Category Archives: FREE
Chicago Center on Halsted Events
Something for everyone at CENTER ON HALSTED in the upcoming weeks!
Limelight Series presents: An Evening with Pride Films and Plays – August 17th, 2015 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Join us as Center on Halsted’s Limelight Series presents: An Evening with Pride Films and Plays
Chicago’s Pride Films and Plays ‘utilizes stories with GLBT characters or themes and creates powerful theatrics and films that speak for the community and are essential viewing for all audiences.’ Pride Films and Plays, founded in 2010, has already established itself as a leader in the Chicago arts scene. Come get to know the company that the Huffington Post recently called “a powerful and empowering entity.”
7:00PM-7:30PM
Mix and mingle with PFP & COH staff and the program’s artists
7:30PM-9:00PM
Performances including a sneak peak of Design for Living, a talk from author Rick Kinnebrew about his new play Ten Dollar House, music from James Nedrud, performance artist Katherine Hawbaker-Krohn, one of our favorite short films from the Queer Bits Short Film Fest, songs from The Boy From Oz, PFP’s current smash hit!
You don’t want to miss this evening of arts and entertainment as we get to know one of Chicago’s great theater companies!
For more information on Pride Films and Plays, please visit:
http://pridefilmsandplays.com/
Center on Halsted’s Limelight Series gives you a chance to spend an evening with some of Chicago’s most creative people and organizations. Each event highlights the Windy City’s vibrant arts scene – from music and dance to literature and theater. Join us as we take a closer look at the creators and leaders of Chicago’s cultural landscape.
FREE
Register & reserve your seat by clicking the following link:
https://community.centeronhalsted.org/PrideFilms
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Salve Regina: A Coming of Gay Story – August 22nd & 23rd, 2015
A solo show, written and performed by Javier Rivera*, remounted specifically for Center on Halsted, following a sold-out run at the United Solo Theatre Festival in NYC
*Winner of 2014 Best Actor Award at United Solo
Born in Puerto Rico to an ultra-religious mother and a domineering father is not easy, especially when it’s likely you are a big Queen. There are not enough novenas to pray, or candles to be lit. In this situation only a miracle will do, or better yet… a holy intervention. Thank God for Madonna.
Follow the coming of age story of Javier, a young Puerto Rican man, as he triumphs and stumbles in his journey to self-discovery aided by the only person who ever understood him…
TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY!
Saturday, August 22nd @ 7:30PM
Sunday, August 23rd @ 3:00PM
$10.00 (Tickets may be purchased online as well as at the door prior to performance – cash only!)
*All profits will go to Center on Halsted, helping to support future events like this one!
Click the following link to purchase tickets for Saturday’s performance: https://community.centeronhalsted.org/SalveRegina22
Click the following link to purchase tickets for Sunday’s performance: https://community.centeronhalsted.org/SalveRegina23
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
3rd Annual Feel Good Health Fair – August 29th, 2015 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
On Saturday August 29th, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Center on Halsted will host its 3rd Annual Feel Good Health Fair, a community health and resource fair with a focus on healthy living for LGBTQ individuals.
The Feel Good Fair will be hosted in the Irving Harris Family Foundation Reception Hall and Hoover-Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted. This year the fair will feature free fitness classes throughout the day, product giveaways from health-related vendors, and nutritious cooking demonstrations.
The primary goal of Center on Halsted’s Feel Good Health Fair is to educate participants about making healthy choices and creating good habits for healthy living in the LGBTQ community. Vendors for the resource fair will focus on physical health, mental and social well-being. Participants are also encouraged to stop by tables to learn more about Center on Halsted’s programs and services.
The fitness class schedule for the day is:
10:00AM-10:25AM: Ballroom Dancing with Get on the Floor Dance Company
10:30AM-10:55AM: Yoga with The ATTIC*
11:00AM-11:25AM: Queer Tango with Paola Bordon
11:30AM-11:55AM: Zumba with Andrew Martinez
12:00PM-12:25PM: Ballroom Dancing with Get on the Floor Dance Company
12:30PM-12:55PM: Yoga with The ATTIC*
1:00PM-1:25PM: Queer Tango with Paola Bordon
1:30PM-1:55PM: Zumba with Andrew Martinez
*A limited number of yoga mats will be provided – if possible, please supply your own
It is highly suggested that you pre-register for the exercise classes by visiting the link below:
https://community.centeronhalsted.org/FeelGood
TKO – September 6th, 2015 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Center on Halsted brings you the hottest Labor Day bash!
TKO: greatest t-dance ever.
battle for your pleasure and a Technical Knock Out
jump in! groove to the killer sound of our dueling djs.
Billy Brown vs. Gina Kozar
mc Pandora Boxx officiates
sept. 6 2015 T-time: 3 – 6 pm
coh rooftop & indoors
$20 entry/one drink, cash bar
feat. our one-two rum punch
community.centeronhalsted.org/TKO
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Pride Films & Plays: LezFest – September 11th – 13th, 2015
More details to come! Check back soon!
Queer Clothing Swap – September 13th, 2015 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Please join Center on Halsted and GenderQueer Chicago at the 3rd Annual Queer Clothing Swap! Trade in your skirts for a pair of slacks or your loafers for a pair of heels or maybe you’re just looking to update your wardrobe!
This event is free, but we ask that each participant bring at least 3 items of gently worn clothing (or shoes and accessories) to be donated to the swap. In exchange, you’ll have the chance to take home the new items you find! BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag). Please refrain from donating stained clothing, t-shirts and undergarments. While the swap is particularly intended for Trans* and gender-variant folks to have a safe and fun space to exchange clothes, the event is open to all queer-affirming allies!
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
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!!
Best Chicago Hotel Pools
We love the site THRILLIST! They are obsessed with everything that’s worth caring about in food, drink, and travel.
In a recent article, they visited 14 top hotel pools around Chicago to see which were easily diveable and which were just plain impenetrable. You would be surprised how easy it is to get into some of the pool areas for FREE!
Italian Cooking Demo June 20th
CHEF CHRISTOPHER TONG OF MY PRIVATE CHEF SHARES AN ITALIAN MENU AT BLOOMINGDALE’S HOME STORE, MEDINAH TEMPLE
Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef, is enthusiastic about European flavors and cuisine. He has been invited back to present an Italian-themed menu inspired by his travels.
A favorite with Bloomingdale’s shoppers, Chef Tong will prepare: Saffron Farfalle;
Sicilian-Style Tuna Steaks; and Nutella-Mascarpone Mousse with Strawberries.
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation, and come away with fabulous recipes that you can try at home. Chef Tong will give tips on shopping, ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
The cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, June 20, from 2-4 pm, at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago. Demo Kitchen on 1.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact at 312-324-7678
My Private Chef is now established as one of Chicago’s favorite resources for private gourmet dining. Using his many years of experience at fine restaurants and hotels, Chef Tong offers the finest cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
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.”
Black Ensemble Theater Limelight Series
From the Center on Halsted:
“As we expand our cultural programming here at Center on Halsted, we are excited to continue our Limelight Series with the next arts icon: The Black Ensemble Theater.
We hope you’ll consider joining us at this FREE event , APRIL 28th, as we celebrate this theater’s amazing contribution to the vibrant arts scene that Chicago has to offer. Just click the image to learn more and to register!
Feel free to share with friends – and please keep an eye out for future Limelight and cultural events here at the Center.
Steve Grand at Downtown Bar March 28th
“All-American Boy” my first, full-length debut album is here!
Celebrate with myself and other fellow #Grandfam in Chicago,
Saturday, March 28 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
At 440 North State St. DOWNTOWN BAR
FREE EVENT
Come to enjoy
The New Album, live performance, merch for sale, friends, drinks, and more!
Frost Fest Week in Boystown
This February, Boystown embraces the brisk weather for a first of its kind Frost Fest, a week long schedule of events celebrating all things cool in the neighborhood.
Soup Walk
Sunday, February 22nd, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Visit participating shops and sample soups from your favorite restaurants.
Taste of Northalsted
Monday, February 23rd – Thursday, February 26th
Visit northalsted.com to print your $10 OFF Coupon.
Warm-Up Wednesday
Wednesday, February 25th, 6:00 PM
Enjoy warm and spirited drinks at the bars along the Northalsted strip
Brisk Brews – Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, February 28th
Pick between two 3 hour tasting sessions beginning at 1:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
Sample over 20 local craft brews in our heated outdoor tent.
Buy your tickets at www.northalsted.com.
Brad Walsh in Chicago @ Scarlet Bar
An “all-around Renaissance man” (Vogue Italia), singer/songwriter, producer, and visual artist Brad Walsh is “a chameleon extraordinaire” (ArjanWrites.com)
and an influential “modern-day St. Patrick” (Village Voice) whose music is “required listening” (Idolator.com).
Brad’s 2011 album Right Now was praised as “an 11-track tour-de-force of body-moving pop music” (Vogue Italia), “a dark yet club-friendly disc that delves into uncharacteristically personal territory” (The Advocate), and “an album of intelligence that inspires new thoughts upon every listen” (Electroqueer.com).
His remixes of songs by Adam Lambert (a #1 Billboard Hot Dance single), Sarah McLachlan, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Kanye West, Rihanna, and others have achieved over 13 million digital downloads to date.
His music has appeared in shows and commercials on television networks including Bravo, E!, Showtime, MTV, Logo, and CBS; and he composes original runway music as well as DJ sets for fashion shows at New York Fashion Week. Brad is recording a new full-length album for release in early 2015.
Also an accomplished photographer, Brad’s portrait and fashion images have appeared most notably in The New York Times, Women’s Wear Daily, Elle, InStyle, Marie Claire, Style.com, Nylon, Blackbook, Teen Vogue, and Spin; in promotion or advertisement for Victoria’s Secret, TreSemme, Gibson Guitars, Payless, and J Shoes; and on the covers of books from major trade publishers.
Several of his portraits were purchased by GenArt to travel the country as a gallery tour called “Capture the Night,” and he was a featured artist with portrait sessions on Gilt.com.
Brad has served as a judge for fashion events around the country, and he designed a jewelry capsule collection available at retailers in the USA, UK, and Japan.
Brad and Christian Siriano, The Project Runway champ were engaged in 2013.
Brad will be at SCARLET providing the beats on Sunday January 25th for LIQUID BRUNCH!
3320 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657
Jennifer Hudson, HRC and the W Hotel
A FREE EVENT – First Come First Served – SPACE IS LIMITED!
Turn it up for Change at The W Chicago – Lakeshore
Wednesday, January 14th @ 9PM
The W Chicago – Lakeshore (644 N. Lake Shore Drive) in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign will host Turn it up for Change, a fundraising and awareness initiative in the fight for nationwide LGBT equality with special guests Grammy® and Academy Award® winner Jennifer Hudson, DJ White Shadow, Legendary Damon along with local Chicago Queens Trannika Rex, Precious Jewel and Shea Coulee.
The event is free and will begin at 9:00PM CST
and entry is available on a first come, first serve basis.
TURN IT UP FOR CHANGE launched in October 2014 and combines W’s longstanding support of the LGBT community with its ongoing passion for music. In partnership with HRC and Jennifer Hudson, W hopes to bring about real and lasting change for LGBT Americans in all 50 states. As part of the program, W Hotels around the country currently host monthly TURN IT UP FOR CHANGE music events, in which a portion of proceeds (equal the number of states that currently recognize same-sex marriage) is donated to HRC. Some events, such as this one at W Chicago – Lakeshore, also include appearances by Jennifer Hudson.
AUBREY O’DAY @ Scarlet January 18th
LAKEVIEW/ BOYSTOWN HOTSPOT
HOSTS 7th Anniversary PARTY
In conjunction with Ketel One Vodka, Scarlet Bar Chicago hosts celebrity attendees for a party celebrating the anniversary of their opening.
WHAT: Ketel One Vodka Presents Scarlet Bar Chicago’s Seventh Anniversary Party Featuring Heatherette (Traver Rains and Richie Rich) and Aubrey O’Day (Danity Kane, All About Aubrey and Celebrity Apprentice)
WHERE: Scarlet Bar Chicago, 3320 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657
WHEN: Sunday, January 18th at 1pm
WHO: co-host Aubrey O’Day, member of Danity Kane and reality personality by way of her show All About Aubrey, Celebrity Apprentice and a frequent guest judge on Rupaul’s Drag Race. She also is the founder of F*A*N (Fighting AIDS Now) that works to bring therapy and art to children in hospitals.
co-host Heatherette (Traver Rains and Richie Rich), famed fashion designers known for showing 16 incredible times at New York Fashion Week They have dressed stars such as Paris Hilton, Anna Nicole Smith, and Aerosmith. They have also been guest judges on America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway.
WHY: Every year the owners and management of the immensely popular Scarlet, 2010 winner of Chicago Magazine’s Best Gay Bar, celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the bar by throwing a star studded event in their ongoing mission to bring the best entertainment and music to Lakeview.
CHICAGO – WIN Season 1 of LOOKING
LOOKING Season 2
is almost here!
SUNDAY JAN 11th, 2015!
RIGHT NOW is your chance to win a copy of Season 1 on DVD!
Leave me a comment below why you love LOOKING! First 10 people get a copy of the DVD!
(Leave your email privately in the comment, and I will follow up with directions on picking up your FREE LOOKING DVD!)
Chicago Gay Adoptions
If you are interested in expanding your family through adoption and have questions about how to get started, we are here for you! Join us at “Growing Your Family: A Guide for Prospective LGBT Adoptive Parents,” an Equality Illinois presentation co-hosted by the Cradle on Tuesday, January 13, from 5:30-7PM. You can sign up for this event here.
At this event, we will cover an overview of adoption law and answer your legal and procedural questions about adoption in a safe and friendly environment. In addition, you will receive the new Equality Illinois adoption guide, which includes an extensive list of recommended adoption agencies.
Space is limited. Register today by clicking HERE.
The Homestretch – Homeless Youth
“The Homestretch”
follows three homeless teens, one of them LGBTQ, as they fight to stay in school, graduate, and build a future.
Each of these smart, ambitious teenagers – Roque, Kasey and Anthony – will surprise, inspire, and challenge audiences to rethink stereotypes of homelessness as they work to complete their education while facing the trauma of being alone and abandoned at an early age.
As their stories unfold, the film connects us deeply with larger issues of poverty, race, juvenile justice, immigration, foster care, and LGBTQ rights.
Watch the trailer here: www.homestretchdoc.com/
A free-will offering to benefit The Night Ministries will follow the screening, which is co-sponsored by Berry United Methodist Church and the Gay Liberation Network. The film is a co-production between Spargel Productions and Kartemquin Films.
The free screening of this new film will take place at 7 PM, Thursday, November 13
at Berry United Methodist Church, 4754 N Leavitt St, Chicago.
MY PRIVATE CHEF FALL MENU AT BLOOMINGDALE’S
In special anticipation of Autumn, Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store welcomes
Chef Christopher Tong from My Private Chef to demonstrate the preparation of an exciting menu
based on Fall favorite flavors.
The cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, October 25, from 2-4 pm,
Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL.
A favorite with Bloomingdale’s shoppers, Chef Tong will prepare a Fall menu featuring:
Butternut Squash, Ricotta, and Sage Crostini; Pan-Seared Duckbreast with Pumpkin Risotto; and Pumpkin Mousse with Ginger Snaps.
Chef Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive cuisine at fine restaurants and hotels in Chicago, Los Angeles and Florida for more than 25 years. Now, as the owner of My Private Chef,
a unique private chef and gourmet dining service, he’s getting rave reviews for offering that same world-class cuisine for special occasions from your own kitchen or chosen location.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact at 312-324-7678
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit : www.myprivatechef.net
Call me Kuchu Sept. 12th
Film About Ugandan LGBTs at Broadway United Methodist September 12th.
“Call me Kuchu,” a film about Ugandan LGBTs’ fight for freedom, and the tragic assassination of their foremost leader, David Kato will be shown at 6:30 PM, Friday, September 12, at the Broadway United Methodist Church, 3338 N. Broadway, Chicago.
The New York Times calls the film “inspiring.” The LA Weekly, “heart wrenching.” “Impassioned,” says Entertainment Weekly. “Excellent,” says NPR.
“Kuchu” is a Ugandan term for LGBTs. Recently Uganda’s “jail the gays” bill was repealed on a technicality. Supporters of it are vowing to bring it back. Meanwhile, anti-LGBT forces in Kenya are pushing a similar bill, and other “jail the gays” bills have passed in Nigeria and Russia.
The film showing is a fundraiser for the Chicago LGBT Asylum Project (CLASP). There will be a free will offering – no one turned away for lack of funds. Event sponsored by the Gay Liberation Network. For more information, email LGBTliberation@aol.com
Jess Godwin – Godwin Anthology Free Concert Aug. 27
Join Center on Halsted for an evening of vocal performance from some of Chicago’s most talented singers, songwriters, and performers.
The Godwin Anthology consists of the following acts:
GODWIN has released five EPs. Her singles and voice have been featured on both television and radio and she has been the featured performer for a number of sports franchises, galas, funerals, masses, and weddings throughout the Chicago area and nationally.
JC BROOKS is an actor, musician, and poet whose main pastime is writing love letters to the Chicago arts scene. You can check him out this summer with his post-punk soul band JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound with his new musical project the K.i.D.
DANIEL WADE is a singer-songwriter and guitarist whose music sounds like a burst of rock ‘n’ roll sunshine that is both fresh and familiar. He has four EPs and performs with Ryan Powers and The Secret Weapons, Treaty of Paris, and Michael Chorvat. He has opened for both Butch Walker and Jack’s Mannequin.
RYAN POWERS and The Secret Weapons nod to the sunshine pop music of the past with their debut album The Goodnight, Goodbye Hour. They have garnered airplay on 93.1 FM WXRT, performed live on WGN Television, and have shared the stage with national acts such as: Gavin DeGraw, Collective Soul, Styx, Diane Birch, and REO Speedwagon. Ryan and the band set out to perform their summertime pop that sings of romance and escapes.
Mr Heatwave Contest at Scarlet Aug 21st
DRUM ROLL please………………..
.
Announcing the Mr Heatwave
contest for 2014!
On Thursday August 21st, there will be MR HEATWAVE 2014 contest at Scarlet bar.
| 3320 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657 |
Event is 7-10pm. All Interested contestants can IN BOX ME on Facebook saying they are interested. OR that evening in person between 7-8pm!
Wear your sexiest and hottest look.
It’s not necessarily about the best body.
Be fun and creative. Show your personality!
It’ll be a very simple process.
Maybe a fun question or 2.
Attendees in the club will cast votes for their favorite guy.
Winner gets a $600 package that includes free room for 2 for the Heatwave event, 2 tickets for the Heatwave Recovery Gospel Brunch, a 2 hour professional photo shoot, and 2 tickets to OUT IN THE PARK @ Six Flags.
Top 2 runners up will get a Swag Bag of goodies.
FREE Pizza from BoJonos Pizza will be served at 9:00 while votes are counted. and Scarlet will offer a special Ketle One + Red Bull Heatwave drink for the evening @ a special price!
Join us at 7pm to enter the competition or cheer on your friend to help them win a prize package worth over a $600!
Hopefuls should come dressed to impress. Audience votes will choose the winner so grab all your friends!
In case you did not know…..
From the producers of OUT IN THE PARK @ SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA comes a brand new charitable event! The country’s FIRST EVER 24-hour PRIVATE LGBT Indoor Poolside Dance Party and Water Park Celebration. HEATWAVE!
Taking place at Key Lime Cove, right across the street from Six Flags in Gurnee, IL. Key Lime has an amazing 65,000 square foot INDOOR water park where it’s always 82 degrees! and a complete hotel resort attached.
The 24 hour event will begin Saturday, November 15th, 2014 . Room/Party Packages $98 Per Person/double occupancy, includes ROOM + PARTY TICKETS! ONLY 400 rooms and at press time, it was a little over half sold out. (You must say HEATWAVE event when calling Reservations 1-877-360-0403).
Five DJ’s and 12 hours of music with 9 hours inside the waterpark! Cazwell, Traver Rains, Trannika Rex, Austin Armacost, hot models and fashions by J Prince Studio – it’s going to be Epic fun! Restaurants, bars, coffee shop, ice cream, spa, massive arcade..everything you need for 24 hours is one complex.
