innovators issue spring 2015
1 .3 anniversary issue yr
TABLE OF CONTENTS-SPRING 2015
MUSIC MUSTS Adam Clarke 36
IN EVERY ISSUE
Top 10 Concerts 40
Editors Letter 4
Meet the Team 6
LOCAL OPTIONS
JCC PresenTense 24
Cinespace Chicago 28
Bridgeport Arts Center 32
Fulton Street Collective 28
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Top 10 Albums 42
THE SPOTLIGHT Indie Artist Spotlight 44
Artistic Blooms 57
Vivid Brail e Chicago 66
HEALTH & GROOMING ZSS Skincare 183
Spring Beauty Picks
FASHION & LIFESTYLE
186
Brandon Liberati
Traci Ciccarelli Designs
188
Miel e Organics
70
190
Lost Girls Vintage
CROSSFIT AMRAP
87
192
Looks for Less
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT Del Frisco’s Review
90
Corri Mcfadden 103
The Patternbase Studio
FEATURES
Harris Theatre & Kronos 82
Fulton St. Collective
Rana Jaafar
PRSVR
Jason Kovick Designs
Interview with UTN1
WTF?! Star’s Moda
Circa Modern
110
120
196
128
Tory Johnson 180
134 138
146
Create Balance 156
Solemn Oath Brewery 162
203
208
EDITORS LAST LOOK Meet Andrea Pabon 218
N’spired Thoughts 224
Jesse’s Barbershop 172
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The spring issue has arrived readers! This issue marks Halfstack’s three year anniversary! We’ve come a long way since 2012. Our team has grown, our stories are more in-depth and we’ve pushed ourselves creatively in so many ways. We pride ourselves on showcasing the latest talent, the up and comers and in curating the great unknowns. The last three years we’ve grown with all of you out there and for that we thank you!
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
This issue is dedicated to the innovators in and around Chicago; The artists pushing the boundaries with their work, the newcomers who aren’t afraid to make a statement and the businesses who are making a difference. The features this issue are packed with interesting people, brands and locals. We open the issue with a feature from Cora spotlighting the local JCC organization and how they are embracing young startups. We are also showcasing local art centers like Bridgeport Art Center and the Fulton Street Collective. Each has it’s own style and offers artists an opportunity to share their work and create a community. No issue would be complete without a spotlight of local artists. This issue we share the journeys of four Chicago based artists in the “Chicago Indie Artist Spotlight”. Perry has some beautiful features of local independent Chicago businesses including: Artistic Blooms, The Patternbase and Jason Kovick Designs. Olivia interviewed
JENNIFER M. LEZAN-VEGUILLA EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER
Corri McFadden of shop-e-drop off and shares some insight on the journey of an entrepreneur. The fashion features included in this issue are inspired by times past. We shot up and coming designers: PRSVR and Traci Ciccarelli on location at Circa Modern in West town and Jesse’s Barbershop in Portage Park. I also share the stories
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behind these two businesses as well as others including:
Solemn Oath Brewery. It is always exciting to share local businesses with all of you, even more so when the owners are down to earth and humble. This issue we have something very special to share! Tareq’s piece on the popular Iraqi pop/rock band UTN1 is in both English and Arabic. He shares their journey, their struggles and triumphs in an inspiring write up. This dual language piece gives us the special opportunity to connect with a global audi-
Interview with UTN1 - pg. 208
ence in Chicago and around the world. In our Dining & Entertainment section: Thom shares his experiences at the uber swanky Del Friscos . Meanwhile, Cora features the latest collaboration at The Harris Theatre with The Kronos Quartet. Dwight shares upcoming concerts and some albums to check out this Spring along with an interview from artist to watch: Adam Clark.
Circa Modern - pg. 146
Danielle’s latest grooming & beauty roundups are perfect for this warm weather. She also interviews beauty guru: Brandon Liberati and highlights Chicago based beauty entrepreneur: Monique Rodriguez of Mielle Organics. Finally, I close out this issue with some inspired thoughts from Reynisha and an interview with indie photographer and director Andrea Pabon, a
Jesse’s Barbershop - pg. 172
young Boriqua making waves in Chicago. As always, thank you for your support readers. Keep following your dreams!
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jennifer veguilla eic / creative director founder @ halfstackmag
kate roth
founding member
mariana quaranta
founding member
PHOTOGRAPHY
aimee elizabeth
lead photographer visual stimulus
andrea pabon
lead photographer andreapabon.com
P erry F ish lead photographer
alluringchicago.com
HALFSTACK EDITORIAL
meet the
teresa espinoza
fashion editor & blogger
cora vasseur
bloggr & online digital editor
team rob samuelson
bloggr & online digital editor
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thom olson
bloggr & online digital editor
KALI KOLLER
SAMMY SITHIPONG
Creative & Graphics Designer
Creative & Graphics Designer
ANABEL CARILLO
Creative & Graphics Designer
ELAINE RAU
Creative & Sales Assistant
DANIELLE PULAK Beauty & Grooming Editor
JAMIE L. BREEDEN
Creative & Graphics Designer
STELLA QUIMBY Fashion Editor
DIGITAL TEAM
PEARL SHIN Staff Blogger
MOLLY ROSENBERG Staff Blogger
DENISE GUEVARA Staff Blogger
BRITTANY LOHMANN Staff Blogger
DWIGHT BEJEC Social Media Director
OLIVIA LEMLEY Staff Blogger
ANDREA HANNAH Staff Blogger
TRACI CICARELLI Staff Blogger
STAFF WRITERS
& DESIGNERS
TARIQ AL SAUD Staff Blogger
HALEE NORDHUES Social Media Intern
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JCC and JCC PresenTense:
Embrace the Past for the Present and the Future By: Cora Vasseur Many of us know how important it is to know your roots. In order to know where you’re going, you need to know where you came from. We learn values that shape our lives, help us create our identities, and help create an extended family that makes us feel like we belong. All this can be found in Jewish Cultural Center of Chicago (JCC), a safe place that has adapted and evolved with the times to better serve its people and the community, showing heritage can stand the test of time and ready us for days to come. What was created out a necessity has now evolved into something for the future. The JCC preserves and builds Jewish life and traditions, provides chances to act on Jewish values, and is an innovator and collaborative partner in the Chicagoland community. In the early nineteen hundreds, seventy-five thousand Jews settled in Chicago to escape pogroms in Eastern Europe. Immersed in new cultures after having escaped with their lives, they needed a place where they could meet others who were going through similar ordeals. Two brothers raised $250 in 1903 to establish the community center for that purpose. It now serves over 24,000 children, adults, and families. While they cater to a Jewish community, they do welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds. The JCC is vital to Jewish life both in the home and in the community. They offer a wide variety of classes, courses, and camps for all ages from little ones to adults. They
also remove any financial concerns that would prevent families and individuals from participating. In 2014, they spent 1.4 million dollar helping families. The myriad of programs and classes allow people of all ages to learn about faith and values in fun and creative ways. They also get opportunities to apply those values and see them in action. The first JCC Day Camp was in 1932 and now serves over 4,000 children each summer at 8 locations throughout the Chicagoland area. JCC’s Camp Chi also offers teen travel programs and Chi Town Connection, a year-round program for high school ages that provides meaningful occasions for socialization, recreation and Jewish association and continuity. New programs, such as JGrandAdventures and GIFTS, have been established to create opportunities for grandparents and grandchildren to be together. JGrandAdventures provides activities to
“Two brothers raised $250 in 1903 to establish the community center for that purpose. It now 24serves over 24,000 children, adults, and families.”
SPENT
1.4 MILLION
DOLLARS
create meaningful moments that strengthen connections. “GIFTS” stands for “Gratitude, Inspiration, Family, Tzedakah, and Service” which are values they hope to pass on to the next generation. Bringing those generations closer together is important not only for memories, but to pass on stories and strengthen your knowledge of your backgrounds.
HELPING
FAMILIES
create a sustainable business. It’s a wellrounded, multifaceted gauntlet where Fellows go through Venture Accelerators, where the entrepreneurs are cultivated to build creative solutions that meet local and societal needs, Innovation Workshops to encourage organizations to find resources and solutions One of the ways JCC impacts young adults is within the group, and Entrepreneurship through an exclusive entrepreneurship program. Consulting to advise organizations and PresenTense utilizes entrepreneurship as a government on how to nurture innovation and tool to revitalize local economies, enhance creativity through their programs, policies and community life and solve critical issues facing ecosystems. society, intending to make entrepreneurship accessible to all and quicken social impact in “The Wall Street Journal said seventy-five societies around the world. These individuals percent of start up’s fail,” says Forman. “We are seeing the gaps and filling them, solving hope to prevent that by creating a community big problems with even bigger ideas. around young thinkers.” “There’s a phrase in Hebrew, Tikkun Olam, that means to repair your world,” says Jacob Forman, Chicago PresenTense Executive Member. It’s a six month intensive program where young professionals take an idea and guide it through the entrepreneur process to
“75% of startups fail” The projects span many areas from health and science to arts and humanities and human relations. 2013 Fellow Claire Denton-Spalding’s project, “Graphically Jewish”, taught young
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Jews Jewish identity by using graphic novels. One of her events brought out 30 people.
use artistic expression to teach children to appreciate and embrace differences.
This year’s Fellows and their projects can be viewed on the JCC Pinterest page. One Fellow is Rena Rosen and her project is “Emunot shel Chemlah (Art of Compassion)”. It will encourage children to embrace differences in each other.
One of the effects of the program is participants are aware of their community and the support it can offer. 2013 Fellow Lihy Epstein’s project was “Unapologetically Me”, which involved mentoring LGBT youth. She wrapped up the experience and what it means to her and many of the Fellows when she said, “My community, my Jewish community, has my back.” Many of us know how important that feeling is which is why so many are willing to provide it for the next generation.
“Differences are what make us unique, but we don’t always know how to address people who look or act different,” she says. “It’s jarring to a child when they’re introduced to someone who isn’t like them.” The program will be part of JCC’s day schools and will
“The first JCC Day Camp was in 1932 and now serves over 4,000 children each summer at 8 locations throughout the Chicagoland area.” 26
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Adventures in Chicago’s Movie Industry Written by: Robert Samuelson Layout by: Elaine Rau
There are cops everywhere. I spot at least seven cruisers in a two block radius as I nervously search for parking. Don’t take out your phone to take pictures, you idiot, I think to myself. They might pull you over. I don’t know what to think, and I sure as shootin’ don’t know where to park. I ring around four or five times, making sure to come to a complete stop at the end of the block, as the officer in the unmarked Crown Victoria eyes me with derision each time, like I’m doing something wrong.
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I’m at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, home of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Empire, and numerous Chicago-shot films in the last half decade since the studio space opened. Geez, the security is tight here, I think to myself as I finally find a spot on the adjoining street when I realize the “visitor parking” is not designated for visitors at all, but production people who are powerful enough to have their names on signs. They must really feel unsafe with all those
ruffians from the Lagunitas brewery across the way, I say as I lock my door and step into the frigid zero degree weather. I’m decked out in multiple layers and a scarf to prepare for my cold tour of Chicago’s Hollywood equivalent. I head into what looks like the administrative building, following a group of people who look like they’re going to lunch. They eye me suspiciously. I’m not one of them. I know it. They know it. I keep my distance. It’s like Children of the Corn here with all the paranoia I feel. Are they going to start kidnapping and murdering people? Will they have a creepy-cute leader? Will he call me “outlander” derisively? I hope he calls me outlander. It has a nice ring to it. Rob “Outlander” Samuelson. Yeah, that’ll do. The group of probably-murderous people finally flood into the building, allowing me to enter safely, 15 or 20 paces behind.
“They eye me suspiciously. I’m not one of them. I know it.” I look around. There are posters everywhere touting the studio’s output. And the place has been prolific in recent years. Its campus is pretty large, situated on the city’s west side. My reductive side gets the best of me. Ah, hence all the cops. Now I get it.
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A nice woman asks what she can do for me. I present myself, explain the interview and tour request I had set up the day before, and she goes to fetch someone for me. But oh no, disaster. There has been a “miscommunication” and nobody is here to accompany me. No, I can’t go by myself. No, I can’t take pictures of any productions in progress. The paranoia mounts. They are out to get me. My car is probably on its way to the tow yard as we speak! I rush out to find my car, snug in its spot, unmoved by any of the drama taking place in my head. There are no tickets stuck to it. Such is the life of a writer for an up-and-coming online magazine. Sometimes these things happen. Wires get crossed. Mistakes are made. We here at Halfstack aren’t the Tribune in terms of “do you know who I am?!” clout. Yet. Disappointed, I take a quick lap around the campus to catch a glimpse of what they do, unable to have it explained to me. Soon I come to a realization. Squad car after squad car passes me. I look up. There’s a crane with a camera attached to it. People are standing around, moving stuff, equipment and such.
“Soon I come to a realization. Squad car after squad car passes me. I look up. “ My hand smacks against my forehead. Those aren’t cops, I tell myself. No, no, they’re filming for Chicago P.D. They’re mad at me for getting
30
in the way of the shoot. They’re not about to tow my car, but they might just get me a real police escort off the premises if I don’t see myself out, pronto. They didn’t let me tour, so screw it, I say as I return to my car. I rev and pass through the same congested shoot one last time.
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BRIDGEPORT ART CENTER: CARVING A SPACE FOR
Chicago Creatives By: Pearl Shin
The Bridgeport Art Center (BAC) is truly a unique place. This center is consisted of a collection of different spaces, including a beautiful event and gallery space called the Skyline Loft, an industrial workspace for woodworking, metal design, light manufacturing, and assembly, and office spaces. It also acts as a home base for a gallery, many artists’ studios, designers, and other professional people. It is located on West 35th Street in Chicago’s Bridgeport area. The center, which was first opened in 2001, has truly expanded over time. Over the years of it’s operation, Bridgeport Art Center has transformed into an exceptional place that provides its tenants with a wonderful place to stay and its clients a high quality place to rent.
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The building that is now occupied by the Bridgeport Art Center did not always serve this purpose. This building was first built in the year 1911 and was originally used as a warehouse and manufacturing facility by the group Albert Fick and Co., a company that was a supplier to hotels and restaurants. After Albert Fick and Co., Spiegel Catalogue occupied the building, until it was sold to Goodwill Industries. The building was inhabited by multiple owners until the year 1999 when it was purchased by Paul Levy and Tony Augustine, Chicago Developers from Prairie Management & Development. Not too long after, the center officially opened in the year 2001 and has been active in the community ever since. Bridgeport Art Center now serves as a major establishment in Chicago as a place of creativity and production.
The entire structure is around 500,000 square feet in size. Presently, Bridgeport Art Center provides space for many clients. The current tenants at BAC include
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Chicago Contemporary Dane Studio, Heartland Alliance, Chicago Maritime Museum, Continental Airport, Peer Foods, Spokenword Magazine, Project Onward, Benton House, Primitive Arts, Deep Dish Production, and the North American Bear Company. The BAC has many spaces within its enormous structure which provides
a wide array of clients the opportunity to rent out rooms for galleries, showcases, and events. One of the main spaces include the beautiful event space called Skyline Loft. Skyline Loft is a large, open space that is located at the top floor of the Bridgeport Art Center. It is 18,000 square feet in size and can be sectioned off in order to create smaller spaces. The windows provide a panoramic view of the Chicago skyline, hence it’s name. Whether it be during the day, evening, or night , Skyline Loft is guaranteed to have a magnificent overlooking view of the city and sky. Another part of Skyline Loft is the
The windows provide a panoramic view of the Chicago skyline, hence it’s name. Whether it be during the day, evening, or night , Skyline Loft is guaranteed to have a magnificent overlooking view of the city and sky. exquisite Sculpture Garden. The Sculpture Garden is an event space that is located on the ground floor and spans 12,000 square feet in the indoor space and another additional 6,000 square feet in its outdoor space. The Sculpture Garden is located right outside it’s indoor event room and is decorated with original sculptures made by local artists. This space can perfect for events such as weddings where people might want an indoor ceremony and an outdoor reception. The Bridgeport Art Center is not a place that stays idle for long. Many different events take place at the BAC throughout the year. Some of the events that take place at the Bridgeport Art Center include open studios, art competitions, and fashion shows to list a few. In addition to these events, the BAC has a gallery called the Bridgeport Art Gallery that is open
every day during the week and also hosts exhibitions during the year. For those who are interested in getting immersed in the practice of art, BAC also offers many different classes during the year. Some classes that the Bridgeport Art Center currently offers include classes in painting, textiles, pottery, and jewelry making. Anyone who has an interest or passion for the arts can benefit from visiting or attending an event at Bridgeport Art Center. Since its inception, the center has grown exponentially. The center continues to grow and change in order to offer the best experience to its tenants and visitors. You can visit the Bridgeport Art Center’s website to find out more about the center, see a calendar of upcoming events, or to find out more about booking events.
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Getting to know
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ADAM CLARK Interview by: Dwight Bejec Layout by: Elaine Rau
Name: Adam Clark Type of Musician: Pop/ Rock Singer/Songwriter Website: Facebook.com/adammusicclark
12 questions in 12 minutes with Rochester, New York-based pop/rock artist Adam Clark. Adam shows raw emotion using his voice to compliment the words of his songs. In our short time together, I can see that he has found his true purpose in life, and I am excited that he is giving us a glimpse of how he has developed a signature sound and performance style. Thank you Adam for spending time with Halfstack Magazine, and for being an inspiration to people through your gift of music. Here is a small view into this up and coming musician’s life to inspire you to keep working hard at your special gifts, and to remember to use them to inspire those all around you. Keep on Smiling!
1. Can you tell us more about yourself, your background and how you have established yourself as such a sought after Musician in Rochester, NY?
Whats up Half Stack Magazine! I’m 25 and have been creating music since I was 13. I’ve been working as a solo artist, though, for about 3 years now and have had the opportunity to work with a lot of amazing people on some great music.
2. Can you explain what your creative pro-
cess is like when it comes to your work? What kind of research goes into it, where do you find your inspiration? My process has changed throughout the years. Which, I think is because I’ve grown up a lot since I’ve started out. I used to just finish a song, just to finish a song. Lately I’ve been letting the song work itself out as I let life affect me. I think I’m in a place now (creativitely) that I want to let my songs come from a very genuine place.
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3. What have been some of your most pro-
found moments, projects you are most proud of as an Musician? I don’t think I’ve had a “most profound moment” yet. I think some moments have helped make an imprint on what could be an amazing career in music. But for this moment right now, I don’t think I’m there yet. As for projects, later this year I’m releasing some of my best music that has even affected me in a profound way.
4. Have there been any key people that have influenced your career, your art, your life?
I’ve had a lot of people affect me in life. I think the one person who has affected me the most though is my Uncle, who passed away in 2011. He was the one person that supported me when I was just starting out.
5. Are there any Musicians that you look up to? If so, who and why?
Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), Ed Sheeran and Ryan Tedder (One Republic) are some of my favorite songwriters of this generation of music. Each have their own style and that style (to me) is about growth. I like honesty and humility in music. I think that’s important, someone who can show how music has affected them in a positive way.
6. What do you consider innovation in your
field, how can Musicians continue to push the boundaries?
I was just recently talking about this. Haha! I think what musiciains need, is to have everything in their music thought through. Every note should have a purpose and not just fill up space. It’s about creating something that hits everyone. And if you have to search deaper to find where you fall in the equation than keep swimming. I think lyrically, people are afraid to go out there and ask the tough questions, cause it’s uncomfortable. But, I believe that’s
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necessary to make good music.
7. Have you faced any struggles or obstacles as an Musician throughout your career? If so, how have you overcome?
I think the biggest obstacle for me is myself. And I think the only way around that is through falling deep into the music, then walking away from it for a second and remembering to breathe. Then it’s back to business.
8. If you could go back and tell your 18 year old self one thing, or give yourself one bit of advice, what would it be?
I would have told him, to stop listening to everyone else’s advice and own the dreams you hold.
ed your career as a Musician, what would you say to those who believe that you can only find great success in places like NYC or LA? I think they are 100% right. I love my hometown because this is where I grew up, it’s where my family and friends live and it’s where I’ve built this dream. But I had the opportunity last year to go to LA to record an EP out there and it was an eye opening experience. I fell in love with the city right from the start and adapted the feeling of the culture there and placed it right back into the songs. That being said, I think there’s always something to learn from whereever you’re at.
10.
What kind of advice would you give young Musicians looking to turn their passion into a career that has meaning? Just be you, and don’t be afraid to find out exactly who that is. It’s truly powerful once you start to believe in yourself.
11. Any upcoming shows, gallery showings, etc that you would like to share?
"Every note should have a purpose and not just fill up space." 9. How has staying in Rochester, NY affect-
I’ve been working with my team and a team of graphic designers on creating an amazing EPK to send out to college student activity boards, national booking agents, pr companies, publishers, ect. for my new single “King of the Sky” that (I’m going to be release to my fans as well) to start booking across the country. So stay tuned.
12.
Where can we learn more about you and your music? Facebook.com/adammusicclark Twitter and IG: @adammusicclark
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