Author Archives: bestgaychicago
Don’t Tell Mama February 24th
“Don’t Tell Mama” Opens Tuesday Night, FEBRUARY 24th!!!
Reserved Tickets Almost Sold Out, Get Your Tickets Today!!
Join Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus this Tuesday night, February 24th, at Laugh Factory for the opening of “Don’t Tell Mama”. The show features 30 CGMC cast members bringing to you the hit music of Kander & Ebb—from Cabaret to Chicago, and more.
Tickets still available online. Door sales will be available, but prices go up $5 per section. So grab yours today.
Chicago House THE TEASE Feb 28th
Nadine DuBois is a commanding addition to this year’s production of The Tease. Renowned for her masterful ability to transform shows into a “more cohesive and pure slice of burlesque,” DuBois will provide a “glamorous framework for The Tease‘s incredible cast of artists.”
Hailing from Minneapolis, DuBois laces a glimmer of sexuality into her Minnesota-nice demeanor. She brings experience performing throughout the Twin Cities in large theatrical productions such as Grown and Sexy PRIDE, which every year features a special guest from RuPaul’s Drag Race, and in big-stage shows that have toured across New Zealand and Australia with Chicago burlesque artists Jett Adore, Bazuka Joe and Ray Gunn. DuBois has also made appearances in venues such as Chicago’s Subterranean and Music Box Theatre.
For DuBois, burlesque is truly an innocent, fun and freeing experience. “When I’m on stage, it’s the most present I ever am.”
This love affair started one hot summer night in Minneapolis when DuBois walked past an unnamed bar. Inside, she saw mystic artists who looked like they truly belonged. Trained as a singer, DuBois sought the perfect platform from which to share her talent, but she had yet to find the right fit. On this warm night in 2003, Nadine DuBois fell in love.
From there grew the persona that DuBois describes as “comedic in a real way.” Opening shows with the question, Have you ever been to a burlesque show before?, DuBois channels the audience’s nervous energy into her comedy. She responds suggestively to those new to the art form, eager to pop the cherries of burlesque virgins around the world.
This month, DuBois will host The Tease. Tying together performances by aerialists, dancers, jugglers and contortionists, DuBois will provide the scaffolding for The Tease’s portrayal of the turmoil of love. As a fierce ally to the communities Chicago House serves, Nadine DuBois intends for her performance to “highlight and encourage the powerful compassion and immense resources that Chicago House provides for its clients.”
Two shows 7:30 and 10:30!!! Saturday Feb. 28th!
Buy tickets to this year’s production of The Tease on our website or by calling 773.248.5200 x 304.
Bell’s Hopslam Ale 2015 @ Replay
We’ve been hiding a keg of Bell’s Hopslam Ale here at Replay, which we are tapping this Saturday, February 21, at 2pm.
Since this beer is a hot commodity, here’s how it’s going to work:
1) We’ll be issuing tickets at the door that will allow you to purchase one glass of Hopslam.
2) The first 50 VIP members to arrive will get one color of ticket that guarantees them first dibs to buy a glass. You must present your VIP card to get this ticket, so don’t forget it!
3) Any VIP member showing up after the first 50 as well as anyone without a VIP card will receive a different color of ticket.
4) Once all the VIP member tickets have had a chance to get their beer, we’ll do one last call for those tickets after about 20 min before we move on to the second color of tickets. Those will be served in numerical order of the tickets until we run out.
Doors open at noon, so get to Replay early or you may have to wait until next year to taste Bell’s Hopslam Ale!
REPLAY 3439 N Halsted | Chicago | IL | 60657
Frost Fest Week in Boystown
This February, Boystown embraces the brisk weather for a first of its kind Frost Fest, a week long schedule of events celebrating all things cool in the neighborhood.
Soup Walk
Sunday, February 22nd, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Visit participating shops and sample soups from your favorite restaurants.
Taste of Northalsted
Monday, February 23rd – Thursday, February 26th
Visit northalsted.com to print your $10 OFF Coupon.
Warm-Up Wednesday
Wednesday, February 25th, 6:00 PM
Enjoy warm and spirited drinks at the bars along the Northalsted strip
Brisk Brews – Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, February 28th
Pick between two 3 hour tasting sessions beginning at 1:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
Sample over 20 local craft brews in our heated outdoor tent.
Buy your tickets at www.northalsted.com.
A night in D.W. Alexander – Toronto
Toronto, Ontario is a popular destination for many art and music lovers. It has high air and water standards, making it one of the cleanest cities to live in. Families all over the world go far from home to move in there. Night life is one of the aspects of T.O. that not many people are mentioning. With Chicago in vicinity, this area presents a vibrant and colorful scene. Celebrities all over the world like to visit Toronto International Film Festival, Opera House and numerous bars and lounges that this city has to offer. There are certain establishments that stand out from the rest with their offer and atmosphere. D.W. Alexander bar club is one of the most popular lounges in this city that made its name by serving excellent cocktails.
On the very entrance, you will be assisted by the pleasant and helpful staff. The interior is really classy and it mixes black and brown nuances. Together with dimmed lights, it creates a mysterious atmosphere. The space is really clean and tidy; it seems that the management is very needy when it comes to hygiene standards. This isn’t surprising given the Canadian mentality and discipline. The bar is really something. It is very well placed and it is inseparable from its design. There are enough chairs for partying, but not enough to feel that you are in a crowd. You won’t have to hit people with your elbows just to secure a little bit more space for yourself.
The menu consists of snacks, such as nuts or olives, and dishes like fish and cheese. This is a very good way to satisfy your hunger without overburdening yourself with food. Choice of spirits is good, choice of whiskey even better. Various brands of Scotch, Canadian and Irish whiskey are served here. Number of wine and beer brands is much smaller, although their quality is high-level. However, the most important aspect of this bar and the reason why it became so popular are its cocktails. The baristas in this establishment made an art out of their mixture. The number of cocktails may look small in comparison to some other bars, but the way they are prepared more than makes up for it. Its cocktail menu is split into two: Classic Cocktails and D.W. Originals. The first part represents standard cocktails for this part of the world, with a nice Canadian touch added to them. D.W. Originals are house made from different ingredients that are specific to this club alone, such as D.W. Sage Infused Rum, D.W. Apple and Fennell Infused Rye, D.W. Black Pepper and Coriander Tincture and many more. All of that makes this place unique in its offer and worth visiting twice.
Whenever you are in Toronto, besides museums and other major sights, you should visit one of its restaurants, bar and clubs. Canadians know how to have a good time and they are excellent hosts. If you ever get thirsty while downtown, bear in mind that there is a great place just around the corner for you.
The Welcoming Committee Chicago
The Welcoming Committee launched in Chicago in October, but it has been active in a few of the major neighborhoods and cities DC and Boston…for several years now. La and NY coming in the Spring.
TWC is a movement of LGBTQ folks that takes over typically straight bars, sports games, special events, and major travel destinations for one-time-only experiences.
BEST GAY, our brand, took over Six Flags in 2012 and OUT IN THE PARK is now an annual event. Last fall we took over Key Lime Cove for 24 hours and it was EPIC! This summer, we’ll be taking over Six Flags Hurricane Harbor and the Brookfield Zoo during June!
TWC Chicago has a really cool wine event planned for March 19th at Adler Planetarium.
LIKE them and on get on the list to see whats happening!
Nick Offerman Megan Mullally Chicago
For their Summer of 69: No Apostrophe tour, actor-comedian power couple Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally plan to dissect their marriage through song, comedy and “heavy ribaldry, light petting and an astonishing final act of completion.” The duo’s 23-date tour stops in Chicago MAY 7th @ Chicago Theatre.
Mullally is best known for her Emmy Award-winning portrayal of prescription-drugged socialite Karen Walker on Will & Grace. Mullally also is a Broadway star, one half of a musical duo Nancy and Beth (with Friday Night Lights‘ Stephanie Hunt), and scene-stealing star of the late greats Party Down and Children’s Hospital (she also portrays Swanson’s sex-vampire ex-wife Tammy).
Tickets are $59-$300!
Chicago Theatre Week 2015
Chicago Theatre Week 2015 is a celebration of Chicago’s world-class theatre scene. Presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago, Chicago Theatre Week is returning for its third year and will take place February 12-22, 2015.
This month, visitors and residents will again have the opportunity to choose from more than 100 productions and sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings throughout Chicago.
February 12-22, 2015
$15 and $30 tickets (or less!)
Tickets are now on sale – Browse the participating productions HERE and try searching by genre, date, or neighborhood.
Remember, with over 250 professional theatre companies in Chicago and great deals at Hot Tix, Chicago Theatre Week is just the start of your theatre adventures! Chicago theatres are a vital part of the neighborhood landscape year-round, offering top-notch musicals, new works, classics, and more — housed in spaces ranging from renowned downtown theatres to the unique, raw, and intimate settings of Chicago’s storefront stages.
Replay and Elixir Expand to Andersonville
WOW! How cool is this?!
LKH MGMT, the group behind Lakeview’s Hydrate, Elixir, Replay and Halsted’s Bar & Grill, announces the addition of two new Andersonville locations slated to open this summer.
By opening Replay Andersonville and Elixir Lounge Andersonville LKH brings two of its most popular concepts to the burgeoning neighborhood. Replay Andersonville will be located at 5368 N Clark (at Balmoral) and Elixir Lounge Andersonville will be located at 1507 W Balmoral, right around the block!
“We have had Andersonville in our sights for more than two years and finally secured the perfect locations for both concepts,” said LKH Managing Partner Sean Kotwa. LKH President Mark Liberson agreed, stating, “The Replay and Elixir locations are in a building that just underwent an amazing renovation and we are thrilled to be the first tenants.”
Replay Andersonville opens first and mirrors the Lake View location with popular pinball games, iconic vintage video games and more than 24 craft beers on tap. Unlike the Lake View location, Replay Andersonville will serve food, including weekend brunch, as well as lunch and dinner all week.
Elixir Lounge Andersonville will feature the extensive list of creative and classic premium cocktails that Elixir Lake View is lauded for. In addition, Elixir Andersonville will serve small plate dining options to complement the craft cocktail program.
Both concepts feature outdoor space, which was a deciding factor in securing the new sites. Kotwa commented, “Chicago’s summers make this city and we are eager to bring something new to this stretch of Balmoral.”
LKH looks forward to being a part of the Andersonville community and participating in Midsommarfest. “Our experience with Northalsted’s Market Days and Pridefest energizes us to be part of a new community and festival,” said Kotwa.
Liberson notes that many of Replay and Elixir’s Lake View patrons have moved into the Andersonville area and was one of the factors for adding the locations. “It’s one of the best neighborhoods in the nation and we understand the demand directly from our customer base. We are elated to bring these concepts to a new area.”
Both are slated to be open in the Summer of 2015.
Academy Awards Viewing Party at Kit Kat Lounge
What better place to view the OSCARS??? Dinner, drinks and big screens!
Watch Hollywood Icons on Screen and on Premise
Sunday, February 22 5:30 p.m.-2 a.m.Kit Kat will roll out the red carpet on Sunday, February 22, for the 87th Annual Academy Awards. The Lakeview Lounge and Supper Club’s seven HD projection screens will be tuned to Hollywood, from the pre-show arrivals at 6 p.m. to the award ceremony at 7:30 p.m. During the commercial breaks, Diva Dulce Andrews will entertain guests with fabulous female impersonations of pop stars, songstresses and Hollywood icons.
Oscar Night Dinner Special
Filet Oscar
6oz filet mignon topped with crab cake and bearnaise sauce, served with a side of grilled asparagus $28
Oscar Night Martini Specials
Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, crème de cacao, splash of cream and grenadine with a chocolate dusted rim
The Academy
Effen Cucumber, Midori and fresh lime juice garnished with a cucumber wheel
Meryl Streep
Effen Vodka, Pama liqueur and champagneKit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-525-1111
KitKatChicago.com
Amy Landecker in Chicago for AFC Gala in May
30 Years of Action: 30th Year Gala Marks AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Milestone Fighting HIV/AIDS
Actress Amy Landecker to be master of ceremonies at AFC’s 30th Year Gala on May 16!
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) commemorates 30 years of action with the HIV/AIDS community during its 30th Year Gala, taking place at the Hilton Chicago on May 16.
The event marks a historic milestone for the organization, which has led the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Chicago metropolitan area since the early years of the epidemic. Thirty years later, AFC commemorates the work its community of supporters, advocates, service providers, and community organizations have done to reduce new HIV infections and provide support for the estimated 43,000 people living with HIV and AIDS in Illinois today.
Renowned actress Amy Landecker will be master of ceremonies, highlighting AFC’s impact on HIV/AIDS in Chicago, Illinois and across the U.S. Landecker is known for her role in the Academy Award-nominated film A Serious Man and currently stars in Amazon’s Golden Globe winning comedy series Transparent, which chronicles the lives of a Los Angeles family whose patriarch is transgender.
Guests at the 30th Year Gala will also enjoy live entertainment from a special performer (to be announced next year), specialty cocktails, dinner, dancing and a raffle. Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 6 p.m. to Midnight
WHERE: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave.
TICKETS: $500 per person. $5,000 per table. For more information and to reserve tickets, call 312-334-0935
Wonka Ball 2015 WARHOL
In 1968, Andy Warhol proclaimed:
“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” at…
WONKA BALL: WARHOL
Named as one of Chicago’s top theatre, dance, and music events for the 5th year in a row, WONKA BALL: WARHOL will celebrate the Pop Art icon and his cadre of superstars, celebrities and subjects.
Guests will experience live, Warhol-inspired art-making and performances, plus fantastic food, delicious drinks, music and a stellar silent and live auction for which Wonka Ball itself has become famous.
Get your discounted Early Bird tickets now and support About Face Theatre, Chicago’s premiere center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and ally arts (LGBTQIA) as we celebrate our 19th year and party like superstars!
Love is Love EQIL Gala Feb. 14th
We can hardly believe it – Gala week is here and this is one of your last chances to attend the largest LGBT event of its kind in the Midwest.
It will be a night of celebration and dancing that you won’t want to miss. We’ll be honoring the TransLife Center of Chicago House, performer Lea DeLaria, and business leader Michael Sacks and GCM Grosvenor.
To kick off the night we have remarkable silent auction items for you to bid on, from travel packages to locales like Las Vegas and Maui to glamorous hotel stays, dining, and entertainment in Chicago. You will be able to bid on flights around the world, Picasso lithographs, or even baskets filled with your favorite cocktail ingredients!
Only standard tables and tickets are left, and they’re going fast – get your tickets today!
Lady Bunny and RuPauls Season 7 Girls
Meet the new queens of Season 7, enjoy LIVE gag-worthy performances by the ENTIRE cast, catch a special advance screening of the premiere episode before it airs and dance to the beats of DJ Lady Bunny!
Hosted by Shangela and this season’s celebrity judges.
TICKETS
Chicago Liposuction and 3D Abdominal Etching
January usually brings New Years Resolutions and many men turn their attention to their bodies. Some resolutions include losing weight and/or adding muscle and looking and feeling fitter.
(left: Model photo)
With Summer coming, many people wish they could wave a magic wand and have abs! Or at least reduce the abdominal bulge and waistline inches a bit, to give us a slimmer and tighter body.
As we get older, it’s harder and harder to realize our fitness goals and our bodies may not respond to diet and exercise, the same way they did in our 20’s.
There are various techniques of liposuction and/or 3D Abdominal Etching that may be the answer to help you. Liposuction removes fat from your body using suction. In recent years, improved techniques have made liposuction safer, easier, and less painful. Liposuction is usually done as an outpatient procedure in a properly equipped doctor’s office or hospital. In general, it does not require an overnight stay unless a large volume of fat is being removed. Local anesthesia is used in some cases. And you may or may not be given a sedative to help you relax. The main purpose of liposuction is to reshape one or more areas of your body, not to reduce body weight. Liposuction is typically used on “problem” areas that have not responded well to diet and exercise.
High-definition liposuction or abdominal etching is a great way to improve the overall definition of the abdomen. For some individuals, their genetic makeup restricts them from attaining the chiseled abdomen appearance they desire. Abdominal etching, a technique specific type of liposuction, will thin the remaining fat on top of the stomach muscles and accentuate the natural break points in the wall. The resulting contour lines aid in the creation of the appearance of a muscular abdomen or “six pack”.
(Actual before and after photos of patient)
Established in 2010, the award winning cosmetic surgery practice of David A Shifrin MD, provides the complete experience by combining excellent surgical results with personalized care. Dr Shifrin has the training, expertise and experience to make your dreams of a healthy appearing, attractive body and abdomen a reality.
A native of Northbrook, Illinois, Dr. David Shifrin is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, respected for his work with cosmetic surgery and breast cancer reconstruction. Dr. Shifrin returned to his home town of Chicago in 2010 after years of training in the Midwest and South. His travels afforded him a learning experience with some of the most respected plastic surgeons. His academic accomplishments, which include multiple peer reviewed journal article publications and national conference presentations, and his love of teaching and mentoring led him to seek out an academic appointment with the University of Illinois at Chicago division of plastic surgery as an assistant clinical professor.
Dr. David Shifrin specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body. He is a plastic surgeon who completed a highly sought-after integrated training program in Michigan, followed by two advanced fellowships. The first, at the Medical College of Wisconsin, concentrated on reconstructive microsurgery. The second fellowship focused on Aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Joseph Hunstad, a world renowned plastic surgeon in the area of breast and body contouring.
Dr. Shifrin maintains multiple convenient office locations. He focuses his time at Shifrin Plastic Surgery, Downtown Chicago, on improving the aesthetic appearance of his patients through the use of state of the art skin care, botox and fillers and surgery. He prides himself on enhancing his patient’s physical attributes, blending his love of anatomy and science with his surgical expertise to artistically refine the outward beauty of his patients.
Dr. Shifrin is devoted to providing the best possible experience to those he cares for. He has been awarded Top Plastic Surgeon Chicago region 2012 and 2013 by Health Tap, Patient’s Choice Award and Most Compassionate Doctor Award in 2012, 2013 and 2014 by American Registry.
(left: Model photo)
In addition to seeing patients at Shifrin Plastic Surgery (680 N. Lake Shore Drive), he currently practices with the Advocate Medical Group at Christ hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Dr. Shifrin looks forward to serving all of his patients with professional and personalized care.
If you like what you have been reading here, request a consultation with Dr Shifrin to learn more about how these procedures can help you achieve your desired appearance. You are encouraged to print your favorite photos and bring them with you during your consultation to help communicate your goals and expectations.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique. Plastic surgery is a blending of art and science and results are thus variable.
David Shifrin MD
CHICAGO: 312.590.3572
OAK LAWN: 708.684.4198
Steve Grand CD Coming
CHICAGO’s sexy and talented Steve Grand is gearing up for release his debut album All American Boy March 24 after a very successful Kickstarter last year, Out reports:
Grand is an openly gay singer who’s certainly country-inspired, but does not self-identify as a country artist. “Music is subjective,” Grand says, “The lines of life are blurring. We are seeing that in music as in sexuality and gender identity…There’s nothing different about my music just because I’m gay. I sing about things that I go through, but they are things that we all go through, regardless of sexual orientation.” […]
A full-length album has also allowed Grand to follow an arc or storyline. “Each song needed to function as a plot point on that arc. A lot of things in life follow that trajectory, where there’s a beginning, middle, and end. Relationship do that, growing up does that, life does that.” Every number, Grand adds, ”explores some kind of relationship, whether it be a relationship with a romantic partner, a relationship with a friend, a relationship with the past, a relationship with something destructive, a relationship with a community.”
Queer Ballroom and Tango at Center on Halsted
Queer Ballroom and Tango Return
Inclusive Dance at All Levels
Monday nights this January at Center on Halsted have been buzzing with rhythm and beat. Individuals and couples of all identities have ventured to Center on Halsted to let loose and dance in a welcoming, diverse, and fun space.
(3656 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60613)
“This month we’ve brought accessible Ballroom and Latin dancing to the LGBTQ community here in Chicago and will continue to do so throughout the year,” said Steve Nasshan, instructor and owner of Get on the Floor Dance Company, whom Center on Halsted collaborates with to bring these classes to the building.
“I have seen too many same-sex couples or LGBTQ individuals shy away from traditional dance instruction. Many feel as if others in the class wouldn’t accept them or that instructors would be uncomfortable teaching same gender pairs, for example, how to lead and follow,” said Steve. “Center on Halsted has created a really special space where everyone from beginners to experts can convene and dance with whomever they choose.”
Michael, a student this session, has seen tremendous growth in just a few weeks. “Before coming to the classes, I often felt clumsy and uncomfortable in my movements. Weekly dance at Center on Halsted has boosted both my self-confidence and esteem. I feel in control and elegant in a way I didn’t previously.”
“It’s an exciting time to offer these classes,” remarks Steve. “We’re seeing a lot of couples preparing for first dances at weddings and others who just want to gain confidence on the dance floor. It’s a true mark of how the LGBTQ community is growing.”
Interested in participating? Drop by on Monday evenings to see what all the heat is about, or sign up for the next 6 week session, beginning on February 16th, with a focus on Beginner Level Waltz and East Coast Swing.
All ability levels are welcome.
Reach out to Steve at 773-540-5901 or contact Lynnea Karlic, Director of Community & Cultural Programs at lkarlic@centeronhalsted.org for more information.
Lea DeLaria Honored at EQIL Gala
Illinois native Lea DeLaria, widely known as Boo in “Orange is the New Black,” will be honored with the Equality Illinois Freedom Award at this year’s Gala.
Beyond her role on the hit show, she was the first out comedian to appear on a late-night talk show and is a prominent jazz musician. Be sure you get your tickets to the Gala today to see Lea on the big stage.
Additionally, Equality Illinois is proud to honor The TransLife Center of Chicago House with the Freedom Award for their work providing critical, life-changing services to transgender Illinoisans. Our 2015 Business Leadership Awardee is Grosvenor Capital Management and CEO Michael Sacks for spearheading business support in the fight for marriage equality. All of our awardees are helping further our movement toward full equality.
As the largest LGBT event of its kind in the Midwest, the Gala draws more than 1,400 participants and is nearly sold out. We still have a limited number of Premier tickets and Standard tickets and tables available. Don’t miss out on seeing all of our awardees at the Equality Illinois Gala – get your tickets today!
A Kid Like Jake – Chicago Premiere
Why Can’t A Boy
be A Princess?
—New York Times.
begins previews in only 16 days!
The Chicago Premiere of A KID LIKE JAKE
Written by Daniel Pearle | Directed by Keira Fromm
FEBRUARY 6th thru MARCH 15th
Thursdays thru Saturdays @ 7:30p
Saturday and Sunday Matinees @ 3:00p
Discounted PREVIEW TICKETS are still available, but they won’t be for long! Be among the first to see A KID LIKE JAKE – grab yours today.
Alex and Greg’s intelligent and precocious four year-old son Jake is a leading candidate for enrollment in one of Manhattan’s top kindergarten programs. But when attention turns to his passion for Cinderella and dress-up, Jake’s behavior becomes a lightning rod, calling into question assumptions about gender, class, education and acceptance through the lens of 21st century parenting.
PREVIEWS: Adults $20 | Students + Seniors $10
Adults $35 | Students + Seniors $20
The Greenhouse Theater Center 2257 N Lincoln Ave. in Chicago
