Category Archives: Boystown
Fundraiser for Patty the Pin Lady Thursday Nov. 17th at Cocktail
Since 1995 she has raised over $50,000 far various AIDS organizations including VITAL BRIDGES.
Patty Latham aka Patty the Pin Lady is frequently seen around Halsted taking donations for red ribbons, candy, gum, and she marches in the AIDS WALK and also hosts bar parties from time to time.
Now, she needs our help. She has been battling cancer and trying to raise some money to help cover her medical expenses.
Thursday, Nov. 17th 6-8pm,
there will be a benefit for her at
Cocktail, 3359 N. Halsted.
There will be a cover charge and food and drink specials, and all the proceeds will go towards Patti’s medical bills.
She has done so much to help others, now we have the opportunity to repay her kindness and generosity.
Hollywood to Dollywood and the Lane Twins Arrive in Chicago!
IT ALL STARTED WITH A DREAM….
AND AN RV NAMED JOLENE.
Everybody has a dream. Most of us are only willing to go so far to see it materialize and often find ourselves waiting for the right opportunity to come to us. Not so for the Lane twins -they were not content to send their screenplay Full Circle to Dolly Parton’s manager or publicist. No, they were determined to get it into the hands of their idol and on the 25th Anniversary of Dollywood, no less.
“WE grew up listening to Dolly’s music and always thought she was an amazing person. So why not write a screenplay about her, and go on a cross country roadtrip to try to put it in her hands! “ say the Lane Twins, Gary and Larry.
And that’s just what they did.
And the result is An amazing film and journey about courage and acceptance.
Now in 51 Film Festivals Around the World …They won 6 Awards so far!
“Dolly Parton herself Is 100% behind Our Movie and Gave us 15 Of Her Songs Free For the Documentary and Her Image for the Movie Poster!”
Hollywood to Dollywood Plays in CHICAGO!!
Nov. 9th! 7pm ONE NIGHT ONLY! Landmark Theater.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW – SURE TO SELL OUT.
The twins are hosting an after-party at SPIN, right after the movie.
ALSO the guys taped the Rosie show NOV 8th “she has just seen HOLLYWOOD TO DOLLYWOOD and wants to Chat about it!! WE ARE SO EXCITED!” say the Lane Twins! – The show airs NOV. 9th! Rosie LOVED the film!
DON’T MISS IT!
Hollywood to Dollywood
Hollywood to Dollywood blog
The Lane Twins
Big Gay Brunch Club Chicago does Cocktail Nov. 13
BIG GAY BRUNCH CLUB Chicago
takes over Cocktail and the Gardens
Our
favorite after brunch place is hosting us for November’s Brunch!
If
you didn’t know, Cocktail is one of the most
inviting playful bars & restaurants in Lakeview, appealing to a
broad-based clientele that is short on attitude and long on fun.
And
we all know that BGBC is LONG ON FUN!
So, it’s a perfect match. Of
course, you are invited to hang out afterwards for $1 Well-Drinks, $2
Mimosas, $2 PBR 16oz cans or $12 Cocktail Infused Vodka Carafes. The
following buffet style menu will be served with the usual bottomless
mimosas and bloody Mary’s, for just $30, including tax & tip.
Scrambled Eggs
Sausage
Bacon
Waffle Station (w/ assorted toppings)
Home style Potatoes
Eggs Benedict
Mixed Fruit
Make sure that you bring cash and your dancing shoes for another guaranteed fun time with BGBC.
LOVE SUCKS on stage at Hydrate in Chicago
Pride Films and Plays
presents the award-winning play
LOVE SUCKS, the company’s first fully staged production – at HYDRATE.
Love Sucks by Rob Mersola, a not-so-romantic comedy of bad manners, opened this week and we got a sneak peak a couple nights ago.
Love Sucks, follows six romantically challenged philanderers through a 48-hour maze of the bars, back seats, and bathroom stalls of New York’s Lower East Side.
Love Sucks was recently named Best Production of a Comedy by the L.A. Scenie Awards, and Backstage Magazine hailed it as “90 minutes of down and dirty fun!”
PFP Artistic Associate John Nasca directs the comedy, which features PFP Artistic Ensemble members Valerie Heckman, Cyra K. Polizzi, Chad Ryan, Kevin Webb,(Chad and Ryan are pictured) and guest artists Edward Fraim and Adam Habben. The acting is top notch and the space at Hydrate provides a great room for the play.
Love Sucks will be performed at Hydrate, 3458 North Halsted. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8 pm through November 26. All tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets, or by calling 1 800 838 3006. It’s a great deal for 90 minutes of fun!
Director John Nasca is an Artistic Associate of PFP and co-founder and Artistic Director of Glitterati Productions. His directing credits include Gypsy, Mr. Shaw Goes to Hollywood, Beautiful Thing, The Ritz, and Moon Over Buffalo. He is also a 3-time Jeff-recommended costumer and the proud recipient of an After Dark Award. His costume work includes Vampire Lesbians of Sodom (Hartzell Productions), Anyone Can Whistle (Pegasus Players), Noises Off for producer/director Michael Leavitt, the Midwest premiere of Metropolis for Academy Award-winner Joseph Brooks, and Phantom (Porchlight). For Hell in a Handbag Productions, he designed Pussy on the House, Die! Mommie, Die!, Poseidon: An Upside-Down Musical, and Lady Ex. Other favorites include Follies, The Miracle Worker, Guys and Dolls, Chicago, Me and My Gal, The Little Foxes, Rigoletto, Annie, The Great White Hope, Tintypes, The Women, On the Waterfront, and at Drury Lane, Something’s Afoot.
About Pride Films and Plays
Pride Films and Plays, based in Chicago, links an international network of writers with professionals working in film and theater. PFP fosters excellent writing for the stage and screen that speaks not only to the LGBT community, but is essential viewing for our friends, family, and co-workers. Using stories with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters or themes, Pride Films and Plays develops human stories that become a cultural bridge to understanding. Through readings, contests, classes, screenings, and full theater productions, PFP engages artists and audiences in the full developmental process needed to make great artistic experiences. For more information, visit Pridefilmsandplays.com.
Michael Leppen to Host Benefit Nov. 14th
Monday, November 14 · 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Michael A. Leppen Hosts A Benefit for Pride Films and Plays That Is
SIMPLY SENSATIONAL!
Pride Films and Plays is pleased to announce that Michael A. Leppen is hosting a benefit on November 14, 2011, featuring the best talent in Chicago in music, dance, comedy, and theater!
Tickets for the evening – which includes appetizers, a complimentary beer and wine bar, desserts, and the program – are $50 for VIP, and $25 for General Admission.
VIP tickets include reserved seats, program recognition, and one ticket to PFP’s current comedy Love Sucks! (running through November 26). Tickets may be purchased online at Brown Paper Tickets or calling 1 800 838 3006.
The evening begins with cocktails and appetizers from 6:30 to 7:30, when the performance begins.
Desserts will be featured at intermission.
Performers for the evening include singers Tom Michael, Natalie Myre, and Honey West, comedy from ThoraBurch, opera from Daina Fisher, dance from the Crush Dance Collective, performances by Pride Films and Plays Artistic Ensemble, and a scene from Rob Mersola’s Love Sucks! For the most complete line-up, visit our Facebook Page.
Michael A. Leppen is a philanthropist, fund-raiser, and he has provided leadership and financial support for a large variety of nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area and elsewhere, many of them serving sexual-minority communities with regard to concerns such as HIV/AIDS, lesbian health, youth work and mass media. For years, Michael has given leadership and financial support to a large variety of non-profit organizations in the Chicago area and elsewhere, many of them serving sexual-minority communities. His contributions have been made unselfishly, without regard to faction, and with a focus on the positive effects of actual work being done.
——————————————————————————–
Location Hoover-Leppen Theater of Center on Halsted
3656 N Halsted Chicago, IL
Pride Films and Plays, based in Chicago, links an international network of writers with professionals working in film and theater.
PFP fosters excellent writing for the stage and screen that speaks not only to the LGBT community, but is essential viewing for our friends, family, and co-workers. Using stories with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters or themes, Pride Films and Plays develops human stories that become a cultural bridge to understanding.
Through readings, contests, classes, screenings, and full theater productions, PFP engages artists and audiences in the full developmental process needed to make great artistic experiences.
For more information visit Pridefilmsandplays.com.
30% OFF Hotel Deals in Boystown for Fall
The smell of Fall is in the air!
And the holiday season is right around the corner! And many of us have friends and family that come to Chicago for holiday shopping and fun!
Boystown, Lakeview and North Halsted areas all have lots going on, PLUS there are 3 great choices to pick for accommodations, that are conveniently located near everything!
City Suites , The Majestic and the The Willows .
The historic City Suites Hotel in Chicago offers the upscale traveler an unmatched degree of service with upgraded premier amenities to compliment its beautiful Art Deco interior. Accenting the architecture details of this 1920’s “Roaring Twenties” gem, the City Suites Hotel exudes a sleek Art Deco architecture style, great ambiance and striking visual detail.
The Majestic Hotel often leaves behind an enduring impression on many guests and visitors. Built in the style of an English Manor Estate, this breathtaking boutique hotel combines the majestic allure of a Victorian boutique hotel with a welcoming ambiance. The luxurious Majestic Hotel in Chicago is set in the picturesque and famous Chicago neighborhood of Lakeview and Wrigley Ville just minutes away from downtown and a block from the scenic Lake Michigan.
Inspired by 19th century French Victorian décor, the Willows Hotel in Chicago is the epitome of modern day elegance. Built during Chicago’s “Roaring Twenties”, a rich historical past surrounds the Willows Hotel located in Chicago’s most exclusive and famed Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhood area. In 2005, the Willows Hotel was officially recognized as a historic Chicago landmark building.
NOVEMBER a chill is in the air, the leaves are off the trees, and Chicago gears up for the upcoming holiday season. THANKSGIVING is the kick off of the holiday shopping season, but many locals and tourists start their shopping earlier, as merchants start displaying all of their offerings earlier. Who wants to wait to the last minute and get stuck with limited selections? If you are in town for Thanksgiving, make your reservations early! All the best spots fill up quickly, as many people dine out this day. Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry and the official lighting and holiday parade downtown is November 19. And of course, there is also a Thanksgiving Day Parade downtown.
DECEMBER of course, the whole month is a peak time – full of shoppers and holidays parties, and holiday walks. Christkindlmarket is in full swing downtown, Michigan Avenue bustles with shoppers, and the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights are on every evening. North Halsted and Boystown and Lakeview are full of retail sales and specials and there are lots of holiday events which will posted on Best Gay Chicago , as December gets closer. But every weekend is a busy weekend in December.
The City Inns Collection of Hotels pride themselves on their personalized care, premier service and exceeding the needs of their discriminating leisure and business travelers. The staff is passionate here and ensure an enjoyable and memorable stay – something you don’t often see in the big hotels downtown. These properties boast a welcoming “neighborhood” charm yet with all the services and amenities of a full-service hotel. Many packages are available depending on your interests.
BOOK TODAY FOR YOUR HOLIDAY IN CHICAGO
ALL 3 PROPERTIES ARE OFFERING 30% OFF FOR FALL!
City Suites , The Majestic and the The Willows .
Best Gay Chicago
Night of 100 Drag Queens Oct 25-26
VIP Reception & Show Includes early admission for a VIP Reception beginning at 7:00p.m. Doors open for General Admission at 8:00pm Door tickets: $25.00 per person General Admission Show Doors open for General Admission at 8:00pm Door tickets: $15.00 per person (IF AVAILABLE)
Advance tickets as low as $10! This event is sure to sell out.
New Gay Parties Set To Rock Chicago! Oct. 13
A new party concept is about to take Chicago by storm! Think you’re fearless? Think again. There are an infinite number of phobias (multiplying daily) with over 500 medical related phobias listed online. Some phobias have never been appropriately labeled. There are phobias with tongue-twisting pronunciations that might have been too difficult and fearful for even Einstein to attempt to pronounce. – Hippopotomnstrosesquipedaliophobia – fear of long words. What scares YOU? What do YOU fear? Producer and phobia visionary, Experience the incredible fun and fear of EVENT-A-PHOBIA! Do you dare come to our sneak preview? Be brave — take a deep breath and get ready to be AFRAID.
EVENT-A-PHOBIA™ is a new and exciting concept, which cleverly and uniquely allows people to finally address that serious, and unspoken subject — FEAR via entertainment and merriment.
clowns – coulrophobia
snakes – snakephobia
spiders – aracnophobia
bogeyman – bogyphobia
heights – acrophobia
confined spaces – claustrophobia
Will Harrison aka visuwil® of visuwil LLC.
is known for his creative, whimsical, and edgy theme settings.
To express and bring to life his phobia theme, he incorporates extraordinary costumed artists, extravagantly masked models, 3D props, eye-popping decor, stimulating live music, and, of course, your favorite flow of libations all staged within a selected nightlife or social environment.
Do you dare enter this unusual realm of phobias?
Do you dare attempt to face your own personal fears?
Come experience the EVENT of all EVENTS!!!
DJ Phil DaBeatz
EVENT-A-PHOBIA™ parties make it FUN to play with your fears — “visualize your innermost fear … and play with it”
Thursday, Oct, 13th HYDRATE 11pm-4am 3458 N. Halsted
Love Sucks Comes to Chicago November
Pride Films and Plays
presents the award-winning play
LOVE SUCKS, the company’s first fully staged production
Love Sucks by Rob Mersola, a not-so-romantic comedy of bad manners, opening November 3. In Love Sucks, we follow six romantically challenged philanderers through a 48-hour maze of the bars, back seats, and bathroom stalls of New York’s Lower East Side.
Love Sucks was recently named Best Production of a Comedy by the L.A. Scenie Awards, and Backstage Magazine hailed it as “90 minutes of down and dirty fun!”
PFP Artistic Associate John Nasca directs the comedy, which features PFP Artistic Ensemble members Valerie Heckman, Cyra K. Polizzi, Chad Ryan, Kevin Webb, and guest artists Edward Fraim and Adam Habben.
Executive Director David Zak says, “We are excited to take the next step in the growth of Pride Films and Plays. With scene study classes running at Center on Halsted beginning October 6 and the Screenplay Finale Weekend at COH October 20-23, this is an exciting time of growth for us.”
Love Sucks will be performed at Hydrate, 3458 North Halsted, with press opening Thursday, November 3 at 8 pm. Show times thereafter are Friday and Saturday at 8 pm through November 26. All tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Brown Paper Tickets, or by calling 1 800 838 3006.
Director John Nasca is an Artistic Associate of PFP and co-founder and Artistic Director of Glitterati Productions. His directing credits include Gypsy, Mr. Shaw Goes to Hollywood, Beautiful Thing, The Ritz, and Moon Over Buffalo. He is also a 3-time Jeff-recommended costumer and the proud recipient of an After Dark Award. His costume work includes Vampire Lesbians of Sodom (Hartzell Productions), Anyone Can Whistle (Pegasus Players), Noises Off for producer/director Michael Leavitt, the Midwest premiere of Metropolis for Academy Award-winner Joseph Brooks, and Phantom (Porchlight). For Hell in a Handbag Productions, he designed Pussy on the House, Die! Mommie, Die!, Poseidon: An Upside-Down Musical, and Lady Ex. Other favorites include Follies, The Miracle Worker, Guys and Dolls, Chicago, Me and My Gal, The Little Foxes, Rigoletto, Annie, The Great White Hope, Tintypes, The Women, On the Waterfront, and at Drury Lane, Something’s Afoot.
About Pride Films and Plays
Pride Films and Plays, based in Chicago, links an international network of writers with professionals working in film and theater. PFP fosters excellent writing for the stage and screen that speaks not only to the LGBT community, but is essential viewing for our friends, family, and co-workers. Using stories with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters or themes, Pride Films and Plays develops human stories that become a cultural bridge to understanding. Through readings, contests, classes, screenings, and full theater productions, PFP engages artists and audiences in the full developmental process needed to make great artistic experiences. For more information, visit Pridefilmsandplays.com.
ALEXANDRA BILLINGS Oct 7-8, An Improvised Evening With Katharine Hepburn
DARK BLUE THEATRICALS
and STAGE 773
are proud to announce
ALEXANDRA BILLINGS !
Returning to Chicago in
“KATIE’S CORNER: LIVE!”
An Improvised Evening With
Katharine Hepburn
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED
BY SEAN ABLEY
“KATIE’S CORNER is an evening of fun, fun, fun, no matter what you go in expecting. Alexandra Billings is a masterful actress and her sustained speech patterns and overall demeanor as the aging Hepburn are deliciously & devilishly perfect.”
KATIE’S CORNER: LIVE! returns to Chicago after a previous, sold-out performance in April 2011, and extended runs in Los Angeles and Fresno, CA. The performances will feature Chicago favorites Honey West, Molly Brennan (500 Clown), David Cerda (Handbag Productions, The Joan Band), Mitchell Fain and many more surprise guests.
Performances October 7-8, @10:30pm
Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont , Chicago IL, 60657
Box office – 773.327.5252 or Stage773.com
BestGayChicago.com
Rosie is Ready to Launch in Chicago and Moving to Lakeview!
AS YOU KNOW,
Rosie O’Donnell is now in
Chicago, filming at Harpo Studios.
At her annual Rosie Theater Kids Gala recently in New York City, O’Donnell showed off her new girlfriend, Michelle Rounds. A knockout blond with a stunning figure, Rounds is a corporate headhunter for an I.T. company, People reports. And apparently the two women share a love of coffee.
“They met at a Starbucks a few months ago,” a source tells People. “They are adorable together and are very, very happy.”
The Rosie Show debuts on Oprah Winfrey‘s OWN network on Oct. 10.
Rosie reportedly just purchased a new $2.5 million townhouse in Lakeview! 6,000 sq. foot with a huge huge rooftop. The seller is an executive at the Oprah Winfrey Network, which will air O’Donnell’s new show, the sources told the Tribune. Somoene told me Rosie accidentally got LOCKED OUT. Stuck on the roof of her new digs! She and her realtor had to shout down to passerbys on the street, to get help!
The daytime host joked about her new gal pal, onstage at her gala, that she had just bought a new red bra “with the underpants that match and everything.”
The Emmy-winning working mama has four children with her ex-spouse Kelli Carpenter, whom she married in 2004. They divorced in 2007.
“(The divorce was) humbling. And humiliating,” O’Donnell told Oprah in the October issue of O magazine. “In the O’Donnell family , no one had ever been divorced.”
BEST GAY CHICAGO has been invited to a test taping for the new show – we’ll keep you posted!
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts 2011 Sept. 10-11 in Boystown
The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the seventh annual Lakeview East Festival of the Arts. The Festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11 on Broadway Avenue, just north of Belmont. Lakeview East is a dynamic and diversified neighborhood community rich in culture, history and the arts. The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce works hand in hand with their local residents and business owners and is pleased to offer its neighbors and the Chicagoland area with one of the premier fine art outdoor festivals. The 2011 Lakeview East Festival of the Arts showcases more than 150 juried artists featuring world class original paintings, sculpture, photography, furniture, jewelry and more. Artists in almost every medium will be represented including photography, printmaking, mixed media, ceramics, clay, collage, fiber, glass, sculpture, furniture and more. Unique and original artwork is on sale in all price ranges. In addition to the art on sale, the Festival features live demonstrations and entertainment stages where some of Chicago’s favorite musicians play throughout the weekend. This year, sculpture artist Lucy Slivnski will contribute her designs to the Chirsty Webber urban garden.
September 10 & 11 Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-5pm
Along Broadway • Belmont to Roscoe
LAKEVIEW FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
Over 150 Juried Artists Showcased!
GREAT ART • MUSIC • FOOD •Beer and Wine Garden – SCULPTURE GARDEN
Restoration Hair Salon Opens 3rd Location
In 1993, Tim Weber opened his first salon at 2151 N. Sheffield in Chicago. Then came a salon in Andersonville at 5349 North Clark Street.
September 6th, Tim opens his 3rd salon, 3255 N. Broadway in Boystown/Lakeview.
“Our focus is on hair. Our goal is to restore. Our desire is to make you happy!” says Tim. “We strive to have a relaxed but professional environment. Our salons are comfortable, stylish, and reflect the creativity of our staff.”
We got a sneak peak of the new salon last night! It’s very stylish!
Tim’s Top 5 Tips For Flawless Hair
1. Get a great precision haircut.
2. Use the right shampoo for your hair type.
3. Learn to style your hair with product.
4. Get a cut every four weeks.
5. Tip your stylist well!
Restoration
Tim Weber Salons
Cocktail Bar in Boystown Being Harrassed by Landlord…Cocktail Files Lawsuit….And Now Have Sold The Business
John “Geno” Zaharakis, who owns Cocktail, and general manager Dustin Hoffman filed suit July 29. The suit alleges that the building owner and management company worked with two former employees to tarnish the bar’s reputation and oust Cocktail to open a new bar. The suit names Robert Brumbaugh Jr., who has owned the building on 3359 N. Halsted since June of this year; Brumbaugh’s company, 3357 Halsted LLC; also named are David Sikora, Cocktail’s former manager; Alexander Stoykov, a former Cocktail go-go dancer; and Key Management and Realty, Inc., the building’s management company, which employs Stoykov. The suit claims that “on July 22, 2011, in a face-to-face meeting with Zaharakis and Hoffman, Brumbaugh stated that, unless Zaharakis and Cocktail voluntarily agreed to move out of the Premises and surrender possession of the Premises before the end of August 2011, he, Brumbaugh, intended to destroy Zaharakis financially and put Cocktail out of business so that he and Sikora could open their own bar on the Premises.” Brumbaugh did not respond immediately to a request to comment. Sikora declined to comment on the allegations. The complaint accuses Stoykov of ruining Cocktail’s relationship with its lender of 10 years, Capital Access Network, by telling the company that Cocktail was “a terrible tenant and that Cocktail was going to be evicted.” It also accuses Stoykov of delivering a false “ten days notice” to vacate the property on the 4th of July weekend in front of customers. “It’s just made it all living nightmare,” Zaharakis said. “I wish it hadn’t gotten to this, but it’s just for the best. I just need to take some time off.” The bar will continue to be called Cocktail, with Zaharakis licensing the name to the new owner, and the current staff will be retained. “The person who’s buying it has a good track record with the community,” Zaharakis said. “He’s managed bars before in the community.” Zaharakis said he plans to look at owning and running a bar again after taking a break, though he’s not sure where. The lawsuit is still pending and Zaharakis said he intends to pursue it.
Chicago’s Boystown bar Cocktail
is suing its landlord and two former employees for $10 million over an alleged conspiracy to ruin the bar’s good name and put it out of business.
Windy City Media reported that according to the suit, Sikora and Brumbaugh allegedly told Cocktail customers that the bar was going out of business.
Brumbaugh and Sikora also met with Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) early last month, the suit alleges, to ask for his support in obtaining a liquor license for Sikora’s, telling him that Cocktail was “going out of business” and that he planned to evict them. Zaharakis said he was subsequently assured that Tunney told Brumbaugh and Sikora that they couldn’t apply for a license since Cocktail already has a license for that location.
The stress has been to much for Geno and Dustin. Cocktail has now been sold.
Then it takes the city time to transfer licenses and approve the deal. It could be a couple months before the new owner is fully in place.
Center on Halsted Artist Reception Aug 19th
Join us for the opening of two exciting art galleries at Center on Halsted! Brian Hofmeister will present his collection, titled “free/ not free,” in the second floor gallery with Ron Reason displaying his collection, titled “Everything’s Going (to turn out just fine),” in the third floor art gallery space. Both shows will run from August 19th to September 27th.
EVENT DATE Friday, August 19, 2011 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM $5 donation
For Free / Not Free, (left, by Brian Hofmeister) “the pieces I’ve created consist entirely of works on panel, utilizing the media of oil painting, screen print and collage. The intersection of the imagery in this work, specifically birds and either corsets, text or nature, reveal for me an allegory of my exploration of beauty and my attempt to capture it.”
Everything’s Going (to turn out just fine) Ron Reason (right)
The exhibit will give a glimpse into the unusual experience of art, music, survival, fashion and fun the two Chicago residents shared at the annual Burning Man festival. (This year’s installment of Burning Man, the first ever to sell out, begins one week after this exhibit’s opening.) The festival is a unique, impromptu experiment in creating art, culture, and community, whereby an ad-hoc “city” of 45,000 pops up for one week each year, inhabiting campers, tents, and RVs in harsh federal desert land in Nevada. The by-products of the interaction of daring souls from around the world are some of the most unusual art, music and fashion seen anywhere.
Find out More online about the artists and the event!
BestGayChicago.com
Deep Fried Twinkies and Dill Pickles!
Deep Fried Twinkies?!
and Deep Fried Dill pickles!
Oh My!
*DID YOU KNOW, Twinkies were invented in River Forest, IL. in 1930
A traditional deep-fried Twinkie involves freezing or chilling the cake, dipping it into batter, and deep-frying it to create a variation on the traditional snack cake. It was described by a The New York Times story in this way: “Something magical occurs when the pastry hits the hot oil. The creamy white vegetable shortening filling liquefies, impregnating the sponge cake with its luscious vanilla flavor… The cake itself softens and warms, nearly melting, contrasting with the crisp, deep-fried crust in a buttery and suave way”.
The Texas State Fair had introduced the fried Twinkie to great popular acclaim, and the notion spread to other state fairs across the U.S., as well as some establishments that specialize in fried foods.
Fried pickles are a snack food found commonly in the American South. It is made by deep-frying a sliced battered dill l pickle.
Fried Dill Pickles were popularized by Bernell “Fatman” Austin in 1963 at the Duchess Drive In located in Atkins, Arkansas. The Fatman’s Recipe is only known to his family and used once each year at the annual Picklefest in Atkins, held each May.
GET A TASTE THIS WEEKEND AT MARKET DAYS
at the DEEP FRIED TWINKIE & DILL PICKLE BOOTH!
Located right across from Steamworks! Where else?!
Chicago’s North Halsted Market Days 2011 Full of Surprises!
The 2011 Northalsted Market Days® will take place this weekend August 13-14, when a crowd of more than 100,000 from across the country will converge on Halsted Street to celebrate our annual event.
It’s the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest and lives up to its reputation as one of the country’s finest festivals!
It was recently announced GLEE STAR hottie Darren Criss will be here to entertain us – as well as the singing sensation Prince Poppycoock.
With temperatures expected to be 75-80, expect BIG CROWDS!
Other top names include Gloria Gaynor, Lisa Lisa and Expose.
See the full schedule online.
(check out the deep fried TWINKIES and DILL PICKLES
across the street from Steamworks!)
2 Events at Center on Halsted August 8th & 10th
H.E.A.L. Ourselves
Monday, August 8, 7:00pm Center on Halsted
Two great performances on one great night. ‘The Faggot Who Could Fly’ stars KOKUMO, a 22 year old intersex/trans woman of color who uses her life of sexual and mental abuse as catalysts for personal and communal change. KOKUMO’s story is about realizing her gender identity in relation to domestic violence and societal oppression.
And ‘No Gender Left Behind’ stars Rebecca King who was fired from a teaching position for being a transgender woman. The experience left her wondering what America is teaching its children – and its adults – about gender, conformity and being just a little bit different.
Free community event. To reserve seats, RSVP by email : tflohr@centeronhalsted.org.
Wednesdays
starting August 10, 6:00pm
Center on Halsted
Gain the skills you need to recognize and avoid danger in this new self-defense class taught by internationally certified Taekwondo instructor Matt Cowell! Learn how to protect yourself with basic hand and foot strikes, “See, Stand, or Breathe” techniques, and improvised weaponry. Above all, empower yourself with skills that will improve your self-confidence, self-discipline, and self-respect.
$10 community discount price. For more info, email : mross@centeronhalsted.org.
BestGayChicago.com
MiniBar Gives Back: Chicago House July 27th
Do something great for Chicago House, just by going out to eat!
Minibar is hosting a dinner event in which 20% (before tax) of all dinner and liquor sales off the regular menu will be donated to Chicago House!
Wednesday, July 27th 5-11pm
Great drinks, great food, all for a great cause! Put together a group, and dine out for the men, women, and children of Chicago House!
We hope you can join us!
Reservations are recommended!
Call Minibar at 773-871-6227
Check out the Facebook page and see who all is coming!
BestGayChicago.com
