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A figurehead of the city's nightclubbing scene, Jojo's celebrity status and unique sense of style have led to significant media exposure throughout the years, including features in the Chicago Tribune, The National Enquirer, and People magazine and TV appearances on "Jenny Jones," "Jerry Springer Show," "Leeza," "Wild Chicago" and Comedy Central's "Insomniac." Jojo's next star turn occurs this month with the inclusion of his photo in the brand new MISSHAPES book, a pictorial chronicle of the hippest weekly fashion party in New York City. Here in Chicago,
in addition to his various nighttime party hosting and nightclub
performing duties, Jojo keeps busy during the day with his entrepreneurial
pursuits. A long-time popular hair dresser, he is preparing
to open his own salon called I'LL CUT YOU. On the doll making
front, Jojo continues to amaze all who see his work, whether
at his Flat Iron building studio, JOJO'S CLOSET (1579 N. Milwaukee
Ave | 773.862.5656 | www.jojochicago.com) or at his shows and
exhibits. When not busy
with his various ventures, Jo-Jo keeps close to his Wicker Park
home during down time. Why head downtown or up north to Lakeview
or Lincoln Park when there is an exciting array of restaurants,
retail shops, and nightlife options within walking distance.
During a recent conversation with BOI, Jojo shared a few thoughts
about what he feels are the essential places in his neighborhhod. For a casual and fun dinner, PEOPLE LOUNGE is the perfect place (1560 N. Milwaukee Ave. | 773.227.9339 | www.peoplechicago.com ) with a menu filled with delicious and affordable tapas. The 2,000 square foot restaurant provides a rustic and cozy atmosphere and features a unique nightly presentation of World Music: a mix of styles that include Flamenco, Reggae, Bossa Nova, Hip-Hop, Soul, Cuban, Acid Jazz, Tribal, Salsa, and House. Jojo's favorite trendy dining experience in Wicker Park typically takes place at FRANCESCA'S FORNO (1576 N. Milwaukee Ave. | 773.770.0184 | www.miafrancesca.com/restaurants/forno/ ), one of the newest restaurants in the Francesca family of Italian eateries. In addition to entrées and pasta dishes, Forno has quite a few small plate offerings, which enables and encourages sampling and sharing of the featured earthy cuisine of Northern Italy. Be it morning, noon, or night, SWEET THANG (1921 W. North Ave. | 773.772.4166 | www.sweetthangcakes.com ) is pastry shop that never fails to satisfy Jojo's sweet tooth. This French patisserie features chocolate and fruit croissants, cakes, sandwiches, quiches and pastries and as well has seating on the premises to enjoy the tasty treats immediately. Jojo's favorite menu items are the ice vanilla latte and the hand-sized glazed fruit tarts. "So yummy!" SHOPPING UNA MAE'S FREAK
BOUTIQUE (1422 N. Milwaukee Ave. | 773.276.7002) is a neighborhood
mainstay that specializes in retro non-kitschy threads - such
as bowling shirts and 70s polyester tops and accessories.
Una Mae's is also known for stocking lots of unique pieces and
fashions from local designers and smaller labels, all within
a price range of $5 - $100. Exotic fragrance candles, Kama Sutra
products and assorted soaps are also available at Una Mae's.
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As
BOI features the Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhood in this issue,
we thought it would be best to feature one of Chicago's most
recognizable personas and a resident of the West Side neighborhood:
the incomparable Jojo. A person with many talents and a lively
demeanor, Jojo's colorful appearance and eye-catching art -
he's a popular and critically acclaimed artistic doll maker -
make him one of Chicago's most visual and visible personalities.
