Category Archives: Celebrity

Larry Kramer’s The Tragedy of Today’s Gays

Open Space Arts presents a world premiere stage event

THE KRAMER PROJECT to benefit Center on Halsted

The inaugural production is adapted and directed by David Zak

Open Space Arts announced its inaugural production of THE KRAMER PROJECT directed and adapted by David Zak from Larry Kramer’s (THE NORMAL HEART) watershed speech “The Tragedy of Today’s Gays”.

“In this season of anti-trans legislation, looming supreme court decisions, and orders to ‘Don’t Say Gay”, I found myself wondering ‘What would Larry Kramer say?’” recounts Zak. “‘The Tragedy of Today’s Gays’ calls out to be shared in a new way even now, two years after his death.”

This will be the first production for Open Space Arts, a non-profit dedicated to producing works of social relevance. All proceeds of the production will go to the Center on Halsted, a community center for LGBT+ Chicagoans in Lakeview.

The production runs July 22 – July 31 at Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted. 

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(sidebar – if you are NOT familiar  with  Larry  Kramer, he was a noted writer whose raucous, antagonistic campaign for an all-out response to the AIDS crisis helped shift national health policy in the 1980s and ’90s. 

An author, essayist and playwright — notably hailed for his autobiographical 1985 play, “The Normal Heart” — Mr. Kramer had feet in both the world of letters and the public sphere. In 1981 he was a founder of   New York’s Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the very  first service organization for H.I.V.-positive people, though his fellow directors effectively kicked him out a year later for his aggressive approach.

He was then a founder of a more militant group, Act Up (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), whose street actions demanding a speedup in AIDS drugs research and an end to discrimination against gay men and lesbians severely disrupted the operations of government offices, Wall Street and the Roman Catholic hierarchy.

He passed away  in 2020 at the age of 24

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Demoralized by the reelection of George W. Bush in 2004 and the 60 million voters who chose his ‘Moral Values,’ Larry Kramer gave what he called ‘the most difficult speech I ever had to give.” That speech, titled “The Tragedy of Today’s Gays”, was heralded as a “strident but truthful lecture” by The Boston Globe. In the wake of Trump’s presidency, David Zak revisited the speech and “found it still vibrant and stirring.” Zak initially worked with Kramer to adapt his speech into a theatrical work, having worked with the author previously on the Chicago premiere of Kramer’s comedy about the Reagans JUST SAY NO.

THE KRAMER PROJECT is the first event for Open Space Arts, a new non-profit dedicated to works of social relevance. Ticket sales from the six performances will benefit Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland.

The Cast includes Tom Chiola, Keith Butler, Elijah Newman, Hailey Hance, Roberto del Rio, Alexandria Moorman, and Ryan Quade. The video design is by Magdiel Carmona, and the original music is by Elijah Newman.

 

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THE KRAMER PROJECT

Adapted and Directed by David G. Zak from a “The Tragedy of Today’s Gays” by Larry Kramer

Produced by Open Space Arts   /      July 21, 22, 23, 28, 30, and 31 at 7PM

Hoover-Leppen Theater on the 3rd Floor of  Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60613

 

Located in Lakeview, north of the Addison Redline stop, near the 36, 8, and 152 CTA Bus lines

Tickets are $30 VIP, $20 General, $10 Seniors and Students.

Tickets on sale starting June 15 at https://www.centeronhalsted.org/

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Chicago Pridefest June 18-19

2022 Gay Pride Event returns to America’s first recognized LGBTQ community

The weekend before the 2022 Chicago Pride Parade (June 26), the Chicago Pride Fest returns for 2 days: June 18-19.

The festival features live music by headline artists and local favorites, 3 stages, food and drink, 150+ arts/crafts vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, sponsored presence, games, giveaways and more.

The annual Chicago Pride Fest® is a legendary street festival, held the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (last Sunday in June). With upwards of 60,000 expected to attend, join us in celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community.

A $15 suggested donation for entry helps pays performers and festival workers, and funds community programs. Generous public donations paid for the Chicago Pride Crosswalks; 14 rainbow paved intersections installed in 2019 that make up the longest installation of it’s kind in the world.

MORE DETAILS

See PERFORMERS   HERE!

(Alaska, pictured)

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Circuit Mom Presents Drag Queen Drive In Fun Oct 16th

And now for something a little  different –

Drive in Drag – just in time for Halloween!

2 shows on Friday October 16th, 2020

6pm  and  8:30pm

Calling all GHOULS!

Does the person in the mirror tell you you’re beautiful?!

Then this pageant is for you!

Known for their over-the-top productions and events, the creative team at CircuitMOM Productions (CMP) is taking the “drive-in movie” event model being used across the country and turning the LakeShore Drive-In at the Adler Planetarium into a Halloween themed Drag Show.

This beauty pageant parody will have headliners from RuPaul’s Drag Race (Jaida Essence Hall and The Vixen), Dragula (Biqtch Puddin and Landon Cider), and Chicago Local Drag Superstars (CircuitMOM, Aunty Chan, Darby Lynn Cartwright, Denali Foxx, Sheeza Woman, and Miss Toto)!

Showtimes are 6:00pm and 8:30pm on Friday October 16th and tickets are available on our website circuitmom.com. Each show is limited to 200 vehicles, so get tickets for you and your friends now to see CircuitMOM crown the first ever Drop Dead Drag Pageant King or Queen!

*For full details and rules, please check the ticket site.

Get Your Tickets Now!
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Circuit Mom Pride Extravaganza June 19th

We hope you have been spending these last few weeks supporting your Black friends and family through protests, petitions, conversations with friends, family, and elected officials, and donations to various causes as we continue to fight for racial equity and equality in this nation. This fight is by no means over, but we have to remember this is a marathon and not a sprint, so it is important to take moments for ourselves.

As a way to facilitate a break (if it feels appropriate to you) we are bringing you a PRIDE edition of our long awaited virtual show celebrating the intersectionality of BIPOC and the LGBTQ+ community from 7-11pm Central Time on Friday June 19th, 2020. Which happens to be  the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, the day Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas with the news that the slaves were free.

This virtual show is filled with some of Chicago’s best talent such as Black Girl Magic’s The Vixen, Dida Ritz, Lucy Stoole, Sasha Love, Bambi-Banks Coulee, and Miss Toto, Ballroom star the Legendary Myah Lanvin, rapper KC Ortiz, pole dancer Ang Hell, Sheeza Woman, Aunty Chan, Joffrey ballet dancer and heels choreographer Fernando Duarte, Trans Chicago’s Valeria Mendez, Ginger Valdez, and Andrea Magia Mendez, Catfight lead singer Molly Callinan, The Baton’s Joan Jullian and Jacky Ireta Couture, DJ Ale Maes, Grammy nominated DJ and Producer Ralphi Rosario, and of course the one and only CircuitMOM.

This online event will be streamed across Twitchcircuitmom.com, and Facebook Live, and in an effort to keep progress moving forward will benefit Black Lives Matter and Trans Chicago from the Puerto Rican Cultural Center.  Prepare to pull out your phones and tip these performers down. We appreciate anything and everything you are able to give.

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Master Class in Cooking with Chef Tong

Chicago’s  Chef Tong is now offering something pretty cool!  NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE!

Private Virtual Cooking Classes from My Private Chef

I love to attend Chef Tong’s cooking classes when he holds them in Chicago. But now with technology, you can cook alongside this world-renowned, international chef during a private, one-on-one video session!

Cooking is such a satisfying way of getting creative at home. Now, with a personalized class from My Private Chef, you get to expand your skills, or try new foods, or prepare old favorites. How about introducing a young family member to the world of cooking?

Here’s how it works: Chef Christopher Tong will work with you to create your menu, provide an ingredients list, recipes and a demonstration based on your selection. You set up a date and time via video conference. Chef Chris will lead you step by step to perfection.

Cooking at home has never been so fun!

For more details, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131

My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private dining services. Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.

Become a Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/ChefChrisTong

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Grabby Awards Show Streaming LIVE This Year May 30th

The annual GRABBYS Award Show, highlighting top talent and performances in the gay erotic film industry, will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. CDT.

This annual event is usually held in Chicago each Spring, to sold-out audiences. Due to current state and local restrictions related to COVID-19, the event will be live-streamed. The event is expected to reach thousands of more fans this year around the world!

“Despite the unfortunate situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the show must go on — safely,” said show producer Stacy Bridges. “We’re excited the GRABBYS is the first gay erotic award show to be live-streamed, providing more fans the opportunity to join the celebration for FREE! And unlike our live-stage productions, the show this year will feature adult- material, such as X-rated film clips for ‘Best Movie’ nominees!”

Chi Chi LaRue and Honey West

will return for the 21st year as virtual hostesses; Chi Chi LaRue from Minneapolis and Honey West in Chicago.

The show is expected to be approximately 90 minutes.

GayVN Stars is the presenting sponsor. “We are thrilled to be working with our friends at the GRABBYS to stream their highly anticipated ceremony live on our GayVN Stars platform,” said AVN Media Network CEO Tony Rios. “We’re looking forward to seeing all the fans of adult entertainment worldwide come together online for this special interactive broadcast event.”

The nominees this year include;

850Bdt, Aumphreak4, BillySantoroXXX, CadeMaddoxxx,
CodyGunzXXX, CutlerX, DillonAndersonX, DirkCaber, DreGilcrest, Hattrickz91, HossKado, HungerFF, King111_, LeoGiamani3, LevyFoxxXXX, Maxadonisxxx, MichaelLucasNYC, MinoFlexXX, PoppersGod, RCandDigger, RafaelMovies, RayDexterXXX, RealMenFullBush, RhyheimShabazz, RoccoSteeleNYC, RopeTrainKeep, SeanHardingXXX, SeanZevran, TheGrayMerchant, TripleXTransMan, TylerHillXXX, TylerSaintReal, Zackybro101, adamrussoxxx, atxpapi, cagedjock, deepfillernyc,
devinfrancoxxx, eagerbttmxxx, edjidasilvaxx, grgisthewerd, griffinbarrowsx, iammisterbolden, itskravemelanin, jackmackenroth, loganstevensxxx, maxkonnorxxx, nickcapra, phatrabbitkill2, and rastadikk.

Additional sponsors include GRAB Magazine, Swiss Navy Lube, Justfor.fans and Steamworks Baths Chicago. (New issues of GRAB MAGAZINE are available  online for free, every other week!)

For more information and updates, visit www.GrabbyAwards.com.

 

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Chicago Gay PrideFest June 20-21

Chicago Pride Fest is  BACK ON for  June 20-21!

It was previously announced   that Pride Fest,  the Pride  Parade and  Market Days  were being canceled or rescheduled, due to the Covid 19 restrictions and limitations.

This morning it was announced  that plans  are underway to put together a  2 night virtual celebration of  Pride  Fest streaming for Free to Chicago and the world!

Chicago Pride Fest Goes Virtual

Chicago Pride Fest will mark its 20th year with a virtual festival format. On June 20-21, the Northalsted Business Alliance brings Boystown to the world with a streaming Chicago Pride Fest celebrating the love, life and diversity of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. Running from 7 pm to 9 pm both nights, the streaming Twitch event will feature a full line-up with entertainment, activism, greetings and more.

Virtual gate donations will benefit Boystown community programming, the Center on Halsted and Howard Brown Health.

Northalsted President Ramesh Ariyanayakam acknowledges how different things will look this year. “Right now our focus is all about planning a Pride celebration for the digital ages. We know this virtual festival will bring much needed connection and hope to our community and beyond and are thrilled to produce this event.”

More details at pridefestchicago   . A full programming line-up will be available in June .

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Wing it with Wendy Sitti Chicago’s Hilarious Socialite

SHE IS  thee Chicago Socialite and a woman of the world! 

Laughter is best medicine and  Wendy Sitti knows how to serve it up!

It’s true: laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress.

Wonderful, witty, wild and  wacky, EVERYONE loves  Wendy! With her infectious laugh and her wacky ways she will have you forget your troubles in a few short minutes.

Wing it with Wendy!  Wendy Sitti now  has a channel and  a  show!   “I will have episodes of  DIY Do it Yourself Shows, of various domestication from cooking, gardening, home improvement, travel to unique places and landmarks, in Drag Queen style. We will also have guest appearances by celebrities and film episodes from exotic places around the world to also my home!”

Truly entertaining! –  BestGayChicago.com

We hope this channel will entertain you and teach you a new trick or two! At press time,  3  episodes are out now!

 

“I was born in Warsaw, Poland.  The apple of my parents eye! I was raised on a farm and later went to work in my dads sausage factory.  That is where I met Stanley in high school and where we went to prom.   He was nice but I knew I needed something bigger, it must of been from being around all of that sausage.  I wanted to go to America.” Wendy tells us.

“After saving enough money, I flew to Chicago and realized I had no place to stay.   I called my cousin Rich and moved in with him.”

“I know America is the land of opportunity and I was excited to make it big.  I dyed my hair black to fit in and have a different look.   But then some woman, Mrs. Richfield told me I was moving in on her scene.   I went back to my natural color and started doing all kinds of odd jobs.  Cleaning rooms at a hotel on Halsted called Steamworks, to cleaning the rooms at the Elysium Hotel in Mykonos.   I kind of became a big thing and I’m not talking about my boobs!”

  “I enjoy fashion, drinking, socializing and hanging out with nice people.  If you want your event to Pop, like my cherry then invite me!”

SUBSCRIBE!

also  Wendy on Instagram

and  her  website

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Drag Queen Christmas Dec 2nd at VIC

A Drag Queen Christmas

returns to Chicago

Dec  2nd  at the VIC Theatre!

(In 34 cities total!)

 

The Naughty Tour now in it’s 5th year.

Get tickets plus meet & greet at https://www.DragFans.com

The national tour is presented

exclusively by Murray & Peter!

 

 

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Art of Healthy Cooking with Chef Tong Oct. 26th

Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef returns to Bloomingdale’s for a Healthy Cooking demonstration during the Wellness Event. He will give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!

Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite recipes:
-Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Cumin and Curry
-Baked Salmon with Fennel, Bell Peppers, Kalamata Olives, Cherry Tomatoes and      Basil
-Crustless Apple Pie, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

The demonstration will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue,Chicago. Culinary Kitchen on 1. Come early because the seats fill up fast.

For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net

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Glitzy Show Bar Restaurant LIPS Chicago Opens!

The ULTIMATE in DRAG DINING has arrived in Chicago!

WOWZA!   Gorgeous place and fantastic food and drink! Opulence, darling!

Locations in New York City, San Diego, Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, now we can experience America’s #1 DRAG SHOW EXPERIENCE for over 25 years at Lips Chicago.

Lips offers nightly drag queen shows and dining experience with full bar.  Every night a different drag queen show including celebrity impersonators in Dinner with the Divas, Twisted Broadway, Celebrity Divas and Dragalicious Gospel Brunch on Sunday. Grand Opening Weekend  was sold out!

Not only do they offer the best in drag queen entertainment, but an exquisite menu from lobster ravioli, Filet Mignon to our chocolate sin dessert and more!

Little Goat Diner’s Tom J Schmitt is the executive chef! Everything  I tasted  was  wonderful.  They offer a  VIP Prix Fixe menu option for $39.95  or  you can order al carte. – Cover charge and minimums depend on what night you attend. 

Lips  offers an amazing ALL YOU CAN DRINK Drag Gospel Boozy Brunch in Chicago  every Sunday for  $30!  Reservations  for any night,  are always  required!

Lips is a Las Vegas-style drag wonderland with Four  massive eight-foot crystal chandeliers that dangle overhead, offsetting pink leopard tufted walls, velvet curtains, and a bevy of bejeweled mirrors. The venue’s stage features a throne — the performers are queens, after all. The 8,000 square-foot space seats 174, so diners should expect a crowd.

Featuring primarily local talent, Lips’ queens will not only serve up a great show – they will also serve you dinner. Doubling as lively waitresses, the entertainers will take orders and deliver meals with a special side of camp, giving every audience member a front-row seat to the nightly show, which will include lip syncing, live vocals, bawdy humor, choreographed numbers and campy comedy.

2229  S  Michigan Ave  312-815-2662!

 

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Penny Arcade at City Winery June 25

Penny Arcade’s one-woman-show Longing Lasts Longer

Tuesday, June 25 at 8:00 pm at City Winery Chicago

 

JUST IN TIME  FOR  PRIDE!!! The long-overdue Chicago debut of underground performance legend Penny Arcade and her one woman show Longing Lasts Longer is a rock n’ roll blend of stand-up comedy and memoir in which she offers perspectives on the effects of gentrification. Arcade’s performance is the same week as the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion and PENNY WAS THERE THROWING BRICKS! (Note, she prefers the word “uprising” to “riots.”)

 

She was on the scene in NYC with Patti Smith, Lou Reed, and Andy Warhol, to drop a few names.

 

Arcade, also known as Susana Ventura, is an internationally respected performance artist, writer, poet, and experimental theater maker known for her magnetic stage presence, her take-no-prisoners wit, and her content rich plays and one-liners. She is the author of ten scripted performance plays and hundreds of performance art pieces. Arcade’s decade-long focus on the creation of community and inclusion as the goals of performance, and her efforts to use performance as a transformative act mark her as a true original in American theater and performance. The work she does has always focused on the other and the outsider, giving voice to those marginalized by society. Longing Lasts Longer’s street smarts and exuberance open a crack in our planet’s post-gentrified landscape with its razor sharp satire.

 

Tickets $25-35. citywinery.com/Chicago.

SNEAK PEAK ON YOUTUBE

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Free French Cooking Demo June 15

My Private Chef presents French Favorites
at Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store

A favorite whenever he appears, Chef Chris Tong of the private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef returns to the Bloomingdale’s for a French Bistro cooking demonstration.

Chef will prepare a mouthwatering menu and give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone will enjoy a taste of each dish.

Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite recipes:

  • Escargot Bourguignonne
  • Steak au Poivre
  • Haricot Verts
  • Pommes Puree

He will appear on Saturday, June 15 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Demo kitchen on 1.

For more information about this free Bloomingdale’s event, please call 312.324.7678

My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services.
Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation 
at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago.
Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining.
My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from 
intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
 
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my
work worthwhile. I also love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get 
the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”

For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net

We hope to see you there!
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May 14th Cook Eat and Drink with Chef Tong

Chef Tong Presents a Taste of Spring at

Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park

Celebrate the arrival of Spring!

Chef Christopher Tong returns to present Spring fare that is sure to satisfy your gourmet tastes.

 

His demonstration will be held on Tuesday, May 14 from 7-9:00pm.

 

 

Chef’s Menu:

  • Asparagus salad with red and yellow bell peppers, Champagne-saffron vinaigrette
  • Lemon spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, basil, lemon zests, focaccia crisp
  • Strawberry flambé with green peppercorns, vanilla bean ice cream

Chef will give you step-by-step directions and shopping tips, while answering all of your questions. And, everyone gets to have a taste!

The cost is $20.00 per person. The cooking class is on the mezzanine level in the on-site cooking classroom at the Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park,1550 North Kingsbury, Chicago.

Feel free to bring a bottle  of   wine  as well!   BYOB

Chef Tong’s classes are popular at Whole Foods Market so we suggest you sign up early to guarantee your place in the class.

To register for the class, call Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park at 312.587.0648 or sign up at the Customer Service Desk. Credit card or cash payment will hold your place in the class.

For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net

We hope to see you there!

 

ABOUT  CHEF;
Christopher Tong is the owner of My Private Chef, the elegant Chicago-based private chef and gourmet dining service.

Born and trained in Germany, Chef Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive contemporary Continental and French cuisine for more than twenty five years. After he was recruited to join the culinary staff of Ciel Blue, a famous award-winning restaurant in Chicago, he continued his career at prestigious establishments around the U.S., including the Walt Disney Swan Hotel in Orlando, the world famous Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills and the Sutton Place Hotel and Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.

Chef Tong’s cooking demonstrations are a favorite. He regularly appears on local television, at Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, Gilda’s Club Chicago, Whole Foods, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago’s Green City Market and In the Kitchen with Mariano’s at the Taste of Chicago.

Christopher was named one of the top 100 Chefs in Chicago and received the 2000 Gold Medal Award by the American Tasting Institute. He has served as a judge at the Illinois Institute of Art and is a member of the James Beard Foundation. He teaches his skills to students in the Culinary Arts Program at St. Augustine College.

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Chicago Pridefest 2019 Leann Rimes

The 19th annual Chicago Pride Fest®, June 22-23, 2019, is a legendary two-day street festival held the weekend leading up to the Chicago Pride Parade, celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community.

This year marks a milestone as we honor the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and the birth of the Pride movement.

This year features multi-platinum Grammy winner Leann Rimes, Brazilian sensation Pabllo Vittar & Broadway newcomer Alex Newell, and more artists to be announced soon!

Also featuring local favorites: Sixteen Candles – Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press – Boy Band Review – Catfight – Don’t Speak – Hello Weekend – Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus – Chicago Spirit Brigade – Miss Foozie’s Pride Pet Parade.

More info on 2019 Performers.

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Cirque du Soleil VOLTA Extended

Cirque du Soleil is excited to add two weeks of performances of VOLTA’s Chicago engagement this spring. The show will be presented under its signature Big Top at the Soldier Field South Lot, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, May 18 – July 6, 2019. Tickets, starting at $49, are available for purchase by visitingcirquedusoleil.com/volta or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783).

 

The show

Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgment of others.

 

BMX & Street Sports

The creators of VOLTA drew inspiration from the spirit of adventure that pervades the world of BMX, street sports and acrobatics. Whether they are on a bike, hopping from rooftop to rooftop, or double dutch rope skipping, urban sports enthusiasts constantly challenge themselves and defy convention.

Sure to be a Chicago crowd pleaser, VOLTA features a full-blown BMX park mounted on stage in front of the audience’s very eyes for the breathtaking BMX finale as riders invade the stage to deliver a jaw-dropping, fast and furious performance of nonstop acrobatics on wheels. The riders go up the jump boxes and perform air tricks before landing and leaping off the ramps again, crisscrossing and spinning their bikes in midair in a spirit of brotherhood.

The name VOLTA refers to a sudden about-face, a change in emotion or idea often used in poetry. It also speaks to the jolt of energy delivered through the show.

The Costumes

The stunning costumes of VOLTA have been designed by Zaldy Goco, famous for his work with Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefany and for TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race.

 

Ticket Information

VOLTA will be presented under the Big Top at the Soldier Field South Lot, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, starting May 18. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/volta. Discover our VIP package – a cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’ oeuvres inspired by the show, access to the best seats for greater comfort, complimentary parking and more!

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CHER in Milwaukee May 12th

CHER will be back in Milwaukee  May 12th!

With her HERE WE GO AGAIN  tour!  This time,  she will perform at the new  Fiserv Arena  at 111 Vel R. Phillips Ave.

The DRESSED TO KILL  tour was the last time Cher was in MKE  in  2014.

This new tour will support her recent 26th album, DANCING QUEEN! A reimagining of classic  ABBA  songs!

GET TICKETS!

NILE ROGERS & CHIC are expected to open! An amazing night of  dancing music!

 

 

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CHER Feb 8th in Chicago

Just about 4 weeks away!   Cher  will bring her  HERE  WE GO AGAIN  tour to the United  Center with NILE  RODGERS AND  CHIC!

This is Cher’s  first tour in five years. She will be hitting the road starting January 17 in Fort Myers, FL and will be crossing the U.S. with stops in Atlanta, Chicago, Brooklyn, and more before wrapping up in St. Paul, MN May 18th.

Cher never disappoints! And  we are very lucky in Chicago  to have  Nile Rodgers and Chic  playing the same night! Nile just recently  released his first album in 26 years, It’s About Time.  

The Rodgers/Chic sound  has evolved in those 26 years. It’s a fun, solid return that brings funk and disco to modern pop, despite sounding like it’s reaching a bit too hard for modern relevancy.

Tickets are still available!

 

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Cooking with Wild Game Dec 4th with Chef Tong

Chef Tong Presents a Wild Game Menu
at Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park

Are you “game” for some exotic and delicious tastes? Then you will love “Wild Game Night” with Chef Chris introducing you to exciting rarely served selections.

Chef’s Menu:
Appetizer: Quail Egg, Dill Cream Cheese, Salmon Caviar on Pumpernickel Bread

Entrée: Seared Bison Tenderloin, Blueberry Chili Ancho Sauce, Sweet Potato Croquettes and Haricots Verts

Dessert: Pomegranate and Lime Parfait

Chef will give you step-by-step directions and shopping tips, while answering all of your questions. And, everyone gets to have a taste!

His demonstration will be held on Tuesday, December 4 from 7-9:00pm. The cost is $25.00 per person.  (BYOB  if you would like!)

 

The cooking class is on the mezzanine level in the on-site cooking classroom at the Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park,1550 North Kingsbury, Chicago.

Chef Tong’s classes are popular at Whole Foods Market so we suggest you sign up early to guarantee your place in the class.

To register for the class, call Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park at 312.587.0648 or sign up at the Customer Service Desk. Credit card or cash payment will hold your place in the class.

For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net

We hope to see you there!

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Cirque du Soleil brings new production, VOLTA May 2019

Cirque du Soleil brings VOLTA, its newest Big Top production, to new Chicago location, Soldier Field South Lot, May 18 – June 23, 2019!

Tickets on sale exclusively to Cirque Club members November 20;
General on-sale begins November 26 (‘Cyber Monday’)

 

Get a sneak peek of VOLTA here!

Cirque du Soleil returns to Chicago with VOLTA, a captivating voyage of discovery! Inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA explores the themes of celebrating differences and unique qualities in a world where technology often isolates people from one another rather than freeing them. Written and directed by Bastien Alexandre, with Jean Guibert as the director of creation, VOLTA weaves acrobatics in a visually striking world driven by a stirring melodic score, composed by Anthony Gonzalez from the international electronic group M83. For the first time, VOLTA will perform under its signature Big Top at the Soldier Field South Lot, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, May 18 – June 23, 2019.   

Access to the best seats and prices are available for existing Cirque Club members beginning Tuesday, November 20. Visitcirquedusoleil.com/cirqueclub to sign up for a complimentary membership. Cirque Club members receive advance access to the best seats under the Big Top, at the best price.

 

Tickets

Tickets (starting at $49) will be available to the general public beginning Monday, November 26, 2018, aka ‘Cyber Monday,’ by visitingcirquedusoleil.com/volta or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Discover Cirque’s Hennessy Black VIP Experience package which includes a cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’oeuvres inspired by the show, access to the best seats for greater comfort, complimentary parking and more!


The show

Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgment of others.

 

The name VOLTA refers to a sudden about-face, a change in emotion or idea often used in poetry. It also speaks to the jolt of energy delivered through the show.

 

FOLLOW  VOLTA!

Social Media:

Facebook.com/VOLTA

Twitter: @Cirque #VOLTA 

Instagram: cirquedusoleil #VOLTA

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