Author Archives: bestgaychicago
World of Chocolate AIDS Foundation Benefit
WORLD OF CHOCOLATE: The Sweetest Event of the Year
Annual Holiday Gala Benefit for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Indulge in a night of sweet and savory treats at the 13th annual World of Chocolate winter gala on Thursday, Dec. 4, presented by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) returning again this year at the historic Chicago Union Station. Arouse your senses with tasty morsels from 30 of Chicago’s finest chocolatiers, chefs and caterers.
AFC hosts this one-of-a-kind gala to commemorate World AIDS Day and celebrate the progress the HIV/AIDS community has made in ending the epidemic. This is one of my favorite events of the year and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
From traditional truffles and white chocolate ganache to more savory delicacies like chicken in a chocolate mole sauce, guests will delight their taste buds with a wide array of chocolate-infused creations amid stylish decor. Celebrity judges will crown the night’s best creations. Attendees will also be treated to a light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle and punchboard with lavish prizes and music.
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s policy, public education and community care programs.
World AIDS Day, observed on Dec. 1, is a worldwide effort to increase public awareness about the epidemic. It encourages support and programming to prevent the spread of HIV. The movement originated in 1988, when an international summit of health leaders called for a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS in every country around the globe.
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Chicago Union Station, 500 West Jackson Blvd.
TICKETS: For more information and to reserve tickets, call 312-334-0935 or visit http://www.aidschicago.org/chocolate/.
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus Oct. 25th
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC)
starts off their 2014/2015 season with Lipstick & Lyrics, “Into the Hood: A Mary-Tale”, on October 25, 2014 at 8:00pm at the fabulous Park West. Join CGMC for the 12th edition of this live-singing drag performance, with increased production values, presented by Michael Leppen under the direction of Tony Lewis, of Mid Tangent Productions (Snow White and The Seven Drag Queens), and musical direction of Patrick Sinozich.
Hear your favorite fierce drag princesses sing live while on a quest to be the fairest at the ball, all while evading the scheming, evil villainesses. Talented fair maidens in fun costumes, sexy dancers in skimpy costumes, and amazing music highlight this see-and-be-seen event benefitting CGMC.
The evening will feature the opportunity for all to bid on the Princess-For-A-Night Drag Auction, where the winner will join the performers on stage at the end of the show. Come with a few friends or host a table at the front of the stage, there’s a price-point and fun experience for everyone this year!
TICKET & VENUE INFORMATION
Saturday, October 25, 2014 at 8:00pm
Park West – 322 W. Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Tickets range from $35 to $100 for VIP seating. For ticket information and general information about Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, please visit www.cgmc.org or call 773-296-0541.
About Face Theatre Gala October 10th
For one exclusive night, step back into the golden age of Chicago’s Bohemian society as About Face Theatre presents THE BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB on Friday, October 10, 2014 from 7 pm – 10 pm at the swanky InterContinental Chicago, 505 N. Michigan Ave. on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. This magical throwback inspired by the 1930s cultural phenomenon known as the “Pansy Craze” will feature an evening of cocktails, dining and thrilling performances.
Travel back to Prohibition-era Chicago, when underground gay social clubs flourished in neighborhoods like Towertown on the northside and Bronzeville and Woodlawn on the southside. During the aptly-named “Pansy Craze,” gays, lesbians and other “non-conformists” flocked to these clubs known for their glamorous fashion, provocative performers, drag balls and rousing music.
Dress to the nines and step out with your friends at the most exciting event of the season!
Presented at the wonderful and historic InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile. 505 N Michigan Ave.
Tickets for THE BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB are available at www.aboutfacetheatre.org or by calling (773) 784-8565.
HYDRATE Chicago – THE place to be this Weekend!
HYDRATE – A WEEKEND OF FUN!
FRIDAY NIGHT! Drag Carnage and Neverland GLOW
SATURDAY NIGHT –
SUNDAY FUNDAY
HYDRATE CHICAGO 3458 N Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois
Limo and Transportation Services
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Coco Peru in Chicago September 26th
Storyteller/monologist Miss Coco Peru aka Clinton Leupp got his/her start as a downtown favorite in the cabaret world of NY after he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in his first show “Miss Coco Peru in My Goddamn Cabaret” 20 years ago.
Considered The Hostess with that something extra… Coco has hosted The GLAAD Awards in Los Angeles, Night of a Thousand Gowns in NYC, Chicago Takes Off, Hot and Dry in Palm Springs, The Black and White Ball in Reno and the BALIF (Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom) Dinner in San Francisco.
She has also been honored to be involved with numerous charities over the years including work for Trevor Project, Aids for Aids, and God’s Love We Deliver. In fact, the list is so long, the L.A. GLBT Center honored Coco in 2009 at their 38th Anniversary Gala with the Board of Director’s Award. The award was presented to Coco by Zachary Quinto (Star Trek, Heroes, So NoTorious).
Don’t miss this special Chicago appearance! GET TICKETS HERE.
Chicago House Speakers Luncheon October 15th
6th Anniversary Speaker Series Luncheon
Wednesday, October 15th from 11:30am – 2:00pm
Hilton Chicago | Grand Ballroom | 720 S. Michigan Avenue
Featuring:
Laverne Cox (Orange Is The New Black Actress)
Jason Collins (NBA Player)
Dustin Lance Black (MILK Screenwriter)
Buy Tickets at www.chicagohouse.org
Spearheading a much-needed conversation about race, gender identity, class and solidarity, they will all be joined with remarks by Chicago House CEO Stan Sloan during this much anticipated and inspirational afternoon!
Heatwave is less than 8 Weeks Away
In about 8 weeks, HEATWAVE will be here! Summer fun in NOVEMBER!
From the producers of OUT IN THE PARK @ SIX FLAGS comes this new and unique event.
24 Hours of LGBT Paradise at Key Lime Cove INDOOR Water Park Resort!
Be a part of the country’s first-ever 24-hour PRIVATE LGBT Indoor Poolside Dance Party and Water Park Celebration Benefiting a Chicago Non-Profit Organization each year. Year one will be Chicago Gay Mens Chorus.
You get a room AND the party for $100 per person (based on double occupancy).
get all the details at HeatwaveChicago.com
You must call the hotel to book your room and you must say HEATWAVE EVENT.
Chicago House Speakers Series Oct. 15th
Please join us for the Inspirational Event of the season!
The Chicago House
6th Anniversary Speaker Series Luncheon
Wednesday, October 15th from 11:30am – 2:00pm
Hilton Chicago | Grand Ballroom | 720 S. Michigan Avenue
Featuring:
Laverne Cox (Orange Is The New Black Actress)
Jason Collins (NBA Player)
Dustin Lance Black (MILK Screenwriter)
Buy Tickets at www.chicagohouse.org
Spearheading a much-needed conversation about race, gender identity, class and solidarity, they will all be joined with remarks by Chicago House CEO Stan Sloan during this much anticipated and inspirational afternoon!
Led by Co-Chairs Chicago House Trustee Todd Hamilton of Bolder Capital and the founders of Global Act, a nonprofit agency committed to accelerating “understanding, ideas, partnerships, and activities to solve pressing issues,” guests will enjoy a three-course lunch in the Chicago Hilton’s beautiful Grand Ballroom. The event, now in its sixth year, expects nearly 1,000 attendees, and will kick off with a VIP reception, followed by a lunch presentation and panel discussion featuring Cox, Collins and Black.
“This event is the follow up answer to the question of, ‘How can you possibly rival Hillary Clinton as your speaker last September?’” says CEO Rev. Stan Sloan. “Our answer is to have a conversation that the whole nation should be having about poverty, gender identity, race and solidarity. It is very exciting for us to feature the insights and perspectives of Laverne Cox as a black transgender woman as well as other nationally known voices like Jason Collins and Dustin Lance Black!”
Buy Tickets at www.chicagohouse.org
Howard Brown Raises Minimum Wage
Effective immediately, Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) is raising the minimum wage for Brown Elephant employees to $10.10/hour. The increase, in concert with President Obama’s recent executive order raising the minimum wage for federal contractors, represents HBHC’s investment in its hard working staff.
Since the late 1980s, Brown Elephant has been supporting HBHC’s health programs and services by selling gently used furniture, clothing, and media collected through community donations. Net proceeds on the resale of tens of thousands of donated items help HBHC offset the cost of charity healthcare for people who are low-income and uninsured.
“Brown Elephant employees assist more than 220,000 donors and shoppers annually and are the backbone of our mission providing LGBT-affirming healthcare that is accessible and affordable,” said David Ernesto Munar, HBHC President and CEO.
The policy change will help HBHC recruit and retain the skilled workforce needed to meet the demands of it retail social enterprise.
Thanks to the generosity of the Chicago community, HBHC’s Brown Elephant has grown to include three locations across Chicagoland:
Lakeview 3020 N. Lincoln Avenue
Andersonville 5404 N. Clark Street
Oak Park
217 Harrison Street,
Oak Park, IL 60304
708.445.0612
Andersonville and Oak Park locations are open daily from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Lakeview location is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Taverna 750 Unveils New Look
Taverna 750
the most popular restaurant in the heart of Boystown known for their shared plates and martinis, is taking their dining experience to the next level this fall as they close to reconcept the entire dining experience to fuse the spirit of nightlife with dining out.
Taverna 750 will close September 8-18, 2014 and reopen on September 19th with a fresh new face. The entire interior, with the assistance of Greg Mathes Design, will be revamped to give a unique blend of dining, fashion and style.
Taverna 750 plans to execute a new brunch and dinner menus with a more global tapas approach with direction by celebrity chef, Arnold Myint. Myint has been creating a fall preview menu that has been changing daily over this past weekend and will continue through Sunday, September 7th allowing the customers to get a taste of what is coming.
Arnold Myint is a Nashville native who is Executive Chef and Owner of three popular restaurants in Nashville; {blvd}, PM, and Suzy Wong’s House of Yum. His establishments have been recognized locally on numerous occasions as “the best of” and he continues to grow his brand on the national level as reflected in publications such as GQ Magazine, eater.com, and as a contestant on the popular Emmy award winning television program Top Chef.
Along with Myint, Taverna 750 is strengthening its leadership team. Joining the team is Kitchen Manager Edgar Reyes (The Purple Pig), Senior Host William French (Blue Plate Catering) and Senior Bartender Tim Wells (Three Dots and a Dash). The new team is already working together on creating a great customer experience as they prepare for the reopening on Friday, September 19th.
Myint joined the team in early summer to restructure an already very successful mixology program for Taverna 750. Chef Myint introduced new flavor profiles that would pair well with the planned changes to the dinner and brunch menus with instant favorites as the Tequilla Spice, the Pistachio Sour, and Cucumber Caipirinha.
750 W. Cornelia
Chicago, IL 60657
773.904.7466
Coco Peru in Chicago Sept. 26th
I have followed this gal’s career for about 15 years now I think. LOVE HER.
Miss Coco Peru
is the drag persona of American actor, comedian and drag performer Clinton Leupp, known for her role in the 1999 independent film Trick and for her series of live theater performances.
Storyteller/monologist Coco is most recognizable by her “trademark copper-toned flip hairdo,” Peru also starred in Richard Day’s Girls Will Be Girls (2003) and was one of six performers featured in the Logo original stand-up comedy series Wisecrack (2005).
She has also appeared in a number of other supporting and guest-starring roles in film and television.
For 20 years Peru has starred in various “one-woman shows” across the US and other countries, and hosted LGBT events. Since 2005 Peru has appeared in the “Conversations With Coco” series in which she “interviews and celebrates the lives and careers of the LGBT community’s favorite icons.” Peru’s guests have included Bea Arthur, Lesley Ann Warren, Karen Black, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda.
She has traveled and appeared all over the world. Now the Chicago Cabaret Project is bringing her to Chicago as part of their Divine Decadence Series With AMY ARMSTRONG! ONE NIGHT ONLY. One show only. September 26th in Circuit Nightclub. SURE TO SELL OUT! With a hilarious and poignant blend of monologue, song and multi-media, Coco will show audiences once again why Lily Tomlin calls Coco Peru “one the last great story tellers. GET TICKETS
Need a laugh today? Coco Peru always makes me laugh!
Coco Peru braves the perils of Los Santos… WATCH NOW
Twitter @themisscocoperu
https://www.facebook.com/misscocoperu…
http://instagram.com/misscocoperu
Tumblr: therealmisscocoperu
Wisconsin and Indiana Get Marriage Equality
Our nearby states celebrated a win last night, as a judge struck down marriage equality bans in both INDIANA and WISCONSIN!
Only nine days after hearing arguments in the case, a federal appeals court in Chicago declared the bans on same-sex marriage in Indiana and Wisconsin to be unconstitutional on Thursday, adding to the list of marriage cases that could wind up before the Supreme Court in the year ahead.
“The grounds advanced by Indiana and Wisconsin for their discriminatory policies are not only conjectural; they are totally implausible,” said the unanimous opinion by a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, as it confirmed lower-court decisions that reversed marriage restrictions in the two states.
In each case so far, the rulings to permit same-sex marriages have been temporarily stayed, pending action by the Supreme Court, and the same appeared likely for Indiana and Wisconsin.
Call me Kuchu Sept. 12th
Film About Ugandan LGBTs at Broadway United Methodist September 12th.
“Call me Kuchu,” a film about Ugandan LGBTs’ fight for freedom, and the tragic assassination of their foremost leader, David Kato will be shown at 6:30 PM, Friday, September 12, at the Broadway United Methodist Church, 3338 N. Broadway, Chicago.
The New York Times calls the film “inspiring.” The LA Weekly, “heart wrenching.” “Impassioned,” says Entertainment Weekly. “Excellent,” says NPR.
“Kuchu” is a Ugandan term for LGBTs. Recently Uganda’s “jail the gays” bill was repealed on a technicality. Supporters of it are vowing to bring it back. Meanwhile, anti-LGBT forces in Kenya are pushing a similar bill, and other “jail the gays” bills have passed in Nigeria and Russia.
The film showing is a fundraiser for the Chicago LGBT Asylum Project (CLASP). There will be a free will offering – no one turned away for lack of funds. Event sponsored by the Gay Liberation Network. For more information, email LGBTliberation@aol.com
AIDS Foundation Chicago Walk Run Sept. 14th
PRE-REGISTRATION ENDS TOMORROW on September 3 for the 2014 AIDS Run/Walk Chicago!
Sign up to join our community of passionate individuals and partner organizations gathering to support vital services for those living with HIV/AIDS in the Chicagoland area!
www.aidsrunwalk.org
Jess Godwin – Godwin Anthology Free Concert Aug. 27
Join Center on Halsted for an evening of vocal performance from some of Chicago’s most talented singers, songwriters, and performers.
The Godwin Anthology consists of the following acts:
GODWIN has released five EPs. Her singles and voice have been featured on both television and radio and she has been the featured performer for a number of sports franchises, galas, funerals, masses, and weddings throughout the Chicago area and nationally.
JC BROOKS is an actor, musician, and poet whose main pastime is writing love letters to the Chicago arts scene. You can check him out this summer with his post-punk soul band JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound with his new musical project the K.i.D.
DANIEL WADE is a singer-songwriter and guitarist whose music sounds like a burst of rock ‘n’ roll sunshine that is both fresh and familiar. He has four EPs and performs with Ryan Powers and The Secret Weapons, Treaty of Paris, and Michael Chorvat. He has opened for both Butch Walker and Jack’s Mannequin.
RYAN POWERS and The Secret Weapons nod to the sunshine pop music of the past with their debut album The Goodnight, Goodbye Hour. They have garnered airplay on 93.1 FM WXRT, performed live on WGN Television, and have shared the stage with national acts such as: Gavin DeGraw, Collective Soul, Styx, Diane Birch, and REO Speedwagon. Ryan and the band set out to perform their summertime pop that sings of romance and escapes.
Snow White and 7 Drag Queens @ Hydrayte
-Tony Lewis, MidTangent Artistic Director
2014 Dates: September 5, October 3, November 7 & December 5
Tickets $20, available at the door or at midtangent.com
George Takei: “TO BE TAKEI” in Chicago
CHICAGO THEATRICAL PREMIERE!
ONE WEEK ONLY!
TO BE TAKEI
As Sulu on TV’s Star Trek, he boldly went where no man had gone before, and now, George Takei is on a new mission. Years after becoming one of the first Asian-American actors to appear on primetime television, Takei is the subject of Jennifer Kroot’s documentary, which follows the actor and his husband, Brad, who are the poster couple for marriage equality, as they fight for and promote rights for everyone. As a child forced into Japanese-American internment camps, the actor-turned-activist reveals the ways that racism affected him well into his early acting career, where he played stereotypical Asian stock characters in film and television shows.
But To Be Takei also explores George Takei as the social media icon and after leading the starship Enterprise, he now guides over five million Facebook fans in his rally for equality. Firmly believing homosexuality to be an “orientation” (as opposed to a “lifestyle”) in his civil rights advocacy, Takei graces cyberspace with his quirky humor and abundance of heart, in his signature voice. To Be Takei is a funny and moving film about how a beloved actor has taken advantage of his celebrity to fight for the liberty and love that matters to so many of us. George Takei’s sharp eye, coupled with his wicked sense of humor, continues to challenge the status quo well into the 21st century.
Directed by Jennifer Kroot, U.S.A., 2014, 90 mins.
SHOWTIMES
Fri., Aug. 29 at 7 & 9 pm
Sat., Aug. 30 at 3, 5, 7 & 9 pm
Sun., Aug. 31 at 1, 3, 5 & 7 pm
Mon.-Thurs., Sept. 1-4 at 7 & 9 pm
Gay Bowling Comes to Naperville
Out Bowling is a LGBTQ and Ally bowling league that seeks to bring together the west suburbs of Chicago through fun times, good music, and sportsmanship.
This is perfect, for anyone 18 years and up, to enjoy a night out without having to go downtown Chicago or shuffle through a busy nightclub. Official code of conduct will be developed soon but this is meant to be a safe place for ALL LGBTQ and allies.
Don’t be afraid to sign up as a single bowler!! Teams are made up of two but we can find you a teammate for the season! How easy is that for meeting people?
Your best friend want to come but doesn’t want to bowl? We have plenty of seating behind all the lanes for everyone to sit in on the fun!
That can’t be very fun you say? Well every Thursday night we have karaoke in our full service bar! While you are bowling for that 300 your friends can be singing away! Don’t worry, you won’t miss out on the fun! Karaoke keeps going all night!
Please be sure to join the Facebook group or message if you have any questions regarding sign up or otherwise.
Mr Heatwave Contest at Scarlet Aug 21st
DRUM ROLL please………………..
.
Announcing the Mr Heatwave
contest for 2014!
On Thursday August 21st, there will be MR HEATWAVE 2014 contest at Scarlet bar.
| 3320 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657 |
Event is 7-10pm. All Interested contestants can IN BOX ME on Facebook saying they are interested. OR that evening in person between 7-8pm!
Wear your sexiest and hottest look.
It’s not necessarily about the best body.
Be fun and creative. Show your personality!
It’ll be a very simple process.
Maybe a fun question or 2.
Attendees in the club will cast votes for their favorite guy.
Winner gets a $600 package that includes free room for 2 for the Heatwave event, 2 tickets for the Heatwave Recovery Gospel Brunch, a 2 hour professional photo shoot, and 2 tickets to OUT IN THE PARK @ Six Flags.
Top 2 runners up will get a Swag Bag of goodies.
FREE Pizza from BoJonos Pizza will be served at 9:00 while votes are counted. and Scarlet will offer a special Ketle One + Red Bull Heatwave drink for the evening @ a special price!
Join us at 7pm to enter the competition or cheer on your friend to help them win a prize package worth over a $600!
Hopefuls should come dressed to impress. Audience votes will choose the winner so grab all your friends!
In case you did not know…..
From the producers of OUT IN THE PARK @ SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA comes a brand new charitable event! The country’s FIRST EVER 24-hour PRIVATE LGBT Indoor Poolside Dance Party and Water Park Celebration. HEATWAVE!
Taking place at Key Lime Cove, right across the street from Six Flags in Gurnee, IL. Key Lime has an amazing 65,000 square foot INDOOR water park where it’s always 82 degrees! and a complete hotel resort attached.
The 24 hour event will begin Saturday, November 15th, 2014 . Room/Party Packages $98 Per Person/double occupancy, includes ROOM + PARTY TICKETS! ONLY 400 rooms and at press time, it was a little over half sold out. (You must say HEATWAVE event when calling Reservations 1-877-360-0403).
Five DJ’s and 12 hours of music with 9 hours inside the waterpark! Cazwell, Traver Rains, Trannika Rex, Austin Armacost, hot models and fashions by J Prince Studio – it’s going to be Epic fun! Restaurants, bars, coffee shop, ice cream, spa, massive arcade..everything you need for 24 hours is one complex.
