Category Archives: Cabaret
Justin Hayford Benefit Concert – Pay What You Can
Last month we told you about the Justin Hayford benefit CD – now there is a benefit show!
Chicago Jazz Musician Justin Hayford
Plays Gershwin at Davenport’s
Fourth annual benefit for AIDS Legal Council of Chicago
On January 20th and 27that
7pm, Chicago musician Justin Hayford will host “The Gershwins in Love,”
evening of classic Gershwin love songs—from the sublime to the
ridiculous. This is the fourth annual benefit for AIDS Legal Council of
Chicago (“ALCC”) at Davenport’s Piano Bar in Wicker Park. Hayford, who
just released his fourth studio album on December 1, will treat
attendees to well-loved Gershwin hits like I’ve Got a Crush on You, ’Swonderful, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, They All Laughed, and Someone to Watch Over Me. Fans should also be prepared for a few rarities that few have ever heard. Hayford has been called “a superb talent” by the Chicago Tribune and a “hip piano-playing saloon singer who should be heard more often” by Rex Reed.
All
proceeds raised from “The Gershwins in Love” shows go directly to AIDS
Legal Council of Chicago. Attendees simply pay whatever they like at
the end of the show.
Reservations can be made online at davenportspianobar.com or by phone at 773-278-1830.
Founded in 1987, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago works to preserve,
promote, and protect the legal rights of men, women, children, and
families in the metropolitan Chicago area impacted by HIV
and
AIDS. The Council provides free direct legal services to people in
need, educates the public about HIV-related legal issues, and advocates
for social policies that ensure fair treatment for all people affected by HIV and AIDS.
Chicago Jazz Musician Justin Hayford at Davenports Benefit Jan 20 and 27th
Chicago Jazz Musician Justin Hayford Plays Gershwin at Davenport’s
Fourth annual benefit for AIDS Legal Council of Chicago
On January 20th and 27that
7pm, Chicago musician Justin Hayford will host “The Gershwins in Love,”
evening of classic Gershwin love songs—from the sublime to the
ridiculous. This is the fourth annual benefit for AIDS Legal Council of
Chicago (“ALCC”) at Davenport’s Piano Bar in Wicker Park. Hayford, who
just released his fourth studio album on December 1, will treat
attendees to well-loved Gershwin hits like I’ve Got a Crush on You, ’Swonderful, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, They All Laughed, and Someone to Watch Over Me. Fans should also be prepared for a few rarities that few have ever heard. Hayford has been called “a superb talent” by the Chicago Tribune and a “hip piano-playing saloon singer who should be heard more often” by Rex Reed.
All
proceeds raised from “The Gershwins in Love” shows go directly to AIDS
Legal Council of Chicago. Attendees simply pay whatever they like at
the end of the show.
Reservations can be made online at davenportspianobar.com or by phone at 773-278-1830.
Founded in 1987, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago works to preserve,
promote, and protect the legal rights of men, women, children, and
families in the metropolitan Chicago area impacted by HIV
and
AIDS. The Council provides free direct legal services to people in
need, educates the public about HIV-related legal issues, and advocates
for social policies that ensure fair treatment for all people affected by HIV and AIDS.
Glitz and Glam with Aurora Sexton New Years Eve @ KIT KAT Lounge
AN EVENING of
The Entertainer Of the Year F.I. (EOY) contest system is a Fund Raiser
Event presented for The SLS Pride Foundation, Inc., a non-profit Arts
and Humanities foundation, “Dedicated to the betterment of Diverse
Cultures.”
Many community non-profit organizations have benefited from
the funds raised by The SLS Pride Foundation, Inc., including Metropolitan Community Church of Louisville, Kentucky Theater Project,
Louisville International Film Expo, Louisville Youth Group, Gallopolooza
Louisville Sidewalk Derby, Crusade for Children, Louisville Deaf Oral
School, Bluegrass Classic Tournament, William-Nichols Institute
Educational preservation fund, Fairness Education Fund, Beaux Arts Ball
for Voices of Kentuckiana, University Of Louisville Foundation, Inc.,
Kentuckiana Pride Festival, The Chance School & The Louisville
Visual Arts Association.
Aurora lives in Nashville but gets back to Chicago about once a month.
NEW YEARS EVE, see Aurora live – with 3 choices for the evening.
BOOK EARLY!
SLOTS WILL SELL OUT!
IT’S NEW YEARS EVE!!
Born and raised in Denver, CO, Aurora Sexton is no stranger to the
stage. With an early childhood start in theater and the arts, Aurora has
always been in the spotlight putting her creative talents to work.
With an illustrious career spanning over a decade and an accolade of
titles/crowns and accomplishments to her name, Aurora has become a
staple and well respected icon of nightlife in Chicago since moving to
the windy city 5 years ago.
From her dead on illusions of Dolly Parton to Marylin Manson, exciting
dance routines to swaying the melodies of a ballad, gorgeous glittering
showgirl pieces to barely there sex symbol, this multi-faceted blonde
bombshell will keep you guessing what she’ll come out with next and
always leave you wanting more.
In her time away from stage Aurora works as a freelance makeup artist
for weddings & fashion events, runs party events/promotions and is a
print ad model, most recently becoming the face of Starr Jewels, a top
of the line jewelry company for stage.
Jackie Beat at HYDRATE – Holiday Show Dec 20
Jackie Beat is a very well known drag persona and actor, singer, songwriter and screenwriter.
with love of my life, Alexis Arquette and Lady Bunny.
Get a CD here…Dirty Sanchez
Jackie Beat: A Different Christmas Show!
Hydrate presents….JACKIE BEAT!
SHE’S BACK!!! Jackie Beat is back with her hysterical antics and she’s
giving you something to look forward to this holiday season!
ONE NIGHT ONLY!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
Door open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm!
VIP TICKETS which included seating in the first 3 rows and a complimentary 4 Rebels Cocktail are only $30!
General Admission seating is only $20 in advance and $25 at the door!
Get your tickets today!
THIS WILL SELL OUT!!!
Double Feature Holiday Shows, NOT TO BE MISSED
Santa’s Dead! &
The company that brought you SNOW WHITE AND
THE SEVEN DRAG QUEENS, TWINKIE AND THE BEAST and ALEX IN WONDERLAND are
premiering something new this holiday season!
Giving homage to classic
noir films and Christmas television specials, MidTangent Productions
presents a dazzling and daring musical double feature like no other!
SANTA’S DEAD!
It was just a few days until Christmas. All over the world, children
anxiously awaited that morning when all their dreams would come true.
The elves at the north pole worked and worked. The reindeer were
groomed, the toys were made, and the candy canes were bent.
All seemed
quite well, but one person wasn’t happy and she was going to make sure
that this Christmas she finally got what she wanted! Mrs. Claus and her
conspiring lover, Bubba, had a plan up their jolly sleeves. The elves
suspected foul play. With the help of a private dick and the Queen of
the North Pole, these elves were going to get to the bottom of this, but
they had to hurry! With just a few hours until Christmas, could Mrs.
Claus and Bubba get away with this horrible crime? Would Santa be
avenged? Would the reindeer survive the cold after being completely
shaved due to scabies infection? These mysteries and more to be solved,
crime-fighters!
DIRTY CAROL’S CHRISTMAS
Welcome to Dirty Carol’s Christmas; a party like no other! Come join us
for a little singin’, a little dancin’, and a lot of drinkin’! Your host
for the evening, Dirty Carol, will keep you entertained while trying
her best to get into anyone’s pants. Both family and friends will stop
by to share some Christmas memories and perhaps a song (or seven). This
isn’t your typical holiday party, so leave the warm fuzzies at home,
because Dirty Carol and her friends will leave you feelin’ Dirty!
Performance Dates:
Fridays and Saturdays: through December 22
All show times 9:00pm
Tickets are $10
Shows are 21+
Written by MTP Artistic Director Tony Lewis and company members Aaron
Michael Adamkiewicz and Karla Meyer, these shows continue MTP’s
dedication to bringing original works with a familiar twist to the
Chicago GLBTQ community. This production features many MTP Artistic
Ensemble members both in front and behind the curtain and will have
surprise guest appearances and live entertainment between these one-act
shows.
HYDRATE 3548 N. Halsted
About Face Theatre presents We 3 Lizas
pop culture for its world premiere holiday production WE THREE LIZAS with book and lyrics by
AFT Artistic Associate Scott Bradley, music and additional lyrics by Alan Schmuckler, directed
by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Ferguson, playing through December 23, 2012 in The
Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St., Chicago.
You probably know the name Scott Bradley, who is part of the Scooty and JoJo team, who is best known for his locally produced super camp musicals like Alien Queen, Rosemary Clooneys Baby and Carpenters Halloween. “Really, Liza still sits in this strange place,” Bradeley says. “Everyone knows about Liza as a gay icon because of her resilience – taking the knocks and coming back. She always lived in a different realm than the rest of us. She has always been a part of a Hollywood and Broadway mythology.”
The creators of We 3 Lizas hope that the show will develop a following and become an annual tradition for About Face Theatre. And judging from the response of yesterdays audience, everyone LOVED IT and will keep this show alive for years to come.
This is like a New York show – in Chicago. The Steppenwolf space is awesome. Staging and costumes were brilliant, and the cast was TOP NOTCH. There is a cool lounge space attached with full a full service bar and $5 Drinks! Yes, $5 drinks!
Discounts available for groups of ten or more.
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.
La Soiree with Bath Boy David O’Mer in Chicago until August 5th – MUST SEE Show!
The sexy, funny and dangerous world of LA SOIRÉE! Has arrived in Chicago for a LIMITED engagement!!
A theatrical phenomenon, a unique and inspirational night of live entertainment, LA SOIRÉE’s heady cocktail of cabaret, new burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary variety has taken the world by storm. Showcasing the crème de la crème of twisted cabaret entertainers from around the world, including stars of the Olivier-Award winning La Clique, LA SOIRÉE is an international sensation. And we are very lucky this show has made their North American debut in Chicago!
Fresh from record-breaking and awarding-winning seasons in London and Australia, taking in the iconic Sydney Opera House and Camden’s legendary Roundhouse, LA SOIRÉE is limbering up for a world-wide tour this Summer.
Playing at the The Riverfront Theater, 650 West Chicago Ave., this is Chicago’s newest
destination for music, theater, dance, spectacles and more. Now in its
second year, the 70-foot tall, 20,000 square foot temperature-controlled
tent is the cornerstone of a 80,000 square-foot entertainment complex
that includes dining and refreshment options located on the scenic
Chicago River. (Right behind Japonais Restaurant, across the river).
But what is so cool about La Soiree is everything happens on a tiny round stage that is about 12 feet around. And the audience surrounds the stage, so it is extremely intimate. Winner of the 2012 London Cabaret Awards, La Soiree is very sexy, very funny, and I encourage you to run see this show while it is in Chicago for a very short run!
Denis Lock and Hamish McCann are two delightful and devilish English Gents (above) who perform inconceivable feats of acrobatic skill, strength and balance, all whilst casually puffing a pipe and sporting the stiffest of British upper lips. The act mixes their highly skilled stunts with a dry English wit, unexpectedly climaxing with the two hilariously baring near-all for Queen and country and in the process displaying more pure sex appeal than ever before seen under a bowler hat.
And that’s not all! In a UK first the Gents will be premiering their solo acts with LA SOIRÉE, offering audiences the chance to see beyond the pinstripes and breeches. Denis pays homage to the Far East with a kimono-clad display of towering strength, with an amazing balancing chair act! And Hamish’s pole performance, imagine Fred Astaire from Singing in the Rain meets Cirque du Soleil! will blow you away! Two amazing talented men with bodies that are incredibly strong and rock solid.
It’s been quite a year for Le Gateau Chocolat, the opera-singing diva with a penchant for being wrapped in body hugging lycra and a passion for laughter.
Since first guesting with us at the Hippodrome, La Gateau Chocolat exploded onto London’s cabaret scene and has been garnering praise and adoration across the globe – from Edinburgh to Melbourne, and from TV screens to the cover of Time Out.
This delicious confection is a killer baritone who delivers outrageous yet moving renditions of everything from pop-rock to opera.
A real showstopper, Le Gateau Chocolat has a warmth that will see the whole world addicted to chocolate; that is if you aren’t hooked already!
And then David O’Mer..….sigh. Affectionately known as Bath Boy.
Hailing from Berlin and originally trained as a gymnast, David has been a cornerstone of this dysfunctional family for many years. His now world-famous incarnation as ‘Bath Boy’ leaves audiences damp and breathless in admiration – the combination of wet jeans and awe-inspiring aerial ballet is once-seen, never-forgotten.
David IS the Adonis in denim.
We first discovered David through You Tube a couple years ago. And we thrilled to see him in Chicago and bring his jaw dropping talents to Chicago!
Low lighting, rippling muscles, a near-naked man in a bathtub and
sultry music… his act is probably seven of the sexiest minutes you will ever
experience! Of course, we had to run backstage after the show and meet the infamous “bath man” – and have him autograph the washcloth we caught during his act!
David says, “It’s pretty easy to meet people
after the show because they’re all excited about the act!”
Obviously, his act is highly appealing to gay men and women. But David says straight men seem to enjoy it as well.
“I’ve always waited for guys to just not be into it but I’ve never had a
bad response. Even in corporate performances where the audience is 90
per cent male everyone has loved the show. It made me realise that even
straight guys can just look at the act and not worry about it. “
About 10 acts in all – La Soiree delivers an adult evening of fun and sexy entertainment! Their is a striptease act with mischievous disappearing hankies. From high brow to low brow and from live art to loquacious party tricks,Susannah Martinez treads where few performers dare to go, with the audience right there along for the ride. Expect to emerge from her act with a rudimentary knowledge of bawdy Spanish and a surprising awareness of anatomy.
And then the Supple, sexy, skilful and stunningly handsome, Bret Pfister brings the finest of New York’s cabaret talent to LA SOIRÉE. Equally inspired by the neo-Weimar cabaret movement and the nu-wave, synth-pop sounds of the 1980s, he blends awesome physical skill and a cool insouciance into his exquisite, punked-up aerial ballet.
We could go on and on – but go see this show!
La Soiree
NOW through Sunday 5 August
Show times:
Sunday – Thursday 8pm
Friday & Saturday 6pm and 9pm
Please check here for full performance schedule.
Prices from $ 50.00 – ask about the POSH on stage seating!!!
Click here to book your tickets Telephone: +1 (0) 888 556 9484
A Beautiful Day in the neighborhood with Justin Hayford May 20th
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Wit and Wisdom from
Children’s Public Television
Two of the most influential television programs in history – Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – produced some of the wittiest and most endearing songs in the American popular songbook.
Chicago cabaret performer Justin Hayford has put them together for this special program, along with the fascinating stories behind their creation. This one-night-only show is an encore performance!
The songs may have been written for children, but their cleverness, insight and poignancy resonate at any age. This special encore performance will include additional songs not heard in the original show.
Admission: YOU SET THE ADMISSION PRICE!
Every dollar goes to benefit AIDS Legal Council of Chicago.
Reservations strongly recommended!
Make your reservation at Davenportspianobar.com or call 773-278-1830.
Sunday May 20 at 7 pm.Davenport’s Cabaret & Piano Bar
1383 N. Milwaukee Avenue at Honore
Jersey Boys Special benefit Concert April 30th
CHECK THIS OUT! A very special concert by JERSEY BOYS!
The “Jersey Boys” are Taking It to the Street for Broadway Cares
Kimpton’s Hotel Allegro in partnership with the first national touring cast of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Jersey Boys will hold a one-night only concert and auction to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
On Monday, April 30, the evening begins at 6:30 pm with 1960s
inspired cocktails and party hors d’oeuvres created by the top chefs at
the Allegro. At 7:30, the live band hits the stage and the first
national tour cast of Jersey Boys will rock the Allegro’s Grand
Walnut Ballroom singing the hits of Motown. The night continues with
dessert, dancing, a silent auction boasting autographed Four Seasons
memorabilia and a live auction full of one-of-a-kind Jersey Boys, music and Broadway collectibles.
Date: Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 6:00 pm
Where: Kimpton’s Hotel Allegro
The Grand Walnut Ballroom 171 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
Tickets: $100 – $200
Pianist Philip Fortenberry Jan 22 in Naperville
A true Southern gentleman, pianist Philip Fortenberry will tickle the
ivories whilst telling a story or two when he comes to Naperville.
Fortenberry will perform a cabaret-style show called “Give My Regards”
Jan. 22 at North Central College. The show begins at 6 p.m. in the
College’s Madden Theatre.
During the show, he will perform popular songs spanning all genres and
styles, interspersing them with his own recollections of the many
composers, directors and performers who continue to inspire him.
He has accompanied such legendary Broadway icons as Eartha Kitt, Betty
Buckley, Donna McKechnie and Laurie Beechman in concerts in New York and
across the nation, and currently serves as the associate conductor of
“Jersey Boys” at the Palazzo Theater in Las Vegas.
“’Give My Regards’ is a show I’ve put together. I’ve had a career of
playing for great shows; great music of all sorts of genres from rock
music to Broadway, and I’ve worked with a lot of amazing artists —
singers, choreographers, conductors and composers,” he said. “This show
essentially pays homage to that music from my perspective. I tell
stories about the music that I play from my perspective as a pianist. I
offer a setting, you might say.”
His show is almost entirely him and the piano.
“I will usually do this number that Katharine Hepburn actually recorded, and who knew she could sing? I figured if she could do it, so could I,” he said with a laugh. “That’s the only reason I would ever sing. I talk, I tell the stories, and I play the songs, essentially.”
Some songs you will hear include medleys from “Mamma Mia” and “Saturday Night Fever;” plus songs from musicals like “Cats” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” You’ll even hear some ragtime and Liberace’s “Chopsticks.”
“It’s a variety of things,” he said. “It’s such a broad concept. It covers people and experiences in my life.”
Fortenberry has gone from being a four-year-old child plunking around on a toy piano in Southern Mississippi
to playing at the Palazzo Theater in Las Vegas. It has been a
remarkable journey, he said, and it’s that journey he shares with the
audience.
“’Give My Regards’ — there are a lot of people who came across my path
and a lot of experiences I’ve had that are going to bring me to
Naperville, Illinois,” he said. “Never in my life did I dream that is
where I would find myself. It will be an honor to be there.”
Get a sneak peak with this video!
Christmas Day and New Years Eve at Kit Kat Lounge
Looking for something to
do Christmas Day?
or Christmas evening??
Look no further!
Christmas Day Jingle Bell Brunch!
With live entertainment by Madam X.
At KIT KAT LOUNGE.
With half-price Martinis!
Then Christmas Evening, get 50% off your entire bill – if you bring a canned good donation
for VITAL BRIDGES.
5:30pm-2am
NEW YEARS EVE Kit Kat will offer 2 seatings at 7pm and 10pm
Four course dinner , Traci Ross and more! Get your reservations now!
PH 773.525.1111
KIT KAT
3700 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL
JACKIE BEAT Brings NUTCRACKER to Chicago Dec. 9
Drag superstar JACKIE BEAT
has been
entertaining audiences across the U.S. and in Europe for over two
decades with her razor-sharp comedy and hysterical song parodies.
Jackie not only warps hits by Britney Spears, Madonna, Mary J. Blige,
Christina Aguilera, Cher, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey and many
others, but she flawlessly sings her twisted new versions LIVE — hitting
every last note.
Her hilarious music videos on YouTube
are huge hits that have been seen by millions of people. Her one-woman
show “Jackie Beat Is A Whole Lotta’ Love” ran a record 18 months at
NYC’s premiere cabaret, Fez, and she returns to The Big Apple every year
with her award-winning, standing-room-only holiday show.
FRIDAY DEC. 9th
ONE NIGHT ONLY
Jackie brings her outrageous NUTCRACKER to Chicago
@ Hydrate, 8pm.
THIS IS A MUST SEE SHOW!!!
She is one of the Fashion Police in US Magazine. She says, ” It’s always big fun to make fun of people who are younger, thinner and more successful than I am!”
Jackie’s stand-up has been featured in
comedy clubs across the country and on Comedy Central, VH-1 and MTV.
She was a staff writer for the WB comedy series “Hype!”, has written for
the Sci Fi Channel and was one of US Magazine’s Fashion Police top
cops. Her scathing song parodies have been featured on America’s Top
Forty with Ryan Seacrest, The Howard Stern Show, Much Music TV, Yo on E!
and PerezHilton.com.
She has appeared on many TV shows such
as “Sex and the City” and in several movies including “Flawless” with
Robert DeNiro, the MEGA festival hit WIGSTOCK
(with LADY BUNNY and RuPaul) and the camp cult
horror favorite “Gingerdead Man 3: Saturday Night Cleaver.”
Jackie has toured with Roseanne Barr as her opening act (including a
7 week run at the New York New York in Las Vegas!), enjoys a sold-out
8-week run in Provincetown every summer, and is lead singer of the
popular electro-rock band DIRTY SANCHEZ .
When asked if Roseanne is Nice? or a Bitch? Jackie jokes, “She’s a real nice bitch!”
Show-stopping, jaw-dropping numbers — of music
and comedy — Jackie Beat is your “girl”!
WORD OF WARNING! If you are lucky enough to meet her, DO NOT KISS HER! “It takes me over 2 hours to put this face on. Do you know that kissing a drag queen is TABOO?! I kindly ask people, Would you go to the Louvre and kiss The Mona Lisa? Well, I took almost as long to paint, as she did!“
Air kisses darling, air kisses!
Miss Jackie Beat
Jackie Beat on Facebook
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 @ 8:00 PM
Hydrate: 3458 North Halsted Street, Chicago IL 60657
VIP tix are only $30 which includes seating in the first three rows and a complimentary cocktail!
General Admission tix are $20!
Doors open @ 7:00PM, showtime @ 8:00PM!
Tickets or more info: Hydratechicago.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.
QUEERGASM May 28th at Marys Attic
QUEERGASM!
A Cabaret of
Queer Performance
Saturday May 28,
7-9pm.
Mary’s Attic
5400 N. Clark Ave
Chicago IL
Northwestern University’s Queer Pride Graduate Student Association presents an evening of burlesque, drag, stand up, sketch comedy, belly dance, poetry, music, and more! Featuring DAAN, Candy Lawrence, Jay Welch, Rebecca Kling, Dan Stermer, Mo Welch, Trandroid, Oliver Bendorf, Lahore Vagistan and more!
Come find out what makes YOU queergasm!
Queergasm! is part of NUQPGSA’s annual Queertopia! academic festival, and is co-sponsored by The Sexualities Project at Northwestern, NU Performance Studies, and NU Gender Studies.
northwestern.edu/queerpride
Simon Cowell Holds Search for X Factor in Chicago
The X Factor?
It’s Simon Cowell’s new prime-time television show of make it or break it competition and it’s hitting the small screen this fall. And this time, there are no restrictions.
Solo singers, vocal groups and anyone over the age of 12 will have the chance to win a $5 million recording contract with Sony music.
If you think you’ve got what it takes, auditions start on March 27 in Los Angeles and will travel to Miami, Seattle, Chicago, Newark and Dallas. Now is your chance to sign up, who knows, you could be the next big star.
Los Angeles March 26/27
Miami April 6/7
New Jersery April 13/14
Seattle April 19/20
Chicago April 26/27
Dallas May 25/27
Be sure to visit Fox X Factor for a step-by-step guide for your audition – everything you need to know to show up and be prepared.
Deep In A Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker March 19-20
has played at The Castro Theater in San Francisco, CA and at Chicago’s famed Green Mill in 2009.
New York Times Best Selling Author James Gavin will be joining with some of my favorite artists and the author himself to celebrate in spoken word and music Deep In a Dream, James Gavin’s biography of jazz giant Chet Baker.
James Gavin, a contributing writer to the New York Times since 1992, has been published in Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, TV Guide, JazzTimes, Town & Country, and other periodicals. His second book (DEEP IN A DREAM) went into its second printing in its first five weeks. It has been covered in the London Times, the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, the Wall Street Journal, and numerous other publications.
James Gavin has been interviewed on NPR a dozen times, including by Terry Gross, and will do his fifth interview for the BBC this month. The European printing of “Deep In a Dream” will appear in October. James Gavin has been featured on television from Coast to Coast, as well as over one hundred newspaper reviews in support of Deep In a Dream. He has written liner notes for over 300 albums, including Ella Fitzgerald: The Legendary Decca Recordings, which won Gavin a Grammy nomination in 1996. Gavin recently wrote STORMY WEATHER: The Life and Music of Lena Horne which was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in 2010.
Celebrate Chet Baker on Saturday, March 19 (6:30pm) at Katerina’s Supper Club
(1920 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL)
Deep In A Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker A narrated concert featuring the author of Deep In A Dream, James Gavin. Featuring vocals by Spider Saloff with Dennis Luxion, piano, Art Davis, trumpet
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY CALLING 773-348-7592
ALSO – On Sunday, March 20th (4pm to 6pm) the Salon Series. Best-selling Author James Gavin. Gavin will discuss and then open up an interactive Q & A as he leads discussion and remembers American icon, Lena Horne and jazz star Chet Baker.
Tickets officially tickets available now online for March 20th featuring James Gavin with special guest Spider Saloff
More details at KMP
Best Gay Chicago.com
One of the Best Brunches in Boystown Chicago – with Live Entertainment
Where else can you have
Brunch on a Sunday afternoon in
Chicago AND get treated to
live vocal stylings and
top-notch entertainment?!
The Madam X Brunch on Sundays at KIT KAT LOUNGE will WOW YOU! Often voted Best Martini Bar in Chicago and Best Entertainment, the creative team behind the Kit Kat Lounge re-launched their Sunday Brunch earlier this year, with the help of Kit Kat veteran Madam X.
“We used to do brunch a long time ago and stopped. But this past summer, Edward and Ramesh decided to bring brunch back and I host every Sunday! It’s a DIVA-LICIOUS Brunch, Sundays 11am-3pm. !”
You can choose the 2-course $25 gourmet brunch which includes free flowing Bloody Marys and Mimosa’s or Select a delicious Big Brunch item and get unlimited Bloody Marys or Mimosa’s for just $10 more. PLUS, martini’s are half-off.
Everything here is BIG – so come hungry! Big Fat Greek Wedding ($12) is an Omelette with feta cheese, spinach and grilled chicken. Big Daddy ($12) is Eggs Florentine topped with smoked ham and a spicy bernaise sauce. My favorite is BIG BUSINESS! ($18) Butter poached Maine Lobster with fresh avocado and Applewood smoked bacon! YUM! See the whole menu online .
YOUR HOSTESS Madam X is a critically acclaimed entertainer based in Chicago and has been a Kit Kat Diva since 2000. Known for her dazzling costumes, she has graced numerous entertainment venues showcasing her live vocal stylings of past and present female icons with her own special twist.
“I was 6 years old when I first sang in public.” says Madam X. “I was born in the Philippines and performed in a church full of Methodists! I ended up moving to Iowa and went to school there. During college, I came to Chicago and studied the city, for one of my classes. I always liked it here, but never thought I would end up living here.”
“I love it here. I love Chicago and I love the Kit Kat Lounge. We are a family here. I support them and they support me, and all that I do! I am so excited to be hosting the Diva-Licious Brunch again!”
For HALLOWEEN , Sunday October 31st, Madam X and the Kit Kat Lounge serve up a special Rocky Horror Brunch from 11am-3pm!
Kit Kat Lounge 3700 N. Halsted Chicago 773-525-1111
Cabaret For a Cause October 11th
Cabaret For A Cause
at the Metropolis Theater
in Arlington Hts October 11, 2010 at 7:30p.m.
Some of the best Cabaret singers from Chicago and some Hunters Hunks dancers also. Songs from the 60’s Disco and even John Michael Coppola from the cast of Jersey Boys when it was in Chicago.
A night of pure fun for everyone, to support Open Door Clinic .
Tickets are $45 and $50 and can be purchased online .
