Raiders of the Lost Ark at Daniel Webster Park, Chicago July 17, 2017

The Greater South Loop Association is presenting Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) free of charge at Daniel Webster Park, 1357 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60605. The movie starts at dusk.

Raiders of the Lost Ark is the first (and best) movie in the Indiana Jones franchise. The film takes place in 1936, five years before the United States entered World War II. Raiders stars Harrison Ford as professor and archaeologist Indiana Jones and Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, daughter of his mentor, Abner Ravenwood. Jones, at the request of the United States Army, is on the hunt for the ancient Ark of the Covenant as described in the Book of Exodus. The Bible describes the Ark as a gold-covered wooden chest that contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. When the Israelites carried the Ark into battle, they were victorious. The Nazis are searching for the Ark because they believe whoever possesses it will be invincible. Jones races against time and Dr. Rene Belloq, a competing archaeologist who is working with the Nazis, to get to the Ark first.

Lawrence Kasdan (Fatal Attraction) wrote the screenplay, from a story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman. Steven Spielberg directed the action-packed adventure that was nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The memorable score, featuring “The Raiders March” was written by John Williams and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Harrison Ford and Karen Allen pose this shot on the set of Raiders.

Backstory: Tom Selleck was originally cast as Indiana Jones, but had to drop out due to his commitment to the television series Magnum P.I. Debra Winger was offered the role of Marion Ravenwood, but she turned it down. Actress Sean Young auditioned for the part, but Spielberg was set on Karen Allen after seeing her in National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978). Alfred Molina, who played director Robert Aldrich in Feud: Bette and Joan, made his film debut as Satipo in Raiders.

Free movie in Grant Park: “Jumanji” June 13

The Greater South Loop Association (GSLA) and Century 21 SGR will present Jumanji (1995) in Grant Park (near the Logan monument, Michigan and 9th St.). The fantasy stars Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst and Bradley Pierce.

What’s it about?
A magical board game unleashes a world of adventure on siblings Peter (Bradley Pierce) and Judy Shepherd (Kirsten Dunst). While exploring an old mansion, the youngsters find a curious, jungle-themed game called Jumanji in the attic. When they start playing, they free Alan Parrish (Robin Williams), who’s been stuck in the game’s inner world for decades. If they win Jumanji, the kids can free Alan for good—but that means braving giant bugs, ill-mannered monkeys and even stampeding rhinos!

The film is rated PG. Movie will start at dusk.

Other movies scheduled in the South Loop include the following:
June 27: Rogue One at Daniel Webster Park.
July 10: Raiders of the Lost Ark at Daniel Webster Park
August 16: Zootopia at Cottontail Park.

"Finding Nemo" free movie in Cotton Tail Park August 9

Finding Nemo, The Walt Disney The Pixar Animation classic will be presented at Cotton Tail Park, 44 W. 15th Street, Monday August 22, 2016 at 8:30 p.m.

After his son (Nemo) is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a timid clownfish named Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) sets out on a journey through the Pacific Ocean to bring him home. Along to help in the journey is Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), a regal blue tang with short-term memory loss.

Finding Nemo is one of the most popular animated movies of all time, earning more that $900 million at the box office.

G | 100 minutes | 2003
*Closed Captioned
Start time is approximate, all movies begin at dusk.

Movies in the Parks is presented by Bank of America.
Underwritten by The Greater South Loop Association

Check out the trailer below.

"Ferris Bueller's Day Off" Free Movie in Daniel Webster Park August 1, 2016

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

Ferris Bueller’s Day off celebrates one awesome sick day that turns into a whirlwind day of adventure in Chicago. This free movie event sponsored by Greater South Loop Association will be screened at Daniel Webster Park, 1401 S. Indiana Ave. The movie will start at approximately 8:30 p.m. (dusk). You might want to get there early for the best spot on the lawn. Admission is free.

Often quoted, Ferris Bueller’s Day off features the following gems:

Ferris: Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

Cameron: The 1961 Ferrari 250GT California. Less than a hundred were made. My father spent three years restoring this car. It is his love, it is his passion.

Ferris: It is his fault he didn't lock the garage.

"Minions" Movie in Daniel Webster Park July 12

Minions, the 2015 prequel to the animated hit Despicable Me (2010), will be screened at Daniel Webster Park, 1401 S. Indiana Ave. Tuesday July 12, 2016. The movie will screen at approximately  8:30 p.m. (dusk). The movie should end by 10:01 p.m.

The film traces the origins of Gru’s minions as they seek the most villainous bad guy around to serve and end up assisting (and obstructing) super-villain Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock). Minions grossed over $1.1 billion worldwide making it the second highest-grossing animated film and the highest grossing non-Disney animated film.

Movies in the Parks is presented by Bank of America. This presentation is underwritten by the Greater South Loop Association.

South Loop Neighbors’ Night Out April 13 at Kroll's

South Loop Neighbors’ Night Out
Location: Kroll’s, 1736 S. Michigan Ave.
When” Wednesday, April 13, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Topic: Forum on Schools

Interested in the future of the South Loop? Want to share your thoughts on neighborhood development, learn from others, and provide input to elected officials, city staff and real estate developers? Just want to meet some fellow South Loopers and have a little fun? Then join us! 

Starting in 2016 the Greater South Loop Association will host a monthly Neighbor's Night Out for anyone wanting to meet up and be part of the neighborhood’s future. Each month will have a general topic, and we’ll invite relevant speakers to share some thoughts and be part of the dialogue. These sessions will also help the Greater South Loop Association fulfill its role as a conduit for neighborhood input on important community development issues.

FREE RSVP: Click Here.

GSLA’s Neighbor’s Night Out—A Monthly Community Development Happy Hour

What: GSLA’s Neighbors’s Night Out
When: March 9, 2016; 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Where: Vice District Brewing, 1453 S. Michigan Ave.

South Loop Neighbors’ Night Out - A Monthly Community Development Happy Hour

Greater South Loop Association (GSLA) will host Neighbors’ Night Out, March 9, 2016 at Vice District Brewing, 1454 S. Michigan Ave. for anyone wanting to meet up and be part of the neighborhood’s future. Each month will have a general topic, and we’ll invite relevant speakers to share some thoughts and be part of the dialogue. These sessions will also help the Greater South Loop Association fulfill its role as a conduit for neighborhood input on important community development issues. This month’s topic: real estate development.

There’s no charge to attend (of course, the bar is open!) but GSLA asks that you register so they can have a sense of how many people will be in attendance.

In 2016 the GSLA will host monthly events to bring neighbors together – for anyone wanting to help be part of the neighborhood’s future. Each month will have a general topic, and we’ll invite relevant speakers to share some thoughts and be part of the dialogue. These sessions will also help the GSLA fulfill its role as a conduit for neighborhood input on important community development issues. Check out the schedule for the rest of 2016 below.

April 13, Krolls (schooling) Register here
May 11, Wabash Tap (real estate development)
June 8, Bureau Bar (major event management)
July 13, Flo and Santo's (real estate development)
August 10, Spoke and Bird (pedestrian and cycling issues)
Sept. 14, Motor Row Brewing (real estate development)
Oct. 12, Square One (litter, stormwater, pests, and snow)
Nov. 9, Blackie’s South Loop (real estate development)
Dec. 14, Tapas Valencia (year in review, year ahead)

For more information on the Greater South Loop Association, go to www.greatersouthloop.org, and for questions, contact GSLA Board member Josh Ellis, at joshua.nb.ellis@gmail.com.

Annual State of the South Loop Meeting, November 21 9:30 am - 11:00 am

Hear the latest and greatest about the neighborhood at GSLA’s annual State of The South Loop meeting, Saturday, November 21, from 9:30am to 11:00am, Daystar Center, 1550 S. State St. Come mingle with friends and neighbors, then stay for an array of updates and perspectives on everything from real estate development to park programming, and safety to business development.

Agenda (As Of 11/14):

• Welcome And Introductions, Deb Soehlig, Greater South Loop Association Board President
• Caps Update
• Recap And Survey Summary From GSLA’s Nov. 2 Real Estate Development Open House, Josh Ellis, GSLA Board
• Alderman Pat Dowell, 3rd Ward
• Alderman Will Burns, 4th Ward (Tentative)
• State Representative Ken Dunkin, Illinois 5th District
• Harold Ickes Homes Redevelopment Update, Cha Representative (Tentative)
• Great Rivers Chicago Update, Sarah Cardona, Metropolitan Planning Council
• Southloop-Living.Com, Courtney Hunt

South Loop Development Proposal Open House - November 2, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

What: South Loop development proposal open house, and opportunity for community residents to meet with developers proposing a range of projects in the south loop. Developers will have displays, posters, and other information, and be available for conversations and Q&A with attendees. There will be no presentations, per se, but rather time to talk, ask questions, and then share your thoughts with the Greater South Loop Association board and local elected officials. Attendees can stop by for 15 minutes or two hours – this flexible format can accommodate many levels of interest and availability. While the event is free to attend, in order to help the GSLA track numbers, they’re asking that you register in advance.

Where: Vice District Brewing, 1454 S. Michigan

When: Monday, November 2, 6p.m. to 8 p.m.

Why: There are many Big – Big – developments proposed for the South Loop. This is a chance to talk with those developers, ask questions about everything from timing to design, and be a part of shaping this exciting time in the South Loop. Plus, meet some neighbors over a great Vice District brew. Light refreshments will be served.

Who: Brought to you by the Greater South Loop Association (GSLA). Featured developers and developments include (as of 10/26/15):

1326 S. Michigan Ave., MB Real Estate (see article)
Roosevelt and Michigan, Crescent Heights (see article)
1136-1140 S. Wabash Ave., K. Giles, LLC. (see article)

Wiggles & Giggles Halloween Bash – Fred Anderson Park, Thursday October 29, 2015

On the second night before Halloween please join the South Loop Dog PAC, West Town Walkers and the Greater South Loop Association for a FREE party at Fred Anderson Park for families with dogs, families with kids, and of course families with both!

Come on out and meet your neighbors to oooh and aaah over the cute costumes, do some Trick-or-Treating, and participate in a fun Costume Contest for both the kids and the dogs! There will be a Costume Parade at 7:00, followed by announcement of the prizes.

Costume categories are Child, Dog, and Ensemble (a combination of humans and dogs). The Ensemble category was added after last year's winners, the Viking Family, absolutely stole the show!

Great prizes have been donated by several local South Loop businesses, including Bentley's Corner Barkery, DoGone Fun!, Doggyloot, Kriser's, Soggy Paws, and also, our three veterinary hospitals, Burnham Park Animal Hospital, Metropolitan Veterinary Center, and South Loop Animal Hospital have contributed to sponsoring this fun Halloween party.

Greater South Loop Association Community Updates Saturday, September 26

The Greater South Loop Association will be holding a community updates meeting at the Daystar Center, 1550 S. State St., Saturday, September 26 at 9 a.m.

Tentative Agenda:

9-9:30 a.m.     Meet and greet your neighbors ($2 off your Overflow Coffee Bar purchase)

9:30 a.m.        Invited Guests:
                       
Alderman Pat Dowell (3rd Ward)

Sara Cardona, Metropolitan Planning Council, on the city's proposed Transit Oriented Development ordinance and upcoming Great Rivers Chicago
                      
Michelle Woods, Chicago Department of Fleets and Facilities, Riverwalk project manager                    
Mark Carroll, British School proposal for rowing facility on Chicago River
                     
Meet your neighbors. Learn what is going on in your neighborhood. For more information on this or other South Loop events, please visit the GSLA Web site.

To print a and post a flyer for this meeting, click here.

You can find the GSLA on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

GSLA Call for volunteers

Volunteer Opportunity!
Location: Family Fun Area at ITU World Triathlon
When:  September 16-19th

Can you spare some time to volunteer with the Greater South Loop Association to staff the Family Fun area at this year’s ITU World Triathlon Grand Final event in Grant Park (September 16-19)? You will help the GSLA welcome families from all over the world where they will have activities and inflatables for children to enjoy. When you volunteer, the Family Fun area will be free for you and your family to enjoy too.

The GSLA is excited to represent the South Loop neighborhood at this event and need your help to raise funds for the GSLA. The GSLA is calling for volunteers, kid-centric vendors, booths, entertainment and activities to help showcase Chicago for an international community of racers and their families. Sign up here! Or, send the GSLA an email at info@greatersouthloop.org.

About the event:
Chicago will welcome 150 of the world’s top Olympic-distance triathletes as they compete for a world championship title less than a year prior to the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games. In addition to the elite races, the event features top-flight sprint and Olympic-distance races for age-group athletes, paratriathletes, juniors and under-23s, as well as an aquathlon to kick off the action. In all, more than 8,000 of the world’s best triathletes will compete for world titles over four days of competition.

The ITU World Triathlon Grand Final and World Championships are hosted by USA Triathlon, the National Governing Body for the sport of triathlon in the United States, and Lagardère Unlimited Events North America. Launched in 2009, the ITU World Triathlon Series is televised in more than 160 countries. Visit chicago.triathlon.org for more information.

“As you wish”: The Princess Bride at Daniel Webster Park August 11, 2015

The Greater South Loop Association (GSLA) and Lakeside Bank will sponsor the screening of The Princess Bride, the 1987 classic, at Daniel Webster Park, 1401 S. Indiana Ave., Tuesday, August 11, 2015.

As a grandfather reads his sick grandson a story, a story that has been passed down from father to son for generations, the tale comes alive. Directed by Rob Reiner, the cult classic stars Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Robin Wright, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, Fred Savage, and Billy Crystal.

The Princess Bride is so popular that it has its own Facebook fan page, Web site, and Twitter account almost 30 years after it was first released.

The movie will begin at dusk (roughly 8 p.m.).

GSLA’s Annual State of the South Loop Meeting November 15, 2014

The Greater South Loop Association’s (GSLA) annual State of the South Loop meeting is set for Saturday at the Daystar Center, 1550 S. State St., 9 to 10:30 a.m.

One of the hot topics for this year’s meeting is the proposed Lucas Narrative Arts Museum. The museum site will encompass two parking lots just south of Soldier Field. Bob O’Neil from the Grant Park Conservancy and Cassandra Francis of Friends of the Parks will be discussing the museum proposal.

Greater South Loop Association Community Meeting Saturday September 20 at Daystar Center

Click here to visit the Greater South Loop Association Web site.

Art Walk & Wabash Arts Corridor CRAWL Friday September 19

The WAC CRAWL will include a stunning array of new, large-scale street and public art, an
expansive cultural program ranging from the Joffrey ballet to blues, jazz and hip-hop performances, tours of historic and new architecture, some twenty gallery openings, and special food and drink offerings from local restaurants and bars. The WAC CRAWL takes place from 4 – 9 p.m.

The WAC CRAWL in its first year was nominated by friends of downtown for “best event” as part of their 2014 “best of downtown” awards. In its second year, the WAC CRAWL is expected to emerge as one of Chicago’s major cultural events.

The Wabash arts corridor crawl unleashes the unbridled talent and energy of the Wabash arts corridor and its partners.

The South Loop Art Walk
Visit artist spaces, enjoy food and drink specials on a walk through the South Loop. All are welcome to use the WAC trolley until 11th St. Cost for the Art Walk is $5.

At Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation, take a self-guided tour hosted by Marie Dixon and highlighting Blues photo gallery of Terry Abrahamson from his book, In the Belly of the Blues. For more information on the Art Walk, visit GreaterSouthLoop.Org.

GSLA movie in the park rescheduled for September 2, 2014

The Greater South Loop Association would like you to join them for a free movie in Daniel Webster Park, located at 1401 S. Indiana Ave. on September 2, 2014. In cooperation with the Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Park and the city’s Night out in the Parks initiative, the GSLA is presenting the family-friendly animated blockbuster, The Croods. The movie starts at dusk. The movie was originally scheduled for July 29, but was rescheduled due to rain.

The Croods features the adventures (and misadventures) of a caveman family, struggling to survive in the harsh environment of the Stone Age. The animated movie features the voice talents of Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener, and Cloris Leachman as Gran.

Released in the United States on March 22, 2013, The Croods was one of the biggest box office hits of the year and the fourth highest-grossing animated movie of year, behind Frozen, Despicable Me 2, and Monsters University. Worldwide, The Croods made $587,204,688. A sequel is scheduled for November 3, 2017.

Join the GSLA, along with your friends and neighbors for a great night of family fun under the stars. Movie starts at dusk, but come early to claim your spot. The Chicago Park District will provide popcorn free. Additional movie treats will be available for purchase at the park.

The GSLA is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt neighborhood organization. It is comprised of an alliance of South Loop residents and businesses. The overarching mission of the GSLA is to maintain, improve, and promote the South Loop as a vibrant and diverse, inclusive community.

For more information visit the GSLA Web site.

Bash on Wabash this weekend: August 23 & 24, 2014

The 11th annual Bash on Wabash presented by the Greater South Loop Association and Criterion Productions will take place this weekend, August 23 and 24, 2014. The goal of the Bash on Wabash is bringing neighbors and businesses alike, from near and far, to a festival that showcases the beauty, creativity, history and culture of the South Loop.

Located in the heart of the neighborhood on Wabash Avenue between 13th Street and 14th Place, this year’s “Bash on Wabash” promises to be an experience to remember.

Benefiting the Greater South Loop Association (GSLA) with a portion of proceeds going to the South Loop Food Pantry. This lively, colorful festival will have something for everyone including a wide variety of musical acts, food and beverages (including beer and wine), arts and crafts, an elaborate children’s area, vendor booths, and so much more.

New features this year include the Chef’s Demo Table. You will see chefs from some of the South Loop’s most popular restaurants—including Flo & Santos, Brasserie LM, Chef Luciano’s, The Scout, Weather Mark Tavern, and more—where you will be able to sample some signature dishes.

Print and share a Bash on Wabash Poster 2014

GSLA Movie in Daniel Webster Park July 29, 2014: “The Croods”

The Greater South Loop Association would like you to join them for a free movie in Daniel Webster Park, located at 1401 S. Indiana Ave. on July 29, 2014. In cooperation with the Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Park and the city’s Night out in the Parks initiative, the GSLA is presenting the family-friendly animated blockbuster, The Croods. The movie starts at dusk.

The Croods features the adventures (and misadventures) of a caveman family, struggling to survive in the harsh environment of the Stone Age. The animated movie features the voice talent of Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener, and Cloris Leachman as Gran.

Released in the United States on March 22, 2013, The Croods was one of the biggest box office hits of the year and the fourth highest-grossing animated movie of year, behind Frozen, Despicable Me 2, and Monsters University. Worldwide, The Croods made $587,204,688. A sequel is scheduled for November 3, 2017.

Join the GSLA, along with your friends and neighbors for a great night of family fun under the stars. Movie starts at dusk, but come early to claim your spot. The Chicago Park District will provide popcorn free. Additional movie treats will be available for purchase at the park.

The GSLA is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt neighborhood organization. It is comprised of an alliance of South Loop residents and businesses. The overarching mission of the GSLA is to maintain, improve, and promote the South Loop as a vibrant and diverse, inclusive community.

For more information visit the GSLA Web site.

“The Lady Eve” 5th film in Screwball Comedy series screened March 11, 2014

When: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Venue 1550 at the Daystar Center, 1550 S. State Street

The Lady Eve (1941) Father and daughter con artists (Charles Coburn and Barbara Stanwyck) travel on transatlantic cruise ships swindling rich passengers in card games. When the two spot a big fish Charles Poncefort Pike (Henry Fonda), heir to Pike Ale—“The ale that won for Yale”—they decide to take him for all he’s worth. But when the daughter falls in love with their mark, things get complicated and hilarious. Preston Sturges directed his first big-budget hit with with amazing results. A critical and financial success, the New York Times declared The Lady Eve the best picture of 1941, above Citizen Kane! Once you see this film you’ll understand why they came to that amazing conclusion.

This was Preston Sturges’s third film as both writer and director and his first big-budget production, with A-list movie stars. After the critical and financial successes of The Great McGinty and Christmas in July, both released in 1940, Paramount gave Sturges free rein to craft The Lady Eve. For his leads, Sturges got Stanwyck and Fonda. From all accounts, both stars enjoyed working with each other and with Sturges. Sturges wrote The Lady Eve with Stanwyck in mind after he saw her performance in Remember the Night the year before. Sturges was so impressed with her characterization in that film that he knew she would be ideal as Eve.

Fonda, who had four films in release in 1940, including The Grapes of Wrath, was happy to star in a comedy. As Charles Pike, Fonda showed his lighter side, being especially deft at physical comedy. Fonda’s numerous pratfalls are one of the film’s major delights. Bosley Crowther in theNew York Times said, “No one could possibly have suspected the dry and somewhat ponderous comic talent which is exhibited by Henry Fonda as the rich young man.” As Eve, Stanwyck is one part of a trio of card sharks mixing it up with rich swells, like Pike, traveling by ocean liner. Along with her father, “Colonel” Harrington (Charles Coburn) and their “butler” Gerald (Melvin Cooper), Eve sees Pike as an easy mark.

A publicity shot during the filming of The Lady Eve

The Lady Eve is filled with a host of great character actors, most of which became part of the “Sturges Stock Company.” This stock company included William Demarest, Eric Blore, and Robert Grieg. The latter two appeared in Sturges’s Sullivan’s Travels, also released in 1941.

When the movie was opened, Crowther, declared Sturges, “the most refreshing new force to hit the American motion pictures in the past five years.” He went on to say that a “more charming or distinguished gem of nonsense has not occurred since It Happened One Night.”

The Lady Eve is not only one of the best screwball comedies, but one of the best American films ever made.

Henry Fonda said Barbara Stanwyck was his favorite leading lady.

Backstory: Preston Sturges wrote the screenplay for Remember the Night with Carole Lombard in mind. He was disappointed that Paramount didn't secure her services, but when he saw Stanwyck in the lead, he was impressed. Stanwyck told Sturges that no one writes comedies for her. Sturges said he would write one for her; that screenplay was The Lady Eve.

Join the Chicago Film club, join the discussion
The Chicago Film Club is for classic movie fans. Once a month we screen a classic film and have a brief discussion afterward. For more information, including how to join (it’s free), click here. Tickets are $5 general admission; $3 for students and seniors.To purchase your ticket in advance, click here. The Venue 1550 is easily accessible by the CTA. Please visit Transit Chicago for more information on transportation options.