Monthly Archives: March 2014
Center on Halsted and MINI of Chicago present Biggest MINI Wedding Ever
Center on Halsted has teamed up with MINI of Chicago to present the Biggest MINI Wedding Ever. This celebration to kick off pride month and celebrate the passage of marriage equality in Illinois will provide two couples with an all expenses paid wedding on the evening of May 31st into June 1st .
The passage of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Equality Act this past fall allows all of the benefits of marriage to be extended to same-sex couples. “Marriage Equality is a huge step forward for the LGBTQ community,” says Modesto Tico Valle, CEO at Center on Halsted.
“This event offers us a chance to kick off Pride Month, celebrate marriage equality, and show the community what these new benefits look like.”
Enter in person by visiting Center on Halsted – 3656 N Halsted – MINI of Chicago – 1111 W Diversey – or online at biggestminiwedding.com. All couples have to do is tell their story and why they deserve to win an all expenses paid wedding.
Sponsors include Sound Production Lighting LLC, e. melone, Robin Subar Lifestyle Photography, Thompson Chicago, Center on Halsted, Circuit Mom, Real Urban Barbecue, WCPT, Windy City Times, MillerCoors, MINI of Chicago, Roeser’s Bakery, OUT Chicago, Service is Us, Jan Dee Custom Jewelry, Miller Fortune.
Please visit biggestminiwedding.com for rules and regulations.
Scarlet Bar – Chicago and Beyond
After the Chicago Fire of 1871, the city was reborn and rebuilt, bigger and better than ever before.
Similarly, after the fire at Scarlet bar in 2009, the bar was rebuilt and it was born anew.
General manager Robbie Baldwin remembers, “I was here helping with the new layout and the rebuilding and ended up just staying on as a full time employee and became General Manager.”
Year after year Scarlet places high on various top lists; Best gay bar in Chicago, One of the top 100 bars in Chicago, Best in Boystown, and even the Best Gay Club for Straight Folks! It’s almost as if after the fire, new energy was brought to the space.
It was in 2010 that Robbie crossed paths with designer Traver Rains, formerly of the outrageously successful Heatherette and currently of T Rains designs. “I walked into Spin one night and saw him sitting at the bar and introduced myself to him, ” remembers Baldwin. “We started chatting, he was in town scouting a location for an upcoming fashion show. We exchanged phone numbers and a few weeks later he called and said he wanted to come by Scarlet with then Chelsea Lately’s “Staff Homosexual” Guy Branum for a night of music, laughs and a great party to benefit the Trevor project. And they did! It was great fun!” (Photo at Scarlet of Johnny Weir and Traver Rains)
These days Traver is frequent fixture in Boystown, always hanging out at Scarlet and Taverna 750 when he is in town. “We’re kind of like family now, ” says Robbie. “He has designed shirts and hoodies for Scarlet but he really focuses his time on philanthropy and his photography.”
Another Scarlet regular is model/actor Austin Armacost, who first came into the public eye by way of The A List -New York, reality show. He dated designer Marc Jacobs for a short time.”After visiting Chicago for more than ten years, I find SCARLET to be the best place to just let loose!” says Austin.
“Fun crowd, fun staff, they are not cunty like some of the bars! I have celebrated my last three birthdays at SCARLET and I will be there on March 27th! I love the team there. I can dance on a speaker in my underwear and everybody is just like that’s SCARLET!”
You never know who you might see there. Brad Goreski, Jaslene Gonzalez, Candis Cayne…
Originators of The First Ward Ball, Frat Night, Liquid Brunch, Red Cup Party and Dance-off with Your Pants off, Scarlet strives to keep things fresh. “The gay community is constantly changing and evolving and you have to keep offering them something different to keep them interested. So we are always doing different themes. People know when they come here they can expect a crazy, fun, unique and memorable experience!”
Scarlet prides themselves on their list of DJ’s and their sound.
The Examiner once said, “If you’re a gay or female, chances are a drink doesn’t feel complete without dancing. And if it’s been a rough week, that preference becomes a legitimate need. If your preferences run to techno or rap, well, you can head to just about any club in the city. But if you’re looking for a DJ who will mix infectious top 40’s so seamlessly you won’t experience one of those annoying I’m-going-to-bob-my-head-because-I-have-no-idea-what-this-song-is lulls, then head to Scarlet.”
The Scarlet/Red Bull stage is always packed for Chicago PrideFest and Market Days. “Our internal motto at Scarlet is “We sell FUN” and that’s exactly what we try and do when we have our acts at these bigger events. The Djs will be playing great music you want to dance to, the Scarlet boys will be jumping around on stage and Trannika Rex, as always will be screaming into the mic and MC’ing. It’s over the top and it’s ridiculous!” says Robbie.
Scarlet throws numerous off site large scale events and the manage a team of Djs and talent. They have done several events with Macy’s and last year they were invited to Milwaukee PrideFest for a 2 hour DJ set and brought along Traver Rains who did a fashion show of his clothes. This year Scarlet will be doing 6 hours at Milwaukee Pridefest with DJs, dancing boys and the Trannika Rex Show plus ….who knows …maybe a surprise guest? At press time, contracts were still being negotiated. Don’t Miss Scarlet bar and friends Friday June 6th in MKE.
“It’s all very exciting!” exclaimed Robbie. “This year we are returning to Six Flags Great America OUT IN THE PARK private night and we have been invited to the St Louis Six Flags for their very first OUT IN THE PARK. Two of our DJ’s will also be playing the HEATWAVE LGBT charity event at Key Lime Cove in the Fall AND possibly we might be doing something in San Francisco later this year,” tells Robbie.
“We have really worked hard to develop a brand and we enjoy taking the brand on the road into other markets. One day it would be great to have several Scarlet bars in several cities.”
Scarlet Bar Chicago
3320 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657 773-348-1053 FACEBOOK
| (773) 348-1053 |
Austin Armacost will Celebrate Birthday at Scarlet March 27th
Model and Actor AUSTIN ARMACOST will be in Chicago next week celebrating his birthday at his favorite bar SCARLET for what is sure to be a fun night of drinking, dancing and debauchery!
Fun starts about 9pm!
Remembering Vernita Gray
Vernita Gray, who passed away last night after a tenacious battle with cancer, served Chicago’s LGBTQ community with distinction for over 40 years as was one of its early leaders and strongest advocates. She organized a gay and lesbian hotline in 1969 and hosted support groups from her home. She was instrumental in forming the first Lesbian Caucus of the nascent Gay Liberation organization and the first Chicago lesbian newspaper – Lavender Women.
ville, Center on Halsted’s community newszine, had a chance to sit down with Vernita this past winter about the future of the LGBTQ movement.
“In 1969, I didn’t really have a clue about a career, what I wanted to do with my life. As an African-American woman coming out as a lesbian, I knew I wanted to be free and wanted to be afforded all the opportunities in our culture to be who I really was. I knew that I did not want to be a closeted lesbian,” Gray told the Times’ Tracy Baim as part of the Chicago Gay History project in 2007. “I knew that I wanted to be gay and wanted to enjoy my life with other gay people.”
It wasn’t long before Gray immersed herself in activism. That same year she helped develop a telephone hotline, and started organizing support groups for gay and lesbian Chicagoans at both local colleges and in her own home, according to her biography on the website of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, into which she was inducted in 1992.
Out of State Couples Coming to Illinois for Same Sex Marriages
SAME SEX MARRIAGE is Officially Legal in Illinois and many neighboring states are going to be running here to be married.
Why are they doing this? Even if their state will not recognize a marriage from another state, the Federal Government WILL.
No one is breaking any laws because same-sex marriage is legal here. The couple just need to know how their state will treat them when they get home, each state is different, but on a federal level, they are married.
“Based on number’s of last year same-sex couples doing civil unions, I would say my business has increased 50% from out-of-state same-sex couples. Also, keeping in mind everyone was waiting for Illinois marriage equality, this is year is going to be a huge rise in numbers” said Rev. Pamela who handles a lot of LGBT weddings and services in Arlington Heights at the Charming Pine Manor – or she can come to you.
There are lots of lawsuits all over the country right now involving states that currently do not recognize gay marriage. As of 3-15-2014:
Wisconsin has been challenged;
Tennessee is being ordered, temporarily, to recognize out-of-state gay marriages;
Kentucky is trying to get out of recognizing gay marriages;
Indiana is being challenged;
Michigan has not decided yet;
Ohio is still being challenged – unless you die!
Judges around the country are striking down same sex marriage bans!
St Baldricks Benefit at Scarlet bar March 27
Vanite’ Paul Mitchell Focus Salon is hosting a benefit at Scarlet on MARCH 27th, from 7-9PM. Kettle One & Nolet’s Gin will be providing cocktails for 2HRS & My Fit Foods will be providing “Cancer fighting foods” for the event.
This is a fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation—proceeds to benefit cancer research, development and services for children in Chicago.
Tickets are $30 per person – – Tickets are available here
Audio Archaeology offers Vintage Records, Nostalgia and Vinyl Lifestyle
This place is way cool! If you like nostalgia, vinyl, cool bar sets, consoles, vintage furniture and some local artwork, this store is a treasure at 1324 W. Devon.
Repurpose. Refurbish. Revinylize.
“Records represent more than just a superior sound; they’re a little bit of nostalgia – in the richness of the music, the style of the album design, even the smell of the vinyl. It’s the tangible feel as you stack albums on a changer, and pause to flip to the B-side.” explains owner John Arnsdorff of his new store Audio Archaeology.
“As a child, I combed thrift shops for 78 records, and took tube radios apart so see how they worked. Audio Archaeology is the culmination of a lifetime of collecting, decorating and tinkering.
If you have an idea for a unique system, or if you’re looking for something classic, we can help. From Mid-Century Modern consoles or Bakelite Portable Record Players to Contemporarily-styled Systems and Component Turntables, we have something for every purpose. We offer a full line of Crosley record players, for a new take on classic styles.”
Owner Arnsdorff, with friend and Marketing Director Nick Kuttin ( aka Nikutn ) have created something very special here.
“I’ve been an antique collector pretty much my whole life and I’ve always had a thing for archaic technology and also for music and really started getting back into vinyl the last few years,” said Arnsdorff. “I love the sound, especially of the older systems. The things they’re making today, there are some you can find that are high-end audiophile, but most of it’s kind of pedestrian. I’ve enjoyed finding things, fixing them up, refurbishing them.” – (Taken from Windy City interview HERE).
PLUS they plan to feature an artist every month. This months event takes place this Saturday, March 22nd from 7-11pm. Sean Walker.
There’s more to a ‘vinyl lifestyle’ than just music! Check out the awesome home accessories and gifts, sure to compliment a modern, classic style.
SHOP LOCAL!
Chicago LGBTQ Services Directory Now Live!
Spring Fashion Is Coming Back May 4th
Every Spring, Chicago House puts together an amazing Spring Brunch / Fashion Show at the Harold Washington Library downtown. (The 27th annual!!)
Held in the sun-soaked Garden Ballroom atop the Harold Washington Library, hundreds of fashionable Chicago House supporters will gather to view the latest fashion trends while sipping cocktails for a good cause. On their way to a 3 course catered brunch by Jewell Events Catering, attendees will choose personalized floral bouquets from our on-location flower market. The fun doesn’t end there as a fabulous extravaganza takes center stage, with runway fashion & dance performances.
Some come just to enjoy fabulous food and friends, while others come ready to shop! This signature event is home to Chicago House’s largest silent auction, featuring over 200 gift packages to bid on. In the past, savvy bidders have taken home unique artwork, deluxe travel passes and even landscaping packages. There really is something for everyone, and all proceeds directly support the life-saving work of Chicago House. Get your shop on and know it’s for a truly worthwhile cause!
“We are in talks with some fascinating fashion partners that we are very excited about, who will infuse lots of vibrant colors and designs into the show. Think of that “vibrant orchid” color that is making a splash right now. Coincidentally, purple is my favorite color. By far, the biggest challenge is to maintain the style and charm of this iconic event, while putting my personal spin on it. A challenge, I must say, I’m eager to take on!” says Mark Pino.
Mark Pino is Chicago House’s newest Special Events Manager, and he chats about the upcoming brunch at the Chicago House blog.
The Spring Brunch and Fashion Show regularly sells out, so waste no time in securing your seat. Purchase tickets online beginning March 18. Chicago House.
Leghorn Chicken is Cooking up Socially Responsible Chicken
CHEF JARED VAN CAMP, CHEF SIEGER BAYER & ELEMENT COLLECTIVE OPEN LEGHORN, A SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS CHICKEN SHOP IN CHICAGO
~Socially Conscious Chicken Sandwiches~
BYOB, Small, fast casual neighborhood concept. Local farm raised chicken, butchered daily.
We are open all day Sunday.
We proudly and enthusiastically champion gay rights; 2% of our gross profit is donated to organizations that support gay rights.
We solely support local and sustainable farmers and artisans. Duh.
We abhor corporate bullshit.
We offer Leghorn branded birth control free at the counter. (condoms)
We are emphatically uninterested in your organized religion, secular religion, agnosticism, atheism or nontheism….whatever tickles your pickle.
That’s the message behind Leghorn Chicken,the socially-conscious BYOB chicken shack by Chef Jared Van Camp, Chef Sieger Bayer & Element Collective (Kinmont, Old Town Social, Nellcote, RM Champagne Salon, Owen + Alchemy, Quality Social, Ampersand) which opened doors to the public and sold out 600 sandwiches in just 90 minutes on Thursday, March 6th.
Leghorn, which is located at 959 N. Western in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village is open every day of the week starting at 11am and wraps up shop when the chicken runs out. Leghorn supports local and sustainable farmers & artisans and proudly and enthusiastically champions gay rights, with a percentage of their gross profits donated to organizations to support the cause.
Menu Details: A BYOB, Fast-Casual Chicken Sandwich Shop
*Fried Chicken Sandwiches by Chef Jared Van Camp & Chef Sieger Bayer
-Pickle Brined or Nashville Hot
-bun or biscuit
-breast or thigh
-served with house made dill pickles
*Rotating Daily Specials: Fried Chicken Skins, Chicken Fried Fries (yes, we said Chicken Fried Fries), Fried Chicken Nuggets
*Grilled Chicken Bowls, Fresh Sides, Fried Chicken Tenders until we run out. (each breast of chicken only has one tender on it–so every chicken we butcher yields two actual tenders)
*Fresh Lemon Shake-ups
…….COME AND GET IT! And Screw Chick Fil A!
Leghorn Location: 959 N. Western in Ukrainian Village
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus BIG PACKAGE Event April 5th
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) will expose their biggest and best at CGMC’s 7th Annual Big Package Auction featuring special guest hostess, “Miss Richfield 1981” on Saturday, April 5, 2014.
The Big Package Auction is a fun, frisky and all around fabulous benefit. It will feature a live auction of spectacular prizes and packages presented by equally spectacular (and scantily clad) men of Boystown. Live packages include a wedding package, an African safari, a trip to New York and a cruise.
This year, CGMC welcomes back by popular demand, well-known Provincetown and Atlantis Events entertainer, “Miss Richfield 1981” as the guest hostess of the live auction. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a stellar silent auction and raffle drawing.
The Big Package Auction will be held at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, on Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 5:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
Presale tickets are $25 and include drink tickets and hors d’oeuvres: tickets are $30 at the door.
VIP tickets are available for $50, which include a pre-show “Meet & Greet” with Miss Richfield and a silent auction preview from 4:30p.m.-5:30pm.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus.
WONKA BALL Early Bird Tickets On Sale NOW
Wonka Ball: The Gayme Show!
Friday, May 9th 9th floor event center at Macy’s on State Street VIP Cocktail Party 7 pm; General Admission 8 pm
Purchase Your Early Bird Tickets Online!
AFT is celebrating our 18th year of producing LGBTQ theatre by hosting the gayest of galas. Join us for an evening of fantastic food and delicious drinks dedicated to this year’s theme: the television game show. Or as we like to call it, The Gayme Show.
Early Bird Event Ticket: $110 – delectable edibles, open bar, lots of chances to win fabulous prizes, dazzling performances, a tempting silent auction, dancing, and more! (Price goes up to $150 on April 2.)
Early Bird VIP Ticket: $175 – an extra hour to enjoy delectable edibles and the open bar, free raffle tickets (increasing the odds of winning fabulous prizes), parting gifts, and the presentation of the Leppen Leadership Awards. (Price goes up to $200 on April 2.)
Special Awesome Bonus: If you purchase 10 event tickets, two members of your party will have their tickets upgraded to VIP!
Business and Corporate Partnership Opportunities
There are many opportunities to make your business a part of Wonka Ball! Please reach out to us for information about Corporate Partnerships, Silent Auction Donations, and Ad Sales.
To get involved and help make Wonka Ball a success, please email Biz Wells or call our offices at (773) 784-8565
Gay Cabaret Night at Davenports March 16th
TOMMY HENSEL will be performing on Sunday, March 16 at Davenports Piano Bar.
“This time around, I am working with Ann McGregor and Beckie Menzie on a great show titled, “Fancy Meeting You Here: A Tribute to the Great Songs of Yesteryear.”
The show at Davenports is at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 16.
Tickets are $15 plus a two drink minimum. You can make reservations at http://davenportspianobar.
Peterson Toscano Queer, Christian, Performance Artist, Theologian, and more! March 12th
Queer performance artist, Peterson Toscano! He spent 17 years in the ex-gay no-homo hotel and came out on the other side with a sense of humor. He tackles many topics in his one-persons comedies–the Ex-Gay Movement, Homophobia, Sexism, Privilege, Climate Change, and Transgender Issues. He is also a Bible scholar who has unearthed the stories of many gender outlaws in the Bible.
In a special performance Peterson will present excerpts from his plays including “Doin’ Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House,” “Queer 101–Now I Know my gAy,B,Cs,” “The Re-Education of George W. Bush–No President Left Behind,” “Transfigurations–
Hilarious and insightful, Peterson is cracking open hearts and minds.
Peterson is frequently featured in the media and has appeared in the New York Times, NPR Morning Edition, The Times of London, The Tyra Banks Show, and five documentary films including Logo TV’s “Be Real” program. He helped produce and appears in the award winning documentary film, “This is What Love in Action Looks Like.” He has been published in The New Statesmen, The Gay and Lesbian Review, and in various LGBTQ anthologies including the Lambda Literary Award winner, “Gender Outlaws–The Next Generation” (edited by Kate Bornstein and S. Bear Bergman). Since 2003 he has presented throughout North America and Europe at conferences and universities including Creating Change, Gender Odyssey, True Color, the Lambeth Conference, the American Academy of Religion Conference, Yale University, Boston University, University of Puget Sound, Earlham College, Vanderbilt University, McGill University, Cambridge University, and Pacific School of Religion.
He lives in Sunbury, PA with his partner, the South African memoirist, Glen Retief.
Tickets are $10 at the door – debit, credit, or cash. Performance, Wed, March 12, 7 pm, at aChurch4Me MCC, Overdier Hall, 1545 W Morse Ave, Chicago, IL – 3rd floor. Free parking in lot on Ashland at Morse. Two blocks west of the Red Line Morse stop.
Songs From An Unmade Bed in Chicago
Pride Films and Plays continues its 2013-14 season with Songs from an Unmade Bed, a theatrical song cycle with lyrics by Mark Campbell. Directed by PFP Artistic Associate Derek Van Barham with music direction by ensemble member Robert Ollis.
The production will run March 27-April 27 at The Apollo Theater Studio, 2540 N Lincoln Ave. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Songs from an Unmade Bed explores the experiences (romantic, sexual and otherwise) of gay men living in the city. Lyricist Mark Campbell worked with eighteen composers (one per song) to create a unique musical revue, accompanied by piano and cello, with gorgeous songs that range from funny, poignant, melancholy and ultimately hopeful about life and love. Songs from an Unmade Bed has previously been presented in New York City (Off-Broadway), Los Angeles and elsewhere; this will be its premiere professional production in Chicago.
“There’s something so beautiful about the simplicity of this show,” said director Barham. “Having one lyricist work with 18 different composers is ingenious. What emerges is a very personal, articulate voice. Each composer finds a different color and nuance of the character. The lyrics are so universal, and the music is just a delight. We’re lucky to be working in such an intimate space at The Apollo, so that we can allow the audience to feel up close and personal with the performers. The evening should have the feel of being invited over by a few handsome, young gentlemen on a cold winter’s night. Who doesn’t love that?”
Location: The Apollo Theater Studio, 2540 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Previews: Thursday and Friday, March 27 and 28 at 7:30pm
Press performance/opening: Saturday, March 29 at 7:30pm
Regular run: Thursday through Sunday, March 30 through April 27, 2014
Curtain Times: Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays at at 7:30 pm
Tickets: Previews $15. Opening $30. Regular Run: Thursdays $25; Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays $30. Students and seniors: $5 off all performances. Industry: $10 during previews. Tickets are at Ticketmaster. Or by calling the Apollo Theater at 773 935 6100.
Best Gay Dining in Chicago Boystown @ Taverna 750
If you live here, I am sure you know all about Taverna 750. For the LGBT visitor, sometimes you need to venture off Halsted to find our hidden gems. Some of our favorite, neighborhood hotspots are tucked away, just slightly off the gay-beaten path.
Taverna 750 is one of the newest, brightest and now busiest restaurants in Boystown. After a near tear-down renovation of the property at 750 West Cornelia, a true gem of an establishment emerged just a stone throws away from the main gay drag. Since it’s opening in 2011, critics have consistently voted Taverna750 such accolades as Best Italian Restaurant, Best Hidden Gem, Best Date Restaurant, Best Brunch and Best Sidewalk Café in Boystown Chicago. Taverna 750 is a blend of old-school, family recipes and Italian hospitality perfectly mixed with a today’s metropolitan flair and understanding of distinctive cuisine, crafted cocktails, décor and ambiance.
Owner Paul D. Cannella credits much of his inspiration to his Grandfather and Uncle’s classic Italian restaurant. Chicagoan’s enjoyed the downtown spot on Grand Avenue for several decades. Paul and his talented team tweak family recipes to a new culinary perfection and locals agree the tastes and flavors are spot on. Cannella does not prefer labeling Taverna750 as a tapas restaurant. It quickly becomes clear as plates arrive that the portions served are larger than one usually receives at many small plate eateries. The plate sharing and placing dishes in the center of the table has been encouraged by staff and embraced by guests. “I think because everyone wants to sample and try as much as possible, and that’s a good thing, plenty of sharing goes on here!” says Cannela.
Expect delicious, fresh and unexpected nightly food and drink temptations. Regular house staples and crafted cocktails change seasonally. Don’t expect food, wine and cocktail prices to break the bank! A meal enjoyed here is as affordable as memorable. Saturday and Sunday offer weekend Champagne and Martini Brunch packages for $24-$27 that are hugely popular. The Martini Brunch includes two delicious courses, two 750 Specialty Martinis and LOTS of Champagne! Brunch is served Saturday 11am-2pm and Sunday 11am-3pm. Dinner is served nightly from 6pm-11pm, Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are always highly suggested.
Everyone seems to agree, the food, the drinks, the decor and the staff are terrific. Check out all the positive YELP! reviews and be sure to add Taverna750 as a must-visit restaurant when in Boystown. TAVERNA 750
Pssst….Patio Season is just around the corner and Taverna has one the most lush patios, perfect for al fresco dining!
CHER and Cyndi Lauper June 7th Chicago
The tour not to miss in 2014!
CHER Dressed to Kill – with Cyndi Lauper in Chicago June 7th. 2014.
As Illinois celebrates Marriage Equality this month – what better way to celebrate!
More than 40 years of show business success Cher is that rare entertainment industry icon that defies classification. Continually referenced, adored, and examined, she belongs in the exclusive pantheon of performers who have not only outdistanced all of their contemporaries, <but have, decade in and decade out, stubbornly navigated the transient whims of public taste and carved a permanent place for themselves in the hearts and minds of cinema, television, music and pop culture enthusiasts everywhere.
Tickets and info online!
