Martin Gapshis ,
a Chicago business owner and philanthropist who was as comfortable in a black tie as he was in gardening shoes, died of a heart attack on Monday. He was 63.

  In charity circles, Mr. Gapshis was known as much for the work he did behind the scenes as he was for donating to causes. His great attention to detail in producing elegant invitations to galas and balls drew many to admire him and his work. He was also a founding board member for the Center on Halsted.

In 1995, the Hearts Foundation Inc. honored him for his philanthropic work, and Mr. Daley proclaimed a Martin Gapshis Day. Earlier this year, the Center on Halsted honored him with the Human First award for his work in the gay and lesbian community. Mr. Gapshis was a co-chair for the $20-million capital campaign to build the center.

Mayor Daley released the following statement, "As Mayor and on behalf of the City of Chicago, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Martin Gapshis. He was my friend and a friend to all of Chicago.
 
I am especially proud of the legacy Martin leaves this city in the Center on Halsted, the most comprehensive lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community center in the nation.
 
Martin possessed a passion for the arts, politics, and community involvement. He served both the city and its LGBT communities throughout most of his adult life, demonstrating a quiet commitment to improving the lives of others. For his many contributions and accomplishments, Martin was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2007.
 
In his understated way, Martin always worked hard to make a difference, demonstrating his belief in the basic human rights that must be secured for all. He was a leader and role model for LGBT communities, not only for all his contributions and accomplishments, but for his ever-present humility and the depth of his kind and generous spirit."

Best Gay Chicago

      

On Tuesday, September 7th,
after numerous Super Bowls, World Series, and Stanley Cups, Crew Bar Grill , Chicago’s original gay sports bar, will celebrate a special event of its own: six years of business in the Uptown neighborhood. The party will feature a complimentary taco and nacho bar, plus drink specials on favorites like sangria and Beergarita, Crew’s original tequila and beer concoction.

The Anniversary party will be from 6PM to 8PM at the Broadway and Lawrence nightspot. Attendees are encouraged to sign up for the e-mail list to receive an invitation at Worlds Greatest Bar . 

Faced with tough economic times, Steve Milford and Brian Wells, Crew’s original owners, teamed up with two new partners in 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson. Working together, the new business team oversaw a remodel of the bar, which included 20 high-definition flat screen TVs, a massive 63” flat screen, new tables and chairs, plus a revamped food and drink menu. “Mike and Mark have been a welcome addition to Crew, bringing a different set of skills and a fresh perspective. It’s been a great partnership,” says Steve Milford.

Crew was the first new business in several years to take a chance on the 4800 block of Uptown in the historic entertainment district.  “The talk of great things happening has gone on for years around here, and we feel like we were a positive part of starting to make that happen,” says owner Brian Wells.  Crew was named one of the Top 100 Bars by Chicago magazine and has won numerous other awards from a diverse range of media outlets, including Fox Morning News Viewers, Metromix, Chicago Free Press, Chicago “Hearts” Trivia, Competition Magazine, New City and more.

Best Gay Chicago

      

GAY VETERANS
TO BE HONORED AT DALEY PLAZA
 
LGBT Vets and U.S. Representative Mike Quigley to Speak
 
Veterans from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities will be honored at “With Liberty and Justice For All” — the nation’s only municipally sponsored, military salute to LGBT veterans — this Friday, September 3, announced Dana V. Starks, Chairman and Commissioner of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR). The event will take place from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Richard J. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. For more information, contact Bill Greaves at 312-744-7911.
 
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley will be a featured speaker. Congressman Quigley has issued a statement calling for the repeal of the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and he was a co-sponsor of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 1283). He voted to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t’ Tell” policy in June.
 
Renowned jazz vocalist Lucy Smith of the Lucy Smith Jazz Quartet will perform the national anthem, and the program will include a presentation of colors, a Mayoral proclamation, and a wreath-laying ceremony.
 
This unparalleled event is meant to pay tribute to America’s LGBT veterans and inspire dialogue and advocacy in their behalf.

Best Gay Chicago.com

      

LAST NIGHT
we were invited to the
new Chambord Vodka  launch party!

The party took place at EPIC downtown on their rooftop terrace area.  Chambord, the world-renowned black raspberry liqueur, introduces a groundbreaking new taste experience in Chambord Flavored Vodka.

The exquisite taste of Chambord Flavored Vodka is the result of fine ingredients and a delicate process that forms a perfect balance of premium quality French vodka and extraordinary black raspberry flavor.

Chambord Flavored Vodka delivers the floral aromatics of the hibiscus flower with notes of vanilla, white chocolate and the distinctive flavor of the original Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, delivering a unique and satisfying taste experience when enjoyed straight or in a wide variety of cocktails.

They sampled a delicious Fleur De Lis™, made with 2 oz Chambord Flavored Vodka, 
3/4 oz Chambord Liqueur,  2 oz Lemonade, 1 oz Cranberry Juice.  DELICIOUS!

      

The City of Highwood and Image Pilots, producers of
Chicago’s high energy, retro-spectacle Randolph Street Market Festival, will end its inaugural season with a bang. Opening its arms to the gay community on Saturday September 18th from 10 am to 6 pm, the Fest will feature a Vintage Drag and Fashion Runway Show at 12:30 pm, along with a magnificent Martini bar, fabulous food, live music and, of course, shopping.

Attracting vendors from all across the U.S., the festival brings the area’s largest monthly vintage and indie designer event to the North Shore, where shoppers will find all the best in antiques, collectibles and vintage treasures from the 1800’s to Mid-Century Modern to Punk 1980’s. Interior designers and decorators, personal shoppers and stylists can find some of the most unique items from jewelry, furniture, clothing, linens, silver, glass, and more, at this unique and eclectic upscale antique market.

“It has been great being a part of Highwood this year, and we want to make sure the gay community is aware of what this Festival and wonderful city offers,” says Sally Schwartz, founder of Image Pilots. “Highwood is a great destination for dining, entertainment and shopping, and only a Metra stop away from the City of Chicago.”

The Last 2010 Weekend
Kicks Off with Martini’s & Drag in the Park,
Saturday September 18th

“Ladies” of Chicagoland will invade Highwood and be strutting their stuff around the Highwood Street Market on Saturday September 18th. Headlining the day will be a vintage drag and fashion runway show at 12:30 pm at the Festival’s gazebo. The show will feature local drag queens modeling vendors’vintage clothing, as well as impersonation performances. Local restaurant vendors will be selling their food and YES! Vodka will provide mouthwatering martinis, all the ingredients for a perfect picnic in the park. With Highwood being an easy Metra train ride from the city, Chicago’s gay community in encourage to come up, shop around, and enjoy the show while lounging with martinis.

Antique Appraisal Tent-
The Highwood Street Market Festival brings together some 100 vendors from all over the United States, as well as local independent designers, to showcase their high-end antiques and vintage wares,including jewelry, bags, artwork and furniture. Attendees will also have the opportunity to find out the value of their antique treasures at the Antique Appraisal Tent for $5 per item.

HIGHWOOD STREET MARKET FESTIVAL GENERAL INFORMATION

WHEN: September 18th and 19th
Saturday from 10am-6pm and special extended hours on Sunday from 10am-5pm(Drag Show on Saturday only.)

WHERE: The Festival will fill the parking lots of the Highwood Library (102 Highwood Avenue)and Everts Park

PRICE: Admission is $6 and good for both days, and is free to Highwood residents with ID. Military men and woman and kids under 12 are free. Advanced discount tickets can be purchased for $5 online at Highwood Street Market .

FREE TICKETS! 

BEST GAY CHICAGO.com has a  LIMITED NUMBER  of  FREE  ADDMISSION  TICKETS!  CALL ME  NOW, IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PAIR OF FREE PASSES!  773-878-5323

PARKING: Free and ample street parking is available. Valet Parking is also available. Parking also at the Oak Terrace School is located on S. Central Avenue off Route 22.

 For more information call 312-666-1200

FYI - The Randolph Street Market Festival is an internationally recognized European-style indoor and outdoor market in Chicago’s West Loop district that features more than 200 select purveyors of high quality, value-priced “finds,” offering unlimited creative inspiration and hours of shopping and entertainment. The Market is located along the 1350 block of W. Randolph Street and will take place on  Sept. 25-26, Saturday 10 a.m.–5p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. General admission $12, good for both days. Tickets are $9 when purchased online at randolphstreetmarket.com; $5 admission for students with ID. Children 12 and under free. For more information, visit Randolph Street Market .

Best Gay Chicago

      

 

Kick-off the third annual salon season with
"The Crown Prince of Cabaret"
STEVE ROSS
Sunday, September 12th (4pm to 6pm)

STEVE ROSS  rose to fame

as a cabaret entertainer during his lengthy sojourns at New York’s fabled Algonquin Hotel and Ted Hook’s Backstage in the late 1970’s. He has spent the ensuing decades singing and playing in smart clubs and swank parties all over the world. The Ritz in London, the Crillon in Paris and the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, in addition to festivals in Hong Kong, Perth and Spoleto – these are but highlights of Steve’s appearances on six continents.

In 1992 he made his Off-Broadway debut in his own tribute to Fred Astaire, I WON’T DANCE. He continues to tour with solo concerts, master classes, theatrical engagements and symphonic Pops appearances. In 1997 he made his Broadway debut in the acclaimed revival of Noel Coward's PRESENT LAUGHTER, performing opposite Frank Langella.

Appetizers and champagne are provided along with a thirty minute performance all inclusive in the ticket price. The salon performance will commence in River North on Sunday, September 12th at 4:00pm with pre-show reception, performance begins at 5:00pm. After a ticket purchase has been made, patrons will be sent an exact address and directions to the private residence where the salon will be held. Due to the fact that these salon events are held in a private home, seating is limited.

$45.00 per person or $80.00 for a pair of two tickets

Tickets now available at Brown Paper Tickets  - search "Steve Ross" at the abov elink to purchase tickets OR visit the Lake Shore Salon blog where you can find ticket links along with photos of past season events at Lakeshore Salon This event will sell-out, so don't wait to secure seats!

The 3rd Annual Lake Shore Salon Series is sponsored by:KMP Artists


Best Gay Chicago

      

An innovative approach to moving Chicago’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth beyond life on the streets

A statewide study conducted by the University of Illinois at Chicago Survey Research Laboratory found there were 24,968 unaccompanied homeless youth up to age 21 in Illinois in 2004.

On any given night within Cook County alone there are nearly 2,000 homeless youth with nowhere safe to sleep at night.  

A recent study from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force stated that as many as 20-42% of these youth on our streets self-identify as LGBTQ. 

Let’s get right to the bottom line.
Chicago has 193 emergency and long term shelter spaces for youth. With shelter space limited and long waiting lists many homeless LGBTQ youth in Chicago will remain on the streets and out of care.

The truth is, emergency and long term shelters aren’t enough.
This is a situation that will take everyone working together to solve. 

There is a way you can help -
become a part of the LGBTQ Host Home Program.

UCANs LGBTQ Host Home Program  is an innovative housing model that provides an alternative to the shelter system for LGBTQ homeless youth. We rely on our Host Home Volunteers to step forward and open their home for a period of time to a youth ages 17 - 21. Both the youth and the adult volunteer go through a rigorous screening and training process facilitated and supported by trained social work professionals. The provision of safe housing in conjunction with on-going supportive services for the youth and volunteers will create the safety and stability necessary for the youth to focus on pursuing educational and vocational opportunities.

Help TRANSFORM the life of an LGBTQ Youth.

4 homes have been trained but MORE are needed
If you have an extra bedroom, please reach out to UCAN and help.
 

To learn more about becoming a part of the LGBTQ Host Home Program please contact Bonnie Wade,
 Associate Director at (312) 738-5966 or    wadeb @ ucanchicago.org. 
Para comunicarse con alguien en Español, favor de llamar a Francisco Monzon al numero 708-201-3028. 


Best Gay Chicago

      

Kathy Osterman Beach
is the official name of the lovely crescent of sand known to most Chicago residents as Hollywood-Ardmore Beach. Others call it the Hollywood Beach, or some call it the Gay Beach. Located off Lake Shore Drive, between Bryn Mawr and Hollywood.

The beautiful beach is nestled amongst high-rise buildings and sunsets there are nice as the sun drops behind the tall buildings. The southern end is a  very popular spot for gays, but  the beach overall remains a family beach. Parents and kids come here to swim, (when the water is warm enough!)  and also to enjoy volleyball and frisbee. But don't take balls in the water - that's a no-no, for some reason. On any given weekend you will find a few hundred LGBT people here at  the southern end.

Just hours ago was the official grand opening of the new beach house / comfort station. A One-story, 2570 square feet, fully accessible facility providing  a Concession Area, called  PICNIC, Family Restroom, Men's  and Women's Restroom and a Life Guard Lockerroom. Plus outdoor rinse-off shower heads and more bike racks. The new building is filled with environmental sustainability features like rainwater harvesting, skylights and solar powered trash compacters!

Mayor Daley spoke at the ceremony and gave praise to Kathy Osterman as being a true visionary and he applauded her achievements including being at the forefront of the progress of human rights and LGBT issues.




The PICNIC concession is an off-shoot of The Waterfront Cafe , located just up the street at Berger Park.  They are providing a much smaller menu here, but have a very nice seating area patio and will be offering beer and wine soon. Fresh made sandwiches ($7-8) and things like guacamole and hummus ($5-6) plus lots of assorted cold drinks are available.


 Kathy Osterman   was a known as a “Friend of the Community”, 48th Ward alderman, city special events director, and longtime political activist, she helped to forge critical links between Chicago government and the lesbian and gay community. She played a crucial role in passage of the city’s human rights ordinance.

An ebullient, optimistic, dynamic individual, Osterman was a fierce and outspoken lobbyist for the passage of Chicago's Human Rights Ordinance. She worked closely with gay and lesbian activists, helping formulate logistics. She personally introduced many of the key players to each other, and is also credited for developing the imaginative "bring in the nuns" strategy, calling on women of the cloth to lobby the large Roman Catholic bloc of aldermen within the City Council. The Human Rights Ordinance was passed in 1988, and Osterman considered this to be one of her greatest accomplishments in public life.

On May 1, 1992, Osterman was married to Bruce DuMont, founder and President of the Museum of Broadcast Communications and host of the nationally syndicated radio program "Inside Politics." She was the mother of two sons, Harry Joe and Matthew, who live and work in Chicago. Kathy Osterman died that same year of cancer on December 8, 1992.

Though the beach officially closes Labor Day, you will find people out thru the early fall if the weather is nice. But there are no lifeguards on duty after Labor Day - but I am told the PICNIC concession will remain open thru October 1st.


Best Gay Chicago

      

CHICAGO BAR  AIDS
Is  back and bigger than ever this year!

Bar AIDS Combines
Philanthropy and Fun

EDGE ALLIANCE and AIDSCare Progressive Services are hosting the 7^th annual Bar AIDS fundraiser on Thursday, August 26, 2010. A Chicago-wide fundraiser, Bar AIDS will raise money to help the fight against HIV/AIDS.

 

More than thirty bars throughout the Chicagoland area will host events and donate a portion of the night’s proceeds to EdgeAlliance, supporting the housing and life progress services provided by AIDSCare Progressive services to men, women, and children affected by HIV/AIDS. Money will be raised through bar donations as well as through a citywide raffle. This raffle features $14,000 worth of prizes including two roundtrip tickets to anywhere in Mexico, Canada, or the Continental United States.

 

 

Each bar will host a unique event with DJ’s, raffles, and signature drinks provided by Effen, Lunazul, Stella Artois, and PAMA. Patrons will be able to spend the evening in one bar or purchase a city wide "Flex-Pass" granting them special access to bars throughout the city as well as one ticket to the citywide raffle.

 

 

 

The event is expected to not only raise money for EdgeAlliance but also help out local businesses in a difficult economy. "This is a mutually beneficial thing", according to EdgeAlliance’s VP for Finance and Development, Basil Diab, "This is a charitable cause but it also helps the bar’s business."

 

The money raised by Bar AIDS will go towards funding the three apartment buildings on the AIDSCare Progressive Services campus, located in North Lawndale on Chicago’s West Side. This campus provides housing and life services to over 125 individuals and families directly affected by HIV/AIDS.

 

About EdgeAlliance and AIDSCare Progressive Services

EdgeAlliance was established to revolutionize nonprofit management by providing the highest quality of administrative, operational, and financial support to its alliance members whose collective mission is to decrease homelessness and to support people living with HIV/AIDS, the disabled, and veterans. AIDSCare Progressive Services is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide high quality life progress services and care to individuals and families　living on the EdgeAlliance North Lawndale Campus on Chicago’s West side.

 

 

BEST  GAY  CHICAGO

      

Equality Illinois

presents Pie Toss 2010!

This event is quickly becoming a summertime favorite. Come bid on the right to toss a pie in the face of some of the biggest names in our community.

Those slated to be "pied" include politicians, business owners, community activists, and other familiar faces. Participants include Jamal Edwards of Howard Brown, Nirmalpal Sachdev of Steamworks, Art Johnston and Amy Pieper of Sidetrack, State legislator Sara Feigenholtz, Judge Michael McHale, Lori Cannon of Vital Bridges, Terry Cosgrove of Personal PAC, Officer Jose Rios, and many others!

Celebrity Pie Toss     August 28, 2010

1pm - 4pm @  Sidetrack
3349 North Halsted Street

So come on over to Sidetrack for the fun! There is no cover, Skyy will provide some complimentary tasty cocktails, and it is guaranteed to be a blast! If you have any questions about the Celebrity Pie Toss, please contact Kevin Mork, Equality Illinois' Development Associate, at    kjmork @  eqil.org     or 773-477-7173.

EQUALITY ILLINOIS -

OUR MISSION

The mission of Equality Illinois is to secure, protect and defend equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Illinois.

OUR VISION

We envision a fair and unified Illinois where everyone is treated equally with dignity and respect and where all people live freely regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Best Gay Chicago.com

      

Mark your calendars - Sunday  August 22nd 
is  our annual  Underwear Beach Party at Hollywood  Beach!

12:00-6pm on the beach  then an after party at CREW with  $2  drink specials!

This year we plan to have a  DJ and the event is FREE - but we're hoping people will donate a couple bucks to help pay for the permit and music.  Of course, you don't have wear tighty whiteys - you don't even have to wear underwear.  It is an optional  theme!

See  you  there!

Michael and Derrick and Keith
BestGayChicago.com

      

Test Positive Aware Network's
signature fall event, 
Aware Affair: Totally '80s Ultra Lounge, 
will be  on
Saturday, September 11, 2010
at the Ravenswood Billboard Factory.
 
When the doors open to the spectacular Totally '80s Ultra Lounge, guests will enjoy a tableau of fine cuisine, peruse an array of unparalleled silent auction selections, take their chance at high-end raffle prizes, and watch an eclectic variety of performance art and entertainment.
 
 
Schedule -
     6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
     Mile High Club/VIP Reception
     ($250/per person*)
     ~Private Cocktail Lounge with
           Adjacent Outdoor Terrace
     ~Champagne and Premium Libations
     ~Hors D'oeuvres
     ~Exclusive VIP Lounge Access with
            Cocktail Service
      ~Buffet Dinner and Dessert
      ~Silent Auction
      ~Raffle
 



      7:30 p.m.-Midnight--Ultra Lounge with Dinner and Libations
            ($150/per person*)
      ~Cocktails    ~Buffet Dinner and Dessert    ~Silent Auction    ~Raffle
 
      *Purchase nine reservations; get the tenth reservation for free.
 
 Where?           Ravenswood Billboard Factory
                        4011 N. Ravenswood Ave.
 
 Attire:              Your favorite '80s fashions
 
For more information about reservation details and pricing, the menu, silent auction items, raffle prizes, our honorees, or to download the official invitation, please log on to TPAN , or call Rhett Lindsay at (773) 989-9400 ext. 233.

You may also purchase your reservations directly at EVENTS AWARE AFFAIR


BEST GAY CHICAGO

      

 GAY CITIES.com 
is in Chicago tonight hosting
a meet-n-greet at SCARLET ! 

GayCities is coming to Boystown!
GayCities is coming to town and will be throwing two fun parties to get you tipsy (read: free drinks) in Boystown the evening of Friday the 13th!

"We are taking on BoysTown for the GayCities Chicago Meet Up and would to see you out and about! Stop by and join us at Scarlet Bar  (3320 N. Halsted)  for a hosted happy hour from 6-8. Check-in, chat and get treated to some drinks on us. Just tell the bartender "I'm with GayCities"

We will be moving to the KitKat Lounge (3700 N. Halsted)  from 10p-2a, where you can meet with us, get half price on our GayCities martini specials, and check-in with the fierce ladies of the night.

We cant wait to see all of you there. Tell your friends and dont forget that GayCities loves to get you in on the best of whats happening!"

Best Gay Chicago will be in the house as well!  See you There!


Michael  Snell
Derrick  Sorles

BestGayChicago

      

The sport all the gay men
are taling about!

R U G B Y !

Did you know?
The Chicago Dragons Rugby Football Club  is the first rugby club in the Midwest established to invite members from traditionally under-represented groups, particularly gay men, to engage in the world's third most popular team sport.

Do you like lockerrooms and sweaty jocks? Learn how to chase men around (on a field) this Saturday afternoon with the  Chicago Dragons,  as they host Rugby 101.

They'll be meeting at Lerner Park (Pratt and Sacremento ) this Saturday  , noon till 3pm,  to give you a chance to learn the ins-and-outs of rugby.  Even if you've never played before -  you'll get a chance to learn about Rugby, the ins and outs of the games and get a chance to meet some really nice guys.  Afterwards the guys will be heading to The Northend for some brewski's and martini's.

Please dress in gym clothes with sneakers (cleats if you have them!).
Also, please bring a mouth guard if you have one - they can usually be purchased at a sporting goods store for about $3.


Please make sure to bring proof of age (Driver's License, ID, Passport,etc). While we are "All Ages.", you must be AT LEAST 18 years old.

If you know NOTHING about the game, check out their Rugby primer .


Best Gay Chicago

      

Is Chicago Ready To Experience
The Whirlwind Entertainment of
 ALL   ABOUT   EVIL:

The Peaches Christ Experience in 4-D!
With Peaches Christ and Mink Stole  In-Person

Peaches Christ Productions is proud to announce the CHICAGO premiere of “ALL ABOUT EVIL: The Peaches Christ Experience in 4-D. Directed by Joshua Grannell, the alter-ego of San Francisco drag sensation Peaches Christ, this very special extravaganza will include a special appearance with MINK STOLE (Pink Flamingos, Serial Mom) and musically, macabre performances from Peaches Christ and the Midnight Mass Players. The magic begins at 12 midnight with tickets for only $13 and on-sale now at the links above.

CHICAGO PREMIERE
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Music Box Theatre: 3733 N. Southport Ave.
Tickets: $13 Show time: 12:00 a.m.
ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW


ALL ABOUT EVIL is currently touring across the country, invading over 20 markets with over-the-top, “William Castle-styled” presentations and gathering rabid support from audiences hungry to experience a unique EVIL mash-up of cinema and performance. The genre-bending film, starring Natasha Lyonne and featuring Thomas Dekker, Cassandra “Elvira, Mistress of the Dark” Peterson and Mink Stole of John Waters fame, has slayed audiences with sold out screenings in Los Angeles at the Vista Theatre, Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, and Provincetown International Film Festival…and it’s just the beginning of the tour.

      

Pride Films & Plays
is proud to announce the 
Great Gay Play Contest
 held in conjunction with Center on Halsted. This contest seeks new works dealing with GLBTQ history, characters or themes that are important to the community and relevant to the world.

"Few theaters that do GLBT work have staff to read the countless scripts that are submitted," says PFP Executive Director David Zak.  "We hope to provide those theaters and other producers across the globe with scripts that are fresh takes on the GLBT stories that need to be told and are ready for immediate production."
 
Fifteen semifinalists will be selected by an international committee and Five finalists will then be selected and read by a final committee. A complete list of readers and judges is available at Pride Films and Plays .

The five finalists will be performed as staged readings in the first of what will be an annual Great Gay Theater Festival in the Hoover-Leppen Theater in the Center on Halsted. The final five finalists will also receive $400.  Contest Rules and Applications may be found online .

This is an open contest for all persons 18 years or older as of the date of entry.  International entries are encouraged. Contest fee for entries submitted between September 1 and September 30 is $30; contest fee for entries submitted between October 1 and October 31 is $45.  Final deadline is October 31. 


Best Gay Chicago

      

Six of Chicago's most renowned and talented top dance companies will come together for one spectacular, celebratory evening of dance - on one stage!  Currently celebrating its 19th year, Dance for Life  is the largest performance-based AIDS fundraising event in the Midwest and has raised nearly $4 million since 1992. 
 
This highly anticipated event is held annually to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs and is hosted by Dean Richards, Entertainment Critic and Reporter for WGN-TV (CW), Chicago; National Cable Channel, WGN America and News Talk 720, WGN Radio.
 
Proceeds benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Brothers Health Collective, Chicago Child Care Society - Safe Life Program, Centro Romero - HIV/AIDS Outreach and Education Project, Tongabezi Trust School, Young Women's Empowerment Project, and the Dance for Life Fund.
            
  Participating companies include:
 
·   Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre
·   Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago
·   Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
·   The Joffrey Ballet
·   River North Chicago Dance Company
·   Thodos Dance Chicago

 
This year, Dance for Life  will host one world premiere performance by renowned choreographer Harrison McEldowney, who is best known for his theatrical work and his involvement in the closing ceremonies of the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010
5:00 p.m. Gala Reception - Millennium Park Rooftop Terrace (located above the Harris Theater), featuring a light buffet dinner and a complimentary ABSOULT martini bar.
7:30 p.m. Dance for Life performance - Harris Theater for Music and Dance
 
  Tickets are $75 (performance only) or range from $150-$500 (includes admission to 5 p.m. gala reception and premiere seating at the performance.)
To purchase tickets, please call 312-922-5812 or visit DANCE FOR LIFE 

 Best Gay Chicago

      

Amanda Lepore  
is an American model, nightlife hostess, fashion icon and performer. She is a transsexual icon who has received attention for entertainment skills. She has been the advertising face for Heatherette, M.A.C. (cosmetics), Mego Jeans, Swatch, CAMP Cosmetics and more. Fashion design company Heatherette has used Lepore's image on much of their clothing and has chosen her several times to model their brand during Fashion Week.

Lepore comes to Chicago this weekend to promote her CD  COTTON CANDY.  Saturday, August 14th at HYDRATE .

The first time I met Amanda she asked me, "Would you like to see my mouse tattoo?” purred America’s number one transsexual and owner of  a fully functional vagina, placing her hand on my knee. I look tentatively across her silicone-augmented body, but none can be seen.

“Oh my,” giggles the outrageous club diva in shock, fingers covering her mouth. “My pussy must have eaten it!”   

Lepore, considered New Yorks ‘it’ girl, has been busy  launching her career in pop music.  With the help of  super sexy Cazwell ,  they created fun pop dance tracks like  "I know What Boys Like",  "My Hair Looks Fierce" and "Champagne."   Catch her this weekend  at  Hydrate!


Best Gay Chicago

      

Sofo Proudly Presents
 the 3rd Annual T Dance

benefiting Test Positive Aware Network
Sunday August 1st

5025 N. Clark (Across from T's)

Featuring Chicago's Hottest DJs
 and hosted by Sofo Gay Idol Mark Ortega

Special Guests: Stage Door Johnnies – You've seen them at Chicago Takes Off, now see them really strut!

Ride for AIDS Chicago Reunion, 5-7 with a blessing from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Windy City Abbey
Don’t miss the fun – Just Dance!

3-11 PM      $10 Cover        21+
Portion of proceeds benefit TPAN

      

This new invention in entertainment from Scooty and JoJo,   the Chicago-based creators of Carpenters Halloween and Diva Brunch offers adventurous audiences an experiential extravaganza where a Family of Freaks unite for an evening of magic and music, dancing and dreamscapes, comedy and curiosities.

See BigTop JoJo transform Chicago's landmark nightclub Excalibur into a mystical midway bursting with audacious entertainments, mythical creatures, and thrilling acts of virtuosity!

Phenomenal Phantasmagoria premieres Friday, July 30, continues Fridays and Saturdays through August 28, 2010. Showtime 8pm. Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn.

Each night, the Family of Freaks and other curiosities from the caravan will unite with a revolving roster of celebrity performers and specialty acts from the worlds of circus, burlesque, theatre, comedy, performance art, music, and the unexpected.

Scooty & JoJo offer  fans $15 tickets!
Tickets are $20 to the Phenomenal Phantasmagoria at Excalibur but if you purchase your tickets early at Brown Paper Tickets and enter discount code mermaid all you fans of The Scooty & JoJo Show receive $5 off each ticket!  Buy tickets online   or call 800-838-3006.

Get a sneak peak on YouTube !


Best Gay Chicago

      

A club DJ who played gigs on North Halsted’s gay bar strip as recently as last fall was arrested last week  in Tennessee for the brutal slaying of a tattoo shop owner in Florida in May.

Jason Andrews, 27, was known as DJ Veritas when he did gigs at Chicago clubs such as Circuit  and Scarlet, where he was the regular Saturday night DJ for a while. He was also known as Addison when he starred in gay porn videos for Sean Cody.

Both he and girlfriend Amanda Logue, 28, are accused of brutally killing New Port Richey, Florida, tattoo shop owner Dennis "Scooter" Abrahamsen, 41, on May 15 after an all-night sex party at Abrahamsen’s home.

Police said the motive was robbery - the take by Andrews and Logue was about $6,000 in cash, a laptop, cameras and credit cards. The couple was caught after detectives obtained Twitters and text messages between the couple in which they talked about and plotted the crime. The girlfriend was in the house with Abrahamsen while Jason waited outside until all the guests  left the party.

Andrews’ true background remains a mystery. At times, he’s told people he was from Kalamazoo, Mich. He’s often claimed to be an Iraq War veteran and told the Chattanooga Billiard Club owner that he was in the Marines for 10 years. In Chicago he told people he was  from London and talked with a  British accent. Club ads for his DJ gigs here billed him as a hot London DJ. People who worked with him briefly in Chattanooga, though, said he didn’t use a British accent there.

SCARY!

      

 Despite the economy and the threats of stormy weather, last nights PAWS Chicago beach party was a smashing success!  500  humans and  200  animals raised $250,000! We  ate, we drank, we danced and raised money for our furry friends in need.


PAWS  Chicago  is the midwests largest NO KILL shelter!    4,000 dedicated volunteers enable the organization to continue to save lives and expand services. Since PAWS Chicago’s founding in 1997, the number of homeless dogs and cats killed annually has dropped more than 50 percent. PAWS  is working to build a No Kill Chicago—a city where pets are no longer destroyed just because they are homeless.

PAWS Chicago will find new homes for more than 4,000 homeless pets in 2010 through the state-of-the-art Adoption & Humane Center in Lincoln Park. The cageless Adoption Center provides homeless pets with the care and dignity they deserve while welcoming adopters, providing them with guidance in selecting their new pet and continued support for life.

It is such a great organization. And I met some of the newly adopted dogs last night. Dogs have SO MUCH LOVE TO GIVE! If you are considering a pet, check out PAWS. They have loving cats and dogs that need  homes.

If you missed the Beach Party, upcoming  events  include  ANGELS  WITH  TAILS   happening this weekend. Angels with Tails is Chicagoland’s premiere adoption event that brings together local businesses, people, shelters and pets in an effort to find families for many homeless pets.  Sunday, July 25th Noon to 4:00 p.m.  in the  West Loop Area (Madison St. between Peoria & Racine).


PAWS  Run/Walk   happens  September  26th. And  the  FUR BALL in December  is  Chicago’s premier pet-friendly black tie gala will draw more than 750 guests at  famous Drake Hotel, many escorted by their canine companions.




Best Gay Chicago

      

The hottest event of the Fall season
is being delayed, just a bit! 
The new date  is 
February 12, 2011
CHICAGO  RED DRESS  PARTY .


While it’s hard to trace the roots of a long standing tradition we’ll do our best to bring you the history of this grand standing event. In the early 1990’s two gentlemen were dating when they both contracted HIV/AIDS.

To show their love and dedication they vowed when one of them passed away the other would attend their funeral adorned in a red dress. From this promise the concept of the Red Dress Party began. Currently there are Red Dress Parties all over the United States from Seattle, Washington to Chicago, IL. Oh and yes… You must wear a red dress to attend!

Equality Project (EQPR) was founded in 2008. EQPR sets out to create innovative social interactions that focus on social consciousness and advocacy. Since the inception we have produced such events as StonewallForty, Equalityoga and Equalitybowl. EQPR is proud to have worked with many organizations and individuals including Lambda Legal, Equal Rights Washington, Gay City Health Project and State Senator Ed Murray. In 2009 Equality Project relocated to Chicago, Illinois.

More details later this year.

Best of Gay Chicago

      

A countertenor
is a male alto who sings with a falsetto,
a technique that until the 20th century was synonymous with castration. Countertenors, despite having their manhood snipped away from them, were enormously popular and essential to Baroque opera, a style that enjoyed its heyday centuries ago. In the last 50 years, the Baroque canon has become popular once again, and David Daniels has been leading the demand for countertenors for the better part of the decade.



Audiences are taken aback the first time they hear Daniels sing. He told TIME OUT CHICAGO ,  “I’m a guy with facial hair and pretty stocky and then you [hear] this high voice coming out. The comment that I hear is that most people are shocked, also I hear that it seems incredibly natural to my body and to who I am for the sound to be coming out.”


David Daniels: Operatic Arias
Sento Amor; David Daniels;
David Daniels - Serenade


Best Gay Chicago

      

 

OK, so I have a  BIG FAVOR  to  ask.

 

I have applied for a  very cool job  with  GayTravel.com

Out of hundreds of applications, after the first cut last week,  they have narrowed it down to 54 finalists. And I have made it to the top 54!

From here, on August 1st,  they will pick their  top 8  finalists to go to New York City for the final selection of the winner.

The winner gets a  6 month paid job with GayTavel.com  and will fly all over the US helping them build their brand with Social Media and blogging and Networking!

So here is my favor.  I am asking to PLEASE go to GayTravel.com   and sign up for a free profile/account for yourself. It just takes a minute. 

THE  VOTING  HAS JUST BEGUN! And runs for 2 weeks. Till July 30th.
 
 
Look  for  MICHAEL  -  Scoll down and  vote  5  STARS~!

Any help you can give me, would be  GREATLY  appreciated!!!

Michael Snell
America's Next Top GAY TRAVEL GURU!