Category Archives: Community
Frost Fest Craft Beers in Boystown
FROST FEST KICK OFF!
Come out this THURSDAY (FEB 18th)to Replay Beer & Bourbon-Andersonville to sample some of the amazing beers for Frost Fest on February 27th!
The Northalsted Business Alliance delivers festival fun to the waning days of winter with a weekend of special events.
Craft Beer Festival
On Saturday, February 27, craft beer takes center stage at Halsted and Waveland. Chill under a tent filled with favorites from more than 40 brewers.
DJ Marc ‘Moose’ brings the heat to the dance floor. Food trucks from Beaver Donuts,
Chubby Wiener, Ms. Tittles and Pico St. Kitchen help soak up the suds.
Purchase tickets at www.northalsted.com and choose one of two sessions (1- 4pm or 6-9 pm).
Guest can shed their coat at the check-in for $2, which benefits Howard Brown Health Center.
Soup Walk (FREE)
On Sunday February 28 from 1-5 pm the 3rd annual Soup Walk warms up winter with nine Northalsted and Lakeview East restaurants showcasing their soups at retail business.
Stroll or take a free trolley to hit all nine spots.
- NoteworthyNotes (3629 North Halsted) with soup from Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
- Egoist (3526 North Halsted) with soup from Dive Bar.
- Boystown Collectibles (3453 North Halsted) with soup from Taverna 750
- Universal Wellness Source (3324 North Halsted) with soup from The Chicago Diner
- The Leigh Gallery (3306 North Halsted) with soup from D.S. Tequila Co.
- CRAM Fashion (3331 North Broadway) with soup from Café L’Appetito
- Unabridged Bookstore-3521 North Broadway) with soup from The Bagel
- GAP (3216 North Broadway) with soup from Escencia Urban Kitchen
- wineHOUSE (3164 North Broadway) with soup from Soupbox
About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)
Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 100 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest and the Halloween Parade. For information about NBA visit www.northalsted.com.
Precious Davis – Say YES to the Dress
Friday’s episode (Jan 15th, 2016, 8pm Central time) of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta will mark a first for the show when it features a transgender bride.
In a sneak peek of the episode, Precious Davis visits Bridals by Lori to find the perfect gown for her wedding. Davis and her fiancé Myles — both of whom are activists — will share their story on the show before getting married in Chicago in front of 1000 guests from their community. (@ Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago ).
“We want people to be inspired of what love can look like in its many forms,” Davis says. “We want to bring this kind of royalty because we feel we are royalty.”
Precious Davis is lauded both locally and nationally as an award winning diversity professional, social justice facilitator, and performance artist. She currently is the Assistant Director of Diversity Recruitment Initiatives at Columbia College Chicago , her alma mater from which she received a BA in Liberal Arts. Precious currently implements and oversees the Campus Wide Diversity Initiative and is the first woman of color to hold this position. see more HERE.
SNEAK PEAK of the show HERE.
Shirtless Chicago Guy Spreads Prayer
A couple weeks ago Ethan Renoe, a hot shirtless jogger crashed a TV weather forecast in Chicago. During the rainy broadcast Renoe said, “It’s a great day for a run. Too wet to wear a shirt, you know?” He added, “I love running in the rain, and I’m also single!” – the video went Viral!
Renoe, an evangelical Christian, also made sure to get in a shout out to Jesus during the impromptu interview he did with WGN.
Now, NBC Chicago reports that Renoe, who attended a Christian Bible college and says he is a virgin who is saving himself for marriage, founded a ministry that has been offering “free prayers” outside gay bars in the city’s Boystown gayborhood for the last four years! – Damn, I keep missing him!
“My primary purpose of going there is to show this community love that has been severely damaged by those who claim to be Christians. That area has been hurt by people who claim Christ’s name.” – – Is it good? or bad? how do you feel about this?
One student member remarked that he understood the backlash the group sometimes receives while in the gay community:
“Some people come at us angrily, but I can understand that because that community is their stronghold and that’s where their identity lies and they feel like we’re attacking it, but that’s before they talk to us,” said student Andy Wood. “Regardless of lifestyle decisions we have the same opportunity to share the gospel and love people.”
World of Chocolate Dec. 3rd
It’s finally the sweetest time of year is HERE!
Tickets for World of Chocolate 2015 are on sale now.
Get hotsy-totsy and party like Gatsby for an evening of chocolate galore! Inspired this year by the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, World of Chocolate is Chicago’s commemorative World AIDS Day event held at the beautiful Chicago Union Station.
Revel in chocolate delights from more than 25 of the city’s top chefs, imbibe to your heart’s content at our open bars and win fabulous prizes, including vacations to New York City, Las Vegas and more.
Kick off your holiday season with the AWESOME EVENT! Come Hungry!~
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| Since its inception, World of Chocolate has raised over $1.7 million to fund vital HIV services and programs at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Purchase your tickets today and savor the sweet satisfaction of making a difference!
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Hydrate TURN ABOUT Show for TPAN
IT’S BACK!
Don’t miss your chance to see staff LKH doing DRAG for charity!
The annual LKH TURNABOUT SHOW proceeds go to benefit TPAN via Hydrate, The Den, Replay Andersonville, and Replay Lakeview participants in BARLESQUE!
Doors at 8 pm
Show starts at 9:30 pm
$10 suggestion donation includes Hosted Bar and Hors d’Oeuvres from 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm!!
Join the Facebook page HERE
Chicago Homeless Youth
Chicagoans know fall means bitter cold is on its way. People will soon scurry to stay inside day and night. Yet, more than 20,000 young adults and students are looking for a permanent home, not just overnight shelter.
In the spirit of giving back this upcoming holiday season, the Chicago-area community will come together on Friday, Nov. 20, for an overnight sleep out to raise visibility and funds to help provide a stable living environment for youth experiencing homelessness.
The first-of-its-kind event in Chicago, the Out In the Open Sleep Out, will bring together members of the community to raise funds for 18 organizations serving youth experiencing homelessness. The event will be at Cricket Hill near Montrose Ave. and Lake Michigan.
Attendees will hear from individual teens and participate in a variety of activities. There will also be dozens of entertainers performing during the event.
“We are striving to bring new people and resources to this critical issue in Chicago,” said Tracy Baim,Windy City Times publisher and executive producer of the event. “We’ve modeled the event after similar events in other cities, and we plan to also showcase the talents of this next generation.”
The following nonprofit partners will benefit from the event: AIDS Foundation of Chicago; Care2Prevent, the University of Chicago; Center on Halsted; Chicago House; Chicago Youth Storage Initiative; Howard Brown Health Center’s Broadway Youth Center; Illinois Safe Schools Alliance; La Casa Norte; Lurie Children’s Hospital – Division of Adolescent Medicine; Neon Dorms – Heartland Human Care Services; New Moms; Puerto Rican Cultural Center – El Rescate; TaskForce Prevention and Community Services; Teen Living Programs; The 750 Club Apartment Adoption Project; The Night Ministry; Thresholds; Unity Parenting and Counseling, Inc.; and YEPP: Youth Empowerment Performance Project.
The event is hosted by the newly formed Pride Action Tank, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Edelman, Agency EA and Windy City Times newspaper, along with a wide range of other partners. Best Gay Chicago is a proud media partner of this event.
To donate or sign up for the inaugural event as well as to learn more about individual teen’s stories, please visit sleepoutchicago.org.
Chicago’s PRIDE ACTION TANK
Pride Action Tank, a new, results-driven group that addresses challenges facing individuals and groups within LGBTQ communities through a collaborative process of inquiry, advocacy and action, is launching this month as a project of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC).
Kim L. Hunt, former executive director of Affinity Community Services, will be Pride Action Tank’s executive director. Tracy Baim, founder of Pride Action Tank, will be the president of its advisory board.
The work of Pride Action Tank focuses on six overlapping issue areas: housing, health, safety, financial security, youth and aging.
Pride Action Tank will bring together and support the work of subject matter experts as well as people directly impacted by challenges facing the LGBTQ community to envision and realize practical and longer-term policy solutions. Moreover, Pride Action Tank will fuel collaborations among organizations, departments, experts, policymakers and community members in order to fill in gaps and ensure better supports for all people in LGBTQ communities.
The mission of Pride Action Tank is to “improve the health, safety and progress of individuals and groups within the LGBTQ community by inspiring, supporting and leading collaborative action that improves policy, service, access and community dynamics in the core areas of housing, health, safety, financial security, youth and aging.”
Sign up to receive updates and action alerts from Pride Action Tank!
AIDS Walk Chicago 2015 Sept. 26th
Runners, walkers will put their feet down at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 26
Thousands expected to gather at annual day of remembrance, fundraising and awareness
WHAT: Chicago-area residents will gather to change the HIV epidemic at the 14th annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 26. The event will start and finish at Soldier Field in Chicago, and courses for the 5k walk and the 5k/10k runs will stretch along Lake Michigan.
WGN-TV’s Dean Richards will be the master of ceremonies for the morning’s festivities, which will include brief speeches by AFC President/CEO John Peller and two longtime HIV advocates, Evany Turk and Patricia Johnson.
The opening ceremony will also include a performance from the Broadway musical RENT by Artists Giving Back, which is producing a production of “RENT” to benefit AFC on Dec. 1. Afterward, participants will warm up before their run or walk with Fitness Formula Club trainer Joy Miles.
Panels from the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will also be on display, and free HIV testing will be available on site.
Funds raised through AIDS Run & Walk Chicago will benefit programs and services for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and 35 other metropolitan organizations that provide life-saving services to people living with HIV and AIDS. Since it was established in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has netted nearly $5 million to battle the epidemic.
For more information, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946.
WHO: Media are invited to attend the event and speak with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s President/CEO, John Peller, as well as additional AIDS Foundation of Chicago representatives, event volunteers and race participants.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 26*
7:15 Registration and packet pickup open
8:00 Opening Ceremony begins
8:25 Warm-up stretch led by Joy Miles of Fitness Formula Clubs
8:45 10k run start
8:50 5k run start
9:05 Walk start
9:30 The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt display opens
10:00 Closing Ceremony begins
*Times are subject to change. Check aidsrunwalk.org for more details.
WHERE: Soldier Field (1410 Museum Campus Dr., Chicago, IL 60605)
*Media may park at Waldron Garage (600 E Waldron Dr., Chicago). Parking fees apply.
AIDS RUN WALK Chicago 2015
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago is AFC’s grassroots fundraising event where people from all walks of life help change the story of HIV in our lifetime.
As beneficiaries of the event, AFC and our CommunityDirect partners are greatly impacted – beyond just the obvious ways.
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago stands up to the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS allowing progress to continue toward ending the epidemic. Run & Walk invigorates the sector by increasing awareness for the cause, growing our passionate community and allowing new leaders to emerge.
In 2014, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago raised over $394,000 net to benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Over and above that, we granted $240,000 to our CommunityDirect partners. These funds allow us to continue saving and improving the lives of those living with or at risk for HIV.
SIGN UP TODAY!!
Joey Kisling Fund Raiser
Most everyone in Chicago is thinking about the upcoming weekend and Market Days and how they plan to celebrate and party with friends……no one really thinks about if they will even be alive to enjoy it. They just assume, they will be.
If you knew how much time you had left in this world, what would you do? Quit your job? Travel? See all the places you ever wanted to see? Take every risk you feared before? Eat all the things? Would you make a bucket list?
I know that thinking about your fatality is not necessarily enjoyable, but imagining that you could live out the rest of your life without worry, without financial burdens, and instead with freedom and clarity certainly sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Magical, even; romantic, like something that only happens in movies.
This is a chance for YOU to make this dream a reality for someone.
Boystown’s beloved Joey Kisling, at the young age of 31,
has fallen victim to the monster that is cancer. An aggressive, rare, and terminal cancer, and he needs our help.
Joey has been a bartender and DJ in Chicago for years. He’s probably poured you a shot, danced with you, inspired you to Shazam something from one of his mixes; he’s probably made you smile.
Now it is our turn to make him smile, to help him live out the rest of his life just as he wants. Let us work together to send him to sandy beaches in far away lands, let’s send him to rooftop pools in swanky hotels in Paris and Berlin. Let’s send him to The Big Easy and then Tahiti to enjoy cocktails with tiny umbrellas at swim-up bars.
Let’s help him do it because he deserves it; let’s do it because it would be amazing if someone did the same for you.
Please consider donating any amount to this fund. No amount is too big or too small; Joey will appreciate every cent. And he will appreciate every single one of you- even more than he did before.
TUESDAY August 11th TAT TUESDAYS @ REPLAY for also host a fund raiser!
Chicago AIDS Walk Sept. 26th
“Put your foot down.” That’s the message behind this year’s AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, hosted by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and benefiting 35 other community organizations — known as CommunityDirect partners — on Sept. 26 at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
“We want supporters to put their foot down and make a difference in this epidemic, especially among communities most impacted by HIV,” said AFC President/CEO John Peller. “At the biggest annual HIV awareness event in Chicago, we want to make it clear that new HIV infections can be a thing of the past if we put the right resources in the right places — including AFC and our 35 CommunityDirect partners.”
The 35 CommunityDirect partners that will raise funds through this year’s event will receive 90% of all money raised by their teams. Last year, the 32 CommunityDirect teams raised a combined $270,000.
The aim of the event — and the CommunityDirect program — is to support HIV/AIDS programs and services across Chicago, particularly in neighborhoods most affected by the epidemic.
“There are uncertain times ahead for many human services providers in Illinois,” said Simone Koehlinger, Senior Vice President of Programming. “AIDS Run & Walk Chicago brings funds and awareness to organizations having a significant impact on the HIV community — organizations that are making communities healthier and stronger.”
The CommunityDirect partners serving the South Side are Black Methodists for Church Renewal, COIP/UIC School of Public Health, Greater Full Gospel Pentecostal Church, Men & Women in Prison Ministries, Michael Reese Research & Education Foundation and the University of Chicago (Care2Prevent).
Those serving the North Side are Asian Human Services, Center on Halsted, Chicago House and Social Service Agency, Howard Brown Health Center and Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).
CommunityDirect partners on the West Side include the Austin CBC Initiative, CALOR, Children’s Place Association, Erie Family Health Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, New Age Services, Project Vida, Puerto Rican Cultural Center (Vida/SIDA) and Taskforce Prevention and Community Services.
Organizations that provide citywide services are the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, Alexian Brothers Housing and Health Alliance, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus, Chicago Recovery Alliance, Chicago Women’s AIDS Project, FCAN, Heartland Health Outreach, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH), The Night Ministry, Pediatric AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative, Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center and Season of Concern.
And finally, AFC is proud to partner with organizations that serve people outside of Chicago: Canticle Ministries, Open Door Clinic and Youth Outlook.
Event registration is $40 in advance for 5k walkers and $50 for 5k or 10k runners. To register as an individual or as a team, or to donate to a CommunityDirect team, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946. Online registration ends Sept. 20
Put your foot down to end new HIV infections
To give both AIDS Run & Walk Chicago participants and HIV advocates a way to express their demand for better support for HIV prevention and services, AFC is leading a social media campaign from now through Sept. 26 that invites people to “put their feet down” for the cause.
Participants are invited to print a template and write the reason they “put their foot down” to change the epidemic. They can then take a photo of the template with their foot, post to their social media platforms with the hashtag #aidsrunwalkchicago and share it with their communities. More information about the campaign and a link to the template can be found at aidsrunwalk.org.
Out in the Park Six Flags Chicago
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2015 BIGGER Than EVER!
A Spectacular Night of Amusement and Entertainment
Presented by MINI Cooper Chicago & Ketel One Vodka
That Will Help Benefit Northalsted Business Alliance
Saturday, September 12th, 2015 from 7PM to 12AM
Hosted by Amanda Lepore AND Pablo Hernandez this year! Attendees for this year’s fourth annual Out In The Park Celebration are in for a night of EPIC proportions.
All night, attendees can follow the bass to the Hometown Square dance area where The DJ’s of SCARLET Bar Chicago and Hostess Trannika Rex and some adorable go go’s well keep the party jumping.
Andrew Christian supermodel and “king of selfies” Pablo Hernandez will be riding rides with guests all night and taking photos. Then at 11:00 he will debut 2 of his new songs, followed by the Queen of New York nightlife, Amanda Lepore, with the worlds most expensive body!
Out In The Park is an annual private LGBT Saturday night fundraising event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides with a portion of all ticket sales each year help benefit various non-profits. “One of the best elements of this event is that it is closed to the general public and this year our event piggy-backs a daytime corporate buyout so our attendees will be entering an EMPTY PARK!” explains Michael Snell, co-owner of BestGayChicago.com. “The LGBT community, their family, friends and supporters can enjoy the park with little to no lines and without homophobic hassles from anyone. It’s like a Fall Gay Pride Celebration with even MORE amusement and entertainment!”
In an interview with ChicagoPride.com: “We are very excited that this private night for charity continues to grow every year and we have gifted over $35,000 to various groups,” said Derrick Sorles, Snell’s husband of 16 years and business partner, “We are more than thrilled that Amanda Lepore is flying in from New York and the handsome Pablo Hernandez (from Los Angeles) will debut his new music at our event this year!”
Advance $40 tickets can be purchased NOW at www.GaySixFlagsChicago.com
FREE parking for this special event! In September the price goes up to $45. $50 the day of the event. All ages event. Drinks are available for purchase to those 21+
Hotels –if you are coming to Chicago for the weekend, we have 3 hotel choices in the heart of Boystown! CITY SUITES, WILLOWS HOTEL and MAJESTIC HOTEL. All the hotels are on our website GaySixFlagsChicago.com
New gay boy in town …By Sebastian Saenz
A few days after I arrived to the windy city, a friend of mine told me that Chicago has the advantages of big cities, without it actually being to big and chaotic. Also that it is beautiful and the gay scene not too complicated; and so far he has been right. I got here a month ago from Mexico City, and so far my expectations have not been let down. I actually visited this city a couple years ago for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and I have great memories from those crazy days, but this time it’s different since I intend to stay for a few months, looking for a change in my life.
I’ve actually been privileged and visited and even lived in some of the most exciting and multicultural cities in the world: London, Paris, Berlin, Florence, Lima, Cancun, Oslo, New York, and of course, Mexico City, just to name a few. And even though I love the beach for quiet vacations every now and then, and I am capable of camping for a few weeks, I have to admit I’m a city boy. I love the people, the night life, the culture, the history, the food, the streets, the fashion… So, of course, I am having a lot of fun adapting to this city.
Of course Chicago has a lot to offer to everybody, tourists and locals. Seems a bit unnecessary to mention Millennium and Lincoln parks, the zoos, the museums, the shops, the baseball and hockey games, the theaters, the river, the breathtakingly tall buildings, and of course, the deep dish pizza and the hot dogs. However, I must confess, I come from a blessed place in terms of weather, and this June has been a roller coaster, and I’ve been told to get ready for a very cold winter if I am still here by then.
But let’s get to the point, the scene: Soho, Les Marais, The Pink Zone, Castro, WeHo… and now we have Boystown and Andersonville. Gay districts all over the world have become famous for welcoming our community, offering friendly entertainment and nightlife options that satisfy our taste of music and people. And I could not have arrived to Illinois in a better time of the year for my community, since June is Pride month, and expectations have been exceeded. The gay scene in Chicago has given me some interesting perspectives.
Obviously the locals are gorgeous, and the variety is immense: twinks, bears, daddies, redheads, Middle Eastern, Caucasian, Black, Hispanic, athletic, jocks, preppy, trashy, trendy, and the list goes on. But this has gone beyond: an unintentional social experiment. In some ways Chicago hardly differs from other cities in the Western hemisphere. We all wear Calvin Klein and Banana Republic, we all smell of Abercrombie and Paco Rabanne, we all dance to RiRi and Madge, we all drink beer and Cosmos, and we all use Grindr. However, some differences have appeared too. Chicagoans do not dress up as much to go out dancing, they are more into Hip Hop (not my favorite style), and are a bit more aggressive when it comes to… let’s say getting numbers (not that I’m complaining, but maybe I’m more used to Mexico’s more timid approach).
Even though in Mexico we celebrate Pride every last Saturday of June, I had no idea Chicago made a month out of it. Parties, festivals and special events throughout the whole month have been vast and fun. Pride Month was everything I could have asked for, with maybe some extra harnesses. I loved that the parade was not only for fun, but that actual activist groups (such as police men, politicians, NGOs, judges and families) were present, raising civic participation. All the festivities were organized, clean and amusing. And of course, we all had to celebrate the now national possibility to walk down the aisle.
Chicago has been welcoming, and a great experience so far. I really hope to find ways to stay longer. It is, without a doubt, a city that offers everything, no matter your background. I definitely made the correct decision coming here, and most people that have visited this city might agree with me. So, for those who have not come, put it at the top of the To Do pile.
Kit Kat Lounge Benefit June 16
Tuesday, June 16 6-8 p.m. $20 donation
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, Illinois 60613
773.525.1111
KitKatChicago.com
Ty Herndon at Chicago Pride Parade
Country singer Ty Herndon hopes that the support he received after coming out last year is indicative of a progressive Nashville, one that’s becoming more tolerant toward the LGBT community than in years past.
“One of the biggest fears I had in coming out and being authentic was that I wouldn’t get to continue doing what I do for a living, and that’s country music,” he told The Huffington Post in an interview. “How great is it that I have the opportunity, for the first time in my life, to sing about truth? That makes me a very happy man.”
Herndon, 53, sees his latest project as a prime opportunity for him to pay that happiness forward. On June 12, he’ll take the stage at the first Concert For Love and Acceptance at Nashville’s City Winery, which he is co-hosting with Meghan McCain, the daughter of former Republican presidential hopeful John McCain and an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights.
PRIDEChicago, the organizers of Chicago’s annual gay pride parade, announced Monday that out country star Ty Herndon will be the Grand Marshal for the 46th Annual Chicago Pride Parade.
“I have struggled with being gay my entire career and life,” Herndon told ChicagoPride.com just days after that interview. “Of course, I’ve had so much support from my friends and close family that supported me, that knew I was gay. But it’s been so freeing for the fans to know; the fans in country music, especially. They have really been supportive and awesome.”
Chicago House Spring Fashion Brunch
A sell-out year after year, the Spring Brunch and Fashion Show is an annual rite for Chicago House supporters and sponsors alike. After a lavish brunch, attendees were treated with a runway fashion show featuring exclusive men’s and women’s fashions from local greats.
MANY MORE PHOTOS HERE
In the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the US, nearly 100 activists met at the historic Baton Show Lounge to address the dire need for housing for Chicagoans living with AIDS. On September 9, 1985, Chicago House was incorporated in Illinois as not-for-profit the goal of providing housing for those with AIDS.
FOR 30 YEARS Chicago House and Social Service agency has served individuals and families who are disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ marginalization, poverty, homelessness, and/or gender nonconformity by providing housing, employment services, medical linkage and retention services, HIV prevention services, legal services and other supportive programs.
Please visit their site and be sure to LIKE them on Facebook!
Chicago Pride Fest Entertainment Announced!
TWO DAYS and LOTS of Entertainment!
CHICAGO PRIDE FEST TO SHOWCASE ECLECTIC MUSIC MIX
‘Keep Pride Proud’ Motto Transcends Festival
Chicago Pride Fest returns to Boystown June 20 – 21 with a mix of national headliners and festival favorites. The annual event, hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance, debuts the ‘Keep Pride Proud’ catchphrase to capture the enduring spirit of not only the festival, but the neighborhood and community at-large.
This year’s entertainment line-up is a blend of big names and beloved local bands. On Saturday Deb Gibson, Jessica Sutta and The Veronicas take to the Main Stage. Sunday features Big Freedia, Estelle and St. Lucia.
The Red Bull Dance Stage and Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club Runway add to the celebratory scene. The ever popular Pet Parade returns, led by Miss Foozie and serves as Sunday’s opening ‘act.’
Northalsted Business Alliance Executive Director Christopher Barrett Politan expanded on the ‘Keep Pride Proud’ movement. “Our vibrant neighborhood has an enduring respect for both our history and future and that is something we want to share with everyone who visits Boystown, be it for a festival or event, or just an average day.”
Saturday, June 20
Main Stage (Halsted and Grace)
2:45 pm Deb Gibson
4:55 pm Adam Barta
6:40 pm Alicia Madison
8:15 pm Jessica Sutta
9:00 pm The Veronicas
South Stage (Halsted and Addison)
3:30 pm Ginger
7:45 pm Wedding Banned
Sunday, June 21
Main Stage (Halsted and Grace)
12:30 pm Pet Parade
1:30 pm Estelle
3:00 pm Crystal Waters
3:50 pm Big Freedia
5:05 pm Cazwell
6:15 pm Inaya Day
7:30 pm St. Lucia
South Stage (Halsted and Addison)
2:15 pm Catfight
4:10 Rod Tuffcurls
6:50 pm 16 Candles
Chicago Pride Fest-June 20-June 21
Halsted from Addison to Grace
11 am to 10 pm $10 Suggested Donation
About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)
Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 80 businesses along the North Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Market Days and the Halloween Parade.
For information about NBA visit www.northalsted.com.
PLUS – the party continues
MONDAY JUNE 22nd 5pm- 10pm
PRIDE SPLASH! @ Hurricane Harbor!
Gay Queer Contra Dance Chicago April 25th
WARHOL Wonka Ball April 10
Come claim your 15 minutes of fame at About Face Theatre’s annual gala WONKA BALL:
WARHOL, where guests are invited to step into Warhol’s infamous factory for one night only. This year’s highly-anticipated soiree takes place Friday, April 10, 2015 at 8 pm (VIP Cocktail Reception at 7 pm) at Moonlight Studios, 1446 W. Kinzie St. in Chicago.
WONKA BALL:
WARHOL will celebrate the pop art icon and his cadre of superstars, celebrities and subjects. Guests are invited to experience live, Warhol-inspired art-making by Matthew Lew, JoJo Baby and Edgewater Workbench, short experimental films by Warhol and contemporary Chicago filmmakers, a punch-out prize wall, a photo booth and more. Guests will also enjoy fantastic food with catering by Wolfgang Puck, delicious drinks and stellar silent and live auctions, including a three-night stay in Key West.
Join Chicago’s celebrated center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and ally arts (LGBTQIA) as it celebrates its 19th year on this unforgettable evening. Tickets are currently available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling (773) 784-8565.
VIP Cocktail Reception
Join About Face for an exclusive VIP Cocktail Reception beginning at 7 pm, guests will enjoy early access to the venue, specialty cocktails, an exclusive raffle with complimentary raffle tickets, culinary treats, live entertainment and a VIP gift bag. The reception will be hosted by the evening’s honorary co-chairs and members of the AFT Board of Directors.
WONKA BALL: WARHOL Honorary Co-Chairs include AFT Artistic Associate Precious Davis, John Dalton and Kristen Kaza.
Proceeds from WONKA BALL: WARHOL will support About Face Theatre’s award-winning mainstage programming, new play development series and nationally-recognized educational program. Since 1995, About Face has created exceptional, innovative, and adventurous plays that advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity and have entertained and challenged audiences in Chicago, across the country and around the world. Support from Wonka Ball enables About Face to thrive as Chicago’s celebrated center for LGBTQIA arts; an inclusive home where diverse artists, youth, audiences and community partners come together for artistic exchange and cultural dialogue.
EVENT DETAILS:
Event: WONKA BALL: WARHOL
Date: Friday, April 10 from 8 pm – 11 pm; VIP Cocktail Party at 7 pm
Location: Moonlight Studios, 1446 W. Kinzie St. in Chicago
Tickets: General admission: $150 (Early Bird Special $125 through March 13, 2015). VIP Cocktail Reception: $200 (Early Bird Special $175 through March 13, 2015). Additional sponsorship packages are available. Tickets currently available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or by calling (773) 784-8565.
THE SPONSORS
Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering. Liquor: Absolut, Angels Envy, Goose Island and Sidetrack. Event furniture: Cort. Photo booth: Red Weddings. Restaurant Partners: Wow Bao, Garrett Popcorn, Hamburger Mary’s, Cabot Cheese, Insomnia Cookies, Yo Soy!, Swirlz Cupcakes, Mariano’s, Rique’s Chicago, mEAT, DS Tequila and Do-Rite Donuts. Key West vacation: Historic Key West Inns.
About Face Theatre creates exceptional, innovative, and adventurous plays to advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity, and to challenge and entertain audiences in Chicago, across the country, and around the world.
Andersonville is TOP Neighborhood in Chicago
ACCORDING TO CURBED CHICAGO….If you’re looking to buy a home in Chicago this year, real estate listing and brokerage site Redfin says that Andersonville will be the neighborhood to watch.
According to the site’s latest top ten list of hottest neighborhoods in the country, Andersonville is the hottest in Chicago and the seventh hottest in the country.
The pick marks a departure from the last two years, when Redfin chose the quickly gentrifying Logan Square (2013) and Humboldt Park (2014) neighborhoods. Buyers have led this shift, according to Redfin, opting for value over “hipster havens.” – Frankly – it’s a bit late. Prices have already WENT UP over the last 10 years! A bargain would be hard to find!
Andersonville is a neighborhood in western Edgewater. At the time of the 2000 United States Census, the proportion of single-sex couples in Edgewater was 6.6% in the 60660 zip code and 8.0% in the 60640 zip code. This compares with the US national average of 1.1%.
Edgewater is home to the Gerber/Hart Library, the largest gay and lesbian library and archives in the Midwestern United States. Kathy (Osterman) Beach (named after a former alderman but historically referred to as Hollywood Beach, referencing Hollywood Ave. where it is situated) is a hugely popular hangout for a diverse community of beachgoers during the summer months. Chicago’s oldest LGBT synagogue, Congregation Or Chadash, is situated in Edgewater.
