The Asian American Coalition of Chicago (AACC) 29th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration Planning Committee welcomes Steve Dolinsky, Food Reporter, ABC 7 News Chicago, and Food Feature Writer, Michigan Avenue Magazine and Nancy Loo, WGN-TV Reporter/Fill-in Anchor, as this year’s Co-Emcees.  Join the fun 2/25/12 at Hyatt Regency O’Hare. www.aacchicago.org

(November 18, 2011)

ENERI is charity media partner/agency of record for The 29^th Annual Asian American Coalition of Chicago Lunar New Year Celebration,  2/25/12 at Hyatt O”Hare. Please like our page on fbk!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Asian-American-Coalition-of-Chicago/324207454261258

www.aacchicago.org

We are pleased to announce that  The Asian American Coalition of Chicago website has been newly-updated with info on the 29th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration 2/25/12 being hosted by the Thai American Community, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Ck it out – our official Press Release # 1 with ticket, sponsorship and ad info, updated Census info and more. Tix sales open 11/22/11. This year’s theme: “It’s Time……..”

www.aacchicago.org with press release at: http://www.aacchicago.org/pdf/AACC12pr1.11411Rd2f.pdf Please share this link!

Please print out and SAVE. Please forward on a wide basis. All media inquiries centralized at ENERI, please and thank you.

TO:        Asian Pacific American (APA) Community Leadership; APA Community Media; Major Media; Arts, Corporate; Governmental, Political and Student Outreach Distribution Lists  (Midwest Regional)

FROM: Irene Cualoping, Chair, Media Committee, AACC 2012 Lunar New Year Celebration;  Managing Partner, ENERI Communications, Agency of Record

FOR:    Asian American Coalition of Chicago

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ASIAN AMERICAN COALITION OF CHICAGO

HOSTS 29th ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25TH AT HYATT REGENCY O’HARE

“IT’S TIME……..”

________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    CONTACT: GENERAL: info (at) aacchicago.org

November 4, 2011 (773) 463-8424 (c/o TAAI)

MEDIA: info (at) enericom.net

TICKETS:            Tippi Lee

tickets (at) aacchicago.org (e-mail preferred)

CHICAGO, IL – - The Asian American Coalition of Chicago is pleased to announce it will host its 29th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration, “IT’S TIME……..” on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 West Bryn Mawr Avenue in Rosemont. Cocktail reception begins and silent auction and exhibits open at 5:30 p.m.; opening ceremonies are at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner, entertainment and awards ceremonies until approximately 10 p.m.

An event held on this grand of a scale only once a year, Lunar New Year is traditionally the single largest organized annual event in Chicago’s Asian American community. According to the 2010 Census, the Asian Pacific American population in Illinois numbers approximately 586,934, or  4.6% of the statewide population. Ticket sales open Tuesday, November 22, 2011 for this popular event, which usually attracts over 1,000 people. Tickets will be available on a first-funded, first-seated basis. Purchase information will be updated on the website www.aacchicago.org.

Every year a different Asian community takes turn playing host of the Lunar New Year gala. This year it is the Thai American Community, which has thrice before (1988, 1996 and 2004) held the gavel for the Asian Pacific American community’s most important event of the year. The Thai American Association of Illinois (TAAI) holds the leadership honors.

“The Thai American Association of Illinois is proud to be hosting the 29^th Annual Asian American Coalition of Chicago Lunar New Year Celebration for the fourth time,” said Vallapa Kongsri, 2012 Chair of the Asian American Coalition of Chicago, and current President of the Thai American Association of Illinois (TAAI). “We invite everyone in the community and friends of the Asian Pacific American community, to join in helping make this year’s Celebration the best ever,” she said.

Numerous dignitaries traditionally attend the festivities, including the Asian consular corps, elected and appointed governmental officials, political candidates, top business and corporate leaders, decision-makers and on-air talent at Chicago’s major media press outlets, and everyone who considers himself or herself a mover and shaker in and around, or for, the Asian Pacific American national movement.

“Some 50 years ago, a group of Thai immigrants consisting of students, scholars, physicians, nurses and others came to Illinois together to express a sense of belonging – these were immigrants who wanted to be with friends and family in a common culture,” reflected Arun Sampanthavivat, 2012 AACC Lunar New Year Co-Chair, (and Chef/Owner, Arun’s Thai Restaurant in Chicago.)

“To gain approval from all members, they designated December 5th, His Majesty King Bhumipol’s birthday, as the day they would host an annual celebration. The Thai American Association of Illinois was established for this purpose. The new organization quickly saw a larger purpose in the needs of the Thai community. TAAI became a service organization for Thai residents in Illinois and elsewhere. Soon enough, TAAI found itself associates with other Asian communities and the American public at large.” said Sampanthavivat.

“Asian Pacific Americans have contributed tremendously to this country. Economically, we are stronger, but politically, we only have begun to feel a new sense of consciousness. Yes, we are increasingly visible – and being visible is a key to making ourselves stronger politically. The Lunar New Year Celebration makes us visible like nothing else can. It’s time…….. “ said Sampanthavivat.

AWARDS

The Coalition plans to award its 2012 Community Service Awards, its Youth Who Excels Awards, its prestigious Pan Asian American Ping Tom Memorial Award – its highest award, and its Grand Asian American Sandra Otaka Memorial Award that evening. The Coalition renamed its Pan Asian Award in 1996 after the late legendary Chicago civic leader Ping Tom.  Ping Tom was also one of the original founders of the Asian American Coalition. The Grand Asian Award is traditionally given to a non-Asian Friend of the Asian American community. The Coalition renamed its Grand Asian Award in 2010 after the late Cook County Circuit Court Judge Sandra Otaka.

TICKETS

For ticket reservations, please contact Tippi Lee at tickets (at) aacchicago.org . Advance purchase is required. Tickets are $800 per table of ten. They are being distributed through community outlets as well as directly from the Coalition. They are first-funded, first-seated.

CHECKS

All checks should be made payable to AACC.

SPONSORSHIPS / SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS

Sponsorship rates and packages are priced as follows: $25,000 Presenting Sponsor; $10,000 Global Sponsor; $7,000 Pan-Asian Sponsor; $5,000 Continental Sponsor; $3,000 Community Sponsor and $1,500 Coalition Sponsor. To inquire about or to reserve sponsorships, and/or to donate items towards the Silent Auction, please contact info (at) aacchicago.org .

ADVERTISEMENTS

In addition, advertisement space reservations in the Souvenir Program Book are available at $500 for a full page (size 8-1/2” x 11”) and $300 for a half-page (8-1/2” x 5-1/2”). Non-profit full-page ads (8-1/2” x 11”) are available at a discounted rate of $300. Checks, insertion orders, and camera-ready black and white artwork creative for 2012 ads are due no later than December 30, 2011. Ads must be funded by the deadline in order to run.

AACC… WHO WE ARE

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the Asian Pacific American population in Illinois numbers approximately 586,934, or  4.6% of the statewide population. Approximately 92,304 Asian Pacific Americans reside in DuPage County, comprising 10.1% of DuPage County’s population, with the bulk of the other 322,672 residents of Cook County, comprising 6.2% of Cook County’s population. The 2010 Census shows that Asian Pacific Americans reside in Chicago in communities including West Rogers Park, Albany Park, Uptown, Armour Square and Bridgeport;   in suburban Cook County in communities including Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Skokie, Niles and Morton Grove; and in suburban DuPage County in communities like Oak Brook and Naperville.

In the past 10 years, the Asian population in Illinois jumped 38.6 percent. In the Northwest suburbs, Asians now make up 12.7 percent of the population. They make up 10.1 percent of the population in DuPage County, and 6.3 percent of the population in Lake County. These are the 10 Illinois suburbs with the biggest percentage Asian population: South Barrington: 26.6%; Oak Brook: 23.2%; Hoffman Estates: 22.7%; Glendale Heights: 22.1%; Schaumburg: 19.8%; Vernon Hills: 19.3%; Buffalo Grove: 16.0%; Hanover Park: 15.2%; Streamwood: 15.0% and Naperville: 14.9%. (Source: U.S. 2010 Census).

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Sponsor, ad, silent auction donation and general inquiries should be directed to info (at) aacchicago.org (e-mail preferred).

MEDIA

ENERI Communications again has been named the agency of record for this year’s Lunar New Year Celebration, and has received the assignment to coordinate media relations, TV station/media company participation, celebrity presenters and press credentials. All media requests may be directed to ENERI Communications at info (at) enericom.net .

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2012 ASIAN AMERICAN COALITION OF CHICAGO

29th ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

____________________________________________________
AACC 2012 Mailing Address:  c/o Thai American Association of Illinois

3260 West Irving Park Road, Chicago, Illinois 60618

Tel. (773) 463-8424 Fax (773) 463-3004

e-mail info (at) aacchicago.org

website:www.aacchicago.org

FOR:  2012 Asian American Coalition of Chicago Planning Committee

THE AACC 2012 HOST COMMITTEE

Vallapa Kongsri, Chair

Arun Sampanthavivat, Co-Chair

Tippi Lee, Secretary/Tickets Chair

Surachai Moraras, Treasurer

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY, CONTACT:
Irene Cualoping, JD (ENERI/Rieny),Chair, AACC 2012 Media Committee
Managing Partner,  ENERI Communications

e-mail general: info (at) enericom.net

This release posted at: www.aacchicago.org and www.enericom.net/blog

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ENERI Communications
“Energy Upon Impact”

Creative Advertising, Marketing, Strategic Communications and Development Services

Production, Show and Stage Direction / Logistics Management Practice

Artist Representation / Talent Management

Creative Advertising, Marketing, Strategic Communications and Development Services

Production, Show and Stage Direction / Logistics Management Practice

Artist Representation/Talent Management

AdAsia Division Focuses on $544 Billion Buying Power of the Asian Pacific American Market

CHICAGO, IL – - ENERI Communications, “Energy Upon Impact,” is a creative advertising, marketing, strategic communications and development services venture founded in the year 2000 (www.enericom.net). The agency also has a strong production and stage direction/logistics management practice, and one that focuses on artist representation and talent management.

Based in Chicago, the agency specializes in business,  entertainment and lifestyle applications, with philanthropic and multicultural expertise, especially in the Asian Pacific American markets. A prime company initiative has been its AdAsia division, designed to meet Fortune 500 business objectives targeting the powerful $544* billion consumer spending power of the Asian Pacific American community. ENERI’s founder has over 25 years of solid experience in, and offers expert development and coordination of, all facets of stage, theatre, TV shoot, film, concert, benefit and special event production logistics – from back of the house to front of the house.

BUSINESS PRACTICES

Although there are firms based in New York and California specializing in the type of Asian Pacific American marketplace service that ENERI offers, ENERI is the first and only Midwestern-based firm of its type to offer this service. ENERI’s business practices include: 1) AdAsia; 2) General Consumer;   3) Business to Business; 4) Financial, Legal and Real Estate; 5) Education; and 6) Entertainment/ Lifestyle.

ENERI CAMPAIGNS PROVIDE ACCESS AND ENERGY UPON IMPACT

ENERI SM campaigns demonstrate the spirit of the company’s motto, “Energy Upon Impact,” through the innovative execution of print and electronic communications programs. ENERI campaigns help enterprises build new brands, transition established brands and educate and assist the marketplace in reaching out via Web-based technology options.

* API Buying Power $544 Billion in 2010, Source: Selig Center for Economic Growth

ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND BRANDING CAMPAIGNS

ENERI has created and executed advertising and marketing campaigns aimed at the general consumer, and for a variety of service and manufacturing businesses. ENERI can handle everything from booking the model and talent, to creating concept, to booking a photographer or engaging a graphic designer to execute the creative, to placing the media buys for the finished advertising design. ENERI can create corporate logos and identity branding campaigns, providing assistance from conception stage to execution in print, radio, TV, on the Web or via social networking. ENERI matches potential corporate sponsors to major community leadership projects by placing advertising buys and lining up event, presenting and in-kind sponsors.

TOTAL BUSINESS CAMPAIGNS

ENERI produces total business marketing packages aimed at increasing sales revenue for businesses serving the general consumer segment, banks, financial houses, law firms, real estate builders, owners, brokers, developers and other professionals. ENERI can assist business entrepreneurs, investment bankers, lenders, mortgage bankers, financial planners, attorneys and real estate industry professionals by increasing their career, civic and community profiles to increase business.

Through the development and execution of careful strategic media plans, ENERI advises clients on the development and assembly of individual press kits, including writing curriculum vitas, booking photo shoots for head shots or other creative photo shoots done on location, and writing company fact sheets. ENERI advises clients on how to access traditional media for their particular industry, and the use of non-traditional media, e-commerce, social networking and other means to best share what they do, to potential client bases.

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

ENERI’s business-to-business practice hooks up manufacturers to service and retail providers, and business to the general consumer and end-user. ENERI has formed strategic alliances with many excellent vendors who provide a wide variety of products. This includes those who produce professional quality printing and signage, marketing items such as brochures, postcards, literature pieces, artistic note cards, convention packaging and bags, specialty food items such as ethnic goods and even gourmet chocolate, with designs unique for the business, to name a few.

IN THE MEDIA

ENERI is highly-resourced and highly-networked, on a local and national basis, and places stories, and works with reporters and editors on issues in major media, Asian Pacific American media and other community media, on a regular basis and on a quick timeframe. ENERI also offers organizational media training, and individual media coaching for executives or other professionals who are giving print interviews and/or making TV, radio or video appearances.

PRODUCTION,  SHOW AND STAGE DIRECTION / LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT PRACTICE

ENERI’s founder has over 25 years of solid experience in, and offers expert development and coordination of, all facets of stage, theatre, TV shoot, film, concert, benefit and special event production logistics – from back of the house to front of the house. This includes research, booking space, procuring vendors, negotiating contracts including hotel vendors, audio-visual providers and other vendors, developing budgets including specifications for audio-visual and union labor needs, pre-screening talent auditions, booking talent, cast and crew, scheduling talent for rehearsals, appointments, appearances and shows, negotiating clearances, developing timelines and show scripts, creating and ordering signage, conducting program book and proof checks, and handling deliveries, registration check-in procedures and payment procedures, among many others.  

DAMAGE CONTROL AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT COUNSELING

ENERI offers damage control and media crisis management counseling for the company executive who may be faced with the difficult business issues of today, such as layoffs and budget cutbacks, or who may be the one who has to deliver other bad company news, who has to conduct a product recall, or perhaps who has been named in a lawsuit.

SPEAKERS BUREAU AND ENERI ACCESS SERIES

ENERI has access to prominent leadership from many disciplines, and books speakers and performers for major corporate, civic and community programs and projects, on a local and national basis.

The ENERI “Access Series,” launched in 2002, brings together prominent experts on a variety of diverse topics for the audience to network, learn and roundtable in an intimate setting. ENERI in-house talent may presents a topic, while a celebrity or other guest speaker may be featured the other program half. Guests are treated to delicious food, sometimes provided by ENERI partners, sometimes music, sometimes art, and always, an afternoon or evening of scintillating conversation and good company.

ENTERTAINMENT / LIFESTYLE

ENERI’s entertainment / lifestyle practice promotes talented artists in the performing and visual arts, with a special concentration on jazz.  ENERI’s national artist representation practice has provided counsel for individual artists, writers, producers, directors, recording companies, art institutions, and art galleries. ENERI has represented a variety of restaurants and other food service providers in marketing and promotional campaigns designed to increase customer bases and in-venue traffic.

EDUCATION INITIATIVE

ENERI believes in promoting diversity not just in the workforce, but also in the classroom. ENERI serves as a booking agent for talent, and can produce special events, programs and literature for colleges, universities, high schools and elementary education.

CONTACT ENERI

For more information, a current schedule of fees and engagement retainer procedures, or for scheduling availability for speaker engagement and speaking engagement rates, please contact ENERI Communications at info (at) enericom.net. ENERI on the web is at www.enericom.net .

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STIR-FRIDAY NIGHT! 15th Anniversary Show “Bubble Tea Party” October 22 – November 20, 2010 at CCPA

LISTING

Before Xbox, before iPod, and before “Harold and Kumar”, there was Stir-Friday Night! Chicago’s premier Asian American sketch comedy troupe celebrates their 15-year reign of hilarity with its 15th Anniversary Show, “Bubble Tea Party,” directed by Pat McKenna. Opening Friday, October 29, 2010 and continuing through Saturday, November 20, 2010 at The Chicago Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA), 777 North Green Street, Chicago, Illinois. Previews October 22- 23, 2010. Tickets $15 each for the 15th Anniversary show, with a performance schedule of Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.

Food and Industry Fridays. If people bring a can of food for the hungry or a headshot, they can take $5 off the ticket price on Fridays (i.e. tickets will be $10 each). Donations will go to The Greater Chicago Food Depository. Visit http://theaterland.thundertix.com/events/2244/performances to purchase tickets.

Starring an ensemble cast as follows (in alphabetical order): Melissa Canciller, Amrita Dhaliwal, Samantha Garcia, Jin Kim, Christine Lin and Harrison Pak. Featuring Erica Ikeda, Avery Lee and Jasbir Singh Vazquez.

Special Appearances: SFN Co-Founder Keith Uchima, Bassist Tatsu Aoki on Opening Night, October 29th; and SFN Alum and co-star of AMC’s “The Walking Dead”, Steven Yeun on Closing Night, November 20th.

CCPA is located one block west of Halsted off Chicago Avenue. Parking directly across Green Street next to the restaurant “Thaila.” (Currently $8 per car). Box Office: (312) 733-6000.

Visit Stir-Friday Night! on the web at www.stirfridaynight.org . MEDIA requests for press passes, images and interviews, please contact ENERI Communications at info@enericom.net or 312.635.0888 or visit www.enericom.net/privatestirfridaypress .

(EDIT Rd # 6 10/7/10 p.m.u 10/8/10 a)

MEDIA AND COMMUNITY ADVSIORY

JACL 2010 NATIONAL CONVENTION

PROUDLY PRESENTS “A NIGHT AT CLUB CHICAGO”

A PERIOD PIECE FEATURING MUSIC, STORIES, SONGS AND DANCE

JULY 3RD AT SWISSOTEL CHICAGO

____________________________________________________________________________

Script by Keith Uchima

Based Upon Ideas Conceived by Tonko Doi and Keith Uchima

Featuring The Grateful Crane Ensemble of Los Angeles

Singer/Actress/Dancer Keiko Kawashima, Singer/Actor Kurt Kuniyoshi, and

Music Composer Scott Nagatani on Keyboards

With Chicago Legend Steven Hashimoto on Bass and Ken Takaoka on Drums

Narrated by Julian Nieh (Host, “Julian on the Radio”) and Actress/Musician/Director Mia Park

With Vocalist Kelly Uchima

and Dancer/Actress Elaine Wong

____________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2010

MEDIA: ENERI Communications info@enericom.net

TICKETS: chicago2010@jacl.org

“Issei and Nisei found themselves working in factories- assembling toys, making Baby Ruth and Butterfinger candy bars for Curtiss Candy.  Sexing chickens… Yes that’s what I said – Sexing chickens. Stringing pearls. Cleaning clothes.”

-       -   Excerpt From Keith Uchima’s Script for “A Night at Club Chicago”

CHICAGO, IL – - The Japanese American Citizens League “JACL” proudly presents “A Night at Club Chicago,” a new script set in Post-World War II Chicago by  writer*/musician/composer/producer/actor Keith Uchima, based upon ideas conceived by Tonko Doi and Keith Uchima.

(*As a screenwriter, Keith Uchima previously scripted WMAQ/NBC-TV’s Emmy Award-winning “Nothing is Simple.” His last script, performed in a theater, was the play “Seven Out.” The latter tells the little-known story of Chicago’s underworld based on the adventures of Ken Ito, a Japanese American who ascended the ranks of the Chicago Outfit in the 1950s, and later turned State’s evidence. The Due East Theatre Company’s production of “Seven Out” ran in 2004 at Stage Left Theatre in Chicago.)

“A Night at Club Chicago” is the story of migration in the 1940’s and the search for housing, jobs and a new life – a life that included the music and ambiance of Chicago’s night club scene, will be told through music, stories, songs and dance, during the 2010 JACL National Convention on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at the Swissotel Chicago, Zurich Ballroom, 323 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tickets are $30.00 each. Reservation requests may be directed to chicago2010@jacl.org.

The 2010 JACL National Convention, themed “Embracing Change,” will be held from June 30 – July 3, 2010 at the Swissotel Chicago, 323 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois. This is the 41st biennial convention of the JACL, the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization, founded in 1929.  The convention theme, “Embracing Change,” recognizes the need for creativity and flexibility in adapting to new circumstances while remaining committed to values that promote social justice.

For information about the Convention, please call (773) 728-7171, e-mail chicago2010@jacl.org or click on the 2010 JACL Convention website link at www.jacl.org . “A Night at Club Chicago” is the final event of the 2010 JACL National Convention.

A period piece featuring music, stories, songs and dance, “A Night at Club Chicago” will showcase live performances by three members of the well-known West Coast theatre group, “The Grateful Crane Ensemble” – singer/actress/dancer Keiko Kawashima and singer/actor Kurt Kuniyoshi, with music composer/sound designer Scott Nagatani on keyboards. Joining them in special appearance will be local Chicago musical legend, jazz guitarist Steven Hashimoto (of “Mothra” fame) on bass, and Ken Takaoka on drums.

The Grateful Crane Ensemble is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) Asian American theatre company company based in Southern California, established in 2001. Executive Producer and Playwright Soji Kashiwagi is bringing three members of The Grateful Crane Ensemble from its Los Angeles home to Chicago for the 2010 JACL National Convention, in the group’s Chicago debut. The Grateful Crane Ensemble has produced a number of shows including the touring show, “The Camp Dance: The Music and the Memories” and “Nihonmachi: The Place to Be.”

A special audio/video presentation will precede the concert, featuring images curated by Tonko Doi and courtesy of the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society and the Japanese American Service Committee (JASC) of Chicago. The presentation will be narrated live by top-rated disc jockey Julian Nieh (Morning Drive Host, “Julian on the Radio” of B96 WBBM-FM) and actress/musician/director Mia Park. Special appearances by 17-year-old singer Kelly Uchima, accompanied by Keith Uchima on guitar, with an interpretive dance by Elaine Wong.

Playwright Keith Uchima’s dialogue takes a poignant look at the exodus from American internment prison camps during World War II, when thousands of Japanese Americans decided to settle eastward. The flavor of returning to the West Coast had become tainted, because so many of them had lost everything. Many of them landed in Chicago, as Uchima puts it, the “buzz” was that in Chicago, there were opportunities. “Discrimination was still lingering, but there were jobs and apartments for rent – and there was a chance to make a new start in this huge, daunting “Windy City.” “

Many first and second generation Japanese Americans (Issei and Nisei) ended up settling in one of three areas in Chicago open to integration: Clark and Division – a swaggering commercial area in the mid-1940’s with restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and small businesses and a bustling urban melting pot;  the North Side – especially Uptown, which was in shambles; or Hyde Park – a forward-thinking, integrated area on Chicago’s South Side.

In his script, Uchima writes that, “The need for “Mamasan’s comfort food” was huge, so little Japanese Markets sprung up.  Toguri, York, Excel and Star markets were born out of necessity.  “Real” Japanese Restaurants and Sushi were not acceptable to the public yet, but JA’s owned, worked in or patronized local restaurants and “Chop Suey” joints like Ding Hoe, Liberty Inn, Miyako, Rib House and Johnny’s 3 Decker.”

“The Nisei and young Sansei had always followed the American pop and jazz scene, even while interned.  Now there was a few extra dollars for them to get “gussied up” and go down to the Uptown Theatre for movies which featured live shows, or dancing at the Aragon Ballroom or go clubbing with the “hipsters” at Club DeLisa to see some of the legends of music.”

“A Night in Club Chicago” is funded in part with assistance from Chicago’s Angel Island Theatre Company.

ABOUT THE JAPANESE AMERICAN CITIZENS LEAGUE

Founded in 1929, headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Washington, D.C., the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), is the nation’s oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization. The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose ongoing mission is to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote cultural, educational and social values and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community. For more information, please visit the JACL National website at www.jacl.org .

MEDIA REQUESTS

Media requests for playwright Keith Uchima and “A Night at Club Chicago,” should be directed to ENERI Communications at info@enericom.net . Images and profiles available upon request.

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ENERI Communications

info@enericom.net

www.enericom.net/blog

FOR:

Playwright Keith Uchima/“A Night at Club Chicago”  at the 2010 JACL National Convention e-mail chicago2010@jacl.org

JACL NATIONAL CONVENTION / A NIGHT AT CLUB CHICAGO  (On July 3, 2010)

PROFILES

KEITH UCHIMA is a Chicago-based producer, performer and writer in the entertainment industry, with SAG, AFTRA, NARAS and EMC affiliations. As an actor/singer, his most recent performance was in Porchlight Theatre’s “Pacific Overtures” where he won praise as “Lord Abe/Old Man”.  He can also be seen in the motion pictures, “Major League” and “Chicago Overcoat.”  As a screenwriter, he scripted WMAQ/NBC-TV’s Emmy-winning “Nothing is Simple.”

Uchima began his theatrical journey in the 1980’s when, as a founding member of MinaSama No, he was commissioned to score original music for Stuart Gordon’s Organic Theatre production of “Dope.”  Since then, he has served in many capacities:  Scoring Music – for Organic (Rubber City) and Latino Chicago (Camino Real); Playwrighting – “Autumn and Spring” (MinaSama No), “The Jade Monkey King” (Angel Island Theatre Company) and “Seven Out” (Due East Theatre Company); Acting – “The Sound of a Voice” (Yamaworks) and Mia McCullough’s Jeff-recommended “Echoes of Another Man” (Stage Left).

Uchima co-founded the sketch comedy group “Stir-Friday Night!” and currently produces voice-overs for actors.  In another lifetime, Uchima sang around Chicago as the opening act for comedian Tom Dreesen.  Uchima is also a Graduate Gemologist, G.I.A. and a recurring columnist for the “Chicago Shimpo” newspaper.

THE GRATEFUL CRANE ENSEMBLE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) Asian American theatre company based in Southern California, established in July 2001. Its mission is to create and present meaningful and entertaining bilingual programs for Japanese American seniors in appreciation of the many sacrifices they have made so the generations that followed could live a better life in America. Executive Producer and Playwright Soji Kashiwagi is bringing three members of The Grateful Crane Ensemble from its Los Angeles home to Chicago for the 2010 JACL National Convention, in the group’s Chicago debut.

The Grateful Crane Ensemble has produced a number of shows including the touring show, “The Camp Dance: The Music and the Memories” and “Nihonmachi: The Place to Be.” “The Camp Dance: The Music and the Memories,” is a tribute to those who endured the U.S. concentration camps for Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II, and how music, song and dances help internees face the hardships of “relocation.”

In 2003 the Ensemble received a grant from the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program to allow “The Camp Dance,” to tour eight cities in California. A second CCLPEP grant in 2004 allowed for additional performances, and for the show to be recorded on CD. In 2006, The Grateful Crane Ensemble premiered “Nihonmachi: The Place To Be – A Musical Journey” at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, as part of the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of San Francisco’s Japantown. Soji Kashiwagi won the JACL Ruby Yoshino Schaar Playwright Award in 2006 for this production. In 2009, The Grateful Crane Ensemble received a California Civil Liberties Public Education Program grant to produce Hiroshi Kashiwagi’s play, “The Betrayed,” which was presented earlier this year (February 2010) at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.

STEVEN HASHIMOTO, a native of Chicago, is one of the City’s best-known and most visible musicians. He formed the Asian Jazz/fusion band Mothra in 1976 (the band is still in existence, and with a CD titled “Giri” on the AsianImprov label and a more recent CD, “Tradewinds”, on the Chicago Sessions label). In 1979 he switched to the bass guitar, and rapidly became an in-demand freelance sideman on Chicago’s eclectic music scene, as well as continuing to lead a variety of bands, including Mothra and Sueños Latin-jazz.

He has played at almost every venue in Chicago, as well as at Taste of Chicago, The Chicago Jazz Festival, ChicagoFest, and The Chicago Asian American Jazz Festival. He has appeared on the television programs, “Wild Chicago,” “Artbeat,” and “60 Minutes.” His CD “Azul Oscuro”, by Sueños Latin-jazz, has received significant airplay, both nationally and internationally.

Hashimoto has been the recipient of three Community Arts Assistance Program grants from the Illinois Arts Council, and has performed with hundreds of bands and artists in Chicago, including Poetry Slam founder Marc Smith, Laurel Massé (one of the Manhattan Transfer’s original members), The Green Mill Quartet (with whom he has anchored the After-Hours Friday night jam sessions at The Green Mill for 23 years), Kodo Taiko Drum ensemble founder Leonard Eto, and other musicians from genres as diverse as salsa, Celtic music, the blues, country, bluegrass, Flamenco, free/avant-garde, alternative rock, reggae, funk, R&B, and big band.

He has appeared on dozens of records and CDs, played in pit bands for musicals, and composed and recorded music for films and corporate projects. In addition to his musical career, Hashimoto has designed the artwork for many CD projects for Chicago area musicians (as well as writing the liner notes for several of them), and has had his reportage of the musical scene widely published (“News From The Trenches”).

KEN TAKAOKA has had experience playing jazz drums in the Chicago and European music scenes for over 30 years. He’s had several years playing jazz in established Chicago clubs, restaurants and hotels as a freelance musician and as a member of the Louis Hall Trio, Jody Christian Quartet, the King Fleming Trio, Karl Johnson Trio, and the Peter Oprisko Quartet. Long-term engagements included The Drake Hotel, Gordon, Gypsy, Philanders and Pete’s Miller’s Steak House and currently, Carmine’s Restaurant. Takaoka has also had several years playing experience in Europe, including jazz festivals, clubs in Sweden and Russia (then the USSR), radio broadcasts and engagements accompanying established European jazz soloists and singers.

JULIAN NIEH was promoted to Morning Drive Personality at CBS Radio WBBM-FM (96.3) in January 2009. He had joined the station as its new evening star in July 2006. Named Evening Personality, he held the same position for more than three years at Clear Channel’s WIHT-HOT 99.5 FM in the Washington, D.C. area. His show, “Julian on the Radio” aired from 7 p.m. – midnight on the Top 40 station, B96, Chicago’s Hits & Hip-Hop.

Nieh’s hometown is Washington, D.C. At WIHT-HOT, Nieh was a ratings winner for many years. Then, he got the call to what he says is “the dream… CHICAGO.” (Chicago is the nation’s third largest media market.) Nieh began his career as an intern for WWZZ-Z104 (Top 40), in 2001 in Washington, DC. He eventually worked his way up through the course of a few years, gaining experience working in various departments at the radio station – from promotions, to sales, to programming. From there he went off to a few small markets for evenings positions. Nieh has done radio in Harrisonburg, Virginia; Charleston, West Virginia; and Norfolk, Virginia.

In 2002, Nieh was nominated for multiple radio awards from the AIR Awards Organization, where he eventually won “Best New Talent, in the Washington, D.C. Market.” In 2008 he was awarded the “Citizen President Award” from Jacobs Media. Also in 2008, he won honors from the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) in the new category of “Best Podcasting.” He has snagged Silver Dome Awards from the Illinois Broadcasters Association for three years in a row (2007-2009) for “Best Radio Personality”.

Nieh regularly appears at various Chicago and Midwest clubs most every weekend.

Julian Nieh participates in as many community-driven functions as his schedule will allow, feeling a moral obligation to do so. He has served as a celebrity presenter for the Asian American Coalition of Chicago Annual Lunar New Year Celebration (2007, 2009).  In 2006, Nieh was honored with the “Pioneer of the Year Award” by the Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc., D.C. Chapter. He has also assisted in raising over $30,000 in the fight against cystic fibrosis.

MIA PARK wears many hats in Chicago as an actress and model, a TV personality, an accomplished musician (drummer), a singer, a producer, an Arts administrator, a writer, and a yoga enthusiast. She says that yoga has changed her life and that her duty to share yoga with individuals and groups is a blessing. Park teaches in studios, at gyms, and to private clientele.

“Miss Mia” has co-hosted Chicago’s cable TV kid’s dance and music show, “Chic-A-Go-Go!” (Rocktober Media, Chicago Access Network Television (CAN-TV)) for twelve years. Park has joined SAG, AFTRA, AEA and has acted in independent movies, national commercials and industrial films for over ten years. In addition to emceeing, Park does voiceover work and models. She co-founded the Asian American theater company, A-Squared Theatre Workshop, where she produces and performs.

Park has played in over a dozen rock and jazz bands in Chicago since 1995. Mostly playing drums and singing in rock/pop bands, her new band is “Tiny Bones.” As an Arts Administrator, she served as the Asian American Cultural Ambassador for The Old Town School of Folk Music and curated programs at the Chicago Cultural Center. She founded the Korean female art gang, “Team Do!Boo!” in January 2004, and is constantly producing a variety of music or theater shows at any given time.

Park has contributed to Chicago’s non-profit community by working at Women in the Director’s Chair and by teaching English at the Korean American Cultural Resource Center and the Korean Senior Center. She served as a celebrity presenter at the 2009 Asian American Coalition of Chicago Lunar New Year Celebration. She currently volunteers at KAN-WIN.

ELAINE WONG says she loves the chance to freelance as an actor, singer, and dancer when not serving as an internal process improvement consultant at HCSC.

KELLY UCHIMA is a student and incoming senior (Fall 2010) at Walter Payton College Prep in Chicago, Illinois. She was cast in the lead role of “Peter” in the musical version of “Peter Pan” presented by Chase Park Theater in Chicago in 2008; named the Grand Prize winner of the Radio Disney Rock Star singing contest in 2003 and 1st Runner-Up in 2004; and winner of the 1st Chicago Chinatown Idol singing contest in 2004.

Her popular cover videos appear on “YouTube” under the channel name, “KellyKoto”. Kelly Uchima has been a featured soloist at many civic, community and school events. She has studied Chinese classical dance, ballet and piano. Represented by Lily’s Talent Agency, Uchima has appeared in TV and print commercials. In addition to singing, she also enjoys dancing, cooking, baby-sitting, swimming and photography.

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CHINESE AMERICAN SERVICE LEAGUE HOSTS 21st ANNUAL CORPORATE DINNER BENEFIT “RECIPES FOR SUCCESS”

MAY 25th AT HILTON CHICAGO ____________________________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    CONTACT: (312) 791-0418 Development Dept. May 18, 2010 Bethann Hester or bethann_hester@caslservice.org (English Media) or Gilbert Lun (Chinese Media) or ENERI Communications (312) 635-0888 or info@enericom.net

This Release/Updates Posted at: www.enericom.net/casl and www.enericom.net/blog

CHICAGO, IL – - Founded in 1978, the Chinese American Service League, Inc. (CASL), a 501(c) (3), is the Midwest’s largest and most comprehensive social service agency of its type. CASL will proudly host its 21st Annual Corporate Dinner Benefit on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

The CASL 21st Annual Corporate Dinner Benefit is being held in conjunction with the celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Guests that evening will include approximately 500 corporate and community leaders, local television personalities, and government officials gathered to celebrate CASL’s 31st year of service. This memorable event will include Chinese lion dancers, Chinese cultural arts and children’s performances, and an exceptional raffle and silent auction drawing. Cocktail Reception begins and Silent Auction opens at 5:30 p.m., with a festive dinner banquet at 6:30 p.m.

Celebrity appearances are scheduled by: Linda Yu, ABC 7 Chicago TV anchor/reporter and long-time CASL Advisory Board Chair; Nesita Kwan, anchor and HealthWatch reporter at NBC 5 Chicago TV; Joanie Lum, reporter at FOX Chicago TV; and Judy Wang, anchor/reporter at CLTV News and WGN-TV News.

The evening’s programming will showcase Asian Pacific American culinary experiences and recipes for success. The reception will feature hors d’oeuvres prepared by CASL’s renowned Chef Training Program, now in its 69th class. Created in 1985, the CASL Chef Training Program has placed more than 1,200 graduates at many fine institutions throughout Chicagoland.

A special Pan Asian menu will feature: “Goi Bun So,” a salad course created by Chan Le, Executive Chef at Chicago’s Le Colonial Vietnamese restaurant; a seafood course beautifully designed by Tony Hu, Chef/Owner of three Chinese restaurants, Lao Beijing, Lao Shanghai and Lao Sze Chuan; and the entrée Chicken Tikka with Cauliflower, served with a Basket of Na’an from Chef Jaipal Singh of Chicago’s India House restaurant. Dessert will feature Chef Jackie Shen’s famous Chocolate Bag, made with Belgian Callebaut chocolate. Chef Jackie is now the Executive Chef at Red Light restaurant.

Raffle tickets are now on sale for $20 each. Top prizes are: Grand Prize: $10,000; 1st Prize: Two round-trip coach tickets to anywhere in Asia, courtesy of United Airlines; 2nd prize: A Sony 40” LCD HDTV with 1080p, courtesy of the local Best Buy on 555 West Roosevelt, Chicago; 3rd prize: Three gourmet dinners valued at $100 each at any of the Lao Family of restaurants, courtesy of the Tony Hu Gourmet Group.

Tickets for the event are $10,000 at the Dragon Level; $5,000 at the Phoenix Level; and $3,000 per table of ten at the Tiger Level. Individual tickets are $350 each. For sponsorships, ticket reservations or to purchase raffle tickets, please contact the Development Department at (312) 791-0418, or dustin_quebedeux@caslservice.org .

ABOUT THE CHINESE AMERICAN SERVICE LEAGUE

Founded in 1978, and now in its 31st year of service, the Chinese American Service League, Inc. (CASL), a 501(c) (3), is the Midwest’s largest and most comprehensive social service agency of its type. Housed in the architecturally award-winning Kam L. Liu Building, CASL’s over 280 dedicated bilingual and bicultural staff and 500 volunteers annually serve over 17,000 clients. CASL’s $10.3 million budget funds programs that range from job training and child care to financial education and senior health screening.

A nurturing hub within the heart of Chinatown, the Chinese American Service League connects families and individuals of all ages with the vital support they need to flourish physically, economically, mentally and socially, enabling them to thrive and contribute to the Greater Chicago community.

CASL is a United Way partner social service agency. (CASL Kam L. Liu Building, 2141 South Tan Court, corner Princeton Avenue).

For more information, please contact (312) 791-0418 or adminis@caslservice.org or visit www.caslservice.org.

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CASL 21st Annual Corporate Dinner Sponsors (as of presstime)

Listing Attached

DRAGON

Baxter International, Stuart Ellison, Norm Finkel, NationalMaterial, Bob Pritzker and Mayari Pritzker, Larry Rosenzweig, The Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust, Arthur and Elaine Wong, Linda Yu

PHOENIX

Ariel Investments, BlueCross BlueShield, CNA, ComEd,Fifth Third Bank, Kraft Foods, Northern Trust, R.M. Chin & Associates, Marilyn Fatt-Vitale, MacLean-Fogg Co., Raymond & Judy McCaskey, Snaidero Chicago

TIGER

ABC7 Chicago, Charter One Bank, CSMI, Arnold Craine & Grant Crowley, Harris Bank, Lakeside Bank, Lifeline Ambulance, William Lowry, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Site Design Group, St. Charles Bank, State Farm Insurance, Valerie, Darryl and Curtis Tom, UBS, Cary Wong, Wong & Knowles, CPA,William Spence, Carson Veach & The Law Offices of Freeborn & Peters

This press release and press updates downloadable at:

www.enericom.net/casl and www.enericom.net/blog

ENERI Communications “Energy Upon Impact”

info@enericom.net

FOR: Chinese American Service League

2141 South Tan Court (Corner Princeton Avenue)

Chicago, Illinois 60616

adminis@caslservice.org

www.caslservice.org

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NON-MEDIA TICKETS FOR THE SATURDAY, MAY 1, 2010 8 p.m. PERFORMANCE ARE $30 EACH.  LIMITED SEATING, EARLY RESERVATION RECOMMENDED.

RESPONSES TO PRESS INVITES ISSUED ARE DUE APRIL 19, 2010.

THIS RELEASE POSTED ON www.enericom.net/blog and www.enericom.net/privatejadeheart .

pdf at

http://www.enericom.net/privatejadeheart/ENERIJadeHeartCDAPAHMpr4910c.pdf

IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

_______________________________________________________

EXTRA EXTRA! On Saturday, May 8, 2010, UNI-MART celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a Special Celebrity Appearance by Actress CHRISTINE BUNUAN, with Playwright WILL COOPER and Chicago Dramatists Managing Director BRIAN LOEVNER scheduled to appear at UNI-MART’s Chicago location, 5845 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  RSVP to ENERI Communications at info@enericom.net by May 5, 2010. For more info visit www.unimartonestop.com .

_________________________________________________

Noreen Heron & Associates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 9, 2010

Contact: Kate Hughes/Lianne Wiker/Brenna O’Leary

773.969.5200

CHICAGO DRAMATISTS KICKS OFF ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF JADE HEART BY WILL COOPER

Special reception will follow the dramatic journey of self exploration and identity on stage

CHICAGO—Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Avenue, is proud present the world premiere of Jade Heart, the spellbinding new play by Senior Network Playwright Will Cooper. Chicago Dramatists’ Artistic Director Russ Tutterow will direct.  The production will open May 1 in conjunction with the start of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and run through May 30. A special reception sponsored by Pronto ‘Za will follow the 8 p.m. performance.

Abandoned as an infant on a pile of vegetables, a Chinese girl is adopted by an unmarried American woman and grows up in a white, middle-class American home with only half a jade heart as a clue to her identity.  In this dramatic piece, Jade McCullough questions whether she is Chinese, American, or Chinese-American?  Through dreams and memories, Jade seeks to find out why she was denied the life she was born to, and how she can become fully herself.  Jade Heart poses the ageless question:  “Who am I?”

The play explores not only the personal journey of its title character, but the affects of China’s one-child policy, established in 1979 to limit population growth.  Fines, pressure to abort, and even forced sterilizations accompany second or subsequent pregnancies.  This rule has caused a disdain for female infants and the preference for sons over daughters, as sons carry on the family name, work the farms, and take care of elderly parents, while girls marry and move away.

Previous work by Will Cooper includes the play Book of Leaves, a finalist at the Ashland New Plays Festival, produced in 2006 at Village Players Theatre.  An Honors English Literature major at Kenyon College, he attended graduate school in English Literature at the University of Chicago, and has studied playwriting at Chicago Dramatists and Victory Gardens Theater.  Several of Cooper’s plays have been developed and workshopped at Chicago Dramatists, including Book of Leaves, Jade Heart, and Shadows of Athens.

Director Russ Tutterow has been the Artistic Director of Chicago Dramatists since 1986. At Chicago Dramatists, he has directed countless new play readings, and nurtured the art and careers of hundreds of playwrights, including Rebecca Gilman, Tina Fey, Sarah Ruhl, Rick Cleveland, David Barr, and Mia McCullough, to name just a few.  Most recently, he directed Chicago Dramatists’ productions of A Steady Rain by Keith Huff, Water by Alice Austen (Jeff Award nomination for New Work), Voyeurs de Venus by Lydia R. Diamond (Jeff Award for New Work), Heat by Marsha Estell (Jeff Award nomination for New Work), and Drawing War by Brett Neveu. He also directed Prop Thtr’s acclaimed production of Rosemary by Jim O’Connor (2002 Jeff Citation for New Work).

Jade Heart stars Christine Timbol Bunuan as “Jade.”  Christine Bunuan was in the Chicago company and the first national tour of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.  Her other credits include “Setsuko” & “Young Miss Saeke” in Kafka on the Shore (Steppenwolf Theatre), “Ching” in The Mistress Cycle (Apple Tree and Auditorium Theater), “Ghost of Christmas Past” in A Christmas Carol (The Goodman Theater), “Jasmine” in Aladdin (Marriott Theater Lincolnshire), and “Tinkerbell” in Peter Pan The Musical (Chicago Shakespeare Theater).  She is a graduate of the Theatre School at DePaul University.

The cast of Jade Heart also features Eliza Shin (Shin Sueme  신수미) as Mu Chang, Ginger Lee McDermott as Brenda, Gordon Chow (曹健華 Cao Jian Wah) as Duan and Melissa Canciller as Mei.

The design team includes Tom Burch (set design), Jeff Pines (lighting design), Michael Griggs (sound design), Samantha Jones (costume design), and Jenniffer Thusing (props design and stage management.)

The performance schedule for Jade Heart is Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.  Regular tickets are $25 for Thursday and Sunday performances and $30 for performances on Friday and Saturday.  Student and Industry tickets are available for $10 on Thursday and Sunday performances.  Group discounts are also available.  For tickets, call Chicago Dramatists at 312.633.0630 or visit www.chicagodramatists.org for more information.

About Pronto ‘Za

Pronto ‘Za, 1234 N. Halsted, serves delicious New York style specialty thin crust pizzas, Za’lads, Za’ndwiches and Wrapz. The venue, along with serving traditional pizzas, specializes in gourmet ones like Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken Toscana and even Crabcake. Delivery and catering are available at 312.302.9988.  Order online at www.prontoza.com.  Pronto ‘Za is open daily 11a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Friday and 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.  Saturday –Sunday with delivery service available 10:45 a.m. – 10:45 p.m. on weekdays, and 11:45 a.m. – 10:45 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  For more information and menu items, visit www.prontoza.com.

About Chicago Dramatists

In the fall of 1979, four playwrights came together to hear their work read aloud and to hone their craft.  Today, Chicago Dramatists’ amazing record of achievement has landed them an invaluable place in the artistic community as a vital source of inspiration to 40 resident playwrights, 160 associate playwrights, 60 associate artists, and thousands of audience members.  Over the past three decades, Chicago Dramatists has worked with over a thousand playwrights, produced and developed thousands of plays and stayed true to its mission to nurture compelling, challenging and diverse plays that move on to productions, earn awards, and define the American theatre.  Chicago Dramatists has worked with hundreds of award winning playwrights and screenwriters, including Tina Fey (30 Rock), Rick Cleveland (Mad Men) Rebecca Gilman (Spinning into Butter), and Keith Huff (A Steady Rain). Each season Chicago Dramatists presents three world premiere productions and the signature Saturday Series, weekly staged readings of plays in progress.  The theatre also conducts educational outreach to at-risk students at Chicago Public Schools, awakening the possibility of self-expression by writing for the theatre. Through passionate dedication, personal nurture and careful exposure, Chicago Dramatists carries on its thirty-one-year-old mission of developing new plays and playwrights for the next generation of theatre.

Chicago Dramatists is located just minutes from the Loop at 1105 W. Chicago Avenue, at the 24-hour Chicago Avenue stop of the Blue Line subway, and is just off the Ogden and Augusta exits of the Kennedy Expressway. There is street parking available and free reserved parking with ticket purchase. For more information visit www.chicagodramatists.org.

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