Chicago Connections

Greetings from Chicago, where the Chicago Berklee Alumni Chapter is rounding out a successful year of hosting events and making connections. It all started early this year, when folks from the Berklee Office of Alumni Affairs met with me, Michael Kranicke ’90, Steve Nixon ’02, Will Sims ’87, and Grazyna Auguscik ’92. During a working (and nostalgic) lunch in January, we laid out a plan to increase event participation and networking among the nearly 400 Chicago-area Berklee alumni.

On April 23, we held our first gathering at Katerina’s, an eclectic live-music venue where many alumni perform regularly. Spanning different generations and musical genres, more than 40 Berkleeites mixed and mingled until the wee hours. On July 15, we held our second event, a showcase at the Elbo Room. Thanks to the alumni who came out, and thanks to the Hue, Starcandy, Mike Dangeroux, Carol Williams, and Harlan Flo for the great music.

We are thrilled to announce our next event, which takes place on Tuesday, October 21, at the new National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) office in downtown Chicago. Made possible through the efforts of steering committee member Michael Kranicke and NARAS Chicago Chapter Vice President Larry Sturm ’79, this is a unique opportunity to learn more about the Grammy Awards from those representing the only NARAS office in the Midwest. As we strive to enlarge our community network, we’re extending invitations to Berklee alumni and to established industry members in Chicago. To close out 2008, we will hold a holiday party on Sunday, December 7. It will continue our theme of bringing Berklee alumni together with key industry members and others in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.

In addition to ongoing performance and networking opportunities, many alumni have expressed a desire for a broader online presence for local members. We are exploring ways to accomplish that goal in 2009.

We send a big thank-you to everyone who has helped make 2008 a great year for the Chicago Berklee Alumni Chapter. And at upcoming events, we hope to see more Chicago-area alumni. Keep in touch!

—Sabina Lilly ’91, Chicago Berklee Alumni Chapter Leader