Just back from performing in Chicago - what a fabulous city at a fascinating time in history!  My show was for 600-700 p at the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala; the largest event for Chinese and American business leaders in the Chicago area and state of Illinois.  Their theme was the Olympic spirit and I had to work very hard to try to pull of SOLO singing the duet from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Closing Ceremony - remember the beautiful, almost haunting song by Sarah Brightman and Li Huan?  Not just Mandarin and English, but afterall, he’s a HE voice and her’s very high… soprano that is.  Luckily, it was a success and I wish them much luck in their hopes to host the 2016 Games.  As a proud Vancouverite, I know the excitement that comes with the Olympics - it’s our turn next in 2010.

Chicago Hilton

But the best was yet to come.  I was at the very grand Chicago Hilton hotel on Michigan Avenue and got up early for a walkabout in the ‘hood the next morning.  Right across from me in the crisp, cold sun was Grant Park, the very spot of Barack Obama’s acceptance speech.  I had watched on TV just weeks prior the president-elect speaking and moving the crowd of 100,000+.  Electrifying vibe and their motto of “yes we can”  on T-shirts in store windows has now was changed to “yes we did” - ya gotta love it!

The “Bean”

I continued soaking up the sun and the stunning architecture combining  gothic, historic buildings with modern, sleek skyscrapers.  I passed a CNN election bus (still) parked in the park then reached Millenium Park, which to me certainly looked worth the 4 year wait beyond it’s due date.  My fave sights were the ”Bean”, an enormous reflective sculpture and the Frank Gehry-designed  outdoor concert stage.  I have got to come back here and spend more time…oh, and this was all before I hit the shopping!  Ahhh, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Mag Mile and more : )