Monthly Archives: March 2015
Aids Foundation Chicago Gala in May
The biggest GALA of the year!
On Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the Hilton Chicago, we will gather together as Illinois’ strongest HIV/AIDS community to commemorate AFC’s three decades as a leader in the fight against HIV.
It’s the right time to change the story of HIV, but we can only move forward with your unwavering support.
“Our 30th Year Gala will be a rallying point for our most dedicated supporters to stand with AFC in this unprecedented moment in history. Recent medical breakthroughs and shifts in the health care landscape have put AFC in its strongest position ever to prevent new infections and better support people living with HIV and AIDS.”
The evening will include:
- A program led by Amy Landecker, who stars in the 2015 Golden Globe-winning TV series Transparent
- A vacation auction and raffle
- Dinner
- Dancing to music by DJ Kiss
- Live Auction includes luxurious vacations to Hawaii and Las Vegas
- Raffle includes vacations to Aruba and NYC
- A punch board full of prizes from Chicago restaurants, theaters, spas and more.
AFC will be honoring Thomas Kehoe with the Community Impact Award and Ernie Rodriguez with the Lori Kaufman Volunteer Award.
Join us at the 30th Year Gala to show your commitment to this vibrant community that has led the fight for 30 years.
Chicago House Annual Fashion Brunch
Those of us who remember the headline “Rare Cancer Seen in 41 Homosexuals” in The New York Times on July 3, 1981 also can remember the fear, the shame, and the hysteria that followed soon after. It was a full year before the reason for that “rare cancer” had a name: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It was even longer before a safety net was in place to catch those falling victim to HIV.
In 1985, Chicago House opened its doors as the first provider of AIDS Housing and Support Services in the Midwest, offering eight beds that would allow those with AIDS a place to die with dignity. Many of those first residents were gay men. From the start, our founders, our staff, our board, and our residents were people from all walks of life who were:
- Unified in fighting poverty and homelessness,
- Unified in support of the LGBTQ community, and
- Unified in serving those with HIV/AIDS.
It is now 30 years later, and thankfully HIV/AIDS has eased from crisis mode for many. Antiretroviral medications are now so effective that people who are positive are not only living healthy lives, but also are not passing on HIV thanks to undetectable viral loads. Concurrently, the preventive HIV medication PrEP (among other advancements) is now available to help assure that those who are HIV negative remain negative.
Similarly, LGBTQ civil equality has achieved unprecedented success and progress. In 1985, the founders of Chicago House gathered around a table at The Baton in downtown Chicago to help provide an answer and some relief to the greatest needs of the LGBTQ community. We can only try to imagine their joy had they been able to see the advancements achieved over these last 30 years.
Unfortunately the gains we have made in HIV/AIDS care and in LGBTQ equality have not been shared by many of those experiencing the first of our three founding calls to action: poverty and homelessness. In fact, those living with HIV/AIDS and those who identify as LGBTQ remain disproportionately affected by poverty and homelessness. Those who are low income are over five times more likely to have HIV, and 29% of all LGBTQ people experienced food insecurity in the last year. It is in the face of those facts that Chicago House recently cut the ribbon on the TranLife Center, and it is in the face of those facts that we continue working tirelessly to serve those most marginalized and most in need in the LGBTQ community and among those living with HIV.
Thirty years of service offers many reasons to celebrate, but the reality of disproportionate homelessness and poverty offers even more reasons to fight harder than ever for the people that we serve. Thank you so much for remaining with us in the fight.
Chicago House: There at the Beginning. Here to meet the challenge.
This year’s Spring Fashion Brunch on May 3rd is all about celebrating Chicago House’s 30 Years of Service and the last three decades of fashion. In fact, all guests are invited to come dressed in his or her favorite fashion moment or trend from the past 30 years. The fashion certainly won’t be limited to the runway this year!
THIS SELLS OUT EVERY YEAR! GET TICKETS ONLINE NOW!
El Mariachi Special Deals and Events
RESERVE TODAY! ONLY A FEW SEATS LEFT! 773-549-2932
And EASTER IS NEXT WEEKEND! Don’t be left without a seat!
Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse Revolucionsteakhouse.com
3443 N. Broadway (773) 661-9893
El Mriachi Tequila Bar & Grill Elmariachitequilabar.com
3906 N. Broadway (773) 549-2932
Easter Brunch April 5th
It always amazes me when people show up for Brunch in Chicago, WITHOUT a reservation. I hate to wait! And sometimes a restaurant is totally full with no tables in sight.
EASTER is in 1 week! Don’t be left outside without a table!
Taverna 750 is giving away free carrot cake to all brunch goers making it 3 Course, 2 Martinis + Mimosas for $27!
See you there!
Steve Grand at Downtown Bar March 28th
“All-American Boy” my first, full-length debut album is here!
Celebrate with myself and other fellow #Grandfam in Chicago,
Saturday, March 28 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
At 440 North State St. DOWNTOWN BAR
FREE EVENT
Come to enjoy
The New Album, live performance, merch for sale, friends, drinks, and more!
Red Dress Party Chicago 2015
It’s almost here! The return of Chicago’s RED DRESS PARTY fundraiser!
Special promo – if you don’t have tickets yet, Buy one General Admission ticket and GET ONE FREE!
Don’t wait! Offer ends March 31st! BUY NOW ONLINE and they will send you an extra free ticket!
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen in Chicago
Join Cohen and Cooper for an unscripted,
uncensored and unforgettable night of conversation!
GET A SNEAK PEAK NOW
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The Chicago Theatre Chicago, IL 1-800-745-3000 |
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WARHOL Wonka Ball April 10
Come claim your 15 minutes of fame at About Face Theatre’s annual gala WONKA BALL:
WARHOL, where guests are invited to step into Warhol’s infamous factory for one night only. This year’s highly-anticipated soiree takes place Friday, April 10, 2015 at 8 pm (VIP Cocktail Reception at 7 pm) at Moonlight Studios, 1446 W. Kinzie St. in Chicago.
WONKA BALL:
WARHOL will celebrate the pop art icon and his cadre of superstars, celebrities and subjects. Guests are invited to experience live, Warhol-inspired art-making by Matthew Lew, JoJo Baby and Edgewater Workbench, short experimental films by Warhol and contemporary Chicago filmmakers, a punch-out prize wall, a photo booth and more. Guests will also enjoy fantastic food with catering by Wolfgang Puck, delicious drinks and stellar silent and live auctions, including a three-night stay in Key West.
Join Chicago’s celebrated center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and ally arts (LGBTQIA) as it celebrates its 19th year on this unforgettable evening. Tickets are currently available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling (773) 784-8565.
VIP Cocktail Reception
Join About Face for an exclusive VIP Cocktail Reception beginning at 7 pm, guests will enjoy early access to the venue, specialty cocktails, an exclusive raffle with complimentary raffle tickets, culinary treats, live entertainment and a VIP gift bag. The reception will be hosted by the evening’s honorary co-chairs and members of the AFT Board of Directors.
WONKA BALL: WARHOL Honorary Co-Chairs include AFT Artistic Associate Precious Davis, John Dalton and Kristen Kaza.
Proceeds from WONKA BALL: WARHOL will support About Face Theatre’s award-winning mainstage programming, new play development series and nationally-recognized educational program. Since 1995, About Face has created exceptional, innovative, and adventurous plays that advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity and have entertained and challenged audiences in Chicago, across the country and around the world. Support from Wonka Ball enables About Face to thrive as Chicago’s celebrated center for LGBTQIA arts; an inclusive home where diverse artists, youth, audiences and community partners come together for artistic exchange and cultural dialogue.
EVENT DETAILS:
Event: WONKA BALL: WARHOL
Date: Friday, April 10 from 8 pm – 11 pm; VIP Cocktail Party at 7 pm
Location: Moonlight Studios, 1446 W. Kinzie St. in Chicago
Tickets: General admission: $150 (Early Bird Special $125 through March 13, 2015). VIP Cocktail Reception: $200 (Early Bird Special $175 through March 13, 2015). Additional sponsorship packages are available. Tickets currently available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling (773) 784-8565.
THE SPONSORS
Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering. Liquor: Absolut, Angels Envy, Goose Island and Sidetrack. Event furniture: Cort. Photo booth: Red Weddings. Restaurant Partners: Wow Bao, Garrett Popcorn, Hamburger Mary’s, Cabot Cheese, Insomnia Cookies, Yo Soy!, Swirlz Cupcakes, Mariano’s, Rique’s Chicago, mEAT, DS Tequila and Do-Rite Donuts. Key West vacation: Historic Key West Inns.
About Face Theatre creates exceptional, innovative, and adventurous plays to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity, and to challenge and entertain audiences in Chicago, across the country, and around the world.
Oprah’s Yard Sale Auction
I want this table!
Oprah may have had a difficult time in trying to ditch her spacious 56th floor Water Tower Place unit, but the media mogul is now unloading the contents of the 9,600 square foot pad to raise funds for her education foundation; South African girls school.
Oprah will be auctioning off 571 lots in a big one day event on April 25. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers announced the sale, which will be conducted at its Chicago salesroom.
“People love Oprah,” Hindman said. “There’s something for everyone. There’s things that are $100 and things up to $100,000.”
Slowly but surely, Oprah has been cutting ties with Chicago over the last few years, selling two other units along Lake Shore Drive, a farm in Indiana and her Harpo Studios campus in the West Loop.
Oprah also recently announced that she plans on shutting down Harpo’s Chicago operations for good.
If you plan on attending Oprah’s ginormous garage sale, be sure to bring a pile of cash as many of the items being sold are valuable antiques and artwork.
GLAAD Hatter Brunch April 4th
Tickets are going fast! Don’t be left out!
2015 GLAAD Hatter Brunch Benefit!
GLAAD Hatter, presented by Ketel One Vodka and MillerCoors, is a celebration of national and local leaders advancing LGBT equality.
At GLAAD it’s personal and we want your hat to be a personal expression of yourself while enjoying a sumptuous brunch with specialty brunch cocktails.
Whether impressive or understated, bridal or funeral, edible, perishable, sporty, floral, or with live birds in a cage — whatever hat you wear, you’ll fit right in. Prizes will be given away for “Best Hat” as well as “People’s Choice” for favorite hat. Enter to win raffle prizes from great companies throughout the Chicago area.
Tickets: http://www.glaad.org/
Easter Brunch April 5th Boystown
Easter Brunch at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Midday Meal with Mimosas and Madam X
Sunday, April 5 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $39.95 per person
Enjoy a celebratory Easter brunch at Kit Kat, complete with mimosas and build-your-own cocktails. On Sunday, April 5, the Lakeview Lounge and Supper Club will offer a four course prix fixe menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chef JoAnn Witherell’s menu, outlined below, includes mimosas, sangria or bloody martinis for $39.95 per person. The fierce and fabulous Diva Madam X will entertain brunch guests with live performances all day.
Kit Kat’s menu of martinis will be half-price ($7 each) including such seasonal selections as “In Bloom” (Pinnacle raspberry vodka, Pama liqueur, elder flower liqueur, champagne), “Strawberry Shortcake” (Pinnacle whipped vodka, strawberry liqueur, strawberry puree, splash of vanilla, pineapple juice and cream, garnished with graham cracker and whipped cream) and “Cabana Boy” (Cruzan coconut rum, vodka, Midori, banana liqueur, orange and pineapple juice).
For brunch reservations, please call Kit Kat at 773-525-1111.
Kit Kat’s Easter Menu
First Course
House made cheddar biscuits served with whipped honey butter
Second Course
choice of:
Kit Kat Salad – romaine, spinach, sliced apples, candied almonds, apple cider vinaigrette
Southwest Salad – romaine, avocado, tomatoes, black beans, corn, cheddar, roasted pumpkin seeds, tortilla strips, buttermilk ranch
Third Course
choice of:
Croque Monsieur – ham, gruyere, mustard aioli
Crab Cake Benedict – lemon bearnaise, bacon crumble, roasted potatoes
Macho Man- two eggs any style, bacon, sausage, biscuit and sausage gravy, roasted potatoes
Kit Kat Burger – smoked bacon, gruyere cheese, French mustard, over easy egg, Parmesan truffle fries
Ravioli – ricotta, spinach, asparagus, shallots, mushrooms, peas, Parmesan creme sauce
Chicken and Waffles – cayenne maple and roasted red fingerling potatoes
Dessert
choice of:
Kit Kat’s Carrot Cake
Brownie Sundae, burnt caramel sauce, candied pecans
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
773.525.1111
Matinee Las Vegas Memorial Weekend
We know Memorial Weekend in Chicago is all about the GRABBY Awards and IML….but, Las Vegas is drawing in more and more Midwest guys to the Matinee Las Vegas Festival!
The Biggest Gay Dance Festival of the Summer returns for a 5th Anniversary over Memorial Day Weekend: May 22-25, 2015. Plus, Barcelona’s Biggest Party makes its U.S. debut for our Saturday Night Main Event at America’s Newest Waterpark: Cowabunga Bay!
Reserve your passes NOW and save 25%! A LIMITED NUMBER OF THESE DISCOUNT TICKETS ARE LEFT!! DON’T WAIT!
Lots of Chicago boys will be there!
Use KOBY GRANT at checkout and get a discounted fitness package in preparation for the sexiest party in Vegas!
Wonka Ball 2015 WARHOL
In the future everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.In 2015, About Face Theatre proclaims:
It is the future and everyone can be Andy Warhol
For one night only, Moonlight Studios will be transformed into today’s version of Warhol’s Factory. Immerse yourself in a world of 21st century pop art, cinema and camp while enjoying music, dancing, delicious drinks and fantastic food. And get ready for an amazing, art-filled silent and live auction that will blow your mind!
Just 2 weeks left! What are you waiting for, sugar?
Take a walk on the wild side…
Friday, April 10th @ Moonlight StudiosVIP Superstar Lounge @ 7pm
General Admission @ 8pm
