Category Archives: Celebrity
Drag Queen Christmas Dec 2nd at VIC
A Drag Queen Christmas
returns to Chicago
Dec 2nd at the VIC Theatre!
(In 34 cities total!)
The Naughty Tour now in it’s 5th year.
Get tickets plus meet & greet at https://www.DragFans.com
The national tour is presented
exclusively by Murray & Peter!
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
Glitzy Show Bar Restaurant LIPS Chicago Opens!
The ULTIMATE in DRAG DINING has arrived in Chicago!
WOWZA! Gorgeous place and fantastic food and drink! Opulence, darling!
Locations in New York City, San Diego, Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, now we can experience America’s #1 DRAG SHOW EXPERIENCE for over 25 years at Lips Chicago.
Lips offers nightly drag queen shows and dining experience with full bar. Every night a different drag queen show including celebrity impersonators in Dinner with the Divas, Twisted Broadway, Celebrity Divas and Dragalicious Gospel Brunch on Sunday. Grand Opening Weekend was sold out!
Not only do they offer the best in drag queen entertainment, but an exquisite menu from lobster ravioli, Filet Mignon to our chocolate sin dessert and more!
Little Goat Diner’s Tom J Schmitt is the executive chef! Everything I tasted was wonderful. They offer a VIP Prix Fixe menu option for $39.95 or you can order al carte. – Cover charge and minimums depend on what night you attend.
Lips offers an amazing ALL YOU CAN DRINK Drag Gospel Boozy Brunch in Chicago every Sunday for $30! Reservations for any night, are always required!
Lips is a Las Vegas-style drag wonderland with Four massive eight-foot crystal chandeliers that dangle overhead, offsetting pink leopard tufted walls, velvet curtains, and a bevy of bejeweled mirrors. The venue’s stage features a throne — the performers are queens, after all. The 8,000 square-foot space seats 174, so diners should expect a crowd.
Featuring primarily local talent, Lips’ queens will not only serve up a great show – they will also serve you dinner. Doubling as lively waitresses, the entertainers will take orders and deliver meals with a special side of camp, giving every audience member a front-row seat to the nightly show, which will include lip syncing, live vocals, bawdy humor, choreographed numbers and campy comedy.
2229 S Michigan Ave 312-815-2662!
Penny Arcade at City Winery June 25
Penny Arcade’s one-woman-show Longing Lasts Longer
Tuesday, June 25 at 8:00 pm at City Winery Chicago
JUST IN TIME FOR PRIDE!!! The long-overdue Chicago debut of underground performance legend Penny Arcade and her one woman show Longing Lasts Longer is a rock n’ roll blend of stand-up comedy and memoir in which she offers perspectives on the effects of gentrification. Arcade’s performance is the same week as the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion and PENNY WAS THERE THROWING BRICKS! (Note, she prefers the word “uprising” to “riots.”)
She was on the scene in NYC with Patti Smith, Lou Reed, and Andy Warhol, to drop a few names.
Arcade, also known as Susana Ventura, is an internationally respected performance artist, writer, poet, and experimental theater maker known for her magnetic stage presence, her take-no-prisoners wit, and her content rich plays and one-liners. She is the author of ten scripted performance plays and hundreds of performance art pieces. Arcade’s decade-long focus on the creation of community and inclusion as the goals of performance, and her efforts to use performance as a transformative act mark her as a true original in American theater and performance. The work she does has always focused on the other and the outsider, giving voice to those marginalized by society. Longing Lasts Longer’s street smarts and exuberance open a crack in our planet’s post-gentrified landscape with its razor sharp satire.
Tickets $25-35. citywinery.com/Chicago.
SNEAK PEAK ON YOUTUBE
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.
Chicago Pridefest 2019 Leann Rimes
The 19th annual Chicago Pride Fest®, June 22-23, 2019, is a legendary two-day street festival held the weekend leading up to the Chicago Pride Parade, celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community.
This year marks a milestone as we honor the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and the birth of the Pride movement.
This year features multi-platinum Grammy winner Leann Rimes, Brazilian sensation Pabllo Vittar & Broadway newcomer Alex Newell, and more artists to be announced soon!
Also featuring local favorites: Sixteen Candles – Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press – Boy Band Review – Catfight – Don’t Speak – Hello Weekend – Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus – Chicago Spirit Brigade – Miss Foozie’s Pride Pet Parade.
More info on 2019 Performers.
Cirque du Soleil VOLTA Extended
Cirque du Soleil is excited to add two weeks of performances of VOLTA’s Chicago engagement this spring. The show will be presented under its signature Big Top at the Soldier Field South Lot, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, May 18 – July 6, 2019. Tickets, starting at $49, are available for purchase by visitingcirquedusoleil.com/volta or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783).
The show
Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgment of others.
BMX & Street Sports
The creators of VOLTA drew inspiration from the spirit of adventure that pervades the world of BMX, street sports and acrobatics. Whether they are on a bike, hopping from rooftop to rooftop, or double dutch rope skipping, urban sports enthusiasts constantly challenge themselves and defy convention.
Sure to be a Chicago crowd pleaser, VOLTA features a full-blown BMX park mounted on stage in front of the audience’s very eyes for the breathtaking BMX finale as riders invade the stage to deliver a jaw-dropping, fast and furious performance of nonstop acrobatics on wheels. The riders go up the jump boxes and perform air tricks before landing and leaping off the ramps again, crisscrossing and spinning their bikes in midair in a spirit of brotherhood.
The name VOLTA refers to a sudden about-face, a change in emotion or idea often used in poetry. It also speaks to the jolt of energy delivered through the show.
The Costumes
The stunning costumes of VOLTA have been designed by Zaldy Goco, famous for his work with Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefany and for TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Ticket Information
VOLTA will be presented under the Big Top at the Soldier Field South Lot, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, starting May 18. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/volta. Discover our VIP package – a cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’ oeuvres inspired by the show, access to the best seats for greater comfort, complimentary parking and more!
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!
Cirque du Soleil brings new production, VOLTA May 2019
Cirque du Soleil brings VOLTA, its newest Big Top production, to new Chicago location, Soldier Field South Lot, May 18 – June 23, 2019!
Tickets on sale exclusively to Cirque Club members November 20;
General on-sale begins November 26 (‘Cyber Monday’)
Get a sneak peek of VOLTA here!
Cirque du Soleil returns to Chicago with VOLTA, a captivating voyage of discovery! Inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA explores the themes of celebrating differences and unique qualities in a world where technology often isolates people from one another rather than freeing them. Written and directed by Bastien Alexandre, with Jean Guibert as the director of creation, VOLTA weaves acrobatics in a visually striking world driven by a stirring melodic score, composed by Anthony Gonzalez from the international electronic group M83. For the first time, VOLTA will perform under its signature Big Top at the Soldier Field South Lot, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, May 18 – June 23, 2019.
Access to the best seats and prices are available for existing Cirque Club members beginning Tuesday, November 20. Visitcirquedusoleil.com/cirqueclub to sign up for a complimentary membership. Cirque Club members receive advance access to the best seats under the Big Top, at the best price.
Tickets
Tickets (starting at $49) will be available to the general public beginning Monday, November 26, 2018, aka ‘Cyber Monday,’ by visitingcirquedusoleil.com/volta or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Discover Cirque’s Hennessy Black VIP Experience package which includes a cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’oeuvres inspired by the show, access to the best seats for greater comfort, complimentary parking and more!
The show
Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgment of others.
The name VOLTA refers to a sudden about-face, a change in emotion or idea often used in poetry. It also speaks to the jolt of energy delivered through the show.
FOLLOW VOLTA!
Social Media:
Twitter: @Cirque #VOLTA
Instagram: cirquedusoleil #VOLTA
Drag Queen Christmas – Naughty Tour Nov 23rd
They are back!
A fabulous assortment of your favorite queens!
Drag Queen Christmas – The Naughty Tour!
at the VIC Theatre November 23rd.
It’s a Hilarious evening of holiday performances featuring contestants from the reality television show on VH1.
The Naughty Tour will feature Drag Race contestants Latrice Royale INC., Naomi Smalls, Thorgy Thor, Raja Gemini, Miss Vanjie , Monet X Change & Farrah Moan and hosted by the one and only Miz Cracker.
These talented girls will get you into the holiday spirit, with a naughty twist!
Plus special guests the Zakar Twins as Santa’s helpers!
Doors at 7pm, show at 8pm. There will be a 20-minute intermission.
This special event is Presented by Murray & Peter. Get tour info at www.DragFans.com
Super Fan packages are also available in the first few rows with a first-in-line meet and greet pass, official tour poster and laminate with lanyard.
The holidays were never this naughty!
All ages welcome.
Tickets range $35 – $150 GET TICKETS!
Venue Information:
The Vic Theatre
3145 N. Sheffield
Chicago, IL, 60657
http://jamusa.com/the-vic/
CHER Dancing Queen!
SEE THAT GIRL…
WATCH THAT GIRL…
SHE’S THE DANCING QUEEN!
She’s back! At 72 and going strong!
The one and only Cher will released Dancing Queen last week, a new album of all Abba hits by Warner Bros. Records.
The Oscar, Emmy and Grammy Award winning icon was inspired to record the album following her stunning performance in the recently-released mega-hit film, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.
Commented Cher: “I’ve always liked Abba and saw the original Mamma Mia musical on Broadway three times. After filming Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, I was reminded again of what great and timeless songs they wrote and started thinking ‘why not do an album of their music?’ The songs were harder to sing than I imagined but I’m so happy with how the music came out. I’m really excited for people to hear it. It’s a perfect time.”
Dancing Queen was recorded and produced in London and Los Angeles with Cher‘s longtime collaborator Mark Taylor, who previously produced Cher‘s global smash “Believe” which was number one in over 50 countries. And it does not disappoint! I truly love the last song on CD I think the best, “One of Us”.
Cher is scheduled to be awarded a Kennedy Center Honor on December 2nd in Washington DC.
She is a co-producer of the The Cher Show, the upcoming Broadway musical opening on December 3rd ( we saw it in Chicago and LOVED IT!)
She is currently performing a residency at MGM Resorts. Get tickets HERE!
Cher will be in Chicago with the HERE WE GO AGAIN tour February 8th. Get Tickets NOW
Cooking with Chef Tong Bloomingdales Oct 20
Always a favorite, Chef Tong of the private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef returns to the Bloomingdale’s for a cooking demonstration.
Chef Chris will prepare a mouthwatering menu and give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite recipes:
• Fattoush Salad with Lemon Pomegranate Dressing
• Duroc Pork Chop, Apple Calvados Sauce
• Chocolate Risotto
Mark your calendar for October 20, 2-4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago. Culinary Kitchen on 1.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact Gerardo Valadez, 312.324.7678.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
My Private Chef, Inc
312.914.5225
www.myprivatechef.net
Become a Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/
Elite Traveler Magazine – Global Black Book – Chicago’s Most Accomplished Luxury Private Chef
Chicago Magazine, “63 Ways to Pamper Yourself” – Luxury Private Chef Service
North Shore Magazine “Cooking Your Heart Out” – Luxury Private Chef for Romantic Dining
Sexy Sassy Adam Rippon in Chicago Sept 14th
We are SO EXCITED Chicago House brought back their Speakers Series this year!
Chicago House, the leading social services provider for housing and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, will host their 8th Speaker Series headlined by Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon on Friday, September 14th.
Held at the historic Hilton Chicago’s Grand Ballroom from 11 am – 2 pm, the luncheon will feature a VIP Reception and premier cuisine benefiting Chicago House. Emceed by NBC reporter Chris Hush, guests can expect laughs, stories of triumphs and resilience from these two 
dynamic and prominent figures in the LGBTQ community as Chicago House highlights the theme of ‘Authentic Selves.’
America’s first openly gay Olympic figure skater, Adam Rippon, helped lead USA’s figure skating team to a bronze medal with his stunning performance this year.
But while snatching trophies, Rippon was also winning American hearts nationwide. The skater has shown through various interviews and tweets that he is truly one of the funniest (and sassiest) Olympians to ever grace the ice.
If you’re enchanted by Rippon’s on-camera wit, then you need to drop everything you’re doing and follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
Then came dancing with the stars! Adam and his partner Jenna Johnson were crowned winners of the all athlete season. Rippon is the first male figure skater to win the competition, as well as the first LGBTQ winner.
“Winning the Mirrorball now has taken on a whole new meaning,” he said. “I never thought somebody like me would be accepted, but I really feel love. That’s why I’m so excited for what we have in store.”
Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon will Headline 2018 Chicago House Speaker Series September 14th, 11am-2pm
Tickets now available for purchase – Click here for purchasing information
NYC “Drag Darling” PAIGE TURNER Sept 28th
NYC Drag Superstar PAIGE TURNER makes her Chicago debut and exposes the unvarnished truth of how she climbed her way to the top in a world filled with bottoms in this hysterical evening of live singing, outrageous comedy, videos and over the top parodies!
Life can be a drag—and Paige Turner wouldn’t have it any other way! Featuring ALL -LIVE sung songs from LaLa Land, One Direction, Burlesque, Hamilton, and many more. Get ready to ride on a rainbow as this tawdry blonde bombshell takes you into her phantasmagorical world of mayhem and foolishness!
ONE SHOW ONLY!
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28TH at 10pm
This is a small intimate venue – and tickets are going fast!
get your tickets
The critics rave!
“Paige Turner is the ultimate theater queen.” – New York Times
“Paige Turner is delectably witty and talented! “ OUT MAGAZINE
“Paige Turner has the stuff that legends are made of” -Theater in the Now
“Hilarious. Cheeky-old school glamour!” — Huffington Post
Get a glimpse HERE.
Known as the Carol Burnett of Drag, “Showbiz Spitfire” PAIGE TURNER is one the original creators and host of NYC’s live drag reality show “So You Think You Can Drag?” She is a 2 time Glam Award winner and is known for her over the top parodies on you tube.
She tours internationally in her All -Live one woman shows, including her critically acclaimed show “Confessions of an Un-Natural Blonde” and “Make America Gay Again!” She coined the phrase Slurp! which is also the name of the longest running drag show in NYC! She is currently part of the cast Shade: QUEENS OF NYC, on the Fusion Network and has been featured several times on WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE! On Bravo.
Get tickets for her Chicago show!
Lunch with Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon Sept 14
FRIDAY September 14th!
Luncheon with speakers Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon!
Chicago House, the leading social services provider for housing and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, will present their 2018 Speaker Series headlined by Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon on Friday, September 14th. Held at the historic Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom from 11 AM – 2 PM, the luncheon will feature an exclusive VIP meet and greet reception and premier cuisine benefiting Chicago House. Emceed by NBC Chicago reporter Chris Hush, guests can expect laughs, stories of triumphs and resilience from these two dynamic and prominent figures in the LGBTQ community as the 8th Speaker Series highlights the theme of “Authentic Selves.”
For more hilarious quotes from the award winning comedian celebrating her Authentic Self join us for the Speaker Series next Friday, September 14th! VIP Meet and Greet tickets available. Inquiries regarding ticketing contact Janessa D. Butler atjdennis@chicagohouse.org.
Camp Wannakiki Hits YouTube
Summer Camp is a Drag!
The premise is simple… take eight drag queens to see who can last the week at an actual Summer Camp and claim the crown “Queen of Camp!” CAMP WANNAKIKI is a new drag reality show airing on YouTube.
This hilarious new show features eight of the campiest campers in the Midwest (O’laysia Prime, Dominique DeGrant, VajayJ Snappinturtle, Pagan Holladay, Sylvia Nixx, Alexis P Bevels, Muffy Fishbasket and C’est Kevvie), along with kooky Camp Counselor Dear Ruthie and Camp Directors Apple Brown Betty and Cherry Pi!
Each episode reprises a day at camp, where campers perform various activities best suited for 10 year olds, as opposed to grown-ass drag queens. Tune in for the hilarity that ensues!
This entertaining competition keeps the focus on fun and friendship, while giving drama and backstabbing the cold shoulder, as was the goal of creators and producers Ashley and Brandon Wright.
The Wrights are real life twin brothers and drag life twin sisters Apple Brown Betty and Cherry Pi Sugarbaker. The twins are also co-owners of Hamburger Mary’s International, and were recently featured on the hit CBS show “Undercover Boss.” Going on 20 locations, Mary’s is known not only for their gourmet burgers, but also for putting on great drag shows across the country.
Let’s Eat, drink and be “Mary” this summer at Camp Wannakiki!
Follow the campy fun on YouTube
Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon September 14th!
The Chicago House Speaker Series Luncheon never disappoints! This year I am SO EXCITED, two people I think are just fantastic, Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon will be speaking September 14, 2018!
I think everyone knows both of these names. Neither needs much an introduction.
In November 2008, Wanda Sykes publicly came out as a lesbian while at a same-sex marriage rally in Las Vegas regarding Proposition 8. Her career was really just taking off. A month earlier, Sykes had married her partner Alex Niedbalski, a French woman, whom she had met in 2006. The couple also became parents on April 27, 2009, when Alex gave birth to a pair of fraternal twins, daughter Olivia Lou and son Lucas Claude.
Wanda was not planning to come out publicly as a lesbian during her impromptu 2008 speech in Las Vegas. But she did!
“When I came out, it wasn’t a planned thing at all. It was a national day of protest against the passage of Prop 8,” Sykes says in an exclusive clip from the documentary. “I said, ‘Okay where’s the rally, we are going to go to the rally.’ And I did. And in my speech I said that I got married and I’m p—–.”
She realized later the magnitude of the statement.
“I get to the hotel, turn on the TV and on the CNN scroll it says ‘Comedian Wanda Sykes: ‘I’m proud to be gay.'”
“I was like, ‘Oh, this is a big (expletive) deal. I’m a black woman. A celebrity. And I’m out.’ It was big deal. No regrets
In 2009, she was named in Out magazine’s “Annual Power 50 List”, landing at number 35. In 2010 she won a GLAAD award for promoting a good image of equal rights for gays and lesbians.
ADAM RIPPON was everywhere this past year and became a household name.
If you hadn’t heard of figure skater Adam Rippon before the Pyeongchang Olympics, there’s no doubt you know him now. Rippon won a bronze medal with the U.S. in the team skate competition … and he stole the show with his personality and courageous story. Before posing for ESPN’s Body Issue, the “Dancing With the Stars: Athletes” champ weighed in on coming out, overcoming injury and competing at the highest level.
Adam is an inspiration to so many !
The first openly gay man to qualify and win a medal for the U.S. Winter Olympics team, Rippon went on to win Dancing With the Stars: Athletes.
He recently signed up to be a judge on Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, which premieres October 7 on ABC.
Time said he is one the most influential people of 2018! CHER said, “He has humility, grace and an incredible sense of humor.”
We all know and understand the importance of coming “OUT”. 30 years ago, we did not have these awesome role models we have today!
His mother, Kelly, raised her kids with tolerance. They went to Catholic school, but she exposed them to various religions and wouldn’t let them use words such as “stupid” or “hate.” But kids at school and things he watched and read made him feel like something was wrong with him. His voice was always a little higher. He tried to speak lower so no one would notice. His mannerisms were different from the other boys’. He tried to change those, too.
“I think about it now, and it’s so sad,” Rippon said. “. . . I hope young kids don’t ever have to feel like that.”
Chicago House, the leading social services provider for housing and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, is thrilled to announce the 2018 Speaker Series headlined by Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon on Friday, September 14th. Held at the historic Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom from 11 AM – 2 PM, the luncheon will feature an exclusive VIP meet and greet reception and premier cuisine benefiting Chicago House. Emceed by NBC Chicago reporter Chris Hush, guests can expect laughs, stories of triumphs and resilience from these two dynamic and prominent figures in the LGBTQ community as the 8th Speaker Series highlights the theme of “Authentic Selves.” Tickets $200-$500.
Experience Barefoot Walking!
