Author Archives: bestgaychicago
LGBQ programs at CIMMfest 2015
2015 CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL MOVIES & MUSIC FESTIVAL
CIMMfest No. 7 TO ROLL OUT LGBQ PROGRAMMING
APRIL 16 – 19, 2015
The 7th Chicago International Movies & Music Festival (CIMMfest), the annual four-day showcase celebrating the inseparable connection between music and movies, is proud to announce the festival’s LGBQ programming include films The Dicks from Texas, Cakes da Killa: No Homo and a special video and music event Cruising TRACKS: a Radical Queer Video. For a complete lineup of confirmed films, musical acts and live scoring events for CIMMfest No. 7, visit http://cimmfest.org/.
CIMMfest’s queer film screenings and music event present documentaries, video art, short fictions and music videos. These presentations touch a wide array of topics: stretching notions of gender identity; kinship and sexuality; proper bodies and their organized functions while dealing with other social and political struggles such as the fight against HIV/AIDS, sexism, confinement, racism, and mental illness.
Thursday, April 16th The Dicks from Texas (pictured)
The Dicks from Texas tells the story of the men, the myth and the music behind the band that defined Texas hardcore punk. Long before Austin made weirdness a civic virtue, The Dicks made it a cause. Three rawboned Marlboro Man types fronted by Gary Floyd, a fat queer with a penchant for fright wigs, this self-described “commie faggot band” helped put the Texas capital on the punk map in the early ’80s with anthems like “Dicks Hate the Police” and “Wheelchair Epidemic.”
7:00pm @ The Society for Arts, 1112 N Milwaukee Ave
A la carte tickets are $12
Friday, April 17th
CIMMfest’s Cruising Tracks – Radical Queer Video Program includes:
· Queer Video Screening, videos & event curated by Rebecca Lavoie.
· Live performance by Donzelle, Montreal’s Sassiest Rapper and her dancers; Douce Angoisse, provocative electronic musician backed by hypnotic disco/darkwave melodies.
· Slo ‘Mo dance party: A throwback to old-school R&B, Slo ‘Mo seeks to unite people of all identities, bodies and expressions through soul music. Including the sounds of Anita Baker, Frank Ocean, Janet Jackson and more, Slo ‘Mo Dance Party is hosted by Kristen Kava with grooves by DJ Tess and Audio Jack of Slo ‘Mo.
8:00pm @ The Hideout Inn, 354 West Wabansia
Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door and $5 for the dance party only
Saturday, April 18th
Cakes da Killa: No Homo (short doc) playing with feature documentary The Hip-Hop Fellow
The short doc follows Cakes Da Killa (born Rashard Bradshaw), a 22 year-old up and coming rapper who also happens to be an out and proud gay man. With provocative lyrics that explore sexuality and gender politics, he’s not your run of the mill rapper, but he just might be your new favorite.
9:00pm @ The Society for Arts, 1112 N Milwaukee Ave
A la carte tickets are $12
CIMMfest No. 7 takes place April 16-19, 2015 along the Milwaukee Avenue corridor – from Wicker Park to Logan Square – with satellite events in the West Loop, Pilsen and beyond. Four-day festival passes, which include admission to An Evening of Music, Film & Wine with Spike Lee, are currently available for $110 at CIMMfest.org. Additional (non-Spike) CIMMfest passes – $75 (basic) and VIP ($100) – are also available now.
Aids Foundation Chicago Gala in May
The biggest GALA of the year!
On Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the Hilton Chicago, we will gather together as Illinois’ strongest HIV/AIDS community to commemorate AFC’s three decades as a leader in the fight against HIV.
It’s the right time to change the story of HIV, but we can only move forward with your unwavering support.
“Our 30th Year Gala will be a rallying point for our most dedicated supporters to stand with AFC in this unprecedented moment in history. Recent medical breakthroughs and shifts in the health care landscape have put AFC in its strongest position ever to prevent new infections and better support people living with HIV and AIDS.”
The evening will include:
- A program led by Amy Landecker, who stars in the 2015 Golden Globe-winning TV series Transparent
- A vacation auction and raffle
- Dinner
- Dancing to music by DJ Kiss
- Live Auction includes luxurious vacations to Hawaii and Las Vegas
- Raffle includes vacations to Aruba and NYC
- A punch board full of prizes from Chicago restaurants, theaters, spas and more.
AFC will be honoring Thomas Kehoe with the Community Impact Award and Ernie Rodriguez with the Lori Kaufman Volunteer Award.
Join us at the 30th Year Gala to show your commitment to this vibrant community that has led the fight for 30 years.
Chicago House Annual Fashion Brunch
Those of us who remember the headline “Rare Cancer Seen in 41 Homosexuals” in The New York Times on July 3, 1981 also can remember the fear, the shame, and the hysteria that followed soon after. It was a full year before the reason for that “rare cancer” had a name: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It was even longer before a safety net was in place to catch those falling victim to HIV.
In 1985, Chicago House opened its doors as the first provider of AIDS Housing and Support Services in the Midwest, offering eight beds that would allow those with AIDS a place to die with dignity. Many of those first residents were gay men. From the start, our founders, our staff, our board, and our residents were people from all walks of life who were:
- Unified in fighting poverty and homelessness,
- Unified in support of the LGBTQ community, and
- Unified in serving those with HIV/AIDS.
It is now 30 years later, and thankfully HIV/AIDS has eased from crisis mode for many. Antiretroviral medications are now so effective that people who are positive are not only living healthy lives, but also are not passing on HIV thanks to undetectable viral loads. Concurrently, the preventive HIV medication PrEP (among other advancements) is now available to help assure that those who are HIV negative remain negative.
Similarly, LGBTQ civil equality has achieved unprecedented success and progress. In 1985, the founders of Chicago House gathered around a table at The Baton in downtown Chicago to help provide an answer and some relief to the greatest needs of the LGBTQ community. We can only try to imagine their joy had they been able to see the advancements achieved over these last 30 years.
Unfortunately the gains we have made in HIV/AIDS care and in LGBTQ equality have not been shared by many of those experiencing the first of our three founding calls to action: poverty and homelessness. In fact, those living with HIV/AIDS and those who identify as LGBTQ remain disproportionately affected by poverty and homelessness. Those who are low income are over five times more likely to have HIV, and 29% of all LGBTQ people experienced food insecurity in the last year. It is in the face of those facts that Chicago House recently cut the ribbon on the TranLife Center, and it is in the face of those facts that we continue working tirelessly to serve those most marginalized and most in need in the LGBTQ community and among those living with HIV.
Thirty years of service offers many reasons to celebrate, but the reality of disproportionate homelessness and poverty offers even more reasons to fight harder than ever for the people that we serve. Thank you so much for remaining with us in the fight.
Chicago House: There at the Beginning. Here to meet the challenge.
This year’s Spring Fashion Brunch on May 3rd is all about celebrating Chicago House’s 30 Years of Service and the last three decades of fashion. In fact, all guests are invited to come dressed in his or her favorite fashion moment or trend from the past 30 years. The fashion certainly won’t be limited to the runway this year!
THIS SELLS OUT EVERY YEAR! GET TICKETS ONLINE NOW!
El Mariachi Special Deals and Events
RESERVE TODAY! ONLY A FEW SEATS LEFT! 773-549-2932
And EASTER IS NEXT WEEKEND! Don’t be left without a seat!
Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse Revolucionsteakhouse.com
3443 N. Broadway (773) 661-9893
El Mriachi Tequila Bar & Grill Elmariachitequilabar.com
3906 N. Broadway (773) 549-2932
Easter Brunch April 5th
It always amazes me when people show up for Brunch in Chicago, WITHOUT a reservation. I hate to wait! And sometimes a restaurant is totally full with no tables in sight.
EASTER is in 1 week! Don’t be left outside without a table!
Taverna 750 is giving away free carrot cake to all brunch goers making it 3 Course, 2 Martinis + Mimosas for $27!
See you there!
Steve Grand at Downtown Bar March 28th
“All-American Boy” my first, full-length debut album is here!
Celebrate with myself and other fellow #Grandfam in Chicago,
Saturday, March 28 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
At 440 North State St. DOWNTOWN BAR
FREE EVENT
Come to enjoy
The New Album, live performance, merch for sale, friends, drinks, and more!
Red Dress Party Chicago 2015
It’s almost here! The return of Chicago’s RED DRESS PARTY fundraiser!
Special promo – if you don’t have tickets yet, Buy one General Admission ticket and GET ONE FREE!
Don’t wait! Offer ends March 31st! BUY NOW ONLINE and they will send you an extra free ticket!
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen in Chicago
Join Cohen and Cooper for an unscripted,
uncensored and unforgettable night of conversation!
GET A SNEAK PEAK NOW
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The Chicago Theatre Chicago, IL 1-800-745-3000 |
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WARHOL Wonka Ball April 10
Come claim your 15 minutes of fame at About Face Theatre’s annual gala WONKA BALL:
WARHOL, where guests are invited to step into Warhol’s infamous factory for one night only. This year’s highly-anticipated soiree takes place Friday, April 10, 2015 at 8 pm (VIP Cocktail Reception at 7 pm) at Moonlight Studios, 1446 W. Kinzie St. in Chicago.
WONKA BALL:
WARHOL will celebrate the pop art icon and his cadre of superstars, celebrities and subjects. Guests are invited to experience live, Warhol-inspired art-making by Matthew Lew, JoJo Baby and Edgewater Workbench, short experimental films by Warhol and contemporary Chicago filmmakers, a punch-out prize wall, a photo booth and more. Guests will also enjoy fantastic food with catering by Wolfgang Puck, delicious drinks and stellar silent and live auctions, including a three-night stay in Key West.
Join Chicago’s celebrated center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and ally arts (LGBTQIA) as it celebrates its 19th year on this unforgettable evening. Tickets are currently available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling (773) 784-8565.
VIP Cocktail Reception
Join About Face for an exclusive VIP Cocktail Reception beginning at 7 pm, guests will enjoy early access to the venue, specialty cocktails, an exclusive raffle with complimentary raffle tickets, culinary treats, live entertainment and a VIP gift bag. The reception will be hosted by the evening’s honorary co-chairs and members of the AFT Board of Directors.
WONKA BALL: WARHOL Honorary Co-Chairs include AFT Artistic Associate Precious Davis, John Dalton and Kristen Kaza.
Proceeds from WONKA BALL: WARHOL will support About Face Theatre’s award-winning mainstage programming, new play development series and nationally-recognized educational program. Since 1995, About Face has created exceptional, innovative, and adventurous plays that advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity and have entertained and challenged audiences in Chicago, across the country and around the world. Support from Wonka Ball enables About Face to thrive as Chicago’s celebrated center for LGBTQIA arts; an inclusive home where diverse artists, youth, audiences and community partners come together for artistic exchange and cultural dialogue.
EVENT DETAILS:
Event: WONKA BALL: WARHOL
Date: Friday, April 10 from 8 pm – 11 pm; VIP Cocktail Party at 7 pm
Location: Moonlight Studios, 1446 W. Kinzie St. in Chicago
Tickets: General admission: $150 (Early Bird Special $125 through March 13, 2015). VIP Cocktail Reception: $200 (Early Bird Special $175 through March 13, 2015). Additional sponsorship packages are available. Tickets currently available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling (773) 784-8565.
THE SPONSORS
Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering. Liquor: Absolut, Angels Envy, Goose Island and Sidetrack. Event furniture: Cort. Photo booth: Red Weddings. Restaurant Partners: Wow Bao, Garrett Popcorn, Hamburger Mary’s, Cabot Cheese, Insomnia Cookies, Yo Soy!, Swirlz Cupcakes, Mariano’s, Rique’s Chicago, mEAT, DS Tequila and Do-Rite Donuts. Key West vacation: Historic Key West Inns.
About Face Theatre creates exceptional, innovative, and adventurous plays to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity, and to challenge and entertain audiences in Chicago, across the country, and around the world.
Oprah’s Yard Sale Auction
I want this table!
Oprah may have had a difficult time in trying to ditch her spacious 56th floor Water Tower Place unit, but the media mogul is now unloading the contents of the 9,600 square foot pad to raise funds for her education foundation; South African girls school.
Oprah will be auctioning off 571 lots in a big one day event on April 25. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers announced the sale, which will be conducted at its Chicago salesroom.
“People love Oprah,” Hindman said. “There’s something for everyone. There’s things that are $100 and things up to $100,000.”
Slowly but surely, Oprah has been cutting ties with Chicago over the last few years, selling two other units along Lake Shore Drive, a farm in Indiana and her Harpo Studios campus in the West Loop.
Oprah also recently announced that she plans on shutting down Harpo’s Chicago operations for good.
If you plan on attending Oprah’s ginormous garage sale, be sure to bring a pile of cash as many of the items being sold are valuable antiques and artwork.
GLAAD Hatter Brunch April 4th
Tickets are going fast! Don’t be left out!
2015 GLAAD Hatter Brunch Benefit!
GLAAD Hatter, presented by Ketel One Vodka and MillerCoors, is a celebration of national and local leaders advancing LGBT equality.
At GLAAD it’s personal and we want your hat to be a personal expression of yourself while enjoying a sumptuous brunch with specialty brunch cocktails.
Whether impressive or understated, bridal or funeral, edible, perishable, sporty, floral, or with live birds in a cage — whatever hat you wear, you’ll fit right in. Prizes will be given away for “Best Hat” as well as “People’s Choice” for favorite hat. Enter to win raffle prizes from great companies throughout the Chicago area.
Tickets: http://www.glaad.org/
Easter Brunch April 5th Boystown
Easter Brunch at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Midday Meal with Mimosas and Madam X
Sunday, April 5 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $39.95 per person
Enjoy a celebratory Easter brunch at Kit Kat, complete with mimosas and build-your-own cocktails. On Sunday, April 5, the Lakeview Lounge and Supper Club will offer a four course prix fixe menu from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chef JoAnn Witherell’s menu, outlined below, includes mimosas, sangria or bloody martinis for $39.95 per person. The fierce and fabulous Diva Madam X will entertain brunch guests with live performances all day.
Kit Kat’s menu of martinis will be half-price ($7 each) including such seasonal selections as “In Bloom” (Pinnacle raspberry vodka, Pama liqueur, elder flower liqueur, champagne), “Strawberry Shortcake” (Pinnacle whipped vodka, strawberry liqueur, strawberry puree, splash of vanilla, pineapple juice and cream, garnished with graham cracker and whipped cream) and “Cabana Boy” (Cruzan coconut rum, vodka, Midori, banana liqueur, orange and pineapple juice).
For brunch reservations, please call Kit Kat at 773-525-1111.
Kit Kat’s Easter Menu
First Course
House made cheddar biscuits served with whipped honey butter
Second Course
choice of:
Kit Kat Salad – romaine, spinach, sliced apples, candied almonds, apple cider vinaigrette
Southwest Salad – romaine, avocado, tomatoes, black beans, corn, cheddar, roasted pumpkin seeds, tortilla strips, buttermilk ranch
Third Course
choice of:
Croque Monsieur – ham, gruyere, mustard aioli
Crab Cake Benedict – lemon bearnaise, bacon crumble, roasted potatoes
Macho Man- two eggs any style, bacon, sausage, biscuit and sausage gravy, roasted potatoes
Kit Kat Burger – smoked bacon, gruyere cheese, French mustard, over easy egg, Parmesan truffle fries
Ravioli – ricotta, spinach, asparagus, shallots, mushrooms, peas, Parmesan creme sauce
Chicken and Waffles – cayenne maple and roasted red fingerling potatoes
Dessert
choice of:
Kit Kat’s Carrot Cake
Brownie Sundae, burnt caramel sauce, candied pecans
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
773.525.1111
Matinee Las Vegas Memorial Weekend
We know Memorial Weekend in Chicago is all about the GRABBY Awards and IML….but, Las Vegas is drawing in more and more Midwest guys to the Matinee Las Vegas Festival!
The Biggest Gay Dance Festival of the Summer returns for a 5th Anniversary over Memorial Day Weekend: May 22-25, 2015. Plus, Barcelona’s Biggest Party makes its U.S. debut for our Saturday Night Main Event at America’s Newest Waterpark: Cowabunga Bay!
Reserve your passes NOW and save 25%! A LIMITED NUMBER OF THESE DISCOUNT TICKETS ARE LEFT!! DON’T WAIT!
Lots of Chicago boys will be there!
Use KOBY GRANT at checkout and get a discounted fitness package in preparation for the sexiest party in Vegas!
Wonka Ball 2015 WARHOL
In the future everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes.In 2015, About Face Theatre proclaims:
It is the future and everyone can be Andy Warhol
For one night only, Moonlight Studios will be transformed into today’s version of Warhol’s Factory. Immerse yourself in a world of 21st century pop art, cinema and camp while enjoying music, dancing, delicious drinks and fantastic food. And get ready for an amazing, art-filled silent and live auction that will blow your mind!
Just 2 weeks left! What are you waiting for, sugar?
Take a walk on the wild side…
Friday, April 10th @ Moonlight StudiosVIP Superstar Lounge @ 7pm
General Admission @ 8pm
Late Night Deals at Taverna 750
Friday and Saturday Weekend Late Night Specials @ Taverna 750!
Bar Bite and Beer for $10 & Martini and Pizza for $15 from 10pm- 1am!!!!
Gay Pride Puerto Vallarta DEALS
• Hotels, condos, tour operators and airlines have joined forces to be part of the largest LGBT event in the region.
• Vallarta Pride is proud to have the unconditional support of local, national and international businesses to carry out a world class event.
CHICAGO! get away this May and SAVE!
The third gay pride festival “Vallarta Pride” will take place from May 17 to 25, 2015. This festival in honor of the LGBT community living and visiting our vibrant tourist destinationis being supported by several local, national and international businesses under the theme of “Unity”.
It is now easier than ever to come enjoy and live the Vallarta Pride experience with the special promotions and travel packages that hotels, condos, tour operators and airlines are offering this year.
The Blue Chairs Hotel, Hotel Emperador, Hotel Catedral, Hotel Mercurio, Puerto de Luna, Rivera del Río and Villa Mercedes are all offering the 4th night free by booking 3. This promotion will run throughout Vallarta Pride. The condos Andales on the Bay, Condo Carmen Alicia and Piñata Gay Guest House will also join this initiative offering the same deal.
Other accommodation deals include Casa Cupula and OlasAltas Suites (book 4 nights and get the 5th night free), Puerto Vallarta Beach Club (4th night free by booking 3 via http://www.equalitydestinations.com/ using the code EQDPV) and Puerto Vallarta Timeshare Rentals (Get 70% off resort prices when you book a week through http://www.sellmytimesharenow.com/).
The Airlines that have joined the Vallarta Pride travel deals and will offer a discount of up to 10% are Aeroméxico (code B542D12A, valid only in national flights and form May 20 to 25, 2015), Alaska Airlines (code EC8368 and valid till May 29, 2015) and Delta Airlines (code NMKSE and valid form May 9to June 2, 2015).
As nightlife entertainment cannot be missed during your Puerto Vallarta visit, Gay Vallarta Bar Hopping is offering 10% discount when booking using the code Vallarta Pride. GayPV is also offering two complete travel packages:
• Exclusive Travel Package for Pride*
Airfares, Hotels, Events and Excursions (Including Andrew Christian Events)
• VIP Travel Package*
Andrew Christian event tickets, “Wet & Wild” Gay Cruise, fashion show and 5-night hotel accommodation.
*Exclusive deals only available on: http://gaypv.mx/deals/pride2015/.
For more information on these deals and promotions, visit here
and the official Facebook Page
GLAAD Hatter Brunch Chicago April 4th 2015
IT’S BACK! The festive and fun 2015 GLAAD Hatter Brunch Benefit!
GLAAD Hatter, presented by Ketel One Vodka and MillerCoors, is a celebration of national and local leaders advancing LGBT equality.
At GLAAD it’s personal and we want your hat to be a personal expression of yourself while enjoying a sumptuous brunch with specialty brunch cocktails.
Whether impressive or understated, bridal or funeral, edible, perishable, sporty, floral, or with live birds in a cage — whatever hat you wear, you’ll fit right in. Prizes will be given away for “Best Hat” as well as “People’s Choice” for favorite hat. Enter to win raffle prizes from great companies throughout the Chicago area.
Tickets:
$150 for Two Tickets or $85 Individual Ticket Purchase Tickets
A significant portion of your ticket supports GLAAD. GLAAD rewrites the script on LGBT equality. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialog that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. GLAAD.org
GLASS PROTEGE in Chicago!
EVERYONE IS TALKING about Glass Protege!
During Previews the show was given TWO 5 STAR Reviews!
Hollywood, 1949 — a Golden Age of cinema, yes, but also a time when stifling restraints kept actors under oppressive control. An era when movies were king and their stars were pawns. The Glass Protege tells the story of Patrick Glass, a naive young actor who embarks on a scandalous gay love affair and is shocked to discover the true power the studio system has over his career and his life. This powerful drama exposes the underbelly of the Hollywood machine, picking up on the story 40 years later to shed light on previously murky truths as the consequences of Glass’ “unacceptable” romance are explored. Giant Cherry Productions invites you to step back into a time of glitz, glamour, passion and exploitation when The Glass Protege takes to the stage of Theater Wit.
Through March 29th!
Directed by John Nasca.
Produced by Giant Cherry Productions in association with Glitterati ProductionsCAST
Chazie Bly as Patrick
Baird Brutscher as Jackson
Chris Carpenter as Lloyd
Tom Chiola as Pat
Tracey Green as Ava
Chasen Hunter as George
Michelle McKenzie-Voigt as Nella
Britt-Marie Sivertsen as Candice
