CANDACE JORDAN COVERAGE OF REDMOON's SPECTACLE LUNATIQUE

Redmoon Theater's Spectacle Lunatique

 

Maggie Graham during Spectacle Lunatique at the Redmoon Theater. (Travis Haughton, Chicago Tribune / March 15, 2014)

By Candace Jordan, Special to Tribune Newspapers

1:18 p.m. CDT, March 29, 2014

Redmoon Theater hosted a night of fantasy for more than 750 guests at its annual fundraiser, Spectacle Lunatique, held March 15 in its cavernous warehouse space in Pilsen.

Partygoers experienced interactive installations, culinary delights from top restaurants, pyrotechnic displays and aerial artists. Howard Tullman, CEO of tech startup center 1871, was honored with the Galvanizer Award.

Guests took turns on a giant swing set and enjoyed barbecue tastings supplied by the "Cyclone Grill," a merry-go-round-type apparatus with Weber grills. Aerial artists from Redmoon and Aerial Dance Chicago performed, while actors dressed as bears played pool with guests for a $50 donation. Special keys provided entry into the VIP Luna Lodge, where attendees were treated to a private bar, desserts from French Pastry School, massages and faux tattoos.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his wife, Amy Rule, participated in a "Ten-Minute Table for Two" with tastings from Schwa restaurant's executive chef Michael Carlson while a classical opera singer serenaded them for a $250 donation.

Redmoon's executive and producing artistic directors, Jim Lasko and Frank Maugeri, greeted the crowd via video. The short film introduced the company's vision for the future, which includes the Great Chicago Fire Festival, a citywide event that will launch this summer.

After the video, Tullman was honored with the Galvanizer Award in a dramatic ceremony that began with a 38-drummer percussion procession. Spotlights followed the honoree, who arrived in a rickshaw.

Co-chaired by Lucy and Matt Moog, the event raised nearly $400,000 to fund free summer programming in the parks, primarily in underserved areas.

Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.

Visit Candid Candace's website here.

Copyright © 2014 Chicago Tribune Company, LLC

A Redmoon Night to Remember

 

 

A Redmoon Night to Remember

Posted: 03/26/2014 1:48 pm EDT Updated: 03/26/2014 6:59 pm EDT

 

In a city with so many theaters, so much music, so much incredible architecture and so many nationally recognized restaurants, it can be hard to stand out as an artistic organization. What will make you exceptional? Fancy cocktails are everywhere and after a while all arts organization fundraisers blur together, unless it's a Redmoon Theater fundraiser.

On Saturday March 15th, I attended Redmoon's "Scale of the City - Spectacle Lunatique 2014" at the theater's headquarters on the South side for what was an experience that stays with me even now. Redmoon seeks to intentionally open our minds to take in all that is possible and all that is wonderous within us and around us. Redmoon invites us in to be a part of the mystery that is the human imagination. The Spectacle Lunatique Gala was no exception.

Stated best by Producing Artistic Director, Frank Maugeri "Redmoon's mission is to create celebrations and spectacles at the scale of our city which generate and galvanize community... and that is what our gala did... create a monumental experience that was dream like, fantastic and interactive driven by our complex mechanical and gorgeous aesthetic resulting in moments of unexpected surprise and overwhelming joy. The evening accomplished its financial goals and will support manifesting our free work that we are uniquely known for, this summer in over 15 south and west side neighborhoods."

Located at their home HQ between the Pilsen and Chinatown neighborhoods, the festivities took place in the two level warehouse and featured gymnasts maneuvering on pulleys, bringing down appetizers from the sky at your request, violin playing bears serenading the guests, theatrical bicyclists riding contraptions that poured wine as they rolled by and ladies wearing big tables moving throughout the evening offering goodies for the taking. A man wearing a fish head blew out bubbles as he walked loftily through the party to usher in the sushi appetizers. Ladies wearing big top hats with truffle cakes as big as your palm crouched down low to let you pluck your preferred pound of plump from their brims. The revolving BBQ platform featuring at least 6 grills spun 'round and 'round handing out plates of chicken and rice, while the silent auction offered unique opportunities like sitting down with Schwa Chef Michael Carlson for an intimate tasting. My personal favorite was playing pool with a big, burly (and loveable) bear.

Along with 8 chef stations (312 Chicago, Dusek's, Embeya, Flemmings Prime Steakhouse, Nightwood, Schwa, Tuesday night Dinner, Vera) and almost as many mixology stations, there were also several bars and an ever-flowing Manhattan fountain. All this, plus a rocking DJ who took us as all late into the night!

Hopefully the above helps you understand how Redmoon aims to turn life on its head so that we see the world anew. And they succeed. Always. At the mid-March Spectacle, Redmoon turned a blank slate of an old warehouse into a trip down the rabbit hole for a truly, other-worldly, fantastical, Alice-in-Wonderland type experience. We went willingly.

Redmoon reminds us that the world is a big place, that ingenuity is important and that we are only as limited as we let ourselves be. Most importantly, Redmoon gives us art that is memorable. As the great musician Yo Yo Ma has said in interviews on the Internet, "Once something is memorable, it's living and you're using it. That to me is the foundation of a creative society."

In helping to form Chicago as an innovative creative society, Redmoon does us an important service. Successful Chicago businessman and Redmoon Community Galvanizer Award Recipient, Howard Tullman, said this in a previous interview about the importance and competitive edge of living in a creative society. " The best business leaders I know are great storytellers and the arts (in all forms) are how we best tell stories, connect facts and data with real emotion, and excite our people to accomplish great things together. This kind of collaborative and innovative growth and team-based learning simply can't take place in a sterile environment. Art stimulates us and leads us forward in all things."

Through its collaborative art, Redmoon helps Chicago and its neighborhoods to tell its fantastic stories and excites our people to accomplish great things together. It leads us forward to be creative and empowered in seeing all that is possible in the world and to champion that. Thank you, Redmoon, I am grateful.

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Redmoon Galvanizer Award Presentation to 1871 CEO Howard Tullman

 

 

 

1871 CEO to Receive Award

1871 CEO to Receive Award

Howard Tullman, CEO at 1871 and one of our longtime supporters, is set to receive the 2014 Community Galvanizer Award for his dedication and innovation in education and technology, most recently at the world-class tech incubator, 1871.

The Community Galvanizer Award celebrates individuals who galvanize the community for a shared purpose and develop creative approaches to problems that have made a difference in their field, all contributing to the vibrancy of Chicago.

Join Redmoon, Techweek and the rest of the Chicago tech community as we celebrate Howard Tullman with a special ceremony at Spectacle Lunatique.  See below for details:

• When: March 15 at 6:30pm
• Where: Redmoon Theater

To purchase tickets, click here. 

Redmoon's Annual Spectacle Lunatique Set for 3/15

Redmoon's Annual Spectacle Lunatique Set for 3/15

February 19

1:02 PM2014

👤by BWW News Desk

One of Chicago's most anticipated galas, Redmoon's annual Spectacle Lunatique is a decadent night of inspired performance, culinary delights and exclusive previews of Redmoon's upcoming Great Chicago Fire Festival, summer programming and their first indoor Spring Spectacle in Pilsen, all in the industrial elegance of Redmoon's sprawling warehouse performance and event space, 2120 S. Jefferson Street in Pilsen, Saturday, March 15, 2014.

This year, Lunatique's theme of "Redmoon: At the Scale of the City" sets the tone for the evening's offerings as top Chicago chefs and mixologists present unique tastings and expertly crafted cocktails in a setting filled with elegant whimsy and delicious decadence. Matt Moog, founder and CEO of digital startup hub Built In Chicago, and his wife Lucy serve as Co-Chairs of the event. Over 1,000 of Chicago's civic, cultural and business leaders gather for Spectacle Lunatique each year, raising funds for Redmoon's free public work that happens throughout the city, primarily in areas that are culturally underserved.

Howard Tullman, past President and CEO of Flashpoint Academy, Chairman and CEO of Experiencia, Inc. and newly named CEO of Chicago tech hub 1871, will be honored with the 2014 Galvanizer Award. Each year, Redmoon presents this award to an individual who galvanizes communities for a more vibrant Chicago. Tullman receives the award this year for his work and steadfast dedication to creating future leaders in digital arts through Tribeca Flashpoint Academy, his inspiring work in education through the notable transformations of Kendall College and Experiencia, and his tenacity and leadership throughout Chicago's tech community.

The evening begins with an exclusive VIP tasting experience, 6:30 - 8 pm. Several of Chicago's top chefs, including head chefs of Embeya and Nightwood, will present tasting stations of culinary delights around Redmoon's main 16,500-square foot space. Many of the tasting stations will be accompanied by a craft cocktail from one of ten different leading mixologists, including Annamarie Sagoi of The Dawson. Amplifying the imaginative splendor, Aerial Dance Chicago and Redmoon aerial artists perform overhead and aid the chefs in presenting their creations from the sky to the mouth. Other chefs and mixologists featured include Steve Charrow from Brindille, Eric Mersch from Wirtz Beverage Group, Thomas Mooneyham from the Gage, Chris Neustadt from Cask & Courtesy and Paul Sauter from Mercadito/Double A.

Individual and group package ticket holders are invited into the space, 8 - 10 pm. Chef stations give way to passed tastings representing the culinary offerings of Flemmings, Frontier, La Sirena Clandestina, Pizano's Pizzeria, Shaw's Crab House, Sunda, Vera, Ill Forks, 90 Miles Cuban Café and The French Pastry School. Three specialty cocktails from star mixologists will be available along with an open bar.

At 10 pm, doors open for late night ticket holders to enjoy drinks, late night bites including desserts from West Town Bakery and Spin Spun cotton candy, music and dancing.

In addition to palate-pleasing hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, Redmoon will transform its event space into a wild and surreal dreamscape with spectacle devices, dozens of costumed performers and more.

The Luna Lodge, a special "hotel" area of the event offering the best views of the party, will be available for exclusive VIP seating, in addition to massages, straight-razor shaves, haircut and other grooming/spa stations to pamper and rejuvenate guests.

A Chinese Tea Room will provide an oasis of serenity and additional service.

Performers and innovative devices will appear throughout the event space, including the premiere of several unique Redmoon creations. Among them are the Cyclone Grill, an elevated, spinning "drum kit style" array of real working grills; The Kegway, a draft beer service Segway; a robotic whiskey service backpack; 12 bellboy characters with unique turn-of-the-century costumes who activate service performance; 30-foot-tall Hot Air Balloon truffle servers; a pair of massive oversized gongs; a Fire Flower Installation; a raucous Drum Cart performance moment featuring over 30 mobile percussionists, and more. Over 25 visual artists, 90 performers and five engineers and designers will participate.

Ticket Packages for the VIP Tasting Experience from 6:30 - 8 pm begin at $5,000. Individual and group tickets, which include entrance beginning at 8 pm, are $450 or available for a group of 8 at $3,500. Late night admission tickets are $100. Tickets are available by calling the Redmoon Box Office at 312-850-8440 x123 or online at www.redmoon.org. Spectacle Lunatique is for patrons 21 years and older.

1871 ceo howard tullman selected for redmoon 2014 galvanizer award

Redmoon's Spectacle Lunatique: A Magical Night Honoring Howard Tullman (Video)

Candid Candace

• About Candace

Redmoon's Spectacle Lunatique: A Magical Night Honoring Howard Tullman (Video)

By Candace Jordan, Wednesday at 6:59 pm

One of Chicago’s most anticipated galas, Redmoon Theater's annualSpectacle Lunatique will be held on Saturday, March 15.  This decadent night of inspired performances and culinary delights will be held in the industrial elegance of Redmoon’s 57,000-square foot warehouse studio in Pilsen.  Over 1,000 of Chicago’s civic, cultural and business leaders gather for Spectacle Lunatique each year raising funds for Redmoon’s free public work that happens throughout the city, primarily in areas that are culturally underserved. 

Howard Tullman, President and CEO of Flashpoint Academy, Chairman and CEO of Experiencia, Inc. and newly named CEO of Chicago tech hub 1871, will be honored as the 2014 Galvanizer Award recipient.  Each year, Redmoon presents this award to an individual who galvanizes communities for a more vibrant Chicago. 

This year, Lunatique’s theme of “Redmoon: At the Scale of the City” will inspire the evening’s offerings as performances throughout the space give guests an exclusive preview of the Spring Spectacle and the designs and planning of the inaugural Great Chicago Fire Festival, due to take place in October.  This year, over a dozen of Chicago’s top chefs will be represented in “tasting experiences” throughout the evening, all presented in Redmoon’s signature style combining imagination, whimsy and the unexpected.  Music and an open bar complete the experience. 

Tickets:  VIP: $625, General: $450, Late Night: $100.  Tickets are available by calling the Redmoon Box Office at 312-850-8440 x123 or online atwww.redmoon.org.

 (To see how magical this night will be, check out this Telly Award-winning segment from a past Spectacle Lunatique party on my "Candid Candace Chicago" show on Watch312.com below plus photos from past events byMila Samokhina and Christina Noel: