Category Archives: Music
Barbra Streisand Announces Concert Dates
The magic of Barbra Streisand in concert continues this fall with the
addition of NEW live performances in the US and Canada with special
guests Chris Botti and Il Volo!
| DATE | CITY | VENUE | FAN PRE-SALE | PUBLIC ON SALE |
| Oct. 8 | Philadelphia, PA | Wells Fargo Center | Aug. 9, 10 am ET | Aug. 11, 12 pm ET |
| Oct. 17 | Montreal, QC | Bell Centre | Aug. 9, 10 am ET | Aug. 13, 10 am ET |
| Oct. 20 | Ottawa, ON | Scotiabank Plaza | Aug. 9, 10 am ET | Aug. 13, 10 am ET |
| Oct. 23 | Toronto, ON | Air Canada Centre | Aug. 9, 10 am ET | Aug. 13, 10 am ET |
| Oct. 26 | Chicago, IL | United Center | Aug. 9, 10 am CT | Aug. 13, 10 am CT |
Details will be released soon on where to buy tickets online, but in
the mean time, there is a special offer for Barbra’s most loyal
fans… A limited number of tickets will be available before the public on sale date through an exclusive Fan Pre-Sale, and we’ll distribute the password for the Pre-Sale through the Barbra Streisand Mailing List.
The Fan Pre-Sale password will be emailed early on the morning of August 9th to subscribers of the Barbra Streisand Mailing List, so make sure to sign up if you haven’t already and check your email inbox early on August 9th for the first chance to purchase tickets!
Cyndi Lauper Kinky Boots Music for Broadway
Iconic performer Cyndi Lauper has released “Sex is in the Heel” and a selection of remixes from the upcoming musical Kinky Boots. The remixes are now available on iTunes http://bit.ly/SexIsInTheHeel-
Kinky Boots, the new musical that brings together four-time Tony® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (Book) and Grammy® Award-winning Cyndi Lauper (Music & Lyrics), will have its pre-Broadway world premiere in Chicago this fall.
Directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots will play the Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL) beginning October 2 through November 4, 2012, in anticipation of a 2013 Broadway opening.
For tickets for the Chicago engagement of Kinky Boots, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
In Kinky Boots, Charlie Price is forced to step in and save his family’s shoe factory in Northern England, following the sudden death of his father. Help comes from the unlikeliest angel, a fabulous drag performer named Lola. Together, this improbable duo revitalizes the failing business, while helping one another grow into the men their fathers always dreamed they would become and transforming an entire community through the power of acceptance.
Inspired by a true story and based on the film, Kinky Boots features a warm and witty book by Mr. Fierstein (La Cage, Torch Song Trilogy, Newsies) and a richly diverse musical score from Ms. Lauper, in her stunning theatrical debut. Mr. Mitchell (Hairspray, La Cage, Broadway Bares) has crafted a production bound to move, inspire and set audience’s feet dancing.
CAN’T WAIT!!!!
www.cyndi lauper.com
SuperHero Revolution At House of Blues Aug 11
The “Superhero Revolution” is coming to Chicago’s Market Days 2012!
CircuitMOM Productions is hard at work preparing to transform the House Of
Blues into a Saturday night Revolution party like no other. Saturday, August 11th.
“We have done “Wild West”, “Zombie”, “Pride”, “Neon” and “IML Victory” parties, but we are most
excited about our “Superhero” theme for Market Days. Last years’ sold out Market
Days event has us amped up and ready to make this year bigger and better than
ever. You will “marvel” at the soaring two-story set design and long to be rescued
from the perilous dance floor by the spectacularly heroic go go dancers poised atop
their platforms on stage.”
Armed with his trusted CDJ 2000 CD players, powerful headphones, stealth
collection of custom remixes and super human talent, DJ Joe Gauthreaux returns to
save you from the chaos of the street fair and is ready to spin you and your cape into
a frenzy with his almost 7 hour set. You will not want to miss one note.
With an army of Superhero GoGo boys from around the globe being flown in, there will be plenty of sexy caped crusaders there to make sure you have a great time. Plenty of surprises and special effects lined up to give
you an out of this world party.
SO! Dust off your mask, pull on your tights, fire up the invisible plane and get
ready to experience the best Market Days party yet!
Join us on Facebook
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Limited $40 early bird tickets are on sale in Chicago now at CRAM FASHION
3329 N. Broadway or at the House Of Blues box office. Online credit card
We say this every time, but BUY YOUR TICKETS EARLY TO SAVE MONEY!
Tickets will be $60 once the limited early bird tickets are gone.
SuperStar Sundays Party Aug 12 at The Mid
BOX BOY RICH presents
Superstar
Sundays
Sunday Aug 12, 2012
A Market Days weekend closing party fun with a brand
new improved venue! @ The MID. Located in Chicago‘s meatpacking district in the West Loop, it meets somewhere in the middle of the city between Chicago‘s downtown and the neighborhoods within the city; somewhere in the middle of a live music venue and an upscale nightclub. The Mid seems to be in tune with live music and nightlife to give music lovers the ultimate concert experience. It’s a fantastic music-centric club!
SuperStar Sunday Aug. 12th will feature DJ PAULO!
$25 pre sale ticket price! clubtix or just scan the QR code!
Chicago House and Linda Clifford Present Unique Party September 15th
Chicago House is excited to
premiere an all new event fundraiser to support the organization’s
ongoing efforts to assist families and individuals affected by HIV and AIDS.
“ONE NIGHT STAND is an explosive, multi -sensory dance party wrapped
around a live concert,” explained Jeremy
Hilborn, Chicago House’s Manager of Special Events.
“It’s a full buffet of sights and sounds, built around an
experiential concert,” Hilborn continued.
For its inaugural year, the new
event, inspired by a popular dance recording artist and icon Linda Clifford,
will feature the singer in a custom designed, immersive nightclub
environment.
From
grinding go-go boys to a diva belting it with a full band to DJ Mathew Harvat
offering up the beats, ONE NIGHT STAND will rock a very transformed Park West on Saturday, September 15th beginning at 8:00 pm.
Chicago House brought some major
players to the table in developing the event in its first year. Keith Elliott (Dance
for Life Chicago/ Chicago Takes Off) and Tony Savino (Dance for Life Palm Springs) bring over twenty
years’ of experience in performance based fundraising to create this exciting
new addition to the Chicago House event calendar. Over the organization’s
27 year history, events like the Speaker Series Luncheon, Champagne Wrapture,
and Brunch & Fashion Show have become synonymous with Chicago House.
ONE
NIGHT STAND aims to make that same impact, while attracting a new system of
support to the organization in an imaginative and fun way.
Be a part of a glittering new addition to the Chicago House collection of annual events… ONE NIGHT STAND!
Tickets to ONE NIGHT STAND start
at $35 for balcony seating, and range up to $200. For more information or to
purchase tickets, please visit Chicagohouse.org or call 773-248-5200 x303.
New Yorker Ernest Kohl New Love Song
HE’S BACK! Our good friend and International Recording Star ERNEST KOHL has just done a WORLDWIDE RELEASE of “ANYONE
WHO’S EVER BEEN IN LOVE” direct from the studio and from the HOT NEW
MUSICAL and UPCOMING MOVIE “THE COSMOPOLITAN” written by Golden Globe,
Grammy and Emmy Winners Lance Horne and Josh Rhodes! This is going to be great!
This musical
masterpiece contains no less than 30 sexy sizzling remixes to choose
from for your listening pleasure! When you look into someone’s eyes, the
words to “ANYONE WHO’S EVER BEEN IN LOVE” should echo in your mind and
resonate in your heart.
WATCH / LISTEN NOW
Barry Manilow and Chris Colferl in Chicago with Windy City Live
BARRY MANILOW
Singer Songwriter icon Barry Manilow will be joining Windy City LIVE Friday morning, July 12th performing some of his chart-topping songs.
He’s also here to cap off the week-long Manilow Music Project (MMP)-sponsored instrument drive for Chicago Public Schools and to discuss his upcoming concert at the Chicago Theatre.
Windy City LIVE audience members will be bringing a musical instrument to donate to Chicago Public Schools and Barry will have a surprise of his own.
If you miss it – you can watch it on their site!
WINDY CITY LIVE
CHRIS COLFER
Chris Colfer, best known for his role on the critically acclaimed, award-winning show “Glee,” will be on Windy City LIVE next Friday, July 20th, to talk about his life, career and playing a gay teen on Glee.
Colfer will also discuss his first novel, LAND OF STORIES: THE WISHING SPELL, part one in a series for children. The novel is due to be released on July 17 of this year.
Pride Fest Chicago 2012, June 22-23
| Date: | Friday & Saturday, June 22-23, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Time: | Friday: 4pm-10pm | Saturday: 11am-10pm |
| Location: | Halsted & Waveland | Chicago |
2 days of fun and music before the big Pride Parade Day!
Festive … Jubilant … Fun … are just a few of the words to
describe this two day-long gathering that’s a non-stop, early-summer
party.
Hosted by (and benefiting) the Northalsted Business Alliance — the same
group behind the wildly popular Northalsted Market Days (set for the
weekend of August 11-12) — this equally crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian
celebration of community pride will be back bigger than ever in its 10th
year!
Pride Fest showcases an eclectic lineup of arts & crafts, food and
other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages including
one dedicated to some of Chicago’s finest GLBT performers.
Entertainment
|
Friday, June 22 South Stage 6:00pm – The Personnel 7:30pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade 8:00pm – Sixteen Candles Saturday, June 23 |
North Stage 5:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators 7:00pm – JoJo 7:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chciago’s Best Female Impersonators 9:00pm – Inaya Day North Stage 12:00pm – Miss Foozie’s Pet Parade 1:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators 2:30pm – Thea Austin 3:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators 4:30pm – Martha Wash 5:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators 6:30pm – Simone Denny 7:00pm – Guinevere 8:00pm – Frenchie Davis 8:30pm – Janice Robinson 9:00pm – Sandy B |
A Beautiful Day in the neighborhood with Justin Hayford May 20th
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
Wit and Wisdom from
Children’s Public Television
Two of the most influential television programs in history – Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – produced some of the wittiest and most endearing songs in the American popular songbook.
Chicago cabaret performer Justin Hayford has put them together for this special program, along with the fascinating stories behind their creation. This one-night-only show is an encore performance!
The songs may have been written for children, but their cleverness, insight and poignancy resonate at any age. This special encore performance will include additional songs not heard in the original show.
Admission: YOU SET THE ADMISSION PRICE!
Every dollar goes to benefit AIDS Legal Council of Chicago.
Reservations strongly recommended!
Make your reservation at Davenportspianobar.com or call 773-278-1830.
Sunday May 20 at 7 pm.Davenport’s Cabaret & Piano Bar
1383 N. Milwaukee Avenue at Honore
Jersey Boys Special benefit Concert April 30th
CHECK THIS OUT! A very special concert by JERSEY BOYS!
The “Jersey Boys” are Taking It to the Street for Broadway Cares
Kimpton’s Hotel Allegro in partnership with the first national touring cast of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Jersey Boys will hold a one-night only concert and auction to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
On Monday, April 30, the evening begins at 6:30 pm with 1960s
inspired cocktails and party hors d’oeuvres created by the top chefs at
the Allegro. At 7:30, the live band hits the stage and the first
national tour cast of Jersey Boys will rock the Allegro’s Grand
Walnut Ballroom singing the hits of Motown. The night continues with
dessert, dancing, a silent auction boasting autographed Four Seasons
memorabilia and a live auction full of one-of-a-kind Jersey Boys, music and Broadway collectibles.
Date: Monday, April 30, 2012 @ 6:00 pm
Where: Kimpton’s Hotel Allegro
The Grand Walnut Ballroom 171 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL
Tickets: $100 – $200
Red Dress Party Chicago April 21 with Beverly McClellan
Chicago Red Dress Party
and visibility for the HIV/AIDS movement and raising funds for
organizations that provide vital community services.
Dress for the fight, end AIDS.
Last years party was a smashing success! And this years event which will be at Joffrey Ballet Studios is expected to be even bigger! The four hour event is a guaranteed great time!
The Voice’s Beverly McClellan has been confirmed to perform at the Chicago Red Dress Party on April 21, 2012 at the Joffrey Ballet Studios. McClellan was a contestant in the “Final 4” on the first season of NBC’s The Voice, an incredibly popular American reality talent show, currently in its second season. ALSO a 2012 GLAAD Outstanding Music Artist Nominee.
The Voice introduced
her to the world as a singer of stunning power and range, comparable to
Etta James, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt and Melissa Etheridge; to name a
few talents whose legacies she evokes. On The Voice, McClellan
chose Team Xtina and was coached by the diva herself. Chicago Red Dress
Party is honored to have the support of such a multi-talented
performer.
While it’s hard to trace the roots of a long standing tradition we’ll do
our best to bring you the history of this grand standing event. In the
early 1990’s two gentlemen were dating when they both contracted
HIV/AIDS. To show their love and dedication they vowed when one of them
passed away the other would attend their funeral adorned in a red dress.
From this promise the concept of the Red Dress Party began. Currently
there are Red Dress Parties all over the United States from Seattle,
Washington to Chicago, IL.
TICKETS HAVE JUST WENT ON SALE! GRAB THEM THIS WEEK AND YOU CAN SAVE!
Prices will gradually increase from March 9th-April 13th. So the quicker you buy – the more you save!
The only rule for the evening is that all guests must wear red.
HollyWood to DollyWood FREE Screening Feb 25
Peace on Earth Film Festival (POEFF) is a not-for-profit festival
established to celebrate and encourage the work of independent
filmmakers from around the globe on the themes of peace, nonviolence,
social justice and an eco-balanced world. POEFF invites filmmakers’ challenging perspectives on issues such as
human rights, neighborhood violence, food deserts, domestic violence,
bullying, war, world politics, environment, economics and more, while
presenting alternatives of peace from all cultural perspectives.
The Film Festival takes place Feb 23 – 26, and all movies are FREE. First come, first served seating.
on Saturday, Feb. 25th – 2 great LGBT films will be shown.
INSPIRED: The Voices Against Prop 8 (89 min)
Directed by Charlie Gage
On November 4, 2008 the voters of California passed Proposition 8 revoking marriage rights for same sex couples.
The next day in Los Angeles a movement was born.
INSPIRED is a documentary film chronicling several people’s lives in the
wake of the passage of Prop 8. Arresting live footage follows average
people from all walks of life, inspired to action in ways they never
dreamed. Experience the passionate rallies and defiant marches of the
new gay rights movement as it swept through Southern California.
Intimate interviews reveal all the ways the movement comes together, and
the subtle and not-so-subtle ways it can be pulled apart from within.
INSPIRED: THE VOICES AGAINST PROP 8 goes behind the headlines and propaganda to explore the real people who make up a movement. More details about INSPIRED!
THEN, the Award Winning HOLLYWOOD to DOLLYWOOD by the Lane Twins!
On the fumes of a dream, twin brothers Gary and Larry Lane have
written a script with a plum roll for one of their idols, Dolly Parton.
Having had no luck getting the screenplay into her hands, they embark on
a cross-country journey to personally deliver it to her. They set off
from Dolly’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame heading East for Pigeon
Forge, TN. Driving an RV they (named Jolene) is friend and partner Mike
Bowen. All along Interstate 40 at rest stops, RV parks, bars, and hair
salons our intrepid band of travelers meet everyday Americans, as the
encounter everything from Floods in Nashville to an Oklahoma Tornado.
The journey is also one of discovery for the brothers, as well: their
relationship with their parents; their hopes, fears and ambitions; the
bigotry they’ve encountered; as they search for tolerance and acceptance
and the joy of realizing their biggest dream handing their screenplay
to Dolly Parton.
Featuring appearances by Leslie Jordan, Chad
Allen, Beth Grant, Dustin Lance Black, Ann walker, and maybe even Dolly
herself! Hollywood to Dollywood is a documentary of chasing dreams down
the road of life.
The film will be followed by a Q&A with the Lane Twins.
Hollywood to Dollywood official site
The festival takes place at the historic Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater, 78 E Washington. Chicago.
I would suggest getting there about 6:00-6:30 – if you want to both films.
Schedule that evening –
6:08 pm – 6:20 pm Break
6:21 pm – 6:42 pm Admissions (21 min)
6:43 pm – 6:45 pm White + Black = RED (2 min short)
6:45 pm – 8:14 pm INSPIRED: the Voices Against Prop 8 (89 min)
8:15 pm – 8:45 pm Q&A with Filmmakers of INSPIRED
8:46pm – 10:07 pm Hollywood to Dollywood (81 min)
10:08pm – 10:38 pm Q&A with Hollywood to Dollywood Filmmakers, THE LANE TWINS!
10:39pm – 10:44 pm Festival Closing
Steve Starchild….Has the X Factor
Over the last month, Chicago’s STEVE STARCHILD has been uploading videos on YouTube.
He is 22, a singer and songwriter, and on the road to Rock-Stardom!
This boy can sing! And those abs – wow!
In his newest video,
he is hitting the streets of Chi-city for a middle-of-the-night
CTA adventure!
Check out his own recording and video for one of Gaga’s
greatest, MARRY THE NIGHT! It’s pretty awesome!
GAGAISM says, “Whenever a Lady Gaga single is released, it’s only a matter of time
before fans and musicians take to YouTube to upload their own covers and
parodies. Once in a while, one of these videos catapults a new artist
to fame, as with Greyson Chance and Maria Aragon.
Steve [Starchild] might just be the next person to hit it big after
releasing a Gaga cover. His take on “Marry The Night” is unique and far
less “out-there” than Lady Gaga’s, yet it feels true to the song.
Furthermore, Starchild strongly exhibits a star power and charisma that
is sure to woo the ladies (and gentlemen) who watch his video.”
This guy, is one to watch! It’s just a matter of time until he has a record deal!
Steve Starchild YouTube Channel
Pianist Philip Fortenberry Jan 22 in Naperville
A true Southern gentleman, pianist Philip Fortenberry will tickle the
ivories whilst telling a story or two when he comes to Naperville.
Fortenberry will perform a cabaret-style show called “Give My Regards”
Jan. 22 at North Central College. The show begins at 6 p.m. in the
College’s Madden Theatre.
During the show, he will perform popular songs spanning all genres and
styles, interspersing them with his own recollections of the many
composers, directors and performers who continue to inspire him.
He has accompanied such legendary Broadway icons as Eartha Kitt, Betty
Buckley, Donna McKechnie and Laurie Beechman in concerts in New York and
across the nation, and currently serves as the associate conductor of
“Jersey Boys” at the Palazzo Theater in Las Vegas.
“’Give My Regards’ is a show I’ve put together. I’ve had a career of
playing for great shows; great music of all sorts of genres from rock
music to Broadway, and I’ve worked with a lot of amazing artists —
singers, choreographers, conductors and composers,” he said. “This show
essentially pays homage to that music from my perspective. I tell
stories about the music that I play from my perspective as a pianist. I
offer a setting, you might say.”
His show is almost entirely him and the piano.
“I will usually do this number that Katharine Hepburn actually recorded, and who knew she could sing? I figured if she could do it, so could I,” he said with a laugh. “That’s the only reason I would ever sing. I talk, I tell the stories, and I play the songs, essentially.”
Some songs you will hear include medleys from “Mamma Mia” and “Saturday Night Fever;” plus songs from musicals like “Cats” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” You’ll even hear some ragtime and Liberace’s “Chopsticks.”
“It’s a variety of things,” he said. “It’s such a broad concept. It covers people and experiences in my life.”
Fortenberry has gone from being a four-year-old child plunking around on a toy piano in Southern Mississippi
to playing at the Palazzo Theater in Las Vegas. It has been a
remarkable journey, he said, and it’s that journey he shares with the
audience.
“’Give My Regards’ — there are a lot of people who came across my path
and a lot of experiences I’ve had that are going to bring me to
Naperville, Illinois,” he said. “Never in my life did I dream that is
where I would find myself. It will be an honor to be there.”
Get a sneak peak with this video!
JACKIE BEAT Brings NUTCRACKER to Chicago Dec. 9
Drag superstar JACKIE BEAT
has been
entertaining audiences across the U.S. and in Europe for over two
decades with her razor-sharp comedy and hysterical song parodies.
Jackie not only warps hits by Britney Spears, Madonna, Mary J. Blige,
Christina Aguilera, Cher, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey and many
others, but she flawlessly sings her twisted new versions LIVE — hitting
every last note.
Her hilarious music videos on YouTube
are huge hits that have been seen by millions of people. Her one-woman
show “Jackie Beat Is A Whole Lotta’ Love” ran a record 18 months at
NYC’s premiere cabaret, Fez, and she returns to The Big Apple every year
with her award-winning, standing-room-only holiday show.
FRIDAY DEC. 9th
ONE NIGHT ONLY
Jackie brings her outrageous NUTCRACKER to Chicago
@ Hydrate, 8pm.
THIS IS A MUST SEE SHOW!!!
She is one of the Fashion Police in US Magazine. She says, ” It’s always big fun to make fun of people who are younger, thinner and more successful than I am!”
Jackie’s stand-up has been featured in
comedy clubs across the country and on Comedy Central, VH-1 and MTV.
She was a staff writer for the WB comedy series “Hype!”, has written for
the Sci Fi Channel and was one of US Magazine’s Fashion Police top
cops. Her scathing song parodies have been featured on America’s Top
Forty with Ryan Seacrest, The Howard Stern Show, Much Music TV, Yo on E!
and PerezHilton.com.
She has appeared on many TV shows such
as “Sex and the City” and in several movies including “Flawless” with
Robert DeNiro, the MEGA festival hit WIGSTOCK
(with LADY BUNNY and RuPaul) and the camp cult
horror favorite “Gingerdead Man 3: Saturday Night Cleaver.”
Jackie has toured with Roseanne Barr as her opening act (including a
7 week run at the New York New York in Las Vegas!), enjoys a sold-out
8-week run in Provincetown every summer, and is lead singer of the
popular electro-rock band DIRTY SANCHEZ .
When asked if Roseanne is Nice? or a Bitch? Jackie jokes, “She’s a real nice bitch!”
Show-stopping, jaw-dropping numbers — of music
and comedy — Jackie Beat is your “girl”!
WORD OF WARNING! If you are lucky enough to meet her, DO NOT KISS HER! “It takes me over 2 hours to put this face on. Do you know that kissing a drag queen is TABOO?! I kindly ask people, Would you go to the Louvre and kiss The Mona Lisa? Well, I took almost as long to paint, as she did!“
Air kisses darling, air kisses!
Miss Jackie Beat
Jackie Beat on Facebook
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 @ 8:00 PM
Hydrate: 3458 North Halsted Street, Chicago IL 60657
VIP tix are only $30 which includes seating in the first three rows and a complimentary cocktail!
General Admission tix are $20!
Doors open @ 7:00PM, showtime @ 8:00PM!
Tickets or more info: Hydratechicago.com
Mary Chapin Carpenter in Chicago area Oct. 15th
Acclaimed singer-songwriter, fierce animal lover, and long-time activist, Mary Chapin Carpenter‘s most recent album, The Age of Miracles , is a testament that she has indeed traveled so far, as her first song,”We Traveled So Far,” says.
Mary has been a dedicated supporter of organizations including Noah’s Wish, Campaign for a Landmine-Free World, Artists Against Hunger and Poverty, and other organizations.
Her music is poetic, pure and graceful, with her charm and storytelling evident throughout. “Zephyr” is my favorite track with lyrics: “I tried to be constant just like a star / I tried to be steady and yar / But the storms keep breaking over my head / I’m aching for blue skies instead”. A good ole-fashioned country song in “I Put My Ring Back On” about giving a relationship another go. “Holding Up The Sky” poetically and tenderly expresses her experience battling her health concerns, and feeling helplessness, scared and wanting to be free from pain.
When country singer Chely Wright publicly came out, the ONLY music artist who was publicly been supportive was Mary Chapin Carpenter. Others have been so privately but apparently do not want their fans to know they are LGBT friendly…”only one of those artists — Mary Chapin Carpenter — made a public statement about my coming out,to the positive.” said Chely….. “Mary Chapin Carpenter said, ‘Chely should be commended for what she’s done.’ My other artist friends reached out to me privately and said they loved me and that they were proud of me, but when asked publicly they said no comment…”
The Age of Miracles is the twelfth studio album from five-time Grammy award-winning Carpenter, including one Grammy-winning and two Grammy-nominated albums. By combining folk, country, acoustic, rock and blues, Carpenter has proven herself to be an artist for whom the conventional boundaries of the music business disappear; she has always professed a love for all kinds of music, and those influences come together in songs that speak to the most personal of life’s details as well as to the most universal.
Don’t miss this Chicagoland appearance!
Dominican University October 15th! Get Tickets Online!
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Powerful New Music Video “I Will” Released: Emotional Story Line Seeks To Stop The Stigma of HIV
This week the groundbreaking music video “I Will” made its debut at Chicago’s Jackhammer in front of a large crowd and rave reviews. Singer/songwriter Marshall Titus and Photographer/Director John Gress were on hand for a Q & A session with the night’s host Jay Lacey.
The music video was very well received and immediately went viral, having been sent to over 100 bloggers nationwide. It is hoped that the music video will be watched by tens of thousands of people over the next few weeks and start to spur discussions in gay communities throughout the country. Titus and Gress created “I Will” out of a desire to both move and educate the gay community about the tendency to stigmatize those who are HIV positive.
The music video, with the help of a very moving plot and superb acting, tells the powerful story of an African-American charecter who discovers that he is HIV positive. The video follows his initial struggle with the diagnosis and reveals subsequently the growth that happens to him through a process of self-acceptance with the love and support of his friends. The lyrics, “on this walk of faith, I will be strong, I will be brave,” mirrors the inner strength that the protagonist summons within himself to overcome his fear both of the disease and of the rejection oftentimes met with the disclosure of one’s status.
It is hoped that “I Will” will spark discussions about the tendency for gay men, out of fear to separate themselves on the basis of HIV status. This fear and division are causing many people to not get tested.
The result is that the HIV transmission rate continues to climb for gay men and shows no signs of abating. “I Will” strives to inspire gay men to stop dividing the community on the basis of HIV status. Titus and Gress hope that if fewer people live in fear, more people get tested and more people will be treated with dignity and tolerance.
Watch I WILL now on YouTube.
SEPTEMBER 21st! Stop The Stigma: A Day With HIV In America
Positively Aware magazine released a video in order to help publicize the second annual A Day with HIV in America. The national campaign features an online photo essay project focused on destigmatizing and demystifying HIV. Because whether you’re negative or positive, we are all affected by HIV.
On Sept. 21st, grab your digital camera or smartphone. Take a snapshot and capture a moment of your day. Each photo tells a story. So, get in the picture, and tell your story. Photo submissions will be posted on www.ADayWithHIVInAmerica.com. Select pictures will be published in the November+December issue of Positively Aware. Submit your photo by Sept. 26 to artdirector@tpan.com.
BestGayChicago.com
Crystal Bowersox Returns To Chicago – One Show Sept. 17th
Packed and ready for a move to Nashville, the “Farmer’s Daughter” singer now juggles married life as the mom of an infant son, Tony, and a blossoming music career thanks in large part to her stellar performances on the show that won her praise from none other than the notoriously picky Simon Cowell.
“I’m always writing,” she said of her songwriting prowess. “The move to Nashville will just be an asset to me. I want to be there, able to access all of the talent there…and plus, our house will have a bigger back yard!”
The woman who grew up poor began shaping a music career even before she was in high school. The idea to super size her goals came about when she learned she was pregnant and wanted to “give my son everything I never had growing up.”
“I don’t really consider myself an ‘Idol’ contestant,” she said while acknowledging her gratitude to the show. “I was a performer starting at ten years old and I played gigs all over. When I found out I was pregnant, I was playing $100 gigs. I had to find a way to do what I loved and provide for my family.”
Although she’s been embraced by the country music community, Bowersox is ready to let her music muse guide her into whatever genre feels right.
“I love country and pop and rock and all kinds of things,” she said rattling off her favorite performers including Eric Church whose latest single “Homeboy” she deemed “really cool” and the New Jersey-based duo Hoots & Hellmouth.””It used to be when I was a single lady living alone whenever the moment struck me I would write. Now I write down little phrases and lines and when it comes album time, I have all these notes. Sometimes, though, songs come from somewhere else and it could be pop or country or I don’t know.”
Crystal Bowersox returns to Chicago Septempber 17th, with one show at Dominican Univerisity, Lund Auditorium, 7900 West Division St. GET TICKETS ONLINE!~
Chicago Market Days Main Event August 13th with 2 Major DJ’s
People always say, “whatever happened to our Saturday nights?? Why isn’t there big fun dance parties in Chicago anymore??”
Guess What?? THEY’RE BACK!
Wild West Revolution Dance Party
The Market Days Main Event.
Saturday, August 13. 2011
When’s the last time you played cowboys and indians? It’s been 8 years since there was a major dance party happening during Chicago’s famed Market Days weekend. The 2-day boystown street fest features over 200 vendors, 3 stages and over 175,000 hot, friendly and sexy attendees.
But come Saturday night at 10pm when all the booths close down and the bars are at capacity, where should everyone go to get their groove on and throw down on some hot bass beats and go go boy treats?
Circuit MOM Productions is featuring superstar DJ’s ROLAND BELMARES and JOE GAUTHREAUX in a twin spinning, bucking bronco, tomahawk throwing DJ showdown at the old House Of Blues Corral.
Dust off your cowboy boots, saddle up your pony and ride on down before the doors open at 10pm to stake your claim in the dance hall. This barn dance ain’t over ’til 5am, so get ready to party ’til them cows come home.
Hey, Chicago! Tickets are only $30 in advance and you can get them at CRAM FASHION 3329 N. Broadway or at the House of Blues Box Office-329 N. Dearborn. OR CLICK HERE for ONLINE Tickets!
TICKETS WILL BE $40 AT THE DOOR on Saturday night.
*** MARK YOUR CALENDARS – Prepare yourself for THE ZOMBIE REVOLUTION
Coming Saturday, October 29, 2011
with Grammy nominated Producer/Remixer
DJ TONY MORAN featuring a special surprise performance.
REVOLUTION CHICAGO!
Circuit MOM Productions, Inc
LiveNation and House Of Blues
BestGayChicago.com
Broadway Show Tunes Comes to Chicago’s Millenium Park July 13
Part of the Grant Park Music Festival,
Wednesday July 13th.
Summer is here and it’s time for one of the best things about living in Chicago. Free evening concerts!
Who wants to wait until Sundays for show tunes? This event will feature music from some of our favorite shows like The Wiz, Hairspray, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia, and Tommy.
Songs lively and loud enough that we won’t get shushed by anyone this time.
So grab your blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and wine as we gather to take in the scene and sing along.
Concert at about 6:30pm
