Author Archives: bestgaychicago
St Baldricks Benefit at Scarlet bar March 27
Vanite’ Paul Mitchell Focus Salon is hosting a benefit at Scarlet on MARCH 27th, from 7-9PM. Kettle One & Nolet’s Gin will be providing cocktails for 2HRS & My Fit Foods will be providing “Cancer fighting foods” for the event.
This is a fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation—proceeds to benefit cancer research, development and services for children in Chicago.
Tickets are $30 per person – – Tickets are available here
Audio Archaeology offers Vintage Records, Nostalgia and Vinyl Lifestyle
This place is way cool! If you like nostalgia, vinyl, cool bar sets, consoles, vintage furniture and some local artwork, this store is a treasure at 1324 W. Devon.
Repurpose. Refurbish. Revinylize.
“Records represent more than just a superior sound; they’re a little bit of nostalgia – in the richness of the music, the style of the album design, even the smell of the vinyl. It’s the tangible feel as you stack albums on a changer, and pause to flip to the B-side.” explains owner John Arnsdorff of his new store Audio Archaeology.
“As a child, I combed thrift shops for 78 records, and took tube radios apart so see how they worked. Audio Archaeology is the culmination of a lifetime of collecting, decorating and tinkering.
If you have an idea for a unique system, or if you’re looking for something classic, we can help. From Mid-Century Modern consoles or Bakelite Portable Record Players to Contemporarily-styled Systems and Component Turntables, we have something for every purpose. We offer a full line of Crosley record players, for a new take on classic styles.”
Owner Arnsdorff, with friend and Marketing Director Nick Kuttin ( aka Nikutn ) have created something very special here.
“I’ve been an antique collector pretty much my whole life and I’ve always had a thing for archaic technology and also for music and really started getting back into vinyl the last few years,” said Arnsdorff. “I love the sound, especially of the older systems. The things they’re making today, there are some you can find that are high-end audiophile, but most of it’s kind of pedestrian. I’ve enjoyed finding things, fixing them up, refurbishing them.” – (Taken from Windy City interview HERE).
PLUS they plan to feature an artist every month. This months event takes place this Saturday, March 22nd from 7-11pm. Sean Walker.
There’s more to a ‘vinyl lifestyle’ than just music! Check out the awesome home accessories and gifts, sure to compliment a modern, classic style.
SHOP LOCAL!
Chicago LGBTQ Services Directory Now Live!
Spring Fashion Is Coming Back May 4th
Every Spring, Chicago House puts together an amazing Spring Brunch / Fashion Show at the Harold Washington Library downtown. (The 27th annual!!)
Held in the sun-soaked Garden Ballroom atop the Harold Washington Library, hundreds of fashionable Chicago House supporters will gather to view the latest fashion trends while sipping cocktails for a good cause. On their way to a 3 course catered brunch by Jewell Events Catering, attendees will choose personalized floral bouquets from our on-location flower market. The fun doesn’t end there as a fabulous extravaganza takes center stage, with runway fashion & dance performances.
Some come just to enjoy fabulous food and friends, while others come ready to shop! This signature event is home to Chicago House’s largest silent auction, featuring over 200 gift packages to bid on. In the past, savvy bidders have taken home unique artwork, deluxe travel passes and even landscaping packages. There really is something for everyone, and all proceeds directly support the life-saving work of Chicago House. Get your shop on and know it’s for a truly worthwhile cause!
“We are in talks with some fascinating fashion partners that we are very excited about, who will infuse lots of vibrant colors and designs into the show. Think of that “vibrant orchid” color that is making a splash right now. Coincidentally, purple is my favorite color. By far, the biggest challenge is to maintain the style and charm of this iconic event, while putting my personal spin on it. A challenge, I must say, I’m eager to take on!” says Mark Pino.
Mark Pino is Chicago House’s newest Special Events Manager, and he chats about the upcoming brunch at the Chicago House blog.
The Spring Brunch and Fashion Show regularly sells out, so waste no time in securing your seat. Purchase tickets online beginning March 18. Chicago House.
Leghorn Chicken is Cooking up Socially Responsible Chicken
CHEF JARED VAN CAMP, CHEF SIEGER BAYER & ELEMENT COLLECTIVE OPEN LEGHORN, A SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS CHICKEN SHOP IN CHICAGO
~Socially Conscious Chicken Sandwiches~
BYOB, Small, fast casual neighborhood concept. Local farm raised chicken, butchered daily.
We are open all day Sunday.
We proudly and enthusiastically champion gay rights; 2% of our gross profit is donated to organizations that support gay rights.
We solely support local and sustainable farmers and artisans. Duh.
We abhor corporate bullshit.
We offer Leghorn branded birth control free at the counter. (condoms)
We are emphatically uninterested in your organized religion, secular religion, agnosticism, atheism or nontheism….whatever tickles your pickle.
That’s the message behind Leghorn Chicken,the socially-conscious BYOB chicken shack by Chef Jared Van Camp, Chef Sieger Bayer & Element Collective (Kinmont, Old Town Social, Nellcote, RM Champagne Salon, Owen + Alchemy, Quality Social, Ampersand) which opened doors to the public and sold out 600 sandwiches in just 90 minutes on Thursday, March 6th.
Leghorn, which is located at 959 N. Western in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village is open every day of the week starting at 11am and wraps up shop when the chicken runs out. Leghorn supports local and sustainable farmers & artisans and proudly and enthusiastically champions gay rights, with a percentage of their gross profits donated to organizations to support the cause.
Menu Details: A BYOB, Fast-Casual Chicken Sandwich Shop
*Fried Chicken Sandwiches by Chef Jared Van Camp & Chef Sieger Bayer
-Pickle Brined or Nashville Hot
-bun or biscuit
-breast or thigh
-served with house made dill pickles
*Rotating Daily Specials: Fried Chicken Skins, Chicken Fried Fries (yes, we said Chicken Fried Fries), Fried Chicken Nuggets
*Grilled Chicken Bowls, Fresh Sides, Fried Chicken Tenders until we run out. (each breast of chicken only has one tender on it–so every chicken we butcher yields two actual tenders)
*Fresh Lemon Shake-ups
…….COME AND GET IT! And Screw Chick Fil A!
Leghorn Location: 959 N. Western in Ukrainian Village
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus BIG PACKAGE Event April 5th
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) will expose their biggest and best at CGMC’s 7th Annual Big Package Auction featuring special guest hostess, “Miss Richfield 1981” on Saturday, April 5, 2014.
The Big Package Auction is a fun, frisky and all around fabulous benefit. It will feature a live auction of spectacular prizes and packages presented by equally spectacular (and scantily clad) men of Boystown. Live packages include a wedding package, an African safari, a trip to New York and a cruise.
This year, CGMC welcomes back by popular demand, well-known Provincetown and Atlantis Events entertainer, “Miss Richfield 1981” as the guest hostess of the live auction. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a stellar silent auction and raffle drawing.
The Big Package Auction will be held at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, on Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 5:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
Presale tickets are $25 and include drink tickets and hors d’oeuvres: tickets are $30 at the door.
VIP tickets are available for $50, which include a pre-show “Meet & Greet” with Miss Richfield and a silent auction preview from 4:30p.m.-5:30pm.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus.
WONKA BALL Early Bird Tickets On Sale NOW
Wonka Ball: The Gayme Show!
Friday, May 9th 9th floor event center at Macy’s on State Street VIP Cocktail Party 7 pm; General Admission 8 pm
Purchase Your Early Bird Tickets Online!
AFT is celebrating our 18th year of producing LGBTQ theatre by hosting the gayest of galas. Join us for an evening of fantastic food and delicious drinks dedicated to this year’s theme: the television game show. Or as we like to call it, The Gayme Show.
Early Bird Event Ticket: $110 – delectable edibles, open bar, lots of chances to win fabulous prizes, dazzling performances, a tempting silent auction, dancing, and more! (Price goes up to $150 on April 2.)
Early Bird VIP Ticket: $175 – an extra hour to enjoy delectable edibles and the open bar, free raffle tickets (increasing the odds of winning fabulous prizes), parting gifts, and the presentation of the Leppen Leadership Awards. (Price goes up to $200 on April 2.)
Special Awesome Bonus: If you purchase 10 event tickets, two members of your party will have their tickets upgraded to VIP!
Business and Corporate Partnership Opportunities
There are many opportunities to make your business a part of Wonka Ball! Please reach out to us for information about Corporate Partnerships, Silent Auction Donations, and Ad Sales.
To get involved and help make Wonka Ball a success, please email Biz Wells or call our offices at (773) 784-8565
Gay Cabaret Night at Davenports March 16th
TOMMY HENSEL will be performing on Sunday, March 16 at Davenports Piano Bar.
“This time around, I am working with Ann McGregor and Beckie Menzie on a great show titled, “Fancy Meeting You Here: A Tribute to the Great Songs of Yesteryear.”
The show at Davenports is at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 16.
Tickets are $15 plus a two drink minimum. You can make reservations at http://davenportspianobar.
Peterson Toscano Queer, Christian, Performance Artist, Theologian, and more! March 12th
Queer performance artist, Peterson Toscano! He spent 17 years in the ex-gay no-homo hotel and came out on the other side with a sense of humor. He tackles many topics in his one-persons comedies–the Ex-Gay Movement, Homophobia, Sexism, Privilege, Climate Change, and Transgender Issues. He is also a Bible scholar who has unearthed the stories of many gender outlaws in the Bible.
In a special performance Peterson will present excerpts from his plays including “Doin’ Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House,” “Queer 101–Now I Know my gAy,B,Cs,” “The Re-Education of George W. Bush–No President Left Behind,” “Transfigurations–
Hilarious and insightful, Peterson is cracking open hearts and minds.
Peterson is frequently featured in the media and has appeared in the New York Times, NPR Morning Edition, The Times of London, The Tyra Banks Show, and five documentary films including Logo TV’s “Be Real” program. He helped produce and appears in the award winning documentary film, “This is What Love in Action Looks Like.” He has been published in The New Statesmen, The Gay and Lesbian Review, and in various LGBTQ anthologies including the Lambda Literary Award winner, “Gender Outlaws–The Next Generation” (edited by Kate Bornstein and S. Bear Bergman). Since 2003 he has presented throughout North America and Europe at conferences and universities including Creating Change, Gender Odyssey, True Color, the Lambeth Conference, the American Academy of Religion Conference, Yale University, Boston University, University of Puget Sound, Earlham College, Vanderbilt University, McGill University, Cambridge University, and Pacific School of Religion.
He lives in Sunbury, PA with his partner, the South African memoirist, Glen Retief.
Tickets are $10 at the door – debit, credit, or cash. Performance, Wed, March 12, 7 pm, at aChurch4Me MCC, Overdier Hall, 1545 W Morse Ave, Chicago, IL – 3rd floor. Free parking in lot on Ashland at Morse. Two blocks west of the Red Line Morse stop.
Songs From An Unmade Bed in Chicago
Pride Films and Plays continues its 2013-14 season with Songs from an Unmade Bed, a theatrical song cycle with lyrics by Mark Campbell. Directed by PFP Artistic Associate Derek Van Barham with music direction by ensemble member Robert Ollis.
The production will run March 27-April 27 at The Apollo Theater Studio, 2540 N Lincoln Ave. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Songs from an Unmade Bed explores the experiences (romantic, sexual and otherwise) of gay men living in the city. Lyricist Mark Campbell worked with eighteen composers (one per song) to create a unique musical revue, accompanied by piano and cello, with gorgeous songs that range from funny, poignant, melancholy and ultimately hopeful about life and love. Songs from an Unmade Bed has previously been presented in New York City (Off-Broadway), Los Angeles and elsewhere; this will be its premiere professional production in Chicago.
“There’s something so beautiful about the simplicity of this show,” said director Barham. “Having one lyricist work with 18 different composers is ingenious. What emerges is a very personal, articulate voice. Each composer finds a different color and nuance of the character. The lyrics are so universal, and the music is just a delight. We’re lucky to be working in such an intimate space at The Apollo, so that we can allow the audience to feel up close and personal with the performers. The evening should have the feel of being invited over by a few handsome, young gentlemen on a cold winter’s night. Who doesn’t love that?”
Location: The Apollo Theater Studio, 2540 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Previews: Thursday and Friday, March 27 and 28 at 7:30pm
Press performance/opening: Saturday, March 29 at 7:30pm
Regular run: Thursday through Sunday, March 30 through April 27, 2014
Curtain Times: Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays at at 7:30 pm
Tickets: Previews $15. Opening $30. Regular Run: Thursdays $25; Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays $30. Students and seniors: $5 off all performances. Industry: $10 during previews. Tickets are at Ticketmaster. Or by calling the Apollo Theater at 773 935 6100.
Best Gay Dining in Chicago Boystown @ Taverna 750
If you live here, I am sure you know all about Taverna 750. For the LGBT visitor, sometimes you need to venture off Halsted to find our hidden gems. Some of our favorite, neighborhood hotspots are tucked away, just slightly off the gay-beaten path.
Taverna 750 is one of the newest, brightest and now busiest restaurants in Boystown. After a near tear-down renovation of the property at 750 West Cornelia, a true gem of an establishment emerged just a stone throws away from the main gay drag. Since it’s opening in 2011, critics have consistently voted Taverna750 such accolades as Best Italian Restaurant, Best Hidden Gem, Best Date Restaurant, Best Brunch and Best Sidewalk Café in Boystown Chicago. Taverna 750 is a blend of old-school, family recipes and Italian hospitality perfectly mixed with a today’s metropolitan flair and understanding of distinctive cuisine, crafted cocktails, décor and ambiance.
Owner Paul D. Cannella credits much of his inspiration to his Grandfather and Uncle’s classic Italian restaurant. Chicagoan’s enjoyed the downtown spot on Grand Avenue for several decades. Paul and his talented team tweak family recipes to a new culinary perfection and locals agree the tastes and flavors are spot on. Cannella does not prefer labeling Taverna750 as a tapas restaurant. It quickly becomes clear as plates arrive that the portions served are larger than one usually receives at many small plate eateries. The plate sharing and placing dishes in the center of the table has been encouraged by staff and embraced by guests. “I think because everyone wants to sample and try as much as possible, and that’s a good thing, plenty of sharing goes on here!” says Cannela.
Expect delicious, fresh and unexpected nightly food and drink temptations. Regular house staples and crafted cocktails change seasonally. Don’t expect food, wine and cocktail prices to break the bank! A meal enjoyed here is as affordable as memorable. Saturday and Sunday offer weekend Champagne and Martini Brunch packages for $24-$27 that are hugely popular. The Martini Brunch includes two delicious courses, two 750 Specialty Martinis and LOTS of Champagne! Brunch is served Saturday 11am-2pm and Sunday 11am-3pm. Dinner is served nightly from 6pm-11pm, Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Reservations are always highly suggested.
Everyone seems to agree, the food, the drinks, the decor and the staff are terrific. Check out all the positive YELP! reviews and be sure to add Taverna750 as a must-visit restaurant when in Boystown. TAVERNA 750
Pssst….Patio Season is just around the corner and Taverna has one the most lush patios, perfect for al fresco dining!
CHER and Cyndi Lauper June 7th Chicago
The tour not to miss in 2014!
CHER Dressed to Kill – with Cyndi Lauper in Chicago June 7th. 2014.
As Illinois celebrates Marriage Equality this month – what better way to celebrate!
More than 40 years of show business success Cher is that rare entertainment industry icon that defies classification. Continually referenced, adored, and examined, she belongs in the exclusive pantheon of performers who have not only outdistanced all of their contemporaries, <but have, decade in and decade out, stubbornly navigated the transient whims of public taste and carved a permanent place for themselves in the hearts and minds of cinema, television, music and pop culture enthusiasts everywhere.
Tickets and info online!
NVRLND Returns March 14th
Anthony DiFiore and Damian Martin return March 14th QUEEN OF HEARTS NVRLND event at HYDRATE. 3458 N. Halsted.
NVRLND (“Neverland”) is a costume party based in Chicago that infuses art and original design with high-concept themes. In addition to throwing Neverland parties, our creative team also owns and produces the brands GayGlow, Drag Carnage, and the Market Days Yacht Party.
Big Free Gay Wedding – Wedding Expo
Finally Forever:
A Wedding Expo
Now that marriage equality has come to the land of Lincoln, your GL Chamber wants to make sure that the public has access to the businesses that can make their big day a complete success.
To celebrate the passing of Marriage Equality in Illinois the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is giving away a Wedding Treasure Chest worth more than $10,000!
All entries are to submit a video about what marriage equality means to them and why they deserve $10,000 in products and services toward their BIG GAY WEDDING! All entries must be via video submissions and made through Facebook http://on.fb.me/1kwnvwg
The Chamber will be announcing the winner at their very first gay friendly Wedding Expo on March 9th, 2014.
“We have waited, and fought and prayed for this day for so long. We can’t wait to celebrate with the LGBT community and the businesses who are out there making a difference for equality of all forms. Within the community it is crucial to spend your money with gay business owners and allies. At the end of the day we all know that money is power, and if we want to empower the community it’s time to empower the small businesses that have been pushing money into it for so long.” says Christina Pinson, President and CEO of the CAGLCC.
Finally Forever: A Wedding Expo 3179 N Clark, 2nd floor
French Bistro Cooking Class at Treasure Island March 11
Join Chef Chris Tong of the upscale Chicago private dining service, My Private Chef for a culinary tour of fabulous French Bistro fare. You will learn how to prepare a complete bistro menu and come away with valuable tips and some great recipes.
The class is scheduled at Treasure Island Foods at 2121 North Clybourn, Chicago.
It will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 from 7pm-9pm. The cost is $24.00 per person.
This French Bistro Dining menu includes:
Creamy Tomato Dill Soup with Gruyere Cheese Crouton
Steak Au Poivre
Crepes Fines Sucrees
Advance registration is requested to reserve your place in the class.
To register for the class, visit www.tifoods.com/cooking_school/class_schedule/
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services. Using his many years of experience at fine restaurants and hotels, Chef Tong offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to corporate parties.
For more information about My Private Chef, call Event Services at 773-370-8131
or visit www.MyPrivatechef.net.
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus Feb. 25th and March 8th
Choral, Cabaret and Musical Theater all Rolled into One
With more than 150 singing members backed by a small army of volunteers, the CGMC family covers a diverse cross-section of the Chicago metropolitan area. Under the visionary guidance and inspired direction of Artistic Director, Patrick Sinozich, CGMC delivers a distinctive brand of entertainment that keeps our audience coming back again and again. Our members log thousands of hours annually to accomplish an ambitious schedule of performances, fund-raisers and charitable appearances.
We invite you to learn more about:
- Our Artistic Director & Staff>>
- Our Board of Directors & Committees>>
- Our History>>
Queer Comedy at Zanies with Trannika Rex February 25th
Trannika Rex is master of ceremonies in Chicago, the regular host of Drag Matinee at Berlin Nightclub and Trannika’s Most Wanted at Scarlet Bar. Known for her hilarious and scathing sass, boozy and baudy crowd work, the diva brings her comedy styles to the stand up comedy stage for the first time Tuesday, Feb. 25th.
Queer Comedy at Zanies presents Casey Ley at Zanies Comedy Club, 1548 N Wells, 8:30pm. Tickets are $15 and available at chicago.zanies.com or at the door.
Host Adam Guerino interviewed Trannika for Chicago Pride this week –
check it out~!
BREAKING NEWS! Illinois Gay Marriage STARTS TODAY!
A federal judge ruled today that gay couples will not have to wait until June to marry.
Gay couples in Cook County won’t have to wait until June to marry, under a ruling today by a federal judge in Chicago that scraps the delayed effective date of Illinois’ same sex marriage law.
“There is no reason to delay further when no opposition has been presented to this Court and committed gay and lesbian couples have already suffered from the denial of their fundamental right to marry,” U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman stated.
read more! http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-judge-same-sex-couples-can-marry-now-in-cook-county-20140221,0,381862.story
National Margarita Day! Saturday February 22nd
*$5 house margaritas are only valid with a purchase of an entree.
*Valid at Revolucion Steakhouse 3443 N. Boradway
& El Marachi Tequila Bar & Grill 3906 N. Broadway
Edwin Morales Friday residency at Scarlet
EDWIN MORALES aka Dj Konsept
Hailing from a family of musicians and a town known for its music culture, Konsept was entrenched in Lawrence, Kansas’ music scene as a DJ and Promoter for close to a decade before heading to Chicago. It’s a history that allows him to bring something new to the turntable – and with residencies at clubs like Studio Paris and Scarlet Bar, thousands are given the chance to hear it.
His style varies, from the latest cutting edge tunes to forgotten favorites to future hits. Konsept fuses many different genres from hip-hop to House and the requisite Top 40. He’s also been known to rock doo wop, funk, soul, as well as work of his own; he produces both original music and remixes. Comfortable fusing genres or playing it straight, Konsept is an unstoppable force behind the decks. And he makes people move. Every time.
With years of experience under his belt and gigs the world over, Konsept can assess and address the needs of any crowd. He isn’t there to create background buzz; he enhances, morphs, revitalizes. And he could do the same for you. What a concept.
Edwin begins his Friday night residency at SCARLET BAR starting February 21st!
3320 N Halsted St
