Category Archives: Alternative
Save 10% at Cosmic Run Chicago September 20th
Push the limits of your imagination.
Chicago!
September 20th!
HAWTHORNE RACE COURSE
3501 S. Laramie Ave
Sign up now – save 10% with
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NVRLAND Neverland Art Exhibit in Chicago July 12-14
art and original design into its events. In addition to throwing
Neverland parties, our creative team also owns the brands GayGlow and
Drag Carnage, which are exclusive to Hydrate Nightclub.
Founder & Creative Director – Anthony DiFiore
Founder & Head of Production – Damian Martin
Artistic Director – Ian Bulla (Fierce Finder Studio)
has partnered with Lacuna Artist Loft Studios in the Pilsen gallery
district of Chicago to present the “Neverland Art Exhibit” on July
12th-14th!!! This groundbreaking event–the very first time a circuit
party has held an art exhibit–will feature large-scale prints from our
photoshoots and events, original costumes from our parties, and
performance art, in addition to great house music and a NVRLND lighting
display.
OPENING RECEPTION – Friday July 12h
Time: 7pm-9:30pm (coincides with Pilsen Art Walk)
Location: Lacuna Loft Studio Rooftop Deck (http://lacuna2150.com/
DJ: Matthew Harvat of Circuit Mom Productions
Details: On Friday night we’ll be having a special opening reception on
Lacuna’s fabulous rooftop deck. This beautiful space overlooking the
Chicago skyline will be lit up with NVRLND lighting and the sounds of DJ
Matthew Harvat (Circuit Mom). We’ll be showcasing a sampling of the
prints and costumes that will be on display Saturday & Sunday in the
first-floor Gallery.
WEEKEND EXHIBIT – Saturday & Sunday July 13th-14th
Time: Noon to 7pm both days (coincides with Lacuna Art Walk & F.A.M.E. Street Festival)
Location: Lacuna Loft Studio Gallery (http://lacuna2150.com/
DJ: Jalil Z (Miami) on Saturday and Phil DaBeatz on Sunday
Details: July 13th-14th, during Pilsen’s F.A.M.E. Street Festival and
Second Saturdays Art Walk, Neverland will be showcasing all of its
photography, costumes, and performance art at the beautiful warehouse
loft Gallery inside Lacuna Loft Studios. We will be transforming this
amazing space with art, lighting, music, hot dancers, and our most
talented drag performers. We’re giving you a fierce daytime party inside
an art exhibit!!
Help us celebrate our 1-year anniversary in a truly groundbreaking and unique way!!!
EVENT PRICING: FREE
Guest Photographer and Videographer: Marco Ovando
Photography by: Fierce Finder Studio and Jonathan Mathias
Original costumes by: Damian Martin, Raul Redaggio, and Eddie Couture
Music by: DJ Matthew Harvat, DJ Jalil Z (Miami), and DJ Phil DaBeatz
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:
Playwright: Sar
Director: A
Featuring: Ab
Location: Pr
Dates:
Curtain Times: Fridays at Saturdays at 7 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Note: 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.
Subject to Change Mx. QSA Pageant JAN 30
The Alliance is thrilled to be the beneficiary of Subject to Change’s inaugural Mx. Queer (U)SA pageant, which was selected as a Critics’ pick in this week’s Time Out Chicago!
of previous Subject to Change hosts, and feature guest sets from DJ Wife
Material (Britticisms).
aims to create a space of “no shame” when it comes to the music they
enjoy and the people they love and care about — family (both blood and
chosen) and our community via the events and publications they produce.
that energy to support the many organizations working to make this city a
better place for queer folks.
Pamper Yourself with Great Personal Services in Boystown
In the last few months, some new personal service businesses
have popped up in Boystown, joining the ranks of long time style makers like
Tim Weber of Restorations Salons .
We have been a fan of Tims Restoration salon since it’s
first opening in 1993, in Lincoln Park. (2151 N. Sheffield) Tim steadily grew his business and
later opened 2 more locations, one in Andersonville (5349 N. Clark) and the newest spot in
Lakeview (3255 N. NBroadway).
What makes
restoration different? or special? “Restoration Salons’ pride themselves on having experienced
professional stylists, a comfortable relaxed atmosphere, and the focus is on
hair and our goal is to restore,” says Tim.
hairstyles?
time to move on… Some heads can pull off trends and some should never try
them… I usually try to make the client look there best; whether it is a trend
or timeless!”
How to choose a good salon or stylist?
“I always say that a client needs to find 3 things: A salon that they like (the atmosphere,location,style) a stylist that they love (enjoy talking too, and happy to see them) and a stylist that can achieve a great cut/color. If you can find all three you will be happy for a long long time! Our staff is always ready with a friendly smile. We ensure you a great service and a high quality experience, that will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and restored!”
The new girl on the block is Kinley Preston, owner of the new VANITE’ Paul Mitchell Focus Salon at 3161 N. Halsted. There are only 5 Focus Salons in the entire Chicagoland area and this is the 3rd such salon, in the city.
So what is a “focus salon”? Kinley explained, “We carry the entire Paul Mitchell product line, including the pet products. The staff is Paul Mitchell trained and educated.
We are happy to be a flourishing Local
Independent Business and active
in giving to our community.
As a “Paul Mitchell Focus
Salon” we have the opportunity
to receive advanced training
from Premier National Award
Winning Stylists several times
each year. We are committed to
keeping up to date and pleased
to deliver these techniques with
the latest ideas to you!
Cut and Coloring is our
specialty. We don’t settle for
average and neither should you!
We offer you more than just a
cut.. get an experience! We think we offer a better quality service for the same price as some of our competitors.“
Kinley’s new salon is sleek and elegant. I was pampered with a shampoo and cut recently. The comfort experience begins with the chairs and shampoo bowls. Both from Japan. Both providing comfort and allowing the guest to fully relax and enjoy the 5 minute scalp massage in the dimly lit, LED glowing room!
Kinley herself was a graduate of the Paul Mitchell School but chose to be an owner and manager, instead of a stylist. A great side story – FYI – John Paul Jones DeJoria, the mastermind behind Paul Mitchell, was born the second son of an Italian immigrant father and a Greek immigrant mother in Los Angeles. His parents divorced by the time he was two years old, and at nine he began selling Christmas cards and newspapers with his older brother to support his family. When his single mother proved unable to support both children, they were sent to an East Los Angeles foster home.
DeJoria spent much of his youth in a street gang in East Los Angeles, but changed when he was told that he would “never succeed at anything in life” by a math teacher at John Marshall High School. He graduated in 1962 and spent two years in the United States Navy, after which he floated through a series of jobs ranging from janitor to insurance salesman.
DeJoria entered the world of hair care as an employee of Redken Laboratories. He was fired from this position and in 1980, he formed John Paul Mitchell Systems with hairdresser Paul Mitchell and a loan for $700. In 1989, Paul Mitchell died and was replaced by his son, Angus as company co-owner. As of 2011, John Paul Mitchell Systems had revenues of $900 million annually.
So DeJoria understands personal struggles and hurdles. And he in fact, played a key role in Kinley’s life and was instrumental helping making her salon, a reality. “Three years ago, I was destitute. Living in my car. He really took a personal interest in my story, at a time when I was going through a lot. I wrote a business plan, and the company loved it.”
Now Kinleys salon is a reality and she is very involved with the community and sits on various boards from the local Chamber of Commerce to the Joffrey Ballet Auxiliary board.
The world is all about pure, natural and organic these days. People are willing to pay a little more, for better products and services.
There has been a global shift taking place in the food, water and health sectors, as we face consequences of environmental damage due to pollution, global warming, agricultural trends and pesticide usage.
Enter Vincent Dinh of Savon Spa. (3635 North Halsted Street) “Growing up in Vietnam, everything we ate was organic.” explains Vincent. “There were no chemicals used. Poop was used to fertilize! With that experience growing up and then moving to America, it was like culture shock. OMG, the cucumbers are so big here! And no taste. My food was growing up was small, beqautiful and SO MUCH TASTE.“
At Savon Spa, Amy, Vincent and their staff strive to give clients a luxurious, purifying organic spa experience in an elegant setting reminiscent of old world Paris. In fact, much of the furniture inside the spa is eco-friendly reclaimed and/or refurbished.
Indulgent, Earth-friendly, organic products, hand-made organic soaps, scrubs, masks, lotions and treatments. In atmosphere of serenity, warmth, and beauty, Savon Spa offers a soothing array of services. From various massages (60 minute deep tissue $110), advanced facials (24k gold mask or placenta treatment $200), body treatments (Hungarian mud wraps $80), manicure, pedicure, waxing for men and women and non-surgical skin rejuvenation services by cutting-edge aestheticism Dr. Randa Sawan. “We offer a great no lift, non-yellowing nail treatment. There is no chemicals and no odor. And it’s stronger than acrylic or gel nails,” explained Vincent.
Every experience can be customized to the guests’ desires to provide the perfect escape from the city, whether it’s for a quick massage or an entire day devoted to absolute bliss.
Savon Spa even offers “Beauty on the Go”, a mobile spa, designed to pamper you at home, in the office, or wherever your travels lead you.
Savon Spa is committed to giving you a perfect, joyful spa day every time you come in. “I have always had expensive taste. And when I was a computer consultant I was able to travel the world a lot and stay at 5 star hotels and spas. Our goal here is offer a high end experience and make it more affordable. You’ll leave Savon Spa with brighter, softer skin and a brighter, softer soul.”
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).
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.’
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
Steamwerkz The Musical Selling out! And Extended!
EVERYONE IS LOVING THIS!
Even Steamworks!
And is SELLING OUT EVERY FRIDAY!
In a brand new musical from The Annoyance, a wide-eyed gay boy comes to Chicago and makes friends with a ragtag group of characters at Chicago’s most beloved gay bathhouse – Steamwerkz.
“Steamwerkz The Musical” is directed by Clay Goodpasture. Goodpasture is a writer, actor, producer and director that has worked at The Second City, iO, The Playground, and The Annoyance. He is an ensemble member of GayCo Productions and is fresh off of a year-long run of last summer’s blockbuster hit spectacular, “The Boy Scout Musical, Knot Prepared” which he co-created with Mick Napier. His directing credits include “Cockettes: A Christmas Spectacular” and “Dread Pirate.”
IT IS SELLING OUT EVERY FRIDAY! AND NOW HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL OCTOBER 5TH
CHECK OUT THE CAST ONLINE
“Steamwerkz The Musical” plasy every Friday at 10:00PM.
Tickets are $20, $15 for students and can be purchased at the company’s website theannoyance.com or by calling the box office: 773.561.HONK (4665). The Annoyance is located at 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago, Illinois. AND it’s a cute little space. You can have a drink and see some cool shows!
Steamwerkz-The Musical
“Think Alice in Wonderland with glory holes. In this delightfully filthy
musical comedy, a lunkhead from Nebraska follows the stud of his dreams
into a Boystown bathhouse and finds himself in an alternate universe
full of eccentric inhabitants (twinks, trolls, the “King of Steam”),
mind-altering substances, and unique customs (everybody wears towels,
humps anything that moves). Though the comedy goes limp (sorry) as the
through-the-looking-glass premise gives way to a story about lonely
souls “looking for love and settling for less,” the show is redeemed by
Tara Trudel’s peppy score and some sharply drawn characterizations from
the cast. Zach Zimmerman and Chris Kervick are especially good as a pair
of empty-headed front-desk clerks. -Zac Thompson”
Chicago Reader
Gay Liberation Network August 1st Meeting
Direct Action Group!
attention to equality and liberation for LGBTs, against America ‘s wars,
supporting labor and immigrant rights, and more, the Gay Liberation Network
is there.
We meet at 7 PM on the first Wednesday of each month at the
Berger Park Cultural Center , at the northeast corner of Sheridan Road
and Granville Avenue (about 3 blocks east of the “Granville” Red Line el
stop). Gayliberation.net
See you AUGUST 1st! at 7pm.
Gay Deaf Men in Chicago Host 5 Day Event
DEAF QUEER MEN ONLY
A group of Deaf Gay men from the Chicagoland
is proud to present the third Deaf Queer Men Only (DQMO) gathering to
take place in Chicago, IL on August 1-5, 2012 for Deaf Gay men from all
over the world to socialize, network, and celebrate our identity as Deaf
Queer Men! DQMO 2012′s theme is ‘A Time to Debrief‘
This event is a very unique opportunity for Deaf Gay men who love
other men to get together and have fun! The long weekend extravaganza
includes exciting workshops, team building and bonding activities,
multiple contests, touring in the city of Chicago (you will be surprised
with what Chicago have to offer), nightly gatherings and many more.
DQMO
The People Speak Live with MATT DAMON Jan 31
Based off of the 2009 documentary, The People Speak, The People Speak, Live!
is a benefit performance that features dramatic readings of written
works from people of the past.
This month’s performance will include
readings of a fifteenth century priest documenting Columbus’ arrival in
the New World, a fugitive slave’s scathing letter to a former master,
the words of pathbreaking Chicago labor organizers, testimony of civil
rights activists and more.
The People Speak, Live! performance has officially added
Academy Award Winner Matt Damon to host the event and compliment a cast
of local talent. The supporting cast includes Robert Breuler and Alana
Arenas of the Steppenwolf Theater, various local poets and Rick Kogan of
the Tribune.
The Chicago premiere will be at the Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., on Jan. 31st.
Tickets are available at $11 to $24. Doors open at 6pm. Performance at 7pm.
Premium tickets available also.
Arbonne Health and Wellness Products Come to Chicago
I recently discovered ARBONNE!
And wanted to tell you about it! Arbonne is a highly
regarded, premium brand with a Swiss heritage. The products are healthy,
botanically based and inspired by nature. The Arbonne experience starts
with changing the appearance of your skin, then it’s about changing
your life. – And with harsh, dry, cold Chicago winters, we can all use a little Arbonne!
“We
know that when it comes to buying skin care, cosmetics and nutrition
products, the recommendations and advice from people you trust are
important.“
pure, safe, beneficial™
I was on a search for better anti-aging products, than the ones I was using. And I found Arbonne. They have a line called RE9 for Men. 4 easy to use products with ingredients to soften and minimize signs of aging and helping with fine lines!
I also love the beach and sun in the summer – and I found that they offer before and after sun products. And again, these are made with natural ingredients, which is important to me.
Arbonne products are dermatologist-tested and botanically
based. Arbonne offers premium-quality beauty, health and wellness
products with targeted results. “We employ consumer and clinical testing
to reinforce our research and ensure our proprietary formulas deliver
unparalleled performance.” – and in most cities, there are local reps to help you make your purchases and offer advice.
Troy Karnoff is my local Chicago specialist.
CHECK IT OUT!
In The Jungle – Final Weeks! Theatre in the Round
In the Jungle
is a play about a fight between two men, George Garga and C Shlink. – and it is being staged inside Brown Elephant in Andersonville!
Wakadoo Productions and the Howard
Brown Health Organization are pleased to present Wallace Dirge’s
adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s In the Jungle of Cities, directed by
Emmy-nominee Keaton Wooden. As part of an ongoing mission of Wakadoo
Productions to use Art to serve the community in tangible ways, half of
all ticket proceeds will go to the Howard Brown Health Organization to
help promote sexual wellness in Chicago for the LGBT community.
Dirges’ In the Jungle, an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s In the
Jungle of Cities, is an allegorical story of the epic battle between a
wealthy businessman and a poor bookseller in 1912 Chicago.
The
production is running until Dec. 18th at Brown Elephant, 5404 N Clark, at the site of the historic Calo
Theatre in Andersonville. Each evening the thrift store will be
transformed into a 1912 makeshift boxing ring, with set designed by the
talented Shaun Renfro.
Edward Eberwine III plays George Garga. Written in Germany in 1921 but set in Chicago, 1912, In the Jungle portrays the arbitrary duel of a lumber merchant and a poor book clerk. It takes place in the form of a boxing match, with each scene representing one round. Shlink is a wealthy lumber merchant at the start of the play and Garga is only a clerk in a book lending library.
The setting was partially inspired by Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, but contains Brecht’s unique imagination and mistaken assumptions about America. Among the many themes of the play are communism, capitalism, animalism, love, hate and human isolation. It is a dense, nihilistic portrayal of the human condition.
“We want to make a powerful, memorable event that will not only affect Chicago emotionally, but also physically,” explains director Wooden. “This piece is a tale of the senseless power of hatred, its devilish intimacy and its ultimate destruction, how easily we resort to it and how painful the results are. The danger and perhaps even the draw of this story is its acknowledgment that we all have thought to resort to the vulgar actions made by these characters. I am thrilled to bring this haunting story to the Chicago community.”
“Overall, this a remarkable production, a powerful piece of work
performed in an unlikely setting, with a host of amazingly strong
performances – 9 out of 10 STARS… “
**DISCOUNT TICKETS** you can all now get discounts to see the
show.
Originally a $30 ticket, you can now get 1/2 price tickets!
in the promotional code “georgewins” for a $15.00 ticket.
For more information, please visit InTheJungleChicago.com
and facebook.com/inthejunglechicago
Magician James Galea Nov. 19
Australiaʼs
No. 1 Magician and YouTube sensation James Galea will be performing at
the Fine and Performing Arts Center at Moraine Valley Community College
on November 19, 2011.
200 performances in the last year have seen
more than 100,000 fans flock to see his sell-out shows in over 15
countries. Galeaʼs award-winning magic grabbed the attention of ʻTheEllen DeGeneres Showʼ producers earlier this year and he was immediately
flown out to appear on the show.
Due to success of his introduction on
US television, James was invited to perform on ʻEllenʼs Somewhat Special
Specialʼ filmed for TBS in June to perform his signature trick, ʻ673
King Streetʼ.
James Galea is vastly different to the
stereotypical ‘pull a rabbit out of a hat’ magician – he breathes new
life into the dying art of magic and trades the traditional rigid tuxedo
and stiff top hat for a pair of sneakers, jeans and a tee shirt.
Energetic
and effortlessly cool, James presents the art of magic with a wicked
sense of humor disarming audiences with his youthful charm and
astonishing them with his talent.
James started learning magic at
age 14 from someone he thought was a magician. He later found out that
his mentor moonlighted as a professional con man who cheated in high
stakes poker games. While his colleagues were learning how to make
hankies disappear from old magic books Galea learnt how to deal aces
from the bottom of the deck from a professional card shark.
GET TICKETS!
Moraine Valley Community College
Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway
Palos Hills, IL 60465
Phone (708) 974-5500
OCCUPY CHICAGO resumes tonight 10-22-2011
At Occupy Chicago we understand this as a gross violation of our First Amendment right to peacefully assemble. Free speech and assembly is a 24 hour right. It does not magically disappear at the park’s Curfew. In a world that continues to have its public space privatized, indeed that continues to have all things public stolen from us, it is essential that we reclaim and build a public space to bulwark ourselves against the oncoming tide ofcorporate greed. We are trying erect a public space, one that is not owned or sponsored, where ideas, democracy, and the resistance against the ever increasing cuts that affect all us, can be fostered.
Saturday
Chicago Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary Upon receipt of a major gift from philanthropist Ruth Lilly, the Poetry Foundation was established in 2003, evolving from the Modern Poetry Association, which was founded in 1941. The Poetry Foundation is one of the largest literary foundations in the world. The Poetry Foundation works to raise poetry to a more visible and influential position in American culture. Rather than celebrating the status quo, the Foundation seeks to be a leader in shaping a receptive climate for poetry by developing new audiences, creating new avenues for delivery, and encouraging new kinds of poetry. In the long term, the Foundation aspires to alter the perception that poetry is a marginal art, and to make it directly relevant to the American public. Building Hours: 11AM – 4PM Garden Hours: 9AM – 5PM Library Hours: See library information for details
organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience.
Celebrating nearly 100 YEARS!! When Harriet Monroe founded Poetry magazine in 1912, she wrote that her publication was “a modest effort to give to poetry her own place.” Now, nearly one hundred years later, poetry quite literally has that place. Opened to the public in June 2011, the building houses a public garden, a 30,000-volume library, an exhibition gallery, the Poetry Foundation’s programming offices—including the offices of Poetry magazine—and provides new space for the Foundation’s extensive roster of public programs and events. – Their building on Superior is a MUST SEE.
61 West Superior Street Chicago, IL 60654
ALEXANDRA BILLINGS Oct 7-8, An Improvised Evening With Katharine Hepburn
DARK BLUE THEATRICALS
and STAGE 773
are proud to announce
ALEXANDRA BILLINGS !
Returning to Chicago in
“KATIE’S CORNER: LIVE!”
An Improvised Evening With
Katharine Hepburn
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED
BY SEAN ABLEY
“KATIE’S CORNER is an evening of fun, fun, fun, no matter what you go in expecting. Alexandra Billings is a masterful actress and her sustained speech patterns and overall demeanor as the aging Hepburn are deliciously & devilishly perfect.”
KATIE’S CORNER: LIVE! returns to Chicago after a previous, sold-out performance in April 2011, and extended runs in Los Angeles and Fresno, CA. The performances will feature Chicago favorites Honey West, Molly Brennan (500 Clown), David Cerda (Handbag Productions, The Joan Band), Mitchell Fain and many more surprise guests.
Performances October 7-8, @10:30pm
Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont , Chicago IL, 60657
Box office – 773.327.5252 or Stage773.com
BestGayChicago.com
Crystal Bowersox Returns To Chicago – One Show Sept. 17th
Packed and ready for a move to Nashville, the “Farmer’s Daughter” singer now juggles married life as the mom of an infant son, Tony, and a blossoming music career thanks in large part to her stellar performances on the show that won her praise from none other than the notoriously picky Simon Cowell.
“I’m always writing,” she said of her songwriting prowess. “The move to Nashville will just be an asset to me. I want to be there, able to access all of the talent there…and plus, our house will have a bigger back yard!”
The woman who grew up poor began shaping a music career even before she was in high school. The idea to super size her goals came about when she learned she was pregnant and wanted to “give my son everything I never had growing up.”
“I don’t really consider myself an ‘Idol’ contestant,” she said while acknowledging her gratitude to the show. “I was a performer starting at ten years old and I played gigs all over. When I found out I was pregnant, I was playing $100 gigs. I had to find a way to do what I loved and provide for my family.”
Although she’s been embraced by the country music community, Bowersox is ready to let her music muse guide her into whatever genre feels right.
“I love country and pop and rock and all kinds of things,” she said rattling off her favorite performers including Eric Church whose latest single “Homeboy” she deemed “really cool” and the New Jersey-based duo Hoots & Hellmouth.””It used to be when I was a single lady living alone whenever the moment struck me I would write. Now I write down little phrases and lines and when it comes album time, I have all these notes. Sometimes, though, songs come from somewhere else and it could be pop or country or I don’t know.”
Crystal Bowersox returns to Chicago Septempber 17th, with one show at Dominican Univerisity, Lund Auditorium, 7900 West Division St. GET TICKETS ONLINE!~