Category Archives: News and Happenings
World Gym DEEP DISCOUNTS Feb 14th
How is that New Years resolution going?
New Business on Halsted Street to be HUGE
THERE IS A NEW BUSINESS COMING TO HALSTED STREET…AND IT’S NOT THE ABBEY!
THIS IS BIG!!!I can not say much, just yet. But I was in on a meeting last week and saw the blueprints. It’s going to be such a cool addition to Halsted and really change the face of Halsted and Boystown.
This company had looked at several properties and lots up and down Halsted and have made their decision and signed the papers. Now after some city red tape, I can tell you all hopefully in April or May.
Stay tuned for more details soon!
New Lounge Restaurant Downtown LA GRAND VIE
Just steps from Michigan Avenue, nestled inside The Chatelaine building at 215 E. Chestnut, is downtown’s newest hidden gem, La Grand Vie. A sleek new lounge/restaurant with signature craft cocktails and a menu to suit
(between Seneca St & Dewitt Pl)
(312) 643-1111
Chicago House is Chosen as the 2013 beneficiary for OUT IN THE PARK
September 14th, 2013!
“Out
in the Park” at Six Flags Great America returns in 2013 with a BANG!
A private LGBT event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six
Flags Great America’s amazing rides (X-Flight, Superman, Batman, etc.) , live
music by an internationally sought after DJ who calls Chicago home, Matthew
Harvat, delivering a total party-celebration dance area everyone can enjoy,
complete with a laser light show! Plus some surprise celebrity guests and niche
entertainment venues, for those who don’t like to ride, or just want to take a break and enjoy
some live music!
“This year we looked at 6
potential organizations to be the beneficiary, and we chose Chicago House,
” say Michael Snell, from Best Gay
Chicago.com. “Chicago House is so incredibly proud to be included in Out
At The Park. Last year’s event drew thousands of enthusiastic
attendees, and we’re excited to be able to partner with the event organizers
this year both to fund the vital work Chicago House is doing in the care and
prevention of HIV, while promoting the diverse services we provide to over
1,500 men, women, and children in Chicago’s LGBT communities.” said Jeremy
Hilborn, Director of Individual Giving & Special Events.
BestGayChicago.com and Chicago House
are excited to return with an all new LGBT Celebratory event and fundraiser at
Six Flags Great America. “We are very excited to be asked to return this
year to Six Flags Great America and their excitement in allowing us this unique
opportunity to produce such an awesome private event for our community at their
park,” said Derrick Sorles, owner of BestGayChicago.com. “We are proud to
have another charity this year benefiting from the event.”
This private event will be September
14th, 9pm-1am. The price is $38 and a portion of all tickets sold will benefit
Chicago House. Last year, nearly $12,000
was raised for TPAN. This year’s goal is to raise even more money! What
is great about the event this year is ticket holders will have the whole park
to themselves and the lines for rides will basically be non-existent. So you
can ride as much and as often as you want, plus still have time left over for
dancing or to enjoy one of the mini-concerts!
Sorles said it will be 3 days of fun! With parties planned for Friday night, Saturday night late, and Sunday Brunch and afternoon fun! Details soon! Tickets on sale May 1st.
EQIL Justice for all Gala Feb 9
Tomorrow marks the start of February
— a month that brings the 2013 Justice for All Gala, Valentine’s Day,
and continued discussion over the freedom to marry in Illinois. It’s all
about love and there is no better way to celebrate that love than at
the Gala on Saturday, February 9th at the Hilton Chicago.
The Gala offers a great opportunity to celebrate and
encourage the love and commitment of thousand of same-sex couples across
Illinois. If you are in a relationship, you can enjoy a lovely evening
together as a pre-Valentine’s Day night out. Or at the silent auction,
you can find trips to everywhere from Australia to South Beach or
tickets to Lady Gaga (third row!) or Disney World.
If you have no Valentine, you have no reason to feel left out. As the Midwest’s largest black-tie LGBT event, there will be more than a thousand guests in attendance.
You will have an opportunity to meet, dance and party with tons of new
friends and maybe even meet that special, well-dressed someone.
Plan to celebrate love at this year’s Gala by purchasing your tickets today.
If you haven’t bought your ticket yet, the clock is ticking
as we have already sold out of our Platinum and Premier tickets and many
of the best Standard seats have sold as well. You can still get great
seats, but you should act quickly and reserve your tickets now.
In
addition, you can help spread the love and support our continuing hard
work on the freedom to marry in Illinois. With the General Assembly
reconvening and many supportive lawmakers attending the Gala, it’s a
great way to showcase the strength of our movement. Let’s make it a
night to remember! Purchase your tickets online today.
With VIP and Premier tables sold out, the remaining tickets are selling quickly, so purchase yours online today. Simply click below or call 773-477-7173.
2 Great Shows Coming to Chicago
I LOVE to see shows in small theatres. Most of our theaters downtown are WAY TOO BIG for stage shows. If you are not in the first 12 rows, you miss out on so much. The theatre at Moraine Valley Community College is the perfect size. No bad seats. And they bring in some awesome shows!
Thodos Dance Chicago
Saturday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. in the Dorothy Menker Theater and only $20-$25!
Embracing Chicago’s rich history via contemporary
dance like never before, The White City: Chicago’s Columbian Exposition
of 1893 is an ambitious one-act piece complete with period costumes and
video projections by Chicago filmmaker Chris Olsen.
Legendary Tony Award-winning Broadway choreographer Ann Reinking and
Artistic Director Melissa Thodos set the piece to Bruce Wolosoff’s
Songs Without Words.
All 12 ensemble dancers will perform to tell the
story of the legendary 1893 World’s Fair through dance.
Characters range from Mayor Carter Harrison Sr.; Harrison’s assassin,
Patrick Prendergast; John Root, one of the key architects of the Chicago
World’s Fair; and Dr. H.H. Holmes, the cunning serial killer who used
the fair to lure his victims to their death in his elaborately
constructed Murder Castle.
The evening also includes several other thrilling pieces drawn from Thodos’ inventive and imaginative repertory.
“Best Dance Event in Chicago of 2011″
— Chicago Sun Times
GET TICKETS!
And this, is SO COOL!
A Lamb Chop Celebration featuring Mallory Lewis
Saturday, April 6, 2 p.m.
Tickets $10-$20
An entertaining hour of laughter and song. The beloved children’s icon Lamb Chop,
skillfully bought to life by Shari’s daughter, Mallory Lewis.
Fun for
all ages, kids will fall in love with Lamb Chop, teens and
20-somethings will remember
Lamb Chop from Lamb Chop’s Play Along,
and grown-ups will enjoy revisiting their youth as they laugh and sing along with Lamb Chop and Mally!
“Once you’ve seen one of Mallory’s shows,
you’ll walk away with a wonderful memory and also feeling like you have
just acquired a new best friend.”
— Tonya Cook, Iowa State Fair
GET TICKETS!
Chicagos Newest Parties – Freedom Revolution Feb 15-17
CircuitMOM Productions, Inc. is proud to announce a whole new weekend of REVOLUTION events in Chicago.
FREEDOM REVOLUTION: HONOR, WAR & PEACE debuts over the President’s Day holiday, February 15-17, 2013, bringing world class DJ’s and award winning productions to the Chicago, featuring the Chicago debuts of Remixer/Producer DJ Seth Cooper, International super DJ Aron Abikzer and Miami-based DJ Cincel Coss. DJ Phil DaBeatz and world-wide phenomenon DJ Tony Moran round out the lineup of amazing talents to finish off this amazing weekend of parties.
Following the success of the sold out 2012 REVOLUTION parties for IML, Market Days and Halloween, this February heats up with not one, but four events destined to become yearly tradition. Online ticket link here!
Friday, February 15, 2013 – Minibar hosts “HONOR” (9p-2a) FREE!
Enjoying success with his wildly popular remixes and mash-ups, sexy DJ/Producer Seth Cooper makes his debut appearance with Circuit MOM for a kick-off party like no other being hosted at Chicago’s swanky lounge, Minibar. Start your party weekend off right with a night of original beats, great drinks and a chance to win tickets to both WAR and PEACE. No cover charge and winners must be present to win. Facebook event page here—
Saturday, February 16, 2013 – House of Blues hosts “WAR” (10p-5a)
CircuitMOM Productions, Inc. is excited to bring Chicago the sizzling sounds of acclaimed Israeli producer/remixer DJ Aron Abikzer. Named by OUT Magazine as a “Top 10 DJ’s You Should Know” for 2012, his meteoric rise to DJ royalty has taken him around the globe and featured him at the White Party Miami this past November. Aron is headlining Alegria NYC this month and MasterBEAT LA later this spring. His remixes, podcasts and SoundCloud feeds are some of the best tribal, vocal and house beats on the planet. He is paired with another one of OUT Magazine’s “Top 10 DJ’s You Should Know”, Chicago’s very own tribal master, DJ Phil DaBeatz who’s packed dance floors thrive on every beat of his bass and drums style.
This will be a Saturday night like no other.
Facebook event page here-
Sunday, February 17, 2013 – Excalibur hosts “PEACE” (10p-4a)
The completely remodeled Excalibur will make its phenomenal debut to the gay community with “PEACE” featuring the iconic beats, vocals, remixes and dark sounds of legendary Grammy-nominated DJ Tony Moran. His long awaited return to Chicago is the perfect time to unveil the redesigned, state-of-the-art sound, lighting and space at Excalibur guaranteed to blow your mind.
In our continuing quest to introduce new talent to Chicago, we present another amazing debut for FREEDOM REVOLUTION in DJ Cindel Coss. Raised on house music in Chicago but also drawing on his Puerto Rican roots, this young, Miami-based DJ/producer is quickly becoming known as “The King Of Drums.” DJ Cindel can go from pool party to afterhours with his sets and is the perfect match for Tony Moran to bring Sunday nights’ event to a climactic end to the weekend.
Facebook event page here-
Just Added -Late Night Friday, February 15, 2013-Hydrate hosts “Big Brother” (until 4a)
The guys that bring you Chicago’s NVRLND parties offer up their own visually enticing and progressive fresh new DJ’s for a late night Friday party. Making his Chicago debut, the wildly popular DJ Isaac Escalante (Mexico City) will bring his dark, sexy beats to this voyeuristic, laser-tastic event .
Facebook page here
Please note- This is a separately ticketed party and NOT on our weekend pass. Please visit Brown Paper Tickets
Subject to Change Mx. QSA Pageant JAN 30
The Alliance is thrilled to be the beneficiary of Subject to Change’s inaugural Mx. Queer (U)SA pageant, which was selected as a Critics’ pick in this week’s Time Out Chicago!
of previous Subject to Change hosts, and feature guest sets from DJ Wife
Material (Britticisms).
aims to create a space of “no shame” when it comes to the music they
enjoy and the people they love and care about — family (both blood and
chosen) and our community via the events and publications they produce.
that energy to support the many organizations working to make this city a
better place for queer folks.
PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESSERT VIP Opening Night March 19
See below how to get your tickets for its debut night. This is a limited opportunity to join Equality Illinois and AIDS Legal
Council of Chicago for the Chicago premiere performance of Priscilla, on Tuesday, March 19, 2013,
all while supporting our work on marriage and equal LGBT rights for all
Illinoisans.
they will sell out; their Book of Mormon tickets were gone in a very
short period of time.
YOUR TICKETS: Tickets are now available for purchase to all Equality Illinois supporters. Please use
this linkto buy your tickets. This offer is open to tens of thousands of
Equality Illinois and AIDS Legal Council of Chicago supporters, so be
sure to get yours today to ensure you receive the best seats. The show
sells out very quickly internationally, and we expect its first night
in Chicago to sell out even quicker.
VIP RECEPTION: Your ticket includes access to a
special, post-show VIP reception. Location of the VIP reception will be
sent to ticket holders at least 3 weeks prior to the performance.
THE SHOW: This spectacular show tells the uplifting
story of a trio of friends on a road trip of a lifetime, who hop aboard a
battered old bus searching for love and friendship in the middle of the
Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have
dreamed.
tickets before the show. Purchases directly benefit Equality Illinois
Education Project and AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, 501(c)(3)
organizations, and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and
are not appropriate for re-sale.
Cocktail Bar Closed Down Permanently This Time
Cocktail, a once popular gay bar in Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood at
the southeast corner of Roscoe and Halsted, has received an apparent
death blow this time.
Street, LLC, seized all property on the premises.
put up by the landlord and movers with a large truck
removed everything in the bar.
Cocktail had filed for
Chapter 11 protection in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in August 2012.
However, the owner and operator of Cocktail, John “Geno” Zaharakis,
failed to comply with orders of the bankruptcy court and the case, along
with its protections, was dismissed on January 8, 2013. The dismissal
allowed the owner of the building to legally proceed with asset seizure
in an attempt to collect and alleged $85,344.55 in rents.
Cocktail and Zaharakis have been embroiled in financial problems and
subsequent litigation since March of 2011. The lawsuits allege tens of
thousands of dollars in delinquent rents, monies owed to former
employees and other defaulted payments.
Cocktail has been closed two different times in the last year due to
temporary license revocations related to unpaid taxes.
It is rumored the landlord will open a new gay bar there in late Spring. In time for gay pride!
Justin Hayford Benefit Concert – Pay What You Can
Last month we told you about the Justin Hayford benefit CD – now there is a benefit show!
Chicago Jazz Musician Justin Hayford
Plays Gershwin at Davenport’s
Fourth annual benefit for AIDS Legal Council of Chicago
On January 20th and 27that
7pm, Chicago musician Justin Hayford will host “The Gershwins in Love,”
evening of classic Gershwin love songs—from the sublime to the
ridiculous. This is the fourth annual benefit for AIDS Legal Council of
Chicago (“ALCC”) at Davenport’s Piano Bar in Wicker Park. Hayford, who
just released his fourth studio album on December 1, will treat
attendees to well-loved Gershwin hits like I’ve Got a Crush on You, ’Swonderful, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, They All Laughed, and Someone to Watch Over Me. Fans should also be prepared for a few rarities that few have ever heard. Hayford has been called “a superb talent” by the Chicago Tribune and a “hip piano-playing saloon singer who should be heard more often” by Rex Reed.
All
proceeds raised from “The Gershwins in Love” shows go directly to AIDS
Legal Council of Chicago. Attendees simply pay whatever they like at
the end of the show.
Reservations can be made online at davenportspianobar.com or by phone at 773-278-1830.
Founded in 1987, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago works to preserve,
promote, and protect the legal rights of men, women, children, and
families in the metropolitan Chicago area impacted by HIV
and
AIDS. The Council provides free direct legal services to people in
need, educates the public about HIV-related legal issues, and advocates
for social policies that ensure fair treatment for all people affected by HIV and AIDS.
Absolut Party at Chicago’s Willis Tower
delectable hors d’oeuvres from J&L Catering, while bidding on one of
a kind artwork. This event sells out every year!!
Winter Weekend of Parties Feb. 16-17
SATURDAY, February 16, 2013 10pm-5am
DJ’s Phil DaBeatz and Aron Abikzer
House Of Blues Chicago
SUNDAY, February 17, 2013. 10pm-4am
DJ’s Cindel Coss and Tony Moran
Excalibur Nightclub
CULT Dance Party at Berlin comes to an end Jan 31
Stardust presents: 3 year anniversary, which will be the Last CULT Ever!
CULT in saying hello to a solid 3 years, yet goodbye to the monthly
dance party that united an eclectic mix of Chicago seapunks, goth kids
and Internet celebrities under one roof!
Since 2010, CULT has brought you up-and-coming artists from around the world,
highlighting local talent, live acts, DJs, and hosts from the underground’s finest. It is built around combining indie qualities to a
mainstream atmosphere.
Overthe past 3 years CULT has been the first to introduce you to notable
national acts such as OoOoo, Picture Plane, Teengirl Fantasy, Brenmar,
GHE20 GOTH1K, Chippy Nonstop, AB Soto, Ultrademon, Zombelle, Alexis
Penney, Le1f, Mykki Blanco, Beni, Lil Internet, and Plastic Plates. Plus
appearances by White Mystery, Maluca, Lady Fag, Judi & Kristen from
Bad Girls Club, Jessica Wild & JuJubee from Rupauls Drag Race, and
even Lady Starlight from the Lady Gaga’s camp. Plus so many more!
The last CULT (January 31st 2013) will boast a live set by LA’s
“post-apocalyptic Lil’ Kim”, Brooke Candy (Chicago Debut), and DJ sets
by Jesse St. John (Chicago Debut) with residents Teen Witch Fan Club
& Matt -Matt. Hosted by Zombelle, Molly Soda,
Forthe last time ever, come dressed up in all colors shapes and sizes, and
embrace this much-needed entity in Nu Chicago nightlife. Stardust will
continue every Thursday, however this will be CULT’s last dance.
Drink specials: $1 Select Shots / $3 Bacardi Bombs /
Photos by ASL http://asl-media.com
RSVP for no cover: http://do312.com/Stardust
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CULT.
Doors open at 10pm.
“‘[CULTis] one of the only places in Chicago where you’ll hear a SALEM track
mixed into a tribal mix of [Willow Smith’s] ‘Whip My Hair’ along with
juke, bitch tracks, acid, Drone, UK funky and house.’ Mixing emerging
dance styles with a hint of pop, CULT has lived up to its name, often
drawing capacity crowds.” –Time Out Magazine
2 Plays to Open in Chicago before their New York Runs
WHAT AN EXCITING SEASON this is going to be in Chicago! Broadway in Chicago has an amazing line-up including 2 pre-Broadway shows!
The musical is based on the acclaimed novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, about a London doctor who accidentally unleashes his evil alternate personality in his quest to cure his father’s mental illness.
Chef Christopher Tong at Gildas Club of Chicago Feb. 12
The popular appearances of Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale private gourmet dining service,
My Private Chef, continue in the New Year with some wonderful menu ideas emphasizing healthy eating
so essential for Gilda’s Club members and their families. People living with cancer know that healthy
eating is important for the body and the spirit. The meals in this cooking series are designed to inspire
people living with cancer to eat well, serve beautiful food and stay healthy.
demonstration: Chicken Marengo with Crusty French Bread. The dish is named after Napoleon’s
battle of Marengo in 1800 and, lucky for us, it is filled with cancer fighting ingredients including
tomatoes, onions and olives.
The club is located at 537 North Wells Street, Chicago. 312-464-9900.
friends, join with others to build social and emotional support in addition to medical care.
Gilda’s Club is named in honor of the late comedian Gilda Radner.
demonstrations and conversations with Chef Tong.
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.
or visit www.gildasclubchicago.org
Chicago Jazz Musician Justin Hayford at Davenports Benefit Jan 20 and 27th
Chicago Jazz Musician Justin Hayford Plays Gershwin at Davenport’s
Fourth annual benefit for AIDS Legal Council of Chicago
On January 20th and 27that
7pm, Chicago musician Justin Hayford will host “The Gershwins in Love,”
evening of classic Gershwin love songs—from the sublime to the
ridiculous. This is the fourth annual benefit for AIDS Legal Council of
Chicago (“ALCC”) at Davenport’s Piano Bar in Wicker Park. Hayford, who
just released his fourth studio album on December 1, will treat
attendees to well-loved Gershwin hits like I’ve Got a Crush on You, ’Swonderful, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, They All Laughed, and Someone to Watch Over Me. Fans should also be prepared for a few rarities that few have ever heard. Hayford has been called “a superb talent” by the Chicago Tribune and a “hip piano-playing saloon singer who should be heard more often” by Rex Reed.
All
proceeds raised from “The Gershwins in Love” shows go directly to AIDS
Legal Council of Chicago. Attendees simply pay whatever they like at
the end of the show.
Reservations can be made online at davenportspianobar.com or by phone at 773-278-1830.
Founded in 1987, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago works to preserve,
promote, and protect the legal rights of men, women, children, and
families in the metropolitan Chicago area impacted by HIV
and
AIDS. The Council provides free direct legal services to people in
need, educates the public about HIV-related legal issues, and advocates
for social policies that ensure fair treatment for all people affected by HIV and AIDS.
Chicago House, Willis Tower and Absolute Wrapture Jan 24th
Chicago House & Co-Chairs Dennis Remer, Sean Kotwa, David Kaufman,Tom Segal, Christopher Hubbard & Sean Ward invite you to enjoy a fresh new fusion of one-of-a-kind artwork up for auction and windy city views alongside the premiere of a tasty new tune from Absolut!
Thursday, January 24th
Willis Tower Skydeck 99th Floor
233 South Franklin (Building’s East Lobby Entrance)
5PM: VIP Early Arrival
6PM-9PM: General Guest Arrival
LIMITED VIP TICKET 50% Sold Out: $150, includes EARLY ARRIVAL at 5PM, a commemorative visit and photo opportunity on The Ledge, plus a VIP swag bag of treats from Garrett Popcorn, Kiehl’s, Teuscher Chocolates of Switzerland, and much more!
GENERAL TICKET: $99
New In 2013!
Expedited Entry through Willis Tower’s multiple passenger elevators!
Early arrival for VIP’s!
Paperless auction with cellular bidding!
More unique artwork!
NEW year, NEW tune, SAME great cause
Chad Michaels Comes to HYDRATE Jan 19th
Chad Michaels’ career as one of the world’s
premier Cher Impersonators now spans two decades of acclaim and
celebration! Chad has been granted the opportunity to collaborate with
and entertain for Industry favorites such as David Foster, Bruce
Roberts, Elton John, Christina Aguilera, Cyndi Lauper, Gene Simmons,
RuPaul, and even the Diva Herself, Cher. For Chad Michaels, the “Beat
Goes On”!
Chad placed 3rd on Ru Pauls Drag Race Season 4, but came back for the ALL STARS and took the crown as WINNER!
Hydrate Presents Rupaul Drag Race AllStars Champion Chad Michaels
Hydrate is proud to present Chad Michaels for two special performances at 11 PM and 1 AM.
She is joined by Rupaul Drag Race Season 4 star DiDa Ritz.
Limited number of meet and greets are available for $25, which includes a complimentary cocktail.
Stay and dance till 5 AM with the sounds of DJR
Hydrate Nightclub Chicago | 3458 N Halsted Street in Chicago, IL 60657
