"Falling Skies" Premier in the South Loop

Noah Wiley Attends Chicago Premier
The TV premier of the new TNT science fiction series Falling Skies took place at Kerasotes ShowPlace ICON at Roosevelt Collection, 150 Roosevelt Rd. last night. Series star, Noah Wyle was on hand to mingle with fans and participate in a Q & A after the screening facilitated by RedEye "Show Patrol" columnist, Curt Wagner.

VIP event in the Lobby Lounge before screening

Professor Turned Soldier
Wyle plays former Boston University American history professor, Tom Mason, one of a band of survivors of an alien invasion. Set in Massachusetts, the show was filmed entirely on location in Ontario, Canada.

Noah Wyle chats with fans (left); with yours truly (right).

Party in the Lobby Lounge
I attended a VIP party before the screening where Wyle mingled with fans and graciously posed for photographs. The spread that TNT provided was pretty impressive: free food and drink and great service from the Lobby Lounge wait staff. Whitney Melancon, from the marketing department at TNT, went out of her way to make us feel welcome by greeting and speaking with “everyone.”

Q & A with Noah Wyle; RedEye's Curt Wagner helped moderate.

Science Fiction Hit for TNT?
The plot of Falling Skies is similar to Spielberg’s War of the Worlds (2005). Wyle’s character is a widowed father of three boys. His wife was killed in the initial invasion and his middle son captured by the aliens. Falling Skies has a compelling narrative style with some memorable characters. Based on the audience reaction, it has the potential to be a big hit for TNT.

The world television premier of Falling Skies is June 19, 2011. Check out the official trailer below.

Bash on Wabash Volunteer Kickoff

The Greater South Loop Association (GSLA) August social event was held at the Whole Foods Market, 1101 S. Canal St. The event also  marked the volunteer kickoff for the annual Bash on Wabash. The Bash on Wabash is the South Loop's premier summer festival.

Food and wine was provided by new GSLA business members Whole Foods and Showcase Icon Lobby Lounge. Twenty-five dollar gift cards to Showcase Icon Lobby Lounge were distributed to those in attendance.

South Loop neighbors mingle

Volunteers were encouraged to pick up posters and postcards to promote the Bash. At this year's Bash, there will be two music stages featuring popular bands like Sixteen Candles and Sunday headliner, Cracker.