Hot new cops show hits FOX in February - EXCLUSIVE interviews with the stars

Inspired by the New York Times Magazine article “Who Runs the Streets of New Orleans,” by David Amsden, APB is a new police drama with a high-tech twist from executive producer/director Len Wiseman and executive producers and writers Matt Nix and Trey Callaway.

After billionaire engineer Gideon Reeves (Justin Kirk) witnesses his best friend’s murder, he takes charge of Chicago’s troubled 13th District and reboots it as a technically innovative police force, challenging the district to rethink everything about the way they fight crime. Gideon finds help from Detective Theresa Murphy (Natalie Martinez), an ambitious, street-smart cop who is willing to give Gideon’s technological changes a chance. With the help of Gideon’s gifted tech officer, Ada Hamilton (Caitlin Stasey), he and Murphy embark on a mission to turn the 13th District – including a skeptical Captain Ned Conrad (Ernie Hudson), and determined officers Nicholas Brandt (Taylor Handley) and Tasha Goss (Tamberla Perry) – into a dedicated crime-fighting force of the 21st century.

After spending a whole day on the production set of APB, I met with the the main stars of this fantastic production who had a lot to say about filming in Chicago, the script, their characters and life itself.

Tamberla Perry who is originally from Chicago was wearing a cop-like jacket filled with awesome gadgets and was extremely enthusiastic to share her experience on the set. “Tasha is a tough cop, compassionate, wants to get the job done, wants to fight crime, and make neighbourhoods as safe as they can be. Playing this has been extraordinary. APB is like an uber for crime - we respond within three minutes. The technology in this show will bring the viewers back week after week. It is amazing to be back in my hometown. ”

As I took a photo with Perry and said goodbye, I was joined by Taylor Handley was also wearing a super cool cop-like jacket: “We started shooting in August. The show is action packed with car chases, stunts, fire, underwater. I get to get real sweaty and bloody and it’s a great part of the job. My character is an ex military and now he works for District 13. He doesn’t embrace technology right of the bat. He thinks that too much technology can ruin a good thing. Brandt likes to get stuff done and I can relate to that. When I read the script at first I was like that never happens but when I turned on the local news I saw it, which made crimes in APB seem not so crazy. What I love about Chicago is how easy it is to get around here and I haven’t gotten lost (laughs). Great city!”

Legendary actor Ernie Hudson (“Ghostbusters”) joined the discussion but on a bit more personal note sharing his thoughts on the African-American communities for the first time in public: “I had a niece who was killed three weeks ago in Chicago. She had a three month old baby. I don’t know her but when it came time for the funeral (pauses)...everyone hears about the problems in Chicago that affect the whole country. I have never said that in public before, my feelings are we as humans have our tribes. We all embraced integration in the African-American community but we gave up our communities. We need to support them, go home. I grew up in Michigan in the projects. Everybody was forced to live in the communities and when integration came everyone who had resources left. People who were left behind were the ones who couldn’t get out and they became desperate. After a couple of generations I am afraid to go back. I have a cousin who is in rehab for drug use here in Chicago. She is trying to pull herself together. But what happens when she gets out? Poor people don’t demand they just survive. I think that we made such an effort to be inclusive as we are that we let go of everything that was of a value to us. When you are so far behind like some of this communities are it’s very hard to turn around. I grew up believing in the American dream and that I can do anything. You have to care about your tribe. It’s time for a change and we have the ability to make these changes. We can do a lot more than we have done. I want to make sure that as a positive figure I have said anything that I have to say. My character is not politically correct. He makes mistakes, more wins then loses. I can’t imagine what it is like to be a policeman in real life, that kind of pressure but when you takes the job personally I would like to see change.”

I was fortunate enough to see a bit behind the scenes of APB - the smoky atmosphere, big screens and tons of cops. There I met sitting on their actor chairs, Justin Kirk and Natalie Martinez who were chit chatting and getting ready before their scene. “There is a smokey blue look to our show. At the end of the day my right eye starts to give out from all that smoke,” laughed Kirk. “My character is used to solving problems with money. I think he is a great character, thoughtful and smart and a combination of socially awkward and confident; a lot of different things with the best intentions,” continued Kirk. “We are an entertaining cop show with drones and chasing bad guys. Tune the fuck in!” Martinez joined in the conversation briefly before she was called in for her scene: “It is one of those things where technology makes things complicated and fun. It is a fun way to see what would happen if someone approached it at a different angle.”

Every good cop show needs a good tech intelligence team. This is where the tech brain of Caitlin Stasey's character steps in. Dressed in a cozy, warm, almost blanket like grey coat she joined us to discuss her odd character and the show.  “Ada was a hacker but now she is using her powers for money. She is monitoring the technology and has a team of hackers and nerds. She is in charge of tracking cops, crime, and the main connections. I say a lot of complicated words and people do them. Ada could be a communist in a Stalin regime (laughs). She is trying to be a force for good. Initially David Stack, the creator of the show, and I had a long conversation about this complicated concept, the idea of  privatize law enforcement, but from a benevolent dictatorship. I liked the idea of being part of it. We use drones to track people. There is no right answer in this show. I think people will be excited to see it. My husband is from Chicago originally.  LA is great but doesn't have an aquarium or museums like Chicago,” said Stacey and left us with a warm, charming smile.

APB premiers Feb 6 at 9/8 Central on FOX. Like APB on Facebook at facebook.com/APBonFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @APBonFOX and join the discussion at #APBonFOX. See photos and videos on Instagram by following @APBonFOX.

Natalie Martinez and Justin Kirk

Ernie Hudson and I 

On the set of APB

Merry Clinique everyone!

This holiday season indulge in something new, something more unique that brightens the senses and spirits with a smooth touch and incredible scent…Merry Clinique! Clinique presented its new holiday make up with a fun gift wrapping workshop in Chicago at Paper Source. As I was learning how to carefully wrap  presents I couldn’t help but test all of the products that were available on display. My personal favorite ones were the Clinique Cleansing Brush (of course!), the amazingly smooth to the touch and sweet to the scent Gelato Creams for the Body, the Pep Start Eye cream for eyes as tired as mine and the colorful collection of lipsticks that surprised me with their vibrant mat colors. I loved every single one of the Clinique products so I gathered a holiday gift list for you that you might want to try or wrap up for yourself and loved ones! Merry Clinique!

Clinique Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam

This plush, velvety-soft foam cleanses even sensitive skin with care. The non-irritating formula ever-so-gently lifts dirt and impurities, leaving skin feeling fresh and comfortable—never tight or dry. For an enhanced yet super soft cleaning, pair the Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam with Clinique’s NEW Sonic System Extra Gentle Cleansing Brush Head.

Price: $20, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Foaming Sonic Facial Soap

Created for the Sonic Cleansing Brush, this ultra-creamy, luxurious cleansing formula helps bristles glide across the face. It gently yet thoroughly removes dirt, excess oil, and impurities to reveal smoother, clearer skin, leaving skin feeling soft and comfortable. It gently helps remove the stress of pollution so skin looks younger, longer and effectively helps lift pollution to purify and refresh skin.

Price: $20, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Liquid Facial Soaps

Clinically formulated cleansing – that’s how great skin starts. These dermatologist-developed facial soaps gently and thoroughly cleanse while maintaining protective lipids and loosening surface flakes to leave skin clean, comfortable, and refreshed – never taut or dry. A convenient pump dispenser provides just the right amount of product. This product gently helps remove the stress of pollution so skin looks younger, longer. Available in three hard-working formulas:

• Liquid Facial Soap Extra Mild: A white, non-foaming lotion designed for very dry and delicate skin
• Liquid Facial Soap Mild: A clear gel formula designed for dry or combination skin
• Liquid Facial Soap Oily: A gel specifically created to remove dirt and excess oil from the surface of combination or oily complexions and blemish-prone skin

Price: $17 each (6.7 oz), Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF 15

A lightweight, oil-free liquid foundation and Clinique’s first dermatologist developed makeup that helps restore uneven skin tones and diminish the look of discoloration with continued use. Without any makeup, see improved clarity, a more even skin tone, visibly diminished age spots. Available in 20 different shades addressing a diverse range of skin tones, Even Better Makeup SPF 15 is designed for dry combination and oily skin types for women of any age. The foundation feels comfortable on the skin and delivers moderate to full coverage with a natural, smooth, matte finish.

Price: $27 each, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com 

Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup

Tested for streaking and fading at 88°F with a constant 80% humidity, all to prove Stay-Matte stays fresh. At the same time, this patent-pending lightweight formula absorbs shine, controls oil, resists sweat and you stay matte all day. Stay-Matte Oil Free Makeup is offered in 20 shades ranging from very fair to deep and featured in a clear tube allowing for easy shade identification.

Price: $24 each, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder

The ultra-sheer texture of this pressed powder gives skin a perfected matte appearance. It’s great for oily skin and oily spots and maintains a fresh look and feel, even after frequent touch-ups. It provides sheer-to-moderate coverage for dry-combination to oily and very-oily skin types. Available in twelve stay-colour-true shades.

Price: $25 each, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream

This dermatologist-developed cream ups the hydration intensity of Clinique’s cult-classic formula. Formulated to combine all-day moisture with skin-strengthening ingredients for very dry skin, it creates more resilient, nourished, and youthful-looking skin. Simply using Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream twice a day as part of Clinique’s 3-Step skin care regimen helps skin look fresh and glowing longer. It strengthens skin’s barrier by over 50% in 8 weeks. Moisture levels are replenished. Texture and radiance are renewed.

Price: $26, Available now at Macy’s and Clinique.com

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

This lightweight, fast-absorbing gel hydrator developed specifically for the needs of combination to oily skin maintains optimal moisture balance. The refreshing, oil-free formula combines all-day hydration with skin-strengthening ingredients so skin looks younger longer and feels fresh and comfortable.

Price: $26, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

This cult-classic moisture “drink” was developed by Clinique’s dermatologists and maintains optimal moisture balance for dry skin or comfortable-to-oily skin in the t-zone. With a silky texture and quick penetration, this lightweight formula strengthens skin’s own moisture barrier by 54% so more moisture stays in. All-day hydration leaves skin silky-soft, springy, and absolutely radiant. Skin looks younger, longer. Allergy tested, fragrance-free, dermatologist developed, and noncomedogenic.

Price: $26, Available at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

This refreshing, oil-free cream-gel is a “drink” for skin, continuously plumping its appearance with hydration. Devoted users will be thrilled to find that the look and feel is as addictive as ever and that all the benefits of the current Moisture Surge Extra Thirsty Skin Relief are maintained, but now with the moisture boosting technology, they are delivered faster and last longer. It improves the appearance of fine lines, flakiness, and tightness, leaving skin looking and feeling happier and healthier—even through shifts in humidity. It immediately cools and refreshes for a soft, smooth complexion. It can be used as a five-minute moisture mask, or over makeup for a luminous glow.

Price: $39, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator

This rich cream-gel was designed to satisfy the needs of those looking for elevated moisturizing benefits by offering a one-two punch – maximum hydration plus moisture barrier repair technology. After just three days of use, clinical tests show that skin’s moisture barrier is dramatically strengthened and improved. Skin is left with a healthy, dewy, supple look and stays comfortably plumped for up to 24 hours.

Price: $39, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Superdefense SPF 20 Daily Defense Moisturizer

This new daily moisturizer provides skin with all-day hydration that helps strengthen and support the moisture barrier so skin is better able to defend against external aggressors immediately and over time. Plus a mix of antioxidants and daily sun protection help defend against lines and wrinkles from forming in the future. The remarkably light, silky texture absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling immediately refreshed.

Price: $48, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Cleansing Gel

This semi-opaque black purifying gel cleanser contains charcoal that targets even the most aggressive pollutants that attack our skin every day, such as natural gases, exhaust, acid rain, and more. It gently and efficiently removes dirt, pollution and makeup. Natural charcoal helps draw out pore-deep impurities and excess oil, leaving skin feeling fresh and comfortable. Gentle enough for everyday use, this product is non-drying and non-stripping.

Price: $20, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub

This 5-minute dual-action detoxifying and exfoliating clay mask and scrub works quickly to remove toxins and dirt while also removing excess oil and reducing the appearance of large pores minimized over time. Natural bamboo charcoal and kaolin clay help remove pollutants and impurities, while natural silica beads gently refine texture. This gentle exfoliator purifies and polishes skin for a delightful deep-clean treatment without weakening the skin or damaging the environment.

Price: $28, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush

The innovative brush that works with your cleanser to create your greatest skin ever. Benefits: sonic vibrations offer deep yet gentle cleansing, angled tip targets T-zone and other hard to reach areas, and gently lifts the makeup, dirt and oil that hand washing may miss. Dermatologist-developed and Swiss-engineered. Waterproof. For all skin types.

Price: $89.50, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Sonic System City Block Purifying Cleansing Brush Head

This dermatologist-developed cleansing brush head helps detoxify skin by removing oil, pollutants, and dirt more effectively than washing by hand, thanks to sonic technology which loosens trapped impurities with high-speed vibrations. Each bristle is infused with charcoal to deeply purify skin from environmental toxins and pollutants. Two bristle types are gentle on cheeks while the tilted head reaches deep into the T-zone to visibly firm and unclog pores. The bristles also contain antimicrobial technology which helps keep them clean. Allergy tested and 100% fragrance free.

Price: $26, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer

Introducing Clinique’s two-pronged approach to lasting brightness and even tone. This innovative serum is housed in a custom dual-chamber bottle that delivers Clinique’s gold standard Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, plus a new soothing optimizer that quells irritation and helps skin resist against future darkening. The clinical-strength serum with CL-302 complex is proven to help reverse the appearance of dark spots and blemish marks starting in four weeks. Dispensed in ideal balance via a unique dual-chamber pump.

Price: $79.50, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser

By combining gentle cleansing with exfoliating power, this 2-in-1 formula takes away dirt, dulling dead skin cells, excess oil and impurities to give skin a smooth finish and a radiant glow. The combination of non-drying and non-stripping ingredients makes skin feel comfortably clean, allowing for a pepped and fresh appearance. Perfect for prepping skin for makeup and is gentle enough to use twice a day.

Price: $19.50, Available now exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com         

Clinique Pep Start Eye Cream
This lightweight eye cream provides a rush of hydration and instant brightening so you look and feel refreshed, wide awake, and ready for anything in as little as three seconds. Its cool touch and innovative custom-spherical massaging applicator tip de-puffs to help keep eyes looking fresh while smoothing the way for makeup. Plus, its peptides help support natural collagen reserves that can be threatened by stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep – the tell-tale signs of your busy life. The oil-free formula works under and over makeup. Ophthalmologist tested.
Price: $26.50, Available now exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com         

Clinique Pep-Start HydroBlur Moisturizer

This oil-free moisturizer instantly blurs imperfections, provides all-day hydration, and controls surface oil for skin that looks naturally perfected with a matte finish. The lightweight formula made with HydroBlur™ technology and combined with peptides and extracts is great to wear alone, under foundation, and for touch-ups throughout the day. It’s the ideal way to give your skin the moisture it needs, and provides a forgiving ‘retouch’ filter that blurs the look of pores and fine dry lines.

Price: $26.50, Available now exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com         

Clinique Pep-Start Quick Cleansing Swipes

Pep-Start Quick Cleansing Swipes help keep skin out of trouble by removing the excess oil, dirt and debris that can clog pores. They smooth skin through mild exfoliation, instantly moisturize, and prep skin for flawless makeup application. Great for all skin types, they are perfect to use on the face, neck, chest, upper arms, and back.

Price: $14, Available now exclusively at Sephora and Sephora.com         

Clinique Happy Gelato Creams for Body

Indulge yourself with sweet treats that are guilt and calorie free. Introducing Clinique Happy Gelato Creams for Body, three decadently moisturizing body creams that soothe and condition dry skin, leaving it lightly fragranced.

• Happy Gelato Cream for Body: Now you can enjoy Clinique’s best-selling women’s fragrance, Happy, in an indulgent body cream. This rich body cream provides instant hydration while imparting top notes comprised of sparkling citrus with a floral blend of West Indian Mandarin Flower, Boysenberry Bush and Melati Blossoms, with their complementary opposites of Spring Mimosa, Morning Dew Orchid, and Hawaiian Wedding Flower to create a fun, vibrant scent.
• Sugared Petals Gelato Cream for Body: This decadently rich body cream conditions while soothing skin. Opening with top notes of neroli blossom, bergamot, and orange, which lead into middle notes of jasmine absolute and gardenia, and blend with cedarwood, white musk, and sandalwood, it creates harmonious blends of colors, scents, and textures.
• Berry Blush Gelato Cream for Body: Soothing and conditioning from the moment it touches skin, the smooth and joyful fruit scent of Berry Blush opens with a citrus flair of top notes including mandarin, raspberry, and mango blossom. The fruity opening complements floral middle notes of freesia, violet, and peony. Bottom notes of blonde woods, musk, and amber combine a sensual undertone to create an inexplicable desire on skin.

Price: $35 each, Available in August at Macy’s and Clinique.com

Clinique High Impact Custom Black Kajal

For kicked-up eye drama, go bold and black. The pigment-packed kajal pencil delivers rich, dark color with 12 hours of staying power. The skip-proof formula resists smudging, sweat and humidity – even water. The automatic propel-only pencil offers intense, blackened shades of black, brown, green and blue to make eyes smolder and stand out like never before. Available in four deep, black-toned colors that are easy to wear.

Price: $17 each, Available at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Lash Power Flutter-to-Full Mascara

The perfect solution for day-to-night, weekday-to-weekend lashes. NEW Lash Power Flutter-to-Full Mascara is a custom-volume mascara that delivers a variety of looks, from fluttery natural lashes to full dramatic lashes that resists smudges and smears for up to 24 hours. Through new, innovative packaging, a simple twist of the dial on the barrel tightens or loosens the wiper of the brush head and controls the amount of mascara that is deposited on the brush. For a fluttery look, keep at a tight closure. Want a more voluminous look? Just loosen the closure. Workable for any lash type and eye shape, the bristles of the brush perfectly comb through lashes and provide length and separation while remaining soft to the touch.

Price: $21, Available at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Pop™ Matte Lip Colour + Primer

This weightless yet pigment-saturated formula hugs lips for 8 hours of creamy matte comfort, blurring the lines of a traditional matte lipstick. The built-in primer helps smooth lips so the lipstick can glide on effortlessly to promote comfortable wear while sealing in moisture to provide a non-drying, smooth and suede-like matte finish. Application Tip: Use the narrow tip of the bullet to make the perfect matte lip, defining the Cupid’s bow and lip line for a precise pop of color. Available in 16 shades.

Price: $18.50 each, Available at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique NEW Pop™ Liquid Matte Lip Colour + Primer

A hybrid liquid lipstick that contains a blend of lip pampering oils and antioxidants including Avocado Oil, Sunflower Oil and Vitamin E. This texture-transforming formula applies as a lightweight liquid then develops into a matte finish with dramatic full coverage color. The moisturizing formula with built-in primer provides a smooth, even glide and lips pop with an intense and saturated burst of non-sticky color that last up to eight hours. Available in eight shades.

Price: $18.50 each, Available at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Superbalanced Silk Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15

An ultra-fluid, silky foundation that controls oil yet hydrates where needed and instantly diffuses pores, lines, and wrinkles. This oil-free foundation blends gently and evenly into skin and provides sheer-to-medium coverage with a natural-matte finish. Providing a 3:1 ratio of UVB to UVA protection with a blend of chemical and physical sunscreens, Superbalanced Silk Makeup SPF 15 helps prevent future aging and discoloration from occurring due to UV exposure. Free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates. Available in 20 shades.

Price: $25, Available at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Take The Day Off Eye Makeup Remover Stick

This delicate and smooth balm, transforms into an oil to effortlessly remove the boldest eye looks. This portable, quick fix stick allows for fast and easy touch-ups during the day, and thorough makeup removal at night. Perfect for on-the-go use or to help with a quick touch-up, this new portable version of the cult classic Take The Day Off Balm allows for targeted and clean touch-ups when changing looks, making it a makeup artist’s new best friend.

Price: $18.50, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Take The Day Off Micellar Cleansing Towelettes for Face & Eyes

Saturated with gentle micellar cleansing liquid, these ready-to-go towelettes remove face and eye makeup anywhere, any time—without irritation. The re-sealable package makes it perfect for gym, travel, or quick makeup changes.

Price: $14, Available now at Clinique counters worldwide and Clinique.com

Clinique Chubbette Holiday Gift Set

A sweet treat for the holidays, the Clinique Chubbette Holiday Gift Set includes 20 miniature versions of your favorite Clinique Chubby Lip Colour Balms.  With 20 shades to choose from, you’ll have a different lip colour for all festive occasions!

Price: $89.50 (a $113.00 value) 

Clinique Great Skin Everywhere Holiday Gift Set

Give the gift of great skin – Liquid Facial Soap cleanses gently.  Clarifying Lotion helps clear dulling flakes for smooth, glowing skin.  Dramatically Different Moisturizer strengthens skin’s moisture barrier.  A gift so great you’ll want to buy one for yourself!

Price: $66

Latino Fashion Week - Embrace Your Inner Fashionista

On Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, Latino Fashion Week (LFW) celebrated it’s tenth Year Anniversary, “A Decade of Elegance.”  Proven by its motto “By Latinos for Everyone”, LFW was initiated in Chicago and is now also in LA and Miami.  This Chicago three-day event took place at the luxurious Block Thirty Seven Mall at 108 N. State Street. 

"Fashion has no age and it is a statement of who you are. Embrace it," said 60-year-old LFW attendee Coty Cervantes who was incredibly fashionable, elegant and enthusiastic herself to attend the event. She showed that fashion has no age, no gender, no limit. It is is simply a statement of who you are. 

Each day LFW included runway shows featuring local, national, and international designers, such as men’s wear designer from Peru, Yirko Sivirich, Mexican-Cuban American Celebrity designer, Willfredo Gerardo, Pinky from Bolivia, and others.  On closing night, the audience had the opportunity to see on the runway the Royal Black Exhibit from Puerto Rico, with dresses designed by some of the top designers from Puerto Rico. Chicago is the first city to feature the exhibit and collection outside of Puerto Rico. 

The LFW evening closed with the exquisite designs of Benito Santos who has dressed the first Lady of Mexico.  He is considered by many fashion experts to be one of the best designers in Mexico. On Friday, LFW also hosted #FashionFriday, an event for the Sophisticate (women 35 plus), a “Tea with a Latin Twist” including tea, Korbel Mimosas, served with churros and empanadas, and featuring informal modeling that opened way for fabulous shopping, and proceeded in the evening will with a high fashion runway.  

Monica Sinice, founder of Monique Boutique fashion, was one of the top designers featured during the opening night of LFW. Her unique, flowless designs inspired and wowed the audience but what was more expiring was her story. She came to the US two years ago from Lithuania to make her dream come true, the dream to open her pwn fashion store that features Lithuanian designers and she did it. Her advice," More work, less drama. If you believe in yourself, you can do it."

During LFW, Chevrolet and Latino Fashion Week also announced the opportunity for the guests to win a $1,000 shopping spree. This year’s contest winner was fueled with the amount of attention that their Instagram account received. During the event, an artwork was featured from Black Couch by local artist Mark Narens and from Mexico, an art exhibit featuring some of the top artists from Guadalajara. 

LFW officially introduced the TUVida APP to Chicago, available on iOS and Android.  “We encourage everyone to download this app so that you can watch our runways shows, interviews, behind the scenes, and for the audience to see themselves as they have a LFW, a truly Latino Experience,” urged Co-Founders, Arabel Alva Rosales and Cesar Rolon.
TuVida is a fun and engaging new app that connects Latinos with Latinos, providing valuable information for everyday living. Created by Latinos and Latin culture aficionados, Tu Vida is designed in an “ask-and-answer” format so that all users can share their wisdom, resources, and experiences with each other.
 
“We are looking forward to continuing to shape the future of fashion,” said Co-founders Arabel Alva Rosales & Cesar Rolon.  And they invite you to “Join the Movement.”
 

Interview with UFC champ Holly Holm

Blondie's big come back - long-time drummer Clem Burke opens up about the band, music and life

For those of you who  are a bit too young to know, Blondie is a legendary American rock band formed by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein in the mid-late 1970s, emerging than in the new wave punk scene and soon after climbing their way to the top of the music scene. The band's most popular and number 1 hit singles are “Call Me,” “Heart of Glass,” “The Tide is High,” “Atomic,” among many others, as well as  one of my personal favourites “One Way or Another.” They are very well-known for their mix of musical styles combining pop, disco, rock and roll, and reggae.

Now after 40 years in the music scene, Blondie is coming back with a new album in early 2017. The band is collaborating on the new album with a new producer, who has also worked with celebrities like the Roots, R. Kelly, Erykah Badu, among others. The band will also do a few concerts this summer, starting on June 10 in the Genesis Theater in Waukegan, IL. Following up the release of the album next year, the band is planning a big tour for its fans.

I had the honor to interview Blondie's original and long-time drummer Clem Burke who has been distinguishing the band’s powerhouse sound. He talked about the band’s new album, their music, upcoming concerts and of course...life. Burke is among the great rock and roll drummers, a Grammy award winner, member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a recipient of the Honorary Doctorate of Music by the the University of Gloucestershire for his involvement in the Clem Burke Drumming Project. Burke has also been recording and touring with his other musical collaborations the Spirit Squad and the Empty Hearts.

Blondie has been in the music scene for over 40 years and you have been there since the start. How has the band and its music changed over the years and how is the band adapting now to the new millennials taste of music?

I am not sure if we changed over the years. We always have had different styles of music [like] disco, rap, reggae and rock and roll, but the tools have changed. We record digitally. The new album comes full circle with it. We came together and tried like we did back in the day. Fortunately for Blondie, we have always been outside of the box, searching for inspiration and paying attention to what is happening in the culture. We keep moving forward. I love being in the band and making new music. We will always continue making new music.

Speaking of new music, Blondie's new album is coming out next year. Tell us more about that and what style or mixture of styles will be in there?

This album will be very organic sounding. For the first time we are working with outside writers to write some of the songs like Sia and Charlie XCX.

You are playing select shows this year beginning in June. Where can fans hear and see you this year? Is this the big come back?

We had filmed a concert in Chicago in PBS right before Christmas with new songs, which will air soon on TV. We also have some shows here and there but we are not on tour. We are waiting for the new album to come out to go on tour. We also have some shows in July. It keeps the band together, like we are on a summer vacation (laughs).

You have recently been named by the Rolling Stone as one of the 100 greatest drummers of all times. You are number 61. How does that make you feel?

Of course it is very subjective. This particular one I liked the idea because it is judged by the music critics and it is more based on influence and musicality. I am very happy to be included among a lot of great musicians and singled out.

Tell me more about the Clem Burke Drumming Project (The Project is based on the pursuit of knowledge through the application of scientific principles to the various art forms of drumming. It is committed to the dissemination of information leading to increased enjoyment, health and well-being of all participants involved in drumming.) Why and how did you come up with this idea?

I am very happy that Dr. Marcus Smith wrote me a letter 15 years ago. He was working on an analogy between sports and music, like when you are performing how does your heart rate come up and down, which is also applicable to drumming. I became friends with Smith over the years. He has very positive aspects and life lessons for younger people. If you want to be a musician you have to be in shape to be the best you can be. I am happy to be part of it! [More about the project: http://www.clemburkedrummingproject.com]

What would you like to say to your fans in Chicago and the young musicians, people that are looking up to you?

You have to have your inspiration that came from the people before you. If you are fortunate enough to be influenced by the right people, continue to be inspired by them and follow your heart. Pay attention to trends. When we first started playing it wasn't a popular music. You have to try to be original and think differently than the mainstream and find your niche, capture the moment. Our songs capture a feeling and they are still appreciated. We were lucky and we followed our heart. You have to have conviction and be able to deal with rejection in life, whether music, relationships or your job. Some people have more difficulty especially in the artistic career and do not survive the music business. You have to learn what happened in the past and make yourself better. When we first started we just wanted gigs and to make a record. It changed as time went on and no one could have predicted that we will continue as long as we have. You like what you do and you survive. We fell in love with the music we were making. We were also supporting each other a lot. We built a foundation. Have your mind together and think positively.

         

For a full schedule on Blondie's upcoming shows, visit: http://www.blondie.net/#shows.

Premier event for "Adventures in Babysitting"

Jenna Ortega promotes new Disney toy line "Elena of Avalor"

On June 22, Disney Store on Michigan Ave in Chicago celebrated the launch of a new toy line for the upcoming “Elena of Avalor” series. The event used the help of the series’ own character, Jenna Ortega who is teh voice of Isabela and also stars in Disney’s “Stuck in the Middle.” The unveiling featured a custom window display with art from the series and a lot of excited fans who cheered as the display unveiled.

Ortega voices Elena’s younger sister Isabel who is “very smart, loves her family and is a helper.” Ortega says that growing up she always dreamed of playing a princess and now that her dream has come true it feels “amazing.”

“We both love math and science, we both love our families and we are both Latinas,” said Ortega in regards to her and Isabel.

The series tells the story of Elena, a brave and adventerous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sourceress and must learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be a queen. The stories incorporate influences from diverse Latin and HIspanic cultures, such as music, foklore, mythology and magic.

“Watch it! It’s very inspiring! There are great role models you can look up to and funny story lines,” said Ortega in regards to the series.

“Elena of Avalor” debutes with a one-hour premier event on July 22 on Disney Channel.