Event: Second annual pre-Beach Bash at the Landmark Arts Gallery, Chicago. To kick off: The actual Beach Bash held the next day at the 57th Street harbor and marina area, attended by 800 to 1,000 people. “Beach” origins: In the mid-1980s, a woman in Schaumburg would host a barbecue outing in her back yard for 20 to 30 people. She moved away. And then? Three guests, men all, picked up the mantle, hosting the event for years at a beachfront high-rise on Sheridan Road for about 50 to 100 folks. It grew even more: This labor of love has expanded to up to 1,000 of the 30-something professional crowd. For the last three years, it has been held at 57th Street. Admission: The lucky 500 (who receive invites via e-mail) and their guests each must bring enough food and drink for 10 people to sample. Seems fare enough.
