Category Archives: Special Events
Crew Bar + Grill Hosts Proud to run Race benefit April 10th
Chicago’s award winning gay sports bar, will host a benefit for the 30th Annual Proud to Run Race on Sunday, April 10th, from 1pm to 4pm.
The Proud to Run Race celebrates gay and lesbian pride and is held on the same weekend in June as the Chicago Gay Pride Parade. This year’s race will be Saturday, June 25th.
For a $20 donation, attendees to the benefit at Crew will take part in an all you can drink beer bust and raffle for various prizes, including a Blu-Ray DVD player and two pairs of tickets to an upcoming Chicago Cubs game.
“One of the things that attracted us to the Proud to Run event is that it’s not just a race. It’s also a fundraiser to benefit a couple of charities in the Chicago Area,” said Crew co-owner Steve Milford. This year Proud to run will benefit Pride Youth Services, a North Shore Health Service program for LGBT youth, and the Gerber/Hart Library, a non-profit library focused on Chicago LGBT history and archival materials. “We love doing these kinds of charitable events that benefit the community, and this particular event is also a sporting event, which is right up our alley,” added Mr. Milford.
Last year, the race had over 1,100 participants, and organizers hope to boost attendance by almost 20% to 1,300. Holding events and benefits, like the April 10th beer bust at Crew is one way the organizers hope to reach out to more people in the community. “I’ve run the Proud to Run race every year since I moved to Chicago almost a decade ago. It’s a great way to kick off Pride weekend with friends,” said Dave Davila, a manager at Crew Bar + Grill. “I hope this year to get some more of my co-workers running with me.”
Crew Bar + Grill, located at the intersection of Broadway and Lawrence, is Chicago’s premiere gay sports bar. In 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson joined the business as co-owners alongside Steve Milford and Brian Wells. Now well into its sixth year, Crew has become a fixture of the Uptown entertainment district with a mix of big games on over 20 HD, flat screen televisions and great food and drinks.
Crew Bar + Grill 4804 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60640
PROUD TO RUN race
BestGayChicago.com
Mass Civil Union Ceremony and Reception June 3rd in Chicago
an Illinois statewide LGBTQ
advocacy and political organization,
will be hosting a mass civil union
ceremony to celebrate the enactment
of civil unions in Illinois and the
beginning of Pride Month in Chicago.
Unite with Pride:
A Community Celebration
June 3rd at 5:00pm at
The Chicago History Museum.
Unite with Pride will provide couples an opportunity to be civilly united in an historic outdoor community civil ceremony on the picturesque “Uihlein Plaza” just days after the civil union law takes effect. The festivities will continue as couples, family, friends, and the community attend a black-tie optional cocktail reception with entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided by various vendors from the event planning industry.
In addition to the ceremony and reception, guests will be granted access to the newly opened Chicago History Museum exhibit “Out in Chicago”. The “Out in Chicago” exhibit will explore how the evolution of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community mirrors broader changes throughout the city over the past 150 years.
(Top photo – Life.com)
“Recognizing the historic significance of civil unions beginning in Illinois, we thought it most fitting to have Unite With Pride at the Chicago History Museum, which also happens to be one of the most beautiful venues in the City for couples who wish to celebrate their union,” said Derrick Taylor, Event Director for Unite With Pride and President of Taylor & Co. “The couples who are participating have so many different reasons for taking part. Some couples don’t have the funds to do their own event so they are participating in this and inviting their friends and family. Other couples have already solemnized their relationship in Iowa or elsewhere so this is a great way for them to take part in recognizing their Civil Union here in Illinois. Others still just want to assist an organization that helped pass the law and is fighting for LGBTQ families across Illinois.”
Jayson Bernard and Roberto Rosario are one of the couples that are taking part in the ceremony. “Roberto and I met eight years ago and it was love at first sight,” stated Jayson.”It’s nice to know we can finally show the world that our love deserves to be recognized by laws and society.” “This is a huge step for our community and we are honored to be a part of this event and help TCRA,” said Roberto.
Unite with Pride: A Community Celebration is a fundraiser for The Civil Rights Agenda which continues the fight to establish equality for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. All proceeds of the event will benefit the Families United Project. The Families United Project is an exploration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer families in Illinois through the use of social media, political advocacy and by building community.
“The goal of the Families United Project is to gain equality for every family in Illinois. We hope to build a community of families that are made up of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people,” said Anthony Martinez, Executive Director of The Civil Rights Agenda. “We will help to empower this community to seek justice and equality for their families.”
Tickets for the event can be purchased at Joint CRA. Tickets for community guests are $50 and couples are asked to make a suggested donation of $75, but no couple will be turned away from participating due to financial capability.
*NOTE- Couples can apply for their actual Union license on June 1st or 2nd with Cook County – you will want to get your application in BEFORE 5pm on the 2nd, so that you can technically participate in the mass ceremony and have everything be legal.
more info email info (at) jointcra.com
BestGayChicago.com
Equality Illinois Womens Social April 9th
Women’s Social are going fast!
To purchase your tickets to this hot event, visit EQIL.org, or call 773-477-7173.
Presenting Sponsors include Olivia Cruises and CNA, Silver Sponsors include Dalila Fridi and Elizabeth McKnight, and food and cocktails are provided by Carnival Foods and Sidetrack.
We look foward to seeing you at Flourish Studios on April 9!
Dining out For Life Chicago April 28th
With such a big heart, Chicago also has a big stomach to fill. So, on Thursday, April 28th, EdgeAlliance will present its 18th annual Dining Out For Life fundraiser to fight HIV/AIDS.
To join us in the fight, dine out at one of Chicago’s participating restaurants and be a part of the solution. With more than 100 participating restaurants in 30 neighborhoods, Dining Out For Life is a true-to-Chicago tradition. Each participating restaurant will donate a heaping portion of their revenue that day to EdgeAlliance and its mission to provide affordable housing and supportive services to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Participating restaurants in Chicago include Atwood Cafe, Peninsula Hotel, Carnivale, Club Lucky, Mia Francesca, Signature Room, South Water Kitchen and More can be found at DiningOutforLife.com
Along with raising funds, Dining Out For Life seeks to raise awareness for the importance of its cause. The Chicago LGBT community is still being affected heavily by HIV/AIDS. Approximately 22,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Chicago alone. Last year 76% of all Chicago men who contracted HIV/AIDS were members of the gay community. By participating in Dining Out For Life, supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS has never been so fun! A donation of $10 or more enrolls you in a raffle with five desirable grand prizes, and special menus on the date of the event added with festive décor will make this night truly memorable. Gather your family, friends and co-workers for this city-wide event! Find a participating restaurant in your city at
Dining out for Life.com or join the conversation at Facebook.com/DineOut4Life and Twitter.com/DineOut4Life.
Equality Illinois Baseball Social March 31
Join Equality Illinois and our friends at Sluggers Sports Bar on Thursday, March 31 from 6 to 9pm for a casual social to celebrate Opening Day 2011!
Come meet White Sox great Minnie Minoso (stay tuned for other names to be added!) and enjoy cocktails and the chance to win door prizes. Tickets, which include 2 complimentary cocktails and a drawing ticket are $10 at the door. Come meet some new friends and let’s celebrate the beginning of the 2011 baseball season!
EQIL 2011 Baseball Season Opening Social
Thursday, March 31 6 to 9pm
Sluggers Sports Bar 3540 N. Clark Street in Chicago
Tickets $10 at the door (2 complimentary cocktails and a drawing ticket)
Best Gay Chicago.com
CHARO in Chicago One Show Only May 14th
aka CHARO!
Will make her only Chicagoland
appearance on MAY 14th!
You DO NOT want to miss this! She was in New York City in February and I had friends see the show and they said the 60 year old entertainer “WORKED IT OUT!”
The Spanish-American actress, comedienne, and flamenco guitarist, is probably best known for her flamboyant stage presence, her provocative outfits, and her trademark phrase (“cuchi-cuchi”).
Only a few people in show business are recognized by just one name. Charo is one of them. She one of the few who’s name brings a smile to everyone’s face.
She’s one of the few who deserve to be called a Master Performer. Since the 70’s, Charo, the musician, singer, comedienne, stage and screen performer, has been an integral proponent of contemporary Latin music.
The spotlight on Charo has been shining brighter than ever since her acceptance of the Female Pop Album of the Year Award. She received this accolade at the Billboard International Latin Music Conference for her flamenco inspired platinum album, Guitar Passion.
CHARO!
Get tickets now .
Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, IL 60465-0937
Best Gay Chicago.com
Chicago Red Dress Party Event – Red Hot Runway March 29
Just weeks away,
The Chicago Red Dress Party happens
on April 16th.
Have you seen the display window at BEATNIX?
(Corner of Roscoe and Halsted)
Delicious red dresses galore!
To support the mission of the Chicago Red Dress Party, PRSSA is hosting a fashion design competition, “Red Hot Runway,” highlighting Columbia College fashion designers. It will serve as a pre-event to the April 16 Chicago Red Dress Party while simultaneously working to benefit the organization and its beneficiaries-AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Equality Project. Donations for the Red Dress Party organization will be taken and tickets to their April 16th fundraiser will be sold at that time.
Fifteen student designers have designed one red dress that will hit the runway on March 29, 2011. Each piece will be judged based on execution, design quality, and wear-ability. The 900 Shops are donating a window featuring the top three dresses April 1-18. Various other prizes will be awarded to winners.
Judges will include:
Candace Jordan | Candid Candace
Kevin Aeh | Editor at Timeout Chicago
Miriam Cecilia Carlson | Designer & Owner at Miriam Cecilia
Jerry Svec | Founder of XOXO & Columbia College faculty
8 PM Reception
9 PM Runway Show
Donations for the Chicago Red Dress Party will be taken all night.
Dress is formal attire.
**TO ATTEND: You MUST RSVP to rhrRSVP@gmail.com
This event will fill up fast, so send your RSVP’s before the list cuts off!
Best Gay Chicago.com
Equality Illinois Hosts Baseball Season Kickoff Social March 31st
Equality Illinois, the state’s largest organization advocating for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, is kicking off the 2011 baseball season with a pre-opening day social aimed at bringing together fans of the Chicago Cubs and of the White Sox.
Attendees will have the chance to mix and mingle with current and former baseball players such as White Sox great Minnie Minoso, and meet the editor of the best-selling Baseball Prospectus, Christina Kahrl. Contributing authors to the Baseball Prospectus will also be in attendance.
Attendees will have a chance to win tickets to 2011 season games, team memorabilia, copies of the newest edition of Baseball Prospectus, among other prizes.
The event will take place on Thursday, March 31st from 6–9pm at Sluggers Bar, one of Wrigleyville’s most renowned hotspots, at 3540 N. Clark Street. Tickets are $10 at the door and include 2 complimentary cocktails, light bites, and a ticket for the drawings.
For more information about Equality Illinois, visit Equality Illinois.
Kickoff for Equality
Thursday, March 31, 2011 6:00pm-9:00pm
Sluggers Bar 3540 N. Clark Street Chicago, IL 60613
Cinema Q – Free LGBT Films On Wednesdays
presents Cinema Q,
a new film series celebrating outstanding LGBT movies made in Chicago.
The free screenings will take place on four Wednesdays: March 16, 23, 30, and April 6, 2011 in the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater. All screenings will feature a discussion and Q&A following the film. Films contain mature subject matter. Viewer discretion advised.
Wednesday, March 16
Quearborn & Perversion (2007): Join filmmaker Ron Pajak for a screening and discussion of his documentary about the history of gay and lesbian culture in Chicago.
Wednesday, March 23
Go Fish (1994): Rose Troche’s shot-in-Chicago lesbian romance has become an indie classic! Also showing, never before seen outtakes from Fish Out of Water, the acclaimed 2009 documentary that explores the relationship between homosexuality and the Bible, with filmmaker Ky Dickens in person!
Wednesday, March 30
JoJo Baby (2010): The Clive Barker executive produced documentary portrait of artist and Chicago nightclub legend JoJo Baby, with JoJo in person! Also showing, Peter Neville’s music videos of local gender bending rock-n-roll group The Joans with Peter Neville in person!
Wednesday, April 6
Were the World Mine (2008): The award winning gay musical reimagining of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream,” with local cast and crewmembers in person! Followed by a complimentary dessert reception in the G.A.R. Rotunda (courtesy of J & L Catering)
ALL SHOWS at 6:30 ALL SHOWS ARE FREE
Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater 78 E. Washington
BestGayChicago.com
Simon Cowell Holds Search for X Factor in Chicago
The X Factor?
It’s Simon Cowell’s new prime-time television show of make it or break it competition and it’s hitting the small screen this fall. And this time, there are no restrictions.
Solo singers, vocal groups and anyone over the age of 12 will have the chance to win a $5 million recording contract with Sony music.
If you think you’ve got what it takes, auditions start on March 27 in Los Angeles and will travel to Miami, Seattle, Chicago, Newark and Dallas. Now is your chance to sign up, who knows, you could be the next big star.
Los Angeles March 26/27
Miami April 6/7
New Jersery April 13/14
Seattle April 19/20
Chicago April 26/27
Dallas May 25/27
Be sure to visit Fox X Factor for a step-by-step guide for your audition – everything you need to know to show up and be prepared.
Chicago Takes Off Raises Over $150,000 for TPAN
They started out fully clothed…..
and the clothes gradually came off!
The 5th annual Chicago Takes Off / Lido des Boyz was a HUGE SUCCESS.
More than $150,000 was raised for TPAN with 2 SOLD OUT back to back shows!
It was an AMAZING production produced by Todd Kiech and Keith Elliott. The annual burlesque revue-style show featured over 125 talented male and female dancers, who donate their time and energy to strut their stuff in support of TPAN. Colorful and energetic choreographed performances and entertainment engage audiences in this sexy celebration of life. It was so well done and some amazing costumes!
Much more photos on Facebook and some of the more risque shots are in a slide show.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR NEXT YEAR!
March 3rd, 2012
BestGayChicago.com
Chicago Red Dress Party is Just Weeks Away!
Chicago’s First Annual Red Dress party! a national event that draws over 800 attendees per city to create awareness and visibility for raising funds dedicated to the research and care of HIV/AIDS patients. Sure to be one of the most dynamic events of the year, this acclaimed event will feature international entertainment – including recording artist Kristine W. and Chicago’s very own Miss Foozie. Hosted by Marcus Riley (NBC) and Candace Jordan (Candid Candace) the event will be taking place at 525 W. Monroe St., compliments of Tishman Speyer Properties. The Chicago Red Dress Party is honored to have named AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Equality Project as the official beneficiaries.
WHAT WILL YOU WEAR????
As a strict requirement: all attendees must wear red. In honor of the “Red Dress” – everyone is encouraged to attend wearing a red dress – even men are invited to join in on the fun!
Date: April 16, 2011
Time: 8:30p.m. – 2:00a.m.
(VIP Admission: 8:30p.m. | General Admission: 9:00p.m.)
Venue: 525 W. Monroe St.
Tickets: General Admission: $80 | VIP: $150 | VIP Exclusive: $1000
More info here: www.chicagoreddressparty.org/tickets
The History….While it’s hard to trace the roots of a long-standing tradition, we’ll do our best to bring you the history of this grand standing event. In the early 1990’s, two gentlemen were dating when they both contracted HIV/AIDS. To show their love and dedication they vowed that when one of them passed away, the other would attend their funeral adorned in a red dress. From this promise the concept of the Red Dress Party began. Currently there are Red Dress Parties all over the United States from Seattle, Washington to Chicago, IL. Oh and yes… You must wear your best red attire to attend!
BestGayChicago.com
What Exactly Does the Center on Halsted Do?
I am really amazed when I talk to friends here in Chicago who really have no idea of what goes on at the CENTER ON HALSTED . They just think it’s a place to hang out and have no idea of what the Center has to offer!
Everyone should sign up for their monthy newsletter . And from time to time, we’ll provide a snapshot of some of the months highlights. There really is something here for everyone!
For March –
“When Romeo Was A Woman,” a presentation of the Out at CHM series
Thursday, March 10, Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. event at 6:30 p.m.
$12/ $10 students/CHM members
Charlotte Cushman, 1816-1876, was the nineteenth century’s most famous cross-dressing and woman-loving actress. Her performance of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lover was legendary, and she wowed male and female audiences alike at local theaters, like McVicker’s in Chicago, during her American tours. Join cultural historian Lisa Merrill for a behind-the-scenes look at how spectators and critics talked and wrote about sexuality on stage. Jill Austin, museum curator, will begin the program with a brief introduction to LGBT-related life and themes in mid-19th-century Chicago. About Face Theatre Artistic Director Bonnie Metzgar and the Laramie Project’s co-author Leigh Fondakowski will join the discussion to talk about how gender-bending pioneers continue to impact our stages.
Speed Dating for Men 21+
Thursday, March 10, 7PM $12 at the door
Looking to date, make friends or to meet that special someone? It’s time for some real-time, fun-time speed dating at Center on Halsted. You will have an opportunity to meet everyone and leave with contact information for your matches! Cash bar opens at 6:45 PM.
a conversation with Atty. Ray Koenig
Tuesday, March 15, 6:30PM FREE
Beginning this summer, Illinois will offer civil unions to same-sex couples. Hear from legal expert Ray Koenig about what this will mean for you—whether you have partnership arrangements or not.
Ray J. Koenig III, is a member in Clark Hill’s Litigation Practice Group in its Chicago office. He practices in the areas of probate litigation, trust litigation, fiduciary litigation, elder law and estate planning. Ray has represented individuals, families, financial institutions, medical institutions, and governmental organizations in all areas of his practice. Ray has extensive trial, appellate and mediation experience in state and federal courts.
Ray is frequently appointed Guardian Ad Litem and defense counsel by judges in guardianship cases, and has been appointed Special Administrator in probate matters. Ray has also been appointed Special Assistant Attorney General in numerous matters. Ray served on a task force formed by the Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department on Aging to develop and draft legislation to significantly revise the Illinois Elder Abuse and Neglect Act.
Introduction to PowerPoint
Begins Thursday, March 17, 10AM (3-week series) $15. Sliding scale available.
Call (773) 661-0730 to register. Pre-registration required.
This class is designed for the beginning PowerPoint user and includes: creating a presentation, working with text in slides, working with slides, using design templates, different presentation views, and printing presentations.
Thursday, March 17, 6PM FREE. Pre-registration required.
Interested in a night of fine dining, smooth live jazz, and apple martinis –and getting home by 10pm? Want an alternative to your traditional St. Patty’s Day celebration? Then come on out for the SAGE Early Bird Jazz Supper Club. Bring a date, rendezvous, or live on the edge and meet someone new! Come for the sumptuous cuisine prepared by Center on Halsted’s “What’s Cookin’” program and stay for our three sassy song stylists and apple martinis. Space limited to 36.
Bisexual Movie Night
Monday, March 21, 7PM (3rd Mondays)
A casual, FREE movie night with popcorn and refreshments.
SAGE Women’s Creative Writing
Thursday, March 24, 6PM (Thursdays weekly)
Experienced facilitator from Northwestern University will guide the group through expressions of self through poetry, fiction, and journal writing. Class is limited to 15; please call or e-mail (773) 472-6469 to register.
Speed Dating for Women 21+
Thursday, March 24, 7PM $12 at the door
Looking to date, make friends or to meet that special someone? It’s time for some real-time, fun-time speed dating at Center on Halsted. You will have an opportunity to meet everyone and leave with contact information for your matches! Cash bar opens at 6:45 PM.
Legal Clinic at Center on Halsted
Tuesdays 4PM-7PM and Wednesdays 6PM-8PM
(please call to make an appointment)
Center on Halsted’s free legal clinic allows LGBT and Ally people to speak one-on-one with a licensed attorney about their specific legal concern and receive appropriate information and referral options. There is no fee for this service. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact 773.472.6469, ext. 290.
This is just a small glimpse into the Center on Halsted. Every day more than 1,000 visitors, participants and clients walk through the doors of Center on Halsted. Come experience the richness of their theatre, gallery exhibits and cultural programs. Take a class in the Computer Technology Center or use the free wi-fi throughout the building. Be a part of The Center .
Chicago Takes Off Lido Paris Style, March 5th
Chicago Takes Off is the annual burlesque revue-style show where talented male and female dancers donate their time and energy to strut their stuff in support of TPAN. Colorful and energetic choreographed performances and entertainment engage audiences in this sexy celebration of life.
LOADED with entertainment this year, it’s going to be a great show! Murray Hill , dubbed as “the hardest working middle-aged man in show business,” will be making his second appearance as emcee on March 5 for the Test Positive Aware Network’s fundraising event Chicago Takes Off: Lido des Boyz, presented by Macy’s.
The New York Times anointed Murray “Downtown’s New ‘It’ Boy.” He’s been included in “Best of New York” lists in the Village Voice, Paper and New York Magazine; inducted into Paper’s Nightlife Hall of Fame; and selected as OUT magazine’s Top 100 influential performers. “Mr. Showbiz” will share his return appearance with famed burlesque performers Michelle L’Amour, Frenchie Kiss and Stage Door Johnnies.
The theme for the 2011 Chicago Takes Off is modeled after the famed Lido cabaret in Paris.
Glamorous costumes for the men will be eye-popping this year! “When TPAN first approached me about the show Todd said they were looking for big over the top Las Vegas Glamour but interpreted for the Male lead, and that he thought I might be the right man for the job,” says designer Ramsey J. Prince . “I smiled and said I am the ONLY man for that job!”
I recently got a sneak peak from Ramsey Prince!
These are some of the Las Vegas/Lido style costumes
some of men will be wearing!
Performances are Saturday, March 5,
with shows at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.,
at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage.
“This event has grown in popularity—and notoriety—in just a few years,” said Rhett Lindsay, TPAN’s associate director of special events. “We sell out each show every year with more than 1,400 attendees.” To date, Lindsay said that more two-thirds of the tickets have been sold for the 2011 performances.
Get your tickets now online !
7:30 show is almost entirely sold out
10:30 show has a few more seats available
Best Gay Chicago.com
The Perfect Valentines Gift….Merlot & Massage Yacht Cruise in Chicago
Ah, February in Chicago.
What can we say?
Seems like every February
we get a snow storm!
But this year, WOW!
Snow or no snow,
Valentines Day is just
about a week away!
What are you going to give this year that is not ordinary?
Want something new and different and unexpected? We have good news! We’re here to save you grief and worry this year as you wonder what special treats you can come up with for your Valentine.
This is different….and fun….and something you probably haven’t given before. Plus, it’s affordable and will work for almost anyone, as a great gift idea.
Instead of the usual candy, flowers, jewelry (OK, jewelry is ALWAYS good), this year give your special someone a yacht cruise. Not just any cruise… but a Merlot & Massage Cruise.
2-1/2 hours of pure bliss aboard a private luxury yacht, cruising Lake Michigan. Scrumptious light buffet. (Sample of Captain’s Delight Menu: Spirit Ciabattini Sandwich Platter with a gourmet assortment of chilled sliced tenderloin, smoked turkey and ham steak, plus Gazpacho Salad, Sun-Kissed Grape Salad and Chips), Lush wines (there will be a selection of red and white wines, as well as beer and sodas), and Sinfully soothing massages.
We discovered these cruises last year, and people talked about them for months.
The spacious and newly renovated 70 foot Free Spirit luxury yacht accommodates up to 120 people. Custom-designed for your relaxation and comfort, inside and out, you’ll enjoy our beautiful Chicago skyline as you cruise on Lake Michigan.
Free Spririt Cruises is offering 2 Merlot and Massage dates this year.
Tuesday, May 24th 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday, June 21st 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Pick one…. or both. At $50 per person , you can’t go wrong. Just don’t wait too long cause they fill up fast!
Buy gift certificates online: Merlot & Massage Cruise .
Chair, hand and foot massages provided by Lincoln Park Massage Spa , one of Chicago’s top-rated spas. They deliver comfort, serenity and balance.
Book a reservation now and surprise your Valentine with something special this year!
Lambda Legal Chicago Freedom to Marry Party February 8th
SAVE THE DATE!
Tuesday, February 8 · 6:30pm – 9:30pm
For the last ten years, Lambda Legal has hosted the “Freedom to Marry” Gala. After this year’s passage of the Illinois Civil Unions Bill, the tenth anniversary of Freedom to Marry is sure to be an energetic celebration.
There will be food, cake-cutting, entertainment, and liquor. Freedom to Marry 2011 is a free event and open to the public. This year guests will also be invited to participate in a secret Valentine game. Guests can pick up a number from our Cupid station. If another guest wants to say hello, or send a nice message over, there will be valentines available that Cupid will be delivering throughout the night.
Please save the date. More information will be coming soon!
JOIN THEIR PAGE ON FACEBOOK
Location this year – The National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th St Chicago, IL
Best Gay Chicago.com
CREW’S Chill Contest Raises $1050 for Food Pantry
held its 5th Annual Charity
Chili Contest this past weekend, and raised $1050 for the Edgewater based non-profit, Care for Real. Organized by the Edgewater Community Council, Care for Real is a volunteer operated food pantry and social services group supported by donations from the community. The annual chili contest lets patrons sample different chili recipes for a $10.00 donation.
Wayne Johnson, food and lifestyle reporter for NBC Chicago, hosted the event which featured nine contestants with a wide range of chili flavors and styles. The winning chili was submitted by local author of The Screwed Up Life of Charlie the Second, Drew Ferguson, who graciously donated his $100 prize to the Care for Real food pantry.
Crew’s contest also features a design and presentation award, named for out lifestyle designer Christopher Lowell. This year’s entries included a cowboy themed setup, a Glee parody, and a Chicago style stuffed ballot box theme. The Lowell Award winner was Dawn DeGroot with a Las Vegas Casino table theme, complete with a light up Welcome To Las Vegas sign, tuxedo coat and tie.
“We are so thrilled with the outcome of the Charity Chili Cook Off,” Steve Milford, co-owner of Crew Bar + Grill, said, “Before the contest, I said I’d be happy if we raised just a little bit more than 2010’s $540, but our customers really came out and supported the event and the Care for Real pantry . At the end of the day, we doubled the amount of money raised from the previous year.” Crew co-owner, Brian Wells added, “Care for Real has been in the neighborhood doing good work for many years, but they told us that this January was one of their busiest on record. These are tough economic times, and I’m so thankful for the generosity of our customers. They never cease to amaze me.”
Crew Bar + Grill , located at 4804 N Broadway , Chicago, IL 60640 (Broadway and Lawrence), is Chicago’s premiere, award winning gay sports bar. In 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson joined the business as co-owners alongside Steve Milford and Brian Wells. Now well into its sixth year, Crew has become a fixture of the Uptown entertainment district with a mix of big games on over 20 HD, flat screen televisions and great food and drinks.
Best Gay Chicago.com
Fred Garbo’s Inflatable Theater Comes to Chicago Jan. 23
onto the stage and implodes.
A globulating red cube
takes on a life of its own.
The ballerina’s skirt grows
and grows until it engulfs her
and spirits her away.
The duo of pneumatic wizard Fred Garbo and Brazilian ballerina Daielma Santos has performed around the world with their inflatable inventions. You will be mesmerized by the artistic imagery and creative foolishness as Garbo and Santos perform fast-paced, energetic, clever, and universally engaging theatrical pieces.
YOU HAVE TO SEE IT!
WATCH THE VIDEO CLIP !
“…skillful…joyful…buoyant entertainment!”
GARBO INFLATABLE THEATER SUNDAY JANUARY 23rd GET TICKETS NOW ! $20
ALSO, DON’T MISS
CHARO !! coming May 14th !! $35
Charo is a household name. Instantly recognizable for her witty humor, loveable accent and her mastery of the flamenco guitar, it is Charo’s trademark expression, “Cuchi-Cuchi,” which has endeared her to the world and made the name Charo synonymous with fun and excitement.
Moraine Valley Community College
9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills, IL 60465-0937
JUST MINUTES FROM THE CITY!!
John Waters Puts the X Back in Christmas December 14th at the Harris Theatre
You wouldn’t expect the legendary creator of such subversive films as “Pink Flamingos” and “Female Trouble” to be a fan of Christmas!
Halloween, yes!
Christmas? Really?!
But of course, John Waters defies expectations.
“I really do love Christmas, without irony,” the 63-year-old filmmaker says, “But I understand that a lot of people hate it, so I’m trying to give advice to every single person as to how to survive Christmas.”
Legendary cult filmmaker, author, actor and originator of the Hairspray dynasty John Waters brings his critically-acclaimed one-man show A John Waters Christmas to the Harris Theater for its Chicago premiere on Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 7:30 pm.
The “Pope of Trash” will put the “X” back in X’mas with a rapid-fire monologue that explores, explodes and exploits traditional holiday customs, with Waters sharing his compulsions, desires and stories, including his urge to give and receive inappropriate gifts, a religious fanaticism for Santa Claus, and an unhealthy love of true crime holiday horror stories. The performance says Waters, “will hopefully make you feel better when the Christmas season is making you mental.”
Tickets for A John Waters Christmas, which range from $35 – $65, are available at the Harris Theater box or by calling 312-334-7777 or by visiting HarrisTheaterChicago .
BONUS – Alan Cumming is coming to Chicago next May!
Buy Waters & Cummings tickets now and SAVE!
