Can you buy the song of summer?

I don't care how much you push a single, you can only try to influence the song of summer, Mr Thicke. While "Blurred Lines" is a jam, and the video is certainly, um, intriguing, I don't think it has the same allure as Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" or Icona Pop's "I Love It". But who am I to say that only one song should rock your summer? We took a cab across town last weekend and rocked out to all three of these songs, plus a little of Miley's new tune, "We Can't Stop", and you know what? If the windows are down and the wind's in your hair, and you're singing along and dancing in your seat, you're doing summer right.

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Some songs of summers past.

Good Times Were Had

The boyfriend and I took a last minute trip up to a friend's lake house party in Wisconsin this weekend, and it was just what I needed. We were barely gone 24 hours, but I feel so refreshed and relaxed. Sometimes a quick road trip and a few hours on a lake are better than a full blown vacation. I had so much fun just hanging out with friends, swimming, camping and dancing late nite at #ClubPontoon. We even made the requisite stops at Mars Cheese Castle and Bobby Nelson's for some cheese spread, summer sausage, and a whole bunch of Spotted Cow.

Grillin' Weather

It's finally starting to feel more like spring outside, and that means it's time to get the grill out. I've stored my Weber charcoal grill under our deck without a cover for the last couple of years, and it's filthy. I was looking into how to clean it so it has that new shiny black look again, and came across this Weber video on how to spring clean the whole grill. Turns out you don't need a special cleaner, just warm soapy water and a sponge will do the trick for the exterior.



I'm also going to go ahead and order one of these vinyl covers to keep it protected during the winter storage months. If I had realized they were less than ten bucks, I would have gotten one a lot sooner!

Like A Heat Wave

Summer is officially in full swing with a 100+ degree heat wave hanging over Chicago and most of the mid-west as we speak. As summer is swinging, I also find less and less time to sort through my thoughts and post! So, here's a little of what's been going on!

• Tankboy's 40th Birthday Bash at Darkroom on Saturday was a wild success (if I do say so myself as part of the planning committee). Memories were made from the inception of the plan (the guest of honor learning of the surprise show one day early!) to the night of the event (a sleeping Tankboy almost missing his own party!). Thanks again to everyone who helped, all the bands who played, and everyone who came out to make it a special night for Jim. Special thanks to Rudy, Kip, JB, Sam, Ivan, Pogo and Kenny. 

• Thanks to Debby for making our Disney vacation memorable for a different reason.  Instead of relaxing by the pool on vacation with my fam, we rode out a tropical storm that stalled over the state. Even though I didn't come back with a tan, we still managed to have fun once we put our expectations on a shelf, threw on ponchos, and ran to the parks to ride whatever rides we could!

• I made my inaugural visit to Milwaukee's Summerfest for Robyn with my girlfriends. #fembotsroadtrip

• I got to see the Paris Opera Ballet perform Giselle at the Harris. 

Here's a song to help get you through the heat wave. Take with Chicagoist's so hot playlist. Repeat as needed. 

Free Jazz

It starts tonight! Jazz on the Terrace at the MCA! It's one of my favorite free outdoor events in the city in the summer. You can take in the artists up-close in the seats on the terrace, or more as background music with a blanket and friends (and wine) on the lawn below. It's a cool way to see a lot of Chicago's renowned jazz and improvising musicians.

Every Tuesday, 5:30 to 8pm, there's a different musician featured each week, and the whole museum is free all day, so get in there and check out those exhibits. I loved the the summer that we got to spend with Jeff Koons...I wonder what we'll be treated to this year...sorta bummed the "This Will Have Been" tribute to 80's Art, Love and Politics just ended, I never made it in to see it.

Anyway...music, art, wine, free...do it!

Summer is HERE!

Summer is here, which means I am going to be busy busy busy!

Summer in Chicago is unlike anywhere else since we hibernate alllll winter, we are so excited about being able to leave the house without cringing and see other people and enjoy all the festivities that the city has to offer!  Street festivals, MCA Tuesdays on the Terrace, free concerts in Millennium Park, Pitchfork, Lollapalooza... and that's on top of the fact that we have BEACHES!  The best part is that most of the events are focused around music and art.  I'll try to keep you up with all the goings-ons as they happen. 

This weekend kicks off the season with the Do Division Street Festival.  Empty Bottle presents the bands playing, so you know the lineup is great.  I'm particularly excited to see Handsome Furs and White Rabbit.  

Also this Saturday is Chicagoist's 5th Anniversary Party at The Whistler in Logan Square.  Grammar and The Interiors will play with Chicagoist DJs Tankboy, Superbird and Pocket Taco.  Whistler is quickly becoming known for it's fancy drinks and laid-back atmosphere, but the place is tiny so get there early!