Beaches, Bars, Socials, Events and More!
Cuddle and Touch for Emotional and Physical Needs
We all want love, acceptance and connection with other people. We’re social beings, and this connection with others is part of our emotional, physical and spiritual DNA.
Touch plays an important role in building these connections, increasing scientific evidence clearly shows a connection that lack of touch can lead to depression, anxiety and a myriad of heath issues, and an inability to connect with others.
Most of us don’t get enough touch in our lives.
We’re touch-deprived, and most of us don’t even know it consciously. All we know is that there’s loneliness and stress and a deep sense of missing out. We feel this because there’s a biochemical yearning for something that is missing in our lives. And there is something missing: touch and the connection with others that it fosters.
“That’s why we started Cuddlist,” says Adam Lippin, Co-founder and CEO of CUDDLIST. “Safe, non-sexual, consensual touch fills a need that’s badly neglected in our society. Cuddling relaxes us and reduces stress at the very least, and on the deeper level it nourishes our soul and helps us get in touch with our higher self. Much like yoga and meditation, non-sexual touch is healing and transformative.”
Cuddlist brings together those who need touch (and that would be just about all of us!) with Certified, professional cuddlers who are experienced, safe, well-versed in cuddling techniques and follow a code of conduct that set the conditions for a great session. There have been LOTS of press on this group over the last year – check it out HERE.
THE CHICAGO NETWORK IS GROWING!
Become a certified CUDDLIST or FIND a CUDDLIST in Chicago
While any two people can cuddle, of course, what sets Cuddlist apart is that we are creating the marketplace for transformative cuddling, and we bring the professionalism and best practices that make it work; Cuddlist training is overseen by my co-founder, Madelon Guinazzo, and she both has years of experience as a full-time Cuddlist and knowledge of what works in practice.
While Cuddlist is something special, and fills an important gap in our world, I also want to share what it means to me personally.
“I’ve been a yoga and meditation practitioner for more than 20 years. Yoga has been an animating principle in my life that has seen me through college, drug addiction, the corporate world in New York, loss and death, and the birth of my son and my relationship with my amazing spouse. I’m also a touchy-feely “hugger,” and when I go to shake someone’s hand I’m keenly aware how restricted touch is in our society.”
Most would agree that touch is therapeutic, and the rush of oxytocin we produce when we cuddle is great, but in my experience cuddling also can be something deeper.
American Buddhist Jack Kornfield, in his book, After the Ecstasy, the Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise on the Spiritual Path, talks about how the simple act of being present can be a deeply spiritual practice. I think cuddling, if non-sexual and approached without expected outcomes in mind, can help us be present and raise our spiritual awareness.
So while I’m a “hugger,” and I immediately see the value that cuddling can play as a corrective in our society, I also think it contains a deeply spiritual component.
Indian civil rights leader Mohandas Gandhi said we must be the change we want to see in the world, and I want to play my part by encouraging non-sexual touch and the emergence of what might be called cuddle yoga.
“Touch is important, and we don’t get enough of it. I want to change that, and that’s why I, along with my Co-Founder, started Cuddlist. Will you join us?”
Are you ready to give yourself the gift of nurturing touch?
Book a therapeutic, non-sexual, cuddle session with a Certified Cuddlist today.
Find out more at CUDDLIST. Learn more; FIND a CUDDLIST and/or become a CUDDLIST!
Kitty Glitter @ Hydrate March 12
Come out and celebrate the shenanigans of the St Patrick’s Holiday at Hydrate Nightclub with the Debut of DJ DJ Kitty Glitter from Sydney, Australia
Since launching as a DJ in 2007 , multi Diva award winning Sydney’s Favorite Drag Queen and Most Popular DJ, the KITTY GLITTER storm has swept through cities around the globe with devout fans demanding their frequent fix. Following her dreams and following Summer around the world, Kitty Glitter is the dancefloor sensation everyone loves to see…and hear at the party!
Most loved for her unique brand of bouncey remixed pop and uplifting vocal house music, Kitty’s glitter sparkles on every dancefloor she plays on. Whether its fun and camp, or deep and sexy, Kitty Glitter always delivers in a grand way. Featured in the line-up for major festivals worldwide including Sydney Mardi Gras, White Party Palm Springs, Matinee Las Vegas, and Pride New York, Toronto and Montreal, Kitty is tickled pink to be invited back to play year after year. There is no denying, a little bit of glitter goes a long way.
No Cover till midnight
Lights by Naveid Mansuri
Dance till 5 AM
Latrice Royale in Chicago March 14th
We are SO EXCITED for this! Something very different and special from a RuPauls Drag Race Alumni.
A true life story, live on stage featuring her debut CD, singing live with her band onstage.
One of the nation’s most recognizable drag queens, Latrice Royale brings her larger-than-life persona to Park West in support of her debut album Here’s to Life. This is the sneak peak WORLD TOUR PREVIEW!!
In this celebratory journey of song and story-telling, Latrice shares tales of growing up gay in Compton, the events leading up to her “unfortunate incarceration,” and her infectious, ever-positive perspective that got her through it all. This intimate experience is the first chance to hear Latrice sing the songs from her album live.
In addition to performing a full-length concert, she’ll regale the audience with tales of show biz and drama on the set of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. GET A GLIMPSE HERE!~
$30, $45, $60 Show at 9pm Doors at 8pm
18+ Unless Accompanied by an Adult
Park West Theater Tickets and INFO HERE
Craft Beer and Delicious Soups This Weekend
THIS WEEKEND! Feb 27-28th!
Craft Beer Festival
On Saturday, February 27, craft beer takes center stage at Halsted and Waveland. Chill under a tent filled with favorites from more than 40 brewers.
DJ Marc ‘Moose’ brings the heat to the dance floor. Food trucks from Beaver Donuts,
Chubby Wiener, Ms. Tittles and Pico St. Kitchen help soak up the suds.
Purchase tickets at www.northalsted.com and choose one of two sessions (1- 4pm or 6-9 pm).
Guest can shed their coat at the check-in for $2, which benefits Howard Brown Health Center.
Soup Walk (FREE)
On Sunday February 28 from 1-5 pm the 3rd annual Soup Walk warms up winter with nine Northalsted and Lakeview East restaurants showcasing their soups at retail business.
Stroll or take a free trolley to hit all nine spots.
- NoteworthyNotes (3629 North Halsted) with soup from Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
- Egoist (3526 North Halsted) with soup from Dive Bar.
- Boystown Collectibles (3453 North Halsted) with soup from Taverna 750
- Universal Wellness Source (3324 North Halsted) with soup from The Chicago Diner
- The Leigh Gallery (3306 North Halsted) with soup from D.S. Tequila Co.
- CRAM Fashion (3331 North Broadway) with soup from Café L’Appetito
- Unabridged Bookstore-3521 North Broadway) with soup from The Bagel
- GAP (3216 North Broadway) with soup from Escencia Urban Kitchen
- wineHOUSE (3164 North Broadway) with soup from Soupbox
About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)
Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 100 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest and the Halloween Parade. For information about NBA visit www.northalsted.com.
Academy Awards Viewing at Kit Kat Lounge
Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party at Kit Kat Lounge
Tune in to Tinseltown with Divas and Half-Priced Martinis
Sunday, February 28 6 p.m.
Kit Kat will roll out the red carpet on Sunday, February 28, for the 88th Annual Academy Awards. The Lakeview Lounge and Supper Club’s seven HD projection screens will be tuned in to Hollywood, from the red carpet arrivals at 6 p.m., to the award ceremony taking place at 7:30 p.m. What better place to view the Oscars?!
Throughout the star-studded evening, Diva Dulce Andrews will entertain the crowd with live performances while guests sip half-priced martinis, including “The Academy” (Effen vodka, Le Fleur liqueur and a splash of white grape juice, $7). Kit Kat’s theatrical-themed dinner menu will be available, featuring “Opening Act” small plates (sriracha glazed tempura shrimp; bacon truffle mac n cheese; crab cakes; chicken satay), “Show Stopper” entrees (Elizabeth Taylor fish & chips; Cary Grant burger; Mae West chicken and waffles; Lauren Bacall ravioli) and “Grand Finale” desserts (decadent chocolate cake; carrot cake; brownie sundae a la mode). In addition to the regular menu, Chef Joann Witherell will offer a special Steak Oscar entree, featuring a trio of filet medallions finished with bearnaise, served with mashed potatoes and tempura asparagus for $29.
Be sure to make your predictions and fill out your Oscar ballot! Kit Kat will dish out dining gift cards to the participants with the top Oscar winning picks. For table reservations, call Kit Kat at 773-525-1111.
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-525-1111
KitKatChicago.com
Chef Christopher Tong @ Bloomingdales
SOUP FOR A WINTER’S DAY WITH
CHEF TONG OF MY PRIVATE CHEF
AT BLOOMINGDALE’S HOME & FURNITURE STORE
AT MEDINAH TEMPLE
One of Bloomingdale’s favorite chefs returns to present a delicious Winter soup cooking demonstration.
Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef
will give tips about ingredients, then prepare and serve a variety of fabulous soups.
Chef Tong will help us shake off the winter blues with three hot soup creations that will delight your family and friends. It’s a great way to face February in Chicago!
The demonstration will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. at the
Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago.
Demo Kitchen on 1.
Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite bowls of comfort:
Roasted Cailiflower soup with Cumin
Tunisian Tomato with Chickpeas and Lentils topped with Yogurt and Fresh Mint
Tangy Greek Avgolemono Chicken soup (Egg-Lemon)
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation,
and come away with fabulous recipes that you can try at home. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact 312.324.7678.
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.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my work worthwhile. I also love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Frost Fest Craft Beers in Boystown
FROST FEST KICK OFF!
Come out this THURSDAY (FEB 18th)to Replay Beer & Bourbon-Andersonville to sample some of the amazing beers for Frost Fest on February 27th!
The Northalsted Business Alliance delivers festival fun to the waning days of winter with a weekend of special events.
Craft Beer Festival
On Saturday, February 27, craft beer takes center stage at Halsted and Waveland. Chill under a tent filled with favorites from more than 40 brewers.
DJ Marc ‘Moose’ brings the heat to the dance floor. Food trucks from Beaver Donuts,
Chubby Wiener, Ms. Tittles and Pico St. Kitchen help soak up the suds.
Purchase tickets at www.northalsted.com and choose one of two sessions (1- 4pm or 6-9 pm).
Guest can shed their coat at the check-in for $2, which benefits Howard Brown Health Center.
Soup Walk (FREE)
On Sunday February 28 from 1-5 pm the 3rd annual Soup Walk warms up winter with nine Northalsted and Lakeview East restaurants showcasing their soups at retail business.
Stroll or take a free trolley to hit all nine spots.
- NoteworthyNotes (3629 North Halsted) with soup from Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
- Egoist (3526 North Halsted) with soup from Dive Bar.
- Boystown Collectibles (3453 North Halsted) with soup from Taverna 750
- Universal Wellness Source (3324 North Halsted) with soup from The Chicago Diner
- The Leigh Gallery (3306 North Halsted) with soup from D.S. Tequila Co.
- CRAM Fashion (3331 North Broadway) with soup from Café L’Appetito
- Unabridged Bookstore-3521 North Broadway) with soup from The Bagel
- GAP (3216 North Broadway) with soup from Escencia Urban Kitchen
- wineHOUSE (3164 North Broadway) with soup from Soupbox
About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)
Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 100 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest and the Halloween Parade. For information about NBA visit www.northalsted.com.
Paula Poundstone in Chicago / Skokie
THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS WELCOMES THE COMEDIC BRILLIANCE OF PAULA POUNDSTONE
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, IL welcomes comedian Paula Poundstone on Saturday, March 19th.
Thirty two years ago Paula Poundstone climbed on a Greyhound bus and traveled across the country — stopping in at open mic nights at comedy clubs as she went. She went on to become one of our country’s foremost humorists. You can hear her through your laughter as a regular panelist on NPR’s popular rascal of a weekly news quiz show, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me. Paula lent her distinctive voice to the character “Forgetter Paula” in the Academy Award nominated Disney Pixar film “Inside Out.”
Poundstone tours regularly, performing standup comedy across the country, causing Bob Zany with the Boston Globe to write: “Poundstone can regale an audience for several hours with her distinctive brand of wry, intelligent and witty comedy.” Audience members may put it a little less elegantly: “I peed my pants.”
While there is no doubt that Poundstone is funny, the thing that probably separates her from the pack of comics working today and that has made her a legend among comics and audiences alike is her ability to be spontaneous with a crowd. Poundstone says: “No two shows I do are the same. It’s not that I don’t repeat material. I do. My shows, when they’re good, and I like to think they often are, are like a cocktail party. When you first get there, you talk about how badly you got lost and how hard it was to find parking. Then you tell a story about your kids or what you just saw on the news. You meet some new people and ask them about themselves. Then, someone says, “Tell that story you used to tell,” and then someone on the other side of the room spills a drink, and you mock them. No one ever applauds me when I leave a party, though. I think they high five.”
Paula’s interchanges with the audience are never mean or done at a person’s expense. She even manages to handle politics without provoking the pall of disapproval less artful comics have received.
Her most recent comedy CD, I HEART JOKES: Paula Tells Them in Boston was recorded during a performance at the Wilbur Theatre in the heart of the city and was released on April fool’s Day 2013. This was a follow up to her successful first CD I HEART JOKES: Paula Tells Them in Maine that was released in 2009.
Over the span of her career, Paula has amassed a list of awards and accolades that stretch the length of a great big tall guy’s arm. She not only shot through the glass ceiling, she never even acknowledged that it was there. Never one to stereotype herself as a ‘female comedian’ or limit herself to comedy from a ‘female’ point of view, in the early 90’s she was the first woman to win the cable ACE for Best Standup Comedy Special and the first woman to perform standup at the prestigious White House Correspondents dinner where she joined the current President as part of the evening’s entertainment.
In November, 2012 in Washington DC, Paula was honored, along with Nina Totenberg, NPR correspondent; David Brooks, New York Times columnist; and Bob Mankoff, New Yorker Cartoon Editor, with the 2012 Moment Magazine Creativity Award at their 35th anniversary symposium and dinner, followed by a one-hour panel on the intersection of humor and politics. Just weeks later Paula was hand-picked to interview Calvin Trillin for the Los Angeles-series-darling, Writers Bloc, a series that presents conversations between the featured author and another interesting thinker.
Paula has starred in comedy specials on HBO and BRAVO, won an Emmy Award, served as “official correspondent” for The Tonight Show during the 1992 Presidential race, pioneered the art of backstage commentary during an Emmy telecast, steps up to the plate for causes she believes in, and is almost always included in any compendium – be it film, television or print, noting comedic influences of the 20th/21st century, most recently, We Killed: The Rise of Women in American Comedy (October 2012, Sarah Crichton Books). Paula also appears on “Late Night w/Craig Ferguson” about 3 times a year and she’ll do an occasional editorial for NPR’s “All Things Considered”.
In April 2013 NPR Laughter Therapy (Highbridge Audio) released a 2-CD collection of NPR’s best interviews and stories with “funny folks” including Paula’s Talk of the Nation interview. If it means anything to anyone, she is recognized as one of Comedy Central’s 100 greatest stand-ups of all time. Paula won an American Comedy Award for Best Female Standup Comic, and in 2010 she was one of a select group voted into the Comedy Hall of Fame.
Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me is now heard in 5 million homes across the country, including all of the major markets, internationally on NPR Worldwide and on the Internet via podcast. In 2008 it received a Peabody Award for broadcasting excellence. On the show Paula gets to match wits with some of the country’s leading pundits. In May 2013 the show filmed its first Cinecast from New York’s Town Hall and Paula was one of the Panelists. The show made its television debut on BBC America with a “2011 Year In Review.” Paula was on that panel as well. Poundstone quickly goes on record about how much she loves being part of the show saying: “I am a proud member of the endorphin production industry. They allow me to say whatever I want on Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me. The panelists are unscripted, so it’s perfect for me. I feel like I’m a batter in a batting cage. I get lobbed topics. Sometimes I just watch them go by, but every now and then I get a piece of one. If the others didn’t cheat, it would be an almost perfect work experience.”
Paula is also a published author and lecturer. Her hard cover book, There is Nothing In This Book That I Meant To Say (Crown, 2006, with a forward by Mary Tyler Moore) is still in release on audio (Highbridge) and in paperback. Other writing credits include the back page columnist of Mother Jones, The Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly, and Glamour magazine.
Not only a writer, but an avid reader, Paula continues her role for the American Library Association (ALA) as the Nat’l spokesperson for United for Libraries, their “Friends of Libraries” national network – a citizens support group who work to raise awareness and much needed funds to support their local libraries. Paula has appeared as the headliner at the ALA’s annual conference for their Laughs On Us panel the last four years, and to quote Sally Reed, the ALA Nat’l Director: “…you’d have to come to one of these events to see how adored Paula is by librarians. We love her and it’s never repetitive.” Paula has hosted many events to great success, including the Art Directors Guild Awards an unprecedented 4 times.
The National Endowment for the Arts recently requested Poundstone to sit down for a chat about the art of comedy and her career. Take a listen: http://arts.gov/audio/paula-poundstone
GET A LAUGH with Paula’s comedy CD:
I Heart Jokes – Paula Tells Them In Boston
cdbaby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/paulapoundstone1/
ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-heart-jokes-paula-tells/id632789944
Watch Paula on Craig Ferguson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6WnBZ5G6fc
Visit Paula at: http://www.paulapoundstone.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/paulapoundstone
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PaulaPoundstone
.
Showtimes: 8:00PM / Tickets: $45-$52 / Call: 847-673-6300
Visit: http://www.northshorecenter.org/
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd.
Skokie, IL 60077
Zip Line in Chicago Feb 13-15
So it’s not very high – not very long – and it’s COLD! But hey, you can Zip Line for free this weekend in Millennium Park. Folks will have an opportunity to enjoy the vacation-like thrill of zip lining right here in Chicago… in the chill of winter.
Florida tourism company Experience Kissimmee is taking its campaign to Chicago’s Millennium Park this month, where it will provide a 200-foot zip line for Chicagoans to enjoy among the brisk February air.
The company says the zip line will run from a three-story platform “down to a warm winter welcome below.” The company hopes the stunt will encourage Chicagoans to plan a vacation in Kissimmee, Fla., a city near Orlando that is known for several amusement parks.
The company’s zip line is free to the public and will be in Millennium Park from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Feb. 13-15. Experience Kissimmee is encouraging attendees to donate coats.
“For this campaign, we decided to bring some of the warm-weather fun to our freezing friends here in Chicago,” DT Minich, president & CEO of Experience Kissimmee, said in a statement.
Boy Toy Male Revue @ Hydrate Thursdays
Boy Toys Pocket Cabaret
present a new weekly all male revue in Boystown!
By bringing the art of performance, circus, singing, and striptease to the stage, boytoy is sure to tantalize the tastebuds of all genders and gender-nonconformists. Featured in ChicagoNow, boytoy is guaranteed to be like nothing you have seen before!
With Performances by:
Jimmie “Boy Toy” Swagger (Founder & Executive Producer)
‘Glamonster’
Duke LeSling
and more!
With Guest Host: Kat Sass!
3458 N Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 975-9244
Best part: NO COVER!
$5 Corona/$5 Fireball/$6 Belvedere Cocktails
Valentines Dinner in Boystown
Valentines Day is ALMOST HERE! Don’t be left without a reservation!
2 of our favorite restaurants in Lakeview / Boystown are offering a special
Prix fix dinner….
REVOLUCION and EL MARIACHI
BRUNCH EVERY WEEKEND at BOTH LOCATIONS!
Catered Super Bowl Eats Chicago
Tight Ends, Wide Receivers, Beyoncé, and Lady GaGa…. Nope nothing gay about this years Super Bowl.
Hosting friends at your place? GET FOOD from Revolucion or El Mariachi in Lakeview.
FANTASTIC GUACAMOLE, fresh Salsa’s, Fajitas and MORE!
Since 1996, Mariachi Hospitality Group has evolved into an assortment of several different restaurant concepts, each with its own persona, yet, each with the same standard of excellence. The restaurant group has steadily grown in popularity thanks to the support of loyal patrons in the community.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to freshness, evolution, authenticity, and most importantly, the concept of family. As founders, Antonio Estrada and his 2 sons consistently work hand in hand with their dedicated management team in the quest for perfection by keeping their concepts exciting and on the cutting edge of the hospitality industry.
Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse 1-773-661-9893
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill 1-773-549-2932
Valentine’s Brunch at Kit Kat Lounge
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the 1986 Brat Pack Classic
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
ELIXIR Andersonville Special Event Feb 10th
Don’t be left out! This WILL sell out!
Join us for a four-course meal, featuring FEW Spirits, that begins with a breakfast-inspired dish, taking you through lunch and dinner, and finishing with dessert.
All attendees will receive a voucher for a tour of FEW’s Evanston Distillery and Tasting Room ($10 Value)
Seats are limited. We hope you can join us!
Elixir Lounge (next door to Replay)
1509 W Balmoral Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
Four Courses • $60
Tickets available at
http://www.brownpapertickets.
Dinner & Cocktail Menu Schedule
Breakfast
Lyonnaise Salad
Frisee, bacon, poached egg, red wine vinaigrette.
FEW Breakfast Gin
Egg white, butter, lemon, gomme syrup,
freeze dried blueberries.
Lunch
Bouillabaisse
Grilled salmon, mussels, clams, shrimp, saffron broth.
FEW Bourbon
Amontillado Sherry, lemon, sparkling.
Dinner
Red Wine Braised Short Rib
Sweet potato puree, red wine reduction, crispy shallots.
FEW Rye
Cocchi Barolo Chinato, Bitter Queens
Tobacco Bitters.
Dessert
Orange & Cardamom Crème Brûlée
FEW Anguish and Regret cordial
Team to End AIDS
For over 10 years, TEAM TO END AIDS (T2) has trained more than 5,000 athletes and raised $10 million benefiting AIDS Foundation Chicago and HIV/AIDS-related community charities.
Working with Fitness Formula Club (FFC) USA Track & Field/Triathlon coaches, T2 offers world class training programs for multiple endurance events.
T2 is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. Coaches, staff and athletes will help you train, fundraise and celebrate life, making your T2 experience unforgettable.
Attend an upcoming information session to learn more about T2!
ALSO
2015 was a big year for HIV! Not only were there huge advancements in science, but the epidemic also found its way back into mainstream media through art, pop culture and social activism. As we gear up for another stimulating year of progression towards putting an end to new HIV diagnoses, take a peek at these 10 tweets that tell the story of a big year in the HIV epidemic (in no particular order):
Volunteers Needed EQIL Gala
2016 25th Anniversary Gala Volunteer Sign-Up
Are you ready for the 25th Anniversary Gala? Last year, over 1400 people attended the Gala and we could not have done it without the hard work of our volunteers. This year will be no different, especially with high-profile guests, namely, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who will receive the Freedom Award.
The Gala will take place on Saturday, February 6th (6pm to midnight), at the Hilton Chicago (720 South Michigan Avenue).
In order for the events to run smoothly, we need volunteers like you to help. Please take a minute to look at the dates listed below for our needs.
VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
2016 Equality Illinois Gala
WHEN: Saturday, February 6th, 2016 (various shifts)
WHAT: This is the main event, and we will need approximately 120 volunteers on hand to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
DETAILS:
Volunteers are needed throughout the day of Gala, beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, and going until approximately 1:00am Sunday, February 7th. Various shift and time assignments will be set to cover the following positions: Silent Auction Set-Up; Silent Auction Monitors; Ballroom Monitors; Guest Registration; Greeters; Silent Auction Check Out (ONLY AVAILABLE SHIFTS WILL APPEAR AS AN OPTION).
The dress for volunteer staff at the Gala is Black-Tie Optional/Business, so you can wear a Suit/Tie, Cocktail Dress, Women’s Suit, Blazer/Slacks/Tie, Tux or Gown. Jeans and t-shirts are not acceptable dress UNLESS you are at the Hotel early for the Set-up shifts. If you are assigned to set-up, and you wish to stay for the event, please bring a change of clothes.
Illinois Republican Steps Up!
Rep. Bob Dold (R-IL) today became the first Republican congressman to co-sponsor the Equality Act, federal legislation which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity illegal in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, federal funding, credit, and the jury system.
The Human Rights Campaign applauded Dold:
“Bob Dold is showing tremendous leadership today by becoming the first Republican to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Equality Act and we’re thrilled that he’s standing up for our fundamental values of fairness and equality,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Far too many LGBT people – nearly two thirds – have faced unfair and unjust discrimination in their lives, much of it in the workplace. In co-sponsoring the Equality Act, Congressman Dold showed how important it is that LGBT people be able to have a fair chance to earn a living, provide for their families, and live free from fear of discrimination.”
Last July, the Equality Act was introduced in both the House and Senate with a record number of original co-sponsors. Since then, several major companies, including Apple, the Dow Chemical Company, Hyatt, Levi Strauss & Co., Orbitz, and Target, have all endorsed the Equality Act. In addition, the bipartisan legal team David Boies and Ted Olson — who was a Solicitor General of the United States under former President George W. Bush — also announced their support.
President Obama threw his support behind the legislation last November after what the White House said was “several weeks of review” of the bill.
Precious Davis – Say YES to the Dress
Friday’s episode (Jan 15th, 2016, 8pm Central time) of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta will mark a first for the show when it features a transgender bride.
In a sneak peek of the episode, Precious Davis visits Bridals by Lori to find the perfect gown for her wedding. Davis and her fiancé Myles — both of whom are activists — will share their story on the show before getting married in Chicago in front of 1000 guests from their community. (@ Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago ).
“We want people to be inspired of what love can look like in its many forms,” Davis says. “We want to bring this kind of royalty because we feel we are royalty.”
Precious Davis is lauded both locally and nationally as an award winning diversity professional, social justice facilitator, and performance artist. She currently is the Assistant Director of Diversity Recruitment Initiatives at Columbia College Chicago , her alma mater from which she received a BA in Liberal Arts. Precious currently implements and oversees the Campus Wide Diversity Initiative and is the first woman of color to hold this position. see more HERE.
SNEAK PEAK of the show HERE.
EQIL Gala Feb. 6th
THE MIDWEST’S LARGEST LGBT GALA and FUNDRAISER
SUPPORTS THE WORK OF EQUALITY ILLINOIS
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Hilton Chicago Hotel, 720 South Michigan Avenue
The Equality Illinois 25th Anniversary Gala promises to be a night to remember. The Midwest’s largest LGBT formal event will celebrate a quarter-century’s worth of accomplishments and the exciting work that lies ahead to achieve full equality. Some very special honorees will also make this one of our most exciting galas.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi will receive the 2016 Equality Illinois Freedom Award. The Mariano’s grocery chain will receive the 2016 Business Leadership Award.
Whether you buy one seat or a full table, participate as a corporate sponsor, place an ad in the program book, or donate a luxury item to the silent auction, please join us in this Silver Anniversary celebration.
Purchase platinum, premier and standard tables and single tickets.
Become a Table Captain and invite friends to join you at the Gala.
Learn more about corporate sponsorships and premium table purchases.
Learn about the luxury silent auction and how your contribution can help our work.
Purchase an ad that will be featured in the 25th Anniversary Program Book.
Volunteer for the gala and be part of this historic celebration.
OUR MISSION
Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy and protection of the rights of the LGBT community.
OUR VISION
Equality Illinois envisions a fair and unified Illinois where everyone is treated equally with dignity and respect and where all people live freely regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
All Star Blues Bash Feb. 13th
The best blues artists in the world give a high dose of southern-style soul blues, house-rocking blues, contemporary blues, and genuine Chicago blues all rolled up into one awesome blues show that will be stuck in your memory forever. Bobby Rush headlines the All-Star Blues Bash bringing his Billboard R&B and Blues chart topping hits to highlight the bash.
Joining the bash as co-headliner is Joe Louis Walker, who is without a doubt one of the most exciting and innovative artists gracing contemporary blues. Kicking things off is Chicago’s very own and Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Wayne Baker Brooks, bringing his distinctive contemporary style of Chicago Blues with a fully formed new vision that updates the sound of the blues without falling into the same tired blues-rock clichés. Joining this all-star lineup is rising blues star Shawn Holt, son of blues legend Magic Slim.
Tickets: $40 General Public / $35 Seniors, Students, Staff
BUY TICKETS –
Media Sponsor
