Monthly Archives: June 2014
BEST OF Chicago Gay Pride Parade Day
PRIDE IS HERE!
HYDRATE will open at 11am SUNDAY and provide a 17 HOUR DANCE PARTY!
Hydrate Nightclub celebrates PRIDE SUNDAY all day!
Their newly renovated space is the perfect place to catch the parade in all our flat screen TVs while sipping on your favorite cocktails!
DJ LINEUP
Noon-4 p.m.
DJ X-STASY
4 p.m.-8 p.m.
DJV
8 p.m.-Midnite
DJ Greg Drescher
Midnite-4 a.m.
DJ Laura B
Plus Pride Giveaways all day long! HYDRATE
3458 N Halsted Street
There is ALWAYS a party at Scarlet Bar (3320 N. Halsted) and this weekend, it’s 3 in a row!
7 DJs!
3 Hosts!
RIDIKULOUS FRIDAY with Kim Chi and Trannika Rex.
The uber sexy Austin Armacost will be in the house Saturday night – and you know what happens when Austin is dancing and having fun??!!
And Sunday Pride Day they are delivering 14 hours of music starting at 12:00 noon!
At the other end of the strip are 2 new drinking/dancing spots; Whiskey Trust and Chloe. Both will open at 10am. (The former SPIN buildings).
There is no cover charge! Special Pride Parade inspired shots will be available for $3 a piece (with flavors like: Mandarin/Cherry/Honey and Berry/Vanilla/Citrus, yum). To start #pride weekend early, check out Chloe’s and Whiskey Trust bartender, Dante LoPresti creating special cocktails, including the “Breath of Fresh-Cher!” here.
Chloe’s DJ and dancing all weekend! Starting at 9pm
Except Sunday, the music and dancing starts at 6pm.
Whiskey Trust (below) is also open at 10 a.m. this Sunday. 800 W Belmont Ave @ Halsted
Before, during or after the parade, our favorite Mexican restaurant EL MARIACHI AND TEQUILA BAR will be celebrating pride all day! 3906 N. Broadway.
Visuwil to Produce 4th of July Event in Madison, WI
VISUWIL is known for his Creative Concepts and Innovative Events. His Chicago parties are legendary. Nitro at Circuit was thee Saturday night in Chicago for a number of years. And his eventaphobia® theme parties transformed clubs with unusual themes, decor and the hottest go go gods.
Now he is taking his magic to FIVE NIGHTCLUB in Madison for one hell of a big gay 4th of July event.
INDEPENDENTLY GAY!
EYE POPPING decor with over 100 American flags…major decor & lighting effects.
The hottest eye-candy ALL AMERICAN muscled dancers! wearing designs by Chicago’s own RJP.
Meet & greet with Lady Liberty & weigh your rights with Lady Justice!
FREE grilled hotdogs! mini apple & cherry pies! special 4th of July drinks & slushies! confetti blasters & American theme giveways!
visuwil® presents INDEPENDENTLY GAY celebration of America…celebration of YOU. Featuring Dj Phil DaBeatz & celebrity bartender Greg “Uncle Sam”
Taverna 750 Unveils New Summer Drinks by Suzy Wong
Taverna 750
Announces New
Celebrity Mixologist
Taverna 750 is known for their Italian inspired shared plates and martinis, is taking their cocktails to the next level.
Now Taverna 750 will partner with Arnold Myint with inspiration from his alter ego Suzy Wong, to fuse the spirit of cocktails and nightlife with dining.
Taverna 750 is already known for their house made cellos, a traditional Italian liqueur that is used throughout the majority of their cocktails that are exclusive and unique to the restaurant. (FYI, in case you still have not been there – All martinis are served with a sidecar, an extra portion kept on ice, or an extra refill, which makes them fun for sharing for a girls or boys night out or date night).
Arnold Myint is a Nashville native, who is Executive Chef and Owner of three popular restaurants in Nashville; {blvd}, PM, and Suzy Wong’s House of Yum. His establishments have been recognized locally on numerous occasions as “the best of” and he continues to grow his brand on the national level as reflected in publications such as GQ Magazine, eater.com, and as a contestant on the popular Emmy award winning television program Top Chef. Arnold’s mixology approach is mirrored by his colorful life and alter ego, Suzy Wong.
Arnold’s Suzy Wong, is a domestic diva, event hostess, philanthropist, and savvy mixologist who is known as “The Cocktail Queen” and currently produces a web series; “Serve Fabulous” suzywongbna.com/serve-fabulous/. She was Miss Gay Tennessee America 2012 and Miss Gay Mid America 2013. She placed in the top ten, sixth over all contestants, last fall as Miss Gay America St. Louis, MO. Arnold is currently working on a new endeavor and creating his own wine label “SHOW PONY”. He has teamed up with some of the best drag queens throughout the country to market and campaign the new series of wine, which will debut in Chicago at Taverna 750. Drag queens including RAJA, season 3 Winner of RuPauls’s Drag Race, and Chicago’s very own, TRANNIKA REX, who you can see monthly hosting Trannika’s Most Wanted at the popular nightclub, Scarlet. Taverna 750 will use the energy of Arnold’s approach to their drink program to continue to grow the popularity of their nightlife approach to dinner service and their popular weekend Martini Brunch.
Taverna 750 will host a launch party of the new wine SHOW PONY along with Arnold’s newest cocktail creations for the restaurant on July 5th, along with RAJA and Trannika Rex in attendance.
NEW DRINKS!
Cucumber Caparinha
Cachaca, Limoncello, Cucumber Juice, Rosemary Syrup, Lemon Juice, Mint Leaves
Raspberry Spritzer
Hennessy, Raspberry Syrup, Orangecello, Chandon Brut
Lavender Martini
Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, Canteloupe, Brovo Lavender Liqueur, Orangecello, Lemon Juice, Lemon/Lime Soda, Chandon Brut
Mezcal Punch
Monte Alban Mezcal, Bacardi White Rum, 3Olives Vanilla Vodka, Grapefruitcello, Grapefruit Juice, Simple Syrup, Lemon/Lime Soda, Grapefruit Zest
Pistachio Sour
Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey, Pistachio Liqueur, Amaretto, Apricot Syrup, Orange Peel
Bay Leaf Martini
Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey, Lemon Bay Leaf Syrup, Limoncello, Lemon Juice, Orange Bitters, Lemon/Lime Soda
Celery Gin Rocks
Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, Celery Syrup, Green Chartreuse, Fresh Squeezed Lemon, Pink Peppercorn Rim
Sloe Gin Gimlet
Nolet’s Silver Dry Gin, Lemon Bay Leaf Syrup, Fresh Squeezed Lemon, Sloe Gin, Bay Leaf Sugar Rim
Tequila Spice
Maestro Dobel Tequila, Chili Cherry Lime Syrup, Orangecello, Fresh Squeezed Orange, Fresh Squeezed Lime
Cherry Coke
Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey, Cherry Heering, Celloed Cherry Juice, Raspberry Syrup, Ginger Beer, Coke
TAVERNA 750
750 W. Cornelia
Chicago, IL 60657
773.904.7466
Girls Girls Girls! BackLot Bash Chicago 2014
Where the girls come and play!
Back Lot Bash is an outdoor music and entertainment festival started in 2004 and one of the most highly anticipated and attended pride weekend events for lesbians in the country!
FOUR DAYS of events Showcasing local and emerging musicians as well as established performers of different genres, Back Lot Bash highlights unity, equality and inclusiveness in an environment that is festive and celebratory of everyone in our community.
AND MUCH MUCH MORE!
Grab a weekend pass while they are still available and save!
FREE Hiv Tests at Chicago Walgreens June 27th
As part of its ongoing commitment to fight HIV/AIDS, Walgreens is collaborating with Greater Than AIDS to help offer free HIV testing in support of National HIV Testing Day, June 27.
Free testing provided by health departments and AIDS service organizations will be available to the public with no appointment necessary at 27 Walgreens stores in Chicago. For more information, including a complete list of participating Walgreens locations, visit www.greaterthan.org/walgreens.
What: Free HIV testing, no appointment necessary
When: Thursday, June 26, 3-7 p.m.
Friday, June 27, 3-7 p.m.
Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 27 locations in Chicago including:
- 151 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60601 – phone: 312-863-4249
- 5401 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, IL 60609 – phone: 773-268-5664
- 2340 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612 – phone: 312-226-7913
- 953 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60613 – phone: 773-935-6414
- 1554 E. 55th St., Chicago IL 60615 – phone: 773-667-1177
- 3405 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 – phone: 312-326-4058
- 2924 E. 92nd St., Chicago, IL 60617 – phone: 773-721-6603
- 11 E. 75th St., Chicago, IL 60619 – phone: 773-224-1211
- 8628 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL 60619 – phone: 773-651-8500
- 3401 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60624 – phone: 773-542-1232
- 3800 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60624 – phone: 773-826-1817
- 7410 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60626 – phone: 773-743-6784
- 6330 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60637 – phone: 773-324-8500
- 5440 N. Clark St., Chicago IL 60640 – phone: 773-596-5022
- 833 W. 115th St., Chicago, IL 60643 – phone: 773-568-4034
- 5222 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60644 – phone: 773-287-0380
- 1601 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60647 – phone: 773-342-9161
- 2015 E. 79th St., Chicago, IL 60649 – phone: 773-734-2492
- 7109 S. Jeffery Blvd., Chicago, IL 60649 – phone: 773-665-8990
- 912 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-665-8990
- 2817 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-327-6119
- 3046 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-325-0413
- 3201 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-327-3591
- 3245 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-248-3160
- 111 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60661 – phone: 312-463-9142
- 522 Torrence Ave., Calumet City, IL 60409 – phone: 708-868-5669
- 12854 S. Ashland Ave., Calumet Park, IL 60827 – phone: 708-239-1136
Why: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.1 million people nationwide are living with HIV/AIDS. Yet, one in six do not know they are HIV/AIDS positive.1
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve health, extend life and help to prevent the spread of the disease. In fact, people with HIV who take prescribed medication regularly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus by as much as 96 percent.2
Community pharmacists at Walgreens HIV-specialized pharmacies are specially trained to provide continued support to meet the unique needs of HIV-positive patients. Walgreens HIV-specially trained pharmacists can help patients better manage their health by encouraging patients to take medications as prescribed and providing tips related to coping with barriers to care.
Chicago House Birdhouse and Art Auction June 26
Co-Chairs, Jerry Sanfilippo, Spyros Petros, Denise Antonucci, Erik Retzer and Jim Josephson,
Invite you to join us, Thursday, June 26th, 2014, from 6pm -9pm, for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses from the city’s most unique designers!
Functional birdhouses, funky art, and auction pieces for any shopper! Each year, Chicago House celebrates Pride with their famous Birdhouse Art Auction, where unique birdhouses and funky artwork are auctioned to benefit those living with HIV or AIDS.
Located at Room & Board’s gorgeous downtown store, guests are invited to toast to the summer season with delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses from the city’s most unique designers. See photos from the 2013 Birdhouse Art Auction!
GET TICKETS NOW!
Chicago to Atlantic City Non Stop with United Airlines
In a quest to get its historically gay vibe back, Atlantic City’s first openly gay mayor will designate an official gay beach Monday afternoon.
The beach, at Park Place, is the site of the original gay beach, back before casinos when gays crowded New York Avenue bars, created rituals around the Miss America pageant, and lived and summered in and around Snake Alley, a winding series of side streets that connect New York Avenue and Kentucky Avenue in the city’s north section.
In addition to the official designation of the LGBT friendly beach, Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian will also announce three LGBT events coming to the resort, which has been marketing to gays and lesbian tourists in recent years.
Jeff Guaracino, a marketing specialist with the Atlantic City Alliance, a casino-funded marketing agency, said the hope is that people in the LGBT community will “not only visit Atlantic City but also open businesses here and also buy primary and secondary homes in Atlantic City.”
Chicagoans can now enjoy improved access to Atlantic City’s iconic Boardwalk, coastal beach and world-class entertainment attractions. Thanks to new nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Atlantic City International Airport launched recently, Chicagoans will be ready to hit the shore, the shops and the spas just over two hours after takeoff.
ExpressJet will operate the flights as United Express using 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets. Daily nonstops will depart Chicago at 8:10 a.m. Central, arriving at 11:17 a.m. Eastern. Return flights will depart Atlantic City daily at 11:52 a.m. Eastern and arrive in Chicago at 1:10 p.m. Central.
The new, year-round nonstop service on United complements existing seasonal nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare to Atlantic City International offered by Spirit Airlines. Spirit’s nonstop service begins May 1. The enhanced air service bolsters Midwest and West Coast access to New Jersey and Atlantic City beaches.
Atlantic City’s diverse range of attractions makes it an ideal year-round entertainment destination. From some of the most dynamic nightclubs in the nation to one-of-a-kind festivals, A-list performers and luxury casinos, the seaside resort enables visitors to live its motto: Do Anything. Do Everything. DO AC.
“We’re thrilled that United Airlines is making it easier than ever for Chicago-area residents to experience all that Atlantic City has to offer,” said Atlantic City Alliance (ACA) President Liza Cartmell. “Every year, we host more than 27 million people looking for an exciting getaway tailored to their interests, and we look forward to introducing Atlantic City to an increasing number of Chicagoans through this convenient new air service. Similarly, we are pleased that Atlantic City International Airport will serve as a gateway for residents of southern New Jersey to easily reach Chicago and its wonderful attractions.”
Business travelers and Chicagoans seeking to visit friends and family in south and central New Jersey will benefit from United’s new service to Atlantic City International by avoiding more congested airports in Philadelphia and Newark. The new air service will also reduce ground transportation time, enabling travelers to reach their destinations more efficiently.
Among the many reasons to visit Atlantic City in upcoming months are the DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup (June 19-July 6), Lady Gaga performing live at historic Boardwalk Hall (June 28), one of the nation’s best Fourth of July fireworks shows, the DO AC Pro Beach Volleyball Invitational (Sept. 5-7) and the DO AC Boardwalk Wine Promenade (Sept. 27-28). Atlantic City is also home to the Miss America pageant and dozens of other special events throughout the year.
Having served as the inspiration for everything from the wildly popular board game Monopoly to the acclaimed HBO television series “Boardwalk Empire,” Atlantic City has been a fixture of American culture for decades. Today the destination is consistently recognized by top travel media as among the nation’s best places to dine, shop, sunbathe, gamble and celebrate.
Spin Re-Opens as Whiskey Trust this Week
Just in time for PrideFest,
the old Spin re opens as
Whiskey Trust
3206 N. Halsted
(Opens June 19th)
This summer, Lake View/Boystown welcomes Whiskey Trust to the neighborhood, a tavern featuring their own rye and millet whiskey and small batch vodka, as well as small bites.
Whiskey Trust’s opening demonstrates that Chicago’s distilling culture continues to expand and gain popularity. The menu will offer a handful of creative dishes, many of which will incorporate the product.
Chef consultants, Max Robbins and Jake Verstegan (hailing from Purple Pig and Kai Zan, respectively), were brought on for the project.
“The food is here to honor the spirits first, not the other way around,” says Robbins. House favorites include a Virginia oyster served with a shot of Trust Whiskey and mignonette as well as a Pickled Beet Torchon that utilizes the vodka to provide a sharp, peppery taste.
Guests can expect a muted décor with distressed and reclaimed wood and leather in the main bar and elevated lounge. Art by Chicago graffiti artist, Mr. Brainwash, will dress the walls.
Right next door will eventually be
Chloe’s
3208 N. Halsted
Chloe’s, a new 5,000 sq. ft. nightclub, will open in the former Spin space located in Boystown. The new high-energy dance club, set to open on June 19, will offer a lower level dance floor and intimate cocktail lounge on the second. Chloe’s main attraction, a LED dropped 3D tube system with 180 lit tubes, is the only lighting system of it’s kind in the United States. The music, a staple to any nightclub, is managed by Chicago’s own CrossFader Kings. Chloe’s will offer dancers a funky mix of future-house beats mixed with new-disco as well as modern remixes of 80’s and 90’s hits.
Fresh Cooking Ideas with Chef Tong June 22 @ Chicago Bontanic Gardens
Foodies and their friends will be flocking to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden for this day of great tastes and gorgeous presentations.
Chef Christopher Tong of My Private Chef, one of Chicagoland’s most versatile Chefs, will share one of his favorite garden fresh recipes at Chicago Botanic Garden’s
popular annual Garden Chef Series.
Chef Tong will appear on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the
Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois.
The Garden Chef Series promotes the Garden’s message of growing and using seasonal vegetables,
fruits and herbs. Chef Chris will use the spectacular open-air kitchen and amphitheater at the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden to present his cooking demonstration.
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation,
and come away with a fabulous recipe that they can try at home. Chef Tong will give tips on ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste! Seating is limited and on a first-come, first served basis.
Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden and Garden Chef Series is free.
Parking is $25.00 per car; free for Garden members.
For more information about this Garden Chef Series event, call 847.835.5440
or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services. Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners
to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my work worthwhile. I also love doing cooking demonstrations where I get the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
Some recent appearances include cooking classes and demonstrations on local television, at Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Stores, Whole Foods Market, Gilda’s Club Chicago, Taste of Chicago and this return engagement at the Chicago Botanic Garden
For more information about My Private Chef, call Event Services at 773-370-8131 or visit www.myprivatechef.net.
Madison WI Fruit Fest June 14th
Madison’s Gay Summer Music Festival FRUIT FEST returns June 14th!
Fruit Fest is an Annual LGBTQI Summer Music Festival held in Madison, Wisconsin. The music festival is an all-ages free event organized to celebrate Madison’s gay community through a day of music, performance, art, and celebration. This year’s Fruit Fest will be held on June 14th and feature headliner Debbie Gibson, as well as many local folk musicians, punk bands, DJs & drag queens. The event will also include the 4th Annual Fruit Loop 5k run/walk, and the 4th Annual Star Fruit karaoke competition. Food, beer and alcohol will also be served on festival grounds from a variety of vendors.
Fruit Fest is located in the heart of Willy Street in the Marquette Neighborhood, an Eastside neighborhood swarming with LGBTQA folks making it the most diverse, and ‘coolest’ hood according to Madison’s Isthmus Favorites. Last year, attendance was near 1200+ over the course of the nine hour festival including locals & many from 90+ miles away.
Fruit Loop 5k
On June 14th Fruit Fest will be hosting the Fourth Annual Fruit Loop, a 5K run/walk through the beautiful Marquette Neighborhood, starting and ending at the Fruit Fest event grounds. The proceeds from the run/walk are distributed to Community Shares of Wisconsin who gives them to LGBT organizations.
In 2011, the First Annual Fruit Loop had over 120 runners and walkers. Check out all the great pictures from the event. We expect the turnout to be even greater this year! Dress as fruity as you want and come out to run or walk and have some fresh-squeezed summer fun for a good cause. If you are interested in participating in the upcoming Fruit Loop on June 14th, you can register here.
Keep up to date with their official FACEBOOK PAGE
Chicago House BirdHouse Art Auction June 26
Thursday, June 26th, 2014, from 6pm -9pm – it’s the Annual Chicago House Birdhouse Art Auction!
Enjoy Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses from the city’s most unique designers! Functional birdhouses, funky art, and auction pieces for any shopper!
Each year, Chicago House celebrates Pride week with their famous Birdhouse Art Auction, where unique birdhouses and funky artwork are auctioned to benefit those living with HIV or AIDS.
Located at Room & Board’s gorgeous downtown store, guests are invited to toast to the summer season with delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses from the city’s most unique designers.
See photos from the 2013 Birdhouse Art Auction!
GET TICKETS NOW!
Dance for Life: Inspiring Chicago, One Dance at a Time August 16th
Dance for Life: Inspiring Chicago, One Dance at a Time
Chicago’s Leading Dance Troupes Unite to Raise Funds for
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Services on Aug. 16
WHAT: Experience a night of awe-inspiring performances as six of Chicago’s top dance companies come together for one evening at Dance for Life, the largest performance-based AIDS fundraising event in the Midwest. With poignant choreography and moving music, this highly anticipated event is held annually to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, education and prevention while promoting the art of dance in Chicago.
Since 1992 Dance for Life has raised millions of dollars to support the cause.
This year, Dance for Life Chicago features two electrifying, world-premiere performances by renowned choreographers Randy Duncan, Harrison McEldowney and Jeremy Plummer.
Funds raised through this year’s Dance for Life Chicago benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, The Dancers’ Fund, Agape Missions, NFP and MADE: Making A Daily Effort.
WHO: Participating Companies Include:
• Giordano Dance Chicago
• Joffrey Ballet
• River North Dance Chicago
• Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
• Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
• Visceral Dance Chicago
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014
5:00 p.m. – Gala Reception – Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom (720 S. Michigan Ave.)
8:00 p.m. – Dance for Life Performance – Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 E. Congress Pkwy.)
*Complimentary shuttle bus service provided between the two venues.
COST: $25-$75 (performance only)
$250- $600 (includes admission to 5:00 p.m. gala reception and premiere seating at the performance)
To purchase tickets, please call 312-922-5812 or visit www.danceforlifechicago.org
WHERE: Performance – Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., Chicago
Gala Reception – Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago
Connect with Dance for Life on Facebook!
About Dance for Life
Dance for Life raises awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, prevention and education, while promoting the art of dance in Chicago. Realizing that AIDS had heavily affected the dance community, Dance for Life was founded in 1992 as an inventive way for dancers and dance companies, whose incomes do not normally allow for large donations, to be able to contribute time, effort and badly needed funds for existing AIDS agencies. Check us out online on the Dance for Life website or on Facebook.
About The Dancers’ Fund
The Dancers’ Fund, a funding program of Dance for Life, was created in 1994 as a one of a kind fund with the mission to provide emergency financial assistance to dancers living with HIV/AIDS and has since expanded to include any life-threatening illness. The Dancers’ Fund provides immediate financial assistance for those facing life-threatening illness, injury or circumstance. Designed to help qualified individuals meet their immediate financial obligations while dealing with life-threatening conditions, The Dancers’ Fund is available to Chicago-based, professionally trained working dancers and those whose primary source of income is derived by serving the dance community.
Cabaret Project Divine Decadence Series at Circuit
CABARET PROJECT launches a new series which will happen at Circuit Nightclub!
Friday June 20th. Amy and Freddy and The Cabaret Project present two cabaret shows comprising the official launch party of pride!
Fred Says Fundraiser at Progress Bar for Photo Project June 14
‘When Dogs Heal,’
a pet friendly HIV-campaign
Fred Says is hosting a fundraiser at Progress Bar for their new photographic project that raises awareness about HIV/AIDS and pet owners.
WHAT: “When Dogs Heal”, is a new project organized by Fred Says, highlights the incredible role dogs play in helping their owners heal from emotional and physical ailments. This Chicago fundraiser will feature award winning pet photographer, Jesse Freidin, who will take photo-booth style pictures of people and their pets while attendees sip cocktails and eat small brunch items at Progress Bar, 3359 N. Halsted Street. The event is open to the public and serves as a fundraiser for the Fred Says and their new project.
WHY: Fred Says is compiling the pictures taken for a book that will photographically depict the profound healing effect dogs have on humans. After receiving a cancer diagnosis and shortly thereafter an HIV+ diagnosis, Dr. Rob Garofalo, Division Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, adopted Fred, a Yorkie puppy and face of the charity, and quickly began to see a drastic change in his physical and mental well-being. Dr. Garofalo credits Fred with “saving his life.” While Saturday’s event is about pets and their owners, all photos will not have to used in the book
Studies have repeatedly shown that people with pets are healthier, happier and less depressed than those without pets. The social support a pet provides its owner decreases stress and encourages more social interactions which can help decrease depression and isolation. Dr. Natalie Marks is one of the owners of Blum Animal Hospital and voted “Veterinarian of the Year” in 2012 says, “Pets have an incredible ability to heal on not only a physical but also a mental/emotional level.
It is well documented that petting a dog or cat can significantly lower blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol (stress hormone) levels…The strength of the human-animal bond is almost beyond description and companion animals should be part of the healing process for many chronic illnesses.”
On June 15th, Jesse Freidin will be doing closed-studio portraits of people who are HIV+ and have dogs. Those interested in participating in this portion should email Zach Stafford, zstafford@luriechildrens.org.
HOW: A suggested donation of $15 is encouraged to attend, and $25 to attend and have a portrait taken by Jesse Freidin.
WHO: 21+ with proper I.D, dogs encouraged.
WHEN: Saturday, June 14th from 12pm-3pm. Doors open at 12pm.
Plaintiffs in Illinois Marriage Equality Case Wed After 51 Years Together!
Patrick Bova and Jim Darby, the plaintiffs in the Illinois marriage equality case, wed today after the law took effect across the state yesterday.
Bova and Darby have been together for 51 years!
Congrations Guys!
Jennifer Hudson Loves Her Gay Fans
In an interview this week with ChicagoPride.com, superstar diva Jennifer Hudson talks about her fans, hometown roots, American Idol, drag queens in her likeness, a new album and her summer performance at Chicago’s Pride Fest on June 21, 2014.
Jennifer Hudson:
‘It was the gay community that loved me first’
Read it on Chicago Pride.com
Gay Marriage Takes Full Effect Today in Illinois!
Even though it’s Sunday, many county offices are OPEN today for those who want to get their marriage license!
For today, June 1st, 2014, Marriage Equality is in full effect and legal in Illinois!
Gay and lesbian couples across Illinois can now legally wed as the state becomes the latest in the nation to allow same-sex marriage.
Sunday’s celebration is anticlimactic for some, because 16 counties began issuing marriage licenses following a February federal court ruling.
June 1 marks the first day all of Illinois’ 102 counties can issue the licenses to same-sex couples. It’s also the first day couples statewide who have civil unions can ask to convert those to a marriage.
There’s no official number on how many couples have wed so far under the law Gov. Pat Quinn signed in November. But Equality Illinois, a gay-rights advocacy group, estimates about 1,300 same-sex licenses have been issued.
Bernard Cherkasov is the group’s CEO. He calls Sunday “a history-making day in Illinois.”
