The Madhatter's Ball, benefiting the Lookingglass Theatre Company, was held at the House of Blues on September 9, 2006. Hosted by Billy Dec, David Schwimmer, and Joey Slotnick, this is always one of the hottest parties of year – this year featured Macy Gray and celebrity DJ Samantha Ronson. I had the honor of leading the fig team as the exclusive media sponsor of the Madhatter’s Ball. My talented crew included director, videographer and editor Melissa Martens who created theatrical visuals for the big screens at the venue, and the sponsorship documentary of the Lookingglass Young Ensembles program. Along with Chris Weiher and editor Billy Rood, Melissa also directed the video coverage of the night. Photographers Brian Carey and Tim Musho were the swat team duo documenting the event through creative photos. The evening was a success and I am very proud of our partnership with Rockit Ranch Productions, the Experiential Agency, and Lookingglass Theatre.

James and Michele Gustin have launched the fine art branch of fig media incorporated. This week marks the opening of fig east, our first gallery and artist studio space located right next door to fig media inc. (the other side of the tracks at 1118 W Granville). Michele has moved her current series of large-scale work - 60" squares based on Tang Dynasty figures - and other exciting works into the space. Some of you may know that Michele has been painting and selling her pictures since she was five. She's still five, still painting, still selling her pictures, and now she has a big studio to "play". It’s 1,500 square-feet of raw Uptown space complete with dramatic structural arches and gravel terrazzo floors. Michele is delighted to have plenty of room to expand and James is excited to see Michele blossom. People have already stopped by asking if the work is for sale. We will have a grand opening party so look for regular updates from fig east and an invite!

This year fig was asked to be part of the yearly Gateway Greens event “The Green Tie Ball” which drew a crowd of over 3,000 people. Andrew Ettenhofer served as producer of the fig team and worked closely with Dakota Schultz of Gateway Greens and the Experiential Agency to add the “fig flavor” to one of the hottest parties of the summer. Fig DJ Lucy Wieczorek spun in the ever-hip W Hotel Lounge while her assistant Lola Olateju danced by her side. Fig photographers Megan Taylor and Stephen Fabro were also there to capture the crowd, food, music, entertainment, celebs, and more. Fig also took this opportunity to screen their work, as Lydia Kopeke edited the photos into a live projection mix that was screened on both sides of the stage. Please check out fig’s documented photos. Visit: www.greentieball.org Producer: Andrew Ettenhofer Deejay: Lucy Wieczorek Assistant Deejay: Lola Olateju Digital Photography: Megan Taylor, Stephen Fabro

During the Loft Project event at West Loop Studios, fig got wired and crazy. A great team of vendors showcased their culinary talents and decorating skills including Art of Imagination, Botanicals, Blue Plate, Hardy Boys, and Taste America. After many initial ideas, including a DJ on a platform with spandex projection, fig’s own contribution evolved into an art installation complete with televisions painted white and a fig DJ on risers. Check out fig's website for more creative ideas.

A Perfect Event celebrated its 10th anniversary in September with a fabulous open house at its retail shop on Lincoln Avenue. Owner Debi Lilly and her crew have grown over the years a reputation for great events with A-list clients (did somebody say Oprah?). Fig has partnered well with A Perfect Event over its history on various projects, and so it was an honor to be asked to provide the music for the celebration. DJ Tim Musho enticed the crowd with an eclectic mix of dub, lounge, indie rock, and other genres. We also went retro by taking Polaroids of the guests and letting them take the photos home as mementos. We look forward to more projects with A Perfect Event and to helping celebrate their 50th anniversary!

Fig Media has provided audio and video services for the Wright Institute for over 7 years. This past month we helped produce the One Decision training based on Judith Wright’s book of the same title. During this weekend we supplied audio reinforcement, DJ services, digital audio and video recording, projection and screens, and other media coordination. The next One Decision is February 10-12, 2007, and we are already planning for it. In the meantime, the Soft Addiction Solutions Training is offered November 17-19 and there will be a kick ass New Years Eve party at Transitions Book Store. Please contact us if you are interested in learning more about these life-transforming events.

Visit: www.judithwright.com

Producer: Tim Musho
Technical Director: Eric Anderson
Director: Melissa Martens
Audio: Hafeez Sarumi
Deejay: Jon Hood
Growth: Lauren Pollock
Camera Operators: Owen Weber, Billy Rood, Stephen Fabro, Chris Weiher
Digital Photography: Megan Taylor

The Deerfield Golf Club hosted the first of many Men’s BHAG golf outings. BHAG stands for Big Harry Audacious Goal. The outing was structured around setting life goals and discussing pathways to accomplish them. Fig photographers, Tim Musho and Brian Carey, ventured the 18-hole course and photo-journalized the long drives, the sand traps, and hole-sinking putts. National bestselling author Judith Wright made a special appearance and spoke about striving to accomplish the impossible! An awesome, same-day photo slideshow highlighted and completed a day of fun on the greens. Fooorrreee!!!

Digital Photography: Tim Musho, Brian Carey

Fig partnered with Wisdom Bridge Arts Project to produce this year’s Rogers Park World Music Festival in Touhy Park on September 16th. DJ Brent Rolland made his mark as a world music mixologist and emcee for the second stage (along with other worldly musicians El Payo, Heather Maxwell, and Rogers Park locals MWC). Erik Friedly and Tobey Geise helped plan and sequence the entire event, including booking cultural acts such as the Hipnotic Belly Dance Troupe, Ghana dancers and drummers, and Nepali dancers. The event was a total success with over 1,300 people, the most Wisdom Bridge had ever attracted to this event!

Visit: egov.cityofchicago.org

Main Stage Management: Erik Friedly
2nd Stage Booking/Management: Tobey Giese
2nd Stage Deejay/Emcee: Brent Rolland
Assistant Deejay: Emily Hard
Main Stage Management: Katherine Heart [www.hartfeltcommunications.com]

What is the coolest thing about being a deejay? Getting a crowd to feel what I’m feeling, getting them dancing, seeing a whole room throb as one big mass of bodies. I also like meeting really cool people. I’ve been with fig media for almost three years and in that time, I’ve worked all over Chicago and the suburbs as well as Arizona and I love meeting and getting to know the different crowds. It’s like I’m an anthropologist.

Did you study anthropology in college? I studied theatre and sociology. They both fit with deejaying. I’m performing in front of a crowd and I’m studying how they are interacting with one another.

Where did you go to school? Central Michigan University. I chose it because it had a really big theatre. When I took a tour of the school, they showed me the theatre. As soon as I stepped on stage, I knew it was the place for me.

Digital Photography: Tim Musho

What brought you to Chicago? Theatre. I was an actor in college and moved here to persue it professionally. I was in an improv group for a couple years. What’s challenging about being an actor is that it doesn’t pay very well and it’s about who I know. I’m learning that one with deejaying. It doesn’t matter how well I can beat match, no one will come see me if they don’t know who I am.

Do you still do theater? No. Deejaying takes up most of my time right now. I love it! I still miss acting, but music has always been in my blood. I used to make radio shows when I was kid. Same thing in high school. I was part of a radio club at that time and we would broadcast radio shows in the morning as students would come in. In college, I would throw parties. They’d get pretty big. One time, there were so many people in our house that it overflowed outside. They loved my parties because I’d play really great music.

Where do see your life heading? As a deejay, I see myself deejaying around the country, around the world, in front of thousands of people, making tons of money, driving expensive cars, and enjoying all of it with a wonderful wife that loves me and supports me and constantly challenges me to keep improving myself (and vice versa, too).

email: jon@figgy.net

“You are half way there, livin’ on a prayer, here at Old St. Patrick’s,” the emcee yelled as Pastor Tom (the emcee from last year) passed by Mile 13. Fig’s third time being the DJ for the Chicago Marathon was a blast, cheering and playing music for over 35,000 runners. “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi was Hafeez’s and my hit of the morning. It fit very well since Mile 13 was the halfway point of the race, and we were in front of the 150-year-old St. Patrick’s church. The chilly morning breeze was bothersome with the threat of rain and snow flurries looming. However, once the wheelchair racers passed, followed by the rest of the pack, the day warmed up fast and the party was rocking. Thanks to GMR Marketing, New Balance, Old St. Patrick’s and the Chicago Marathon for a great time and a great pair of New Balance official 2006 Chicago Marathon running shoes!

Visit: www.chicagomarathon.com

Producer: Andrew Ettenhofer
Deejays: Erik Friedly, Hafeez Sarumi

Fashion Week in Chicago (Oct. 14-21) gave fig DJs plenty of opportunities to mingle with gorgeous models and fashion gurus. On Monday, we partnered with the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association for their Secret Garden Fashion Event. We deejayed right on Michigan Ave. by the Water Tower and provided the runway music for a fashion show featuring student designs from the Illinois Institute of Technology. On Wednesday, we deejayed the pre-party for the big Macy’s fashion show in Millennium Park. We worked with a great team including Macy’s, Chicago Social Magazine, Frost Lighting and Blue Plate Catering. Thank you to the City of Chicago for this revitalized fashion initiative – it makes us look hot!

I am in charge of the Magnificent Mile for a night! On November 18th, I am overseeing close to 200 volunteers in charge of closing down Michigan Avenue for the Lights Festival. I am still looking for volunteers to help with the efforts, so contact me if you are interested.

email: andrew@figgy.net