Author Archives: bestgaychicago
AIDS RUN WALK Chicago 2015
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago is AFC’s grassroots fundraising event where people from all walks of life help change the story of HIV in our lifetime.
As beneficiaries of the event, AFC and our CommunityDirect partners are greatly impacted – beyond just the obvious ways.
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago stands up to the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS allowing progress to continue toward ending the epidemic. Run & Walk invigorates the sector by increasing awareness for the cause, growing our passionate community and allowing new leaders to emerge.
In 2014, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago raised over $394,000 net to benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Over and above that, we granted $240,000 to our CommunityDirect partners. These funds allow us to continue saving and improving the lives of those living with or at risk for HIV.
SIGN UP TODAY!!
Boy Toy’s Male Burlesque August 14th
Boy Toy’s Pocket Cabaret is a Male burlesque and variety show.
With a sensual but upbeat theme and performers from all genres of entertainment industry, no two shows will be alike!
Having started at the beginning of 2014, Jimmie Swagger (the “Boy Toy” of burlesque) brings a unique flavor to the art of boylesque. Jimmie has performed in cities all over the US, and brings some additional acrobatic and contorting experience to the Chicagoland area, Jimmie guest spots in local shows and produces his semi monthly show Boy Toy’s Pocket Cabaret.
Come join them the second and fourth Fridays of every month at 8PM to see a male dominated cast of circus performers, live singers, boylesque performers, comedians, and much more! (At Uptown Underground, 4707 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640).
Check out boytoyspocketcabaret.com for information on individual show dates!
GET TICKETS IN ADVANCE AND SAVE!
Cirque du Soleil in Chicago this Month
THEY’RE BACK!
Cirque du Soleil returned to Chicago this week with KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities. Now through September 20th!
The stage is magical and the acts amazing, as always!
The stage moves and turns, giving everyone unique views, no matter where are you seated. The shows mixes vaudeville, Broadway, aerial stunts, and old world charm in an alternate yet familiar past, in a place where wonders abound for those who trust their imagination, a Seeker discovers that in order to glimpse the marvels that lie just below the surface, we must first learn to close our eyes.
In his larger-than-life curio cabinet, the Seeker is convinced that there exists a hidden, invisible world – a place where the craziest ideas and the grandest dreams lie waiting. A collection of otherworldly characters suddenly steps into his makeshift mechanical world. When the outlandish, benevolent characters turn his world upside down with a touch of poetry and humor in an attempt to ignite the Seeker’s imagination, his curios jump to life one by one before his very eyes.
Of course, my favorite act was the “Siamese twins” hanging in the air from straps are separated at last when they fly high above the stage in a series of acrobatic figures, sometimes as a pair, sometimes solo. The two artists soar to impressive heights and crisscross above the stage while performing synchronized figures that require flawless timing. (ABOVE). – Reminded me of the sexy Atherton Twins from the Varakai show….
The show was filled with a huge cast of talent. A group of 13 artists perform spectacular sequences of perfectly synchronized acrobatics and human pyramids that showcase the amazing agility of the human body. In addition to standing three and four high on each other’s shoulders, the artists take off, somersault and crisscross in the air on three levels: the ground, a monolith positioned centre-stage, and in the audience.
Whether you have seen Cirque before or not – this show will wow you!
GET TICKETS
Joey Kisling Fund Raiser
Most everyone in Chicago is thinking about the upcoming weekend and Market Days and how they plan to celebrate and party with friends……no one really thinks about if they will even be alive to enjoy it. They just assume, they will be.
If you knew how much time you had left in this world, what would you do? Quit your job? Travel? See all the places you ever wanted to see? Take every risk you feared before? Eat all the things? Would you make a bucket list?
I know that thinking about your fatality is not necessarily enjoyable, but imagining that you could live out the rest of your life without worry, without financial burdens, and instead with freedom and clarity certainly sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Magical, even; romantic, like something that only happens in movies.
This is a chance for YOU to make this dream a reality for someone.
Boystown’s beloved Joey Kisling, at the young age of 31,
has fallen victim to the monster that is cancer. An aggressive, rare, and terminal cancer, and he needs our help.
Joey has been a bartender and DJ in Chicago for years. He’s probably poured you a shot, danced with you, inspired you to Shazam something from one of his mixes; he’s probably made you smile.
Now it is our turn to make him smile, to help him live out the rest of his life just as he wants. Let us work together to send him to sandy beaches in far away lands, let’s send him to rooftop pools in swanky hotels in Paris and Berlin. Let’s send him to The Big Easy and then Tahiti to enjoy cocktails with tiny umbrellas at swim-up bars.
Let’s help him do it because he deserves it; let’s do it because it would be amazing if someone did the same for you.
Please consider donating any amount to this fund. No amount is too big or too small; Joey will appreciate every cent. And he will appreciate every single one of you- even more than he did before.
TUESDAY August 11th TAT TUESDAYS @ REPLAY for also host a fund raiser!
Chicago Market Days BRUNCH Boystown
GET A RESERVATION – Before it’s filled up!
Join us from 11AM to 4PM on Saturday and Sunday, August 8th and 9th, for a divalicious pre-party brunch to celebrate the famous Northalsted Summer Market Days!
Enjoy $7 Stoli Cocktails, a build-your-own Bloodys, Bellinis and Sangrias bar, as well as legendary performances from Kit Kat’s own Madam X!
Call the Kit Kat Lounge at (773) 525-1111 to reserve your spot! Don’t miss it, this party is sure to be sizzling!
Hydrate and Market Days and Dinosaurs!
Matt Yee in Chicago September 3rd
Matt Yee’s
OUTRAGEOUS ADULT SING ALONG SHOW 2015!
Hits Davenports Piano Bar & Cabaret for one nite only!
Thursday September 3, 2015. 8pm
Matt Yee, that wonderfully funny Entertainer, Artist, Comedian from Hawaii, & evidence that “Asian Men Are Huge” brings his “Outrageous Adult Sing Along Show 2015!” to Davenports Piano Bar & Cabaret. Madness, Tiaras and Boas will be flying! And expect to sing and laugh your way into the Labor Day weekend. Matt’s shows all over the country sell out, so get your tix now! You may have seen his standing room only shows on Atlantis Cruises & Royal Caribbean Cruises where he’s been a Signature Entertainer for over 14 years. For more info, including Matt’s duet with Frozen/Wicked/Glee star Idina Menzel and video with Broadway’s Chita Rivera, please visit www.mattyee.com
Advance discount tix available NOW
Davenports Piano Bar & Cabaret
1383 N. Milwaukee Avenue Chicago, IL60622 (773) 278-1830
Tix are only $20 plus $3 paypal fee (still cheaper than paying at the door, if available) Plus you’ll have tix while the other poor schmucks might not get in if we sell out! All the details are on the link including directions, etc.
Ages 21 and older invited.
“Go see Matt Yee!” Idina Menzel
“Utterly infectious. Any shyness you have about singing in public will be wiped out by Yee’s overwhelming tsunami of silliness. You will sing. You will dance. You will make synchronized hand gestures…” SF Agenda/Passport Magazine
“I love Matt Yee” Chita Rivera & Patti Lupone
see more:
www.mattyee.com
www.facebook.com/mattyeefanclub
www.facebook.com/matt.yee.31
www.linkedin.com/in/mattyee
twitter: @mattyee
Itunes: matt yee
MYA at Seven – August 1
The arrival of SEVEN happens this weekend, in the old SPIN space. (3206 N. Halsted at Belmont)
GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ARTIST MYA! PERFORMING LIVE!
Join us for our Grand Opening Weekend Celebration and party with Grammy Award winning artist, MYA…live at SEVEN DANCECLUB!
Doors open at 8pm and MYA will be taking the stage at 10pm!
Advance General Admission Tickets are only $20!
MEET AND GREET TICKETS ARE ONLY $30! LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE!
Purchase yours at http://
VIP TICKETS AND TABLES AVAILABLE… E-mail us as vip@whatisseven.com for more information.
Beats by DJ Laura Bee
Cirque Du Soleil Returns to Chicago
Cirque du Soleil returns to Chicago after four years with its newest touring show, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities, premiering under the iconic blue-and-yellow Big Top August 6 – September 20th at the United Center Parking Lot K. Tickets starting at $35. Visit cirquedusoleil.com/kurios now for tickets.
Want to go for FREE? We’re giving away 2 pairs of tickets – for the August 11th show! Leave me a comment below and we’ll have a random drawing On August 1st!
Bette at the Continental Baths!
On the heels of its hit production Miracle!, Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 2015-16 season with BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS, a musical tribute to the legendary Bette Midler starring Caitlin Jackson, directed and choreographed by Christopher Pazdernik with music direction by Jeremy Ramey as Barry Manilow. BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS will play July 17 – August 21, 2015 at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Tickets are currently on sale at www.handbagproductions.org. The press opening is Saturday, July 18 at 8 pm.
Join Handbag Diva Caitlin Jackson as she pays tribute to the Divine Miss M’s legendary cabaret act at the equally legendary Continental Bathhouse in New York City. Featuring a live band, this loving recreation of the beginning of Ms. Midler’s stellar career will feature the fabulous songs she sang for the boys in the bathhouse, including Chattanooga Choo-Choo, Superstar, and of course, Chapel of Love done in Bette’s inimitable style. Well, nearly inimitable. Handbag transforms the newly remodeled Mary’s Attic into the legendary Bathhouse (just tell your great Aunt Gertie this is where young men went to clean up back in the day) complete with hot dancing boys wearing strategically placed towels… and steam… lots of steam.
The production team for BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS includes: Zachary Gipson (set design), Kate Setzer Kampausen (costume design), Mikey Moran (sound design), Mealah Heidenreich (props design) and Jacqueline Widman (stage manager).
PRODUCTION DETAILS:
Title: BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS
Director/Choreographer: Christopher Pazdernik
Music Director: Jeremy Ramey
Cast: Caitlin Jackson as Bette Midler and Jeremy Ramey as Barry Manilow with Adam Fane and TJ Crawford as The Bathhouse Boys.
Location: Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago
Dates: Previews: Friday, July 17 at 8 pm
Press performance: Saturday, July 18 at 8 pm
Regular run: Friday, July 24 – Friday, August 21, 2015
Curtain Times: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm. Please note: there will not be performances on Saturday, August 15 and Saturday, August 22. There will be added performances on Thursday, August 13 and Thursday, August 20 at 8 pm.
Tickets: Preview: $12. Regular run: $20 in advance, $22 at the door. Limited VIP reserved seating with drink $35. Big Gay Group Rate: $16 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets are currently on sale at www.handbagproductions.org.
Chicago AIDS Walk Sept. 26th
“Put your foot down.” That’s the message behind this year’s AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, hosted by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and benefiting 35 other community organizations — known as CommunityDirect partners — on Sept. 26 at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
“We want supporters to put their foot down and make a difference in this epidemic, especially among communities most impacted by HIV,” said AFC President/CEO John Peller. “At the biggest annual HIV awareness event in Chicago, we want to make it clear that new HIV infections can be a thing of the past if we put the right resources in the right places — including AFC and our 35 CommunityDirect partners.”
The 35 CommunityDirect partners that will raise funds through this year’s event will receive 90% of all money raised by their teams. Last year, the 32 CommunityDirect teams raised a combined $270,000.
The aim of the event — and the CommunityDirect program — is to support HIV/AIDS programs and services across Chicago, particularly in neighborhoods most affected by the epidemic.
“There are uncertain times ahead for many human services providers in Illinois,” said Simone Koehlinger, Senior Vice President of Programming. “AIDS Run & Walk Chicago brings funds and awareness to organizations having a significant impact on the HIV community — organizations that are making communities healthier and stronger.”
The CommunityDirect partners serving the South Side are Black Methodists for Church Renewal, COIP/UIC School of Public Health, Greater Full Gospel Pentecostal Church, Men & Women in Prison Ministries, Michael Reese Research & Education Foundation and the University of Chicago (Care2Prevent).
Those serving the North Side are Asian Human Services, Center on Halsted, Chicago House and Social Service Agency, Howard Brown Health Center and Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).
CommunityDirect partners on the West Side include the Austin CBC Initiative, CALOR, Children’s Place Association, Erie Family Health Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, New Age Services, Project Vida, Puerto Rican Cultural Center (Vida/SIDA) and Taskforce Prevention and Community Services.
Organizations that provide citywide services are the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, Alexian Brothers Housing and Health Alliance, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus, Chicago Recovery Alliance, Chicago Women’s AIDS Project, FCAN, Heartland Health Outreach, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH), The Night Ministry, Pediatric AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative, Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center and Season of Concern.
And finally, AFC is proud to partner with organizations that serve people outside of Chicago: Canticle Ministries, Open Door Clinic and Youth Outlook.
Event registration is $40 in advance for 5k walkers and $50 for 5k or 10k runners. To register as an individual or as a team, or to donate to a CommunityDirect team, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946. Online registration ends Sept. 20
Put your foot down to end new HIV infections
To give both AIDS Run & Walk Chicago participants and HIV advocates a way to express their demand for better support for HIV prevention and services, AFC is leading a social media campaign from now through Sept. 26 that invites people to “put their feet down” for the cause.
Participants are invited to print a template and write the reason they “put their foot down” to change the epidemic. They can then take a photo of the template with their foot, post to their social media platforms with the hashtag #aidsrunwalkchicago and share it with their communities. More information about the campaign and a link to the template can be found at aidsrunwalk.org.
Southern Decadence Deals
GAY TRAVEL HOT DEAL!
What began as a simple going-away party in 1972 has evolved into one of New Orleans’ premier annual events: Southern Decadence.
Hosted every Labor Weekend, Southern Decadence is the 5th largest event in the city following Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and French Quarter Fest. 2014 brought in over 160,000 participants.
Nicknamed the “Gay Mardi Gras,” Southern Decadence is one of those quintessential New Orleans occasions in which participants get to strut their stuff in elaborate costumes and high fashion or barely anything at all, the day of the Parade!
Everyone gets in on the action and all the bars will have their own drag shows, contests, DJs, music and events.
Don’t miss this giant 44th Southern Decadence celebration of LGBT life, music and culture. CALL David now FOR THE BEST DEALS! 1-800-942-1280!
Best Chicago Hotel Pools
We love the site THRILLIST! They are obsessed with everything that’s worth caring about in food, drink, and travel.
In a recent article, they visited 14 top hotel pools around Chicago to see which were easily diveable and which were just plain impenetrable. You would be surprised how easy it is to get into some of the pool areas for FREE!
Out in the Park Six Flags Chicago
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2015 BIGGER Than EVER!
A Spectacular Night of Amusement and Entertainment
Presented by MINI Cooper Chicago & Ketel One Vodka
That Will Help Benefit Northalsted Business Alliance
Saturday, September 12th, 2015 from 7PM to 12AM
Hosted by Amanda Lepore AND Pablo Hernandez this year! Attendees for this year’s fourth annual Out In The Park Celebration are in for a night of EPIC proportions.
All night, attendees can follow the bass to the Hometown Square dance area where The DJ’s of SCARLET Bar Chicago and Hostess Trannika Rex and some adorable go go’s well keep the party jumping.
Andrew Christian supermodel and “king of selfies” Pablo Hernandez will be riding rides with guests all night and taking photos. Then at 11:00 he will debut 2 of his new songs, followed by the Queen of New York nightlife, Amanda Lepore, with the worlds most expensive body!
Out In The Park is an annual private LGBT Saturday night fundraising event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides with a portion of all ticket sales each year help benefit various non-profits. “One of the best elements of this event is that it is closed to the general public and this year our event piggy-backs a daytime corporate buyout so our attendees will be entering an EMPTY PARK!” explains Michael Snell, co-owner of BestGayChicago.com. “The LGBT community, their family, friends and supporters can enjoy the park with little to no lines and without homophobic hassles from anyone. It’s like a Fall Gay Pride Celebration with even MORE amusement and entertainment!”
In an interview with ChicagoPride.com: “We are very excited that this private night for charity continues to grow every year and we have gifted over $35,000 to various groups,” said Derrick Sorles, Snell’s husband of 16 years and business partner, “We are more than thrilled that Amanda Lepore is flying in from New York and the handsome Pablo Hernandez (from Los Angeles) will debut his new music at our event this year!”
Advance $40 tickets can be purchased NOW at www.GaySixFlagsChicago.com
FREE parking for this special event! In September the price goes up to $45. $50 the day of the event. All ages event. Drinks are available for purchase to those 21+
Hotels –if you are coming to Chicago for the weekend, we have 3 hotel choices in the heart of Boystown! CITY SUITES, WILLOWS HOTEL and MAJESTIC HOTEL. All the hotels are on our website GaySixFlagsChicago.com
KURIOS from Cirque du Soleil August
It’s back!
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL RETURNS TO CHICAGO THIS SUMMER
WITH KURIOS – CABINET OF CURIOSITIES!
Written and directed by Michel Laprise, the new touring production will premiere under the iconic blue-and-yellow Big Top at United Center beginning August 6, 2015
TICKETS, STARTING AT $35, NOW ON SALE!
It’s been too long! Cirque du Soleil returns to Chicago after four years with its newest touring show, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities™, performing under the iconic blue-and-yellow Big Top at the United Center parking lot, 1901 W. Madison Street, August 6 – September 20, 2015.
Cabinet of Curiosities premiered to the world in Montréal in April 2014 and is Cirque du Soleil’s 35th production. Since its debut, the critics have been raving: “KURIOS is Cirque du Soleil’s strongest act in years…one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen on a stage” (Toronto Star) and “KURIOS is the best Cirque du Soleil show in a long time.” (San Francisco Chronicle).
- Picture credit : © Martin Girard shootstudio.ca
- Costume credit : Philippe Guillotel
Written and directed by Michel Laprise, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities is a tale in which time comes to a complete stop, transporting the audience inside a fantasy world where everything is possible. In this realm set in the latter half of the nineteenth century, reality is quite relative indeed as our perception of it is utterly transformed. The name of the show refers to the humble and strange characters that inhabit the Seeker’s Cabinet of Curiosities.
In an alternate yet familiar past, in a place where wonders abound for those who trust their imagination, a Seeker discovers that in order to glimpse the marvels that lie just below the surface, we must first learn to close our eyes. In his larger-than-life curio cabinet, the Seeker is convinced that there exists a hidden, invisible world – a place where the craziest ideas and the grandest dreams lie waiting. A collection of otherworldly characters suddenly steps into his makeshift mechanical world. When the outlandish, benevolent characters turn his world upside down with a touch of poetry and humor in an attempt to ignite the Seeker’s imagination, his curios jump to life one by one before his very eyes.
Tickets are available for purchase by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/kurios or calling 1-877-9 CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Tickets range from $35 – $145.
KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities is Cirque du Soleil’s 35th production since 1984. The company, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2014, has brought wonder and delight to close to 150 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from close to 50 different countries.
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.
Peter Allen is Boy from OZ
Pride Films and Plays is very excited to be back at Stage 773 for the Chicago Premiere of The Boy From Oz, the Broadway musical that tells the boisterous yet heart-warming true story of a Australian song-writer Peter Allen who ended up in the glamorous orbit of Judy Garland and her soon-to-be famous daughter Liza.
Directed by multiple Jeff Award Winner David Zak, with musical direction by Jeff Award Winner Robert Ollis, and choreography by Cameron Turner, The Boy From Oz is sensational in every way! Chris Logan plays Peter Allen, with Nancy Hays as Judy, and Michelle Lauto as Liza. PFP Artistic Ensemble Member Michelle McKenzie-Voigt is Peters mother Marion, and 13-year-old Garret Hershey is Peters younger self.
Get a sneak peek at the first rehearsal of Boy From Oz here, and order tickets today!
The score features Allens most moving and exuberant songs including the Oscar winning The Best That You Can Do, plus Quiet Please, Id Rather Leave When Im In Love, Love Dont Need A Reason, and the international smash hit I Honestly Love You.
The Boy From Oz runs August 5 to 30, and is one part of an exciting series of works presented by Pride Films and Plays. TICKETS start at $20!
The Boy from Oz performances take place at
Stage 773
1225 W. Belmont Avenue
Chicago IL 60657
Harrison Scott in Chicago July 9th
| 1575 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 (773) 227-7990 |
Dance For Life Chicago August 15th
Dance for Life: Dancers Unite to Inspire Chicago from Center Stage
Chicago’s Top Dance Troupes Raise Funds and Awareness for HIV/AIDS on Aug. 15
Experience a night of breathtaking performances as seven of Chicago’s top dance companies come together for one evening at Dance for Life. With thought provoking choreography and poignant music, this highly anticipated event is held annually to support organizations and dance community professionals dealing with critical health issues, including, but not limited to HIV/AIDS, through the art of dance. Since 1992, Dance for Life has raised millions of dollars to support the cause.
This year, the funny and talented Joey Bland and Tim Mason from The Second City will emcee the night. Choreographer Randy Duncan will bring his highly acclaimed work STAND BY ME with special music arrangement by Ira Antelis to the Auditorium Theatre as Dance for Life’s finale. Performing group C5 will also present a show stopping world premiere.
Dance for Life believes in cultivating young talent in the Chicago dance community and giving them the opportunity to shine. That’s why for the first time ever, the finale will feature local professional dancers that were selected through a special audition.
Funds raised through this year’s Dance for Life benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and The Dancers’ Fund.
Participating Companies Include:
• Giordano Dance Chicago
• Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
• Joffrey Ballet
• River North Dance Chicago
• C5
• Chicago Human Rhythm Project
• Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015
5:00 p.m. – Gala Reception – Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom (720 S. Michigan Ave.)
7:30 p.m. – Dance for Life Performance – Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 E. Congress Pkwy.)
*Complimentary shuttle bus service provided between the two venues.
COST: $15-$75 (performance only)
$250- $600 (includes admission to 5:00 p.m. gala reception and premiere seating at the performance)
To purchase tickets, please call 312-922-5812 or visit www.danceforlifechicago.org
Connect with Dance for Life on Facebook!
