Category Archives: Boystown
September 8 & 9 – Gay Six Flags and Gay Beach Parties
BY NOW, I hope most of you have your tickets for the BIG EVENT this Saturday!
You can buy tickets for $35 until late Friday night. Then the price goes to $45 PLUS another $20 for your parking. So SAVE $30 and buy by Friday night!!
A portion of ALL ticket sales will benefit TPAN!
And don’t forget, the FREE beach party the next day!
::::Retox Party::::
First, we are
OUT IN THE PARK
at Six Flags
(www.GaySixFlagsChicago.com)
then we are OUT AT THE BEACH
at Hollywood Beach!
A Retox Event with
BestGayChicago.com and Mini Bar!
CO$T: FREE.
Goes Noon until 6PM!
Music by Joey Kissling!
Suggested attire -Wear a WHITE bathing suit, swimwear, underwear
tightie whities, or board shorts. Prizes for BEST Basket, etc…
NO LIFEGUARDS will be on duty.
Dogs are allowed. So is drinking and smoking!
Come to relax, retox, & recover OR
to socialize & bump & grind
on the Beach with all the hottest Chicago guys & BestGayChicago.com and the Boys of MINI BAR!
MiniBar is the official sponsor and will be on hand to keep the party
jumping and the Official After The Beach Party…RETOX will happen
back at Mini Bar, in Boystown! 3341 N. Halsted.
With lots of cool drink specials!
Judy Tenuta Benefit Sept 6th Laugh Factory
Judy Tenuta,
the accordion-playing comedienne and self-proclaimed “Love Goddess”, is
returning home to Chicago next month as part of her national tour – and
you can support Pride Films and Plays
by purchasing tickets to her opening night on Thursday, September 6, at
the Laugh Factory (3175 N. Broadway). Tickets are only $20, and the
full amount goes to Pride Films and Plays as a donation, courtesy of The
Laugh Factory. The performance begins at 8 pm and features Greg Glienna
and host Bill Cruz. Click here to purchase tickets.
Pride Films and Plays
is dedicated to comprehending the history of great gay writing and
fostering its excellence in new works for the stage and screen. Their
upcoming 2012-13 season will include the world premieres of Sean
Chandler and David Leeper’s play, At The Flash, and Leo Schwartz’s musical, Under a Rainbow Flag, as well as a 20th anniversary revival of Jonathan Harvey’s coming-of-age classic, Beautiful Thing. Click here to purchase season passes.
Complimentary Tequila Tasting at El Mariachi Saturday Aug. 11
While out at Market Days, escape the crowds for a bit.
Stop by El Mariachi 3906 N. Broadway,
for a complimentary tequila tasting!
Grab a bit and drink! 6-8pm.
Saturday Aug 11th, 2012
Planet J Pop benefit for ALCC August 15th
Strap yourself in and hang on tight because ALCC is going to take you out of this world! Join us at Sidetrack on Wednesday, August 15th 2012 as we blast off to Planet J-Pop
to see the world of Japan as you’ve never seen it before.
Amazing
drinks, prizes, music and catering by Indie Cafe await you, plus a spectacular silent auction with more than 150 items from the places you love.
(Indie Café has become an Edgewater hotspot and a true Chicago original
gaining acclaim from food magazines and satisfying palates.)
Cocktails, food, entertainment, raffle (a trip to Japan, hotel stays,
other amazing stuff), silent auction…just $50 for all this!
Our 25th anniversary summer Sidetrack party is one you and your friends won’t want to miss!
All
the dollars raised go toward AIDS Legal Council of Chicago’s free legal
services to men, women, children, and families impacted by HIV…plus our
amazing educational programs. The AIDS Legal Council of
Chicago is the only organization in Illinois devoted solely to
preserving and protecting the legal rights of men, women and children
who are living with HIV. Every year the Council assists thousands of
people through its free legal services, community education programs and
public policy advocacy.
Help Chicago’s Gay Homeless Youth July 25th
that benefits the Chicago queer community by raising funds and
awareness, will be raising money for queer homeless youth. The event
will be called Show Support With Showtunes and will feature live musical
theater performances and take place at Sidetrack Video Bar at 3349 N
Halsted, Chicago, IL at 7pm. Performers donating their talent include
Jeff nominated Jayson Brooks (lead singer from JC Brooks And The Uptown
Sound,) Jess Godwin (nationally touring
recording artist,) Sharriese Hamilton, Joey Stone (Pippin,) Ryan Lanning
(Alien Queen) and Bethany Thomas (Hairspray) and hosted by Benny
Stardust (Steamworkz: The Musical, Windy City Gay Idol.) The night will
also include a silent auction. The proceeds will benefit The Night
Ministry’s queer homeless shelter The Crib.
We Are Halsted
was organized in the summer of 2011 in response to rising numbers in
queer homeless youth. Twenty-six percent of LGBTQ youth were kicked out
of their homes when they came out (that’s over a quarter of LGBTQ
youth.) Queer youth are seven times more likely to be victims of crime
and three times more likely to engage in survival sex. There are 15,000
homeless youth in Chicago and up to 40% of them identify as queer. July
25th will be the third edition of We Are Halsted and organized by its
creator Adam Guerino and the creator of Over The Rainbow, Jimmy Kays.
Our beneficiary combats this issue like no other organization in
Chicago. The Night Ministry’s The Crib not only provides queer homeless
youth with food and shelter throughout the night, but with a sense of
community and confidence–empowering them as they search for housing and
employment. It is the only shelter of its kind in the Midwest and the
only resource for youth from Chicago and several surrounding states.
Unfortunately, due to lack of funding, it has gone from being a
year-round homeless shelter to only being available from October 1st to
April 30th. If there are 15,000 homeless youth in Chicago and 40% of
them identify as queer, that means 6,000 homeless youth no longer have a
safe place in Chicago over night. Where will these youth go? Statistics
can’t say but whether they are empowered enough to ask or not, queer
homeless youth are hoping for your help.
A personal belief
from the organizers of We Are Halsted is that when a youth is kicked out
of a straight home for being queer, whether admitted or only
suspected–they belong to the queer community. These youth want what the
entire queer community wants, to be accepted for who they are, who they
love but most importantly, to feel safe with food, shelter and a future
in the wider community. They need your support to achieve these simple,
basic goals.
We Are Halsted: Show Support With Showtunes.
Wednesday July 25th doors open at 7pm at Sidetrack on 3349 N Halsted.
Tickets are $12 in advance ((go to www.thenightministry.org
– donate – and choose “We Are Halsted” in the drop-down menu, select
$12 donations and your name will be added the door list,)) and $17 at
the door. All tickets include a drink ticket. Proceeds benefit The Night
Ministry’s The Crib.
Help spread word by “liking” our community page on www.facebook.com/
“Unite: For the Love of Fashion” benefiting EdgeAlliance Aug 1
Unite for a good cause and a fashion show!
We’ll join together in Boystown with some of Chicago’s hottest fashion
designers…and all to benefit EdgeAlliance.
Sponsored by Designs by Rosa
Hosted by Mission 2 Organize
Designers: J. TOOR and SHAH RIAZ
*Fashions will be available for sale at event.
Hair & Makeup: Siren Salon
Nosh: Garrett Popcorn Shops
Silent Auction Donations:
element wellness center
J.TOOR
Stuart Rodgers Photography
Trunk Club
Ward Nipper
Aligned Modern Health
Garrett Popcorn Shops
Mission 2 Organize
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW $15 in advance, $20 at the door
100% OF THE PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT EdgeAlliance. EdgeAlliance transforms
the lives of people impacted by HIV/AIDS and those living on the edge of
society.
Abbey of West Hollywood Getting Closer to a Boystown Chicago opening?
For months now, it has been speculated the famed ABBEY bar from West Hollywood was coming to Halsted St. in Boystown. Abbey is making no comment.
As previously reported it was speculated that SBE had purchased a lot, at 3514 N Halsted St. Rumors were that SBE had looked at the old Brompton garage at 3532 N. Halsted, but a real estate source we talked to said the garage had way too many environmental problems that looked too costly for the investors.
No one is saying BOO about the project. However last week huge EFFEN vodka signs went into the Brompton garage windows – leaving very little room to peer inside! So it would appear, the ABBEY might in fact be going in now!
ChicagoPride.com confirmed several weeks ago, that a local businesswoman, Wendy Berger
Shapiro, is under contract to purchase the 12,100 square-foot building
at 3532 N. Halsted and that meetings have already been held with city
officials and neighborhood groups, including Triangle Neighbors and the Northalsted Business Alliance, to discuss plans for The Abbey. Shapiro confirmed the contract but also noted that the purchase has not been finalized.
The Abbey and SBE are still playing it cool. Saying nothing is really happening. – But come on – the EFFEN vodka signs – what’s that all about??
Stay tuned for more details. If the Abbey opens in Chicago, nightlife will be given a BIG shake up!
UPDATE 7-17-2012
THE DEAL WITH BROMPTON GARAGE WILL NOT HAPPEN, says broker Wendy Berger Shapiro. SBE has walked away from the table at this time.
Gay Deaf Men in Chicago Host 5 Day Event
DEAF QUEER MEN ONLY
A group of Deaf Gay men from the Chicagoland
is proud to present the third Deaf Queer Men Only (DQMO) gathering to
take place in Chicago, IL on August 1-5, 2012 for Deaf Gay men from all
over the world to socialize, network, and celebrate our identity as Deaf
Queer Men! DQMO 2012′s theme is ‘A Time to Debrief‘
This event is a very unique opportunity for Deaf Gay men who love
other men to get together and have fun! The long weekend extravaganza
includes exciting workshops, team building and bonding activities,
multiple contests, touring in the city of Chicago (you will be surprised
with what Chicago have to offer), nightly gatherings and many more.
DQMO
Chicago’s New Savon Spa Promises a Unique Organic Spa Experience
Savon Spa announces the grand opening of its luxury day spa in
the Lakeview area of Chicago. Savon is a five star luxury day spa offering a unique organic product portfolio and holistic concept in line with the traditional Eastern spa experience.
“The concept behind Savon Spa is to bring truly unique, high end services to Chicago and offer those services at an affordable rate,” said Savon Spa owner, Vince Dinh. “From head to toe, Savon Spa will spoil clients with experiences and services that are good for the body, soul and environment.”
Savon Spa offers indulgent, organic products and treatments in an atmosphere of warmth and serenity. The Spa stands by a commitment to caring for the Earth by offering only the purist of
organic products. Some of the Spa’s more unique services offered include:
The Manicure/Pedicure Vegan Deluxe Spa: A chemical-free service- using organic
scrubs, masks, lotion and essential oils from the Eminence Organic skin care line.
The Placenta Treatment: Hollywood’s best kept secret to beautiful skin. A complete
natural source that is high in protein, vitamin and minerals with concentrations of the
amino acid glycine.
The Cleopatra 24K Gold Mask: This unique treatment not only rejuvenates the skin
but also accelerates cell renewal, reverses oxidation damage, evens out skin tone and
assists lymphatic drainage.
Diamond Microdermabrasion: A crystal-free, diamond tip 1-hour treatment removes
dead skin cells, promotes blood circulation, invigorates collagen and elastin production
for a more youthful appearance, removes unhealthy toxins and leaves the face with a
gorgeous polish.
Out of the ordinary massage services with oriental techniques such as Ayurveda, Tui
Na, Shiatsu, Bamboo and Hot Lava Shell. And many more…
In celebration of its Grand Opening, Savon Spa is offering 20 percent off all services throughout
the month of July until August 5, 2012.
Savon Spa is located at 3635 N. Halstead Street (across from Center on Halsted and Whole Foods)
For more information text Savon to 21777.
Win 2 tickets to NEON PRIDE
THE PRIDE PARTY NOT TO BE MISSED!!
LIMITED
Early bird $40 tickets are ALMOST GONE. at Cram Boystown Lakeview-3331 N. broadway. THESE TICKETS WILL SELL OUT. THERE ARE LESS THAN 30 TICKETS LEFT AT THAT PRICE!!
BEST GAY CHICAGO.com is giving one lucky winner 2 tickets to this Pride Party! LIKE US on our facebook page – and leave us a comment. WEDNESDAY June 20th at noon – we will randomly select one name. And you get 2 tickets to the Pride Party of the year!
Another amazing REVOLUTION party produced by Circuit Mom Productions!
Hosted by Rugby Superstar BEN COHEN – and benefitting his amazing STAND UP FOUNDATION.
SATURDAY JUNE 23rd @ METRO
Tix available online for
the regular price of $50 now ETIX.com
Pride Fest Chicago 2012, June 22-23
| Date: | Friday & Saturday, June 22-23, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Time: | Friday: 4pm-10pm | Saturday: 11am-10pm |
| Location: | Halsted & Waveland | Chicago |
2 days of fun and music before the big Pride Parade Day!
Festive … Jubilant … Fun … are just a few of the words to
describe this two day-long gathering that’s a non-stop, early-summer
party.
Hosted by (and benefiting) the Northalsted Business Alliance — the same
group behind the wildly popular Northalsted Market Days (set for the
weekend of August 11-12) — this equally crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian
celebration of community pride will be back bigger than ever in its 10th
year!
Pride Fest showcases an eclectic lineup of arts & crafts, food and
other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages including
one dedicated to some of Chicago’s finest GLBT performers.
Entertainment
|
Friday, June 22 South Stage 6:00pm – The Personnel 7:30pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade 8:00pm – Sixteen Candles Saturday, June 23 |
North Stage 5:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators 7:00pm – JoJo 7:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chciago’s Best Female Impersonators 9:00pm – Inaya Day North Stage 12:00pm – Miss Foozie’s Pet Parade 1:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators 2:30pm – Thea Austin 3:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators 4:30pm – Martha Wash 5:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators 6:30pm – Simone Denny 7:00pm – Guinevere 8:00pm – Frenchie Davis 8:30pm – Janice Robinson 9:00pm – Sandy B |
Magic Mike Movie Night at Kit Kat June 19
“Magic Mike” Night at
Kit Kat Lounge
Magic Mike Movie Tickets,
Merchandise and Themed Martinis
Tuesday, June 19
8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Free to attend
Magic Mike is set to hit theaters on Friday, June 29. In advance of the hotly anticipated male stripper-themed film, Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club will hold a movie promotion event on Tuesday, June 19. Starting at 8 p.m., dancers from “SinZation,” Chicago’s sexiest male revue show, will put on a high-energy, provocative performance. Kit Kat Diva Kathryn Cole will perform throughout the evening as well.
The Lakeview/Boystown restaurant and lounge will hold a “Magic Mike” raffle with prizes including passes to the advance screening of Magic Mike on Tuesday, June 26, along with Magic Mike merchandise (t-shirts, hats, gym bags, dog tag necklaces and more). Gift certificates to Kit Kat and tickets to SinZation will also be given away.
In addition to shakin’ up half-priced martinis all night, the movie premiere party will feature three specialty drinks: “The Big Cucumber Richie” martini, “Magic Mike” martini and “Dallas” cocktail ($6 each).
See you all there!
Real Housewives New Jersey Gay Wedding in Chicago June 10
It’s Gay Pride Week on “Real Housewives of New Jersey”. Rosie
has an emotional discussion about her sexuality with her niece and
nephew at a crowded pizza parlor — that’s how we roll in Jersey — and
the Manzos, Lauritas and Giudices head to Chicago for the gay wedding of Caroline Manzo and Chris Laurita‘s sibling Jaime and his partner Rich.
But guess what? Jaime Laurita and Rich Lane are hosting a viewing party at SPIN this Sunday, June 10th at 8pm, and it will benefit EQIL!
And – brace yourself……..We JUST LEARNED some exciting news about our upcoming Real Housewives of
New Jersey Viewing Party this Sunday night at 8 p.m. at SPIN (800 W.
Belmont St.) benefiting Equality Illinois.
The party hosts, Jaime Laurita and Rich Lane, are giving
you the chance to win up to 4 tickets in a raffle to see Madonna live in
concert, including BACKSTAGE hospitality passes.
Reserve your $10 ticket now to our party and you will also receive one free drink ticket at the door.
Keep in mind your $10 ticket purchase will be doubled by our
generous supporter this month, so your $10 donation will provide us
with $20 to fight for full marriage equality.
In addition to the tickets, there will be other amazing
raffle prizes and you will get to watch the special Bravo TV episode of
their Illinois wedding on a super big TV screen.
Spoiler alert: if you just can’t wait to see what happens, the beans are spilled at NJ.com
Ru Pauls DRAG RACE Tour at Roscoes June 14
One Night. One Stage. Eight Queens!
Thursday, June 14, 2012 8:00pm
The event that Chicago has been waiting for…
Roscoe’s Presents: Logo’s Drag Race Tour
Featuring performances by Season One’s Jade, The Princess, Jiggly Caliente, Dida Ritz, Willam, Latrice Royale, Phi Phi O’Hara, Chad MIchaels and Sharon Needles!!!
$15 General Admission Doors Open at 8:00pm
Sponsored by Absolut OUTrageous
GRABBY Weekend May 24 -27
6 Parties and a hundred gay porn stars!
Started in 1991 with humble beginnings, the Grabby Awards have know grown to attract international attention. The real turning point was in 2004 when the awards moved to the Park West, the well-known professional concert / event venue. This
was evidence of the growing prominence of the Grabbys and their
significance within the gay porn industry. Each year they seem to get bigger and better, with more porn stars and studios coming to town!
There is red carpet greeting as porn stars and adult entertainment movers and shakers arrive in limousines. It’s very Hollywood. But for gay porn!
Thursday May 24th, 2012 –
Grabby Official Kickoff Party with Chi Chi LaRue and lots of gay porn stars!
Hydrate 3458 N. Halsted from 10pm till ? $5 Cover.
Friday May 25th, 2012 – NakedSwords Tim & Roma Show –
Charlies 3726 N. Broadway. 6:00 – 9:00 PM Over
30 pornstars up close and personal. $5 Cover
Friday May 25th, 2012 –
Lucky HorseShoe 3169 N. Halsted 9pm-till ? $5 Cover
Saturday May 26th, 2012 -The Main Event The 2012 Grabbys!
Park West Theatre 322 W Armitage. Red carpet / doors open at 6:00 PM. Show stars at 7:30 PM.
GET TICKETS ONLINE
GRABBY AFTERPARTY – SPIN Nightclub Belmont/Halsted – 10pm till Close…
BUY TICKETS HERE!
Sunday May 27, 2012
Post Grabby Party at North End 3733 N Halsted from 12 – 6:00 PM $10 Cover. $15 at the door.
With a list of pornstars that will make you gag !!!!! Auctions for charity all day long.
* this event has sold out early in the past so get your tickets early space is limited! Tickets are available at North End.
Worst Bartender in Boystown-Halsted St-Chicago “Straight” Igor at Little Jim’s
Let’s see: Rude, Condescending, Bitter, Affected, Patronizing, Angry, Jaded, Annoyed, Irritated, Frustrated and Hostile… words not usually associated with a hospitality employee, especially a bartender on Halsted Street in Boystown.
Well, do yourself and your gay friends a favor and AVOID “Straight Guy” bartender Igor at Little Jim’s (3501 N. Halsted) because there are MUCH friendlier and gay welcoming bartenders at Bucks, Bobby Loves and North End for your gay dollars. If you are a tourist, don’t risk it , and just avoid Little Jim’s altogether because Igor works most night shifts.(as of this writing).
We don’t like to write about negative things normally but we feel this guy must be called out for treating patrons rude.
Little Jim’s has been one of our favorite “Last Call” venues for over 8 years, as it is on our northward bound way home and we have always REALLY enjoyed our time drinking there over the years.
We have met “Little Jim” and chatted with him on several occasions, and have great respect and admiration for the man who launched the first gay bar on Halsted. Opened in 1975. Despite all the
competition that followed, it has held its ground. He is a pioneer to be commended. And it is sad to have an employee, a straight guy, tarnish this good name.
We first met Igor maybe 6-8 months ago – he is good looking and seemed somewhat friendly. But on our last few stops at Little Jim’s over the last couple months, Igor seemed so bored; and rude. Not just to us, we saw it with others. He frequently watches the TV and ignores customers at the bar. Last month I was with a friend who ordered a drink, while finishing another. And when Igor delivered the new drink, he grabbed the almost gone other drink, and threw it away. When my friend questioned, why he did that. Igor responded it was empty. And IT WAS NOT EMPTY. – If you don’t like your job buddy, it’s time to move on. You are in a customer service / hospitality business.
And let us just say, by no means do we care if Igor is straight. We have given our business to MANY straight guys asking for our gay dollar at both Cocktail and Lucky Horseshoe over the last ten years, but they have always been respectful to us. And they valued our business. Igor could care less about you. It’s a J.O.B. for him. And he does not do it well.
Usually, Michael and I are already a bit tipsy when we arrive at Little Jim’s. And we are almost always with other friends or meeting up with friends there, so we ignore Igor’s issues and attitude because we were busy socializing.
This past Wednesday, we happened to stop by with friends and were way too sober to tolerate Igor’s issues and attitude. When we called him on the carpet about being so rude, it really escalated on his end and he became hostile. Now I’ll be REAL honest here, there have been times at Little Jim’s when we probably didn’t need to be served more or a tap on the shoulder to go home may have been in order. But last Wednesday was not such a night… So when Igor threw my drink in the sink, said I was a nobody and I needed to get a real job, and asked me to leave for no reason other than I told him he was rude and we were sick of it, we were officially done with Little Jim’s.
So I took the high-road Thursday to call Jeff, the manager at little Jim’s and complain formally, and to let him know what had transpired and that we would not return and that there would be a story or two to follow on BestGayChicago.com. Since last Thursdays conversation, we have heard nothing back from Jeff and I guess time will tell both Jeff and Igor, how many of our readers heed our advice and avoid Little Jim’s altogether, spending their gay dollars on liquor elsewhere.
So Michael and Derrick’s lesson learned this past week is – enjoy your last call at Bucks, Bobby Loves or North End if your travels take you Northward. We WILL NOT RETURN to Little Jim’s until Igor is gone and we hope he NEVER finds work again on Halsted Street because we, as patrons, all people included, deserve a welcoming experience anywhere we go, spending our gay dollars supporting a Boystown establishment and Boystown as a community.
Cinco de Mayo at El Mariachi Saturday
Historically the Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates the victory
of a heroic people and their struggle for freedom. On May 5, 1862 the
outnumbered State of Puebla, Mexico defeated French forces which fueled
the momentum and national confidence to ultimately drive foreign power
completely from the country.
The reason for this celebration is
to foment the Mexican history, rich traditions and maintain our roots
present in our younger generations.
Today fiesta lovers across
the United States will gather to celebrate the Mexican holiday. Cinco de
Mayo is now celebrated in towns across the U.S. that are predominately
non-Hispanic!
It’s becoming more popular than St. Patrick’s Day, in some cities!
WE’LL be at El Mariachi!
EQIL Spring Wine Tasting Event May 9
The fabulous Spring Wine Tasting
event is around the corner!
Please join EQIL and Sidetrack
on Wednesday, May 9
from 6:00 to 9:00pm.
Tickets are available now.
For
just a $20 donation to Equality Illinois PAC, you have access to over
100 wines from around the world and hors d’oeuvres provided by J&L
Catering!
This super-popular event caters to all palates and budgets.
