Can't Miss Press

THURSDAY MAY 21, 2009, 7 p.m.: Oak Park Public Library. "Cubbie Blues" writers Rick Kaempfer, James Finn Garner, Donald G. Evans and Robert Goldsborough (left to right) against a backdrop of Stephen Green's photography exhibit at the Oak Park Public Library. Book editor Evans led a panel discussion on the essence of being a Cubs fan.

SATURDAY, May 2, 2009: The Cliff Dwellers Club (200 S. Michigan Ave).: Cubbie Blues contributors David Goodman, Julia Borcherts, Christine Sneed, Ric Hess, Don DeGrazia, Bill Hillmann, Julia Borcherts and Donald G. Evans meet with members of the prestigious non-profit organization. The discussion is held at the Club's 22nd floor penthouse headquarters on Michigan Avenue and Adams Street. The Cliff Dwellers was founded more than 100 years ago, and has consistently been a major force in recognizing, supporting, and championing the fine and performing arts in Chicago. Photos courtesy of Brynne Rinderknecht.

SUNDAY, April 5, 2009: Cremating the Curse, Michael's Funeral Home, Schaumburg, IL: Legendary comedian Tom Dreesen dons his Reverend collar to lead our authentic cremation ceremony on the day before the Cubs' season opener. Our cast of Cubby mourners includes ex-Cubs outfielder Gene Hiser, former major leaguers Bill Campbell, Skip Pitlock and Bob Miller, ex-Cubs Ball Girl (1986) Kathy Wolter (a.k.a. The Blonde), bestselling author James Finn Garner, One Bad Century host Rick Kaempfer, Cubs historian Brian Bernardoni, playwright Mary Beth Hoerner, Reading Under the Influence co-founder Julia Borcherts, Windy City Story Slam founder and host Bill Hillmann, Chicago Literary Scene Examinercolumnist Robert Duffer, Cubbie Blues editor Donald G. Evans, superfans Ronnie “Woo Woo” Wickers, Shawon-O-Meter co-creator Dave Cihla, "Ivy Man" Ward Tannhauser and “Radio” Ron Walerowicz, celebrated widow Pat Brickhouse, and many others. The musical group MGM debuts its song Curse of the Cubbie Blues.

SATURDAY, March 28, 2009: Al's Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Mesa, AZ. Photographer Tammy Lechner joins "Cubbie Blues" editor Donald G. Evans for a book signing.

WEDNESDAY, March 25, 2009:Fergie and Friends Celebrity Baseball Game and Autograph Show (HoHoKam Stadium, Mesa, AZ): We're at spring training for this 2nd annual charity event hosted by Cubs Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins. Sharing a table with us is photographer Tammy Lechner ("Our Team-Our Dream" and contributor to "Cubbie Blues").

SATURDAY, March 21, 2009:The Shawon-O-MeetUp at Murphy's Bleachers, 3655 N. Sheffield, Chicago. A band of Shawon-O-Meter supporters meet-up on Shawon Dunston's birthday to collect signed petitions supporting Dave Cihla's candidacy to sing the "Seventh-Inning Stretch" this summer.

FRIDAY, February 20, 2009: Rookies All-American Pub & Grill, Elgin: It's a meeting of the Rons. "Radio" Ron Walerowicz and Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers are on hand to greet area Cub fans. Both Ron and Ronnie are legendary Cub fans. "Elgin Today" host and Harry Caray impersonator Jeff Myers and "Cubbie Blues" editor Don Evans also attend. Photos by Jim Durante.

Saturday, February 7, 2009: Cubs fan extraordinaire Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers and several book contributors are on hand to sign books. This beautiful bookstore is located on the historic Woodstock Square. Remember Groundhog Day? It was filmed in Woodstock. You can retrace the footsteps of longtime Cubs fan Bill Murray.

January 17, 2009: The Centre of Elgin: We are there with hundreds of youngsters registering for Little League and donate a portion of the sale of every book sold to the Elgin/South Elgin Little League programs. Former major leaguer Bob Miller is on hand to sign books. Miller, who played for the Detroit Tigers (1953-56), the Cincinnati Reds(1962) and the original New York Mets (1962), remains the youngest pitcher to ever defeat the New YorkYankees, which he did at the age of 17. "Radio Ron" Walerowicz also makes a special appearance.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008: Special guest appearances by Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers, Jerry Pritikin (aka The Bleacher Preacher)and Minnette Goodman and David, mother and brother of legendary singer and songwriter Steve Goodman ("Go Cubs Go", "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request"). Contributors Don De Grazia, Mary Beth Hoerner, Randy Richardson and Donald G. Evans were also on hand to sign books.

Thursday, December 18, 2008: The Suburban book release party at Elgin Public House. Four former major leaguers came out to sign books and chat with fans: Gene Hiser - Chicago Cubs(1971-75); Bill Campbell - Minnesota Twins (1973-76), Boston Red Sox (1977-81), Chicago Cubs (1982-83), Philadelphia Philllies (1984), St. Louis Cardinals (1985), Detroit Tigers (1986), and the Montreal Expos (1987); and Buzz Capra - New York Mets (1971-73) and Atlanta Braves (1974-77); Skip Pitlock - San Francisco Giants (1970) and Chicago White Sox (1974-75). Photos by Mary Swanson.

December 14, 2008: We celebrate the release of Cubbie Blues at Sheffield's, just a few blocks from Wrigley Field. Dave Hoekstra spun his eclectic Cubs music collection as guest DJ. Other contributors such as Sara Paretsky, James Finn Garner,Don De Grazia, Jonathan Eig, Stuart Shea, Rick Kaempfer, Bill Hillmann, Ric Hess, Christine Sneed, Julia Borcherts, Mary Beth Hoerner, Robert Goldsborough, Donald Evans and Randy Richardson were also on hand to sign copies of the book. There were also special guest appearances by Pat Brickhouse, Shawon-O-Meter creator Dave Cihla, "Radio Ron" Walerowicz and Dave Goodman. Photos by Roberta Richardson.

December 14, 2008: What a perfect place to start. The Billy Goat Tavern, our favorite subterranean saloon and eatery. From table to table and across every barstool, there's an echo of "wait till next year." It's a mantra all diehard Cub fans know by heart. Sammy Sianis, who owns the Billy Goat, knows it well, too. His uncle, the orginal owner, was famous for trying to bring a goat into Wrigley Field during the 1945 World Series. The Cubs haven't been back to the Fall Classic since and the longer they go without a title (it's at 100 years and counting) the more the legendary Curse of the Billy Goat grows. Chicago's preeminent journalist Rick Kogan and Judy Royko, widow of legendary columnist Mike Royko, were on hand to sign books, as were book contributors Mary Beth Hoerner, Don De Grazia, Donald Evans and Randy Richardson. WXRT's Lin Brehmer also made a special appearance. Legendary Chicago saloon singer Jimmy Damon sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." Photos by Roberta Richardson.