JOIN LOCAL JAZZ GREATS. Ch. 25 has launched a new “Play on Cabaret” jazz series that airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. You’re invited to be part of the taping of local jazz greats in a cabaret setting at Maxim’s, 1300 N. Astor. Next taping with Darryl Metz is Oct. 27.
“Cabaret” is the idea of program director Brad Thacker and Lorraine Bender is senior producer. Tickets, $20, include hors d’oeuvres from M’Olive, a show sponsor along with the Whitehall and the City of Chicago Shops. Cash bar. Call 312/742-1748 or Email anichols@cityofchicago.org to reserve.
FCB NAMES GCDS. Guy Bommarito is heading the Boeing Connexion creative and Matt Horton’s charge is KFC. Bommarito comes from GSD&M in Austin, Texas where he worked on Southwest Airlines, Coca-Cola and Texas Tourism. Horton, who’d been at FCB for six years, moves from Leo Burnett where he was a CD on Disney, Polaroid and Nintendo.
FILM CRITICS AWARDS RETURN. After taking a hiatus last year, the Chicago Film Critics Awards is back on track with a Jan. 30, 2005 date set for the Awards presentation. A Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Robert Altman, who has confirmed his attendance. Sharee Pemberton again produces the glitzy evening.
MARLEE MATLIN HERE. The 3rd Annual International festival for the Cinema of the Deaf opens Oct. l5 with Oscar winner and former Chicagoan Marlee Matlin hosting opening night festivities. One of the fest’s highlights: Dreamworks’ acclaimed digital “Shark Tale.” Venue is Piper’s Alley. Call 847/332-2463 or see www.deafcinema.org.
EURO ADDS GCD. Blake Ebel joined Euro RSCG as a group CD, who will work closely with chief creative officer Steffan Postaer. Ebel (one of director Bob Ebel’s talented sons) had been VP/CD at Y&R.
NEW GREEN FEATURE. “Heaven’s Fall” is the title of a feature about the Scottsboro boys from producer/director Terry Green’s Strata Productions of Evanston. “Fall” is filming in Monroesville, Alabama and stars Tim Hutton and David Straithairn.
STEPPIN’ WITH EX-CHICAGOANS. Recording artist Usher signed to star in a new movie by former Chicagoans producer Phil James of Griot Filmworks and co-writers Kenny Young and Carl Seaton. “Step in the Name of Love,” described as an urban “Saturday Night Fever,” is based on the “steppin'” dance style unique to Chicago.
MUSEUM HONORS BURNETT. New York’s Museum of Television & Radio new exhibit, “Legendary Agency, Legendary Brands,” pays tribute to nearly seven decades of Burnett advertising history. Naturally featured are famous Burnett critters and cons so right for their time, including the Jolly Green Giant, Charlie the Tuna, the Maytag Repairman and the Keebler Elves. The exhibition runs through Oct. 31.
