Monthly Archives: May 2013

Bailiwick Theater After Work Benefit June 12th

JOIN Bailiwick
Chicago Theater
for SUIT & TIE: an after work affair on Wednesday,
June 12 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
at the swanky Hotel Palomar Chicago, 505
N. State. St. Mingle and network with Artistic Director Lili-Anne Brown,
Executive Director Kate Garassino and other prominent company members while
enjoying surprise performances, libations and hors d’oeuvres at the luxurious
and chic Hotel Palomar in downtown Chicago.

 Learn about the vibrant
opportunities available to support Bailiwick Chicago Theater, including board
member recruitment, benefactor placement and high-level support for one of the
city’s most stylish storefront theaters. Guests will also enjoy an exclusive
inside look into the upcoming 2013-14 season as Bailiwick Chicago becomes one
of the first resident companies at Victory Gardens Theater.

 

Event:             Bailiwick Chicago Theater’s
SUIT & TIE: an after work affair

Date:               Wednesday,
June 12, 2013                        

Time:              6:30
– 8:30 pm

Location:       Hotel Palomar Chicago, 505 N. State. St.              

Tickets:          $100 per person.  Tickets are available at bailiwickchicago.com.

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Boystown Senior LGBT Housing Will Break Ground Any Day on Halsted

The historic building at the corner of Halsted and Addison streets are about to be transformed into a housing facility for LGBT seniors.  The vacant lot on North Halsted between the
100-year-old police station and Whole Foods will also be used in
construction of the new building.
The City of Chicago, the Center on Halsted
and Heartland Housing will build Midwest’s first
LGBT-friendly affordable senior housing facility. 

The 79-unit facility has been a long time in the making. The project has come along as conceived, according Nadia Underhill,
associate director of real estate development at Heartland Housing,
especially considering the complications that arose from adaptive reuse
regarding the historic police station. The project will preserve the
station’s exterior along with certain interior details, she said.

Read more!

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Memorial Day brunch at Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse

 

 

 

 

 

Join Us This 

Memorial Day 

For Brunch & $4 House Mimosas & Bloody Marys  

Business Hours

10:00 am-12:00 am

Come and experience one of the hottest up and coming brunch spots in the boys town/east Lakeview neighborhoods.  

Great place to enjoy with family & friends.  An amazing expansive brunch menu.  

Brunch Done With A Mexican Twist!!!

We Wil Be Serving Brunch From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

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REPLAY bar Gives Us a Sneak Peak Inside

REPLAY is opening this weekend! 

The former BUCKS has been totally re-done inside and the patio is being updated as well. 

Replay is a craft beer and bourbon bar meets retro arcade. Ms Pacman, Donkey Kong and all your old favorites are here – and they are free to play as you drink REPLAY’S  wonderful libations. 

The new bar will feature more than 25
craft beers on tap and a cocktail menu designed by Elixir’s mixologist,
Danny Quinn, and a limited food menu from Halsted’s. 

We got a sneak peak last night – the bar will be open this weekend, but still needs another week or two to finish everything that is left to be done. 
3439 North Halsted
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Memorial Day brunch with El Mariachi on Broadway

Join Us This 

Memorial Day 

For Brunch & 1/2 Price House Margaritas  

Business Hours

11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

 

1/2 Price House Margaritas 

 

Come and experience one of the hottest up and coming brunch spots in the boys town/east Lakeview neighborhoods.  

Great place to enjoy with family & friends.  An amazing expansive brunch menu.  

Brunch Done With A Mexican Twist!!!

We Wil Be Serving Brunch From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

  

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Gay Porn Stars in Chicago this Weekend

5 big events  and  4 days of hot gay male pornstars.

Thursday
May 23rd, 2013
  –

Grabby Official Kickoff Party with
Chi Chi LaRue
and the   Men
for Fabscout

 Hydrate 3458 N. Halsted from 9pm till
? $5 Cover.


Friday
May 24th, 2013

 Lucky Horse Shoe

3169 N. Halsted


CameraBoys.com presents Cocktails with the Stars
w/Scotty B  and the men of Colt, Hot House & Jet Set Men
9pm-till Midnight        $5 Cover

Saturday
May 25th, 2013


The
2013 Grabbys!   NEW LOCATION!!

Center on Halsted
  3656 N. Halsted
Red carpet / doors open at 6:00
PM.  Show stars at 8:00 PM.

GET TICKETS

GRABBY
OFFICIAL AFTERPARTY

Charlies
3726 N. Broadway – 10pm till Close…
$10 Advance….$15 at the Door
Tickets now on sale
CLICK
HERE

The finale!
Sunday May 26th, 2013

Naked Sword Post
Grabby Recovery Brunch at
North
End

3733 N Halsted from 1
–  4:00 PM
$10 Cover. $15 at the door.

For the first time ever
hear from the Porn Stars what took place before, during and after the
Grabbys.

* this event has sold
out
early in
the past so
get your tickets early space is
limited!
Tickets are available at North End.

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The OUT Chicago Hotel Still Working Hard to Please Neighbors

WHY are people afraid of change?

For the past few months developer Ian Reisner has been flying back and fourth from New York to attend Lakeview/Boystown neighborhood meetings, where concerned neighbors have been voicing their opinions on the proposed OUT CHICAGO hotel coming to Halsted. 

THE OUT NYC recently celebrated their first year in business and made FODORS  top 100 Hotels IN THE WORLD award list! That is a huge kudos to them. They share the list with other heavy hitters like  Bellagio Las Vegas, Shangri-La Paris, and Thornbury Castle in England. 
Not to mention all the rave reviews, from gay and straight travelers, on TripAdvisor. And they are currently ranked #4  out  of  160 specialty hotels in New York City. 
So why wouldn’t we want this top notch, 5 star hotel here?
I think many people have not done their homework. At last nights meeting with Belmont Harbor Neighbors Association,  Reisner stated he has taken all of the previous comments to heart and his design team  Koo and Associates are working on new renderings which be available early June at the next meeting.  And can be viewed prior to the meeting. 
“Hotels are considered the epicenter of communities. They bring life and
vibrancy,” Reisner said. “… So I feel like I’m bringing a resort to
your community that will be a luxury, a benefit. … How about jobs? How
about tax revenues? When you say, ‘What am I doing here?’ I feel like
you’re attacking me. Would you like me not to bring a business here?”

People at last nights meeting had in their mind this was going to be a gay flop house. I don’t think a gay flop house could possibly made Fodors list of the top 100 hotels in the world. At  $200-$225  a night, I think this hotel will bring an educated, savvy consumer to Boystown.

People expressed concerns about the “hostel”  element. It’s not a hostel. The OUT NYC  has  a couple   4 person sleep/share rooms, which goes for about $90 a night, per person. People are able to enjoy all the amenities of the hotel but don’t get their own room per se’ and it’s co-ed.

Sleep Shares have a bathroom, a cubby to stash your stuff, and a
full-sized bed with personal 22’ TV and privacy curtains. You can travel with
your friends and get the whole place to yourselves, or come alone and
meet new people. These rooms are the answer to experiencing the pleasure
of New York without the pain of high-priced lodging. So it’s hardly a hostel or sex den. 

More people on the streets  brings vibrancy and consumer dollars to the neighborhood. We should welcome THE OUT CHICAGO with open arms, as they will surely give a huge boost to the neighborhood. 

Jim Ludwig, owner a Roscoes and President of Triangle Neighbors said he believes all parties involved are working together, for the best possible outcome for all. 

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About Face Theatre THE PRIDE June 6-July 13th

CHICAGO (May 8, 2013) About Face Theatre is pleased to kick-off LGBTQ Pride Month with the Chicago premiere of the Olivier Award-winning drama THE PRIDE by Alexi Kaye Campbell, directed by Artistic Director Bonnie Metzgar, playing June 6 – July 13, 2013 at Victory Gardens Richard  Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Tickets for THE PRIDE are available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling the Victory Gardens Box Office at (773) 871-3000.  
THE PRIDE features AFT Artistic Associates Patrick Andrews, John Francisco and Benjamin Sprunger with Jessie Fisher.  Two story lines, fifty years apart. Set in London, Alexi Kaye Campbell’s time-shifting play THE PRIDE maps the progression of the gay rights movement from the repression of the fifties to the freedom of today through the fate of two twisted love triangles. In 1958, Philip is married to Sylvia but in love with Oliver. In 2008, Oliver is addicted to public sex with strangers, so Philip leaves him. Sylvia has to pick up the pieces. THE PRIDE is a sharp, witty portrait of urban gay couples and the punishing consequences of liberation.
Playwright: Alexi Kaye Campbell
Director:  AFT Artistic Director Bonnie Metzgar
Location:  Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater, 
Dates:  Previews: Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 pm, Friday, June 7 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, 
2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.
June 8 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, June 9 at 5 pm & Wednesday, June 12 at 7:30 pm.
Regular Run: Saturday, June 15 – Saturday, July 13, 2013
Show Times:  Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 5 pm & 9 pm; Sundays at 5 pm.  
Please note: there are no performances on Friday, June 14 and Thursday, July 
4.  There is an added performance on Monday, July 8 at 7:30 pm
Tickets:  Previews: $20
Regular run: $30. $15 students. Group rates available.
Tickets for THE PRIDE are available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling 
the Victory Gardens Box Office at (773) 871-3000.

this post is sponsored by:

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Dani Toro and Circuit Mom Productions for IML Weekend in Chicago

IML 35! You have got tons of events all weekend coming up , but one of my favorites is always International Mr. Leather Victory Celebration Party concert  at HOUSE OF BLUES!  Sunday, May 26th. 

This years DJ is the supersexy DANI TORO from Barcelona!
Based in Bacerlona (Spain) – Dani Toro is an artist that doesn’t fall under any labels, his music style is unique.

While he makes my mouth water, his sets are always strong and very energetic, which borderline between
Tribal House and Progressive, and blends it wellwith Mainstream House,
delightning the most demanding crowd.

He has worked at he best LGBT European Clubs. Although his career started back in 1999, he had his major
break in the LGBT Circuit Scene in 2009, by becoming one of the guest
headliners for MADRID Pride 2009 – which took place at Vazquez de Mella
square – where he played for a crowd of over 6000 people. Further more,
the same night, he played at Madrid’s Iconic Party “HEAVEN” (Madrid
Pride, 2009).

In the last few years (2010, 2011, 2012), Dani Toro has become a favorite headliner at Barcelona Pride.

OH – and don’t get there too late!  Producer Matthew Harvat has said that the opening production number will be OFF THE HOOK!!!  And NOT  TO BE MISSED!

Sunday 05/26/2013

Doors: 09:00 PM
Show: 09:00 PM
Price: $65.00 – General Admission
Ages: 21+

House of Blues Chicago


329 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 923-2000

Rest up Monday daytime because Monday night is an annual party, The Black and Blue Ball,  at The Castle (formerly Excalibur) that is a favorite of ours. Matthew Harvat will  dj  with Ralphi Rosario!!  Rosario is a Chicago legend! 

Highly sought after to work as a DJ and remixer and he has released several
full-length albums. Rosario has remixed tracks by artists including INXS, the Shamen, Jomanda, Culture Beat, Gloria Estefan, Dee-Lite, Pet Shop Boys, Madonna, Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, Kelly Clarkson, Pussycat Dolls, and Princess X.

The classic officially
sanctioned IML closing party returns with a completely remodeled club
inside the old Excalibur! You won’t believe your eyes, but more
importantly, your ears will fall in love with the VOID Sound System.
It’s like no other in the country and THIS will be the VOID debut to the
gay audience!

What was once a small party for 100 people in a
hotel bar, The Black & Blue Ball has grown to a landmark,
international leather dance party with upwards of 2000 people making
this event one of the largest gay parties in Chicago. With 20,000
square feet of party space on 4 levels, this final blow out of the IML
weekend is sure to be the best one yet.

Chicago’s legendary
DJ/Producer/Remixer Ralphi Rosario will bring his Grammy nominated
passion and talent to the IML stage for the first time and it is sure to
be epic. DJ Matthew Harvat returns to the party he took over 12 years
ago to spin his own special mix of dirty house and classic vocals.

You’d better take off on Tuesday, because the 35th Anniversary Black and Blue Ball is going to wear. you. out.

Individual tickets are ONLY available at the ticket booth located in
the leather mart of the Marriott Hotel (the host hotel) starting Friday,
May 24th or at the door of CASTLE the night of the event. See you
there.

THE CASTLE
632 North Dearborn Street

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Chicago House Raises $129,000!

On Sunday, May 5th, from 12 – 3 p.m., Chicago House, the leader in housing and supportive services for people affected by HIV and AIDS, kicked off its 26th Annual Chicago House Spring Brunch and Fashion Show raising $129,000 for the organization! Over 400 guests
gathered at the Harold Washington Library’s breath-taking Winter Garden
Ballroom to enjoy a three-course brunch, 120-item silent auction and
fashion show!

Co-chairs Shira Kollins and Colin Falco presented Chicago House’s annual Spirit Award to openly gay Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy, in acknowledging her ongoing advocacy for women, the LGBT communities, and Chicago House. Guests included Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil of India and designer Azeeza Khan. Highlights from the day included a performance by Angelique Munro and a spring runway show headlined by AZZA, Lulu’s on the Avenue, Bonobos and more!

 


WATCH FOR THE  NEXT  EVENT!

JUNE  20th   Annual  Bird House Art Auction

Join Co-Chairs Jerry Sanfilippo, Spyros Petros, Denise Antonucci,
Erik Retzer & Jim Josephson for the Pride Kickoff event EVERYONE is
crowing about!

Toast the Summer Season with
cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses
from the city’s Most unique designers! Functional birdhouses, funky art,
and auction pieces for any shopper!

Where: Room & Board Downtown Chicago Store

55 East Ohio Street   Time: 6-9 p.m.

Advanced tickets: $70  Door tickets: $80


Since 1985, Chicago House has provided housing and supportive services to men, women, and children affected by HIV and AIDS.  The Annual Brunch & Fashion Show is one of over 20 events a year to benefit the organization.  www.chicagohouse.org

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Chicago Gay Play Weekend – May 17 to 19!

GAY PLAY WEEKEND!

You may know that both At The Flash and Under A Rainbow Flag were finalists in last year’s Great Gay Play Contest, and showcased
as Enhanced Staged Readings in the Center On Halsted’s Hoover-Leppen
Theater last spring. 


This
year, we have five exciting new works in development, and we need your
feedback. Come see the presentation of these very exciting and vastly
different scripts recommended by our contest readers from around the
country. Who knows – one of them may be presented as a full production
new year!

Tickets for each performance are $10, and can be purchased through www.brownpapertickets.com.

Artistic Associate Patrick Rybarczyk says “The Gay Play Weekend is
always an exciting and inspiring part of the Pride Films and Plays
season. For us an ensemble, we have the opportunity to discuss and
collaborate on works that could potentially be part of our future
seasons. For our audience, it’s an opportunity to hear the best of new
LGBTQ plays, to share their feedback with us, and to meet many
playwrights from around the world. It is a hopeful reminder that there
are stories are out there that need to be told, shared and instilled in
our community and beyond.”
The readings include movement and staging, and include:
  • A blues-infused work about an esteemed James Baldwin-esque African American and his meeting with a young black writer in The Red Train.
  • Forbidden Glass, a new drama about illicit love and intrigue among gay Iranians.
    Gay Play Weekend
    Forbidden Glass

  • Dancing in the Mirror
    is a fusion of dance and theater, as a Broadway dancer returns to his
    hometown to teach in the dance school in which he was brought up, and to
    confront the memory of the teacher who abused him.
  • Sand Man
    is a drama about a Chicago reporter whose work on bullying and the
    suicide of a gay teen has left him emotionally and physically battered
  • And Directions For Restoring The Apparently Dead, in which past and present collide when a straight man and gay man are reunited after life-shattering experiences. 
The complete schedule for the weekend is:

  • Red Train by B. V. Marshall, directed by Kyra Morris, Friday May 17 at 7:00
  • Dancing in the Mirror by Perry Ojeda, directed by Jay Andrew Espana, Saturday, May 18, 4:00 pm.
  • Directions for Restoring The Apparently Dead by Martin Casella, directed by Chuck Berglund, Saturday, Mary 18 7:00 pm
  • Forbidden Glass by Kirt Shineman, directed by Alexander St. John, Sunday May 19 1:00 PM
  • Sand Man by G William Zorn, directed by Derek Bertelsen, Sunday May 19 4:00 pm.
The plays are performed as ‘enhanced staged readings’, with
blocking, costuming, dance, and design elements. Tickets for each
performance are $10, and can be purchased through www.brownpapertickets.com.

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Spain’s culture is showcased with Ensemble Español’s 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival, June 12 through June 23.

Chicago’s unique contribution to the elegance and passion of Spain’s dance, music and culture is showcased as never before in Ensemble Español’s 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival, Wednesday, June 12 through Sunday, June 23. 

This year the Festival expands to two new locations: Old Town School of Folk Music, which will host the free Festival opening Duende Flamenco Music & Dance Concert; Instituto Cervantes in downtown Chicago which will host a reception and pre release preview presentation of the “Sobre las Olas” documentary film on Flamenco in the US. featuring Dame Libby and the Ensemble Español. 
Northeastern Illinois University is the site of the popular series of Spanish/Flamenco /classical/folkloric master classes; and for the thirteenth season North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie will host the ever popular “Flamenco Passion” Gala performances this year highlighting the 20th anniversary of Dame Libby’s International Flamenco masterwork ballet, “Bolero,” plus an exciting selection of works by guest artists and from Ensemble Español’s

extensive crowd-pleasing repertoire.
“Festival time is always exciting for us. We are thrilled to be adding the Old Town School of Folk Music as partners and the pre release preview of the documentary film “Sobre las Olas” at the Instituto Cervantes. I am also thrilled to mark the 20th anniversary of Bolero given the overwhelming international reception throughout it’s history. Sitting in the audience for the 2010 Dance for Life benefit gala concert at the Harris Theater in Millennium park, my heart was passionately pumping as the dancers began and my soul took flight when the entire audience jumped to their feet in uproarious applause as the company devoured the full
stage, rushing and twirling, with their Spanish fans and toreador capes. ¡Ole! 
We are honored to donate part of the proceeds from our Friday, June 21 opening gala performance to benefit Dance for Life. We are also extremely grateful to once again have the support of our in resident partner, Northeastern Illinois University, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, plus an incredible roster of guest artists and sponsors, who have generously contributed to the success of our festival”.
Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder and Artistic Director of Ensemble Español.
OPENING FESTIVAL CONCERT
The Festival begins with the Duende Flamenco Music & Dance Concert at the Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, Wednesday, June 12 at 8:30 p.m. The concert will feature dancers from the Ensemble Español along with guest artists from Spain, including famous Flamenco dancer and choreographer Carmela Greco, performing her passionate Flamenco Cuban influenced Guajiras, Devenir (“Come & Go”); and José Barrios principal dancer of the Maria Pages Flamenco Company in Seville performing “Antes Que Amanezca” (“Before Dawn”) in the deep song Flamenco style of Solea por Bulerias
with musicians, Paco Fonta, Flamenco singer and guitarist, Antonio Gabarri Jiménez, Flamenco guitarist and Javier Saume Mazzei, percussionist. This concert is part of the Old Town’s World Music series. 
Tickets FREE with a $10 suggested donation. 
For reservations or more information call 773-728-6000 or visit
www.EnsembleEspanol.org/festivals .
FLAMENCO DOCUMENTARY FILM
“Sobre las Olas – A story of Flamenco in the US,” directed by Carolina Loyola-Garcia, will have a pre-release exclusive preview event at Chicago’s Instituto Cervantes Auditorium, 31 W Ohio St. Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m.

Since the early 20th century, the art of Flamenco has been crossing the ocean traveling to faraway places, including the United States. The legendary José Greco spread this art form throughout the Americas making it a household word. Many have fallen in love with its deep songs, cries, rhythms and movements. This documentary brings us into the heart of Flamenco in the US and to the artists who keep it alive. Featured artists include Carmela Greco, daughter of the legendary José Greco, and Dame Libby Komaiko, Irma Suárez
Ruiz and Jorge Pérez of Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater. Other featured artists include Edwin Aparicio, Ricardo Marlow, Jesus Montoya, Barbara Martinez, Rebeca Tomas, Elba Hevia Y Vaca, Marija Temo, Manolo Leiva, Maria Benitez, and Cihtli Ocampo, among others.

 Following the screening there will be a Q & A with Carmela Greco, Dame Libby Komaiko and dancers of the Ensemble Español and a Spanish Tapas & Wine reception by Emilios Tapas Restaurant. Tickets are $15 (general admission), $12 (students and seniors) and $10 (IC and ILCC Members).

For reservations and more information contact Josephine DiCesare, Manager of Operations at 773-442- 5916

“>

FLAMENCO PASSION GALA PERFORMANCES
The Festival culminates with three must-see “Flamenco Passion” live music and dance performances at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Friday, June 21 and Saturday June 22 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 23 at 3 p.m. The program will feature Dame Libby’s full company Flamenco masterwork ballet, BOLERO, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. The performances will also feature guest dancers and choreographers including Carmela Greco (Madrid), daughter of the legendary José Greco; Paloma Gómez & Raquel Gomez (Madrid), former principals with the National Ballet of Spain; and José Barrios (Cordoba), principal dancer of the Maria Pages Company. The impressive roster of guest singers and musicians will include Flamenco guitarist, Antonio Gabarri Jiménez (Madrid), Flamenco singer and guitarist, Paco Fonta (Miami), Flamenco guitarist, David Chiriboga (Ecuador), Peruvian Tenor, Luis Galvez and Venezuelan-born percussionist, Javier Saume Mazzei. Additional program details will be announced at a later date.
Tickets are $26-$46; free parking is available. For tickets, call 847-673-6300 or visit northshorecenter.org. Mini-group rates ($22-$39) are available for groups of 6 or more. Call 773-327-3778.
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Chaka Kahn Headlines Center on Halsteds Human First Gala May 18

Tickets are still available for  Center on Halsted’s  Human First gala on May 18th.  An amazing fun-filled evening,  honoring several outstanding community members and enjoying a great performance by Chicago native, Chaka Khan, followed by dancing until midnight

This year’s Human First Award recipients include Sarah Schmidt & Julie Matthei, and Jonathan “Yoni” Pizer & Brad Lippitz, whose work to advance marriage equality has been essential to its growing success; and Richard Turner,
who has been active in AIDS/HIV and LGBTQ issues, as well as with
corporate and philanthropic communities. Being honored with the
Community Spirit Award will be Allstate Insurance Company,
which has been very supportive of agencies nationwide, particularly
around the issues of domestic violence and fiscal literacy. Co-chairing
this year’s event are Charles A. Schrock and Laura RickettsBillie Jean King, has agreed to serve as Honorary Co-Chair along with Amina Dickerson, Anne Kaplan, Abby O’Neil & Carroll Joynes, and Maria Bechily & Scott Hodes.

 Please join us at the amazing Hilton, 720 S. Michigan, 

 in what is sure
to be a memorable evening. 

Tickets are available at Centeronhalsted.org/hf. 


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About Face Theatres WHATS THE T

About Face Theatre is pleased to present a remount of its wildly popular Youth Ensemble world premiere WHAT’S THE T? by Sara Kerastas and The About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble, directed by Artistic Associate Eric Hoff, playing May 19 – June 2, 2013 at the Prince Charitable Trusts Upstairs Loft at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., in Chicago. The production features members of the About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble. Tickets are available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or at the door.

 

Internet
personality/trans activist/fierce community leader Ms. Ma uses her
YouTube page to create community, serve glamour and spread the good word
about queer safe spaces in Chicago. WHAT’S THE T? tells the
story of Ms. Ma’s tangled web of connections, her struggle to stay
positive and what happens to her community when she disappears. Inspired
by issues of race, gender, age and class in Chicago’s “Boystown,” WHAT’S THE T? is based on true stories and interviews from LGBTQA youth and adults in and around Chicago.

 

WHAT’S THE T? began
with the theme of trans identity, but after year-one, the youth
ensemble chose to take it a step further by using this theme to address
the significant tensions arising in the queer community. As such, the
play examines issues of race, gender, class and age in the queer
community, with trans characters at the heart of the story. For 13
years, the Youth Theatre has sought changes within the larger community
through innovative thought, dialogue, and performance. AFYT hopes to
move their ensemble from positions of marginalization into positions of
inclusion and power.

 

“There’s
a whole storyline in the play that takes place on the Internet – with
two people documenting their lives through YouTube videos, and
ultimately building a relationship in that digital elusive space,”
comments playwright Sara Kerastas. “This play is so right now. The story speaks to how we communicate right now. How we build, how we own, and how we use space right now.”

 

The production team for WHAT’S THE T? includes: John Holt (set design/technical director), Mieka van der Ploeg (costume design), Jeff Glass (lighting design/production manager), Erik Roldan (sound design), Liviu Pasare (projections design), Nic K (choreography), Rupert Priniski (production coordinator) and John Rooney (stage manager).

 

Title:                           WHAT’S THE T?


Playwright:                Sara Kerastas and The About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble

Director:                    Artistic Associate Eric Hoff

Featuring:                  About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble members


Location:                   Prince Charitable Trusts Upstairs Loft at Victory Gardens Theater

                                    2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.


Dates:                                                   

                                    Regular Run: Friday, May 24 – Sunday, June 2

Curtain Times:          Fridays at Saturdays at 7 pm; Sundays at 3 pmNote: there will an added 3 pm performance on Saturday, June 1.


Tickets:                      $15. $5 youth tickets; $25 AFYT Support Ticket.

Tickets for WHAT’S THE T? are available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or at the door.

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Illinois GOP Chair Pat Brady FORCED TO RESIGN Over Gay Marriage Debate

WHAT IS THIS? ALABAMA??


Illinois Republicans have just forced state party chair Pat Brady to resign because of his support for gay marriage.

Brady, rather famously, came out in support of gay marriage in
January of this year, and even made phone calls to lawmakers urging them
to support gay marriage legislation before the Illinois legislature.

And now he’s politically-dead, killed by a Republican party so
permeated with hate and intolerance that even in a moderate-Republican
state like Illinois, the GOP just couldn’t stomach having a gay friendly  man as
party chair.

In 2013, when 11 American states have already legalized gay
marriage, Illinois Republicans are so hateful and bigoted that they
would destroy a man for daring to speak out in favor of civil rights.

If the state of Illinois DOES NOT PASS Marriage Equality, it will be a sad day, for our State. 

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Taverna 750 Gives to Ride For Aids as this months Late Night Charity

Taverna 750 is proud to announce that the entire month of May they have joined forces with four incredible teams; Team

CUR, Team to End AIDS, Election Cycles and Team Shaine to help raise money for Ride for AIDS Chicago.
 Ride for AIDS Chicago is a two-day, 200-mile, bicycling event produced by Test Positive Aware Network and designed to raise
needed monies for TPAN and Community Partners. Riders are required to raise a minimum of $1,000 each and our
teams are committing to going above and beyond that number.
Ride for AIDS mission is to be a catalyst for change in the HIV/AIDS Community by raising vital funds for those living
with or at risk for HIV while simultaneously fighting the shame and stigma associated with the disease. This ride is
unlike any other ride of this kind as Ride for AIDS Chicago is committed to returning 100% of your pledges to the
beneficiaries.
Each weekend in the month of May the four teams have divided up to race against each to raise the most money for their teams and will then come together May 31st for one last time where all the money raised that evening will be split evenly amongst the teams.
Schedule of Events (11:00 PM -Close):
May 3/4:   Team CUR
May 10/11:  Team to End AIDS
May 17/18:  Election Cycles
May 24/25:  Team Shaine
May 31:   Final Party (All 4 Teams)
Taverna 750 is dedicated to making these events a success and for every item purchased off the 100% Club Menu you will be given the option to enter into a drawing for prizes that include bottle service for a group of 8 friends at Scarlet, a dining experience for 4 at Taverna 750, among others to be announced throughout the month! On top of that Taverna
750 will donate all revenue generated on the 100% Club Menu items to each team throughout the course of the month.

Taverna 750’s100% CLUB is a month long event for the charity of the month to help them raise money and awareness of their cause and takes place every Friday and Saturday evening from 11:00 pm – Close each night.
The concept of Taverna 750 was inspired by Paul D. Cannella’s Grandfather, Paul J. Loverde, and Uncle Chuckie Abruzzini’s restaurant. Grandpa Paul and Uncle Chuckie served up good times, great drinks, and classic Italian food to Chicago’s West Chicago neighborhood between the 1940’s and 1960’s. Their recipes are the basis for several menu items.
All of the entrees are small plates, which are meant for sharing with your party. They are served European style, so  they will arrive at the table in the order in which they are prepared.
Taverna 750 . 750 W Cornelia Ave. Chicago, IL 60657 . 773-904-7466
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National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame

 A hall of fame for gay athletes and allies is launching  in Chicago.

The nonprofit National Gay & Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame will
accept nominees beginning this summer. Its goal is to honor people and
organizations that have “stood up to stereotypes” and embraced gay and
lesbian athletes, said Bill Gubrud, executive director and board
chairman.

“We’re not just going to honor gay athletes, but other athletes who
helped those gay athletes along and provided a safe haven,” Gubrud said.

Read more at the Tribune. 

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