Vote for Your Favorite Window and Win $$$

Two weeks to vote for your favorite window on North Halsted!
Getting Into Face with JoJo Baby and Sal-E

Legendary club kid, doll maker, makeup artist, costumer, and penis-sculpture enthusiast JoJo Baby costars with his clubbing companion, Sal-E, in Bernard Colbert’s lush new 12″ x 12″ coffee-table book Getting into Face: 52 Mondays Featuring Jojo Baby and Sal-e
(Schiffer).
For 17 years, Bernard has been perfecting his craft, working in the field of commercial and advertising photography.
‘In the vibrant community where I live and work, I find what I have
always been searching for- a sublime energy. Nightlife activity blends
with the arts and diversity of self expression abounds. Here, I can
freely pursue my dream: to document and celebrate that spark within,
which defines the unique nature of our human experience.’
performance artists JoJo Baby and Sal-E use their bodies as canvases to
become inspired and whimsical conceptual characters, executed with
expert skill using original, theatrical makeup and costumes. In more
than 100 portraits, photographer Bernard Colbert rigorously captures
these two performance artists in genius moments as psychedelic Hindi
gods, comic book villains, fantastical creatures, astronauts, and much,
much more.
Colbert’s stunning portraits document these delightful
transformations over a five-year period and are the same body of work
featured in the Clive Barker documentary titled JoJo Baby. Through
Colbert’s collaboration with JoJo and Sal, viewers can experience a
front row seat to an ongoing show which has been entertaining club goers
in Chicago for two decades. This is a portfolio for the visually
adventuress and fans of true creative vision.

Every Monday night, JoJo Baby with friend Sal-E have gone to work as
hosts of Chicago’s largest and longest running house-music dance party,
the Boom Boom Room, which is currently on hiatus from its usual location
at Green Dolphin St., 2220 N. Ashland Ave., while the building
undergoes renovation. It took the duo hours to prepare, and Colbert was
there every week to capture the endlessly entertaining process. He said
he usually only had 10 to 15 minutes to photograph them before they went
on stage.
“Sometimes they would show up and I would look at what they were
wearing and try and quickly comprehend what they were up to, because
sometimes it’s high concept and it’s not obvious right away,” Colbert
said. “It’s interesting right away, but it’s like, ‘What the heck is
going on?’ So I scramble and try and make it happen.”
Colbert, who took courses in commercial photography at Columbia from
1989–1991, said he loves portrait photography and has been drawn to
performers such as models, musicians and athletes—people who are both
interesting and like being photographed.
The combination of unplanned imagination and spontaneity kept Colbert
continually inspired. He said the most successful images captured an
indescribable magic that would often occur.
“It was something that would elevate it from an interesting time to
really high art, and it’s something that fascinates me,” Colbert said.
“It feels elusive, but when you find that you can do it time and time
again, it’s really fun to keep trying to do it.”
The book will also be available at local
bookstores in Chicago and Amazon.com.
Getting into Face: 52 Mondays Featuring Jojo Baby and Sal-e
Roka Akor Steak and Sushi Welcomes Winter with Special Menu

Roka Akor Steak & Sushi, 456 N. Clark Street, proudly presents Executive Chef Ce Bian’s six-course kaiseki, $85.00, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner balancing the taste, texture, appearance and colors of cuisine.
Celebrate the winter season with artistic Japanese cuisine and culture featuring the premiere fresh seasonal, natural and local ingredients. This new seasonal menu will launch with the Winter Solstice, on December 21, 2012 and end with Spring’s start, March 20, 2013.

First Course: Oyster Trio; Kumamoto with ponzu mignonette, fresh chive, lime; Hama Hama Tempura with chile ginger, parsley puree, shaved vegetables; Roasted oyster with yuzu koshu soy butter. – These are all AMAZING! I got a taste the other night, and thought nI had died and went to heaven!
· Second Course: Flame Seared Uni Nigiri; Truffled Hotate Nigiri; Chef’s Special Sashimi Selection.
· Third Course: Gobo Soup with root vegetables.
· Fourth Course: Robata Grilled Alaskan Halibut with chile miso butter, parsnip chips and micro green salad.
· Fifth Course: Robata grilled Wagyu confit Short Rib with truffle maitake mushroom; Robata grilled Sweet potato with ginger teriyaki sauce.
· Dessert: Apple tartar with Fig puree, and Sancho pepper cream; Toasted Rice Ice Cream.

Roka Akor, voted one of the Top 10 Sushi Spots in the United States by Bon Appétit
magazine, is a stylish Prime steak and sushi restaurant that features
Robatayaki style “open charcoal” cuisine.
For Chef Ce Bian’s dining room
menu, the freshest fish is flown in daily, and sushi and sashimi are
carefully handpicked by region and seasonality. The menu also features a
variety of succulent steak cuts including Prime Rib Eye with Wafu
Dressing and Prime New York Strip Loin with Truffle Aioli, as well as
the highest quality of domestic and Australian Wagyu Beef. Inside the
Sake & Shochu Lounge — Roka Akor’s informal, yet sophisticated
dining environment — guests can feast on a selection of Japanese small
plates, which are designed for sharing.
Roka Akor,
owned by JNK Concepts, is located in the heart of Chicago’s River North
neighborhood at 456 N. Clark. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday
through Friday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served
Sunday through Wednesday from 5 to 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday
from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Sake & Shochu Lounge is open Sunday
through Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m.
to 2 a.m. and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. For more information about
Roka Akor, please call (312) 477-7652 or visit www.rokaakor.com or the restaurant’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Big Gay Brunch Club Chicago Does EL MARIACHI for a Holiday Brunch Special

ANOTHER AMAZING
12-16-12
Mariachi Salad with Guajillo-Agave Vinaigrette
Chilaquiles con Huevo a la Mexicana y Queso
Scrambled eggs
Taquitos de Papa con Chorizo
Pollo a la Mexicana
Garlic-Epazote Rustic Potatoes
Primavera Rice
Salsa de 4 Chiles & Guaca Salsa
Kahlua 3 Leches Cake
Unlimited mimosas, Mexican Coffee and soft drinks
Homemade Chocolate Abuelita (Hot Chocolate)
$30 Per Person includes tax, gratuity and cash only.

TPAN Barlesque Winners Announced


RECORD BREAKING FUNDRAISING
Online
“Strip-a-thon” raises almost $26,000;
Winner is Mark from Jackhammer
Contestants representing a dozen
bars and restaurants competed for the title of “
Network’s (TPAN) fifth Bar-lesque fundraising event and online strip-a-thon
which took place during the month of November. Bars competing in the contest included
Avenue Tavern, Downtown Bar and Lounge, DS Tequila, Co., Halsted’s Bar and
Grill, Hydrate, Jackhammer, The Lucky Horseshoe Lounge, Minibar, The North End,
Sidetrack, Taverna 750, and Touché. In total, the bars and contestants raised
$25,841 to support TPAN’s HIV programs and services.
The online competition ended promptly at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, November
30. The winner was named shortly after midnight on Saturday, December 1st
at the Closing/Victory Party held at The North End. Contestant Mark,
representing Jackhammer, was named “
Sexiest,” for raising $8,297,(photo 1) the most ever raised by a single contestant in
the contest’s five-year history.

The runner-up was Edwin, representing Avenue
Tavern, (photo 2) who raised $4,558.
Third place went to Kenny,(my favorite bartender – at one of my favorite bars! photo 3) representing DowntownBar and Lounge, who raised $3,130.
For more information about the 12
contestants and to see their sexy photos, visit www.barlesque.org. Donations are
still accepted online, but will not affect the contest winners.
WATCH for CHICAGO TAKES OFF 2013! The sexiest show of the year that ALWAYS sells out!!!
About TPAN
TPAN is the
oldest peer-led HIV/AIDS social service organization in
everyone living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS to live open, healthy, and
productive lives. TPAN delivers innovative peer-led support programs and
collaborative wellness services and communicates accurate, comprehensive
information. TPAN will do so until HIV/AIDS is eradicated.
$500 Poster Contest for 2013 Gay Six Flags Event

“Out in the Park” at Six Flags Great America returns in 2013 with a BANG!
500 Posters and 30,000 Postcards will be printed and distributed in
Chicagoland, Wisconsin, parts of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Indiana!
Plus we’ll have ads and banners on websites everywhere including
Facebook. Your name will be on everything, giving the artist amazing exposure!

- The competition is open to all interested artists and graphic designers.
- All submissions must be received before the deadline to be considered in the competition.
- There is no limit to the number of submissions entered.
- There is no cost to submit.
- Entries will be accepted from individuals, collaborative teams, or design firms, with prize money being split between the entrants listed on the submission.
- The winner will be given credit for design on artwork to include a name or website reference on all printed material and on www.BestGayChicago.com, www.GaySixFlagsChicago.com and other websites that run the official press release.
The winning design as chosen by BestGayChicago.com will receive $500 and 2 tickets to the “Out In The Park” at Six Flags Great America 2013 Celebration ($80.00 Value).
*This was the BACK of last years postcard – we’ll be looking to totally redesign the back, with much less information:

Tickets for admission to the park are $39 includes FREE PARKING! A portion of all tickets sold will benefit (Charity TBD 2/1/13).

BestGayChicago.com is looking for artwork and a design that immediately grab your attention visually and look like something REALLY FUN that you feel compelled to buy a ticket for , grab some friends and get out and have a BLAST!
Entries must include:
- OUT IN THE PARK official logo
- BestGayChicago.com official logo
- All text necessary to create the sell message
- Additional sponsor/media partner logos
- Beyond bright and colorful!
- Use of park ride(s) and feeling of fun and/or movement
- The rest is up to you and your vision!
Entries will be judged using the following criteria:
- Overall impact of eye-catching appeal
- Visual attractiveness
- Ability to draw the viewer in
- Clear and concise messaging
- Appropriateness of graphics used
- Off the-chart creativity
- Must be appropriate for all ages.
Include your name, address, email and phone number on with each submission to
BestGayCities (at) gmail (dot) com.
All submissions will be judged based on content, appeal and marketability. The decisions of the judges will be final.
Guidelines are as follows:
Poster:
– Size 11″ X 17″ Entries should be developed at least 300dpi, but can be submitted at a lower resolution.
– Final winner will submit 300dpi PDF – and be able to tool poster theme into postcard size and various sized ads.
– Must be original artwork. Do not submit copyrighted work. BE CAREFUL using stock images for rides that do not exist at Six Flags Great America. We can not show a full ride image, of a ride that does not exist. However, you could cut out portions of a generic ride and riders, if needed.
Michael or Derrick 773-878-5323
Holiday Gifts Galore at Randolph Market Dec 15-16

Get your holiday shopping and party planning off to the
right start with wares in all price ranges, from thrifty to extravagant, and
not to mention the brilliant ideas you’ll get in regards to your own holiday
displays.
You will discover fabulous keepsakes from embroidered hankies to
estate jewelry with everything in between. Timeless antiques and modern
treasures including vintage and indie fashion, furniture, jewelry, art,
decorative objects, house wares, and more will make this holiday show a
memorable experience. Get a jump on the holiday season, beginning with vintage
cheer spanning the decades!

Have all your holiday decorating, party planning, fashion and entertaining questions answered by the vintage kings and queens at the Randolph Street Market’s 6th Annual Holiday Market, December 15 and 16.
The Randolph Street Market is the perfect one stop shop for your holiday needs when it comes to tabletop, indoor/outdoor décor, holiday fashion and jewelry, and so much more. Make this season as unique as the selection of wares you’ll find at the market with free giftwrap on site and free furniture delivery in Chicago.
Randolph Street’s 6th Annual Holiday Market
WHEN:
Saturday, December 15– 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday, December 16– 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
WHERE:
Beaux Arts Plumber’s Hall, 1340 W. Washington Street, Chicago FREE PARKING in huge onsite parking lot only steps away from entrance
PRICE: Discounted $8 tickets are available in advance (click here); general admission $10, students with ID $3 or $5 at the gate. Children 12 and under free.
NEW IN 2012: Every paid admission gets a $5 or $10 shopping voucher good toward purchases. For more information, visit www.randolphstreetmarket.com
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Francesca’s Forno’s Drag Showcase Returns Monday, December 10th, 7-9PM!
calendars!

Back by popular demand, it’s Drag Mondays in Wicker Park at
Forno this time with “The Drag Queen Who
Stole Christmas” featuring spectacular,
live performances from superstars Mimi Marks, Mercedes Tyler (pictured above in photos not large enough to fit in full-on hair), Sasha Colby and
Tajma Hall (pictured below with reasonably sized back-dos).

and get in the spirit with these FABULOUS ladies performances and perhaps enjoy
the wine flight specials of the evening and the Chef’s selection of Artisanal cheeses
and Charcuterie!
priced, authentically Northern Italian food is ALL freshly made from scratch
with seasonal ingredients. The menu is stacked with amazing dishes that are
perfect for sharing.

From lighter salads and appetizers to comforting Paninis, pasta
dishes and FAB pizzas, truly something for every taste and appetite.
Of course,
stellar entrées featuring top grade fish, meats and poultry are expertly
prepared and available as well.
Weekend brunch at Forno is the place to see and be seen
in Wicker Park while sipping a handcrafted cocktail or special-recipe Mimosa.
Francesca’s restaurants, the staff is engaging, knowledgeable and always
willing to go the extra mile for you.
So what are you
waiting for? Gather up your friends and call (773) 770-0184 and RSVP Today!
Monday, December
10th, 7-9PM See you there!
North Halsted Window Walk Dec. 8th

The Northalsted Window Walk.
This
holiday season when you buy a Northlasted Gift Card, you automatically
get an extra 20% value on your card. For example, purchase a $100 gift
card and get $120 on your card!
The best part? The Northalsted Gift Cards can be used at over 70 locations on North Halsted between Belmont and Broadway. Click here to buy your giftcard today.
They always sell out, so get yours before they’re gone!
Seasons Greetings and Tax Season

Season’s Greetings and Happy Holidays!

Final Days to catch Scrooge and Marley in Chicago

Scrooge & Marley is a modern day variation on Charles Dickens’
classic story of the holidays, “A Christmas Carol.” On Christmas Eve,
Ben Scrooge, the man who hates the holidays, is given the chance to
begin again when he is visited by three spirits – the Ghosts of
Christmas Past, Present and Future. Revisiting the tragic missteps of
his life enables Scrooge to rediscover the joy of the holiday season and
make a journey back to love. Recounted from a gay sensibility with
heart, comedy and music, the magic of Dickens’ timeless tale comes alive
from a fresh perspective that will appeal to audiences of all
persuasions.
I urge you to support this wonderful independent film! It is very well done with excellent acting and SURE TO BRING A TEAR TO YOUR EYE! It is such an awesome cast loaded with great original music!
Ebenezer Scrooge- David
Pevsner
Jacob Marley’s Ghost – Tim
Kazurinsky
Freda – Rusty Schwimmer
Fezziwig – Bruce Vilanch
Terry, Ghost of Christmas Present – Megan Cavanagh
Colin – Richard Ganoung
Bob Cratchit – David
Moretti
Randy, Ghost of Christmas Past – Ronnie Kroell
Young Ebenezer Scrooge – Drew
Anderson
Young Jacob Marley – Nicholas
Bailey
FINAL DAYS Bat the MUSIC BOX
in Chicago…
✴ Dec. 4, Tuesday, 2:30 p.m.
✴ Dec. 5, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. Benefit for Lambda Legal of Chicago
✴ Dec. 6, Thursday, 2:30 p.m.
later this month –
Dec. 21, Friday, 8:15 p.m. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street, Chicago, IL http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org
Dec. 22, Saturday at 7:45 p.m. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street, Chicago, IL http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org
Dec. 27, Thursday, 7:45 p.m. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street, Chicago, IL http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org
You can even buy the DVD NOW!
AIDS Foundation Chicago Need2KnowHIV

More than 20,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Chicago – three times the national prevalence rate.
In some Chicago neighborhoods, HIV rates have climbed to a staggering 53 percent in recent years.
That’s why the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is marking this World AIDS Day by announcing a new campaign called
Need2Know HIV, an initiative to educate people about the importance of HIV testing.
In
partnership with Abbott, a Chicago-headquartered global health care
company, AFC is using social media platforms such as Facebook and
Twitter to increase awareness and encourage conversation
about testing. The campaign began on World AIDS Day, December 1, and
continues through the month.
What sets Need2Know HIV
apart from other HIV testing campaigns? It highlights the importance of
diagnosing HIV in its earliest stages, as well as ongoing viral load
molecular testing
for those living with HIV.
Unfortunately,
many HIV-positive people are not diagnosed in the early phase of the
disease — when they are most contagious — and unknowingly spread the
virus to others. Testing is critical
to stopping the spread of HIV, though many people are not getting
tested and may not realize significant advances in testing technology
that are now available.
“It’s
simple: we can’t end AIDS without a stronger commitment to HIV testing,
and that starts with educating people about the importance of testing
to know their status and manage HIV,” said
David Ernesto Munar, AFC president/CEO.
People can show their support and educate others by visiting and “liking” the
Need2Know HIV campaign on Facebook, Munar said.
New
diagnostic testing allows individuals to know within two weeks of
exposure if they are infected. The newest HIV combo tests can detect
both antigens (the actual HIV virus) and antibodies
to HIV (the body’s response to fight the virus). HIV combo tests allow
people to know their status weeks sooner than they potentially could
with traditional antibody-only HIV tests.
For
those individuals who live with HIV, monitoring the disease plays a key
role in their overall treatment. Ongoing viral load molecular tests help
patients and their health care providers
monitor the response of the virus to antiretroviral drug treatments,
helping to guide treatment decisions.
Earlier
detection provides information to help people make decisions that may
reduce risky behavior. It also allows people who are HIV positive to
start on antiretroviral therapy sooner, which
benefits long-term health and may also reduce HIV transmission rates by
96 percent.
“For
nearly 30 years, Abbott has been committed to fighting HIV by developing
important tests and therapies for patients,” said Brian Blaser,
executive vice president, Diagnostics Products,
Abbott. “Our commitment to HIV continues today as we partner together
to launch efforts such as
Need2Know HIV to help educate people about the critical role testing can play in stemming the tide of this virus.”
People can learn more by visiting the AFC’s
website and
Facebook page.
Special Holiday Sale and Party Dec. 5th

invite you to Celebrate the Holidays and Shop LOCAL.
2 of our favorite new small businesses at one Boystown address!
MEBLE Design Studio & Vanite’ Paul Mitchell Focus Salon
Meet and greet the dynamic mother-daughter duo Agnes & Danuta at Meble Design where they sell antiques, artwork, unique interior design pieces, upholstery and accent items – all AMAZINGLY PRICED.
From pictures and accents to couches and chairs – it’s ALL HERE!
Need a custom piece created or have an item you would like refurbished, updated or bedazzled? That’s their specialty!
ALL guests will enjoy 30% off store items or services discussed during this special event!

ALSO, meet Kinley Preston and her staff at the brand new Vanite Paul Mitchell Hair Salon for men & women.
Kinley will be on hand showing off her gorgeous new salon space and you can pick up Paul Mitchell samples and ENJOY 30% OFF all Paul Mitchell products.
PLUS, everyone gets a BestGayChicago.com swag bag of goodies, just for stopping by!
Come have some wine and cheese and shop and mingle!
Please RSVP, if you can.
Its an Open House event party 5-9pm, so stop in and peruse and mingle anytime convenient and bring a friend.
But if you do stop by during the day, just mention BestGayChicago.com and the 30% off special will apply.
It is so important that we are aware of the small businesses in our community so that we can refer them to friends and support and shop local when we can so that they continue to be in business in the future.
3161 North Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60657











































