50 Interview Milestone

This week, I'm so happy to announce that I have completed my fiftieth and fifty-first interviews. Over 50 interviews! Wow. What an absolute pleasure. I talked with Olivia Block, sound artist, and Tomeka Reid, cellist and composer this week. I am so honored to have had the chance to talk to them.

I'm so amazed that I have gotten to talk to so many incredible women. I have gotten to explore the city a bit more seeing neighborhoods that I was not familiar with and revisiting old neighborhoods. I've talked to circus performers, a fashion designer, costume designer, painters, performance artists, and so many others who work in the broad spectrum of the arts. I've talked to a diverse crowd of people of different ethnicities, races, birthplaces, ages, and so much more. 

I thank every single of them for taking the time to meet with me and share their stories. I feel very lucky that I live in a city like Chicago with so many active artists in numerous fields. I'm super excited to start editing the book filled with so much talent and heart. Thank you. Thank you thank you. 

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It's been a busy few weeks. Last weekend was the AAUW's Jane Addams Day at Hull House. It was my third year running the event You can read about how I got involved at my other blog here: http://wp.me/p44HaC-oW

Here is my summary of how the event went itself: http://wp.me/p44HaC-p9

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As a final treat, Artnet published a list of "20 Emerging Female Artists to Keep on Your Radar." While the list is a bit NY centric, it's still rather neat. I can't wait to check out these women's work. Check the article out here:

https://news.artnet.com/people/20-emerging-female-artists-2015-383411?utm_content=buffera5e84&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialmedia

Upcoming Events

Exciting events around town!

I am pleased to announce that AAUW will be hosting its third Jane Addams Day Celebration at Hull House (Resident's Dining Hall) staring performer/songwriter Kristin Lems on December 5th at 2pm.   She will share stories about her family’s experiences with Jane Addams and perform songs written about the life of
Jane Addams. Join us for a historic Jane Addams’ speech and song! The event will
conclude with lemonade and cookies. Come and celebrate this amazing woman with  AAUW! 

For more information check out the Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/1634847263465352/

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Also Kristin Lems has a new CD out: You, Me, and All of the Above. It has great songs including a song about Captain Streeter and Carl the Guinea Hen. Check it out here: 

http://www.kristinlems.com/you_me_and_all_of_the_above1/

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Jamie O'Reilly, performer, producer, and huge supporter of this project, has re-released her incredible CD I Know Where I am Going. Check it out here:

 http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jamieoreilly5

There are two upcoming shows with the CD release: 

On Thursday, November 19th, at the Veteran's Room in Oak Park, IL, Jamie O'Reilly, Peter Swanson, Michael Smith, and reader Belinda Bremner will perform "I Know Where I'm Going," an evening of Irish Songs and Poetry.
More information:  http://oppl.org/events/friends-library-folk-music-concert-jamie-oreilly?ajax=1

On Wednesday, December 2nd, there will be a Christmas Show at Chief O’Neill’s PubWith Jamie O’Reilly. Peter Swenson, Michael Smith, Belinda Bremner and surprise guests!
More information at: http:chiefoneillspub.com

For more information about these events, check out Jamie O'Reilly's website: http://www.jamieoreilly.com/jamies-november-e-news-concerts-1119-122-radio-cds/

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Mary Ellen Croteau is also having a solo show at the Harold Washington Library 8th floor gallery starting November 13th until January 15th. Check out more information: http://www.maryellencroteau.net/mec_website/Whats_New.html