Beaches, Bars, Socials, Events and More!
Holiday Fun at Kit Kat Lounge
Entertainment, Dinner and Drinks During the Live Broadcast
Guests may enjoy Chef JoAnn Witherell’s full dinner menu, featuring “Opening Act” small plates, “Show Stoppers” (entrees) and “Grand Finale” desserts. To make table reservations, call 773-525-1111.
DECEMBER BRUNCH
Jingle Bell Brunch Series at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
‘Tis the Season to Celebrate with a Midday Meal and Martinis
Sunday, December 13, 20 and 27 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kit Kat’s over-the-top,“Divalicious” brunch will have a holiday twist for three consecutive Sundays in December. On December 13, 20 and 27, Diva Madam X will welcome guests for a midday meal complete with seasonal martinis, festive tunes and holiday films from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests may enjoy Chef JoAnn Witherell’s brunch menu, featuring chicken and waffles, rice krispie french toast, crab cake benedict, chilaquiles and more, while imbibing with mimosas, bloody marys, bellinis, sangria and specialty martinis ($14.95 drink package available).
The holiday series will kick off with a “Sexy Santa” brunch on Sunday, December 13. Guests will receive a keepsake photo with a scantily clad Claus, while sipping Santa’s Sleigh martinis made with Viniq, New Amsterdam Peach, passion fruit juice, grapefruit juice and champagne.
On Sunday, December 20, an “Ugly Sweater” contest will take place with a $100 cash prize being awarded to the person with the most hideous holiday attire. In addition to the list of bottomless brunch beverages, Kit Kat will offer Madras martinis made with Effen vodka, cranberry and orange juice.
The holiday season at Kit Kat will commence with the “I Survived Xmas” brunch on Sunday, December 27. Christmas comedies will play on Kit Kat’s seven jumbo screens, while guests indulge with Sticky Bun martinis made with Pinnacle Cinnabon vodka, RumChata, coconut creme and maple syrup.
Throughout the month of December, Kit Kat’s talented team of mixologists will shake up special holiday martinis, including: Frosty’s Going Down; Eggnog; Fire Apple Cider; Pumpkin Pie; Banana Nut Bread; and Candy Cane. The complete martini menu is outlined below. For brunch reservations, please call Kit Kat at 773-525-1111.
Gay Chicago Youth Group YEPP and Jess Godwin
When The Snow Thaws, By Jess Godwin features YEPP – Youth Empowerment Performance Project
“Over 100 chicago voices came together to support this song and video. Many thanks to Brian Bloye, Chicago Artists Chorale, Community Renewal Chorus, St. Alphonsus Choir, YEPP, and actors, musicians, artists, and humanitarian friends of Chicago for donating their time and incredible talents to this project.
“Thanks to Executive Producer Kat Fitzgerald, Director Jason Knade, Producer Kayla Ginsburg, Stylist/MUA Jacob Leatherman of Blown Chicago, Recording Engineer Yuri Lysoivanov (with students from Tribeca Flashpoint College), Mixing/Mastering Engineer Tim Timothy Rusin The Athenaeum, all of the people who brought food to the potluck, sent money in for the pizza…and stylists/MUA Paula CityLights Heckenast, Barbara Thomas, Deborah Sanchez, Cathy Geldmacher Nathan, and Garret Koski-Budabin who helped out on our rehearsal shoot day, and Youth Empowerment Performance Project director Bonsai Bermudez for doing an incredible amount of coordinating to make this happen.” Jess Godwin
Please support the YEPP Go Fund Me Project
WATCH THE VIDEO
Chicago Michigan Get Away! House Rental
UNPLUG and get away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago!
Known as The Grand Old City of southwestern Michigan, Dowagiac is just 2 hours from Chicago. Just a hop, skip and jump away from Chicago, many Chicagoans head east to Michigan to escape the city hustle and bustle for a laid back simpler life. There is a charming collection of Michigan bed and breakfasts and homes for rent that make the perfect choice for fun places to go for a weekend in the spring, summer, fall or for winter vacation getaways.
Some of the best features of the Great Lakes State are visible and the relaxed pace of small-town life is always present here. There are lush parks, wildlife areas, and stately turn-of-the-century homes.
One fantastic home, the lovely Stella&James Weber Estate is available for rent. This 1860’s, 3100 square ft home has 4 bedrooms,1 King, 2 Queen, 1 room with two twins, and a separate semi private twin bed and blow up. Awesome kitchen and lots of room for friends or family gatherings. And it rents for $500 a night. Perfect for a getaway from the city, with a group of friends or family members.
The home sleeps eight comfortably. Has a hot tub and pool table. A casino is 5 minutes away. Great kitchen to cook up some meals for everyone! And the quaint downtown is nearby, just a short walk, with restaurants and some shops.
301 Center St Dowagiac, Michigan
(773) 327-2403
Puerto Vallarta Contest
The start of winter in Puerto Vallarta is cause for celebration as December marks the beginning of the whale watching season, traditional pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, free daily guided Artwalks in historic downtown, culinary treats all around town, the International Pro Am golf tournament, the release of baby sea turtles, perfect weather with temperatures in the low 80’s and a calendar full of holiday festivities and free activities.
The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is inviting everyone to join in the celebration with the launch of a mega “12 DAYS OF WINTER” (#12DaysOfWinter) promotion and participate for a chance to win daily prizes during the first 12 days of December, including artworks, bottles of tequila and raicilla and trip getaways, with the top prize being a 12-day all-expense paid vacation for two in Puerto Vallarta.
To participate register at visitpuertovallarta.com/12daysofwinter and tell the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board what you would do on a 12-day all-expense paid holiday for two in the destination. All registrants will have a chance to win one of 12 prizes. Drawings will take place every day from December 1st to 12th. Following are the details of the prizes that will be awarded:
Winners of the getaway prizes to be awarded between December 5th through 12th will also receive a choice of 2 activities in Puerto Vallarta courtesy of Vallarta Adventures and Dolphin Discovery.
ENTER!
2 HOT GAY MEN @ SEVEN Chicago
SEVEN Nightclub and Porn Superstar, Topher DiMaggio are proud to present Pablo Hernandez, performing live at Seven Nightclub.
Advance general admission tickets are only $7.
Photos along with Meet N’ Greets will be available post performance.
Doors open at 8pm, with performance at 10:30pm. GET YOUR TICKET NOW!
BITCH I’M A BOTTOM!
World of Chocolate Dec. 3rd
It’s finally the sweetest time of year is HERE!
Tickets for World of Chocolate 2015 are on sale now.
Get hotsy-totsy and party like Gatsby for an evening of chocolate galore! Inspired this year by the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, World of Chocolate is Chicago’s commemorative World AIDS Day event held at the beautiful Chicago Union Station.
Revel in chocolate delights from more than 25 of the city’s top chefs, imbibe to your heart’s content at our open bars and win fabulous prizes, including vacations to New York City, Las Vegas and more.
Kick off your holiday season with the AWESOME EVENT! Come Hungry!~
 |
| Since its inception, World of Chocolate has raised over $1.7 million to fund vital HIV services and programs at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Purchase your tickets today and savor the sweet satisfaction of making a difference!
|
Hydrate TURN ABOUT Show for TPAN
IT’S BACK!
Don’t miss your chance to see staff LKH doing DRAG for charity!
The annual LKH TURNABOUT SHOW proceeds go to benefit TPAN via Hydrate, The Den, Replay Andersonville, and Replay Lakeview participants in BARLESQUE!
Doors at 8 pm
Show starts at 9:30 pm
$10 suggestion donation includes Hosted Bar and Hors d’Oeuvres from 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm!!
Join the Facebook page HERE
Chicago Homeless Youth
Chicagoans know fall means bitter cold is on its way. People will soon scurry to stay inside day and night. Yet, more than 20,000 young adults and students are looking for a permanent home, not just overnight shelter.
In the spirit of giving back this upcoming holiday season, the Chicago-area community will come together on Friday, Nov. 20, for an overnight sleep out to raise visibility and funds to help provide a stable living environment for youth experiencing homelessness.
The first-of-its-kind event in Chicago, the Out In the Open Sleep Out, will bring together members of the community to raise funds for 18 organizations serving youth experiencing homelessness. The event will be at Cricket Hill near Montrose Ave. and Lake Michigan.
Attendees will hear from individual teens and participate in a variety of activities. There will also be dozens of entertainers performing during the event.
“We are striving to bring new people and resources to this critical issue in Chicago,” said Tracy Baim,Windy City Times publisher and executive producer of the event. “We’ve modeled the event after similar events in other cities, and we plan to also showcase the talents of this next generation.”
The following nonprofit partners will benefit from the event: AIDS Foundation of Chicago; Care2Prevent, the University of Chicago; Center on Halsted; Chicago House; Chicago Youth Storage Initiative; Howard Brown Health Center’s Broadway Youth Center; Illinois Safe Schools Alliance; La Casa Norte; Lurie Children’s Hospital – Division of Adolescent Medicine; Neon Dorms – Heartland Human Care Services; New Moms; Puerto Rican Cultural Center – El Rescate; TaskForce Prevention and Community Services; Teen Living Programs; The 750 Club Apartment Adoption Project; The Night Ministry; Thresholds; Unity Parenting and Counseling, Inc.; and YEPP: Youth Empowerment Performance Project.
The event is hosted by the newly formed Pride Action Tank, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Edelman, Agency EA and Windy City Times newspaper, along with a wide range of other partners. Best Gay Chicago is a proud media partner of this event.
To donate or sign up for the inaugural event as well as to learn more about individual teen’s stories, please visit sleepoutchicago.org.
Day of Wedding Coordinator
NEW CHICAGO-LAND WEDDING BUSINESS
Business booms in Chicago’s NW suburbs, where Rev Pam announces the expansion of her already successful wedding chapel business, which she operates out of her home. The sister business will be called Day-of Coordinator for Weddings & Social Events, and will be overseen by Rev Pam. The business will reach out through the Chicagoland area to assist couples who have planned their own weddings and need day-of management during the wedding and reception, while the couple is obviously “busy”.
Rev Pam will also make her custom florist services available, making most of the bridal bouquets and bridal party flowers herself.
The new website:http://Day-
The expansion of her wedding business to include the new company’s day-of coordination services seemed like a natural progression from the wedding planning and day-off coordination she already has done for years in her home, Pine Manor Chicago Weddings. “It’s time I shared my experience and discount wedding partners outside my Pine Manor clientele.
Rev Pam has made strategics partnerships with what she feels are the best wedding vendors in Chicagoloand. Discounts are available to her couples for everything to complete their wedding planning like, venue for up to 300 people, brides maid dresses, bridal gowns and accessories, sweets table, wedding rings, cake, photography, video, live violin, dinner / after party location, overnight stay, even wedding dress restoration. Couple’s can go down the list and plan their entire wedding from this one page.
Over the past 30 years, Rev Pam has seen it all. A certified wedding officiant, and retired Chicago advertising producer, Pam Magnuson plans and manages day-of for hundreds of weddings, and social events every year. She comes highly recommended with dozens upon dozens of 5 Star reviews and has won awards for her service and attention to detail. She’s quick on her feet, and without even a mention to the couple, any hiccup will be managed and solved. It’s this the kind of person you want to implement the plans you have worked so hard on? The public is invited to RSVP a tour time to meet Rev Pam and see her home, Pine Manor. Couples can RSVP by calling 847-873-7463
Pine Manor Walk-through event Sunday, December 6th
Couples interested in holding their ceremony at PineManorChicago.com or contracting The Rev for day-of coordination can schedule a walk through at the manor and meet Rev Pam. Once a month she holds a special “walk through day” Scheduled for Thursday, December 6th, 2015 8-8pm. This special event includes delicious baked goods from her wedding cake partner CentralContinentalBake
847-873-Pine (7463)
Chicago Gay Rapper Milan Christopher
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) – An openly gay Chicago rapper says it’s time to change hip hop. However, his music world is openly unaccepting of his lifestyle.
And as FOX 32’s Darlene Hill reports, Milan Christopher is out to change that.
“One of the funniest comments I hear from ladies is that he’s too fine to be gay. And I’m like, what does that mean?” Christopher said.
Sick of the comments and sick of the secret life, that’s why the Chicago native says he signed on with a cable reality show that highlights his relationship with another up and coming male rapper.
“There’s never been a successful openly gay black rapper so it was hard thinking, am I going to be successful when I came out. So I did have a time when I was actually playing straight,” Christopher said.
Christopher has appeared in videos for Kanye, the Game and Beyoncé, and is said to be a major player in the hip hop industry.
He says he kept his two year relationship with Miles Brock a secret because they were afraid of the backlash from rappers and fans who buy hip hop records.
Afraid of the hate, the slurs and afraid of being “out” in a world that’s been historically homophobic, Christopher says gay relationships like his will force hip hop to make a liberal, accepting change.
“It made room for people who weren’t thugs, not standing on street corners and not living that hard core thug life. Although, I am from 77th & Hermitage, which is considered the killer ward of Chicago, don’t get it twisted,” Christopher said.
Christopher and Brock’s relationship is working on and off the screen, and while they’re given equal time as their straight counterparts, this is the first time viewers have seen this kind of black love on TV. See the clip on FOX
Milan Christopher.com
Early Halloween Party Chicago!
Kick off Halloween THURSDAY @ EL MARIACHI!
There is something for everyone at El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill’s “Casa de Espantos”. The evening includes a costume party, delicious appetizers and specialty cocktails in our back private party rooms. And the costume contest is no joke, so be sure to bring your A-game this Thursday.
Tickets are limited, so call the restaurant or email us as soon as possible and reserve your spot.
Tickets will include 4 cocktails and unlimited appetizer buffet from 7pm–9pm.
Raffles & Prizes for the best costumes!
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill
3906 N. Broadway
Chicago Il 60613 Phone: 773-549-2932 RESERVE TODAY!
Jess Godwin and Kristin Chenoweth
DUET WITH KRISTIN CHENOWETH AT CHICAGO THEATRE SATURDAY October 24th
“I can’t believe I’m actually writing this…
Last spring, through the wonders of twitter, Kristin Chenoweth let me know that she liked my music. Crazy. This past week, I jokingly tweeted at her and said “Hey! When you’re in Chicago this Saturday, I’ll play Fool Me Once on the piano while you sing!” Didn’t think anything of it. That night, she messaged me privately and asked if I would sing “For Good” with her on stage. After MUCH deliberation (I screamed and jumped up and down on my bed at 1AM) I said YES.
I have looked up to Kristin, sung her music, and adored her performances in tv shows for years. She has been so kind to me about my songwriting, and she tells me to keep pushing forward. I try my hardest not to do this for the validation…it’s a constant struggle…but it’s so nice to get little pushes and words of encouragement like this along the way. So, thanks to her, I’m ready to put myself out there again with a new video today.” (Say Love).
(PHOTO ABOVE – Hair and Makeup by City Lights Beauty)
“Say Love” was supposed to be a chapter from the very beginning of the anthology, but that relationship ended. The song has taken on a new meaning and life for me since then, and I’m so glad my friends encouraged me to release it anyway.
I’m incredibly grateful to director Bradley Bischoff for having a vision and pushing me out of my comfort zone. To Yuri Lysoivanov and students for tracking at Flashpoint Tribeca. To Brian Allison for laying down guitar. To Paula Heckenast for hair and makeup. I’m most grateful to actor Gabe Ruiz. We had just become friends a few weeks before, but he didn’t hesitate when I asked him to do a shoot at sunrise in the middle of Lake Michigan. It was SO COLD. Gabe had my back the whole time.
Don’t forget to grab your ticket for the December 4 show. Why not do it today? I’m going to performing all of the songs from the past year live for the first (maybe the last?) time!
Winter Get Away Deals
Chicago men LOVE INNdulge! and today is their 20th anniversary! Plan your winter get away today!
YEPP Chicago Needs Your Help!
The Youth Empowerment Performance Project (YEPP) is a unique youth theatre initiative that seeks a safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth impacted by homelessness and housing instability to explore their history, investigate new ways to address their struggles and celebrate their strengths through the process of developing a theatrical performance piece. In order to achieve its mission, they blend harm reduction, social justice, popular education, theatre of the oppressed, transformative and restorative justice work. YEPP is MOVEMENT BUILDING!
YEPP’s training program operates all year. However, within the course of six months, a cast led by director Bonsai Bermudez and supporting coordinators focus the work towards developing an original production to be shown in January 22, 23, 24, and 29, 30, 31 of 2016, at the Athenaeum Theatre.
What makes us unique? Our approach blends art, social justice and healing work in a way that encourages our ensemble members to create a performance that celebrates the strengths and advocates the needs of this often overlooked aspect of society.
We need your support. Annual funding assists our ensemble with the provision of a safe space, meals, transportation, workshops, and individual stipends. HELP NOW!
Act now! Whether or not you are able to make a monetary contribution, we invite you to be a part of our community and keep up with YEPP news through our website at www.WeSayYEPP.com.
BRUNCH at Kit Kat Lounge Chicago
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club is getting into the Halloween “spirit” with a bevy of boo-tastic brunch events and creative costume contests, from Rocky Horror Picture Show parties, to a Dia de los Muertos celebration.
In addition, the Lakeview lounge and supper club will offer an array of Halloween martinis ($14 each; half-priced Sunday-Thursday) and Poison Apple shots ($5 each) throughout the month of October.
Sunday, October 25 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
“Let’s do the time warp again” this Halloween season, as Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club holds their sixth annual Rocky Horror Picture Show brunch on Sunday, October 25. Diva Madam X will perform songs from the campy cult classic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the film will be shown on seven large screens. Guests are encouraged to arrive dressed as their best Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Magenta, Riff Raff or other costumed character for the chance to win a $100 cash prize. Kit Kat’s Sunday brunch menu will be available, and all martinis will be half-priced (all day).
Dia de los Muertos Brunch
Sunday, November 1 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-525-1111
KitKatChicago.com
HYDRATE October Special Events
HYDRATE October happenings!
Latrice Royale in Chicago @ Seven
SEVEN NIGHTCLUB is proud to present RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar, LATRICE ROYALE performing live on Friday, November 20, 2015.
Latrice Royale was a fan favorite in both RuPaul’s Drag Race, Season 4 and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and featured as a guest start on multiple follow up seasons of the hit show, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked.
The LARGE AND IN CHARGE, Latrice Royale, will perform two performances, at 10pm and 11:30pm. Advanced general admission tickets will be $7 dollars and VIP Meet N’ Greet tickets will be available for $15. Both options will be available for purchase via our website.
Seven Nightclub and Lounge is located at 3206 N Halsted, on the northwest corner of Halsted and Belmont. For most up to date information and to view our entire entertainment line-up, visit our website at www.whatisseven.com.
Chicago’s PRIDE ACTION TANK
Pride Action Tank, a new, results-driven group that addresses challenges facing individuals and groups within LGBTQ communities through a collaborative process of inquiry, advocacy and action, is launching this month as a project of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC).
Kim L. Hunt, former executive director of Affinity Community Services, will be Pride Action Tank’s executive director. Tracy Baim, founder of Pride Action Tank, will be the president of its advisory board.
The work of Pride Action Tank focuses on six overlapping issue areas: housing, health, safety, financial security, youth and aging.
Pride Action Tank will bring together and support the work of subject matter experts as well as people directly impacted by challenges facing the LGBTQ community to envision and realize practical and longer-term policy solutions. Moreover, Pride Action Tank will fuel collaborations among organizations, departments, experts, policymakers and community members in order to fill in gaps and ensure better supports for all people in LGBTQ communities.
The mission of Pride Action Tank is to “improve the health, safety and progress of individuals and groups within the LGBTQ community by inspiring, supporting and leading collaborative action that improves policy, service, access and community dynamics in the core areas of housing, health, safety, financial security, youth and aging.”
Sign up to receive updates and action alerts from Pride Action Tank!
Neverland is hosting Chicago’s largest gay Halloween party
Neverland is throwing Chicago’s largest gay Halloween party with “Alien Invasion“, 10pm-5am at Circuit Nightclub.
DJ Escape of NYC’s infamous Sunday Service parties spins alongside Alexis-R, for a night of high-energy music. The backdrop is a theatrical set by Timmie Foley and Jasmine Quintana, who transformed Circuit into a Mayan jungle for our Market Days party.
CLICK HERE for NEVERLAND tickets, special pre-sale offer
WHO is PERFORMING: We are teaming one of Chicago’s best dancers, The Vixen, with Alberto Arias, the choreographer behind Aurora Sexton’s killer Market Days “Origins” performance. Not to be missed.
WHO is HOSTING: Neverland’s main host & muse Kim Chi is joined by a new generation of hosts: Imp Queen, Nico, and Sara Andrews. We have sought out some of the best walking art in Chicago for this event.
Chef Tong @ Bloomingdales Oct. 17th
CHEF CHRISTOPHER TONG OF MY PRIVATE CHEF SHARES A FRENCH BISTRO MENU
AT BLOOMINGDALE’S HOME STORE, MEDINAH TEMPLE
Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef,
is enthusiastic about European flavors and cuisine.
Join Chef Chris for a culinary tour of fabulous French Bistro fare.
A favorite with Bloomingdale’s shoppers, Chef Tong will prepare: Steak au Poivre, Haricot Verts Herb de Provence, and Chocolate Mousse with Coffee Liqueur.
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. Chef Tong will give tips on shopping, ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
The cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, October 17, from 2-4 pm, at the
Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago.
Demo Kitchen on 1.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact at 312-324-7678
If you go – please tell them you saw it on BEST GAY CHICAGO.com!
My Private Chef is now established as one of Chicago’s favorite resources for private gourmet dining. Using his many years of experience at fine restaurants and hotels, Chef Tong offers the finest cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
