Monthly Archives: December 2012

Boystown and Gay-borhood Happenings New Year’s Eve Chicago 2012

“What Are You Doing  New Year’s Eve?”

Undisputedly, no other holiday evening offers more event happening choices than New Year’s Eve!  Whether you’re a lover or a hater or just indifferent, fact is New Year’s Eve returns every December 31st.

For Michael and I, unlike Thanksgiving and Christmas, our choices of who and where we spend New Year’s Eve with is not based on traditions (other than consuming an exorbitant amount of alcohol), but instead, what were going to do that night to celebrate is based on random criteria each year.

Today, we are still uncommitted to where exactly you’ll find us throughout the night, but we have narrowed or choices and want to share our recommended options with you (below list in alphabetical order).



Bonjonos Pizzeria: Sometimes the best New Year’s Eve simply requires having an amazing thin crust pizza and some buffalo wings, and staying in to watch the ball drop!   Our favorite in Chicago, delivered to your doorstop and you can wash your edible indulgence down with plenty of your favorite elixir(s) of choice while ringing in the New Year.  

Bonjono’s Pizza opened in 1996 at 4185 North Clarendon and Buena Avenue with a plan to make the best pizza, pasta and sandwiches in the neighborhood.  The idea was to make everything as fresh as possible, crusts made by hand on site daily, sausage, pasta sauces, salad dressings and soup are also made from scratch. Owner Craig says “We think our customers appreciate our extra efforts and while not all menu items can be made in house, you can be assured that we only buy top quality ingredients and add our own special touches to them.”

Trust us as loyal customers of 13 years, they’ve stayed true to their original plan since opening.  Our standing order with Bonjono’s is: a large, thin crust Margherita pizza with fresh tomato, basil and grilled chicken added with a couple side orders of buffalo wings with both ranch and blue cheese dressing sides-delicious!  HEAVEN!

Bojono’s Pizzeria    4185 North Clarendon    773.404.9700

Delivery: from Bryn Mawr to Webster; from the lake west to Ashland.
Open daily from 11:00 AM until 10:00 PM
last pizza order 9:45,  last delivery order 9:45



Cocktail
3359 North Halsted Street.  Cocktail is one of the sexiest, most inviting, playful upscale bars and restaurants on the Boystown strip, less any attitude! Cocktail’s two gorgeous bars feature black crystal chandeliers, onyx-lit bar tops and pay homage to our favorite French Champagne, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin’s Brut Yellow Label available by the glass or a full or 1/2 bottle everyday!

Cocktail is the perfect place to sip sinful libations, especially near the front window to enjoy all the familiar and friendly faces passing by Halsted and Roscoe, enjoy great food and converse with friends old and new, or groove to the DJ’s beats while drooling over their world-class go-go boys bumping and grinding!

As you can see on New Year’s Eve at Cocktail expect doors open at 7pm with Hostess Cyon Flare, sexy sounds of REDUX, champagne toast at midnight and of course sexy go-go boys dancing up a storm!


Downtown Bar – 440 S. State Street. We’re so glad this place re-opened. Once the Gentry, then a straight bar for a short time, Downtown Bar and Lounge is now here to stay!   I love the layout , because there nooks and crannies and want private space with somesome or you can join the gang downstairs or up at the big bar.  Brian has recently done remodeling and repainting to create even more lounge spaces.

$6 stoli cocktails all night and NO COVER.

elixir Lounge 3452 North Halsted Street.  For someone who “less is more” when it comes to sports bars, it was so refreshing to learn that when Elixir opened it was not a sports bar!!!

More and more, Michael and I actually prefer to go into and enjoy a place with no TV’s at all! When were out and about town were looking to get caught up with friends and make new ones. Not watch TV. Nothing more annoying than music too loud or so many TV’s its a struggle to talk to the person next to you.

I would definitely describe Elixir as upscale and friendly, the kind of place were proud to take our parents visiting us this week and sit and visit over a nice stiff cocktail! Be prepared, their specialty cocktail list, along with prohibition era classics, might put a little hair on Mama’s chest New Year’s Eve at elixir Lounge we think is a great deal (they would definitely lose money on us) $50 is all that is asked for an open Premium bar and light hor d’oeuvres from 10pm -1am. As you can imagine, it is an extremely smaller space than many, so tickets very limited, not a bad thing at all, so contact an elixir staff member and get your ticket!

HYDRATE – 3458 North Halsted Street.  NYE 2013 at Hydrate! PREMIUM OPEN BAR!The Ultimate NYE Dance Party is here!

Don’t delay! Buy your tickets today! This event sells out every year!

NYE at Hydrate includes a premium hosted bar and hors d’oeuvres from 8pm
to 11pm, champagne toast at Midnight, and party favors for every
guest!!!

General Admission Tickets are only $30 before 12.15.2012!! $35 if purchased before 12.31.2012!

$50 VIP Tickets include all of the above plus in and out privileges all night long!!! Don’t get stuck out in the cold!

DJ Laura B spins from 8 till midnight
Greg Drescher finished out the night till 4 AM…

Hosted by Sorraya Dash!!


NEXT STOP:  Established in 1996 by a father and his two sons, the original El Mariachi at 3420 North Broadway and Roscoe (still in business today) is a quaint, but small 10-table restaurant! Again, I’m sure it was the first Mexican restaurant Michael and I ate at when we first moved to Chicago in 2001.

El Mariachi grew in popularity over the years due to their commitment to only serving top quality, authentic, mostly family recipes, traditional dishes and the best margaritas made with fresh squeezed lime juice.

At the newest location opened in 2010, El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill at 3906 North Broaway and West Sheridan, you’ll find everything you came to love and expect at their original restaurant plus SO MUCH MORE!

No longer prohibited by lack of space, the new restaurant has a much bigger menu, fresh tableside guacamole that is made to order and an extensive selection of over 175 tequilas! (all 100% Blue Agave). This makes it the biggest tequila bar in Chicago!

 

In October of this year, their newest endeavor opened to rave reviews: Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse. 3443 N. Broadway.   So take your pick or mix and match.  
EL MARIACHI will have  2 seatings for a  fabulous 3 course pre-fix menu ($30.00 per person)  ( regular menu will also be available on new years eve) * 6 pm and 8 pm seatings available.  773-549-2932

After Party At Revolucion Steakhouse...$60 Drink package from 11:00 pm to 2:00 a.m. which includes: Unlimited margaritas, sangria, house wine, selected beer, appertizer buffet
served through out the evening with party favors and champagne toast at midnight  Reservations are HIGHLY recommended 773-661-9894. 



Roscoe’s Tavern  3356  N. Hasted . A boystown favorite! I love this place. As always, never disappointed in the music. Crowd is always friendly. I always meet new people here. Great dance floor. And fantastic pitchers of unlimited flavors of  specialty drinks.


NYE2012 – New Year – New Tune – Presented by Absolut Tune
– a sparkling fusion of vodka and Sauvignon Blanc


$25 General Admission
   Hors d’ouevres, Champagne Toast and $1000 Balloon Drop


$75 VIP Advanced Purchase*
-Dedicated Separate Entrance with Express Entry
-Unlimited In & Out Privileges
-Gift Bag
-Complimentary Coat Check
-5 Premium Cocktails
*Limited Quantity Available


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Hydrate Naughty Nice Underwear Party

Skin Productions Presents Naughty & Nice

o was Santa good to you this year?
Did you get everything you want?
Got the cute man-tees or the fabulous swimsuit for the next vacation and anxious to give them a try?

WELL JOIN US TO KICK IN THE NEW YEAR 

WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA AT HYDRATE!

Come out for another night of dancing and celebrating in your holiday themed undies.
…but…normal undies, swimsuits, and jockstraps are welcomed too. 

We at SKIN Productions are equal opportunity skivvies.
Must be in undies, swimsuits and jockstraps or at least have your shirt off to be in the Red Bar. Woman must be in their bra.
Dancing in clothing…BAH, HUMBUG!
You’ll definitely get coal next year

Santa and his elves will be on hand to make your spirits bright!

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SHY TOWN GIRLS Series of Books By Local Authors

A  group of four women authors
in Chicago were looking to share their  best tips on
the collaborative publishing process with you! 

Four Shy Girls

Four Big Dreams

One Awesome City

Novel 1 in the Shy-Town Girls 4- Book Series

SHY TOWN GIRLS!

When beautiful, but shy 24-year-old, Bobbie Bertucci, arrives at her
new digs, an elegant brownstone in Chicago’s historic Gold Coast
neighborhood, she has no idea what her new life will be like. Between
balancing her job as a modeling agent and escaping a bad relationship,
she’s hit rock bottom.

But things change when she moves into the same building as her close
friend Meryl. Additionally, her two new twenty-something roommates, Ivy
and Ella, help bring Bobbie out of her shell. Barbara, landlady and
mother-hen of the house, watches out for the girls while sharing sage
advice.

Bobbie, Meryl, Ivy, and Ella, all variations of shy girls, brave the
city of Chicago together, forming a powerful bond of friendship. Their
nighttime roof deck conversations over glasses of wine instigate
laughter and even some tears.

Bobbie takes a bold step to redesign her life completely to ensure
she doesn’t fall into the romantic trap she fell into before. But
there’s a new suitor in the picture, and she will have to decide between
an old flame or a new one, taking a risk, something hard for any
girl–even harder for a shy girl.

We’re passionate about
writing and creating a technique that you can learn to use yourself or
with other writing partners.

Listen to a recent interview
with all four authors to learn how we got started on down this writing
path. We hope you’ll gain some valuable insights on writing, publishing
and marketing your own books and products. You’ll get to know each
author individually as we’ll write from our own perspectives and share
our own experiences.

Feel free to contact us for collaboration and speaking opportunities, to talk to your book club or just a drop us a line to say hello!

Sign up now to get free updates on that latest publishing techniques and best practices for writing!”



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HYDRATE Purity Ball Dec. 22

Among devout Christians,
the Purity Ball is a gathering of young people who sign a vow of
chastity. NVRLND is about to do its take on this evangelical classic. On
SATURDAY, DEC. 22ND, we regain our virginity for the new year.

This will be the fiercest White Party to hit Chicago. NVRLND’s heavy
arsenal of lights and lasers…new LED dance boxes…the return of the
photo booth…white confetti…bad-ass costumes…CO2…3D
carnage…we’re putting on a f**king show.

DJ JALIL Z (Miami, FL) returns after his highly successful NVRLND Labor Day party
DEBBIE FOX hosts
Live Drums by Mo Kabre, Lighting by Joe Gillan
Production/Costumes by Eddie Couture, Damian Martin, Raul Redaggio, and CHOKE by Shawn Satterfield

NVRLND dancers. NVRLND production. NVRLND lasers.

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Marriage Equality is Coming to Illinois!

WE NEED 30 SECONDS

               OF YOUR TIME!!!
The sponsors of the marriage equality bill in the Illinois General
Assembly are ready to move the legislation to a vote. Equality Illinois
is dedicating their efforts to leaving no stone unturned to achieving that
goal.

With your help, Equality Illinois has been working hard across the state to strengthen public support for marriage equality.
However, as you may have heard from reports today, our opposition is
gearing up as well, attempting to flood the lawmakers with their
negative messages.

We need to keep the momentum going and make sure the legislators hear from you! Can you take a moment and send an email to your legislator TODAY?
Please be sure to include why marriage equality matters to YOU and make
it personal. AND, don’t forget to share this on Facebook, Twitter and
with your friends and family!



We can’t pass this bill without your help.
That is why in
the weeks leading up to lame duck session we will be keeping you
regularly updated and asking you to take regular action. 

The time is now to act and make marriage a reality!

Just fill out your zip code! And you can automatically send out a message to your legislators! It’s so fast. PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!


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Vote for Your Favorite Window and Win $$$

Two weeks to vote for your  favorite window on North Halsted!

You vote, you can win FREE MONEY…Over $300 in GIFT CARDS!! that’s so much better than just getting a slip of paper and you can do this vote in your pajamas from your computer at home. 
Voting ends December 31st…or this Friday if the Mayans were right.
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Getting Into Face with JoJo Baby and Sal-E

Legendary club kid, doll maker, makeup artist, costumer, and penis-sculpture enthusiast JoJo Baby costars with his clubbing companion, Sal-E, in Bernard Colbert’s lush new  12″ x 12″ coffee-table book Getting into Face: 52 Mondays Featuring Jojo Baby and Sal-e
(Schiffer).

Bernard’s lifelong passion is to capture high energy, emotionally charged portraits of interesting people.

For 17 years, Bernard has been perfecting his craft, working in the field of commercial and advertising photography.

‘In the vibrant community where I live and work, I find what I have
always been searching for- a sublime energy. Nightlife activity blends
with the arts and diversity of self expression abounds. Here, I can
freely pursue my dream: to document and celebrate that spark within,
which defines the unique nature of our human experience.’

GETTING INTO FACE is a visual feast in the tradition of 1990s club kids. See
performance artists JoJo Baby and Sal-E use their bodies as canvases to
become inspired and whimsical conceptual characters, executed with
expert skill using original, theatrical makeup and costumes. In more
than 100 portraits, photographer Bernard Colbert rigorously captures
these two performance artists in genius moments as psychedelic Hindi
gods, comic book villains, fantastical creatures, astronauts, and much,
much more.

 Colbert’s stunning portraits document these delightful
transformations over a five-year period and are the same body of work
featured in the Clive Barker documentary titled JoJo Baby. Through
Colbert’s collaboration with JoJo and Sal, viewers can experience a
front row seat to an ongoing show which has been entertaining club goers
in Chicago for two decades. This is a portfolio for the visually
adventuress and fans of true creative vision.

Every Monday night, JoJo Baby with friend Sal-E have gone to work as
hosts of Chicago’s largest and longest running house-music dance party,
the Boom Boom Room, which is currently on hiatus from its usual location
at Green Dolphin St., 2220 N. Ashland Ave., while the building
undergoes renovation. It took the duo hours to prepare, and Colbert was
there every week to capture the endlessly entertaining process. He said
he usually only had 10 to 15 minutes to photograph them before they went
on stage.

“Sometimes they would show up and I would look at what they were
wearing and try and quickly comprehend what they were up to, because
sometimes it’s high concept and it’s not obvious right away,” Colbert
said. “It’s interesting right away, but it’s like, ‘What the heck is
going on?’ So I scramble and try and make it happen.”

Colbert, who took courses in commercial photography at Columbia from
1989–1991, said he loves portrait photography and has been drawn to
performers such as models, musicians and athletes—people who are both
interesting and like being photographed.

The combination of unplanned imagination and spontaneity kept Colbert
continually inspired. He said the most successful images captured an
indescribable magic that would often occur.

“It was something that would elevate it from an interesting time to
really high art, and it’s something that fascinates me,” Colbert said.
“It feels elusive, but when you find that you can do it time and time
again, it’s really fun to keep trying to do it.”

 
The book will also be available at local
bookstores in Chicago and Amazon.com.
Getting into Face: 52 Mondays Featuring Jojo Baby and Sal-e

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Glitz and Glam with Aurora Sexton New Years Eve @ KIT KAT Lounge

AN EVENING of 

GLITZ AND GLAM 
with the one and only 
AURORA SEXTON, 
New Years Eve at 
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club!

Aurora has  been  crowned the title “Entertainer of the Year”. She does amazing performances!

The Entertainer Of the Year F.I. (EOY) contest system is a Fund Raiser
Event presented for The SLS Pride Foundation, Inc., a non-profit Arts
and Humanities foundation, “Dedicated to the betterment of Diverse
Cultures.”

Many community non-profit organizations have benefited from
the funds raised by The SLS Pride Foundation, Inc., including Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville, Kentucky Theater Project,
Louisville International Film Expo, Louisville Youth Group, Gallopolooza
Louisville Sidewalk Derby, Crusade for Children, Louisville Deaf Oral
School, Bluegrass Classic Tournament, William-Nichols Institute
Educational preservation fund, Fairness Education Fund, Beaux Arts Ball
for Voices of Kentuckiana, University Of Louisville Foundation, Inc.,
Kentuckiana Pride Festival, The Chance School & The Louisville
Visual Arts Association.

Aurora lives in Nashville but gets back to Chicago about once a month.


NEW YEARS EVE, see Aurora live – with 3 choices for the evening.

BOOK EARLY!
SLOTS WILL SELL OUT!
IT’S  NEW YEARS EVE!!

Born and raised in Denver, CO, Aurora Sexton is no stranger to the
stage. With an early childhood start in theater and the arts, Aurora has
always been in the spotlight putting her creative talents to work.

With an illustrious career spanning over a decade and an accolade of
titles/crowns and accomplishments to her name, Aurora has become a
staple and well respected icon of nightlife in Chicago since moving to
the windy city 5 years ago.

From her dead on illusions of Dolly Parton to Marylin Manson, exciting
dance routines to swaying the melodies of a ballad, gorgeous glittering
showgirl pieces to barely there sex symbol, this multi-faceted blonde
bombshell will keep you guessing what she’ll come out with next and
always leave you wanting more.

In her time away from stage Aurora works as a freelance makeup artist
for weddings & fashion events, runs party events/promotions and is a
print ad model, most recently becoming the face of Starr Jewels, a top
of the line jewelry company for stage.

KIT KAT LOUNGE   3700 N. Halsted   773-525-1111






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Roka Akor Steak and Sushi Welcomes Winter with Special Menu

Roka Akor Steak & Sushi, 456 N. Clark Street, proudly presents Executive Chef Ce Bian’s six-course kaiseki, $85.00, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner balancing the taste, texture, appearance and colors of cuisine. 

Celebrate the winter season with artistic Japanese cuisine and culture featuring the premiere fresh seasonal, natural and local ingredients. This new seasonal menu will launch with the Winter Solstice, on December 21, 2012 and end with Spring’s start, March 20, 2013.

       First Course: Oyster Trio; Kumamoto with ponzu mignonette, fresh chive, lime; Hama Hama Tempura with chile ginger, parsley puree, shaved vegetables; Roasted oyster with yuzu koshu soy butter. – These are all AMAZING! I got a taste the other night, and thought nI had died and went to heaven!

·         Second Course: Flame Seared Uni Nigiri; Truffled Hotate Nigiri; Chef’s Special Sashimi Selection.

·         Third Course: Gobo Soup with root vegetables.

·         Fourth Course: Robata Grilled Alaskan Halibut with chile miso butter, parsnip chips and micro green salad.

·         Fifth Course: Robata grilled Wagyu confit Short Rib with truffle maitake mushroom; Robata grilled Sweet potato with ginger teriyaki sauce.  

·         Dessert: Apple tartar with Fig puree, and Sancho pepper cream; Toasted Rice Ice Cream.


Roka Akor, voted one of the Top 10 Sushi Spots in the United States by Bon Appétit
magazine
, is a stylish Prime steak and sushi restaurant that features
Robatayaki style “open charcoal” cuisine.


For Chef Ce Bian’s dining room
menu, the freshest fish is flown in daily, and sushi and sashimi are
carefully handpicked by region and seasonality. The menu also features a
variety of succulent steak cuts including Prime Rib Eye with Wafu
Dressing and Prime New York Strip Loin with Truffle Aioli, as well as
the highest quality of domestic and Australian Wagyu Beef. Inside the
Sake & Shochu Lounge — Roka Akor’s informal, yet sophisticated
dining environment — guests can feast on a selection of Japanese small
plates, which are designed for sharing.

 

Roka Akor,
owned by JNK Concepts, is located in the heart of Chicago’s River North
neighborhood at 456 N. Clark. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday
through Friday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served
Sunday through Wednesday from 5 to 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday
from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Sake & Shochu Lounge is open Sunday
through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m.
to 2 a.m. and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. For more information about
Roka Akor, please call (312) 477-7652 or visit
www.rokaakor.com  or the restaurant’s Facebook and Twitter pages.


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Jackie Beat at HYDRATE – Holiday Show Dec 20

Jackie Beat is a very well known drag persona and actor, singer, songwriter and screenwriter.

I first discovered Jackie IN NYC about 15 years ago. She was doing amazing shows all over New York and appeared in Wigstock – The Movie
with love of my life, Alexis Arquette and Lady Bunny. 
Jackie is SO CREATIVE, and SO FUNNY. You can listen to some of  her crazy songs on her MySpace Page (yes, artists still use MySpace). And she has some crazy videos on YouTube.
 WARNING, most are NSFW!
Jackie was also part of the band DIRTY SANCHEZ. Dirty Sanchez is an electroclash band that formed in Los Angeles in 2001 and includes Jackie Beat, Mario Diaz and DJ BARBEAU.
Dirty Sanchez have a very strong following on the West Coast, where they play to full houses. 

Get a CD here…Dirty Sanchez

Jackie Beat: A Different Christmas Show!

Hydrate presents….JACKIE BEAT!

SHE’S BACK!!! Jackie Beat is back with her hysterical antics and she’s
giving you something to look forward to this holiday season!

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

Door open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm!

VIP TICKETS which included seating in the first 3 rows and a complimentary 4 Rebels Cocktail are only $30!

General Admission seating is only $20 in advance and $25 at the door!

Get your tickets today! 


THIS WILL SELL OUT!!!

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Big Gay Brunch Club Chicago Does EL MARIACHI for a Holiday Brunch Special

ANOTHER AMAZING 

     SPECIAL BRUNCH from our friends
 @ El Mariachi Tequila Bar
3906 N. Broadway! 
Big Gay Brunch Club Buffet
12-16-12
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Fresh Assorted Fruit
Mariachi Salad with Guajillo-Agave Vinaigrette

Green Apple Pancakes with Home Made Piloncillo Syrup

Chilaquiles con Huevo a la Mexicana y Queso
Scrambled eggs
Taquitos de Papa con Chorizo
Pollo a la Mexicana
Garlic-Epazote Rustic Potatoes
Primavera Rice
Salsa de 4 Chiles & Guaca Salsa
Kahlua 3 Leches Cake

Unlimited mimosas,
Mexican Coffee and soft drinks
Homemade Chocolate Abuelita (Hot Chocolate)

El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill 3906 N Broadway

$30 Per Person includes tax, gratuity and cash only.

RSVP on FACEBOOK so we can get an approximate head count!


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TPAN Barlesque Winners Announced


TPAN’S BAR-LESQUE 5 CONCLUDES 
                         WITH
RECORD BREAKING FUNDRAISING

Online
“Strip-a-thon” raises almost $26,000; 

Winner is Mark from Jackhammer

 

Contestants representing a dozen Chicago
bars and restaurants competed for the title of “Chicago’s Sexiest,” in Test Positive Aware
Network’s (TPAN) fifth Bar-lesque fundraising event and online strip-a-thon
which took place during the month of November. Bars competing in the contest included
Avenue Tavern, Downtown Bar and Lounge, DS Tequila, Co., Halsted’s Bar and
Grill, Hydrate, Jackhammer, The Lucky Horseshoe Lounge, Minibar, The North End,
Sidetrack, Taverna 750, and Touché. In total, the bars and contestants raised
$25,841 to support TPAN’s HIV programs and services.

 

The online competition ended promptly at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November
30. The winner was named shortly after midnight on Saturday, December 1st
at the Closing/Victory Party held at The North End. Contestant Mark,
representing Jackhammer, was named “Chicago’s
Sexiest,” for raising $8,297
,(photo 1)  the most ever raised by a single contestant in
the contest’s five-year history. 

The runner-up was Edwin, representing Avenue
Tavern,
 (photo 2) who raised $4,558.

Third place went to Kenny,(my favorite bartender – at one of my favorite bars! photo 3) representing DowntownBar and Lounge, who raised $3,130.


For more information about the 12
contestants and to see their sexy photos, visit www.barlesque.org. Donations are
still accepted online, but will not affect the contest winners.

 WATCH for CHICAGO TAKES OFF 2013!  The sexiest show of the year that ALWAYS sells out!!!

                                                 

 

About TPAN

TPAN is the
oldest peer-led HIV/AIDS social service organization in Chicago. TPAN’s mission is to empower
everyone living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS to live open, healthy, and
productive lives. TPAN delivers innovative peer-led support programs and
collaborative wellness services and communicates accurate, comprehensive
information. TPAN will do so until HIV/AIDS is eradicated.

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$500 Poster Contest for 2013 Gay Six Flags Event

“Out in the Park” at Six Flags Great America returns in 2013 with a BANG!  

A private LGBT event featuring unlimited riding of  ALL  Six Flags Great America’s amazing rides (X-Flight, Superman, Batman, etc.) , live music by an internationally sought after DJ who calls Chicago home, Matthew Harvat, delivering a complete party-celebration dance area everyone can enjoy! Plus some surprise celebrity guests and niche entertainment venues!

BestGayChicago.com and (Sponsor) are excited to return with an all new LGBT Celebratory event and fundraiser at Six Flags Great America. “We are very excited to be asked to return this year to Six Flags Great America and their excitement in allowing us this unique opportunity to produce such an awesome private event for our community at their park,” said Derrick Sorles, owner of BestGayChicago.com. “We are proud to have another charity benefiting this year.”
 
In preparation for the marketing campaign for Chicago’s 2nd Annual “Out In The Park”  2013, BestGayChicago.com is seeking  artists interested in creating a prize-worthy poster and postcard design promoting the 2013 Six Flags Great America Celebration.

500 Posters and 30,000 Postcards will be printed and distributed in
Chicagoland, Wisconsin, parts of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Indiana! 
Plus we’ll have ads and banners on websites everywhere including
Facebook. Your name will be on everything, giving the artist amazing exposure!


This was last year’s poster:

  • The competition is open to all interested artists and graphic designers.
  • All submissions must be received before the deadline to be considered in the competition.
  • There is no limit to the number of submissions entered.
  • There is no cost to submit.
  • Entries will be accepted from individuals, collaborative teams, or design firms, with prize money being split between the entrants listed on the submission.
  • The winner will be given credit for design on artwork to include a name or website reference on all printed material and on www.BestGayChicago.com, www.GaySixFlagsChicago.com and other websites that run the official press release.
All interested artists are asked to complete and submit their work for review and judging before 5pm, March 1st, 2013.


The winning design as chosen by BestGayChicago.com will receive $500 and 2 tickets to the “Out In The Park” at Six Flags Great America 2013 Celebration ($80.00 Value).

There are also prizes of $39 complementary “Out In The Park” tickets from BestGayChicago.com for their other favorites and Facebook fan favorite art designs. BestGayChicago.com and the artist(s) will share equal rights to the uses of the image.

*This was the BACK of last years postcard – we’ll be looking to totally redesign the back, with much less information:

 

Information the artists need to know:

On Saturday, September 14, 2013, (from 9pm – 1am), the park will be closed to the general public for this private event. ALL the rides will be open. There will be NO LINES to ride rides – ride as much as you want. Ticketholders will  enjoy the music of DJ Matthew Harvat as it is heard live throughout most the park. Matthew will do what he does best as he creates a signature dance area experience never seen before at Six Flags Great America. This amazing event welcomes all LGBT friendly folks from the five surrounding states coming together to pride-fully celebrate on this once-a year extremely special Saturday night!

Tickets for admission to the park are $39 includes FREE PARKING!  A portion of all  tickets sold will benefit (Charity TBD 2/1/13).

Example below of artwork retooled for ad:

BestGayChicago.com is looking for artwork and a design that immediately grab your attention visually and look like something REALLY FUN that you feel compelled to buy a ticket for , grab some friends and get out and have a BLAST!

Entries must include:

  • OUT IN THE PARK official logo
  • BestGayChicago.com official logo
  • All text necessary to create the sell message
  • Additional sponsor/media partner logos
  • Beyond bright and colorful!
  • Use of park ride(s) and feeling of fun and/or movement
  • The rest is up to you and your vision!

Entries will be judged using the following criteria:

  • Overall impact of eye-catching appeal
  • Visual attractiveness
  • Ability to draw the viewer in
  • Clear and concise messaging
  • Appropriateness of graphics used
  • Off the-chart creativity
  • Must be appropriate for all ages.

Include your name, address, email and phone number on with each submission to
BestGayCities (at) gmail (dot) com.
All submissions will be judged based on content, appeal and marketability. The decisions of the judges will be final.

Guidelines are as follows:
 Poster:
   – Size 11″ X 17″ Entries should be developed at least 300dpi, but can be submitted at a lower resolution.
 – Final winner will submit 300dpi  PDF – and be able to tool poster theme into postcard size and various sized ads.
   – Must be original artwork. Do not submit copyrighted work. BE CAREFUL using stock images for rides that do not exist at Six Flags Great America. We can not show a full ride image, of a ride that does not exist. However, you could  cut out portions of a generic ride and riders, if needed.
    

PLEASE call or email for more information needed or ANY questions!
Michael or Derrick   773-878-5323
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Holiday Gifts Galore at Randolph Market Dec 15-16

Get your holiday shopping and party planning off to the
right start with wares in all price ranges, from thrifty to extravagant, and
not to mention the brilliant ideas you’ll get in regards to your own holiday
displays.

You will discover fabulous keepsakes from embroidered hankies to
estate jewelry with everything in between. Timeless antiques and modern
treasures including vintage and indie fashion, furniture, jewelry, art,
decorative objects, house wares, and more will make this holiday show a
memorable experience. Get a jump on the holiday season, beginning with vintage
cheer spanning the decades!

Have all your holiday decorating, party planning, fashion and entertaining questions answered by the vintage kings and queens at the Randolph Street Market’s 6th Annual Holiday Market, December 15 and 16.

The Randolph Street Market is the perfect one stop shop for your holiday needs when it comes to tabletop, indoor/outdoor décor, holiday fashion and jewelry, and so much more. Make this season as unique as the selection of wares you’ll find at the market with free giftwrap on site and free furniture delivery in Chicago.

Randolph Street’s 6th Annual Holiday Market

WHEN:
Saturday, December 15– 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday, December 16– 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

WHERE:
Beaux Arts Plumber’s Hall, 1340 W. Washington Street, Chicago FREE PARKING in huge onsite parking lot only steps away from entrance    

PRICE: Discounted $8 tickets are available in advance (click here); general admission $10, students with ID $3 or $5 at the gate. Children 12 and under free.

NEW IN 2012: Every paid admission gets a $5 or $10 shopping voucher good toward purchases. For more information, visit www.randolphstreetmarket.com

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Francesca’s Forno’s Drag Showcase Returns Monday, December 10th, 7-9PM!

As if you needed another reason to go to Francesca’s  Forno, well, here it is for you – mark your
calendars!

Back by popular demand, it’s Drag Mondays in Wicker Park at
Forno this time with  “The Drag Queen Who
Stole Christmas”
featuring  spectacular,
live performances from superstars Mimi Marks, Mercedes Tyler (pictured above in photos not large enough to fit in full-on hair), Sasha Colby and
Tajma Hall (pictured below with reasonably sized back-dos). 

If you haven’t already, start celebrating the holidays early
and get in the spirit with these FABULOUS ladies performances and perhaps enjoy
the wine flight specials of the evening and the Chef’s selection of Artisanal cheeses
and Charcuterie!

Just in case you’re a Forno virgin, shame on you, but here’s the 411. Forno’s reasonably
priced, authentically Northern Italian food is ALL freshly made from scratch
with seasonal ingredients. The menu is stacked with amazing dishes that are
perfect for sharing.


From lighter salads and appetizers to comforting Paninis, pasta
dishes and FAB pizzas, truly something for every taste and appetite.

Of course,
stellar entrées featuring top grade fish, meats and poultry are expertly
prepared and available as well.


Weekend brunch at Forno is the place to see and be seen
in Wicker Park while sipping a handcrafted cocktail or special-recipe Mimosa.

As with all
Francesca’s restaurants, the staff is engaging, knowledgeable and always
willing to go the extra mile for you.

So what are you
waiting for? Gather up your friends and  call (773) 770-0184 and RSVP Today!

Monday, December
10th, 7-9PM See you there!

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Double Feature Holiday Shows, NOT TO BE MISSED

Santa’s Dead! & 

Dirty Carol’s Christmas

The company that brought you SNOW WHITE AND
THE SEVEN DRAG QUEENS, TWINKIE AND THE BEAST and ALEX IN WONDERLAND are
premiering something new this holiday season! 

Giving homage to classic
noir films and Christmas television specials, MidTangent Productions
presents a dazzling and daring musical double feature like no other! 



SANTA’S DEAD!

It was just a few days until Christmas. All over the world, children
anxiously awaited that morning when all their dreams would come true.
The elves at the north pole worked and worked. The reindeer were
groomed, the toys were made, and the candy canes were bent. 

All seemed
quite well, but one person wasn’t happy and she was going to make sure
that this Christmas she finally got what she wanted! Mrs. Claus and her
conspiring lover, Bubba, had a plan up their jolly sleeves. The elves
suspected foul play. With the help of a private dick and the Queen of
the North Pole, these elves were going to get to the bottom of this, but
they had to hurry! With just a few hours until Christmas, could Mrs.
Claus and Bubba get away with this horrible crime? Would Santa be
avenged? Would the reindeer survive the cold after being completely
shaved due to scabies infection? These mysteries and more to be solved,
crime-fighters!


DIRTY CAROL’S CHRISTMAS

Welcome to Dirty Carol’s Christmas; a party like no other! Come join us
for a little singin’, a little dancin’, and a lot of drinkin’! Your host
for the evening, Dirty Carol, will keep you entertained while trying
her best to get into anyone’s pants. Both family and friends will stop
by to share some Christmas memories and perhaps a song (or seven). This
isn’t your typical holiday party, so leave the warm fuzzies at home,
because Dirty Carol and her friends will leave you feelin’ Dirty!

Performance Dates:
Fridays and Saturdays: through December 22
All show times 9:00pm

Tickets are $10

Shows are 21+

Written by MTP Artistic Director Tony Lewis and company members Aaron
Michael Adamkiewicz and Karla Meyer, these shows continue MTP’s
dedication to bringing original works with a familiar twist to the
Chicago GLBTQ community. This production features many MTP Artistic
Ensemble members both in front and behind the curtain and will have
surprise guest appearances and live entertainment between these one-act
shows.

 

Get Tickets Here!

HYDRATE       3548 N. Halsted

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North Halsted Window Walk Dec. 8th

The Northalsted Window Walk. 

Saturday DEC 8th
A festive little way to support the businesses of Northalsted & an excuse to drink hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps (sm). We will be kicking things off at Space Park at 2pm and then heading out to stroll the street & support businesses without the fear of being bitten or trampled. Additional details are available at www.northalsted.com. Cocktails, shopping and prizes…what’s not to enjoy?

This
holiday season when you buy a Northlasted Gift Card, you automatically
get an extra 20% value on your card. For example, purchase a $100 gift
card and get $120 on your card!

The best part? The Northalsted Gift Cards can be used at over 70 locations on North Halsted between Belmont and Broadway. Click here to buy your giftcard today.

They always sell out, so get yours before they’re gone!

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Seasons Greetings and Tax Season

Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays!

You know what that means – 
      Tax season is just around the corner!
the 2013 tax filing season could be a “real disaster,” IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman said Thursday, if Congress doesn’t make key tax decisions before Jan. 1.
 
“You could have a real disaster in the filing season where there is total confusion,” Shulman said during a speech at the National Press Club.
Members of Congress strongly disagree on tax policy and most have agreed to put off any substantive changes until after Nov. 6 elections. That doesn’t leave much time to make decisions and revamp IRS procedures before the traditional Jan. 1 beginning of tax season.

Some strategic planning done before year’s end can amount to significant savings for some. I often meet with clients during the last few months of the year with an eye toward projecting their tax liability and developing a plan to reduce their tax liability.
A self-employed individual can expect to pay approximately forty-five percent tax on income that reaches into a higher tax bracket. Income taxed in a lower tax bracket is taxed at approximately thirty-five percent. The key to managing a tax liability is to know when you have income that goes into a higher tax bracket. 
Single taxpayers pay a higher (25% versus 15%) rate of tax when taxable income exceeds $34,500. 
You want to  reduce taxable income thereby lowering the tax liability. Additional business expenses will reduce all three federal, state and self-employment tax liabilities. Taxpayers can also purchase equipment or vehicles before the end of the year that can net huge tax savings. For example, a$2,000 computer purchase will end up costing only $1,100 when the tax savings is factored into the purchase. Learn what deductions you can or should take. 
There are also tax deductions, retirement funding for example, that we utilize that will reduce the federal tax but not the self-employment tax. Planning and projecting a tax liability is an integral segment of the tax preparation process. If you are a small business entrpreneur that has a tax bill of more than $500, you should be paying quarterly estimated taxes. You could be hit with IRS penalties which can severely impact your business’s cash flow.
In addition to tax deductions there are some tax credits that have been reauthorized and some credits set to expire have been extended for two years.TALK TO SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO HELP YOU!
Tax credits are beneficial because they directly reduce the tax while a tax deduction reduces the amount of money being taxed. Once again I particularly like the energy credits, particularly the solar credit, and the education credits. Credits for windows and doors still exist, but are capped at 10% up to $500 (windows are capped at $200). 
The modified education credit is now referred to as the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This credit has been expanded to include expenses for course books, supplies, and equipment. The credit is equal to 100% of the first $2,000 spent and twenty-five percent of the next $2,000 per student each year. Therefore, the full credit amount of $2,500 may be available to a taxpayer who pays $4,000 or more in qualifying expenses. 
Remember that I am here throughout the year to answer any questions you might have, and I am looking forward to helping you maximize those tax deductions and credits in the upcoming tax season! MENTION THIS ARTICLE WHEN CALLING OUR OFFICE.
Happy Holidays!
Linu Thomas
Provident Light Advisors
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Johnny Weir at SCARLET Dec 9th 3pm

..

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Vanite Paul Mitchell MITCH Party Dec 8th

VANITE Paul Mitchell Salon will be hosting a special party at Minibar, Saturday December 8th! (3341 North Halsted Street )
There will be a champagne reception, lots of MITCH giveaways and a chance to win a trip to LAS VEGAS! It all starts at 9pm. 
As busy men we don’t have the time better yet the knowledge to know
what’s better for our hair. Fast pace life’s full of family, work,
relationships and the gym keep us on the go. Our hair might get
neglected time to time. We don’t have time for shampoo and conditioner!
Do we?
Men I’m here to say yes we do! Thanks to Paul Mitchell and the NEW men’s
Mitch line! Specifically the 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner, Double
Hitter.  Double Hitter is a sulfate-free shampoo with a healthy lather and rich
sent. This 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner is perfect for us on the go!
Washes and leaves our hair full and healthy ready to take on the world!
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