Category Archives: Special Events
Best Gay Bar Outside of Boystown and Best Mens Underwear in Chicago host Project Runway Finale
CREW Bar
in Uptown (4804 N. Broadway)
will host a PROJECT RUNWAY
Grand Finale party and
underwear fashion show!
Thursday Oct. 28th
Do you think you know who will win Project Runway this year? You pick the winner and CREW will buy you a drink!
The show starts at 8pm – I would get there a little early, if I was you. $3 pints all night
PLUS, following the finale, EGOIST UNDERWEAR will put on a fashion show. EGOIST is new to Chicago and provides Mens premium underwear & clothes. Andrew Christian, Cocksox, Baskit, Gigo, XTG, N2N, Pistol Pete, Joe Snyder, Obviously, Ajaxx63, Ginch Gonch, Gia, Good Devil, Frank Dandy, Man Zone, Pipe, Intymen and MORE.
CREW BAR 4804 N. Broadway
EGOIST 3706 N. Halsted
Chambord Launches New Chambord Luxury Vodka
LAST NIGHT
we were invited to the
new Chambord Vodka launch party!
The party took place at EPIC downtown on their rooftop terrace area. Chambord, the world-renowned black raspberry liqueur, introduces a groundbreaking new taste experience in Chambord Flavored Vodka.
The exquisite taste of Chambord Flavored Vodka is the result of fine ingredients and a delicate process that forms a perfect balance of premium quality French vodka and extraordinary black raspberry flavor.
Chambord Flavored Vodka delivers the floral aromatics of the hibiscus flower with notes of vanilla, white chocolate and the distinctive flavor of the original Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, delivering a unique and satisfying taste experience when enjoyed straight or in a wide variety of cocktails.
They sampled a delicious Fleur De Lis™, made with 2 oz Chambord Flavored Vodka,
3/4 oz Chambord Liqueur, 2 oz Lemonade, 1 oz Cranberry Juice. DELICIOUS!
They also served delicious food accented the rich raspberry Chambord liqueur!
DID YOU KNOW?
According to legend, in 1685 King Louis XIV visited Château Chambord, where he enjoyed a marvelous liqueur made from wild raspberries. This liqueur inspired the spirit that today is known as Chambord Liqueur Royale de France. The rich heritage of the Liqueur Royale is now celebrated in the reintroduction of Chambord, the world-renowned black raspberry liqueur for the modern mixologist.
Check it out Chambord and Chambord Vodka !
Steve Ross Kicks off new Cabaret Season Salon Series in Chicago
Kick-off the third annual salon season with
“The Crown Prince of Cabaret”
STEVE ROSS
Sunday, September 12th (4pm to 6pm)
STEVE ROSS rose to fame
as a cabaret entertainer during his lengthy sojourns at New York’s fabled Algonquin Hotel and Ted Hook’s Backstage in the late 1970’s. He has spent the ensuing decades singing and playing in smart clubs and swank parties all over the world. The Ritz in London, the Crillon in Paris and the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, in addition to festivals in Hong Kong, Perth and Spoleto – these are but highlights of Steve’s appearances on six continents.
In 1992 he made his Off-Broadway debut in his own tribute to Fred Astaire, I WON’T DANCE. He continues to tour with solo concerts, master classes, theatrical engagements and symphonic Pops appearances. In 1997 he made his Broadway debut in the acclaimed revival of Noel Coward’s PRESENT LAUGHTER, performing opposite Frank Langella.
Appetizers and champagne are provided along with a thirty minute performance all inclusive in the ticket price. The salon performance will commence in River North on Sunday, September 12th at 4:00pm with pre-show reception, performance begins at 5:00pm. After a ticket purchase has been made, patrons will be sent an exact address and directions to the private residence where the salon will be held. Due to the fact that these salon events are held in a private home, seating is limited.
$45.00 per person or $80.00 for a pair of two tickets
Tickets now available at Brown Paper Tickets – search “Steve Ross” at the abov elink to purchase tickets OR visit the Lake Shore Salon blog where you can find ticket links along with photos of past season events at Lakeshore Salon This event will sell-out, so don’t wait to secure seats!
The 3rd Annual Lake Shore Salon Series is sponsored by:KMP Artists
The Great Gay Play Contest in Chicago
Pride Films & Plays
is proud to announce the
Great Gay Play Contest
held in conjunction with Center on Halsted. This contest seeks new works dealing with GLBTQ history, characters or themes that are important to the community and relevant to the world.
“Few theaters that do GLBT work have staff to read the countless scripts that are submitted,” says PFP Executive Director David Zak. “We hope to provide those theaters and other producers across the globe with scripts that are fresh takes on the GLBT stories that need to be told and are ready for immediate production.”
Fifteen semifinalists will be selected by an international committee and Five finalists will then be selected and read by a final committee. A complete list of readers and judges is available at Pride Films and Plays .
The five finalists will be performed as staged readings in the first of what will be an annual Great Gay Theater Festival in the Hoover-Leppen Theater in the Center on Halsted. The final five finalists will also receive $400. Contest Rules and Applications may be found online .
This is an open contest for all persons 18 years or older as of the date of entry. International entries are encouraged. Contest fee for entries submitted between September 1 and September 30 is $30; contest fee for entries submitted between October 1 and October 31 is $45. Final deadline is October 31.
Gay Boystown Neighborhood Walking Tours
WANT THE 411 on BOYSTOWN?
Whether you live here and think you know it all or maybe newly relocated and want to learn more, or just visiting – This 90-minute walking tour highlights the Boystown gayborhood, presented by improviser Margaret Hicks of Chicago Elevated, and lends a deeper, historical perspective to the area known for its overwhelming gayness and well-endowed rainbow pylons.
DID YOU KNOW?
-that when the rainbow rocket-shaped pylons were installed in 1998, Boystown became the first officially recognized gay neighborhood in the country?
-that Little Jims was the first gay bar in Boystown?
-that Roscoes was the first bar to open their windows to the public?
“Come join me in a trip through one of Chicago’s most distinctive neighborhoods. Boystown was the first officially recognized gay village in the country and believe me, it has a lot to show for it. We’ll start at one of Boystown’s oldest bars – Roscoe’s.
We’ll taste some wine at Kafka and learn about “queer space.” We’ll talk about the pansy craze of the 1920’s and end at a bar that survived one of it’s own Chicago Fires, Scarlet. The price for the tour includes a wine-tasting and other gifts, drinks at bars will not be included in the price!”
Margaret loves Chicago and its many unique neighborhoods, and if you’ve ever been fortunate enough to take one of her walking tours, you no doubt agree.
Hicks’s excitement for and understanding of Boystown, gay rights, and Chicago history creates a contagious enthusiasm as you travel through the neighborhood. Yet, it’s not just a history excursion, but an interactive, sometimes hilarious, evening of engagement with local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Boystown Tour runs until October 31st!
Reservations are required and the tour is cash only.
Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 5:00PM – 6:30PM – $20.00
Call 773.593.4873 or email margaret @ chicagoelevated.com for reservations.
Gay Day Six Flags Chicago Monday June 21st, 2010
GAY DAY
SIX FLAGS CHICAGO
Monday, June 21st, 2010
Kick off your gay pride week
with a Gay Day at Six Flags.
10am – 9pm
Avoid the long weekend lines
and gobs of kids!
And join us for this
Annual Monday Gay Pride Tradition!
Tickets online – save $20!
Pay one price and enjoy 2 parks!
Six Flags and Hurrican Harbor.
Mark your calendar now!
Chicago LGPA GOAL to Host Annual International Conference for Pride Week June 22 – 27
LGPA/GOAL Chicago,
Chicago Police and Chicago’s suburban departments are proud to host the 14th Annual INTERNATIONAL LGBT Conference for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Professionals in our culturally diverse, visually spectactular and chic…City of Chicago, Tuesday, June 22nd through Sunday, June 27th. 2010.
The conference has been entitled A Bridge to Unity. The conference will be hosted at Chicago’s legendary Palmer House hotel, located in bustling downtown Chicago, steps from Chicago’s central business district, shopping on the Magnificent Mile, and tourist attractions in every direction.
This six day conference will provide an AMAZING array of unique and diverse hands-on training that focuses on relevant criminal justice professionalism, industry trends and technology while impressing its’ attendees with the principles of justice, equity and equality within the area of law enforcement and the community it serves.
Whether you are interested in law enforcement professionalism, correctional system, youth advocacy, diversity issues, private security or military, we feel confident that no matter what area of public safety your title falls under, this conference will arm you with effective, innovative knowledge.
Although, providing newly enhanced law enforcement training is the primary goal of this conference, it is also designed to encourage motivation to achieve a higher degree of efficiency in the discharge of their duties while promoting and striving for a high level of diversity, inclusion, and sensitivity of all people as law enforcement and criminal justice professionals within their work environment, as well as, with in the GLBT community, thus becoming a part of A Bridge to Unity.
A week long of workshops, seminars and events!
Attendee Early Registration
Discount Extended till April 1st,
ONLY $175.00 for this 6 day event!
($200 after April 1st).
You can also join them on their online social network to socialize in privacy with your fellow attendees and faculty of the conference beforehand.
Attendees will be coming in from all over the world!
*For those coming from other countries, we know from past years that wait times for an appointment can be lengthy. We are urging you to make your appointment as early as possible to begin the process of obtaining a US entry visa.
You can download Business Visitor Visa information on the Goal Chicago site.
Gay Chicago Fun with Big Gay Brunch Club and Venga Bus Chicago
Last month we told you about a couple of Alternative and off-the-beaten-path things to do, this month we have 2 new ones for those looking for something new and different!
BIG GAY BRUNCH CLUB was formed 1 year ago by a small group of friends looking to get together over brunch at somewhere new and different. The next month, more friends joined, and the next month their friends joined in the roving brunch gathering!
The group now has over 300 friends on their FaceBook page and about 50-70 people show up at their monthly traveling brunch.
BGBC is a GLBT networking group to meet new people in the GLBT Chicago community. Keep an eye out for events and updates like brunch, wine tasting, BBQ etc.
April 25th at 1:30pm is the groups 1 year anniversary which will be at Broadway Cellars, 5900 N. Broadway, the spot where the group had their first brunch gathering!
Expect fun people, food and of course, mimosas and bloody marys!
VENGA BUS CHICAGO is another group that started by accident.
Vengabus takes Chicago’s 21 and over fun seekers on adventures!
Doug Collins who manages a local bus tour company decided to get a group of friends together, a bunch of liquor, and shuttle everyone up to LA CAGE in Milwaukee for an evening of fun!
Usually $10-$20 covers the gas and the driver and bus fee. It’s a BYOB party that plans to do possible getaways to places like Six Flags, Saugatuck and maybe even somewhere over in Indy.
Doug says to join his FaceBook page and “check out the links to our past events and watch and join our upcoming events!”
Best Gay Chicago
Roscoe’s Invite You to an ABSOLUT Berri Acai Party!
Roscoe’s
is proud to host the
GLBT Industry Launch Party
for Absolut’s newest flavor,
Absolut Berri Acai!
*Açaí grows on palm trees in South America, blueberries are mainly native to North America and Europe, and pomegranate is a delicacy from south-west Asia.
The variant is the 12th flavour
extension in the Absolut portfolio.
Please join us on
Monday, February 15th @ 9pm
for a night to remember…
Absolut Berri Acai hosted bar from 9-Midnight
Tribal Beats & Dancers
from Circuit Mom Productions
And Much, Much More…
Please RSVP to
events@roscoes.com
ROSCOES 3356 N. Halsted Chicago
Best New Years Eve in Chicago – Tony And Tina’s Wedding
is the longest running Off-Broadway show in history! It started in 1988 in New York City and has been playing in Chicago about 15 years.
It is a unique theatrical experience that has won over the hearts of thousands of people, in over 100 cities worldwide, including Japan, Australia and many European cities.
At Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, audience members actually play the roles of Tony n’ Tina’s family and/or friends. You a part of the show and experience. You become part of the Long Island Italian families festivities. And you don’t have to bring a gift!
It’s an interactive show with a crazy cast that features 2 Brooklyn families – the Nunzio’s and the Vitale’s. Big mouths and little class! Tacky, campy, kitschy and cheesy. It’s very spontaneous and you are never quite sure what you’ll you experience. The show is three-fourths improvised, with the actors depending more on “beats” of structure than dialogue. “The conga line goes exactly the same direction at exactly the same time every night,” explains the director. But you’re never quite sure what Mama Vitale will say TO YOU!
The extremely pregnant maid of honor drinks like a fish and smokes like a chimney. Tina’s ex-boyfriend, crashes the party in a last-ditch effort to win her back. Maddy a girl from Tony’s pop’s joint, does an impromptu musical number. Father Mark , the priest who officiated at the wedding ceremony, gets blitzed on scotch and is unable to stop himself from being brutally honest to anyone he speaks with. And then there is Tina’s gay older brother who is a hoot and more than willing to do the $1 dance with you!
Do not expect to simply be an observer at this show. You’re a part of the production – relax. Join the fun. Be spontaneous and go with the flow. There is food. An average Italian “Boo-Fay”. Some mostacolli, bad salad and bread, and some wedding cake. But you’re not going for the food – you are going for the show. Mama Nunzio apologized for the bad food. “Those damn cheap ass Vitale’s!”
So if you haven’t been part of the excitement then get a group together and come down and join in on the fun, because at Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding you’re not just a member of the audience, you’re a friend of the family!! The Chicago show is running thru the end of the year – and it is rumored, they will be taking a break and coming back with something new and different in 2010!
NEW YEARS EVE is a riot because the wedding goes on all night!
Join the family for a special performance on December 31! Dance the night away with music from DJ Monty, and sip champagne as you watch the ball drop from the comfort of Vinnie Black’s Coliseum! The party goes until 2am. Call the box office and mention this article…but hurry!
TONY N TINA TICKETS
Pipers Alley, 230 West North Ave. Old Towne Chicago, IL 60610 312-664-8844
MR RIGHT – Monday, November 9th Landmark Theatres on Clark
REELING FILM FESTIVAL
and BEST GAY CHICAGO PRESENT….
Jacqui Morris’ directorial debut, ‘Mr. Right’ — an ensemble piece following the lives of several gay Londoners.
The film starts off rough with a narration from jilted fag hag, Louise. Her role is mainly to drop sassy one liners much like you’d expect from a gay character in a straight film.
And perhaps that’s the film’s strength. Morris explains she wanted to make a gay movie for the “mainstream.”
Despite the familiar gay characters (Alex is an aspiring actor/waiter, Lawrence is a soap-star, Tom is the self-deprecating artist, and Lars is the narcissistic muscle boy), ‘Mr. Right’ depicts these men with intellect and wit — minus the campiness and lisps you might expect.
Most interesting is the emergence of a new gay character archetype: the single dad, William. We watch him struggle to raise a “normal” 9-year old child, while he fights fears of being alone. William is both an ex-Rugby player and antique collector, which makes for a refreshing and unexpected combination.
The film was made on a shoe string budget, but the quality doesn’t suffer. For example, the soundtrack features The Gossip and Rufus Wainright, courtesy of a very generous Universal Music. And even more impressive is the discovery that the entire movie was shot hand held and on tape (which is cheaper than digital). All this combined with the help of the local community in London’s gay SoHo district (many shops, bars, and clubs donated locations and support) turn what might have been a low budget mess into a solid, rarely-seen portrayal of modern gay life.
I hope you can you join us!
Tickets $10
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9th,
9pm LANDMARK THEATRES.
2828 N. Clark.
Read More about MR RIGHT and Watch a Movie Clip!
Advance sales are available until the day before the show. After that, tickets must be purchased at the theater box office on the day of the screening. Online: Tickets available 24/7 through Tix.com
Walk up ticket sales in Andersonville: at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark St.
Monday-Friday 10:00 am-6:00pm;
The Best of Gay Chicago
Singer SEPTEMBER to be LIVE at ROSCOE’S November 8th
Petra Eos Marklund better known by her stage name September, is a Swedish dance singer, enjoying success in America this year! Performing her huge hits “CAN’T GET OVER YOU”, “SATELLITES” AND THE BILLBOARD #1 DANCE SONG “CRY FOR YOU”.
Putting on a memorable live show is important to this 24-year-old who loves touring as much as she enjoys singing and dancing. She also designs the clothes she wears on stage and likes to be involved in every step of the process. ”I was meant to do this”, she says.
Doors Open at 8PM
Limited $10 pre-sale tickets on sale NOW at the bar. Roscoes 3356 N. Halsted
SEPTEMBER on MySpace
Mad Boys Booze and Yacht Party Cruise Memorial Weekend in Chicago
MEMORIAL weekend has another exciting event!
A private Yacht of drinking, men and dancing go-go boys! Enjoy an OPEN PREMIUM BAR including a free elegant luncheon buffet featuring music by DJ PHIL DaBeatz on Sunday afternoon!!
Join BJPromos and DJ Phil DaBeatz as they kick off the summer in style aboard Kanan Cruise Line (Last dock on Navy Pier). This is the first of many GAY CRUISES on Lake Michigan this summer.
The combination of Memorial Day Weekend, IML, Gabbys, and Bear Pride will be bringing thousands of gays to Chicago. What better place to celebrate than the MAD BOY CRUISE!
Tickets include OPEN BAR, FREE FOOD, LIVE DANCE MUSIC, BOYS, MEN and MORE MEN!
DJ Phil DaBeatz voted Best Club DJ 2008 and signed by Centaur Music as their next POPular DJ will be behind the decks.
Whether spinning live or compiling CD’s, Phil leaves you with no choice but to “feel the beats.”
Its already been a year of accomplishments for DJ Phil DaBeatz. In April, DaBeatz was signed to Centaur Music, the 1 global GLBT record label. His contract includes the remixing and production of a cd in their POPular Series to be marketed and sold worldwide – CD Release scheduled for this month.
Everyone always looks for a chance to get out of Boystown and do something different, and this is the perfect opportunity.
Sunday May 24th
Boarding at 12:30pm and Cruise 1:00-3:00pm Tickets $65
VIP tickets $125 include Private Reception 11:30am-12:30pm
Buy tickets Online for more information call (630)664-4203
Next cruise is Pride Weekend, Saturday June 27th – Brunch, Booze and Boys!
Best of Gay Chicago!
IML International Mr. Leather in Chicago Memorial Weekend
More than 50 contestants from across the U.S. and around the world will compete for the title of International Mr. Leather 2009, Thursday, May 21 through Monday, May 25, 2009 (Memorial Day Weekend) in Chicago. IML is pleased to announce an exciting new location for this year’s contest: The Chicago Hilton, 720 S. Michigan Ave. The Chicago Hilton is also the host hotel for the weekend.
In 1979 no one knew that International Mr. Leather would become a phenomenon. What started as a little contest in a small bar attracting about 400 people, now draws over 15,000 men to Chicago from over 60 countries around the world!
5 days of leathermen, parties, events, contest and more.
Visit IML online for more details.
The Best of Gay Chicago
World of Chocolate to Benefit AIDS Foundation Chicago December 3rd
world of chocolate aids foundation chicago world aids day Turbo Tagger
This AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) signature event, held in commemoration of World AIDS Day, features scrumptious chocolate creations from more than 30 of Chicagoland’s finest restaurants, caterers, and chocolatiers in an effort to raise awareness, while celebrating the world’s achievements, in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
An evening spent at World of Chocolate includes a light buffet, open bar, chocolate martinis, live Jazz music, and a Holiday Bazaar featuring ornaments, purses, and gifts from notable Chicago retailers, as well as Cooking Doesn’t Have to be a Drag – an entertaining cookbook that fuses the art of food with the art of drag queens.
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Ticket Levels
General Admission Ticket – $75
Red Ribbon Ticket – $150
Cocoa Sweetheart Sponsor Ticket- $350
Bittersweet Bliss Tree Sponsor Ticket – $800
Over 1500 people attend this annual event. Don’t miss it!
Register and order tickets online for World of Chocolate!
The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide
Gay Chicago Pride Weekend June 28-29
Chicago Gay Pride gets bigger and bigger every year! This year on Saturday June 28th, from 11am – 9pm, the streets are closed on Halsted and Waveland for a day long of entertainment.
Hosted by (and benefiting) the Northalsted Area Merchants Association — the same group behind the wildly popular Northalsted Market Days (set for the weekend of August 9-10) — this equally crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride will be back bigger than ever in its 6th year!
Pride Fest showcases an eclectic lineup of arts & crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages including one dedicated to some of Chicago’s fine performers in the gay community.
At the Main Stage…..
1:00 PM kicks off with a Pet parade (register at noon)
Big name performers this year include ;
2:30 PM – Kimberly Locke 3:30 PM – Frenchie Davis
5:30 PM – Inaya Day 6:45 PM – Martha Wash 7:30 PM – Tiffany
FOR A COMPLETE LINEUP OF EVERYTHING, VIEW INFORMATION AT THEIR MAIN SITE!
Then get some rest, because Sunday June 29th, the 39th annual Pride Parade steps off at noon.
The parade is usually a couple hours and attendance is close to 500,000. If crowds are too much for you, some of the bigger bars broadcast the parade into their establishments via camera’s on the streets, so you can remain a little cooler and sip on beverages.
If you want a front row seat, get there early.
I have seen some people claiming their spots 6-8 hours in advance!
Parking is LIMITED!
Plan on walking, cabbing, use the CTA, biking….whatever.
Complete parade lineup is available online.
The Best of Gay Chicago and the New Gay Travel Guide
