Category Archives: Outdoors
Pride Fest Weekend at Kit Kat Lounge
Pride Fest Weekend at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Two Day Celebration Includes Magic Mike XXL Brunch
Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, located at the corner of Halsted and Waveland, will celebrate Pride Fest with a two day party on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21. Throughout the weekend, live performances will take place on Kit Kat’s alfresco, elevated runway stage, including female impersonators, acrobatics, burlesque, boylesque and more (schedule is outlined below).
Each day, the Lakeview-located lounge and supper club will offer their “Divalicious” brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring performances by Diva Madam X. During brunch services, Kit Kat will raffle off advanced screening passes, complimentary movie tickets and schwag from the upcoming film, Magic Mike XXL (prizes include official t-shirts, duffel bags, dog tags, beach balls, collectable post cards and more; the movie is in theaters on Wednesday, July 1).
In addition to the regular dinner menu, Kit Kat will offer a special Pride Menu, as well as Pride Martinis and Magic Mike XXL Martinis (outlined below). Kit Kat will be open on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. For table reservations, call 773-525-1111.
Saturday, June 20
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Magic Mike XXL Brunch with Diva Madam X
2 p.m.-2 a.m. Divas Sara Andrews and Kinley Preston will perform intermittently
4:30 p.m. Emcee Joseph C. Vorteque will introduce Angela Eve’s and Eve’s Parlor Cabaret Acts and Jet Adore will perform boylesque
5:30 p.m. Strong men acrobatics by Mr. Spring and Tulga
6:30 p.m. Shana Vaughn Gabor will perform ballet with a twist
7:30 p.m. Ray Gun will perform burlesque
Sunday, June 21
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Magic Mike XXL Brunch with Diva Madam X
2 p.m.-2 a.m. Divas Sara Andrews and Kinley Preston will perform intermittently
3:30 p.m. Emcees Angela Eve and Joseph C. Vorteque will introduce Angela Eve’s and Eve’s Parlor Cabaret Acts and Jet Adore will perform boylesque
4:30 p.m. Ray Gun will perform burlesque
5:30 p.m. Angela Eve and Big Mike will perform burlesque and boylesque
6:30 p.m. Strong men acrobatics by Mr. Spring and Tulga
Pride Menu
available 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Mac ‘n Cheese & Salad – creamy cheddar and parmesan in a light truffle cream sauce with bacon, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, served with an arugula side salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette $12
Croque Monsieur Panini – applewood smoked ham, gruyere cheese and mustard aioli, served with parmesan truffle fries $14
Ravioli – ricotta and spinach stuffed ravioli in a pesto parmesan cream sauce with asparagus, shallots, mushrooms and peas with crunchy bread crumb garnish $14
Sliders – two mini burgers with Brie, caramelized red onions, dijon aioli and arugula tossed with balsamic dressing, served with parmesan truffle fries $14
Quesadillas – grilled chicken, caramelized onions and pepper jack cheese, served with salsa, guacamole and sour cream $13
Quinoa – Cajun spiced chicken breast served atop a quinoa salad with kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts and feta cheese $14
Steak Salad – grilled skirt steak served atop mixed greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette with crumbled blue cheese, cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, garnished with an onion ring $17
Buffalo Glazed Chicken Sandwich – coleslaw and pomme frites $14
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
773.525.1111
KitKatChicago.com
Cazwell at Chicago PrideFest
HE’S BACK! CAZWELL!
The seventh single from Cazwell’s Hard 2 B Fresh album is a head-to-toe ratchet trap club banger with hard twerk beats, raunchy, sex-fueled lyrics and a killer drop.
Produced by Richie Beretta, “Downtown” was originally composed for Major Lazer, the electronic music project comprising of record producing DJ Diplo and DJs Jillionaire and Walshy Fire. Cazwell admits he begged Beretta for the opportunity to write lyrics to and record the single as he felt it was the one crucial sound missing from his album. “I needed this vibe for Hard 2 B Fresh,” he explains. “I can be pretty convincing when I want to be.” Cazwell’s “Downtown” is available on iTunes and at all major online music retailers now.
“To take it “downtown” means you’re gonna turn up and not give two fucks about the repercussions,” explains Cazwell from his Manhattan home. The term has become something of a mantra for the party-going rapper whose songs defy convention by mixing gay themes with sharp-edged east coast Hip Hop. He’s even adopted Hip Hop’s large-living lifestyle, something he raps about it in his song.
“I have the money now but there was a time I was ‘downtown’ bougie,” he admits. “That’s when you spend way more money than you can actually afford on dumb shit, not caring about what happens next. If you spend the last of your savings on a bottle of Goose at the club so you can impress your friends, you’re just dead wrong bougie.”
He traces his attraction for lavish street flash to a youth spent listening to classic nineties rap. “I remember the legendary MC Lyte singing how she was ‘funky fresh, dressed to impress, ready to party’. That line always resonated with me.”
It’s even echoed in “Downtown” when Cazwell raps how he is ‘pressed fresh and I don’t give a fuck’. “It essentially means the same thing,” he acknowledges. “I’m squeaky clean, I’m dressed fly as all hell, I’m moisturized, my clothes are wrinkle free and my kicks are crispy. I’m about to show off and nobody can tell me nothin’.”
It’s not the song’s only throwback to pre-millennium fabulousness. There’s also a nod to nineties supermodels Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell. “You know I had to give a little old school shout out to the ladies,” he laughs. “If you’re sitting pretty that’s one thing, but if you’re sitting pretty with the original supermodels than you must be fresh and pressed.”
The larger than life downtown fantasy is carried into the song’s music video, directed by 19-year-old first-time music video directors, Bob Bottle and Ben Evans. It’s a style of video fans will likely view as atypical for Cazwell, harkening back to the homegrown (and initially banned) feel of his first hit, “All Over Your Face”.
“We were inspired by the films “Spring Breakers” and “Clockwork Orange”, and the new generation of gay teenagers on Tumblr who are curating sexy boy pics like they’re some kind of world renowned art collection,” explains Cazwell. “We bring their digital fantasy to life by submerging gay porn stars, models, and go-go boys in a surreal New York City house party overloaded with Tumblr-inspired imagery.”
When conceiving the video, they paid close attention to creating shots they thought would make great GIFS and still frames. Many contain pop culture references, including a cameo from New York nightlife icon, Amanda Lepore, who truly embodies the magic of Downtown. “Amanda is the extra something special with any video she has a cameo in, and since the song is very New York, it made a lot of sense to have her included,” says Cazwell.
“I thought it would be especially funny if she showed up when the party was over and was basically like ‘where is everybody?’”
A Massachusetts native, Cazwell has been described as what would have happened if Eminem had grown up on Madonna’s front lawn. He became a You Tube sensation after a million people viewed his ‘Ice Cream Truck’ music video in a single week. He has since earned hipster credibility with a steady flow of danceable hip hop tracks that impressively showcase his hypomanic take on pop culture.
Earlier this year, Cazwell released his first full-length album in four years, “Hard 2 B Fresh” on Brooklyn indie, Peace Bisquit. The new batch of Hip Hop comedy gems features seventeen tracks including his latest that is currently tearing up dance floors, “Dance Like You Got Good Credit,” “Spicy”, “The Biscuit” and “Don’t Get It Twisted.”
WATCH THE NEW VIDEO DOWNTOWN
Catch Cazwell in Chicago at PrideFest Sunday June 21st at 5pm!
For more information, visit Cazwell.com and PeaceBisquit.com. The “Downtown” Tumblr page is at: http://downtowncazwell.tumblr.com/
Ty Herndon at Chicago Pride Parade
Country singer Ty Herndon hopes that the support he received after coming out last year is indicative of a progressive Nashville, one that’s becoming more tolerant toward the LGBT community than in years past.
“One of the biggest fears I had in coming out and being authentic was that I wouldn’t get to continue doing what I do for a living, and that’s country music,” he told The Huffington Post in an interview. “How great is it that I have the opportunity, for the first time in my life, to sing about truth? That makes me a very happy man.”
Herndon, 53, sees his latest project as a prime opportunity for him to pay that happiness forward. On June 12, he’ll take the stage at the first Concert For Love and Acceptance at Nashville’s City Winery, which he is co-hosting with Meghan McCain, the daughter of former Republican presidential hopeful John McCain and an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights.
PRIDEChicago, the organizers of Chicago’s annual gay pride parade, announced Monday that out country star Ty Herndon will be the Grand Marshal for the 46th Annual Chicago Pride Parade.
“I have struggled with being gay my entire career and life,” Herndon told ChicagoPride.com just days after that interview. “Of course, I’ve had so much support from my friends and close family that supported me, that knew I was gay. But it’s been so freeing for the fans to know; the fans in country music, especially. They have really been supportive and awesome.”
HEATWAVE CHICAGO IS HERE!
THE TEMPERATURES
ARE PLUNGING!
There is a polar invasion in the Midwest…..
but don’t fret…HEATWAVE IS ALMOST HERE! After more than 1 year of planning, the party, like no other, is arriving this weekend. BUT IT’S ALMOST SOLD OUT!
24 hours at Key Lime Cove. We bought out the ENTIRE COMPLEX and portions of rooms booked will go the benefit the Chicago Gay Mens Chorus!
400 rooms.
12 hours of music with 4 DJ’s and CAZWELL!
Don’t want a room?
Can’t stay the night?
Get a party ticket for $85.
Room packages start at $200 for 2 people for 24 hours!
Yesterday EVERYONE wis trying to call and book rooms for Heatwave. Is that a Midwest thing…waiting to the last minute?? LOL – Because this is a special private event, each reservation can take time to process and answer everyone’s questions – hence, phone hold times may be annoying.
SO, WEDNESDAY NIGHT (Nov. 12th) 8pm-10pm the Key Lime Cove folks are coming to Scarlet Bar (3320 N. Halsted) to do reservations live one-on-one in person. And we only have about 50 -55 room packages left – where you get a room and party admission! So if you have not booked a room yet – come on out and book your room and we’ll celebrate with some Fireball shots on me!!
An event like Heatwave HAS NEVER BEEN DONE. You do not want to miss this!
Friday night we’ll be at Scarlet bar for another event – Heatwave Kick Off Party!
Come hang with Trannika Rex, designer Traver Rains and the fabulous Jasen Kaplan!
See YOU at HEATWAVE!
AIDS Foundation Chicago Walk Run Sept. 14th
PRE-REGISTRATION ENDS TOMORROW on September 3 for the 2014 AIDS Run/Walk Chicago!
Sign up to join our community of passionate individuals and partner organizations gathering to support vital services for those living with HIV/AIDS in the Chicagoland area!
www.aidsrunwalk.org
DILF at SoFo Saturday July 5th
Hot Men. Hot weather.
Summer is here!
The SoFo Tap brings you DILF, the First Saturday of every month, 9 pm to 3 am. And things are really HEATING UP this Saturday, JULY 5th!
There’s only place to be this holiday weekend: DILF. Yankee Dilfy Daddy!
Host/DADDYMASTER Jinx Titanic returns from his vacation on Tatooine to host the hottest DILF yet. Jinx and his boys will all be decked out in full patriotic regalia. Music, as always, by DJ Moose.
And check this out – to further HEAT things up….HEATWAVE is the new private party from the producers of OUT IN THE PARK @ SIX FLAGS. At this weeks DILF event the Heatwave folks will be handing out free raffle tickets for some Heatwave giveaways like swimsuits and other things. And they will be offering DILF attendees who book a room, 1 free Brunch Ticket with your booking ($30 value).
In case you have never been (really?) It’s is the party to be at in Chicago for MEN over 35 and the men who want them!
DJ Moose providing the rockin’ tunes and the Patio and bar will be hopping.
at The SoFo Tap, 4923 N. Clark Street 773-784-SOFO
AIDS Run Walk Chicago September 14 2014
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago raises funds to support life-saving care, prevention and housing services
WHAT: Ready… Set… Go!Thousands of Chicago-area runners will hit the lakefront path on Sunday, Sept.14 for this year’s AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, the city’s largest annual fundraising run/walk for HIV/AIDS. The event kicks off at Arvey Field in Grant Park with 5K and 10K courses winding along the lakeshore. Runners and walkers will be treated to post-race performances by local dance companies as well as entertainment along the route.
Funds raised through the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago will benefit programs and services for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and local partner organizations that work with more than 25,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Chicagoland. Since its founding in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has raised more than $4 million to battle the epidemic.
To register, donate or learn more, visitwww.aidsrunwalk.orgor call (312) 334-0946. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
WHEN: September 14, 2014
8:00 a.m. Event registration and packet pick-up
9:00 a.m. Opening ceremonies
9:30 a.m. 5K Walk begins
9:45 a.m. 10K Run begins
9:50 a.m. 5K Run begins
10:00 a.m. Post-race entertainment
COST: Event registration is $30-$45 in advance; $50 on-site. Registration includes the official t-shirt and other swag. To register as a fundraising individual or as a team, visit www.aidsrunwalk.org or call (312) 334-0946.
WHERE: Arvey Field in Grant Park, 1501 S. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Illinois 60605
Girls Girls Girls! BackLot Bash Chicago 2014
Where the girls come and play!
Back Lot Bash is an outdoor music and entertainment festival started in 2004 and one of the most highly anticipated and attended pride weekend events for lesbians in the country!
FOUR DAYS of events Showcasing local and emerging musicians as well as established performers of different genres, Back Lot Bash highlights unity, equality and inclusiveness in an environment that is festive and celebratory of everyone in our community.
AND MUCH MUCH MORE!
Grab a weekend pass while they are still available and save!
City of Chicago hosts Frankie Knuclkes Tribute June 3rd
Join this dance party and pay tribute to Chicago DJ and record producer Frankie Knuckles.
(1955-2014), “The Godfather of House Music.”
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Date:
June 3, 2014
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Hours:
6-9 pm
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Location:
Millennium Park, Chase Central Promenade (Rain Location: Chase North Promenade)
201 E.Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
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Admission:
FREE
VIP with Jennifer Hudson at Chicago PrideFest
JENNIFER HUDSON headlines Chicago PrideFest 2014!
Because bigger is always better, Chicago’s very own Jennifer Hudson will headline Pride Fest on Saturday, June 21. The hometown entertainer will take the stage at 2:40 pm at the iconic Boystown festival.
For an up close and personal view of the stage, an exclusive package is available. A limited number of VIP tickets remain.
Hudson joins Mya, Thelma Houston, Alex Newell, Betty Who and more for the two-day festival, which marks the beginning of Pride Week.
A full line-up is available here
Chicago Pride Fest
North Halsted between Addison and Byron
June 21, 22 11 am – 10 pm $10 Suggested Donation
IGNITE Chicago Rooftop Party for AFC May 16th
Light our fight. Ignite our future.
Igniting our 30th year of service –
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
IGNITE Fantastic Rooftop party coming May 16th!
Open bar, delectable world fare and dancing. Guests will also enjoy live glass artistry, roof-top views of the sunset over the skyline, and chances to win Luxury Vacation Packages in our raffle.
Friday, May 16 – 6-9PM | Tickets: $185
Ignite Glass Studio – Map
401 North Armour Street
Chicago, Illinois 60642
Valet parking will be available upon arrival at 401 North Armour Street.
AIDS Foundation Chicago IGNITES in May
Ignite Sparks a New Era for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Annual fundraising event takes on a new look and ignites hope for the HIV community
WHAT: Light up your night at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s annual spring event Ignite: Light our Fight. Ignite Our Future on Friday, May 16. Kindle your creativity with live glass blowing demonstrations by top artists. Enjoy drinking cocktails, worldly cuisine and dancing the night away to music from DJ Moose. This year, the event will take place at a new location: Ignite Glass Studios, offering guests a chance to enjoy the modern space both indoors and out. The event will kickoff AFC’s 30th year of service.
AFC will honor two of distinguished advocates—Michael Bauer, Civic Leadership Award; and Robert Mink, Volunteer of the Year Award.
Funds raised through Ignite will support AFC’s policy, outreach and public education programs. AFC is the largest source of private HIV/AIDS philanthropic support in the Midwest. To learn more visit www.aidschicago.org.
WHEN: Friday, May 16, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
WHERE: Ignite Glass Studios, 401 North Armour Street, Chicago, IL 60642.
TICKETS: Admission: $185 — Includes heavy appetizers, live glass-blowing demonstrations, open bar and dancing.
For tickets and information, www.aidschicago.org/ignite or call (312) 334-0935.
Chicago Santa Speedo Run December 7th
Santa Speedo Run Supporting Center on Halsted
Sign Up to Run or Donate to Support the Local LGBTQ Community
Santa’s suit just got a lot less heavy. On Saturday, Dec. 7th, the Most Fabulous Santa Speedo Run will raise money to support the Center on Halsted. Over 250 community members are expected to brave the cold this year for their annual one-mile run through the heart of Lakeview, clad in nothing more than Santa hats and speedos!
The spectacle is being held at Sidetrack Video Bar, 3349 N Halsted. Registration starts at 12:00pm, the 1 mile run begins at 2:00pm, with entertainment and prizes afterward. Participants are encouraged to wear swimwear and a Santa hat for the event, but it’s not mandatory. In fact, you’ll see a wide array of holiday costumes that are festive and sometimes hilarious! Runners are asked for a minimum $25 donation to participate. Donations may also be made directly to Center on Halsted. The full donation for the event will support Center on Halsted.
For more information, or to register in advance, visit: http://community.
About the Most Fabulous Santa Speedo Run
The Most Fabulous Santa Speedo Run is an annual event organized by partners Karl Sponholtz and Jeff Colgan. They are dedicated to helping the LGBTQ community with the support of their friends, families, and volunteers. For more information please contact Karl (773)972-9292 or Jeff (773)9720-8292.
This post sponsored by: City Suites , The Majestic and the The Willows .
Family coming to town for the holidays?? 3 great choices in Boystown!
USE CODE BGC!!!!
OUT IN THE PARK raises $11,000 for Chicago House
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! To so many people who were involved in making Out in the Park at Six flags Great America 2013 a huge success. BestGayChicago.com alone, could not make this event happen without the help and support from our peers. Our media sponsors Stacy Bridges and Mark Nagle from GRAB Magazine, Mark Mariucci from QUEST Magazine in Wisconsin, Bill Pritchard and the staff of ChicagoPride.com and the staff of Zona Rosa Magazine all donated thousands of dollars in advertising, well exceeding our expectations and everyone really pitched in and went above and beyond! And a huge thanks to Mini Cooper of Chicago, our co-producer.
We always say, It takes a village to pull this off. This is not the Michael and Derrick BestGayChicago.com show. It’s a community effort coming together for the greater good. And an All Inclusive event. Almost 5,000 people came out this year to support the event and were so grateful. Six Flags Great America is willing to give our community an entire private Sunday 11am to 6pm but we have to deliver 10,000 attendees-we will get to that point-we’re determined to make it happen, that is the end all goal and feel our community is ready to support an all day private event.
We all need to find our own ways to serve; our own ways to give back. Our business on its own cannot write a big check to charity. However, we have a sizable network within our business, the relationship resources, strong partners and advocates, and ideas to collaborate and bring the community together – and all help write this year’s check, for almost $11,000!! This check is not from BestGayChicago.com – it’s from the ENTIRE community. We were just the instruments to help make it all happen.
Thanks to Jess Godwin and Isaiah Grass for their super live vocal performances. Teri Yaki, Debbie Fox and Cyon Flare all helped entertain the crowds. DJ Matthew Harvat always delivers a great evening of music and this year Scarlet’s Scotty T and Team Scarlet got the evening off and running with a bang. Walgreens helped spread the word this year through many of their stores. Scarlet, Taverna 750, Charlies and Lucky Horseshoe also helped with promotions and support.
Thank you to all of the volunteers and brand ambassadors who helped us spread the word. And most of all – thank you to YOU WHO BOUGHT THE TICKETS and came out and had a great time!
It is a huge risk to orchestrate an outdoor event a year in advance in the Midwest. Thankfully, we had a gorgeous Fall day. Kohls had bought out the park for the next day for employees and their families, the temperature dropped dramatically and it rained and rained hard most of the day. How lucky we were that was not our day this year, we would have been very negatively affected.
Six Flags Great America also did an amazing job of emptying the park in a record 45 minutes. They closed to the general public at 7pm and were able to allow us to begin entering at 7:45pm into an EMPTY park.
We will be doing a similar Gay Days party at Six Flags St. Louis on a Saturday night, June 7, 2014 and we’ll be back to Gurnee next September on a Saturday night for Out In The Park 2014 as well. And we have one more AMAZING party event in the planning stages for 2014, a private, charity-based, Water Park, 12-hour Saturday Night Dance Party in late Winter/early Spring unlike anything the Midwest has ever been able to enjoy before….stay tuned for all the details.
Friend us, Follow us, LIKE us – to get all of the updates as they happen.
Michael Snell
Derrick Sorles
BestGayChicago.com
OUT IN THE PARK September 14th, 2013. Don’t Be Left Without a Ticket
OUT IN THE PARK 2013 Weekend of Parties in Chicagoland
AIDS Run and Walk Chicago September 28th
.Area runners invited to help support life-saving HIV/AIDS care, prevention, and housing programs
WHAT: More than 3,500 runners will lace up their shoes and join in the fight against HIV/AIDS during the 12th Annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, September 28. The AIDS Run & Walk Chicago is the Windy City’s largest annual fundraising run/walk for HIV/AIDS.
This year’s event kicks off at Chicago’s iconic Soldier Field with the 5K and 10K courses winding along the lakeshore.
Funds
raised through the AIDS Run & Walk will benefit programs and
services for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and 34 other city
organizations that work with more than 25,000 people living with
HIV/AIDS in Chicagoland. Since its founding in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk
Chicago has netted more than $4 million to battle the epidemic.
To register, donate, or learn more, visit www.aidsrunwalk.org or call (312) 334-0946. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
WHEN: September 28, 2013
8:00 a.m. Event registration and packet pick-up
9:00 a.m. Opening ceremonies
9:30 a.m. 5K Walk begins
9:45 a.m. 10K Run begins
9:50 a.m. 5K Run begins
10:00 a.m. Post-race entertainment
COST:
Event registration is $30-$45 in advance; $50 on-site. Registration
includes the official t-shirt and other benefits. To register as a
fundraising individual or as a team, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call (312) 334-0946.
WHERE: Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605
