Category Archives: News and Happenings
Jennifer Pritzker’s Year of Change
JENNIFER PRITZKER talks to CRAINS this week about her year of change. Coming out as transgender and her restoration and opening of her STONE PORCH BY THE LAKE, luxury B & B in Evanston. Read it and see the video on Crains.
Stone Porch by the Lake is Evanston’s first beachfront luxury B&B.
The property is an exquisitely restored Tudor mansion, built in 1889.
MY PRIVATE CHEF FALL MENU AT BLOOMINGDALE’S
In special anticipation of Autumn, Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store welcomes
Chef Christopher Tong from My Private Chef to demonstrate the preparation of an exciting menu
based on Fall favorite flavors.
The cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, October 25, from 2-4 pm,
Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL.
A favorite with Bloomingdale’s shoppers, Chef Tong will prepare a Fall menu featuring:
Butternut Squash, Ricotta, and Sage Crostini; Pan-Seared Duckbreast with Pumpkin Risotto; and Pumpkin Mousse with Ginger Snaps.
Chef Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive cuisine at fine restaurants and hotels in Chicago, Los Angeles and Florida for more than 25 years. Now, as the owner of My Private Chef,
a unique private chef and gourmet dining service, he’s getting rave reviews for offering that same world-class cuisine for special occasions from your own kitchen or chosen location.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact at 312-324-7678
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit : www.myprivatechef.net
HEATWAVE Chicago Austin Armacost Party Oct 16th
THURSDAY OCTOBER 16th – Come party with Austin Armacost and his husband Jake Lees at SCARLET BAR (3320 N. Halsted) as we kick off the countdown to
HEATWAVE!
We are about 70% sold out for Heatwave packages! $200 gets 2 people a room for 24 hours, waterpark fun indoors and dance party 12 hours of music and partying!
Don’t want a room or can not stay the night? Buy a wristband for just the 9 hour water park party for $85.
RESERVATIONS for room packages or tickets 1-877-360-0403 MUST SAY “HEATWAVE” to have access to the ROOM and event. You are booking a room which comes with tickets and access to the entire complex! or Buy just the wristband for the waterpark party 6pm – 3am.
If you don’t say HEATWAVE EVENT they will tell you November 15th is sold out. Must say HEATWAVE!
Halloween Event and Contest Oct. 30th
Have a prize winning costume?
Get a jump on Halloween October 30th at EL MARIACHI!
$50 to enter but it gets you a 2 hour hosted bar and passed appetizers! eat Drink and Have Fun!
773-549-2932 SPACE IS LIMITED! reserve today! 3906 N. Broadway.
THE BIRDS by Hell In a Handbag
Looking for some good inexpensive fun this Fall? Back by POPULAR demand! Hell in a Handbag Productions is proud to present a re-imagined remount of one of their most popular shows, their adaptation of The Birds.
A wonderfully entertaining cast! Comedy, drag, excitement and more!
The Birds is both a ridiculous parody of the classic Hitchcock film and a look inside the mind of lead actress, Tippi Hedren. Camille Paglia, author and American social critic, serves as your guide in this odyssey and there’s a touch of David Lynch thrown in for good measure.
The space, The Coach House at Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd. (Sheridan and Granville), is so charming and perfect! From the moment you walk in, the fun begins. Mr. Hitchcocks assistants meet you in the main house and walk you back to the coach house, which is the set of The Birds. You get to witness the “filming” of the Birds movie, but also get a sneak peak into what being on set, might have been like.
Meet newcomer, Tippi Hedren. Famed director, Alfred Hitchcock, has hand-picked her to star in the much anticipated follow-up to his smash hit film, Psycho. This film was to be called The Birds and it seemed like it would be a dream come true for any up and coming actress. And for a while it was…until it wasn’t.
Catherine McCafferty returns as fledgling actress, Tippi Hedren, whose journey begins her first day playing blonde socialite, Melanie Daniels. Melanie pursues the very dashing bachelor/lawyer, Mitchell Brenner, after a chance meeting in a pet shop. She secretly follows Mitch to Bodega Bay, a sleepy Oceanside town in Northern California. Melanie’s arrival marks the beginning of a series of bird attacks on the town. Movie history is about to be made.
Off camera, Alfred Hitchcock’s seemingly innocent interest in Ms. Hedren grew daily and he began teaching her film making. Unfortunately, what started as a brilliant director taking a novice under his wing suddenly turned into a harrowing experience for the naïve actress. Ms. Hedren experienced a terror far greater than any bird attack. We learn Alfred Hitchcock had a ravenous appetite for blondes and really sort of sexually harassed Hedren! In fact in 2012, HBO made THE GIRL which focused on Hitchcocks obsession with Hedrin!
While The Birds receives the full parody/homage treatment audiences have come to expect from Hell in a Handbag, the story takes a dark turn going inside the mind of Tippi Hedren who, as filming progresses, has trouble distinguishing the movie’s reality from her own.
Handbag ensemble members Ed Jones, Alex Grelle, Michael Hampton, Michael S. Miller, Lori Lee, Steve Love, Lolly Extract, Amber Marsh, and David Cerda are part of the large cast of characters. Also returning to the cast from 2013 are Steve Kimbrough (POSEIDON!) and Jamie Smith (Christmas Dearest). All the guys who perform as ladies, are just a riot of laughs!
Newcomers include Chazie Bly taking on the role of Mitchell Brenner/Rod Taylor, Lauren Miller as Peggy Robertson, the steely assistant to Mr. Hitchcock, Caitlin Coleman, and Christea Parent (Caged Dames) as Camille Paglia.
Handbag ensemble member, Cheryl Snodgrass (HAYWIRE!, Die! Mommie, Die!, The Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular, SCARRIE -The Musical, Límitation of Life) directs this year. “The Birds was my favorite film growing up so it feels like kismet to direct The Birds, my favorite Handbag script” says Snodgrass. “There are some big surprises in this year’s production, too While we’re still using Lake Michigan as Bodega Bay and Berger Park for the bird attacks, the newly renovated Coach House has inspired brilliant new concepts from the design team. More birds. More fun. Even if you’ve seen Handbag’s The Birds before – you have never seen anything like this one.”
Endorsed by none other than Ms. Tippi Hedren herself, The Birds stands out as one of Handbag’s most critically acclaimed and memorable shows. The environmental staging at the Coach House in Berger Park on Lake Michigan makes it a unique experience you won’t soon forget.
All Show times: 7:30 Admission: $17-$37
Matinee performances Oct. 18 and 25, 3pm
Reservations: (800) 838-3006 or go to Brown Paper tickets online http://thebirds2014.bpt.me |
Hell in a Handbag Mission Statement
HIAH is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music, and homage.
Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit Corporation.
All photos by Rick Aguilar Studios.
Chicago House Celebrity Luncheon Oct. 15th
JUST A WEEK AWAY!
Chicago House is elated to announce its 6th Annual Speaker Series Luncheon, a conversation about Gender, Race, and Economic Disparity under the LGBTQ umbrella on October 15th, 2014 at the Hilton Grand Ballroom on 720 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL. The Panel Discussion and Moderated Q&A will begin at 12:30 PM with our esteemed speakers, Laverne Cox, an Emmy nominated transgender actress and LGBT activist, Jason Collins, a 13-year basketball veteran and the first openly gay NBA player, and Dustin Lance Black, social activist and Academy Award winning screenwriter for MILK. This year’s moderator is Gautam Raghavan, former LGBTQ advisor to President Obama and Vice President of Policy at the Gill Foundation. These three icons follow in the footsteps of previous speakers Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, President Bill Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Whoopi Goldberg and Kenneth Cole, who have all shed light on the work of Chicago House relative to their efforts around the world.
The 6th Annual Speaker Series Luncheon marks a critical fundraising event for Chicago House’s desperately-needed services, and is an opportunity for a larger conversation on our nation’s growing inequality and disparity of wealth. Individuals who identify as LGBTQ are significantly more likely of being disadvantaged socio-economically. LGBTQ persons, despite having more education than the national average, make less money than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts, particularly if they are African American. Chicago House seeks to respond to these alarming statistics by highlighting not only the great need, but also the moral imperative that the LGBTQ community has to care for its own members living in poverty.
As we approach our 30th anniversary, Chicago House looks to its origins focusing on HIV/AIDS, poverty, and LGBTQ persons. With the nation’s first and largest employment program for those with HIV/AIDS and our recently opened Translife Center, Chicago House continues its commitment to engage in action and conversations building towards a movement of inclusivity and economic advancement for those marginalized in the LGBTQ community. This is a conversation the entire community should be having; this is the next big issue we face.
Together, we stand at crossroads of progress in HIV/AIDS stigma, civil equality, and economic disparity. With your continued support, we may celebrate our victories and the lives of individuals and families that Chicago House serves.
We encourage you to be present for what we are sure will be a revolutionary event. To purchase tickets or to become a sponsor, contact Lori Byars at 773-248-5200 x209. Additional information is also available at www.chicagohouse.org.
PUSH Physical Theatre
Seeing award winning PUSH Physical Theatre is like watching a live action-movie. This talented group of performers inspires awe with physical illusions and gravity-defying, dance-infused, acrobatic high-jinx.
A cross between fine art sculpture and “The Matrix,” PUSH Physical Theatre will express the power of the human body at Moraine Valley Community College on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m.
PUSH Physical Theatre is cool, athletic, entertaining, and impossible to resist. This theater of the body features performers who appear to manipulate time and space in a live environment. The performance is all about stories, the narratives of life played out with hope, strength and optimism. Experience PUSH to know the strength of the human soul.
“Our Physical Theatre is an art form created from borrowing,” said Darren Stevenson, founding director of PUSH Physical Theatre. “We have been inspired by the concepts and ideas of corporeal mime, modern dance, non-traditional partnering, and the areas of acting technique that relate to the use of the body as a tool of discovery; even gymnastics play a part. We attempt to create a true synergy between these theater forms.”
SNEAK PEAK
PUSH’s unique form has transformed it into a national company that has performed all over England, the United States and Mexico, and has appeared on PBS and NPR.
The performers will defy gravity in the Fine and Performing Arts Center’s Dorothy Menker Theater, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. Tickets are $25 for the general public and $20 for students and seniors.
BUY TICKETS
More info at PUSH
Andersonville Dessert Crawl October 26th
MY PRIVATE CHEF PRESENTS A GOURMET TRICK OR TREAT EXPERIENCE AT THE
ANDERSONVILLE DESSERT CRAWL
On October 26, from 2-5 p.m.
Andersonville will welcome guests to enjoy a sweet stroll through this delightful neighborhood as they participate in the Annual Dessert Crawl.
This neighborhood event celebrates the festive spirit of fall. It’s a gourmet Trick or Treat experience with delectable desserts at every turn. Participating restaurants are sure to “wow” visitors with delicious and decadent gourmet desserts.
Chef Chris Tong of My Private Chef, an upscale private chef and gourmet dining service, will be serving a delicious Blood Orange Mousse with Ginger and Pirouette Wafer.
Look for him on the Caramel Apple Route at one of his favorite wine shops, In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark.
This year you can choose between TWO great routes. Tickets for one route are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event.
Participants will pick up their Dessert Crawl “passport” at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark Street, and then proceed to the participating restaurants and stores for tasting-sized portions at each location.
For more information about the Dessert Crawl and to purchase tickets, visit Andersonville.org
Chef Christopher Tong has been creating distinctive cuisine at fine restaurants and hotels in Chicago, Los Angeles and Florida for more than 25 years.
Now, as the owner of My Private Chef, a unique private chef and gourmet dining service, he’s getting rave reviews for offering that same world-class cuisine for special occasions from your own kitchen or chosen location.
My Private Chef continues it’s tradition of supporting Andersonville culture and special events.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: Myprivatechef.net
Limo and Transportation Services

A-List/Midwest Limousine Service.
They will find the perfect vehicle for that special occasion. A-List/Midwest Limousine Service has put together special VIP packages for you. Book your personal, premium limousine in over 500 locations worldwide, irrespective of whether you need a limousine in CHICAGO, but also New York,California, or overseas.
As well as a first-class, customized service, you and your guests will be provided with an experienced and reliable chauffeur for use around the clock. This chauffeur service is able to reliably coordinate a schedule or route change even if at the last minute, thus saving time, and bringing you, the customer, to your destination punctually.
In renting a limousine from us, you open up a world of possibilities. Our special event service will safely transport you and your business partners in luxurious mini-vans and coaches to trade shows, conventions and festivals. For special occasions like weddings or gala dinners, your luxury stretch limousine wedding car is ready for you from the same category. Of course the excellent chauffeur service is also provided to you by the A-List/Midwest Limousine Service.
Outstanding vehicles from Lincoln MKT, Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Chrysler offer the desired luxury you deserve as a business traveler or celebrity. The A-List/Midwest Limousine Service allows you to experience an uncomplicated but sophisticated way of renting a limousine across the globe – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Reservation Phone: 800-729-5110
Chicago House Speakers Luncheon October 15th
6th Anniversary Speaker Series Luncheon
Wednesday, October 15th from 11:30am – 2:00pm
Hilton Chicago | Grand Ballroom | 720 S. Michigan Avenue
Featuring:
Laverne Cox (Orange Is The New Black Actress)
Jason Collins (NBA Player)
Dustin Lance Black (MILK Screenwriter)
Buy Tickets at www.chicagohouse.org
Spearheading a much-needed conversation about race, gender identity, class and solidarity, they will all be joined with remarks by Chicago House CEO Stan Sloan during this much anticipated and inspirational afternoon!
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.
Chicago House Speakers Series Oct. 15th
Please join us for the Inspirational Event of the season!
The Chicago House
6th Anniversary Speaker Series Luncheon
Wednesday, October 15th from 11:30am – 2:00pm
Hilton Chicago | Grand Ballroom | 720 S. Michigan Avenue
Featuring:
Laverne Cox (Orange Is The New Black Actress)
Jason Collins (NBA Player)
Dustin Lance Black (MILK Screenwriter)
Buy Tickets at www.chicagohouse.org
Spearheading a much-needed conversation about race, gender identity, class and solidarity, they will all be joined with remarks by Chicago House CEO Stan Sloan during this much anticipated and inspirational afternoon!
Led by Co-Chairs Chicago House Trustee Todd Hamilton of Bolder Capital and the founders of Global Act, a nonprofit agency committed to accelerating “understanding, ideas, partnerships, and activities to solve pressing issues,” guests will enjoy a three-course lunch in the Chicago Hilton’s beautiful Grand Ballroom. The event, now in its sixth year, expects nearly 1,000 attendees, and will kick off with a VIP reception, followed by a lunch presentation and panel discussion featuring Cox, Collins and Black.
“This event is the follow up answer to the question of, ‘How can you possibly rival Hillary Clinton as your speaker last September?’” says CEO Rev. Stan Sloan. “Our answer is to have a conversation that the whole nation should be having about poverty, gender identity, race and solidarity. It is very exciting for us to feature the insights and perspectives of Laverne Cox as a black transgender woman as well as other nationally known voices like Jason Collins and Dustin Lance Black!”
Buy Tickets at www.chicagohouse.org
Howard Brown Raises Minimum Wage
Effective immediately, Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) is raising the minimum wage for Brown Elephant employees to $10.10/hour. The increase, in concert with President Obama’s recent executive order raising the minimum wage for federal contractors, represents HBHC’s investment in its hard working staff.
Since the late 1980s, Brown Elephant has been supporting HBHC’s health programs and services by selling gently used furniture, clothing, and media collected through community donations. Net proceeds on the resale of tens of thousands of donated items help HBHC offset the cost of charity healthcare for people who are low-income and uninsured.
“Brown Elephant employees assist more than 220,000 donors and shoppers annually and are the backbone of our mission providing LGBT-affirming healthcare that is accessible and affordable,” said David Ernesto Munar, HBHC President and CEO.
The policy change will help HBHC recruit and retain the skilled workforce needed to meet the demands of it retail social enterprise.
Thanks to the generosity of the Chicago community, HBHC’s Brown Elephant has grown to include three locations across Chicagoland:
Lakeview 3020 N. Lincoln Avenue
Andersonville 5404 N. Clark Street
Oak Park
217 Harrison Street,
Oak Park, IL 60304
708.445.0612
Andersonville and Oak Park locations are open daily from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Lakeview location is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Taverna 750 Unveils New Look
Taverna 750
the most popular restaurant in the heart of Boystown known for their shared plates and martinis, is taking their dining experience to the next level this fall as they close to reconcept the entire dining experience to fuse the spirit of nightlife with dining out.
Taverna 750 will close September 8-18, 2014 and reopen on September 19th with a fresh new face. The entire interior, with the assistance of Greg Mathes Design, will be revamped to give a unique blend of dining, fashion and style.
Taverna 750 plans to execute a new brunch and dinner menus with a more global tapas approach with direction by celebrity chef, Arnold Myint. Myint has been creating a fall preview menu that has been changing daily over this past weekend and will continue through Sunday, September 7th allowing the customers to get a taste of what is coming.
Arnold Myint is a Nashville native who is Executive Chef and Owner of three popular restaurants in Nashville; {blvd}, PM, and Suzy Wong’s House of Yum. His establishments have been recognized locally on numerous occasions as “the best of” and he continues to grow his brand on the national level as reflected in publications such as GQ Magazine, eater.com, and as a contestant on the popular Emmy award winning television program Top Chef.
Along with Myint, Taverna 750 is strengthening its leadership team. Joining the team is Kitchen Manager Edgar Reyes (The Purple Pig), Senior Host William French (Blue Plate Catering) and Senior Bartender Tim Wells (Three Dots and a Dash). The new team is already working together on creating a great customer experience as they prepare for the reopening on Friday, September 19th.
Myint joined the team in early summer to restructure an already very successful mixology program for Taverna 750. Chef Myint introduced new flavor profiles that would pair well with the planned changes to the dinner and brunch menus with instant favorites as the Tequilla Spice, the Pistachio Sour, and Cucumber Caipirinha.
750 W. Cornelia
Chicago, IL 60657
773.904.7466