Monthly Archives: April 2010

Benjamin Bradshaw – Queer Chicago’s Eclectic Fashionista

Originally from Florida, Benjamin Bradshaw, 22, always had eye for  eclectic fashion. 

“I was trendy for Florida, but, dude, I worked at Hollister when I was 17.
I moved to Chicago for school in Fashion Merchandising but I’m definitely moving in the direction of entrepreneurship.  About a year ago I was randomly approached in public by a local stylist to do some random modeling and I got to wear the clothes of an amazing wacky local 80’s & 90’s vintage store named KokoRokoko. 

I went to the shop after the show ended, fell in love, and and forced them to take me as an intern.  I started doing windows for them, then we became best friends, then I just randomly began buying for them without asking because I understood their wacky style… they liked everything I brought in & they’d pay me the exact money or it. 

I slowly started keeping the most amazing garments I found and at some point I realized I could make money off of my closet full of ridiculous sheer dresses and jumpsuits.  It’s been a month of selling but I’m confident that my specialized goods have enough customers… & everyone who visits falls in love whether or not they’re ballsy enough to wear the clothes out.”

Benjamin calls his clothes…
Vintage Party Gear For Ladies Of All Genders.  

“I go to a lot of gay dance parties, like Chances Dances , so I’m stocking dance wear, mainly, for gay guys and girls. It’s a bit eccentric;  leaning towards the feminine side.

Wacky shit: body suits, sequins, sheer stuff. Right now, I have about  80-90 solid pieces, plus accessories.  And still shopping –  still adding  on.  I try to pick stuff that my grandma would’ve worn in the ’90s—lots of really horrible floral prints and crazy stuff. It’s very sill. It’s meant to be fun!”

SisterMan is officially an Etsy-based business  online , which just launched this month. So new things are being added all the time.  

Check out the Sisterman blog for lots of updates and see what’s happening and where he’ll be showing his collections next. 

 

“I  set up at The Bonanza  this past month –  a monthly vintage sale  that is held at Berlin nightclub.   It was set up for local brick-and-mortar shops & Etsy vendors a few months ago & it works because it’s fairly constant.  There are a few other vintage sales like it, but it’s nice for me because it’s at a gay club. I am doing something at Heaven Gallery  in Wicker Park and lots of other stuff in the coming months. And people can always contact me through the blog and Facebook. “

 
WHAT’S  NEXT?!

I just quit my job & I’m trying to up the ante with Etsy & build clientele in the local gay community.  This summer I’ll be at lots of gallery, club, and outdoor sales and I’ve extended an invite to the DJ’s and promoters of a few gay parties to use my goods in exchange for publicity. 

Yesterday I helped a friend with a little movie project here locally and got to wear some of my clothes for that.  And of course, I’ll be out dancing and partying in the name of networking.”

Find  Benjamin and SisterMan  on FaceBook  
or  the SisterMan blog .

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Renae Ogletree – A Celebration of Life Saturday May 1st for Chicago LGBT Activist

Chicago activist Renae Ogletree
died recently at 59 after a battle with lung cancer.

She had worked with numerous community groups and projects, including Gay Games VII, Chicago Black Lesbians and Gays, the Lesbian Community Cancer Project, the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum, and the Chicago Police Department’s 23rd District Gay and Lesbian Advisory Committee. She was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame and received the 1997 Chicago Commission on Human Relations Award. 

The City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations invites you to join Renae Ogletree’s family and friends as we celebrate her life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2010, in the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street.
 
A reception will immediately follow the memorial service. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Anaya Renae Clark Trust Fund, a scholarship fund for Renae’s  grand niece, Anaya. Make checks payable to Anaya R. Clark Trust Fund Mail to WCT Times, 5315 N. Clark St, #192, Chicago,   60640.
 
You may also make contributions in Renae’s honor to the Crossroads Fund, 3411 W. Diversey Parkway, Chicago, 60647.

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Best New Brunch at Kit Kat Lounge is Packing Them in Sundays, with Madame X!

The Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
(3700 N. Halsted St.; 773-525-1111)
celebrated their 
NINTH  ANNIVERSARY this year! 

In case you have never been,  the decor evokes Old Hollywood glamour–white sofas, stone-topped tables on chrome legs, old vintage black and white  movies showing on the wall – and classy entertainment that includes celebrity  look-alikes performing in  glamorous cabaret-style Wednesday through Sunday.

Often voted  Best Martini Bar in Chicago and Best Entertainment, the creative team behind the Kit Kat Lounge have decided to reach-launch their Sunday Brunch, with the help of Kit Kat veteran  Madame X.

“We used to do brunch a long time ago and stopped. But recently  Edward and Ramesh decided to bring brunch back and I host every Sunday!  It’s  a  DIVA-LICIOUS Brunch, every Sunday, 11am-3pm. !”

You can choose the 2-course $25  gourmet  brunch which includes free flowing Bloody Marys and Mimosa’s or Select a delicious Big Brunch item and get unlimited Bloody Marys or Mimosa’s for just $10 more. 

Everything here is BIG – so come hungry!  Big Fat Greek Wedding  ($12) is an Omelette with feta cheese, spinach and grilled chicken.  Big Daddy ($12) is  Eggs Florentine topped with smoked ham and a spicy bernaise sauce. My favorite is  BIG  BUSINESS!  ($18)  Butter poached Maine Lobster with fresh avocado and Applewood smoked bacon!  YUM!  See the whole menu online .  

YOUR HOSTESS!  Madame X is a critically acclaimed entertainer based in Chicago and has been a Kit Kat Diva since 2000. Known for her dazzling costumes, she has graced numerous entertainment venues showcasing her live vocal stylings of past and present female icons with her own special twist.

“I was 6 years old when I first sang in public.” says  Madame X. “I was born in the Philippines and performed in a church full of Methodists! I ended up moving to Iowa and went to school there. During college, I came to Chicago and studied the city, for one of my classes. I always  liked it here, but never thought I would end up living here.

2 years later, a friend of mine George Lowell , wanted to go to school here, so we both moved here together.  George now has storefront in Andersonville and besides performing at the Kit Kat, I am also an artistic ensemble member of Mid-Tangent-Productions, a Chicago based theatre company.”
 
Madame X achieved iconic status when a line of table furniture named the Madame X/Y collection, designed by Douglas Levine  for The Bright Chair Company debuted in 2007.

“I love it here. I love Chicago and I love the Kit Kat Lounge. We are a family here. I support them and they support me, and all that I do!  I am so excited to be hosting the Diva-Licious Brunch again!”

If you are thinking about coming with Mom for MOTHERS DAY (May 9th)   Make a RESERVATION NOW! 
It is filling up quickly! Kit Kat will offer a special  4-course brunch for  $29.95!

Best Sunday Brunch!

The Best of Gay Chicago

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Best New Brunch at Kit Kat Lounge is Packing Them in Sundays, with Madame X!

The Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
(3700 N. Halsted St.; 773-525-1111)
celebrated their 
NINTH  ANNIVERSARY this year! 

In case you have never been,  the decor evokes Old Hollywood glamour–white sofas, stone-topped tables on chrome legs, old vintage black and white  movies showing on the wall – and classy entertainment that includes celebrity  look-alikes performing in  glamorous cabaret-style Wednesday through Sunday.

Often voted  Best Martini Bar in Chicago and Best Entertainment, the creative team behind the Kit Kat Lounge have decided to reach-launch their Sunday Brunch, with the help of Kit Kat veteran  Madame X.

“We used to do brunch a long time ago and stopped. But recently  Edward and Ramesh decided to bring brunch back and I host every Sunday!  It’s  a  DIVA-LICIOUS Brunch, every Sunday, 11am-3pm. !”

You can choose the 2-course $25  gourmet  brunch which includes free flowing Bloody Marys and Mimosa’s or Select a delicious Big Brunch item and get unlimited Bloody Marys or Mimosa’s for just $10 more. 

Everything here is BIG – so come hungry!  Big Fat Greek Wedding  ($12) is an Omelette with feta cheese, spinach and grilled chicken.  Big Daddy ($12) is  Eggs Florentine topped with smoked ham and a spicy bernaise sauce. My favorite is  BIG  BUSINESS!  ($18)  Butter poached Maine Lobster with fresh avocado and Applewood smoked bacon!  YUM!  See the whole menu online .  

YOUR HOSTESS!  Madame X is a critically acclaimed entertainer based in Chicago and has been a Kit Kat Diva since 2000. Known for her dazzling costumes, she has graced numerous entertainment venues showcasing her live vocal stylings of past and present female icons with her own special twist.

“I was 6 years old when I first sang in public.” says  Madame X. “I was born in the Philippines and performed in a church full of Methodists! I ended up moving to Iowa and went to school there. During college, I came to Chicago and studied the city, for one of my classes. I always  liked it here, but never thought I would end up living here.

2 years later, a friend of mine George Lowell , wanted to go to school here, so we both moved here together.  George now has storefront in Andersonville and besides performing at the Kit Kat, I am also an artistic ensemble member of Mid-Tangent-Productions, a Chicago based theatre company.”
 
Madame X achieved iconic status when a line of table furniture named the Madame X/Y collection, designed by Douglas Levine  for The Bright Chair Company debuted in 2007.

“I love it here. I love Chicago and I love the Kit Kat Lounge. We are a family here. I support them and they support me, and all that I do!  I am so excited to be hosting the Diva-Licious Brunch again!”

If you are thinking about coming with Mom for MOTHERS DAY (May 9th)   Make a RESERVATION NOW! 
It is filling up quickly! Kit Kat will offer a special  4-course brunch for  $29.95!

Best Sunday Brunch!

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Dining out for Life Chicago Thursday April 29th

The 17th Annual Dining Out for Life in Chicago
 is on Thursday, April 29, 2010.

Chicagoland restaurants will come together and celebrate good food, good friends and a good cause. Joined with 58 cities across the United States and Canada, this is the single largest HIV/AIDS benefit in the country. Last year Chicago raised over $75,000 to benefit AIDSCARE Progressive Services and spread awareness to hundreds of corporations, neighbors, and friends. Dine Out. Fight AIDS.

LIST OF PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

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Dining out for Life Chicago Thursday April 29th

The 17th Annual Dining Out for Life in Chicago
 is on Thursday, April 29, 2010.

Chicagoland restaurants will come together and celebrate good food, good friends and a good cause. Joined with 58 cities across the United States and Canada, this is the single largest HIV/AIDS benefit in the country. Last year Chicago raised over $75,000 to benefit AIDSCARE Progressive Services and spread awareness to hundreds of corporations, neighbors, and friends. Dine Out. Fight AIDS.

LIST OF PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

Best Gay Chicago

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Chicago LGPA GOAL to Host Annual International Conference for Pride Week June 22 – 27

LGPA/GOAL Chicago,
 Chicago Police and Chicago’s suburban departments are proud to host the 14th Annual INTERNATIONAL  LGBT Conference for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Professionals in our culturally diverse, visually spectactular and chic…City of Chicago, Tuesday, June 22nd through Sunday, June 27th. 2010.

The conference has been entitled A Bridge to Unity.  The conference will be hosted at Chicago’s legendary Palmer House hotel, located in bustling downtown Chicago, steps from Chicago’s central business district, shopping on the Magnificent Mile, and tourist attractions in every direction.

This six day conference will provide an AMAZING array of unique and diverse hands-on training that focuses on relevant criminal justice professionalism, industry trends and technology while impressing its’ attendees with the principles of justice, equity and equality within the area of law enforcement and the community it serves.

Whether you are interested in law enforcement professionalism, correctional system, youth advocacy, diversity issues, private security or military, we feel confident that no matter what area of public safety your title falls under, this conference will arm you with effective, innovative knowledge.

Although, providing newly enhanced law enforcement training is the primary goal of this conference, it is also designed to encourage motivation to achieve a higher degree of efficiency in the discharge of their duties while promoting and striving for a high level of diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity of all people as law enforcement and criminal justice professionals within their work environment, as well as, with in the GLBT community, thus becoming a part of A Bridge to Unity.

A week long of workshops, seminars and events!

  • Night Cruise on Lake Michigan
  • Attendance at the Mayor’s Pre-Pride party
  • Pride Brunch
  • Ride on the Pride Parade Float & attend the post parade party
  • Exclusive Souvenir bag
  • Nightly live entertainment & events
  • Opening and closing events
  • And much more…

     

    Attendee Early Registration
    Discount  Extended till April 1st,
    ONLY $175.00 for this 6 day event!
    ($200  after April 1st).

      You can also  join them on their online social network to socialize in privacy with your fellow attendees and faculty of the conference beforehand.

     Attendees will be coming in from all over the world!

    *For those coming from other countries, we know from past years that wait times for an appointment can be lengthy. We are urging you to make your appointment as early as possible to begin the process of obtaining a US entry visa.

    You can download Business Visitor Visa information on the Goal Chicago site.

     

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    Richard Cordova and Richards Riders Host Benefit at Wild Pug Wednesday April 21st

     

    3 HOUR  OPEN BAR
    and BENEFIT!

    Such a deal! 

    This Wednesday April 21st from 6:30 to 9:30 at Wild Pug (4810 N Broadway) 
    Richards Riders /  Ride for AIDS Team  will be having a fundraising party. 

     
    For $30 you get 3 hours open bar (well beer and well mixed cocktails) $20 goes towards their fundraising efforts.
     
    There will be raffle prizes, silent auction items, and light snacks
     
    Bring your friends and help  raise some $$$ for Test Positive Aware Network.   With your support we can help fund HIV Prevention efforts, HIV + Support Groups, and Education Programs which help HIV + individuals live healthier more positive lives.

    This is Richard’s  third year in the Ride for AIDS and this year he plans to set new records!  He is returning with  a 21 person team this year and a goal of $30,000, which would be the highest amount ever raised by a team. 

    “Raising  $30,000 is a lofty goal, but with so many people on the team I’m hoping we can rally enough support for such a great cause and make our goal,” said Cordova. He has also run five marathons  and three half-marathons. Richard is a health educator at the Center on Halsted and he also is a spinning instructor at the Lakeview Athletic Club.

    “The 2009 Ride was great because two of my closest friends, Zak and Andrea, did the ride with me, which really made it a lot of fun,” Cordova said. “I decided to start my own team  this year  because I knew I was going to do the Ride again and it just seemed like the logical thing to do.”   The Ride for AIDS is July 10-11, but fundraising is underway now and the Wild Pug event will be the first in a series.

    The Ride For AIDS is a  190-mile bicycle trek from Northwestern University’s Evanston campus to Lake Geneva and back. “The ride is tough. It’s fun, but tough,” Cordova said. “The winds can be brutal while the hills and long flat stretches in Wisconsin are mentally and physically draining. The camaraderie among the riders and the crew helps of course.”

    “As someone living with HIV for over eight years now, I’ve come to look at physical challenges as my way of sticking it to the man, as they say, and ‘the man’ being HIV. It’s important that I prove to myself that even though I live with this virus every day that I must continue to stay positive and that having HIV doesn’t stop me from living my best life. Honestly, having this virus in some ways has helped me live an even better one because I’ve come to realize how destructive behaviors in my life were leading me to an early grave.”

    Cordova added, “My team would love it if the kind and benevolent LGBTQ community could find it in their hearts and their wallets by helping us support Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) through a donation. No matter how big or small; every bit counts. Whether it be information dissemination, outreach, testing and prevention, and positive living support groups and more, TPAN is on the front lines every day helping those, myself included, who are living their best life possible with HIV/AIDS. We ride to do our part and when you make a decision to support our ride you are doing yours. Thank You!”

    Best Gay Chicago

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    Pride Films and Plays Announces Staged Readings and Screenplays Contest

    Pride Films and Plays , a new not-for-profit, is proud to announce its inaugural activities as an organization. The first two events scheduled are Five Decades of Great Gay Theater, May 9 – June 13, a series of staged reading of great gay plays, Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 West Belmont, and the Great Gay Screenplay Contest, held in conjunction with Chicago Filmmakers.

    The contest seeks new screenplays dealing with gay history, characters or themes and relevant to the world. The semifinalists will be read this fall during Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival.

     All tickets for the Five Decades of Great Gay Theatre and the readings of the Great Gay Screenplay Contest Semi-Finalists are $10, and may be reserved by calling 773.250.3112 or 1.800.838.3006.
    Tickets may also be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets

    David Zak, executive director, says “Pride Films and Plays will educate the writers and the public on the great body of work that already exists in gay theatre and film and inspire the writers to contribute to the next generation of great gay writing.” Pride Films and Plays presents a brief summary of this history in Five Decades of Great Gay Plays as staged readings to play this May and June at the Theatre Building Chicago.
     
    The series includes from the 1960’s Mart Crowley’s The Boys In the Band, Sunday, May 9 at 7 p.m., directed by Michael Lasswell and hosted by Dean Richards of WGN TV and radio; from the 1970’s Lanford Wilson’s The Fifth of July, Sunday, May 16 at 7 p.m., directed by Patrick Walsh and hosted by Misha Davenport of the Chicago Sun-Times; from the 1980’s William M. Hoffman’s As Is, Sunday, May 23 at 7 p.m., directed by Steve Scott and hosted by Alexandra Silets of WTTW Television; from the 1990’s Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing, Sunday, June 6, directed by John Nasca and hosted by Tom Chiola, retired judge and from the first decade of the 21st century, Take Me Out by Richard Greenberg, Sunday, June 23 at 7 p.m., directed by David Zak.

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    Theatre Wit in Chicago Has Grand Opening This Month!

    THEATRE  WIT  (formerly theBailiwick Theatre ) is opening this month!

    Theater Wit dedicates itself to producing plays that are both funny and smart. With groundbreaking new plays and classic works, we seek to engage our audience with wit and wisdom.

    Come by and see the  brand new, beautful performance home. In honor of this decade of effort, they are making the first two weekends of performances of Spin free to the public
    Performances begin April 22nd!

    They also have a host of parties, tours and toasts for you, so check out the schedule of events on the left and join them for the launch of Chicago’s greatest new performance space.

    When Brent loses his high paying job as an art director for a big name advertising firm and goes through a divorce, he falls back on his Plan B, resolving to remake himself. With a host of good intentions and self-help books about Buddhism he takes in a street kid and renounces worldly possessions. But when tempted with prestige and cash by an old advertising buddy, he sells his life over to a beer company. Literally.
     
    When his best intentions bring him to a couch, a bomb, a celebrity hostage and the contempt of his co-workers and girlfriend, some serious self-examination is in order. The first comedy in a decade by Jeff-award winning playwright Penny Penniston, whose last comedy, now then again, ran for over 17 weeks at the Ivanhoe theatre, Spin is a farce that questions our own identity in the middle of a consumerist culture, and challenges us to consider what happens when consumerism ends and we need to rediscover ourselves.

    Check out the Theatre Wit website  for lots of cool opening parties!~

    1229 W Belmont       Chicago, IL 60657     773-975-8150

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    Gay Chicago Fun with Big Gay Brunch Club and Venga Bus Chicago




    Last month we told you about a couple of Alternative and off-the-beaten-path things to do, this month we have 2 new ones for those looking for something new and different!

    BIG GAY BRUNCH CLUB was formed 1 year ago by a small group of friends looking to get together over brunch at somewhere new and different. The next month, more friends joined, and the next month their friends joined in the roving brunch gathering!

    The group now has over 300 friends on their FaceBook page and about 50-70 people show up at their monthly traveling brunch.

    BGBC is a GLBT networking group to meet new people in the GLBT Chicago community. Keep an eye out for events and updates like brunch, wine tasting, BBQ etc.

    April 25th at 1:30pm   is the groups 1 year anniversary which will be at  Broadway Cellars, 5900 N. Broadway, the spot  where the group had their first brunch gathering! 

    Expect  fun people, food  and  of  course,  mimosas and bloody marys!





    VENGA BUS CHICAGO is another group that started by accident. 
    Vengabus takes Chicago’s 21 and over fun seekers on adventures!

     Doug Collins who manages a local bus tour company decided to get a group of friends together, a bunch of liquor, and shuttle everyone up to LA CAGE  in Milwaukee for an evening of fun!   

    Usually  $10-$20  covers the gas and the driver and bus fee.  It’s a  BYOB  party that plans to do possible getaways to places like  Six Flags, Saugatuck and maybe even somewhere over in Indy.

    Doug says to join his FaceBook page  and “check out the links to our past events and watch and join our upcoming events!”


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    Girlstown in Andersonville is Just Wishful Thinking….for Now.

    My phone has been ringing off the hook the last  2 weeks  with questions  about  the  the proposed  “girlstown”  idea  for  Andersonville!

    Time Out Chicago ran a piece that claimed “Andersonville resident and out activist Pat Bushman recalls her first big encounter with Boystown’s phallic street statues more than ten years ago. “I was pushing my cat Xena in her stroller up North Halsted when I bumped into one of those ugly rainbow-colored penis things,” says Bushman of the pylons the city constructed in ’98 to officially designate North Halsted as gay-identified ’hood Boystown. “Suddenly, I had an idea.”

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    Girlstown in Andersonville is Just Wishful Thinking….for Now.

    My phone has been ringing off the hook the last  2 weeks  with questions  about  the  the proposed  “girlstown”  idea  for  Andersonville!

    Time Out Chicago ran a piece that claimed “Andersonville resident and out activist Pat Bushman recalls her first big encounter with Boystown’s phallic street statues more than ten years ago. “I was pushing my cat Xena in her stroller up North Halsted when I bumped into one of those ugly rainbow-colored penis things,” says Bushman of the pylons the city constructed in ’98 to officially designate North Halsted as gay-identified ’hood Boystown. “Suddenly, I had an idea.”

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    The Bangles Headline AIDS Foundation Chicago 25th Anniversary Gala May 1st

    The Best Party in Town Returns May 1
     to Raise Funds for Fight Against HIV/AIDs

    After a four-year hiatus, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) signature spring gala, Not Just Song and Dance, returns as one of the city’s most exclusive events with a special performance by the iconic music group, The Bangles. AFC revives the black-tie affair, held at the Hilton Chicago on May 1, to commemorate a significant milestone for the organization, 25 years as a driving force in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

    Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dine on a delectable four-course dinner, have the opportunity to bid on extravagant packages during a silent auction and dance the night away, all while raising funds for AFC.

    With a long list of hit songs, such as “Walk Like an Egyptian,” “Manic Monday,” and “Eternal Flame,” The Bangles made their mark in music history as one of the greatest all-female bands ever. In 1999, the group reunited to record the song “Get the Girl” for the comedy Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Today, The Bangles continue to tour and perform all over the country as well as in Europe.

    Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a driving force in the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1985, by community activists and physicians, AFC collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; funds and coordinates prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champions effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.
     

    WHEN: Saturday, May 1, 2010: 6 p.m. – midnight

    WHERE:
     Hilton Chicago   720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago

    TICKETS: $500 per person.
    Corporate tables are available from $7,500 to $100,000.
    Tickets and tables can be purchased by
    calling 312-922-2322 or visiting AIDS Chicago

    Best of Gay Chicago

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    The Bangles Headline AIDS Foundation Chicago 25th Anniversary Gala May 1st

    The Best Party in Town Returns May 1
     to Raise Funds for Fight Against HIV/AIDs

    After a four-year hiatus, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) signature spring gala, Not Just Song and Dance, returns as one of the city’s most exclusive events with a special performance by the iconic music group, The Bangles. AFC revives the black-tie affair, held at the Hilton Chicago on May 1, to commemorate a significant milestone for the organization, 25 years as a driving force in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

    Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dine on a delectable four-course dinner, have the opportunity to bid on extravagant packages during a silent auction and dance the night away, all while raising funds for AFC.

    With a long list of hit songs, such as “Walk Like an Egyptian,” “Manic Monday,” and “Eternal Flame,” The Bangles made their mark in music history as one of the greatest all-female bands ever. In 1999, the group reunited to record the song “Get the Girl” for the comedy Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Today, The Bangles continue to tour and perform all over the country as well as in Europe.

    Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a driving force in the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1985, by community activists and physicians, AFC collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; funds and coordinates prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champions effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.
     

    WHEN: Saturday, May 1, 2010: 6 p.m. – midnight

    WHERE:
     Hilton Chicago   720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago

    TICKETS: $500 per person.
    Corporate tables are available from $7,500 to $100,000.
    Tickets and tables can be purchased by
    calling 312-922-2322 or visiting AIDS Chicago

    Best of Gay Chicago

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    Barbra Streisand In Chicago – Up Close and Personal Concert with Steven Brinberg

    HOW COOL IS THIS EVENT?!

    On Barbra Streisand’s birthday weekend…

    celebrate with us at the home of one of Chicago’s popular gay couples, Bill Buchman and Lee Lichamer, both of the Chicago Symphony Orchetsra on Sunday, April 25th. 4-6pm.

    This once-in-a-lifetime event will leave you awed and amazed as Steven Brinberg looks and sounds like the legendary Barbra herself.  No lip-sync here!

    Lakeshore Salon Events are held in private homes with a limited number of guests, who can expect to enjoy food and drinks, including champagne and non-alcoholic beverages.
     
    Meet new friends and enjoy scintillating unplugged entertainment. Proceeds from this event benefit charities such as the Trevor Project, Cabaret Foundation, Open Door Clinic and others.

    Steven Brinberg has performed at many high-profile gatherings, including performances for Barbra Streisand herself. Other notable appearances include Steven Sondheim’s birthday concert at the Library of Congress,  Carnegie Hall, The West End in London, and the Mohegan Sun Casino. He tours annually in Australia and the United Kingdom and has appeared on television in the Rosie O’Donnell Show, Jerry Springer, Sally Jessy Raphael and Fox News.

    Tickets available ONLINE  NOW   -OR-   Call 773-327-1919.
    NOTE: No one under 21 years old will be admitted.

    THE  BEST  OF  GAY  CHICAGO

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    Barbra Streisand In Chicago – Up Close and Personal Concert with Steven Brinberg

    HOW COOL IS THIS EVENT?!

    On Barbra Streisand’s birthday weekend…

    celebrate with us at the home of one of Chicago’s popular gay couples, Bill Buchman and Lee Lichamer, both of the Chicago Symphony Orchetsra on Sunday, April 25th. 4-6pm.

    This once-in-a-lifetime event will leave you awed and amazed as Steven Brinberg looks and sounds like the legendary Barbra herself.  No lip-sync here!

    Lakeshore Salon Events are held in private homes with a limited number of guests, who can expect to enjoy food and drinks, including champagne and non-alcoholic beverages.
     
    Meet new friends and enjoy scintillating unplugged entertainment. Proceeds from this event benefit charities such as the Trevor Project, Cabaret Foundation, Open Door Clinic and others.

    Steven Brinberg has performed at many high-profile gatherings, including performances for Barbra Streisand herself. Other notable appearances include Steven Sondheim’s birthday concert at the Library of Congress,  Carnegie Hall, The West End in London, and the Mohegan Sun Casino. He tours annually in Australia and the United Kingdom and has appeared on television in the Rosie O’Donnell Show, Jerry Springer, Sally Jessy Raphael and Fox News.

    Tickets available ONLINE  NOW   -OR-   Call 773-327-1919.
    NOTE: No one under 21 years old will be admitted.

    THE  BEST  OF  GAY  CHICAGO

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    Chicago House Presents 2 days of Brunch and Fashion May 1 and 2

    An entire weekend
    of brunch and fashion events
    to benefit
    CHICAGO HOUSE!

    The “Families for Families” Brunch
     and the
    Spring Brunch & Fashion Show
    :
     “Cirque”

    “Families for Families” Brunch
    Saturday, May 1, 2010
    11:30 am – 1:30 pm

    Chicago’s hottest new family event, with rave reviews from kids and parents alike!

     Harold Washington Library
    Winter Garden Room
    400 S. State Street, Chicago

    Junior Tickets: $40
    Adult Tickets: $100
    Family Table $750

    The Spring Brunch & Fashion Show: CIRQUE
    Sunday, May 2, 2010  11:30 am – 3 pm

    Everyone’s favorite spring tradition! Welcome back the warm weather in the sunny Winter Garden room of the Harold Washington Library.

    Harold Washington Library      Winter Garden Room       400 S. State Street, Chicago

    Premium Tickets: $175, Runway Tickets: $250, and Tables of 10 available

    More details for both events  online at Chicago House!

    The  Best of Gay Chicago

     

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    Chicago House Presents 2 days of Brunch and Fashion May 1 and 2

    An entire weekend
    of brunch and fashion events
    to benefit
    CHICAGO HOUSE!

    The “Families for Families” Brunch
     and the
    Spring Brunch & Fashion Show
    :
     “Cirque”

    “Families for Families” Brunch
    Saturday, May 1, 2010
    11:30 am – 1:30 pm

    Chicago’s hottest new family event, with rave reviews from kids and parents alike!

     Harold Washington Library
    Winter Garden Room
    400 S. State Street, Chicago

    Junior Tickets: $40
    Adult Tickets: $100
    Family Table $750

    The Spring Brunch & Fashion Show: CIRQUE
    Sunday, May 2, 2010  11:30 am – 3 pm

    Everyone’s favorite spring tradition! Welcome back the warm weather in the sunny Winter Garden room of the Harold Washington Library.

    Harold Washington Library      Winter Garden Room       400 S. State Street, Chicago

    Premium Tickets: $175, Runway Tickets: $250, and Tables of 10 available

    More details for both events  online at Chicago House!

    The  Best of Gay Chicago

     

    Share

    Gay Co Chicago Presents BREAST IN SHOW Lesbian Sketch Comedy

    The women of GayCo
    are out front in this
    new original sketch revue.

    Lesbian couples cope with the only thing worse than a relationship gone horribly awry – a relationship gone horribly aright. Dora the Explorer copes with a tell-tale haircut as she struggles to save healthcare; wymyn who love wymyn get defensive in Self-Defense class; and GayCo boldly embraces lesbian stereotype in their most epic Softball scene ever.

    Six talented comediennes take charge in GayCo’s second Women’s show in 15 years, GayCo doesn’t just shatter the glass ceiling – they polish it up to a high glamour so that women can see through.

    Runs Saturdays in May     10:30 PM
    de Maat Theater    at Second City      1616 N. Wells St., Chicago

    TICKETS – $15    Available at the Door Or Call 312-337-3992

    Read more about  GayCo and their previous hits!

    The Best of Gay Chicago

    Share