Category Archives: Music
Heatwave is less than 8 Weeks Away
In about 8 weeks, HEATWAVE will be here! Summer fun in NOVEMBER!
From the producers of OUT IN THE PARK @ SIX FLAGS comes this new and unique event.
24 Hours of LGBT Paradise at Key Lime Cove INDOOR Water Park Resort!
Be a part of the country’s first-ever 24-hour PRIVATE LGBT Indoor Poolside Dance Party and Water Park Celebration Benefiting a Chicago Non-Profit Organization each year. Year one will be Chicago Gay Mens Chorus.
You get a room AND the party for $100 per person (based on double occupancy).
get all the details at HeatwaveChicago.com
You must call the hotel to book your room and you must say HEATWAVE EVENT.
Legendary Chita Rivera in Chicago September 27th
The cheers for Chita started with the overture. By the time she had risen from the stage floor in New York last year, and stood front-and-center a few minutes later, the roar for her was deafening. Basked in a single spotlight, Chita Rivera owned the August Wilson Theatre last Fall.
NOW, Moraine Valley Community College Fine & Performing Arts Center is bringing living legend Chita Rivera to Chicagoland!
Chita: A Legendary Celebration, is a sizzling evening of song and dance!
Come celebrate the one and only Chita Rivera in a unique solo concert event celebrating the Broadway legend’s 80th birthday! The two-time Tony Award winner recreates signature moments from her legendary career, including numbers from West Side Story; Sweet Charity; Chicago; Kissof the Spider Woman; Bye, Bye, Birdie; and The Rink. In addition to a special tribute to her dear friends John Kander and Fred Ebb, the timeless music of Leonard Bernstein, Charles Strouse, JerryHerman, and Stephen Sondheim are featured with orchestral accompaniment.
Chita: A Legendary Celebration
Saturday, Sept. 27 @ 7:30 p.m. @ Dorothy Menker Theater
Skin Productions BEACH at HYDRATE July 18th
Chicago’s #1 underwear party returns to Chicago’s #1 late night dance bar!
Come out to Hydrate on Friday, July 18 for the hottest, most daring party to hit the strip. Skin productions presents BEACH!
You’ve worked hard on your body, you’ve taken it to the beach, now we’re taking the beach to you! Come out wearing your sexiest underwear and prepare to dance the night away to the beats of DJ ROLAND BELMARES!
Party goes till 5am followed by the official after-hours at STEAMWORKS, where the fun does never end!
DON’T FORGET TO BOOK YOUR ROOM FOR HEATWAVE –
It’s not till November – but this WILL SELL OUT MUCH SOONER!
ALCC brings SOUL TRAIN party to Sidetrack for August
SOUL TRAIN theme! Love it!
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago (ALCC) is proud to announce that its annual summer benefit is set for Wednesday, August 20, from 6 to 9pm at Sidetrack in Chicago.
This year’s theme is Soul Train and will feature cocktails by Sidetrack the Video Bar, specialty catering by Food for Thought, entertainment, a grand raffle, and a spectacular silent auction.
The auction will be done via mobile bidding at the event and online for those who are unable to attend. The auction will open online one week prior to the event and close at 8:30pm on August 20. Raffle and silent auction prizes include round-trip tickets to Europe courtesy of Orbitz; Chicago neighborhood entertainment and food packages; professional sports tickets; a Tesla Motors package; and hotel stays from various brands such as Hilton, Kimpton, Swissotel, Caesars Palace, Maui Sunseeker, Millennium, and more.
Tickets, which benefit ALCC’s free legal service programs, are just $50 and can be purchased at www.soultrain2014.eventbrite.com or by calling 312-427-8990.
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago uses the power of the law to secure health, dignity, and stability for people impacted by HIV and other life-changing health conditions.
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Some Like It Hot” July 15 and 22
CHICAGO GAY MEN’S CHORUS SHOWCASES A DISNEY TRIBUTE
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) presents their second summer cabaret show, “Some Like It Hot!” The show features music selections from Disney. “Some Like It Hot!” under the direction of Larry Todd Cousineau and Patrick Sinozich, will have two performances: July 15 at the Laugh Factory and July 22 at Mayslake Peabody Estate.
Song selections include some of Disney’s most memorable tunes from Pinocchio, The Little Mermaid, Beauty & the Beast, The Lion King, and Frozen. Tickets are sale for $35 for general admission and $50 for VIP seating, both with a two drink minimum. For tickets and more information, visit cgmc.org.
WHEN/WHERE:
- Tuesday, July 15, 2014-8:00pm
Laugh Factory-3175 North Broadway; Chicago, IL 60657
- Tuesday, July 22, 2014 – 7:30pm
Mayslake Peabody Estate – 1717 West 31st Street; Oak Brook, IL 60523
About Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) creates musical experiences that entertain and enlighten, inspire change, and build community. CGMC has been an integral part of Chicago’s cultural and gay communities since 1983. For the last three decades, CGMC has entertained audiences across the continent with innovative musical programming. Among CGMC’s performances are traditional choral concerts, musical revues, original commissions, and full-length book musicals. As the largest LGBT performing arts organization in the Midwest, “Chicago’s Most Colorful Chorus” recently expanded into new major venues in downtown Chicago and the suburbs. CGMC looks forward to increasing its presence in Chicago’s thriving performing arts community while embracing its unique brand that uses music, laughter and a gay aesthetic to open hearts and minds.
Madison WI Fruit Fest June 14th
Madison’s Gay Summer Music Festival FRUIT FEST returns June 14th!
Fruit Fest is an Annual LGBTQI Summer Music Festival held in Madison, Wisconsin. The music festival is an all-ages free event organized to celebrate Madison’s gay community through a day of music, performance, art, and celebration. This year’s Fruit Fest will be held on June 14th and feature headliner Debbie Gibson, as well as many local folk musicians, punk bands, DJs & drag queens. The event will also include the 4th Annual Fruit Loop 5k run/walk, and the 4th Annual Star Fruit karaoke competition. Food, beer and alcohol will also be served on festival grounds from a variety of vendors.
Fruit Fest is located in the heart of Willy Street in the Marquette Neighborhood, an Eastside neighborhood swarming with LGBTQA folks making it the most diverse, and ‘coolest’ hood according to Madison’s Isthmus Favorites. Last year, attendance was near 1200+ over the course of the nine hour festival including locals & many from 90+ miles away.
Fruit Loop 5k
On June 14th Fruit Fest will be hosting the Fourth Annual Fruit Loop, a 5K run/walk through the beautiful Marquette Neighborhood, starting and ending at the Fruit Fest event grounds. The proceeds from the run/walk are distributed to Community Shares of Wisconsin who gives them to LGBT organizations.
In 2011, the First Annual Fruit Loop had over 120 runners and walkers. Check out all the great pictures from the event. We expect the turnout to be even greater this year! Dress as fruity as you want and come out to run or walk and have some fresh-squeezed summer fun for a good cause. If you are interested in participating in the upcoming Fruit Loop on June 14th, you can register here.
Keep up to date with their official FACEBOOK PAGE
Jennifer Hudson Loves Her Gay Fans
In an interview this week with ChicagoPride.com, superstar diva Jennifer Hudson talks about her fans, hometown roots, American Idol, drag queens in her likeness, a new album and her summer performance at Chicago’s Pride Fest on June 21, 2014.
Jennifer Hudson:
‘It was the gay community that loved me first’
Read it on Chicago Pride.com
A Musical Celebration of Marriage Equality in Illinois May 30th
“AT LAST … A Musical Celebration of Marriage Equality in Illinois”
A Church 4 Me MCC is proud to present “At Last..A Musical Celebration of Marriage Equality in Illinois.” The show was created by our own music director Michael McBride and features some of the best cabaret and theater performing artists in Chicago.
“At Last…” will perform on Friday, May 30th from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at Atmosphere in Andersonville – 5355 N. Clark St. Chicago. Tickets are $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door and can be purchased online at www.achurch4me.org. Proceeds will benefit the programs of A Church 4 Me including our HIV/AIDS Prevention Ministry, Senior Support Group, and our ongoing support of the Lakeview Pantry. Ten percent of all proceeds will go directly to “The Crib” an overnight youth shelter in Lakeview run by The Night Ministry.
Performers
Michael McBride – Music Director
Michael has been the Music Director at A Church 4 Me MCC for the last 3 years. He is currently the Music Director of The Cabaret Project in Chicago and has placed in the top 3 in the Windy City Gay Idol contest. He holds a Doctor of Music degree from Northwestern University and is on the music faculty of North Park University and Loyola University where he has served as musical director for their productions of Hot Mikado, Urinetown, and Into the Woods.
Danielle Kastner
Danielle has performed extensively throughout Chicago including We Three Lizas at About Face Theatre, Rent at American Theatre Company/About Face Theatre, A Chorus Line and Hairspray at Marriott Lincolnshire, Sugar and Mame at Drury Lane Oakbrook and Hello, Dolly! and Kiss Me Kate at Light Opera Works.
Mark Ortega
Mark has performed on more than 15 mainstage gay pride festivals nationwide and once opened for The Voice Finalist Beverly McClellan. Mark recently released a single on iTunes called “Boystown” which was recently featured on an LGBT podcast in Hong Kong.
Meredith Freyre
Meredith is one of the founding members of the Cabaret Project and had been performing with the group for over 5 years at venues such as Hydrate, Circuit, Green Dolphin Street, The Back Room, and Twisted Vine. Meredith has also been featured in National Commercials (T- Mobile) to The Chicago Symphony Chorus, the final Chicago cast of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding and with many Chicago theater companies.
Auction
A Church 4 Me MCC will be auctioning off a painting by renowned artist Doyle Chappell at the event.
Artist Bio – DOYLE CHAPPELL is a portrait artist who paints in a distinctively contemporary style, creating colorful works that are the antithesis of dull, ancestral-type portraits. From the beginning of his art studies at the University of Texas, Chappell preferred painting people to other subjects. His sensitive depictions reflect those intangible qualities that motivate and define each individual. Admirers of Chappell’s portraits have observed that his paintings seem to reflect a kind of inner spirit that expresses much more than the surface appearance. He finds all ages to have special beauty. Although he has created numerous oil portraits, he presently works mostly in acrylic on canvas as that medium most suits the spontaneous and painterly brushwork and heavy buildup of layers of colors, on top of colors. His works are valued by serious art collectors, and his portraits are included in many private collections. Some of his favorite paintings are of “just plain folks”. Among the well known subjects Chappell has painted are Lynda Johnson Robb, daughter of President Lyndon Johnson and wife of Virginia Senator Charles Robb, with her children; Senator and Mrs. Warren Magnuson; and actress Daryl Hannah.
We will also be auctioning off tickets to more than 25 theatres in Chicago including Chicago Shakespeare, The Harris Theatre, Timeline, Black Ensemble, Marriotts Lincolnshire, Victory Gardens, Northlight, Metropolis, and Theatre at the Center.
About A Church 4 Me and Metropolitan Community Churches
Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) have been leading the national fight for marriage equality for 46 years. MCC is a global denomination which prides itself on inclusion. People of all races, socio-economic status, and sexual orientations are welcome into our churches. We currently have 172 member churches from 37 countries around the world.
A Church 4 Me MCC was founded here in Chicago in 2007 and we are creating a radically organic community where love is a blessing, diversity a gift, worship a celebration, and life a journey.
Event: At Last…A Musical Celebration of Marriage Equality in Illinois
Style: Musical Cabaret
Date: Friday, May 30
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Where: Atmosphere Bar – 5355 N Clark St. Chicago
Price: $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door
Buy Tickets: Online at www.achurch4me.org
City of Chicago hosts Frankie Knuclkes Tribute June 3rd
Join this dance party and pay tribute to Chicago DJ and record producer Frankie Knuckles.
(1955-2014), “The Godfather of House Music.”
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Date:
June 3, 2014
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Hours:
6-9 pm
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Location:
Millennium Park, Chase Central Promenade (Rain Location: Chase North Promenade)
201 E.Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
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Admission:
FREE
VIP with Jennifer Hudson at Chicago PrideFest
JENNIFER HUDSON headlines Chicago PrideFest 2014!
Because bigger is always better, Chicago’s very own Jennifer Hudson will headline Pride Fest on Saturday, June 21. The hometown entertainer will take the stage at 2:40 pm at the iconic Boystown festival.
For an up close and personal view of the stage, an exclusive package is available. A limited number of VIP tickets remain.
Hudson joins Mya, Thelma Houston, Alex Newell, Betty Who and more for the two-day festival, which marks the beginning of Pride Week.
A full line-up is available here
Chicago Pride Fest
North Halsted between Addison and Byron
June 21, 22 11 am – 10 pm $10 Suggested Donation
IGNITE with AIDS Foundation Chicago Friday May 16th
This space is very cool for an event!
Ignite Glass Studio!
Light our fight.
Ignite our future.
Igniting our 30th year of service –
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
IGNITE Fantastic Rooftop party coming May 16th!
Open bar, delectable world fare and dancing. Guests will also enjoy live glass artistry, roof-top views of the sunset over the skyline, and chances to win Luxury Vacation Packages in our raffle.
Friday, May 16 – 6-9PM | Tickets: $185
A short speaking program will begin at 7:15 pm with Senator Durbin presenting the Civic Leadership Award. Dancing to follow afterwards with DJ Marc “Moose” Moder
Click here for the listing of our Luxury Vacation Raffle Packages.
The Tree of Hope will also be on display for those who wish to directly support AFC’s programs and services.
Ignite Glass Studio – Map
401 North Armour Street
Chicago, Illinois 60642
Valet parking will be available upon arrival at 401 North Armour Street.
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus Upcoming Shows
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC)
celebrates the best of last decade of Broadway with “Bouncing of the Walls: Broadway Our Way.”
CGMC reimagines audience’s favorite modern day musicals of Broadway from the last 10 years with dazzling dances and sensational songs. This show brings the Great White Way to the Great Middel West. “Bouncing of the Walls: Broadway Our Way” will revisit memorable Broadway shows including: “Wicked,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Kinky Boots,” “Newsies” and many more.
WHEN/WHERE: Chicago Gay Mens Chorus
- Saturday, May 3, 2014 – 7:30pm
- Emmanuel Lutheran Church – 920 3rd Avenue; Rockford, IL 61104
- Saturday, May 17, 2014 – 8:00pm
- North Shore Center for the Performing Arts – 9501 Skokie Boulevard; Skokie, IL 60077
- Saturday, May 31, 2014- 8:00pm
- Harris Theater – 205 East Randolph Street; Chicago, IL 60601
- Sunday, June 1, 2014 – 8:00pm
- Wentz Concert Hall – 717 East Chicago Avenue; Naperville, IL 60540
Tickets range from $20-$50 depending on the venue and service fees. For ticket information and general information about the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, please visit www.cgmc.org or call 773-296-0541.
About Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) was founded in 1983 and has grown to become one of the Midwest’s largest volunteer LGBT arts organizations. The chorus has entertained audiences across North America with innovative musical programming, original musical revues, five popular productions celebrating the Sidetrack showtune experience, full-length book musicals including The Wizard of Oz, The Mikado and H.M.S. Pinafore, and traditional choral concerts, all punctuated with its signature joyous irreverence. Inducted into the City of Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2001 and under the artistic direction of Patrick Sinozich since 1997, CGMC continues to be an integral part of Chicago’s civic and cultural community by carrying out its mission to entertain, educate, comfort and motivate.
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus is also the beneiciary of this years HEATWAVE event in November.
This will sell out! Book your room early! www.HeatwaveChicago.com
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.
Songs From An Unmade Bed in Chicago
Pride Films and Plays continues its 2013-14 season with Songs from an Unmade Bed, a theatrical song cycle with lyrics by Mark Campbell. Directed by PFP Artistic Associate Derek Van Barham with music direction by ensemble member Robert Ollis.
The production will run March 27-April 27 at The Apollo Theater Studio, 2540 N Lincoln Ave. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Songs from an Unmade Bed explores the experiences (romantic, sexual and otherwise) of gay men living in the city. Lyricist Mark Campbell worked with eighteen composers (one per song) to create a unique musical revue, accompanied by piano and cello, with gorgeous songs that range from funny, poignant, melancholy and ultimately hopeful about life and love. Songs from an Unmade Bed has previously been presented in New York City (Off-Broadway), Los Angeles and elsewhere; this will be its premiere professional production in Chicago.
“There’s something so beautiful about the simplicity of this show,” said director Barham. “Having one lyricist work with 18 different composers is ingenious. What emerges is a very personal, articulate voice. Each composer finds a different color and nuance of the character. The lyrics are so universal, and the music is just a delight. We’re lucky to be working in such an intimate space at The Apollo, so that we can allow the audience to feel up close and personal with the performers. The evening should have the feel of being invited over by a few handsome, young gentlemen on a cold winter’s night. Who doesn’t love that?”
Location: The Apollo Theater Studio, 2540 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Previews: Thursday and Friday, March 27 and 28 at 7:30pm
Press performance/opening: Saturday, March 29 at 7:30pm
Regular run: Thursday through Sunday, March 30 through April 27, 2014
Curtain Times: Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays at at 7:30 pm
Tickets: Previews $15. Opening $30. Regular Run: Thursdays $25; Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays $30. Students and seniors: $5 off all performances. Industry: $10 during previews. Tickets are at Ticketmaster. Or by calling the Apollo Theater at 773 935 6100.
CHER and Cyndi Lauper June 7th Chicago
The tour not to miss in 2014!
CHER Dressed to Kill – with Cyndi Lauper in Chicago June 7th. 2014.
As Illinois celebrates Marriage Equality this month – what better way to celebrate!
More than 40 years of show business success Cher is that rare entertainment industry icon that defies classification. Continually referenced, adored, and examined, she belongs in the exclusive pantheon of performers who have not only outdistanced all of their contemporaries, <but have, decade in and decade out, stubbornly navigated the transient whims of public taste and carved a permanent place for themselves in the hearts and minds of cinema, television, music and pop culture enthusiasts everywhere.
Tickets and info online!