There's No Biz Like Showbiz!

     At the auto show, there are many radio stations doing live broadcasts. One of those stations broadcasting from the show is B96, coming to us from the middle of the North Hall. Their morning crew is broadcasting live all week from the show floor. One of their people, Showbiz Shelly was there giving pop culture questions to those in attendance. She had a panel of three auto show guests onstage, and she was also giving out bags to the crowd.

     This is just one of many really cool things going down at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show, so stay tuned for even more updates!

CAS 18: We're ready to go!

     After a busy opening weekend, Chicago 365 is here to cover, talk about, and report on the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. With a million square feet of exhibit space, 3 test tracks, and multiple interactive experiences, there is a lot to explore. And with the help of the handy Chicago Auto Show mobile app, you can organize your experience right there. Lists of events, promotions, and show floor maps promise to light the way. I'll be reporting back with more as the show goes on, and I'll see you out on the floor here at the 2018 Chicago Auto Show!

From The Horse's Mouth: CAS 18 is open!

This morning the Chicago Auto Show officially opens it's doors to the public for its 110th edition. The following is a press release announcing the opening:

CHICAGO AUTO SHOW PREPARES TO OPEN ITS DOORS FOR THE 110TH EDITION  
The Nation's Largest Auto Show runs Feb. 10-19

CHICAGO (Feb. 10, 2018) - Automakers, manufacturers and enthusiasts from around the world are revving up for the 2018 Chicago Auto Show. The nation's largest and best-attended auto show, held annually at McCormick Place, opens to the public Saturday, Feb. 10 and runs through Monday, Feb. 19. The show is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, except for the final day of the show when it closes at 8 p.m.

Dignitaries and show officials are expected to cut the ribbon on the 110th edition of the Chicago Auto Show Saturday, officially opening the longest-running auto show in North America. Consumers will once again be treated to more than one million sq. ft. of exhibit space, appearances from celebrities and sports icons, and interactive displays for the whole family.

The 2018 Chicago Auto Show promises visitors exclusive access to nearly 1,000 of the newest and most exciting vehicles, including more than a dozen vehicles that made their global or North American debuts during this week's Media Preview. Those include the much-anticipated 2019 Volkswagen Arteon, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, Fiat 500, 2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon and Edge Titanium Elite, Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma and Tundra TRD Pro models and Slingshot Grand Touring Limited Edition. Two winter-themed concept vehicles from Nissan were also unveiled, the Nissan Armada Snow Patrol concept and the 370Zki concept, and Subaru celebrated its 50th anniversary with the release of special edition automobiles across its entire 2018 lineup.

In addition to the latest production, concept and exotic vehicles, the show is packed with opportunities for attendees to get behind the wheel. Seven outdoor ride-and-drive experiences hosted by Cadillac, Ford, Kia, Mazda, Subaru, Volkswagen and the Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition will offer an up-close look into the most recent cars, trucks, SUVs and electric vehicles to hit the market. Three indoor test-driving tracks, including Camp Jeep, Kia's SUV Gym, and Toyota's Camry Thrill Ride, will highlight cutting-edge technologies and vehicle capabilities right from the show floor. New and returning exhibits across the show floor, including numerous driving simulators, offer fans the fun and interactive experiences they've come to expect in Chicago.

"The Chicago Auto Show is a consumer-driven show unlike any other automotive expo in the world," said John Hennessy, 2018 Chicago Auto Show chairman. "We offer visitors unfettered access to vehicles and unique, hands-on experiences that enable them to make informed purchase decisions down the road. With new and exciting exhibits from nearly every manufacturer on the show floor, the 2018 Chicago Auto Show has something for everyone."

Media from around the globe gathered at McCormick Place Thursday and Friday for the Media Preview, where they received a first look at the more than a dozen new and updated vehicles making their debut in Chicago. Fans of the Chicago Auto Show's Facebook page were once again able to watch the vehicle revels and news conferences along with their favorite reporters in real time via Facebook Live. Attendees of the 2018 Chicago Auto Show will be among the first in the world to see the latest cars, trucks and SUVs to hit the market, including:

2019 Volkswagen Arteon
Subaru 50th Anniversary Special Edition Vehicles
Nissan Armada Snow Patrol Concept
Nissan 370Zki Concept
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
Toyota TRD Pro Package 
2019 Ford Transit Connect Wagon
Fiat 500
Slingshot Grand Touring Limited Edition

In addition to the latest production vehicles, Chicago Auto Show visitors will have a front-row seat to some of the most impressive luxury vehicles and supercars, including:

Acura NSX
Aston Martin Vanquish S
Audi R8
Bentley Bentayga
2019 BMW I8
2019 Chevrolet Corvette
Ford GT
Lamborghini Aventador S 
Lotus Evora
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C
Nissan GT-R
Porsche 911
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

The Chicago Auto Show continues to offer new and exciting opportunities for fans to get into the action through social media. New and returning digital experiences include the official Chicago Auto Show mobile app, a virtual tour guide taking fans behind the scenes; #CAS18 BUZZHUB, a social engagement space featuring real-time news feeds and impressive photo backdrops, powered by Cars.com; and ongoing social media contests throughout the show floor, accessible by following the Chicago Auto Show on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

In keeping with its tradition of hosting events that capture the attention of an array of consumers, the Chicago Auto Show will host the following events during its 10-day run:

Women's Day: Tuesday, Feb. 13. Women are admitted for $7. Manufacturers present special women-oriented programs on the purchase, lease and maintenance of vehicles. 
Chicago Auto Show Food Drive: Wednesday, Feb. 14 - Friday, Feb. 16. Show patrons who bring three cans of food will receive a coupon for a $7 adult admission. All food will be donated to A Safe Haven Foundation. 
Telemundo Hispanic Heritage Day: Friday, Feb. 16. Manufacturers develop and host Hispanic celebration events throughout the show. 
Family Day: Monday, Feb. 19. The Chicago Auto Show will host family-friendly events on Presidents Day to wrap up the last day of the show. 

The 2018 Chicago Auto Show is open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Feb. 10-18, and 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19.

As stated above, the Chicago Auto Show runs from now through the 19th. Chicago 365 will be there to provide illuminating coverage and enlightening vignettes. See you out on the show floor!

Hal Leonard: Episode III

For the third year that I've been coming to Midwest, Hal Leonard is pushing it's collection of Star Wars music. Back in 2015 it was a score for The Force Awakens being kept under lock and key until the movie came out. Last year it was a collection of parts for Rogue One. This year, it's a spread at the front corner with various Star Wars scores, flanked by cardboard cutouts of figures from the new movie. But Hal Leonard isn't the only exhibitor getting into the spirit. The North Shore Concert Band is devoting its 2017-2018 season to performing some of the music from the saga on each of their concerts. Star Wars mania is indeed alive and well at the 71st Annual Midwest Clinic.

And He Huffed! And He Puffed! And He...

One of the biggest requirements of being a wind player is heing able to draw upon your breath to support your playing. Over the years, many tools have been put out to help in that endeavor. One that is at Midwest this year is Lung Trainers. These guys have a booth where you can test out their units, letting you pit your lung capacity against the trainer. In the back, they have one unit that is loaded with 5 weights. (The hardest training unit only has 3) Anyone blowing those weights to the top wins a crisp $2 bill. To my knowledge, nobody has gotten that bill yet (or passed out trying, haha).

Music From Down Under

One of the many exhibitors at The Midwest Clinic is Brolga Music, an Australian music publishing company. They have sample CDs, pamplets, Australian chocolate, and small stuffed wallabies. All you could ever want! Make sure to check them out this week at McCormick Place.

Invision Yourself Anywhere!

One of the primary concerns for any touring music group is knowing what to expect when you arrive at your destination. Director's Choice has made that task far easier with their Invision Virtual Reality App. Now you can just download the app to any smartphone, insert your phone into the viewer, and you'll be transported to Chicago, New York City, or San Antonio. This promises to be an invaluable tool for both band directors and tour organizers to use. You can check out the app at invisionyourself.com