Category Archives: Movers and Shakers
Gay House Music Legend from Chicago Dies
Frankie Knuckles
one of the major founding forces of house music, passed away yesterday at the age of 59. He died unexpectedly at his Chicago home on Monday.
Remembering Vernita Gray
Vernita Gray, who passed away last night after a tenacious battle with cancer, served Chicago’s LGBTQ community with distinction for over 40 years as was one of its early leaders and strongest advocates. She organized a gay and lesbian hotline in 1969 and hosted support groups from her home. She was instrumental in forming the first Lesbian Caucus of the nascent Gay Liberation organization and the first Chicago lesbian newspaper – Lavender Women.
ville, Center on Halsted’s community newszine, had a chance to sit down with Vernita this past winter about the future of the LGBTQ movement.
“In 1969, I didn’t really have a clue about a career, what I wanted to do with my life. As an African-American woman coming out as a lesbian, I knew I wanted to be free and wanted to be afforded all the opportunities in our culture to be who I really was. I knew that I did not want to be a closeted lesbian,” Gray told the Times’ Tracy Baim as part of the Chicago Gay History project in 2007. “I knew that I wanted to be gay and wanted to enjoy my life with other gay people.”
It wasn’t long before Gray immersed herself in activism. That same year she helped develop a telephone hotline, and started organizing support groups for gay and lesbian Chicagoans at both local colleges and in her own home, according to her biography on the website of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, into which she was inducted in 1992.
Candi Cayne Midnight Cabaret at Taverna 750 November 9th
Join Taverna 750 and Nolet’s Gin on November 9th for a Midnight Cabaret Show with Candis Cayne benefiting the Gibbs Family Foundation.
Candis Cayne is one of the United States’ most popular and sought-after
transgender actresses being seen in shows like Dirty Sexy Money,
Nip/tuck, and Million Dollar Listing.. Candis first made a name for
herself at the famed NYC gay hot-spot “Boy Bar”, where her performances
drew rave reviews. A classically trained dancer, Candis has thrilled
audiences from coast-to-coast with her amazing gift for dance, choreography and glamour.
With Specials Guest Traver Rains, famed fashion designer, co-creator of the haute couture line Heatherette, and current owner of the T-Rains fashion line.
The Gibbs Family Foundation promotes healthy living and prevention
strategies for complex illnesses and rare diseases. The Gibbs Family
Foundation provides funding opportunities to organizations committed to
promoting health awareness, lifestyle modifications, and prevention
programs to improve health.
$10 Cover at the Door or reserve a private bottle service table with Timothy Rocklewitz at tim@taverna750.com for details.
Edge Alliance The YOU Ball November 16th
organizations whose contributions make our work possible. Last Year’s
YOU! Ball marked EdgeAlliance’s 20th anniversary. Join them on November
16, 2013 to celebrate the second annual YOU! Ball.
EdgeAlliance will host its 21st
Annual Gala, The YOU! Ball on Saturday,
November 16th, 2013 at 7:00 PM at Venue One in the West
Loop of Chicago. The party will benefit the nonprofit with funds going towards supportive
housing programs that will provide the children, families and adults at the campus
with a greater quality of independence.
Chefs from some of Chicago’s finest restaurants which include the
Signature Room at the 95th, Hearty Restaurant, Crew Bar + Grill
& Swirlz Cupcakes will create food stations featuring their signature
specialties! Event Sponsors include: CS Modern Luxury, Exit Strategy Realty,
Guaranteed Rate, and ROC Realty Group.
“As we enter our 22nd year of service, we invite everyone to join us
for a spectacular evening in urban chic attire while helping to raise money
that will positively impact the quality of life for hundreds of at-risk
families and individuals,” said EdgeAlliance Board Member and YOU! Ball
Event Co-Chair Kevin Rocio.
The YOU! Ball is the agency’s major annual fundraiser
which encompasses silent and live auctions featuring getaway vacations,
entertainment and sports memorabilia, elegant dining, wine tastings, golf
outings and more. “These additional funds will help support the critical
programs and services we provide,” said Kevin, “so our guests will be doing a
world of good by having an evening of fun.”
EdgeAlliance’s philosophy of housing is simple: it should be safe,
affordable, well-built and attractive. The developments should offer both
respite and permanent supportive housing options. They should be located in
areas where people are hurting. The housing should welcome diverse population
including children, teens, young adults, people in midlife, and senior
citizens. The property area itself should contain lots of green spaces and
garden space, and it should be a major part of community.
The ticket price for the party is $125.00
or $175.00 for VIP admission.BUY ONLINE NOW
For more than 21 years EdgeAlliance
has been a haven for individuals and families with special needs and medically
complex conditions. The private nonprofit’s mission is to assists its members in developing and
operating quality housing and providing life enriching services to vulnerable
individuals and families.
Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame To Induct 14 Individuals and 2 Organizations
Fourteen individuals and two
organizations will be inducted Nov. 12 into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of
Fame, the country’s only known government-sponsored hall of fame that honors
members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities.
The inductees were selected by a
committee composed of former inductees, which reviewed nominations submitted by
members of the public. The names were released by Friends of the Chicago Gay
and Lesbian Hall of Fame, a section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The chosen nominees will be
inducted at the Hall of Fame’s annual ceremony, which will take place from 5:30
p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday,
Nov. 12, at the Chicago History
Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago. A reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the
program is scheduled for 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the
public.
Mary F. Morten, a respected
Chicago women’s- and LGBT-rights activist and a former LGBT mayoral liaison
under Mayor Richard M. Daley, was recently elected as the new
co-chairperson of Friends of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
“I’m excited to step into this role as co-chair,” she said, “and I look forward
to supporting an institution that has consistently recognized the best and the
brightest from our communities and our allies. This year’s inductees are no
exception.”
“We welcome the 2013 inductees’ addition,” said Israel
Wright, executive director of the Friends organization. “It continues to show
how the important contributions from our LGBT communities and from our friends
pave the way for the future. It is humbling to recognize each inductee’s
special efforts to create change in ways that affect us all so greatly.”
Hall
of Fame inductees fall into one of three categories: “individual,” “organization,”
or “friend of the community.” Nominees represent all of Chicago’s
sexual-minority communities, including LGBT Chicagoans, past, present, living,
and dead, as well as those who have supported or assisted them.
Those honored in 2013 are:
“Individual”
Category
Gaylon
B. Alcaraz, 42, for almost 20 years of work on behalf of
women’s reproductive freedom, the interests of African American lesbian and
bisexual women, adolescent health, and other social concerns. She was a founder
of Affinity Community Services, a South Side social-justice group, and is the
Chicago Abortion Fund’s executive director.
James
L. Alexander, 63, for his contributions to Chicago cultural and
other nonprofit institutions, including LGBT- and HIV/AIDS-related
organizations, through board service, advice, and leadership and through
directing philanthropic support. He is co-trustee of The Elizabeth Morse
Charitable Trust and the Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust.
James
L. Bennett, 48, for his leadership in the nonprofit
community and a career as a comedic writer and performer. He has fought
for social justice in the United Methodist Church and through other groups. He has written and performed in 14
sketch- comedy revues and appears and emcees at radio and staged events.
He is the Midwest regional director for Lambda Legal.
Jorge
Cestou, 41, for 16 years of social-service activism,
organizing, and leadership in LGBT Latina/o and HIV/AIDS organizations locally
and nationally, as well as in the Chicago leather community. He is director of
programs and services for Vida/SIDA, a Latina/o AIDS service organization in Chicago.
Rocco
J. Claps, 52, for public service in political and government
roles as an openly gay man and for advancing LGBT rights goals. He began on
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s staff in 1987, worked in federal and
Democratic National Committee positions during the Clinton administration, and
since 2003 has been director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
Rudolph
Johnson, Jr. (1947–2006), for 23 years as a well-known and
well-regarded North Halsted Street bar owner who led the Northalsted Merchants
Association and other neighborhood groups, instituted and promoted local
festivals, sponsored sports leagues and events, and lent and recruited support
for a wide array of LGBT nonprofit organizations and pro-LGBT politicians.
Lee
A. Newell II, 64, for his community service in Chicago from 1976
to 2001. He led the financial revival and growth of Gay Horizons (an early
precursor of today’s Center on Halsted); documented local events, assembling
what is now a Chicago History Museum collection of some 5,000 photos; led the
city’s first LGBT PAC; and was an officer in neighborhood groups.
Paté,
55, for her community involvement since 1986 as a bartender in numerous
venues, where she has built a loyal customer base, won mixology awards, and
volunteered and raised funds for numerous organizations, while also devoting
countless hours to organizations rescuing and rehoming lost, neglected, and
discarded pet animals, both locally and after Hurricane Katrina.
Andrew
Patner, 53, for more than three decades as
a journalist, editor, biographer, lecturer, teacher, and internationally active
arts critic and interviewer in print and electronic media, besides media
advocacy since 1979 for LGBT and HIV/AIDS concerns. A lifelong Chicagoan, he is
critic-at-large for WFMT Fine Arts Radio and contributing critic to the Chicago
Sun-Times.
Laura
Ricketts, 46, for generous donor support and board service to
LGBT and non-LGBT organizations, including Lambda Legal, Housing Opportunities
for Women, GayCo Productions, Opportunity Education, and Democratic Party
entities. She has backed ecotourism and, as a part owner of the Chicago Cubs,
is the first openly LGBT owner of a Major League Baseball team.
Burr
Tillstrom (1917–1985), a native Chicagoan, for his
contributions to the early days of television and in particular for his
creation of unforgettable puppet characters such as Kukla and Ollie. He
enriched the lives of children and adults through the Kukla, Fran and Ollie
show with co-host Fran Allison, as well as through other performances over five
decades beginning in 1936.
David
Zak, 58, for 31 years of producing and directing Chicago and LGBT theater as
well as developing new stage and screen plays, especially through the former
Bailiwick Repertory’s Pride Series and now through Pride Films and Plays. He
has won numerous awards, has directed in cities around the world, and has
helped to enrich LGBT lives and advance social equality.
“Organization”
Category
Lambda Legal, for
the 20 years of groundbreaking, precedent-setting work done by its Midwest
Regional Office since its 1993 establishment in Chicago, involving such local
issues as equal parade participation, HIV and fertility-treatment insurance
coverage, real-estate discrimination, adoption rights, and student organizing
rights, plus participation in critical national litigation.
POW-WOW (once
formally known as Performers or Writers for Women on Women’s Issues, Inc.), for
10 years of offering an open and affirming space for women, especially those of
color, to create and present artistic performances and writing, as well as
helping women and girls re-entering society to develop artistic careers and
providing socially relevant, arts-based literacy programs.
“Friend of
the Community” Category
Neil Steinberg, 53, for 26 years as a Chicago
Sun-Times writer or columnist who has repeatedly portrayed LGBT lives and
social-justice issues while insightfully commenting on them. His work has
contributed to better public understanding and has often been produced when
issues were more unpopular than now, such as human-rights laws in the 1980s and
marriage rights in 1996.
Brenda Webb, 60,
executive director of Chicago Filmmakers, for her 32 years of perseverance as
organizer of Reeling, the Chicago LGBT international film festival. Reeling is
said to be the world’s second-oldest such festival and has become a major
cultural event for Chicago’s LGBT communities and the city’s general arts and
culture scene.
The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame was established in
1991 under the auspices of what was then the Chicago Commission on Human
Relations’ Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian (later, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender) Issues, a municipal government agency. At the end of 2011, the
advisory council ceased to exist after a commission restructuring, and the
Friends organization succeeded it as caretaker of the Hall of Fame in
partnership with city government.
Beginning with the first ceremony in 1991, former Mayor
Richard M. Daley personally participated in the Hall of Fame’s induction
ceremonies. Current Mayor Rahm Emanuel has continued to do so.
The Hall of Fame’s purpose is to recognize the achievements
of LGBT Chicagoans, their contributions to the development of the city, and the
help they have received from others. In 2013, it holds its 23rd annual
induction ceremony and continues to represent an official recognition by
Chicago’s government of the city’s LGBT residents and their allies.
Those selected for the “individual” category are or were
members of Chicago’s LGBT communities and have made single far-reaching or
significant long-term contributions to the quality of life of those communities
or of the city as a whole. Those in the “organization” category are LGBT
businesses and nonprofit groups that have done likewise. “Friends of the
community” are non-LGBT-identified individuals and organizations that have
contributed to the quality of life of the city’s LGBT communities.
Ramsey Jay Prince, Chicago’s event, interior and floral designer, opens boutique and studio in Lakeview
Billionaire Philanthropist James Pritzker Comes Out as Transgender
Col. James Pritzker, a member of a prominent and wealthy Chicago
family and funder of a study on transgender people in the military, has
come out as transgender, Crain’s Chicago Business reports.
Crain’s quotes an email sent to employees of the Pritzker
Military Library and Pritzker’s company Tawani Enterprises, saying, “As
of Aug. 16, 2013, J.N. Pritzker will undergo an official legal name
change, will now be known as Jennifer Natalya Pritzker. This change will
reflect the beliefs of her true identity that she has held privately
and will now share publicly. Pritzker now identifies herself as a woman
for all business and personal undertakings.” The business journal adds
that “a spokeswoman declined to answer questions about Col. Pritzker’s
sexuality or possible hormone therapy.”
Pritzker has a net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes,
and has donated to many philanthropic efforts, including preservation
and restoration of historic buildings. Her family has a long history in
business. Pritzker’s father, the late Robert Pritzker, founded the
Marmon Group, a holding company for a variety of businesses, and her
uncles, the late Jay Pritzker and Donald Pritzker, founded Hyatt Hotels.
Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker is her cousin.
We are truly everywhere!
Out Gay Country Singer Steve Grand Comes Clean
Hey, Sex Sells.
READ MORE ABOUT STEVE THIS WEEK at WISCONSIN GAZZETTE
Studio Paris T PARTY Returns June 16th
Chicago. Blending the allure of an exclusive cocktail lounge with the
vibrant energy of a premier nightclub, it’s become one of the most
sought-out hot spots and event spaces. Boasting a state-of-the-art
Funktion One sound system and an unrivaled audio-visual experience,
Studio Paris has hosted some of the biggest names in electronic music:
Tiesto. DeadMau5. Avicii. Kaskade. Calvin Harris.
of celebrities, top athletes and influencers from the world of fashion
and entertainment can be found partying beneath the room’s signature AMAZING retractable glass roof, making Studio Paris unlike any other venue in
Chicago.
& Intrigue. This Event is brought to you by “Key Host” Charles May, who creates an atmosphere filled with like minded
people to set the bar high in a comfortable environment with the latest
in Design and Music!
afternoon spent with the Entrepreneurs, Fashion Designers, Club owners,
Shop Owners, Designers in the Floral Business, Chefs, Salon Owners, The
City’s Leading Hair stylists, Restaurant Owners, Artist, DJ’s, and all
those that Contribute to this Amazing Gay Community in our Beautiful
City of Chicago. Networking is one of the key’s to great Success! You
Never Know who you might Meet!
effort to empower us All!!
Ageneau. Ageneau spent his youth in France and at the age of eighteen
set out on a whirlwind culinary tour working for some of the world’s top
chefs in France, London, Los Angeles and Chicago. Taking cues from his
French heritage, Ageneau brings a sense of whimsy to some of his
favorite traditional dishes. It truly is like a fabulous step into Paris France, without getting on a plane!
Benedict, Eggs Florentine, Parisian Crepes, Chocolate French Toast and
on and on! So many choices. Flavors and tastes are amazing and
service is always impeccable.
While I love the Lobster soft scrambled eggs – black truffled – a
variation I believe of the dinner Lobster Crostini – get one and share
it. It’s delicious – and rich.
While brunches are made for Bloody Marys – I still like my afternoon
white wine. I was pleasantly surprised at all of the affordable options.
There are not many 4 or 5 star restaurants that you can order a really
great glass of wine for $8-$12.
Benjamin Newby Shakes up Spring Drinking at Taverna 750
Benjamin Newby, a big name in the Chicago restaurant scene, he is one of Chicago’s most celebrated and recognizable operators and mixologists. When it comes to mixology, Ben’s cocktails embody his heartfelt, experience-led concepts. He is known for creating innovative drinks enjoyed by both the connoisseur and the person looking for a great libation.
They are all good. Trust me, I tasted them all! But I have to say I really like the tequila-based “Smoky Paloma” is paired with Taverna’s housemade grapefruitcello, bottled overnight, and served in a smoking glass over a vanilla-bourbon ice cube the size of a softball with a sidecar in a fishbowl of ice, of course. Can you say FABULOUS?!
Also you should check out “San Remo“, made with Hennessy Black, Wild Strawberry Tea Syrup, Squeezed Lemon, Apertif, Topped with Wild Strawberry Tea Foam– the foam topping is awesome!
Pamper Yourself with Great Personal Services in Boystown
In the last few months, some new personal service businesses
have popped up in Boystown, joining the ranks of long time style makers like
Tim Weber of Restorations Salons .
We have been a fan of Tims Restoration salon since it’s
first opening in 1993, in Lincoln Park. (2151 N. Sheffield) Tim steadily grew his business and
later opened 2 more locations, one in Andersonville (5349 N. Clark) and the newest spot in
Lakeview (3255 N. NBroadway).
What makes
restoration different? or special? “Restoration Salons’ pride themselves on having experienced
professional stylists, a comfortable relaxed atmosphere, and the focus is on
hair and our goal is to restore,” says Tim.
hairstyles?
time to move on… Some heads can pull off trends and some should never try
them… I usually try to make the client look there best; whether it is a trend
or timeless!”
How to choose a good salon or stylist?
“I always say that a client needs to find 3 things: A salon that they like (the atmosphere,location,style) a stylist that they love (enjoy talking too, and happy to see them) and a stylist that can achieve a great cut/color. If you can find all three you will be happy for a long long time! Our staff is always ready with a friendly smile. We ensure you a great service and a high quality experience, that will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and restored!”
The new girl on the block is Kinley Preston, owner of the new VANITE’ Paul Mitchell Focus Salon at 3161 N. Halsted. There are only 5 Focus Salons in the entire Chicagoland area and this is the 3rd such salon, in the city.
So what is a “focus salon”? Kinley explained, “We carry the entire Paul Mitchell product line, including the pet products. The staff is Paul Mitchell trained and educated.
We are happy to be a flourishing Local
Independent Business and active
in giving to our community.
As a “Paul Mitchell Focus
Salon” we have the opportunity
to receive advanced training
from Premier National Award
Winning Stylists several times
each year. We are committed to
keeping up to date and pleased
to deliver these techniques with
the latest ideas to you!
Cut and Coloring is our
specialty. We don’t settle for
average and neither should you!
We offer you more than just a
cut.. get an experience! We think we offer a better quality service for the same price as some of our competitors.“
Kinley’s new salon is sleek and elegant. I was pampered with a shampoo and cut recently. The comfort experience begins with the chairs and shampoo bowls. Both from Japan. Both providing comfort and allowing the guest to fully relax and enjoy the 5 minute scalp massage in the dimly lit, LED glowing room!
Kinley herself was a graduate of the Paul Mitchell School but chose to be an owner and manager, instead of a stylist. A great side story – FYI – John Paul Jones DeJoria, the mastermind behind Paul Mitchell, was born the second son of an Italian immigrant father and a Greek immigrant mother in Los Angeles. His parents divorced by the time he was two years old, and at nine he began selling Christmas cards and newspapers with his older brother to support his family. When his single mother proved unable to support both children, they were sent to an East Los Angeles foster home.
DeJoria spent much of his youth in a street gang in East Los Angeles, but changed when he was told that he would “never succeed at anything in life” by a math teacher at John Marshall High School. He graduated in 1962 and spent two years in the United States Navy, after which he floated through a series of jobs ranging from janitor to insurance salesman.
DeJoria entered the world of hair care as an employee of Redken Laboratories. He was fired from this position and in 1980, he formed John Paul Mitchell Systems with hairdresser Paul Mitchell and a loan for $700. In 1989, Paul Mitchell died and was replaced by his son, Angus as company co-owner. As of 2011, John Paul Mitchell Systems had revenues of $900 million annually.
So DeJoria understands personal struggles and hurdles. And he in fact, played a key role in Kinley’s life and was instrumental helping making her salon, a reality. “Three years ago, I was destitute. Living in my car. He really took a personal interest in my story, at a time when I was going through a lot. I wrote a business plan, and the company loved it.”
Now Kinleys salon is a reality and she is very involved with the community and sits on various boards from the local Chamber of Commerce to the Joffrey Ballet Auxiliary board.
The world is all about pure, natural and organic these days. People are willing to pay a little more, for better products and services.
There has been a global shift taking place in the food, water and health sectors, as we face consequences of environmental damage due to pollution, global warming, agricultural trends and pesticide usage.
Enter Vincent Dinh of Savon Spa. (3635 North Halsted Street) “Growing up in Vietnam, everything we ate was organic.” explains Vincent. “There were no chemicals used. Poop was used to fertilize! With that experience growing up and then moving to America, it was like culture shock. OMG, the cucumbers are so big here! And no taste. My food was growing up was small, beqautiful and SO MUCH TASTE.“
At Savon Spa, Amy, Vincent and their staff strive to give clients a luxurious, purifying organic spa experience in an elegant setting reminiscent of old world Paris. In fact, much of the furniture inside the spa is eco-friendly reclaimed and/or refurbished.
Indulgent, Earth-friendly, organic products, hand-made organic soaps, scrubs, masks, lotions and treatments. In atmosphere of serenity, warmth, and beauty, Savon Spa offers a soothing array of services. From various massages (60 minute deep tissue $110), advanced facials (24k gold mask or placenta treatment $200), body treatments (Hungarian mud wraps $80), manicure, pedicure, waxing for men and women and non-surgical skin rejuvenation services by cutting-edge aestheticism Dr. Randa Sawan. “We offer a great no lift, non-yellowing nail treatment. There is no chemicals and no odor. And it’s stronger than acrylic or gel nails,” explained Vincent.
Every experience can be customized to the guests’ desires to provide the perfect escape from the city, whether it’s for a quick massage or an entire day devoted to absolute bliss.
Savon Spa even offers “Beauty on the Go”, a mobile spa, designed to pamper you at home, in the office, or wherever your travels lead you.
Savon Spa is committed to giving you a perfect, joyful spa day every time you come in. “I have always had expensive taste. And when I was a computer consultant I was able to travel the world a lot and stay at 5 star hotels and spas. Our goal here is offer a high end experience and make it more affordable. You’ll leave Savon Spa with brighter, softer skin and a brighter, softer soul.”
SHY TOWN GIRLS Series of Books By Local Authors
A group of four women authors
in Chicago were looking to share their best tips on
the collaborative publishing process with you!
Four Shy Girls
Four Big Dreams
One Awesome City
Novel 1 in the Shy-Town Girls 4- Book Series
When beautiful, but shy 24-year-old, Bobbie Bertucci, arrives at her
new digs, an elegant brownstone in Chicago’s historic Gold Coast
neighborhood, she has no idea what her new life will be like. Between
balancing her job as a modeling agent and escaping a bad relationship,
she’s hit rock bottom.
But things change when she moves into the same building as her close
friend Meryl. Additionally, her two new twenty-something roommates, Ivy
and Ella, help bring Bobbie out of her shell. Barbara, landlady and
mother-hen of the house, watches out for the girls while sharing sage
advice.
Bobbie, Meryl, Ivy, and Ella, all variations of shy girls, brave the
city of Chicago together, forming a powerful bond of friendship. Their
nighttime roof deck conversations over glasses of wine instigate
laughter and even some tears.
Bobbie takes a bold step to redesign her life completely to ensure
she doesn’t fall into the romantic trap she fell into before. But
there’s a new suitor in the picture, and she will have to decide between
an old flame or a new one, taking a risk, something hard for any
girl–even harder for a shy girl.
writing and creating a technique that you can learn to use yourself or
with other writing partners.
Listen to a recent interview
with all four authors to learn how we got started on down this writing
path. We hope you’ll gain some valuable insights on writing, publishing
and marketing your own books and products. You’ll get to know each
author individually as we’ll write from our own perspectives and share
our own experiences.
Feel free to contact us for collaboration and speaking opportunities, to talk to your book club or just a drop us a line to say hello!
Sign up now to get free updates on that latest publishing techniques and best practices for writing!”
Getting Into Face with JoJo Baby and Sal-E
Legendary club kid, doll maker, makeup artist, costumer, and penis-sculpture enthusiast JoJo Baby costars with his clubbing companion, Sal-E, in Bernard Colbert’s lush new 12″ x 12″ coffee-table book Getting into Face: 52 Mondays Featuring Jojo Baby and Sal-e
(Schiffer).
For 17 years, Bernard has been perfecting his craft, working in the field of commercial and advertising photography.
‘In the vibrant community where I live and work, I find what I have
always been searching for- a sublime energy. Nightlife activity blends
with the arts and diversity of self expression abounds. Here, I can
freely pursue my dream: to document and celebrate that spark within,
which defines the unique nature of our human experience.’
performance artists JoJo Baby and Sal-E use their bodies as canvases to
become inspired and whimsical conceptual characters, executed with
expert skill using original, theatrical makeup and costumes. In more
than 100 portraits, photographer Bernard Colbert rigorously captures
these two performance artists in genius moments as psychedelic Hindi
gods, comic book villains, fantastical creatures, astronauts, and much,
much more.
Colbert’s stunning portraits document these delightful
transformations over a five-year period and are the same body of work
featured in the Clive Barker documentary titled JoJo Baby. Through
Colbert’s collaboration with JoJo and Sal, viewers can experience a
front row seat to an ongoing show which has been entertaining club goers
in Chicago for two decades. This is a portfolio for the visually
adventuress and fans of true creative vision.
Every Monday night, JoJo Baby with friend Sal-E have gone to work as
hosts of Chicago’s largest and longest running house-music dance party,
the Boom Boom Room, which is currently on hiatus from its usual location
at Green Dolphin St., 2220 N. Ashland Ave., while the building
undergoes renovation. It took the duo hours to prepare, and Colbert was
there every week to capture the endlessly entertaining process. He said
he usually only had 10 to 15 minutes to photograph them before they went
on stage.
“Sometimes they would show up and I would look at what they were
wearing and try and quickly comprehend what they were up to, because
sometimes it’s high concept and it’s not obvious right away,” Colbert
said. “It’s interesting right away, but it’s like, ‘What the heck is
going on?’ So I scramble and try and make it happen.”
Colbert, who took courses in commercial photography at Columbia from
1989–1991, said he loves portrait photography and has been drawn to
performers such as models, musicians and athletes—people who are both
interesting and like being photographed.
The combination of unplanned imagination and spontaneity kept Colbert
continually inspired. He said the most successful images captured an
indescribable magic that would often occur.
“It was something that would elevate it from an interesting time to
really high art, and it’s something that fascinates me,” Colbert said.
“It feels elusive, but when you find that you can do it time and time
again, it’s really fun to keep trying to do it.”
The book will also be available at local
bookstores in Chicago and Amazon.com.
Getting into Face: 52 Mondays Featuring Jojo Baby and Sal-e
Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Event Nov. 12
Twelve individuals and three
organizations will be inducted Nov. 12 into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of
Fame, the country’s only known government-sponsored hall of fame that honors
members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities.
The inductees were selected by a
committee composed of former inductees, which reviewed nominations submitted by
members of the public. The names were released by Friends of the Chicago Gay
and Lesbian Hall of Fame, a section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
The chosen nominees will be
inducted at the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame’s annual ceremony, which
will take place from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12, at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark
St., Chicago. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program is scheduled
for 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
“It makes us proud that, even 21
years after our first ceremony, there are still important figures from the past
and a constantly growing list of current Chicagoans whose accomplishments and
community contributions merit being honored by the Hall of Fame,” said Israel Wright, executive director of Friends of the
Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
“We are grateful that individual
Chicagoans have stepped forward to assist us, through Friends of the Chicago
Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, in maintaining a needed and historically
significant institution,” said Gary Chichester, a co-chairperson of the Friends
organization.
FIND MORE INFORMATION AT
CHICAGO GAY LESBIAN HALL OF FAME
Harvey Fierstein Interviewed by Chris Jones Oct 16th at Music Box
On Tuesday, Oct. 16, the Chicago Tribune presents
Ride for AIDS Chicago $10,000 Matching Challenge
From Robert Garofalo:
Preparing for the Ride for AIDS Chicago has been an extremely
challenging and rewarding endeavor for me and for the more than 250
other Riders who have been preparing for this two-day, 200 mile bike
ride.
I think we’re ready. It’s the support of friends, family and
complete strangers that make this adventure worth it for me and the
entire team.
A good friend has offered to match dollar for dollar, up to $10,000,
every contribution posted on my page starting July 10, 2012. Your
contribution today will be doubled! Please show your support for me, my
fellow riders and for the people who receive services at TPAN.
100% of donations directly support services at TPAN. For 25 years TPAN
has empowered people living with HIV through peer-led programming,
support services, information dissemination, and advocacy. For friends
who rely on them, these services are vital.
The Ride for AIDS Chicago has already surpassed last year’s recording
breaking $535,000. We have a goal of raising $600,000. Please join us
in this challenge!
**I know many of you are being directed to my page due to the generosity
of other riders. KNOW that we are all raising monies toward the same
goal and please make note of who you are honoring with a donation. I
have met some of the most remarkable, generous and talented people as
part of this ride and I know TOGETHER we can reach this challenge
!
Please make a donation now.
The Abbey of West Hollywood Buys Property on Halsted in Chicago Boystown
I have been told by a very reliable source – that the owners of the world famous ABBEY in West Hollywood have purchased the Pink Parking lot at 3514 N Halsted St. for something like $10 million plus! And they will be bringing something quite fantastic to Chicago’s Boystown!!
The Abbey Food and Bar has been voted #1 gay bar in North America and the World, time and time again, by many magazines and sites including Best Gay Cities, Best Gay Travel Guide and Logo’s Trip Out Awards.
David Cooley is the master at the art of work and
play. Over the past 20+ years, his creation, The Abbey Food and Bar,
has grown from a small, West Hollywood coffeehouse to one of the most
popular hotspots in the country. Locals, tourists and celebrities
alike all flock to The Abbey for its famous Martinis as well as its
stunning, open-air ambiance and truly relaxed elegance.
“Over the past 22 years, The Abbey
has been a place that accepts everyone, gay, straight, lesbian,
transgender, bisexual and everything in between. We love our straight
girlfriends and they are welcome here, just not for bachelorette
parties.”
It has long been a policy at The Abbey
to deny admission to groups in costume, including bachelorette regalia.
Bachelorette parties had previously been allowed inside if they removed
their costumes.
The Abbey’s
recent Bachelorette Ban comes on the heels of a ban on gay marriage in North
Carolina and a number of other states across the south. The Abbey
encourages other gay-owned and operated establishments to institute
their own bans as a sign of solidarity until marriage is legal
everywhere for everyone.
“The girls are completely unaware that the people around them are
legally prohibited from getting married,” said David Cooley, founder of
The Abbey. “We love our straight girlfriends…just not for bachelorette
parties anymore.”
Founded in 2002, Los Angeles-based sbe
brings exquisite balance to the worlds of hospitality, real estate
development and entertainment. As a privately-held company founded and
helmed by Chairman and CEO Sam Nazarian, sbe acquires, develops and
manages exceptional projects through its divisions – Hotels,
Restaurants, Nightlife and Real Estate.
With a mission to
redefine the standards of excellence in hospitality, sbe has harnessed
the creativity and innovation of the best minds in the business,
including design visionary Philippe Starck, with whom the company has an
exclusive agreement for the creation of hotels, restaurants and lounges
in North America.
I Heart Red party – A Pre Red Dress Party Feb 9th
Check this out! $20
Hosted Bar for 3 hours, plus small bites,
plus a raffle drawing, plus fun people!
PLUS, you’re helping a great cause!
Join Chicago Red Dress Party and our host Clive Christian Studios for I {HEART} Red. This design filled event will take place on Thursday February, 9, 2012 from 6:00p-9:00p at Clive Christian Studios, 222 Merchandise Mart, Suite 143.
Registration includes an open bar, small bites, and a “red” raffle.
Check out Facebook for more details.
$20 in advance $25 at the door.
BestGayChicago.com is a proud sponsor
of the 2012 Red Dress Party! 4-21-12
UBER New Chicago Black Car Service Taxi
Going to a nice party and you’re all dressed up…and you have to crawl into a dirty smelly yellow cab? ICK!
What about fighting for a cab on a busy Saturday night? How fun is that? Especially if it is freezing cold outside?!
Personal car service has arrived in Chicago! UBER. Everyone’s private driver. A black car service, on demand, from your phone! What could be easier? While most black car or executive car services require a 24 hour advanced notice, this is on demand.
For years I have used black car services in New York City. But still, you usually need to give some kind of advance notice.
Now you can request a car from any mobile phone—text message, iPhone and Android apps. Uber will send the nearest driver to pick you up, and text message you an estimated arrival time. Cars usually arrive within 5-10 minutes. You can even track your driver right from your phone.
Your licensed professional driver will park curbside in a sleek black car. Uber will text you again when the car arrives. Hop in the car, tell the driver your destination and you’ll be on your way.
The fee’s are automatically charged to your credit card on file, and tip is included. No fuss with money and change. It is the law in Chicago, a cab driver MUST take your credit card. But how many times do they grumble or say their machine is broken?!
“We’re changing the way people are getting around by offering a convenient, cashless, and stylish on demand car request service from your mobile phone.”
Sign up with Uber.com and download the app. It’s that easy!
Sign up at UBER or by downloading the app and inputting “BESTGAY”. These special promo codes for our readers will get your $10 off your first ride.
Sure it’s a few dollars more than a cab. But it’s worth it to arrive in style and comfort. For me, I found it most economical to ride from Boystown to downtown for events, via Lake Shore Drive. If the cars have to cut through the city,and zig zag in traffic, the bill can get a little higher. But it’s about convenience. And a luxury ride.
Uber takes GPS data from your ride and charges for distance or time depending on your speed. When your Uber is traveling over 11mph, they charge a distance fee. When your Uber is traveling at or below 11mph, they charge a time fee. There is never extra charges for late night rides, weekend rides, extra passengers, or luggage fees, it’s always the same rate.
“We carefully select which fleet partners we work with and ensure that they have all the proper licensing. We’ve also implemented a rating system for drivers. If his or her rating goes beneath a certain level, we will no longer do business with them. We’re careful to maintain a standard of only doing business with quality, licensed drivers.
When Uber was started it was a service used by us and our friends. We will never allow our friends to be put into an uncomfortable or dangerous situation because of our service. One of the most important points about Uber service is to get away from those types of situations when looking for transportation around the city.“
Currently “UBER – Your Private Driver” in 7 cities:
San Francisco, NYC, Seattle, Boston, Washington, DC, Paris and now Chicago!
Hollywood to Dollywood and the Lane Twins Arrive in Chicago!
IT ALL STARTED WITH A DREAM….
AND AN RV NAMED JOLENE.
Everybody has a dream. Most of us are only willing to go so far to see it materialize and often find ourselves waiting for the right opportunity to come to us. Not so for the Lane twins -they were not content to send their screenplay Full Circle to Dolly Parton’s manager or publicist. No, they were determined to get it into the hands of their idol and on the 25th Anniversary of Dollywood, no less.
“WE grew up listening to Dolly’s music and always thought she was an amazing person. So why not write a screenplay about her, and go on a cross country roadtrip to try to put it in her hands! “ say the Lane Twins, Gary and Larry.
And that’s just what they did.
And the result is An amazing film and journey about courage and acceptance.
Now in 51 Film Festivals Around the World …They won 6 Awards so far!
“Dolly Parton herself Is 100% behind Our Movie and Gave us 15 Of Her Songs Free For the Documentary and Her Image for the Movie Poster!”
Hollywood to Dollywood Plays in CHICAGO!!
Nov. 9th! 7pm ONE NIGHT ONLY! Landmark Theater.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW – SURE TO SELL OUT.
The twins are hosting an after-party at SPIN, right after the movie.
ALSO the guys taped the Rosie show NOV 8th “she has just seen HOLLYWOOD TO DOLLYWOOD and wants to Chat about it!! WE ARE SO EXCITED!” say the Lane Twins! – The show airs NOV. 9th! Rosie LOVED the film!
DON’T MISS IT!
Hollywood to Dollywood
Hollywood to Dollywood blog
The Lane Twins
