Monthly Archives: December 2015
Steve Grand Christmas Song
WATCH THE NEW VIDEO AND SHARE IT
Download the song: https://stevegrand.bandcamp.com/track…
ONLY AVAILABLE on BANDCAMP! It will not be made available on iTunes.
Chicago Rising Star New Years Eve
This graphic is hard to see – but the Tines Square Ball is 12′ and the Chicago star will be 70′!!!!!
This year, Chicago is starting a new tradition to ring in the New Year
with the inaugural celebration Chi-Town Rising. Corona Extra is the Presenting Sponsor of Chi-Town Rising and Hyatt Gold Passport is the Official Host Sponsor.
At 70’ 6” feet tip-to-tip and ascending to 360 feet into the night sky to welcome in the New Year, the Rising Star is truly the star of the show. Located on the West Tower of Hyatt Regency Chicago, the Rising Star will overlook the TV audience zone on Broadcast Boulevard and the Corona Beach House across the Chicago River.
Bucking the trend in the vast majority of cities around the world, the Rising Star will ascend at midnight versus descend. “Chicago has always been ‘a city on the rise,’ and never more so than in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1871 when the City rose from the ashes to become the fastest growing city in the world by the end of the 19th century,” said Arena Partners President John Murray, “A Rising Star is fitting for a populace that rises to meet challenges head-on, and it is aspirational – symbolic of looking forward to the opportunities that the New Year holds in store for us.”
The Rising Star is inspired by the second star on the city’s flag, which represents the Great Fire of 1871 and the city’s phoenix-like rise in its aftermath.
The Chicago flag has four six-pointed stars on the center white stripe each representing a significant event in the city’s history. From left to right on Chicago’s flag, the first star represents Fort Dearborn; the second, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871; the third, the World’s Columbian Exposition; and the fourth, the Century of Progress Exposition.
“Our city’s spirit inspired our choice to have an icon rise – not fall – on New Year’s Eve,” said John Murray. “Our city’s flag inspired our choice to use the Chicago Star as that icon; and these combined to inspire our choice of “Chi-Town Rising” as our name.”
The Rising Star, designed and built in Chicago by ONE618 and The Chicago Flyhouse Incorporated, is a thing of beauty. With a span of 70’6” tip-to-tip, it dwarfs icons used in cities around the world. It weighs 12,000 pounds, which is the equivalent of three pick-up trucks, and it has amazing lighting and video capabilities that will be revealed on New Year’s Eve.
How Chi-Town Rising’s Star compares to other cities’ New Year’s Eve icons
Approximately 34,000 pounds of steel make up the support structure; 24,000 pounds of steel I-beams are used on the front of Hyatt Regency Chicago, which act as guides for the Rising Star and the remaining 10,000 pounds of steel are on the roof of the building to support the cantilever. The structural steel portion of the Rising Star contains 900 bolts and the Rising Star itself contains over 250 bolts.
The Rising Star is comprised of over 2,600’ of 2” tube, which is close to half a mile of 2” tube. An additional 850’ of 1” tube is used in the assembly of the Rising Star. There are four control boxes, each containing 200 electrical terminations that will guide the motors to allow the Rising Star to ascend the building. Each of the four winch motors weighs nearly 1,000 pounds.
Chi-Town Rising will be broadcast live on NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago for those wishing to view the event for free. Those interested in attending the event live have multiple options for securing a guaranteed spot, including purchasing tickets to the outdoor audience area, the Corona Beach House party, or other partner events nearby. Official Hotel Partners have packages available that include admission to the event as well. Chi-Town Rising is a privately-produced, ticketed event. At the present time, the city has not designated any formal public viewing areas for the Countdown, Rising Star, and fireworks.
To learn more about Chi-Town Rising and be kept up to date on talent information, please sign up for the Chi-Town Rising newsletter on www.Chi-TownRising.com. For ticket information or to book your New Year’s Eve stay, please visit www.Chi-TownRising.com, and join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Shirtless Chicago Guy Spreads Prayer
A couple weeks ago Ethan Renoe, a hot shirtless jogger crashed a TV weather forecast in Chicago. During the rainy broadcast Renoe said, “It’s a great day for a run. Too wet to wear a shirt, you know?” He added, “I love running in the rain, and I’m also single!” – the video went Viral!
Renoe, an evangelical Christian, also made sure to get in a shout out to Jesus during the impromptu interview he did with WGN.
Now, NBC Chicago reports that Renoe, who attended a Christian Bible college and says he is a virgin who is saving himself for marriage, founded a ministry that has been offering “free prayers” outside gay bars in the city’s Boystown gayborhood for the last four years! – Damn, I keep missing him!
“My primary purpose of going there is to show this community love that has been severely damaged by those who claim to be Christians. That area has been hurt by people who claim Christ’s name.” – – Is it good? or bad? how do you feel about this?
One student member remarked that he understood the backlash the group sometimes receives while in the gay community:
“Some people come at us angrily, but I can understand that because that community is their stronghold and that’s where their identity lies and they feel like we’re attacking it, but that’s before they talk to us,” said student Andy Wood. “Regardless of lifestyle decisions we have the same opportunity to share the gospel and love people.”
New Years Eve Chicago Best Picks
New Years Eve – and New Years Day! Make Plans now!
Don’t be left out in the cold!
Revolucion and El Mariachi
Gay Palm Springs Hotel Deal
GET AWAY TO WARM!!!
Picturesque Palm Springs is known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas. It’s also notable for its many fine examples of midcentury-modern architecture. Its core shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive features vintage boutiques, hip interior design shops and buzzy restaurants. The surrounding Coachella Valley offers hiking, biking and horseback riding.
INNdulge is THE GAY PLACE TO STAY! A Legendary gay resort in Palm Springs with a tropical pool/hot tub, free breakfast, Wi-Fi & a gym in a relaxed space. WINTER SALE RIGHT NOW!! Only A few rooms left!
Pay for one night and get the second night FREE!
Excludes Friday, Saturday and holidays
RESERVE NOW!
Mario Lopez in Chicago Dec. 31
Chi-Town Rising, Chicago’s inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration Presented by Corona Extra and Hosted by Hyatt Gold Passport, today announces the celebrity talent set to host the New Year’s Eve broadcast both on NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago. Mario Lopez will be the host talent for NBC 5 with Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Courtney Lopez, and Marley Kayden as co-hosts. Penelope Menchaca and Maria Elena Ponticiello will be the host talent for Telemundo Chicago with Maricela Vázquez and Lily Fragoso as co-hosts. In addition to NBC 5 Chicago, Chi-Town Rising will air on over 40 NBC affiliates in the central United States. The program will also air nationally on COZI TV and in Spanish on TeleXitos.
The Chi-Town Rising live broadcast will be centered between Michigan Avenue & Columbus Drive, with the Chi-Town Rising Countdown Stage directly in front of the Hyatt Regency Chicago along Upper Wacker Drive. The broadcast will feature the musical performances of Billboard 2014 Top Artist American Authors and legendary rock band Chicago®, a dazzling midnight countdown with a 75-foot tall Chicago Star rising 360-feet into the night sky, and an epic fireworks display linking the event site with Navy Pier’s annual fireworks in one grand display synchronized to a musical soundtrack.
NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago will broadcast the event live starting at 11:08 p.m. and Telemundo Chicago will begin at 11:00 p.m.
NBC 5 CHICAGO BROADCAST: 11:08 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015
Chicago Queer Comedy Dec. 20th
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World of Chocolate Raises $120,000
More than 1,100 guests,
some decked out in their finest 1920s costumes, came together at Union Station to celebrate the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) 14th annual World of Chocolate gala on Thursday, Dec. 3. The larger-than-life celebration really was the bee’s knees — offering guests the chance to try chocolate inspired creations from 27 of Chicago’s top chocolatiers, chefs and caterers. Held annually in commemoration of World AIDS Day, this year’s event raised approximately $120,000 net in support of AFC’s continued care, policy, advocacy and education work.
Treats ranged from sweet bites to savory selections, and attendees also flocked to the speakeasy-inspired bars for some scrumptious chocolate cocktails. An expert panel of judges, including local celebrities and renowned Chicago-area chefs, judged the participating vendors in five categories:
- Best Sweet Award – Kendall College
- Best Savory Award – Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
- Best Libation Award – CH Distillery
- Best Business Class, Small Business Award – Fred’s at Barneys New York Chicago
- Best Business Class, Large Business Award – The Peninsula Chicago
- People’s Choice Award – Intercontinental Hotel Chicago
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s work to end new HIV infections in Chicago and beyond. Proceeds from the event will:
· Help more than 5,000 people each year know their HIV status
· Support efforts to house 1,100 Chicagoans who are experiencing homelessness
· Enable more than 5,300 clients to receive case management services
· Fund trainings for hundreds of medical professionals about PrEP
Generous vendors participating in World of Chocolate included: the Brass Monkey, CH Distillery, Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Chocolat Uzma Sharif, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Fred’s of Barneys New York Chicago, Hilton Chicago, Intercontinental Hotel, Italian Village Restaurants, Kendall College School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Life’s Sweeter Side, Loews Chicago Hotel, Mercat a la Planxa, the Peninsula Chicago, Prasino LaGrange, Riques Cocina Mexicana, RL Restaurant, Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, Starbucks, Summer House Santa Monica, Uptown Brownie, Vanille Patisserie, Virgin Hotels Chicago, Walgreens, Wow Bao and ZED451.
- The AIDS Foundation of Chicago mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases. We work toward a day when people living with HIV and related chronic diseases will thrive, and new HIV infections will be rare. To learn more, visit www.aidschicago.org.
Neverland Chicago Purity Ball Dec. 30
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New Year’s in Chicago: Neverland’s 4th annual Purity Ball white party featuring DJ Alain Jackinsky inches closer to New Year’s this year with a major event on Wednesday, Dec. 30th. Take off the 31st and plan on house parties that night, because we’re making the 30th the biggest gay party of the holiday season. |
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CLICK HERE for NEVERLAND PRE-SALE TICKETS
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The Facts Date: Wednesday, Dec. 30th 2 performances, a massive set, hot costumed dancers, and the magic of Boystown’s most creative and hard-working team. |
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For tickets, visit Egoist Underwear in Boystown, or CLICK HERE |
Holiday Reservations Chicago Celebrations
Don’t Wait Till The Last Minute!!!
Christmas and New Years in just a few weeks away!
Divas, Dining, Drinks and Donations this December
Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25
5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club will host festive holiday celebrations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. As a nod to the giving spirit of the season, guests will receive half-off martinis, cocktails and Kit Kat’s Christmas prix fixe menu in exchange for a canned good donation. The non-perishable food donations will benefit Heartland Health Outreach, an organization that provides care to more than 12,000 needy individuals in the Chicago metropolitan area each year.
Chef JoAnn Witherell’s Christmas prix
Diva Kinley Preston will entertain guests each evening starting at 7:30 p.m. For table reservations, please call 773-525-1111.
New Year’s Eve at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Glitz and Glam Gala Starring Diva Kinley Preston
Thursday, December 31
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club will hold an over-the-top “Glitz and Glam Gala” this New Year’s Eve. The fabulous affair will feature a four course prix fixe menu, martinis and live entertainment. Diva Kinley Preston will captivate dining guests with intermittent performances as Lady Gaga, Madonna, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, P!NK and more.
Chef JoAnn Witherell’s modern American supper club menu features the choice of starter, salad, entree and dessert. The menu, outlined below, includes two martinis, champagne toast and party favors for $65 per person (7 p.m. seating) and $85 per person (10 p.m. seating).
For New Year’s Eve dining reservations, please call Kit Kat at 773.525.1111. The lounge will be open for bar guests from 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
New Year’s Eve Menu
7 p.m. $65 per person / 10 p.m. $85 per person
Includes two martinis and champagne toast
Starter
choice of:
Smoked Salmon, creme fraiche, minced red onion, capers, toast points
Shrimp, avocado, chipotle mayo
Potato Leek Soup
Salad
choice of:
Beet Salad – roasted beets, orange segments, arugula, pistachios, goat cheese crumbles, champagne vinaigrette
Kit Kat Salad – romaine and spinach blend, sliced pears, dried cranberries, spiced pecans, balsamic vinaigrette
Entree
choice of:
Surf and Turf – filet and crab cake with bearnaise sauce and grilled asparagus
Seared Chicken Breast – creamy mustard sauce, mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, bacon and parmesan vinaigrette
Seafood Pasta – bay scallops, rock shrimp, crimini mushrooms, light brandy cream, curry
Stuffed Portobello Mushroom – spinach, artichokes, goat cheese, rice medley
Dessert
choice of:
Brownie Sundae, burnt caramel sauce, candied pecans, whipped cream
Key Lime Pie
Chocolate Layer Cake
Chicago Jeweler Gregg Helfer
The clock is ticking! Just a few days till Hanukkah and a couple weeks till Christmas! Is your shopping done? Gregg Helfer Jewelers located in downtown Chicago, has lots of things that sparkle to make your holidays bright! Maybe you are planning a wedding for 2016? It’s not too early to look at rings.
The Helfer family has been importing diamonds and making jewelry for three generations starting with Gregg’s Grandfather David Helfer. A proud supporter of the gay community for many years, in 2000, after working in the jewelry industry on his own for over 12 years, Gregg continued the family tradition by opening a private office in the historic Maller’s building on Chicago’s Jewelers Row.
Gregg and his brother Michael work with clients to find the perfect product at the perfect price for them. Outstanding customer service and great prices make Gregg Helfer Jewelers the go-to jewelers, for all of your wants and needs. Whether you’re an experienced online shopper, or need some additional assistance with custom design or special order, we’re confident you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. They are available six days a week to help you find the piece of jewelry of your dreams.
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5 S. Wabash, 17th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603 -
312-265-3364
Amy and Freddy PLUS LESLIE JORDAN
A HOLIDAY SHOW
NOT TO BE MISSED!
- Friday, Dec. 11: Doors open at 6 pm, show at 7:30 pm
- Saturday, Dec. 12: Doors open at 6 pm, show at 7:30 pm
- Sunday, Dec. 13: Hydrate opens at 2 pm for Sunday Funday, show at 7:30 pm
