Camp Wannakiki Hits YouTube

Summer Camp is a Drag!

The premise is simple… take eight drag queens to see who can last the week at an actual Summer Camp and claim the crown “Queen of Camp!” CAMP WANNAKIKI is a new drag reality show airing on YouTube.

This hilarious new show features eight of the campiest campers in the Midwest (O’laysia Prime, Dominique DeGrant, VajayJ Snappinturtle, Pagan Holladay, Sylvia Nixx, Alexis P Bevels, Muffy Fishbasket and C’est Kevvie), along with kooky Camp Counselor Dear Ruthie and Camp Directors Apple Brown Betty and Cherry Pi!

Each episode reprises a day at camp, where campers perform various activities best suited for 10 year olds, as opposed to grown-ass drag queens.   Tune in for the hilarity that ensues!

This entertaining competition keeps the focus on fun and friendship, while giving drama and backstabbing the cold shoulder, as was the goal of creators and producers Ashley and Brandon Wright.

The Wrights are real life twin brothers and drag life twin sisters Apple Brown Betty and Cherry Pi Sugarbaker.  The twins are also co-owners of Hamburger Mary’s International, and were recently featured on the hit CBS show “Undercover Boss.”  Going on 20 locations, Mary’s is known not only for their gourmet burgers, but also for putting on great drag shows across the country.

Let’s Eat, drink and be “Mary” this summer at Camp Wannakiki!

Follow  the campy fun on YouTube

Camp Wannakiki   FB  page

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AIDS Run Walk Chicago Sept 23rd

2018 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago Encourages Community to “Live True. Be You.”

On Sunday, Sept. 23, HIV advocates from across Chicago will live true at the 2018 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago. Held at Soldier Field, the 17th annual event will raise awareness and funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and 34 CommunityDirect partners, with proceeds benefiting programs and services improving the lives of Chicagoans living with and vulnerable to HIV.

Approximately, 2,500 participants gathered last year to participate in one of the city’s most vibrant annual runs and walks. This year’s event will mobilize the community under the theme “Live true. Be you.”

“When individuals live authentically and are encouraged to share their truth and stories, it fosters a sense of community, understanding and acceptance,” explains Dustin Erikstrup, AFC’s Senior Manager of Special Events. “In this unpredictable political climate, it is important to live openly, unapologetically and free from stigma. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides that safe place for participants to express themselves freely.”

AFC isn’t the only beneficiary of this event; 34 community organizations serving Chicago’s South, West and North sides, as well as surrounding counties, are beneficiaries of the funds raised at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago as part of the CommunityDirect program. To kick off the race’s fundraising efforts, each participating organization will be entering their own team into the 5K walk or the 5K and 10K runs. Many CommunityDirect partners have been a part of AIDS Run & Walk Chicago for a number of years, which provides many opportunities for organizations to participate.

Recently, AFC, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and other statewide partners launched the planning phase for the Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) campaign. The goal of this state-wide joint initiative is to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030 through partnerships with community-based organizations, health care providers, local government agencies and local members of the Illinois’ HIV community. If Illinois increases current rates of PrEP (a daily prevention pill that is up to 99 percent effective when taken consistently and correctly) and HIV treatment substantially, Illinois can reach fewer than 100 new HIV cases per year. The epidemic will then be unable to sustain itself, reaching, “functional zero.”

Approximately 43,500 Illinoisans are living with HIV, and AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides the perfect opportunity to raise money to support those in the community and help end the stigma around HIV.

Since its 2001 acquisition by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the event has netted more than $5 million to battle the epidemic. For more information or to participate, visitaidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946.

The pre-registration deadline is just a few weeks away!

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Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon September 14th!

The Chicago House Speaker Series Luncheon never disappoints!  This year  I am SO EXCITED,  two people  I think  are just fantastic, Wanda Sykes and Adam  Rippon  will be speaking  September 14, 2018!

I think everyone knows  both of these names. Neither needs much an introduction.

In November 2008,  Wanda Sykes publicly came out as a lesbian while at a same-sex marriage rally in Las Vegas regarding Proposition 8. Her career was really just taking off.  A month earlier, Sykes had married her partner Alex Niedbalski, a French woman, whom she had met in 2006. The couple also became parents on April 27, 2009, when Alex gave birth to a pair of fraternal twins, daughter Olivia Lou and son Lucas Claude.

Wanda  was not planning to come out publicly as a lesbian during her impromptu 2008 speech in Las Vegas. But she did!

“When I came out, it wasn’t a planned thing at all. It was a national day of protest against the passage of Prop 8,” Sykes says in an exclusive clip from the documentary. “I said, ‘Okay where’s the rally, we are going to go to the rally.’ And I did. And in my speech I said that I got married and I’m p—–.”

She realized later the magnitude of the statement.

“I get to the hotel, turn on the TV and on the CNN scroll it says ‘Comedian Wanda Sykes: ‘I’m proud to be gay.'”

“I was like, ‘Oh, this is a big (expletive) deal. I’m a black woman. A celebrity. And I’m out.’ It was big deal. No regrets

In  2009, she was named in Out magazine’s “Annual Power 50 List”, landing at number 35. In 2010 she won a GLAAD award for promoting a good image of equal rights for gays and lesbians.

ADAM RIPPON  was  everywhere this past year and became a household  name.

If you hadn’t heard of figure skater Adam Rippon before the Pyeongchang Olympics, there’s no doubt you know him now. Rippon won a bronze medal with the U.S. in the team skate competition … and he stole the show with his personality and courageous story. Before posing for ESPN’s Body Issue, the “Dancing With the Stars: Athletes” champ weighed in on coming out, overcoming injury and competing at the highest level.

Adam is an inspiration to so many !

The first openly gay man to qualify and win a medal for the U.S. Winter Olympics team, Rippon went on to win Dancing With the Stars: Athletes.

He recently signed up to be a judge on Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, which premieres October 7 on ABC.

Time said he is one the most influential people of  2018! CHER  said, “He has humility, grace and an incredible sense of humor.”

We all know and understand  the importance of coming “OUT”. 30 years ago, we did not have these awesome role models we have today!

His mother, Kelly, raised her kids with tolerance. They went to Catholic school, but she exposed them to various religions and wouldn’t let them use words such as “stupid” or “hate.” But kids at school and things he watched and read made him feel like something was wrong with him. His voice was always a little higher. He tried to speak lower so no one would notice. His mannerisms were different from the other boys’. He tried to change those, too.

“I think about it now, and it’s so sad,” Rippon said. “. . . I hope young kids don’t ever have to feel like that.”

Chicago House, the leading social services provider for housing and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, is thrilled to announce the 2018 Speaker Series headlined by Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon on Friday, September 14th. Held at the historic Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom from 11 AM – 2 PM, the luncheon will feature an exclusive VIP meet and greet reception and premier cuisine benefiting Chicago House. Emceed by NBC Chicago reporter Chris Hush, guests can expect laughs, stories of triumphs and resilience from these two dynamic and prominent figures in the LGBTQ community as the 8th Speaker Series highlights the theme of “Authentic Selves.”  Tickets  $200-$500. 

 

 

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Sexy Meat STK Steakhouse

Sexy chic lounge meets  modern steak house.  STK.

The ONE Group, based in New York, has positioned STK as “women friendly,” trying to break the conception that steakhouses are only meant for men.  A DJ booth  brings a curated playlist  to diners, creating more of a nightclub vibe,  hoping diners opt to party after their meal, or even while they’re digesting their wet-aged beef. No need to bar hop, as STK’s other spots haven’t been as concerned about the menu as they are in developing a trendy, and sexy, scene to draw the clientele who would normally roll their eyes at the notion of dining at a steakhouse.

From Forbes to Zagat to Facebook,  dinners  are loving this place!

Recently we had the chance  to sample  some of their new recipes  from their  Fall menu, being unveiled in October.  But first, we started  with their  Strawberry Cobbler  Martini.

Fresh strawberries, Belvedere vodka  and  a graham cracker rim.

Another classic  that I could live on is their signature tuna tartare!

Besides what they are known for we got  a sampling  of  some excellent  new  dishes!

 

*NEW Roasted Root Vegetable Salad: Squash, parsnip, celery root, living water greens, brown butter vinaigrette

*NEW Roasted Slagel Chicken: Celery root purée, celery salad, jus

*NEW Roasted Rack of Lamb: Charred broccoli, huckleberry vinaigrette, black garlic jus

*NEW Grilled Branzino: Roasted thumbelina carrots, kale, carrot purée, grilled lemon

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: Apple, cranberry, aged goat cheese, marcona almonds

Potato Bar: Creamy yukon potatoes and sweet potatoes, bacon, scallion, sour cream, cheese, marshmallows, candied pecans, short rib. TO DIE FOR!

 

How about finishing  your meal  with fresh warm doughnuts covered in various toppings?

Or perhaps their signature Chocolate mousse layered cake?

 

Their menu features a nice variety of  re-imagined classic American cuisine with signature dishes. STK defines the modern fine dining experience with incredible food, world-class service and the perfect atmosphere.

Aside from steak, signature items also include Parmesan Truffle Fries, Lil BRG’s, and sweet corn pudding. Incredible food and a wonderful hip atmosphere!

This is not your daddy’s  steakhouse!

STK Chicago, 9 W. Kinzie St., (312) 340-5636

all photo credit goes to the incomparable Matthew Mitrick of Mitrick Photography!

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Private Night at Six Flags Sept. 8th

Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America

Returns in 2018 for  Year 7!

 

A Private Night in the Park to Celebrate Diversity

Presented by Toyota & BestGayChicago.com

That Will Help Benefit   Lakeside pride Music Ensemble

Saturday, September 8th, 2018 from 7:30PM to 12AM

 

Out In The Park is an annual private  diversity event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides (with much shorter than usual lines! The park is only 35%  full!)  with a portion of all ticket sales each  year helping to  benefit various non-profits.

For  2018,  it will benefit  LAKESIDE  PRIDE  MUSIC  ENSEMBLE!  “One of the best elements of this event is that it is closed to the general public and this year our event piggy-backs a daytime corporate buyout so our attendees will be entering an EMPTY PARK!” explains Michael Snell, co-owner of BestGayChicago.com. “The LGBTQ community, their family, friends and supporters can enjoy the park with  shorter lines and without homophobic or bigotry  from anyone. It’s like a Fall Pride Celebration!”

It’s important to us that everyone—no matter who you are, how you identify, or where you’re from—feel comfortable and confident. Our message is simple: You are welcome here.

Singer, songwriter, producer  and  DJ  ADAM JOSEPH  will be playing his music  in  JB’s  bar  for  2 hours  at the event.  Then  he play  again  from  1am – 3am  at CHARLIE’S,  the Official After  Party in Boystown. (Charlies  will also  be offering a limited number  of  bus seats to and from the park – details soon!

 

“We are honored that some of our peers including GRAB Magazine, ChicagoPride.com and QUEST Magazine in Wisconsin also help us by donating advertising space for this event! It’s truly a community event where everyone comes together for the greater good!”  says  Derrick Sorles.

 

Advance $43 tickets can be purchased  NOW  HERE

Attendees  get FREE parking  for this special event!

September  1st the price goes up to $48.

$53  at the gate, IF AVAILABLE.

This event is capped at only 5,000  tickets,  to ensure  lines  stay  short  for the rides.

Season Passes cannot be honored for  special events.

All ages  event.

Drinks  are available  for purchase to  those  21+

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Market Days brunch deals

100,000  people  are  pouring into  lakeview this weekend,  for one of the biggest  street festivals  in the country!  DON’T  BE LEFT WAITING IN LINE!  RERSERVE  BRUNCH TIME  NOW!

RESERVE TODAY! SPACE IS LIMITED!
Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse

Phone: 773.661.9893   /   3443 N. Broadway

To Reserve Click the Link Below:

Website: http://www.revolucionsteakhouse.com

 

El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill

Phone: 773.549.2932   /   3906 N. Broadway

To Reserve Click the Link Below:

Website: http://www.elmariachitequilabar.com

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Chicago’s Northalsted Market Days Aug 11-12

Northalsted Market Days® is the largest outdoor street festival in the Midwest and Chicago’s biggest summer party! Founded in 1980, the celebration now spans 6 blocks of North Halsted in Chicago’s Boystown/Lakeview neighborhood stretching from Addison to Belmont.

The 2 day/weekend long festival features an all day lineup of live music on 5 stages, unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJ’s and dancing. Attendance approaches nearly 200,000 fairgoers, from near and far, all walks of life, and all colors of the rainbow.

The 37th Northalsted Market Days® will take over Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood on August 11-12, 2018!

Performing LIVE: Kristine W – Martha Wash – TRENYCE – Ty Herndon and many more!

Two days – Four stages – Dozens of performers – Top DJs – Over 100 Vendors: Food/Drink/Arts/Crafts/Shopping MORE INFO: marketdayschicago.com

Like our Northalsted Market Days Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

 

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Dance for Life Chicago 2018

DANCE FOR LIFE 2018

AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY
AUGUST 18
Performance | 7:30pm
Gala Celebration at The Hilton Chicago | 5pm

TICKETS NOW ON SALE
BUY TICKETS

Performance Tickets start at just $15
Gala Tickets: $300 & $650

 

JOIN US FOR CHICAGO’S BIGGEST DANCE NIGHT OF THE YEAR!

Dance for Life Chicago is the annual benefit performance that showcases the city’s unique diversity of talent, dance traditions, and styles. One night a year, the talented and renowned professional dancers of Chicago come together to share the same stage at the historic Auditorium Theatre—all for a good cause.

Welcoming those looking for either an elegant night downtown or just a relaxed and fun performance, Dance for Life Chicago has presented classic, world premiere, and even improvised dance works in ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, and tap over the last 27 years.

Since 1991, Dance for Life has united the Chicago dance community and its fans to support local dance community professionals affected by critical health issues. The money raised through the performance goes directly to the Dancer’s Fund. Created by Chicago Dancer’s United in response to the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the dance community, the Dancer’s Fund fund has broadened to include other health and living needs.

We invite you to come celebrate and toast Chicago’s incredible range of dance and choreographic talent. Find up-to-date details on this year’s event by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: #DanceForLifeChicago

“Pick up your ticket, grab a drink, and we’ll see you on August 18th!

Featured Dance for Life Chicago 2018 companies:

  • Giordano Dance Chicago
  • Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
  • The Joffrey Ballet
  • Hanna Brictson and Dancers
  • Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre
  • Chicago Dance Crash
  • Nomi Dance Company
  • Randy Duncan is reviving his 2007 Dance for Life finale, this year as the program opener.

Beneficiaries: The Dancers’ Fund and AIDS Foundation of Chicago

Honorees:
Lou Conte – Founder, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Nan Giordano – Artistic Director, Giordano Dance Chicago
MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Conversations with the Artists…
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World Cup Final & Brunch!

World Cup Final Viewing Party!

Sunday July 15th, 2018 | Chicago

 

Two of our favorite restaurants  will host a  world cup final viewing party & a bottomless mimosa brunch done with a Mexican twist! Free-flowing mimosas, and an entree from our brunch menu are included.

 

Walk-ins are welcomed, reservations are reccomended!  We hope to see you soon Amigos!

Click on the links below to make your reservations!

> Click Here To Reserve for Revolucion Steakhouse

> Click Here To Reservefor El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill

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F*cking Men – Now Playing at Pride Arts Center

Two  great plays  currently  running  at the  Pride Arts  Center in Buena  Park;   Fucking Men   and The View Upstairs!

We are very lucky  to have such a vibrant  LGBTQ  theatre scene in Chicago – I urge you to go out and see some of the wonderful shows  that come to the Pride Arts  Center in Buena  Park  at  4139 N. Broadway.

Now playing – Fucking Men. In this present-day updating of Schnitzler’s LA RONDE by Joe DiPietro, ten men – a hustler, soldier, two college students, businessman and his husband, an adult film actor, a movie star, his agent and a playwright – all have physical and emotional desires to connect.

Gay men—just like all human beings—are capable of love, and in fact, spend much of their lives, as everyone does, looking for it. And it is this search for meaning, connection and kindness in a sea of sex that playwright Joe DiPietro attempts to illuminate in his cyclical play Fucking Men.

The treatment of hot topics — promiscuity, monogamy, sexual deception — yields such commonplace insights as: Macho men with forbidden desires lash out with their fists; married couples struggle to stick to their bargains about cheating; some people lie about their HIV status; movie stars screw over ordinary people; can’t we all just get along?; and prostitutes and porn stars really want love.

This play runs  through August 25. Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays at 11 pm and Sundays at 8 pm.

Ticket prices are: Previews $15, Regular Run: Premium seats $30, General Admission $25, Seniors/Students/Military $23. Tickets are on sale now at www.pridefilmsandplays.comor by phone at 866-411-4111 or 773-857-0222.

 

THE VIEW UPSTAIRS, a musical by Max Vernon, which won Best Musical honors in off-Broadway’s Lortel Awards and  was also nominated for seven Drama Desk awards. THE VIEW UPSTAIRS,  opened off-Broadway in February 2017.

Circle Theatre Chicago is proud to present the Chicago premiere of THE VIEW UPSTAIRS, at Pride Arts Center.
It is inspired by real life events of the 1973 arson attack at the UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant gay bar in New Orleans. Now accepted as a targeted anti-gay attack, the arson resulted in the deaths of 32 people and was, until the 2016 Orlando Pulse Nightclub shooting, the deadliest assault on a gay club in U.S. history. The show is inspired by and pays tributes to many of the patrons that frequented the venue.

In THE VIEW UPSTAIRS, Wes, a young fashion designer from 2017, buys an abandoned building in the French Quarter of New Orleans and finds himself transported to the UpStairs Lounge in 1973. As this forgotten community comes to life, Wes embarks on an exhilarating journey of self-exploration that spans two generations of queer history. THE VIEW UPSTAIRS asks what has been gained and lost in the fight for equality, and how the past can help guide all of us through an uncertain future.

TIMEOUT NEW YORK said, “It takes your breath away!” and ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY called it “a moving homage to LGBT culture, past and present.” THE NEW YORKER praised it for its “beautiful love songs.”

THE VIEW UPSTAIRS will be running through Sunday, July 22. Shows will be Thursdays – Saturdays at 8:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm, with industry performances every Monday at 8:00pm at The Broadway at Pride Arts Center (4139 N. Broadway).

Tickets: $30.00. Monday Industry nights $20. Tickets on sale now atwww.circletheatrechicago.org

 

 

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Chicago Market Days Entertainment

Northalsted Serves Up Summer’s Best Fest

Market Days Returns August 11-12

The Northalsted Business Alliance delivers a diverse and dance heavy line-up for this year’s Market Days set for August 11 and 12. The must-do Midwest fest returns to the heart of Boystown with non-stop entertainment from four stages, shopping, food and more.

Multi-faceted entertainer Todrick Hall graces the stage as part of his Forbidden tour on Saturday, while Betty Who brings the beat on Sunday with her power pop. MAX, of gold single “Lights Down Low” fame closes out the festival on Sunday night. Additional national and local acts round out the line-up.

Northalsted Business Alliance Executive Director Chad Honeycutt explains the popularity of Market Days. “For more than 30 years Northalsted Market Days has set the bar for Chicago festivals and this year is no exception. We can’t wait to welcome our neighbors and visitors alike to celebrate summer in Boystown.”

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, the Halloween Parade and Frost Fest. For information about NBA visitwww.northalsted.com.

Northalsted Market Days

North Halsted (From Belmont to Addison)

August 11-12       11 am – 10 pm        $10 Suggestion Donation

 

Northalsted Market Days 2018/Saturday, Aug 11th

Addison North Stage

1:30P-3:30PM             Drag Show

2:30PM-3:30PM         Todrick Hall

3:30PM-4:15PM         Trenyce

5:00PM-6:30PM         Cat Fight

7:00PM-7:45PM         Kimberly Locke

7:50PM-8:35PM         Ultra Nate

8:40PM-9:25PM         Martha Wash

Roscoe Stage

1:15PM-2:30PM         Hello Weekend

3:15PM-4:30PM         Girl Power Night

5:00PM-5:45PM         DJ

5:45P-6:25PM             Crystal Waters

6:25PM-7:00PM         DJ

7:00PM-7:45PM         Ty Herndon

8:20-9:45PM               Hank & Cupcake

Aldine Jazz Stage

130PM-3:00PM          Sam Fazio Quartet

5:30PM-7:30PM         Feathered Beaus

NORTHALSTED MARKETDAYS 2018/Sunday, Aug 12th

Addison North Stage

1:00PM-2:00PM         DJ

2:00PM-2:45PM         Betty Who

3:30PM-4:30PM         Sushi Roll

4:45PM-6:15PM         DJ

6:15PM-7:00PM         Expose

7:00PM-9:00PM         DJ

9:00PM-9:55PM         MAX

Roscoe Stage

1:00PM-1:45PM         Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus

2:15PM-3:45PM         Boy Band

4:15PM-5:00PM         Kristine W

5:15PM-7:15PM         Rod Tuffcurls

7:45PM-9:45PM         16 Candles

Aldine Jazz Stage

1:30PM-3:00PM         BMR4

3:30PM-5:00PM         Joe Policastro Trio

5:30PM-7:30PM         The Flat Cats

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Saturday Night Live Exhibit in Chicago


No matter what age you are, you’ve no doubt watched SNL for years!

Now relive 40 years of the show in a way you never imagined. At Saturday Night Live: The Experience at Chicago’s Museum of Broadcast Communications, you can become immersed in the show’s fast-paced creative processes and see how ideas become reality in just days. Interact with sets, original props and costumes. Take selfies on the Jeopardy set, rock out on the Wayne’s World couch, and deliver the “news” from behind the Weekend Update desk.

 

Now in its 43rd season, most folks can’t remember an adulthood without Saturday Night Live. What’s more, the majority of Americans grew up on (or are growing up on) the late-night sketch show; it’s played, to varying degrees, a role in most viewers’ understanding of our political and cultural surroundings. SNL: The Experience” was crafted for those fans, for the people who revere the comedy goliath’s space in American culture and in their personal lives, too.

 

Get a sneak peak HERE

Get a look behind the scenes!

People are calling it “amazing!” and “A must-see!”

SNL – The Experience!

 

 

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Free Hiv Test June 27th

Greater Than AIDS has partnered with Walgreens and the Howard Brown Health Clinic to provide free, confidential HIV testing at the Boystown Walgreens (Broadway & Waveland)  Wednesday, June 27th, from 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Members from the clinic will be on site at Walgreens in private rooms administering tests, providing results, answering questions, and providing counseling on prevention, early treatment, and PrEP – no appointment needed.

National HIV Testing Day will provide free HIV tests in 180 cities this year, including 22 Walgreens locations in Chicago.

 

Greater Than AIDS is a leading public information response to the U.S. domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic with a focus on areas and people most affected.

Emphasizing hope, unity and personal empowerment, Greater Than AIDS is about what is possible when we come together. Whether HIV negative or positive, we all have a role to play in ending HIV/AIDS.

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PRIDE DAY at El Mariachi and Revolucion!

EL MARIACHI has been a supporter  of  the LGBTQ  community  since  forever!

“Established in 1996, a father and his 2 sons opened a small 10-table restaurant in the East Lakeview community and gradually grew over the years by following a strict policy of only serving top quality, authentic dishes and the best margaritas in town.”

Celebrate all weekend  at one of their 2  great restaurants!

El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill
Phone: 773.549.2932   /   3906 N. Broadway
Website: http://www.elmariachitequilabar.com

 

 

Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse

Phone: 661.9893   /   3443 N. Broadway

Website: http://www.revolucionsteakhouse.com

 

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Lakeside Pride Jazzin at the Shedd June 27th

Take a sip of summer at Jazzin’ at the Shedd. Every Wednesday evening, move to the rhythms of Chicago’s top jazz musicians—and be moved by the pulsing rhythms of spotted jellies, the shimmering slow dance of false herrings and more in Shedd’s new special exhibit, Underwater Beauty. Combine a cocktail with great music, the city skyline, fireworks and beauty worth saving—only at Shedd.

June 27 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Event Navigation

Enjoy a rainbow of reef fishes and a night of Pride when Lakeside Pride Jazz Ensembles perform at Jazzin’ at the Shedd! Grab your Shedd Aquarium tickets now: https://www.sheddaquarium.org/jazzin/

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Chicago Pride Fest 2018 Line Up!

Chicago Pride Fest brings big summer fun to the heart of Boystown on June 16-17. The annual festival, hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance, celebrates pride, diversity and community in Chicago’s famed LGBTQ neighborhood.

Three stages deliver non-stop entertainment options with drag queens, DJs and iconic divas. Featuring Belinda Carlisle, Mya and more, Pride Fest is packed with both national and local acts. More festival fun is found among the 100 plus food, drink and shopping vendors lining the street, offering an eclectic array of options.

No Pride Fest is complete without the annual VIP Pet Care Pet Pride Parade, which brings pets and their people together for a Sunday strut down Halsted.

Northalsted Business Alliance Executive Director Chad Honeycutt explains what makes Pride Fest stand out in a crowded summer festival season. “No neighborhood puts on a better party than Boystown. But more importantly, Pride Fest fosters an atmosphere of celebration, appreciation and hope that is special to this event.”

For more information on Chicago Pride Fest, please visit www.pridefestchicago.com

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, the Halloween Parade and Frost Fest. For information about NBA visit www.northalsted.com.

Chicago Pride Fest (June 16-17)

11 am – 10 pm

North Halsted from Addison to Grace

$10 Suggested Donation

Saturday, June 16

North Stage

1:00PM Drag Show
2:30PM La Bouche
3:15PM Carlito Olivero
4:00PM Drag Show
6:00PM Frenchie Davis
7:00PM Drag Show
8:15PM Kim English
9:00PM Jessica Sanchez
South Stage

12:00PM

Gay Men’s Chorus
1:15PM Hello Weekend
3:00PM Don’t Speak
4:45PM Cat Fight
6:45PM TL Williams & Band
8:30PM The Four C’s

 

 

    Sunday, June 17

North Stage

12:30PM VIP Pet Care Pet Pride Parade Kick-Off
2:30PM Belinda Carlisle
3:15PM Blake Lewis
4:00PM Drag Show
6:00PM Thea Austin
6:45PM Drag Show
8:00PM Brian Justin Crumb
9:00PM Mya
South Stage  
12:30PM Chicago Spirit Brigade
1:00PM VIP Pet Care Pet Pride Parade Finish
1:30PM One Night Band
3:30PM Abba Salute
5:15PM Boy Band Review

7:45PM            16 Candles

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Best Cinco De Mayo in Chicago

Cinco de Mayo is a cultural phenomenon in the United States. It’s a time to celebrate Mexican culture and, for some, an opportunity to drink a lot of margaritas and cerveza.

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s independence day.Mexican independence is celebrated Sept.16. Cinco de Mayo commemorates theMexican army’s unlikely victory over the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla.

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a significance beyond that in Mexico. In the U.S. the date has become associated with the celebration of Mexican-American culture. In Mexico, the commemoration of the battle continues to be mostly ceremonial, such as through military parades.

The 2  BEST places  to celebrate  are in Lakeview!

Revolucion  Steak House  &  El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Restaurant!

SATURDAY  AND  SUNDAY!  2 days, 2 ways to celebrate! Brunch and Dinner!

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Undocumented and QUEER April 24th

Join us as we showcase the struggles and activism of undocumented queer people in this age of uncertainty. Delve into the history of the fight for immigrant rights in Chicago’s LGBTQ community. Take a closer look at the gripping stories, legal avenues, and layered past of undocumented queer persons in this lively panel discussion with immigration and queer activist Egle Malinauskaite, organizer and scholar Tania Unzueta Carrasco ofMijente, Antonio Gutierrez of Community Activism Law Alliance – CALA and LGBTQ immigration attorney Michael Jarecki.

Now in its fifteenth year, the Museum’s popular and provocative series delves into the storied history of Chicago’s LGBTQ communities. This season, join us as we explore the connections between activism of the past and today and how calls to action propel cultural disruption.

Schedule:
5:30 p.m. Reception with refreshments and appetizers
6:30 p.m. Program begins
-Introduction by Nancy Villafranca, CHM Elizabeth F. Cheney
Director of Education
-Two audio recordings from the Immigrant Youth Justice League
(IYJL)
-Panel discussion, Q&A to follow
8:00 p.m. Program concludes

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Chicago Apartment Hunting Season

Don’t waste hours hunting online for an apartment, booking appointments, finding old ads where the apartment has already been rented 🙁

Use ME, a “renter’s agent” who will work for YOU!
And there is NO COST to YOU!

At SPACES Real Estate we work with over 100 landlords and property management companies. We have over 2000 apartments listed PLUS another 2000+ high rise listings. We have access to the biggest database of apartments in the city!

Let’s find YOU a Space you LOVE!

Call Michael “LOVE” Snell
773-206-8359
Apartment Leasing Specialist / Renter’s Agent

Spaces Real Estate
3223 N Sheffield, Suite C, Chicago 60657

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Easter Food Idea’s March 31st!

If you want to prepare a special meal for Easter, Chef Chris of My Private Chef is your man. One of Bloomingdale’s favorite chefs returns to show you how to prepare a gourmet style treat.

Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef will give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!

The demonstration will take place on Saturday, March 31, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. at theBloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue,Chicago. Culinary Kitchen on 1.

Facebook  Event  page  HERE

Follow  Chef  Tong  HERE   for  lots of news and other upcoming events!

For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net

 

We hope to see you there!

 

 

 

My Private Chef, Inc
312.914.5225
www.myprivatechef.net

Become a Facebook Fan:  www.facebook.com/ChefChrisTong

Elite Traveler Magazine – Global Black Book – Chicago’s Most Accomplished Luxury Private Chef
Chicago Magazine, “63 Ways to Pamper Yourself” – Luxury Private Chef Service
North Shore Magazine “Cooking Your Heart Out” – Luxury Private Chef for Romantic Dining

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