The song of summer is one that is heard across the United States and worldwide. My memories of the song began in the Canepa School of Dance as music for a basic tap routine to dance a “waltz clog” often times taught and performed with a jump rope.
My father, Tony Canepa Sr. combined his knowledge of tap dancing from the Madison, WI YMCA where he was an amateur boxer. Jumping rope was part of a boxer's training regime and Tony saw some ladies tap dancing in another room and he decided to combine tap dancing with boxing jump rope skills. I can still do the dance and I still teach it to anyone who wants to learn!
The Eventors were hired in March 2008 by Christopher Coppola of the film industry family to produce an event in Chicago with Columbia College Film, Music, Theatre and Marketing students. Ahead of his time in film production, Coppola organized the project that introduced people to making videos with a cell phone and digital films with digital cameras. In addition to my coordinating, promoting and publicizing the event, Christopher was intrigued and wanted me to tell our family story. Working with some of my special events students, including my forever intern Alex Rausch, we created “What is a Canepa?” in less than three days.
John Mossman won PAH Fest “Best of Show” for “Doors Open” and I won for “Best Musical Score” with music by Chris Beckstrom a talented music grad student from Columbia... who knew two people from Baraboo, WI would win the competition! Take a look and learn about tap dancing! Pictured below: Jane Canepa with John Mossman (left) and Christopher Coppola.
John Mossman and I grew up in theatre and dance families and we both taught at Columbia and are still collaborating today! I had the pleasure of promoting another one of John's films recently. The Eventors teamed up with Charp Consulting to promote "Fitting Descriptions" which was co-directed by John Mossman and Tiffany Bedwell. Tiffany also stars as the lead actress in the multi-award-winning short film celebrated for its outstanding screenwriting, acting, and overall excellence at both national and international festivals. It was wonderful to celebrate the cast and crew at the Midwest Film Festival on Monday, July 29th at the Gene Siskel Theater! Learn more about the film here.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack & Jill
Back in the day, the term “cracker jack” could refer to anything of high quality, and so its no
wonder that the name stuck! Fast forward to today when Frito-Lay produced Cracker Jill to support women and girls in the sport of baseball. Cracker Jill was introduced to honor women who have broken down barriers in sports. Candyality in Chicago sells Cracker Jill along with traditional Cracker Jack and popcorn for its movie theatre neighbor. Watching the Olympic games in Paris can be a complete experience with some peanuts and Cracker Jack & Jill! GO TEAM USA!
Several years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Eric Davis (who is a Jane Network member) through a network of baseball promotion groups (specifically Jeff Maksud of MSM Promotions). Eric is a former Chicago police officer who has launched a second career by devoting his life to underserved youth. The BASE Chicago has built a strong network of experts and partners who help navigate issues our youth and families share related to poverty, jobs and education. Old school baseball skills are applied to today’s generation of youth along with pathways to success for combining sports and academic opportunities.
The goal of The BASE Chicago is to ensure that 100% of student athletes graduate from high
school and provide them with support and resources whether that includes matriculation to
college or entering a job training program. The primary focus is to develop good citizens who
make good decisions and are steered away from violence and gang activity and other negative
behaviors. They are currently in the middle of their National Urban Sports Classic. Do some good and look at their website and lend some support whether it is through a contribution or spreading the word about their message!
The Eventors were hired to coordinate a ground breaking ceremony for Lutheran General Hospital’s Yacktman Children’s Pavilion in Park Ridge, IL. Using creativity as a strong suit - we created a ceremony that featured my 7, 8, and 9 year old tap dancing students. The children presented the groundbreaking acting as the Mayor, the Doctor, the Architect, the Nurse and the Donor. In addition to the students we had a large sand sculpture of the pavilion and 3-D renderings of the potential building, designed by the late, renowned Argentine-American architect Cesar Pelli. Lunch consisted of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and juice box, served in a sand pail with a shovel. Mr. Pelli remarked that in all his years this was the most creative ceremony he had ever participated in! Fast-forward to a few months ago and my former student Niema Dancy reached out to me. Today she is an award-winning producer in radio, television, film and communication for Hardpin Media in Charlotte, NC. Niema coincidentally graduated from Columbia College Chicago where I taught events and promotions for over 32 years, although she didn’t take my events class she was one of my grade school tap dancers! Pictured is her LinkedIn post about those days with me!
Life is a dance, and it has been my pleasure to teach dance, life, public relations and special events - my students are my life's rewards! Thank you for the flowers and postings, Niema Dancy! You "saved the day" at the grand opening of the Yacktman Children's Pavilion Grand Opening. Blessings to you and all my students of life, tap dancing and public relations and events! And yes, I can still shuffle off to Buffalo too!
As an event planner and publicist I always wove tap dancing into the process. During my son Christopher’s grade school days I taught an after school dance program at several Lincoln Park, Old Town, public and private schools. Christopher took part in some of the classes and he is a great dancer because of it! Most of my dance students began by learning how to jump rope. They were also taught the waltz clog as a basic beginner tap dance.
The Victor Yacktman Children’s Pavilion is a three story, 80,000 square foot ambulatory facility that combined pediatric primary care, subspecialties, diagnostics and therapies in a single state-of-the-art facility. It opened in July 1996 and was made possible by the philanthropy of Pauline Yacktman Petre in honor of her late husband, Victor Yacktman, former northwestern Chicago businessman and civic leader.
Terri Molo Kolzow graduated from Columbia College in 2010 with a degree in Marketing and Communications. Following her graduation, she embarked on a diverse career path that showcased her versatility and passion for customer service. She began at a truck leasing company focusing on membership and meeting planning, then moved on to managing a Salon & Spa, where her skills in organization and client relations flourished. Her career then took her into Retail Management, where she demonstrated her keen business acumen and ability to enhance customer experiences. Currently, she is a Property Manager and Concierge at a Chicago landmark, the Palmolive Building, where she seamlessly combines her experience and management style to provide exceptional service. She is also a member of the Chicago Chapter National Concierge Association and serves on the Board of Directors as Director of Meetings and Education. Terri is known for her positive attitude and dedication to making her client’s day and she thrives in roles that allow her to connect with and uplift others. Her commitment to excellence and genuine care for the well-being of those around her have made her a respected and beloved figure in her field.
Teri was a student in my special events class at Columbia College Chicago. Each semester the class would culminate with a silent auction fundraiser called “Jammin With Jane”. Terri recalls bringing her mom and grandmother to the event at Bar Louie in the South Loop that
benefited a deserving charity. Students learned how to plan, organize, promote and execute a special event. It was a rewarding experience for many and an opportunity to involve families in college projects. Terri and I are reconnected as we are members of the National Concierge Assn. of Chicago – The Eventors is an affiliate member. The affiliate liaison is our friend, Jo Simmons - Manager, Business Development and Corporate Events for the Chicago White Sox.
We are pleased to be promoting a new band!
The Duncan Brothers Band, a dynamic country/rock quartet hailing from Newman, Georgia, is making waves in the music scene despite being together for less than a year. This summer, they are set to captivate audiences with a series of electrifying shows across the state. My talented nephew, Jimmy Canepa, is the bands lead guitar and vocalist. Take a listen to their debut single “Sweet Birmingham” and give them a follow at @duncanbrothersband!
Ella Jenkins is turning 100!
Friends and neighbors of Ella's in Old Town, Chicago are hosting whats sure. to be a fantastic celebration on Sunday, August 4th in Ella Jenkins Park! There will be singalongs, documentary clips, Ella merch, cake proclamations, give aways and more! Register here
This October will mark my 48th year in business! We are planning to host a celebration in Chicago alongside the launch of something new for Jane Network members to mark this business milestone... keep an eye out for updates!
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