:10p; Wed May 28 7:10pm; vs. San Diego Padres Fri May 30 7:10pm; Sat May 31 1:10pm; Sun Jun 1  1:10pm
CONVENTIONS
Nat'l Restaurant Association (NRA)            May 17 -20 
McCormick Place North 65,000 attendees

Internat'l Wine, Spirits & Beer Event          May 18 - 19
Lakeside Center at McCormick Place 3,500 attendees

Sweets & Snacks Expo                                 May 20 - 22
McCormick Place West  18,000 attendees

Assoc. for Behavior Analysis Internat'l     May 23 - 27
McCormick Place West          4500

International Mr. Leather 2014                  May 23 - 26
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile 8300 attendees

American Soc. of Clinical Oncology    May 30 - Jun 3
McCormick Place Complex      32, 730 attendees 
Memorial Day Parade
Sat., May 24
Chicago's Memorial Day Parade honors all men memorial_day11.jpg and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

The Wreath Laying Ceremony will begin at 11   am at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza (Dearborn and Washington Streets).

The parade will step off at 12 noon and proceed south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street.

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

Hot Doug's  Final Days   3324 N. California Ave. 

 This gourmet take on the venerable hot dog is open for only 5 1/2 hours, six days a week until it closes permanently on Oct.  3rd! `  Try the foie gras and Sauternes duck sausage with truffle aioli, foie gras mousse and sprinkled

 with fleur de sel for $10. 

--------------

Spiaggia Scheduled to reopen May 23
980 N. Michigan Ave.
After a gut renovation, Spiaggia is now taking reservations. The bar will be relocated to the center of the restaurant and there will be a new lounge and wine room. Jackets will no longer be required for gentlemen at Chef Tony Mantuano's Italian flagship.
 ---------------
Tete Charcuterie 1114 W. Randolph St. 
Enjoy shared plates stacked with cured meats, terrines and pates in this former meatpacking plant.  The charcuterie here takes its inspiration from Germany, the Philippines and even the U.S. 
-----------------
 INDUSTRY MONDAYS at LUXBAR
22 E. Bellevue Place
Half off ALL drinks & appetizers in the bar, 11AM-Close
Every Monday
 --------------
L2O (2300 NORTH LINCOLN PARK West) 
offers two distinct dining experiences: a 4-course prix-fixe menu, which gives you a choice for each of the four courses; or a tasting menu. Be adventurous and try the pigeon, mandarin, red cabbage, & apicius entree. L2o has earned two Michelin Stars for the second straight year under Chef Matthew Kirkley.
-------------------------------------------------
Mastro's Steakhouse (520 N. Dearborn St) 
is glamourous and glitzy. There is an active
piano bar scene featuring live entertainment with plenty of tables for dining. It's everything a steak-house menu should be. Try the bone-in rib eye, Kansas City strip, or rack of lamb. 
FEATURED CONCERTS

Gladys Knight and The Temptations May 9 7:30 PM

Chicago Theatre   
 
Stylistics May 10   8:00 PM
Arie Crown Theater   
 
Neko Case May 13 7:30 PM
Chicago Theatre

Rodriguez May 14 7:30 PM
Chicago Theatre

Austin Mahone and Jason Derulo May 15 7:00 PM
Rosemont Theatre

Avicii May 15 7:30 PM
Allstate Arena

Idan Raichel May 15 8:00 PM
Auditorium Theatre

Reba McEntire May 16 8:00 PM
The Venue at Horseshoe Casino Hammond

Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration TUE May 20 7:30 PM
Chicago Theatre

Danity Kane WEDNESDAY May 21
House Of Blues Chicago

Talib Kweli SUNDAY May 25
Metro Smart Bar

Barry Gibb TUESDAY May 27 7:30 PM
United Center

Jason Moran FRIDAY May 30 8:00 PM
Symphony Center

Brad Paisley May 31 7:00 PM
First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

Kishi Bashi May 31 7:00 PM
Metro Smart Bar

Gipsy Kings Jun 1 8:00 PM
Chicago Theatre

Tamar Braxton Jun 6 7:00 PM
Concord Music Hall - Chicago

Styx and Foreigner Jun 6 7:00 PM
FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

The Real Show Rewind feat. Guy Jun 6 8:00 PM
Chicago Theatre - Chicago, IL

Cher Jun 7 8:00 PM
Allstate Arena

Kelis MONDAY Jun 9 8:00 PM 
Park West 
 
"TO BE WELL, POWERFUL, STRONG, INFLUENTIAL"
151 W. Adams
Chicago, IL 60603
Inside the JW Marriott
312-660-8200

www.valeochicago.com 

Validated Valet Parking (3 hrs for $13)

 

                    VALEO DAY PASS   $38 PER DAY                             Are you in town for one day and desire full access to our lounge amenities, whirlpool, sauna, steam bath, pool, fitness center and                                 classes?    Try our one day pass!

 
VALEO WELLFIT CLASS $15 PER DAY
VALEO classes focus on cardio, flexibility and strength. View our class schedule by visiting our website. 
 
 The Couples Connection Suite features side-by-side massage tables, infinity whirlpool tub and rain shower.

Finally, a full liquor license allows the accommodation of any guest request


Visit the Oriental Institute Museum of the 
University of Chicago
Oriental Institute
1155 East 58th St.
Chicago, IL 
773-702-9514
Khorsabd II

 The Khorsabad Court, a reconstruction of the palace court of King Sargon II of Assyria, ca. 721-705 BC

Admission is Free
Suggested Donation: $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for children under 12.

Hours:
Tue, Thu-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Wed 10 am - 8:30 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm

IMPORTANT DATES
  mothers-day-flower-header.jpg
May 1 National Day of Prayer 
May 1 - 31 Chicago Dance Month
May 11 Mother's Day 
May 15 Peace Officers Memorial Day
May 17 Armed Forces Day 
May 22 National Maritime Day 
May 26 Memorial Day

Around Chicago LIVE! 

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

 

Eat, Drink, Network 

 
I|O Urban Roofscape at 
The Godfrey Hotel
127 W. Huron St.
Cost: $15/advance;$20/door
 
5:30 - 7:30 pm

QUICK LINKS
Around Chicago Events Around Chicago is your resource for discovering great business networking events targeting Chicago's Events and Hospitality Communities. Around Chicago is published by Nicole Price, CMP, a Chicago native and veteran of the events world.
 
Red Carpet Concierge  of Chicago An International Concierge Lifestyle Magazine founded by Sandra Smith-Doghmi 

Linked N Chicago  Chicago's largest Professional, Social, and Business Networking Community. With roughly 85,000 members, this group offers networking opportunities with the goal of increasing business relationships in Chicago. Founded by Mary McFarlin, MPM CLSSYB
 
MAY WEATHER
(Historical Averages)
 70�F Avg. High 
51�F Avg. Low

21�C Avg. High 
11�C Avg. Low
FEATURED ATTRACTION
  360 CHICAGO 
(formerly John Hancock Observatory) 
is an epic new attraction that will forever change the way visitors see Chicago.
 
 A one-of-a-kind experience, TILT is an enclosed, glass and steel movable platform that holds up to eight visitors per cycle. Once safely situated inside, the platform slowly tilts outward to an adventurous angle, generating downward-facing views of Chicago - from one thousand feet above The Magnificent Mile�. TILT gives thrill-seekers an exciting and safe way to take in unsurpassed views of the city, from a never-before-seen angle.


 The cost will be an introductory rate of $5 per experience, plus the cost of general admission to the Observatory. TILT tickets can be purchased online or in person at 360 CHICAGO.
Cher's Birthday Party at
Kit Kat Lounge
& Supper Club
 If I Could Turn Back Time... A Brunch Cher-abration!

Sunday, May 18 
11 a.m.-4 p.m. 
The iconic and ultimate diva, Cher, will turn 68 on May 20 and Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club is throwing a birthday-tribute brunch party on Sunday, May 18. The festivities will begin at 11 a.m. with Diva Madame X performing as the legendary entertainer throughout brunch service until 4 p.m.

Chef JoAnn Witherell's brunch menu (Chicken and Waffles, Rice Krispie French Toast, Eggs Florentine) will be featured, along with half-priced martinis, including the "Dressed To Kill 'Tini" made with Fleur Elderflower liqueur, mango nectar and champagne ($6.75).

Cher's movies, including Moonstruck, Mermaids and Burlesque, will be shown on all seven of Kit Kat's jumbo screens, along with a variety of her music videos and songs from her newest album, Closer to the Truth. For table reservations, please call 773-525-1111.

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club 
3700 North Halsted Street 
773.525.1111
KitKatChicago.com
  

Ann & Robert H. Lurie 

Children's Hospital Chicago

225 W. Chicago Ave.

Every aspect of this 23-story state-of-the-art hospital is designed with kids in mind.   
 
An extraordinary place for healing and family-centered care accommodating patients, their families & visitors.

 

Creative interiors  were designed in partnership with more than 20 of Chicago's premier art, cultural and civic institutions. 

  
Ranked 8th in the nation for best children's hospital by US News & World Report.              If you require emergency medical care, dial 911.
 
 Call 312.227.3800    to contact  
Kenneth and Anne Griffin Emergency Care Center at Lurie's Children.

Featured Shopping

Morris & Sons 
557 W. Polk Street  312.243.5635
Clothing for Men and Women
A family owned company providing a unique persaonl expreince for their customers. Their luxury apparel colletions have been selected from all over the world to create a one stop shopping destination. Outfitting men for generations, their brands are cross-generational so their styles and price points don't discriminate.
 
  Supported by seasoned sales personnel and expert on-site tailoring as well as new custom (made to measure) shop.  Their 13,000 square foot store is a warm environment that truly helps each person build their wardrobe and understand the value of investment dressing. 
 
FESTIVALS
Beer under Glass, May 15, Garfield Park Conservatory
Chicago Craft Beer Week for May 15 - 25, various locations
Mayfest and Polish Fest, May 3-4, Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.
Bike the Drive, May 25, Lake Shore Drive
Mayfest, May 16-18, Lakeview, Ashland and Barry
Chicago's New Orleans Festival (NEW) May 31 - June 1, Chicago Northside along Lake Michigan
Festival del Taco, (NEW), May 30 - June 1, Little Village, 2600 S. Kostner (at 26th St.)
American Beer Classic, May 10, Soldier Field.
Chicago Memorial Day Parade. May 24, noon, State Street from Lake to Van Buren
Randolph Street Market Festival, May 24, 25, 1350 block W. Randolph and 1340 W. Washington Street between Ada and Ogden
Maifest, May 29-June 1, the German festival known as Maifest Chicago serves beer, brats, sauerkraut, and music in Lincoln Square at Lincoln Ave. and Leland Ave.
Do Division, Division Street festival, May 30 - June 1, 2014
New Orleans festival, (NEW) May 31-June 1, West Lakeview at Lincoln Ave. and Addison

FEATURED NIGHTLIFE ENTERTAINMENT

Lonie Walker & her Bad Ass Company Band WEDNESDAYS jazz funk 10:30-3:30 Underground Wonder Bar 710 N. Clark St. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE LARRY HANKS TRIO with JOAN COLLASO  .....EDDIE V's Prime Seafood Restaurant 541 North Rush Street
Mondays May 5,12,19, & 26 6pm - 10pm
----------------------------------------------- 
  "Piano Man" Marshall Nelson (Pro-Jam) Wednesdays. Monsignor Murphy's 3019 N. Broadway 9:45PM .
....Saturdays 8 pm - Midnight at The Redhead Piano Bar 16 W. Ontario St.
--------------------------------
Rickey Rainbow ...         May 13, 22, 30-31                 The BackRoom 937 N. Rush St   

 

Carl Weathersby  .....Mondays & Weds ............... .Kingston Mines   2548 N. Halsted St. 
 
Patricia Barber Quartet  -- Green Mill     Mondays      ..Green Mill 4802 N. Broadway    
  
Bob Salon (with guest singers)  Wednesdays 6 - 9:30 PM  Troquet River North    (Clark & Huron)
 
Tecora Rogers         Fri,  May 16       Katerina's   1920 W. Irving Park Rd. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
 
PIANIST ERIC REED TRIO May 22, 23, 24, 25 8 PM -10PM Jazz Showcase Dearborn
Station (312) 360 0234 806 S. Plymouth Ct. 
 
Guitarra Azul Sat, May 24th  Latin  10PM-130am  Katerina's 1920 W. Irving Park Rd. 
This exciting Latin ensemble features beautiful strings & percussion. Special guest, Flamenco dancer, Ronaldo. 
------------------------ 
Nan Mason & Terry Higgins Sat May 10 & Fri May 23 The Palm Court of The Drake Hotel 140 East Walton  
  
Judy Roberts & Paul Marinaro      Mon, May 19th - 7:30 pm   $15 Cover...Katerina's 1920 W. Irving Park Rd. 

FEATURED MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS

SILK ROAD AND INDIAN OCEAN TRADERS: CONNECTING CHINA AND THE MIDDLE EAST        Thru June 29

The Oriental Institute  1155 East 58th Street  (Univ. of Chicago Campus)  
This mini exhibit uses the Oriental Institute's collections to highlight trade connections over land and sea between China and the Middle East, primarily the Silk Road trade route and Indian Ocean maritime trade. Using Chinese ceramics found in archaeological excavations throughout the Middle East, this exhibit illustrates how Chinese inventions inspired craft traditions in the Middle East, particularly production of silk and paper.
---------------------------------
Galer�a Sin Fronteras                                                                               Now thru Aug 17 
National Museum of Mexican Art 1852 W. 19th Street
Founded by Gilberto C�rdenas in Texas, for thirteen years the actual Galer�a Sin Fronteras specialized in Chicano, Latin American, and Caribbean art, taking an important role in bringing to light emerging Latino artists. Touching on cultural, social and political themes, this exhibit is FREE. 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unbound: Contemporary Art After Frida Kahlo                              Now thru  October 5 

Museum of Contemporary Art 220 E. Chicago Ave. 
Featuring works by artists from around the world, Unbound reveals how Frida Kahlo's paintings anticipated contemporary interests in gender, politics, and the body. The selected artists in this exhibition share Kahlo's spirit of rebellion.  This exhibition highlights four themes in Kahlo's paintings to examine their continued relevance to international artists.

---------------------------------------------

FEATURED THEATER
Buyer and Cellar                                                                May 6 - Jun 15
Broadway Playhouse 175 East Chestnut Street Chicago
BUYER & CELLAR is an outrageous comedy about the price of fame, the cost of  things, and the oddest of odd jobs.
------------------------------------------------------
One Hit Wonders                                                                May 9 - Jun 29  
Black Ensemble Theater
This hilarious musical spans some of the world's biggest hits of the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s. They may have been one hit wonders, but they were hits nonetheless, including I Will Survive, It's Raining Men, Kung Fu Fight, Doin Da Butt, Ooh Child, Funkytown, Ice Ice Baby, and Macarena, among many others.
-----------------------------------------------
M. Butterfly                                                                           May 8 - Jun 8
Court Theatre   5535 S. Ellis Avenue
M. Butterfly is an exquisitely delicate and aggressively original play about sex, espionage, and Imperialism.
------------------------------------------------------------
Mamma Mia!                                                                          May 13 - May 18
Cadillac Palace Theatre 
Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA's songs from "Dancing Queen" and "S.O.S." to "Money, Money, Money" and "Take a Chance on Me," MAMMA MIA! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found.
-----------------------------------------------------
 
The White Snake                                                                  May 3 - June 8 
The Goodman Theatre 
Written by Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman, this produiction brings the beloved Chinese fable to life. 
-----------------------------------------
Motown The Musical                                                         Now thru  Aug 9
Oriental Theatre
Running time: Two hours and 45 minutes with an intermission
---------------------------------------------------- 
NEW YORK CITY
Tavern on the Green "Reopens" in Central Park 
67TH STREET & CENTRAL PARK WEST   212-877-TOTG (8684)
The new Tavern is more rustic with timbered ceilings and cozy banquettes.   Although three indoor rooms have opened, three vast outdoor areas, which will double the number of seats from 300 to 600, are at least a month away.   A new front Bar Room is anchored by a huge oval mahogany bar and framed by a curved, high-backed red banquette on one side and cozy, booth-like configurations of sofas on the other.  Let the celebrations begin!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York City Ballet                                                                                            Now thru June 8
David H. Koch Theater (at Lincoln Center)
20 Lincoln Center Plaza at 63rd St Manhattan, NY phone: 212-721-6500|
Highlights of the 2014 spring season include a week-long festival of 21st-century choreographers, with works by Alexi Ratmansky, Peter Martins and Christopher Wheeldon, among others. The major event, though, is the world premiere of the latest collaboration between the company's own Justin Peck and singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens. The season closes with George Balanchine's full-length version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. For more information, visit nycballet.com.
----------------------------------------------------------------
American Ballet Theatre Spring 2014 Season                                   May 12-July 5
Dancers Diana Vishneva, Polina Semionova, David Hallberg and Ivan Vasiliev lets loose on the classics. This spring, Swan Lake, Copp�lia, Giselle and the company's premiere of Frederick Ashton's Cinderella. And ABT celebrates Shakespeare's 450th birthday with revivals of Ashton's The Dream, a droll and delightfully delirious midsummer night's romp, and Alexei Ratmansky's The Tempest, which debuted this fall.
------------------------------------------------------------------
NYCxDESIGN                                                                                                                May 9-20
Creativity reigns during the second annual NYCxDESIGN festival, the City's official celebration of design and all of its related disciplines. The multifaceted programming comprises installations, talks, trade shows and open studios; the inaugural NYCxDesign included 350 events in all, at nearly 200 venues across the City.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alinea, which was recently named to the list of the world's top 10 restaurants, will open a "pop up"  60-seat restaurant in Manhattan this fall. Although a location has not yet been finalized, it will serve the same menu as Alinea in Lincoln Park, Chicago. 


Mark

Mark Roberts

Publisher: Concierge Key Notes
Member Les Clefs d'Or USA
Chicago Hotel Concierge Association (CHCA)
Concierge, Thompson Chicago
Direct Line: 312.994.7231

Les Clefs d'Or, (pronounced as "lay clay door") is French and literally translates as "keys of gold".  Les Clefs d'Or is a global professional association representing approximately 4,000 hotel concierge working in more than 60 countries  
Its' aim is to promote the concierge profession and to educate its members of professional service standards.  Members are considered experts and Ambassadors of their regions.  
  

   
Credit: Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau, Cloud Gate photo