Monthly Archives: August 2011

  News and Happenings, Outside the City, Special Events, Sports

Chicago Series 2011 – 35th Annual NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series is Underway


LAST NIGHT was the Official Opening Ceremonies for the 2011 Gay Softball WorldSeries!

The huge event was in the Grand Ballroom at  Navy Pier and it is estimated there were over 4,000 in attendance!



Athletes from around the country are here for a week of games and special events.  The games are  taking place at three separate complexes in Schaumburg, Elmhurst and St. Charles. Organizers say the games are expected to bring in more than $5 million in business to the city.


Nine Chicago teams are participating with at least one team in each division. The softball tournament consists of  150 teams from 41 cities in North American in five divisions.




 


Many of the athletes  will sing, dance, perform sketch comedy or show other special talents, at the annual NAGAAA Talent Show. This year’s event will take place in the Grand Ball Room at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare with all proceeds to benefit the designated Series 2011 charities.

* CHICAGO SINGER   Michael Scott McBride will be sharing his amazing vocals and music which  can best be described as ‘Gospirational’ with a hint of dance.


Emceed by: Tajma Hall,  You will not want to miss this year’s Talent Show. This will be like no other!


When: August 31, 2011
Show starts at 7:00pm
Where: Hyatt Regency O’Hare Grand Ballroom


Then –


Closing Ceremonies


SERIES 2011, INC. IS ‘TAKING IT TO THE STREETS’ 
FOR CLOSING STREET FAIR IN BOYSTOWN
 “Final Say” and “DJ Bill Bennett” Help Wrap Up
World’s Largest Annual LGBT Sporting Event


When: Saturday September 3
Time: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
Where: Waveland Ave in Boystown between Halsted and Broadway


 



 


The 35th annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS), wrap-up a week of softball and social events with a closing awards ceremony and street fair in Boystown on Saturday, September 3, from 4:00-10:00p.m.

The event, which is presented in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), will take place on Waveland Avenue between Halsted and Broadway streets and feature local cover band Final Say and world-renowned DJ Bill Bennett. 


 



 


“We’re proud to partner with CMSA and the Northhalsted Business Alliance to close out a week of softball and social events in Boystown,” said Ted Cappas, President, Series 2011.
 
“We have received incredible support from the community and are especially grateful to our co-sponsor, CMSA, and Alderman James Cappleman, who understand the significance of this event for our community and our local businesses.”


Series 2011 plans to recognize all of the tournament’s championship teams during the closing event. Additionally, the Chicago Cubs (a Series 2011 sponsor) will welcome representatives from the winning teams onto Wrigley Field on Sunday, September 4 for a special recognition ceremony prior to their 1:20pm game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. That Sunday is also Pride Day at Wrigley, brought to you by the Windy City Times, a Series 2011 media partner.  

ALSO  ON SUNDAY – there is a post game party event at SIDETRACK.  Singer Michael Scott McBride will perform.





Admission is free for all Series 2011 participants and CMSA Members.

Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Closing Street Fair for a $5 suggested donation at the gate, which will benefit Series 2011 charity partners.

See more  photos  on 
OUR Facebook  Page –

get up to the date news  on
GSWS Facebook Page



Best Gay Chicago.com
 

Share
Read More
  Apparel, Benefits, Celebrity

Ben Cohen in Chicago this Week Promoting his STAND UP Anti-Bullying Project


In case you don’t know, the Gay Softball World Series is town this week! 

Also in town is BEN COHEN, ranked as one the World’s Best Rugby Players.

At the top of his game, this heterosexual man decided to retire from Rugby to launch  the world’s first organization dedicated solely to the cause of anti-bullying, wherever and to whomever it occurs. STAND UP with BEN COHEN.

Some years ago, early in the evolution of social media, a fan page for the  English rugby player appeared on Facebook. “It had about 30,000 people on it at the time, and they were all men,” recalls Cohen.

Cohen, who is married with twin daughters, found the attention flattering, but also a responsibility. “People were telling us their stories, and I felt it was important to respond,” he says. “I know what bullying does, and I know it can tear you apart, and that, for a lot of young gay men or people who are perceived to be different, there is no family infrastructure to turn to, no support.”

He has been in town this week, making personal appearances and spreading his message.

TODAY, Tuesday August 30th –  Ben will join the Chicago Dragons for Rugby Practice!  On  CRICKET HILL  at  Wilson and Lake Shore Drive , at 5-6pm.


Then from 8-11pm tonight, Ben will be at Sidetrack in Boystown hosting a live auction to raise money and awareness for his project. (Nicknamed  BIG BEN, last year he donated one of his jockstraps to a charity event!)

Ben is very passionate about his project. He says, “We are not about a lot of hot air. We are a TAKE ACTION group!”  Already in just four months, STAND UP has sky rocketed! And soon, a major sports goods label is going to  jump on board….Nike?  Adidas?  they can’t say just yet, but the announcement is coming soon.

Get some STAND UP gear online now!


BestGayChicago.com

Share
Read More
  Art, Benefits, Celebrity, Health, HIV

Jack Mackenroth Does Super Sexy Calendar for Charity


 

New Yorker Jack Mackenroth competed in the fourth season of  Project Runway. Mackenroth was the first openly HIV-positive contestant in the show’s history.

This month he  launches his 2012 Calendar with 100% of


Proceeds Benefiting amfAR —
The American Foundation for AIDS Research


As the first television personality since Pedro Zamora to be vocal about his HIV status, Jack Mackenroth has quickly become the most visible, out HIV+ advocate and educator in the country. . . if not the world. With the release of his 2012 calendar, he hopes to raise both money and awareness for AIDS research, and to show through his photographs that a person living with HIV can be in top physical form, healthy and sexy. All proceeds from the calendar will go to amfAR (Amfar.org) to help find a cure for AIDS. Mackenroth has been living with the disease for 22 years.



Designer, athlete and HIV/AIDS activist and educator Jack Mackenroth has had the priveledge of shooting with some of the best photographers in the business. Each month of the 15 month calendar will feature a different photographer with a very different style. Jack is a role model to many people in the HIV community and a fitness model that many aspire to emulate.




Photographers taking part in the project include Adam Bouska, Rick Day, Carsten Fleck, Frank Louis, James Franklin, Karl Giant, Tommy Synnamon, Mattheus Lian, Richard Gerst, Ray John Pila, Sonny Tong, Thomas Evans, Krys Fox and Preston Cros.



“I have amassed such an amazing collection of images that I wanted to put out a calendar that will help to combat the silence and stigma associated with being HIV-positive,” says Mackenroth. He adds, “If I can raise money for HIV/AIDS research, it’s even better.”






Jack has been a vocal and visible advocate of the HIV community, touring the country through numerous speaking engagements and special appearances at events. He continues to speak around the country and will be planning calendar signing events in the upcoming months. His memoir, “Making Lemonaids” will be released this winter.



The autographed calendar is available for pre-sale   NOW, with shipping starting Sept. 15, 2011. All proceeds benefit amfAR—The American Foundation for AIDS Research. (Amfar.org) The calendar’s dimensions are 8.5 x 11 inches, and are available through (ONLINE NOW) for $14.95 (plus tax and shipping).





For additional information, please visit Jackmackenroth.com.





Share
Read More
  Andersonville, Benefits, Special Events, Sports

Gay SoftBall World Series Week in Chicago 2011

 Gay Softball World Series  2011 Chicago!

Just  days  away!   Events  begin this Sunday, August 28th starting at CREW. 4804 N. Broadway. Celebrate the end of the Softball Season with a Beer Bust and Fundraiser for GSWS. 2pm – 5pm     Help out the Chicago Gay Softball World Series. It’s 3 hours of Coors Lite for $20. Raffle prizes too.


Opening Ceremonies   08.29.2011   @   Navy Pier – Chicago
Opening Ceremonies for the 35th Annual NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series will take place on Monday, August 29, beginning at 5:00p.m at the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom. It’s going to be  a huge star-studded event!    Admission to the Opening Ceremony is FREE!  But Donations will be accepted, $10 is suggested,  to support the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” Foundation.


Closing Ceremony   will be  Saturday 09.03.2011  @  Waveland Ave – Chicago
SERIES 2011, INC. IS ‘TAKING IT TO THE STREETS’  FOR CLOSING STREET FAIR IN BOYSTOWN
 “Final Say” and “DJ Bill Bennett” Help Wrap Up World’s Largest Annual LGBT Sporting Event
4-10pm.  

Admission is free for all Series 2011 participants and CMSA Members. Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Closing Street Fair for a $5 suggested donation at the gate, which will benefit Series 2011 charity partners.




Share
Read More
  Boystown, Gay Bars, News and Happenings

Cocktail Bar in Boystown Being Harrassed by Landlord…Cocktail Files Lawsuit….And Now Have Sold The Business


Chicago’s Boystown bar Cocktail
 is suing its landlord and two former employees for $10 million over an alleged conspiracy to ruin the bar’s good name and put it out of business.


John “Geno” Zaharakis, who owns Cocktail, and general manager Dustin Hoffman filed suit July 29. The suit alleges that the building owner and management company worked with two former employees to tarnish the bar’s reputation and oust Cocktail to open a new bar.


The suit names Robert Brumbaugh Jr., who has owned the building on 3359 N. Halsted since June of this year; Brumbaugh’s company, 3357 Halsted LLC;  also named are David Sikora, Cocktail’s former manager; Alexander Stoykov, a former Cocktail go-go dancer; and Key Management and Realty, Inc., the building’s management company, which employs Stoykov.




Windy City Media  reported that according to the suit, Sikora and Brumbaugh allegedly told Cocktail customers that the bar was going out of business.

The suit claims that “on July 22, 2011, in a face-to-face meeting with Zaharakis and Hoffman, Brumbaugh stated that, unless Zaharakis and Cocktail voluntarily agreed to move out of the Premises and surrender possession of the Premises before the end of August 2011, he, Brumbaugh, intended to destroy Zaharakis financially and put Cocktail out of business so that he and Sikora could open their own bar on the Premises.”


Brumbaugh did not respond immediately to a request to comment.


 Sikora declined to comment on the allegations.


The complaint accuses Stoykov of ruining Cocktail’s relationship with its lender of 10 years, Capital Access Network, by telling the company that Cocktail was “a terrible tenant and that Cocktail was going to be evicted.”


It also accuses Stoykov of delivering a false “ten days notice” to vacate the property on the 4th of July weekend in front of customers.

Brumbaugh and Sikora also met with Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) early last month, the suit alleges, to ask for his support in obtaining a liquor license for Sikora’s, telling him that Cocktail was “going out of business” and that he planned to evict them. Zaharakis said he was subsequently assured that Tunney told Brumbaugh and Sikora that they couldn’t apply for a license since Cocktail already has a license for that location.

HOW CRAZY IS ALL OF THIS???

The stress has been to much for Geno and Dustin. Cocktail has now been sold.

“It’s just made it all  living nightmare,” Zaharakis said. “I wish it hadn’t gotten to this, but it’s just for the best. I just need to take some time off.”

The new owner  will take over as managing partner of the bar Sept. 1 .
Then it takes the city time to transfer licenses and approve the deal. It could be a couple months before the new owner is fully in place.

The bar will continue to be called Cocktail, with Zaharakis licensing the name to the new owner, and the current staff will be retained.


“The person who’s buying it has a good track record with the community,” Zaharakis said. “He’s managed bars before  in the community.”


Zaharakis said he plans to look at owning and running a bar again after taking a break, though he’s not sure where. The lawsuit is still pending and Zaharakis said he  intends to pursue it.






Share
Read More
  Alternative, Center on Halsted, Comedy, Youth

Adam Guerino…LGBT Homelessness to Comedy


Adam Guerino
is a writer in Chicago who works nationally as a stand-up comedian, mc/host, columnist, cartoonist and producer.
 
He created Queer Comedy at Zanies as well as Laugh Track at Sidetrack and Beauty Parlour: Comedy Never Looked So Gorgeous.


Adam has been featured in Timeout Chicago‘s “Joke Of The Week” and played at comedy clubs in Chicago and New York including Zanies, Lincoln Lodge, Lakeshore Theater and The Edge Comedy Club in Chicago and Shock Therapy and Happy Hour at Bartini in New York City. 

As a producer, he has produced three seasons of the multimedia comedy show The Sarcastic Squad, two seasons of the performance and networking independent art event Art Haus, the sexy spectacle variety show Nightcaps as well as written and produced the full-length comedic play Mattress Matters and producing the short movies, I’m Gay, Everybody Is Having Sex But Me and Glitter Party.

He says, “I believe a good storyteller retells a journey and a great storyteller takes you on a journey with them. My first stories I told had little to do with my life—they were escapist and fantastical, sending me far away from my town of 4,000 people in Iowa. Beginning in my parents’ basement, I created epic sagas with a huge cast of action figures accompanied with character development, back stories and subplots. By middle school I was committing stories to paper with convoluted, over-wrought science fiction novellas.

I moved to Chicago for college and was a student for two years before dropping out and moving to Hawaii with no job or promise of a place to stay. Friends and family were confused as to how someone with so much passion would quit school, but I figured if I was going to have a hobby it might as well be an exciting one.



I lived in Hawaii for less than six months and in that time went from sleeping on the beach to working at one of the best restaurants in the world. I did interesting things and wrote the entire time.”


His situation fell apart in Hawaii. After moving back to Chicago within the year, he decided to have more stable, trustworthy living accommodations and moved into a college friend’s studio apartment for the last two months of her lease while she lived with her BF down the block. After a few weeks, the landlord thought Adam was party to an unofficial sublease and he was asked to leave. He didn’t tell any of his old college friends that he had no other place to stay and even told his BF at the time that he was going to go for a walk after a date and would stay up all night at diners, fill journals with stories on residential stoops or go home with strangers for a place to stay.

Within a month, Adam celebrated his 21st birthday asking people to buy him food instead of shots and still maintained his homelessness as a secret. Eventually, he began asking for help from friends–seeing if he could stay on their couches etc. After losing many friendships and his relationship because of his uncomfortable lack-of-living situation, Adam slept on a friends couch, found a job and has been gainfully employed and sheltered ever since. Although Adam mostly blames his homelessness on being stubborn, impulsive and stupid about money, he can appreciate the utter terror of homelessness and how it feels to be treated like a second class citizen because of unfortunate events.

COMEDY   saved him. “You’re funny, you should do stand-up,” a friend of a friend said to me at a bar. I thanked her. “No, really, I run the comedy night here,” she insisted.


Within a week, I delivered thirty minutes of stand-up material. For those who aren’t familiar with stand-up, a comedian usually goes a year before collecting thirty minutes of material. My process of rapid writing and delivery became a staple of my style—sometimes writing material the day of a show to make sure my material was quirky, confident and raw. That confidence came from jumping head first into comedy.

Wednesday, August 31st –
Adam will perform at Center on Halsted!

We Are Halsted is presented and hosted by Adam Guerino with the support of Center on Halsted and the Lakeview Safety and Inclusion Coalition and features music by gender bending belter Vallerie Dolls (Night of 100 Drag Queens), Manny Capozzi and Kyle Greer (Fatally Cool), comedy by Latina lesbian stand-up comedienne Gwen La Roka (Zanies, Amigas Latinas) and dance by a Jerri Blank celebrity impersonator.


We Are Halsted was created for everyone as a sensational, fabulous and affordable variety show. With $5 tickets, volunteer performers, raffle tickets and inexpensive donated beverages, We Are Halsted is a grass-roots fundraiser and an way to support our community’s homeless youth.

There are more than 15,000 + homeless and unaccompanied youth living in Chicago, and according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, more than 20% identify as LGBTQ.  It may come as a surprise to many that with so many youth facing these challenges there are only 189 shelter beds specifically provided for youth across the entire city.


We Are Halsted is a one-time special event created to bring our community together, to raise awareness about the challenges LGBTQ homeless youth face and to help support organizations doing such good work.


Wednesday, August 31, 2011     7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Center on Halsted (Hoover-Leppen Theatre)

7pm – 8pm – We Are Halsted pre-party

The We Are Halsted pre-party will take place outside on the rooftop overlooking the city. The pre-party will feature inexpensive donated cocktails and beer and will provide a casual setting for socializing and networking before the start of the show. This portion of the evening is limited to those who are 21+ years of age. IDs are required and will be checked at the door.

PLEASE  COME OUT AND SUPPORT THIS CAUSE!

 Details  online

Adam Guerino.com

Share
Read More
  Dance, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Special Events, Theater in Chicago

Dance For Life Chicago 20th Anniversary Aug. 20


CHICAGO’S PREMIER
DANCE COMPANIES
featured in

“DANCE FOR LIFE”

To Raise Funds for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Services
on August 20, 2011
 
Five of Chicago’s most renowned and talented top dance companies will come together for one spectacular, celebratory evening of dance – on one stage! 

Currently honoring a milestone 20th anniversary this year, Dance for Life is the largest performance-based AIDS fundraising event in the Midwest and has raised nearly $4 million since 1992. 
 
This highly anticipated event is held annually to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs and is hosted by Dean Richards, Entertainment Critic and Reporter for WGN-TV (CW), Chicago; National Cable Channel, WGN America and News Talk 720, WGN Radio.




·         The Joffrey Ballet

·         Ron De Jesus Dance

·         Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago

·         Hubbard Street Dance Chicago

·         River North Chicago Dance Company






To commemorate 20 years for the event, Dance for Life will host two world premiere dances by renowned choreographers Harrison McEldowney and Randy Duncan.
 
Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011

4:45 p.m. – Gala Reception
7:30 p.m. – Dance for Life performance – Auditorium Theatre
 

$50-$75 (performance only)  
$175-$500 (includes admission to 5 p.m. gala reception and premiere seating at the performance.)

To purchase tickets, please call 312-922-5812
or visit 
Danceforlifechicago.com
 

Auditorium Theatre
50 East Congress Parkway
Chicago

Photos by SANDRO



Share
Read More
  Benefits, Celebrity, Film, HIV, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Outside the City

Patty Duke in Chicago Area to benefit Open Door Clinic




 Patty Duke Live


September 18, 2011 at 2:00 P.M.


Aracada Theater
105 East Main Street in St. Charles


 Buy your tickets online now!



 


The afternoon starts with the showing of Patty’s Academy Award winning film “The Miracle Worker” After the film there will be a ‘Question & Answer’ interview with Patty.


Patty will not be signing after the show due to the ‘Meet & Greet’ after the show for the VIP ticket holders only. Photos and books signed by Patty will be available for purchase in the theater lobby.


 


General admission: $25.00 each (Includes film and Q&A with Patty)


VIP admission only: $55.00 each (60 tickets available. Includes film, Q&A and ‘Meet & Greet’ with a photo of your choice for Patty to be personalized) Patty will have many photos to choose from her collection. You may also bring items from your personal collection for Patty to sign at $20.00 per signature. You may also bring your own camera to take photos with Patty.


Light Hors D’oeuvers will be served at the ‘Meet & Greet’ with a cash beer & wine bar.


All proceeds benefit Open Door Clinic.






 

Share
Read More
  Andersonville, Animals and Pets, Benefits

Dog Rescue Rummage Sale in Andersonville Aug. 21-22


 
  LET’S HAVE GREAT FUN
& HELP SAVE LIVES!


 
3rd Annual:
RESCUE RUMMAGE SALE!
 
Saturday, August 21, 2011
10:00am – 7:00pm


Sunday, August 22, 2011
11:00am – 5:00pm
 
Monies raised at the RESCUE RUMMAGE SALE will help our rescue dogs by providing…


Much Needed Food!
Medical Care!
Spaying & Neutering Services!
Necessary Shots!
and Micro-chip to ensure that these dogs can be located if lost again in the future.
– in addition, you can help by donating items that can be sold – items from your attic or from your spring cleaning can help us raise funds and save a life!
 
Please contribute to our worthy cause, it will also help fund our rescue cookie boxes, allowing us to raise funds for the many animals we are trying to save lives at kill shelters!
 
Please contact Gloria to make donations and donate items at:
   
Famous Fido Rescue     and Adoption Alliance
5430 North Clark    Chicago, IL 60640    Rear Parking Lot
 
Please call us at:    773.907.0305
 
or visit us us at:      www.Famousfidorescue.com    
 
VOLUNTEER – ADOPT – DONATE   —   JOIN OUR ALLIANCE!

Share
Read More
  Art, Boystown, Center on Halsted, News and Happenings

Center on Halsted Artist Reception Aug 19th


Join us for the opening of two exciting art galleries at Center on Halsted!  Brian Hofmeister will present his collection, titled “free/ not free,” in the second floor gallery with Ron Reason displaying his collection, titled “Everything’s Going (to turn out just fine),” in the third floor art gallery space.  Both shows will run from August 19th to September 27th.

EVENT DATE     Friday, August 19, 2011     7:00 PM – 9:30 PM   $5  donation


For Free / Not Free, (left,  by  Brian Hofmeister)  “the pieces I’ve created consist entirely of works on panel, utilizing the media of oil painting, screen print and collage. The intersection of the imagery in this work, specifically birds and either corsets, text or nature, reveal for me an allegory of my exploration of beauty and my attempt to capture it.”


Everything’s Going (to turn out just fine) Ron Reason (right)

The exhibit will give a glimpse into the unusual experience of art, music, survival, fashion and fun the two Chicago residents shared at the annual Burning Man festival. (This year’s installment of Burning Man, the first ever to sell out, begins one week after this exhibit’s opening.) The festival is a unique, impromptu experiment in creating art, culture, and community, whereby an ad-hoc “city” of 45,000 pops up for one week each year, inhabiting campers, tents, and RVs in harsh federal desert land in Nevada. The by-products of the interaction of daring souls from around the world are some of the most unusual art, music and fashion seen anywhere.  

Find out More online about the artists and the event!


BestGayChicago.com

Share
Read More
  News and Happenings, Sports, Summer Fun

35th Annual Gay Softball World Series in Chicago Aug 29-Sept 3



It’s hard to believe that we’re just DAYS  away from the start of the 2011 Gay Softball World Series.  

Chicago is ready and excited to host you and your teammates for an incredibly memorable week!  



The 35th Annual
NAGAAA Gay
Softball World Series

Opening Ceremonies –
Navy Pier

Monday, August 29, beginning at 5:00p.m.


“We can’t think of a better venue and more picturesque setting to host the Opening for the 2011 Gay Softball World Series, said Ted Cappas, President, Series 2011. “We’ve assembled an incredible program for the evening, which will welcome our athletes and feature national and local entertainers alike.”



The GSWS Opening Ceremony will feature a top-notch talent lineup (see attached bios), including Leslie Jordan, star of the stage and screen; Ben Cohen, Rugby World Cup Champion and founder/chairman of the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” foundation; Pandora Boxx, Drag Superstar; and hometown favorites Amy Armstrong, singer and entertainer; and Matthew Harvat, DJ and event producer. 

Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Opening Ceremony for a $10 suggested donation at the door, which will benefit the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” foundation. 



MORE DETAILS   AT  CHICAGO SERIES 2011







The 35th annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS), which will take place in Chicago beginning August 29, will wrap-up a week of softball and social events with a closing awards ceremony and street fair in Boystown on Saturday, September 3, from 4:00-10:00p.m. 

The event, which is presented in partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA), will take place on Waveland Avenue between Halsted and Broadway streets and feature local cover band Final Say and world-renowned DJ Bill Bennett.


Series 2011 plans to recognize all of the tournament’s championship teams during the closing event.  Additionally, the Chicago Cubs (a Series 2011 sponsor) will welcome representatives from the winning teams onto Wrigley Field on Sunday, September 4 for a special recognition ceremony prior to their 1:20pm game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  That Sunday is also Pride Day at Wrigley, brought to you by the Windy City Times, a Series 2011 media partner. 
 
Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Closing Street Fair for a $5 suggested donation at the gate, which will benefit the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” foundation. 
 
The softball tournament, which begins on Tuesday, August 30, is expected to draw 175 teams from 43 cities in North America in five divisions: A, B, C, D and Master’s.  Play occurs at three separate complexes in Schaumburg, Elmhurst and St. Charles, with the championships (Schaumburg Complex) on Saturday, September 3.

GET ALL THE DETAILS   AT  CHICAGO  SERIES  2011!

Find them on Facebook and RSVP





BestGayChicago.com


Share
Read More
  Benefits, HIV, News and Happenings, Restaurants and Dining, Summer Fun

TPAN Up on The Roof BBQ – Almost Sold Out! Aug. 25



On Thursday, August 25, TPAN will present 
Up On The Roof, Chicago’s premiere rooftop event. 
 
In 2010, Greg O’ Neill and Ken Miller, owner’s of Pastoral, aware that public funding of social service agencies like TPAN was drying up, created Up On The Roof as a way to help pick up the slack from the shrinking federal dollars.

“We were  huge fans of the way that TPAN works efficiently and without fanfare, so we wanted to help the organization continue to thrive despite an economic downturn,” said O’Neill. Through hard work and dedication, Greg and Ken were able to produce an event of the highest quality with virtually no cost to TPAN. The result of their labors was more money returned to TPAN to further its mission. O’Neill went on to say “Hopefully others will see that these types of events are relatively easy to organize, and will do similar events.”
 
We invite you to experience Up On The Roof,  an event created out of a true desire to be of assistance, and fueled by a passion for helping  those whose lives are most affected by HIV in the Chicago area.
 
About the event:
Up On The Roof, a gastronome’s delight, is a fundraising event benefiting TPAN that provides guests with an evening of amazing food prepared by some of Chicago’s star chefs from the top restaurants in the City, sumptuous sweets, and views of the city that are unmatched by any other event. In it’s inaugural year, Up On The Roof was a sell out and this year proves to be the same. The menu includes dishes from: The Bristol, HB Home Bistro and Old Town Social. Desserts will be provided by  Cookie Bar, Sweet Margy, Salted Caramel,  Rich Chocolates and Das Caramelini.   
 
The only thing missing from the event is you. Space is limited and reservations are going quickly. If you have not already made a reservation, do so today by clicking here.  

Share
Read More
  Film, Special Events, Theater in Chicago

Chicago premiere of “Beyond Brokeback” Nov. 13


Chicago premiere of Beyond Brokeback at Auditorium Theatre celebrates role of LGBT community in attaining equality for all.
 

            Contributions made by the LGBT community in attaining the American dream of inclusiveness and equality for all will be celebrated Nov. 13 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 E. Congress Parkway) with a screening of the 2005 film Brokeback Mountain and the Chicago premiere of Beyond Brokeback.

           Joining the Chicago History Museum’s ongoing year-long exhibit, Out in Chicago, Roosevelt’s day-long program will feature a 2 p.m. screening of the Academy Award-winning film Brokeback Mountain, followed by a 4:35 p.m. panel discussion with makers of the film and a 5:35 p.m. staged reading with music of messages, essays and poetry that have been inspired by the landmark movie. Attendees are invited to come and go as they like during the event.

           “It has been a little more than five years since Brokeback Mountain captured our nation’s conscience and imagination. With this production of Beyond Brokeback, we are not only remembering the movie, but we are also embracing its impact and a desire to be inclusive, which is in keeping with Roosevelt University’s historic mission of social justice,” said Brett Batterson, executive director of the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.

            One of Hollywood’s highest-grossing romance films of all time, Brokeback Mountain tells the story of a complex romantic and sexual relationship between two men in the American West between 1963 and 1983, and is based on a short story written by Annie Proulx.
 
Its award-winning director, Ang Lee, screenwriters Diana Ossana and Larry McMurtry and producer James Schamus have been invited to participate in the panel discussion on the impact the movie has had since its release in 2005. 

             Adapted for the stage by Gregory Hinton, and based on a book by the same name, Beyond Brokeback is a staged reading with music. It features excerpts of poignant and humorous messages, essays and poetry that were written by contributors to the Ultimate Brokeback Forum discussion website.  

             Original music is by composer Shawn Kirchner and director of the production is David Zak, an instructor in The Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. Students and faculty from Roosevelt’s theatre conservatory, working alongside several celebrity actors, also will have parts in the Chicago premiere, which is being presented for the first time in the Midwest and only the third time ever in the United States.

            Tickets are $15, $20 and $25, and are on sale at Ticketmaster.com or at the box office of the Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. For information, call 312-922-2110.

Share
Read More
  Art, News and Happenings, Outside the City, Retail and Services

Carlton Gardens…A unique Gift shop in West Michigan Just Past Saugatuck


 Saugatuck and Douglas
are filled with all sorts of little gift shops and art galleries…but once you have seen them all, then what? 

On a recent trip  to Saugautuck someone told me about CARLTON GARDENS. This is West Michigans Best Kept Secret!  But not for long!

Just about 40 minutes from the Saugatuck area, this is an amazing little piece of land, beautifully landscaped and full of all kinds of gifts and art., in Grand Rapids.

Carlton Gardens is much more than an enchanting gift shop with unusual wall hangings, floral arrangements, antiques, and garden décor—with nooks and crannies around every corner. The main house is the first stop.  Lot’s of clothes, jewelry,  purses and accessories, mostly all for women, but also lots of lamps, lights and home decor.


In the surrounding yard and gardens you with find walkways leading to a vast array of yard art, benches, baskets, and unique gifts.

Here in this acre of country hidden right inside the city are 4 gazebos, 2 ponds, 2 bridges and 9 out-buildings: the Barn, the Garden House, the Christmas House, the Potting Shed, the Outhouse, the Coop, Breton Cottage, the Apple House, and Chapel by the Bridge, complete with stained glass windows.

Gifts and trinkets and yard art everywhere. You can literally spend a couple hours here.

In fact, owner Ruth Tucker told us she encourages folks to pack a basket lunch and come on out and spend an afternoon.  One of the lovely screened gazebos has great lawn furniture inside, and shoppers are encouraged to come and hang out and enjoy this hidden gem.




While I find many of the galleries and gift shops in Saugatuck and Douglas, a bit overpriced, I found Carlton gardens  EXTREMELY reasonable!  Huge pieces of metal yard art ran $15-$350.  With many in the $60-$80 range.  It is  so beautiful and very affordable.

The property is filled with all of these little  “sheds”  and buildings, each filled with more art and more gifts!

There is even a little Halloween  building and a Christmas building.

Ruth runs the shop and keeps the grounds up with her husband John. Ruth is actually quite the trailblazer!  (Google her!) 

Ruth A. Tucker was for six years a professor of missions at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, and before that taught for seventeen years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. She is the author of seventeen books, including From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, Another Gospel, Women in the Maze and Walking Away from Faith.

Ruth was the first full-time woman professor in  Calvin Theological Seminarys 125-year history.    
In 2003, less than 3 months after Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. was installed as the new president,  “I was, without warning, removed from tenure track and given a terminal appointment. I have repeatedly asked that all the evidence be opened only to be blocked by a dishonest cover-up. When independent mediators were retained by the seminary board in 2005, they called for “retroactive pay to 2003,” among other things. That report was buried. I finished my second terminal appointment on August 31, 2006.”   Talk about an emotional roller coaster!

 


 So these days she and her husband devote all of their time to  the gift shop and all of its grounds. It really truly is enchanting! I have never seen anything like it. And I encourage anyone looking for unique gifts to give, or for yourself or your yard, make the drive to see Ruth and her amazing gardens!  Plan to spend a couple hours, and bring your checkbook. I don’t see how anyone could possibly leave this place without buying something. Four of us went to the shop and all left with bags of gifts!

Ruth said a lot of gay people have discovered her little shop over the last few years and word has been spreading. 

Her and her husband have actually had the store since 1996. But in recent years have made a lot of changes and additions. They are ALWAYS working on it. In fact, since I was there in July, they have made more changes and additions!



 And they are always getting in new merchandise.
“Much of unique yard art comes from various artists around Michigan.



Ruth says, “Sure, we sell sculptures (and chimes, bird houses, furniture, floral, baskets, pillows, paintings, clothes, collectibles, jewelry and much more). But you need not purchase a thing. Just come and enjoy our wonderful grounds. Bring a lunch and eat it in one of our four gazebos, two of them by waterfalls. Wander over the bridge into our sculpture garden where magic unfolds! 

Hope to see you soon!”

CARLTON GARDENS
3140 Breton Rd. S.E. ,  3 blocks south of 28th St. S.E.
See lots of  photos on the website  and on Facebook.
Phone: 616-974-1062
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10 am-5 pm ,   Sat: 10 am-3 pm

*PS –   While you are in Grand Rapids, you might want to visit  Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Comprised of 132 acres of natural wetlands, woodlands, meadows and display gardens, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a year-round experience with indoor tropical, arid, carnivorous, Victorian and seasonal gardens, changing sculpture galleries with exhibitions by international artists, and outdoor acreage featuring an internationally acclaimed Sculpture Park, Children’s Garden, Michigan’s Farm Garden, amphitheater for summer concert events, nature trails and boardwalks.


Share
Read More
  Boystown, News and Happenings, Summer Fun

Deep Fried Twinkies and Dill Pickles!



Deep Fried Twinkies?!
and Deep Fried Dill pickles!

Oh My!

*DID YOU KNOW, Twinkies were invented in River Forest, IL. in 1930


A traditional deep-fried Twinkie involves freezing or chilling  the cake, dipping it into batter, and deep-frying it to create a variation on the traditional snack cake. It was described by a The New York Times story in this way: “Something magical occurs when the pastry hits the hot oil. The creamy white vegetable shortening filling liquefies, impregnating the sponge cake with its luscious vanilla flavor… The cake itself softens and warms, nearly melting, contrasting with the crisp, deep-fried crust in a buttery and suave way”.

The Texas State Fair had introduced the fried Twinkie to great popular acclaim, and the notion spread to other state fairs across the U.S., as well as some establishments that specialize in fried foods.







Fried pickles are a snack food found commonly in the American South. It is made by deep-frying a sliced battered dill l pickle.


Fried Dill Pickles were popularized by Bernell “Fatman” Austin in 1963 at the Duchess Drive In located in Atkins, Arkansas.   The Fatman’s Recipe is only known to his family and used once each year at the annual Picklefest in Atkins, held each May.


GET A TASTE  THIS WEEKEND  AT  MARKET  DAYS 
at the DEEP FRIED TWINKIE & DILL PICKLE BOOTH!
Located right across from Steamworks!  Where else?!




Share
Read More
  Boystown, Celebrity, Chicago Information, News and Happenings, Outdoors, Summer Fun

Chicago’s North Halsted Market Days 2011 Full of Surprises!


The 2011 Northalsted Market Days® will take place this weekend August 13-14, when a crowd of more than 100,000 from across the country will converge on Halsted Street to celebrate our annual event.
 
It’s the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest and lives up to its reputation as one of the country’s finest festivals!

It was recently announced  GLEE  STAR hottie Darren Criss will be here to entertain us – as well as the singing sensation Prince Poppycoock.





With temperatures expected to be 75-80, expect  BIG  CROWDS!
Other top names include  Gloria Gaynor, Lisa Lisa  and Expose.

See the full schedule online.


(check out the deep fried TWINKIES and DILL  PICKLES
across the street    from Steamworks!)


Share
Read More
  Music, News and Happenings, Special Events, Summer Fun

Chicago Market Days Main Event August 13th with 2 Major DJ’s



 


People always say, “whatever happened to our Saturday nights??  Why isn’t there big fun dance parties in Chicago anymore??”

Guess What??  THEY’RE  BACK!

Wild West Revolution Dance Party
The Market Days Main Event.
 Saturday, August 13. 2011

When’s the last time you played cowboys and indians? It’s been 8 years since there was a major dance party happening during Chicago’s famed Market Days weekend. The 2-day boystown street fest features over 200 vendors, 3 stages and over 175,000 hot, friendly and sexy attendees.

But come Saturday night at 10pm when all the booths close down and the bars are at capacity, where should everyone go to get their groove on and throw down on some hot bass beats and go go boy treats?

 Circuit MOM Productions is featuring superstar DJ’s ROLAND BELMARES and JOE GAUTHREAUX in a twin spinning, bucking bronco, tomahawk throwing DJ showdown at the old House Of Blues Corral.


Dust off your cowboy boots, saddle up your pony and ride on down before the doors open at 10pm to stake your claim in the dance hall. This barn dance ain’t over ’til 5am, so get ready to party ’til them cows come home.


Hey, Chicago! Tickets are only $30 in advance and you can get them at CRAM FASHION 3329 N. Broadway or at the House of Blues Box Office-329 N. Dearborn. OR CLICK HERE for ONLINE Tickets!


TICKETS WILL BE $40 AT THE DOOR on Saturday night.




***  MARK YOUR CALENDARS – Prepare yourself for THE ZOMBIE REVOLUTION
Coming Saturday, October 29, 2011
with Grammy nominated Producer/Remixer
DJ TONY MORAN   featuring a special surprise performance.
REVOLUTION CHICAGO!
Circuit MOM Productions, Inc
LiveNation and House Of Blues



BestGayChicago.com

Share
Read More
  News and Happenings, Theater in Chicago

Jai Von Block Brings LIFE AFTER CRAIGSLIST to 3160


 “Life After Craigslist”
Laugh your ass off, have a few cocktails and support a great Chicago Foundation at the same time!


“Is it normal to check missed connections 3-5 times a day?”- yes…says funny guy Jai  Von Block


An evening of
Sketch * Stand-Up * Musical Parodies


$15 suggested donation. Portion of the proceeds go towards the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.


Featuring:
Jai Von Block, Sarah Garner, Chanté Linwood, Abel Castro,
Jonathon Shaw on piano and Hosted by Christine Gutierrez


All 5 shows start @ 8PM

Thursday Aug. 18th, Friday Aug 19th, Saturday Aug 20th
****
ALSO   Thursday Aug 25th, Friday Aug 26th


PLACE:  Thirty-one Sixty  3160 North Clark   Chicago, IL

This show is not recommended for people with sensitive ears OR any past craigslist tricks……I’m just kidding you can come.


Invite your friends.  Find it on Facebook!

Share
Read More
  Art, Dance, HIV, Theater in Chicago

Dance for Life Chicago on PBS Wttw 11 on August 11

Dance for Life 

Brings Twenty Years
of Strength and Community
in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS
to the Big Screen

Moving Documentary on Two-Decade Journey Premieres on WTTW-11 on Aug. 11, 10 p.m.

In its 20-year journey, the original small grassroots dance performance event, Dance for Life, has evolved to support HIV/AIDS services in Chicago and financially assist those living with HIV/AIDS within the dance community into the Midwest’s largest, must-see performance, raising nearly $175,000 annually for the cause. Now, a new, riveting documentary, which debuts on Thursday, Aug. 11 at 10 p.m. on WTTW 11, follows the emotional journey and shares the passion of Dance for Life in a style that can best capture its essence: dance.  
 
The hour-long film paints the story of Dance for Life through electrifying choreography and personal stories. Shared in one-on-one interviews with the dancers, founders and supporters, these narratives convey the significance and evolution of Dance for Life throughout the film.  It will premiere only nine days before the twentieth anniversary performance in Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway.
 
Produced by Emmy Award-winning HMS Media, the documentary is a poignant look at the need for renewed hope and for a cure. Chronicling the 30-year impact of HIV/AIDS in Chicago and its large dance community, the film illustrates the evolution of the fundraiser. Founders Harriet Ross, Keith Elliott, Danny Kopelson and Gail Kalver, as well as beneficiaries, choreographers and dancers recount the impact of HIV/AIDS and their desire for continued progress.

(Photographs by Sando)


“Dance for Life initially empowered the dance community in Chicago to take care of itself,” said Elliott, a former dancer with Joseph Chicago Holmes Dance Theater. “The documentary empowers Chicagoans to understand the power of the HIV/AIDS movement and offers a way to get involved while experiencing the best dance the city has to offer.”
 
From flamenco to Fosse-style jazz, performance excerpts serve as a backdrop for the emotional, yet triumphant story of Dance for Life’s origins and its future. Participants featured in the documentary include Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and River North Chicago Dance Company.  Archival clips illustrate the event’s meteoric rise, having grown from the first sold-out performance at the former 400 seat Organic Theatre to this year’s event at the 4,000 seat Auditorium Theatre.
 
Dance for Life began as an effort to promote the art of dance in Chicago, while raising awareness of and supporting HIV/AIDS services in Chicago. Later, the Dance for Life Fund was formed as a program to ease the financial burden of Chicago dancers dying of complications of AIDS. As treatment for HIV/AIDS has evolved, so has the Dance for Life Fund. It now helps dancers battling any life-threatening condition to get back on their feet and continue to pursue their passion for dance. Proceeds from this year’s performance will exclusively benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Dance for Life Fund.
 
“The dedication of staff, dance companies and volunteers is as astounding as the level of artistry,” said Harriet Ross, co-founder of Dance for Life. “Though its purpose is practical, the performance enlightens and educates. We sincerely hope that life will continue to mirror art as survival rates improve and as Dance for Life continues to flourish.”
 
Dance for Life the documentary will air on Thursday, Aug. 11 at 10 p.m. on WTTW 11. 



The live, on-stage performance of Dance for Life will be held on Saturday, August 20 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, in Chicago. Tickets are $50-$75 for the 7:30 p.m. performance, with tickets for the 4:30 p.m. gala and performance ranging from $175-$500. Tickets are available at Danceforlifechicago.com or by calling 312-922-5812.

 
Since 1992, Dance for Life has raised more than $4 million in the fight against HIV/AIDS; showcased Chicago’s top professional dance companies; financially established a fund that provides assistance to dancers living with HIV/AIDS; helped to support and produce five spin-off pre-events; and helped raise money for many of Chicago’s leading AIDS organizations.

Share
Read More
  Boystown, Center on Halsted, Community, Theater in Chicago, Transgender

2 Events at Center on Halsted August 8th & 10th



     H.E.A.L. Ourselves
Monday, August 8, 7:00pm Center on Halsted

Two great performances on one great night. ‘The Faggot Who Could Fly’ stars KOKUMO, a 22 year old intersex/trans woman of color who uses her life of sexual and mental abuse as catalysts for personal and communal change. KOKUMO’s story is about realizing her gender identity in relation to domestic violence and societal oppression.

And ‘No Gender Left Behind’ stars Rebecca King who was fired from a teaching position for being a transgender woman. The experience left her wondering what America is teaching its children – and its adults – about gender, conformity and being just a little bit different. 

Free community event. To reserve seats, RSVP by  email : tflohr@centeronhalsted.org. 
 



Self-Defense Class

Wednesdays
starting August 10, 6:00pm
Center on Halsted

Gain the skills you need to recognize and avoid danger in this new self-defense class taught by internationally certified Taekwondo instructor Matt Cowell!  Learn how to protect yourself with basic hand and foot strikes, “See, Stand, or Breathe” techniques, and improvised weaponry.  Above all, empower yourself with skills that will improve your self-confidence, self-discipline, and self-respect. 

$10 community discount price. For more info,  email : mross@centeronhalsted.org.


BestGayChicago.com

Share
Read More