Monthly Archives: November 2016

  Benefits, Cabaret, Celebrity, Drag, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Theater in Chicago

Charles Busch in Chicago!

charles-busch-chicago

Pride Arts Center presents Charles Busch; That Girl, That Boy in The Broadway in the Pride Arts Center for two nights only on January 29 and 30, 2017.

This is the first time this theatrical legend will play his solo show in Chicago. And this is the first of what will be quarterly Pride Arts Center Presents events featuring prominent performers from the world of theater, music, film and more in the newly opened Pride Arts Center.

 

Charles Busch, two-time MAC Award winner, Tony nominee, and drag legend, brings an eclectic program of songs both contemporary and from the past. New York Times critic Stephen Holden wrote, “He has the gift of comic gab like few other entertainers. Innately funny, endearing and acutely intelligent, he also has claws. For an audience, the possibility of being scratched, although remote, lends his humor a bracing edge.” Accompanied by his dashing longtime musical director, Tom Judson, Charles combines hilarious personal reminiscence, character sketches and superb storytelling through song into one glittering and glamorous evening in cabaret.

(Photo by Frederick Aranda)
Performances are on Sunday, January 29 and Monday, January 30 at 7:30 pm both nights in The Broadway, part of the Pride Arts Center at 4139 N Broadway. Busch will fittingly perform on the set of PRISCILLA: QUEEN OF THE DESERT which will be PFP’s first production in their new home.

Charles Busch; That Girl, That Boy
Performed by Charles Busch
The Broadway, Pride Arts Center
4139 N. Broadway, Chicago
Sunday, January 29 and Monday, January 30, 2017
7:30 pm
Tickets: $75 reserved seats, $40 general admission
Visit http://bit.ly/charlesbuschatPAC  or call 1-800-737-0984 to order

CHARLES BUSCH is the author and star of such plays as The Divine Sister, Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, The Tribute Artist and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, which ran for nearly two years on Broadway and received a Tony nomination for Best Play. He wrote and starred in the film versions of his plays, Psycho Beach Party and Die Mommie Die, the latter of which won him the Best Performance Award at the Sundance Film Festival. In 2003, Mr. Busch received a special Drama Desk Award for career achievement as both performer and playwright. He is also the subject of the acclaimed documentary film ‘The Lady in Question is Charles Busch.’ He is a two-time MAC award winner and has performed his cabaret act in many cities including San Francisco, Provincetown, Palm Springs, New Orleans, Atlanta, Philadelphia, London, Paris and in New York at 54 Below. In winter of 2016, his show ‘The Lady at the Mic’ premiered at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series.  For more information visit www.Charlesbusch.com.
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  Benefits, Center on Halsted, Community, Contests, Gay Bars, News and Happenings, Outdoors, Special Events

Chicago Santa Speedo Run Dec 3rd

chicago-santa-speedo-run

ANNUAL   CHICAGO  SANTA   SPEEDO  RUN!!!
Saturday, December 3, 2016      12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

LOCATION         Sidetrack – 3349 N Halsted St

 

GET YOUR SANTA ON!

Better yet, take it off – when you run with us this December. The Santa Speedo Run – Boystown is more than an excuse to hang out your holiday decorations – it’s also a huge party that raises money for non-profits serving Chicago’s LGBTQ community. REGISTER TO RUN as an individual or as a team or MAKE A DONATION and become a part of the fun!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

On Saturday, December 3, 2016
12:00pm Sign-in and Registration @ Sidetrack
1:50pm We sing our very own Christmas Carol, “Jingle Balls!”
2:00pm 1-mile run through Boystown
2:30pm Awards, Entertainment and Door Prizes

2016 INCENTIVE LEVELS

  • Raise $25, receive Santa’s Sack:
    • The first 200 runners to register with a minimum donation of $25 will receive a Santa’s Sack that includes our logo t-shirt, our collectible Christmas ornament / bottle opener, plus coupons and discounts to our favorite local restaurants and businesses. You are not required to run.
  • Raise $100, receive an entry in the Grand Prize Drawing – you will get an additional entry for each additional $100 you raise. We have over 20 gifts in this drawing that are each valued at $100 or more.
  • Raise $300, receive the 2016 “Frosty The Snowman” Santa Speedo or Official Santa Hoodie
  • Raise $1,000 or more and become eligible for a party at Sidetrack for you and 20 of your friends. A drawing with only those that reach the $1,000 goal will be held during the Santa Speedo Run and the winner will be announced live!

 

REGISTER TO RUN & MAKE A DONATION

Online registration is now open!

REGISTER a new Santa!
GIVE TO a Santa that is already registered!

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  News and Happenings, Restaurants and Dining, Retail and Services, Special Events

Holiday Cooking Class with My Private Chef

Tuesday November 29th @7pm
GET READY FOR HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING WITH CHEF TONG OF MY PRIVATE CHEF
Demonstration, 2 hour class,  $20
Whole Foods,  1550  N. Kingsbury, Chicago
This is really fun, if you have never been,  it’s a educational and delicious  class. He cooks  and  demonstrates,  and  you get to eat!   You can grab a bottle of wine  from  downstairs  in the store, and it makes  for a fun night.  bring some friends!
Looking forward to the holidays, Chef Christopher Tong has developed a marvelous assortment of recipes that your family and guests will applaud. Chef Tong of the Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef, will present some delicious recipes perfect for Holiday entertaining.  People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation, and come away with fabulous recipes that you can try at home. Chef Chris will provide tips on shopping for the finest ingredients. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
Chef Tong’s Holiday Menu:
*Potato Leek Soup and Stilton Cheese
*Pistachio crusted Rack of Lamb with Cabernet Sauce, Ratatouille and Sweet Potato Croquettes

*Chocolate Mousse, Sea Salt, Blood Orange Olive Oil

To sign up, please see a Team Member at our Customer Service Desk or call us at 312.587.0648

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  Andersonville, Community, FREE, HIV, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Wellness

Howard Brown Expands North

howard-brown-health-center-chicago-rogers-park

On Monday, December 5, Howard Brown Health will inaugurate its Rogers Park clinic, with elected officials and invited guests.

The event commemorates the completion of the construction and expansion project that began in December 2015. The event will feature refreshments, food, and a short program featuring Howard Brown President and CEO, David Ernesto Munar, Board Chair Duke Alden, Chief Clinical Officer for Howard Brown, Dr. Magda Houlberg, as well special guests.

 

WHAT:     Howard Brown Health Clark Private Ribbon-Cutting Event

 

WHO:       Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation, Chicago City Council and Cook County Board of Commissioners (invited)

 

WHERE: Howard Brown Health Clark       6500 N. Clark St., Chicago

WHEN:    9:30–11 a.m., Monday, December 5 Howard Brown Health Clark,

 

Howard Brown’s Rogers Park clinic, co-located with Gerber/Hart Library and Archives (Gerber/Hart), opened in December 2015.  A result of Howard Brown’s designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center, the clinic has provided a limited bank of healthcare services until construction concluded this month on the rest of the building.  The newly expanded 15,000-square-foot facility includes 12 exam rooms, counseling rooms and space for other services.  At Howard Brown Health Clark, patients may access primary medical care, a sliding scale of charges based on income, STI/HIV screening and treatment, behavioral health counseling services, insurance navigation, educational opportunities, and a meeting/event space.  Howard Brown expects to provide 12,000 medical visits to an estimated 8,000 patients at the location annually.

 

Howard Brown Health exists to eliminate the disparities in health care experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness.

 

For more information about Howard Brown, go to http://howardbrown.org/wp/.

 

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  Community, FREE, Restaurants and Dining, Special Events

Free Thanksgiving Meal Rogers Park

A Church 4 Me MCC will be hosting a free community Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving day, November 24. located in Rogers Park at 7366 N. Clark St.

 

mcc-chicago-thanksgiving thanksgiving-chicago-free-meals

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  Deals, News and Happenings, Retail and Services

Black Friday Deals NOW

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  News and Happenings, Travel

Chicago to NYC in Pullman Palace Train Car

pullman_journey-0

Ever wonder what it was like to travel across the country in the comfort and luxury of an old Pullman Palace Car? Well, here’s your opportunity to experience cross-country rail travel in a mid-century Pullman car—the Pullman cars that made George Pullman immensely wealthy and helped create the country’s first factory town.

pullman-train-car-deco

Starting December 29, Pullman Rail Journeys will be leading a number of passengers to New York via Pullman cars to celebrate the new year in the Big Apple. Passengers will spend three nights at the art deco Roosevelt Hotel and then be treated with a dinner party atop of the Marriott Marquis in Times Square for New Year’s Eve. The journey and celebration won’t be cheap however.

The full five-night package for the rail trip and stay in New York starts at $5,770. However, for those interested in history, classic architecture, and rail travel, this could be the most perfect New Year’s celebration.

pullman-train-rides-chicago

Carefully brought back to service and ardently detailed to be as historically accurate as possible, the classic Pullman Cars offer passengers the chance to rediscover the style, ambiance and craftsmanship of the golden age of rail travel. Modern conveniences such as showers, wireless Internet access and power outlets have been thoughtfully added to maximize comfort and enhance your experience. And with classic American dining, an engaging social setting and first-class, personalized Pullman service, each iconic journey takes you back to a civilized, sophisticated era when the journey was as much anticipated as the destination.

Go to the site  and  learn about  other  trips, as well!

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  Cabaret, Contests, Deals, Gay Bars, News and Happenings, Restaurants and Dining, Theater in Chicago

FINDING NEVERLAND Brunch Nov 20

finding-neverland-chicago-broadway

Finding Neverland Brunch at

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club

Enjoy Live Diva Performances, Theater Ticket Giveaway and More

Sunday, November 20       11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sprinkle the pixie dust, it’s time for another fun, themed brunch at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club! On Sunday, November 20, the Lakeview-located restaurant will host a Finding Neverland midday soiree in celebration of the newest Broadway in Chicago hit musical. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Diva Madam X will perform live as Kit Kat’s mixologists shake up $7 Stoli vodka martinis (offered 11 a.m.-2 a.m.).

Guests may enjoy Chef JoAnn Witherell’s brunch menu, featuring chicken and waffles, Rice Krispie french toast, crab cake Benedict, chilaquiles and more. With the purchase of any brunch entree, a cocktail package (bloody marys; mimosas; sangria; bellinis) can be added for $14.95 per person. The complete brunch menu may be viewed here.

 

Raffles will be held throughout the day, with five lucky participants winning a pair of tickets to see Finding Neverland at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. For table reservations, contact Kit Kat at 773-525-1111.


Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street

773.525.1111

kitkatchicago.com

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  Benefits, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Restaurants and Dining

World of Chocolate Chicago Dec 1

Un cuore nel cioccolato

AIDS Foundation of Chicago Serves

Chocolate Extravagance for a Great Cause on World AIDS Day

AMAZING Annual Holiday Gala Raises Funds and Awareness for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago

 

       Chicagoans are invited to treat themselves to an evening of delectable indulgence with delicacies for all palates at the 15th annual World of Chocolate winter gala on Thursday, Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, presented by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) at Chicago’s popular new event space, Revel Fulton Market. Eyes and taste buds will burst with sensory overload from elaborate décor and sweet treats from 22 of Chicago’s most noteworthy chocolatiers, restaurants and caterers.

 

From sweet chocolate creations to savory bites, decadence of every flavor will be available alongside extravagant décor by Kehoe Designs. Celebrity judges will announce the evening’s best creations. Guests can also enjoy a light buffet, specialty cocktails, open bar, music, a raffle and punchboard with spectacular prizes.

 

Taking place on World AIDS Day, this year’s signature celebration will commemorate the worldwide progress the HIV/AIDS community has made to end the epidemic. The movement has observed the Dec. 1 date as a global effort to increase public awareness about the virus, while promoting HIV related programming and dialogue. Launched in 1988, the global event followed an international summit among health leaders who saw the need for a larger discussion on HIV/AIDS in every country.

 

Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s work to end new HIV infections in Chicago and beyond. Proceeds from the event will:

  • Support efforts to house 1,100 Chicagoans who are experiencing homelessness.
  • Enable more than 7,000 clients to receive case management services.
  • Fund trainings for hundreds of medical professionals about PrEP.
  • Empower us to provide policy leadership in state and federal health equity matters

 

WHEN:            Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m.

 

WHERE:          Revel Fulton Market    1215 W. Fulton Market   Chicago, IL 60607

 

TICKETS:        For more information and to reserve tickets, call 312-334-0935 or visit http://www.aidschicago.org/chocolate.
General Admission: $135 (includes one event ticket)
Red Ribbon Ticket: $235 (includes one event ticket, VIP access, name recognition on event website and electronic program)
Bittersweet Bliss Ticket Package: $800 (includes four event tickets, VIP access, name recognition on event website and electronic program)
Chocolate Ecstasy Ticket Package: $2,000 (includes ten event tickets, VIP access, name recognition on event website and electronic program)
woc2016_600x300

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  Art, Community, FREE, HIV, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Special Events, Wellness

Art AIDS America Dec 1 – April 2

art-aids-america-chicago-exhibit

Art AIDS America Chicago

This groundbreaking exhibition underscores the deep and unforgettable presence of HIV in American art. It introduces and explores the whole spectrum of artistic responses to AIDS, from the politically outspoken to the quietly mournful, surveying works from the early 1980s to the present.

 

Uncomfortable, wistfully beautiful,
and vitally important… — Advocate.com

 

Art AIDS America will culminate its national tour at the new Alphawood Gallery, established for this presentation by the Alphawood Foundation, at 2401 North Halsted Street (at Fullerton Avenue). The exhibition – opening on World AIDS Day, Thursday, December 1, and continuing through Sunday, April 2, 2017 – will be free and open to the public.

Tino Rodriguez (born 1965), Eternal Lovers, 2010. Oil on wood, Overall: 18 × 24 inches.

Private collection.
Photo courtesy of the artist.

  • The New Alphawood Gallery

    The Alphawood Foundation felt it was so important that this exhibition come to Chicago that it has undertaken an effort to transform its headquarters building, a former bank, into a temporary museum space, the Alphawood Gallery. The reworking of the space is now underway. Our contractors have filled out the foundation—studs, plywood and drywall have been going up at remarkable speed. The floors, finishes, and lights are next. It is very exciting to see the space taking shape so rapidly. Check back regularly for updates and more exhibition information.

    art-aids-chicago-exhibit-halsted

    aids-art-collection

    Admission

    Alphawood Foundation is proud to bring Art AIDS America to Chicago.  To accommodate the largest possible audience for this important exhibition, admission to Art AIDS America at the Alphawood Gallery will be free to all.  We are only constrained by the size and capacity of our building that necessarily limit the number of visitors who can enter the gallery at one time.

    To ensure admission and a quality experience, you should obtain a timed admission pass, which will allow entry to the gallery during a one-hour window.

    The length of your visit will be up to you.  If crowd size and other circumstances permit, a limited number of walk-up admissions will also be available onsite.

    Alphawood Gallery
    2401 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL

 

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  Cabaret, Celebrity, Deals, Music, News and Happenings, Outside the City, Theater in Chicago

Well Strung Chicagoland Christmas Concert Dec 10

strung

LOVE THESE  GUYS!!!!

A Well-Strung Christmas

Musical arrangements by Well-Strung

December 10, 2016
7:30 pm
Location: Dorothy Menker Theater

Tickets: $30 General Public/$25 Students, Seniors, Staff
BUY TICKETS

Starring Edmund Bagnell, Christopher Marchant, Daniel Shevlin and Trevor Wadleigh
Produced by Mark Cortale  &   Directed by Richard Jay-Alexander

The all-male string quartet Well-Strung has been receiving rave reviews all over the world, from the House of Blues in New Orleans to the Leicester Square Theatre in London. A Well-Strung Christmas includes the most beautiful and traditional melodies, such as Silent Night to irreverent “newly observed” versions of things like I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and the famous Sleighride, to George Michael’s This Christmas… and everything in between. There will be opportunities for the audience to participate and walk away from the evening’s holiday celebration with some special moments they will remember and keep close to their hearts. You might even see a little snow!

“Each member of Well-Strung sings and plays with effervescing warmth, making the holidays that much brighter.”
– Broadway World

a-well-strung-christmas1200x500_4

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  Boystown, Center on Halsted, Deals, Film, News and Happenings, Transgender

TRANS film Festival Nov. 17-18

trans-sexual-film-festival-chicago

LOCATION
Hoover-Leppen Theatre, Center on Halsted

 

 

The 2nd Annual Transfluential Film Festival places the journeys and stories of trans communities into the spotlight.  Films were solicited from around the world, and the finalists will be screened over two evenings at Center on Halsted.

Join us as we watch and discuss the films, their characters, and the themes they illuminate.

*Full schedule of films and programs will be released in early November.

 

PRICE

$5 suggested donation

*Inability to pay should not act as a deterrent to attending

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  Community, FREE, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Religion, Seniors

Free Thanksgiving Meal

A Church 4 Me MCC  will be hosting a free community Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving day, November 24.  located in Rogers Park at 7366 N. Clark St.

 

mcc-chicago-thanksgiving thanksgiving-chicago-free-meals

 

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  Boystown, Deals, Gay Bars, News and Happenings, Restaurants and Dining

November at Kit Kat Lounge

kit-kat-lounge-chicago
Sweet Sixteen Party at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
 
Celebrate the 16th Anniversary of a Legendary Lakeview Lounge.  November  10th!
$7 Stoli martinis and $5 mojitos, all night.  open at 7pm.
THANKSGIVING: 

Give and Get: Celebrate Thanksgiving at Kit Kat

Receive Discounted Dinner and Drinks with Canned Good Donation 

Wednesday, November 23 – Friday, November 25
5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Gather your group and celebrate a “Divalicous” Thanksgiving while donating to charity at Kit Kat! On November 23, 24 and 25, the Lakeview lounge and supper club will extend a dining discount to those who donate a canned good or nonperishable food item. The 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.

Guests will receive a 50-percent discount off martinis and cocktails, as well as a 33-percent discount off their dinner tab with canned good donations. Chef JoAnn Witherell has crafted a special Thanksgiving prix fixe menu that will be offered in addition to Kit Kat’s regular dinner menu. The classic Thanksgiving feast (outlined below) includes a fall martini, Kit Kat salad, herb-marinated roasted turkey breast served with traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry and pineapple relish, and pumpkin pie tart for only $25 with canned good donations ($50 without donation).

Diva Mokha Montrese will entertain guests starting at 7:30 p.m. each evening. For table reservations, please call 773-525-1111.

Kit Kat’s Thanksgiving Prix Fixe Menu
Available on November 23, 24 and 25
$25 per guest with canned good donation ($50 without donation)

Fall Martini
Choice of: Pumpkin Pie; Banana Pudding; Salted Caramel; Kit Kat Cider; Sweater Weather; Autumn Goodbye (complete descriptions are listed below)

Kit Kat Salad
Romaine and spinach blend with pears, dried cranberries and spicy pecans, balsamic vinaigrette

Herb-Marinated Roasted Turkey Breast
Served with traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, haricot verts, cranberry and pineapple relish

Pumpkin Pie Tart
Topped with whipped cream

Fall Martini Menu
$14 each

Pumpkin Pie
Stoli Vanil, pumpkin puree and a splash of cream, garnished with graham cracker and whipped cream

Banana Pudding
Stoli Elit, creme de banana, splash of vanilla and cream, garnished with a vanilla wafer

Salted Caramel
Stoli salted caramel, creme de cacao, cream and rumchata, garnished with a salted caramel sugar rim

Kit Kat Cider
Stoli Elit, apple pucker, apple cider and cranberry, garnished with an apple wheel and cinnamon stick 

Sweater Weather
Stoli Citros, apple pucker and Stoli ginger beer, garnished with a twist and a cherry

Autumn Goodbye
Stoli Citros, pama, cranberry juice and splash of champagne, garnished with a twist and a cherry 

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-525-1111
KitKatChicago.com

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  Benefits, HIV, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Restaurants and Dining, Special Events

World of Chocolate Chicago Dec. 1st

woc2016_600x300

The biggest and best way to kick off the holiday season!
On Thursday, December 1, Revel Fulton Market is the place to be. Transcending traditional boundaries, World of Chocolate 2016 commands full sensory attention. This year, prepare to awaken your spirit as you discover the pleasures of FIRE and ICE.

From classic confections to surprising savories, 20 of Chicago’s best chefs are offering their talents at Chicago’s premiere World AIDS Day event. Admission grants you more chocolate than in your wildest dreams; an open bar with cocktails that will warm your spirits; and music to get you in the holiday groove—all the makings of an unforgettable night.

Purchase your general admission ticket for $135 or join us for premium tastings in the VIP Lounge for $235.

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  Alternative, Boystown, Community, FREE, Gay Bars, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Special Events

Gay Voting in Boystown Chicago 2016

vote-chicago

 

“Politics is theater. It doesn’t matter if you win. You make a statement. You say, “I’m here, pay attention to me” ~ Harvey Milk

LISTEN UP POLITICALLY ACTIVE CHICAGO QUEERS AND ALLIES!

Chicago Votes and Organized Grime Crew Present: Out of the Bars and Into the Street. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR VOICES HEARD IN 2016.

DATE: Saturday, November 5th
TIME: 12:00PM
LOCATION: Replay Beer & Bourbon & Hydrate Nightclub Chicago
POLLING LOCATION: Merlo Branch Chicago Public Library
LQQKS: POLITICAL REALNESS

The queer community has a history of marching to protect the rights of all. After the unprecedented tragedy at Pulse Orlando, it is clear that queer visibility this election year is key to ensuring that people have the ability to be who they are.

Meet at Replay Beer & Bourbon promptly at 12:00PM November 5.
Dress in your best LQQKS.
We will hold a rally, and march down Halsted St. to the EARLY VOTING polls at the Merlo Branch Public Library on Belmont Ave.
ALL WHO MARCH WILL BE GIVEN 25% OFF ON ALL DRINKS AT REPLAY.
AFTER PARTY and FREE BARBEQUE to follow at Hydrate Nightclub Chicago with Harry Cross of Men’s Room Chicago and headliner, Cindel starting at 3:00PM.

If you cannot vote in the city of Chicago, or have voted already, please join us at the march, anyway.

If you are ARE NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE, you can register SAME DAY at the polling location.
BRING YOUR ID’s in the event you are turned away from the polls.

Be unapologetic. Be seen. Make our voices heard..
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW.

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