Author Archives: bestgaychicago
Miss Richfield at Hydrate Oct 9-10th
2 Nights Only Friday October 9 and Saturday October 10!!
Join the Return of… Miss Richfield 1981 in her new show “Cone of Silence!!”
Ever want to talk about something, but felt you couldn’t? You can now! In her new show “Cone of Silence,” Miss Richfield 1981 opens the discussion up to all forbidden topics! When she lowers the Cone of Silence, anything goes!
Enjoy new music, new videos, and new activities with the audience!
Limited VIP tickets are available for $33 which include seating in the first three rows
General admission tickets are available for $23.
Doors open at 6 PM both nights and showtime is 7:30 PM
Facebook page here
Caitlyn Jenner in Chicago Nov. 12th
Caitlyn Jenner, Olympian and recent winner of the 2015 Arthur Ashe Courage Award, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 7th annual Chicago House Speaker Series luncheon, being held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Avenue, Thursday, November 12th, from 11:30 am – 2 pm.
Now in its 30th year, Chicago House is the Midwest’s oldest provider of housing for those impacted by HIV/AIDS and/or LGBTQ marginalization, and is now home to the nation’s most comprehensive social service and support programs for transgender individuals, the TransLife Center.
The Chicago House Speaker Series luncheon brings awareness to the agency’s founding mission, domestic and global HIV and AIDS activism, as well as its new strategic focus, combating LGBTQ poverty and marginalization, while celebrating the accomplishments Chicago House has achieved locally and raising funds to support the more than 1,800 men, women and children they serve.
This year’s Speaker Series will be especially effective at highlighting the marginalization and suffering disproportionately experienced by transgender individuals. Offending the values of fairness and equity, transgender men and women face enormous intertwining barriers to stability due to discrimination, societal and family rejection, and pervasive hostility. More than a quarter of transgender persons reports having lost a job due to their gender identity and more than half reports having difficulty finding a job because of their identity.
THIS WILL SELL OUT! GET TICKETS!
Fantastic October Events at SEVEN Nightclub
SEVEN NIGHTCLUB ANNOUNCES OCTOBER FRIDAY NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP FEATURING FALCON EXCLUSIVE RYAN ROSE, PORN SUPERSTAR, AUSTIN WILDE, AND RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE SUPERSTAR, JUJUBEE,
Join us and make Seven Nightclub and Lounge your number one destination for the hottest and most exciting entertainment on Halsted Street.
Friday, October 2, 2015: Falcon Exclusive Ryan Rose will be hosting WTF Friday with an all out Falcon Media giveaway. Ryan will be hosting the evening starting at 10pm with Seven’s renowned male dancers and signing autographs and taking pictures all night long until 2am.
Friday, October 16, 2015: Join fan favorite and RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar, Jujubee, as she performs live on the Seven stage. Performances will be at 10pm and 11:30pm followed by a VIP Meet N’ Greet. Advanced general admission tickets ($7) and a limited quantity of VIP Meet N’ Greet tickets ($15) are available at www.whatisseven.com .
Friday, October 23, 2015: Porn superstar and producer, Austin Wilde, will be hosting our Seven dancers with www.guysinsweatpants.com giveaways all night long. Party starts at 10pm and table reservations may be made via vip@whatisseven.com.
Seven Nightclub and Lounge is located at 3206 N Halsted, on the northwest corner of Halsted and Belmont. For most up to date information and to view our entire entertainment line-up, visit our website at www.whatisseven.com. or FACEBOOK.
Replay and Elixir Expand to Andersonville
Two Boystown hits, expand to Andersonville, making for a very gay corner at Clark and Balmoral.
LKH Management (LKH), the group behind Lake View’s Hydrate, Halsted’s Bar & Grill, Replay, Elixir and VII, have now opened a REPLAY ANDERSONVILLE and ELIXIR ANDERSONVILLE!
Located at 5358 N. Clark (at Balmoral), Replay Andersonville will serve as a restaurant, bar and arcade, offering Contemporary American cuisine, 26 craft tap beers and an extensive premium bourbon selection. The 2,300-square foot venue features reclaimed wood, exposed brick and 144 seats, including the bar, restaurant and outdoor patio. A huge very cool mural in the arcade, which was created by local artist David Andora, reflects the venue’s playful vibe, which invites guests to linger, and enjoy three popular pinball games or 25 complimentary vintage video games, such as Ms. Pac Man, Dig Dug and Galaga.
Unlike its sister location in Lake View, Replay Andersonville will serve food, showcasing innovative and distinctive daily lunch and dinner, and weekend brunch items.
Diners can expect fresh, high-quality ingredients and big, bold flavors. An extensive list of weekend breakfast and brunch options run the gamut from sweet to savory, while lunch and dinner offer something for everyone, including signature salads, sandwiches and innovative build-your-own burgers. The restaurant will also feature weekly specials, late-night dining options and a children’s menu.
Chefs Bernardo Ibarra and Steve Farbstein, formerly of Chicago’s Girl and the Goat and Luxbar, respectively, will helm the kitchen. The menu includes classic American comfort dishes with a modern twist, elevating ordinary dishes by using unexpected flavor combinations and textures, including: hickory-smoked meatloaf, cornmeal fried chicken, and seasonal steak and pasta dishes. Some personal Chef favorites include: a Berkshire Pork Chop; Grass-fed Natural Flat Iron Steak; and Bacon Waffles with Black Pepper Butter, Sea Salt & Black Cherry Bourbon Syrup. All dishes will be made in-house, using sustainably raised and locally sourced ingredients when possible. Fresh pressed juice will serve as a nutritious start to the day or make a great addition to a brunch cocktail.
“We’re not only excited about the food we prepare, but also passionate about the people we prepare it for,” said Chef Steve. “We want guests to enjoy themselves, explore the menu and try something new, combining the familiar with the unexpected. Replay’s combination of innovative food, craft beer, premium bourbon and old school arcade games creates an environment that takes you back to your formative years. We invite the community to join us to have a great time with friends and make new memories.”
For more information, including the complete Replay Andersonville food menus, beer and bourbon list and featured video games, please visit REPLAY ANDERSONVILLE and “like” them on Facebook.
LOCATED ADJACENT TO REPLAY, Elixir is at 1509 W. Balmoral, the new space will offer guests premium concoctions, created by mixologists Vlad Novikov and Chad Shayes of Elixir Lounge Andersonville and Elixir Lounge in Lake View, respectively, which showcase eclectic, fresh ingredients in an accessible and delicious way. The 1,000-square foot upscale lounge features dark wood paneling and exposed brick that delivers an inviting and intimate environment, perfect for craft cocktails and conversation. Vlad will also create a series of his own signature cordials – alcohol infused with powerful expressions of concentrated flavors meant to be enjoyed on their own – including Bacon Whiskey, Black Garlic-infused Polugar, and Violete Limoncello.
Elixir Lounge Andersonville will exclusively feature several artisan cocktails: Flower Power, featuring candied hibiscus; Pretty in Pink, the perfect summer drink for sipping on the patio, made with specialty vermouths; and, Swedish Dream, which pays homage to the neighborhood’s Swedish roots and features lingonberry syrup.
“Each of our cocktails tell a story,” said Novikov. “We encourage our guests to experiment and want them to taste how passionate we are about delivering creative drinks that highlight unique ingredients in an accessible way.”
Unlike the Lake View location, Elixir Lounge Andersonville will serve small plate dining options and simple, but sophisticated bar snacks. LKH Chefs Bernardo Ibarra and Steve Farbstein partnered with Vlad to introduce signature dishes that complement and enhance the cocktails.
“We’re excited to bring Andersonville residents a new haven that celebrates the art of fine cocktails,” said Mark Liberson, President, LKH Management. “Elixir Lounge Andersonville is ideal for a date, casual night out with friends or a private party to celebrate a special occasion.”
For more information, including a full list of cocktails, please visit ELIXIR ANDERSONVILLE and “like” the lounge on Facebook !
Cooking @ Chicago Botanic Garden Sept 27
Fresh Menu Ideas with a
Latin Flare at
Chicago Botanic Garden Sponsored
By Food Network Magazine
Foodies and their friends will be flocking to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden for this day of great tastes and gorgeous presentations.
Chef Christopher Tong of My Private Chef, one of Chicagoland’s most versatile Chefs, will share one of his favorite recipes at Chicago Botanic Garden’s popular annual Garden Chef Series sponsored by Food Network Magazine.
He will make a delicious Chimichurri Shrimp and create a savoury lime basil sangria to compliment the dish.
Chef Tong will appear on Sunday, September 27 at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois.
Chef Tong will give tips on ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste! Seating is limited and on a first-come, first served basis.
Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden and Garden Chef Series is FREE. For more information about this Garden Chef Series event and parking fees, call 847.835.5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services. Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
AIDS Walk Chicago 2015 Sept. 26th
Runners, walkers will put their feet down at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 26
Thousands expected to gather at annual day of remembrance, fundraising and awareness
WHAT: Chicago-area residents will gather to change the HIV epidemic at the 14th annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 26. The event will start and finish at Soldier Field in Chicago, and courses for the 5k walk and the 5k/10k runs will stretch along Lake Michigan.
WGN-TV’s Dean Richards will be the master of ceremonies for the morning’s festivities, which will include brief speeches by AFC President/CEO John Peller and two longtime HIV advocates, Evany Turk and Patricia Johnson.
The opening ceremony will also include a performance from the Broadway musical RENT by Artists Giving Back, which is producing a production of “RENT” to benefit AFC on Dec. 1. Afterward, participants will warm up before their run or walk with Fitness Formula Club trainer Joy Miles.
Panels from the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will also be on display, and free HIV testing will be available on site.
Funds raised through AIDS Run & Walk Chicago will benefit programs and services for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and 35 other metropolitan organizations that provide life-saving services to people living with HIV and AIDS. Since it was established in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has netted nearly $5 million to battle the epidemic.
For more information, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946.
WHO: Media are invited to attend the event and speak with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s President/CEO, John Peller, as well as additional AIDS Foundation of Chicago representatives, event volunteers and race participants.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 26*
7:15 Registration and packet pickup open
8:00 Opening Ceremony begins
8:25 Warm-up stretch led by Joy Miles of Fitness Formula Clubs
8:45 10k run start
8:50 5k run start
9:05 Walk start
9:30 The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt display opens
10:00 Closing Ceremony begins
*Times are subject to change. Check aidsrunwalk.org for more details.
WHERE: Soldier Field (1410 Museum Campus Dr., Chicago, IL 60605)
*Media may park at Waldron Garage (600 E Waldron Dr., Chicago). Parking fees apply.
RENT to Benefit AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Local startup nonprofit Artists Giving Back announced today that tickets for its World AIDS Day production of the musical RENT are officially on sale.
World AIDS Day RENT is the inaugural production for Artists Giving Back, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Chicago performers and professionals who have a passion for the arts and for giving back to the community. This one-night engagement production will take place on Worlds AIDS Day – December 1, 2015 – and all net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Artists Giving Back’s philanthropic partner in and beneficiary of the production.
Additionally, Artists Giving Back is thrilled to announce that LGBT singer/songwriter superstar and Chicagoland native, Steve Grand, will be joining the cast as a special featured guest artist. Mr. Grand, singer of the viral sensation “All-American Boy,” released his independent debut album, also titled “All-American Boy,” in March of 2015, which landed the #3 spot on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. Mr. Grand will perform “Seasons of Love” during the production, and will attend the RENT cast-and-audience after party, which will be hosted by Progress Bar (3359 N. Halsted, Chicago).
When addressing the choice of RENT for Artists Giving Back’s inaugural production, Artistic Director Peter Ruger had this to say: “Rent is a show that has inspired me for years. The passion of the music and the story, and the connection I felt to the wonderful characters brought me not only to the fight against AIDS, but also helped guide me to my life as a singer. I’m so excited that we at Artists Giving Back are getting to share this amazing show with Chicago to celebrate World AIDS Day 2015. I hope it touches our audience as much as it’s touched me over the years.”
Artists Giving Back’s World AIDS Day RENT will take place at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets can buy them from the Athenaeum Theatre’s website, www.athenaeumtheatre.org, under “buy tickets.”
Performance Details:
World AIDS Day RENT
7:30pm, December 1, 2015
Athenaeum Theatre 2936 N. Southport Avenue Chicago, IL
About Artists Giving Back:
Artists Giving Back is a Chicago-based startup nonprofit founded by local performers and professionals who feel that the arts are a perfect vehicle for advancing philanthropic and charitable endeavors. Artists Giving Back’s mission statement proclaims:
We believe in philanthropy through self-expression and creativity. Through the production of art in all its forms—music, dance, drama, visual—we aim to support artists and our community. Artists Giving Back is an opportunity to interact with our community through the healing power of art.
Artists Giving Back aims to enrich the community in two primary ways: first, by providing quality artistic experiences to the public, and second, by donating all proceeds raised from its productions and artistic endeavors to local charities. While a new organization – Artists Giving Back was incorporated as a nonprofit in February 2015 – Artists Giving Back is proud to say that it is already full steam ahead on its inaugural production of RENT. More information about Artists Giving Back can be found on its website, www.artistsgivingback.org.
The production of Artists Giving Back World AIDS Day RENT is entirely funded by tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. Anyone interested in donating to Artists Giving Back can do so through the Artists Giving Back website.
College Football player from Barrington Comes OUT
One of college football’s oldest programs has its first openly gay player.
Princeton offensive lineman Mason Darrow told Outsports.com in a story posted on Tuesday that he is gay. Darrow, of Lake Barrington said everything has gone well at home and school since he came out to his teammates and coaches.
“People will surprise you,” he said. “I was definitely concerned that people, teammates, would react poorly. I think in this day and age people really just don’t care about it. It’s really not a big deal anymore.”
Darrow is believed to be the only openly gay player in major college football right now. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound junior is expected to play in the Tigers’ opener Saturday at Lafayette.
Margaret Cho “psyCHO” Brunch at Kit Kat
Margaret Cho “psyCHO” Brunch
Win Tickets to Cho’s Live Show at the Chicago Theatre
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-525-1111
KitKatChicago.com
MSG Entertainment and Live Nation announced that three time Grammy and Emmy nominee, comedian Margaret Cho will take The Chicago Theatre stage on Saturday, October 3, 2015.
Margaret Cho has been developing brand new material over the last several months. “I’m so thrilled to announce that I will be back out on the road. This show is about insanity and about the anger I feel about everything happening in the world right now,” said Cho.
A big part of Cho’s show are tributes to her “father in comedy,” Robin Williams and her “mother in comedy,” Joan Rivers, who passed away within a month of one another. Margaret was very close to both of them; her friendship with Robin encouraged her to start the #BeRobin campaign to raise awareness and funds for the homeless community. Her friendship with Joan reinforced Margaret’s desire to remain fearless. For more information, visit: margaretcho.com
Dance for Life Breaks Records
A record-breaking number of more than 2,200 guests arrived at the Dance for Life benefit performance at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on Aug. 15.
The awe-inspiring performance, featuring seven of Chicago’s top dance companies, grossed more than $335,000 to support the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Dancer’s Fund.
“Dance for Life remains the only annual opportunity for the incredibly talented, world-renowned professional dancers of Chicago to unite artistically to help those in their own community and the greater Chicago area affected by HIV/AIDS and other critical health issues,” said Anthony Guerrero, Dance for Life’s director.
This year’s performance was preceded by a gala reception in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Chicago, where guests enjoyed a variety of savory and sweet appetizers and refreshing cocktails. Guests also tried their luck in the annual raffles to win one of three different travel and dance packages. Prizes included round-trip Southwest plane tickets, dance classes, tickets to the Sesame Street Studio Tour, and much more.
After the reception, shuttle buses were provided for the dance enthusiasts to the Auditorium Theatre for the unique performance, featuring the hilarious and talented Joey Bland and Tim Mason of The Second City as emcees. In between the dances, the actors entertained the audience with jokes and showed video footage of them attempting to learn how to dance.
The show opened with the graceful Joffrey Ballet, who performed an excerpt from “Viva Vivaldi”. The dancers displayed crisp and clean choreography while the joyful music from the classic composer filled the auditorium.
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago had the house in awe with its two contrasting numbers. The first was “Second to Last”, which showcased elegant dancers gliding across the floor. The second number, “Wicked Heart” was from its collaboration with The Second City’s “The Art of Falling”, which featured a comical duet between a man and his blow-up doll.
Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s toe-tapping number “In the Beginning” was unique because the dancers had no soundtrack to go with their performance – the only thing the audience could hear was the blend of different rhythms from their tap shoes.
Act I closed with Giordano Dance Chicago’s jazzy arrangement of “Feelin’ Good Sweet”, which featured sultry, Fosse-style dance moves to an original arrangement of “Get Happy” and incidental music.
C5 opened Act II with “Garland Suite”, featuring the nostalgic music of Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. Dancers performed on five large swings wearing gowns and tuxedos to keep the performance lighthearted while channeling Garland’s spirit.
After C5 left the stage, the emcees drew the raffle tickets while the artists of LEVELdance danced to various uplifting tunes that matched the “lucky” theme.
Same Planet Different World was next with “To Have and To Hold,” a jaw-dropping, mesmerizing spectacle of tumbling and rolling on and off rows of long wooden benches.
River North Dance Chicago impressed the audience with its strong yet vulnerable choreography in excerpts from “In the End”. The dancers were only wearing briefs, so every single movement stood out.
To close the show, renowned choreographer Randy Duncan brought down the house with the passionate finale “Stand By Me,” dedicated in memory of choreographer Paul Christiano, who passed away this year. This was the first time Duncan held open auditions for the finale, so there were many enthusiastic and fresh new faces onstage.
Legal Council for Health Justice
Acclaimed Chicago-area HIV Legal Services Nonprofit Expands Mission, Changes Name to “Legal Council for Health Justice”
One of the region’s most respected nonprofit organizations, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, is changing its name to Legal Council for Health Justice. The new name reflects an agency expansion from single-disease services and advocacy on behalf of individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS to more broadly use the power of the law to build better lives across the lifespan of vulnerable people and communities challenged by chronic, disabling, and stigmatized health conditions.
The change is the result of an 18-month transformation which merged three established nonprofit programs — AIDS Legal Council, Homeless Outreach Project, and Chicago Medical-Legal Partnership for Children – under one roof. In doing so, the agency has created one of the largest independent organizations in the country built entirely around delivery of legal services through models of care known as medical-legal partnerships (“MLPs”), forming a Midwestern hub of MLP program and policy development.
The medical-legal partnership approach aims to improve the well-being of people and communities by leading health, public health, and legal sectors in an integrated, “upstream” approach to combatting health-harming social conditions. The three programs will keep their names and continue to each grow high-quality education, client service, and policy work – just under the ‘umbrella’ of the new agency name. Current health and human service partners include Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, Fantus Clinic, La Rabida Children’s Hospital, Comer Children’s Hospital, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Howard Brown Health Center, TPAN, Austin Health Center, Friend Family Health Center, and Breakthrough Urban Ministries.
In the past fiscal year, agency programs have trained more than 1000 clinicians and clients, provided direct legal representation to almost 1500 adults, children, and their families, and made significant contributions to improving access and engagement in community well-being and economic security. Notably, AIDS Legal Council partnered with AIDS Foundation of Chicago with pro bono assistance from law firm Jenner & Block to make Illinois the first state in the nation to explicitly prohibit discrimination against persons with HIV in insurance plans. Since then, insurers across the nation have voluntarily followed suit. Similarly, Chicago Medical-Legal Partnership for Children was instrumental in protecting eligibility for Early Intervention, an early childhood program that helps close the gaps for infants and toddlers with developmental delays, from being cut in half. This program was also the force behind a key report in 2015 that triggered successful legislation (Public Act 099-0325) ensuring that students in charter schools have the same health and safety protections as students in district-run public schools statewide.
Most recently, the agency has been in the news for its leadership in two class action lawsuits to spur the State of Illinois to release payments for Medicaid-funded health services to medical providers statewide (Memisovski v. Maram and Beeks v. Bradley) despite a state budget impasse which began on July 1, 2015. This effort is the result of a decades-long collaboration between the Legal Council for Health Justice and the Shriver Center with pro bono assistance from law firm Goldberg Kohn. The litigation is presently pending.
HYDRATE Labor Day Weekend Events
For those who stick around the city, Hydrate wants to upgrade the entertainment for a fun-filled trio of high-energy events you won’t soon forget!
Start the three-day weekend off with a bang Friday night to celebrate the return of DJ Deanne, who visited Hydrate from Miami in June. Drag queen Khloe will greet everyone.
Come back Saturday to dance the night away to the beats of internationally renowned London DJ duo Moto Blanco. Both shows will start at 11:30 pm with a $10 cover after midnight.
Close out the weekend on as high a note as you started it with an extended Sunday Funday featuring DJ Xtacy and extra Go-Go dancers. If you don’t work Monday, stick around and welcome the morning with DJ Spinsters, performing until 4 am. Hydrate opens at 2 pm. $5 cover after midnight.
Facebook invite: https://www.facebook.com/
Pandora Boxx at Center on Halsted
TKO – September 6th, 2015 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Center on Halsted brings you the hottest Labor Day bash!
TKO: greatest t-dance ever.
battle for your pleasure and a Technical Knock Out
jump in! groove to the killer sound of our dueling djs.
Billy Brown vs. Gina Kozar……mc Pandora Boxx officiates
sept. 6 2015 T-time: 3 – 6 pm……..coh rooftop & indoors
$20 entry/one drink, cash bar feat. our one-two rum punch
community.centeronhalsted.org/TKO
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Pride Films & Plays: LezPlay Weekend – September 11th – 13th, 2015
LezPlay Weekend features five outstanding new works* – the finalists of this year’s Pride Films and Plays’ LezPlay contest!
LezPlay enhances the visibility and advances the viability of women who write plays, screenplays, and teleplays. The program not only advocates for more dyke drama; it honors excellence in scripts written by women in which lesbian characters and themes – past, present, and future – play a pivotal role.
The finalists’ scripts showcase Sapphic-centric narratives with a positive outlook. These are stories that elevate and celebrate us, refine and redefine us. Regardless of how you identify (or ident-defy) and even if your identity is not queer-cut, you’ll have a gay old time at LezPlay Weekend, where we’ll introduce you to women whose writing reflects, resonates with, and is relevant to your lives.
*The scripts will be presented as enhanced staged readings.
The performance schedule is as follows:
Friday, Sept 11, 7:00 pm
Black-Hearted Bitch, a teleplay by Lynn Kear
Saturday, Sept 12, 2:00 pm
The Patron Saint of Dead Dogs, a stage play by Katie Grotzinger
Saturday, Sept 12, 7:00 pm
Resolution, a play by Nancy Nyman & Heather McNama
Saturday, Sept 12, 2:00 pm
Missed Connections, a play by Hallie Palladino
Sunday, Sept 13, 5:00 pm
The Terror Fantastic, a play by Nicole Jost
For play synopses, visit the Pride Films and Plays website.
Queer Clothing Swap – September 13th, 2015 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Please join Center on Halsted and GenderQueer Chicago at the 3rd Annual Queer Clothing Swap! Trade in your skirts for a pair of slacks or your loafers for a pair of heels or maybe you’re just looking to update your wardrobe!
This event is free, but we ask that each participant bring at least 3 items of gently worn clothing (or shoes and accessories) to be donated to the swap. In exchange, you’ll have the chance to take home the new items you find! BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag). Please refrain from donating stained clothing, t-shirts and undergarments. While the swap is particularly intended for Trans* and gender-variant folks to have a safe and fun space to exchange clothes, the event is open to all queer-affirming allies!
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Gay Milwaukee Fun August 22nd
Billed as, “The podcast where straight men talk about gay things,” Yeah, Bro! is hosted by Milwaukee funny man/T.I.M. The Improvised Musical guru Jacob D. Bach.
Yeah, Bro! is doing it’s second ever live show this weekend, AUGUST 22nd at ComedySportz 420 S. 1st Street in Milwaukee.
Come watch as we do a special midnight show, where three guest panelists compete (for nothing) in games and trivia on gay history, pop culture, and personal questions!
Some categories: Hanky Panky, Who is that Person?, and But Maybe Just Once?
GUESTS:
Nick Young (So You Think You Can Dance, GLEE, Ted 2)
Justin Barney (88.9 Radio Personality)
Kyle Ullsperger (Vollyball player and Model)
Tickets… $10
Reservations… 414 272 8888
Full Bar and Kitchen
Chicago Green City Market Event
Chef Christopher Tong, of My Private Chef, will share his culinary
expertise as he presents a cooking demonstration featuring locally
produced seasonal ingredients offered by the Green City Market. The
demonstration is on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
able to taste it on the spot.
between Clark and Stockton Drive (approximately 1750 N. Clark).
Chicago Center on Halsted Events
Something for everyone at CENTER ON HALSTED in the upcoming weeks!
Limelight Series presents: An Evening with Pride Films and Plays – August 17th, 2015 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Join us as Center on Halsted’s Limelight Series presents: An Evening with Pride Films and Plays
Chicago’s Pride Films and Plays ‘utilizes stories with GLBT characters or themes and creates powerful theatrics and films that speak for the community and are essential viewing for all audiences.’ Pride Films and Plays, founded in 2010, has already established itself as a leader in the Chicago arts scene. Come get to know the company that the Huffington Post recently called “a powerful and empowering entity.”
7:00PM-7:30PM
Mix and mingle with PFP & COH staff and the program’s artists
7:30PM-9:00PM
Performances including a sneak peak of Design for Living, a talk from author Rick Kinnebrew about his new play Ten Dollar House, music from James Nedrud, performance artist Katherine Hawbaker-Krohn, one of our favorite short films from the Queer Bits Short Film Fest, songs from The Boy From Oz, PFP’s current smash hit!
You don’t want to miss this evening of arts and entertainment as we get to know one of Chicago’s great theater companies!
For more information on Pride Films and Plays, please visit:
http://pridefilmsandplays.com/
Center on Halsted’s Limelight Series gives you a chance to spend an evening with some of Chicago’s most creative people and organizations. Each event highlights the Windy City’s vibrant arts scene – from music and dance to literature and theater. Join us as we take a closer look at the creators and leaders of Chicago’s cultural landscape.
FREE
Register & reserve your seat by clicking the following link:
https://community.centeronhalsted.org/PrideFilms
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Salve Regina: A Coming of Gay Story – August 22nd & 23rd, 2015
A solo show, written and performed by Javier Rivera*, remounted specifically for Center on Halsted, following a sold-out run at the United Solo Theatre Festival in NYC
*Winner of 2014 Best Actor Award at United Solo
Born in Puerto Rico to an ultra-religious mother and a domineering father is not easy, especially when it’s likely you are a big Queen. There are not enough novenas to pray, or candles to be lit. In this situation only a miracle will do, or better yet… a holy intervention. Thank God for Madonna.
Follow the coming of age story of Javier, a young Puerto Rican man, as he triumphs and stumbles in his journey to self-discovery aided by the only person who ever understood him…
TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY!
Saturday, August 22nd @ 7:30PM
Sunday, August 23rd @ 3:00PM
$10.00 (Tickets may be purchased online as well as at the door prior to performance – cash only!)
*All profits will go to Center on Halsted, helping to support future events like this one!
Click the following link to purchase tickets for Saturday’s performance: https://community.centeronhalsted.org/SalveRegina22
Click the following link to purchase tickets for Sunday’s performance: https://community.centeronhalsted.org/SalveRegina23
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
3rd Annual Feel Good Health Fair – August 29th, 2015 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
On Saturday August 29th, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Center on Halsted will host its 3rd Annual Feel Good Health Fair, a community health and resource fair with a focus on healthy living for LGBTQ individuals.
The Feel Good Fair will be hosted in the Irving Harris Family Foundation Reception Hall and Hoover-Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted. This year the fair will feature free fitness classes throughout the day, product giveaways from health-related vendors, and nutritious cooking demonstrations.
The primary goal of Center on Halsted’s Feel Good Health Fair is to educate participants about making healthy choices and creating good habits for healthy living in the LGBTQ community. Vendors for the resource fair will focus on physical health, mental and social well-being. Participants are also encouraged to stop by tables to learn more about Center on Halsted’s programs and services.
The fitness class schedule for the day is:
10:00AM-10:25AM: Ballroom Dancing with Get on the Floor Dance Company
10:30AM-10:55AM: Yoga with The ATTIC*
11:00AM-11:25AM: Queer Tango with Paola Bordon
11:30AM-11:55AM: Zumba with Andrew Martinez
12:00PM-12:25PM: Ballroom Dancing with Get on the Floor Dance Company
12:30PM-12:55PM: Yoga with The ATTIC*
1:00PM-1:25PM: Queer Tango with Paola Bordon
1:30PM-1:55PM: Zumba with Andrew Martinez
*A limited number of yoga mats will be provided – if possible, please supply your own
It is highly suggested that you pre-register for the exercise classes by visiting the link below:
https://community.centeronhalsted.org/FeelGood
TKO – September 6th, 2015 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Center on Halsted brings you the hottest Labor Day bash!
TKO: greatest t-dance ever.
battle for your pleasure and a Technical Knock Out
jump in! groove to the killer sound of our dueling djs.
Billy Brown vs. Gina Kozar
mc Pandora Boxx officiates
sept. 6 2015 T-time: 3 – 6 pm
coh rooftop & indoors
$20 entry/one drink, cash bar
feat. our one-two rum punch
community.centeronhalsted.org/TKO
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Pride Films & Plays: LezFest – September 11th – 13th, 2015
More details to come! Check back soon!
Queer Clothing Swap – September 13th, 2015 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Please join Center on Halsted and GenderQueer Chicago at the 3rd Annual Queer Clothing Swap! Trade in your skirts for a pair of slacks or your loafers for a pair of heels or maybe you’re just looking to update your wardrobe!
This event is free, but we ask that each participant bring at least 3 items of gently worn clothing (or shoes and accessories) to be donated to the swap. In exchange, you’ll have the chance to take home the new items you find! BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag). Please refrain from donating stained clothing, t-shirts and undergarments. While the swap is particularly intended for Trans* and gender-variant folks to have a safe and fun space to exchange clothes, the event is open to all queer-affirming allies!
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
About Face Theatre Fundraising
For the last two decades, About Face Theatre has been committed to giving a voice to stories that express the diverse, complex, emotional lives of the LGBTQIA community. In that time, you’ve filled our theatres, contributed to our fundraising campaigns, volunteered your time and otherwise expressed your support for our vision and for that we are so grateful. Without you, we wouldn’t be the organization we are today!
This summer, we close out a star-studded 19th year of rave reviews, Jeff recommendations and sold out houses. As we set our sights on a momentous 20th season, we invite you to renew your commitment to presenting adventurous LGBTQIA theatre by joining us as a 20th season donor!
The Gay Gayme – Drinking and Fun
A gay boy, a kickstarter campaign and an idea! Last year Matt Sauve had an idea for an innovative party game for gays and allies that will have you laughing, drinking, and doing random yoga poses.
IN CASE YOU MISSED THEM AT MARKET DAYS – The Gayme is an innovative party game that consolidates the gay lifestyle and coming-of-age experience into hundreds of stimulating cards. The best part is anyone can play! LGBT or ally, it doesn’t matter.
There are 500 unique cards, each crafted to promote bonding, story-telling, and maybe a bit of intoxication. Unlike traditional games, The Gayme changes each time you play. You can play with 2 players or 20, it’s versatile. You can play in your kitchen, in your bed, at your mom’s house, in a bar: all you need is a surface, drinks, and people!
Created by Matt Sauve ( 3rd guy to the right in picture), 2-20 players can play and a game runs around 60-90 minutes. Matt and his partner live here in Chicago.
- All players have a beverage
- Each player takes a turn picking a card, reading it out loud, & doing what it says
- Most cards are normal All Play without a title, meaning anytime that a card applies to you, you play.
- All Play cards with a title include: Question, Categories, Storytime
- Individual & Rule cards refer to the person reading the card
- Trivia cards are for the person sitting directly across from you
Matt invented The Gayme in 2012 when he discovered a lack of “social lubrication” at a party he was hosting. Originally hand-written on colored notecards, The Gayme’s popularity at college parties encouraged Matt to start his own company. He spends his spare time entertaining his friends and constantly conjuring new Gayme cards. Each card has been carefully crafted to promote bonding, story-telling, and laughter.
It’s clever, cute and fun! ORDER today for $25!
Chicago House Trans Event August 29
TransReelization: An Evening of Film at Kinowerks Studio will again take place at Kinowerks Studio, founded by the Wachowski Siblings, Creators of The Matrix Trilogy.
The 2nd annual TransReelization film fest, features a selection of films highlighting Transgender characters and stories. This evening of cocktails, celebrities and film supports the critical work of the Chicago House – TransLife Center, which continues to deliver the nation’s most comprehensive programming to Chicago’s transgender community.
This years honoree is COL (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), who is being honored for her continued advocacy and support of the Transgender community. Read her full bio here.
VIP Guests will meet and mingle with stars from Netflix’s new hit show, “Sense8,” receive a private tour of Kinowerks Studio led by movie writer, producer and director, Lana Wachowski, watch an exclusive behind the scenes film about the making of “Sense8,” with live commentary by Lana Wachowski, and receive a gift bag of swag from some of Netflix’s top shows.
All guests will enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and be able to bid on unique silent auction items. Guests will also have an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the 20,000-square foot movie production studio. Renowned for its “cleverly sustainable design elements and the best of green technology,” the studio is a museum of Wachowski artifacts, trophies and memorabilia from their films.
MORE INFO HERE
Kit Kat Madonna Brunch Aug 16th
Madonna Birthday Brunch at Kit Kat Lounge
Midday Soiree in Celebration of the Material Girl’s Birthday
Sunday, August 16
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
In honor of Madonna’s 57th birthday, Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club will celebrate with a Madge-themed brunch party on Sunday, August 16. Throughout the afternoon, Madonna
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-525-1111
kitkatchicago.com
