Last Wednesday night was drama, drama, drama at the House of Blues.
Hockey stud Chris Chelios threw a charity event there, and the big rumor was that Kid Rock was going to perform, so dozens of people bought tickets and proceeded to go to the concert. But as the singer’s fans poured into the Foundation Room (a.k.a. the VIP room), a stressed-looking Kid Rock jetted out and never returned.
Some sources say the rocker wasn’t feeling well, others said he got frustrated from the huge crowds that showed up. Everyone else says that after a hard day of partying on a Wrigleyville rooftop during a Cubs game, he was just simply too worn out to perform. Hmm … we may never know. To Kid Rock’s credit, he was never officially confirmed to perform, and even if he did, it likely would have been as a favor to his Michigan buddy Chelios.
At the last minute, Chelios asked ex-Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan, who was hanging at the House of Blues, if he’d perform, and he did–saving the day. Go Billy Corgan! It was probably good practice for Corgan because he has a solo album coming out in February. Despite the Kid Rock letdown, everyone seemed to have a blast. Many of Chelios’ NHL buddies showed up, as did the Cubs’ Moises Alou and actress Kristy Swanson (the big-screen “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”). The fabulous unofficial postparty was at Stanley’s, where Alou, Chelios and Greg Maddux were all in attendance.
WHAT UP, JAY: Jay-Z rolled into town Thursday night and chilled at The Loft, where he mingled with fans and watched the first NFL game of the season, which started with a performance by his girl Beyonce and Destiny’s Child.
The next morning Jay-Z did an interview on WGCI 107.5 FM to promote his “Best of Both Worlds” set with R. Kelly (this sentence as published has been corrected in this text). Later that night, Jay-Z went to Usher’s concert at the Allstate Arena. (He’ll be back at the end of the month to perform with R. Kelly at Allstate Arena.)
Meanwhile, before he hit the stage, Usher spent the day shopping on Oak Street, hitting up a few clothing stores including Barneys. But, to his fans’ dismay, he was a no-show at his own afterparty later that night, held at Vision nightclub.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Here’s what’s up this week:
– This Saturday is the much-anticipated Green Tie Ball XIII, where all of Chicago’s finest go every year. It’s at A. Finkl & Sons and this year boasts food from more than 60 restaurants, dozens of premium bars, charitable gambling and auctions. You can buy tickets by calling 800-965-4827.
– Amy Henry from the first season of “The Apprentice” will be in town this week signing copies of her new book “What It Takes: Speak Up, Step Up, Move Up.” It’ll be held at the Michigan Avenue Borders at 7 p.m. Wednesday. (Winner Bill Rancic is scheduled to sign books at the State Street Borders on Monday afternoon.)
SIGHTINGS: Greg Maddux, Moises Alou and John Cusack partied at Stanley’s on Labor Day Eve. … The Jack Johnson band, G. Love (from G. Love and Special Sauce) and actor Larenz Tate hung out at Rockit on Wednesday night after their concert at the Aragon. Cubs Kyle Farnsworth and Kerry Wood hit the pool tables at Rockit the night before. And Ashlee Simpson’s ex-boyfriend, singer Ryan Cabrera, partied there Saturday night. … The Bulls’ Eddie Curry hung out at Vision on Friday night.
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