Over 300 music lovers and flavor fanatics scored the ultimate appetizer before yesterday’s Lollapalooza festival, as the Takis Intense Nacho Tour converted Lake Michigan into a nautical nacho wonderland.
Last week, singer, reality television star and performer Erika Jayne made her highly anticipated return to the iconic role of Roxie Hart in the long-running musical Chicago. To mark the occasion, an exclusive VIP after-party at Branch, the new private members club perched above Bryant Park in the Park Terrace Hotel, followed the iconic performance!
Pepsi Dig In held a pop-up at the newly opened SAINT in Hell’s Kitchen, Manhattan in honor of Pepsi Dig In Day. The event served as a preview for 2024’s Pepsi Dig In Day, a day spent encouraging diners to attend Black-owned restaurants.
We joined voco for its Grand Opening in downtown Chicago, marking its first location in the Midwest and the fourth in the country. Following the Grand Opening event, we were invited to a staycation to experience the new hotel firsthand.
The voco Chicago is a reimagined hotel with contemporary rooms and upscale amenities set in the heart of Downtown Chicago with a focus on comfort and style. Operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts, this renovation is the hotel chain’s first dual-branded voco and Holiday Inn property, adding to voco’s 41 properties worldwide. With the temperature dropping and winter approaching, we were looking forward to experience voco’s first hotel in Chicago and a warm retreat in the Windy City.
The voco hotel lives just across from the Merchandise Mart and train station, making it a convenient stop from all corners of Chicagoland. We took the Purple Line from my home in Lincoln Park and made it door-to-door in around half an hour.
Tucked on the cross streets of Kinzie and North Orleans Street, we followed the sign to the newly renovated check-in desk, one side designated for voco and the other for the Holiday Inn
The Grand Opening event was held on the 15th floor “living room” of the voco Hotel and drew in a crowd of hospitality professionals, press, along with friends of the hotel. The modern décor and seating served as an inviting space for guests to enjoy Chicago inspired bites, live music, a dessert bar, and a festive photobooth. This floor is the heart of the hotel, encompassing the lobby, event space, and dining, while boasting a soaring atrium and open space making it a perfect venue for events like the Grand Opening. Television screens throughout the hotel welcomed guests with a curated selection of things to do in Chicago like a hot chocolate race in Millennium Park where runners can enjoy a jog through the city with street treats, and an immersive experience at the Field Museum’s “Wild Color” exhibit where visitors explore how plants and animals use color to ward off predators. For food and drinks, the Waterview Kitchen and Bar offer a comfortable invitation to enjoy a signature cocktail alone, or gathered with friends and colleagues. A favorite was the “Owl” cocktail, an elevated Old Fashioned made with Four Roses Bourbon, Regan’s bitters, and orange bitters.
credit: Marcin Cymmer
Check our on-the-scene highlights from the evening here.
Location:
Steps away from Millennium Park, Merchandise Mart, Fulton Market, the Loop, and more. Whether dining out at Chicago’s most acclaimed restaurants or jogging through the Chicago Riverwalk, guests can experience all of what downtown has to offer at their fingertips.
The voco Experience
Having never stayed at an IHG hotel, we were excited to spend a night following the grand opening event. We were welcomed with an eco-friendly “Birds of a Feather” package which included a pair of sustainably made All Birds Tree Runners, hotel signature tote bag, craft soda, and welcome note — a charming treat to begin the stay.
“Birds of a Feather” is one of the new limited-edition packages available at the voco Chicago that feature exclusive amenities and experiences, built on the brand’s unique and inviting ethos focusing on sustainability. The machine-washable tree runners are made with sustainable materials like eucalyptus tree fiber and the shoelaces are made from recycled plastic bottles. The package also includes a QR code to access local guides and explore Chicago, which was the perfect opportunity to discover the vibrant nightlife at my own leisure. Other limited-edition offers in international voco locations include a “Very Important Peddlers” package that giving guests access to a fleet of bicycles, and a “Sip & Paint” package with complimentary Pinot while creating your own masterpiece.
The guest room offered everything you might find in a premium hotel like thoughtfully curated furnishings, power outlets, storage and closet room, and a plush King bed. Where voco sets itself apart is the ambience and small touches that make the guests feel like they’re home away from home.
Chicago inspired artwork complements the accents and textures of the guest room. Refined and modern bathroom features Apotheke toiletries in delicious white vetiver, a perfect clean scent with added depth. Muted green wallpaper gives the room character and a designed aesthetic.
With this being during work week, I needed to be productive and relaxed, and the room delivered on both of those needs. The room was equipped with a comfortable and ergonomic desk, Nespresso pods, and beautiful artwork that not only made for a productive day of early meetings but also a calm and comfortable environment to relax.
At night, we saw views of the iconic Chicago skyline and the vibrant lights from the Merchandise Mart. The morning sunlight offers a stunning view of the river and architecture of the Michigan Avenue bridge.
Although the hotel did not offer room service during the time of our stay, we had the chance to grab breakfast from the Riverbend Market (which is also open 24 hours) for a hearty Chicago-inspired plate of Chicken and Waffles, made with Belgium waffles and spiced maple syrup. We also loved the reusable water bottles with refill stations on every floor, eliminating the need to go out and buy bottles of water.
The 24-hour fitness center adjacent to the indoor pool and sauna is equipped with brand new state-of-the-art machines and Peloton bike.
Starting at a rate from $120 per night, this a great value for a newly renovated IHG property. Even if you’re not staying here, we would recommend paying a visit to the Waterview Kitchen and Bar for a casual, inviting ambience. Overall, we had a wonderful stay at the voco Chicago and will be sure to keep a look out for other voco hotels in the future.
Courtesy of @realcottontale
“I’m from Chicago, the birthplace of gospel” and with those words music producer and composer turned performer, Peter CottonTale, made history at this year’s BMI Stage at Chicago’s Lollapalooza. Now, the iconic and legendary BMI stage at Lollapalooza is known for supporting emerging, up-and-coming as well as established artists. The stage has been home to acts like Neon Trees, Elle King, and even Lady Gaga.
However, this year’s performance with Peter CottonTale was certainly history-making. At the beginning of his set, he acknowledged the fact that like himself, Chicago, was the birthplace of gospel. He added it was funny that Chicago’s most iconic music festival had never had a gospel performance before. To a packed crowd he joked if those in attendance didn’t get a chance to make it to church today well church is coming to you.
He began his set accompanied by a choir with the song, “God is Love,” before performing “Hi-5,” “He is Real,” and “I Want to Thank You.” He rounded out the first part of his set with his collaboration with the mega-church Hillsong for the songs, “As I Am” and “Grateful/Together.”
Not missing the opportunity to collaborate with some of his famous friends and those he admires, Peter CottonTale was then joined on stage by Reese for the guitar and keyboard-driven song “Do Your Thing.” CottonTale followed that performance up with the toe-tapping and uplifting “When I Get There,” with Jamila. He rounded out this part of the set with Joey performing “Don’t Leave” and then “Give It Up to God.” He also teamed up with Vic Mensa for “No Worries” as well as Tiff Joy for “Feels Like Church.”
Then to the crowd’s delight, the versatile Gammy-winning artist, CottonTale, called on an old friend to come by and help him uplift the crowd during this historic event. CottonTale tapped his decade-long friend and Chicago’s son, Chance the Rapper, to help him deliver powerful renditions of “Pray for Real” and “Forever Always.” Chance the Rapper called out to the crowd numerous times to show his love and support.
At the end of the show, the 15+ performers all headed backstage to commemorate this historic moment. It’s during this time that we caught up with the one the only Chance the Rapper, who expressed what the moment meant to him. “It’s amazing,” Chance acknowledged about the moment. He added, “it’s a blessing [especially on a Sunday], absolutely!”
After a two year hiatus due to Covid restrictions, the annual Sweets and Snacks Expo for 2022 returned to Chicago and featured a huge activation from SNAX-Sational Brands.
The comedic duo, Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle have brought the outrageously hilarious comedy show, South Side back for season two.
Recently traveling as a digital nomad, I had the opportunity to test ride the all-new 2021 Harley Davidson Sportster S in Chicago. As primarily an entertainment journalist still in the honeymoon phase of motorcycling, I was ecstatic to jump on a brand new Harley bike. During the few weeks I rode it, the Sportster and I were the center of attention everywhere we went. The feeling of riding on this bike itself is unrivaled, but what surprised me even more was the lifestyle and community I was welcomed to.
Getting Started
As recent travel has been chaotic to say the least, I was lucky enough to be a short hour and a half train ride from downtown Chicago to the Harley-Davidson Headquarters in Milwaukee to collect the bike. I was welcomed by Paul James, PR Manager at Harley, for an introduction to the new 2021 Sportster S performance motorcycle. To say that I was in awe would have been an understatement – the Sportster embodied a futuristic, conceptual design in a compact size, taking a nod from their iconic XR750 model racing bike. After a brief demo, Paul personally escorted me to the freeway where the Sportster S and I had our initial ride down the I-94, giving me an opportunity to take in belts of the Midwestern fields and scenery as I cruised into the vignettes of the fall dusk.
A New Companion
“The Sportster S is the next all-new motorcycle built on the Revolution Max platform and sets a new performance standard for the Sportster line,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “This is a next generation Sportster defined by power, performance, technology and style. And it’s part of our commitment to introduce motorcycles that align with our strategy to increase desirability and to drive the legacy of Harley-Davidson.”
In the new age of travel and lack of interpersonal interaction, I was overjoyed to have a companion as a digital nomad, and even more so a bike that could transition easily into my lifestyle in a metropolitan city. Taking the Sportster out every day was an exciting way to break up the tedium of working from home, and with a low seat height and ultra slim profile, the bike was a dream to maneuver and cruise through Chicago. As a new morning routine, the novelty of admiring the bike never wore off, namely the glistening Stone Washed White Pearl paint contrasted against the aggressive 16 inch tires and exposed Revolution Max 1250T engine.
- Parked outside Philz Coffee while sipping my daily Americano, this bike definitely says, “Not your dad’s Harley”. The silhouette is unquestionably a redefined vision of the existing Harley Sportster models and departure from the traditional cruiser designs. Its styling communicates not only power, but confidence and thrill.
2021 Sportster S – Scotland Photo Shoot
- “Every visual design element of the Sportster S model is an expression of the motorcycle’s raw power,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Styling and Design.
Adventure
The round 4.0-inch-diameter TFT liquid-crystal screen was an essential feature that made traveling around Chicago seamless. The screen displays all of the information and entertainment options easily, including navigation, music, and speedometer, which all pair to the Harley-Davidson® App. My favorite ride was cruising down Chicago’s Lakeshore Drive, an expressway running alongside the shoreline of Lake Michigan through the city. Pockets down Lakeshore were abuzz with life and culture, but vast enough where social distancing was hardly difficult. The speed down Lakeshore is a sensible 45-50mph, bordered by over 15 miles of green trail, beaches, skyscrapers and cultural attractions.
- Bright blue skies along Lakeshore
- Fall foliage in Chicago’s Lincoln Park
- One of the first trips I set out on was to catch the sweeping sunset views of the horizon at Montrose beach, Chicago’s largest man-made beach on the lakefront. Driving into gravel from the concrete road allowed for the perfect opportunity to utilize the interchangeable ride modes that the Sportster features: Road Mode, Speed Mode, Rain Mode, and Custom Mode. Pressing the Mode button on the handle instantly affects throttle, engine braking, traction control, and ABS. I could notice immediately the difference from Road Mode to Rain Mode as the safety features kicked in. As a relatively new rider, it was definitely reassuring to have the additional safety enhancements.
- Sportster® S Model Infotainment: The Sportster® S model display supports infotainment via Bluetooth® with music, voice commands to place or receive calls, turn by turn navigation, and a speedometer.
- Although the stock model doesn’t come with any storage compartments, I was able to nestle in an AirTag in the bike. Being directionally challenged, the integrated Navigation and AirTag location made it seamless to locate the bike wherever I went.
- My go-to attire was a structured but lightweight lambskin All Saints Motorcycle jacket paired with black jeans, Saint Laurent boots, and a Louis Vuitton crossbody messenger that made for an easy and durable outfit for any occasion day or night.
- Running errands in the city on the Sportster was always an adventure. The convenience of parking is easily the biggest benefit of riding a motorcycle, especially in downtown Michigan Avenue where I was always able to find gaps on the busy parked streets.
- The Sportser S nestled in downtown Chicago’s expansive skyline.
New Community
I was always enticed by the Motorcycle Culture and its self-contained community: a subculture of American rebels who don’t live by the rules. Despite being a somewhat experienced rider, I was skeptical of how the community would receive riders from different backgrounds like me. Admittedly, most bikers I’ve seen in media and in real life were pictured stereotypically as tattooed and bearded, so I was naturally curious to know how I would fit in.
I was pleasantly surprised by being approached regularly by Chicagoans. The conversations and connections throughout my time with the Sportster were varied, largely ranging curious bystanders to Harley enthusiasts. In addition, I was a millennial minority in the Midwest sporting a Harley bike, which I hope gives influence to perspective individuals looking to explore a new journey in this changing age of travel. Progressively, I began to feel included in a newfound community that I previously thought was unavailable to me. The connection between bikers was particularly noteworthy, it felt like gaining access to a community with other men without a stigma.
I believe the fact alone that I wasn’t a stereotypical burly and bearded man on this bike was enough to capture attention, but the combination of what I represented as a millennial living an alternative lifestyle made the dynamic even more interesting. The stark contrast between myself and the regular Harley rider taught me that there is not one stereotypical Harley enthusiast.
Final thoughts
Traveling on the road presented a captivating and genuine picture of the city of Chicago. Additionally, the idea of being a motorcyclist transcended beyond solely a mode of transportation to an extension of myself and how I influence and deconstruct the image of a previously thought exclusive community. Enhanced with technology and safety, the Sportster S is the perfect bike for a new generation of riders while also connecting with its core customers, the performance power and ability to customize makes it adaptable universally.
Personally, I’m optimistic to see the future of riding as more inclusive, redefining the motorcycle culture from traditionally masculine to all people who are fearless, risk takers, and adventurers. At the end of the journey, I am surprised how a nascent idea to learn to bike affected such an integrated piece of my journeyed identity. It was definitely a bittersweet farewell to end the test ride.
About Harley-Davidson:
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Our ambition is to maintain our place as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, experiences, motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road.
The 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle line, the Sportster S is now Harley-Davidson dealers starting at a base MSRP of $14,999.
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