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ON THE TOWN with Linda Matlow |
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by Linda Matlow
POLICE BUST IN “CHINATOWN”
Vonda Shepard entertained the lunchtime crowd at Border’s Books
& Music on Michigan Avenue promoting her new CD, Chinatown.
The faces of her captivated audience suddenly seemed to freeze
about mid-way through the Performance by Vonda and her guitarist. The
vast windows of Border’s third floor, were immediately behind the
musical duo and from them folks could see about 40 police cars and
police busses pulling in with lights flashing and sirens wailing.
Scores of Chicago police, decked out in riot gear, suddenly
filled the empty lot at “Gallery 37” on State Street.
It felt like being in some Hitchcock movie like, “The Birds.”
Something weird and bad could be happening, but you just didn’t
know what it was or what you ought to do next!
The riot police had their meeting and fortunately, the WTO
protesters were peaceful. Vonda
calmly signed autographs for her fans that stuck around. MATLIN “SIGNS” AT BORDERS
Actress Marlee Matlin was recently held a book signing and
Q&A Session at Border’s Books and Music Michigan Avenue store, for
her new kids’ novel,
“Deaf Child Crossing.”
Deaf since she was eighteen months old, Marlee Matlin, won an
Academy Award for her performance in the film, “Children of a Lesser
God,” and is a regular on the hit television series, “The West
Wing.” Matlin has written
a compelling and often humorous story of friendship, loosely based on
events from her own childhood growing up in Chicago.
“Deaf Child Crossing” will strike a chord with anyone who has
ever had, or wanted, a best friend.
The former Morton Grove, Illinois native is married to a
policeman and is the mother of three children.
During her Q&A segment with the audience, Matlin answered
questions using sign language as her interpreter vocalized her answers.
She impressed the audience with her friendliness and wit. “MAX”-IMUM FOCUS ON ART
Peter Max stopped by Border’s Books &Music Michigan Avenue
store to sign copies of his new art book, “The Art Of Peter Max.”
Chicago’s art savvy set snagged books and waited patiently for
an autograph and a chance to chat with the man who greatly helped to
define the abstract/psychedelic art
explosion that was such a big part of late ‘60s and early ‘70s pop
culture. A few folks
commented on how the book had beautiful reproductions of many of the
original MAX paintings that had been available for purchase to Windy
City art afficionados decades earlier at the now defunct Circle Gallery.
If one took the CTA to school or work back in the late 1960’s
or early 1970’s, the busses and trains had mini-MAX posters
prominently displayed. He
was so popular at the time, that those posters usually ended on
people’s private walls, getting snatched almost as quickly as they
were put up. NICE JOB IF YOU CAN GET IT
Popular ABC World News Tonight’s newscaster, Peter Jennings,
signed copies of his new “In Search of America” book at Border’s
Books & Music State Street Store.
More than a few jaws dropped when Jennings announced that he did
not finish high school nor attend college.
How I wish I’d asked the multi-million dollar question of –
“How did you get that job?” – but I didn’t get the chance.
Now, like the rest of you, I will have to read the book! POLITICAL PUNDIT ON NU-PATRIOTIC POSTERS
Bill Maher, comedian and political pundit who hosted
television’s irreverent “Politically Incorrect” program for nine
years, came to Borders Michigan Avenue for a discussion and signing for
his brand new coffee table book, “When You Ride Alone, You Ride With
bin Laden: What the Government Should Be Telling Us to Help Fight the
War on Terrorism.”
“My book is a guide to how we all can connect what we do on the
home front to quicker victory in the war on terrorism. Everyone has seen
prints of the old posters from World Wars I and II and from the Cold
War,” he said. “This
book contains the posters our government should be plastering
everywhere. Though our
country is fighting a very different kind of war, the common thread is
the idea that civilian support can be the deciding factor in any war,
provided people know what to do. Loving my country as I do, it is my
sincerest hope that this book will help.”
Maher’s previous books include – “Does Anybody Have a
Problem with That?,” “Politically Incorrect’s Greatest Hits” and
the novel, “ True Story.” Maher
announced to the legion of fans, that he has a brand new show HBO will
begin airing on HBO in February. “MAYOR RUDY” BECOMES A PIED PIPER?
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani signed copies of his
book, “Leadership,” at Border’s Books and Music on State Street.
Over 2000 people stood in line for an autographed copy.
A modern day hero, those people who left the Chicago appearance
book-less, vowed to follow Mayor Rudy to another city and get there
earlier! SELA SHARES HER MEMORIES...
Actress Sela Ward had a book signing for her memoir,
“Homesick” at Border’s Books & Music State Street Store.
Currently in the television series, “Time and Again,” Ward
had previously starred opposite Bruce Springsteen’s ex-wife Julianne
Phillips in the weekly series, “Sisters,” which was a popular TV
drama program in the late 1980’s. CHICAGOANS GET AN “EYE”-FULL OF BEAUTY...
Marshall Fields: Estée
Lauder spokesperson, supermodel and film actress – Elizabeth Hurley
– joined Evelyn Lauder at Marshall Fields on Michigan Avenue in late
October to help launch Lauder’s beautiful new photography book, “An
Eye for Beauty” (Abrams). All
proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the Breast Cancer
Research Foundation.
Mrs. Evelyn Lauder is the Founder and Chairman of The Breast
Cancer Research Foundation, Senior Corporate Vice President of the Estée
Lauder Companies, wife of Leonard Lauder and daughter-in-law to Mrs. Estée
Lauder.
“An Eye for Beauty” is now available at bookstores nationwide
and costs $35.00. October
being Breast Cancer Awareness month, it seemed the perfect time to
release this book. Hundreds
stood in line to obtain an autographed copy of Lauder’s work, which
was also signed by Hurley.
I was invited (or maybe I begged ?) to the special tea that was
held for the ladies as part of the event.
An intimate crowd of less than 100 were privy to a spectacular
tea in a spacious room custom-designed just for this event, on the
seventh floor of Marshall Fields. Accents of pink were everywhere, as
delicious sandwiches, sconces and pastries made for a great and
memorable afternoon.
Elizabeth’s son, Damian (watched over by the nanny) was
fashionably attired in a toddler’s leopard print jumpsuit.
Mom is apparently giving her son an early fashion start!
The maternal Elizabeth kept her eye on Damian at all times.
Sadly, she had to leave the spectacular tea early to fly back to London.
This is the second time Ms. Hurley has been to Marshall Fields
State Street store!
Have a Happy and Safe Holiday!
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