Category Archives: Andersonville

Andersonville Dessert Crawl Oct 28th

On Sunday, October 28, from 2-5 p.m., Andersonville will welcome guests to enjoy a sweet stroll through this delightful neighborhood as they participate in the Annual Dessert Crawl.

It’s a gourmet experience with delectable desserts at every turn. Participating restaurants are sure to “wow” visitors with delicious and decadent gourmet desserts.

Get to know the sweeter side of Andersonville at 20 different locations.

 

Chef Chris Tong of My Private Chef, an upscale private chef and gourmet dining service, will be serving a delicious Cranberry Mousse with Apple Cranberry Sauce with Gingersnap.

Look for him on the Veruca Salt Route at one of his favorite wine shops,

In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark.

You can choose between TWO great routes.  Tickets for one route are $20.00

Participants will pick up their Dessert Crawl “passport” at the Swedish American Museum – Andersonville, 5211 N. Clark Street and then proceed to the participating restaurants and stores for tasting-sized portions at each location.

 

For more information about the Dessert Crawl and to purchase tickets, visit

http://www.andersonville.org/events/dessert-crawl/

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

 

 

Want to attend for FREE? Sign-up to VOLUNTEER at check-in. Click here for more information.

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Camp Wannakiki Hits YouTube

Summer Camp is a Drag!

The premise is simple… take eight drag queens to see who can last the week at an actual Summer Camp and claim the crown “Queen of Camp!” CAMP WANNAKIKI is a new drag reality show airing on YouTube.

This hilarious new show features eight of the campiest campers in the Midwest (O’laysia Prime, Dominique DeGrant, VajayJ Snappinturtle, Pagan Holladay, Sylvia Nixx, Alexis P Bevels, Muffy Fishbasket and C’est Kevvie), along with kooky Camp Counselor Dear Ruthie and Camp Directors Apple Brown Betty and Cherry Pi!

Each episode reprises a day at camp, where campers perform various activities best suited for 10 year olds, as opposed to grown-ass drag queens.   Tune in for the hilarity that ensues!

This entertaining competition keeps the focus on fun and friendship, while giving drama and backstabbing the cold shoulder, as was the goal of creators and producers Ashley and Brandon Wright.

The Wrights are real life twin brothers and drag life twin sisters Apple Brown Betty and Cherry Pi Sugarbaker.  The twins are also co-owners of Hamburger Mary’s International, and were recently featured on the hit CBS show “Undercover Boss.”  Going on 20 locations, Mary’s is known not only for their gourmet burgers, but also for putting on great drag shows across the country.

Let’s Eat, drink and be “Mary” this summer at Camp Wannakiki!

Follow  the campy fun on YouTube

Camp Wannakiki   FB  page

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Andersonville Dessert Crawl Oct 29th

Join My Private Chef
For a Gourmet Trick or Treat Experience
at the Andersonville Dessert Crawl

On Sunday, October 29, from 2pm-5pm Andersonville will welcome guests to enjoy a sweet stroll through the neighborhood as they participate in the Annual Dessert Crawl.

This neighborhood celebrates the festive spirit of fall. It’s a gourmet Trick or Treat experience with delectable desserts at every turn. Participating restaurants are sure to “wow” visitors with delicious and decadent gourmet desserts.

Chef Christopher Tong, of My Private Chef, the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, will be serving a mouthwatering Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse with Nutella Ganache.

Look for him on the PEPPERMINT FOREST ROUTE at one of his favorite wine shops, In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark Street.

This year, you can choose between TWO great routes.Tickets for one route are $25.00 prior to the event. (if available)

For more information about the Dessert Crawl and to purchase tickets, visit:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3095528

Participants can pick up their Dessert Crawl “passport” at The Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St., starting at 1pm on Sunday, October 29, and and then proceed to the participating restaurants and shops for a tasting-sized portions at each location .

One dollar from each ticket sold goes to benefit Care for Real, Edgewater’s community Food Bank.

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.

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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SUPERHERO Chicago Markets Days Event Aug. 10

After 6 straight years of sold out dance parties at House Of Blues, Matthew  Harvat/ Circuit Mom/ Revolution have moved their Superhero party closer to boystown and into an  EPIC venue, that MANY of you have never seen before and   doubles the parties size!

More lights, more lasers, more production, more sound, more men and women from around the globe to dance with. After 13 years, The Aragon Ballroom welcomes us back for what will hopefully become our biggest event of the year.

 

You will not believe your eyes once you come upstairs into the space.

 

Click to listen to Podcast
Tons of surprises in store for you and cannot wait to welcome over 2500 party goers to our new Market Days home AND the Chicago debut of DJs Grind and Gauthreaux spinning together for this main event.
SAVE $10 PER TICKET NOW! USE PROMO CODE: MOMSHERO
*General admission only. Offer expires on 7/9/17
GET TICKETS NOW!
SUPERHERO: THE RESISTANCE • AUGUST 12, 2017
ARAGON BALLROOM CHICAGO

 

3  STELLAR PARTIES ALL MARKET DAYS WEEKEND LONG!
NEVERLAND
ALEGRIA
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Lady Bunny Chicago April 1

SHE IS COMING  BACK CHICAGO!

 

This ain’t no April Fools… The legendary LADY BUNNY will be performing her hilarious one-woman show “Trans-Jester” in Mary’s Attic on April 1. This is a one-night-only performance that you won’t want to miss! – Her new show and material  are great!  We  saw  her   in  New  York  in December!~

Although Miss Bunny needs no introduction, here’s a little blurb from her website…
“With her glitzy outfits, sky-high wigs and false eyelashes long enough to embarrass Tammy Faye Baker, multi-talented drag artist Lady Bunny would turn heads even if looking glamorous was her only talent. But “she” isn’t just another man in a dress: Bunny is a successful comedienne, DJ, actress, singer/songwriter and most famously, the emcee and creator of Wigstock, the outrageous drag festival of drag and music which electrified New Yorkers every Labor Day for over 20 years.”

Tickets go on sale NOW…

VIP Tickets $45 – VIP ticket holders will be allowed in up to a half hour before general admission (starting at 7pm), so you can scope out the best seats! Also includes your first drink AND a meet & greet photo op with Miss Bunny after the show!! Only 40 VIP tickets will be sold!

General Admission $25 – General admission will start at 7:30. Seating is first-come-first-serve, then it’s standing room only toward the back (but that’s ok cuz it’s closer to the bar, Honey!) 

GO TO FACEBOOK  FOR THE  TICKET  LINK  and tell all of your friends!!

#LadyBunny

#HamburgerMarys

#GayChicago

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Howard Brown Expands North

howard-brown-health-center-chicago-rogers-park

On Monday, December 5, Howard Brown Health will inaugurate its Rogers Park clinic, with elected officials and invited guests.

The event commemorates the completion of the construction and expansion project that began in December 2015. The event will feature refreshments, food, and a short program featuring Howard Brown President and CEO, David Ernesto Munar, Board Chair Duke Alden, Chief Clinical Officer for Howard Brown, Dr. Magda Houlberg, as well special guests.

 

WHAT:     Howard Brown Health Clark Private Ribbon-Cutting Event

 

WHO:       Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, Chicago City Council and Cook County Board of Commissioners (invited)

 

WHERE: Howard Brown Health Clark       6500 N. Clark St., Chicago

WHEN:    9:30–11 a.m., Monday, December 5 Howard Brown Health Clark,

 

Howard Brown’s Rogers Park clinic, co-located with Gerber/Hart Library and Archives (Gerber/Hart), opened in December 2015.  A result of Howard Brown’s designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center, the clinic has provided a limited bank of healthcare services until construction concluded this month on the rest of the building.  The newly expanded 15,000-square-foot facility includes 12 exam rooms, counseling rooms and space for other services.  At Howard Brown Health Clark, patients may access primary medical care, a sliding scale of charges based on income, STI/HIV screening and treatment, behavioral health counseling services, insurance navigation, educational opportunities, and a meeting/event space.  Howard Brown expects to provide 12,000 medical visits to an estimated 8,000 patients at the location annually.

 

Howard Brown Health exists to eliminate the disparities in health care experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness.

 

For more information about Howard Brown, go to http://howardbrown.org/wp/.

 

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Chef Tong @ Andersonville Halloween Event Oct. 30th

andersonville-halloween-food-event

On Sunday, October 30, from 2-5 p.m., Andersonville will welcome guests to enjoy a sweet stroll through this delightful neighborhood as they participate in the Annual Dessert Crawl. 

It’s a gourmet Trick or Treat experience with delectable desserts at every turn. Participating restaurants are sure to “wow” visitors with delicious and decadent gourmet desserts.

Chef Chris Tong of My Private Chef, an upscale private chef and gourmet dining service, will be serving a delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter  Mousse Parfait with Chocolate Ganache, Whipped Cream and roasted Peanuts.

Look for him on the Caramel Apple Route at one of his favorite wine shops,

In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark.

You can choose between TWO great routes.  Tickets for one route are $25. in advance or $30.00 purchased after October 27. (if available)

Participants will pick up their Dessert Crawl “passport” at the Great Lakes Clinical Trials – Andersonville, 5149 N. Ashland Ave  and then proceed to the participating restaurants and stores for tasting-sized portions at each location.

 

For more information about the Dessert Crawl and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2597793

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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ELIXIR Andersonville Cocktail Classes

elixir-chicago-andersonville-class

Elixir Andersonville is hosting three cocktail classes through the end of the year.

 

Apples!
Saturday, Oct. 29, 3-4 pm      $25

All are welcome to celebrate fall and learn to make classics like the Apple Martini, and even put a new spin on the Manhattan with freshly pressed apple juice to order.

Click here for the Facebook event, and click here for the link to tickets
Holiday Punch
Saturday, Nov. 19, 3-4 pm      $25
Guests will learn the fine art of creating exceptional punches – perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Click here for the link to tickets
Mulled Wine
Saturday, Dec. 17, 3-4 pm       $15
Back by popular demand! Guests will learn the delicate craft of making mulled wine, sample styles from across the globe, and create their own custom sachet of spices to take home for the holidays!
Click here for the link to tickets
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3 Floyd’s Dinner @ Replay Andersonville May 25

replay andersonville chicago

Replay Andersonville will host a 3 Floyds paired dinner Wednesday, May 25 at 7 pm to kick off IML weekend.

For $55, guests will not only indulge in a five course menu crafted by Chefs Bernardo Ibarra and Kaz Medhat, but also enjoy some of the Indiana brewery’s most popular and delicious craft beers.

 

Course 1: Watermelon Gazpacho with LazerSnake American Pale Ale
Course 2: Shrimp Ceviche with Zombie Dust American Pale Ale
Course 3: Alpha King Poached Pear Salad with Alpha King American Pale Ale
Course 4: Beer-Braised Pork Ossobuco with Black Heart English Double IPA
Course 5: Amaro- and Coffee-Infused Truffles and Berries with Wig Splitter Oatmeal Stout
ADDRESS
5358 N. Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 773.654.1369
replay-chicago-andersonville

Eat
Looking for something innovative, delicious and comforting? Our fresh dishes are made in-house by our staff of highly trained chefs using sustainably raised, locally sourced ingredients when possible. We proudly serve lunch and dinner daily, with weekend brunch and a late night menu. We offer something or everyone, from light to hearty and sweet to savory. And, we’ve included some classic comfort dishes with a modern twist that elevate ordinary dishes by using unexpected flavor combinations and textures. Get ready to wrap your mind around the big, bold flavors of our menu, and then wrap your hands and mouth around them, too.

Drink
Enjoy the 26 rotating craft beers on draught or explore our extensive premium bourbon and cocktail selection.

Play
Relive the glory days of your youth and play one of our 22 vintage video arcade games or pump your quarters into one of our popular pinball machines.

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Frost Fest Craft Beers in Boystown

frost fest boystown chicago

FROST FEST  KICK OFF!

Come out this THURSDAY (FEB  18th)to Replay Beer & Bourbon-Andersonville to sample some of the amazing beers  for Frost Fest on February 27th!

The Northalsted Business Alliance delivers festival fun to the waning days of winter with a weekend of special events.

 

Craft Beer Festival

On Saturday, February 27, craft beer takes center stage at Halsted and Waveland. Chill under a tent filled with favorites from more than 40 brewers.

DJ Marc ‘Moose’ brings the heat to the dance floor. Food trucks from Beaver Donuts,

Chubby Wiener, Ms. Tittles and Pico St. Kitchen help soak up the suds.

 

Purchase tickets at www.northalsted.com and choose one of two sessions  (1- 4pm or 6-9 pm).

 

Guest can shed their coat at the check-in for $2, which benefits Howard Brown Health  Center.

 

Soup Walk (FREE)

On Sunday February 28 from 1-5 pm the 3rd annual Soup Walk warms up winter with nine Northalsted and Lakeview East restaurants showcasing their soups at retail business.

 

Stroll or take a free trolley to hit all nine spots.

 

  • NoteworthyNotes (3629 North Halsted) with soup from Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
  • Egoist (3526 North Halsted) with soup from Dive Bar.
  • Boystown Collectibles (3453 North Halsted) with soup from Taverna 750
  • Universal Wellness Source (3324 North Halsted) with soup from The Chicago Diner
  • The Leigh Gallery (3306 North Halsted) with soup from D.S. Tequila Co.
  • CRAM Fashion (3331 North Broadway) with soup from Café L’Appetito
  • Unabridged Bookstore-3521 North Broadway) with soup from The Bagel
  • GAP (3216 North Broadway) with soup from Escencia Urban Kitchen
  • wineHOUSE (3164 North Broadway) with soup from Soupbox

About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)

Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 100 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest and the Halloween Parade. For information about NBA visit www.northalsted.com.

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ELIXIR Andersonville Special Event Feb 10th

elixir bar restaurant gay

Don’t be left out! This WILL sell out!

Join us for a four-course meal, featuring FEW Spirits, that begins with a breakfast-inspired dish, taking you through lunch and dinner, and finishing with dessert.

All attendees will receive a voucher for a tour of FEW’s Evanston Distillery and Tasting Room ($10 Value)
Seats are limited.  We hope you can join us!

Wednesday, Feb. 10 • 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Elixir Lounge     (next door to Replay)
1509 W Balmoral Ave.    Chicago, IL 60640

Four Courses • $60
Tickets available at
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2494195


Dinner & Cocktail Menu Schedule

Breakfast
Lyonnaise Salad
Frisee, bacon, poached egg, red wine vinaigrette.
FEW Breakfast Gin
Egg white, butter, lemon, gomme syrup,
freeze dried blueberries.

Lunch
Bouillabaisse
Grilled salmon, mussels, clams, shrimp, saffron broth.
FEW Bourbon
Amontillado Sherry, lemon, sparkling.

Dinner
Red Wine Braised Short Rib
Sweet potato puree, red wine reduction, crispy shallots.
FEW Rye
Cocchi Barolo Chinato, Bitter Queens
Tobacco Bitters.

Dessert
Orange & Cardamom Crème Brûlée
FEW Anguish and Regret cordial

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Replay and Elixir Expand to Andersonville

IMG_5384

Two Boystown hits,  expand to Andersonville, making for a very gay corner  at  Clark and Balmoral.

LKH Management (LKH), the group behind Lake View’s Hydrate, Halsted’s Bar & Grill, Replay, Elixir and VII, have now opened  a  REPLAY  ANDERSONVILLE  and  ELIXIR  ANDERSONVILLE!

Located at 5358 N. Clark (at Balmoral), Replay Andersonville will serve as a restaurant, bar and arcade, offering Contemporary American cuisine, 26 craft tap beers and an extensive premium bourbon selection. The 2,300-square foot venue features reclaimed wood, exposed brick and 144 seats, including the bar, restaurant and outdoor patio. A  huge very cool mural in the arcade, which was created by local artist David Andora, reflects the venue’s playful vibe, which invites guests to linger, and enjoy three popular pinball games or 25 complimentary vintage video games, such as Ms. Pac Man, Dig Dug and Galaga.

Unlike its sister location in Lake View, Replay Andersonville will serve food, showcasing innovative and distinctive daily lunch and dinner, and weekend brunch items.

IMG_5385

Diners can expect fresh, high-quality ingredients and big, bold flavors. An extensive list of weekend breakfast and brunch options run the gamut from sweet to savory, while lunch and dinner offer something for everyone, including signature salads, sandwiches and innovative build-your-own burgers. The restaurant will also feature weekly specials, late-night dining options and a children’s menu.

Chefs Bernardo Ibarra and Steve Farbstein, formerly of Chicago’s Girl and the Goat and Luxbar, respectively, will helm the kitchen. The menu includes classic American comfort dishes with a modern twist, elevating ordinary dishes by using unexpected flavor combinations and textures, including: hickory-smoked meatloaf, cornmeal fried chicken, and seasonal steak and pasta dishes. Some personal Chef favorites include: a Berkshire Pork Chop; Grass-fed Natural Flat Iron Steak; and Bacon Waffles with Black Pepper Butter, Sea Salt & Black Cherry Bourbon Syrup. All dishes will be made in-house, using sustainably raised and locally sourced ingredients when possible. Fresh pressed juice will serve as a nutritious start to the day or make a great addition to a brunch cocktail.

“We’re not only excited about the food we prepare, but also passionate about the people we prepare it for,” said Chef Steve. “We want guests to enjoy themselves, explore the menu and try something new, combining the familiar with the unexpected. Replay’s combination of innovative food, craft beer, premium bourbon and old school arcade games creates an environment that takes you back to your formative years. We invite the community to join us to have a great time with friends and make new memories.”

For more information, including the complete Replay Andersonville food menus, beer and bourbon list and featured video games, please visit REPLAY ANDERSONVILLE  and “like” them on Facebook.

Replay mural composition

LOCATED ADJACENT TO REPLAY,  Elixir  is  at   1509 W. Balmoral, the new space will offer guests premium concoctions, created by mixologists Vlad Novikov and Chad Shayes of Elixir Lounge Andersonville and Elixir Lounge in Lake View, respectively, which showcase eclectic, fresh ingredients in an accessible and delicious way. The 1,000-square foot upscale lounge features dark wood paneling and exposed brick that delivers an inviting and intimate environment, perfect for craft cocktails and conversation. Vlad will also create a series of his own signature cordials – alcohol infused with powerful expressions of concentrated flavors meant to be enjoyed on their own – including Bacon Whiskey, Black Garlic-infused Polugar, and Violete Limoncello.

Elixir Lounge Andersonville will exclusively feature several artisan cocktails: Flower Power, featuring candied hibiscus; Pretty in Pink, the perfect summer drink for sipping on the patio, made with specialty vermouths; and, Swedish Dream, which pays homage to the neighborhood’s Swedish roots and features lingonberry syrup.

elixir gay bars andersonville chicago

“Each of our cocktails tell a story,” said Novikov. “We encourage our guests to experiment and want them to taste how passionate we are about delivering creative drinks that highlight unique ingredients in an accessible way.”

Unlike the Lake View location, Elixir Lounge Andersonville will serve small plate dining options and simple, but sophisticated bar snacks. LKH Chefs Bernardo Ibarra and Steve Farbstein partnered with Vlad to introduce signature dishes that complement and enhance the cocktails.

“We’re excited to bring Andersonville residents a new haven that celebrates the art of fine cocktails,” said Mark Liberson, President, LKH Management. “Elixir Lounge Andersonville is ideal for a date, casual night out with friends or a private party to celebrate a special occasion.”

For more information, including a full list of cocktails, please visit  ELIXIR ANDERSONVILLE and “like” the lounge on Facebook !

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Bette at the Continental Baths!

 

bette midler bath house

On the heels of its hit production Miracle!Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 2015-16 season with BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS, a musical tribute to the legendary Bette Midler starring Caitlin Jackson, directed and choreographed by Christopher Pazdernik with music direction by Jeremy Ramey as Barry Manilow.  BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS will play July 17 – August 21, 2015 at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Tickets are currently on sale at www.handbagproductions.org.  The press opening is Saturday, July 18 at 8 pm.

 

Join Handbag Diva Caitlin Jackson as she pays tribute to the Divine Miss M’s legendary cabaret act at the equally legendary Continental Bathhouse in New York City. Featuring a live band, this loving recreation of the beginning of Ms. Midler’s stellar career will feature the fabulous songs she sang for the boys in the bathhouse, including Chattanooga Choo-ChooSuperstar, and of course, Chapel of Love done in Bette’s inimitable style. Well, nearly inimitable. Handbag transforms the newly remodeled Mary’s Attic into the legendary Bathhouse (just tell your great Aunt Gertie this is where young men went to clean up back in the day) complete with hot dancing boys wearing strategically placed towels… and steam… lots of steam.

 

The production team for BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS includes: Zachary Gipson (set design), Kate Setzer Kampausen (costume design), Mikey Moran (sound design), Mealah Heidenreich (props design) and Jacqueline Widman (stage manager).

 

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title: BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS

Director/Choreographer: Christopher Pazdernik

Music Director: Jeremy Ramey

Cast: Caitlin Jackson as Bette Midler and Jeremy Ramey as Barry Manilow with Adam Fane and TJ Crawford as The Bathhouse Boys.

 

Location: Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago

Dates: Previews:  Friday, July 17 at 8 pm

Press performanceSaturday, July 18 at 8 pm

Regular run Friday, July 24 – Friday, August 21, 2015

Curtain Times: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm.  Please note: there will not be performances on Saturday, August 15 and Saturday, August 22.  There will be added performances on Thursday, August 13 and Thursday, August 20 at 8 pm.

Tickets: Preview: $12. Regular run: $20 in advance, $22 at the door. Limited VIP reserved seating with drink $35. Big Gay Group Rate: $16 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets are currently on sale at www.handbagproductions.org.

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Hell in a Handbag’s MIRACLE! by Dan Savage

dan savage miracle marys attic

Hell in a Handbag Productions    Presents 

Midwest Premiere of

        MIRACLE!

        By Dan Savage

Directed by Derek Van Barham

May 14 – July 10, 2015 at Mary’s Attic

(PHOTO left to right) Jamie SmithDavid CerdaEd Jones and Kristopher Bottrall in a publicity image for Hell in a Handbag Productions’ Chicago premiere of MIRACLE! by Dan Savage, directed by Derek Van Barham. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to kick-off its 2015-16 season with the Midwest premiere of MIRACLE!, the wickedly funny parody of The Miracle Worker as reimagined by Dan Savage, one of the country’s leading writers/speakers/podcasters on sex, sexuality and GLBTQ issues, and directed by Derek Van BarhamMIRACLE! will play May 14 – July 10, 2015 at the newly-remodeled Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.

Tickets are currently on sale at www.handbagproductions.org.

 

Miracle will feature Kristopher BottrallDavid CerdaLaura ColemanSydney GencoRachel HadlockCaitlin JacksonEd JonesElizabeth LesinskiSteve LoveJoshua PetersonJamie Smith and Christopher Young.

 

MIRACLE! tells the story of Helen Stellar, a young deaf and blind drag queen who loves to perform under the watchful eye of her drag mother who just happens to be her biological father – Crystal Pain. Crystal is owner of The Brass Connection, an old school drag club where the performers are just like any other normal family – crazy as hell.  When the state assigns Annie Sullivan to teach Helen to better communicate, all hell breaks loose and we soon discover that Helen is the most normal of all of the inhabitants of The Brass Connection. MIRACLE! is about family (biological and chosen), a father and son, gay and lesbian subculture and finding your voice.

The production team for MIRACLE! includes: Zachary Gipson (set design), Kate Setzer Kamphausen (costume design), Cat Wilson (lighting design), Mikey Moran (sound design), Jacob Christopher Green (wig designer), Mealah Heidenreich (props design) and Victoria Rector (stage manager).

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Replay and Elixir Expand to Andersonville

exlixir-chicago-gay-bars

WOW! How cool is this?!

LKH MGMT, the group behind Lakeview’s Hydrate, Elixir, Replay and Halsted’s Bar & Grill, announces the addition of two new Andersonville locations slated to open this summer.

By opening Replay Andersonville and Elixir Lounge Andersonville LKH brings two of its most popular concepts to the burgeoning neighborhood. Replay Andersonville will be located at 5368 N Clark (at Balmoral)  and Elixir Lounge Andersonville will be located at 1507 W Balmoral, right around the block!

“We have had Andersonville in our sights for more than two years and finally secured the perfect locations for both concepts,” said LKH Managing Partner Sean Kotwa. LKH President Mark Liberson agreed, stating, “The Replay and Elixir locations are in a building that just underwent an amazing renovation and we are thrilled to be the first tenants.”

Replay Andersonville opens first and mirrors the Lake View location with popular pinball games, iconic vintage video games and more than 24 craft beers on tap. Unlike the Lake View location, Replay Andersonville will serve food, including weekend brunch, as well as lunch and dinner all week.

replay gay bar chicago

Elixir Lounge Andersonville will feature the extensive list of creative and classic premium cocktails that Elixir Lake View is lauded for. In addition, Elixir Andersonville will serve small plate dining options to complement the craft cocktail program.

Both concepts feature outdoor space, which was a deciding factor in securing the new sites. Kotwa commented, “Chicago’s summers make this city and we are eager to bring something new to this stretch of Balmoral.”

LKH looks forward to being a part of the Andersonville community and participating in Midsommarfest. “Our experience with Northalsted’s Market Days and Pridefest energizes us to be part of a new community and festival,” said Kotwa.

Liberson notes that many of Replay and Elixir’s Lake View patrons have moved into the Andersonville area and was one of the factors for adding the locations. “It’s one of the best neighborhoods in the nation and we understand the demand directly from our customer base. We are elated to bring these concepts to a new area.”
Both are slated to be open in the Summer of 2015.

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Andersonville is TOP Neighborhood in Chicago

andersonville chicago illinois

ACCORDING  TO  CURBED CHICAGO….If you’re looking to buy a home in Chicago this year, real estate listing and brokerage site Redfin says that Andersonville will be the neighborhood to watch.

According to the site’s latest top ten list of hottest neighborhoods in the country, Andersonville is the hottest in Chicago and the seventh hottest in the country.

The pick marks a departure from the last two years, when Redfin chose the quickly gentrifying Logan Square (2013) and Humboldt Park (2014) neighborhoods. Buyers have led this shift, according to Redfin, opting for value over “hipster havens.”  – Frankly – it’s a bit late.  Prices  have already WENT UP  over the last 10 years!  A  bargain  would be hard to find!

Andersonville is a neighborhood in western Edgewater.  At the time of the 2000 United States Census, the proportion of single-sex couples in Edgewater was 6.6% in the 60660 zip code and 8.0% in the 60640 zip code. This compares with the US national average of 1.1%.

Edgewater is home to the Gerber/Hart Library, the largest gay and lesbian library and archives in the Midwestern United States. Kathy (Osterman) Beach (named after a former alderman but historically referred to as Hollywood Beach, referencing Hollywood Ave. where it is situated) is a hugely popular hangout for a diverse community of beachgoers during the summer months. Chicago’s oldest LGBT synagogue, Congregation Or Chadash, is situated in Edgewater.

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Andersonville Dessert Crawl October 26th

andersonville dessert crawl private chef

 

MY PRIVATE CHEF PRESENTS A GOURMET TRICK OR TREAT EXPERIENCE  AT THE

ANDERSONVILLE DESSERT CRAWL
On October 26, from 2-5 p.m.

Andersonville will welcome guests to enjoy a sweet stroll through this delightful neighborhood as they participate in the Annual Dessert Crawl.

This neighborhood event celebrates the festive spirit of fall. It’s a gourmet Trick or Treat experience with delectable desserts at every turn. Participating restaurants are sure to “wow” visitors with delicious and decadent gourmet desserts.

Chef Chris Tong of My Private Chef, an upscale private chef and gourmet dining service, will be serving a delicious Blood Orange Mousse with Ginger and Pirouette Wafer.

Look for him on the Caramel Apple Route at one of his favorite wine shops, In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark.

This year you can choose between TWO great routes. Tickets for one route are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event.

Participants will pick up their Dessert Crawl “passport” at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark Street, and then proceed to the participating restaurants and stores for tasting-sized portions at each location.

private chef chicago TONG

For more information about the Dessert Crawl and to purchase tickets, visit Andersonville.org

 

Chef Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive cuisine at fine restaurants and hotels in Chicago, Los Angeles and Florida for more than 25 years.

Now, as the owner of My Private Chef, a unique private chef and gourmet dining service, he’s getting rave reviews for offering that same world-class cuisine for special occasions from your own kitchen or chosen location.

My Private Chef continues it’s tradition of supporting Andersonville culture and special events.

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

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Howard Brown Raises Minimum Wage

howard-brown-health-center-chicago

Effective immediately, Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) is raising the minimum wage for Brown Elephant employees to $10.10/hour. The increase, in concert with President Obama’s recent executive order raising the minimum wage for federal contractors, represents HBHC’s investment in its hard working staff.

Since the late 1980s, Brown Elephant has been supporting HBHC’s health programs and services by selling gently used furniture, clothing, and media collected through community donations. Net proceeds on the resale of tens of thousands of donated items help HBHC offset the cost of charity healthcare for people who are low-income and uninsured.

“Brown Elephant employees assist more than 220,000 donors and shoppers annually and are the backbone of our mission providing LGBT-affirming healthcare that is accessible and affordable,” said David Ernesto Munar, HBHC President and CEO.
The policy change will help HBHC recruit and retain the skilled workforce needed to meet the demands of it retail social enterprise.

Thanks to the generosity of the Chicago community, HBHC’s Brown Elephant has grown to include three locations across Chicagoland:
Lakeview 3020 N. Lincoln Avenue

 

Andersonville    5404 N. Clark Street

Oak Park
217 Harrison Street,
Oak Park, IL 60304
708.445.0612

Andersonville and Oak Park locations are open daily from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Lakeview location is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

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Ronnie Kroell will walk 921 Miles from Chicago to New York City

  Ronnie Kroell and Elliot 
London, Co founders of THE FRIEND MOVEMENT will walk 921 miles, Chicago
to New  York

 

Kroell and London will walk 921 miles – over 37 days to raise awareness for increased bullying prevention efforts
across the country. 

 The walk, to coincide with National Bullying
Prevention Month, will begin on Saturday, Oct. 5 from The Bean in Millennium
Park in Chicago and end on Sunday, November 10 in New York City. Both men are
from Chicago, and decided to start their journey there.

London and Kroell  launched the FRIEND MOVEMENT, in response to the increasing number of suicides being committed
as a result of bullying.  Both men were subjected to bullying, and the
two  were inspired to establish the
movement in the wake of the suicide of Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University
student who jumped to his death off the George Washington Bridge in New York
three years ago after being severely cyber-bullied by his dormitory roommate.
And they have filmed a documentary, “Friend” about bullying which is
currently in final stages of production.

London said, ” It is so important for me to make this
film. Our goal is to showcase the struggles of present day teens, and adults
for that matter, being bullied with the technology that we have all embraced.”

“Tyler may have been a young gay man, but bullying does
not discriminate.” said film maker London. ” It affects people
of all races, ages, religions, genders, sexualities, socio-economic backgrounds
and more,” adds London.  “And the impact of bullying is
profound.  It can lead to a plethora of physical and psychological problems
that can be life-long, in addition to suicide, which, by the way, is the number
one cause of death among school and college students in the U.S.” 

Individuals can join FRIEND
MOVEMENT by visiting its indiegogo campaign
, https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/friend-movement-walk
For a $20 donation, participants will receive a specially made FRIEND MOVEMENT
watch, as well as a purple ribbon that can be sent back, in a postage-paid
envelope provided by the movement, to The Tyler Clementi Foundation with a
personalized dedication to a friend or family member.  Each ribbon will be
placed on the site of the closing ceremony of the walk in New York City. 


FRIDAY  –  OCTOBER  4th  6:30  CENTER ON HALSTED……


FRIDAY – OCTOBER 4th – Meet and Greet  at 

                                  HAMBURGER  MARYS in Andersonville

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Charity Bingo at Hamburger Marys April 8th

SAVE THE DOGS!
 FAMOUS FIDO RESCUE Founder and businesswoman Gloria Lissner has been rescuing homeless dogs since 1975. She had become increasingly frustrated with the staggering number of
adoptable animals destroyed every year in the Chicago land area. Her goal is to Chicago a NO KILL city.
Come by Hamburger Marys on April 8th for fun and charity!! 
Bingo, prizes, drink specials.
5400 N Clark St  Chicago
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