Author Archives: bestgaychicago
Chicago to Atlantic City Non Stop with United Airlines
In a quest to get its historically gay vibe back, Atlantic City’s first openly gay mayor will designate an official gay beach Monday afternoon.
The beach, at Park Place, is the site of the original gay beach, back before casinos when gays crowded New York Avenue bars, created rituals around the Miss America pageant, and lived and summered in and around Snake Alley, a winding series of side streets that connect New York Avenue and Kentucky Avenue in the city’s north section.
In addition to the official designation of the LGBT friendly beach, Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian will also announce three LGBT events coming to the resort, which has been marketing to gays and lesbian tourists in recent years.
Jeff Guaracino, a marketing specialist with the Atlantic City Alliance, a casino-funded marketing agency, said the hope is that people in the LGBT community will “not only visit Atlantic City but also open businesses here and also buy primary and secondary homes in Atlantic City.”
Chicagoans can now enjoy improved access to Atlantic City’s iconic Boardwalk, coastal beach and world-class entertainment attractions. Thanks to new nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Atlantic City International Airport launched recently, Chicagoans will be ready to hit the shore, the shops and the spas just over two hours after takeoff.
ExpressJet will operate the flights as United Express using 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets. Daily nonstops will depart Chicago at 8:10 a.m. Central, arriving at 11:17 a.m. Eastern. Return flights will depart Atlantic City daily at 11:52 a.m. Eastern and arrive in Chicago at 1:10 p.m. Central.
The new, year-round nonstop service on United complements existing seasonal nonstop service from Chicago O’Hare to Atlantic City International offered by Spirit Airlines. Spirit’s nonstop service begins May 1. The enhanced air service bolsters Midwest and West Coast access to New Jersey and Atlantic City beaches.
Atlantic City’s diverse range of attractions makes it an ideal year-round entertainment destination. From some of the most dynamic nightclubs in the nation to one-of-a-kind festivals, A-list performers and luxury casinos, the seaside resort enables visitors to live its motto: Do Anything. Do Everything. DO AC.
“We’re thrilled that United Airlines is making it easier than ever for Chicago-area residents to experience all that Atlantic City has to offer,” said Atlantic City Alliance (ACA) President Liza Cartmell. “Every year, we host more than 27 million people looking for an exciting getaway tailored to their interests, and we look forward to introducing Atlantic City to an increasing number of Chicagoans through this convenient new air service. Similarly, we are pleased that Atlantic City International Airport will serve as a gateway for residents of southern New Jersey to easily reach Chicago and its wonderful attractions.”
Business travelers and Chicagoans seeking to visit friends and family in south and central New Jersey will benefit from United’s new service to Atlantic City International by avoiding more congested airports in Philadelphia and Newark. The new air service will also reduce ground transportation time, enabling travelers to reach their destinations more efficiently.
Among the many reasons to visit Atlantic City in upcoming months are the DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup (June 19-July 6), Lady Gaga performing live at historic Boardwalk Hall (June 28), one of the nation’s best Fourth of July fireworks shows, the DO AC Pro Beach Volleyball Invitational (Sept. 5-7) and the DO AC Boardwalk Wine Promenade (Sept. 27-28). Atlantic City is also home to the Miss America pageant and dozens of other special events throughout the year.
Having served as the inspiration for everything from the wildly popular board game Monopoly to the acclaimed HBO television series “Boardwalk Empire,” Atlantic City has been a fixture of American culture for decades. Today the destination is consistently recognized by top travel media as among the nation’s best places to dine, shop, sunbathe, gamble and celebrate.
Spin Re-Opens as Whiskey Trust this Week
Just in time for PrideFest,
the old Spin re opens as
Whiskey Trust
3206 N. Halsted
(Opens June 19th)
This summer, Lake View/Boystown welcomes Whiskey Trust to the neighborhood, a tavern featuring their own rye and millet whiskey and small batch vodka, as well as small bites.
Whiskey Trust’s opening demonstrates that Chicago’s distilling culture continues to expand and gain popularity. The menu will offer a handful of creative dishes, many of which will incorporate the product.
Chef consultants, Max Robbins and Jake Verstegan (hailing from Purple Pig and Kai Zan, respectively), were brought on for the project.
“The food is here to honor the spirits first, not the other way around,” says Robbins. House favorites include a Virginia oyster served with a shot of Trust Whiskey and mignonette as well as a Pickled Beet Torchon that utilizes the vodka to provide a sharp, peppery taste.
Guests can expect a muted décor with distressed and reclaimed wood and leather in the main bar and elevated lounge. Art by Chicago graffiti artist, Mr. Brainwash, will dress the walls.
Right next door will eventually be
Chloe’s
3208 N. Halsted
Chloe’s, a new 5,000 sq. ft. nightclub, will open in the former Spin space located in Boystown. The new high-energy dance club, set to open on June 19, will offer a lower level dance floor and intimate cocktail lounge on the second. Chloe’s main attraction, a LED dropped 3D tube system with 180 lit tubes, is the only lighting system of it’s kind in the United States. The music, a staple to any nightclub, is managed by Chicago’s own CrossFader Kings. Chloe’s will offer dancers a funky mix of future-house beats mixed with new-disco as well as modern remixes of 80’s and 90’s hits.
Fresh Cooking Ideas with Chef Tong June 22 @ Chicago Bontanic Gardens
Foodies and their friends will be flocking to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden for this day of great tastes and gorgeous presentations.
Chef Christopher Tong of My Private Chef, one of Chicagoland’s most versatile Chefs, will share one of his favorite garden fresh recipes at Chicago Botanic Garden’s
popular annual Garden Chef Series.
Chef Tong will appear on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the
Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois.
The Garden Chef Series promotes the Garden’s message of growing and using seasonal vegetables,
fruits and herbs. Chef Chris will use the spectacular open-air kitchen and amphitheater at the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden to present his cooking demonstration.
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation,
and come away with a fabulous recipe that they can try at home. Chef Tong will give tips on ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste! Seating is limited and on a first-come, first served basis.
Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden and Garden Chef Series is free.
Parking is $25.00 per car; free for Garden members.
For more information about this Garden Chef Series event, call 847.835.5440
or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services. Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners
to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my work worthwhile. I also love doing cooking demonstrations where I get the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
Some recent appearances include cooking classes and demonstrations on local television, at Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Stores, Whole Foods Market, Gilda’s Club Chicago, Taste of Chicago and this return engagement at the Chicago Botanic Garden
For more information about My Private Chef, call Event Services at 773-370-8131 or visit www.myprivatechef.net.
Madison WI Fruit Fest June 14th
Madison’s Gay Summer Music Festival FRUIT FEST returns June 14th!
Fruit Fest is an Annual LGBTQI Summer Music Festival held in Madison, Wisconsin. The music festival is an all-ages free event organized to celebrate Madison’s gay community through a day of music, performance, art, and celebration. This year’s Fruit Fest will be held on June 14th and feature headliner Debbie Gibson, as well as many local folk musicians, punk bands, DJs & drag queens. The event will also include the 4th Annual Fruit Loop 5k run/walk, and the 4th Annual Star Fruit karaoke competition. Food, beer and alcohol will also be served on festival grounds from a variety of vendors.
Fruit Fest is located in the heart of Willy Street in the Marquette Neighborhood, an Eastside neighborhood swarming with LGBTQA folks making it the most diverse, and ‘coolest’ hood according to Madison’s Isthmus Favorites. Last year, attendance was near 1200+ over the course of the nine hour festival including locals & many from 90+ miles away.
Fruit Loop 5k
On June 14th Fruit Fest will be hosting the Fourth Annual Fruit Loop, a 5K run/walk through the beautiful Marquette Neighborhood, starting and ending at the Fruit Fest event grounds. The proceeds from the run/walk are distributed to Community Shares of Wisconsin who gives them to LGBT organizations.
In 2011, the First Annual Fruit Loop had over 120 runners and walkers. Check out all the great pictures from the event. We expect the turnout to be even greater this year! Dress as fruity as you want and come out to run or walk and have some fresh-squeezed summer fun for a good cause. If you are interested in participating in the upcoming Fruit Loop on June 14th, you can register here.
Keep up to date with their official FACEBOOK PAGE
Chicago House BirdHouse Art Auction June 26
Thursday, June 26th, 2014, from 6pm -9pm – it’s the Annual Chicago House Birdhouse Art Auction!
Enjoy Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses from the city’s most unique designers! Functional birdhouses, funky art, and auction pieces for any shopper!
Each year, Chicago House celebrates Pride week with their famous Birdhouse Art Auction, where unique birdhouses and funky artwork are auctioned to benefit those living with HIV or AIDS.
Located at Room & Board’s gorgeous downtown store, guests are invited to toast to the summer season with delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses from the city’s most unique designers.
See photos from the 2013 Birdhouse Art Auction!
GET TICKETS NOW!
Dance for Life: Inspiring Chicago, One Dance at a Time August 16th
Dance for Life: Inspiring Chicago, One Dance at a Time
Chicago’s Leading Dance Troupes Unite to Raise Funds for
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Services on Aug. 16
WHAT: Experience a night of awe-inspiring performances as six of Chicago’s top dance companies come together for one evening at Dance for Life, the largest performance-based AIDS fundraising event in the Midwest. With poignant choreography and moving music, this highly anticipated event is held annually to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, education and prevention while promoting the art of dance in Chicago.
Since 1992 Dance for Life has raised millions of dollars to support the cause.
This year, Dance for Life Chicago features two electrifying, world-premiere performances by renowned choreographers Randy Duncan, Harrison McEldowney and Jeremy Plummer.
Funds raised through this year’s Dance for Life Chicago benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, The Dancers’ Fund, Agape Missions, NFP and MADE: Making A Daily Effort.
WHO: Participating Companies Include:
• Giordano Dance Chicago
• Joffrey Ballet
• River North Dance Chicago
• Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
• Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
• Visceral Dance Chicago
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014
5:00 p.m. – Gala Reception – Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom (720 S. Michigan Ave.)
8:00 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: $25-$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
WHERE: Performance – Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., Chicago
Gala Reception – Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago
Connect with Dance for Life on Facebook!
About Dance for Life
Dance for Life raises awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, prevention and education, while promoting the art of dance in Chicago. Realizing that AIDS had heavily affected the dance community, Dance for Life was founded in 1992 as an inventive way for dancers and dance companies, whose incomes do not normally allow for large donations, to be able to contribute time, effort and badly needed funds for existing AIDS agencies. Check us out online on the Dance for Life website or on Facebook.
About The Dancers’ Fund
The Dancers’ Fund, a funding program of Dance for Life, was created in 1994 as a one of a kind fund with the mission to provide emergency financial assistance to dancers living with HIV/AIDS and has since expanded to include any life-threatening illness. The Dancers’ Fund provides immediate financial assistance for those facing life-threatening illness, injury or circumstance. Designed to help qualified individuals meet their immediate financial obligations while dealing with life-threatening conditions, The Dancers’ Fund is available to Chicago-based, professionally trained working dancers and those whose primary source of income is derived by serving the dance community.
Fred Says Fundraiser at Progress Bar for Photo Project June 14
‘When Dogs Heal,’
a pet friendly HIV-campaign
Fred Says is hosting a fundraiser at Progress Bar for their new photographic project that raises awareness about HIV/AIDS and pet owners.
WHAT: “When Dogs Heal”, is a new project organized by Fred Says, highlights the incredible role dogs play in helping their owners heal from emotional and physical ailments. This Chicago fundraiser will feature award winning pet photographer, Jesse Freidin, who will take photo-booth style pictures of people and their pets while attendees sip cocktails and eat small brunch items at Progress Bar, 3359 N. Halsted Street. The event is open to the public and serves as a fundraiser for the Fred Says and their new project.
WHY: Fred Says is compiling the pictures taken for a book that will photographically depict the profound healing effect dogs have on humans. After receiving a cancer diagnosis and shortly thereafter an HIV+ diagnosis, Dr. Rob Garofalo, Division Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, adopted Fred, a Yorkie puppy and face of the charity, and quickly began to see a drastic change in his physical and mental well-being. Dr. Garofalo credits Fred with “saving his life.” While Saturday’s event is about pets and their owners, all photos will not have to used in the book
Studies have repeatedly shown that people with pets are healthier, happier and less depressed than those without pets. The social support a pet provides its owner decreases stress and encourages more social interactions which can help decrease depression and isolation. Dr. Natalie Marks is one of the owners of Blum Animal Hospital and voted “Veterinarian of the Year” in 2012 says, “Pets have an incredible ability to heal on not only a physical but also a mental/emotional level.
It is well documented that petting a dog or cat can significantly lower blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol (stress hormone) levels…The strength of the human-animal bond is almost beyond description and companion animals should be part of the healing process for many chronic illnesses.”
On June 15th, Jesse Freidin will be doing closed-studio portraits of people who are HIV+ and have dogs. Those interested in participating in this portion should email Zach Stafford, zstafford@luriechildrens.org.
HOW: A suggested donation of $15 is encouraged to attend, and $25 to attend and have a portrait taken by Jesse Freidin.
WHO: 21+ with proper I.D, dogs encouraged.
WHEN: Saturday, June 14th from 12pm-3pm. Doors open at 12pm.
Plaintiffs in Illinois Marriage Equality Case Wed After 51 Years Together!
Patrick Bova and Jim Darby, the plaintiffs in the Illinois marriage equality case, wed today after the law took effect across the state yesterday.
Bova and Darby have been together for 51 years!
Congrations Guys!
Jennifer Hudson Loves Her Gay Fans
In an interview this week with ChicagoPride.com, superstar diva Jennifer Hudson talks about her fans, hometown roots, American Idol, drag queens in her likeness, a new album and her summer performance at Chicago’s Pride Fest on June 21, 2014.
Jennifer Hudson:
‘It was the gay community that loved me first’
Read it on Chicago Pride.com
Gay Marriage Takes Full Effect Today in Illinois!
Even though it’s Sunday, many county offices are OPEN today for those who want to get their marriage license!
For today, June 1st, 2014, Marriage Equality is in full effect and legal in Illinois!
Gay and lesbian couples across Illinois can now legally wed as the state becomes the latest in the nation to allow same-sex marriage.
Sunday’s celebration is anticlimactic for some, because 16 counties began issuing marriage licenses following a February federal court ruling.
June 1 marks the first day all of Illinois’ 102 counties can issue the licenses to same-sex couples. It’s also the first day couples statewide who have civil unions can ask to convert those to a marriage.
There’s no official number on how many couples have wed so far under the law Gov. Pat Quinn signed in November. But Equality Illinois, a gay-rights advocacy group, estimates about 1,300 same-sex licenses have been issued.
Bernard Cherkasov is the group’s CEO. He calls Sunday “a history-making day in Illinois.”
Our Big Queer Latina/o Wedding June 1st
In less than two weeks, couples all over the state of Illinois will be able to marry, regardless of gender. To celebrate this triumph and to kick-off the 5th annual United Latino Pride Week, United Latino Pride (ULP) and Lambda Legal, in conjunction with various other community partners and businesses, will hold a large wedding ceremony and celebration.
“We decided to throw a big wedding open to the community because this victory didn’t happen solely thanks to politicians,” says Lalo Aguayo, ULP co-chair. “It happened because of the countless hours our colleagues at all the major LGBTQQIA and Latina/o organizations spent speaking directly to our leaders in Springfield. It happened because our families and friends engaged in conversations with their peers. This is how we won marriage equality. Hearts and minds are changed one conversation at a time. It only makes sense to celebrate this victory the way Latina/os do: as a family.”
According to organizers, whereas mainstream US society weddings are seen as a private affair, in much of Latin America and in Latina/o communities in the United States, weddings are a communal event.
“Our Big Queer Latina/o Wedding will reflect our culture and how we show happiness. When someone gets married it isn’t just about the two families, it’s about everyone in the community! We invite neighbors and distant cousins, and all the people in our lives that we call uncles, aunts, and cousins, even if they’re not really related,” Aguayo says.
With music, food, and drinks, ULP organizers hope to make this momentous occasion one to remember for the couples getting married and for rest of community witnessing that love and commitment.
“This will be a day for all of us to remember. It is a historic moment in Illinois and an important step towards our vision of a world where the pluralities of our identities as LGBTQQIA Latina/os are not only acknowledged but celebrated as well.”
United Latino Pride’s Big Queer Latino/a Wedding will take place on June 1st, 2014 at the Chicago Urban Arts Society.
For more information and to reserve free tickets visit www.unitedlatinopride.org
Michael Urie Benefit Performance – Last Sunday in June
The charming Michael Urie, who is currently in Chicago with Jonathan Tolins’ BUYER AND CELLAR, is doing a benefit for About Face Theatre on his night off!
How great is that?!
JUNE 2nd! $20
What a steal!
Get Tickets Now!
A Musical Celebration of Marriage Equality in Illinois May 30th
“AT LAST … A Musical Celebration of Marriage Equality in Illinois”
A Church 4 Me MCC is proud to present “At Last..A Musical Celebration of Marriage Equality in Illinois.” The show was created by our own music director Michael McBride and features some of the best cabaret and theater performing artists in Chicago.
“At Last…” will perform on Friday, May 30th from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at Atmosphere in Andersonville – 5355 N. Clark St. Chicago. Tickets are $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door and can be purchased online at www.achurch4me.org. Proceeds will benefit the programs of A Church 4 Me including our HIV/AIDS Prevention Ministry, Senior Support Group, and our ongoing support of the Lakeview Pantry. Ten percent of all proceeds will go directly to “The Crib” an overnight youth shelter in Lakeview run by The Night Ministry.
Performers
Michael McBride – Music Director
Michael has been the Music Director at A Church 4 Me MCC for the last 3 years. He is currently the Music Director of The Cabaret Project in Chicago and has placed in the top 3 in the Windy City Gay Idol contest. He holds a Doctor of Music degree from Northwestern University and is on the music faculty of North Park University and Loyola University where he has served as musical director for their productions of Hot Mikado, Urinetown, and Into the Woods.
Danielle Kastner
Danielle has performed extensively throughout Chicago including We Three Lizas at About Face Theatre, Rent at American Theatre Company/About Face Theatre, A Chorus Line and Hairspray at Marriott Lincolnshire, Sugar and Mame at Drury Lane Oakbrook and Hello, Dolly! and Kiss Me Kate at Light Opera Works.
Mark Ortega
Mark has performed on more than 15 mainstage gay pride festivals nationwide and once opened for The Voice Finalist Beverly McClellan. Mark recently released a single on iTunes called “Boystown” which was recently featured on an LGBT podcast in Hong Kong.
Meredith Freyre
Meredith is one of the founding members of the Cabaret Project and had been performing with the group for over 5 years at venues such as Hydrate, Circuit, Green Dolphin Street, The Back Room, and Twisted Vine. Meredith has also been featured in National Commercials (T- Mobile) to The Chicago Symphony Chorus, the final Chicago cast of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding and with many Chicago theater companies.
Auction
A Church 4 Me MCC will be auctioning off a painting by renowned artist Doyle Chappell at the event.
Artist Bio – DOYLE CHAPPELL is a portrait artist who paints in a distinctively contemporary style, creating colorful works that are the antithesis of dull, ancestral-type portraits. From the beginning of his art studies at the University of Texas, Chappell preferred painting people to other subjects. His sensitive depictions reflect those intangible qualities that motivate and define each individual. Admirers of Chappell’s portraits have observed that his paintings seem to reflect a kind of inner spirit that expresses much more than the surface appearance. He finds all ages to have special beauty. Although he has created numerous oil portraits, he presently works mostly in acrylic on canvas as that medium most suits the spontaneous and painterly brushwork and heavy buildup of layers of colors, on top of colors. His works are valued by serious art collectors, and his portraits are included in many private collections. Some of his favorite paintings are of “just plain folks”. Among the well known subjects Chappell has painted are Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of President Lyndon Johnson and wife of Virginia Senator Charles Robb, with her children; Senator and Mrs. Warren Magnuson; and actress Daryl Hannah.
We will also be auctioning off tickets to more than 25 theatres in Chicago including Chicago Shakespeare, The Harris Theatre, Timeline, Black Ensemble, Marriotts Lincolnshire, Victory Gardens, Northlight, Metropolis, and Theatre at the Center.
About A Church 4 Me and Metropolitan Community Churches
Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) have been leading the national fight for marriage equality for 46 years. MCC is a global denomination which prides itself on inclusion. People of all races, socio-economic status, and sexual orientations are welcome into our churches. We currently have 172 member churches from 37 countries around the world.
A Church 4 Me MCC was founded here in Chicago in 2007 and we are creating a radically organic community where love is a blessing, diversity a gift, worship a celebration, and life a journey.
Event: At Last…A Musical Celebration of Marriage Equality in Illinois
Style: Musical Cabaret
Date: Friday, May 30
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Where: Atmosphere Bar – 5355 N Clark St. Chicago
Price: $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door
Buy Tickets: Online at www.achurch4me.org
City of Chicago hosts Frankie Knuclkes Tribute June 3rd
Join this dance party and pay tribute to Chicago DJ and record producer Frankie Knuckles.
(1955-2014), “The Godfather of House Music.”
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Date:
June 3, 2014
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Hours:
6-9 pm
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Location:
Millennium Park, Chase Central Promenade (Rain Location: Chase North Promenade)
201 E.Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
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Admission:
FREE
VIP with Jennifer Hudson at Chicago PrideFest
JENNIFER HUDSON headlines Chicago PrideFest 2014!
Because bigger is always better, Chicago’s very own Jennifer Hudson will headline Pride Fest on Saturday, June 21. The hometown entertainer will take the stage at 2:40 pm at the iconic Boystown festival.
For an up close and personal view of the stage, an exclusive package is available. A limited number of VIP tickets remain.
Hudson joins Mya, Thelma Houston, Alex Newell, Betty Who and more for the two-day festival, which marks the beginning of Pride Week.
A full line-up is available here
Chicago Pride Fest
North Halsted between Addison and Byron
June 21, 22 11 am – 10 pm $10 Suggested Donation