Happy Father’s Day

​Happy Father’s Day to all who are celebrating and to all who are remembering! 

ENERI News Blogger 

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The Obama Presidential Center Chicago, Illinois OPENING WEEKEND Continued … SCHEDULE

​The Obama Presidential Center 

Chicago, Illinois 

OPENING WEEKEND Continued …

SCHEDULE

Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (CST)

Spotlight Stories

Spotlight Stories offer 15-minute tour experiences focused on specific campus landmarks.

Fruit and Vegetable Garden

10:30 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | 1:30 a.m. | 2:30 p.m. | 3:30 p.m.

Learn about design, sustainability, and the power of rooting community in nature. Meet your guide at the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden.

Julie Mehretu and Alison Saar

11 a.m. | 12 p.m. |  2 p.m. | 3 p.m. | 4 p.m.

Join an immersive look at two new art installations: Julie Mehretu's Uprising of the Sun and Alison Saar's Torch Song. Meet your guide at the Women’s Garden.

Performances on the John Lewis Plaza 

Host: Lizzie G

10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | DJ Ca$h Era and Lizzie G

11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Black Hawk Performance Company: Experience electrifying stories of the original people of this Native land through vibrant regalia, spellbinding dance and magnificent music. The Black Hawk Performance Company and the Little Priest Drum Group are sponsored by the American Indian Association of Illinois.

1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | Mandala South Asian Performance Company: Experience a music, dance, storytelling, and interactive performance that fosters cross-cultural exchange.

2 - 2:45 p.m. and 4 - 4:45 p.m. | DJ Mike P and Lizzie G

3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. | Mucca Pazza: Witness marching band traditions and street theater spectacle with rock and roll sensibilities.

Art for Everyone 

Button Making

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. |  Democracy in Action Program Rooms

Color, customize, and make your very own button with Busy Beaver Button Company to commemorate the Obama Presidential Center opening.

Screen Printing

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Democracy in Action Program Rooms

Create your own commemorative tote bag with artist William Estrada and his Mobile Art Cart.

Cross-Stitch Workshop

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Democracy in Action Program Rooms

Participate in a collaborative cross-stitch workshop with Stitch Gawd and help create a dynamic artwork that will evolve throughout the weekend.

Share Your Reflections

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Democracy in Action Program Rooms

Write a note to President and Mrs. Obama about your visit to the Obama Presidential Center. 

Face Painting & Bubble Artist

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.| Playground & Picnic Area

Enjoy face painting and bubble art by Wowzers & Chicago Bubble Show.

Poetry Prompts

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Chicago Public Library

Join StoryStudio Chicago for drop-in writing experiences.

Brain Builder: Book Bird

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Chicago Public Library courtyard

Join the Art Institute of Chicago and engage with the commissioned art piece Book Bird by Richard Hunt.

Brain Builder: Bending the Arc

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Chicago Public Library

Join the Art Institute of Chicago and engage with the commissioned art piece Bending the Arc by Martin Puryear.

Chicago Public Library

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Chicago Public Library

Join the Chicago Public Library for storytimes and button making with families and children.

Reflections

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Chicago Public Library

Living Record will provide prompts to share reflections of the weekend to be included in a time capsule. 

Crochet Jump Rope

3 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Home Court

Join fiber artist House of Chelsea B for art making and double dutch.

Garden Gatherings

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Fruit & Vegetable Garden

Urban Growers Collective will preview the signature outdoor program celebrating wellness and creativity.

Sports & Play

10 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Home Court

Let’s Play: Join a Sports & Play Clinic with the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Sky, including appearances by mascots and DJ Rul, DJ Will and Young Wayne.

Sunday, June 21 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Spotlight Stories

Spotlight Stories offer 15-minute tour experiences focused on specific campus landmarks.

Fruit and Vegetable Garden

10:30 a.m. | 11:30 a.m. | 1:30 a.m. | 2:30 p.m. | 3:30 p.m.

Learn about design, sustainability, and the power of rooting community in nature. Meet your guide at the Eleanor Roosevelt Fruit and Vegetable Garden.

Julie Mehretu and Alison Saar

11 a.m. | 12 p.m. |  2 p.m. | 3 p.m. | 4 p.m.

Join an immersive look at two new art installations: Julie Mehretu's Uprising of the Sun and Alison Saar's Torch Song. Meet your guide at the Women’s Garden

Performances on the John Lewis Plaza 

Host: Lizzie G

10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. | DJ Rae Chardonnay and Lizzie G: maintain a vibrant atmosphere on the Plaza.

11 a.m. - 11:45 p.m. | Meagan McNeal + Band: Enjoy songs by Meagan McNeal, a vocalist whose performances are rooted in gospel, jazz, and R&B.

2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. | DJ TRQPITECA and Lizzie G: DJ TRQPITECA and Lizzie G maintain a vibrant atmosphere on the Plaza.

3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. | Mariachi Herencia de Mexico: Enjoy a live performance from 2x Latin GRAMMY-nominated Mariachi Herencia de Mexico. 

Art for Everyone 

Button Making

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Democracy in Action Program Rooms, Forum building

Color, customize, and make your very own button with Busy Beaver Button Company to commemorate the Obama Presidential Center opening..

Screen Printing

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.| Democracy in Action Program Rooms, Forum building

Create your own commemorative tote bag with artist William Estrada and his Mobile Art Cart.

Cross-Stitch Workshop

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Democracy in Action Program Rooms, Forum building

Participate in a collaborative cross-stitch workshop with Stitch Gawd and help create a dynamic artwork that will evolve throughout the weekend.

Share Your Reflections

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Democracy in Action Program Rooms, Forum building

Write a note to President and Mrs. Obama about your visit to the Obama Presidential Center. 

Face Painting & Bubble Artist

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Playground & Picnic Area

Enjoy face painting and bubble art by Wowzers & Chicago Bubble Show.

Poetry Prompts

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Chicago Public Library

Join Story Studio Chicago for drop-in writing experiences.

Brain Builder: Book Bird

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Chicago Public Library courtyard

Join the Art Institute of Chicago and engage with the commissioned art piece Book Bird by Richard Hunt.

Chicago Public Library

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Chicago Public Library

Join the Chicago Public Library for storytimes and button making with families and children.

Reflections

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Chicago Public Library

Living Record will provide prompts to share reflections of the weekend to be included in a time capsule. 

Crochet Jump Rope

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.| Home Court

Join fiber artist House of Chelsea B for art making and double dutch.

Garden Gatherings

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.| Fruit & Vegetable Garden

Urban Growers Collective will preview the signature outdoor program celebrating wellness and creativity.

Sports & Play

Father’s Day Walk

10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. .m. | Picnic Area

Join Peace Runners 773 for a campus walk celebrating leadership, legacy, and fatherhood through fitness and connection. 

Let’s Play

10 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. | Home Court

Join a Sports & Play Clinic with the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Fire FC and Chicago Stars FC including appearances by mascots and DJ Rul and Genna Rose.

(SOURCE: The Obama Foundation)

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ENERI News Blogger

#Juneteenth

​#Juneteenth

“Catch As Catch Can,” at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre

​

Finished up an incredible day with catching an evening performance of Mia Chung’s “Catch As Catch Can,” at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, directed by Amy Morton (“Chicago PD”) and starring Gary Cole (“NCIS”). Runs through July 12th;   visit Steppenwolf.com for more info and to book tickets. 

(SP/Photos by/Copyright 2026 ENERI Communications and Rieny G. Cualoping - June 18, 2026) With Karen Uchima, via cell cam .

ENERI News Blogger 

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Legends, Celebrities and Politicos !!! A M A Z I NG Mega-Production Today! WHO WAS THERE TODAY?!! Rieny G. Cualoping Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, Chicago, Illinois

​Legends, Celebrities and Politicos !!!

A M A Z I NG Mega-Production Today!

WHO WAS THERE TODAY?!!

Rieny G. Cualoping 

Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, Chicago, Illinois 

The Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center today (Invite-Only) showcased amazing A-List artists and drew many A-list celebrities, as well as four living former Presidents and their spouses!

Former President Barack Obama, joined on stage by his wife, former first lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha Obama, oversaw a star-studded grand opening ceremony that also featured other living former presidents: Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and former First Ladies Dr. Jill Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.

Former world leaders introduced at the start of the program included former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The 19-acre Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side features a museum (designed by Tod Williams and Xx Tchien),  a new Chicago Public Library branch complete with all new books, an athletic center (complete with an NBA-regulation-size basketball court), a civic center, a playground and a vegetable garden.

PROGRAM

The Obama Foundation featured several Rock and Roll Hall of Famers and musical legends among the performers participating in the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago on June 18. 

They include:

The Roots

Bruce Springsteen

Christina Aguilera

Common

Eddie Vedder

Jennifer Hudson

John Legend

Stevie Wonder

Marc Anthony

Tems

U2’s Bono and The Edge and 

Marsai Martin

Jennifer Hudson sang the national anthem and Aguilera performed, “What a Wonderful World.” Pearl Jam’s Vedder, joined by Chicago teenagers in the nonprofit Guitars Over Guns program, sang an original song called “Better Believe,” written just for the dedication.

John Legend sang “Someday We’ll All Be Free” and was joined by rapper Common and Uniting Voices Chicago for their Academy Award-winning song, “Glory.”

Bono joined with The Edge in singing the U2 song “City of Blinding Lights.” The Roots served as the house band.

CELEBRITY GUESTS

Among the celebrity guests in attendance were media mogul Oprah Winfrey, tennis legend Billie Jean King, filmmaker George Lucas (and his wife Mellody Hobson) and filmmaker Stephen Spielberg, actor Tyler Perry, actresses Gabrielle Union and Quinta Brunson, basketball player Dwyane Wade and his wife, Gabrielle Union, and TV personality Gayle King.

Comedians David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Stephen Colbert were in attendance, as were musician Jon Baptiste, actors Tom Hanks (and his wife actress Rita Wilson) and actor Mark Hamill; rapper-actor LL Cool J., tennis legend Billie Jean King and Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts, and comedian actor Dave Chappelle. 

John Legend was joined by his wife, model Chrissy Teigen. Model Karlie Kloss also attended.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and

U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis (D-7th) were in attendance. 

POLITICOS

Valerie Jarrett, the Obama Foundation's chief executive, stressed ahead of the opening that the center is a nonpartisan space open to people with "different political ideologies," however, some of the guests weee among the candidates jockeying in the Democratic primary for president.

Rumored 2028 White House contenders, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, were in attendance.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris, also attended with Former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff , as did many megadonors and other public office hopefuls gearing up for their congressional midterms this fall.

US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democrat of New York was in attendance .

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) (R) and her husband Paul Pelosi were also in attendance . Gabby Giffords was in attendance. 

LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL OFFICIALS

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker was acknowledged by President Obama, as well as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Also in attendance was Illinois First Lady MK Pritzker.  Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias was in attendance. Bill Daley was in attendance. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis (D-7th).

OTHER

Civil rights leaders Andrew Young and Rev. Al Sharpton were introduced attendance.

The invite-only celebration was livestreamed and kicks off a weekend of events centered around the Obama Presidential Center, which opens to the general public on Juneteenth. Thousands more watched from a nearby park.

ENERI News Blogger 

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ABOUT …

The Obama Presidential Center is a privately operated, non-federally run organization, and it's not part of the National Archives and Records Administration’s presidential library system, which comprises sixteen Presidential Libraries.

Obama and the Obama Foundation decided in 2017 to work outside the normal guardrails of the National Archives, which holds his presidential papers.

Instead, the documents are being digitized and are available for researchers and the public online in the first fully digital presidential library, managed by the National Archives.

Sources: Online and In-Person!

FW: PHOTO LINK(S)

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/18/obama-presidential-center-opening-chicago-photos-trump.html

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At the Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center

​ENERI/Rieny at the 

Grand Opening 
of the 
Obama Presidential Center 
Jackson Park
Chicago, Illinois 
June 18, 2026

(SP/Video by/
Copyright 2026 
ENERI Communications 
and Rieny G. Cualoping)

Chicago, Illinois U.S.A.
All rights reserved worldwide.

https://youtu.be/zi1t7Uwn32k?si=2JVsSci9I-wdJfZy

#ObamaPresidentialCenter #GrandOpening #ThursdayJune18,2026

​#WOOHHOOH!

The Obama Foundation Announces Grand Opening Ceremony Event Performers

A historic celebration of democracy, culture, service, and hope to take place June 18th in Chicago and livestreamed to the world

CHICAGO — The Obama Foundation has announced the performers scheduled to take the stage at the Obama Presidential Center’s Grand Opening Ceremony on June 18, 2026.

The historic event, held at the Center’s John Lewis Plaza, marks a milestone for the city of Chicago and communities around the world. The ceremony will bring together global leaders, artists, changemakers, and citizens for an inspiring celebration of the values that shaped the Obama presidency and continue to power civic engagement across generations.

Located on Chicago’s South Side, the Obama Presidential Center is a global hub designed to inspire, empower, and connect people to create change. 

Beginning June 19, visitors of all ages will be invited to explore the open campus, engage with immersive exhibits and public programs, and discover how they can make a difference in their own communities. Celebratory events will continue through the weekend, offering a preview of programming that will bring the entire campus to life throughout the year and beyond.

“This Grand Opening ceremony will be unlike any other — filled with music, performances, and hope,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of The Obama Foundation. 

“The Grand Opening Ceremony will reflect a spirit of inspiration and joy, with a big boost from the performers who are sharing their talent with us. We hope to inspire people everywhere to believe in their power to bring change home.”

The Grand Opening Ceremony will be livestreamed globally beginning at 11 a.m. Central Time on obama.org, and on The Obama Foundation’s TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook accounts. 

*****Performers taking part in the June 18 ceremony will include:

Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artists The Roots

Multiple GRAMMY, Oscar, Golden Globe, and Special Tony Award-winning artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Springsteen

Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artist Christina Aguilera

Multiple GRAMMY, Oscar, and Emmy Award-winning artist Common

Multiple GRAMMY, Golden Globe Award-winning artist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Vedder

Multiple GRAMMY, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist Jennifer Hudson

Multiple GRAMMY, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist John Legend

Multiple GRAMMY and Oscar Award-winning artist Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Stevie Wonder

Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artist Marc Anthony

Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artist Tems

Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artists, multiple Golden Globe winners, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees, and Kennedy Center Honorees U2’s Bono and The Edge

Actress and producer Marsai Martin

The Obama Presidential Center opens to the public on June 19. While Museum tickets are sold out for opening weekend, the rest of the campus is free and accessible for the general public.

The Grand Opening Weekend of the Obama Presidential Center is made possible through the generous support of GCM Grosvenor, Abbott, BMO, ITW, and Northern Trust. 

For more information, visit Obama.org.

About The Obama Foundation

The Obama Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. 

>>

Source: Obama Presidential Center Press Release (June 16, 2026)

Friday, June 18, 2026 Celebrations (Chicago and New York City)

​*****WEE EARLY CALL TIME Tomorrow!

STAY TUNED!!!

Don’t know which of MY CITIES is more excited about tomorrow morning’s celebrations #ChicagoTheCityofMyBirth or #NYCEastCoastNJPlacesofFondEarlyChildhoodMemories

#ObamaPresidentialCenterGrandOpening #NewYorkKnicksChampionshipParade

#WOOH HOOH!!! Not gonna be a slow news day … #FridayJune18

#NBAFinals #NewYorkKnicks

​New York does so many things well!

New York does #Sports well! 

#NBAFinals #NYKnicksBasketball 

Spent the last few days in The Big Apple and the feverish excitement was either underlying everywhere, or just straight out loud in your face, like in these captures!

(Photos by/Copyright 2026 Rieny G. Cualoping - June) via cell cam

ENERI News Blogger 

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Press Preview/Obama Presidential Center (June 2026) About Culinary Experiences

​IN THIS PHOTO ESSAY POST:

We were treated to box lunches the day of the Press Preview at the Obama Presidential Center (June 3, 2026). 

(P.S. Aside: My #SetBuddies and yours from extras filming the NBC TV Series “Chicago Fire” always look forward to the delicious Chocolate Chip cookies from Mario’s Catering, the show’s longtime caterer, but these chocolate chip cookies from Tafari’s Kitchen were the absolute bomb!)

(SP/Photos by/Copyright 2026 Rieny G. Cualoping - June) via cell cam 

(The late) Chef Tafari Campbell was a sous chef at The White House during the Obama Presidential years, and he later became the personal chef to the Obamas for many years when they returned to private life. 

—-

Chicago is such a great foodie town. In the preceding posts, a bit about culinary experiences at the Obama Presidential Center from the media kit. (IMAGE: Flyer Front and Back) 

—-

(Orig. Post 6/4/26) It’s always nice to visit a new building (plural in this case) for the first time, but there was such exciting energy yesterday at the Press Preview for the Chicago’s Obama Presidential Center and Grounds! Congrats to the team and especially to our colleague vendors who had the opportunity to work on this HUGE important project! 

Grand Opening (Invite-Only) June 18, 2026; Public Opening June 19, 2026 www.obama.org

ENERI News Blogger 

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“Chicago at Dawn in June” #RienyPhotography

​#Laterposts

#AlmostSummerinJune2026

#Chicago #NYC #Connecticut

#RienyPhotography

“Chicago at Dawn in June”

(Photo by/Copyright 2026 Rieny G. Cualoping) via cell cam

#AlmostSummerInJune

​#Laterposts

#AlmostSummerinJune2026

#Chicago #NYC #Connecticut

#RienyPhotography

(Photos by/Copyright 2026 Rieny G. Cualoping) via cell cam

Press Preview/Obama Presidential Center (June 2026)

​It’s always nice to visit a new building (plural in this case) for the first time, but there was such exciting energy yesterday at the Press Preview for Chicago’s Obama Presidential Center and Grounds! Congrats to the team and especially to our colleague vendors who had the opportunity to work on this HUGE important project!  “Rieny/Feeling Presidential - Oval Office Replica” (Photo by A Bystander/Copyright 2026 ENERI Communications/Rieny G. Cualoping - June) via cell cam

Grand Opening (Invite-Only) June 18, 2026; Public Opening June 19, 2026 www.obama.org

ENERI News Blogger 

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#ChicagoInJune #MichiganAvenue

​#ChicagoInJune #MichiganAvenue (Exterior, Front The InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Hotel) #RienyPhotography #HappyPrideMonth!

(Photo by/Copyright 2026 Rieny G. Cualoping - May 31st (Pride Month Eve - Ready!)) via cell cam

ENERI News Blogger

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Almost Summer in the City

​Just finished up a really intense legal project that was supposed to be 8 weeks but went into 11 weekends (i.e. working 7 days a week  - last weekend’s Holiday was on standby included). Got the word late last Friday. 

How did yours spend this (would have been) the 12th weekend?! The first day, Saturday, slept in and stayed in and truly relaxed for the first time in months; did nothing except binge watch our latest extras series and research play time options for the foreseeable future.

Caught some sights and sounds today, including the closing weekend of Matisse’s “Jazz” “Rhythms in Color” @ The Art Institute of Chicago, which was fabulous. #ArtHealsTheSoul #Jazz! Got lots of new great photographs in our almost summer in the city photo shoot of Michigan Avenue.

Stopped by Stan’s Donuts and had one of their  glutenless blueberry frosting donuts. (Theirs are actually good!) And caught a freebie advance movie screening of “Power Ballad” … it was okay but not like the WOW! of “DWP2,” so won’t write about it too much here.

LOOKING FORWARD …

WE hit the press preview for the O Center this week; use up our “Hamilton” anniversary lottery won tix in The Big Apple; and enjoy family time there too at a celebration of a member’s another time around the sun. 

Hit me up if you want to do EATS… or a movie or a show or a day trip somewhere R&R… rest of June is lookin’ GOOD! #EnjoyLife

(SP/Photos by/Copyright 2026 Rieny G. Cualoping - May) via cell cam

ENERI News Blogger

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“Deli Boys” Season 2 Episode 2

​HECK Y’AH, those Casino scenes were incredibly fun to film! Learned so much as a producer and director too, on that 3 Long Days HUGE complex shoot! 

(Screenshot Grabs: Asif Ali as Mir Dar, Saagar Shaikh as Raj Dar and lots and lots of BG #SetBuddies!)

#SetLife #MyLifeAsAnExtra #WhatIDoInBetweenMyOwnShows #DeliBoys #DeliBoyshulu #Disney+ #Season2 #Episode2 #FilmingInIllinois #Jobs #Opportunities #Grateful #ThanksToMyCastingAgents #SoFun #SetBuddiesGaloreOnThisOne

ENERI News Blogger 

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“Deli Boys” Season 2 Premiere!

​https://youtu.be/Cd2oyZNNILQ?si=RL4pWQUdJ3xSzhKP

S-O excited!!!

Our latest series dropped this week on 5/28/26!!!

hulu Disney+ “Deli Boys” Season 2

Very funny! #SetLife #MyLifeAsAnExtra #WhatIDoInBetweenMyOwnShows #Jobs #Opportunities #FilminginIllinois 

#CasinoScenes #SoFun #SetBuddies #Grateful #ThanksToMyCastingAgents

ENERI News Blogger

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Steppenwolf Theatre Company Concludes 50th Anniversary Season with Chicago Premiere of CATCH AS CATCH CAN Written by Mia Chung Directed by ensemble member Amy Morton Featuring ensemble members Gary Cole, Audrey Francis and Tim Hopper with Sarah Charipar June 4 – July 12, 2026 in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theater

Steppenwolf Theatre Company Concludes 50th Anniversary Season
with Chicago Premiere of

CATCH AS CATCH CAN

Written by Mia Chung


Directed by ensemble member Amy Morton

Featuring ensemble members Gary Cole, Audrey Francis
and Tim Hopper with Sarah Charipar

June 4 – July 12, 2026 in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theater  

CHICAGO (May 21, 2026) – Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation’s premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to conclude its 50th Anniversary Season with the Chicago premiere of Mia Chung’s theatrical tour-de-force Catch as Catch Can, directed by ensemble member Amy Morton, playing June 4 – July 12, 2026 in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. Single tickets are now on sale at steppenwolf.org or the Box Office at (312) 335-1650. >>

Longtime ensemble member Gary Cole (NCIS, Veep, The West Wing) returns to the Chicago stage for the first time in over 25 years, joined by fellow ensemble members Audrey Francis (The Thanksgiving Play, Noises Off, The Doppelgänger) and Tim Hopper (Mr. Wolf, Fool for Love, Downstate) with Sarah Charipar (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Dead Man’s Cell Phone).

PHOTOS

Pictured: Ensemble members Gary Cole, Audrey Francis, Amy Morton and Tim Hopper in rehearsal for Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Chicago premiere of "Catch as Catch Can." Photos by Joel Moorman.

About the Production

When a prodigal son returns to blue collar New England, his homecoming sets off a spiraling crisis for two families, threatening not only their relationships but their very identities. In Mia Chung’s wildly inventive Catch as Catch Can, three actors take on six roles, bridging generation and gender, in a theatrical tour-de-force that upends the kitchen sink drama and asks what happens when we refuse to play the roles we’re prescribed. Spanning hilarity, stunning virtuosity and outright horror, this ferocious Chicago premiere – led by an all-ensemble cast – must be witnessed to be believed.

The creative team includes Andrew Boyce (Scenic Design), Izumi Inaba (Costume Design), Yuki Nakase Link (Lighting Design), Mikhail Fiksel (Sound Design), Kate DeVore (Dialect and Voice Coach), Jonathan L. Green (Dramaturg), Patrick Zakem (Creative Producer), Elise Hausken (Production Manager), JC Clementz, CSA (Casting), Laura D. Glenn (Production Stage Manager) and Jaclynn Joslin (Assistant Stage Manager). For full cast and creative team bios, click here.

Production Details

Title: Catch as Catch Can
Playwright: Mia Chung
Director: ensemble member Amy Morton
Cast: ensemble members Gary Cole (Roberta Lavecchia/Robbie Lavecchia), Audrey Francis (Lon Lavecchia/Daniela Lavecchia) and Tim Hopper (Theresa Phelan/Tim Phelan) with Sarah Charipar (Nurse).

Location: Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago
Dates: Previews: Thursday, June 4 – Saturday, June 13, 2026
Press performance/Opening: Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 6 pm
Regular run: Tuesday, June 16 – Sunday, July 12, 2026
Curtain Times: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 3 pm & 7:30 pm; and Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will not be 7:30 pm performances on Tuesday, June 9, Friday, June 19 (Juneteenth); Saturday, July 4 (Independence Day) or Tuesday, July 7; there will not be a 3 pm performance on Saturday, July 4 (Independence Day); there will be an added 2 pm matinee on Wednesday, July 1; there will be an added 7:30 performance on Sunday, July 5.

Tickets

Single tickets for Catch as Catch Can ($20 – $120*) are now on sale at steppenwolf.org and the Box Office at (312) 335-1650. Steppenwolf Flex Memberships are currently on sale at steppenwolf.org/memberships: Black Card Memberships with six tickets for use any time for any production and RED Card Memberships for theatergoers under 30. *Pricing includes an $8.50 handling fee 

Steppenwolf offers 20 tickets for $20 (no added fees) for each performance of every membership series production. Use promo code 20FOR20 to redeem this offer online, available in advance until they’re sold out for every main series show. Limit 2 tickets per person. You can also purchase by phone at (312) 335-1650 on the day-of show at 12 pm for main series performances. Limit 2 tickets per person.

Accessible Performance Dates

Audio-Described and Touch Tour:  Sunday, June 28 at 3 pm (1:30 pm Touch Tour)
Open-Captioned: Thursday, June 25 at 7:30 pm & Saturday, July 11 at 3 pm
ASL-Interpreted: Friday, July 10 at 7:30 pm

Education and Engagement

Throughout the 2025/26 season, Steppenwolf continues its commitment to the next generation of theatre learners, makers and appreciators with robust education and engagement programming. During the school year, programming includes dedicated student matinee performances for four of the five Membership Series productions, in-school residencies in partnership with Chicago Public schools, a series of on-site workshops in artmaking and theater production, events specifically geared towards teens, as well as professional development trainings and resources for educators. Additionally, Steppenwolf is reimagining their community engagement and will pilot new public programming, continue accessibility programming and offer opportunities for deeper explorations for audiences throughout the season. For additional information about Steppenwolf’s Education and Engagement programming and to register your school for a field trip visit steppenwolf.org/education-and-engagement/steppenwolf-field-trip-series.

Artist Biographies

Mia Chung (Playwright) received a 2024 MacDowell Fellow, 2023 Whiting Award for Drama and a 2022 MAP grant for a new music-theatre work. Her play Catch as Catch Can premiered at Playwrights Horizons in Fall 2022 (2018 World Premiere, Off-Off-Broadway, Page 73). Additional work: Ball in the Air (NAATCO/Public Theater 2022), Double Take (PH Almanac 2021), This Exquisite Corpse (multiple awards), You For Me For You (Royal Court, National Theatre Company of Korea, Woolly Mammoth, multiple regionals. Published: Bloomsbury Methuen). Awards, commissions, residencies include: Clubbed Thumb, Helen Merrill, Loewe Award for Music-Theatre, MTC/Sloan, NYTW, Playwrights' Center/Jerome, Playwrights Horizons/Steinberg, Playwrights Realm, South Coast Rep, SPACE/Ryder Farm. Alum: Huntington Playwriting Fellows, Ma-Yi Writers Lab, New Dramatists.

Amy Morton (Director) is an actor and director. She has performed in or directed many plays at Steppenwolf including: Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Tony nomination), August: Osage County (Tony nomination), One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (also on Broadway), Hir, Cherry Orchard, The Berlin Circle, Three Days of Rain, The Unmentionables, Space, The Royal Family and many others. She has directed Guards at the Taj (both Atlantic Theatre and Steppenwolf), Glengarry Glen Ross, Clybourne Park, American Buffalo, The Dresser, The Pillowman, Topdog/Underdog, Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Alliance Theatre), Awake and Sing (Northlight Theatre), and many others. Film: Rookie of the Year, 8MM, Falling Down, Backdraft, Up in the Air, Bluebird, It Ends With Us. Television: The Bear, Bluebloods, Girls, Homeland, currently a regular on Chicago P.D. as Sgt. Trudy Platt. Before joining Steppenwolf, Amy was a member of the Remains Theatre for 15 years.

Sarah Charipar (Nurse) Steppenwolf Theatre Company: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, Fall to Earth, Mizlansky/Zilinsky, Mr. Wolf (u/s). Chicago: A True History of the Johnstown Flood, God of Carnage (u/s), Rabbit Hole (u/s), Vigils (u/s), (Goodman Theatre), The Revel (House Theater). The Cider House Rules, PT I&II, Suburban Motel (Famous Door Theater). Television: Chicago PD, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Ordinary Joe, 61st Street, Shameless, The Chi, Empire, Detroit 1-8-7, Leverage, Walker Texas Ranger. Film: Let’s Start a Cult, The Unseen, Range Runners, Resurrecting McGuinn(s), Contagion, The King of the Tango, Last Day. Education: MFA, The Theatre School at DePaul University.

Gary Cole (Roberta Lavecchia/Robbie Lavecchia) has been a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company Ensemble since 1986. Past Steppenwolf credits include: Balm in Gilead, Tracers, Frank’s Wild Years, Closer and August: Osage County. Off-Broadway: True West, Orphans (both of which originated at Steppenwolf), and the premiere of Sam Shepard’s Heartless. Television: West Wing, Entourage, Chicago Fire, The Good Wife, The Good Fight, Suits, Veep and NCIS. Voiceover work includes: Family Guy, Big Mouth and Archer. Film: In the Line of Fire, A Simple Plan, Dodgeball, Office Space, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and Pineapple Express.

Audrey Francis (Lon Lavecchia/Daniela Lavecchia) currently serves as Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre, alongside Glenn Davis, where she has been an Ensemble member since 2017. Audrey directed You Will Get Sick in Steppenwolf's 2024/25 season and POTUS in the 2023/24 season. She has performed on stage in Noises Off, The Thanksgiving Play, The Herd, Between Riverside and Crazy, The Fundamentals, The Doppelgänger (an international farce) and Dance Nation. TV and film credits include Justified: City Primeval, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Empire, Perpetrator, Knives and Skin and Later Days. Audrey is an acting coach for NBC, Fox, Showtime and Amazon. She is also the co-founder of Black Box Acting and the co-creator of Steppenwolf's corporate training program, Steppenwolf IMPACT.

Tim Hopper (Theresa Phelan/Tim Phelan) is a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble. Recent roles at Steppenwolf include Mr. Wolf in Mr. Wolf and Andy in Downstate, which traveled to the National Theatre in London, and to Playwrights Horizons in New York. Television appearances include Chicago Fire, Emperor of Ocean Park, the Amazon series Utopia, Fargo, The Americans, and Empire. Film appearances include the upcoming A24 film Enemies, as well as Perpetrator; Knives and Skin, School of Rock and To Die For, among others. Off-Broadway: New York Theatre Workshop, Vineyard Theatre and the Atlantic Theater. Internationally, the Edinburgh Festival and Antwerp's De Singel Theatre.

Accessibility

As a commitment to make the Steppenwolf experience accessible to everyone, performances featuring American Sign Language Interpretation, Open Captioning and Audio Description are offered during the run of each STC production. Assistive listening devices (ALDs), large-print programs and braille programs are available for every performance and all our spaces are equipped with an induction hearing loop. Our building features wheelchair accessible seating and restrooms, push-button entrances, a courtesy wheelchair and all-gender restrooms, with accessible counter and table spaces at our bars. For additional information regarding accessibility, visit steppenwolf.org/access or e-mail access@steppenwolf.org. 

Sponsor Information

Catch as Catch Can is supported in part by Jenner & Block. United Airlines is the Official and Exclusive Airline of Steppenwolf. Steppenwolf is also grateful for the significant season support from lead sponsors Allstate Insurance Company, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Crown Family Philanthropies, Caroline and Keating Crown, Julius Frankel Foundation, Lefkofsky Family Foundation, Northern Trust, Anne and Don Phillips, John Hart and Carol Prins, Shubert Foundation, Inc, Walder Foundation, and Zell Family Foundation. Steppenwolf also acknowledges generous support from premier sponsors Anonymous, Andrew and Amy Bluhm, Michael and Cathy Brennan, Ann and Richard Carr, Chicago Community Trust, Conagra Brands Foundation, Rich and Margery Feitler, FROST CHICAGO, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Orlebeke Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, Sacks Family Foundation, Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, Thoma Bravo and Bryan Traubert and Penny Pritzker. Steppenwolf also acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. 

About Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier Ensemble Theater with 50 members who are among the top actors, playwrights and directors in the field. Thrilling, powerful, groundbreaking productions have made this theatre legendary. From the 1980 phenomenon of Balm in Gilead, to The Grapes of Wrath, August: Osage County, Downstate, The Brother/Sister Plays, and now, the 2025 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning Purpose, Steppenwolf Theatre has had a long-running and undeniable impact on American Theatre and Chicago's cultural landscape. Founded in 1975 by Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry and Gary Sinise, Steppenwolf started as a group of young people in their teens and early 20s performing in the basement of a church. Today, the company's artistic force remains rooted in the original vision of its founders: an artist-driven theatre, whose vitality is defined by its appetite for bold and innovative work. Every aspect of Steppenwolf is rooted in its Ensemble ethos, from the intergenerational artistic programming to the multi-genre performance series LookOut, to the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf Education and Engagement which serves nearly 15,000 teens annually. While grounded in the Chicago community, more than 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Steppenwolf also holds accolades that include the National Medal of Arts, 14 Tony Awards, two Pulitzer Prize-winning commissions and more. Led by Artistic Directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis, Executive Director E. Brooke Flanagan and Board of Trustees Chair Keating Crown — Steppenwolf continually redefines the boundaries of live theater and pushes the limits of acting and performance.

Steppenwolf’s Mission

Steppenwolf strives to create thrilling, courageous and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environment. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world. steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.

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Source: Press Releases

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

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#MemorialDay

​#MemorialDayWeekend #Remember (Photo by/Copyright 2016 Rieny G. Cualoping)

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Happy Mother’s Day!

​Happy Mother’s Day to all who are celebrating, and to those who are remembering. 

(Photo by/Copyright 2024 Rieny G. Cualoping) #RienyPhotography

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Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!

​Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! 

(SP/Photo by/Copyright 2026 Rieny G. Cualoping - April) via cell cam

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Opening Night Eve “The Devil Wears Prada 2”

​OMG haven’t seen a movie that fabulous in ages!!! Merch completely ran out !!!#TheDevilWeardPrada2

Opening Night Eve
“The Devil Wears Prada 2”
AMC River East, Chicago, Illinois 
(SP/Photo by/Copyright 2026 Rieny G. Cualoping - April) via cell cam

Opening Night Eve! Finally! #TheDevilWearsPrada2!

​Opening Night Eve! Finally! #TheDevilWearsPrada2! 

​“Martin Wong: Chinatown USA” Major Exhibition Sheds New Light on the Art of Martin Wong On View at Wrightwood 659, April 17, 2026 – July 18, 2026

​“Martin Wong: Chinatown USA”

Major Exhibition Sheds New Light on the Art of Martin Wong

On View at Wrightwood 659, April 17, 2026 – July 18, 2026

By Rieny G. Cualoping

Wrightwood 659 hosts exhibitions on socially engaged art and architecture, on issues facing LGBTQ+ communities, and on Asian art and architecture. Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood in a building transformed by Pritzker Prize winner Tadao Ando.

Yesterday (April 16, 2026), I was treated to a Preview of the fantastical new Wrightwood 659 exhibition, “Martin Wong: Chinatown USA,” which opens to the public April 17, 2026. Located at beautiful 659 West Wrightwood Avenue, in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, the exhibition focuses on “an underexplored through-line in the practice of visionary Chinese American artist Martin Wong (1946-1999): his fascination with Asia through Chinatowns as personal, mythical cityscapes.Wong explored these spaces—filled with Asian art and architecture as adopted in the United States amid the explosion of street culture in San Francisco and New York in the late 20th century—as amalgams of memory, identity, and queer and pop-culture narratives.” 

The first U.S. museum exhibition devoted to Wong since 2017, “Martin Wong: Chinatown USA” is curated by Yasufumi Nakamori, PhD, with Ashley Janke, Assistant Curator, Wrightwood 659. Nakamori is an experienced museum leader, curator and noted scholar of modern and contemporary Asian art from cross-disciplinary and transnational perspectives.

Presented by the Halsted A&A Foundation, the exhibition takes it title from the artist’s 1993 exhibition at the downtown Manhattan gallery P·P·O·W, which still represents the artist’s estate today. Only six years later, Wong died of an AIDS-related illness at the age of 53. Since then, his reputation has continued to grow as a queer painter and poet who traversed identities and sampled a dizzying array of cultural references. Critical attention, however, has largely focused on his paintings of the Lower East Side, and the artists, poets, and immigrants in this neighborhood. Far less recognized are the Chinatown- and Asia-inspired paintings, drawings, and sculptures he created throughout his career. 

Chinatown USA features more than 100 paintings, drawings, ceramic works, and photo collages, complemented by videos and artifacts, among many other subjects of interest.

“Martin Wong: Chinatown USA” is on view atWrightwood 659, April 17, 2026 – July 18, 2026.

For more information about this and other exhibitions at Wrightwood 659, please visit 

https://wrightwood659.org

Wrightwood 659 is open Fridays, 12 noon-7 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m .- 5 p.m. Tickets are $20, available online and by advance purchase only. https://tickets.wrightwood659.org/events

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​#TeamSavannah GOOD Monday Mornin’! #SavannahGuthrie #ClassAct #TodayShowReturn #April6

​#TeamSavannah GOOD Monday Mornin’!

Hell y’ah, WE watched.

#SavannahGuthrie #ClassAct #TodayShowReturn #April6 #ConsummateProfessional

(P.S. And may the evil people who took #NancyGuthrie rot in u know where.)

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Savannah Guthrie Returns as 'Today' Anchor as Mom Remains Missing

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/savannah-guthrie-today-anchor-mom-missing-1236706124/#recipient_hashed=1d29c490f8d6f08eae3025552cbf9f0eba73e12f44b72c8218ea60e562e9265e&recipient_salt=eb28881a6d2cd48e31048ac5642ed051dfa5261a69b101d3d18467dbc9577c3d&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exacttarget&utm_campaign=newsalert&utm_content=674679_04-06-2026&utm_term=37700005?utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_id=

EXCERPT

Savannah Guthrie Returns to ‘Today’ Anchor Desk Amid Mom’s Disappearance and Says ‘It’s Good to Be Home’: ‘Ready or Not, Let’s Do the News’

By Zack Sharf

Savannah Guthrie returned to NBC‘s “Today” on April 6 amid the continued disappearance of her mother, Nancy. Joined by co-anchor Craig Melvin, Guthrie got right into the news and did not spend any time addressing the ongoing investigation into her mother’s whereabouts. Guthrie tee’d up the morning’s big stories, from Trump’s war in Iran to inflated gas prices, the Artemis II mission to journey around the moon, Prince William and Kate Middleton attending their first Easter service in three years and more.

“It is good to be home,” Guthrie declared afterward, the only nod to her absence at the top of the show. “Ready or not, let’s do the news.”

“So good to have you home,” Melvin added.

About 20 minutes into the broadcast, Guthrie and Melvin threw to Al Roker for the morning’s first weather update. “I just like looking over here,” Roker said while looking at Guthrie in a loving nod to her return. She replied, “Good morning, sunshine.”

>>

Savannah Guthrie Returns as 'Today' Anchor as Mom Remains Missing

https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/savannah-guthrie-today-anchor-mom-missing-1236706124/#recipient_hashed=1d29c490f8d6f08eae3025552cbf9f0eba73e12f44b72c8218ea60e562e9265e&recipient_salt=eb28881a6d2cd48e31048ac5642ed051dfa5261a69b101d3d18467dbc9577c3d&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exacttarget&utm_campaign=newsalert&utm_content=674679_04-06-2026&utm_term=37700005?utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_id=

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https://variety.com/2026/tv/columns/savannah-guthrie-today-fans-cries-news-1236709253/#recipient_hashed=1d29c490f8d6f08eae3025552cbf9f0eba73e12f44b72c8218ea60e562e9265e&recipient_salt=eb28881a6d2cd48e31048ac5642ed051dfa5261a69b101d3d18467dbc9577c3d&utm_medium=email&utm_source=exacttarget&utm_campaign=newsalert&utm_content=674693_04-06-2026&utm_term=37700005?utm_medium=&utm_source=&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&utm_id=

2025 Chinese American Museum of Chicago 25th Benefit Dinner (April 18, 2026)

​Always such a fun time! We ❤️ getting to see and spend time with all the smart, interesting, artistic, creative, talented and dedicated people connected to CAMOC! Please join us if you can! 

If we haven’t already reached out to you and you’d like to join our Friends of ENERI group for the 2025 Chinese American Museum of Chicago 25th Benefit Dinner on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at New Furama Restaurant in Chicago Chinatown, please let us know **** and we will submit your seating request. We ask that you fund directly at the CAMOC link below by that date to ensure our seating together!

***** RSVP By Saturday, April 11, 2026 COB or ASAP****with “Friends of ENERI CAMOC 4/18/26” in the subject line. Tickets are $130 each. 

ENERI News Blogger

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*****
FW: CAMOC Chinese American Museum of Chicago - Raymond B. & Jean T. Lee Center
Chinese American Museum of Chicago - Raymond B. & Jean T. Lee Center

You’re Invited! Come support CAMOC at our 25th Benefit Dinner.

The Chinese American Museum of Chicago is a special space for connection and discovery. Located in the heart of Chinatown, CAMOC serves as a hub for dialogue, celebration, and learning for everyone.

Whether it’s showcasing the work of local Chinese American artists, highlighting little known touch points of community history, or opening up the space for thousands of school children each year, we are proud to be your cultural home in the Midwest.

Our Benefit Dinner is a night to honor this community and gather together to support our shared future. Secure your seat today and be a part of our journey.✨

🎉 🥢 🎊 🎶 💝 🥂

🗓️ Saturday, April 18th, 2026 | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Doors open 5:00 PM),
📍New Furama Restaurant 

Tickets on sale now! Become a CAMOC Partner by purchasing a Sponsorships Package or Ad.

🎫 Buy Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-camoc-benefit-dinner

✨ Purchase Sponsorships or Ads: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/2026-camoc-benefit-dinner-sponsorship-and-ad

The night’s offerings include:

🥢 A traditional ten-course Chinese banquet dinner
🪭 Live performances
🎟️ Raffle prizes
🌟 Silent auction
🍾 Cash bar and specialty cocktails
🪩 Live DJ and dancing

#Chicago #BenefitDinner #SupportChicagoarts #CommunityHeritage #ChicagoArts #CAMOC

2026 CAMOC Benefit Dinner

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-camoc-benefit-dinner

#SetLife Your Friends & Neighbors Season 2 Premiere April 3, 2026!

​T’was incredibly fun last year in New York to be booked to film a Tai Chi scene in a Manhattan park under a code name. Little did yours know who the stars were, or what the real show was, until overhearing a couple crew members talking about when #JonHamm was on set yet! 

Yes he was! And thrilled to be booked as BG in the scene with all the Chinese Americans in the Tai Chi class in the park, while Jon Hamm’s character walked back and forth. 

#YourFriends&Neighbors Season 2 Premiere tomorrow, April 3, 2026 on apple TV+!

Our scene could be Season 2 Episode 1 or Episode 2; hope it stays in! Blink if you see us as a blur in the BG! All of us are in #GoodLuck #Red!

#SetLife #MyLifeAsAnExtra #WhatIDoInBetweenMyOwnShows #FilmingInNewYork #YourFriends&Neighbors #Season2 #JonHamm #OliviaMunn #AmandaPeet #Manhattan #TheBigApple #Jobs #Opportunities #ThankstoMyCastingAgents #SoFun #NewYorkSetBuddies

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https://youtu.be/Eo0StesaFNY?si=zDZqElw9ge9ag97b

Chicago Fire,’ ‘Chicago PD,’ ‘Chicago Med’ Renewed at NBC

​WOOH HOOH!!! CONGRATS to all our CAST and CREW and all our BG #SetBuddies!!! #OneChicago NBC Entertainment #SetLife #MyLifeAsAnExtra #WhatIDoInBetweenMyOwnShows #FilminginChicago #Jobs #Opportunities #ThanksToMyCastingAgents #SoFun 

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https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/chicago-fire-chicago-pd-chicago-med-renewed-nbc-2-1236701747/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQzzBFmZGlkFlA7-05MCRgm9JOHW2hnEsiBNxhd0QZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeTvT44RahX24RFecoof_uggLDh0xojWvgBWx_TZcy4W0qWPC31svir_grhdk_aem_qr8kZFVp9VuO-OaUxS7GEQ

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News

Mar 27, 2026 1:00pm PT

‘Chicago Fire,’ ‘Chicago PD,’ ‘Chicago Med’ Renewed at NBC

By Joe Otterson

Plus Icon

 Chicago Fire Med and PD TV Series

Courtesy of NBC

“Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” and “Chicago Med” have all been renewed at NBC, Variety has learned.

The renewals will bring “Chicago Fire” to its 15th season, “Chicago PD” to its 14th, and “Chicago Med” to its 12th. All three shows are slated to return for their new seasons in the fall for the 2026-2027 broadcast season.

The renewals, which were all seen as a lock for some time, have come down the pike even earlier than they usually do. NBC has typically announced pickups for the “One Chicago” franchise in April ahead of the NBCUniversal upfront presentation to advertisers, which takes place in May.

All three shows remain ratings stalwarts on the NBC primetime lineup, even this late in their runs. They continue to power NBC’s Wednesday night schedule, airing back-to-back. On March 4, NBC aired another “One Chicago” crossover event, with all three shows hitting season highs in total viewers as a result.

Dick Wolf’s Wolf Entertainment maintains a very strong relationship with NBC under the company’s rich overall deal with Universal Television. Renewals for “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: SVU, and “Law & Order: Organized Crime” are all still pending.

The cast of “Chicago Fire” includes Taylor Kinney, Miranda Rae Mayo, David Eigenberg, Christian Stolte, Dermot Mulroney, Hanako Greensmith, Jocelyn Hudon, Joe Miñoso, and Brandon Larracuente. “Chicago PD” stars Jason Beghe, Patrick John Flueger, Marina Squerciati, LaRoyce Hawkins, Benjamin Levy Aguilar, Amy Morton, and Arienne Mandi. And “Chicago Med” currently stars Oliver Platt, Luke Mitchell, S. Epatha Merkerson, Steven Weber, Sarah Ramos, Jessy Schram, and Darren Barnet.

All three shows are produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment. Wolf and Peter Jankowski executive produce all three shows. Allen MacDonald and Stephen Hootstein are executive producers on “Chicago Med.” Gwen Sigan, Chad Saxton, Gavin Harris, and Beghe executive produce “Chicago PD.” And Andrea Newman, Reza Tabrizi, and Matt Whitney executive produce “Chicago Fire.” >>