Beaches, Bars, Socials, Events and More!
The New Pie Hole Pizza Joint is Open for Business on Broadway in Boystown
FINALLY, The Hole is OPEN once again serving up the tastiest sausage, delicious pizza creations and the best 10″ you can find at 2am! The new PIE HOLE PIZZA JOINT is located at 3477 Broadway @ Cornelia just 1 block over from Halsted.
Formerly located at the heart of the Boystown epicenter on Halsted and Roscoe, Pie Hole used to offer contemporary pizza in a charming atmosphere with stunning views of the 7-11 parking lot. Now they offer the same great pizza’a (or create your own) with stunning views of the Treasure Island parking lot on Broadway and Cornelia!
Owner Doug Brandt says, “The original Hole served its purpose: We offered a place to eat for people coming out of bars,” said Brandt. “They would be drunk and belligerent, and it gave them a chance to put something in their stomach and go home a little more safely.”
After looking around in a few other Chicago neighborhoods, Brandt said he decided to keep Pie Hole in Boystown because of the established clientele. But with the decision to open earlier, Brandt hopes to cater more of a dinner rather than a late-night crowd.
While the late-night pizza spot will retain features like its hours, the décor and the specialty pizza-by-the-slice, Brandt said he wasn’t sure if the former late-night clientele will follow. He said the after-hours crowd can be “fickle” and added that their new location is further from the bars on Halsted. Pie Hole’s early morning hours will be experimental at first.
“We’re going to stay open until 3 in the morning. If people come then, we’re going to capture the business,” said Brandt. “If nobody comes, we aren’t going to kill ourselves to stay open so late.”
Pie Hole will still offer pizza by the slice until 3 a.m. It will now also be open for lunch starting at 11 a.m. Pizza prices will remain the same, starting at $3.50. And customers will be able to customize their pizza, select their toppings and watch their slice being cooked.
Diners can also choose from a menu of 15 pizzas like the WHITE PARTY, BUFF CHICK and CHER AND CHER ALIKE. Pizza sticks, Cheese Sticks, Salads and finger-licking Toffee Pie are available as well. And the new location is BYOB friendly.
Brandt said Pie Hole was known for its specialty pizza of the month. Past favorites included the “after-school special” with sausage and marshmallow, and the “Thanksgiving” pizza with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy.
The same oven, the same dough – but on a recent visit, somehow it even tasted BETTER than before!
Pie Hole Pizza Joint 773-528-8888
Pie Hole on Facebook Pie Hole on Twitter
Is Chicago Ready for a Gay Mayor? George Pudlo Thinks So!
For the first time in 64 years, an incumbent will not be running for the office of Mayor of the City of Chicago. It’s time for the people of Chicago to dissolve the machine politics and elect a Mayor for the People.
Meet George Pudlo ! “I am a regular Chicago denizen just like you and I am running for Mayor of the City of Chicago. I am the owner of Chicago Savvy Tours and Second City Pizza Tours and I am also a concierge at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. It is my full time job to promote this city to its highest standards and reveal all the magic within. I live for this city. Chicago is my pride and joy. Ask anyone who knows me and you’ll find out that my greatest passion is Chicago.”
“You are probably wondering what’s in store for our city over the next couple of months with the decision of our current mayor to not seek reelection. I promise you that if I’m elected for mayor, I will be a Mayor for the People. I’m not here for power, I’m not here for political gain -I’m here for you and I’m here to put a halt to the machine politics of Chicago. It’s about time we elected someone to take responsibility and accountability for the actions of the city; someone to help create jobs, to lower the city deficit, and bring democracy back to Chicago. It’s time we elect one of us!”
George Pudlo for Mayor !
George on FaceBook
Masquerade Ball at Crimson to Benefit AIDS Foundation Chicago October 16th
Be sexy,
be mysterious,
be anything you desire as premier special event marketing and media firm, K Dock Media, hosts Chicago’s tastemakers and movemakers
at The Masquerade Ball on Saturday, October 16th,
at the ultra chic Crimson Lounge,
333 N. Dearborn, from 10p – 3a in Chicago.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Formal attire and masks are required.
K Dock Media’s not-for-profit partner for The Masquerade Ball is the AIDS Foundation of Chicago . Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a local and national leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We collaborate with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; fund and coordinate prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champion effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy. Proceeds from the event will benefit the organization.
“We are proud to support the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, states David Dodd, director of public relations for K Media. “They have been an incredible force in Illinois and in the nation to eradicate the disease as well as support thousands of people who have been affected by HIV/AIDS.”
Dress to impress, mingle and groove to the sounds of music provided by guest DJs for the night all for a good cause. To purchase tickets and for more information about The Masquerade Ball, please visit K Dock Media .
Gay Halloween in Boystown – 3 events in October!
Halloween
on North Halsted just got a whole lot more happening. Three events in the vibrant north side neighborhood make it a must for Chicagoans and tourists alike to take part in the festivities.
Free Movie Screening
At 7 p.m. on October 17th, the Northalsted Business Alliance sponsors a screening of “Little Shop of Horrors”. The movie, which serves as the theme for the street’s Halloween parade, kicks off the season. The free screening will be at the Center on Halsted (3656 North Halsted).
Horny Devil Pub Crawl
October 23rd marks the date for the Horny Devil Pub Crawl. The crawl, now in its second year, winds its way through 12 of Northalsted’s hottest bars beginning at 2 p.m. The event includes specials by crawl sponsors as well as the chance to earn cash and prizes at the final stop. Registration is $5 in advance and $10 the day of the crawl. The crawl begins at Spin. Participants can purchase tickets at any of the participating venues. (Buck’s, Circuit, DS Tequila Company, Halsted’s, Hydrate, Little Jim’s, Lucky Horseshoe, Minibar, Roscoe’s, Scarlet, Spin and The North End.)
Halloween Parade
The Halloween parade, now in its 14th year, goes bigger and bolder this holiday. A Little Shop of Horrors theme takes over North Halsted to create a Little Street of Horror. Floats make their way into the parade for the first time and a scarecrow competition has shops competing for the top prize for decorating and design.
The parade, which attracts several thousand spectators each year, kicks off at 6 p.m. on October 31st at Belmont and Halsted and continues north to Addison and Halsted.
Parade participants register at Spin (800 West Belmont) beginning at 4 p.m. A special kid’s area at Space Park on Roscoe engages little ones beginning at 4:30.
More information about all of Northalsted Halloween events is available at North Halsted .com
Kinetic Playground Owner Threatens Assault in Response to Protest Over “Kill Gays” Performer
UPTOWN –
Protest set for 10:30 PM,
Saturday, Oct. 9
In front of “The Kinetic Playground”
1113 W. Lawrence
(just east of the “Lawrence” Red Line el station)
Last week during a final attempt to persuade Kinetic Playground nightclub to cancel the October 9th engagement of performer Capleton, who calls for killing Lesbians and Gays in the lyrics of his song lyrics, the club’s manager owner Jim Gouskos threatened gay rights protesters with assault.
When GLN organizer Roger Fraser said that Kinetic Playground’s refusal to cancel Capleton would be met with a protest, Gouskos replied, “Don’t threaten me because I can get a bunch of goons outside to throw eggs at you guys.”
While in an earlier conversation Gouskos claimed that he was pro-LGBT and would never have knowingly booked someone with Capleton’s anti-gay M.O., he said that an $11,000 contract forced him to go ahead with the show. GLN’s Fraser replied that many other clubs, such as Chicago’s House of Blues, had managed to cancel contracts with kill-gays performers and that he or his lawyer should call them for advice on how to do this.
Instead Gouskos apparently called openly-gay Ald. Tom Tunney, and reported that Tunney said he’d never heard of Capleton, and used this as an excuse to dismiss GLN’s concerns. Well, just because Alderman Tunney may not be up on the latest Jamaican dance hall music hardly settles the matter of just where Capleton stands on LGBT people.
A simple Google search of Capleton shows 51,000 entries about the “murder music” aspect of him, and the Wikipedia entry says “Capleton has faced criticism for anti-gay lyrics in some of his songs” and his continuing to sing them has “caus[ed] the cancellation of a concert in Switzerland in 2008 and a United States tour in 2010.”
Capleton is actually one of the most obstinate of a small group of kill-the-gays musicians. He signed the Reggae Compassionate Act (RCA), a pledge to no longer perform or profit from music which calls for killing gays or other groups of people, and then lied by claiming he’d never signed it. Worse, he’s incited crowds in Jamaica – already a very dangerous locale for LGBT people – calling from a stage last Christmas to “All who a bun battyman and sodomite, hand up!” (“All who have burned queers and sodomites, put your hands up!”).
As for Kinetic Playground’s and Gouskos’ claims of being friends of the LGBT community, Fraser put it best in his last comment to Gouskos:
“It’s a sad fact that Kinetic Playground, though it claims to be gay-friendly, obviously doesn’t take anti-gay violence seriously. I wonder what they would do about a performer who urged his audience to kill Jews or blacks. Would they still be unwilling to cancel his appearance? Why is the bar so much higher for gays and lesbians?”
*********UPDATE*******
Once Again, Public Pressure Delivers the Goods
Please THANK “The Kinetic Playground” Nightclub for Doing the Right Thing!
Through a series of negotiations this week and last and with the threat of a demonstration, Gay Liberation Network (GLN) and other community activists were successful in persuading management at Kinetic Playground nightclub, 1113 W. Lawrence Avenue, to cancel “Kill Gays” dancehall performer Capleton for a show originally scheduled for late this Saturday night, October 9th.
The cancellation of Capleton is a victory that all human rights supporters should savor. The Gay Liberation Network, which initiated the campaign against Capleton in Chicago, commends Kinetic Playground management for putting human rights principles above dollars by canceling the show.
Please put an exclamation point on this victory by buying a drink or two this Saturday night at Kinetic Playground, 1113 W. Lawrence Avenue, so that the management and staff there know that Chicago is willing to stand behind those who follow their conscience.
CALL THEM, and tell them you appreciate what they did. The Kinetic Playground (773) 769-LIVE
EMAIL THEM with a brief note info @ thekineticplayground.com
Kimberley Locke LIVE @ Roscoe’s in Boystown Friday, October 8
American Idol. Celebrity Fit Club. The View. Even though Kimberley Locke is constantly on television, she loves performing in dance clubs for the energy and morale boost that her enthusiastic dance music fans give. With remixes by Jason Nevins, Almighty, Bronleewe & Bose, and Scotty K, “Change,” the leadoff single to her sophomore album Based On a True Story, will keep dancefloors buzzing for her next performance.
Kimberly is excited to a show for gay fans at ROSCOES!
“I do a lot of Gay Pride events during the summer, from like June to August. Hands down, I know those events are going to be my best events because the energy in the gay clubs or at the gay events is just out of control. They love me and they let it be known and it feels really good. Anytime I’m stuck in a rut, I’m like I need to do a gay club so I can get my morale boosted. When I walk off the stage from doing a show at a gay event, I just feel like I’ve conquered the world. It’s always a party and it’s always about the music, and I really do enjoy that. It’s not to say that my other audiences aren’t great but it’s hit and miss, when you go and just do a concert or something like that you never know what you’re going to get.”
Roscoe’s and Fusion Radio are Proud to Present American Idol Diva and Billboard #1 Hit Artist – Kimberley Locke!!!
Performing Her Billboard #1 Hits: Change, Band of Gold, 8th World Wonder
Time Friday, October 8 at 10:00pm – October 9 at 2:00am
Location Roscoe’s Tavern – 3356 N. Halsted St.
$10 Cover at 10pm
DID YOU KNOW…..
ROSCOES is nominated as one the
BEST GAY BARS in the world!
VOTE FOR THEM at TripOut Gay Travel .
Dancing on the Deck III This Weekend, October 2nd!
As Summer fades and Autumn rolls in,
Join us aboard the fabulous Kanan Cruise Ship!
We’ll depart from Navy Pier for a four-hour cruise along the Chicago Skyline. There will be an open bar, buffet, DJ and dance floor. Featuring DJ Alexis Rivera and DJ TEO. Enjoy live entertainment from some of Halsted Street’s most colorful personalities punctuates the evening, along with hot sailor boy dancers and sexy mermaids.
Saturday, October 2, 2010 – 9:00 PM – 1am Navy Pier
*$150 tickets are available online at CenteronHalsted.org or from Circuit Night Club or Rehab, a Cocktail Café, both at 3641 N. Halsted Street after 5pm daily.
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE NOW
*Pre-boarding check-in begins at 8:30pm on Navy Pier at the Kanan Cruise Ship on Saturday, October 2nd. Passengers may begin boarding the vessel at 9:00pm with a prompt departure time of 9:30pm. The Kanan will return to Navy Pier at 1:00am. Passengers must be at least 21 years of age with proper identification. This is a rain or shine event, no refunds.
It Gets Better Project – Filming in Chicago Sunday October 3
15 minutes of your time
could make a lifetime of difference!
Dan Savage and his husband Terry, frustrated and horrified over the growing epidemic of gay teens who have attempted or committed suicide to escape brutal bullying at school and home, have created a brilliant way to reach out and give hope to gay kids.
The It Gets Better Project is a library of YouTube videos featuring happy, proud gay adults talking about how the… bullying will eventually end and life eventually gets better.
You can see the clips he’s collected so far here:
It Gets Better Project
The library is growing every day. But Dan has asked for more clips—particularly clips of couples and families ready to share the joy of their lives as gay adults—so we are working with the Center on Halsted to host a free six-hour videotaping marathon. And YOU can participate!
TIME: 15-minute sessions between 1:00 and 7:00 pm
LOCATION: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted
ROOM: Polk Brothers Foundation Youth Space, Second Floor
Dan Savage will be on hand to meet you and
help you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Here’s all you have to do:
1. FORWARD THIS INVITATION to all your Chicago-area adult gay friends.
2. EMAIL JAKESTIGERS @ GMAIL.COM to schedule your 15-minute shoot. Please include your name, phone number and a range of times you’re available, and we’ll do our best to fit everyone in.
3. BRING A PHOTO OF YOU AS A KID if you want. We’ll scan it while you have your shoot and give it back to you.
That’s it! We’ll edit your video, add your photo and submit it to Dan to post on the It Gets Better Project page.
Thanks in advance for your participation. See you Sunday!
Chicago Vegan Mania After Party to Benefit Mercy for Animals
Chicago VeganMania
Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, Chicago
Chicago VeganMania is a free, day-long celebration of vegan community, culture, cuisine, couture and commerce with an emphasis on local businesses. The first 100 in the door age sixteen and over will get a free swag bag, too, so get here early! There will be amazing speakers, including Nathan Runkle, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau and others, as well as great cooking demos (Isa Chandra Moskowitz!), fantastic bands and incredible vendors. Lots of food, too!
After the VEGAN MANIA EXTRAVAGANZA, join MERCY FOR ANIMALS for the official after-party !
OCTOBER 9th 7-10pm At the Funky Buddah Lounge, 728 W. Grand Ave, Chicago.
Purchase your tickets today!
Tickets are $20 per person and include delicious vegan snacks and a complimentary drink. There will also be a raffle, a silent auction and a live DJ! You must be 21 or over to attend.
Tickets are limited so be sure to secure your spot at The Official VeganMania After-Party today!
B-52s at House of Blues October 7th – Two-for-one sale!
THE B – 52s are coming to HOUSE of BLUES Chicago, October 7th. And check this out! House of Blues would like to invite the friends and supporters of BEST GAY CHICAGO.com to see the B-52’s at the House of Blues, with a special “two for one” discount. Go to LIVE NATION and enter the password “loveshack” to take advantage of this special discount.
Can you believe the B-52s have been around since the late 70s?! It has been said that the B-52s are as quintessentially American as the Beach Boys. And twenty-five years and over twenty million albums into their career, the B-52s remain the among the most beloved rock stars ever.
Any mystery concerning the longevity and ongoing appeal of the B-52s is immediately solved when exposed to the B-52s unique concert experience. From the timeless gems of “Rock Lobster,” “Planet Claire” and “Private Idaho” to the more recent classics of “Channel Z,” “Love Shack” and “Roam”, the B-52s unforgettable dance-rock tunes start a party every time the music begins.
At the time of their greatest achievements, however, they suffered their greatest tragedy — the death of guitarist Ricky Wilson from AIDS. “He really had a vision…,” said sister Cindy Wilson. “He was one of the strongest elements of the B-52s from the beginning.” Ricky Wilson’s passing in 1985 came just after the sessions for Bouncing Off The Satellites (1986). The album, dedicated to Wilson, had taken nearly three years to complete but was worth the wait, serving up the fan favorites “Summer of Love” and “Wig.”
In 2008 the B-52s released their first new album in 16 years, the aptly titled Funplex. With its primal guitar hooks, driving drums and the B-52s’ unmistakable vocal style, Funplex is instantly recognizable as quintessential and contemporary B-52s. Newsweek Magazine declared, “Like a sonic shot of vitamin B12, the dance floor beats, fuzzy guitar riffs and happy, shiny lyrics keep the energy going.”
As the B-52s continue to take their party-music revolution into the 21st century they show no signs of slowing down, serving up their own unique blend of music and showmanship to millions of fans around the world. They have remained busy all these years! The B-52s, led by out gay frontman Fred Schneider perform upwards of fifty shows a year with old bandmates Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson and Keith Strickland.
You would think, with all that success comes tons of money. Not so. “I’m not wealthy,” Fred told Howard Stern. “We only started making money after ‘Cosmic Thing'” – the band’s fifth album, released in 1989 that featured singles ‘Love Shack,’ ‘Roam,’ and ‘(Shake That) Cosmic Thing.’
Which maybe explains the existence of his new spunky musical venture, The Superions. According to their MySpace profile, The Superions are the “most exciting group to hit the music scene since Elvis or Lady Gaga.” While that’s a little farfetched, they are exciting, or at least off-the-wall, much like their famous New Wave forebearers.
Leave it to The Superions to save the holidays from the usual stale chestnuts and dull oldie retreads. Following on the heels of their multi-plat… er, real popular hit song “Who Threw That Ham At Me,” the 11 future holiday standards on Destination… Christmas! perfectly capture the many moods of the season: despair, avalanches, deranged abominable snowmen, leaden fruitcakes, and of course, laughter. High-energy dance songs mixed with numbers to chill to, The Superions do it all on Destination… Christmas!
Destination… Christmas! will be released on Fanatic Records on October 25, 2010 and is destined to be a perennial Christmas favorite!
Illinois State Library Hosts Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Exhibit in October
The Illinois State Library will mark Diversity Month in October by displaying an exhibit based on the 2009 inductees in the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame and featuring books written by or about lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals.
The exhibit contains photographs and biographies of the 2009 Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame inductees, highlighting their achievements and contributions
to Chicago.
The books include Ask and Tell: Gay and Lesbian Veterans Speak Out by Steve Estes, Ask and Tell: Gay and Lesbian Veterans Speak Out
by Kate Burns, and The Lesbian and Gay Movements: Assimilation or Liberation? (Dilemmas in American Politics)
by Craig Rimmerman.
The exhibit will be on display in the 2nd Floor Atrium and the books will be featured in the Illinois Authors Room from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, October 1 through October 31, at the Illinois State Library, Gwendolyn Brooks Building, 300 South 2nd Street, Springfield.
Viewers of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame exhibit will learn, for example, that:
· U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) is a long-time supporter of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities who backs the movement to repeal the Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy;
· Lou Conte is the founder of the Lou Conte Dance Studio and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, both of which contribute to the arts and culture community in Chicago and beyond;
· Sgt. Lori A. Cooper is an openly lesbian police officer who has helped create significant policy changes within the Chicago Police Department;
· Zaida Sanabia is a young filmmaker who documented the struggles of starting a gay-straight alliance in her Chicago high school in her film “A Fish Almost Eaten by a Shark,” which has been screened nationwide to educate and train school administrators on creating safe schools for LGBT youth;
· AIDS Foundation of Chicago is an organization that has helped lead the fight against HIV/AIDS for 24 years by promoting cooperation among service providers at work across Chicago’s various communities, making more than $18 million in grants to agencies coping with AIDS in those communities, aiding the housing needs of persons with HIV/AIDS, and advocating for sound government HIV/AIDS policy.
The exhibit is courtesy of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues.
Reverend Stan J.Sloan Receives Two Top Honors
On Thursday, September 16th, Stan Sloan, CEO of Chicago House, was honored at the “Who IS Chicago ” event hosted by Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions . The “Who IS Chicago” event recognized influential Chicagoans active in the philanthropic community.
On Wednesday, November 10th, Stan will be inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame . The induction will take place at the Chicago Cultural Center at 77 E. Randolph. The reception begins at 5:30pm, is free, and open to the public.
BestGayChicago.com, The Chicago House staff, Associate Board, and Board of Trustees, feel these awards are well deserved for the the outstanding leadership that Stan continues to provide for Chicago House and the HIV and homeless communities. Way to go, Stan!
THIS WEEK – is Macy’s Men’s Designer Event !
Macy’s and OUT invite you to celebrate the latest designer collections.
When: Thursday, September 30th
Where: Macy’s on State Street, 111 North State Street, 2nd Floor Time: 5:30-7:30PM
Enjoy amazing fashion from Hugo Boss, Armani Jeans, Elie Tahari, and more!
Featuring informal modeling, music by DJ Chris Spinazzola, cocktails by Appleton Estate Rum, and hors d’oeuvres. Plus, meet special guest Micah Cohen, designer and creater for Shades of Grey. Spend $250 on Men’s Designer Deptartment and take $50* off your purchase. Plus receive a special gift bag** RSVP to (800) 329-8667. Door donations to benefit Chicago House.
Cabaret For a Cause October 11th
Cabaret For A Cause
at the Metropolis Theater
in Arlington Hts October 11, 2010 at 7:30p.m.
Some of the best Cabaret singers from Chicago and some Hunters Hunks dancers also. Songs from the 60’s Disco and even John Michael Coppola from the cast of Jersey Boys when it was in Chicago.
A night of pure fun for everyone, to support Open Door Clinic .
Tickets are $45 and $50 and can be purchased online .
The Legacy of Matthew Shepard with Judy Shepard September 30th
H.E.A.L. Ourselves:
Opening Eyes, Closing Wounds
(Healing, Engaging, Acting, Lifting)
H.E.A.L. Ourselves is a series of events
focused on advocacy against LGBT hate violence.
September 30th, 2010
Center On Halsted – 7pm:
“The Legacy of Matthew Shepard” – Judy Shepard
Speaking from a mother’s perspective, diversity speaker Judy Shepard has made the prevention of hate crimes the focus of her efforts, and urges her audiences to make their schools and communities safer for everyone, regardless of their race, sex, religion, or gender identity and/or expression.
Mrs. Shepard’s keynote speech is the highlight of a series of advocacy events in Chicago related to anti-LGBT hate violence. Center on Halsted has created this programming to increase advocacy in response to violence, engagement in violence prevention efforts, and healing in our communities.
PRICE
$10. Reserved tickets can be purchased online
Best Gay Chicago
2010 Chamber Expo Celebrating the LGBT Community and Business September 25th
Saturday, September 25 2010,
12:00pm – 3:00pm
The Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the return of the Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Business Expo. The expo will be held on September 25th, 2010 from 12pm to 3pm in Center on Halsteds Billie Jean King Recreation Center. This event is free and open to the public.
Bringing together over 40 area businesses, the 2010 Chamber Business Expo will include a mini “Taste of the Chamber”, a sampling of some of Chicago’s finest restaurants and caterers. This event gives the public an opportunity to check out a variety of goods and services provided by members of the Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
Christina Pinson, Executive Director, states, “The Chamber is an important resource to the community. We try to encourage our own community members to support their locally owned LGBT businesses. Our motto for the past few years has been ‘Don’t just be Gay, Buy Gay!’ We really feel that it is important to develop loyalty and support within our own community. “
For more information about the 2010 Chamber Business Expo, please contact Christina Pinson at 773.303.0167
Vote NAKED in Chicago Illinois – Party at Mini Bar September 24th
VOTING JUST GOT EASIER!
There is NO EXCUSE not to vote now!
Equality Illinois , the state’s largest organization advocating for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (“LGBT”) people, announced the launch of its innovative get-out-the-vote efforts, capitalizing on new changes in Illinois election law. The effort, in coalition with Roosevelt University and Rock-The-Vote is called VOTE NAKED ILLINOIS.
The coalition is among the first to capitalize on the new changes in Illinois election law that allow properly registered voters to vote by mail for any reason.
“It is imperative that Illinois voters cast their ballots this November, regardless of how they vote or where; and we’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen,” – said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois Education Project. “It is so easy to vote in the privacy of one’s own home, one can even do it naked.”
In the face of record low voter turnout across Illinois, Equality Illinois has joined with Rock the Vote and Roosevelt University to get out the vote in a very unique way for the November 2nd election in a project called Vote Naked Illinois. A recent change in Illinois election law now makes it possible for voters to request no-excuse absentee ballots, allowing voters to cast a ballot from the privacy of their own home.
The change in absentee rules allows for voters to fill out an ballot request applications , mail it into their local election authority and receive an absentee ballot in the mail. Fueled by a dynamic social media campaign and supported by a strong field organization, Vote Naked Illinois plans to turn out thousands of absentee ballots. The organization is also urging supporters to plan their own Vote Naked organizing events to encourage ballot applications.
Vote Naked Illinois’ social media presence is a driving force of the campaign. Voters can log onto VoteNakedIllinois.org where they will find a video, slideshow and a sign-up form. The site features an eye-catching video featuring Illinoisans who share what they “get naked for” and explains how to vote by mail.
“Social media has changed the landscape of elections—it’s no longer a matter of if we use social media, it’s matter of how,” explains Kevin Hauswirth, Director of Advertising & Promotions at Roosevelt University who also teaches courses on social media marketing.
Absentee ballot applications can be turned in from September 23 until October 28 by mail and until November 1 in person. Vote Naked Illinois voter outreach services are available without regard to the voter’s political preference. Information or other assistance regarding registering or voting, including any services offered, shall not be withheld or refused on the basis of support for or opposition to particular candidates or a political party.
When you go to Vote Naked Illinois.org , you are routed to a FaceBook page. There, you enter your name, email and zip code, and a ballot will be processed for you.
VOTE NAKED PARTY! Friday September 24th @ Mini Bar
Ultimat Friday Vote Naked Party
Make your Friday and Ultimat one! Please join us at minibar Ultra Lounge & Cafe’ this Friday, and fill out your Vote by Mail application. Ultimat Vodka will be hosting a cocktail reception for us from 9-11PM.
This is a huge opportunity and great way to get your weekend started!
minibar Ultra Lounge & Cafe’ 3341 North Halsted Street
Best Gay Chicago.com
GLAAD Brings Their TGIF Party to Boystown this Friday, September 24
GLAAD presents “Thank GLAAD It’s Friday!” (TGIF) featuring ABSOLUT® VODKA, the national networking event series for young LGBT professionals and straight allies that supports GLAAD’s work to amplify the voice of the LGBT community.
A TGIF 2010 Chicago Series Pass is $35 and includes:
-Entrance to the Chicago event on September 24
Friday, September 24, 2010 7:00 – 9:00 pm
@ Minibar 3341 N. Halsted
-Hosted ABSOLUT® VODKA cocktails
-Chances to win sponsored prize drawing items
-One-year membership to GLAAD
$50 VIP Tickets are also available, and include admission to the VIP lounge, appetizers and access to the private VIP bar.
WIN FREE TICKETS!
Purchase your TGIF tickets before Wednesday, September 22 at 5:00PM CST and you could win free companion passes! Selected at random, winners will be notified Thursday, September 23 by 5PM CST.
Purchase your Thank GLAAD It’s Friday – Chicago tickets today !
Gay NYC Rapper CAZWELL at Hydrate September 23
CAZWELL
is coming back to Chicago this week!
Few new artists
embody the spirit of downtown
NYC more completely than Cazwell.
Sexy Gay New York City Rapper Cazwell is a leading figure in the renaissance of New York City nightlife that has taken place over the last five years.
Cazwell’s music—a ridiculously fun mix of electrified dance music and old school hip hop—is the perfect example of the new spirit of pop music. Says Caz, “When people ask me how to describe my style sometimes I say ‘Just imagine if Biggie Smalls ate Donna Summer for breakfast.’”
Watch his awesome GIVE ME TONIGHT remix.
Watch his new sexy ICE CREAM TRUCK mix.
CAZWELL will perform in Chicago this Thursday, September 23 at HYDRATE 3458 N. Halsted – Guarnateed Fun Times!
Gay Beach Chicago – Hollywood aka Osterman Beach
Summer is fading……
Today as I walked my dog along the shore of Hollywood Beach, it was 75 degrees and about 30 men dotted the gay beach. The sweet summer days and Sundays with hundreds of gay men at the beach have faded I am afraid…..
Will there be an Indian Summer yet for Chicago?
One can hope!
the gardens at COCKTAIL bar Grand Opening Parties in Chicago this Weekend
Come check out one of the sexiest bars in Boystown. The new and expanded COCKTAIL with the gardens! 3359 Halsted. GRAND OPENING tonight , Friday, September 17th. Opening party 7-9pm
Join the celebration of their new GORGEOUS outside garden serving a fantastic food menu from the Cocktail kitchen!
Plus the addition of their new beautiful back bar – perfect for occasions such as this! Hosted bar sponsored by Absolut
Serving food starting @ 11am today , and all thru the weekend.
Sunday September 19th
garden brunch party 11am-4pm
be there for our first sunday brunch! it’s sure to be a great time in the gardens, with wonderful people and a mouth-watering brunch menu from the new kitchen at Cocktail.
Later that day…garden wonderland tea party 4-10p
dj uncle milty & sexy go go boys and drink specials!
