Monthly Archives: October 2014
Gay Comedy Benefit
Join us at R Public House restaurant and bar in Roger’s Park for a night of laughs, hosted by Chicagoan Gwen La Roka. This show will be raising funds to keep supporting the radical work that Youth Empowerment Performance Project (YEPP) is doing in the city.
YEPP’s mission is to seek a safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth experiencing homelessness to explore their history, investigate new ways to address their struggles and celebrate their strengths throughout the process of developing a theatrical performance piece.
The funding raised will be covering different operational expenses such as food, a monthly transportation card, space rental, stipend for the youth, among many others. To purchase your ticket you can go to: http://
The evening will feature five comedians, a raffle, and much more! You can bring your after Halloween Costume and laughed it out.
Jennifer Pritzker’s Year of Change
JENNIFER PRITZKER talks to CRAINS this week about her year of change. Coming out as transgender and her restoration and opening of her STONE PORCH BY THE LAKE, luxury B & B in Evanston. Read it and see the video on Crains.
Stone Porch by the Lake is Evanston’s first beachfront luxury B&B.
The property is an exquisitely restored Tudor mansion, built in 1889.
MY PRIVATE CHEF FALL MENU AT BLOOMINGDALE’S
In special anticipation of Autumn, Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store welcomes
Chef Christopher Tong from My Private Chef to demonstrate the preparation of an exciting menu
based on Fall favorite flavors.
The cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, October 25, from 2-4 pm,
Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL.
A favorite with Bloomingdale’s shoppers, Chef Tong will prepare a Fall menu featuring:
Butternut Squash, Ricotta, and Sage Crostini; Pan-Seared Duckbreast with Pumpkin Risotto; and Pumpkin Mousse with Ginger Snaps.
Chef Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive cuisine at fine restaurants and hotels in Chicago, Los Angeles and Florida for more than 25 years. Now, as the owner of My Private Chef,
a unique private chef and gourmet dining service, he’s getting rave reviews for offering that same world-class cuisine for special occasions from your own kitchen or chosen location.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact at 312-324-7678
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit : www.myprivatechef.net
HEATWAVE Chicago Austin Armacost Party Oct 16th
THURSDAY OCTOBER 16th – Come party with Austin Armacost and his husband Jake Lees at SCARLET BAR (3320 N. Halsted) as we kick off the countdown to
HEATWAVE!
We are about 70% sold out for Heatwave packages! $200 gets 2 people a room for 24 hours, waterpark fun indoors and dance party 12 hours of music and partying!
Don’t want a room or can not stay the night? Buy a wristband for just the 9 hour water park party for $85.
RESERVATIONS for room packages or tickets 1-877-360-0403 MUST SAY “HEATWAVE” to have access to the ROOM and event. You are booking a room which comes with tickets and access to the entire complex! or Buy just the wristband for the waterpark party 6pm – 3am.
If you don’t say HEATWAVE EVENT they will tell you November 15th is sold out. Must say HEATWAVE!
Halloween Chicago 2014
HALLOWEEN in Chicago’s Boystown is officially celebrated Friday October 31st.
THE FREAKSHOW
Live Acts, Curiosities, Costume Contest, Parade, and More!
Location
Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison
Registration
Halsted Street just north of Belmont near The Playground Theater from 5pm to 7pm
Costume Contest
Enter one of five categories:
Pet, Scariest, Drag, Group and Original
The top winners in each category will be featured in the parade and win an assortment of cash and prizes
Parade
Kicks off at 8PM on Halsted Street starting at Belmont traveling north to Addison
Afterwards all the bars will also be hosting events.
SATURDAY November 1st Get an extra hour to celebrate!
Saturday, November 1st will be our official HALLOWEEN event so get ready for the biggest costume dance party Chicago has seen a very long time. ( “FALL BACK TIME CHANGE” AND STAY OPEN THAT EXTRA HOUR!!!)
“Hollywood” should BLAST the costume department wide open for everyone, so lets see whatcha got!. There will be a red carpet and photographers, so come dressed for the paparazzi.
We are creating an amazing night with all new lasers, our signature massive set designs, spectacular shows featuring the incomparable Aurora Sexton, internationally spectacular Jett Adore and an all new show from Circuit MOM. Grammy nominated producer, DJ Tony Moran is at the helm bringing his legendary sound sure to fill all 5 stories of House Of Blues with the best beats.
$40 Early Bird tickets are available now at Cram Fashion! We will post an online link here in the coming days.
Halloween Event and Contest Oct. 30th
Have a prize winning costume?
Get a jump on Halloween October 30th at EL MARIACHI!
$50 to enter but it gets you a 2 hour hosted bar and passed appetizers! eat Drink and Have Fun!
773-549-2932 SPACE IS LIMITED! reserve today! 3906 N. Broadway.
Neverland Halloween Oct. 24th
Start you Halloween celebrations off October 24th as NEVERLAND presents “Dia de los Muertos”, a Day of the Dead Halloween party at Hydrate Nightclub Chicago.
NEVERLAND returns to Hydrate for Halloween with “Dia de los Muertos”, a journey into the Day of the Dead. The famous Mexican holiday will be celebrated in our costumes and decor, but since it’s Halloween, feel free to dress as anything! Resident of the NYC’s popular ViVa Saturdays parties, DJ Alexander, headlines his very first Neverland party.
Looking for costume inspiration? Check out our Instagram @NeverlandParties, as we’ll be posting photos from our Mauricio Zapata photoshoot all month long leading up to the dance party.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCES by Kandy Ho (Puerto Rico) and Kim Chi
HOSTED by Kim Chi & Eddie Couture
DRAG CARNAGE: “Day of the Dead” kicks off the night at 9:30pm starring Gia Gunn, The Princess (from RuPaul’s Drag Race), Kandy Ho (Puerto Rico), Eddie Couture, Shea Coulee, and Trixie Mattel. The dance party follows at 11:30pm.
Door: $20 general admission
THE BIRDS by Hell In a Handbag
Looking for some good inexpensive fun this Fall? Back by POPULAR demand! Hell in a Handbag Productions is proud to present a re-imagined remount of one of their most popular shows, their adaptation of The Birds.
A wonderfully entertaining cast! Comedy, drag, excitement and more!
The Birds is both a ridiculous parody of the classic Hitchcock film and a look inside the mind of lead actress, Tippi Hedren. Camille Paglia, author and American social critic, serves as your guide in this odyssey and there’s a touch of David Lynch thrown in for good measure.
The space, The Coach House at Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd. (Sheridan and Granville), is so charming and perfect! From the moment you walk in, the fun begins. Mr. Hitchcocks assistants meet you in the main house and walk you back to the coach house, which is the set of The Birds. You get to witness the “filming” of the Birds movie, but also get a sneak peak into what being on set, might have been like.
Meet newcomer, Tippi Hedren. Famed director, Alfred Hitchcock, has hand-picked her to star in the much anticipated follow-up to his smash hit film, Psycho. This film was to be called The Birds and it seemed like it would be a dream come true for any up and coming actress. And for a while it was…until it wasn’t.
Catherine McCafferty returns as fledgling actress, Tippi Hedren, whose journey begins her first day playing blonde socialite, Melanie Daniels. Melanie pursues the very dashing bachelor/lawyer, Mitchell Brenner, after a chance meeting in a pet shop. She secretly follows Mitch to Bodega Bay, a sleepy Oceanside town in Northern California. Melanie’s arrival marks the beginning of a series of bird attacks on the town. Movie history is about to be made.
Off camera, Alfred Hitchcock’s seemingly innocent interest in Ms. Hedren grew daily and he began teaching her film making. Unfortunately, what started as a brilliant director taking a novice under his wing suddenly turned into a harrowing experience for the naïve actress. Ms. Hedren experienced a terror far greater than any bird attack. We learn Alfred Hitchcock had a ravenous appetite for blondes and really sort of sexually harassed Hedren! In fact in 2012, HBO made THE GIRL which focused on Hitchcocks obsession with Hedrin!
While The Birds receives the full parody/homage treatment audiences have come to expect from Hell in a Handbag, the story takes a dark turn going inside the mind of Tippi Hedren who, as filming progresses, has trouble distinguishing the movie’s reality from her own.
Handbag ensemble members Ed Jones, Alex Grelle, Michael Hampton, Michael S. Miller, Lori Lee, Steve Love, Lolly Extract, Amber Marsh, and David Cerda are part of the large cast of characters. Also returning to the cast from 2013 are Steve Kimbrough (POSEIDON!) and Jamie Smith (Christmas Dearest). All the guys who perform as ladies, are just a riot of laughs!
Newcomers include Chazie Bly taking on the role of Mitchell Brenner/Rod Taylor, Lauren Miller as Peggy Robertson, the steely assistant to Mr. Hitchcock, Caitlin Coleman, and Christea Parent (Caged Dames) as Camille Paglia.
Handbag ensemble member, Cheryl Snodgrass (HAYWIRE!, Die! Mommie, Die!, The Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular, SCARRIE -The Musical, Límitation of Life) directs this year. “The Birds was my favorite film growing up so it feels like kismet to direct The Birds, my favorite Handbag script” says Snodgrass. “There are some big surprises in this year’s production, too While we’re still using Lake Michigan as Bodega Bay and Berger Park for the bird attacks, the newly renovated Coach House has inspired brilliant new concepts from the design team. More birds. More fun. Even if you’ve seen Handbag’s The Birds before – you have never seen anything like this one.”
Endorsed by none other than Ms. Tippi Hedren herself, The Birds stands out as one of Handbag’s most critically acclaimed and memorable shows. The environmental staging at the Coach House in Berger Park on Lake Michigan makes it a unique experience you won’t soon forget.
All Show times: 7:30 Admission: $17-$37
Matinee performances Oct. 18 and 25, 3pm
| Reservations: (800) 838-3006 or go to Brown Paper tickets online http://thebirds2014.bpt.me |
Hell in a Handbag Mission Statement
HIAH is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music, and homage.
Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit Corporation.
All photos by Rick Aguilar Studios.
Chicago House Celebrity Luncheon Oct. 15th
JUST A WEEK AWAY!
Chicago House is elated to announce its 6th Annual Speaker Series Luncheon, a conversation about Gender, Race, and Economic Disparity under the LGBTQ umbrella on October 15th, 2014 at the Hilton Grand Ballroom on 720 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL. The Panel Discussion and Moderated Q&A will begin at 12:30 PM with our esteemed speakers, Laverne Cox, an Emmy nominated transgender actress and LGBT activist, Jason Collins, a 13-year basketball veteran and the first openly gay NBA player, and Dustin Lance Black, social activist and Academy Award winning screenwriter for MILK. This year’s moderator is Gautam Raghavan, former LGBTQ advisor to President Obama and Vice President of Policy at the Gill Foundation. These three icons follow in the footsteps of previous speakers Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, President Bill Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Whoopi Goldberg and Kenneth Cole, who have all shed light on the work of Chicago House relative to their efforts around the world.
The 6th Annual Speaker Series Luncheon marks a critical fundraising event for Chicago House’s desperately-needed services, and is an opportunity for a larger conversation on our nation’s growing inequality and disparity of wealth. Individuals who identify as LGBTQ are significantly more likely of being disadvantaged socio-economically. LGBTQ persons, despite having more education than the national average, make less money than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts, particularly if they are African American. Chicago House seeks to respond to these alarming statistics by highlighting not only the great need, but also the moral imperative that the LGBTQ community has to care for its own members living in poverty.
As we approach our 30th anniversary, Chicago House looks to its origins focusing on HIV/AIDS, poverty, and LGBTQ persons. With the nation’s first and largest employment program for those with HIV/AIDS and our recently opened Translife Center, Chicago House continues its commitment to engage in action and conversations building towards a movement of inclusivity and economic advancement for those marginalized in the LGBTQ community. This is a conversation the entire community should be having; this is the next big issue we face.
Together, we stand at crossroads of progress in HIV/AIDS stigma, civil equality, and economic disparity. With your continued support, we may celebrate our victories and the lives of individuals and families that Chicago House serves.
We encourage you to be present for what we are sure will be a revolutionary event. To purchase tickets or to become a sponsor, contact Lori Byars at 773-248-5200 x209. Additional information is also available at www.chicagohouse.org.
Donna McKechnie in Chicago Oct. 20
Pride Films and Plays annual fall benefit Simply Sensational: Legends will reach new heights this year when Tony Award Winner Donna McKechnie headlines the event on October 20. WGN’s Dean Richards serves again as the emcee, which features a preshow reception at 6 pm, the performance at 7, and a post show champagne toast with Ms. McKechnie.
McKechnie created the role of Cassie in the original production of A Chorus Line, and her breathtaking song and dance number “The Music and the Mirror” are part of American musical theater lore.
A full line up of talent – including performances from many of Chicago’s esteemed musical theaters, along with Spoken Word performer C.C. Carter and Performance Artist Kimberly Dark. There will be a dance from The Chicago Academy for the Arts Repertory Dance Company, Randy Duncan, Artistic Director. You will see excerpts from PFP’s upcoming productions of The Submission by Jeff Talbott and Angry Fags by Topher Payne. And we will be introduced to the first number from the world premiere of Jeff Award winning composer Leo Schwartz’ new musical The Book of Merman, featuring Libby Lane as Ethel Merman, with musical director Robert Ollis on the piano.
VIP Tickets for Simply Sensational are $100 for the center section of Stage 773’s Thrust Stage. For VIP ticket holders, the evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a pre-show cabaret reception featuring an appetizer buffet and cash bar at Cooper’s, 1232 West Belmont. Members of Pride Films and Plays Artistic Ensemble will perform cabaret style songs to provide entertainment during the pre-show.
General Admission side seating is $75. Admission at either the VIP or General Admission level includes one free cocktail from Stage 773’s bar.
The program will be performed at 7 pm in the thrust space of Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont, on Monday, October 20, 2014.
And tickets to a post performance reception with Ms. McKechnie, including post show chocolates and champagne, can be purchase for an additional $25.
There will also be a raffle for terrific fabulous door prizes, including airline tickets, theater tickets, hotel stays, dinners and more.
About Donna McKechnie
Donna McKechnie, the Tony Award winning star of A CHORUS LINE, is regarded internationally as one of Broadway’s foremost dancing and singing leading ladies. Most recently she created the musical staging for a production of Six Dance Lessons In Six Weeks starring Leslie Caron at the Laguna Playhouse which has received a rave review from the Los Angeles Times. Donna is also co-starring in a new production called 4 Girls 4 with Maureen McGovern, Andrea McCardle and Faith Prince produced by Wayne Gmitter and John McDaniel.
PUSH Physical Theatre
Seeing award winning PUSH Physical Theatre is like watching a live action-movie. This talented group of performers inspires awe with physical illusions and gravity-defying, dance-infused, acrobatic high-jinx.
A cross between fine art sculpture and “The Matrix,” PUSH Physical Theatre will express the power of the human body at Moraine Valley Community College on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
PUSH Physical Theatre is cool, athletic, entertaining, and impossible to resist. This theater of the body features performers who appear to manipulate time and space in a live environment. The performance is all about stories, the narratives of life played out with hope, strength and optimism. Experience PUSH to know the strength of the human soul.
“Our Physical Theatre is an art form created from borrowing,” said Darren Stevenson, founding director of PUSH Physical Theatre. “We have been inspired by the concepts and ideas of corporeal mime, modern dance, non-traditional partnering, and the areas of acting technique that relate to the use of the body as a tool of discovery; even gymnastics play a part. We attempt to create a true synergy between these theater forms.”
SNEAK PEAK
PUSH’s unique form has transformed it into a national company that has performed all over England, the United States and Mexico, and has appeared on PBS and NPR.
The performers will defy gravity in the Fine and Performing Arts Center’s Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $20 for students and seniors.
BUY TICKETS
More info at PUSH
Roundtable Salon with Top Authors
Join Melissa G Wilson and Four Great Authors for an Invigorating Evening with the Written Word!
When: Wednesday, October 15th, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Space (a most unique connection space!) 444 N Wabash, Chicago, IL, 5th floor
Have you been longing for a fun, more connective way of meeting new people?
Do you like to learn new things in a warm, inviting social setting?
Are you ready for a very unique, interactive experience?
Then you will want attend this first of its kind authors roundtable adventure.
What to Expect
- You will start by arriving at 5:30 where you will meet me as one of your hosts as well as other hosts who will introduce you around the room to others attending as well as the authors.
- At 6:00 p.m. We will have a brief introduction to the authors and their tables of conversation around each of their books.
- At 6:30 you will choose your first table to sit down at. Note that once a table is full you will have to go to one that has openings. At your table you will get the chance to not only listen to the author’s overview of his or her subject but also get to meet the other participants at your table and exchange ideas and ask questions to create great, stimulating conversation.
- At 7:00 you will again switch to another table of your choice and, once again, meet new people and have create a great exchange of ideas.
- At 7:30 you will have your third and final opportunity to sit down and converse with an author.
- From 7:30 – 8:00 we will have an open room conversation sharing the insights and highlights from the authors and you and the other participants.
Craig S Wilson, Author of Dating for Life (www.datingforlife.com)
Andersonville Dessert Crawl October 26th
MY PRIVATE CHEF PRESENTS A GOURMET TRICK OR TREAT EXPERIENCE AT THE
ANDERSONVILLE DESSERT CRAWL
On October 26, from 2-5 p.m.
Andersonville will welcome guests to enjoy a sweet stroll through this delightful neighborhood as they participate in the Annual Dessert Crawl.
This neighborhood event celebrates the festive spirit of fall. It’s a gourmet Trick or Treat experience with delectable desserts at every turn. Participating restaurants are sure to “wow” visitors with delicious and decadent gourmet desserts.
Chef Chris Tong of My Private Chef, an upscale private chef and gourmet dining service, will be serving a delicious Blood Orange Mousse with Ginger and Pirouette Wafer.
Look for him on the Caramel Apple Route at one of his favorite wine shops, In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark.
This year you can choose between TWO great routes. Tickets for one route are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event.
Participants will pick up their Dessert Crawl “passport” at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark Street, and then proceed to the participating restaurants and stores for tasting-sized portions at each location.
For more information about the Dessert Crawl and to purchase tickets, visit Andersonville.org
Chef Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive cuisine at fine restaurants and hotels in Chicago, Los Angeles and Florida for more than 25 years.
Now, as the owner of My Private Chef, a unique private chef and gourmet dining service, he’s getting rave reviews for offering that same world-class cuisine for special occasions from your own kitchen or chosen location.
My Private Chef continues it’s tradition of supporting Andersonville culture and special events.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: Myprivatechef.net
World of Chocolate AIDS Foundation Benefit
WORLD OF CHOCOLATE: The Sweetest Event of the Year
Annual Holiday Gala Benefit for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Indulge in a night of sweet and savory treats at the 13th annual World of Chocolate winter gala on Thursday, Dec. 4, presented by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) returning again this year at the historic Chicago Union Station. Arouse your senses with tasty morsels from 30 of Chicago’s finest chocolatiers, chefs and caterers.
AFC hosts this one-of-a-kind gala to commemorate World AIDS Day and celebrate the progress the HIV/AIDS community has made in ending the epidemic. This is one of my favorite events of the year and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
From traditional truffles and white chocolate ganache to more savory delicacies like chicken in a chocolate mole sauce, guests will delight their taste buds with a wide array of chocolate-infused creations amid stylish decor. Celebrity judges will crown the night’s best creations. Attendees will also be treated to a light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle and punchboard with lavish prizes and music.
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s policy, public education and community care programs.
World AIDS Day, observed on Dec. 1, is a worldwide effort to increase public awareness about the epidemic. It encourages support and programming to prevent the spread of HIV. The movement originated in 1988, when an international summit of health leaders called for a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS in every country around the globe.
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Chicago Union Station, 500 West Jackson Blvd.
TICKETS: For more information and to reserve tickets, call 312-334-0935 or visit http://www.aidschicago.org/chocolate/.
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus Oct. 25th
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC)
starts off their 2014/2015 season with Lipstick & Lyrics, “Into the Hood: A Mary-Tale”, on October 25, 2014 at 8:00pm at the fabulous Park West. Join CGMC for the 12th edition of this live-singing drag performance, with increased production values, presented by Michael Leppen under the direction of Tony Lewis, of Mid Tangent Productions (Snow White and The Seven Drag Queens), and musical direction of Patrick Sinozich.
Hear your favorite fierce drag princesses sing live while on a quest to be the fairest at the ball, all while evading the scheming, evil villainesses. Talented fair maidens in fun costumes, sexy dancers in skimpy costumes, and amazing music highlight this see-and-be-seen event benefitting CGMC.
The evening will feature the opportunity for all to bid on the Princess-For-A-Night Drag Auction, where the winner will join the performers on stage at the end of the show. Come with a few friends or host a table at the front of the stage, there’s a price-point and fun experience for everyone this year!
TICKET & VENUE INFORMATION
Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 8:00pm
Park West – 322 W. Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Tickets range from $35 to $100 for VIP seating. For ticket information and general information about Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, please visit www.cgmc.org or call 773-296-0541.
