Friday, May 18, 2007

2007 CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL

Chicago’s annual blues festival is no cause for sadness—it’s the world’s largest free admission blues festival. Some of the top musical acts in the country will be performing at Grant Park from June 7 through June 10. Since the festivity occurs less than two miles from the Chicago Radisson Hotel Suites during all hours of the day (11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.,) I can take a break from work, enjoy a stroll in the warm weather, and watch enthralling performers. One will be Big Jay McNeely, who is known for his Jump Blues/Rock n’ Roll style in which he completely looses himself in the music as he thrashes around on stage.

There’s going to be six performance venue stages, where various artists will mix it up and take turns performing. On Thursday morning, ‘Boogie Woogie Stomp House’ will play at the 7/11 Route 66 Road House stage. Boogie Woogie is a style of piano jazz associated with the late 30’s and mid 40’s, in which the left hand plays a sturdy bass while the right hand drifts in elegant variations.

On Friday at the U.S. Cellular Front Porch stage, J.W. Williams and the Chi Town Hustlers, will give their hometown a topnotch show as they demonstrate exactly why Chicago is synonymous with the blues.

On Saturday night at the Petrillo Music Shell stage, ‘Magic Slim & The Teardrops’ will be featured. Magic Slim, who stands six-feet tall without his trademark cowboy hat, is known for the electrifying Mississippi-to-Chicago blues style that has influenced modern day artists and rockers.

On Sunday, Lil’ Howlin’ Wolf will help close things up at Gibson Guitars Crossroads. Wolf, who was born Jesse Sanders, began performing at the age of 17. He worked for the City of Chicago Police Department for 45 years and spent the weekends performing with blues greats. He retired over a decade ago, which means he has even more time to perform at festivals.

Almost one million people are expected to turn up for the festival. Hotel rooms are going fast, so be sure to reserve soon. You may wish to take advantage of the Radisson’s Elephant & Castle Package so you can easily get a good meal at your hotel after a long day of partying at the Chicago Blues Festival.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Bus, Trolley, Boat, Bike, Walk…….Segway!

One can see the glorious sights of Chicago in so many ways!

By Sea



Set sail on an architectural cruise along the Chicago River. Take an hour-long tour of the city's structural highlights on a Wendalla Boats Tour as part of our Architectural Tour Package . If you're onboard for a longer boat ride, take First Lady from Michigan Avenue Bridge, or a Chicago Line Cruise (Starbucks included!) from River East Arts Center for fascinating facts on Chicago and its buildings.

If the kids are on deck, a simple sightseeing cruise may be more fitting . Wendella and Mercury both offer a Lake and River Tour and Sunset Cruises. If you don't want to leave your best friend behind, take one of my favorite cruises, a Canine Cruise that Mercury offers on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. throughout July, August and September. If you've left them all behind and you're up for a fast adventure, the Seadog at Navy Pier is a large yellow speed boat to test your nerves on Lake Michigan.

Boats are very popular in the warmer months, so be sure and call me early to book your cruise reservation!

Pedal-Pushing



The Mayor's enthusiasm for bicycling means that this is a bike-friendly town and you'll see bicycles all over the city. One of the best tours is Bobby’s Bike Hike. Located at River East Arts Center, Bobby and his guides will take you to some of best sights of the city. Whether it is checking out the mansions in the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park Zoo or Oprah’s house, you will have a fun and informative tour. Bobby also rents bikes for you own leisure time.

On the Bus



The Chicago Trolley/Double-Decker bus tours are another excellent option. For the price of an all day pass ($25.00), board the bus or trolley at key locations and hear wonderful stories about Chicago. If a particular landmark interests you, get off the trolley or bus, explore, and catch the next trolley that comes along.

Building Up



The Chicago Architecture Foundation, offers wonderful walking and bus tours. A new tour this year is based on the popular book “Devil in the White City” and covers the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition, the last of the nineteenth century's world fairs.

Touch it Up



You may remember a bit of other Chicago History concerning a man named Al Capone. The Untouchable Tours offer the highlights (and lowlights) of the gangster/prohibition era. Your guides, Al Dente and “Southside” Craig Alton, will give you the business…

By Segway...What the heck is a Segway?



A Segway is a two-wheeled, self-balancing transportation device. In other words, FUN! There are currently two different companies to satisfy your Segway needs-- City Segway Tour and Segway Experience of Chicago Check out both sites!

I'll Lead the Way!



With so many tour options you may not no where to begin. But have no fear, just call me or e-mail me and I will find the best tours for you! See you on the tour!