Category Archives: Celebrity
Larry Kramer’s The Tragedy of Today’s Gays
Open Space Arts presents a world premiere stage event
THE KRAMER PROJECT to benefit Center on Halsted
The inaugural production is adapted and directed by David Zak
Open Space Arts announced its inaugural production of THE KRAMER PROJECT directed and adapted by David Zak from Larry Kramer’s (THE NORMAL HEART) watershed speech “The Tragedy of Today’s Gays”.
“In this season of anti-trans legislation, looming supreme court decisions, and orders to ‘Don’t Say Gay”, I found myself wondering ‘What would Larry Kramer say?’” recounts Zak. “‘The Tragedy of Today’s Gays’ calls out to be shared in a new way even now, two years after his death.”
This will be the first production for Open Space Arts, a non-profit dedicated to producing works of social relevance. All proceeds of the production will go to the Center on Halsted, a community center for LGBT+ Chicagoans in Lakeview.
The production runs July 22 – July 31 at Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted.
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(sidebar – if you are NOT familiar with Larry Kramer, he was a noted writer whose raucous, antagonistic campaign for an all-out response to the AIDS crisis helped shift national health policy in the 1980s and ’90s.
An author, essayist and playwright — notably hailed for his autobiographical 1985 play, “The Normal Heart” — Mr. Kramer had feet in both the world of letters and the public sphere. In 1981 he was a founder of New York’s Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the very first service organization for H.I.V.-positive people, though his fellow directors effectively kicked him out a year later for his aggressive approach.
He was then a founder of a more militant group, Act Up (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), whose street actions demanding a speedup in AIDS drugs research and an end to discrimination against gay men and lesbians severely disrupted the operations of government offices, Wall Street and the Roman Catholic hierarchy.
He passed away in 2020 at the age of 24
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Demoralized by the reelection of George W. Bush in 2004 and the 60 million voters who chose his ‘Moral Values,’ Larry Kramer gave what he called ‘the most difficult speech I ever had to give.” That speech, titled “The Tragedy of Today’s Gays”, was heralded as a “strident but truthful lecture” by The Boston Globe. In the wake of Trump’s presidency, David Zak revisited the speech and “found it still vibrant and stirring.” Zak initially worked with Kramer to adapt his speech into a theatrical work, having worked with the author previously on the Chicago premiere of Kramer’s comedy about the Reagans JUST SAY NO.
THE KRAMER PROJECT is the first event for Open Space Arts, a new non-profit dedicated to works of social relevance. Ticket sales from the six performances will benefit Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland.
The Cast includes Tom Chiola, Keith Butler, Elijah Newman, Hailey Hance, Roberto del Rio, Alexandria Moorman, and Ryan Quade. The video design is by Magdiel Carmona, and the original music is by Elijah Newman.
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THE KRAMER PROJECT
Adapted and Directed by David G. Zak from a “The Tragedy of Today’s Gays” by Larry Kramer
Produced by Open Space Arts / July 21, 22, 23, 28, 30, and 31 at 7PM
Hoover-Leppen Theater on the 3rd Floor of Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60613
Located in Lakeview, north of the Addison Redline stop, near the 36, 8, and 152 CTA Bus lines
Tickets are $30 VIP, $20 General, $10 Seniors and Students.
Tickets on sale starting June 15 at https://www.centeronhalsted.org/
Chicago Pridefest June 18-19
2022 Gay Pride Event returns to America’s first recognized LGBTQ community
The weekend before the 2022 Chicago Pride Parade (June 26), the Chicago Pride Fest returns for 2 days: June 18-19.
The festival features live music by headline artists and local favorites, 3 stages, food and drink, 150+ arts/crafts vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, sponsored presence, games, giveaways and more.
The annual Chicago Pride Fest® is a legendary street festival, held the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (last Sunday in June). With upwards of 60,000 expected to attend, join us in celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community.
A $15 suggested donation for entry helps pays performers and festival workers, and funds community programs. Generous public donations paid for the Chicago Pride Crosswalks; 14 rainbow paved intersections installed in 2019 that make up the longest installation of it’s kind in the world.
See PERFORMERS HERE!
(Alaska, pictured)
Master Class in Cooking with Chef Tong
Chicago’s Chef Tong is now offering something pretty cool! NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE!
Private Virtual Cooking Classes from My Private Chef
I love to attend Chef Tong’s cooking classes when he holds them in Chicago. But now with technology, you can cook alongside this world-renowned, international chef during a private, one-on-one video session!
Cooking is such a satisfying way of getting creative at home. Now, with a personalized class from My Private Chef, you get to expand your skills, or try new foods, or prepare old favorites. How about introducing a young family member to the world of cooking?
Here’s how it works: Chef Christopher Tong will work with you to create your menu, provide an ingredients list, recipes and a demonstration based on your selection. You set up a date and time via video conference. Chef Chris will lead you step by step to perfection.
Cooking at home has never been so fun!
For more details, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
Become a Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/ChefChrisTong
Grabby Awards Show Streaming LIVE This Year May 30th
The annual GRABBYS Award Show, highlighting top talent and performances in the gay erotic film industry, will take place on Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. CDT.
This annual event is usually held in Chicago each Spring, to sold-out audiences. Due to current state and local restrictions related to COVID-19, the event will be live-streamed. The event is expected to reach thousands of more fans this year around the world!
“Despite the unfortunate situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the show must go on — safely,” said show producer Stacy Bridges. “We’re excited the GRABBYS is the first gay erotic award show to be live-streamed, providing more fans the opportunity to join the celebration for FREE! And unlike our live-stage productions, the show this year will feature adult- material, such as X-rated film clips for ‘Best Movie’ nominees!”
Chi Chi LaRue and Honey West
will return for the 21st year as virtual hostesses; Chi Chi LaRue from Minneapolis and Honey West in Chicago.
The show is expected to be approximately 90 minutes.
GayVN Stars is the presenting sponsor. “We are thrilled to be working with our friends at the GRABBYS to stream their highly anticipated ceremony live on our GayVN Stars platform,” said AVN Media Network CEO Tony Rios. “We’re looking forward to seeing all the fans of adult entertainment worldwide come together online for this special interactive broadcast event.”
The nominees this year include;
850Bdt, Aumphreak4, BillySantoroXXX, CadeMaddoxxx,
CodyGunzXXX, CutlerX, DillonAndersonX, DirkCaber, DreGilcrest, Hattrickz91, HossKado, HungerFF, King111_, LeoGiamani3, LevyFoxxXXX, Maxadonisxxx, MichaelLucasNYC, MinoFlexXX, PoppersGod, RCandDigger, RafaelMovies, RayDexterXXX, RealMenFullBush, RhyheimShabazz, RoccoSteeleNYC, RopeTrainKeep, SeanHardingXXX, SeanZevran, TheGrayMerchant, TripleXTransMan, TylerHillXXX, TylerSaintReal, Zackybro101, adamrussoxxx, atxpapi, cagedjock, deepfillernyc,
devinfrancoxxx, eagerbttmxxx, edjidasilvaxx, grgisthewerd, griffinbarrowsx, iammisterbolden, itskravemelanin, jackmackenroth, loganstevensxxx, maxkonnorxxx, nickcapra, phatrabbitkill2, and rastadikk.
Additional sponsors include GRAB Magazine, Swiss Navy Lube, Justfor.fans and Steamworks Baths Chicago. (New issues of GRAB MAGAZINE are available online for free, every other week!)
For more information and updates, visit www.GrabbyAwards.com.
Art of Healthy Cooking with Chef Tong Oct. 26th
Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef returns to Bloomingdale’s for a Healthy Cooking demonstration during the Wellness Event. He will give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite recipes:
-Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Cumin and Curry
-Baked Salmon with Fennel, Bell Peppers, Kalamata Olives, Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
-Crustless Apple Pie, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
The demonstration will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue,Chicago. Culinary Kitchen on 1. Come early because the seats fill up fast.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Free French Cooking Demo June 15
My Private Chef presents French Favorites
at Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store
A favorite whenever he appears, Chef Chris Tong of the private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef returns to the Bloomingdale’s for a French Bistro cooking demonstration.
Chef will prepare a mouthwatering menu and give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone will enjoy a taste of each dish.
Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite recipes:
- Escargot Bourguignonne
- Steak au Poivre
- Haricot Verts
- Pommes Puree
He will appear on Saturday, June 15 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Demo kitchen on 1.
For more information about this free Bloomingdale’s event, please call 312.324.7678
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services.
Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation
at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago.
Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining.
My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from
intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my
work worthwhile. I also love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get
the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
We hope to see you there!
May 14th Cook Eat and Drink with Chef Tong
Chef Tong Presents a Taste of Spring at
Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park
Celebrate the arrival of Spring!
Chef Christopher Tong returns to present Spring fare that is sure to satisfy your gourmet tastes.
His demonstration will be held on Tuesday, May 14 from 7-9:00pm.
Chef’s Menu:
- Asparagus salad with red and yellow bell peppers, Champagne-saffron vinaigrette
- Lemon spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, basil, lemon zests, focaccia crisp
- Strawberry flambé with green peppercorns, vanilla bean ice cream
Chef will give you step-by-step directions and shopping tips, while answering all of your questions. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
The cost is $20.00 per person. The cooking class is on the mezzanine level in the on-site cooking classroom at the Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park,1550 North Kingsbury, Chicago.
Feel free to bring a bottle of wine as well! BYOB
Chef Tong’s classes are popular at Whole Foods Market so we suggest you sign up early to guarantee your place in the class.
To register for the class, call Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park at 312.587.0648 or sign up at the Customer Service Desk. Credit card or cash payment will hold your place in the class.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
We hope to see you there!
ABOUT CHEF;
Christopher Tong is the owner of My Private Chef, the elegant Chicago-based private chef and gourmet dining service.
Born and trained in Germany, Chef Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive contemporary Continental and French cuisine for more than twenty five years. After he was recruited to join the culinary staff of Ciel Blue, a famous award-winning restaurant in Chicago, he continued his career at prestigious establishments around the U.S., including the Walt Disney Swan Hotel in Orlando, the world famous Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills and the Sutton Place Hotel and Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.
Chef Tong’s cooking demonstrations are a favorite. He regularly appears on local television, at Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, Williams-Sonoma, Sur La Table, Gilda’s Club Chicago, Whole Foods, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago’s Green City Market and In the Kitchen with Mariano’s at the Taste of Chicago.
Christopher was named one of the top 100 Chefs in Chicago and received the 2000 Gold Medal Award by the American Tasting Institute. He has served as a judge at the Illinois Institute of Art and is a member of the James Beard Foundation. He teaches his skills to students in the Culinary Arts Program at St. Augustine College.
CHER in Milwaukee May 12th
CHER will be back in Milwaukee May 12th!
With her HERE WE GO AGAIN tour! This time, she will perform at the new Fiserv Arena at 111 Vel R. Phillips Ave.
The DRESSED TO KILL tour was the last time Cher was in MKE in 2014.
This new tour will support her recent 26th album, DANCING QUEEN! A reimagining of classic ABBA songs!
NILE ROGERS & CHIC are expected to open! An amazing night of dancing music!
CHER Feb 8th in Chicago
Just about 4 weeks away! Cher will bring her HERE WE GO AGAIN tour to the United Center with NILE RODGERS AND CHIC!
This is Cher’s first tour in five years. She will be hitting the road starting January 17 in Fort Myers, FL and will be crossing the U.S. with stops in Atlanta, Chicago, Brooklyn, and more before wrapping up in St. Paul, MN May 18th.
Cher never disappoints! And we are very lucky in Chicago to have Nile Rodgers and Chic playing the same night! Nile just recently released his first album in 26 years, It’s About Time.
The Rodgers/Chic sound has evolved in those 26 years. It’s a fun, solid return that brings funk and disco to modern pop, despite sounding like it’s reaching a bit too hard for modern relevancy.
Tickets are still available!
Cooking with Wild Game Dec 4th with Chef Tong
Chef Tong Presents a Wild Game Menu
at Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park
Are you “game” for some exotic and delicious tastes? Then you will love “Wild Game Night” with Chef Chris introducing you to exciting rarely served selections.
Chef’s Menu:
Appetizer: Quail Egg, Dill Cream Cheese, Salmon Caviar on Pumpernickel Bread
Entrée: Seared Bison Tenderloin, Blueberry Chili Ancho Sauce, Sweet Potato Croquettes and Haricots Verts
Dessert: Pomegranate and Lime Parfait
Chef will give you step-by-step directions and shopping tips, while answering all of your questions. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
His demonstration will be held on Tuesday, December 4 from 7-9:00pm. The cost is $25.00 per person. (BYOB if you would like!)
The cooking class is on the mezzanine level in the on-site cooking classroom at the Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park,1550 North Kingsbury, Chicago.
Chef Tong’s classes are popular at Whole Foods Market so we suggest you sign up early to guarantee your place in the class.
To register for the class, call Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park at 312.587.0648 or sign up at the Customer Service Desk. Credit card or cash payment will hold your place in the class.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
We hope to see you there!