Starry 'Sweet Home Chicago' from home

Posted July 13, 2020 1:00 am

By Scott C. Morgan

Rock star Jim Peterik, upper left and clockwise, actor Keegan-Michael Key, actress Amaris Sanchez and trombonist Thomas Cavender appear with several other stars in a "Sweet Home Chicago" virtual music video. It was produced to raise money for the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund to help artists throughout Chicago and Illinois who are struggling in the wake of COVID-19 closures. YouTube

The stars with Chicago and suburban ties go whizzing by in a new YouTube virtual music video of the blues song "Sweet Home Chicago."

There are alumni of The Second City, such as Wheaton native Jim Belushi and Keegan-Michael Key. There are musicians Jim Peterik of Burr Ridge, plus Ramsey Lewis and Kurt Elling of Chicago.

There's dancers from the Joffrey Ballet and M.A.D.D. Rhythms Tap Collective. Celebrity chef Rick Bayless even puts in a fiery cameo.

The video was produced as a fundraiser for the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund, which helps local artists who are struggling due to COVID-19 closures.

'Ex-Girlfriend' guy

Winfield native Scott Michael Foster is one of the stars of "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" who will appear in a livestreamed "Stars in the House" reunion of the award-winning CW sitcom.

Appearing alongside Foster is series creator and star Rachel Bloom, plus stars Skylar Astin, Donna Lynne Champlin, Gabrielle Ruiz and more.

This "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" episode of "Stars in the House" is set for 7 p.m. Friday, July 17, at starsinthehouse.com. It also serves as a fundraiser for The Actors Fund.

Surprise guests

Glen Ellyn native and "Will and Grace" star Sean Hayes is teaming up with fellow actors Jason Bateman ("Arrested Development") and Will Arnett ("BoJack Horseman") on a new podcast. It's called "Smartless" and it features one of the hosts springing surprise guests on the other two.

In an Instagram launch post, the three stars jab each other about the podcast's origins. In another teaser, they preview such guests as Plainfield native Melissa McCarthy, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

"Smartless" debuts Monday, July 20, at smartless.simplecast.com.

Throwback birthday

Wheeling native and "American Idol" alumna Haley Reinhart recently tweeted out birthday wishes to singer-songwriter Jack White. Since White's 45th birthday fell on July 9, Reinhart also attached a musical "Throwback Thursday" video.

"Happy birthday to one of my favorite artists of all time #JackWhite!" Reinhart tweeted. Reinhart also included a YouTube link leading to her sultry 2015 Postmodern Jukebox jazz cover of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army."

Glen Ellyn native Sean Hayes ("Will and Grace") launches a new podcast with co-hosts Jason Bateman and Will Arnett called "Smartless" starting Monday, July 20. Instagram

Haley Reinhart wished Jack White of The White Stripes a happy birthday on Twitter with a Throwback Thursday video her Postmodern Jukebox rendition of "Seven Nation Army." Twitter

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