Pix724,The Blog

Memorial for John Northage

2012-02-01T01:42:00.001-06:00

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Memorial for John Northage

Dear Friends:

Passing this on to those of you who know John and his wife, Althea Orr, founder of the Chicago College of Healing Arts. They have been leaders in the Chicago spiritual community for many years.

Joan

Where: Chicago Waldorf School of Rogers Park auditorium

1300 W Loyola Ave
(between Lakewood Ave & Glenwood Ave)
Chicago, IL 60626
Neighborhood: Rogers Park

When: Monday, Feb. 6

4-5 p.m. will be formal service

5-8 p.m. will be story-telling, reminiscing, music

What you can do: Please plan on bringing a dish to share for the event.

Bio: John Northage John Northage maintained highly diversified practice in the healing arts that includes multiple forms of Bodywork including Cranial-sacral therapy, Structural Therapy and Asian Bodywork. He also has been a Certified Gestalt Therapist since 1999 and has studied Hakomi Body-centered Psychotherapy. John had an active practice in Traditional Chinese Medicine, for which he received licensure in 2005. He studied Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Counseling at the Chicago College of Healing Arts. John maintained this thriving practice for 25 years, and for the last 10 years taught Structural Therapy, Anatomy, Cranial-sacral Therapy and Chinese Meridian. John's passion was to come at healing through the blending of techniques that addresses the body, emotions and spirit. His commitment to his patients was to be a guide and a companion on their journey toward wellness.
In his addition to his healing work, John was the co-creator and steward of Glastonbury Sanctuary in Culver, Indiana. Glastonbury is a center for spiritual work, organic farming and medicine making. It is the home to the newly formed Glastonbury Institute for Sustainable Living. The Glastonbury Institute focuses on teaching others how to build and maintain energy systems, create sustainable gardening skills and, also, how to build low cost, affordable housing. For more information visit Transformationaltechniques.com

For complete calendar of events, please click here.

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Copyright Is Not Censorship!

2012-02-01T01:00:00.000-06:00

Copyright Is Not Censorship!

In case you are wondering where the 800 or so images we had here went to..Well,they went back to us for safekeeping and we will be putting some back up directly from our own domain so there is no confusion of where they originated from.So Google knows they have no rights to dole out our property... Upon reading the new Google policy which includes Blogger and their other properties,we feel that their new policy is nothing more than a rights grab of peoples intellectual property.
I've been in business more than 30 years licensing images to media around the world and do not give my work away. I'm sure whatever line of work you are in,you do not work for free;why should I... Though I enjoy what I do,my creditors need to be paid,I need the roof over my head and my family needs to eat. Photographers are in the same position as musicians,artists,writers,film studios and software developers. What we create is a product for sale and to continue being able to create,we need to be paid for our efforts.

To those that swipe a photo from another site thinking we won't find it-even though you've converted it,cropped it or drew around it,you'll probably be a bit surprised when the image is located back to you and you receive a legal notice to remove it or a collection letter to be paid for use.
As a creator or 'Rights Managed' images I am the only one who can dictate where my images appear and I need to keep records for my clients if they are looking to license an image that is somewhat exclusive. If someone has stolen a photo and it's made it's way around the web,we've lost that right ,a decent license fee and possibly a client. We have some rights managed images that have earned us in the five figures for license fees thru the years. Though to an outsider,images may seem common place,to those that create to make a living,they are valuable company assets and that is why intellectual property owners need to send take down DMCA notices,invoices and possibly take legal action against those that have used and abused our work.It does not matter if you did not make a dime and you even credited the source or photographer. You've still stolen someone's property!

All creative work is copyrighted from the moment it is created and does not need a copyright notice! Those of us that make our living licensing our work register with the US Copyright office to protect our rights and be able to collect damages on infringements which can be as high as $150,000.

If you see a photo on the web-even if it has landed on a free photo site you are taking a risk by using it. The law does not care that you were 'innocent of knowing' or 'ignorant in your use.' By posting,you've violated copyright law.

If you want photos you can create them yourself or go to a legitimate stock photo agency and license from them.Be sure to read the terms of use as every agency has different guidelines.

I'd suggest to all wanting to use photos on their website or blog reading the following: "10 Myths of Copyright"
http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html

or go directly to the US Copyright site:
http://copyright.gov

Copyrights are protected worldwide under the Berne Convention Act.

OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC CONTINUES 55TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH FIVE WORLD PREMIERE PERFORMANCES!

2012-01-31T20:54:00.000-06:00

OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC

CONTINUES 55^TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH

FIVE WORLD PREMIERE PERFORMANCES

New works in music and dance commissioned to celebrate the School’s history, community and recent expansion, presented by Anne-Marie Akin, Nomi Epstein, Raul Fernández, Jennifer Guglielmi and Tom Stevens

Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music continues its 55-day-long celebration of its 55^th Anniversary with five World Premieres specifically commissioned by the School to celebrate its rich history, diverse community and recent expansion project, taking place at the Lincoln Square campus in late February and early March. Commissioned artists include percussionist-educator Raul Fernández (February 22); singer-songwriter Anne-Marie Akin, dancer-choreographer Jennifer Guglielmi and composer Tom Stevens (February 26); and composer-performer Nomi Epstein (March 2).

The Old Town School kicked off its 55^th Anniversary celebration January 9, continuing through March 3 at all three School locations, including the Old Town School West Building at 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue, the newly opened Old Town School East Building directly across the street at 4545 N. Lincoln Avenue and the Lincoln Park site at 909 W. Armitage Avenue. The 55-day celebration features free or specially priced concerts, classes and workshops, all demonstrating the wide range of the School’s offerings.

About the Old Town School World Premieres

Fernández and his jarocho ensemble Son del Viento Chicago present Paseo Jarocho, an evening of music and dance weaving together indigenous styles from Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Son del Viento Chicago collaborates with traditional Aztec Conchero dancers and musicians of Middle-Eastern, Nuevo Flamenco, Mexican, Venezuelan, Afro-Caribbean and West African traditions to tell stories of the world music Diaspora through varied rhythms, melodies, dance and poetry. Paseo Jarocho is a free concert ($5 suggested donation) taking place in the Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall of the Old Town School West Building, Wednesday, February 22 at 8:30 pm as part of the World Music Wednesday series.

Three unique World Premiere performances share a bill in one evening. Anne-Marie Akin presents Call and Response: Voices from the Old Town School, a joyous, multi-media cycle of eleven songs and stories celebrating the people of the Old Town School community. Featured performers include Akin, John Abbey, Tisa Batchelder, Bill Brickey, Jarod Facknitz, Cathy Norden, Colby Maddox, Gregg Ostrom, Rick Sherry, Louie Stallone, Lanialoha Lee, Bernie Navarro, Barb Silverman, The Janes and The Go-Go Ensemble, with Musical Direction by Cathy Norden and Visual Direction by Erin Flynn.

Choreographer and dancer Jennifer Guglielmi presents Shuffling Through Snapshots in collaboration with fellow dancers Heather Fraelick, Liana C. Percoco, Jennifer Thornton and Sound Designer Tim Joyce. Inspired by the movements of classes, concerts and people throughout the School, Guglielmi crafts a work that captures the strum of a new instrument, the thrill of a new dance step and other quintessential experiences of the Old Town School.

Composer Tom Stevens presents String Quartet Number Four, a six movement work featuring the Lincoln String Quartet. String Quartet Number Four is a contemporary classical piece fashioned from folk songs that appear in the Old Town School Songbook. Stevens uses seven traditional tunes as the thematic material, which sometimes appear in their original form while other times are transformed into expressive motifs that range from introspective to rousingly energetic.

The program including Akin’s Call and Response, Guglielmi’s Shuffling Through Snapshots and Stevens’ String Quartet Number Four takes place in the Myron R. Szold Music and Dance Hall of the Old Town School East Building, Sunday, February 26 at 7 pm. Tickets are $20 for the general public, $18 for Old Town School members or $16 for seniors and children, and are available online at www.oldtownschool.org or by phone at 773-728-6000.

Nomi Epstein presents A Human Sound Sculpture, a sound installation celebrating the Old Town School’s expansion and 55^th Anniversary, combining elements of the folk tradition and experimental music in a performance of live musicians with choreography and “spatialization” of sound. Taking the Old Town School’s new logo as its starting point, the performers will form a circle with three openings. The circle formation’s long history in the folk tradition, used for song, celebration, game-playing and dance, reflects a non-hierarchical sense of community. This unique work for 10 instrumentalists and vocalists takes place during the Old Town School’s Open House Friday in both buildings of the Lincoln Square Campus. A free event, the community is invited to participate in song circles, music and dance classes and ensemble performances throughout the evening, Friday, March 2 beginning at 6 pm.

About the Artists

Anne-Marie Akin was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, where she learned the value of a good story from her Mama. Combining Southern roots with a Chicago sensibility, her music is a blend of country, folk, blues and rock. In addition to performing and teaching, Akin is a composer and songwriter specializing in community-based work. She began by writing for an oral history theatre project founded by Richard Owen Geer, a nationally-recognized pioneer in the field of community performance. In the ‘90s, as a multi-disciplinary theatre artist, Akin co-founded LUNACY!, an all-female performance group weaving together drum, story and song. A long-time faculty member at the Old Town School of Folk Music, Akins pioneered a thriving early childhood music program for children of low-income families on Chicago’s West Side.

Dr. Nomi Epstein is active as a composer, curator/performer of experimental music, and music educator. Her compositions have been performed throughout the U.S. and Europe by Ensemble SurPlus, ICE, Wet Ink and Dal Niente. She has attended such festivals as Ostrava Days, Darmstadt, Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, Bang on a Can, and Akademie Schloss Solitude, and was twice an Artist-in-Residence at the Atlantic Center for the Arts. She has received two CAP grants from the American Composers Forum and six ASCAPLUS awards. Epstein is founder/curator of the Chicago-based experimental music concert series “a.pe.ri.od.ic.” She was an invited lecturer at the 2011 Black Mountain College John Cage Conference and has taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University and Roosevelt University.

Jen Guglielmi began her journey as a dancer as a young girl and has observed and been influenced by all kinds of movement for as long as she can remember. In 2006 she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Denison University, where she was honored to work with guest artists including Chris Aiken, Headlong Dance Theatre and Molly Shanahan. Since moving to Chicago in 2007 she has worked with several companies, including RTG Dance and Dim Sum Dance, and has presented her own work at Links Hall and Hamlin Park Fieldhouse. She currently studies Hawaiian Hula with Old Town School's Lanialoha Lee. In 2008, Guglielmi joined the Old Town School faculty where she loves teaching dance in an environment that fosters individuality and creativity for students of all ages.

Raul Fernández is a native Chicagoan who studies and performs a wide range of contemporary and traditional styles of music from Latin America and the Caribbean. Primarily a percussionist, Fernández teaches cajón class at the Old Town School and plays drums with Chicago-based groups El Payo (Flamenco fusion) and Los Vicios de Papa (reggae ska). He holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of Chicago and regularly works with youth in various performing arts education programs throughout Chicago, including Old Town School’s Field Trip Series, Chicago Public School’s Office of Language and Cultural Education, Northeastern Illinois University’s hACE and GEAR UP Projects, and Pro Arts Studios.

Thomas Winthrop Stevens studied piano with Jean Clinton and Helen Kettner and Composition with Robert Lombardo, William Ferris and George Flynn. His music has been broadcast on radio stations throughout the U.S. and the Netherlands. He has performed on New Music At The Green Mill, New Sounds At Katerina's, New Music DePaul and Chicago Soundings. He received a CAAP Award for emerging artists for his Allegro Moderato for String Quartet. Stevens’ transcriptions have appeared in Piano Today Magazine and he was honored with a listing in the Millennium edition of Marquis' Who's Who in the World.

About the Old Town School

The Old Town School of Folk Music, considered the largest community school of the arts in the United States, teaches and celebrates music and cultural expressions rooted in the traditions of diverse American and global communities. Founded in 1957, the School offers 700 accredited classes in music, dance, theater and visual arts that span a wide range of artistic genres. The School’s critically acclaimed concerts showcase some of the finest and most diverse local and touring artists in our intimate and acoustically superb hall. Ticket prices remain among the most affordable in the city and special events like the Chicago Folk & Roots Festival and World Music Wednesdays make music accessible to all with free and reduced-priced programs.

The Old Town School also supports artist-in-residence programs in twenty underserved Chicago Public Schools, provides early childhood music education in two subsidized child-care facilities, and engages in exchange programs with cognate institutions in six foreign countries. The Old Town School now owns and operates three facilities – two situated in Lincoln Square and one in Lincoln Park – that include 425-seat and 150-seat concert halls, 51 classrooms, two music stores, a cafe and a resource center. The School also offers its popular Wiggleworms® program at four suburban satellite locations.

For more information on the Old Town School of Folk Music please visit www.oldtownschool.org.

Hard Rock Rising 2012-Vote for Lauren Wolf!

2012-01-31T12:11:00.001-06:00

Help Lauren Wolf to first place!*** Takes seconds. Just like this Hard Rock page and download Lauren Wolf's original song "One Day". That casts your vote for her band to compete in Hard Rock Rising: a global battle of the bands competition that ends up with a Hard Rock London performance. You must be within 100 miles of Chicago. Thank you! Go directly here to vote for Lauren Wolf's "One Day": http://www.facebook.com/hardrockcafechicago?sk=app_205164529573076&app_data=artist%3A1651476

Hard Rock Cafe Chicago | Hard Rock Rising 2012

Check out our events schedule

FIRST-EVER CHICAGO APPEARANCE BY LEVON HELM’S MIDNIGHT RAMBLE!

2012-01-31T11:49:00.001-06:00

FIRST-EVER CHICAGO APPEARANCE BY

LEVON HELM’S MIDNIGHT RAMBLE

FEATURING SPECIAL GUESTS DONALD FAGEN, PAUL BARRERE & FRED TACKETT - THE GUITARISTS OF LITTLE FEAT, AND SHAWN MULLINS TO BENEFIT
OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC, MARCH 16 AND 17 2012

Living legend Levon Helm from The Band brings his famous “Midnight Ramble” sessions to the Old Town School of Folk Music for two highly anticipated performances at the Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue, Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17. Each evening’s “Blue Jean Gala” program begins at 5:30pm with a silent auction, drinks and light supper, followed by the concert at 8pm. Helm’s Midnight Rambles are based loosely on the southern medicine shows of his youth, inviting a who's who of rock, blues and jazz to his barn in Woodstock, New York for loose, yet musically inspired jams. A first for Chicago, Helm will transform the Old Town School stage into one of these famously intimate rave-ups.
The very special guest for both nights is Donald Fagen (of Steely Dan) who will be performing with Levon Helm's band for the entire performance, with a few Steely Dan hits expected! Special guests on Friday, March 16, are Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett - The Guitarists of Little Feat. Barrere and Tackett will perform a short opening set as well as sit in with the Levon Helm band. Special guest on Saturday night is singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins who, in addition to performing a short opening set, will also sit in with Levon Helm.
Notably, Helm’s 2011 recording of “Ramble at the Ryman,” a Midnight Ramble performed at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, is Grammy© Award-nominated for Best Americana Album – with winners to be announced February 12. As a solo artist, Helm previously won Grammys for Best Americana Album in 2010 (“Electric Dirt”) and Best Traditional Folk Album in 2008 (“Dirt Farmer”).
Tickets for the “Blue Jean Gala” benefit concerts are priced at $250.00 and proceeds will provide support for the Old Town School’s new East building and program expansion. Tickets and more information are now available on line at https://www.oldtownschool.org or by calling 773.728.6000.

The Old Town School of Music recently opened a new $17 million facility – its first-ever new construction in a 55-year history - at 4545 N. Lincoln Avenue, across the street from its existing building at 4544 N. Lincoln in Lincoln Square. The East Building is the Old Town School’s third facility in Chicago and greatly increases the School’s ability to meet growing class size needs and community demand for expanded programming in the vein of its current offerings, which serve a broad range of ages, styles and talent levels in multi-cultural music and dance.

Artist bios can be found online here:

Levon Helm Online

Donald Fagen Online

Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett Online

Shawn Mullins

Chicago Film Critics Awards Chicago Comedy Awards pre-show press conference,Ritz Carlton!

2012-01-08T00:48:00.000-06:00

Chicago Film Critics Awards Chicago Comedy Awards pre-show press conference,Ritz Carlton!

I'm so glad the Chicago Film Critics Organization is active again.After a five year pause,the
Chicago Film Critics Awards /Chicago Comedy Awards were held at the Broadway Playhouse in Water Tower Place.
In the afternoon they held a press conference with a few of the winners being on hand to talk to the media.
James Earl Jones,probably one of the most recognizable voices in film would be receiving the inaugural "Oscar Micheaux" Award presented in honor of the first African-American producer and filmmaker who hails from Illinois.

Chicago native Dennis Farina was to receive the "Commitment to Chicago" Award
and Jason Segal will receive the "Commedia Extraordinaire" Award.

I was not able to attend the actual awards as I had another photo session booked at the same time.

To see the whole line up and for more info on this awesome organization,visit their website at: http://www.chicagofilmcritics.org/

Pictured above: James Earl Jones
Dennis Farina and Jason Segal

We license only to accredited publications: Contact us for licensing!

ALL Photos by: copyright © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL http://pixintl.com All rights reserved Photos may not be used published or distributed in any manner without written license from PIX INTERNATIONAL,LLC

Car flips over in multiple car accident on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago

2012-01-04T20:28:00.000-06:00

CHICAGO: January 4: Fire Department and Chicago Police on the scene of a multiple car accident on outer Lake Shore Drive and Addison Street. The driver of the silver flipped over car luckily was wearing his seatbelt on January 4 2012 in Chicago Illinois.

Photo © 2011 Linda Matlow. All rights reserved.Photo may not be copied or displayed or reused without a written license from http://pixintl.com

Kodak on the brink of bankruptcy :-(

2012-01-04T20:03:00.001-06:00

News story from the Wall Street Journal..

So sorry Kodak didn't plan their business strategy better.At one time they were the first,they were the best..Lost their edge to digital years ago when they should have been putting out the best digital cameras on the market!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203471004577140841495542810.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T21:24:00.004-06:00

Hope your having a wonderful holiday season!
Wishing you the best in the new year,make it a great one!

Here are some people that ventured out tonight on Michigan Avenue.Either last minute holiday shoppers or getting off work late. I love how the old Water Tower is lit up.Surely one of the best landmarks in the city.

No snowy white Christmas in Chicago. The weather has been so nice this year and I hope it saves our city some money since we have not had snow removal this year!

Stay safe..Do not drink and drive!

Marie Osmond Visits Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago!

2011-12-15T20:11:00.003-06:00

Marie Osmond at Chicago Children’s Memorial Hospital brought holiday cheer and participated in singing along during “Jamming with Jim” with patients and families at the hospital. Also on hand playing guitar was former Tantrum Band bass player Bill Syniar.
Marie is in town for Donny and Marie - Christmas in Chicago at the Oriental Theatre.

Marie Osmond and her family have been involved with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals since its inception in 1983. The charity, which began as a telethon housed in the Osmond studio, has since grown into a leading children ' s charity. As of 2011, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4.3 billion—most of which is donated a dollar or two at a time.

Beginning with her national debut at age three on The Andy Williams Show, Marie Osmond has proven to be a resilient talent with a magnetic presence known across generations, performing for almost five continuous decades. Marie recorded Paper Roses at age twelve, making history as the youngest female artist to have her debut record go to #1 on the charts, followed by over 30 albums and numerous gold records, as well as a Country Music Association’s “Vocal Duo of the Year” award in 1986 for Meet Me In Montana, with the late Dan Seals. In 2010 Marie recorded her much-anticipated inspirational album titled I Can Do This. Following its release, it moved rapidly into the ITunes top ten listing after she performed “Pie Jesu” on The Oprah Winfrey Show. The author of two New York Times best-selling books, a finalist on season 5 of Dancing With the Stars, and celebrating 20 years as a designer of the highly successful Marie Osmond Porcelain Dolls, Marie is also co-founder of Children’s Miracle Network, which has raised over 4 billion dollars for sick and injured kids in over 170 Children’s Hospitals in North America and internationally.

For the first time together on a Chicago stage, America ’s beloved sibling entertainers will star in DONNY AND MARIE – CHRISTMAS IN CHICAGO , a holiday production that is currently playing in Chicago through Dec. 24, 2011 at the Oriental Theatre ( 24 W. Randolph St. , Chicago ).

In the holiday tradition of the “Osmond Family Christmas” television specials, the legendary Donny and Marie invite you and your family to join them to celebrate the joy of the season in true Osmond fashion, in person, as the iconic pair share the spotlight for the first time together on a Chicago stage. Individual tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at (800) 775-2000.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com

We license only to accredited publications: Contact us for licensing!

ALL Photos by: copyright © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL http://pixintl.com All rights reserved Photos may not be used published or distributed in any manner without written license from PIX INTERNATIONAL,LLC

Updates from some of my favorite music blogs and websites!

2011-12-11T01:59:00.001-06:00

60's POP, ROCK AND SOUL: MY MUSIC:

http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/

The Bill Dahl site has an interview on musician Gene Barge. I remember I had a photo shoot with Gene Barge and Big Twist on Michigan Avenue back in the early 1980s. Such nice guys!

http://billdahl.com/Pages/feat_barge.html

Music writer Terrence Flamm has updated his music blog:

http://brokenheartedtoy.blogspot.com/2010/12/slumgullion-41.html

The music site Rocking Chicagoland has been updated

http://www.rockingchicagoland.com/

Tis the Season To Be Giving!

2011-12-10T16:51:00.001-06:00

'Tis the season..To be Giving!

Most of my friends are over 40 and I think we all came to the same conclusion a few years ago..We had,too.much.stuff.

So we all started our mass clear clutter feng shui attacks getting rid of clothes,books,things we have to take too much time to babysit for..You know,those intricate cute little carved items that you spend half the weekend trying to get the dust bunnies out of or using special toxic cleaners to make look new again..

I now have a desk that just has my Giant Mac computer ,phone,cellphone and pens,paper notebook, framed photos and that is it. So where's the photo's you ask ?
Off site in a vault! Not to mention how much we love virtual storage where everything is secretly and safely stored.

It took a long time getting to that point of stark simplicity but somewhere along the line you have to realize..someday you are probably going to make a house move..do you really want to spend weeks and months packing up house ?
Wouldn't you rather be free to enjoy life,the 10 days of sunshine we've been getting lately and not worry about your 'stuff ?'

So,here is what we did..In our prospective cities(I am blessed to have many many friends living all over the world) we called companies that would pick up our donations.
Many of us live in big cities with great transportation so we do not want or need cars.
Anyway,owning a car in the city is so expensive now,you'd have to have an ATM in your car to afford a downtown parking space!

Having items picked up was a start. We also made gift bags for friends that we knew admired some of our stuff and passed them along.Hey let them deal with it :-)
Not really,it's just a gesture of kindness.

I remember years ago it was almost impossible to find a charitable organization that would pick up,but if you go online and do a bit of searching,you'd be surprised. Theya re all in serious need of YOUR support. So if you can give,give. We never know when we could end up on the receiving line of the charities.

Here is one source which we recently used:
http://www.donationtown.org/donation-pick-up.html

Also,my friends and I have made it clear,no gifts! Cards are great and so is lunch or getting together for dinner but don't stress out trying to find a 'perfect gift' or break your budget.Not necessary!

If you are in the spirit of giving and want to look beyond the person to person holiday gift,how about creating a great memorable card and donating what you would have bought to a charity in need or a friend in need that has not weathered this awful recession very well.

A few charities I am familiar with and have supported in one way or another thru the years with check donations are:

The Salvation Army http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

The Greater Chicago Food Depository http://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/site/PageServer

Special Olympics http://www.specialolympics.org/
USO www.uso.org
Make-A-Wish Foundation http://www.wish.org/
Smile Train http://www.smiletrain.org/
Starlight Foundation http://www.starlight.org/
Susan G.Komen for the cure http://ww5.komen.org/
American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/donateonlinenow/index

Your church or any cause or group you believe in that help others instead of just themselves.

Your local food bank accepts money or unexpired sealed canned goods.

You can also check out a charities stats here to see where the money goes:

http://www.charitynavigator.org

Also look into your areas hospitals to donate new or unused toys,art supplies,books in good condition. Call first if you have to make a trip to drop off.

Women's shelters can always use clothing items in all sizes.

Senior Citizens homes-call and ask what items they might accept. I've donated stacks of new magazines and books to my local ones. You'd probably have to drop them off as many are short staffed.

A little vintage inspiration on 'stuff' from George Carlin!

It really is better to give than to receive.
Enjoy the season!

Linda Matlow

The HistoryMakers,"An Evening with Valerie Simpson in honor of Nick Ashford

2011-11-19T21:52:00.001-06:00

The HistoryMakers,"An Evening with Valerie Simpson in honor of Nick Ashford"

It was an honor meeting singer songwriter Valerie Simpson who was in town for The HistoryMakers,"An Evening with Valerie Simpson in honor of Nick Ashford" She took the time for a few press interviews and photos prior to the big event at Northwestern's Thorne Auditorium in Chicago.
She is still feeling the loss of he husband and writing partner Nick Ashford who passed away August 22nd from throat cancer.

She described the time now as bittersweet as tears flowed from her eyes,as she spoke to a small group of select media.
She knows the healing power of music and looks forward to participating in tonight's tribute.

Singer Patti Austin will be performing later at the benefit and I caught her performance of one of my favorite Ashford and Simpson penned tunes,'You're All I Need To Get By' at the afternoon soundcheck.

PBS is taping the show so watch your television listings for an air date.

The HistoryMakers is a national, 501(c)(3) non-profit institution committed to creating a state-of-the-art digital archive by recording and preserving the stories of African American leaders who have paved the way in both America and the global society.

For more info:

www.thehistorymakers.com

Pictured above:
Valerie Simpson-doing media interviews
Patti Austin with Julieanna L.Richardson,Executive Director of The History Makers
American Idol” music director Ray Chew during afternoon soundcheck

We license only to accredited publications:Color photos! Contact us for licensing!

ALL Photos by: copyright © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL http://pixintl.com All rights reserved Photos may not be used published or distributed in any manner without written license from PIX INTERNATIONAL,LLC

GOVERNOR PAT QUINN AND MUSIC LEGEND DIONNE WARWICK JOIN JACKIE TAYLOR AT THE GRAND OPENING OF THE BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CULTURAL CENTER

2011-11-19T01:53:00.001-06:00

GOVERNOR PAT QUINN AND MUSIC LEGEND DIONNE WARWICK

JOIN JACKIE TAYLOR AT THE GRAND OPENING OF THE

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CULTURAL CENTER !

Last night,cough and cold and all, I ventured over to 4450 n. Clark Street in Chicago for the opening of the
Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center. Located in the heart of the gentrified Uptown area this beautiful space will revitalize the area even more.
Singer,businesswoman Dionne Warwick designed the interior of the theater. She sure has experience in that area after performing all these years around the world. She along with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn kicked off the opening in style with a ceremony,ribbon cutting and performance of, The Jackie Wilson Story' which will be running thru January 8,2012.

Chicago native Jackie Taylor founded the Black Ensemble Theater in 1976 with a mission to eradicate racism, merging her roles as actress and educator to build awareness and foster greater understanding of the African-American contribution to the cultural fabric of American history through theater. This charge is realized through outstanding, award-winning productions that attract highly diverse racial audiences as well as effective educational outreach programming that reaches more than 10,000 youth each year.

The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, designed by Morris Architects Planners (Steppenwolf, Lookingglass Theatres), includes a 299-seat main stage theater (double the capacity of the former venue); 150-seat stage to serve as an experimental stage featuring the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI); classroom space; rehearsal hall, dance studio, scene shop, costume shop, and wardrobe rooms; seven dressing rooms; front lobby space with concession areas; and an indoor parking garage. For more information visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org

Pictured above:Dionne Warwick,Jackie Taylor,Illinois Governor Pat Quinn

We license only to accredited publications:Color photos! posed only on this shoot.. Contact us for licensing!

ALL Photos by: copyright © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL http://pixintl.com All rights reserved Photos may not be used published or distributed in any manner without written license from PIX INTERNATIONAL,LLC

Shameless plug for me,Linda Matlow!

2011-11-13T20:11:00.001-06:00

I was mentioned in Bill Zwecker's column in the Chicago Sun-Times today in regards to my photo of actress Holland Taylor!
www.suntimes.com/entertainment/zwecker/8809873-452/shedding-her-skin.html

Holland is in town and you must catch her performance!

THE PRE-BROADWAY ENGAGEMENT of ANN

WITH EMMY® AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS
HOLLAND TAYLOR

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce ANN, with actress Holland Taylor
(from Two and a Half Men), is coming to the Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe Street) for a limited three-week engagement, Nov. 13- Dec. 4, 2011.

ANN, a new play written and performed by Emmy Award-winning actress Holland Taylor, is a no holds barred look at the astonishing Governor of the Lone Star State Ann Richards. Directed by Benjamin Klein, with scenic design by Michael Fagin, lighting design by Matthew Richards, projection design by Zachary Borovay, sound design by Ken Huncovsky and wig design by Paul Huntley, ANN is produced by Bob Boyett.

Tickets start at $20 and are on-sale now. A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances. Tickets are available now for groups of 15 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.

The performance schedule for ANN is as follows:

Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Please note: performance schedule and prices are subject to change.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

We license only to accredited publications:Posed only on this shoot.. Contact us for licensing!
ALL Photos by: copyright © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL http://pixintl.com All rights reserved Photos may not be used published or distributed in any manner without written license from PIX INTERNATIONAL,LLC

The Tribeca Film Festival On The Road at the Landmark Century Centre Theater in Chicago!

2011-11-12T20:40:00.001-06:00

Actress Abigail Breslin along with Producer Eric Bassett,Director David M. Rosenthal and Keith Kjarval(producer) attended for the film ,'Janie Jones' at The Tribeca Film Festival On The Road at the Landmark Century Centre Theater in Chicago Illinois presented by American Express.
Also walking the red carpet for this fun weekend festival at the under utilized Landmark Century Theater were Director Joe Maggio and Producer Bill Straus in support of the film, "Last Rights of Joe May." It was the first time this festival has been in Chicago,let's hope it was a success for them and they return!

We license only to accredited publications:Posed only on this shoot.. Contact us for licensing!
ALL Photos by: copyright © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL http://pixintl.com All rights reserved Photos may not be used published or distributed in any manner without written license from PIX INTERNATIONAL,LLC

Dennis Tufano Oh-9 Photo Book released as ebook!

2011-11-11T03:55:00.000-06:00

My Dennis Tufano Photo book,Dennis Tufano,Oh-9 published in book form in 2009 is now available as a digital ebook for $10.99.
It's currently available thru blurb and will be available on iTunes as well shortly!
You can order directly from the link below.The format is in 'epub' which makes it readable on Apple iPads,iPhones and the Apple iTouch!

Thanks for your support!
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2694034

For new info on the printed version and $10 off discount code for the print version ONLY,
trackback here:

http://pix724.blogspot.com/2011/11/dennis-tufano-photo-book-oh-9-10-off.html

Photo © Linda Matlow. All rights reserved.

Dennis Tufano

Oh-9

By Linda Matlow

Book Preview

Harry Belafonte book signing in Chicago!

2011-11-09T01:07:00.000-06:00

Actor singer activist and author Harry Belafonte discussed and signed his book "My Song: A Memoir" on November 8,2011 at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago Illinois.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART1 House of Blues red carpet!

2011-11-09T01:02:00.001-06:00

Fans waited in the rain for entry to the House of Blues in Chicago Illinois for cast from THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART1

to arrive. Walking the red carpet for the media included:

Peter Facinelli, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Charlie Bewleyand Nikki Reed

Performance By: Christina Perri

It opens IN THEATERS NOVEMBER 18!

More info in the press release below!

We license only to accredited publications: Red carpet only on this shoot.. Contact us for licensing!
ALL Photos by: copyright © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL http://pixintl.com All rights reserved Photos may not be used published or distributed in any manner without written license from PIX INTERNATIONAL,LLC

Los Angeles, CA October 20, 2011 – Summit Entertainment invited TWILIGHT SAGA moviegoers across the nation to meet select cast members and experience new music featured in the highly anticipated release of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 which arrives in theaters on November 18th. In addition to having the chance to see stars including Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone, and Ashley Greene, moviegoers can also enjoy musical concerts of several bands featured on THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 Soundtrack including Christina Perri, Aqualung, Lucy Schwartz, and Sleeping at Last. The nationwide red carpet event and concert tour will kick off in Atlanta, Georgia at The Buckhead Theatre on November 7th.

About THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART ONE

The next chapter of THE TWILIGHT SAGA will be released as two separate films with the first of the two - THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 - slated to be released in theatres on November 18, 2011 and the second coming to theatres on November 16, 2012. Academy Award® winner Bill Condon directed both films starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. In THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1, Bella (Stewart) and Edward (Pattinson), plus those they love, must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by a marriage and honeymoon, and the tumultuous birth of a child… which brings an unforeseen and shocking development for Jacob Black (Lautner). With more of the romance, passion, intrigue and action that made TWILIGHT, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON and THE TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE worldwide blockbusters, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1, based on Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling book series, begins the conclusion of the tale of vampire love, boundless friendship, acceptance, and finding your true self. The project, based on the fourth novel in author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, is written by Melissa Rosenberg with Wyck Godfrey, Karen Rosenfelt and Stephenie Meyer producing.

IN THEATERS NOVEMBER 18!

iRenew Wristband The Cure for Procrastination ?

2011-11-07T12:34:00.000-06:00

I first saw former Chicago Mayor Richard M.Daley on the news last year wearing an energy bracelet. From that point on,so many pictures I saw of athletes,rock stars and actors sporting these curious thick 'magic rubber bands'
I received an iRenew silicone wristband in the mail and thought I'd give it a try.
I don't normally wear any bracelets and don't even like to wear a watch so it took me a few days of staring at this on my desk before I took the plunge to wear it.

Day one.Okay,I can't say I felt any different but I did get motivated to clean closets,files and my sagging bookshelves. Don't know where that energy came from,I've been staring at those projects for a good 3 years!
Day 2:Didn't feel any different but felt it was a good day to start back up on a low carb diet.
Day 3: Tackled my 4 foot stack of magazines,donated most of them to the hospital and local school.Read,sorted deleted over 2600 emails that have piled up.I'd been putting this off for awhile.
Day 4: Sorted thru massive amounts of paperwork,took a big step forward to set up a business meeting.

I don't know if i have more 'balance' since wearing the iRenew wristband or if it's just the placebo effect that has had me tackle some long standing projects.But whatever it is,I think I'll keep this cute little iRenew wristband around. This could be a useful anti-procrastination device! Come to think of it,now that I have all of those projects out of my way I do feel more balanced and relaxed.
Hopefully it will get me thru the next 'Feng Shui' attack on my condo!

For more info:
http://www.irenew.com/

Here is a piece for the local news I found when researching this bracelet:

Anecdotal Evidence Supports Energy Bracelets: Warren
Updated: Thursday, 14 Oct 2010, 8:51 AM CDT Published : Thursday, 14 Oct 2010, 8:50 AM CDT
•
FOX Chicago News
We've had a lot of responses about the energy bracelets after we spotted Mayor Daley and a lot of athletes wearing one. Do they really work?
Here to help us sort out all the hype was personal trainer and Australian bodybuilder, Marcus Warren.

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/good_day/energy-bracelets-negative-ions-anecdotal-evidence-marcus-warren-20101410

Macy's State Street 104th annual Great Tree lighting with Giuliana and Bill Rancic

2011-11-05T23:00:00.000-05:00

Giuliana and Bill Rancic kicked off the holiday season by lighting the Macy's Great Tree along with with children from Make A Wish Foundation.
The historic Great Tree stands 45 feet tall, features more than 2,000 ornaments and 15,000 LED sparkling lights, and has been a centerpiece of the holiday dining tradition for more than a century.

The popular couple followed the tree lighting with a book signing for,'I Do,Now What "
and did a Q&A with the audience. They announced their new restaurant will open at the former location of Ben Pao in River North sometime in January. They have not decided on a name yet.

Around the corner on the 7th floor of The Walnut Room the kitchen that once made the world famous Frango Mints is now making Macy's branded fudge.Samples were available of the four flavors and it's delicious!

This year, the themed window displays will surprise and delight! These elaborate displays are home to detailed art creations and animation which throughout the years have brought life to the classic tales of the Brothers Grimm, Dr. Seuss and many others. The 44th Annual Animated Holiday Windows depict the story of the making of a celebrity ornament.

We license only to accredited publications:Posed only on this shoot.. Contact us for licensing!
ALL Photos by: copyright © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL http://pixintl.com All rights reserved Photos may not be used published or distributed in any manner without written license from PIX INTERNATIONAL,LLC

Holland Taylor,In Chicago for "ANN" speaks with students at The Second City in Chicago!

2011-11-04T21:04:00.009-05:00

Today I had the opportunity-privilege-and Good Luck to get a one on one photo session with actress Holland Taylor! She was speaking and participating in a Q&A with students of The Second City Training Center,the world's premier comedy theatre and school of improvisation. She is in Chicago starring in 'ANN', a new play written and performed by the Emmy Award-winning actress for a limited three-week engagement, Nov. 13- Dec. 4, 2011 at the Bank of America Theatre. More info is below.Be sure to catch this wonderful actress for this performance.I heard it's wonderful!

We license only to accredited publications:Posed only on this shoot.. Contact us for licensing!
ALL Photos by: copyright © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL http://pixintl.com All rights reserved Photos may not be used published or distributed in any manner without written license from PIX INTERNATIONAL,LLC

THE PRE-BROADWAY ENGAGEMENT of ANN

WITH EMMY® AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS
HOLLAND TAYLOR
COMING TO CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce ANN, with actress Holland Taylor
(from Two and a Half Men), is coming to the Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe Street) for a limited three-week engagement, Nov. 13- Dec. 4, 2011.

ANN, a new play written and performed by Emmy Award-winning actress Holland Taylor, is a no holds barred look at the astonishing Governor of the Lone Star State Ann Richards. Directed by Benjamin Klein, with scenic design by Michael Fagin, lighting design by Matthew Richards, projection design by Zachary Borovay, sound design by Ken Huncovsky and wig design by Paul Huntley, ANN is produced by Bob Boyett.

Holland Taylor steps into the shoes of Ann Richards, a leader who actually believed she could empower, expand and enrich the lives of her constituents. ANN is an inspiring and hilarious play that brings you face to face with a complex, colorful and captivating character bigger than the state from which she hailed.  Holland Taylor takes the audience on a journey, swirling together the past and present to reunite Ann Richards with old friends and introduce her to a new generation.

ANN began as a “project” and quest for Holland to understand what it was about this live-wire housewife, mother, grandmother and Governor of Texas that affected so many people so deeply.  Writing the play became a three year journey for Holland, crisscrossing the country, interviewing people who knew the Governor, watching countless hours of video coverage, and pouring over reams of Richards’ personal and public papers at the University of Texas. In the end, her greatest resources were the family, friends, staff and colleagues of the Governor who allowed Holland to “know” Ann Richards.

No stranger to playing strong women, Holland Taylor has performed on stage, screen and television portraying a range of characters as varied as a Harvard law professor in Legally Blonde, a sultry judge in The Practice (Supporting Actress Emmy® for Drama) and the mother of Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer in Two and a Half Men. Taylor has also played both ends of the political spectrum with conviction, from conservative Nancy Reagan on the right to Ann Richards on the left. The New Yorker has called Holland Taylor “the first vaudeville Gentile we ever saw.” Her long list of credits includes Baby Mama, Romancing the Stone and currently, CBS’s top‐rated Two and a Half Men. Her New York stage performances include Bess in Breakfast with Les and Bess, the original productions of Butley opposite Alan Bates, and A.R. Gurney’s The Cocktail Hour. Taylor is active at the Stella Adler Schools and has given talks about the work and cultural contribution of this great teacher.

Tickets start at $20 and are on-sale now. A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances. Tickets are available now for groups of 15 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.

The performance schedule for ANN is as follows:

Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
                    Please note: performance schedule and prices are subject to change.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

AMAZING! time lapse video of Macy's tree construction!

2011-11-03T17:12:00.001-05:00

AMAZING! This is a time lapse video that captures the magical 3-day process of the construction of Macy's Great Tree on State Street and squeezes it into one minute of footage.This was sent to us from Macy's PR Department!

By the way,the tree lighting is this coming Saturday.Check this blog for the details!

Dennis Tufano Photo book Oh-9 $10 off Sale! Ends November 30,2011

2011-11-03T16:32:00.005-05:00

Dennis Tufano Oh-9 Photo Book revised edition Photo Book..$10.00 off sale.This ends on November 30,2011.Receive your book in time for the holidays!

The publisher of my Dennis Tufano Oh-9 photo book is offering a $10.00
off sale on the book until November 30,2011.
To purchase the book and save $10.00 from any format of the book, click on the Blurb book icon below.It will take you to the website.
At check out you need to put in this promo code: BIGTEN

If you forget,there is no going back in their system,so be sure to include that!

Dennis tufano Oh-9 is a 40 page 7x7 inch square photo book with 50 photographs of Dennis Tufano,former 'original voice' of 'The Buckinghams'. The book includes early photos I took in 1980 and 1981 as well as candids,studio and performance images from various shows in 2009. Color and black and white and most are exclusive images!
This is a collaborative project with Dennis and he has written a few paragraphs for the book and given this project his blessing !
The books will not be sold at the shows! Books are too hard to lug around !
All images photographed with Canon professional cameras, Canon L series lenses , Canon flash units and Pocket Wizards.

The above photo of Dennis Tufano: © 2009 Linda Matlow/PIXINTL
All rights reserved. http://pixintl.com

Check out the official Dennis Tufano site:
http://www.dtsings.com

posted by Linda Matlow

Dennis Tufano

Oh-9

By Linda Matlow

Book Preview

Linda Blair upcoming appearance at the Hollywood Palms Cinema!

2011-10-27T23:31:00.001-05:00

I had a photo shoot with Linda Blair prior to her upcoming weekend appearance at the Hollywood Palms Cinemas where she will be hosting screenings of the Exorcist. She was doing advance interviews and posed downtown on October 27,2011 in Chicago Illinois.These days the actress devotes much of her time to charities and to her non-profit organization, the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation , which works to rescue abused, neglected and mistreated animals.

To learn more: http://www.lindablairworldheart.org/

We license only to accredited publications:Color photos! posed only on this shoot.. Contact us for licensing!

ALL Photos by: copyright © Linda Matlow/PIXINTL http://pixintl.com All rights reserved Photos may not be used published or distributed in any manner without written license from PIX INTERNATIONAL,LLC

olor: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >
Here is the info on her weekend Chicago suburb appearances!

Live in Person: Linda Blair, hosting The Exorcist!

Live in Person: Linda Blair, hosting The Exorcist

Date: October 28 - 31, 2011

Schedule for Friday, October 28th at Hollywood Palms Cinema in Naperville
The Exorcist: 7:00, 9:00, 10:00
(Click here to purchase advance tickets)
Scheduled Appearance Times: 6:00PM-10:00PM

Schedule for Saturday, October 29th at Hollywood Palms Cinema in Naperville
The Exorcist: 5:30, 7:00, 8:00, 9:30, 10:30
(Click here to purchase advance tickets)
Scheduled Appearance Times: 4:30PM-10:30PM

Schedule for Sunday, October 30th at Hollywood Blvd Cinema in Woodridge
The Exorcist: 3:00, 4:30, 6:00, 7:30, 8:30
(Click here to purchase advance tickets)
Scheduled Appearance Times: 2:00PM-8:30PM

Schedule for Monday, October 31st at Hollywood Blvd Cinema in Woodridge
The Exorcist: 7:00, 8:30
(Click here to purchase advance tickets)
Scheduled Appearance Times: 6:00PM-8:30PM

For more info:

http://www.atriptothemovies.com/index.php?src=events&srctype=detail&refno=49&category=Film%20Festivals%20and%20Special%20Events