Stay Chi is only 3 WEEKS AWAY!!

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swingqueen1
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2008 6:12 am

Stay Chi is only 3 WEEKS AWAY!!

#1 Post by swingqueen1 » Thu May 15, 2008 11:55 am

ABOUT
Stay Chi is held in conjunction with the world-famous Chicago Blues Festival. Each year the Chicago Blues Festival unveils the untold history of the Blues that make Chicago the “Mecca” of blues lovers from all over the world each June. This is the largest free admission Blues festival in the world offering the best in national, international and local Blues entertainment on six stages with more than 70 performances. In commemoration of the 25th Annual event, the festival not only will feature a quarter of a century of the blues festival highlights but also celebrate the centennials of Louis Jordan, Tommy McLennan, and Blind John Davis.
Recharge your batteries quickly because you only have one hour! Each night, after Grant Park closes for the evening, we will be firing up the turn tables at our after-hours dance party! DJ’s from around the country will be playing the Blues until the wee hours of the night!

ACCOMMODATIONS
Housing:
Do you want to stay with one of our local hosts? If so please click on the link below, fill out the form and our amazing housing coordinator will partner you with the perfect host about a week before the event!
GUEST HOUSING: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform ... Smb_kfGefg
If you would prefer a HOTEL please click on the link below. You will be directed to the “Chose Chicago” website.
http://www.choosechicago.com/Pages/default.aspx
Locals Only!
Local’s PLEASE sign up to host our gracious guests. Simply click on the link below and fill out the form. You know you’ve been a guest before. Return the favor. We will all appreciate it!
HOST: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform ... -nYzsOxOEg

MUSIC
Bands: Click on the link below for a complete schedule. There are too many to list here!!
http://www.cityofchicago.org/webportal/ ... le2008.pdf
Stay Chi DJ’s
J Wardell Tampa Bay, FL
Patrick Warren Austin, TX
Riley Wimes Jr Chicago, IL
Adam Baus Milwaukee, WI
Sara Beth Memphis, TN
Doug Hillman Chicago, IL
Dawn Xiana Moon Chicago IL
John Jovan Chicago, IL

SCHEDULE
Thursday, June 5
The Chicago Blues Festival in Grant Park
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Performing: Over 70 Bands
Floor Type: Grass, Pavement and Concrete
Food: Tons of food vendors and restaurants in walking distance.
Who: Everyone!
Cover: FREE!
Late Night
Buddy Guy’s Legends 754 S. Wabash (at 8th Ave), Chicago, IL 60605
9:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Performing: Larry McCray
Floor Type: Polished Concrete
Food: Southern Creole and Soul Food. There are also several restaurants along the walk from Grant Park to Buddy Guy’s.
Who: 21+
Cover: $15

Friday, June 6
The Chicago Blues Festival in Grant Park
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Performing: Over 70 Bands
Floor Type: Grass, Pavement and Concrete
Food: Tons of food vendors and restaurants in walking distance.
Who: Everyone!
Cover: FREE!
Late Night
Iguanafoto Studio 319 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60612
10:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Performing: DJ’s
Floor Type: Polished Concrete
Food: Snacks Provided
Who: Everyone!
Cover: $6

Saturday, June 7
The Chicago Blues Festival in Grant Park
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Performing: Over 70 Bands
Floor Type: Grass, Pavement and Concrete
Food: Tons of food vendors and restaurants in walking distance.
Who: Everyone!
Cover: FREE!
Late Night
Yoga Now 742 N. La Salle, Chicago, IL 60610
10:30 PM – 5:00 AM
Performing: DJ’s
Floor Type: Beautiful Bamboo Floors (Please bring soft soled shoes!!)
Food: Snacks Provided
Who: Everyone!
Cover: $10

Sunday, June 8
The Chicago Blues Festival in Grant Park
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Performing: Over 70 Bands
Floor Type: Grass, Pavement and Concrete
Food: Tons of food vendors and restaurants in walking distance.
Who: Everyone!
Cover: FREE!
Late Night
Cara’s Rent Party 3012 S. Archer Ave. (at Ashland), Chicago, IL 60608
10:00 PM - ???
Performing: DJ’s
Floor Type: Hardwood
Food: Snacks Provided
Who: Everyone!
Cover: Donations Accepted

VENUE INFORMATION & DIRECTIONS
Buddy Guy’s Legends As a blues club, Legends is distinguished for its innovative scheduling of local, national, and international blues acts. Come early and have a bite to eat.
From Grant Park to Buddy Guy’s Legends:
Walk South on Michigan Avenue for 2 blocks. Turn Right onto 8th Ave.
Google Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&gl ... 9e378091c2
******
Iguanafoto, normally a photography studio, is the perfect space for a late night dance. Located on the west side of the city, Iguana Photo’s amenities include a gated parking lot with additional street parking all for free! The studio has a nice smooth floor. Snacks provided.
NOTICE ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TO THIS VENUE: The closest train stop is the California Green Line Stop - 10 BLOCKS away. That is only ½ a mile walk, but if you are not comfortable walking that distance please coordinate a ride ahead of time.
From Grant Park to Iguanafoto Studio:
Driving:
Take Congress Parkway West which turns into 290 West
Exit 27C - Western Ave.
Merge onto West Van Buren Street
Turn Right at Western Ave. and drive 1 mile.
Iguanafoto is on the right. The parking lot is just after the entrance.
Google Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8& ... 79994&z=14

Taking the CTA:
Walk North on Michigan Ave. for 2 blocks
Turn Left on Adams St. and walk 1 block
Arrive at Wabash and Adams and Board the GREEN LINE
Exit the Train at California
Walk East on Lake St. for 7 blocks
Turn Left at Western Avenue
Walk North for 2 ½ blocks
Google Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&gl ... 79994&z=14
******

Yoga Now is a premier yoga studio that boarders the River North and Gold Coast neighborhoods in the heart of Chicago. This studio boasts 3300 square feet of beautifully polished bamboo floors, eco-friend earthen plasters (jean’s in the walls? what?), and a rockin’ a/c system so you can get your groove on –not your gross on!
From Grant Park to Yoga Now:
Walking Directions:
Walk West out of the park on Balbo Drive
Turn Left onto State Street
Turn Right onto W Polk for 5 Blocks
Turn at La Salle St and walk ½ a block north
Yoga Now will be on your left
You can also walk west out of the park on Harrison for 7 Blocks
Turn Left on La Salle and walk ½ a block south
Yoga Now will be on your right
Yoga Now is on the second floor and you have to ring the buzzer at the door.
Google Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8& ... 19999&z=16
There is a parking lot behind the studio.
******

Cara’s Rent Party will close out the weekend. With vaulted ceilings, 4000 sq ft and wall to wall hardwood floors this location is sure to produce happy feet. Move your money maker all night long, because if you’re shakin’ it, we’re bakin’ it! (Yeah I said it!)
From Grant Park to Cara’s Rent Party
Driving Directions:
Head South on State Street for approx 1 mile
Turn Right onto Archer Ave. and Drive 2 miles
Cara’s is just past Lock St. – If you hit Ashland you’ve gone too far
Driving Directions:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8& ... ff59969ecd
CTA Chicago Public Transit Directions:
Walk north on Michigan Avenue and Turn Left onto Van Buren
Take the Orange Line at Van Buren and State St towards Midway
Exit the train station and walk south on Ashland Ave.
Turn Left onto Archer Ave. and walk 2 blocks.
Google Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8& ... 312f5ffa16

VISIT CHICAGO
Flying to Chicago? We have two wonderful airports with a great public transit system running to both airports.
O’Hare International (ORD) – Most major airlines service ORD and the BLUE line runs 24/7 from inside O’Hare to the city of Chicago.
Midway Airport (MDW) – Southwest is the largest carrier at this airport. The ORANGE line runs from inside MDW into the beautiful city of Chicago.
Here are some site’s we recommend looking into for flights:
http://www.farecompare.com
http://farechase.yahoo.com
Coming from the airport, but don’t want to take the train? A cab from MDW will run you approx $35 and from ORD will be closer to $40.
You can find maps, schedules, fares and a Trip Planner for the Chicago Public Transit system at:
http://transitchicago.com

CONTACT US
Email: staychiblues@gmail.com
Myspace: http://myspace.com/staychi
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=12172033469

ABOUT US
The Stay Chi team (Jame, Jesse, Debra and Wendy) has one goal in mind, facilitating some amazing dancing during the Chicago Blues Festival. We are eager to share our love for this wonderful city and all it has to offer.

USEFUL LINKS
Google Maps: http://googlemaps.com
Chicago Blues Festival Official Site: http://chicagobluesfestival.us
Local Chicago Swing Dance Forum: http://www.windyhop.org
Yoga Now Official Site: http://yoganowchicago.com
Buddy Guy’s Legends Official Site: http://www.buddyguys.com
Iguanafoto Official Site: http://iguana-foto.com
Choose Chicago Tourist Website: http://www.choosechicago.com/Pages/default.aspx

swingqueen1
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2008 6:12 am

Stay Chi - UPDATES, Baby!

#2 Post by swingqueen1 » Tue May 27, 2008 1:26 pm

Stay Chi (June 5 – 8, 2008)
Stay Chi keeps the party going until the sun comes up! The venues are beautiful and conveniently located. Every detail has been thoughtfully planned out. The DJ’s are set to spin the tunes that will move your body until you drop! Come to Stay Chi, visit Chicago and find out what “blues bliss” really means!!
In conjunction with the Chicago Blues Festival that has over 100 performances on 7 stages!!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=12172033469
Or http://myspace.com/staychi
Sign up soon before housing is closed!
Chicago is a beautiful city full of excitement. We would love to share that excitement with you!
staychiblues@gmail.com
Coming early? Join 93XRT for the 11th Annual Blues Breakers Blues Fest Broadcast on Thursday, June 5th at 5pm. XRT kicks off Blues Fest with a special live broadcast, hosted by XRT's Tom Marker at Buddy Guy's Legend. Featuring Otis Taylor, Eddy Clearwater, and Buddy Guy!
On Friday night the blues fest brings a special treat for the blues fans at heart. Eddy “the Chief” Clearwater. He will be performing with the entire cast of his new CD West Side Strut. That includes special guests Billy Branch, Otis Clay, Jimmy Johnson and Lonnie Brooks, along with Ronnie's band members Daryl Coutts, Maurice Taylor and Carlton Armstrong!!
Buddy Guy’s is holding a special BluesFest Brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM! $15 includes food and entertainment featuring Guy King and Harmonica Hinds. Check out their website for more details.
http://buddyguys.com/

Staying through Monday? Come out with the locals on Monday, June 9th for our weekly dance at Fizz Bar and Grill. Please visit the Chicago Swing Forum for more details.
http://www.windyhop.org

swingqueen1
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2008 6:12 am

#3 Post by swingqueen1 » Tue Jun 03, 2008 12:58 pm

Hold on to your seats kids because this is going to be an amazing weekend in Chicago!

This just in! Benjamin Ricard is coming to Chicago for Stay Chi! He will be available for private lessons on Saturday and Sunday, June 7th and 8th during the day time hours, Monday, June 09th all day in addition to Tuesday and Wednesday, June 10th and 11th in the evening hours.


Benjamin will teach a small workshop on Sunday, June 8th so RSVP now!!!

Schedule for Sunday, June 8th

1:00 – 2:30 Advanced Lindy Moves $20

3:00 – 5:00 Swing Movements (All Levels Welcome - Includes a mix of Lindy, Blues and more!) $30

The price for the entire day is only $40


RSVP to Sign Up - staychiblues@gmail.com


BIO

Benjamin Ricard is from Quebec City, Canada. He is the founder and owner
of Port-O-Swing, a dance studio dedicated to swing dancing and its various
forms. He has been performing with Hop Swing & a Jump dance team since
2002.

His list of accomplishments is extensive. He is Showcase winner at the
2005 World Lindy Hop Championships, 2006 and 2007 National Jitterbug
Champion, 2007 World Swing Dance Champion and 2008 Canadian Swing Dance
Champion. His awe-inspiring performances have taken him onto many TV shows
and live performances at corporate events. He even performed with the Hop
Swing & a Jump dance team at the So You Think You Can Dance T.V. show in
2006.

In addition to being a great performer and dancer, Benjamin is a wonderful and
caring teacher. He has been teaching worldwide for the last few years and
the success of Port-O-Swing dance studio is a great reflection of his
dedicated work.


Check him out on YouTube:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=gnHyfeiLBjg

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qdTiQzbRLX4

and more at http://portoswing.com


Workshop location:

Dance Center Chicago - Studio #3
3868 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL
(773) 880-5044

(parking in City of Chicago lot just south of Dance Center - 25 cents per hour -OR- Chorus Bank Lot north of Dance Center is FREE ON SUNDAY's)


STAY CHI in conjunction with the Chicago Blues Festival
Myspace: http://myspace.com/staychi
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=12172033469

swingqueen1
Posts: 8
Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2008 6:12 am

Stay Chi is HERE!!

#4 Post by swingqueen1 » Thu Jun 05, 2008 9:30 am

SUGGESTED BLUES FEST SCHEDULE

Thursday, June 5th
11:00-12:15 Blues in the Schools w/ Katherine Davis, Erwin Helfer, Eric Noden and the Stone Academy Blues All Stars - U.S. Cellular Front Porch
12:00-1:30 Patricia Scott w/J.W. Williams - Gibson Guitar's Crossroads
1:00-2:00 Nuwki Nu - Louisiana Bayou Station and Social Club
2:30-3:45 David Honey Boy Edwards and Friends (Billy Branch, Louisiana red, Paul Kaye, Aron Burton, and Johnny Yard Dog Jones) - US Cellular Front Porch
4:15-5:30 Pinetop Perkins with more friends (Willie Smith, Bob Margolin, Bob Stroger, Kenny Smith) - U.S. Cellular Front Porch

DON'T BE LEFT OUT: Head over to the Petrillo Music Shell Early and get a hand stamp!!

Petrillo Music Shell
6:00-7:00 Big Time Sarah and the BTS Express
7:10-8:20 Duke Robillard's Tribute to Louis Jordan featuring Plas Johnson and Red Holloway
8:30-9:30 Johnny Winter w/James Cotton

Friday, June 6th
11:00-12:00 Keith Frank and the Soileau Zydeco Band - U.S. Cellular Front Porch
12:00-1:30 West Side Tribute to Jumpin' Willie Cobbs featuring Joe B Band - Gibson Guitar's Crossroads
1:00-2:00 Les Getrex and Creole Cookin' - Louisiana Bayou Station and Social Club
2:00-3:30 Larry Taylor's West Side Blues and Soul Band - Gibson Guitar's Crossroads 3:00-4:00 Sam Lay - Mississippi Juke Joint
4:00-5:30 Bryan Lee & the Blues Power Band - Louisiana Bayou Station and Social Club

DON'T BE LEFT OUT: Head over to the Petrillo Music Shell Early and get a hand stamp!!

Petrillo Music Shell
6:00-7:15 "Blasts From the Past" featuring Ruby Andrews, Cicero Blake, and Sugar Pie DeSanto with Willie Henderson
7:25-8:25 Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater's West Side Strut with special guests Lonnie Brooks, Jimmy Johnson, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Otis Clay and Billy Branch
8:35-9:30 Koko Taylor and Her Blues Machine

Saturday, June 7th
11:00-12:00 Shorty Mack and the Magnificent R&B Blues Band - U.S. Cellular Front Porch
11:30-12:30 Little Willie Littlefield - Louisiana Bayou Station and Social Club
1:00-2:00 Guy Davis and the High Flying Rockets - Louisiana Bayou Station and Social Club
2:00-3:00 Charles Hayes and the Hayes Family Band - U.S. Cellular Front Porch
3:30-5:00 Recapturing Banjo Project feat. Otis Taylor, don Vappie and Guy Davis - US Cellular Porch

DON'T BE LEFT OUT: Head over to the Petrillo Music Shell Early and get a hand stamp!!

Petrillo Music Shell
5:00-6:00 Lil Ed and the Blues Imperials
6:10-7:05 Barbara Lynn with Lil' Buck and the Buckaroos
7:15-8:25 Theodis Ealey
8:35-9:30 Buckwheat Zydeco

Sunday, June 8th
11:00-12:30 Victory Travelers - U.S. Cellular Front Porch
11:30-12:30 Geraldine and Donald Gay - Louisiana Bayou Station and Social Club
1:00-2:00 Dancin' Perkins - Maxwell Street Corner
1:30-3:00 Juke Joint Duo: Cedric Burnside and Lightnin Malcolm - Mississippi Juke Joint
2:30-3:30 Otis Taylor - Maxwell Street Corner
3:00-4:30 T Model Ford - Mississippi Juke Joint
4:00-5:00 John Boutte (A NOLA favorite)
5:00-7:00 Jam hosted by Kenny Smith

DON'T BE LEFT OUT: Head over to the Petrillo Music Shell Early and get a hand stamp!!

Petrillo Music Shell
5:00-6:20 Karen Carroll w/ Charlie Love and special guest Lurrie Bell
6:30-7:25 Magic Slim and the Teardrops
7:35-8:05 Little Willie Littlefield
8:15-9:30 B.B. King
Here's a link to a printer friendly version of the schedule -
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcwxcxm9_0gfpxg7gt

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