Get Your Green On

It's time for riverdancing by the lakefront--Chicago is gearing up for its annual Celtic Festival at Grant Park. The last lakefront festival of the season is a two-day festival whereby the dance and culture of these seven celtic nations will be celebrated; Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Cornwall, Galicia, Spain and Brittany, France. Below are highlights of this event being held September 15th and 16th.

They Can't Take Our Free (Admission!)

There's no entrace fee for the Celtic Festival. Start the weekedn early by taking in the The Laurence Nugent Band on September 13 at Daly Plaza or the French group Matapat at Chicago Cultural Center.

Gentle as a Lamb, Strong as an Ox

From sheperding to a heavy athletics competion, there's a variety of sporting activities to watch in Butler Field. See sheep, strongmen throwing weights, hurling and gaelic football.

Check out the Legs (And Pipes) on Him

All lads are invited to dress up and enter the Men and Kilts Leg contest. Additionally, men in traditional garb will be marching during the bagpipe parades that will be held at 11:15 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Mix-Up of Music

Performers at the festival will include Lunasa, and Damien Dempsey
Searson of Salsa Celtica, a group that combines Latin American and Celtic music. A special 'O'Canada' gathering tent will be devoted to the sounds of Novia Scotia and Here Be Dragons will play music from Wales.

Top it off at the Radisson

After a full day of fun at the festival, return to the Radisson Chicago Hotel and Suites and have a pint and some bangers at Elephant and Castle Restaurant and Pub.

Rub Elbows with Stars and Staff

In addition to counseling Radisson guests, I also let staff members know what's happening in Chicago. Below is this month's newsletter.

It’s me again, Verne, the concierge.

This weekend is the Chicago Air and Water Show, presented by Shell (Oil, not Anthony our Director of Front Office Operations). The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army parachute team, the Red Baron Squadron and the Shell (Oil, not Anthony) Extreme Water show are just a few of the highlights up in the sky and along North Avenue Beach.

In the mood for some star-gazing? If you happen to miss Brad Pitt and Angelina Joline around the corner, stop by Macy’s on Friday at noon and see Gwyneth Paltrow introduce a new fragrance by Estee Lauder. Do you watch “Entourage”? Also on Friday, at 9pm, stop by Crobar to help Kevin Dillon celebrate his 42nd b-day. Not satisfied with cable television actors? Beyonce will be at United Center on August 18th, with an after party at Alhambra. (Have you been there yet? It’s like Sadaam’s Palace all over again…only more over the top.

How about getting away from the lakefront crowds and all the paparazzi and stop by Ravinia to see the Gypsy Kings. Stop by Fox and Obel, get some food, pack a basket and head out on the train for a relaxing evening under the stars.

Ok, whoever else has dogs, head over to The Chopping Block up on Lincoln Avenue for dog biscuit baking class on Sunday, the 19th at noon. Learn how to make treats for your pooch. The $20.00 proceeds benefit ARFhouse Chicago.

Or head over to Oz Park for “Fun and Games Day for Young Professionals”. Compete for prizes in Frisbee, golf, basketball, 16-inch softball or a bean bag toss. Includes a post game visit to Gamekeepers.

Anyone remember 'The Four Tops'? They will be in concert at the Pritzker Pavilion at 7pm on the 19th.

Speaking of the 19th, I will be leaving on a jet plane for New York City to attend a Les Clefs d’Or conference. The purpose of these conferences is very beneficial to both myself as a concierge and the hotel. We have three days of business meetings (and they are business, as we are required to wear business suits), part of which is an educational symposia. It also promotes travel and tourism in general. The networking aspect is immeasurable, as we are also a sales and marketing tool for our respective hotels. We also meet other partners in the hospitality industry such as Hertz, Federal Express, GoConcierge and many others.

Until next time…

Verne

Get Me Some Education!

Northwestern University. Loyola University. DePaul University. University of Chicago. University of Illinois, Chicago Campus. Lake Forest College.

The east and west coasts have nothing on Chicago when it concerns education. Chicago and the surrounding area have some of the best colleges and universities in the country and all are within a short distance of the Chicago Radisson Hotel and Suites!

Many of the schools (Northwestern, Loyola, and DePaul) even have satellite campuses that you can walk to from the hotel , while the others are a short train ride away.

Northwestern University's main campus, just north of the city, boasts a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. Some of the more famous alumni out of Northwestern include Noah Wyle, Patricia Neal, Cloris Leachman and Warren Beatty.

DePaul University’s main campus, located in the very popular Lincoln Park neighborhood, is home of the Blue Demons basketball team, once coached by the legendary Ray Meyer. DePaul also has an excellent law school.

The University of Chicago is in the Hyde Park area of Chicago. Hyde Park is not only home to the University, but also home to many fine museums such as The Museum of Science and Industry, The Smart Museum of Art and the DuSable Museum. Hyde Park also has the Frederick C. Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The University, founded by John D. Rockefeller in 1890, is affiliated with 79 Nobel Prize laureates.

University of Illinois, Chicago Campus is close to Greek Town and Little Italy. It is the largest university in the Chicago area with over 25,000 students and 15 colleges. It also has the nation’s largest medical school.

Lake Forest College, located in the lush setting of this north shore suburb, truly has a beautiful campus. Its 107-acre campus is just a few short blocks to Lake Michigan. Billed as Chicago’s National Liberal Arts College, Lake Forest College celebrates 150 years in October. Designer Nate Berkus is one of their alumni.

So stay at The Radisson when you are here looking for higher education, or visiting someone at one of the schools for parent’s weekend, Little Sis or Bro weekend, or any occasion.

Until next time, remember, stay in school!