Category Archives: News and Happenings
Lakeview to Become Bike Haven
Divvy is your Chicago Bike Sharing System
with thousands of bicycles available to you 24/7.
Divvy is Chicago’s bike sharing system with 4,000 bikes and 400 stations
across the city. Intended to provide Chicagoans with an additional
transportation option for getting around the city, Divvy is fun, easy,
and affordable.
I am not sure I love this idea – bike crazies already do not know how to properly interact with cars – I think this is all going to get worse having so many extra bikes around town.
LAKEVIEW will get 40 MORE locations this month!
Check out the Lakeview locations map by Andy Ambrosius at Lakeview Patch.
Sign up for Membership today. Now open for riding!
Market Days Weekend Party NOT TO BE MISSED Saturday August 10th
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Revolution proudly presents our 3rd installment for Market Days Saturday night in Chicago. Following the great times we had with “Wild West” in ’11 and “SuperHero” in ’12, this year we go down deep with SuperStar International DJ Aron Abizker making his triumphant return to Chicago after his spectacular midwest debut this past February for “War Revolution”. Get ready to join this packed house of energy filled with top notch set design, costuming, international go go boys and custom light show. LIMITED $40 Advance Tickets available now at CRAM on Broadway, www.houseofblues.com and this weekend (July 12-14) with the Neverland Boys down in Pilsen at their 3 day anniversary party! |
Victims of Milwaukee Police Departments Illegal Rectal Searches Sue the City!
WOW! Today, for the first time, victims of the notorious
police assaults in Milwaukee, publicly come forward.
Topping years of scandal over illegal and
often painful rectal searches by Milwaukee police officers who eventually were charged
with criminal conduct, this morning victims of the misconduct filed suit in
federal court against the City, and eight current and former officers.
At noon today, two of the four plaintiffs in the new suit
– Jerrold Ezell and Anthony Pettis – spoke out publicly for the first
time. They were joined by their
attorneys, Robin Shellow of The Shellow Group of Milwaukee, and Jon Loevy and
Heather Lewis Donnell of Loevy & Loevy Attorneys at Law, a Chicago-based
firm which is the largest civil rights firm in the region.
“Dozens
and dozens” of people had complained of illegal cavity searches by
Milwaukee police officers over the
years, according to Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, but until
today, none have spoken publicly about their trauma. All of the known victims are African
American. All of the known alleged
police perpetrators are white.
According to today’s suit:
- In
February 2011 Ezell was sitting in his car parked in front of his
grandmother’s house when Sergeant Jason Mucha and Officers Michael Vagnini
and Jacob Knight approached the car with their weapons drawn. Even though he had no probable cause,
during the course of Ezell’s arrest Vagnini grabbed Mr. Ezell’s scrotum
and put his hand through Mr. Ezell’s buttocks cheeks with a blading
motion, all outside his pants.
Unsatisfied
with his search of Mr. Ezell, Officer Vagnini then began to use his fingers to
claw and attempt to penetrate Mr. Ezell’s anus. Officer Vagnini threatened Mr.
Ezell stating: “If you try to run, I’ll blow your fucking head off,” or words
to that effect. Sergeant Mucha and
Officer Knight stood by and watched Officer Vagnini’s searches of Mr. Ezell, but
did nothing to intervene or stop him.
- In
July 2011 Vagnini performed a similar illegal cavity “search,”
this time against Anthony Pettis, in an interrogation room of Milwaukee’s
7th District Police Station. Vagnini, who on April 22 pled no contest to four
felony and four misdemeanor crimes, bragged to Officers Bartol and Seitz
that “This is how you search these guys.” Bartol and Seitz failed to stop the
misconduct.
- In
November 2011, Officers Bartol and Seitz entered a private residence
without a warrant or probable cause, followed by dozens of other officers,
including Vagnini and Knight.
Officer Vagnini ordered Mr. Pettis and Mr. Ezell to stand up and
then shoved his bare two fingers into both Mr. Ezell’s and Mr. Pettis’
rectums one after another without pausing to wash his hands or put on
gloves. No drugs were found on
either man, and yet the officers arrested them.
Chicago House Opens Nations First Transgender Housing
Monday July 15th, Chicago House Opens Nation’s First Transgender Housing
Local Gov’t Officials to Cut Ribbon; Openly Transgender Hollywood Producer
and Chicago native
Lana Wachowski to attend
July 15th is the Opening of Chicago House’s NEW TransLife Center (TLC), a first in the nation facility to offer full, wrap-around services to members of the transgender community and address the unique housing and employment needs of Chicago’s transgender populations.
In
addition to funding by Alphawood Foundation Chicago and multiple
corporate and private donors, TLC has been wholly designed with time,
materials and furnishing donations by Designs for Dignity (www.designsfordignity.org),
a Chicago non-profit organization that transforms non-profit spaces of
marginalized populations into more functional, nurturing environments.
NVRLAND Neverland Art Exhibit in Chicago July 12-14
art and original design into its events. In addition to throwing
Neverland parties, our creative team also owns the brands GayGlow and
Drag Carnage, which are exclusive to Hydrate Nightclub.
Founder & Creative Director – Anthony DiFiore
Founder & Head of Production – Damian Martin
Artistic Director – Ian Bulla (Fierce Finder Studio)
has partnered with Lacuna Artist Loft Studios in the Pilsen gallery
district of Chicago to present the “Neverland Art Exhibit” on July
12th-14th!!! This groundbreaking event–the very first time a circuit
party has held an art exhibit–will feature large-scale prints from our
photoshoots and events, original costumes from our parties, and
performance art, in addition to great house music and a NVRLND lighting
display.
OPENING RECEPTION – Friday July 12h
Time: 7pm-9:30pm (coincides with Pilsen Art Walk)
Location: Lacuna Loft Studio Rooftop Deck (http://lacuna2150.com/
DJ: Matthew Harvat of Circuit Mom Productions
Details: On Friday night we’ll be having a special opening reception on
Lacuna’s fabulous rooftop deck. This beautiful space overlooking the
Chicago skyline will be lit up with NVRLND lighting and the sounds of DJ
Matthew Harvat (Circuit Mom). We’ll be showcasing a sampling of the
prints and costumes that will be on display Saturday & Sunday in the
first-floor Gallery.
WEEKEND EXHIBIT – Saturday & Sunday July 13th-14th
Time: Noon to 7pm both days (coincides with Lacuna Art Walk & F.A.M.E. Street Festival)
Location: Lacuna Loft Studio Gallery (http://lacuna2150.com/
DJ: Jalil Z (Miami) on Saturday and Phil DaBeatz on Sunday
Details: July 13th-14th, during Pilsen’s F.A.M.E. Street Festival and
Second Saturdays Art Walk, Neverland will be showcasing all of its
photography, costumes, and performance art at the beautiful warehouse
loft Gallery inside Lacuna Loft Studios. We will be transforming this
amazing space with art, lighting, music, hot dancers, and our most
talented drag performers. We’re giving you a fierce daytime party inside
an art exhibit!!
Help us celebrate our 1-year anniversary in a truly groundbreaking and unique way!!!
EVENT PRICING: FREE
Guest Photographer and Videographer: Marco Ovando
Photography by: Fierce Finder Studio and Jonathan Mathias
Original costumes by: Damian Martin, Raul Redaggio, and Eddie Couture
Music by: DJ Matthew Harvat, DJ Jalil Z (Miami), and DJ Phil DaBeatz
CountyCare a New No Cost Health Insurance Program
To celebrate Pride Week, Cook County Health and Hospital Systems and Howard Brown Health Center
demonstrated their unique collaboration to provide medical and
behavioral care for the LGBTQ community and LGBTQ allies by encouraging
Howard Brown patients to apply for CountyCare, a new, no-cost health
insurance program.
Operating Officer of the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center and Chairman of
the Department of Internal Medicine at Cook County Health and Hospitals
System, and Karma Israelsen, interim President and Chief Executive
Officer of Howard Brown, welcomed visitors to the center and offered a
tour of their facilities that serve the community.
Cook County residents interested in applying should call 312-864-8200 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., or Saturday between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. To learn more about CountyCare, visit www.CountyCare.com.
CountyCare is a new Illinois Medicaid program. Patients choose a primary care site from
participating local hospitals and healthcare sites throughout the
county, including Cook County Health and Hospitals System locations.The patient is assigned a doctor, nurse, social worker and medical assistant to manage their health care through a new Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model.
The
CountyCare program was approved under the federal government’s 1115
Medicaid Waiver, which permits CCHHS to early-enroll 115,000 individuals
who will be eligible for Medicaid in 2014 through the Affordable Care
Act.
March for Marriage Equality July 13th
March on Chicago
for Marriage Equality
1 PM, Saturday, July 13
Corner of Michigan Avenue and Congress Parkway
Nothing
is inevitable in the fight for civil rights. While some on our side
were assuring us marriage equality would pass by the end of May, the
other side was mobilizing and rallying to scare representatives out of
doing the right thing.
We need to show everyone that love is louder than hate. We need to show
that the voices for equality outnumber the voices for fear and
small-mindedness. We need to hit the streets!
We can still get it done this year if we all join in. This is not over!
Let’s show our representatives that we’re not giving up on marriage
equality without a fight!
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus SOME LIKE IT HOT July 29th
.
CHICAGO GAY MEN’S CHORUS
QUENCHES THE SUMMER WITH A COOL CABARET SHOW
WHAT:
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) is extending their 30th season into the summer with a new cabaret show: “Some Like It Hot.”
CGMC provides two show times under the direction of Jimmy Morehead and
L. T. Johnson at Lakeview’s newest comedy club, the Laugh Factory.
Song selections include swingin’ standards like Night and Day and Another Hot Day in Harlem, showtune favorites like Too Darn Hot, and current hits from Adele and Esperanza Spalding.
Tickets are on sale for $25 for general admission and $50 for VIP seating (7:15 show only) – both with a two drink minimum. VIP ticket holder’s reception will be hosted from 6:00 p.m.- 7:15 p.m. with drinks – plus hors d’oeuvres from LM Restaurant Group. For tickets and more information, visit www.laughfactory.com/
WHEN/WHERE:
- Monday, July 29, 2013 – 7:15 p.m. AND 9:30 p.m. Laugh Factory- 3175 North Broadway; Chicago, IL 60657
National Gay & Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame August 2nd
announce the inaugural induction class, which will be the largest induction class of the NGLSHOF.
allies, former pro sports officials, activists, journalists, retired athletes
and current athletes. The inductees are Gay Games,
Outsports.com, Chicago Cubs, International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA),
Anheuser Busch, Chris Kluwe, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Ben Cohen, Dave Pallone,
Justin Fashanu, LZ Granderson, Christina Kahrl, Dr. Tom Waddell, Chuck Dima,
Jerry Pritikin, Dave Kopay, Glenn Burke, Renee Richards, Billie, Jean King,
Martina Navratilova, Greg Louganis, Patty Sheehan, Andrew Goldstein, Jason
Collins, Orlando Cruz and Johnny Weir.
first honorees will happen on August 2, 2013 through a ceremony at the
Center on Halsted. Tickets are available at www.gayandlesbiansports.com. There
will be two ticket types, VIP and General Admission. VIP $50,
will include a seat in the Hoover-Leppen Theatre and a VIP meet and greet
reception. The General Admission $25, will include a reception and viewing on
TV’s outside the theater. Both tickets will include a hosted bar and food. The VIP meet and greet
reception is 5:00pm-6:00pm. The
general reception is 6:00pm-7:00pm. The Induction
Ceremony is 7:00pm-8:30pm.
with Out at Wrigley on August 3, 2013 – the nation’s largest “Gay Day” at
a major league sporting event. Tickets for Out at Wrigley
can be purchased at www.outatwrigley.com
Steve Grand from Chicago is America’s First Out Gay Male Country Singer
STEVE GRAND…from Chicago is
But starting today… I’m laying it out there. I’m done playing it safe.
I don’t have a manager or a label or any sort of funding other than the
tip money I make playing piano downtown at The Joynt, and also,
ironically to some, in the churches on Sunday morning… (we’ll see how
long I’ll be singing “Glory to God” should this video see the light of
day).
As far as the ascetic achievements of the video… lets
just say I was lucky to have a good friend introduce me to the best team
I could have asked for… who held on to the roller coaster that was
this project and dealt with all my intensity and craziness as the true
professionals they were.
I wrote the song during a drunken
piano jam session at a party. I recorded the vocals in my parents
basement and worked with my friend Max Steger: http://maxsteger.com/ to record and mix the rest of the instruments.
I feel like music industry people wouldn’t like the idea of me
“pigeonholing” myself by telling this story as I have. But I don’t
believe the world sees change until it sees honesty.
So I went in on my own.
BUT my story would never have seen the light of day were it not for the kindness and generosity of so many that helped me through this process, many of whom asked for nothing in return. I know my passion and intensity for this project were a lot to deal with (that might be the understatement of the year.. ;)) I want to thank my crew and everyone involved for doing your best to help me keep my sanity… just barely. And thank you for sticking with me; for your flexibility and patience and helping to bring my vision to life. And to mom and dad… I know you guys don’t always understand just what the hell I am trying to do, but continue to love and support me nonetheless. It means everything to me…
-Steve
Jawbreaker Gay Pride Party June 29th
MOM and Vienna Candy present: “JAWBREAKER” on gay pride Saturday night!
Revolution, the largest dance party series in the midwest, brings you
the most lavishly designed party to date celebrating everything sexy and
sweet. Don’t be fooled, this is no cotton candy kiddie party! Get
ready to lick the sprinkles right off of our sexy dancers while DJ Billy Lace,
making his Revolution debut, whips his creamy beats into the most
decadent, dessert filled night you will not be able to resist.
it all off, Circuit MOM takes the stage to bring you a candy filled
production sending you into a sugar rush like never before! Tell your
friends and come meet the decadent Vienna Candy Boys coming all the way
from Austria to entertain you…The ONLY SATURDAY NIGHT ON GAY PRIDE
WEEKEND IS RIGHT HERE!
The largest gay dance party series, Revolution, returns this month with “JAWBREAKER”, on Saturday, June 29, 2013.
Austria to promote LGBT travel to this lush, gorgeous and historic
destination. Together, they will bring you the sweetest, sexiest, hard
candy gay pride party celebrating all things Marie Antoinette. Her
lavish life style, her decadent love life and her over-the-top party
life will be brought to life with the deliciously hot DJ/Producer Billy
Lace (Matinee, NYC) making his Revolution debut.
Of Blues with be transformed into a French palace complete with a two
story set design, imported sticky and sweet French go go boys and girls
and a not-so-candy-coated performance by the legendary Circuit MOM. This
is Chicago’s only large scale dance party on Saturday night of pride
weekend! Come get your sweet tooth satisfied and shake your hard candy
at this masquerade ball before the big parade on Sunday afternoon.
Facebook Event Page
Halsted Vodka’s New Pride Cocktail Recipes
The term ‘movie star’ could have been invented for Rock Hudson. The
looks, the charm, the red carpet lifestyle. He had it all except for one
thing: his own cocktail. So now there’s the Halsted Rock, made with lychee and a dash of Prosecco – it would grace a red carpet anywhere.
2 oz Halsted Vodka
2 oz raspberry lychee liqueur / fresh fruit puree
Dash of Prosecco
Shake the Halsted Vodka, raspberry and lychee over ice and serve in a martini glass with a prosecco top. Cheers!
Halsted Vodka has supported these local GLBT groups this Spring:
-ChiGayGo GLBT Comedy Showcase
-Lesbian Community Cares Project
-Pride Films & Plays
-Windy City Performing Arts
-IL Safe Schools Alliance
-The Legacy Project
-Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
from the Rocky Mountains and distilled in small batches by Mile High
Distillery in Denver, CO., one of only three distilleries in the world
to utilize glass stills.
Studio Paris T PARTY Returns June 16th
Chicago. Blending the allure of an exclusive cocktail lounge with the
vibrant energy of a premier nightclub, it’s become one of the most
sought-out hot spots and event spaces. Boasting a state-of-the-art
Funktion One sound system and an unrivaled audio-visual experience,
Studio Paris has hosted some of the biggest names in electronic music:
Tiesto. DeadMau5. Avicii. Kaskade. Calvin Harris.
of celebrities, top athletes and influencers from the world of fashion
and entertainment can be found partying beneath the room’s signature AMAZING retractable glass roof, making Studio Paris unlike any other venue in
Chicago.
& Intrigue. This Event is brought to you by “Key Host” Charles May, who creates an atmosphere filled with like minded
people to set the bar high in a comfortable environment with the latest
in Design and Music!
afternoon spent with the Entrepreneurs, Fashion Designers, Club owners,
Shop Owners, Designers in the Floral Business, Chefs, Salon Owners, The
City’s Leading Hair stylists, Restaurant Owners, Artist, DJ’s, and all
those that Contribute to this Amazing Gay Community in our Beautiful
City of Chicago. Networking is one of the key’s to great Success! You
Never Know who you might Meet!
effort to empower us All!!
Ageneau. Ageneau spent his youth in France and at the age of eighteen
set out on a whirlwind culinary tour working for some of the world’s top
chefs in France, London, Los Angeles and Chicago. Taking cues from his
French heritage, Ageneau brings a sense of whimsy to some of his
favorite traditional dishes. It truly is like a fabulous step into Paris France, without getting on a plane!
Benedict, Eggs Florentine, Parisian Crepes, Chocolate French Toast and
on and on! So many choices. Flavors and tastes are amazing and
service is always impeccable.
While I love the Lobster soft scrambled eggs – black truffled – a
variation I believe of the dinner Lobster Crostini – get one and share
it. It’s delicious – and rich.
While brunches are made for Bloody Marys – I still like my afternoon
white wine. I was pleasantly surprised at all of the affordable options.
There are not many 4 or 5 star restaurants that you can order a really
great glass of wine for $8-$12.
Dance for Life Chicago August 17th
Dance for
Life:
Chicago’s Leading Dance
Troupes Unite to Raise Funds for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Services on Aug. 17
WHAT: Experience a night of
breathtaking dance as five of Chicago’s top companies unite on a single stage during
Dance for Life, the largest
performance-based AIDS fundraising event in the Midwest.
With passionate music
and powerful choreography, this highly anticipated event is held annually to
raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, education and prevention while
promoting the art of dance in Chicago. Since 1992 Dance for Life has raised millions of dollars to support the cause.
This year, Dance for Life hosts two exciting,
world-premiere performances by renowned choreographers Randy Duncan, Harrison
McEldowney and Jeremy Plummer as part of the evening’s eight performances. 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney will
serve as this year’s honorary emcee.
Funds raised through
this year’s Dance for Life benefit
the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the Dancers’ Fund and Chicago House.
WHO: Participating Companies Include:
·
Giordano
Dance Chicago
·
Thodos
Dance Chicago
·
River
North Dance Chicago
·
Hubbard
Street Dance Chicago
·
DanceWorks
Chicago
·
Independent
artists Abigail Simon and Mauro Villanueva
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013
5:00 p.m. – Gala Reception –
Hilton Chicago International Ballroom (720 S. Michigan Ave.)
8:00 p.m. – Dance
for Life Performance –
Auditorium
Theatre (50 E. Congress Pkwy.)
*Complimentary
shuttle bus service provided between the two venues.
COST: $50-$75 (performance only)
$200- $500 (includes
admission to 5:00 p.m. gala reception and premiere seating at the performance)
To purchase tickets,
please call 312-922-5812 or visit www.danceforlifechicago.com
WHERE: Performance – Auditorium Theatre, 50 E.
Congress Pkwy., Chicago
Gala Reception – Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Connect
with Dance for Life on Facebook!
About
Dance for Life
Dance
for Life raises awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, prevention
and education, while promoting the art of dance in Chicago. Realizing that AIDS
had heavily affected the dance community, Dance
for Life was founded in 1992 as an inventive way for dancers and dance
companies, whose incomes do not normally allow for large donations, to be able
to contribute time, effort and badly needed funds for existing AIDS agencies.
Check us out online on the Dance for Life
website or on Facebook.
About
the Dancer’s Fund
The Dancers’ Fund, a funding program of Dance for Life,
was created in 1994 as a one of a kind fund with the mission to provide
emergency financial assistance to dancers living with HIV/AIDS and has since
expanded to include any life-threatening illness. The Dancers’ Fund provides
immediate financial assistance for those facing life-threatening illness,
injury or circumstance. Designed to help qualified individuals meet their
immediate financial obligations while dealing with life-threatening conditions,
The Dancers’ Fund is available to Chicago-based, professionally trained working
dancers and those whose primary source of income is derived by serving the
dance community.
Star Studded Night at SCARLET June 5th Summer Launch Event
Scarlet Bar Chicago and Ketel One present Scarlet Summer Launch Event
Chicago House Bird House, Art Auction and Cocktail Party June 20th
Birdhouse extravaganza! June 20, 2013
Join Co-Chairs Jerry
Sanfilippo, Spyros Petros, Denise Antonucci, Erik Retzer & Jim
Josephson for the Pride Kickoff event EVERYONE is crowing about!
Toast the Summer Season with
cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses
from the city’s Most unique designers! Functional birdhouses, funky art,
and auction pieces for any shopper!
Where: Room & Board Downtown Chicago Store
55 East Ohio Street Chicago, Illinois
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Advance tickets: $70 Door tickets: $80
RE.STOCK Shopping and Fashion Show June 6th
..
From 5pm-7pm we’ll be joined at our new storefront (3519 N. Halsted) by our hosts Michael and Derrick of Best Gay Chicago and FIAT of Chicago for an exclusive shopping event full of special discounts, VIP goody bags and more!
And just in case you’re late joining the party, we invite you to join
us for an after hours party back at the shop, where we’ll have special
in-store specials until 11pm!
Gay Chicago Couple Told to GET OUT of Taxi Cab After Innocent Kiss
A gay couple from Chicago allegedly were ejected from a taxi cab onto a busy expressway after a quick kiss.
Steven White and his boyfriend Matt McCrea tell CBS 2 that they were
returning from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport at around 11:30
p.m. on May 30 when their cab driver forced them out of the car after
what they’ve described as a quick peck on the lips.
“He indicated that it was a public mode of transportation and we shouldn’t kiss in his cab,” White recalled. WATCH
Memorial Day brunch at Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse
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