Beaches, Bars, Socials, Events and More!
New Years Eve and New Years Day Restaurant Pick!
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AIDS Garden Chicago Gets 30′ Haring Sculpture
AIDS GARDEN CHICAGO TO UNVEIL SIGNATURE 30-FOOT KEITH HARING SCULPTURE, SELF-PORTRAIT, THIS FALL, COMPLETING FIRST PHASE OF NEW PUBLIC LAKEFRONT GARDEN
In partnership with the Chicago Parks Foundation, the new AIDS Garden Chicago will memorialize the early days of Chicago’s HIV epidemic & honor those who continue to fight against the disease
The Chicago Parks Foundation today announced that the first phase of the new AIDS Garden Chicago will be complete this Fall with the unveiling of a specially-commissioned 30-foot-high sculpture, Self-Portrait, by iconic HIV/AIDS activist and artist, the late Keith Haring. (Precise installation date to be announced.) AIDS Garden Chicago will be the city’s first public monument to memorialize the early days of Chicago’s HIV epidemic and to honor those who continue to fight against the disease today. As previously released, the new 2.5-acre public lakefront garden will be located along Lake Michigan just south of Belmont Harbor, at the original location of the ‘Belmont Rocks,’ a space where the local gay community gathered between the 1960s and 1990s.
“The fight against HIV/AIDS represents more than a health epidemic: it symbolizes a time in our history when the LGBTQ+ and ally communities came together in the face of tragedy,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “We lost countless neighbors and friends and relatives over the years, but we have made significant strides in combatting the virus. What was one of the darkest moments of the 20th century has given way to a blooming garden of hope and love; this new AIDS Garden Chicago will serve as a permanent reminder of how far we have come and as a way to honor those who continue the work of getting to zero new HIV infections.”
“The Chicago Parks Foundation is so honored to be a part of this historic and legacy project for the city and all the communities and individuals who have been affected and still are living with HIV/AIDS. We are far from eradicating the disease, but this garden and iconic Keith Haring sculpture will serve as a beacon of hope and unity for all. This is truly a park with a purpose and a message,” said Chicago Parks Foundation Executive Director Willa Lang.
“We have worked closely with some of our longtime community leaders, held meetings with various community groups and are now excited to start phase one of this overdue project,” said Alderman Tom Tunney (44). “Self-Portrait’s new home at AIDS Garden Chicago, in the 44th Ward, is a small but powerful way to continue talking about the epidemic as we fight to bring both HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths to zero.”
Bold, bright green and nearly three stories high, Self-Portrait will be the largest iteration of this popular sculpture that has ever been fabricated, and the Chicago Parks Foundation expects it to be the Garden’s signature anchor and gathering point. Working with the Chicago Park District and designed by landscape architects Design Workshop, AIDS Garden Chicago is set to be complete in 2020 and will include unique areas designed for reflection, education, honor, and pride. Visitors will be guided with markers and milestones through a variety of intimate and collective garden spaces to be coordinated and maintained by community gardeners still in formation. This park garden will provide a sensory nature experience; the most notable being a memorable grove of Gingko trees and a perennial garden of natural plantings at the entrance. A serpentine path will be the site for future temporary art installations organized by community partners.
Self-Portrait is provided to AIDS Garden Chicago through a generous gift from the Keith Haring Foundation with personal financial support from Alderman Tom Tunney that was matched by the Alphawood Foundation Chicago. Rosenthal Fine Art, which facilitated the conversation with the Haring Foundation, was established here in 1986 and has most recently been dedicated to making art more accessible to the public through partnerships with private developers and city agencies.
Keith Haring (1958-1990) generously contributed his talents and resources to numerous causes. In 1989, Haring established a foundation to ensure that his philanthropic legacy would continue indefinitely. The Keith Haring Foundation supports arts and educational institutions by funding exhibitions, educational programs, and publications that serve to contextualize and illuminate the artist’s work and philosophy.
Alderman Tom Tunney and the Chicago Parks Foundation thank all the valuable partners still in formation and continuing to grow, including the Keith Haring Foundation, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Center on Halsted, Friends of the Parks, Howard Brown Health, and Legacy Project. The Chicago Parks Foundation welcomes additional financial partners to help bring the project to completion.
The Chicago Parks Foundation, the charitable partner to the Chicago Park District, was established in 2013 as a nonprofit to operate in a private-public partnership in support of Chicago’s parks, independent and collaborative in spirit. The Foundation facilitates over $2.3 million in grants annually that support Chicago parks and park programs. More information can be found at https://www.chicagoparksfoundation.org/
More information on AIDS Garden Chicago can be found at AIDSgardenchicago.org.
World of Chocolate Returns Dec. 5th
World of Chocolate is Chicago’s premier World AIDS Day event supporting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s efforts to mobilize communities, creating equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases.
World of Chocolate celebrates the imagination and ingenuity of our renowned chefs from across Chicago!
THURSDAY, DEC. 5, 2019, 6 – 9 P.M.
AT REVEL FULTON MARKET
Enter at 1215 W. Fulton Market (Fulton and Racine).
The closest CTA L stop is located at Morgan on the Pink/Green Lines.
Complimentary coat check is provided.
Tickets purchased before Dec. 3 will be held Will Call. Check in with your name or your ticket purchaser’s name. After Dec. 3, General Admission & VIP tickets are available at the door for $150 and $250 respectively.
Parking: We recommend using public transportation or taxis. Street parking is available in the neighborhood — check parking signs and pay boxes for information.
Dress to impress! Your favorite holiday cocktail attire/business casual is perfect for the evening.
VOTE for People’s Choice! During check in, you’ll receive a red marble to vote for your favorite chocolatier. The event is bigger and better than ever, so plan your night accordingly by perusing our chefs and menu for the evening.
At 8:30 p.m., we’ll have a special performance to announce the judges’ picks for Best Sweet, Best Savory, Best Libation, Best Small Business, Best Large Business and Best Sculpture.
Knock yourself out! Punch Board and Luxury Raffle prizes will be announced Monday, Nov. 11.
Share the fun! Help us get the buzz going on Facebook and Instagram by using #AFChocolate
VIEW PHOTOS FROM 2018.
Drag Queen Christmas Dec 2nd at VIC
A Drag Queen Christmas
returns to Chicago
Dec 2nd at the VIC Theatre!
(In 34 cities total!)
The Naughty Tour now in it’s 5th year.
Get tickets plus meet & greet at https://www.DragFans.com
The national tour is presented
exclusively by Murray & Peter!
Art of Healthy Cooking with Chef Tong Oct. 26th
Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef returns to Bloomingdale’s for a Healthy Cooking demonstration during the Wellness Event. He will give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite recipes:
-Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Cumin and Curry
-Baked Salmon with Fennel, Bell Peppers, Kalamata Olives, Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
-Crustless Apple Pie, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
The demonstration will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue,Chicago. Culinary Kitchen on 1. Come early because the seats fill up fast.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131
or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Chicago Halloween Week Events
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THURSDAY, OCT 31 HALLOWEEN PARADE!
One of the 10 Best Halloweens in the US by Fodor’s Travel Guide
Redfin’s #3 Best City for Halloween
Haunted Halsted Halloween
Parade & Costume Contest
$4,000 in Cash Prizes – After Party
Join us for the 23rd annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade & Costume Contest plus Awards & After Party, October 31, 7:30pm. $4,000 in cash prizes. Free to watch or participate, all ages. Starts at Halsted & Belmont and goes north to Halsted & Brompton.
7 Categories, Free to participate:
Scary | Drag | Creative | Youth | Cosplay | Group <10 | Large Group 10+
$500 Cash Prize in each category
Large Group Category = $1,000 Prize
Register for Parade & Costume Contest NOW
Aids Run Walk Chicago October 5th 2019
“Live True. Be You” at the 2019 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago
On Saturday, Oct. 5, advocates from across Chicago and beyond will gather to support those living with and vulnerable to HIV at the 2019 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago. Held at Soldier Field, the 18th annual event encourages participants to live true as they raise vital awareness and funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and 27 CommunityDirect partners. The proceeds benefit programs and services improving the lives of those affected by HIV and AIDS and other chronic conditions.
The event attracts thousands of participants annually, who gather at one of Chicago’s most iconic locations for the 5K walk and 5K and 10K runs. Participants travel a scenic route along Lake Michigan and finish at Soldier Field. This vibrant event will mobilize the community under the theme “Live true. Be you.”
“The theme this year continues to be “Live True. Be You”, as living each day authentically is a crucial part of embracing who we are as a community and showing how we can make a difference for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and AIDS,” said Dustin Erikstrup, AFC’s Senior Manager of Special Events. “It is important to live true and openly each day in this unpredictable climate. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides this safe space where people can express themselves.”
In addition to AFC, 27 community organizations serving Chicago’s HIV and AIDS population are also beneficiaries of the funds raised at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago as part of the CommunityDirect program. Participating CommunityDirect organizations kick off the event’s fundraising efforts by registering their own team for the 5K walk, 5K or 10K runs. Many of this year’s community partners have been involved in the event for years, providing opportunities for other organizations to participate and support its fundraising efforts.
AFC recently joined forces with the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and other statewide partners to launch Getting to Zero Illinois. This is a state-wide initiative to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030 with the help of community-based organizations, health care providers, local government agencies and local members of Illinois’ HIV community. The initiative focuses on increasing the current rates of PrEP (a daily prevention pill that is up to 99 percent effective when taken consistently and correctly) and other HIV treatments to attain fewer than 100 new HIV cases per year.
In Illinois, an estimated 45,000 people live with HIV or AIDS. AFC, along with community organizations and other partners, are working tirelessly to get this number down to zero through their advocacy and fundraising efforts. The AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides the ideal opportunity to raise money and awareness for and the groups and individuals who are working to combat the epidemic in Illinois.
Since its establishment in 2001, the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has raised more than $6 million to battle the epidemic. For more information or to participate, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946.
2019 CommunityDirect Partners
Michael Reese Care Program at Mercy
Chicago Recovery Alliance
Lurie SID
The Night Ministry
Agape Missions
Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago
Center on Halsted
Chicago House and Social Service Agency
AMITA Health Housing & Health Alliance
Legal Beagles (Legal Council for Health Justice)
Season of Concern
Open Door
Howard Brown
Sinai/Holy Cross Strolling Bones
SWOP – Chicago (Sex Workers Outreach Project)
CCHE (Chicago Center for HIV Elimination
Pride Action Tank
Men and Women in Prison Ministries
Catholic Charities
Mother and Child Alliance
Team CCHIP (Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center)
DANCE FOR LIFE CHICAGO
Erie Family Health Centers
Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus
Team Loyola
New Ages Services Corporation
Team HAI (Heartland Alliance International)
About AFC
About the AIDS Foundation of Chicago: AFC mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV or chronic conditions. AFC aspires to create a world in which people living with HIV or chronic conditions will thrive, and there will be no new HIV cases. More at: aidschicago.org.
Hästens Handmade Mattresses from Sweden now at Bloomingdales Chicago
Bloomingdales Now Proudly Representing Hästens Handmade Mattresses from Sweden
Hästens has a rich history running back through six generations and the journey to where they are now is one filled with passion, skill and the pursuit of making the best handcrafted beds in the world. The bond that ties all of Hästens together is their Spirit of Excellence, a way of working and thinking that brings you the best sleep you’ll ever have.
Hästens was born in Sweden in 1852 and from the day they made their first bed, natural materials have always played a fundamental role. In 1852 cotton, horsetail hair, wool and flax were superior to other materials and, surprisingly, even today… that remains the case. And, then as it is now, the best way to craft using these materials is by hand. This tradition of hand craftsmanship gives their bed makers a deeply rooted understanding and mastery of both their art, and the natural materials that are so crucial to its consolidation.
The Beds: 2000T – HERLEWING – EALA – MARANGA
Bloomingdales is so proud to now be representing Hästens in our Mattress Gallery located in our Medinah Home Store at 600 North Wabash Avenue. Please feel free to come in and feel for yourself what all the buzz is about! My name is Derrick Sorles, a Furniture and Mattress Specialist at Bloomingdales, please reach out and make an appointment and I am happy to showcase how Hästens Sleep Systems can change your life!
Honorary Ralphi Rosario Blvd on Halsted Street
Ralphi Rosario is a pioneering house music DJ, a Grammy Award-nominated producer and soon he’ll be a Chicago landmark.
This past Saturday the City of Chicago dedicated a portion of North Halsted Street in Boystown (By Hydrate nightclub) in honor of Ralphi “The Razz” Rosario, according to Go Pride. Rosario was instrumental in spreading the house music sound as the youngest member of the Hot Mix 5, and later was nominated for a Grammy for Best Remix with Abel Aguilera for their remix of the Rihanna hit “Only Girl (In The World).”
“I’ve never really been a person to hype anything that I’ve done,” Ralphi told 5 Mag in a 2012 cover story. “I’ve always believed that the music and remixes should speak for themselves. I personally do not like getting in people’s faces about WHY my stuff isn’t played or WHY I’m not getting recognized or WHY I didn’t get the remix work, etc.
“I didn’t begin in the business on the intent of winning anything; I did it because music is a very strong trait for me. But this does mean the world to me – to know that not only my peers but all the fans and listeners are thanking me in this gracious way… They’re listening! [laughs]”
Taste of Boystown September 24th
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Garden Chef Series September 15th
Chef Christopher Tong of My Private Chef, one of Chicagoland’s most versatile Chefs, will share one of his favorite recipes at Chicago Botanic Garden’s popular annual Garden Chef Series.
He will appear on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois.
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation, and come away with recipes that they can try at home. Chef Tong will give tips on ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste! Seating is limited and on a first-come, first served basis.
Chef’s Recipe: Cantaloupe, Bell Pepper and Basil Salad with spiced Shrimp
Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden and Garden Chef Series is free. For more information about this Garden Chef Series event and parking fees, please call 847.835.5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.
We hope top see you there!
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!”
One Night Only Special Dinner Sept 5th
Exclusive Maestro Dobel Agave Dinner
Thursday, September 5th, 2019 | 7:00 p.m. | Chicago
Nothing makes us happier than a good tequila cocktail…and this event has THREE!
We’ll spend the night dining and drinking on El Mariachi’s patio with special guest speaker and field brand specialist, Dean Stojanov from Maestra Dobel Tequila.
For only $50/person Dean will take Lakeview Supper Club members through a 3-course Agave Dinner (see above for menu). *Gratuity not included. Members can bring up to 4 guests at membership pricing.
The password to purchase tickets is: TeAmoTequila
> Click Here to Purchase Tickets!
Labor Day Weekend Brunch at El Mariachi
Labor Day weekend brunch! Voted best brunch in Lakeview! El Mariachi has an extensive menu to choose from + unlimited Mimosas for $25! Reservations recommended!
This family has been a part of the community since 1996. They serve quality, fresh and authentic food.
#delicious
El Mariachi Tequila Bar and Restaurant
3906 N Broadway, Chicago
Chicago Premiere of CASA VALENTINA by Harvey Fierstein
You can’t go wrong with a play written by Harvey Fierstein!
I mean, come on! He does no wrong!
Casa Valentina was written by Harvey Fierstein which premiered on Broadway in April 2014 and opened in London in September 2015.
Pride Films and Plays’ Chicago Premiere of CASA VALENTINA, by Harvey Fierstein, one of the giants of gay writing and stagecraft of our time. CASA VALENTINA was nominated for a Tony Award® for Best Play. Pride Films and Plays Artistic Associate Michael D. Graham directs this delightful ensemble.
CASA VALENTINA is set in 1962, in an inconspicuous bungalow colony in New York’s Catskill Mountains that caters to a very special clientele: cis-gender straight men who delight in dressing and acting as women while away on vacation. These white-collar professionals discreetly escape their regular routines to spend certain weekends safely inhabiting their chosen female alter-egos. But given the opportunity to share their secret lives with the world, the members of this hidden society must decide whether the freedom gained by openness is worth the risk of personal ruin.
Read our playbill here! Buy tickets here!
Based on real events and infused with Fierstein’s trademark wit, this moving, insightful, and delightfully entertaining work offers a glimpse into the lives of a group of “self-made women” as they search for acceptance and happiness in their very own Garden of Eden. While the characters of CASA VALENTINA are not men who identify as gay, it continues Pride Films and Plays’ exploration of all things gender related, that are essential viewing for all audiences.
Graham’s cast will include Patrick Byrnes (seen most recently in FROST/NIXON at Redtwist Theatre) as George/Valentina and Nicholia Q. Aguirre (HOME ON THE LAKE with Piven Theatre) as George’s wife Rita, the proprietors of Casa Valentina. Danne W. Taylor, who played “The Playwright” – a character inspired by Tennessee Williams in Pride Films and Plays’ HIS GREATNESS – will be Charlotte. Also in the cast are Kingsley Day (City Lit’s TWO DAYS IN COURT) as Theodore/Terry, Michael Hagedorn (THE LIAR with Promethean Theatre Ensemble) as Albert/Bessie, Robert Koon (FUN HARMLESS WARMACHINE for The New Colony) as Judge/Amy, Micah Kronlokken (HOLDING THE MAN for Pride Films and Plays) as Jonathan/Miranda, Josh Marshall (MACBETH with Saltbox Theatre Collective) as Michael/Gloria, and BethAnn Smukowski (THE FRONT PAGE with St. Sebastian Players) as Eleanor. Jessica Goforth and Casey Coppess are understudies.
CASA VALENTINA By Harvey Fierstein
Directed by Michael Graham.
NOW thru September 29, 2019
Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 5 pm.
Premium seats $40, general admission seats $30, student/senior/military $25 (not valid Saturdays)
Pride Arts Center – the Broadway, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago
Tickets available by phone at 866-811-4111 or 773-857-0222 or online at www.pridefilmsandplays.com
Pride Films and Plays produces a year-round festival of work centered on LGBTQ characters or themes that are essential viewing for all. Since opening Pride Arts Center in 2016, with our two intimate spaces, Pride Films and Plays is in many ways the center of queer programming in the Midwest thanks to our award-winning full productions, cabarets, film fests, new play development and special events. Founded in 2010, Pride Films and Plays has earned 36 Jeff Recommendations and Awards.
Working with a small staff, a great group of dedicated artists, and a devoted board, Pride Films and Plays continues to bridge LGBTQ history to works of the most exciting new writers.
Glitzy Show Bar Restaurant LIPS Chicago Opens!
The ULTIMATE in DRAG DINING has arrived in Chicago!
WOWZA! Gorgeous place and fantastic food and drink! Opulence, darling!
Locations in New York City, San Diego, Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, now we can experience America’s #1 DRAG SHOW EXPERIENCE for over 25 years at Lips Chicago.
Lips offers nightly drag queen shows and dining experience with full bar. Every night a different drag queen show including celebrity impersonators in Dinner with the Divas, Twisted Broadway, Celebrity Divas and Dragalicious Gospel Brunch on Sunday. Grand Opening Weekend was sold out!
Not only do they offer the best in drag queen entertainment, but an exquisite menu from lobster ravioli, Filet Mignon to our chocolate sin dessert and more!
Little Goat Diner’s Tom J Schmitt is the executive chef! Everything I tasted was wonderful. They offer a VIP Prix Fixe menu option for $39.95 or you can order al carte. – Cover charge and minimums depend on what night you attend.
Lips offers an amazing ALL YOU CAN DRINK Drag Gospel Boozy Brunch in Chicago every Sunday for $30! Reservations for any night, are always required!
Lips is a Las Vegas-style drag wonderland with Four massive eight-foot crystal chandeliers that dangle overhead, offsetting pink leopard tufted walls, velvet curtains, and a bevy of bejeweled mirrors. The venue’s stage features a throne — the performers are queens, after all. The 8,000 square-foot space seats 174, so diners should expect a crowd.
Featuring primarily local talent, Lips’ queens will not only serve up a great show – they will also serve you dinner. Doubling as lively waitresses, the entertainers will take orders and deliver meals with a special side of camp, giving every audience member a front-row seat to the nightly show, which will include lip syncing, live vocals, bawdy humor, choreographed numbers and campy comedy.
2229 S Michigan Ave 312-815-2662!
Cat Film Festival in Chicago September 10
For those who love cats, a special film program, The Cat Film Festival, will be at the Century Centre 7 and Highland Park theaters on Tuesday Sept. 10. Showtime and programs are listed below.
The festival celebrates our love for cats, illustrated through film. Unlike Internet video festivals, these programs are works of art, thoughtfully curated by pet wellness expert and champion, Tracie Hotchner.
The Cat Film Festival is an exploration through film of the fascinating felines who share our lives, creating a shared audience experience that inspires, educates and entertains. For far too long, cats have been the “invisible” part of the human-animal bond and it’s time to shine the spotlight on these magnificent creatures and the humans devoted to them. The Cat Film Festival enhances our appreciation and understanding of how cats share our world, while benefiting cat welfare nationwide.
Tuesday, September 10, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
A portion of every ticket benefits local animal welfare organizations Treehouse Humane and Save a Pet.To purchase tickets or for more information: www.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:
The Cat Film Festival 2019 (2 Hours)
[The films are free of physical or verbal abuse toward people or animals. The only tears you might shed would be tears of joy for happy endings. The programs are designed for adult audiences but can be enjoyed by all members of the family, including mature children.]
The Pet Effect (2:00) Prescription: cat; Little Works of Art (13:00) Kim Best’s look at Harold “Cat Man” Sims and his self-styled American Museum of the House Cat in Sylva, NC, which houses over 10,000 cat-related objects and honors cats as “little works of art”; Art’s Automotive (6:00 )Erik Dumas’ animated tale of an orphaned kitten who bonds with an automotive repair robot in the future; Akamatsu the Cat (10:00) Ian Christopher Goodman’s documentary about life with a disabled kitty cat, Akamatsu, who was paralyzed but went on to live another 4 vibrant years with the use of a wheelchair; Pure Fluff (4:00) Sean Skelton’s documentary sketch of a professional cat groomer in New York City, who shows how to tackle this combative challenge; Winter Break (5:00) Rick Hamilton’s look at the thoughts of a school teacher who has only her cat for company during winter break; Guardians of Recoleta (21:00) Blake & Adrienne Kuhre (who run their own non-profit cat rescue in Los Angeles) examine the community cats living in the iconic Buenos Aires Recoleta cemetery, and what became of some kitties removed by well-meaning American rescuers; Scaredy, the Cat (8:00) Markie Hancock’s heartwarming documentary about a very shy cat who was adopted at the tennis courts in NYC’s Riverside park but avoids everyone except for a few choice people whom she eagerly greets; Marnie: The Cat Guru (2:00) Anca Vlasan’s philosophical tabby cat expounds on the meaning of life and happiness; Cat Nation: A Film About Japan’s Crazy Cat Culture (26:00) Tim Delmastro’s documentary about Japan’s extraordinary love of kitty cats; Instagram Cat Mom (5:00) Jess Spawn’s mockumentary takes us behind the scenes on the lengths people might go to for the purrfect photo to post online; Samantha and the Rock Cats (11:00) Jacob Feiring’s documentary follows a woman who travels the country with her cat show; Mittens from Kittens (4:00) Kim Best’s documentary shows how one woman was inspired by the nuisance of cat hair into spinning and knitting it into useful item; Beth Is Not a Cat (3:00) Beth is not a cat, but looks like one, which perplexes her orange tabby.
*Program subject to change without notice
About the Festival Founder
In 2015 the first NY Dog Film Festival™ premiered in New York City to a sold out theater. In 2017 the first annual NY Cat Film Festival™ followed suit, both events growing out of Tracie Hotchner’s desire as a pet wellness advocate to expand her Radio Pet Lady™ Network’s outreach to educate the public about adoption, health issues and philosophical aspects of pets in our lives. Today, both festivals travel the country, delighting pet lovers everywhere.
Hotchner is a nationally acclaimed pet wellness advocate, who wrote THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know as well as THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know. She is recognized as a thought leader in improving the lives of companion animals and is the premiere voice for pets and their people on pet talk radio.
She produced and hosted her own live, call-in show CAT CHAT® for over 7 years on the Martha Stewart channel of Sirius/XM until the channel was canceled. Tracie then created her own Radio Pet Lady™ Network, where she still produces and co-hosts CAT CHAT® along with 10 other pet talk radio podcasts with top veterinarians and pet experts.
Tracie continues to produce and host her own Gracie® Award winning NPR show DOG TALK® (and Kitties, Too!) from Peconic Public Broadcasting in the Hamptons after more than 12 consecutive years and 575 shows.
Boystown Rainbows get Landmark Status
CBS2 Chicago – “The Chicago City Council on Wednesday officially designated the rainbow pylons and Legacy Walk on the Boystown strip of North Halsted Street as a landmark.
The designation was part of a package of legislation that had been advanced by the Zoning and Landmarks Committee, chaired by Ald. Tom Tunney (44th).
Tunney was joined by LGBTQ activists Victor Salvo, Lori Cannon and Rick Garcia for the designation.
“I wanted to say the designation will make the Legacy Walk and the rainbow pylon streetscape the only multi-acre site in the world to be declared a landmark because of its importance to the LGBT people,” Tunney said at the City Council meeting Wednesday.
Ten pairs of 25-foot pylons featuring the rainbow Pride flag colors stand along Halsted Street between Belmont Avenue and Grace Street. Each pylon has a bronze memorial plaque that commemorates the legacy of notable LGBT individuals and groups.”
DID YOU KNOW???
those 20-foot bronze sculptures, and their rainbow rings, lining North Halsted Street were erected (!) by then Mayor Daley. In 1998 they officially designated the area a gay ’hood as part of his Neighborhoods Alive program. Sure, these faux-futuristic structures are both noticeably phallic (what were they thinking?) and almost superfluous in today’s increasingly gay-friendly world. But back in the late ’90s, this was a big deal.
“When Chicago designated Halsted Street as a gay neighborhood and put up the pylons, that was the first time a U.S. city had officially designated a neighborhood as being ‘gay,’ ” says William Greaves, director for the city’s advisory council on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. “It was groundbreaking.”
To ensure Chicago’s claim in queer history, Daley withstood outcries from straight residents, who argued a gay ghetto would lower their property values (uh, more like raise them!), and even from gay folks, who feared outing the ’hood could cause a spike in gay bashing. But everything worked out just fine!
The BEST Parties for Chicago Market Days
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NOT TO BE MISSED! WATCH!
Chicago Market Days 2019 Aug 10-11
Northalsted Market Days® is the largest street festival in the Midwest and Chicago’s hottest summer celebration, August 10-11, 2019.
The 38th annual Northalsted Market Days® is a weekend long festival celebrating life & community in Chicago’s historic Boystown/Lakeview district. The 1/2 mile long festival features all-day lineups of live music on 5 stages, 200+ unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJ’s and dancing, sponsor booths, and more!
Featuring live performances by Daya, Icona Pop, Sheila E, Deborah Cox, Jake Shears and more.
Admission: $10 Suggested Donation – All Ages
Location: Boystown on Halsted Street from Belmont to Addison
Hours: 11am – 10pm, August 10-11, 2019
Public Transportation: A short walk away from the CTA Belmont Red/Brown/Purple Line Station or the CTA Addison Red Line Station
Weather: Open rain or shine, please be advised that severe conditions may delay or cancel performances
Security: No large bags/backpacks allowed, all bags will be inspected prior to entry. No coolers or outside beverages.
Cirques Volta – Final Days!
LAST CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE THE HIGH ENERGY AND ACROBATIC WONDERS OF ‘VOLTA’ IN CHICAGO!
Cirque du Soleil’s new Big Top production leaves
Soldier Field’s South Lot on Saturday, July 6
VOLTA, Cirque du Soleil’s newest Big Top production, has less than two weeks left at Soldier Field’s South Lot, 461 E. 18th Drive, with its final performance being held on Saturday, July 6, 2019. VOLTA is the 25th Cirque du Soleil production to visit Chicago and marks the 30th Anniversary of Cirque du Soleil’s first engagement here in 1989 (with Cirque Réinventé).
Cirque du Soleil’s commitment goes beyond the performance, as it aims to positively impact people, communities and the planet with its best assets: art and creativity. During its stay in Chicago, more than 500 VOLTA tickets were donated to eight local organizations geared towards at-risk youth, including Children First Funds, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago and Golden Key Youth Services, and a recent Pride Night performance donated 15% of ticket sales revenue to Equality Illinois.
Following the Chicago engagement, the VOLTA company of 50 acrobats, actors, singers and musicians—along with the 71 trucks transporting the 2,000 tons of equipment needed to set-up VOLTA’s tents and stage—will head to Tysons II in Washington, DC where they will perform a limited engagement under the Big Top from July 26 – September 8, 2019.
The show
Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score, composted by Anthony Gonzalez from the international electronic group M83, and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgement of others.
Tickets for the remaining Chicago performances are available for purchase by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/volta or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Discover the Hennessy Black VIP Experience packagewhich includes a cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’oeuvres inspired by the show, access to the best seats for greater comfort, complimentary parking, and more!
Experience Barefoot Walking!
