LondonHouse Rooftop makes its debut

Summertime in Chicago means hitting up all the rooftops and patios while you can. This season everyone is talking about the LH Rooftop, the city's first tri-level rooftop lounge at the new LondonHouse Hotel. The hotel is located at 85 E. Upper Wacker Drive along the Chicago River, offering incredible views of the city.

I made reservations the first day the site went live back in May and within that day reservations for June had filled up. Fortunately, I managed to grab a reservation for the end of June. But if you can't get a reservation don't worry! LondonHouse recently announced they would be taking daily walk-ins in the afternoons. If you are looking to guarantee you'll get in, check out their website for the different options of reservations.

As for the service, the staff was nice and attentive. It was busy for a Tuesday night and I could tell some of the staff were running around like crazy making sure everyone had what they needed and that people were having a good time.

The crafted signature cocktails cost around $15. Isn't that kind of expensive? Yes and that's to be expected. But are the Instagram perfect views, cool Snapchats and selfies worth it? Yes, of course!
If you're looking for beer, they have a nice selections of craft beers at reasonable price. Cheers!

DNCE performs at North Avenue Beach in Chicago

Joe Jonas, lead singer of DNCE, performs at Castaways at North Avenue Beach.

On Saturday DNCE performed an exclusive show at Castaways at North Avenue Beach. The band is currently on tour with Selena Gomez.

About a week ago, I got one of those e-mail blast newsletters from 103.5 KISS FM which included details about a contest to win passes to see DNCE. All you had to do was tweet a photo or video of yourself getting cake smashed in your face and you were entered for a chance to win passes. My sister and I both entered and we each won a pair of passes.
Check out mine below if you missed it!

Dreaming I'll eat #CakeByTheLake this weekend! #ContestEntry @1035KISSFM @DNCE pic.twitter.com/PF28TBQRdY

— Raymond Garcia (@raymondagarcia) June 20, 2016

DNCE performed "Toothbrush" and their smash hit "Cake By The Ocean." It was a very intimate performance, I would say there were only about 30 to 40 people on the patio deck. Everyone had the chance to get up close and have a great view for the perfect Snapchat photo and video. I'm pretty sure Joe Jonas was looking directly at my phone as I took a Snapchat video but my sister who was standing in front of me said the same thing...

Cole Whittle, bass guitarist for the band, performs at Castaways.

The band played acoustic versions of their songs and they seemed relaxed. It was extremely hot especially with the sun beaming down us so thank you DNCE for starting on time!

As soon as they finished the band left the stage and headed down toward their vehicle. Security was blocking the entrance we came in to keep everyone from rushing down the stairs. Apparently we were one of the few people smart enough to go find one of the other exits because everyone else just sort of stood around it seemed like. Our efforts paid off because I got a selfie with Joe as he made his way back to his car.

Walking Map of Chicago's Michigan Avenue

Chicago's Michigan Avenue, also known as the Magnificent Mile, is home to world class shops, restaurants and other cultural attractions. Hit the pavement on this walking tour that will take you from Oak Street Beach to Millennium Park.

Architecture major reflects on program

Alan Dang is a senior architecture major at Ball State University. He always loved building things as a child and working with his hands. Dang plans to graduate in this upcoming May and plans to attend graduate school for architecture. In this news package, Dang discusses his interest in architecture and how the program at Ball State has evolved.

Arts in Muncie

What began as a manufacturing town is now a central hub for arts and culture.

Muncie, Indiana has an economic out of $89 million according to a study done by the Ball State Center for Business and Economic Research. The arts and culture is a contributing factor.

Check out this video to see what leaders in the art community in Muncie have to say. 

PHOTOS: Macklemore and Ryan Lewis at Ball State

Grammy awarding win duo Macklemore and Ryan Lewis played a concert at Emens Auditorium on Wednesday Feb. 3. They have been on tour promoting their new album which comes out on Feb. 26. Check out some photos from their concert in Muncie, Indiana.  

Student describes passion for design

Megan Bright is a senior apparel design major at Ball State University

Megan Bright hopes to one day create costume for the film industry. Bright is an apparel design major at Ball State University. After graduating in May, she hopes to move to Los Angeles and pursue her dream. Ever since she was a girl, Bright loved sewing and creating pieces. She even designed her own prom dress after she decided to attend at the last minute. View the audio slideshow to find out more about her insight on design and fashion.