O hey, It's the new guy...

Well hey everybody, this is officially my first personal blog post as a new member of The Silverman Group Chicago so I'll take a second to introduce myself. My name is Demetrius and I'm a current senior at Columbia College Chicago, in my last semester after 5 grueling years in America's higher education system. I hail from the lovely Midwest town of Kansas City, MO and this is my 3rd year in the Windy City. The arts have been my personal love attachment since i was just a runny nose kid playing Lego's and my opportunity to be a part of the artistic community here in Chicago comes at the perfect time.I came from a stint at the alternative weekly newspaper, The Chicago Reader and The Silverman Group has welcomed me with open arms and let me dive head first into some fun and unique projects that they are a part of here. I'm excited about my tenure with this hip organization, and yes, they are about as hip as it gets :). I have the opportunity to play a big part in the publicity for the Peace on Earth Film Festival which is to take place February 25-27 at the Chicago Cultural Center's Claudia Cassidy Theatre which I'm extremely excited about and invite everyone to take part in some portion of the festival. February is going to be a big month for us with The Joffrey Ballet's performance of "The Merry Widow", Avalon String Quartet, John Lequizamo@ the Royal George Theatre and many other exciting events that will keep all of you art and culture junkies foaming at the mouth. Chicago is the place to be for entertainment and all of us lovely personnel here at the Silverman Group will make sure that you know about some great events happening here in the City. Well anyway, back to work, i would love to hear some of your responses about events that you have attended and your overall feedback on the blog!

Cheers,
Demetrius

Peace on Earth Film Festival 2011 (POEFF)

The 2011 Peace on Earth Film Festival (POEFF), along with the Board of Directors of Transcendence Global Media, will showcase an intriguing exploration of film in the areas of peace, nonviolence, social justice and an eco-balanced world at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater, 78 East Washington, Friday, February 25 through Sunday, February 27. All screenings are free and open to the public.

“The Peace on Earth Film Festival was designed to encourage filmmakers to craft films in the genre of peace, nonviolence, social justice and an eco-balanced world,” says POEFF Executive Director Nick Angotti. “However, we have taken the festival beyond showing films and awarding filmmakers and have helped showcase Chicago’s effort for peace and environmental protection while providing an education element to the audience".The 30 films being screened were chosen from a field of 148 international films addressing similar topics.

Admission to all screenings and events are free and open to the public on a first come, first served basis and held at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater, 78 E. Washington Street, Chicago. For more information visit www.peaceonearthfilmfestival.org.

Your MLK Day Cultural Activities

So you have the day off on Monday for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, and you're wondering how to fill your day while at the same time honoring the reason you're off in the first place. Allow us two fun and culturally active suggestions:

African Dance Master Class at Joffrey Ballet

Hosted by the Academy of Dance, Official School of the Joffrey Ballet, this class will be led by Andrea Vinson accompanied by live drummers Deshon Newman and Seneke. Open to adults and kids age 10 and up, this fun and lively class is perfect for the whole family. And no dance experience is required -- it's appropriate for all skill levels. So come learn some groovy African moves while celebrating Dr. King's civil rights legacy.

• 12:30-1:30 pm
• At Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph St. (between Wabash and State)
• $10 per person
• Register in advance by calling 312-784-4600. Walk-up registration may be available.
• More info: http://www.joffrey.org/academy/classes/martin-luther-king-jr-day-january-17

Chicago Sinfonietta presents A Dream Unfolds, Annual MLK Tribute

In this beloved musical tradition, guest conductor Leslie B. Dunner joins Sinfonietta Founder Paul Freeman in a celebration of Dr. King's pioneering steps forward, allowing listeners to reflect -- through beautiful and stirring classical music -- on his indelible mark on American history. This will be an especially moving event because it will be Maestro Freeman's final time leading this program, as he will retire at the end of the current season. The highlight of the program will be Gershwin's classic folk opera Porgy and Bess, arranged for orchestra by Robert Fussell Bennett, where the Sinfonietta will be joined by vocalists from the Chicago Community Chorus.

• 7:30 pm
• At Orchestra Hall of Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.
• Tickets range from $26 - $96
• For tickets call 312-236-3681 ext. 2, or available by walk-up at the Box Office
• More info: www.chicagosinfonietta.org

Even if you don't have the day off, don't let Winter keep you inside -- take this opportunity to enjoy some good ol' Chicago culture. Hopefully we'll see you there!