Monthly Archives: August 2010
Chambord Launches New Chambord Luxury Vodka
LAST NIGHT
we were invited to the
new Chambord Vodka launch party!
The party took place at EPIC downtown on their rooftop terrace area. Chambord, the world-renowned black raspberry liqueur, introduces a groundbreaking new taste experience in Chambord Flavored Vodka.
The exquisite taste of Chambord Flavored Vodka is the result of fine ingredients and a delicate process that forms a perfect balance of premium quality French vodka and extraordinary black raspberry flavor.
Chambord Flavored Vodka delivers the floral aromatics of the hibiscus flower with notes of vanilla, white chocolate and the distinctive flavor of the original Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, delivering a unique and satisfying taste experience when enjoyed straight or in a wide variety of cocktails.
They sampled a delicious Fleur De Lis™, made with 2 oz Chambord Flavored Vodka,
3/4 oz Chambord Liqueur, 2 oz Lemonade, 1 oz Cranberry Juice. DELICIOUS!
They also served delicious food accented the rich raspberry Chambord liqueur!
DID YOU KNOW?
According to legend, in 1685 King Louis XIV visited Château Chambord, where he enjoyed a marvelous liqueur made from wild raspberries. This liqueur inspired the spirit that today is known as Chambord Liqueur Royale de France. The rich heritage of the Liqueur Royale is now celebrated in the reintroduction of Chambord, the world-renowned black raspberry liqueur for the modern mixologist.
Check it out Chambord and Chambord Vodka !
Vintage Drag and Fashion Runway Show and Market in Highwood September 18th
The City of Highwood and Image Pilots, producers of
Chicago’s high energy, retro-spectacle Randolph Street Market Festival, will end its inaugural season with a bang. Opening its arms to the gay community on Saturday September 18th from 10 am to 6 pm, the Fest will feature a Vintage Drag and Fashion Runway Show at 12:30 pm, along with a magnificent Martini bar, fabulous food, live music and, of course, shopping.
Attracting vendors from all across the U.S., the festival brings the area’s largest monthly vintage and indie designer event to the North Shore, where shoppers will find all the best in antiques, collectibles and vintage treasures from the 1800’s to Mid-Century Modern to Punk 1980’s. Interior designers and decorators, personal shoppers and stylists can find some of the most unique items from jewelry, furniture, clothing, linens, silver, glass, and more, at this unique and eclectic upscale antique market.
“It has been great being a part of Highwood this year, and we want to make sure the gay community is aware of what this Festival and wonderful city offers,” says Sally Schwartz, founder of Image Pilots. “Highwood is a great destination for dining, entertainment and shopping, and only a Metra stop away from the City of Chicago.”
The Last 2010 Weekend
Kicks Off with Martini’s & Drag in the Park,
Saturday September 18th
“Ladies” of Chicagoland will invade Highwood and be strutting their stuff around the Highwood Street Market on Saturday September 18th. Headlining the day will be a vintage drag and fashion runway show at 12:30 pm at the Festival’s gazebo. The show will feature local drag queens modeling vendors’vintage clothing, as well as impersonation performances. Local restaurant vendors will be selling their food and YES! Vodka will provide mouthwatering martinis, all the ingredients for a perfect picnic in the park. With Highwood being an easy Metra train ride from the city, Chicago’s gay community in encourage to come up, shop around, and enjoy the show while lounging with martinis.
Antique Appraisal Tent-
The Highwood Street Market Festival brings together some 100 vendors from all over the United States, as well as local independent designers, to showcase their high-end antiques and vintage wares,including jewelry, bags, artwork and furniture. Attendees will also have the opportunity to find out the value of their antique treasures at the Antique Appraisal Tent for $5 per item.
HIGHWOOD STREET MARKET FESTIVAL GENERAL INFORMATION
WHEN: September 18th and 19th
Saturday from 10am-6pm and special extended hours on Sunday from 10am-5pm(Drag Show on Saturday only.)
WHERE: The Festival will fill the parking lots of the Highwood Library (102 Highwood Avenue)and Everts Park
PRICE: Admission is $6 and good for both days, and is free to Highwood residents with ID. Military men and woman and kids under 12 are free. Advanced discount tickets can be purchased for $5 online at Highwood Street Market .
FREE TICKETS!
BEST GAY CHICAGO.com has a LIMITED NUMBER of FREE ADDMISSION TICKETS! CALL ME NOW, IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PAIR OF FREE PASSES! 773-878-5323
PARKING: Free and ample street parking is available. Valet Parking is also available. Parking also at the Oak Terrace School is located on S. Central Avenue off Route 22.
For more information call 312-666-1200
FYI – The Randolph Street Market Festival is an internationally recognized European-style indoor and outdoor market in Chicago’s West Loop district that features more than 200 select purveyors of high quality, value-priced “finds,” offering unlimited creative inspiration and hours of shopping and entertainment. The Market is located along the 1350 block of W. Randolph Street and will take place on Sept. 25-26, Saturday 10 a.m.–5p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. General admission $12, good for both days. Tickets are $9 when purchased online at randolphstreetmarket.com; $5 admission for students with ID. Children 12 and under free. For more information, visit Randolph Street Market .
Steve Ross Kicks off new Cabaret Season Salon Series in Chicago
Kick-off the third annual salon season with
“The Crown Prince of Cabaret”
STEVE ROSS
Sunday, September 12th (4pm to 6pm)
STEVE ROSS rose to fame
as a cabaret entertainer during his lengthy sojourns at New York’s fabled Algonquin Hotel and Ted Hook’s Backstage in the late 1970’s. He has spent the ensuing decades singing and playing in smart clubs and swank parties all over the world. The Ritz in London, the Crillon in Paris and the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, in addition to festivals in Hong Kong, Perth and Spoleto – these are but highlights of Steve’s appearances on six continents.
In 1992 he made his Off-Broadway debut in his own tribute to Fred Astaire, I WON’T DANCE. He continues to tour with solo concerts, master classes, theatrical engagements and symphonic Pops appearances. In 1997 he made his Broadway debut in the acclaimed revival of Noel Coward’s PRESENT LAUGHTER, performing opposite Frank Langella.
Appetizers and champagne are provided along with a thirty minute performance all inclusive in the ticket price. The salon performance will commence in River North on Sunday, September 12th at 4:00pm with pre-show reception, performance begins at 5:00pm. After a ticket purchase has been made, patrons will be sent an exact address and directions to the private residence where the salon will be held. Due to the fact that these salon events are held in a private home, seating is limited.
$45.00 per person or $80.00 for a pair of two tickets
Tickets now available at Brown Paper Tickets – search “Steve Ross” at the abov elink to purchase tickets OR visit the Lake Shore Salon blog where you can find ticket links along with photos of past season events at Lakeshore Salon This event will sell-out, so don’t wait to secure seats!
The 3rd Annual Lake Shore Salon Series is sponsored by:KMP Artists
Gay Chicago Youths Need Host Homes with UCAN
An innovative approach to moving Chicago’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth beyond life on the streets
A statewide study conducted by the University of Illinois at Chicago Survey Research Laboratory found there were 24,968 unaccompanied homeless youth up to age 21 in Illinois in 2004.
On any given night within Cook County alone there are nearly 2,000 homeless youth with nowhere safe to sleep at night.
A recent study from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force stated that as many as 20-42% of these youth on our streets self-identify as LGBTQ.
Let’s get right to the bottom line.
Chicago has 193 emergency and long term shelter spaces for youth. With shelter space limited and long waiting lists many homeless LGBTQ youth in Chicago will remain on the streets and out of care.
The truth is, emergency and long term shelters aren’t enough.
This is a situation that will take everyone working together to solve.
There is a way you can help –
become a part of the LGBTQ Host Home Program.
UCANs LGBTQ Host Home Program is an innovative housing model that provides an alternative to the shelter system for LGBTQ homeless youth. We rely on our Host Home Volunteers to step forward and open their home for a period of time to a youth ages 17 – 21. Both the youth and the adult volunteer go through a rigorous screening and training process facilitated and supported by trained social work professionals. The provision of safe housing in conjunction with on-going supportive services for the youth and volunteers will create the safety and stability necessary for the youth to focus on pursuing educational and vocational opportunities.
Help TRANSFORM the life of an LGBTQ Youth.
4 homes have been trained but MORE are needed
If you have an extra bedroom, please reach out to UCAN and help.
To learn more about becoming a part of the LGBTQ Host Home Program please contact Bonnie Wade,
Associate Director at (312) 738-5966 or wadeb @ ucanchicago.org.
Para comunicarse con alguien en Español, favor de llamar a Francisco Monzon al numero 708-201-3028.
Kathy Osterman Hollywood Gay Beach House Grand Opening
Kathy Osterman Beach
is the official name of the lovely crescent of sand known to most Chicago residents as Hollywood-Ardmore Beach. Others call it the Hollywood Beach, or some call it the Gay Beach. Located off Lake Shore Drive, between Bryn Mawr and Hollywood.
The beautiful beach is nestled amongst high-rise buildings and sunsets there are nice as the sun drops behind the tall buildings. The southern end is a very popular spot for gays, but the beach overall remains a family beach. Parents and kids come here to swim, (when the water is warm enough!) and also to enjoy volleyball and frisbee. But don’t take balls in the water – that’s a no-no, for some reason. On any given weekend you will find a few hundred LGBT people here at the southern end.
Just hours ago was the official grand opening of the new beach house / comfort station. A One-story, 2570 square feet, fully accessible facility providing a Concession Area, called PICNIC, Family Restroom, Men’s and Women’s Restroom and a Life Guard Lockerroom. Plus outdoor rinse-off shower heads and more bike racks. The new building is filled with environmental sustainability features like rainwater harvesting, skylights and solar powered trash compacters!
Mayor Daley spoke at the ceremony and gave praise to Kathy Osterman as being a true visionary and he applauded her achievements including being at the forefront of the progress of human rights and LGBT issues.
The PICNIC concession is an off-shoot of The Waterfront Cafe , located just up the street at Berger Park. They are providing a much smaller menu here, but have a very nice seating area patio and will be offering beer and wine soon. Fresh made sandwiches ($7-8) and things like guacamole and hummus ($5-6) plus lots of assorted cold drinks are available.
Kathy Osterman was a known as a “Friend of the Community”, 48th Ward alderman, city special events director, and longtime political activist, she helped to forge critical links between Chicago government and the lesbian and gay community. She played a crucial role in passage of the city’s human rights ordinance.
An ebullient, optimistic, dynamic individual, Osterman was a fierce and outspoken lobbyist for the passage of Chicago’s Human Rights Ordinance. She worked closely with gay and lesbian activists, helping formulate logistics. She personally introduced many of the key players to each other, and is also credited for developing the imaginative “bring in the nuns” strategy, calling on women of the cloth to lobby the large Roman Catholic bloc of aldermen within the City Council. The Human Rights Ordinance was passed in 1988, and Osterman considered this to be one of her greatest accomplishments in public life.
On May 1, 1992, Osterman was married to Bruce DuMont, founder and President of the Museum of Broadcast Communications and host of the nationally syndicated radio program “Inside Politics.” She was the mother of two sons, Harry Joe and Matthew, who live and work in Chicago. Kathy Osterman died that same year of cancer on December 8, 1992.
Though the beach officially closes Labor Day, you will find people out thru the early fall if the weather is nice. But there are no lifeguards on duty after Labor Day – but I am told the PICNIC concession will remain open thru October 1st.
Celebrity Pie Toss Benefit This Saturday, August 28th
presents Pie Toss 2010!
This event is quickly becoming a summertime favorite. Come bid on the right to toss a pie in the face of some of the biggest names in our community.
Those slated to be “pied” include politicians, business owners, community activists, and other familiar faces. Participants include Jamal Edwards of Howard Brown, Nirmalpal Sachdev of Steamworks, Art Johnston and Amy Pieper of Sidetrack, State legislator Sara Feigenholtz, Judge Michael McHale, Lori Cannon of Vital Bridges, Terry Cosgrove of Personal PAC, Officer Jose Rios, and many others!
Celebrity Pie Toss August 28, 2010
1pm – 4pm @ Sidetrack
3349 North Halsted Street
So come on over to Sidetrack for the fun! There is no cover, Skyy will provide some complimentary tasty cocktails, and it is guaranteed to be a blast! If you have any questions about the Celebrity Pie Toss, please contact Kevin Mork, Equality Illinois’ Development Associate, at kjmork @ eqil.org or 773-477-7173.
EQUALITY ILLINOIS –
OUR MISSION
The mission of Equality Illinois is to secure, protect and defend equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Illinois.
OUR VISION
We envision a fair and unified Illinois where everyone is treated equally with dignity and respect and where all people live freely regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Best Gay Chicago’s 2nd Annual Underwear Beach Party August 22nd
Mark your calendars – Sunday August 22nd
is our annual Underwear Beach Party at Hollywood Beach!
12:00-6pm on the beach then an after party at CREW with $2 drink specials!
This year we plan to have a DJ and the event is FREE – but we’re hoping people will donate a couple bucks to help pay for the permit and music. Of course, you don’t have wear tighty whiteys – you don’t even have to wear underwear. It is an optional theme!
See you there!
Michael and Derrick and Keith
BestGayChicago.com
TPAN Presents Aware Affair: Totally ’80s Ultra Lounge September 11th
Test Positive Aware Network’s
signature fall event,
Aware Affair: Totally ’80s Ultra Lounge,
will be on
Saturday, September 11, 2010
at the Ravenswood Billboard Factory.
When the doors open to the spectacular Totally ’80s Ultra Lounge, guests will enjoy a tableau of fine cuisine, peruse an array of unparalleled silent auction selections, take their chance at high-end raffle prizes, and watch an eclectic variety of performance art and entertainment.
Schedule –
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Mile High Club/VIP Reception
($250/per person*)
~Private Cocktail Lounge with
Adjacent Outdoor Terrace
~Champagne and Premium Libations
~Hors D’oeuvres
~Exclusive VIP Lounge Access with
Cocktail Service
~Buffet Dinner and Dessert
~Silent Auction
~Raffle
7:30 p.m.-Midnight–Ultra Lounge with Dinner and Libations
($150/per person*)
~Cocktails ~Buffet Dinner and Dessert ~Silent Auction ~Raffle
*Purchase nine reservations; get the tenth reservation for free.
Where? Ravenswood Billboard Factory
4011 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Attire: Your favorite ’80s fashions
For more information about reservation details and pricing, the menu, silent auction items, raffle prizes, our honorees, or to download the official invitation, please log on to TPAN , or call Rhett Lindsay at (773) 989-9400 ext. 233.
You may also purchase your reservations directly at EVENTS AWARE AFFAIR
Gay Cities and Best Gay Chicago @ Scarlet Tonight
GAY CITIES.com
is in Chicago tonight hosting
a meet-n-greet at SCARLET !
GayCities is coming to Boystown!
GayCities is coming to town and will be throwing two fun parties to get you tipsy (read: free drinks) in Boystown the evening of Friday the 13th!
“We are taking on BoysTown for the GayCities Chicago Meet Up and would to see you out and about! Stop by and join us at Scarlet Bar (3320 N. Halsted) for a hosted happy hour from 6-8. Check-in, chat and get treated to some drinks on us. Just tell the bartender “I’m with GayCities”
We will be moving to the KitKat Lounge (3700 N. Halsted) from 10p-2a, where you can meet with us, get half price on our GayCities martini specials, and check-in with the fierce ladies of the night.
We cant wait to see all of you there. Tell your friends and dont forget that GayCities loves to get you in on the best of whats happening!”
Best Gay Chicago will be in the house as well! See you There!
Michael Snell
Derrick Sorles
Gay Rugby with Chicago Dragons Saturday Afternoon August 14th
The sport all the gay men
are taling about!
R U G B Y !
Did you know?
The Chicago Dragons Rugby Football Club is the first rugby club in the Midwest established to invite members from traditionally under-represented groups, particularly gay men, to engage in the world’s third most popular team sport.
Do you like lockerrooms and sweaty jocks? Learn how to chase men around (on a field) this Saturday afternoon with the Chicago Dragons, as they host Rugby 101.
They’ll be meeting at Lerner Park (Pratt and Sacremento ) this Saturday , noon till 3pm, to give you a chance to learn the ins-and-outs of rugby. Even if you’ve never played before – you’ll get a chance to learn about Rugby, the ins and outs of the games and get a chance to meet some really nice guys. Afterwards the guys will be heading to The Northend for some brewski’s and martini’s.
Please dress in gym clothes with sneakers (cleats if you have them!).
Also, please bring a mouth guard if you have one – they can usually be purchased at a sporting goods store for about $3.
Please make sure to bring proof of age (Driver’s License, ID, Passport,etc). While we are “All Ages.”, you must be AT LEAST 18 years old.
If you know NOTHING about the game, check out their Rugby primer .
Mink Stole at the Chicago Premiere ALL ABOUT EVIL August 14th
Is Chicago Ready To Experience
The Whirlwind Entertainment of
ALL ABOUT EVIL:
The Peaches Christ Experience in 4-D!
With Peaches Christ and Mink Stole In-Person
Peaches Christ Productions is proud to announce the CHICAGO premiere of “ALL ABOUT EVIL: The Peaches Christ Experience in 4-D. Directed by Joshua Grannell, the alter-ego of San Francisco drag sensation Peaches Christ, this very special extravaganza will include a special appearance with MINK STOLE (Pink Flamingos, Serial Mom) and musically, macabre performances from Peaches Christ and the Midnight Mass Players. The magic begins at 12 midnight with tickets for only $13 and on-sale now at the links above.
CHICAGO PREMIERE
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Music Box Theatre: 3733 N. Southport Ave.
Tickets: $13 Show time: 12:00 a.m.
ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
ALL ABOUT EVIL is currently touring across the country, invading over 20 markets with over-the-top, “William Castle-styled” presentations and gathering rabid support from audiences hungry to experience a unique EVIL mash-up of cinema and performance. The genre-bending film, starring Natasha Lyonne and featuring Thomas Dekker, Cassandra “Elvira, Mistress of the Dark” Peterson and Mink Stole of John Waters fame, has slayed audiences with sold out screenings in Los Angeles at the Vista Theatre, Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, and Provincetown International Film Festival…and it’s just the beginning of the tour.
The Great Gay Play Contest in Chicago
Pride Films & Plays
is proud to announce the
Great Gay Play Contest
held in conjunction with Center on Halsted. This contest seeks new works dealing with GLBTQ history, characters or themes that are important to the community and relevant to the world.
“Few theaters that do GLBT work have staff to read the countless scripts that are submitted,” says PFP Executive Director David Zak. “We hope to provide those theaters and other producers across the globe with scripts that are fresh takes on the GLBT stories that need to be told and are ready for immediate production.”
Fifteen semifinalists will be selected by an international committee and Five finalists will then be selected and read by a final committee. A complete list of readers and judges is available at Pride Films and Plays .
The five finalists will be performed as staged readings in the first of what will be an annual Great Gay Theater Festival in the Hoover-Leppen Theater in the Center on Halsted. The final five finalists will also receive $400. Contest Rules and Applications may be found online .
This is an open contest for all persons 18 years or older as of the date of entry. International entries are encouraged. Contest fee for entries submitted between September 1 and September 30 is $30; contest fee for entries submitted between October 1 and October 31 is $45. Final deadline is October 31.
Dance For Life Chicago August 21
Six of Chicago’s most renowned and talented top dance companies will come together for one spectacular, celebratory evening of dance – on one stage! Currently celebrating its 19th year, Dance for Life is the largest performance-based AIDS fundraising event in the Midwest and has raised nearly $4 million since 1992.
This highly anticipated event is held annually to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs and is hosted by Dean Richards, Entertainment Critic and Reporter for WGN-TV (CW), Chicago; National Cable Channel, WGN America and News Talk 720, WGN Radio.
Proceeds benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Brothers Health Collective, Chicago Child Care Society – Safe Life Program, Centro Romero – HIV/AIDS Outreach and Education Project, Tongabezi Trust School, Young Women’s Empowerment Project, and the Dance for Life Fund.
Participating companies include:
· Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre
· Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago
· Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
· The Joffrey Ballet
· River North Chicago Dance Company
· Thodos Dance Chicago
This year, Dance for Life will host one world premiere performance by renowned choreographer Harrison McEldowney, who is best known for his theatrical work and his involvement in the closing ceremonies of the 1992 Summer Olympics.
Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010
5:00 p.m. Gala Reception – Millennium Park Rooftop Terrace (located above the Harris Theater), featuring a light buffet dinner and a complimentary ABSOULT martini bar.
7:30 p.m. Dance for Life performance – Harris Theater for Music and Dance
Tickets are $75 (performance only) or range from $150-$500 (includes admission to 5 p.m. gala reception and premiere seating at the performance.)
To purchase tickets, please call 312-922-5812 or visit DANCE FOR LIFE
Amanda Lepore Comes to Hydrate Saturday August 14th
Amanda Lepore
is an American model, nightlife hostess, fashion icon and performer. She is a transsexual icon who has received attention for entertainment skills. She has been the advertising face for Heatherette, M.A.C. (cosmetics), Mego Jeans, Swatch, CAMP Cosmetics and more. Fashion design company Heatherette has used Lepore’s image on much of their clothing and has chosen her several times to model their brand during Fashion Week.
Lepore comes to Chicago this weekend to promote her CD COTTON CANDY. Saturday, August 14th at HYDRATE .
The first time I met Amanda she asked me, “Would you like to see my mouse tattoo?” purred America’s number one transsexual and owner of a fully functional vagina, placing her hand on my knee. I look tentatively across her silicone-augmented body, but none can be seen.
“Oh my,” giggles the outrageous club diva in shock, fingers covering her mouth. “My pussy must have eaten it!”
Lepore, considered New Yorks ‘it’ girl, has been busy launching her career in pop music. With the help of super sexy Cazwell , they created fun pop dance tracks like “I know What Boys Like”, “My Hair Looks Fierce” and “Champagne.” Catch her this weekend at Hydrate!
