Monthly Archives: January 2010
Blake Lewis at Borderline Music February 13th
Saturday, February 13th 2:00pm
at the Boystown store, 3333 N. Broadway.
His second album HEARTBREAK ON VINYL was released this past October. You can come hear some of his favorite music and he will be signing autographs!
The Best of Gay Chicago
Justice For All? Bringing Black Gay Men Together January 28th
TPAN, Test Postive Aware Network, along with a few other organizations, have decided to bring gay Black men together to discuss the meaning of ‘justice’ for gay Black males.
On the panel, Keith Boykin, from The Daily Voice, CNBC, and BET, E. Patrick Johnson, creator of “Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the South-An Oral History,” and Antonio D. Jimenez, professor at Northwestern University and from the University of Illinois Chicago’s School of Public Health.
The forum hopes to start the discussion on the meaning of ‘justice,’ obtaining equality, the role of our allies, and some strategies to bring real and lasting change for Black gay men.
“It’s not only important for Black gay men to be cognizant of how we are impacted by our lack of justice, but also, how we too, impact this innate right for others,” stated Boykin. “Events like these continue to challenge and illuminate this fact.”
I’m most excited to talk about the plight of the gay Black male and how we can change or eliminate some of the stereotypes bestowed upon our community. Another topic that’s been bugging me for some years now, interracial dating within the gay community. I’ve discovered, in my own personal experience, a bit of a stigma with White males dating Black males. I’m curious to hear what the panelists may have to say about that.
This forum is a first-time collaboration between the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus, the Communities of Color Collaborative,a new initiative launched by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago in June 2009, Project CRYSP and LifeLube.org, as well as National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (set for February 7, 2010).
The event will take place at the University Center, 525 South State, on the second floor.
Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for appetizers and socializing, and the program begins at 7:00 p.m.
Admission to the event is free. Come out! It’ll be sure to be an explosively epic conversation.
The Best of Gay Chicago
Love Hurts – An Alternative Cabaret Show with Tommy Hensel
Valentine’s show!
Join Tommy Hensel for a journey into some of love’s more “entertaining” aspects.
LOVE HURTS is a collection of songs of Lust, Loss, Obession and Revenge!
A newly-transplanted resident of Chicago, Thomas A. Hensel was recently named as Managing Director of the Fine & Performing Arts Center of Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills, IL.
He also works as an actor, director, singer and cabaret artist as well as a spiritual coach and counselor, Feng Shui consultant and hands-on healer. He has worked with hundreds of people both privately and in workshops to transform their lives using the techniques described in his book Invisible Armor: Protecting Your Personal Energy. He is also one of the creators and teachers of the Wei Chi Healing™ system of hands-on healing.
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Tommy has quite the eclectic resume and life! “My iPod might frighten you! I have an incredibly eclectic mix of songs that I love. Broadway soundtracks are probably the winner in amount of space usage, but I also have everything from opera to ABBA, from 80s rock songs to classical, from Melissa Etheridge to Doris Day. I do love the Indigo Girls and for some odd reason Nanci Griffith.
I tend to not have anything extremely new or recent since most new music leaves me bored. But if you want to know anything about Broadway, I can probably help. OK, OK. I guess I am a card-carrying gay man after all.”
Catch him live Sunday, February 7 at 7pm
and/or Sunday, February 21 at 7pm
LOVE HURTS
Featuring Cheryl Szucsits
Musical Direction by Beckie Menzie
Direction by Daryl Nitz
Davenport’s Piano Bar
1382 N. Milwaukee Avenue Phone: 773-278-1830
Visit Tommy Hensel online and on FaceBook
Tickets for Love Hurts ONLINE
The Best of Gay Chicago
Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo in Chicago January 27th
Since those beginnings, the TROCKS have established themselves as a major dance phenomenon throughout the world. They have participated in dance festivals in Bodrum (Turkey), Holland, San Luis Potosi, Madrid, Montreal, New York, Paris, Spoleto, Turin, and Vienna.
The original concept of LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO has not changed. It is a Company of professional male dancers performing the full range of the ballet and modern dance repertoire, including classical and original works in faithful renditions of the manners and conceits of those dance styles.
The comedy is achieved by incorporating and exaggerating the foibles, accidents, and underlying incongruities of serious dance. The fact that men dance all the parts–heavy bodies delicately balancing on toes as swans, sylphs, water sprites, romantic princesses, angst-ridden Victorian ladies–enhances rather than mocks the spirit of dance as an art form, delighting and amusing the most knowledgeable, as well as novices, in the audiences. For the future, there are plans for new works in the repertoire: new cities, states and countries to perform in; and for the continuation of the TROCKS’ original purpose: to bring the pleasure of dance to the widest possible audience. They will, as they have done for thirty four years, “Keep on Trockin’.”
The Best of Gay Chicago
Lesbian Comic Kate Clinton in Chicago Sunday January 24th
Kate Clinton has been a comedian for over 25 years, specializing in political commentary from a gay/lesbian point of view. She was born in Buffalo, New York. She grew up Catholic in New York State and taught high school English for eight years before becoming a comedian. She began her stand-up career in 1981 using her lesbianism, Catholicism and current politics for her jokes. Clinton is a self-described “fumerist,” or feminist humorist, who has set out to prove that being lesbian can be, and often is, funny.
Clinton takes on the burning issues of the day – popes, politics, marriage, sex, pop culture. You’ll laugh ’til you think!
Sunday, January 24th 6pm, @ Center on Halsted
Tickets $40
The Best of Gay Chicago
Best Gay Chicago Celebrated 2nd Anniversay at Roscoes
to everyone who came out to help us celebrate our 2nd year anniversary of Best Gay Chicago.com!
Thanks to Absolut 100, ROSCOES and their amazing staff, and Sugar Hills Bakeries, who brought a magnificent cake! The inside was filled with fluffy chocolate and pear mousse!
We raised about $200 for TPAN and
everyone had a great time. (I think!)
Best Gay Chicago.com is now attracting
over 13,000 readers each month and growing!
Watch for more events in 2010!
Michael Snell & Derrick Sorles
MORE EVENT PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK BE OUR FAN ON FACEBOOK
Best Hair Design, Styling, Cuts and Color at VP SALON in Boystown, Chicago
BEST GAY CHICAGO RECOMMENDS…..
We moved from Michigan to Chicago in March of 2003 and of course, needed to find a great place to get our hair cut.
One day that Spring, we were walking past VP SALON on Broadway and Salon Owner, Vincenzo Papasidero, greeted us as we walked by invited us to come in and see him for a haircut next time we needed one (think thick, sexy Italian accent and very easy on the eyes). The Salon was still new and he was building his clientele. We took his card and, of course, said “Sure, we’ll give you a try,” and the rest is history.
Almost 8 years later, we are still just as elated with Vincenzo’s every hair cut as we were that first visit.
We call Vincenzo “Edward Scissorhands” because it is as though the scissors and comb are attached as extensions of his arms and hands!
He is truly an artist and expert when it comes to cutting and styling hair. He makes it look so effortless with unparralled precision and attention to detail specific to your head of hair ~ simply amazing to watch!
VP SALON ‘s focus is simple: “Making Your Hair Look Great!”
Don’t expect of wide array of additional services, like waxing or nails, VP SALON simply specializes in superior hair design – and it shows.
The VP professional team has been hand-selected and trained by Vincenzo to compliment his positive vision and energetic style in the salon.
They view themselves as consultants, and have the knowledge and ability to create individualized looks for any type of lifestyle.
Together with the VP professional team, you can both re-energize the way you look and the way you feel about yourself.
Vincenzo (center left) says “I began my career in hairstyling at the ripe old age of eleven years old.
Yes, like the most talented hairdresser on the planet, at eleven years old. Then, while in my teens, I moved away from my family to live on my own and very independently.
It was then that I took up residence in one of the most beautiful places in Italy – Sanremo – the Italian Riveria. It was here that I thrived and began to discover what life was about.
You can only imagine what my life was like, a very young hairdresser, trying to survive on my own, stay off the streets and succeed, it was there that I found my calling.
So, I remained calm, spiritual and ever trusting of life – and was able to discover that the art of cutting hair was already inside me.
I believe that using scissors on dry hair creates greater precision than any other styling technique—a unique approach that requires years of training, energy, precision, focus, and a desire to create art.
With dry hair, I can organically feel the natural texture of the hair and transform it into a shape that truly flatters clients of all ethnicities and with every type of hair: curly, fine, thick, course, wavy, dry and/or damaged.
Benefits of cutting hair dry are to give volume and body when needed, or take out unwanted bulk, dryness, and/or frizziness.”
VP SALON is located at 3321 N. Broadway between W. Roscoe and W. Aldine.
The Salon is open Mondays 2-8 PM, Tuesday thru Friday Noon to 9 PM
and Saturdays 10 AM – 6 PM, (773) 929 – 7909, info @ VPSALON.com
“Getting a great haircut should be a stimulating experience. If I could summarize my passion and life so far – I would say that I have evolved, grown and now thrive happily within the creative world, helping enrich my clients’ lives by bringing out each person’s natural beauty from within. I look forward to treating you!” Vincenzo Papasidero
See for yourself why Best Gay Chicago votes Vincenzo and his team of professionals at VP SALON – Best Hair Design in Boystown!
Beautiful Boutique Hotels in Chicago’s Gay Boystown Neighborhoods
BEST GAY CHICAGO RECOMMENDS….
LOCATION,
LOCATION,
LOCATION!
Many first time visitors to Chicago choose to stay downtown, near all of the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue. Once you have been there, done that, visitors realize all that Chicago has to offer beyond downtown. Plus, the entire LGBT community is 3 miles north of downtown and cabs can get expensive going back and forth.
Why not stay in the heart of Boystown and experience Chicago as the locals do? Stay in a neighborhood away from the craziness of touristy downtown. Dine where the locals dine, away from the big name chain restaurants. In Boystown/Lakeview you get small, intimate restaurants and a treasure trove of shopping neighborhoods with unique shops and art galleries! Golf courses, the Lincoln Park Zoo, Wrigleyville and the Cubs Stadium, Old Towne, marinas and harbors, Hollywood gay beach, Andersonville, plus endless waterfront walking and bike paths, are all very accessible!
We recently had family in over the holidays. They have stayed downtown before and we wanted to show them the neighborhoods of Chicago so we had them stay at the Majestic…what a beautiful spacious property! Located at 528 West Brompton Avenue. 52 rooms on 3 floors.
For years, visitors and locals alike have branded The Majestic Hotel the pre-eminent boutique hotel in Chicago. Offering the atmosphere of a well-appointed, upscale English country estate, this 100 percent, non-smoking Hotel offers the perfect haven of relaxation amidst the energetic city life found in the popular Lakeview neighborhood.
The City Inns of Chicago are comprised of three properties – The Majestic Hotel, The Willows Hotel & The City Suites – each welcome you with an abundance of personality, style and charm that epitomizes the essence of their environments.
Exuding the charm of historic buildings – circa 1920s – The City Inns are a collection of boutique hotels that combine a stylish, unique and alluring atmosphere with a location that is ideal and accessible – just 10 minutes north of downtown Chicago’s business, financial and shopping districts – and brimming with the quintessential qualities of an upscale, city hotel.
The Willows is at 555 West Surf Street. 55 rooms on 4 floors. 19th-century French Provincial style, opens onto a tree-lined street in Lakeview, a lively area three blocks from the lake and central to stores, restaurants, and movie theaters. The complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon cookies make it an inviting alternative to local bed-and-breakfasts. Workout buffs don’t despair: although there is no on-site fitness center, guests have access to a local Bally’s Health Club, which attracts many local gay guys.
City Suites is at 933 W. Belmont Ave with 45 rooms. Just steps from the El stop on Belmont Avenue, this former transient dive has been transformed into a charming small hotel. Most rooms are suites, with separate sitting rooms and bedrooms, all decorated in a homey and comfortable style. The overall feel is that of a bed-and-breakfast, with added amenities such as plush robes and complimentary continental breakfast. A bonus – or drawback, depending on how you look at it, is It’s a little noisier and the neighborhood is very bustling here, since the location is right on a main street. You also get free access to Bally’s health club 5 blocks away, and it has a very large gay clientèle.
The City Inns pride themselves on their personalized care, premier service and exceeding the needs of their discriminating leisure and business travelers. The staff is passionate here and ensure an enjoyable and memorable stay – something you don’t often see in the big hotels downtown. These properties boast a welcoming “neighborhood” charm yet with all the services and amenities of a full-service hotel. Many packages are available depending on your interests. Everything from theatre and dining to comedy and baseball!
For Valentines (or anytime) ask about the Cupids Arrow promotion.
Beautiful Boutique Hotels in Chicago’s
Gay Boystown Neighborhoods!
THE CITY INNS
The Best of Gay Chicago
No Pants Day Comes To Chicago
The event started officially 8 years ago in New York City where participants with bare legs were required to mingle with other– equally half-naked– travelers. But It is said that earlier versions of No Pants date back to the 1990’s.
Improv Everywhere causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. Created in August of 2001 by Charlie Todd, Improv Everywhere has executed over 85 missions involving thousands of undercover agents. The group is based in New York.
The annual event encourages riders to strip down to their underwear on the Subway as they go about their normal routine.
The event’s organizers, Improv Everywhere, said that as many as 2,000 people participated in the “No Pants Day” event in New York alone, with more participating in other cities including Chicago and Washington DC. It is estimated as many as 44 similar events took place in transit systems in 16 countries!
It is estimated about 120 people gathered in Edgewater. Got onto a train at the Granville station. From there, groups of people would get off at each stop and then get on the following train – that way they could surprise the people on different platforms as well as overwhelm the people already on the train.
According to its official website, Improv Everywhere is a long form improvisation troupe that executes pre-planned “missions” or performances that usually involve socially awkward or unusual situations.
Some commuters who participated in “No Pants Day” said they got phone calls from friends or invitations to join the event on Facebook.
The first Friday in May is another “No Pants Day”.
But no pants in the Winter is a little funnier and crazier!
Best Gay Chicago 2nd Anniversary at Roscoes January 14th
COME CELEBRATE!
as BEST GAY CHICAGO celebrates our
2nd Year Anniversary! And You are Invited!
Thursday, Jan. 14th 7 – 9 pm @ Roscoes 3356 N. Halsted
Hosted bar by ABSOLUT 100 Proof
Private invite – You are invited but You MUST RSVP
by Jan 13th to get on the guestlist. SPACE IS LIMITED!
Just send an email or call with your names to be on the list.
bestgaycities @ gmail.com 773-878-5323
Two of the Best Bakeries in the Chicagoland Area
For New Years Eve, we attended a party at a friends house in Boystown. We were treated to delcious desserts from his Polish friend and pastry chef Anna Majewski, from Sugar Hills Bakery. Cookies that were delicious, European pastries to die for and a cake that was out of this world!
The cake was NUTCRACKER. It was done in traditional European old-world-style. A combination of walnut cake filled with mocha kahlua and chocolate vodka REAL buttercreams, raisins and nuts! WOW! It was heaven!
From specialty and wedding cakes (yes they do very nice gay wedding cakes!) to elegant pastries and delectable cookies, this bakery has it all. Delicious goods made completely from scratch from only the highest quality ingredients with great attention to detail. “Because we are small we have complete quality control,” explained Anna. “I use only the best and finest ingredients. If I wouldn’t put it in my mouth – I won’t make it.”
Anna is a self-taught pastry chef spending most of her life working for various bakers and pastry shops. With her European background and pastry knowledge, she has a very strong decorating and design sense, as well as a real knack for pairings of flavors as well as delicious and unique combinations.
“Our options of flavors and fillings can be anything you like,” she explains. “From very simple like vanilla or more complex, such as Kahlua or orange flavored with Grand Marnier. You can choose anything, but I will draw the line with weird combinations. We’re not going to put together mismatched flavors, such as lemon and mocha. That’s not a good combination.”
Cake choices range from vanilla and chocolate to red velvet and lemon. Mouth watering fillings that like chocolate and vodka, mint white chocolate, mocha and Kahlua. Nearly 2 dozen different flavored mousses. And specialty cakes ranging from Raspberry Snow, Double Chocolate Passion and Straciatella, just to name a few!
Sugar Hills Bakery offers a daily selection of European style pastries and baked goods at their shop. Fruit tarts, napoleons, éclairs, tiramisu slices, pecan slices, lemon bars, brownies, apple and cherry slices, raspberry tarts, opera cake slices, French macaroons with fresh raspberries, cheesecake slices, chocolate rum slices, Italian butter cookies and cut out sugar cookies. But if you can’t make it to the shop, they will arrange delivery.
Sugar Hills Bakery has been in business since 2006 in Algonquin. Over 10 years of experience and offer unparalleled expertise. Count on them for upscale cakes and pastries, great catering services, and excellent attentive customer care. Customized bakery creations from shaped, iced sugar cookies to formal cakes, most designs can be created for any occasion with at least five days notice.
Custom orders are welcomed and on request, they will make special items that are a little gay & risque’ !
You will not find better baked goods in the entire Chicago area!
BEST BAKERIES / PASTRY SHOPS IN CHICAGO!
Visit their European-style bakery in Algonquin, near Barrington Hills,
at 644 S. Main Street (Rt. 31) PH 847-658-8765
The new location will be open in a couple weeks –
532 W. Dundee Rd. Wheeling, IL. 60090 PH 847-541-4800
Watch for a Chicago location in the city coming soon!
The Best of Gay Chicago
Chicago Fitness Male Model Robert Gonzalez
ROBERT GONZALEZ is one of Chicago’s Finest Male Models with an amazing body!
We have actually known Robert for about 8 years and have watched him develop and grow!
He has been photographed by some of the world’s top photographers.
He was born in Venezuela and has always had an interest in bodybuilding.
And his hard work has payed off!
And get this – he is also a top florist in Chicago providing
flowers for many top celebrities and fashion photo shoots!
“Clients are always shocked when they meet me,” he laughs.
“There is a misperception about how male florists
should look, and I guess I don’t fit the mold.”
His photo shoot for RUFSKIN with Frank Louis was featured
this week on the world famous BEAUTIFUL MAG site.
Join him on FaceBook and Visit the Robert Gonzalez website
The Best of Gay Chicago
Cabaret and Broadway Singer Gordon Michaels at Moraine Valley January 16th
Hit Songs from Black Broadway Shows
Featuring Gordon Michaels
Saturday, Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m.
$25 general public/$20 seniors
$15 students and MVCC staff
@Dorothy Menker Theater
Powerful baritone vocalist Gordon Michaels will return to Moraine Valley Community College to perform “Broadway Revue in Color: Hit Songs from Black Broadway Shows”. This musical revue features show-stopping numbers from most of the well-known traditional black musicals from Broadway, including selections from Dreamgirls, Five Guys Named Mo, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Porgy & Bess, The Wiz, The Lion King, and others. Gordon Michaels’ delivery seems almost effortless and his stylistic range is diverse.
A Boston cabaret artist, Michaels has performed with Patti Labelle, Aerosmith, Rod Stewart, and other legendary artists. He was awarded first place in the 2000 Encore Silver Note Sing Off and has been nominated twice for best male vocalist for Jazz and Gospel by the Boston Music Awards. He also is the creator of the popular Gospel Brunch at the original House of Blues in Harvard Square Cambridge, Massachusetts.
GET TICKETS for BROADWAY REVUE IN COLOR
Think Spring…Think Gay Palm Springs…INNdulge Yourself!
Best Gay Chicago Recommends….
While the weather outside
may be frightful…
it’s HOT in Palm Springs!
We love California. And unlike Florida, which is susceptible to cool winter months, Southern California is pretty ideal, all year round. If you have never been, Palm Springs is a desert city in California – approximately 110 miles (177 km) east of Los Angeles and 140 miles (225 km) northeast of San Diego. Palm Springs is the jewel among desert cities and rightly so. Its village atmosphere has been preserved and embellished over the years.
The downtown area with its quaint lampposts, benches and Mexican tile-paved enclaves invites strolling among the shops, galleries, eateries and coffeehouses. Rich in history and blessed with glorious weather, it is a prime destination
of travelers from all over the world. ESPECIALLY this time of year!
Palm Springs offers over 20 top attractions , including Joshua Tree national park, the Living Desert, art galleries, casinos, and of course, endless golf! It’s a huge outdoor playground with consistently brilliant sunshine, great for sunning and all types of outdoor activities with the sweet, clean air.
It’s a very gay and gay-friendly city. Late March, early April thousands of LGBT tourists take over the city! March 31st – April 1st they host THE DINAH. It is considered the largest lesbian event in the world. Then April 9th-12th, it’s the Palm Springs White Party. A huge line-up of International Dj’s and 8 assorted parties and events.
Every Thursday night the main street in Palm Springs, Palm Canyon Drive, is closed to traffic and opened to a vibrant street festival. Food vendors, arts and crafts exhibits and loads of free entertainment by numerous artists. Strolling, munching, looking and sipping the length of Palm Canyon Drive from one end to the other in the heart of Palm Springs is a great way to ‘people and puppy watch’ for an hour or an entire evening.
The current gay and lesbian population in Palm Springs is estimated to be about seven times the national average. This concentration is even greater than that of San Francisco, which has approximately five times the national average. Gay residents represent about 35 percent of those who are year-round residents.
There are over 35 openly-gay resort hotels in the city to choose from. Our favorite is INNdulge A Resort Hotel for Gay Men. @ 601 Grenfall Road, Palm Springs CA 92264
PH 800.833.5675 / (760) 327.1408. Rest; Relaxation; and Pampering!
INNdulge is one of the most established guesthouses here in Palm Springs. Located in the Warm Sands neighborhood (an area flush with clothing-optional gay accommodations), this elegant award-winning 24-room facility offers several sizes of rooms, most of which look out on the spacious pool, open 24 hours. And by the way, it is actually cooled down in the hot hot summer months!
From breakfast time until well after 3AM each night, there is always something going on at this resort and you can’t help but get caught up in it. At any time of the day there is a whole crowd of friendly guys to mingle with, and you are sure to develop both instant crushes and lasting friendships.
INNdulge Palm Springs is a wonderful example of Palm Springs 50’s architecture. You can appreciate the architecture and the mountain views during the hotel’s free social hour that extends for two hours. It is a great way to meet the hotel’s wonderful owners, John and Jean-Guy, as well as your fellow guests.
Don’t take our word for it, just read the reviews left by members of the press worldwide.
INNdulge your fantasies, INNdulge your fancy, INNdulge your spirit!
Palm Springs is a great get away city. Sun, relaxation, shopping, dining and golf.
This week, while it’s 30 in the Midwest… It’s a gorgeous 75 there. Where would you rather be??
INNdulge Palm Springs
Best of Gay Chicago Best of Gay Palm Springs
