Beaches, Bars, Socials, Events and More!
Carlton Gardens…A unique Gift shop in West Michigan Just Past Saugatuck
Ruth A. Tucker was for six years a professor of missions at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, and before that taught for seventeen years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. She is the author of seventeen books, including From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya, Another Gospel, Women in the Maze and Walking Away from Faith.
Saugatuck and Douglas
are filled with all sorts of little gift shops and art galleries…but once you have seen them all, then what?
On a recent trip to Saugautuck someone told me about CARLTON GARDENS. This is West Michigans Best Kept Secret! But not for long!
Just about 40 minutes from the Saugatuck area, this is an amazing little piece of land, beautifully landscaped and full of all kinds of gifts and art., in Grand Rapids.
Carlton Gardens is much more than an enchanting gift shop with unusual wall hangings, floral arrangements, antiques, and garden décor—with nooks and crannies around every corner. The main house is the first stop. Lot’s of clothes, jewelry, purses and accessories, mostly all for women, but also lots of lamps, lights and home decor.
In the surrounding yard and gardens you with find walkways leading to a vast array of yard art, benches, baskets, and unique gifts.
Here in this acre of country hidden right inside the city are 4 gazebos, 2 ponds, 2 bridges and 9 out-buildings: the Barn, the Garden House, the Christmas House, the Potting Shed, the Outhouse, the Coop, Breton Cottage, the Apple House, and Chapel by the Bridge, complete with stained glass windows.
Gifts and trinkets and yard art everywhere. You can literally spend a couple hours here.
In fact, owner Ruth Tucker told us she encourages folks to pack a basket lunch and come on out and spend an afternoon. One of the lovely screened gazebos has great lawn furniture inside, and shoppers are encouraged to come and hang out and enjoy this hidden gem.
While I find many of the galleries and gift shops in Saugatuck and Douglas, a bit overpriced, I found Carlton gardens EXTREMELY reasonable! Huge pieces of metal yard art ran $15-$350. With many in the $60-$80 range. It is so beautiful and very affordable.
The property is filled with all of these little “sheds” and buildings, each filled with more art and more gifts!
There is even a little Halloween building and a Christmas building.
Ruth runs the shop and keeps the grounds up with her husband John. Ruth is actually quite the trailblazer! (Google her!)
In 2003, less than 3 months after Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. was installed as the new president, “I was, without warning, removed from tenure track and given a terminal appointment. I have repeatedly asked that all the evidence be opened only to be blocked by a dishonest cover-up. When independent mediators were retained by the seminary board in 2005, they called for “retroactive pay to 2003,” among other things. That report was buried. I finished my second terminal appointment on August 31, 2006.” Talk about an emotional roller coaster!
So these days she and her husband devote all of their time to the gift shop and all of its grounds. It really truly is enchanting! I have never seen anything like it. And I encourage anyone looking for unique gifts to give, or for yourself or your yard, make the drive to see Ruth and her amazing gardens! Plan to spend a couple hours, and bring your checkbook. I don’t see how anyone could possibly leave this place without buying something. Four of us went to the shop and all left with bags of gifts!
Ruth said a lot of gay people have discovered her little shop over the last few years and word has been spreading.
Her and her husband have actually had the store since 1996. But in recent years have made a lot of changes and additions. They are ALWAYS working on it. In fact, since I was there in July, they have made more changes and additions!
And they are always getting in new merchandise.
“Much of unique yard art comes from various artists around Michigan.
Ruth says, “Sure, we sell sculptures (and chimes, bird houses, furniture, floral, baskets, pillows, paintings, clothes, collectibles, jewelry and much more). But you need not purchase a thing. Just come and enjoy our wonderful grounds. Bring a lunch and eat it in one of our four gazebos, two of them by waterfalls. Wander over the bridge into our sculpture garden where magic unfolds!
Hope to see you soon!”
CARLTON GARDENS
3140 Breton Rd. S.E. , 3 blocks south of 28th St. S.E.
See lots of photos on the website and on Facebook.
Phone: 616-974-1062
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10 am-5 pm , Sat: 10 am-3 pm
*PS – While you are in Grand Rapids, you might want to visit Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Comprised of 132 acres of natural wetlands, woodlands, meadows and display gardens, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a year-round experience with indoor tropical, arid, carnivorous, Victorian and seasonal gardens, changing sculpture galleries with exhibitions by international artists, and outdoor acreage featuring an internationally acclaimed Sculpture Park, Children’s Garden, Michigan’s Farm Garden, amphitheater for summer concert events, nature trails and boardwalks.
Deep Fried Twinkies and Dill Pickles!
Deep Fried Twinkies?!
and Deep Fried Dill pickles!
Oh My!
*DID YOU KNOW, Twinkies were invented in River Forest, IL. in 1930
A traditional deep-fried Twinkie involves freezing or chilling the cake, dipping it into batter, and deep-frying it to create a variation on the traditional snack cake. It was described by a The New York Times story in this way: “Something magical occurs when the pastry hits the hot oil. The creamy white vegetable shortening filling liquefies, impregnating the sponge cake with its luscious vanilla flavor… The cake itself softens and warms, nearly melting, contrasting with the crisp, deep-fried crust in a buttery and suave way”.
The Texas State Fair had introduced the fried Twinkie to great popular acclaim, and the notion spread to other state fairs across the U.S., as well as some establishments that specialize in fried foods.
Fried pickles are a snack food found commonly in the American South. It is made by deep-frying a sliced battered dill l pickle.
Fried Dill Pickles were popularized by Bernell “Fatman” Austin in 1963 at the Duchess Drive In located in Atkins, Arkansas. The Fatman’s Recipe is only known to his family and used once each year at the annual Picklefest in Atkins, held each May.
GET A TASTE THIS WEEKEND AT MARKET DAYS
at the DEEP FRIED TWINKIE & DILL PICKLE BOOTH!
Located right across from Steamworks! Where else?!
Chicago’s North Halsted Market Days 2011 Full of Surprises!
The 2011 Northalsted Market Days® will take place this weekend August 13-14, when a crowd of more than 100,000 from across the country will converge on Halsted Street to celebrate our annual event.
It’s the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest and lives up to its reputation as one of the country’s finest festivals!
It was recently announced GLEE STAR hottie Darren Criss will be here to entertain us – as well as the singing sensation Prince Poppycoock.
With temperatures expected to be 75-80, expect BIG CROWDS!
Other top names include Gloria Gaynor, Lisa Lisa and Expose.
See the full schedule online.
(check out the deep fried TWINKIES and DILL PICKLES
across the street from Steamworks!)
Chicago Market Days Main Event August 13th with 2 Major DJ’s
People always say, “whatever happened to our Saturday nights?? Why isn’t there big fun dance parties in Chicago anymore??”
Guess What?? THEY’RE BACK!
Wild West Revolution Dance Party
The Market Days Main Event.
Saturday, August 13. 2011
When’s the last time you played cowboys and indians? It’s been 8 years since there was a major dance party happening during Chicago’s famed Market Days weekend. The 2-day boystown street fest features over 200 vendors, 3 stages and over 175,000 hot, friendly and sexy attendees.
But come Saturday night at 10pm when all the booths close down and the bars are at capacity, where should everyone go to get their groove on and throw down on some hot bass beats and go go boy treats?
Circuit MOM Productions is featuring superstar DJ’s ROLAND BELMARES and JOE GAUTHREAUX in a twin spinning, bucking bronco, tomahawk throwing DJ showdown at the old House Of Blues Corral.
Dust off your cowboy boots, saddle up your pony and ride on down before the doors open at 10pm to stake your claim in the dance hall. This barn dance ain’t over ’til 5am, so get ready to party ’til them cows come home.
Hey, Chicago! Tickets are only $30 in advance and you can get them at CRAM FASHION 3329 N. Broadway or at the House of Blues Box Office-329 N. Dearborn. OR CLICK HERE for ONLINE Tickets!
TICKETS WILL BE $40 AT THE DOOR on Saturday night.
*** MARK YOUR CALENDARS – Prepare yourself for THE ZOMBIE REVOLUTION
Coming Saturday, October 29, 2011
with Grammy nominated Producer/Remixer
DJ TONY MORAN featuring a special surprise performance.
REVOLUTION CHICAGO!
Circuit MOM Productions, Inc
LiveNation and House Of Blues
BestGayChicago.com
Jai Von Block Brings LIFE AFTER CRAIGSLIST to 3160
“Life After Craigslist”
Laugh your ass off, have a few cocktails and support a great Chicago Foundation at the same time!
“Is it normal to check missed connections 3-5 times a day?”- yes…says funny guy Jai Von Block
An evening of
Sketch * Stand-Up * Musical Parodies
$15 suggested donation. Portion of the proceeds go towards the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Featuring:
Jai Von Block, Sarah Garner, Chanté Linwood, Abel Castro,
Jonathon Shaw on piano and Hosted by Christine Gutierrez
All 5 shows start @ 8PM
Thursday Aug. 18th, Friday Aug 19th, Saturday Aug 20th
****
ALSO Thursday Aug 25th, Friday Aug 26th
This show is not recommended for people with sensitive ears OR any past craigslist tricks……I’m just kidding you can come.
Invite your friends. Find it on Facebook!
Dance for Life Chicago on PBS Wttw 11 on August 11
Brings Twenty Years
of Strength and Community
in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS
to the Big Screen
Moving Documentary on Two-Decade Journey Premieres on WTTW-11 on Aug. 11, 10 p.m.
In its 20-year journey, the original small grassroots dance performance event, Dance for Life, has evolved to support HIV/AIDS services in Chicago and financially assist those living with HIV/AIDS within the dance community into the Midwest’s largest, must-see performance, raising nearly $175,000 annually for the cause. Now, a new, riveting documentary, which debuts on Thursday, Aug. 11 at 10 p.m. on WTTW 11, follows the emotional journey and shares the passion of Dance for Life in a style that can best capture its essence: dance.
The hour-long film paints the story of Dance for Life through electrifying choreography and personal stories. Shared in one-on-one interviews with the dancers, founders and supporters, these narratives convey the significance and evolution of Dance for Life throughout the film. It will premiere only nine days before the twentieth anniversary performance in Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 20 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway.
Produced by Emmy Award-winning HMS Media, the documentary is a poignant look at the need for renewed hope and for a cure. Chronicling the 30-year impact of HIV/AIDS in Chicago and its large dance community, the film illustrates the evolution of the fundraiser. Founders Harriet Ross, Keith Elliott, Danny Kopelson and Gail Kalver, as well as beneficiaries, choreographers and dancers recount the impact of HIV/AIDS and their desire for continued progress.
(Photographs by Sando)
“Dance for Life initially empowered the dance community in Chicago to take care of itself,” said Elliott, a former dancer with Joseph Chicago Holmes Dance Theater. “The documentary empowers Chicagoans to understand the power of the HIV/AIDS movement and offers a way to get involved while experiencing the best dance the city has to offer.”
From flamenco to Fosse-style jazz, performance excerpts serve as a backdrop for the emotional, yet triumphant story of Dance for Life’s origins and its future. Participants featured in the documentary include Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and River North Chicago Dance Company. Archival clips illustrate the event’s meteoric rise, having grown from the first sold-out performance at the former 400 seat Organic Theatre to this year’s event at the 4,000 seat Auditorium Theatre.
Dance for Life began as an effort to promote the art of dance in Chicago, while raising awareness of and supporting HIV/AIDS services in Chicago. Later, the Dance for Life Fund was formed as a program to ease the financial burden of Chicago dancers dying of complications of AIDS. As treatment for HIV/AIDS has evolved, so has the Dance for Life Fund. It now helps dancers battling any life-threatening condition to get back on their feet and continue to pursue their passion for dance. Proceeds from this year’s performance will exclusively benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Dance for Life Fund.
“The dedication of staff, dance companies and volunteers is as astounding as the level of artistry,” said Harriet Ross, co-founder of Dance for Life. “Though its purpose is practical, the performance enlightens and educates. We sincerely hope that life will continue to mirror art as survival rates improve and as Dance for Life continues to flourish.”
Dance for Life the documentary will air on Thursday, Aug. 11 at 10 p.m. on WTTW 11.
The live, on-stage performance of Dance for Life will be held on Saturday, August 20 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, in Chicago. Tickets are $50-$75 for the 7:30 p.m. performance, with tickets for the 4:30 p.m. gala and performance ranging from $175-$500. Tickets are available at Danceforlifechicago.com or by calling 312-922-5812.
Since 1992, Dance for Life has raised more than $4 million in the fight against HIV/AIDS; showcased Chicago’s top professional dance companies; financially established a fund that provides assistance to dancers living with HIV/AIDS; helped to support and produce five spin-off pre-events; and helped raise money for many of Chicago’s leading AIDS organizations.
2 Events at Center on Halsted August 8th & 10th
H.E.A.L. Ourselves
Monday, August 8, 7:00pm Center on Halsted
Two great performances on one great night. ‘The Faggot Who Could Fly’ stars KOKUMO, a 22 year old intersex/trans woman of color who uses her life of sexual and mental abuse as catalysts for personal and communal change. KOKUMO’s story is about realizing her gender identity in relation to domestic violence and societal oppression.
And ‘No Gender Left Behind’ stars Rebecca King who was fired from a teaching position for being a transgender woman. The experience left her wondering what America is teaching its children – and its adults – about gender, conformity and being just a little bit different.
Free community event. To reserve seats, RSVP by email : tflohr@centeronhalsted.org.
Wednesdays
starting August 10, 6:00pm
Center on Halsted
Gain the skills you need to recognize and avoid danger in this new self-defense class taught by internationally certified Taekwondo instructor Matt Cowell! Learn how to protect yourself with basic hand and foot strikes, “See, Stand, or Breathe” techniques, and improvised weaponry. Above all, empower yourself with skills that will improve your self-confidence, self-discipline, and self-respect.
$10 community discount price. For more info, email : mross@centeronhalsted.org.
BestGayChicago.com
Affordable Health Care Insurance and Solutions for Chicago
Post Healthcare Reform ….there maybe more questions and confusion about health insurance than ever before, right?!
Healthcare reform brings several advantages for the consumers and they should consider switching to
the “new” health insurance, rather than staying grandfathered in the old plans.
As a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, individual health insurance is now
enhanced with preventative benefits covered with no waiting periods, not being subject to deductibles
or coinsurance and copays. There is no more lifetime maximum dollar limit that in the past caused people to run out of insurance coverage and few other advantages that benefits the consumers greatly.
However, the cost of health insurance is still on the rise and many people responsible for buying their
own health insurance find that conventional plans with low deductibles are simply too expensive.
Selecting a higher deductible plan provides premium savings and combining it with Health Savings
Account can add tax advantages. Of course, having a little extra protection with Accident Rider gives
more peace in mind, since people usually encounter a huge hospital bill due to an accident. One slip
in the bathroom can be a setback of thousands of dollars that can be easily prevented with having
additional, very affordable accidental coverage.
One of the most important things people should consider, besides getting the new major medical plan,
is getting coverage for critical illness. Sure the great new health insurance will pay the doctors and the
hospital, but who is going to pay you, when you are recovering from a heart attack for three months?
Your health insurance will definitely not cover you mortgage payments, but very inexpensive critical
illness policy can provide you with a check, keeping you afloat, while you recover.
* 50.35% of personal bankruptcies were caused by illness or medical debts
* $13,460 was the average out-of-pocket medical expenses covering co-pays, deductibles and
uncovered health services for bankruptcy filers
Remember, insurance is for catastrophic events that you cannot afford to pay yourself, not to simply
cover your routine costs as generally healthy person. You wouldn’t expect your car insurance to pay for
your oil change, would you?
Let me help you find a plan, that is right for you.
The internet has made shopping for insurance easier. Instead of driving around town to meet with an agent, you can compare rates, benefits, and apply online. Some insurance companies even let you apply right from their website.
Does it still make sense to have an agent help you choose a plan? You bet.
Agents are insurance experts. It’s their job to help you shop plans from leading carriers so you can be confident you’ve found the best rates and benefits for you.
We have access to exclusive, proprietary products at prices you can afford. I have access to benefits through world class companies such as: Aetna , United Healthcare, Humana , Assurant , Blue Cross and Blue Shield , Mutual of Omaha. We have “a plan for everyone” and we will help you get the best coverage and rates possible! CALL Me, LENKA @ 630-748-8434
OVO Announces 50% off certain shows and certain seats
OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement.
The insects’ home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.
Currently at the United Center, OVO has announced 50% off certain tickets. Check it out online!
The theatre/tent is smaller this time – Ovo only uses about 75% of the tent. I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house!
Get a sneak peak of OVO online.
MiniBar Gives Back: Chicago House July 27th
Do something great for Chicago House, just by going out to eat!
Minibar is hosting a dinner event in which 20% (before tax) of all dinner and liquor sales off the regular menu will be donated to Chicago House!
Wednesday, July 27th 5-11pm
Great drinks, great food, all for a great cause! Put together a group, and dine out for the men, women, and children of Chicago House!
We hope you can join us!
Reservations are recommended!
Call Minibar at 773-871-6227
Check out the Facebook page and see who all is coming!
BestGayChicago.com
Preventative Chiropractic Care Can Save You Back and Neck Pains
Back pain affects 80% of Americans at some time in their lives. It comes in many forms, from lower back pain, middle back pain, or upper back pain to low back pain with sciatica. Common back pain causes include nerve and muscular problems, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis. Many people find relief from symptoms of back pain with pain medication or pain killers.
Some will see a Chiropractor. Like I did recently! And Dr. Dale Zuehlke at Greater Chicago Chiropractic gave me an education! After several visits he was able to re-balance my spine through chiropractic adjustments, restoring my movement and proprioception, but I learned that if I keep my body in proper alignment, by way of regular visits, I could avoid pain altogether. You know the saying, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Now I see him about 4-6 weeks, to keep my body “tuned up”.From its very beginnings, chiropractic has been concerned with improving people’s quality of life by helping strive towards optimum wellness.
Wellness care or preventative care (also written as preventive care) is designed to promote health based on the whole person’s optimal functioning and thereby minimize the future occurrences of impairment or illness.
Preventative chiropractic care or maintenance care is designed to help an already healthy and problem-free patient maintain an optimally healthy state whilst helping to prevent any acute or chronic problem from appearing at all.Most people have experienced back pain sometime in their life. The causes of back pain are numerous; some are self-inflicted due to a lifetime of bad habits. Other back pain causes include accidents, muscle strains, and sports injuries. Although the causes may be different, most often they share the same symptoms. – THE SECRET is to prevent it, with Chriropractic Care!
We highly recommend Greater Chicago Chiropractic
Dr. Dale Zuehlke 561 W Diversey Pkwy, Suite 221
Chicago, IL 60614 P: (773) 871-7766
New Ownership Team Purchases Sofo Bar
d/b/a Sofo Bar (“Sofo”)
announces the completion of a transaction
under which 100% of the shares of Sofo have been acquired by Mark Robertson, Mike Sullivan,
Steve Milford and Brian Wells.
“Sofo is a terrific neighborhood bar, with a great staff and loyal customers,” says Mark
Robertson, the newly named President of the corporation. “All of Sofo’s bartenders are staying on, and we look forward to working with all of them to grow the business in the years to come.”
Milford and Wells opened Crew Bar + Grill in 2004, at 4804 N. Broadway, in the Uptown
neighborhood. Sullivan and Robertson joined Milford and Wells as principal owners of Crew in
January of 2010. Sofo will be operated as a separate corporate entity and S.W. Crew, Inc., the
corporation that operates Crew Bar + Grill, does not have any ownership interest in Sofo.
BestGayChicago.com
Chicago Dancing Festival Returns FREE TICKETS
While all events are free, tickets for the indoor performance showcases must be reserved in advance. In 2010, tickets for the Festival “sold out” within two hours of being released.
Tickets will be available to the general public beginning Tuesday, July 19 in a staggered format so that each venue releases its tickets on a different day, as follows:
Tickets for performances at the Museum of Contemporary Art, including the MCA Moves programs on Wednesday, August 24 and the Muses program on Friday, August 26, will be released on Tuesday, July 19 beginning at 10:00 am. Tickets will be available in person at the MCA Stage Box Office, 220 E. Chicago Avenue, on line at MCAchicago.org or by calling 312-397-4010. Limit of two (2) tickets per order, per evening of performance, while available. Any tickets unclaimed at 15 minutes prior to curtain time will be released to customers on wait list. Wait list begins one hour before the performance, in person only.
Tickets for all performances at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, including both Moderns programs on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 23 and 24, will be released on Wednesday, July 20 beginning at12:00 pm. Tickets will be available in person at the Harris Theater Box Office, 205 E. Randolph Street, or by calling 312-334-7777. Limit of two (2) tickets per order.
Tickets for the performance at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Masters on Thursday, August 25, will be released on Thursday, July 21 beginning at 11:00 am. Tickets will be available in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office, 50 E. Congress Parkway, online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/070046EB7F991A75 or by calling 1-800-982-ARTS. Limit of two (2) tickets per order.
All seating for all venues is general admission.
Unclaimed tickets will be released 15 minutes prior to curtain time.
Because of the popularity of the Festival, audience members not able to secure tickets to the indoor venues are encouraged to attend the Celebration of Dance Grand Finale on the stunning outdoor stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. No tickets are required for this outdoor performance and all seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Also, no tickets are required for the Movies program at the Chicago Cultural Center, an all-day screening of classic dance films on Friday, August 26 from 10 am to 6 pm.
FULL SCHEDULE AT CHICAGO DANCING FESTIVAL
Rosie O’Donnell Sets up Camp in Chicago this Week at Harpo Studios
Of course, OWN will broadcast the show, which starts to air in October. (What are they doing between now and then??)
“It’s exciting for the neighborhood here, and certainly for Harpo. To have Rosie come here and do 130 original hours — it’s a lot of work. There’s a lot of energy and excitement,” Sheri Salata, President at Harpo says.
“Rosie so values Oprah’s team,” Salata goes on. “She’s thrilled to walk onto a stage that was once Oprah’s. It gives me a little tingle.”
O’Donnell has said her show will be less celebrity-focused than her prior Emmy-winning daytime show.
“The show will be about real people and real issues,” she told Oprah magazine. “I’ll focus on a single topic for one hour, things people deal with every day. Raising children. The education system in America. Autism. Relationships, health, weight, depression — and happy stuff too, of course. I envision the show being full of love and laughter.”
Rosie arrived this week at Harpo.I wonder if she will have an apartment at Trump Tower? (LOL)
Rosie at Trump?
Rosie NOT at Trump?
HOUSE INFUSION at Cocktail July 20
Hi Frequency Productions and its affiliate
Seven Presents, a Chicago based LGBT event’s production company will present
HOUSE INFUSION on July 20, 2011 from 7:00pm-2:00am at Cocktail Bar Chicago,
3359 N. Halsted at the corner of Roscoe & Halsted in Chicago’s Boystown
neighborhood.
An exciting party showcasing Chicago’s elite house music Dj’s, Go-
Go boys and tantalizing food and special libations brought to you by GRIND.
Dj Teri Bristol, Dj Carla Starla and Dj DuBCuB will spin the newest and provocative, soul stirring music that will bring everyone together.
Anthony Jay (Go-Go dancer)
will headline the stage at 10pm. Appetizers will be served at 9pm and Seven’s Signature $4 Grind (Espresso Liquor with a hint of Rum) Infusion Cocktails will be the featured beverage throughout the evening.
Other specials include $60 Veuve
bottles, table service and ½ price appetizers and salads. $5 Cover.
Event brought to you by Hi Frequency Productions,
For table service reservations and Private parties at Chicago’s premier nightclubs email James Baptist at hifrequencyjb@ymail.com.
Marilyn Monroe in Chicago?
This is kind of odd, I think….. a 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe replicating her famous subway scene in “The Seven Year Itch,” will be unveiled this Friday at 7:00p.m. on Chicago’s Pioneer Court. As of today the statue, by New Jersey based artist Seward Johnson is half-complete with the lower part of Monroe’s body viewable. Visitors to the plaza will see her legs, her iconic white sandals, and the skirt of her white dress as it blows in the wind exposing her “hot” panties. The top part of the statue is carefully wrapped in a patriotic red, white and blue cloth.
Johnson, born in 1930, is famous for his trompe l’oeil painted bronze statues that although criticized for being kitsch always draw attention and controversy. The artist’s work appears around the globe including a 25-foot version of “Unconditional Surrender,” the V-J kiss in Times Square. Chicagoans may remember Johnson’s famous “American Gothic” sculpture that graced Pioneer Court in 2008 or his King Lear statue that spent the summer and fall of 2009 in the same spot.
The statue is located just south of the Tribune Tower in Pioneer Court at 400 N. Michigan. Visitors are welcome to view and take pictures of this striking piece of public art. Zeller Realty Group, is responsible for Pioneer Court’s installations. For more pictures of the Marilyn Monroe bronze go to the home page of WGN radio The statue is expected to remain in place through Spring of 2012.
Broadway Show Tunes Comes to Chicago’s Millenium Park July 13
Part of the Grant Park Music Festival,
Wednesday July 13th.
Summer is here and it’s time for one of the best things about living in Chicago. Free evening concerts!
Who wants to wait until Sundays for show tunes? This event will feature music from some of our favorite shows like The Wiz, Hairspray, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia, and Tommy.
Songs lively and loud enough that we won’t get shushed by anyone this time.
So grab your blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and wine as we gather to take in the scene and sing along.
Concert at about 6:30pm
Animal RESCUE Rummage Sale July 16-17
2nd Annual:
RESCUE RUMMAGE SALE!
“CHRISTMAS IN JULY!”
Saturday, July 16, 2011
9:00am – 7:00pm
&
Sunday, July 17, 2011
10:00am – 5:00pm
Items for sale include:
Furniture, Home-decor & accersories, housewares, antique furniture, linens, one-of-a-kind collectibles, apparel, books, DVD’s, Children’s Items, and much more!
Monies raised at the RESCUE RUMMAGE SALE will help our rescue dogs by providing:
Much Needed Food!
Medical Care!
Spaying & Neutering Services!
Necessary Shots!
and Micro-chip to ensure that these dogs can be located if lost again in the future.
Famous Fido Rescue and Adoption Alliance
5430 North Clark Chicago, IL 60640 Rear Parking Lot
Please call us at: 773.907.0305
or visit us us at:
Famousfidorescue.com
MTV in Chicago to Film Live Performance of INHIBITION-LET GO, July 9th
VERY UNIQUE –
coming to the Chicago stage…so unique, MTV is coming to Chicago to film it!
Expose Theater Company
proudly presents their flagship production- Inhibition: Let GO!
The show, which will be in two acts, will enable it’s audience to let go of inhibitions that tie them down, including the mind, body, and soul.
Allow notable Chicago Drag Queen Tajma Hall and ASCAP recording artist Cyon Flare to set you free! Also set to perform is Andrea Eve, the upcoming pop sensation, performing her single, “Watch Out!” The show doesn’t stop there!
Teri Yaki and the Windy City Beauties, including Dida Ritz, will hit the stage with numbers that are sure to mix the emotions.
Burlesque dancers will be under the spotlight with their Burlesque, sultry acts.
Also set for the stage is Dolce and Gabanna DiVita, and Chicago’s hottest boys, including Anthony Jay, the adorable young man with angelic looks who performs all over Chicago, plus Pavel, Fernando, Tristan, and many more of Chicago’s hottest dancers and choreographers.
Allow yourself to be set free with an evening of raw entertainment! (above photo…the fabulous go go God, Anthony Jay)
MTV announced today on their website that they will be coming to the Portage Theater on July 9th to
film Inhibition: Let GO!
Parts of the show will be broadcast throughout the summer on television and internet mediums.
They said, “our
The
The event will begin at 7:30pm,
and last 2.5 hours.
An after-party reception will be hosted in the lobby and foyer of the theater, with meet and greets of the cast, and more.
Date- July 9, 2011
Time: Doors open at 6:00pm
Show starts at 7:00pm (drag time)
Where: Portage Theater
4050 North Milwaukee Avenue
( near Irving Park)
Chicago, IL 60641
Cost: $20.00, which includes after-party. (General Admission)
For $10 ! Ride the Venga Bus to and from plus get a couple free drinks!
There will also be an after-after party at COCKTAIL, 3359 N. Halsted, 12:30 – close. A bus will take people from the theatre to Cocktail. Party all evening – lots of drink specials!
Tickets will also be available at select locations throughout Chicago.
Buy tickets online now.
BestGayChicago.com
Big Gay Brunch Club at El Mariachi July 17
a father and his 2 sons opened a small 10-table restaurant in the Boystown/East Lakeview community.
El Mariachi has gradually grown over the years by following a strict policy of only serving top quality, authentic dishes and margaritas. The restaurant steadily grew in popularity with the support of loyal patrons who loved the families recipes of authentic food.
JOIN BIG GAY BRUNCH CLUB on Sunday July 17th for a special brunch with El Mariachi. The owners are creating a special menu just for BGBC! Already, over 100 people have RSVP’d – this could turn out to the BIGGEST BGBC yet!
Food will include:
Fresh Fruit Salad
Mariachi Salad with Morita Vinaigrette
Pancakes with Home Made Piloncillo Syrup
Chilaquiles con Huevo a la Mexicana y Queso
Quesadillas
Fajitas De Pollo
Garlic-Epazote Rustic Potatoes
Arroz Mexicano
Salsa de Tomatillo -Serrano & Salsa de Molcajete
Flan de Chocolate Abuelita
