Category Archives: Celebrity
CHARO in Chicago One Show Only May 14th
aka CHARO!
Will make her only Chicagoland
appearance on MAY 14th!
You DO NOT want to miss this! She was in New York City in February and I had friends see the show and they said the 60 year old entertainer “WORKED IT OUT!”
The Spanish-American actress, comedienne, and flamenco guitarist, is probably best known for her flamboyant stage presence, her provocative outfits, and her trademark phrase (“cuchi-cuchi”).
Only a few people in show business are recognized by just one name. Charo is one of them. She one of the few who’s name brings a smile to everyone’s face.
She’s one of the few who deserve to be called a Master Performer. Since the 70’s, Charo, the musician, singer, comedienne, stage and screen performer, has been an integral proponent of contemporary Latin music.
The spotlight on Charo has been shining brighter than ever since her acceptance of the Female Pop Album of the Year Award. She received this accolade at the Billboard International Latin Music Conference for her flamenco inspired platinum album, Guitar Passion.
CHARO!
Get tickets now .
Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, IL 60465-0937
Best Gay Chicago.com
Ellen DeGeneres to do The Ride for AIDS Chicago
Someone on
Facebook revived BETTY WHITE’S CAREER
for Gods sake! This is the power of the people in the 21st century!
Local entrepreneurs and fundraisers Jason Mora and Michael Ross Steffen are once again doing the Chicago Ride For AIDS this year. And this year, they are asking out and proud lesbian ELLEN DEGENERES to join their team!
Through a Facebook campaign, you can join in the fun! ELLEN RIDE FOR AIDS .
Come on ELLEN! Come to Chicago and Ride with us!
Best Gay Chicago.com
So You Wanna Be a Designer, online fashion reality show
WHAT: Aspiring designers, fashion-forward creatives and those who think their stylish imagination and originality are a cut above the rest are welcome to apply today for ‘So You Wanna Be a Designer, a Kenmore Live Studio online fashion reality show.
If you’d like to appear on So You Wanna Be a Designer to take the ultimate designers’ journey and compete for the chance to show your work to fashion insiders and a captive online audience, the time to apply is now.
Hosted by Debbie Jagel and broadcast on Facebook, the show will expose six selected contestants to top designers, stylists and photographers as they learn the ins and outs of the fashion business and compete for a grand prize of $20,000 and a Kenmore Elite laundry pair.
If you’ve dreamt of making it in the fashion world, this is your opportunity to showcase your skills in a new, online approach to reality competition. Invitations for contestants, which will take place in Chicago, will be issued in March.
WHEN: Apply Now through – March 4
WHERE: To apply, visit facebook.com/kenmore and click “Be a Designer” on the left hand side of the page.
Kenmore Live Studio is at 678 N. Wells Street (312) 265-0871
WHO/ INTERVIEW: In-studio interview with host Debbie Jagel, Chicago fashionista and boutique owner, about the show (alternative: at Kenmore Live Studio)
Best Gay Chicago.com
Cazwell and Amanda Lepore! Saturday Feb. 12th at Hydrate
comes to Chicago!
The queen and king of New Yorks nightlife scene arrive in Chicago, this weekend!
Amanda Lepore has always been the bearer of curiosities, and it’s commonly known that her parties come hand-in-hand with brusque displays of exhibitionism: all skin and sparkle, and anything less would be an insult.
Cazwell. What can we say?
Few new artists embody the spirit of downtown NYC more completely than Cazwell. A leading figure in the renaissance of New York City nightlife that has taken place over the last five years, Cazwell’s music—a ridiculously fun mix of electrified dance music and old school hip hop—is the perfect example of the new spirit of pop music. Says Caz, “When people ask me how to describe my style sometimes I say ‘Just imagine if Biggie Smalls ate Donna Summer for breakfast.’”
Hydrate and Jagermeister is proud to present …..AMANDA LEPORE AND CAZWELL, Saturday, February 12th!!!! Cazwell will be live at 10pm. and he will spin the night away! Amanda performs at Midnight. Cazwell will be spinning all night long for you until 5am!
These 2 always put on an excellent show. And these two have been collaborating for years!
Cazwell is executive producer, brainchild and songwriter behind Amanda Lepore’s upcoming debut album “I…Amanda Lepore” also due this Spring.
The album features such Caz-penned Lepore classics as “Champagne,” “My Hair Looks Fierce,” (which has already been tapped for a television theme song!) and the rambunctious pop punk ode to love “Cotton Candy.” Caz also guest stars in the “Cotton Candy” music video directed by Bec Stupak which will be Amanda’s premiere release for her album!
About being Sonny to a traninternational Cher, Caz says, “I love working on the Amanda record because she’s so interesting and has had such a crazy life. She has a very different point of view. I think that is makeup for an amazing album. I think we definitely achieved that with ‘I…Amanda Lepore’”
DON’T MISS IT!
General Admission tickets are only $15 in advance, $20 at the door. There will also be a VERY LIMITED quantity of VIP meet and greet tickets for only $25!
Hydrate 3458 North Halsted Street
Best Gay Chicago.com
Lesbian Comic Judy Gold in Chicago January 30th
Judy Gold
is an Emmy Award-winning actress, producer and comedienne whose credits include The Rosie O’Donnell Show, The View, The Joy Behar Show and her own hit Off-Broadway production, “25 Questions for a Jewish Mother.”
She can regularly be seen on Comedy Central, LOGO and HBO with her many comedy specials. Judy is currently starring in the Off-Broadway run of “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” and touring for her new stand-up show, “It’s Judy’s Show – My Life As A Sitcom.”
The 6’3″ lesbian got teased a lot in school, she admits,”Six foot three plus marching band equals unpopular. I ended up really kind of hating high school. I was teased incessantly, but I knew deep down inside, I was really cool!”
“I moved to NYC (my dream)… …and lived with a marijuana addicted opera singer and his cat. I started taking acting classes and got a job working at a company that sold ad space on behalf of military base newspapers. It was a riveting job. I can’t believe I ever left.
I met this girl named Sharon there and we became very close friends. After telling Sharon several times how I had done stand-up (I was trying to be cool), she said, “Either do it, or don’t talk about it anymore.” She might regret that she said that because she definitely created a monster. I started doing open mics. I would go onstage anywhere that they did stand-up and try to get on.”
“Performing at clubs all over the country was exhausting and lonely, but there’s really no other way if you want to be a stand-up.” Judy confessed. “TV shows followed, then my first regular part on a sitcom, living in LA, an HBO special, a Cable Ace Award, a child, back to NYC, writing and producing, 2 Emmy awards, another child, and lots more stand-up and TV. I’m a lucky gal!”
Judy is in town this Sunday January 30th 7pm
at the Center on Halsted ! 3656 N Halsted
$40 tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Seating is limited.
Garage parking is available at 808 W. Addison as is street parking.
For more information, call 773.472.6469 ext. 252. Cash bar available.
Opening Act: Betty and Wilma: One Night Only!
Betty and Wilma are legendary recording artists, Broadway stars, and best friends. This is the very first time they’ve ever been on stage together, and possibly the last. This homage to stage divas was developed for the Annoyance Theatre’s Triple Feature Series. Starring Kellen Alexander and Wes Perry. Directed by Christina Boucher. Music by Charles Worth. Accompanied by Andrew Sinko.
VISIT JUDY GOLD ONLINE
Best Gay Chicago.com
Homophobic Hetero Tears up Mario Lopez in Chicago bar Mullets
The Chicago Tribune reported that Police were called last week to Mullets Sports Bar & Restaurant in Homer Glen (out just past Orland Park) to deal with an angry customer who allegedly shattered a framed photo of A.C. Slater, a fictional, mullet-wearing jock played by Mario Lopez in the 1990s television series “Saved by the Bell.”
Tip number one – with a name like MULLETS, do you think this place is sort of redneck?
“I just don’t like Slater,” the man reportedly told the owner after allegedly yanking the photo from its place of pride above a urinal and smashing it on the floor. The owner told police the bathroom door also was damaged.
I find it interesting that this straight bar had a shrine dedicated to Mario Lopez’s 90s persona above one of the urinals in the bathroom! Hmmmmm…..
Step away from the pitcher of beer buddy!
Chet Haze – Chicago Northwestern Hottie and Rapper
So I am walking down the street the other, down near Michigan Avenue. And there are always hotties everywhere! And we are always on the lookout for potential new male models .
I run into this young guy with a great face! I stop him and I give him a card, and said he should call us for a “test shoot” sometime. He blushed, and explained he had never done any modeling, but had done a bit of acting and right now is in school and trying to become known as white rapper. He said his name was Chet Haze and we should friend each other on Facebook.
So I ran home and did!
Chet has had roles in the Bratz movie and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls, AND he is the son of TOM HANKS!
TOM HANKS is not someone
I would necessarily call a HOTTIE! But Chet….could stop traffic.
Some people find him sexy, I guess. And you may know Colin Hanks? He’s Tom’s other son, and you’ve probably seen him in Orange County, King Kong, or Mad Men. He’s very cute and charming, just like his old man.
CHET HAZE, the OTHER son, has the internet is going mildly berserk over the fact his song ‘White and Purple (Northwestern Remix )’ is inspired by the prestigious college he attends. – Yes, he goes to Northwestern in Chicago!
I am not a fan of rap…but he is such a hottie, you just have to check it out.
Come on….You know you want to follow him on Facebook and Twitter !
Best Gay Chicago.com
Queen of Cuchi Cuchi…CHARO Comes to Chicago!
Charo is coming to Chicago!
Charo is a household name. Instantly recognizable for her witty humor, loveable accent and her mastery of the flamenco guitar, it is Charo’s trademark expression, “Cuchi-Cuchi ,” which has endeared her to the world and made the name Charo synonymous with fun and excitement.
Only a few people in show business are recognized by just one name. Charo is one of them. She one of the few who’s name brings a smile to everyone’s face. She’s one of the few who deserve to be called a Master Performer.
Since the 70’s, Charo, the musician, singer, comedienne, stage and screen performer, has been an integral proponent of contemporary Latin music. The spotlight on Charo has been shining brighter than ever since her acceptance of the Female Pop Album of the Year Award. She received this accolade at the Billboard International Latin Music Conference for her flamenco inspired platinum album, Guitar Passion .
Across the world, Charo is back on the Billboard charts with her latest single dance club hit – España Cañí , the traditional bullfighting song.
Charo teamed up with top-name DJs (including Julian Marsh and Twisted Dee), and producers from around the world, who added their own dance mixes to her virtuoso guitar performance and ended up with what’s become a huge hit at dance clubs around the world and earned Charo a 2009 World Dance Music Award Nomination.
She has been playing all over Las Vegas to sold out audiences and nightly standing ovations! She is currently on tour and making a stop in Chicago May 14th, at Moraine Valley Community College! (Just minutes from downtown in Palos Hills).
Tickets ARE SELLING FAST! This show WILL sell out! Don’t miss your only chance to see Charo in the Chicago area.
Get tickets now .
Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, IL 60465-0937
Best Gay Chicago.com
Talbott Teas of Chicago Gets Blessed by Oprah
hand of GOD!
When Oprah gives you her blessing, it’s the Midas Touch! You are then destined for greatness!
Such is the case a couple weeks ago, when she aired not one, but TWO specials of her Favorite Things, where she showers the lucky audience with gifts.
Chicago men Shane Talbott and Steven Nakisher, partners in business and in life, experienced that once-in-a-lifetime business boom when their company, Talbott Teas, was tagged as one of Oprah’s favorite things this year.
Nakisher said. ” We are so grateful for this opportunity. This is truly a dream come true. Orders are pouring in from around the world. It’s been amazing. We are just busy filling orders and loving it. Our office feels like Santa’s Workshop.”
Talbott, 38, and Nakisher, 41, have been partners for 14 years and live together in Lakeview.
In 2008, when Oprah launched her Chicago store, the duo approached her, knowing she was an avid tea drinker. They offered to create her a special blend for her store.
“I went right to my lab and got to work,” Talbott said. “I had so many great ideas and had dozens of ideas for tea blends inspired by many of Oprah’s favorite things. After much sampling and editing, I narrowed it down to six blends that I wanted to present to her.
“My assumption was that she would take a look at the options and decide on one to be a featured blend at the store. To my surprise, she loved all six and said we could make all of them. I was blown away. Those six tea blends have been in The Oprah Store since it opened.”
Then, this past October, the two got a call from one of the producers of the show. It was The Call.
“It was a Friday just after 5 p.m., and we were trying to decide where to go for dinner,” Nakisher said. “I answered the phone and the producer said, ‘Congratulations! Ms. Winfrey has chosen Talbott Teas as one of her Favorite Things!’ ”
Talbott and Nakisher had about a month to prepare for The Oprah Effect—and it truly has been a whirlwind, they said.
When you make one of my teas, you make a statement. Like a silk-taffeta
cocktail dress on a runway model, Talbott Teas are steeped in style.
Elegant. Chic. Glamorous. Shane Talbott
You can also read more at Windy City Online
Singer Jay Brannan in Chicago Friday December 10th
is an openly gay musician, singer, songwriter with a voice and has a musical ability that matches his exceptional good looks and natural ability. You may have seen him in Short Bus or Holding Trevor.
While he is gay, he does not like being labeled as such, “I hate having my sexual orientation used as a title or a genre. It pisses me off. I just want to be a regular musician like anyone else.
When Lisa Loeb sings, she’s singing about her life, her relationships, her experiences. No one ever says she’s singing “straight songs” or that she’s singing about “straight issues”. No one ever says that Whitney Houston’s or Seal’s songs are about “what it’s like being a black person”. At the end of the day, we’re all the same and we all go through the same shit. The rest is just details.”
“I disagree that any of my songs “describe gay relationships”. I don’t think that the singer’s gender and the gender of the other character(s) in the song really affect what the song is about, and I hope we are closing in on the day that people can see that.”
His first full length album was Goddamned in 2008, followed by In Living Cover in 2009. Jay says he is influenced by Lisa Loeb, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Bjork, Sinead O’connor, Joni Mitchell and Jack Daniels! “In terms of my music, I feel like it’s pretty representative of me. It’s pretty cynical, it’s pretty dark, it’s pretty honest. That’s who I am. But for some reason, people can accept it in music. ”Oh, I relate to it so much. Thanks for saying all the things I’ve been thinking. I thought I was the only one.” Etcetera. And then they turn right back around and they’re like, ”Why are you so sad all the time? Can’t you smile more?” I want to be like, ”You can have one or the other.” If I was that person everyone seems to want me to be, the music would be very different. And probably no one would care.”
“Pretty much everything I write comes from my own reality. Anger and pain and frustration are my main motivating factors for writing, and I try to be as honest and accurate in my lyrics as I can. That’s not to say every song is a complete literal account of a real life event, though some are. Sometimes I combine a couple different relationships or experiences into one song, but make it all one story for the sake of the song. Or sometimes you take an emotion or sentiment and magnify it a little to make it more interesting. You only have three or four minutes, so sometimes you make adjustments so that each song is coherent in such a small amount of words, but it definitely is a patchwork of reality. That’s my goal, anyway.”
Everything about Jay Brannan’s young career is improbable. Defying legions of critics both personal and professional, he has managed to build a shockingly dedicated following in a very non-traditional way.
Though kicked out of acting school for alleged lack of ability, he entered the film arena with a standout performance in 2005’s Shortbus , and achieved rising cult star status upon the film’s worldwide release. Urged to “play it straight” during his Southern upbringing, he has become a lightning rod for castaways by simply being himself: a neurotic and inspiring mess. In 2007, Logo aired his first video .
A self-described loner and a passionate insomniac, Jay found himself spending countless hours on the Internet cultivating his online networks and answering emails from around the globe. His burgeoning online following tipped when he posted a 3:00 a.m. laptop performance of “Soda Shop” on YouTube, which found itself featured on the website’s homepage and has since been viewed 1.5 million times. “I was a random guy at home fucking around with his computer, thinking no one would ever watch the video if I posted it. I guess I was wrong.”
He has gone on to post every new song as it’s been written. These online videos have accumulated millions of plays and their response has given Brannan the confidence to take his musical ambitions full time.
“I’m just a little bit honored that people relate to my music at all and feel the impulse to even write me to tell me that. The feedback is partly what keeps me doing it. When I write songs and play them, it’s never really for other people, or what other people think. It’s really my way of expressing myself, or giving voice to thoughts that have been racing around in my head for years and years. At the same time, the feedback and some of the validation has kept me pursuing it as a career, because that part is really, really tough.”
JAY BRANNAN IN CHICAGO Friday, December 10th!
@ SUBTERRANEAN 2011 W. NORTH AVE. 773-278-6600
DOORS @ 9:00 PM SHOW @ 9:30 PM | 17 & OVER
TICKETS: $15.00 BUY TICKETS ONLINE! Last years show SOLD OUT!
Jay Brannon.com
Jay on MySpace
Jay on Facebook
Jay Brannan on YouTube
Best Gay Chicago.com
John Waters Puts the X Back in Christmas December 14th at the Harris Theatre
You wouldn’t expect the legendary creator of such subversive films as “Pink Flamingos” and “Female Trouble” to be a fan of Christmas!
Halloween, yes!
Christmas? Really?!
But of course, John Waters defies expectations.
“I really do love Christmas, without irony,” the 63-year-old filmmaker says, “But I understand that a lot of people hate it, so I’m trying to give advice to every single person as to how to survive Christmas.”
Legendary cult filmmaker, author, actor and originator of the Hairspray dynasty John Waters brings his critically-acclaimed one-man show A John Waters Christmas to the Harris Theater for its Chicago premiere on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 7:30 pm.
The “Pope of Trash” will put the “X” back in X’mas with a rapid-fire monologue that explores, explodes and exploits traditional holiday customs, with Waters sharing his compulsions, desires and stories, including his urge to give and receive inappropriate gifts, a religious fanaticism for Santa Claus, and an unhealthy love of true crime holiday horror stories. The performance says Waters, “will hopefully make you feel better when the Christmas season is making you mental.”
Tickets for A John Waters Christmas, which range from $35 – $65, are available at the Harris Theater box or by calling 312-334-7777 or by visiting HarrisTheaterChicago .
BONUS – Alan Cumming is coming to Chicago next May!
Buy Waters & Cummings tickets now and SAVE!
Blogger and Publisher Nathan Manske Brings His I’m From Driftwood Tour to Chicago!
Join
BEST GAY CHICAGO.com as:
Im From Driftwood
comes to CHICAGO!
Dates are approximate right now –
They hope to be in the city around
November 21-23.
Nathan Manske is the creator and editor of the gay, true-stories blog I’m From Driftwood and a freelance copywriter. He is indeed from Driftwood, Texas, but has lived in Brooklyn, New York since 2003.
The I’m From Driftwood tour project started in 2009 to show LGBT youth that we are all humans, all have a story and we live everywhere. We are all from Driftwood.
Nathan and his blog were addressing teen’s and coming out for over 2 years. “There are gay stories from every corner of the Earth and I think they should be told. To the gay teens struggling to come out and deal with their sexuality, who to this day still attempt suicide 4 times more than straight kids, it says “you are not alone.” Other people have dealt with similar situations, families, communities and churches, and have overcome and are now living happy lives. It can happen for you, too. It gets soooo much better, I promise. Hang in there, kiddo!”
They will be filming a documentary and are currently traveling to all of the 50 states.
Visit Im From Driftwood for more information. Follow the 50 State Tour !
We’ll have more details as they become available!!
Dave Koz Returns to Chicago with His Smooth Jazz Christmas Tour December 4th
COMING OUT,
DOES NOT HURT ONES CAREER,
contrary to popular belief!
When he came out in The Advocate in 2004, Dave Koz instantly expanded his already large fan base and shattered a lot of myths about gay men and music.
In a career that spans twenty years and a dozen albums, saxophonist Dave Koz has established himself as one of the most prominent figures in contemporary music. But for as noteworthy as his body of recorded work and as entertaining his live performances and other past accomplishments might be, Koz finds himself in an era of dramatic and sweeping change where everything once taken for granted is suddenly up for grabs. For Koz – and for all of us in this first decade of the new century – it’s a new day, full of new challenges and opportunities, and new rules that are still being written.
Koz embraces this era of change – and even the uncertainty that comes with it – on Hello Tomorrow, his debut on Concord Records (released on October 12, 2010. “Put The Top Down,” the breezy lead single from the album, rocketed to #1 at Radio after just three weeks!). Produced by Grammy winners John Burk and Marcus Miller (who also appears on most tracks), the album features a diverse army of high-profile guests: Herb Alpert, Jonathan Butler, Brian Culbertson, Sheila E., Boney James, Jeff Lorber, Keb’ Mo’, Ray Parker, Jr., Lee Ritenour, Christian Scott and others. Each of the thirteen tracks – most of them written by Koz and his collaborators, others penned by friends and legends – focuses on being open to new beginnings, and trusting that the future is unfolding in all the right ways for all the right reasons.
Looking back on the Advocate Coming Out interview, he says, “I think everyone makes that leap at the right time in their own lives—there is no absolute rule, and thus I tend to shy away from giving anyone else advice on how to do this. In my own experience however, I never had a master plan to come out…that moment shocked me when it came—I sort of knew it instinctively and I said to myself, “It’s time”. Up until that point it was something I was either too worried, or too freaked out to do. I wasn’t willing to risk it…but then something surprising happened.
I was doing an interview for another gay publication—and the interviewer initially said it was just to speak on the music, no personal questions. His editors had a different agenda and he came back to me saying that in order for the article to run I would have to address my sexuality. Well, I noticed the way this information made me feel…and for the first time ever, it didn’t scare the &*%# out of me! I went to my managers with the idea of coming out—they were super supportive, having helped Melissa Etheridge along her journey. But they said if you’re going to do it, do it with The Advocate. And that’s exactly what happened—a few months later, just about in sync with my turning 40, it was done. This little piece of information that I’d been guarding so preciously all my adult life was finally out there for the world to see. Of course at the time I was freaking out…but I haven’t looked back since. By far, the very best thing I’ve ever done for myself. “
LAST WEEK, Dave added his effort to the Dan Savage It Get’s Better Project. You can watch his video and listen to his growing up gay story . And he reveals how his music got him through the struggles of growing up gay. Music – and more specifically, the saxophone – have been Koz’s primary survival tools since his childhood and adolescence in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley. “The saxophone became my best friend, my most trusted ally, because it enabled me to communicate feelings that I didn’t have the words for. In many ways, it saved my life.”
DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS… A SMOOTH JAZZ CHRISTMAS
2010 TOUR COMES TO CHICAGO DECEMBER 4th !
This is shows 13th Anniversary! And this year’s run will feature special guests South African singer/guitarist Jonathan Butler, keyboardist Brian Culbertson and Dutch saxophone star Candy Dulfer. It will mark Dulfer’s first tour with Koz while Butler and Culbertson are back by popular demand.
The artists will perform hits from their respective catalogues and join together on a variety of holiday standards for an inspirational, high-energy show that has become a cherished tradition for many fans. The tour will take them from coast to coast and include three Los Angeles area shows (December 17th & 18th at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts and December 19th at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live). The festivities will conclude with a show at Modesto’s Gallo Center for the Arts on December 20th.
“Holiday music is like comfort food – when you hear these songs, they transport you,” says Dave, who has three classic holiday albums to his credit (December Makes Me Feel This Way, A Smooth Jazz Christmas Dave Koz & Friends, Memories of a Winter’s Night). “It’s like when you smell a fresh apple pie, and it conjures up memories of your grandmother’s baking and all the traditions that make this such a special time of year.”
Chicago Theatre December 4th Tickets are $48-$88
Gay Pimp Jonny McGovern Appears At Roscoes With Julie Goldman
You know him from SOCCER PRACTICE !
You know him from Gay Pimpin Podcast !
You know him from the Logo and Rosie O’Donnell show
Big Gay Sketch Comedy Show !
Writer/Performer Jonny McGovern is probably best known as a cast member on “The Big Gay Sketch Show” produced by Rosie O’Donnell and for his hilarious music videos including “Soccer Practice” and “Somethin’ for the Fellas (That like the Fellas)” which have played on MTV, VH-1 and LOGO. He was also the host of iTunes’ #1 LGBT podcast “Gay Pimpin’ with Jonny McGovern” which reached 15,000 listeners weekly. – and you can listen to it.
If David Beckham and Rip Torn had a love child, his name would be Jonny McGovern. Also known as the Gay Pimp , this in-your-face comedian is quickly taking the world by storm. From comedy and music to television and night life, there seems to be no realm McGovern hasn’t conquered.
Gay pop superstar, TV personality, and nightlife legend, “Gay Pimp” Jonny McGovern blazed onto the New York scene in 2000 with his satirical mix of his character comedy and dirty gay hits and his fire continues to burn bright.
These days he is more known for his comedy. Jonny will be in Chicago October 28th at Roscoes! Along with one of his partners in crime, Julie Goldman ! Julie is a comedian, actress, and musician. She is ethnically Jewish, and an open lesbian.
Jonny recently moved to Los Angeles, with Julie, and is re-launching the very popular podcast he was doing!
You don’t want to miss this rare Chicago appearance by these 2 talented peeps!
See you at Roscoes
3356 N. Halsted
Thursday Oct. 28th @ 9pm.
Tickets ONLY $5 in advance – $10 at the door.
Warren Blosjo Kole from NOMADS – New CW TV Show
HAVE YOU SEEN
THIS MAJOR HOTTIE?!
I happened to run into this guy today! Warren Blosjo aka Warren Kole is in Chicago filming a new show for the CW network called NOMADS.
I thought he looked familiar. I had seen him on “24″ and also “Mental“.
Nomads is about a group of nearly broke young backpackers – including Scott Porter and Luke Ford (two more hotties!) – traveling the world, who agree to earn money by working secret missions for the CIA. Michaela McManus (Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) has also been cast in this pilot.
The show has a blog set up and also Twittering, if you want to check in.
Warren was last seen at North and Clyburn!
Be on the lookout for this hot rising star.
Josh Wolf and Chris Franjola – 2 Straight Guys Work Their Comedy at ZANIES Chicago October 15-17
Comics JOSH WOLF and CHRIS FRANJOLA flex their metrosexual muscles for 3 nights of comedy in Chicago at Zanies October 15-17.
Both these guys are straight; allegedly! (Not that there is anything wrong with that…) No really they are! On Josh’s MySpace page , it says so. It also says he is 103 years old. I’m just sayin….
Josh Wolf, with his trademark backwards baseball cap and quick wit, is always a welcome sight on the round table on the Chelsea Lately show on E!
When he’s not appearing in his weekly spot on Chelsea Lately, he’s filming his top rated web series “College Experiment ” for foxsports.com. (It’s sort of a Talk Soup of the Sports News World). Josh Wolf’s unique, honest and high energy style of storytelling has made him a favorite at comedy clubs across the country.
Josh first got on stage when he was 15 years-old. His parents had to drive him to the show at which he was told by a “veteran” comic to “talk about what you know”. Since the only thing he knew was his family, Josh proceeded to do his entire set about how bad his parents’ gas was. The combination of the crowd’s laughter and parents’ humiliation was enough to hook Josh for life.
He currently is writing a feature film for Adam Sandler’s company. You can also see Josh on the road most weekends either opening for Chelsea Handler or Larry the Cable Guy , with the Comedians of Chelsea Lately or at comedy clubs across the country.
In a recent interview Josh was asked..Last year Chelsea Lately did a shirtless round table and if you didn’t know you had a gay following, you probably did after that!
JW: I heard a rumor! You know, when we did that I wasn’t sure…you know, they asked me to do it and I was like ‘Oh, boy…” And the funny thing is they said they wanted me to leave my hat on and they’re going to tape the mic right to my chest so it’s going to be funny. So, as long as we’re going for funny and ridiculous, I’m in. I got a few shirtless autograph pic requests. My response was always, ‘Do you really think I have a shirtless picture of myself? I don’t have a stack of them anywhere.’
I think that’s how we know you’re straight because if you were gay you’d be handing them out to everyone.
JW: [laughs] Did you see the picture of Guy [Branum] holding me in Mexico? I think I get more comments from that than for anything else.
I talked to Guy recently and he said about you, and I quote, ‘that torso is ridiculous.’ Has he been as vocal to you about his appreciation for your attributes?
JW: He told me a couple weeks ago, ‘I get jealous when you’re doing the panel and I feel like you’re flirting with other gay men.’ I said, ‘Guy, you know you’re the only guy for me.’ And he said, ‘I want to let you know as long as you can continue to have the definition of your torso that you’re the guy for me.’ [laughs]
In town performing with Josh, is another Chelsea Lately regular, Chris Franjola. Chris needs a good PR agent, I think! (We’ll discuss this Chris, when we see you next month!) There is very little information about him online!
Chris Franjola is a writer-comedian from Long Island, New York. Chris has been living and working in Los Angeles for the past 12 years in that time he has written on several shows including Family Guy and the original Chelsea Handler Show on E!. Chris is currently a writer and regular performer on Chelsea Lately and he is very excited about being a part of The Comedians of Chelsea Lately tour. Chris also feels weird about writing this bio in the third person.
But seriously, he is a very nice guy. We had the pleasure of meeting him last fall in Atlantic City for the Out in the AC Gay Weekend . He and the totally gay Guy Branum were in town for the 3 day LGBT event.
We asked Chris about the infamous “Topless Roundtables” on Chelsea.
Are there any lines you wouldn’t cross for a laugh?
CF: Umm … yes, I don’t know what they are yet, but I’m sure I’ll know when they’re asked of me. I’ll never do a pantless roundtable … it’s just too cold in the studio!”
JOSH WOLF and CHRIS FRANJOLA at ZANIES in Chicago for 6 shows, October 15-17.
Tickets are on sale now online! Get them while they last!
All 6 shows are expected to sell out! $25 plus a 2 drink minimum.
Josh Wolf website Josh Wolf Facebook Chris Franjola Facebook
B-52s at House of Blues October 7th – Two-for-one sale!
THE B – 52s are coming to HOUSE of BLUES Chicago, October 7th. And check this out! House of Blues would like to invite the friends and supporters of BEST GAY CHICAGO.com to see the B-52’s at the House of Blues, with a special “two for one” discount. Go to LIVE NATION and enter the password “loveshack” to take advantage of this special discount.
Can you believe the B-52s have been around since the late 70s?! It has been said that the B-52s are as quintessentially American as the Beach Boys. And twenty-five years and over twenty million albums into their career, the B-52s remain the among the most beloved rock stars ever.
Any mystery concerning the longevity and ongoing appeal of the B-52s is immediately solved when exposed to the B-52s unique concert experience. From the timeless gems of “Rock Lobster,” “Planet Claire” and “Private Idaho” to the more recent classics of “Channel Z,” “Love Shack” and “Roam”, the B-52s unforgettable dance-rock tunes start a party every time the music begins.
At the time of their greatest achievements, however, they suffered their greatest tragedy — the death of guitarist Ricky Wilson from AIDS. “He really had a vision…,” said sister Cindy Wilson. “He was one of the strongest elements of the B-52s from the beginning.” Ricky Wilson’s passing in 1985 came just after the sessions for Bouncing Off The Satellites (1986). The album, dedicated to Wilson, had taken nearly three years to complete but was worth the wait, serving up the fan favorites “Summer of Love” and “Wig.”
In 2008 the B-52s released their first new album in 16 years, the aptly titled Funplex. With its primal guitar hooks, driving drums and the B-52s’ unmistakable vocal style, Funplex is instantly recognizable as quintessential and contemporary B-52s. Newsweek Magazine declared, “Like a sonic shot of vitamin B12, the dance floor beats, fuzzy guitar riffs and happy, shiny lyrics keep the energy going.”
As the B-52s continue to take their party-music revolution into the 21st century they show no signs of slowing down, serving up their own unique blend of music and showmanship to millions of fans around the world. They have remained busy all these years! The B-52s, led by out gay frontman Fred Schneider perform upwards of fifty shows a year with old bandmates Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson and Keith Strickland.
You would think, with all that success comes tons of money. Not so. “I’m not wealthy,” Fred told Howard Stern. “We only started making money after ‘Cosmic Thing'” – the band’s fifth album, released in 1989 that featured singles ‘Love Shack,’ ‘Roam,’ and ‘(Shake That) Cosmic Thing.’
Which maybe explains the existence of his new spunky musical venture, The Superions. According to their MySpace profile, The Superions are the “most exciting group to hit the music scene since Elvis or Lady Gaga.” While that’s a little farfetched, they are exciting, or at least off-the-wall, much like their famous New Wave forebearers.
Leave it to The Superions to save the holidays from the usual stale chestnuts and dull oldie retreads. Following on the heels of their multi-plat… er, real popular hit song “Who Threw That Ham At Me,” the 11 future holiday standards on Destination… Christmas! perfectly capture the many moods of the season: despair, avalanches, deranged abominable snowmen, leaden fruitcakes, and of course, laughter. High-energy dance songs mixed with numbers to chill to, The Superions do it all on Destination… Christmas!
Destination… Christmas! will be released on Fanatic Records on October 25, 2010 and is destined to be a perennial Christmas favorite!
The Legacy of Matthew Shepard with Judy Shepard September 30th
H.E.A.L. Ourselves:
Opening Eyes, Closing Wounds
(Healing, Engaging, Acting, Lifting)
H.E.A.L. Ourselves is a series of events
focused on advocacy against LGBT hate violence.
September 30th, 2010
Center On Halsted – 7pm:
“The Legacy of Matthew Shepard” – Judy Shepard
Speaking from a mother’s perspective, diversity speaker Judy Shepard has made the prevention of hate crimes the focus of her efforts, and urges her audiences to make their schools and communities safer for everyone, regardless of their race, sex, religion, or gender identity and/or expression.
Mrs. Shepard’s keynote speech is the highlight of a series of advocacy events in Chicago related to anti-LGBT hate violence. Center on Halsted has created this programming to increase advocacy in response to violence, engagement in violence prevention efforts, and healing in our communities.
PRICE
$10. Reserved tickets can be purchased online
Best Gay Chicago
Mink Stole at the Chicago Premiere ALL ABOUT EVIL August 14th
Is Chicago Ready To Experience
The Whirlwind Entertainment of
ALL ABOUT EVIL:
The Peaches Christ Experience in 4-D!
With Peaches Christ and Mink Stole In-Person
Peaches Christ Productions is proud to announce the CHICAGO premiere of “ALL ABOUT EVIL: The Peaches Christ Experience in 4-D. Directed by Joshua Grannell, the alter-ego of San Francisco drag sensation Peaches Christ, this very special extravaganza will include a special appearance with MINK STOLE (Pink Flamingos, Serial Mom) and musically, macabre performances from Peaches Christ and the Midnight Mass Players. The magic begins at 12 midnight with tickets for only $13 and on-sale now at the links above.
CHICAGO PREMIERE
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Music Box Theatre: 3733 N. Southport Ave.
Tickets: $13 Show time: 12:00 a.m.
ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
ALL ABOUT EVIL is currently touring across the country, invading over 20 markets with over-the-top, “William Castle-styled” presentations and gathering rabid support from audiences hungry to experience a unique EVIL mash-up of cinema and performance. The genre-bending film, starring Natasha Lyonne and featuring Thomas Dekker, Cassandra “Elvira, Mistress of the Dark” Peterson and Mink Stole of John Waters fame, has slayed audiences with sold out screenings in Los Angeles at the Vista Theatre, Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, and Provincetown International Film Festival…and it’s just the beginning of the tour.
Amanda Lepore Comes to Hydrate Saturday August 14th
Amanda Lepore
is an American model, nightlife hostess, fashion icon and performer. She is a transsexual icon who has received attention for entertainment skills. She has been the advertising face for Heatherette, M.A.C. (cosmetics), Mego Jeans, Swatch, CAMP Cosmetics and more. Fashion design company Heatherette has used Lepore’s image on much of their clothing and has chosen her several times to model their brand during Fashion Week.
Lepore comes to Chicago this weekend to promote her CD COTTON CANDY. Saturday, August 14th at HYDRATE .
The first time I met Amanda she asked me, “Would you like to see my mouse tattoo?” purred America’s number one transsexual and owner of a fully functional vagina, placing her hand on my knee. I look tentatively across her silicone-augmented body, but none can be seen.
“Oh my,” giggles the outrageous club diva in shock, fingers covering her mouth. “My pussy must have eaten it!”
Lepore, considered New Yorks ‘it’ girl, has been busy launching her career in pop music. With the help of super sexy Cazwell , they created fun pop dance tracks like “I know What Boys Like”, “My Hair Looks Fierce” and “Champagne.” Catch her this weekend at Hydrate!
