Monthly Archives: October 2013
The Normal Heart – 2 Nights for Charity
Larry Kramer’s The
Normal Heart returns to Chicago for the first time since its Tony
Award-winning Broadway revival in 2011.
This fall, TimeLine Theatre Company will breathe
new life into one of the strongest historical dramas of the 20th
Century.
For younger audiences who never knew the dark,
deadly days of the early epidemic, the play relives the fear and panic of the
early 1980s in urban America. To expose young viewers to this era—and the
grassroots activism it galvanize—seemed to me its greatest virtue.
But of course The
Normal Heart is so much more.
TimeLine Theatre Company graciously provided me a
behind-the-scenes viewing of The Normal
Heart, directed by Nick Bowling. I was moved to tears.
Yes, the drama chronicles the dawning of AIDS
activism in the wake of unconscionable political and institutional neglect.
Fueled by judgmental and homophobic disregard, the early crisis gained strength
in the absence of a robust government response. Yet a humanistic virtue will
always be at the heart of this drama.
Timeless and poignant, the play’s call to action
is as relevant now as it was when play debuted in 1985.
Ned Weeks, played by David Cromer, is a
confrontational activist in New York, fighting to bring attention to a disease plaguing
gay men. He organizes likeminded individuals and creates a grassroots movement
that struggles to gain steam in a culture that would rather turn a blind eye.
That’s not merely a glimpse at where we were. It’s
a commentary of where we are today.
Modern medicine has given many affected individuals
opportunities to survive and thrive with HIV, where once they faced certain
death. Yet the stigma associated with HIV continues to result in delayed or
deferred care for hundreds of thousands of Americans with HIV.
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) estimates
that more than 35,000 people are living with HIV in the Chicago metropolitan area;
however, less than half enjoy access to care. Half. That means that less than 50 percent of this population is
living with a life-threatening disease. Without interventions, they will remain
at risk of serious health decline. What’s more, studies indicate that more than
6,000 individuals in metropolitan Chicago don’t even know that they are HIV-infected.
This group is at high risk for other serious medical conditions and may
inadvertently be exposing others to HIV.
The Normal
Heart confronts these disparities and it does so with gifted acting and
storytelling.
Every character is deeply complex. Even in rehearsals,
the acting was so crisp and powerful that I looked beyond the lack of costumes,
beyond the missing props, beyond the bare stage, and I returned to the early
‘80s. I stood with Ned who knelt by his partner’s bed in the hospital room. I sat
in the grassroots campaign office, as the fledgling organization struggled to
get the government’s attention. I was
there because the characters became real to me.
Yes, I encourage young people to see The Normal Heart for historical reasons.
But more than that, this drama is about our time. It’s about spurring people
into action whether they’re gay or straight, government officials or private
citizens. Everybody has a role to play in ending this epidemic, and we can only
end it if we work together.
AFC isselling tickets to The Normal Heart
for two nights: Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, December 1, which is World AIDS Day. Proceeds benefit
AFC—but only on these dates and only if you reserve your seat through AFC.
We 3 Lizas Returns this Holiday Season
About Face Theatre’s sparkly, queer holiday hit musical WE THREE LIZAS is back and better than ever – with a new book and expanded score!
WE THREE LIZAS will feature many of the original cast members including Scott Duff*, John Francisco*, Sharriese Hamilton, Danielle Plisz (Jeff Award-nominated), Dana Tretta and Andrew Swan in addition to newcomers Mark David Kaplan, James Nedrud and Bethany Thomas. Musicians include Aaron Benham (piano/conductor), Jed Feder (drums) and Debra Johnson (bass). *Denotes AFT Artistic Associates.
Box
maker Conrad Ticklebottom’s life has hit a block. Once, Conrad and his
purple box ignited an entire movement in art and design, but now he
finds himself alone, forgotten and teetering on ruin. The holidays bring
three magical figures to his door – a trio of Liza Minnellis to escort
him on a fabulous journey through what-was, what-could-be and
what-the-f*?!, redeeming his lost promise and re-inventing a brand-new
Conrad Ticklebottom. It’s a quirky holiday musical tale of hope,
transformation… and the power of Liza!
“Liza’s
back and she’s better than ever! After having played to sold-out
audiences in 2012 at the Steppenwolf Garage and in concert at Joe’s Pub
in New York this summer, I’m thrilled to bring back this hilarious and
moving holiday musical,” comments About Face Artistic Director Andrew
Volkoff. “In this year of development at About Face, we are proud to
support the continued growth of this project and the artists who’ve
created it. Artistic Associate Scott Bradley and composer Alan
Schmuckler have developed a sensational new book and score and we’re
delighted to share it with Chicago audiences. If you missed it last
year, get your tickets now: it’s bound to sell out again this year! And
if you saw it last year, you’ve got to see this fantastic new version
and make We Three Lizas your new holiday tradition!” adds Volkoff.
The production team for WE THREE LIZAS includes: Jerre Dye (set design), Mieka van der Ploeg and Robert S. Kuhn (costume design), Mac Vaughey (lighting design), Josh Horvath (sound design), Eleanor Kahn (properties design), Davis McCarty (projections design) and Helen Lattyak (stage manager).
WE THREE LIZAS
Book and Lyrics: AFT Artistic Associate Scott Bradley
Music and Additional Lyrics: Alan Schmuckler
Director: AFT Artistic Associate Scott Ferguson
Musical Director: Aaron Benham
Choreography: AFT Artistic Associate Patrick Andrews
Featuring: Featuring AFT Artistic Associates Scott Duff and John Francisco with Sharriese Hamilton, Mark David Kaplan, James Nedrud, Danielle Plisz, Bethany Thomas, Dana Tretta and Andrew Swan.
Musicians: Aaron Benham (piano/conductor), Jed Feder (drums) and Debra Johnson (bass).
Dates: Previews: Wednesday, November 27 at 7:30 pm, Friday, November 29 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, November 30 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, December 1 at 3 pm
Regular run: Friday, December 6th, 2013 – Sunday, January 5, 2014
Curtain Times: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 3 pm & 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm
Tickets: Previews: $20 adults/$10 students. Regular run: $45 adults/$20 students. Group discounts available. Tickets are available online at www.aboutfacetheatre.com
Chicago’s Lakeside Pride Upcoming Concerts
ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
shhh…OUT!
Lakeside Pride Jazz Ensemble
Tuesday, Oct. 29 @ 7:30 p.m.
Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, Chicago
Tickets: $20. $12 seniors and students.
Website: www.lakesidepride.org
STAND UP! A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF EQUALITY
Lakeside
Pride Symphonic Band
Saturday, Nov. 9 @ 7:00 p.m.
Nettelhorst School Auditorium, 3252 N. Broadway, Chicago
Tickets: $20. $12 seniors and students.
Website: www.lakesidepride.org
A portion of the ticket sales from this concert benefit Equality Illinois.
13th Annual Dance-Along
Nutcracker
Presented by Chicago Department of
Cultural Affairs and Special Events in association with Lakeside
Pride Music Ensembles
Sunday, Dec. 1 @ NOON / 3:00 p.m.
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago
FREE
Website: http://www.cityofchicago.org/
HOLIDAYS IN UPTOWN
Lakeside
Pride Symphonic Band
shhh…OUT! Lakeside Pride Jazz Ensemble
Saturday, Dec. 14 @ 7:00 p.m.
Preston Bradley Center, 941 W. Lawrence, Chicago
Tickets: $20. $12 seniors and students.
Website: www.lakesidepride.org
This concert is an official
Toys for Tots donation location.
Blind and Gay Chicago Writer Inspires and Educates
Whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger…..That could be the motto for Robert Kingett, a blind Chicago writer and LGBT activist who is no stranger to adversity.
I’d say the school taught me how to embrace my passion, and shoot for my
dreams. I realized a lot of things about running my own newspaper that
made me grow up very fast, but the school didn’t have any writing club
or journalism class or anything that involved writing so I was an
outsider and my talent was useless there because they were big into
sports and academics. I was good at academics but that’s all, so I
didn’t want to just stand by and not use my gift. That’s why I created
the blind department newspaper.
One of my biggest campaigns that many people know about is the accessible Netflix project,
a campaign to ensure that Netflix adds audio description, a service for
the blind that describes key visual elements such as gestures and scene
changes between dialogue, and accessible interfaces that allow us to
know what’s on their website. Our campaign also aims to provide an
accessible interface for the physically disabled that use alternative
keyboards and the like.
Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/360027#ixzz2j37LQqbC
Kit Kat Thanksgiving and Giving Back
Give
and Get This Thanksgiving at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Discounted
Dinner and Drinks with Canned Good Donation
Wednesday, November 27 and Thursday, November 28
5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
On
Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day, Lakeview’s Kit Kat Lounge and
Supper
Club will extend a dining discount to those who donate a canned good or
nonperishable food item. The donations will benefit Vital Bridges’
annual “Harvest for
Hope” community food drive.
Guests
will receive a 50-percent discount off martinis and cocktails, as well
as a 33-percent discount
off their dinner tab with canned good donation. Consulting Chef JoAnn
Witherell has crafted a special Thanksgiving prix fixe menu that will be
offered in addition to Kit Kat’s regular dinner menu. The classic
Thanksgiving
feast (outlined below) includes a pumpkin pie martini, Kit Kat salad,
herb-marinated roasted turkey breast, traditional stuffing, mashed
potatoes, green
beans, cranberry and pineapple relish, and pumpkin pie tart for only $20
with
canned good donation ($40 without donation).
Diva Kinley Preston will entertain guests on
Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day starting at 7:30 p.m. For table reservations, please call 773-525-1111.
Kit Kat’s Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Menu
available on 11/27 and 11/28
$20 per guest with canned good donation ($40 without donation)
Pumpkin Pie Martini
Kit Kat Salad
romaine and spinach blend with pears, dried cranberries and
spicy pecans, balsamic vinaigrette
Herb-marinated Roasted Turkey Breast
traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, haricot verts,
cranberry and pineapple relish
Pumpkin Pie Tart with whipped cream
Vital
Bridges’ mission is to help people throughout
metropolitan Chicago impacted by HIV and AIDS to improve their health and build
self-sufficiency by providing food, nutrition, housing, case management and
prevention services www.vitalbridges.org
Kit
Kat Lounge and Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-525-1111
KitKatChicago.com
Gay Couple Sues Cab Company Over Kiss
Lambda Legal is working with a gay couple who filed a human rights complaint on Monday against a
Chicago-area taxi company because a driver told them to leave his cab
after they kissed in the back seat.
The couple, Matthew McCrea, 30, of Chicago, and Steven White, 29, of
West Hollywood, California, say they had exchanged a brief kiss in the
back of a Sun Taxi cab when the driver pulled over on a busy expressway
on a rainy night and told them to get out.
Though the driver has been fined by the city over the May incident
and fired by his company, McCrea and White say they took their complaint
to the Illinois Department of Human Rights to help others who might
find themselves in a similar situation. The complaint asks for
unspecified compensation.
“We’re doing this because what happened to us isn’t right, and we want to make sure other people, if they find themselves in this situation, they know it’s not OK,” said McCrea in a phone interview. More at Tribune.
World Of Chocolate Moves to new location December 6th
Experience a world beyond chocolate
THEE gala of the Holiday season, not to be missed! World of Chocolate will transform the Great Hall at Union Station
into a decadent adventure. Treat your palate to the sweet and savory
chocolate creations made by chefs, chocolatiers and caterers from all
over the city of Chicago. Tour through this wonderful world and start
your holiday season with a bang!
Featured Culinarians…..
| 90 Miles Cuban Café | Loni Loo’s Homemade Candies |
| Argo Tea | Mercat a la planxa |
| Bakers Man Chicago | minibar |
| Balsan Restaurant at The Waldorf Astoria Chicago | The Peninsula |
| Chicago365 Hospitality | Prasino La Grange |
| Chocolat Uzma Sharif | RL Restaurant |
| Das Foods | Sixteen |
| Dove Chocolate Discoveries | Starbucks |
| DS Tequila | Terry’s Toffee |
| Hilton Chicago | tesori |
| Just Like U Like It Catering | Uptown Brownie |
| Kendall College School of Culinary Arts | Vanille Patisserie |
| La Parisianne du Chocolat Company | Walgreens |
| La Taberna Tapas on Halsted | Wow Bao–Hot Asian Buns |
| Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts | ZED451 |
TICKETS START AT $125.
General Admission Ticket – $125 through Dec. 3 ($150 at the door) – PURCHASE
General admission ticket holders will enjoy sweet and savory chocolate
samples from 30 of Chicago’s finest culinarians in the Great Hall at
Union Station. Guests will also enjoy an open bar and light buffet.
Punchboard & Raffle Prizes will abound – give yourself your first
holiday gift! We’re raffling off three sets of airline vouchers; raffle
tickets available for purchase at the event and at 312-334-0961. $25
for 3 tickets, $50 for 7 tickets, $100 for 15 tickets.
Crime Continues in Boystown and Lakeview
Bentley Tavern on Southport Brings European Flair to Antiqued Building
The Bentley draws inspiration from the charming brasseries found
throughout Europe. Housed in an antiquated building rich with history,
the intimate 1,000 square foot space brings a sense of warmth and
familiarity to the neighborhoods of Chicago. Presenting gracious service
and satisfying fare, The Bentley seats 50
indoors and 50 outdoors, with walk-up sidewalk seating wrapped around
the building. Owner Brian Dohmen, a Chicago native who splits his time
between his hometown and New York City, named the unassuming restaurant
after Bentley, his 65lb Shepard/Boxer mix adopted from PAWS.
The corner location originated as a family-owned business in the late
1800s in the Lakeview neighborhood, which was predominately German at
that time. Over the course of the century, it’s also been a music school
for accordion instruction, Brieske’s Pale of Ale—where you could get
groceries and a bucket of beer, an art gallery showcasing some of
Chicago’s emerging artists, and even a brothel.
More recently, the space
thrived as Italian restaurant for nearly 30 years. The restaurant still
maintains some of that colorful character by refurbishing the original
bar and dark woodwork to capture the unique authenticity. With sleek
subway tiles positioned alongside weathered surfaces that are
purposefully preserved—the space accentuates its airy and open
ambiance, ample natural lighting provided by the tall bay windows and
elegant floor-to-ceiling French doors that open to the neighborhood.
The cuisine is the masterwork of chef Ian Flowers, an under-the-radar
up-and-comer who honed his chops as a restaurant consultant and as head
chef at Wicker Parkʼs LOKaL. Flowers focuses on progressive American
bistro fare.
Diners will find creative classics artfully presented, such
as raw bar offerings and composed salads packed with fresh sustainable
produce—as well as robust soups ($7-$8), light snacks, appetizers ($9-$13), entrees ($12-$26), and
desserts, all with attention to seasonal ingredients and sourcing.
Dishes include straight-forward options with an elevated twist such as
the Peekytoe crab cakes with red pepper-caper remoulade, and the Bentley
Burger stacked with pork belly, egg, mushrooms, pickles and ham—but
will also feature more sophisticated options such as the forest mushroom
& toasts with fired quail egg, hard cheese, and pea vines; seared
diver scallop with pork and pea fricassee; roasted duck breast with
aubergine caponata, cheddar polenta and saba reduction; and date &
walnut bread pudding with rum caramel. Is your mouth watering yet? Flowersʼ nouveau bistro cuisine
is casual and elevated, offering the best of both worlds. The menu will change seasonally, supplemented by weekly specials showcasing the freshest ingredients.
BRUNCH is available Saturdays and Sundays – lots of choices $10-$15.Eggs, Fritattas, Sandwiches, Chicken and Waffles, Steak and Eggs, and Bentley’s Signature Benedict.
Cocktails harken to the Golden Age of premium American libations. Expect
a catalog of classic cocktails made with high-end spirits, such as
Manhattans, Gimlets, and Martinis.
are rooted in Americana, but elevated to please todayʼs most discerning
palates. There are seasonally revolving specialty cocktails, a
Chicago-centric beer program, an extensive wine selection, and a coffee
program, complete with a full barista station.
Bentley Tavern 2834 N. Southport Ave Chicago IL, 60657 773.477.2283
Monday – Thursday: 5:00pm – midnight
Friday: 5:00pm – 2:00am
Saturday: 9:30am – 2:00am
Brunch: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Dinner: 5:00pm – midnight
Sunday: 9:30am – 11:00pm
Brunch: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Dinner: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus’s Lipstick & Lyrics: Sex is in the Heel
pop music.
Chicago
Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) starts off their 2013/2014 season with “Lipstick & Lyrics: Sex is in the
Heel” featuring chorus member divas in drag as they sing live to some of
the greatest hits in pop music. Under the direction of Brandon Vejseli and
Patrick Sinozich, the show enters its 11th year and performs again at the Mayne
Stage in Rogers Park.
In
addition, this year includes a brand new “Like a Virgin” Auction
where they are auctioning off the chance for one audience member backstage for
a complete drag makeover. This lucky audience member will then shine in a
featured role in the show’s finale.
·
Saturday, November 2, 2013 – 7:30pm AND 10:30pm
Mayne Stage – 1329 W. Morse Ave.; Chicago, IL 60626
More info at CGMC
GET A SNEAK PEAK ON YouTUBE
Ramsey Jay Prince Design Studio Has You Covered for Halloween
Stumped on what to be for this Halloween?
Chicago’s top interior designer and event planner, Ramsey Jay Prince has set up a permanent shop, J PRINCE STUDIO, on North Broadway, and has something for everyone.
The
boutique is a beautiful mélange of Prince’s trademark, luxurious style
with carefully selected one of a kind vintage and salvaged pieces with
seasonal couture items also for sale. This is the urban Fashionista’s
one stop shop for their home, fashions, and gifts.
Masquerade masks, Venetian Carnival masks. sparkles, custom swimsuits, and custom costumes made with stunning fabrics – it’s all here and Ramsey can help you create something special and one of kind. –
But get in soon, as the big gay holiday approaches, things are selling fast and his sewing schedule is getting booked up!
LiveStream of Marriage Equality Rally/Concert in Springfield
of the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality will provide a live
stream of the concert and rally in Springfield, Illinois, on Tuesday, October 22, 2013.
will be available in high definition. The service is provided by the
same vendor that streams live coverage from the Illinois House and
Senate chambers. Programming will go live at 11:45 am on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. The event is outdoor at the corner of 2nd Street and Capitol, next to the State Capitol Building, in Springfield, Illinois.
- 11:55 am —————– National Anthem
- 12:00 to 1 pm ———– Rock the March Concert
- 1 pm ———————- Welcome by Governor Patrick Quinn and Senator Dick Durbin
- 1 pm to 2:30 pm ——– Rally with speakers from LGBT, labor, immigration, women’s health, business, sports and faith communities.
- 2:30 pm —————— March begins, led by drummers and marching band.
- 2:30 to 3:30 pm ——– March around the Capitol
the scheduled first day of the fall veto session of the Illinois state
legislature. The “March on Springfield” is part of a broad grassroots
strategy to secure final passage of Senate Bill 10, the “Religious
Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act,” already approved by the Illinois
Senate. Once adopted, Illinois will become the 14th state plus the
District of Columbia, to treat all of its citizens equally under state
marriage laws, and all married people in Illinois will be treated
equally under federal law. For more information, visit http://www.MarchOnSpringfield.
Women for Women Event December 7th with Sandra Bernhard
Save the date for the next By Women For Women event on December 7th with Sandra Bernhard at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago,
as she arrives on stage with her band to perform a thrilling concert of
stand-up comedy and rock ‘n roll cabaret!
When Sandra Bernhard steps onstage, it’s a thrilling hybrid of
stand-up comedy and rock ’n’ roll—she performs with her four-man band
and “musicality to die for … a voice that swoops from the bluesey
basement to a top-floor falsetto and a campy soulfulness” (LA Times). Her take-no-prisoners shows are a raucous mix of political satire, pop culture commentary, and glamorous cabaret.
Bernhard arrives at MCA Stage with Everything Bad and Beautiful,
a work she originated in New York but has never before toured, in a
performance that careens through the worlds of fashion, celebrity, rock,
and religion.
Recommended for mature audiences
To reserve your tickets, call 773-661-0957.
First Couples HIV Prevention Strategy for Gay Men in Chicago
Today, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be taking over “Testing
Together,” the
first-ever couples HIV prevention strategy and program for gay men, and
will be rolling out the program to 21 major cities,
including Chicago, at 70+ HIV testing sites nationwide.
program enables male couples in the U.S. to learn their HIV status
together and develop a customized HIV prevention and care strategy.
Current
HIV testing programs focus on individuals in the U.S, however, it’s
estimated that one-to two-thirds of new HIV infections came from main
partners among gay couples. The Testing Together program was
developed by Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health and funded by the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund.
Why it Matters:
- According
to research conducted at Emory with the CDC and NIH, it’s estimated
that one-to two-thirds of new HIV infections came from main partners
among gay couples and a significant number
of men in longer-term relationships were unaware of their partner’s HIV
status. Further, because they were in a couple, they felt less at risk
for HIV and therefore less likely to get tested for HIV. Current HIV
testing programs focus on individuals in the
U.S. Due to the growing rate of HIV among gay couples in the U.S.,
Testing Together is designed to help stem this spread. - According to a report released by the Chicago Public Health Department on the health of gay men in Chicago, 35 percent of gay black
men have HIV. This is followed by 16.8 percent of gay white men, and 12.5 percent for gay Hispanic men.
prevention programs focus on individuals or groups of gay men when, in
fact, most new HIV infections come from main partners in
a relationship. Our ‘Testing Together’ program is the first HIV testing
service geared specifically toward meeting the needs of male couples,”
said Patrick Sullivan, DVM, PhD and Professor at Emory University’s
Rollins School of Public Health. “We’re happy
that our collaboration with CDC is bringing this program to more HIV
organizations in major cities throughout the nation. Bringing this
service to scale for male couples was made possible by the generous
support of the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund.”
ELIXIR Showcases Fall Flavors in Custom Cocktails
Fall is here! The smell of a wood fireplace on a crisp, fall evening, the smell of old leaves on the ground, maple trees, pumpkins, apples, pine trees and cinnamon! Just some of the things that remind me of fall.
The flavors of fall dominate Elixir’s (3452 North
Halsted) latest cocktail releases. From cinnamon to pumpkin, apples and
more, Elixir serves up savory seasonal flavors ripe for sipping.
Four highlights of the new menu are …
Cinnamon Old Fashioned
WL Weller 7 year, Cinnamon syrup, fresh orange and walnut
bitters
Drunken Pumpkin
Caramelized pumpkin infused rye whiskey, cold-pressed apple
cider, Prosecco
Haymans Orchard
Haymans old Tom Gin, green apple puree, fresh orange, simple
syrup, fresh squeezed lime juice
The Harvest
Reyka vodka, pumpkin chai tea, simple syrup
All cocktails $11
Available now:
Elixir…….3453 North Halsted
FAMILY OR FRIENDS COMING TO CHICAGO FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
BOOK TODAY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY IN CHICAGO
City Suites , The Majestic and the The Willows .
USE CODE BGC!
Edge Alliance The YOU Ball November 16th
organizations whose contributions make our work possible. Last Year’s
YOU! Ball marked EdgeAlliance’s 20th anniversary. Join them on November
16, 2013 to celebrate the second annual YOU! Ball.
EdgeAlliance will host its 21st
Annual Gala, The YOU! Ball on Saturday,
November 16th, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Venue One in the West
Loop of Chicago. The party will benefit the nonprofit with funds going towards supportive
housing programs that will provide the children, families and adults at the campus
with a greater quality of independence.
Chefs from some of Chicago’s finest restaurants which include the
Signature Room at the 95th, Hearty Restaurant, Crew Bar + Grill
& Swirlz Cupcakes will create food stations featuring their signature
specialties! Event Sponsors include: CS Modern Luxury, Exit Strategy Realty,
Guaranteed Rate, and ROC Realty Group.
“As we enter our 22nd year of service, we invite everyone to join us
for a spectacular evening in urban chic attire while helping to raise money
that will positively impact the quality of life for hundreds of at-risk
families and individuals,” said EdgeAlliance Board Member and YOU! Ball
Event Co-Chair Kevin Rocio.
The YOU! Ball is the agency’s major annual fundraiser
which encompasses silent and live auctions featuring getaway vacations,
entertainment and sports memorabilia, elegant dining, wine tastings, golf
outings and more. “These additional funds will help support the critical
programs and services we provide,” said Kevin, “so our guests will be doing a
world of good by having an evening of fun.”
EdgeAlliance’s philosophy of housing is simple: it should be safe,
affordable, well-built and attractive. The developments should offer both
respite and permanent supportive housing options. They should be located in
areas where people are hurting. The housing should welcome diverse population
including children, teens, young adults, people in midlife, and senior
citizens. The property area itself should contain lots of green spaces and
garden space, and it should be a major part of community.
The ticket price for the party is $125.00
or $175.00 for VIP admission.BUY ONLINE NOW
For more than 21 years EdgeAlliance
has been a haven for individuals and families with special needs and medically
complex conditions. The private nonprofit’s mission is to assists its members in developing and
operating quality housing and providing life enriching services to vulnerable
individuals and families.
Peep Show at Hydrate – Go Go Gods, Hosted Bar, $900 in Prizes and FREE Bottle Service?
and INFERNO presents… the hottest and newest
monthly party to their line-up….PEEP SHOW….the largest and hottest
collection of GoGo dancers in one venue in one night!
Join us on Thursday, October 24, 2013 with hosted Belvedere cocktails
from 9:30pm-10:30pm with RSVP to this invite courtesy of Egoist!
Have a HOT BOOTY??? SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT! Win some of the $900 in cash
and prizes, including gift cards and free underwear from Egoist. The
audience decides the winner…..so make sure to bring your fans out!
Sign-up by 11pm with your hostesses Shanita Jobs and Sorraya Dash Lopez!
Be one of the first 100 people to RSVP and share the event, and be
automatically entered to win complimentary bottle service! 1 in 10 will
win!!!
$5 Belvedere Cocktails! Is this crazy? or what?? This party is NOT TO BE MISSED!
$100 Belvedere Bottles!
VIP Table Reservations Available
Email sean@hydratechicago.com to reserve yours today!
Alderman James Cappleman to Get Legally Married in Washington State
Now that DOMA has been struck down and the Federal Government is recognizing LGBT marriage – why wait for Illinois to decide WTF they are going to do with marriage equality??
more than two decades! (Congratulations guys!) But after waiting anxiously for Illinois to
legalize marriage equality, and in light of the disappointing
stop-and-start progress of an equal marriage bill over the last year,
the couple is heading to Washington state to tie the knot.
Chicago Tribune has the story:
“We are going to go elsewhere,” said Ald. James Cappleman, 46th.
“It’s kind of sad that a Chicago alderman, an elected official, has to
leave his own state. But we’ll keep fighting. There’s a lot of people
who want to get married.”Cappleman and Richard Thale, who met in church, have been together
for 22 years. The plan to get married Nov. 22, surrounded by relatives
who live out West. The couple already have a civil union in Illinois.Cappleman said he first spilled the beans Tuesday night on CLTV’s
“Politics Tonight” show when asked what it was like to be an alderman
and gay. He later posted his plans on Facebook.
BEST GAY WEDDING in Chicago October 19th, 2013
This is going to be THE BEST GAY WEDDING in Chicago!
We met in July 4 1999 – and had a commitment
ceremony, exactly one year later, at the spot we met at.
Domestic Partnerships became available in Ilinois, we signed up!
joined 50 other couples on the steps of the Chicago History Museum, in a
mass Civil Union ceremony. One step closer
to marriage – but not quite there yet.
thing and passes the Marriage bill for our state. We would love to be
legally married on our 15th anniversary, July 4, 2014!
Minibar and MANY of our favorite local businesses have teamed together to do a $20,000 wedding package for 2 couples – and we are one of the couples! So we will be renewing our vows – for charity. This is the deal. NO GIFTS. We just ask that everyone make a $30 donation to Equality Illinois. HERE.
Get your tickets online now – or the day of, you can buy online – and there should be tickets at the door. But if you can buy online – that helps with headcount for food and such.
It’s going to be an
awesome event as minibar is transformed into a beautiful wedding space!
March on Springfield for Marriage Equality October 22nd, 2013
Marriage is an important institution. It is through marriage that
adults throughout our country and throughout the world express their
commitment and devotion to each other. In turn, governments use the
institution of marriage to recognize and protect family units.
However, the definition of marriage has not been static throughout
history. The definition of marriage has changed considerably from
biblical historical days, when the marital unit might have included more
than 2 adults and when every participant’s consent may not have been
readily apparent. In past traditions, marriage was sometimes used to
consolidate wealth, produce children, and create kinship between
powerful families. The legal and social benefits of marriage continued
to evolve to accommodate changing needs of societies.
Marriage continues to serve as an important civil institution in
America today. Its protections continue on many levels: financial,
legal, social, and emotional. Even while the institution of marriage
evolves, it is still the avenue through which our society provides
benefits, rights, protections, and responsibilities to partners.
Marriage bestows a host of benefits -and responsibilities – to
couples who choose to marry. The following is a short, illustrative
list of some of the more than 1,000 benefits and responsibilities that
married couples enjoy automatically, yet are denied to same-sex couples
that cannot wed.
- Automatic inheritance, even without a will
- Responsibility for each partner’s debt
- Ability to put partner and partner’s children on medical or life insurance
- Hospital visitation rights
- Ability to make partner a U.S. citizen and prevent deportation
- Right to take leave to care for a sick partner
- Ability to make medical decisions in an emergency
- Privilege from testifying against partner in court
- Ability to file joint tax returns and use tax benefits for married couples
- Exemption from gift and estate transfer taxes
- Right to joint parenting, adoption, foster care, and visitation of children
- Right to recognition in all states
- Right to file wrongful death claims for a partner’s death
- Right to a divorce, court division of property, and visitation of children in times of breakup
GRAB A BUS RIDE THERE AND JOIN US!
