Best Gay Chicago

Civil Unions in Illinois and Estate Planning May 16

Best of Gay Chicago — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:50:29 GMT

LAVELLE LAW LTD,
ATTORNEY HOLDS SEMINAR
ON ILLINOIS CIVIL UNION LAW

Robert Iverson, an attorney at Lavelle Law, Ltd. will give a seminar at the Center on Halsted entitled, “Civil Unions:
Important Estate Planning Considerations.”

The seminar will take place on Wednesday, May 16th from 6:30 -8:00 p.m. The Center on Halsted 3656 North Halsted.

The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act became effective on June
1, 2011. The law recognizes a new legal relationship that is in many ways similar to marriage,
but with certain limitations. Iverson will review the law and explain the rights and benefits of
Illinois citizens with Civil Union status. The seminar will include information about obtaining and
dissolving a Civil Union in Illinois, inheritance rights, the right to renounce a partner’s will,
factors involved with making important health decisions for an incapacitated partner, as well as
issues such as filing a joint state income tax return. “The new legislation is a big step for Illinois,
but it is important that partners fully understand what their union means legally,” said Iverson. “I
hope that, after the seminar, participants will have a clearer picture of the rights afforded by the
law, and how to best move forward with their legal relationship.”

Following the lecture, Iverson will make time for questions and an interactive discussion
about the law and its impact on those present.
Iverson focuses much of his practice at Lavelle Law on Estate and Tax Planning, Trust
and Estate Administration, Trust Controversy Litigation, and Contested Decedents' Estates.
While attending John Marshall Law School, Iverson earned the CALI Excellence for the Future
Award in Taxation of Trusts and Estates and served as a Staff Editor of the Law Review.

Space is limited for the event, so pre-registration is required. To register for the event,

email legal@centeronhalsted.org with the event title in the subject line or call 773-472-6469 ext436.

(PHOTO ADH COMMITMENT CEREMONIES)

GRABBY Weekend May 24 -27

Best of Gay Chicago — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:19:54 GMT

6 Parties and a hundred gay porn stars!

Started in 1991 with humble beginnings, the Grabby Awards have know grown to attract international attention. The real turning point was in 2004 when the awards moved   to the Park West, the well-known professional concert / event venue. This was evidence of the growing prominence of the Grabbys and their significance within the gay porn industry. Each year they seem to get bigger and better, with more porn stars and studios coming to town!

There is red carpet greeting as porn stars and adult entertainment movers and shakers arrive in limousines. It's very Hollywood. But for gay porn!

Thursday May 24th, 2012 -
Grabby Official Kickoff Party with Chi Chi LaRue and lots of gay porn stars!
Hydrate 3458 N. Halsted from 10pm till ? $5 Cover.


Friday May 25th, 2012 - NakedSwords Tim & Roma Show -
Charlies 3726 N. Broadway.   6:00 - 9:00 PM Over
30 pornstars up close and personal. $5 Cover


   Friday May 25th, 2012 -
Lucky HorseShoe 3169 N. Halsted 9pm-till ? $5 Cover

   Saturday May 26th, 2012 -The Main Event       The 2012 Grabbys!
Park West Theatre 322 W Armitage. Red carpet / doors open at 6:00 PM. Show stars at 7:30 PM.
GET TICKETS   ONLINE

GRABBY AFTERPARTY - SPIN Nightclub Belmont/Halsted - 10pm till Close...
BUY TICKETS HERE!


   Sunday May 27, 2012
Post Grabby Party at North End 3733 N Halsted from 12 - 6:00 PM     $10 Cover. $15 at the door.
With a list of pornstars that will make you gag !!!!! Auctions for charity all day long.
* this event has sold out early in the past so get your tickets early space is limited! Tickets are available at North End.

A Beautiful Day in the neighborhood with Justin Hayford May 20th

Best of Gay Chicago — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:27:51 GMT

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Wit and Wisdom from
Children’s Public Television

Two of the most influential television programs in history – Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – produced some of the wittiest and most endearing songs in the American popular songbook.

Chicago cabaret performer Justin Hayford has put them together for this special program, along with the fascinating stories behind their creation. This one-night-only show is an encore performance!

The songs may have been written for children, but their cleverness, insight and poignancy resonate at any age. This special encore performance will include additional songs not heard in the original show.

Admission: YOU SET THE ADMISSION PRICE!
Every dollar goes to benefit AIDS Legal Council of Chicago.

Reservations strongly recommended!
Make your reservation at Davenportspianobar.com or call 773-278-1830.

Sunday May 20 at 7 pm.Davenport's Cabaret & Piano Bar
1383 N. Milwaukee Avenue at Honore

Chicago Lost and Found Benefit at The Victor May 24

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:33:05 GMT

Chicago Lost and Found is a not-for-profit organization
committed to art education and inspiring creativity throughout the city.

This organization re-purposes materials that otherwise become landfill, creating unusual art, fashion and functional furnishings. Sales from creations assist in funding art education throughout Chicago.

“Where most people see trash, I see possibility” says Mitch Pennell, founder and creative director.

The most recent creation from the CL&F studio is the clutch bag. This must-have bag is
fabricated from once fashionable men’s trousers or designer fabric samples headed for
the trash. Yesterday’s style relic becomes today’s chic fashion accessory.

Thursday May 24th, Chicago Lost and Found presents “The Big Picture” an annual
event where even the smallest contribution makes a huge difference.

Setting a new precedence in fund-raising, “The Big Picture” introduces a fresh concept
with a pop-up boutique presented by Andersonville Galleria, featuring an array of
hand-made goods by area artists and craftsmen. Total sales from the boutique will
be matched by pledges made prior to the event. This “shop-a-thon” allows guests to
purchase items they love or even gifts for someone special. In turn, each dollar spent is
multiplied through pledges to fund the mission of art education.

Top billing for this star-studded event includes delicacies from Chicago’s own Top Chef
favorite, Dale Levitski – Sprout/Frog N Snail in cooperation with Pure Kitchen Catering
and A-list party planner, Debi Lilly /A Perfect Event. Entertainment includes international
cabaret duo Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen with fashion illustrations by Rosemary
Fanti. And a special appearance and performance by the fabulous Cyon Flare.
Plus signature cocktails from Patron and Ultimat Vodka.

This ticketed event is a party to celebrate the arts and invite the community to learn
more about the unconventional mission of turning junk into art and art into education.
This is an event you do not want to miss! Get your tickets now, space is limited and this event will sell out.

While funding for the arts and education is on a constant decline, it is paramount
community organizations like Chicago Lost and Found step in to fill the void. CL&F
offers a unique way to help while providing additional benefits for the city and
environment.

GET TICKETS NOW FOR JUST $30!
YES! Just $30 for an amazing event of art, food, and drink!
But only until May 18th! Then $40 @ the door - with limited availability.

For tickets and more information about the event:
www.chicagolostandfound.com

Chicago Lost and Found May 24, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
at The Victor, (311 N. Sangamon)

Matthew Harvat Circuit Mom Productions - 2 BIG PARTIES

Gay Lesbian LGBT Travel — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:12:06 GMT

The weekend we all get excited for - IML and GRABBY weekend over Memorial weekend!

And the 2 most anticipated parties are back!

SUNDAY May 27 - The IML Victory Party. Come mark the 10th Anniversary of The Victory Party and the Chicago debut of NYC DJ/Producer Eddie Martinez at the historic House Of Blues. Celebrate the crowning of "Mr. IML 2012" with leather men and women from around the world. Dirty beats, hot go-go boys and an amazing 4 story venue. Kick off the REVOLuTION dance party season with the hottest DJ to hit the scene in a long time.

The sleep and rest the next day until 8pm Monday the 28th!

DJs Ron G & Ted Eiel bring the IML Monday night closing party to life with their sexy style of aggressive house tracks and bass beats at the multi-level Excalibur nightclub. A perfect way to end the holiday weekend with men and women from around the world! Celebrating 12 years in this amazing venue, Excalibur, you need to see it to believe it.

2 parties you DO NOT want to miss!

Worst Bartender in Boystown-Halsted St-Chicago "Straight" Igor at Little Jim's

Best of Gay Chicago — Thu, 03 May 2012 18:57:40 GMT

Let's see: Rude, Condescending, Bitter, Affected, Patronizing, Angry, Jaded, Annoyed, Irritated, Frustrated and Hostile... words not usually associated with a hospitality employee, especially a bartender on Halsted Street in Boystown.

Well, do yourself and your gay friends a favor and AVOID "Straight Guy" bartender Igor at Little Jim's (3501 N. Halsted) because there are MUCH friendlier and gay welcoming bartenders at Bucks, Bobby Loves and North End for your gay dollars. If you are a tourist, don't risk it , and just avoid Little Jim's altogether because Igor works most night shifts.(as of this writing).

We don't like to write about negative things normally but we feel this guy must be called out for treating patrons rude.

Little Jim's has been one of our favorite "Last Call" venues for over 8 years, as it is on our northward bound way home and we have always REALLY enjoyed our time drinking there over the years.

We have met "Little Jim" and chatted with him on several occasions, and have great respect and admiration for the man who launched the first gay bar on Halsted. Opened in 1975. Despite all the competition that followed, it has held its ground. He is a pioneer to be commended. And it is sad to have an employee, a straight guy, tarnish this good name.

We first met Igor maybe 6-8 months ago - he is good looking and seemed somewhat friendly. But on our last few stops at Little Jim's over the last couple months, Igor seemed so bored; and rude. Not just to us, we saw it with others. He frequently watches the TV and ignores customers at the bar. Last month I was with a friend who ordered a drink, while finishing another. And when Igor delivered the new drink, he grabbed the almost gone other drink, and threw it away. When my friend questioned, why he did that. Igor responded it was empty. And IT WAS NOT EMPTY. - If you don't like your job buddy, it's time to move on. You are in a customer service / hospitality business.

And let us just say, by no means do we care if Igor is straight. We have given our business to MANY straight guys asking for our gay dollar at both Cocktail and Lucky Horseshoe over the last ten years, but they have always been respectful to us. And they valued our business. Igor could care less about you. It's a J.O.B. for him. And he does not do it well.

Usually, Michael and I are already a bit tipsy when we arrive at Little Jim's. And we are almost always with other friends or meeting up with friends there, so we ignore Igor's issues and attitude because we were busy socializing.

This past Wednesday, we happened to stop by with friends and were way too sober to tolerate Igor's issues and attitude. When we called him on the carpet about being so rude, it really escalated on his end and he became hostile. Now I'll be REAL honest here, there have been times at Little Jim's when we probably didn't need to be served more or a tap on the shoulder to go home may have been in order. But last Wednesday was not such a night... So when Igor threw my drink in the sink, said I was a nobody and I needed to get a real job, and asked me to leave for no reason other than I told him he was rude and we were sick of it, we were officially done with Little Jim's.

So I took the high-road Thursday to call Jeff, the manager at little Jim's and complain formally, and to let him know what had transpired and that we would not return and that there would be a story or two to follow on BestGayChicago.com. Since last Thursdays conversation, we have heard nothing back from Jeff and I guess time will tell both Jeff and Igor, how many of our readers heed our advice and avoid Little Jim's altogether, spending their gay dollars on liquor elsewhere.

So Michael and Derrick's lesson learned this past week is - enjoy your last call at Bucks, Bobby Loves or North End if your travels take you Northward. We WILL NOT RETURN to Little Jim's until Igor is gone and we hope he NEVER finds work again on Halsted Street because we, as patrons, all people included, deserve a welcoming experience anywhere we go, spending our gay dollars supporting a Boystown establishment and Boystown as a community.

Cinco de Mayo at El Mariachi Saturday

Best of Gay Chicago — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:35:35 GMT

Historically the Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates the victory of a heroic people and their struggle for freedom. On May 5, 1862 the outnumbered State of Puebla, Mexico defeated French forces which fueled the momentum and national confidence to ultimately drive foreign power completely from the country.

The reason for this celebration is to foment the Mexican history, rich traditions and maintain our roots present in our younger generations.

Today fiesta lovers across the United States will gather to celebrate the Mexican holiday. Cinco de Mayo is now celebrated in towns across the U.S. that are predominately non-Hispanic!

It's becoming more popular than St. Patrick's Day, in some cities!

WE'LL be at El Mariachi!

EQIL Spring Wine Tasting Event May 9

Best of Gay Chicago — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:36:00 GMT

The fabulous Spring Wine Tasting
event is around the corner!

Please join EQIL and Sidetrack
on Wednesday, May 9
from 6:00 to 9:00pm.

Tickets are available now.

For just a $20 donation to Equality Illinois PAC, you have access to over 100 wines from around the world and hors d'oeuvres provided by J&L Catering!

This super-popular event caters to all palates and budgets.

LGBT Travel Expo TODAY 4-8pm FREE

Best of Gay Chicago — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:18:00 GMT

GLBT TRAVEL EXPO! - May 1st - FREE Admission!

The 2012 Travel Expo Tour is an exciting event where you can learn about new travel destinations, rediscover old ones, find glbt friendly travel providers and get information to plan your next vacation.

Airlines
Hotels
Trains
Cruise lines
Car Rentals
Resorts
Exotic Destinations
Convention & Visitors Bureaus
Travel Magazines

Attendees will be able to get the latest travel information, get special travel packages and great deals from the very best travel providers as well as win great prizes.

Tuesday – May 1, 2012 – Center on Halsted. 4-8pm.

FREE EVENT!

Windy City Sisters benefit April 26th 8pm

Best of Gay Chicago — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:30:23 GMT

AFTER YOU DINE OUT FOR LIFE -

Check out -

Sister Axxx2! Back in Bad Habit

Thursday April 26!!

Join The Windy City Sister, Edge Alliance, and Hydrate Nightclub with Sister Axxx2!! Back in Bad Habit!

A benefit for Edge Alliance!!

After you dine for Dining out for Life, join us all back at Hydrate nightclub as the Windy City Sisters put a very unique show.

Doors open at 8
Hosted Bar 9-10
Showtime 10:30!!!

$10 suggested donation!!

Stay and dance with Resident

Dj Phil Da Beatz till 4 AM!!!!

3458 N. Halsted

When in Boystown Crazy Photo Tumblr Site

Best of Gay Chicago — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:31:00 GMT

I found this crazy Tumblr site called
When in Boystown.
It was just started and the owner has already posted
3 pages of crazy animated images!
Warning - Many are politically incorrect!
But many of them are so true!

When in Boystown

Scrooge and Marley Cast Party May 6th at Marys Attic

Best of Gay Chicago — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:03:24 GMT

Come meet the cast and crew of Scrooge & Marley, a new kind of Christmas movie, being filmed in Chicago this May.

Several stars and behind-the-scenes personalities will be greeting the public on Sunday, May 6, at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. (upstairs from Hamburger Mary’s), 3-5 pm. A $20 entry fee avails you of a choice of hors d’ oeuvres, half-priced drinks, and a chance to win some fun prizes.

Among the cast and crew that will be on hand for this spectacular event are:

David Pevsner (Law and Order: LA, Criminal Minds),

Rusty Schwimmer (North Country, The Perfect Storm),

David Moretti (Dante’s Cove, Shut Up and Kiss Me),

Ronnie Kroell (Eating Out: Drama Camp, BRAVO’s Make Me a Supermodel)

Plus Drew Anderson, Nicholas Bailey, Scott Duff, Amy Matheny, Fawzia Mirza, Becca Kaufman, Diana Simonzadeh, Tommy Beardmore, and Colin Sphar.

You will also have the opportunity to meet directors Richard Knight, Jr. and Peter Neville, and more cast and crew from the film!

Scrooge & Marley is a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens’ classic story of the holidays, A Christmas Carol. Recounted from a gay sensibility, with heart, comedy and music, the magic of Dickens’ timeless tale of a man’s redemption at the holidays—thanks to the help of three ghostly spirits—comes alive from a fresh perspective that will appeal to audiences of every persuasion. The screenplay is written by Ellen Stoneking, Richard Knight, Jr. and the late Timothy Imse

For information on the upcoming film, please visit www.scroogeandmarleymovie.com.

Tickets are available at the door.

Best Gay Chicago.com Turns 5 - Join us May 10th @ Roscoes

Best of Gay Chicago — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:40:48 GMT

COME   CELEBRATE!

as   BEST   GAY   CHICAGO.com celebrates our

5th Year Anniversary!       And You are Invited!

Thursday, May 10th      7 - 9 pm @ Roscoes     3356 N. Halsted

Hosted bar by    Svedka Vodka

Private invite - You are invited but You MUST RSVP
by May 7th to get on the guestlist. SPACE IS LIMITED!

LIKE us and RSVP on Facebook
or send an email or call with your names to be on the list.
bestgaycities @ gmail.com       773-878-5323

Casting Call for Scrooge and Marley

Best of Gay Chicago — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:59:18 GMT

Scrooge & Marley is a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens' classic story of the holidays, A Christmas Carol. Recounted from a gay sensibility, with heart, comedy and music, the magic of Dickens' timeless tale of a man's redemption at the holidays-thanks to the help of three ghostly spirits-comes alive from a fresh perspective that will appeal to audiences of every persuasion.

Several actors are already tentatively signed to the project, including: Megan Cavanagh (A League of Their Own, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Exes and Ohs); Rusty Schwimmer (North Country, The Surrogate, Drop Dead Diva, Bones, Louie); Ronnie Kroell (Bravo's Make Me a Super Model, Eating Out-Drama Camp and Into the Lion's Den); and Becca Kaufman, a renowned Chicago-area vocalist.

EXTRAS ARE NEEDED -

"We are NOT casting the NON-PAID EXTRAS for this film, but the production company (a good group to work with) will provide a meal should you work more than 6 hours, and will make every effort to provide parking. "

All Chicago Locations.

A breakdown of extras needed:

Monday, May 7th - Cabaret Scene – Male/Female, Age 35-50, All Ethnicity – 15 extras

Tuesday, May 8th – Cabaret Scene Continues – 10 extras needed to repeat (must have open availability for the entire day)

Wednesday, May 9th – Disco Scene, circa 1975 – All Ethnicity – as it is an independent film, they are looking for as many people as possible who have some 70s wardrobe in their collection – please state your wardrobe options in the email submission.

3 Males, very attractive, strapping hunks with extremely nice bodies (20 to 30 years of age), 3 Young Male go-go dancers (at least 21 years of age), 5 ragged looking Male street hustlers (19-23 years of age), and 1 Older Man (40 to 50 years of age), who is cruising the hustlers.

Saturday, May 12th – Bedroom Scene - 2 attractive and fit Males, Age 25 to 35, All Ethnicity, who are okay being in bed together with their shirts off.

To submit, send an email directly to casting@ScroogeandMarleymovie.com with name, age, height, weight, ethnic background, phone number, email address and recent photo (attach a jpeg no larger than 1MB), and reference the date/scene/character in the subject line.

REGISTER TO BE AN EXTRA: Go to www.atmospherecastingchicago.com and follow the instructions!!! Be sure to "LIKE" this page to receive casting notices and updates in your News Feed!!

Hair Care Tips From Tim Weber of Restoration Salons

Best of Gay Chicago — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:18:29 GMT

I've always found ads for products promoting "healthy hair" to be a bit funny. There's no such thing as healthy hair, is there? Hair is basically protein and keratin with no blood supply and has no reparative qualities. Hair is not alive, so how can it be healthy?

"Well maintained" hair, probably makes more sense. Once damage has occurred, the only way to "repair" hair is to cut off the damaged length. Of course, a healthy looking head of hair starts with a great looking haircut, but that's just the beginning. Like your car, your hair needs maintenance in order to preserve strength, elasticity, and shine. Here are some hair care tips for men.

Pat / Towel Dry
People are too rough with their hair. Towel drying is one of the biggest causes of damage to men's hair, believe it or not. When hair is wet, it is highly susceptible to damage. When the hair is rubbed with a towel, some of the hairs become tangled in the threads of the towel and become stretched to the breaking point, causing damage to the cuticle (the shingle-like outer layer of the hair), frizziness, and split ends.

To properly towel dry, shake out the excess water and stroke your hair in the direction it grows, rather than rubbing the hair with the towel. Press the towel to your head - blot the hair, pat the head - be gentle. Drying takes a bit longer this way but after a few haircuts, you'll notice the difference in the way your hair looks.

Blow drying is another common cause of damage to hair. Excessive blow drying can dry out the hair and scalp. If you must use a blow dryer, apply a thermal styling spray or detangler to coat the hair and protect it from damage, use a wide-tooth comb to prevent pulling, and always leave the hair slightly damp. This will prevent over drying the hair.

Avoid High Heat and Cool Off
Nothing feels better than a piping hot shower, but it's wreaking havoc on your hair and scalp. Very hot water strips too much of the essential oil from the hair and scalp and leads to dryness. If you like a real hot shower, do your body first, then drop the water temperature down to do your hair.

Avoid Chemical Treatments at Home
I recommend avoiding at-home chemical products and seek a good stylist for such services. A stylist will know how to properly prepare you hair and choose the best products for your hair type. Results from a trained professional will almost always look more natural than those which can be produced at home.

ALWAYS Use a Good Shampoo and Conditioner
A good shampoo and conditioner will help cleanse the hair, add moisture and elasticity, and smooth the cuticle to add shine.

Maintain a Healthy Scalp
Hair starts from the scalp, so for hair that's sleek, strong, and shiny, make sure you take good care of your scalp by following some Scalp Care Tips.

Hair that is subjected to too much sun can become brittle and dry. And people with balding or thinning hair are especially susceptible to cumulative and irreversible scalp damage from sun exposure [source: Cheyenne Skin Clinic]. To avoid sun damage, wear a hat. You might also try hair care products with sunscreen in them (look for Octyl Salicylate/PABA on the label), but take care to coat your hair evenly in order to receive even protection.

If you've ever had your hair professionally shampooed at a salon, you know the calming luxury of a scalp massage firsthand. However, you may not know that there is a method to your stylist's madness. Next time you lather up, take your time and really massage your scalp, rubbing the pads of your fingers firmly against your head in small circles [source: Rooks]. You might also consider investing in a scalp massage brush, which can be used while you shampoo or on dry hair.

You may have the perfect hairstyle, but that coif won’t go very far if you don’t take care of your hair. Proper hair maintenance for men goes beyond slapping on some shampoo and running a comb through your tresses; it involves using the right products, getting regular haircuts, and taking care of your scalp.

PRODUCTS
We LOVE KEVIN MURPHY products. KEVIN.MURPHY is a fashion focused range of salon only, professional, hair care products created by Kevin to meet his needs as an editorial hairstylist.

Unsatisfied with the performance of mainstream hair products, Kevin recognized the need for weightless products that provided performance, strength and longevity to support today's ever changing looks.

Born from the same philosophy as skin care and inspired by nature's best, the KEVIN.MURPHY range of shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling aids, is an indulgence of runway looks and natural aromatherapy catered for every hair type.

When asked What's the one hair product every man should own?
Tim Weber of Restoration Salons says, "I emphasize this a lot and many men are starting to get more conscious of this product: conditioner. Conditioners are necessities because a healthy scalp means healthy hair -- and not enough men know that."

Since hair is such a big part of your appearance, keeping it well maintained will make you more attractive and give you confidence. Following these simple guidelines will put you on your way to a healthy looking well maintained head of hair.

Tim Weber
Restoration Salons
Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Andersonville