Category Archives: News and Happenings
Chicago Gay Pride Prom May 21
Northalsted Business Alliance Aims to
Make Prom Proud with May 21 Event
As prom season approaches, The Northalsted Business Alliance announces a right of passage redux in the form of Pride Prom: A Chance to Rewrite History, set for May 21, 2016.
As part of the newly formed collaboration with The Legacy Project, NBA invites revelers to enjoy an unforgettable evening of entertainment and celebration in the heart of Boystown. The elaborate set-up will include an expansive outdoor tent on Waveland, between Halsted and Broadway. 350 Guests will savor light fare by featured neighborhood restaurants, beverages (?) and dancing 7-10pm.
Early bird tickets are available for $100 thru April 21 at www.northalsted.com. ($150 after April 21).
Christopher Barrett Politan, Executive Director of the Northalsted Business Alliance, describes what the night means for the neighborhood.
“For many in the LGBTQ community prom was a less than welcoming environment to express gender identity or sexual orientation. Our Pride Prom gives everyone the chance to rewrite their prom experience. Furthermore, we are thrilled that Alderman James Cappleman and his husband Richard Thale will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the evening”
The event marks the first joint initiative for The Northalsted Business Alliance and The Legacy Project, which recently announced their collaborative agreement to advance Boystown cultural programming, business efforts and tourism plans.
Curled, styled, tanned, waxed and painted, neighborhood businesses are joining in the celebration by offering Prom goers discounts at their establishments leading up to, during, and after the event. Couples can expect to get VIP treatment at salons, a personal stylist at fashion boutiques, and amazing dining specials before the dance. Afterwards, local bars and nightclubs are offering specials and line privileges at their establishments. Attendees are encouraged to stay the evening at neighborhood hotels to continue the fun the next morning with Boystown’s infamous Sunday Funday complete with bottomless brunches and all-day entertainment.
Victor Salvo, the Founder and Executive of The Legacy Project, expresses his enthusiasm for Pride Prom.
“I cannot think of a better event to kick-off our collaboration with NBA. As we look back at our history, while also embracing our future, Pride Prom is an historic event and one we look forward to celebrating across generations.”
My Private Chef Cooking Class $10
GET A TASTE OF SPRING WITH CHEF CHRISTOPHER TONG OF MY PRIVATE CHEF
AT THE WHOLE FOODS MARKET-LINCOLN PARK COOKING SCHOOL, CHICAGO
Chicagoans appreciate when the calendar turns the corner toward spring. Celebrate spring and attend a cooking demonstration hosted by the popular Chef Chris Tong, of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef.
He will present some delicious recipes perfect for spring entertaining. The cooking class is on the mezzanine level in the on-site classroom at the Whole Foods Market in Lincoln Park, 1550 North Kingsbury, Chicago. It will be held on Monday, April 11 from 7pm-8:30pm. The cost is $10.00 per person.
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation, and come away with fabulous recipes that you can try at home. Chef Chris will provide tips on shopping
for the finest ingredients. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
Chef Tong’s Spring menu features:
Fresh Pea Soup, Crème Fraiche and Chives
Sautéed Pork Tenderloin, Red Beet and Heirloom Carrot Salad with Soy-Ginger Vinaigrette
and Jasmine Rice
Fresh Strawberries, Champagne Sabayon
Advance registration is requested to reserve your place in the class.
To register for the class, call Whole Foods Market, Lincoln Park at 312.587.0648
or sign up at the Customer Service Desk. Credit card payment will hold your place for the class.
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services. Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities.
Being part of very special occasions makes my work worthwhile. I also love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Cuddle and Touch for Emotional and Physical Needs
We all want love, acceptance and connection with other people. We’re social beings, and this connection with others is part of our emotional, physical and spiritual DNA.
Touch plays an important role in building these connections, increasing scientific evidence clearly shows a connection that lack of touch can lead to depression, anxiety and a myriad of heath issues, and an inability to connect with others.
Most of us don’t get enough touch in our lives.
We’re touch-deprived, and most of us don’t even know it consciously. All we know is that there’s loneliness and stress and a deep sense of missing out. We feel this because there’s a biochemical yearning for something that is missing in our lives. And there is something missing: touch and the connection with others that it fosters.
“That’s why we started Cuddlist,” says Adam Lippin, Co-founder and CEO of CUDDLIST. “Safe, non-sexual, consensual touch fills a need that’s badly neglected in our society. Cuddling relaxes us and reduces stress at the very least, and on the deeper level it nourishes our soul and helps us get in touch with our higher self. Much like yoga and meditation, non-sexual touch is healing and transformative.”
Cuddlist brings together those who need touch (and that would be just about all of us!) with Certified, professional cuddlers who are experienced, safe, well-versed in cuddling techniques and follow a code of conduct that set the conditions for a great session. There have been LOTS of press on this group over the last year – check it out HERE.
THE CHICAGO NETWORK IS GROWING!
Become a certified CUDDLIST or FIND a CUDDLIST in Chicago
While any two people can cuddle, of course, what sets Cuddlist apart is that we are creating the marketplace for transformative cuddling, and we bring the professionalism and best practices that make it work; Cuddlist training is overseen by my co-founder, Madelon Guinazzo, and she both has years of experience as a full-time Cuddlist and knowledge of what works in practice.
While Cuddlist is something special, and fills an important gap in our world, I also want to share what it means to me personally.
“I’ve been a yoga and meditation practitioner for more than 20 years. Yoga has been an animating principle in my life that has seen me through college, drug addiction, the corporate world in New York, loss and death, and the birth of my son and my relationship with my amazing spouse. I’m also a touchy-feely “hugger,” and when I go to shake someone’s hand I’m keenly aware how restricted touch is in our society.”
Most would agree that touch is therapeutic, and the rush of oxytocin we produce when we cuddle is great, but in my experience cuddling also can be something deeper.
American Buddhist Jack Kornfield, in his book, After the Ecstasy, the Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise on the Spiritual Path, talks about how the simple act of being present can be a deeply spiritual practice. I think cuddling, if non-sexual and approached without expected outcomes in mind, can help us be present and raise our spiritual awareness.
So while I’m a “hugger,” and I immediately see the value that cuddling can play as a corrective in our society, I also think it contains a deeply spiritual component.
Indian civil rights leader Mohandas Gandhi said we must be the change we want to see in the world, and I want to play my part by encouraging non-sexual touch and the emergence of what might be called cuddle yoga.
“Touch is important, and we don’t get enough of it. I want to change that, and that’s why I, along with my Co-Founder, started Cuddlist. Will you join us?”
Are you ready to give yourself the gift of nurturing touch?
Book a therapeutic, non-sexual, cuddle session with a Certified Cuddlist today.
Find out more at CUDDLIST. Learn more; FIND a CUDDLIST and/or become a CUDDLIST!
Kitty Glitter @ Hydrate March 12
Come out and celebrate the shenanigans of the St Patrick’s Holiday at Hydrate Nightclub with the Debut of DJ DJ Kitty Glitter from Sydney, Australia
Since launching as a DJ in 2007 , multi Diva award winning Sydney’s Favorite Drag Queen and Most Popular DJ, the KITTY GLITTER storm has swept through cities around the globe with devout fans demanding their frequent fix. Following her dreams and following Summer around the world, Kitty Glitter is the dancefloor sensation everyone loves to see…and hear at the party!
Most loved for her unique brand of bouncey remixed pop and uplifting vocal house music, Kitty’s glitter sparkles on every dancefloor she plays on. Whether its fun and camp, or deep and sexy, Kitty Glitter always delivers in a grand way. Featured in the line-up for major festivals worldwide including Sydney Mardi Gras, White Party Palm Springs, Matinee Las Vegas, and Pride New York, Toronto and Montreal, Kitty is tickled pink to be invited back to play year after year. There is no denying, a little bit of glitter goes a long way.
No Cover till midnight
Lights by Naveid Mansuri
Dance till 5 AM
Latrice Royale in Chicago March 14th
We are SO EXCITED for this! Something very different and special from a RuPauls Drag Race Alumni.
A true life story, live on stage featuring her debut CD, singing live with her band onstage.
One of the nation’s most recognizable drag queens, Latrice Royale brings her larger-than-life persona to Park West in support of her debut album Here’s to Life. This is the sneak peak WORLD TOUR PREVIEW!!
In this celebratory journey of song and story-telling, Latrice shares tales of growing up gay in Compton, the events leading up to her “unfortunate incarceration,” and her infectious, ever-positive perspective that got her through it all. This intimate experience is the first chance to hear Latrice sing the songs from her album live.
In addition to performing a full-length concert, she’ll regale the audience with tales of show biz and drama on the set of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. GET A GLIMPSE HERE!~
$30, $45, $60 Show at 9pm Doors at 8pm
18+ Unless Accompanied by an Adult
Park West Theater Tickets and INFO HERE
Craft Beer and Delicious Soups This Weekend
THIS WEEKEND! Feb 27-28th!
Craft Beer Festival
On Saturday, February 27, craft beer takes center stage at Halsted and Waveland. Chill under a tent filled with favorites from more than 40 brewers.
DJ Marc ‘Moose’ brings the heat to the dance floor. Food trucks from Beaver Donuts,
Chubby Wiener, Ms. Tittles and Pico St. Kitchen help soak up the suds.
Purchase tickets at www.northalsted.com and choose one of two sessions (1- 4pm or 6-9 pm).
Guest can shed their coat at the check-in for $2, which benefits Howard Brown Health Center.
Soup Walk (FREE)
On Sunday February 28 from 1-5 pm the 3rd annual Soup Walk warms up winter with nine Northalsted and Lakeview East restaurants showcasing their soups at retail business.
Stroll or take a free trolley to hit all nine spots.
- NoteworthyNotes (3629 North Halsted) with soup from Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
- Egoist (3526 North Halsted) with soup from Dive Bar.
- Boystown Collectibles (3453 North Halsted) with soup from Taverna 750
- Universal Wellness Source (3324 North Halsted) with soup from The Chicago Diner
- The Leigh Gallery (3306 North Halsted) with soup from D.S. Tequila Co.
- CRAM Fashion (3331 North Broadway) with soup from Café L’Appetito
- Unabridged Bookstore-3521 North Broadway) with soup from The Bagel
- GAP (3216 North Broadway) with soup from Escencia Urban Kitchen
- wineHOUSE (3164 North Broadway) with soup from Soupbox
About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)
Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 100 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest and the Halloween Parade. For information about NBA visit www.northalsted.com.
Academy Awards Viewing at Kit Kat Lounge
Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party at Kit Kat Lounge
Tune in to Tinseltown with Divas and Half-Priced Martinis
Sunday, February 28 6 p.m.
Kit Kat will roll out the red carpet on Sunday, February 28, for the 88th Annual Academy Awards. The Lakeview Lounge and Supper Club’s seven HD projection screens will be tuned in to Hollywood, from the red carpet arrivals at 6 p.m., to the award ceremony taking place at 7:30 p.m. What better place to view the Oscars?!
Throughout the star-studded evening, Diva Dulce Andrews will entertain the crowd with live performances while guests sip half-priced martinis, including “The Academy” (Effen vodka, Le Fleur liqueur and a splash of white grape juice, $7). Kit Kat’s theatrical-themed dinner menu will be available, featuring “Opening Act” small plates (sriracha glazed tempura shrimp; bacon truffle mac n cheese; crab cakes; chicken satay), “Show Stopper” entrees (Elizabeth Taylor fish & chips; Cary Grant burger; Mae West chicken and waffles; Lauren Bacall ravioli) and “Grand Finale” desserts (decadent chocolate cake; carrot cake; brownie sundae a la mode). In addition to the regular menu, Chef Joann Witherell will offer a special Steak Oscar entree, featuring a trio of filet medallions finished with bearnaise, served with mashed potatoes and tempura asparagus for $29.
Be sure to make your predictions and fill out your Oscar ballot! Kit Kat will dish out dining gift cards to the participants with the top Oscar winning picks. For table reservations, call Kit Kat at 773-525-1111.
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-525-1111
KitKatChicago.com
Chef Christopher Tong @ Bloomingdales
SOUP FOR A WINTER’S DAY WITH
CHEF TONG OF MY PRIVATE CHEF
AT BLOOMINGDALE’S HOME & FURNITURE STORE
AT MEDINAH TEMPLE
One of Bloomingdale’s favorite chefs returns to present a delicious Winter soup cooking demonstration.
Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef
will give tips about ingredients, then prepare and serve a variety of fabulous soups.
Chef Tong will help us shake off the winter blues with three hot soup creations that will delight your family and friends. It’s a great way to face February in Chicago!
The demonstration will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. at the
Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago.
Demo Kitchen on 1.
Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite bowls of comfort:
Roasted Cailiflower soup with Cumin
Tunisian Tomato with Chickpeas and Lentils topped with Yogurt and Fresh Mint
Tangy Greek Avgolemono Chicken soup (Egg-Lemon)
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation,
and come away with fabulous recipes that you can try at home. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact 312.324.7678.
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services. Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my work worthwhile. I also love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Frost Fest Craft Beers in Boystown
FROST FEST KICK OFF!
Come out this THURSDAY (FEB 18th)to Replay Beer & Bourbon-Andersonville to sample some of the amazing beers for Frost Fest on February 27th!
The Northalsted Business Alliance delivers festival fun to the waning days of winter with a weekend of special events.
Craft Beer Festival
On Saturday, February 27, craft beer takes center stage at Halsted and Waveland. Chill under a tent filled with favorites from more than 40 brewers.
DJ Marc ‘Moose’ brings the heat to the dance floor. Food trucks from Beaver Donuts,
Chubby Wiener, Ms. Tittles and Pico St. Kitchen help soak up the suds.
Purchase tickets at www.northalsted.com and choose one of two sessions (1- 4pm or 6-9 pm).
Guest can shed their coat at the check-in for $2, which benefits Howard Brown Health Center.
Soup Walk (FREE)
On Sunday February 28 from 1-5 pm the 3rd annual Soup Walk warms up winter with nine Northalsted and Lakeview East restaurants showcasing their soups at retail business.
Stroll or take a free trolley to hit all nine spots.
- NoteworthyNotes (3629 North Halsted) with soup from Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
- Egoist (3526 North Halsted) with soup from Dive Bar.
- Boystown Collectibles (3453 North Halsted) with soup from Taverna 750
- Universal Wellness Source (3324 North Halsted) with soup from The Chicago Diner
- The Leigh Gallery (3306 North Halsted) with soup from D.S. Tequila Co.
- CRAM Fashion (3331 North Broadway) with soup from Café L’Appetito
- Unabridged Bookstore-3521 North Broadway) with soup from The Bagel
- GAP (3216 North Broadway) with soup from Escencia Urban Kitchen
- wineHOUSE (3164 North Broadway) with soup from Soupbox
About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)
Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 100 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest and the Halloween Parade. For information about NBA visit www.northalsted.com.
Zip Line in Chicago Feb 13-15
So it’s not very high – not very long – and it’s COLD! But hey, you can Zip Line for free this weekend in Millennium Park. Folks will have an opportunity to enjoy the vacation-like thrill of zip lining right here in Chicago… in the chill of winter.
Florida tourism company Experience Kissimmee is taking its campaign to Chicago’s Millennium Park this month, where it will provide a 200-foot zip line for Chicagoans to enjoy among the brisk February air.
The company says the zip line will run from a three-story platform “down to a warm winter welcome below.” The company hopes the stunt will encourage Chicagoans to plan a vacation in Kissimmee, Fla., a city near Orlando that is known for several amusement parks.
The company’s zip line is free to the public and will be in Millennium Park from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Feb. 13-15. Experience Kissimmee is encouraging attendees to donate coats.
“For this campaign, we decided to bring some of the warm-weather fun to our freezing friends here in Chicago,” DT Minich, president & CEO of Experience Kissimmee, said in a statement.
Boy Toy Male Revue @ Hydrate Thursdays
Boy Toys Pocket Cabaret
present a new weekly all male revue in Boystown!
By bringing the art of performance, circus, singing, and striptease to the stage, boytoy is sure to tantalize the tastebuds of all genders and gender-nonconformists. Featured in ChicagoNow, boytoy is guaranteed to be like nothing you have seen before!
With Performances by:
Jimmie “Boy Toy” Swagger (Founder & Executive Producer)
‘Glamonster’
Duke LeSling
and more!
With Guest Host: Kat Sass!
3458 N Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 975-9244
Best part: NO COVER!
$5 Corona/$5 Fireball/$6 Belvedere Cocktails
Valentines Dinner in Boystown
Valentines Day is ALMOST HERE! Don’t be left without a reservation!
2 of our favorite restaurants in Lakeview / Boystown are offering a special
Prix fix dinner….
REVOLUCION and EL MARIACHI
BRUNCH EVERY WEEKEND at BOTH LOCATIONS!
Catered Super Bowl Eats Chicago
Tight Ends, Wide Receivers, Beyoncé, and Lady GaGa…. Nope nothing gay about this years Super Bowl.
Hosting friends at your place? GET FOOD from Revolucion or El Mariachi in Lakeview.
FANTASTIC GUACAMOLE, fresh Salsa’s, Fajitas and MORE!
Since 1996, Mariachi Hospitality Group has evolved into an assortment of several different restaurant concepts, each with its own persona, yet, each with the same standard of excellence. The restaurant group has steadily grown in popularity thanks to the support of loyal patrons in the community.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to freshness, evolution, authenticity, and most importantly, the concept of family. As founders, Antonio Estrada and his 2 sons consistently work hand in hand with their dedicated management team in the quest for perfection by keeping their concepts exciting and on the cutting edge of the hospitality industry.
Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse 1-773-661-9893
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill 1-773-549-2932
ELIXIR Andersonville Special Event Feb 10th
Don’t be left out! This WILL sell out!
Join us for a four-course meal, featuring FEW Spirits, that begins with a breakfast-inspired dish, taking you through lunch and dinner, and finishing with dessert.
All attendees will receive a voucher for a tour of FEW’s Evanston Distillery and Tasting Room ($10 Value)
Seats are limited. We hope you can join us!
Elixir Lounge (next door to Replay)
1509 W Balmoral Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
Four Courses • $60
Tickets available at
http://www.brownpapertickets.
Dinner & Cocktail Menu Schedule
Breakfast
Lyonnaise Salad
Frisee, bacon, poached egg, red wine vinaigrette.
FEW Breakfast Gin
Egg white, butter, lemon, gomme syrup,
freeze dried blueberries.
Lunch
Bouillabaisse
Grilled salmon, mussels, clams, shrimp, saffron broth.
FEW Bourbon
Amontillado Sherry, lemon, sparkling.
Dinner
Red Wine Braised Short Rib
Sweet potato puree, red wine reduction, crispy shallots.
FEW Rye
Cocchi Barolo Chinato, Bitter Queens
Tobacco Bitters.
Dessert
Orange & Cardamom Crème Brûlée
FEW Anguish and Regret cordial
Volunteers Needed EQIL Gala
2016 25th Anniversary Gala Volunteer Sign-Up
Are you ready for the 25th Anniversary Gala? Last year, over 1400 people attended the Gala and we could not have done it without the hard work of our volunteers. This year will be no different, especially with high-profile guests, namely, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who will receive the Freedom Award.
The Gala will take place on Saturday, February 6th (6pm to midnight), at the Hilton Chicago (720 South Michigan Avenue).
In order for the events to run smoothly, we need volunteers like you to help. Please take a minute to look at the dates listed below for our needs.
VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
2016 Equality Illinois Gala
WHEN: Saturday, February 6th, 2016 (various shifts)
WHAT: This is the main event, and we will need approximately 120 volunteers on hand to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
DETAILS:
Volunteers are needed throughout the day of Gala, beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, and going until approximately 1:00am Sunday, February 7th. Various shift and time assignments will be set to cover the following positions: Silent Auction Set-Up; Silent Auction Monitors; Ballroom Monitors; Guest Registration; Greeters; Silent Auction Check Out (ONLY AVAILABLE SHIFTS WILL APPEAR AS AN OPTION).
The dress for volunteer staff at the Gala is Black-Tie Optional/Business, so you can wear a Suit/Tie, Cocktail Dress, Women’s Suit, Blazer/Slacks/Tie, Tux or Gown. Jeans and t-shirts are not acceptable dress UNLESS you are at the Hotel early for the Set-up shifts. If you are assigned to set-up, and you wish to stay for the event, please bring a change of clothes.
Illinois Republican Steps Up!
Rep. Bob Dold (R-IL) today became the first Republican congressman to co-sponsor the Equality Act, federal legislation which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity illegal in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, federal funding, credit, and the jury system.
The Human Rights Campaign applauded Dold:
“Bob Dold is showing tremendous leadership today by becoming the first Republican to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Equality Act and we’re thrilled that he’s standing up for our fundamental values of fairness and equality,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Far too many LGBT people – nearly two thirds – have faced unfair and unjust discrimination in their lives, much of it in the workplace. In co-sponsoring the Equality Act, Congressman Dold showed how important it is that LGBT people be able to have a fair chance to earn a living, provide for their families, and live free from fear of discrimination.”
Last July, the Equality Act was introduced in both the House and Senate with a record number of original co-sponsors. Since then, several major companies, including Apple, the Dow Chemical Company, Hyatt, Levi Strauss & Co., Orbitz, and Target, have all endorsed the Equality Act. In addition, the bipartisan legal team David Boies and Ted Olson — who was a Solicitor General of the United States under former President George W. Bush — also announced their support.
President Obama threw his support behind the legislation last November after what the White House said was “several weeks of review” of the bill.
Precious Davis – Say YES to the Dress
Friday’s episode (Jan 15th, 2016, 8pm Central time) of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta will mark a first for the show when it features a transgender bride.
In a sneak peek of the episode, Precious Davis visits Bridals by Lori to find the perfect gown for her wedding. Davis and her fiancé Myles — both of whom are activists — will share their story on the show before getting married in Chicago in front of 1000 guests from their community. (@ Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago ).
“We want people to be inspired of what love can look like in its many forms,” Davis says. “We want to bring this kind of royalty because we feel we are royalty.”
Precious Davis is lauded both locally and nationally as an award winning diversity professional, social justice facilitator, and performance artist. She currently is the Assistant Director of Diversity Recruitment Initiatives at Columbia College Chicago , her alma mater from which she received a BA in Liberal Arts. Precious currently implements and oversees the Campus Wide Diversity Initiative and is the first woman of color to hold this position. see more HERE.
SNEAK PEAK of the show HERE.
EQIL Gala Feb. 6th
THE MIDWEST’S LARGEST LGBT GALA and FUNDRAISER
SUPPORTS THE WORK OF EQUALITY ILLINOIS
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Hilton Chicago Hotel, 720 South Michigan Avenue
The Equality Illinois 25th Anniversary Gala promises to be a night to remember. The Midwest’s largest LGBT formal event will celebrate a quarter-century’s worth of accomplishments and the exciting work that lies ahead to achieve full equality. Some very special honorees will also make this one of our most exciting galas.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi will receive the 2016 Equality Illinois Freedom Award. The Mariano’s grocery chain will receive the 2016 Business Leadership Award.
Whether you buy one seat or a full table, participate as a corporate sponsor, place an ad in the program book, or donate a luxury item to the silent auction, please join us in this Silver Anniversary celebration.
Purchase platinum, premier and standard tables and single tickets.
Become a Table Captain and invite friends to join you at the Gala.
Learn more about corporate sponsorships and premium table purchases.
Learn about the luxury silent auction and how your contribution can help our work.
Purchase an ad that will be featured in the 25th Anniversary Program Book.
Volunteer for the gala and be part of this historic celebration.
OUR MISSION
Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy and protection of the rights of the LGBT community.
OUR VISION
Equality Illinois envisions a fair and unified Illinois where everyone is treated equally with dignity and respect and where all people live freely regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
All Star Blues Bash Feb. 13th
The best blues artists in the world give a high dose of southern-style soul blues, house-rocking blues, contemporary blues, and genuine Chicago blues all rolled up into one awesome blues show that will be stuck in your memory forever. Bobby Rush headlines the All-Star Blues Bash bringing his Billboard R&B and Blues chart topping hits to highlight the bash.
Joining the bash as co-headliner is Joe Louis Walker, who is without a doubt one of the most exciting and innovative artists gracing contemporary blues. Kicking things off is Chicago’s very own and Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Wayne Baker Brooks, bringing his distinctive contemporary style of Chicago Blues with a fully formed new vision that updates the sound of the blues without falling into the same tired blues-rock clichés. Joining this all-star lineup is rising blues star Shawn Holt, son of blues legend Magic Slim.
Tickets: $40 General Public / $35 Seniors, Students, Staff
BUY TICKETS –
Media SponsorAbout Face Theatre LE SWITCH
In Philip Dawkins’ world-premiere romantic comedy, Le Switch, marriage equality finally reaches the U.S., and commitment-shy David finds himself unsure how to react to the nation’s honeymoon phase. When his best friend’s bachelor party takes him to Montreal, he is unexpectedly swept off his feet by a beautiful, young florist. In the months that follow, David and his non-traditional family (his sister, grieving activist roommate and best friend) must decide for themselves what it really means to be committed, married, and queer.
Written by Philip Dawkins
Directed by Stephen Brackett
Presented by special arrangement with Doug Nevin
Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes with intermission
