Monthly Archives: November 2014
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus Holiday Events
CGMC Exclusive…Suzy Snowflake is Coming to Town for “YuleTUBE”
Join Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, the Christmas Queen, and Suzy Snowflake for “YuleTUBE”, a laugh-out-loud variety show celebrating your favorite holiday
songs from TV and the Movies! It’s the land of misfit boys in a rollicking
Rankin and Bass world gone mad!
Come say farewell to CGMC’s retiring Artistic Director Patrick Sinozich as he goes out with a bang and gives us a little old-school CGMC holiday fun – cowritten by Bill Larkin!
3 Shows! 3 Great Venues!
Friday, Dec 5, 2014 – 8:00PM at Harris Theater
Saturday, Dec 6, 2014 – 8:00PM at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, Dec 20, 2014 – 7:30PM at Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts
For ticket information please visit www.cgmc.org or call 773-296-0541.
LGBTQ Homeless Youth Chicago
The 750 Club Apartment Adoption Project is launching this week in Chicago to provide private apartments for youth moving out of transitional housing. The project was initiated at the LGBTQ Homeless Youth Summit hosted earlier in 2014 by Windy City Times newspaper.
The 750 Club aims to provide additional scattered-site housing to unstably housed youth who are in school or working at least part-time. There will be a special focus on LGBTQ youth, but the program is not exclusive.
Studies show that stable housing is a basic necessity to maintain health and safety. Without it, youth have difficulty attending school, finding and keeping jobs, eating right, staying healthy, and more.
The 750 Club will address this issue by raising funds for private “adoption” of apartments. Existing homeless youth agencies and their case manager programs will provide supportive services to the residents. The program will cover young adults ages 18 to 25, or emancipated minors.
Every $750 raised will get approximately one youth in one apartment for one month.
Team Captains who agree to recruit 10 people to each give $75 a month for two years will have adopted one apartment for one youth for two years, which is the average minimum time agencies recommend for stabilizing a formerly homeless young person.
“This is an amazing, one-on-one way our community can make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth,” said Tracy Baim, publisher of Windy City Times. Baim is overseeing the project, and is seeking help from team captains willing to recruit friends to commit to raising $75 each for two years. “A small group of just 10 people can change the world of one youth. The case managers will handle the logistics, but we also help to provide mentorship opportunities as well.”
All funds raised will be collected and administered by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) housing program, so all donations will be tax deductible. Agencies who utilize scattered-site youth housing options will then apply for the use of the funds.
“AFC has the infrastructure to pay rents on behalf of residents, and we coordinate services for over 750 supportive housing residents each month,” said John Peller, president & CEO of AFC. “The 750 Club is a cost-effective extension of our existing programs that will help youth, including LGBTQ youth, a population that is highly vulnerable to HIV. We are grateful for Tracy’s leadership to address a serious, long-standing community need.”
The donation categories are:
Bronze: $75 one time – House one youth for three days
Silver: $75 per month for 10 months – House one youth for one month
Gold: $75 per month for 24 months – Partnered with nine others, you will house one youth for two years
Platinum: $750 a month for 6 months – You will house one youth for six months
Titanium: $750 per month for 24 months – You will house one youth for two years
Online donations and monthly pledges can be done via the AFC website, http://tinyurl.com/Ap
For landlords interested in donating the use of an apartment at no or low-cost, please contact Baim to discuss options. Email: editor@windycitymediagr
Note: The average studio apartment rented through the agencies is $750 a month. The 750 Club will use this as the target goal to raise funds for two-year leases for youth who are working through agencies to find stable, long-term housing. In some cases it might be a two-bedroom apartment at average rent of $1500. Because this is an average number, in some cases the funds will help more than one youth, and in others additional money will be needed. Any extra funds will roll over into additional apartment rentals.
#We are all Clean HIV Challenge
THIS IS BRILLIANT!
Could this be the HIV equivalent to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? We think so. The concept is the brainchild of well-known HIV activist, Jack Mackenroth who has partnered with Moovz, the leading global gay social app, to launch the project. It’s genius in its simplicity. We are now a selfie-obsessed culture and Mackenroth urges everyone to take a special selfie for an important cause.
“I was inspired by the use of the word ‘clean’, especially common in gay culture, to describe oneself as STI/STD free. Indirectly this implies that HIV-positive people are somehow ‘dirty'”, says Mackenroth. “I thought a PG or PG-13 shower selfie or Vine video would be a fun way that everyone could easily show their support on social media for finding a cure by using the hashtag #weareALLclean when they post their photo with the link. They then nominate 3 other people to participate and hopefully donate to the project as well.”
The goal of the campaign is to raise 1 million dollars to stop the epidemic and help find a cure and the campaign will be ongoing indefinitely. Donate here. All donations received will be donated to Housing Works, a New York-based nonprofit organization fighting on the front lines to end AIDS and homelessness, not just in New York but globally by 2030. The CDC estimates that there are currently 1.2 million people in the US living with HIV and over 35 million people around the world.
“As someone who has been living with HIV for 25 years this is very personal to me.” Mackenroth adds, “There is current urgency for funding as we have new treatments that maintain viral suppression and render HIV-positive individuals virtually non-transmissible. Those same treatments can be given to HIV-negative individuals and protect them from infection. Essentially we already have the tools to stop the epidemic from spreading. Exciting new research is bringing us closer to a real cure for AIDS every day. ”
The campaign will launch within Moovz because of the app’s high user engagement rates and it’s history of successful international LGBT social media campaigns. Mackenroth is known as a social media powerhouse in his own right but he is also enlisting many of his “social media superstar” friends to get the campaign off the ground.
Actor, model, singer and social media stud, Chris Salvatore is igniting the campaign from Los Angeles after joining forces with Moovz as well. “It’s time to erase the stigma and unite as a global community. Regardless of your gender or sexual identity—no matter what age, color, size or shape you are, you should be part of this project! Let’s all be one loud, united voice in support of awareness, education, treatment and research for a cure.” says Salvatore. “And have fun with it. Be funny, sexy or silly. Who doesn’t want to see people in the shower soaping up for a good cause?”
“I truly hope this campaign goes viral—no pun intended.” Mackenroth quips.
The campaign launches between now and World AIDS Day, December 1st and is ongoing until the goal is reached. The hope is that there will be traction in the following weeks so that people know about the campaign on World AIDS Day and change their profile photos to show support.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Take a selfie or Vine video of yourself in the shower.** NO EXPLICIT NUDITY**
2) Post your photo now on Moovz and all social media platforms with the caption “Take HIV Shower Selfie Challenge raise $$ for AIDS cure bit.ly/CUREAIDS #
3) Nominate 3 or more other people to participate!
4) (Optional) DONATE!! Please consider a small donation if you are able. Every penny counts! bit.ly/CUREAIDS
5) On World AIDS Day (or before) : Monday, December 1st, please change all your social media profile pix to your shower selfie photo and spread the word!!
Charming Gay Weddings in Chicagoland
The holidays are upon us, but if you recently proposed to your mate or got proposed to, you may be thinking about your wedding for 2015!
While some couples prefer the big city weddings, others prefer to get away and do something charming and quaint!
Relax and feel at home while you say your vows in front of the charming fireplace or in the beautiful backyard garden of historic Pine Manor, private home of Illinois Wedding Officiant Rev. Pamela.
This unique wedding venue offers an intimate, home elegance perfect for a small guest list of up to 30, or a private elopement to Chicagoland’s Northwest suburbs. A Cook County Courthouse wedding alternative for quick ceremonies and a small event venue, the home features a 1920’s flair with honeymoon suite, home cooked catering and wedding packages for every budget. Chicago Wedding Minster, Rev. Pamela will perform your ceremony in a magical way that will touch your soul and inspire your future together.
The Van Jean Sears Honor Bilt Homes: 1928
PINE MANOR
The Van Jean is an unusually well arranged Dutch Colonial house. It has many special features not generally found in houses of this price. It has a charming entrance that gives an atmosphere of welcome. It has Colonial windows with divided lights above and one light below. Add to this the white siding and contrasting red or green roof with the red brick chimney and you have a home that is sure to charm the most critical.
This small wedding venue Chicago is a beautiful alternative to a typical wedding venue and wedding budget. Rev. Pamela offers discount wedding packages that include everything; customized ceremony, delicious home cooked catering, flowers, cake and the honeymoon suite. Unique Wedding Venue Illinois.
You and your guests will immediately fall in love with this quaint in-home venue. Get married next to the romantic brick fireplace or outside in the garden. You will truly feel relaxed so you can be completely present to give your heart, and experience every moment of your special day together.
A wedding ceremony experience with an ole time quality found at no other. Give Rev. Pamela a call to discuss your event today! 847-873-7463 between 8am-8pm CST chicago.
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Gay Weddings Chicago Illinois site
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BEST Pumpkin Mousse by Chef Chris Tong
Perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners!
Light and fluffy
Pumpkin Mousse with Ginger Snaps
Serves 8-10
Ingredients:
1 (15-ounce) canned pumpkin
3 cups heavy whipping cream
3/4-cup superfine sugar
1/2-teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-tablespoon vanilla extract
Ginger snaps, for garnish
Preparation:
Combine pumpkin, 1-cup heavy whipping cream, sugar and spice in a medium saucepan.
Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Cool fully.
Whip remaining heavy cream and vanilla to soft peaks and fold into cooled pumpkin mixture.
Pour into a serving dish and crumble the ginger snaps over top before serving.
Chef Chris
My Private Chef, Inc.
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World of Chocolate Chicago Dec. 4
There are only two weeks until the BIG World of Chocolate! event – purchase your tickets to chocolate bliss today!
World of Chocolate, benefiting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, will take place on Thursday, Dec. 4 at Union Station from 6-9 PM. Enjoy sweet and savory chocolate morsels from around the city, smooth spirits and groovy beats. The best party of the holiday season, not to be missed!!
Chicago Holiday Theatre Productions
Winter Memories and
It’s A Fabulous Life
Bookend the Holiday Season
at Pride Films and Plays!
Pride Films and Plays celebrates the Holiday Season with two events that bookend this festive frenzy. Winter Memories is a cabaret slated for Monday December 1 at Twisted Vine.
And It’s a Fabulous Life is a hilarious spoof scheduled for Tuesday, December 30 at Mary’s Attic.
Winter Memories is a showcase that will feature some of the best and brightest of Chicago’s LGBT talent and allies, with musical accompaniment by Justin Harner and Robert Ollis and performers including PFP’s ensemble members Kevin Webb, Libby Lane, Sam Button-Harrison, Jude Hansen and Donterrio Johnson as well as special guest performances by the Burlesque beauty Po’ Chop and story telling by Rose Freeman. The evening begins at 7:00pm at Twisted Vine, 3530 N Halsted, an intimate cabaret in the heart of Boystown. PFP Artistic Ensemble Member Jordan Phelps is the creative director for the evening. Tickets are $25 for reserved seats and $20 for general admission. Food is available from the Twisted Vine menu, and there is cash bar available. Each ticket holder gets entered in a drawing for holiday door prizes and will be warmed with a cup of cocoa. Tickets are available at Brownpapertickets.com, or by calling 1 800 838 3006.
In It’s a Fabulous Life we meet Bobby, a gay man who feels like he doesn’t fit into any of the ‘The Twelve Gays of Christmas’ stereotypes. After he wishes on the memory of Judy Garland to be straight, the Ghost of Christmas Sass visits him and grants his wish. In a series of sketches, we journey with him through an evening which concludes with hilarious mayhem. PFP Artistic Associates Kris Hyland and Alexa Ray Meyer are the creative team behind this project. Tickets are $25 for reserved seats (which includes one drink ticket) and $15 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at BrownPaperTickets.com or by calling 1 800 838 3006. This show is free to PFP subscribers. The show is at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N Clark, Chicago.
About Pride Films and Plays
Founded in 2010, Pride Films and Plays is a leading player in the development of GLBT plays and musicals, screenplays and films, and has been nominated for 10 Jeff Awards in out first two years. Under A Rainbow Flag won Jeff Awards in 2013 for Best New Work (for Leo Schwartz) and Best Musical, and The Children’s Hour won for Best Supporting Actor (Nora Lise Ulrey) in 2014. Our current season began with the Jeff Recommended Chicago premieres of Some Men by Terrence McNally and Jeff Talbott’s The Submission which runs through November 25 at Apollo Studio Theater.
Other activities this month include the Queer Bits Fall Film Fest on November 10 at Public House Theater in Chicago, and Gay Film Weekend November 14 to 16 at Center On Halsted.
The season will continue with the highly anticipated world premiere of The Book of Merman by Leo Schwartz opening on January 17 at Mary’s Attic. It will be a followed by Topher Payne’s comedy Angry Fags opens March 8 as part of Steppenwolf Theatre’s Garage Rep.
For more information visit www.pridefilmsandplays.com.
Follow PFP on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram
See the PFP events calendar here.
Make a donation in support of our Pride Films and Plays here.
Sign up for the Pride Films and Plays email list here.
The Submission October 12 to November 25 at Apollo Studio, 2540 N Lincoln
Queer Bits Fall Film Fest November 10 at Public House Theater, 3914 N Clark
Gay Film Weekend November 14 to 16 at Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted
Winter Memories, December 1 at Twisted Vine
It’s A Fabulous Life, December 30 at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N Clark
The Book of Merman January 15 to February 15 at Marys’ Attic, 5400 N Clark
Angry Fags at Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Garage Rep, Spring 2015
HEATWAVE CHICAGO IS HERE!
THE TEMPERATURES
ARE PLUNGING!
There is a polar invasion in the Midwest…..
but don’t fret…HEATWAVE IS ALMOST HERE! After more than 1 year of planning, the party, like no other, is arriving this weekend. BUT IT’S ALMOST SOLD OUT!
24 hours at Key Lime Cove. We bought out the ENTIRE COMPLEX and portions of rooms booked will go the benefit the Chicago Gay Mens Chorus!
400 rooms.
12 hours of music with 4 DJ’s and CAZWELL!
Don’t want a room?
Can’t stay the night?
Get a party ticket for $85.
Room packages start at $200 for 2 people for 24 hours!
Yesterday EVERYONE wis trying to call and book rooms for Heatwave. Is that a Midwest thing…waiting to the last minute?? LOL – Because this is a special private event, each reservation can take time to process and answer everyone’s questions – hence, phone hold times may be annoying.
SO, WEDNESDAY NIGHT (Nov. 12th) 8pm-10pm the Key Lime Cove folks are coming to Scarlet Bar (3320 N. Halsted) to do reservations live one-on-one in person. And we only have about 50 -55 room packages left – where you get a room and party admission! So if you have not booked a room yet – come on out and book your room and we’ll celebrate with some Fireball shots on me!!
An event like Heatwave HAS NEVER BEEN DONE. You do not want to miss this!
Friday night we’ll be at Scarlet bar for another event – Heatwave Kick Off Party!
Come hang with Trannika Rex, designer Traver Rains and the fabulous Jasen Kaplan!
See YOU at HEATWAVE!
BEST $10 Lunch in Lakeview
THE BEST deal in Lakeview!
Mariachi Hospitality Group welcomes you to a great addition to East Lakeview. Come and experience refinement & individuality at Chicago’s first Mexican Steakhouse Steaks, Chops, Seafood with a Mexican flare. Offering a Full Service bar with an extensive wine selection, craft beers, and hand crafted cocktails.
Halsted’s to Showcase Live Bands
You don’t have to wait for street fairs to hear bands on Halsted anymore- HALSTED’S LIVE!
Previews this coming Saturday.
WHAT: Every Friday and Saturday night, Halsted’s will feature the sounds of a live band starting at 10.30 pm!
OPENING FIRST BAND – Crush On Radio: Samuel Cerniglia’s expansive vocal range and impressive swing era timbre are unmistakably unique. During Season 5 of NBC’s The Voice, Grammy-winners Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton both picked Sam for their teams with Blake finally closing the deal. Since stunning the coaches and viewers of The Voice, Sam Cerniglia has begun singing with former members of “A THOUSAND JULYS” and is hitting the scene with momentum. We are excited to welcome this phenomenal band that plays a great set list including current hits, R&B classics, and more to kick off Live Music on Halsted at Halsted’s Bar Grill!
3441 N. Halsted, Chicago
Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer Returns
Break out your high heels and fishnets
this holiday because Hell in a Handbag Productions is bringing back Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, David Cerda’s beloved parody of the classic children’s television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Now celebrating its 17th year, Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer is the longest running holiday show featuring a transvestite reindeer in the history of Chicago, and quite possibly THE WORLD.
Santa (Michael Hampton) is depressed. Nobody believes in him anymore and he doesn’t even believe in himself. Downsizing has taken its toll on the remaining elves. The North Pole morale and morals are at an all-time low and Mrs. Claus (Ed Jones) and her drinking have reached the point of no return.
When Tom and Jane Donner welcome the arrival of their new son, Rudolph, they are horrified to discover their new son’s predilection for women’s clothing and do all they can to stop him from being himself forcing Rudolph to run away from home. Can Rudolph, the North Pole’s biggest misfit elf, Herbie (Chad), and Yukon Cornelia (Lori Lee, returning for her 10th year!), the butch prospector with a deep, dark secret -accidentally save Christmas?
“For me, Rudolph is first kid’s story that encourages you to “just be yourself,” says Artistic Director and playwright David Cerda. “It’s a tale about MISFITS, and I could totally relate to Rudolph and his pain” says Cerda. “There were no anti bullying- campaigns when I was growing up. In my day, if you were picked on in your parents usually told you to stop whining and fight. I’m glad things are finally changing for kids.”
This year brings Handbag a new Rudolph, Grant Drager along with puppets by Lolly Extract and Amber Marsh plus additional new cast members, Caitlin Jackson, Kirk Jackson, Shiv Mann, Lizzie Schwarzrock as Clarice, Rudolph’s love interest and Jamie Smith as Sam the Snowman.
Also returning to the show are Barbara Figgins, Terry McCarthy, David Cerda,and of course Ed Jones as the Dragbeast.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice this year… you definitely want to catch the show that Chris Jones (Chicago Tribune) dubbed “an ideal holiday escape for anyone who detests the commercialism of traditional Christmas shows”. And remember… “Being Normal Isn’t Normal At All!”
Previews: Thursday and Friday, Nov. 29, 30 Dec. 4
Runs: Thurs. – Sun. until Jan. 2
Showtimes: 3:30pm (Dec. 13, 20, 21) &7:30
Add’l shows: Dec. 22, 23 No Show: Dec. 7, 25
Admission: $16- $25 VIP Tickets- $35-$110 Group Rates- $16 w/10 or more tickets
Reservations: (800) 838-3006 or go to Brown Paper tickets online http://
World of Chocolate Chicago 2014
THE BEST EVENT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
The air is getting colder and the holidays are near! With great cheer, we invite you to World of Chocolate. This festive tasting event benefitting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is our annual commemoration of World AIDS Day.
Guests enjoy an open bar and rich chocolate delights from some of Chicago’s most creative and talented culinarians.
We are overjoyed to be hosting World of Chocolate again in the magnificent Great Hall of Union Station on Thursday, December 4.
Purchase your tickets online and savor the sweet satisfaction of making a difference!
Peace, love, sugar & spice,
-The World of Chocolate Architects
P.S. Keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter. Get exclusive insight into the making of World of Chocolate and a sneak peek at what our culinarians have to offer!
REVIVAL SOCIAL CLUB in EdgeWater
After several months of word-of-mouth buzz, Chicago residents will finally be able to dine at Edgewater’s much-anticipated Revival Social Club, which has announced a November 12 opening date.
The restaurant has moved into the space formerly occupied by M. Henrietta at 1133 W. Granville Ave., just off of Broadway. Open 7 days per week serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant features a full bar and will host Saturday and Sunday brunch as well.
“Given our unique concept and vision we wanted to create a space with a strong sense of discovery and renewal offering dishes and drinks with surprisingly refreshing flavors,” said co-owner Alan Stoll referring to the heavy influence of coffee throughout the menu and their partnership with Chicago beanery Dark Matter Coffee. “We felt that the Edgewater neighborhood and specifically Granville Ave were the right location for our endeavor. We’re so proud to open our doors in this revitalizing neighborhood.”
Stoll added, “The project has evolved so much from our early concepts – it’s taken on an amazing life of its own. Chicago is such a food city and we’re so proud to find a place among the amazing restaurants already serving visitors and residents on a daily basis.”
Stoll announced in October that Chef Matthew Brems would helm the restaurant’s kitchen. Chef Brem’s American-inspired menu showcases modern recipes as well as a contemporary spin on classics. Just a few dishes diners will find on the menu include Coffee-Crusted Beef Tacos, Curried Chicken Pot-Pie, and Ancho Coffee-Crusted Pork Tenderloin. The weekend brunch menu features the Short Rib Sandwich, Jelly Donut Pancakes, and the Standee’s Breakfast – a throwback nod to the beloved diner which occupied the address for more than 60 years. Revival also features a full cocktail bar with whimsical sips including the Chai tea and Koval Vodka mixed Chai Town, a Bacon Old Fashioned and the Kentucky Mule using Very Old Barton as it’s base.
Revival Social Club can be found online at www.RevivalSocialClub.com.
Revival Social Club features both classic and new-American cuisine designed to lift the spirits and revive the soul. The menu offers both small and large plates for an individual or to share and the full-bar features a unique craft cocktail menu. Revival seats 74 inside with a back patio area that will seat another 20 during warmer months. The restaurant is at 1133 W. Granville Ave in North Edgewater and will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week with a special brunch menu Saturday and Sunday. A coffee bar in the mornings will feature Dark Matter Coffee roasts and a full-menu of coffee drinks.
1133 W. Granville Ave • Chicago, IL 60660 • 773-293-6435 • www.
HOURS: M-Thur 8am-11pm, Fri & Sat 8am-12am, Sun 9am-10pm
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/
SOFA Chicago Art Show Nov. 7-9th
SOFA comes to town every November and is one of the most SPECTACULAR art shows you will ever see!
The 21st Annual Exposition of Sculpture Objects & Functional Art + Design Fair is a gallery-presented, international art exposition dedicated to bridging the worlds of design, decorative and fine art.
Works by emerging and established artists and designers are available for sale by premier galleries and dealers.
SOFA CHICAGO opens to the public Friday, November 7 and runs through Sunday, November 9, 2014 at Navy Pier.
We got a sneak peak last night and it was one of the best SOFA shows we have ever seen, with artists from around the world!
There is just acres of art! They have have lectures going on, meet the artists, cafes with food and coffees available while you gaze at all the beauty!
Friday, November 7, 2014 11 am – 7 pm
Sunday, November 9, 2014 Noon – 6 pm
- Photography is not permitted. Cameras must be checked at coat check for a fee.
- Backpacks, large purses, bulky coats and over-sized personal items must be checked at coat check for a fee.
- General Admission $20.00
Three-Day Pass $30.00
Groups (10 or more) $15.00 (in advance)
The Homestretch – Homeless Youth
“The Homestretch”
follows three homeless teens, one of them LGBTQ, as they fight to stay in school, graduate, and build a future.
Each of these smart, ambitious teenagers – Roque, Kasey and Anthony – will surprise, inspire, and challenge audiences to rethink stereotypes of homelessness as they work to complete their education while facing the trauma of being alone and abandoned at an early age.
As their stories unfold, the film connects us deeply with larger issues of poverty, race, juvenile justice, immigration, foster care, and LGBTQ rights.
Watch the trailer here: www.homestretchdoc.com/
A free-will offering to benefit The Night Ministries will follow the screening, which is co-sponsored by Berry United Methodist Church and the Gay Liberation Network. The film is a co-production between Spargel Productions and Kartemquin Films.
The free screening of this new film will take place at 7 PM, Thursday, November 13
at Berry United Methodist Church, 4754 N Leavitt St, Chicago.
Chicago LGBTQ Youth – FACES
FACES is Back!
November 7th, 8th, and 9th
Links Hall, 3111 N. Western Ave, ChicagoLimited seating. Wheelchair accessible.
Click here to purchase tickets online!
YEPP’s mission is to seek a safe environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer street-based youth to explore their history, investigate new ways to address their struggles and celebrate their strengths through the process of developing a theatrical performance piece.
LGBTQ Short Films in Chicago
Pride Films and Plays’ Queer Bits Fall Film Festival
Announces Short Films to Receive Chicago Premieres
Pride Films and Plays announces ten short films from the USA, Denmark, and Spain receiving their Chicago premieres during Queer Bits Fall Film Festival at the Public House Theatre (3914 N Clark) on November 10th, 2014.
Pride Films and Plays’ Queer Bits Fall Film Festival will include a sexy romp about a young man with an international taste in men, a poignant drama about an elderly woman revisiting an intense memory, two very different and festive animated films, a touching documentary about a gay couple living in the Deep South, a powerful lesbian drama about a dangerous crush, a fascinating examination of LGBT youth in America, a sweet coming-out tale set in high school, a smart look at two men trying to reconcile their dissimilar faiths, and a fun look at a relationship which one of the partners wants to make more open.
The screening commences at 7:30PM and will be followed by a brief talkback with some of the filmmakers. The Public House Theater bar will be open beginning at 6:30PM. Please come early and have a drink with us!
Warning: some of the short films contain adult themes, language, and brief nudity. You are going to love them!
Tickets are $10. VIP Tickets are available for $15 and include prime table seating. Student and Senior tickets are also available for $5. Tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com or by calling 1.800.838.3006.
Queer Bits Fall Film Festival Program (in alphabetical order)
A Mississippi Love Story
Director: Robbie Fisher (USA, 13 minutes)
A Mississippi Love Story: a story set against the backdrop of legal battles about same-sex marriage, featuring Eddie Outlaw and Justin Outlaw of Jackson, Mississippi.
Freja and Sofie
Director/Writer: Søren Lundvall Danielsen (Denmark, 15 minutes)
Sofie plans to humiliate the lonely girl of the class Freja who is secretly in love with her.
Heavenly Peace
Director/Writer/Animator: Andreas Wessel-Therhorn (USA, 5 minutes)
An estranged gay couple is visited by a mischievously manipulative cupid just in time for Christmas – based on a comic by Ralf König.
International Male
Director/Writer: Heath Daniels (US, 7 minutes)
A financially strapped man, yearning for global adventure, invites over an international cast of men for a series of romantic escapades.
KARA FISTIK
Director/Animator: Nesli Erten (US, 4 minutes)
KARA FISTIK is a love letter to the freedom of female body parts.
The Miles Were Many
Director/Writer: Ashley “Smash” Wright (US, 5 minutes)
40% of America’s homeless youth are LGBTQ. Nancy was one of them. At
14 she came out, at which point her life became a journey, and “The miles
were many”.
Open Relationship
Director/Writer: Carlos Ocho (Spain, 14 minutes)
Oscar and Sergio have been in a relationship for 5 years and one of them has decided to ask for an open relationship.
Out Again
Directors: Emma McKittrick, Greg Chu, Tai Payne (US, 5 minutes)
Sixteen-year-old Sam attempts coming out to his crush Jordan. He travels through time to fix his mistakes until he can get the “perfect” coming out.
Scotty and Josh Get Enlightened
Director/Writer: Dan Pal (US, 14 minutes)
After a passionate night, Scotty and Josh discover they are on opposite ends of the believer/non-believer spectrum. Can their relationship survive?
Violet
Directors/Writers: Daniel Mena and Carlos Farró (Spain, 15 minutes)
An elderly woman is fighting against Alzheimer’s. Before the disease kills her memories, she decides to look back at a buried memory.
About Queer Bits Film Festival
Queer Bits Film Festival is Pride Films and Plays’ recently re-titled Film Festival is now in its third year and prides itself in providing the best LGBT short films with their Chicago premieres.
The first screening and incarnation of Queer Bits occurred in November 2012 in Center on Halsted’s Hoover-Leppen Theatre. In November 2013, five short films received their Chicago-premieres in the same venue during Pride Films and Plays’ annual Gay Film Weekend. In June 2014, Pride Films and Plays presented Queer Bits Film Festival, a sold-out 90 minute program of short films and webisodes, which was followed in September 2014 by the Women’s Words Film Festival, a very successful program of short films and webisodes with lesbian characters and themes which were written and/or directed by women.
About Pride Films and Plays
Founded in 2010, Pride Films and Plays is a leading player in the development of GLBT plays and musicals, screenplays and films. Under A Rainbow Flag won Jeff Awards in 2013 for Best New Work and Best Musical, and The Children’s Hour won for Best Supporting Actor (Nora Lise Ulrey) in 2014. Our current season began with the Jeff Recommended Chicago premieres of Some Men by Terrence McNally and The Submission by Jeff Talbott.
The season continues with the highly anticipated world premiere of The Book of Merman by Leo Schwartz – Jeff Award Winner for Under A Rainbow Flag – opening in January at Mary’s Attic. It will be a followed by Topher Payne’s comedy Angry Fags which is included in the spring Garage Rep at Steppenwolf.
For more information visit www.pridefilmsandplays.com.
Chicago Gay Comedy Festival
CHICAGO’S FIRST AND ONLY LGBTQ COMEDY FESTIVAL
“Laugh Out Proud Chicago combines local LGBTQ comedic talent to raise money for LGBTQ charity, “Season of Concern”
In its inaugural year, Laugh Out Proud Chicago showcases the local talents of the Stand-up, Improvisation, Sketch, Burlesque, Story Tellings and LGBTQ communities.
Hosted by Stage773 and Artistic Director Jacob Welch “Laugh Out Proud Chicago” features over ten hours of performances by LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly comedy troupes over the span of two days.
All proceeds are directly donated to “Season of Concern,” an LGBTQ charitable organization that focuses on helping LGBTQ actors in Chicago struggling with HIV/AIDS and other catastrophic illnesses.
WHEN: November 7th 7PM-Midnight and November 8th 7PM-Midnight, 2014
6:30 p.m. – Press briefing and Photo Opportunity
7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. “Laugh Out Proud Chicago”
Cost: $10.00-$75.00
WHERE: Stage 773
1225 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
www.stage773.com
