If you watch Chicago TV, especially ABC 7, you almost certainly know Mark Giangreco and Janet Davies. The two were fixtures on Channel Seven for almost 30 years, as well as making other stops on the Chicago media trail going back into the 80s. Although focused on different subject matter, Giangreco on Sports and Davies on Entertainment, the two were often teamed for special ‘live events’, like Chicago’s New Year’s Eve fireworks and celebration.
They’re retired now, both pushed out in corporate cutbacks. But still teaming up for some ‘behind the scenes story-telling.’ Both with a smile and a twinkle in their eyes—just like they had for all those years on ABC 7.
Giangreco and Davies will bring their ‘conversation’ to the Acorn Theatre in Three Oaks, Saturday night, August 13 at 8:00. Doors open at 7:00.
Officially, the program is called “An Acorn Evening with Mark Giangreco: Hosted by Janet Davies”.
Giangreco will talk about his long career in Sports reporting, beginning in radio in Dayton, Ohio, then moving to television in Dayton, Louisville and Chicago’s WMAQ Channel 5 in 1982. He moved to ABC 7 in 1994 and was the lead Sports Anchor until 2021, occasionally generating some controversy in sports journalism.
Davies was the lead entertainment reporter for ABC 7 for more than 30 years, focused on the Chicago entertainment scene, the personalities that kept Windy City tongues wagging. She always did it with style and class, unlike many of the tabloid shows that gained popularity as the years rolled by.
The pair were ‘New Year’s Eve Royalty’ in Chicago for decades. Their on-air New Year’s party, with live broadcasts from several spots around Chicagoland, was always the viewers’ choice by a large margin among competing special shows. Other hosts came and went. Giangreco and Davies remained Chicago’s New Year’s couple. Their chemistry on those New Year’s specials made some speculate if they might really be a couple. Someone is likely to bring that up in the Q & A portion of the ‘Acorn Evening…’
General admission tickets are $25. Up front Reserved seats are $50. There are no ‘bad’ seats in the intimate Acorn Theatre venue.
Information & tickets at www.acornlive.org .
Photo credit: www.RobertFeder.com
