Best Gay Chicago

Behind The Scenes Look at Cirque Du Soleil's BANANA SHPEEL

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:28:00 GMT

Cirque du Soleil has been coming to Chicago for nearly 20 years -
but this time, with a TWIST!

Something new and different will make it's premier in Chicago next week,
for a 8 week run, before moving on to New York City.

BANANA SHPEEL!
Is the newest creation from the Quebec company and will debut in Chicago
for a limited run (November 19-January 3),
before moving to New York's BEACON THEATRE for an open
ended run starting February 4th, 2010.

Cirque is completing final preparations this week!
We got a sneak peak behind the scenes as costume designer extraodinar Dominique Lemieux
put finishing touches and did fittings on some of her creative clothes.
WATCH CIRQUE BEHIND THE SCENES video!

She says," What makes the costumes unqiue is the juxtaposition of retro and modern.
The costumes recall the days of vaudeville, while the fabrics and materials are contemporary. Going from monochrome to color, and using vibrant shimmering and changing materials that will evoke the flamboyance of the world of vaudeville."

We also got the chance to watch handsome male dancer LUKE HAWKINS...

...rehearse his tap dance!

It is going to be an exciting show!
Banana Shpeel is a roller-coaster mix of styles that blends comedy with tap, hip hop,
eccentric dance and slapstick, all linked by a narrative that ignites a succession of wacky adventures.
This is not circus, or a musical or a variety show, or even vaudeville.
It is Banana Shpeel!

(makeup designer Eleni Uranis gives a lesson to cast member)

Writer and Director David Shine, who also directed KOOZA, is back at the helm once again this time.
He explains the world of vaudeville and his collaboration with creator Serge Roy.
How the new show has elements of vaudeville, but yet very modern,
with elements of circus as well.

Tickets range $23 to $98. at Cirquedusoleil and Chicagotheatre.

DID YOU KNOW?

Cirque du Soleil celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2009. From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Quebec-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has more than 4,000 employees from over 40 different countries, including 1,000 performing artists.

Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to almost 90 million spectators in over 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, Cirque will present 20 shows simultaneously throughout the world. Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.

The Best of Gay Chicago
The Best of Gay New York

NILES Gay Couple Banned From Wal Mart

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:04:00 GMT

DO GAY PEOPLE
REALLY SHOP AT WAL-MART?

Gosh, I started boycotting that store 3 years ago after watching THE HIGH COST OF THE LOW PRICE!

The two Bic multipurpose lighters and a package of smaller lighters Joe Paolucci bought at the Niles Wal-Mart on Aug. 16 cost $15.84.

So how did the lighters end up the centerpiece of a situation that resulted in Paolucci and his gay partner, Thomas Hitchcock, being banned from Wal-Mart, not only in Niles but everywhere? That's the rest of the story.

Tribune reporter staff writer Lou Mumford reported, Paolucci said he and Hitchcock had visited the store often since the two Chicago attorneys — for 13 years, Paolucci was general counsel for the real estate investment company owned by Chicago billionaire Sam Zell — opened a store known simply as Front in downtown Buchanan.

The "high-end modernist gallery/shop," as Paolucci described it, stemmed from an extensive rehabilitation project. He and Hitchcock own investment properties in downtown Buchanan as well, they said, plus a second home near Buchanan that they occupy with two special-needs 11-year-old twin sons they adopted from Romania.

At the Wal Mart store, Paolucci, went to a self-checkout lane to use scanning equipment he had operated before.

Later, he said, he returned to the shopping area to pick up additional items, including the lighters, which he scanned and placed in bags. He grabbed his receipt for the items, totaling some $60, and headed for the exit, as did Hitchcock and the boys.

Before they got outside, store employees stopped them.

"They asked if I had Bic lighters. I said, 'Yes,' and handed them over," Paolucci said. "Then they asked if I had a receipt. I said, 'Yes, you're holding it.' Then this group of Wal-Mart employees started forming around us."

Paolucci and Hitchcock said the employees were threatening and that one used a vulgarity. Their accusations frightened the boys, who began "crying, screaming and freaking out," they said.

Paolucci said that while he and Hitchcock were attempting to calm down the boys, the employees ordered them to enter a "detention room" for questioning. Fearful of what might happen behind closed doors, he and Hitchcock refused to enter and asked to speak to a manager.

"Some guy came up and said, 'I'm the manager,' then turned around and left," Hitchcock said.

Paolucci said he and Hitchcock then asked store personnel to call police. Within minutes, deputies from the Berrien County Sheriff's Department's Niles Township Patrol arrived, pleasing Paolucci who said he thought a few questions and a review of the store's videotapes and computer records would quickly resolve the matter.

He said he was shocked when he was immediately handcuffed, without a question being asked, and placed in the back seat of a squad car. Hitchcock wasn't handcuffed but also was placed in the back seat of a second squad car.

The twins, despite the protests of Paolucci and Hitchcock, were turned over to the store's security personnel, who took them into the "detention room" or what police referred to as a security room.

Paolucci and Hitchcock estimated it was at least 45 minutes before officers told them they had reviewed the store's tapes and had determined that the lighters hadn't been shoplifted. The two said they expected an apology and were surprised once again when personnel from the store walked up to the squad cars with the twins and read from a statement that Paolucci and Hitchcock had been banned by the store chain for life. Rather than shoplifting, the reason they were given was "being uncooperative."

"Everything they asked us to do, we did. We cooperated 100 percent," Paolucci argued. "We objected only when they tried to get us to go into the detention room."

By the time they were read the statement, Paolucci and Hitchcock said, the twins had told them that the security staff had allegedly threatened them in the security room and had made disparaging remarks about Paolucci and Hitchcock's lifestyle. Paolucci and Hitchcock said they asked police to take statements from the boys but the officers refused, telling the couple they'd have to contact Child Protective Services.

They were told next that they'd have to leave the premises immediately, they said, or be arrested for trespassing. The men said they argued the store should at least replace such grocery items as a frozen pizza, ice cream and popsicles, which by then had thawed or melted, but those arguments, too, went nowhere.

WHAT A MESS! I would not step foot in a Wal mart store if YOU PAID ME!

Best Gay Chicago

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PAWS CHICAGO Annual Black Tie Gala FUR BALL

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:36:00 GMT

It's that time of year again! Just a week away! The FUR BALL. Chicago’s most glamorous premier pet-friendly black tie gala will draw more than 750 guests at the famous Drake Hotel, many escorted by their canine companions. Lucky dogs in attendance will be treated to a doggie buffet, animal communicator and dog spa, complete with an animal masseuse. Human companions will enjoy silent and live auctions with one-of-a-kind items, raffles, dancing and dinner buffet.

Date: 6 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2009
Location: The Drake Hotel, 140 East Walton Place
Tickets: $400 for humans, $100 for pets.
Register Online!

PAWS Chicago (Pets Are Worth Saving) is the city’s largest No Kill humane organization. Through a solution-based approach to animal welfare, PAWS Chicago has placed Chicago on track to become a No Kill city where pets are no longer destroyed because they are homeless. Since PAWS Chicago’s founding in 1997, the number of homeless pets killed per year has dropped from more than 42,000 to less than 19,000 – more than a 50 percent decrease.

In the fall of 2007, PAWS Chicago celebrated a milestone by opening the Midwest’s first No Kill, cageless, state-of-the-art adoption center for dogs and cats in Lincoln Park. PAWS Chicago is on track to find homes for more than 3,600 homeless pets this year. With higher adoption numbers, the cost of medical treatments and caring for homeless pets continues to increase.

Every dollar raised from the 8th Annual Fur Ball enables
PAWS Chicago to continue life-saving work.

PLEASE NOTE:
The appearance of any person or business on this site, is not to be taken as any indication
of the sexual orientation of such persons or businesses.

The Best of Gay Chicago

HYATT RESORTS Special Offer

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:55:00 GMT

Hyatt presents -

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Everyone likes perks and upgrades! Just in time for the holidays, HYATT RESORTS has a sweet deal for readers of this site!

Choose from 15 unique Hyatt hotel and resort destinations to experience everything from luxurious spas and beautiful white-sand beaches to picturesque mountainous plains. Indulge together in all the sights, sounds, and tastes of each destination.

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We are a global hospitality company with widely recognized, industry leading brands and a tradition of innovation developed over our more than fifty-year history. Our mission is to provide authentic hospitality by making a difference in the lives of the people we touch every day. We focus on this mission in pursuit of our goal of becoming the most preferred brand in each segment that we serve for our associates, guests, and owners. We support our mission and goal by adhering to a set of core values that characterizes our culture.

HYATT RESORTS - THREE FOR FREE

SKYY VODKA and Chicago's REELING Gay Lesbian Film Festival

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:46:00 GMT

The 28th REELING Gay Lesbian Film Festival in Chicago is off and running this week! The opening night film and Gala were a blast! And many shows and Galas are starting to sell out!

IMPORTANT UPDATE about the FISH OUT OF WATER AFTER-PARTY - Sunday November 8th!! Due to the overwhelming demand for Fish Out of Water After-Party tickets, the party has moved to a bigger space and changed the venue to Skybar, 2242 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets previously sold out online for this event, HOWEVER, they are now releasing additional after-party tickets. Snag them while they're still available! (Note: Film-Only Fish Out of Water tickets remain available for purchase, as well.)

Reeling will close on a high note on Sunday, November 15th at Music Box Theatre with the 7:30 pm Closing Night screening of Oy Vey! My Son is Gay!!, featuring a star-studded cast that includes, among others, Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Jai Rodriquez (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy), Vincent Pastore (The Sopranos), comedian Bruce Vilanch, and Carmen Electra!!!

Director Evgeny Afineevsky and Jai Rodriquez are scheduled to appear at the screening and after-party, which will take place at Architectural Artifacts. (4325 N. Ravenswood).

SKYY VODKA is a proud sponsor of this years REELING Gay/Lesbian Festival. And they have created a special drink which will be available at the Gala's and you can also make it at home, of course.

Here's the recipe -

The Reeling Passion

2 oz SKYY Infusions Passion Fruit
2 Lemon Quarters
1 oz Simple Syrup

Muddle the lemon quarters with the simple syrup until all the juice is extracted out of the fruit.
Add the SKYY Infusions Passion Fruit and top with ice.
Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

See you at the movies this week!

SKYY VODKA

REELING FESTIVAL tickets and information

BEST GAY CHICAGO

MR RIGHT - Monday, November 9th Landmark Theatres on Clark

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:36:00 GMT

REELING FILM FESTIVAL
and BEST GAY CHICAGO PRESENT....

Jacqui Morris’ directorial debut, ‘Mr. Right’ — an ensemble piece following the lives of several gay Londoners.

The film starts off rough with a narration from jilted fag hag, Louise. Her role is mainly to drop sassy one liners much like you’d expect from a gay character in a straight film.

And perhaps that’s the film’s strength. Morris explains she wanted to make a gay movie for the “mainstream.”

Despite the familiar gay characters (Alex is an aspiring actor/waiter, Lawrence is a soap-star, Tom is the self-deprecating artist, and Lars is the narcissistic muscle boy), ‘Mr. Right’ depicts these men with intellect and wit — minus the campiness and lisps you might expect.

Most interesting is the emergence of a new gay character archetype: the single dad, William. We watch him struggle to raise a “normal” 9-year old child, while he fights fears of being alone. William is both an ex-Rugby player and antique collector, which makes for a refreshing and unexpected combination.

The film was made on a shoe string budget, but the quality doesn’t suffer. For example, the soundtrack features The Gossip and Rufus Wainright, courtesy of a very generous Universal Music. And even more impressive is the discovery that the entire movie was shot hand held and on tape (which is cheaper than digital). All this combined with the help of the local community in London’s gay SoHo district (many shops, bars, and clubs donated locations and support) turn what might have been a low budget mess into a solid, rarely-seen portrayal of modern gay life.

I hope you can you join us!

Tickets   $10

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9th,

9pm LANDMARK THEATRES.

2828 N. Clark.

Read More about MR RIGHT and Watch a Movie Clip!

Advance sales are available until the day before the show. After that, tickets must be purchased at the theater box office on the day of the screening.        Online: Tickets available 24/7 through Tix.com

Walk up ticket sales in Andersonville: at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark St.
Monday-Friday 10:00 am-6:00pm;

The Best of Gay Chicago

Boycott of Hunters is Called For by Some Transgender and Gays in Chicago

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:38:00 GMT

The Suburban Chicago gay bar Hunters Nightclub recently officially imposed a "new" ID requirement that has several GLBTs—particularly transgender activists—up in arms.

The Elk Grove Village bar’s owners have implemented a new policy that requires patrons to show a valid photo ID that matches their gender presentation. Therefore, if a person wants to enter Hunters in drag, his or her ID must match their current appearance. But Hunters says the rule isn’t exactly new, and they are just making sure they comply with local laws in order to keep their liquor license.

According to Hunters, the new policy was put in place to keep out transgender and cross-dressing prostitutes. Hunters manager Peter Landorf told the Chicago Tribune that the decision was made reluctantly after seeing Craigslist prostitution ads that mentioned Hunters. Management decided it was best to be strict about photo IDs in order to avoid potentially losing its liquor license.

Chicago Gender Society’s Katie Thomas told CFP that the organization hasn’t taken much of a stand on the Hunters issue beyond telling people that “the law is the law.” Thomas said that she believes that Hunters is cracking down on IDs in order to maintain their liquor license and not for any other reason. In the meantime, she said, trans people can easily obtain a new ID. “Do what you’re supposed to do and get an ID,” Thomas advised.

MJ from One Voice Whispering in the Wind blog said in a recent post, "As many of you already know, this past Friday night I went to support a protest of Hunters Nightclub. A lot of people were asking me what brought on this protest. I very quickly explain to them about the discrimination of my fellow Transgender brothers and sisters."

About 40 some people showed up this past weekend for a protest at the bar..."Well the night turned out like this: There were over forty people out on Friday night standing in the freezing cold parking lot waiting to challenge the new policy at Hunters. As we all made our way into the bar, two of us were turned away. The remaining people who were able to make it into the bar, were asked to leave the bar about an hour later. To clarify on this part a little; we were asking the manager about the policy and why they allowed some of us in and not others and next thing I know we were being asked to leave.

I can not comment on what was being said between our organizers and the management at Hunters for I was not there for the whole conversation. I just know that after we were asked to leave, most of us braved the cold temperatures outside because Patrick Volkert, a manager at Hunters, agreed to talk to us. We all waited for him to come out and talk to us. When he finally did come out, he would only talk to the group organizer. So the rest of us waited in the parking lot, talking and sharing stories until the meeting was done.

When the meeting was over we were told that our demand that Hunters repeal the policy was denied and so we decided to boycott Hunters."

Chicago Gender Society's Katie Thomas added that there are a lot of trans women who have gotten into Hunters without a problem because staff recognize them.

“It’s not that they don’t want trans girls here,” Thomas said.

On a Friday or Saturday night, patrons said there are typically a dozen or more men at the bar dressed as women. Most are just trying to be themselves. They go out "in costume" and live most of their daily lives as men.

But now a whole can of worms has been opened. The bar, could now have an additional problem on its hands. As of 2006, state law prohibits any establishment open to the public from discriminating against people based on gender identity.

Equality Illinois political director Rick Garcia told CFP that the organization has known about the situation at Hunters for “a while.”

Garcia said that Equality Illinois already spoke with the Illinois Department of Human Rights and hopes to talk to Hunters owner Mike Hunter shortly. The statewide GLBT organization hopes that they can sit down with Hunters management and come up with a solution that protects both transgender patrons and the bar.

“We respect his desire to keep his business safe and legal,” Garcia said. “But in protecting the business, you can’t also harm innocent people.”

Hunters declined to comment in the Chicago Tribune recently.

Singer SEPTEMBER to be LIVE at ROSCOE'S November 8th

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:05:00 GMT

Petra Eos Marklund better known by her stage name September, is a Swedish dance singer, enjoying success in America this year! Performing her huge hits "CAN'T GET OVER YOU", "SATELLITES" AND THE BILLBOARD #1 DANCE SONG "CRY FOR YOU".

Putting on a memorable live show is important to this 24-year-old who loves touring as much as she enjoys singing and dancing. She also designs the clothes she wears on stage and likes to be involved in every step of the process. ”I was meant to do this”, she says.

Doors Open at 8PM

Limited $10 pre-sale tickets on sale NOW at the bar. Roscoes 3356 N. Halsted

SEPTEMBER on MySpace

Boystown Halloween "Gay" Parade and Parties

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:10:00 GMT

13^th Annual Triangle Neighbors' Northalsted Halloween Parade on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 6PM with pre-parade festivities beginning at 4PM.

(NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME!)

Provocatively dressed drag queens, scantily clad warriors and go-go gods, pregnent nuns, priests and choir-boy couples and the gay renditions of countless politicians, super heroes, and other characters attract crowds to the streets to celebrate Halloween in Chicago's Boystown neighborhood. The extravagance of Halloween festivities attracts MANY heterosexual visitors to the area who otherwise wouldn't likely be found there.

The costume parade has become the city’s most renowned Halloween event drawing thousands of spectators. It’s a creative, fun and entertaining event for the entire community that raises funds for our community garden park. And a Saturday parade means a HUGE crowd so they have extended the parade route north to Addison (versus stopping at Cornelia).

We're excited to announce Miss Foozie has agreed to emcee the parade (as the Queen of Hearts) and the Chicago Spirit Brigade will march and perform!

The parade's festivities begin at 4 p.m., when Two Lights Theater Company transform Space Park (815-817 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60657) into Wonderland for free registration for the costume contest and parade for children and pets.

Free registration for the costume contest and parade for adults and groups will be at SPIN Nightclub located at 800 W. Belmont Ave also at 4 p.m. Parade participants must register and be lined up by 6 p.m. to march in the parade and be eligible for one of the dozen prizes. A special prize will be awarded to the costume that best represents the theme of the parade, “Mad Hatter’s Ball."

The 13^th annual event will step off an hour earlier than prior years at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday evening, October 31, 2009. The parade route is Halsted from Belmont to Addison with a main stage at Halsted and Roscoe.

The Best of Gay Chicago

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Virtual Rainbow - Chicago Artists Month - At Center on Halsted with Archer Coe and Others

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:29:00 GMT

What: "Virtual Rainbow"/Chicago Artists Month
Redefining the LGBT community in the digital age through art and performance.

When: FREE - open daily - NOW - November 15.

Where: in the 2nd and 3rd floor art galleries at Center on Halsted, located at 3656 N. Halsted in Chicago

Featuring a collaboration of emerging and established LGBT artists, “Virtual Rainbow” offers a group show expressing the diversity of inspiration taken from new technology and the Internet. Highlights will include Doug Smithenry’s “Coming Out Online” project and the premiere of “No Exit,” an opera co-produced with Chicago Opera Vanguard.

Additional programming will feature multi-media performances in song, dance and spoken word, as well as a workshop focusing on artists who embrace digital dissemination of their work. Other local artists being featured in the gallery show are Archer Coe, Ryan Kododziej and Jay Boeldt.

Upon a recent visit to Center on Halsted, everyone on third floor seemed taken by artist Archer Coe's unique images! Originally from Michigan, Coe has lived in Chicago for 8 years.

A self taught photographer, Archer holds degrees in painting, illustration and computer graphics. His candid captures of everyday people in the steps of everyday life grew from a series of events, some life threatening, that led him to question the steps of his life and "what it all means".

As many as 400 photos are used to create one composite image, moving the resulting image toward a time based narrative. His current works stem from his love of the city of Chicago and the uniqueness of each inhabitant.

Chicago Artists Month is an annual celebration of Chicago’s vibrant visual arts community during the month of October. Over 200 events will take place throughout the city. More information is available at Chicago Artists Month.

The Best of Gay Chicago

Windy City Gyros...Best Gyros? Worst Homophobic Anti-Gay Place to Eat in Chicago

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:51:00 GMT

Here at BEST GAY CHICAGO, we are all about covering the BEST of Chicago, obviously.

However, from time to time, we will also point out the WORST, so that you can avoid these places.

Windy City Gyros
3932 N Broadway St

I have hated this place for a number of years, but after a night of drinking, my partner will sometimes crave a greasy lamb Gyros sandwich! And this dinneresque place is just on the edge of Boystown, and a popular late night spot to grab a quick bite.

However, on every single occassion we have been here, the staff and management are SO HOMOPHOBIC and ANTI-GAY, everytime we leave, I say I am not coming back!

It had been about a year, since our last visit. And last night was the final straw. The place hasn't changed! The 2 guys behind the counter were speaking in their native tongue but I did hear HOMOs and they were laughing. The staff here is always rude and I refuse to ever go back here again.

We urge you - DO NOT SPEND YOUR GAY DOLLARS HERE!

The WORST of Gay Chicago

REELING Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Present MR. RIGHT Monday November 9th

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:58:00 GMT

What do a TV producer, a rugby player, two actors, a model and an artist have in common?

Find out in MR. RIGHT, a delightful relationship dramedy from the brother/sister team of writer David Morris and director Jacqui Morris.

In this charming ensemble film, as the boys hook up, break up and make up, they must get past the drama in order to find true happiness.

A sentimental, sexy trip through London's gay enclave Soho -- MR. RIGHT just might be the one!

REELING FILM FESTIVAL and BEST GAY CHICAGO are proud to present this romantic
comedy movie about same-sex relationships on

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9th, 9pm,
LANDMARK THEATRES. 2828 N. Clark.

Harry hates being a TV producer and dreams of leaving his job to travel the world. He loves Alex, an aspiring actor who is struggling to create an identity for himself as a performer.

Rugby player William's nine-year-old daughter is intent on sabotaging his relationships with new boyfriends, and he's finding it difficult to let Lawrence, the soap star, into his life.

Lars is a handsome sometime-model kept by Tom, a successful artist, who will excuse his every betrayal so long as Lars doesn't leave him.

For her directorial debut, Mr. Right, director Jacqui Morris, along with her director/screenwriter brother David Morris, focuses on the highs and lows of gay relationships. Seasoned swish fish Louise fears the guy she is seeing might be gay, so she enlists the help of her gay boyfriends—William, Alex, and Tom—to uncover the truth. But, they all have their own issues to deal with. William, an ex-rugby player turned antiques collector, always keeps his eyes peeled for a great find—including a guy!

With a 9-year-old daughter that doesn’t want daddy to date, he struggles with balancing parenting and dating when he meets Lawrence, the sexy star of a popular soap opera. Alex is in love and living with his reality series producer boyfriend, Harry.

Tom, a successful artist, keeps his man, Larrs, in the lifestyle to which he is accustomed, though Larrs has a roving eye. Everything is peachy-keen until Larrs hits on Harry. When Alex and Harry have a dinner party, the entire lot is exposed to an awkward and hilarious gathering.

Mr Right is an Indie movie of such charm and potency that it might just make even the most blue-blooded, hard-nosed, straight-as-a-die fella query his sexuality. For those initiated into the gay community, it will ring true, for those who arent, it will provide a fascinating insight. Rather than being polemical or crudely comic, it deals with adult subjects which affect us all. Mr Right merges Hoxton cool, Metrosexual and gay style to create a savvy brew of Urban Queer Cool. In a modern world where straight men are waking up to the fact that gay people are the gate-keepers of the cool in-set, Mr Right gives a crash course on understanding how their clique works.

With an impressive soundtrack by artists such as The Gossip and Rufus Wainright, this romantic comedy is for those who enjoy quick wit and hot Brits.

WATCH THE MOVIE TRAILER NOW! TICKETS are $10

Advance sales are available until the day before the show. After that, tickets must be purchased at the theater box office on the day of the screening. Processing fees apply for all online and member phone orders.

Online: Tickets available 24/7 through Tix.com

Phone (Members Only): Monday-Friday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm at (773) 293-1447.
Processing fees: Phone Orders (Members Only) - $1.75 per ticket.

Walk up ticket sales in Andersonville: at Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark St.
Monday-Friday 10:00 am-6:00pm; with weekend dates of Saturday, October 24, 9:00 am-5:00 pm;
Saturday, October 31, 9:00 am-5:00 pm; and Sunday, November 1, 12:00 pm-5 pm.

The Best of Gay Chicago

Mr International Rubber - November 6 - 8 , Chicago

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:20:00 GMT

Rubber, Leather, Kink and Men, Oh My!

Just 2 weeks away - Mr International Rubber 2010 is back in Chicago!

Over $13,000 in prizes will be give away at MIR2010.

Chicago Rubbermen Gear Swap.

Kink Market, Contests, and lots more, all weekend.

all official MIR2010 events will be held at the Center on Halsted, (3656 N Halsted St)
Chicago's 65,000 sq ft GLBT Community Center!

Friday November 6th - Sunday November 8th. - All events on the 3rd floor.

VISIT M I R for more details!

The Best of Gay Chicago

Evil Dead: The Musical to be performed at Moraine Valley

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:07:00 GMT

It may sound like a horror,
but it’s not!

Evil Dead: The Musical,

based on Sam Raimi’s 1980s cult classic films, tells the tale of five college kids who travel to a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force.

It’s full of hilariously campy songs and bursting with more farce than a Monty Python skit. The New York Times calls it “The next Rocky Horror Show.”

Moraine Valley Community College’s Academic Theater presentation of Evil Dead: The Musical will be November 5-8, in the college’s Dorothy Menker Theater in the Fine and Performing Arts Center, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills.

As musical mayhem descends upon the sleepover in the woods, “camp” takes on a whole new meaning with uproarious numbers like “All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons,” “Look Who’s Evil Now” and “Do the Necronomicon.” This show contains adult language and situations and is for mature audiences only.

Show times are 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday,

November 5-7, and 3 p.m., Sunday, November 8.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Purchase ticket online at Moraine Valley, by calling (708) 974-5500, or at the Box Office, located on the south end of the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

The show’s crew is as follows: Tommy Hensel, director; Carolyn Brady-Riley, musical director; Melanie Herman, choreographer; Lee Brasuell, special effects designer; John Tovar, fight choreographer; John Horan, lighting designer; Adam Liston, scenic designer; Brenda Winstead, costume designer; and Amanda Hantson, stage manager. The cast features Moraine Valley students Nicole Dizon, of Tinley Park, Michelle Bly, of Evergreen Park, and Donald Fitzgibbons, of Burbank, and Moraine Valley math instructor Jason King, of Orland Park.

Other cast members include Megan Havel, of Naperville, Scott Podraza, of Mokena, Brian Whitlock, of Oak Lawn, Christina Morales, of Alsip, and James LaPietra, of Berwyn.

Just a quick ride outside of downtown Chicago, Moraine Valley has an excellent season, with some shows not to be missed!

Become a Fan of Moraine Valley on FaceBook!

The Best of Gay Chicago

Chicago House Presents President Bill Clinton Luncheon November 11

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:07:00 GMT

CHICAGO HOUSE presents SPEAKERS SERIES!

With President Bill Clinton.

November 11th at the Palmer House Hilton.
Luncheon and Q & A with the former President!

Founder, The Clinton Foundation
42nd President of the United States

William Jefferson Clinton was elected President of the United States in 1992, and again in 1996, the first Democratic president to be awarded a second term in six decades. Under his leadership, the United States enjoyed the strongest economy in a generation and the longest economic expansion in U.S. history.

His administration resulted in moving the nation from record deficits to record surpluses; the creation of over 22 million jobs; low levels of unemployment, poverty and crime; and the highest homeownership and college enrollment rates in history.

After leaving the White House, President Clinton established the William J. Clinton Foundation with the mission to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence.

Upon moving his offices to Harlem in 2002, he launched the Foundation’s first program to help local small business owners succeed. Since then, this initiative has evolved into the Clinton Economic Opportunity Initiative, which is helping individuals and families succeed and small businesses grow. Also in 2002, at the World AIDS Conference in Barcelona, President Clinton started the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI) to assist developing countries in implementing large-scale, integrated, care, treatment and prevention programs that will turn the tide on the epidemic. Today, 2 million people living with HIV/AIDS are accessing lifesaving treatment because of CHAI.

In addition his Foundation work, President Clinton has joined with former President George H.W. Bush three times – after the 2004 tsunami in South Asia, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and Hurricane Ike in 2008 – to help raise money for recovery efforts. He also served as the U.N. Envoy for Tsunami Recovery to help people “build back better.” President Clinton was born on August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas. He and his wife Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton have one daughter, Chelsea, and live in Chappaqua, New York.

November 11th - Palmer House Hilton 17 East Monroe Chicago
12:00 Lunch 12:30 Speech and moderated Q & A

Tickets ONLINE at Chicago House starting at $150

Questions for Clinton may be submitted online.

Tickets must be purchased before November 4th for security reasons.

The Best of Gay Chicago

Chicago Gay and Lesbian Film Festival November 5 - 15

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:02:00 GMT

The 28th edition of Reeling, the second-oldest lesbian and gay film festival in the world, and the premier cultural event for the city's LGBTQ community and film-appreciating audiences is just weeks away!

Presented November 5 - 15, Reeling will showcase over 150 innovative gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender films from countries as diverse as the Philippines, Sweden, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Reeling continues to demonstrate the expanding breadth of gay-themed work being produced today by showcasing films representing multi-cultural perspectives and in genres ranging from musical comedy to horror to serious drama to compelling documentaries to introspective experimental, and more.

There are some really great things this year! Including the new Eating Out:3 - All You Can Eat; Boy Crazy - a fun collection of film shorts; Baby Formula - a funny mockumentary about pregnant lesbians!; The Big Gay Musical; Oy Vey! My Son is Gay with Lanie Kazan, PLUS lots of after parties where you can mix and mingle with surprise guests! Lots and lots to choose from - something for everyone's taste!

See the full schedule online at REELING. Ticket info online at REELING.

See you at the movies!

The Best of Gay Chicago

gay lesbian film festival gay chicago reeling film festival LGBT film festival landmark theaters lanie kazan Tag generator

LEVI'S and Jenny Shimizu to Host Benefit for Hetrick-Martin Institute October 21st

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:33:00 GMT

The Advocate, Levi’s, Jenny Shimizu, Modesto Tico Valle, William Greaves and John R. Richards invite you and a guest to celebrate the Hetrick-Martin Institute Liquidity Reserve Fund at The Center Halsted Street on Wednesday, October 21st.

The Levi’s® brand, the world’s jeanswear leader, announces the launch of their "Give Them Hope Now" campaign supporting the Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI), home of the Harvey Milk High School.

The goal of Levi’s® new, motivational campaign is to help HMI raise $500,000 for their Liquidity Reserve Fund, which will establish a financial safety net to fund HMI’s important work within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth community.

The campaign and its official Web site, has been running since May and is scheduled to run thru November 2009 or until the $500,000 fundraising goal is met. Hetrick-Martin is the oldest and largest non-profit, multi-service agency dedicated to serving LGBTQ youth including educational services for at-risk youth in the Harvey Milk High School.

The CHICAGO PARTY!        Wednesday, October 21 | 7-9 pm
The Center on Halsted Street| 3656 North Halsted Street, Chicago
Cocktails / Hors d'oeuvres / one-of-a-kind auction!
Attire - Cocktail casual - denim encouraged!
Donation of your choice accepted at the door.

RSVP by email   to hopenow@levi.com

The   Best of Gay Chicago

Summer Fun in Chicago - Chicago's Hollywood Beach Photo Shoot

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:32:00 GMT

Summer has faded away and Fall/Winter came in like a lion here in Chicago!

One of my favorite shoots was with John, at Hollywood beach.

His body was in amazing shape as he prepared for a huge
fitness competition.

.
Photos by Michael Snell Blue Men Photography for Best Gay Chicago

PLEASE NOTE:
The appearance of any person or business on this site, is not to be
taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or businesses.

Art Trolley Tour Around Lakeview Friday October 16th

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:59:00 GMT

FREE Art Trolley Tour Friday, October 16,
that showcases five art galleries in Lakeview.

Start your evening at The Leigh Gallery, 3306 N. Halsted (in the heart of Boystown), and enjoy complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres from FireFly Restaurant (3335 N. Halsted).

You can start the tour at any time; there are two trolleys that run continuously from 5pm to10pm.

Stops will include visits at:

Slaymaker Fine Art - 934-36 W. Roscoe
Art de Triumph - 2936 N. Clark
Platt Fine Art - 561 W. Diversey
I.D. Chicago - 3337 N. Halsted

Feel free to bring friends to enjoy this fun October evening!

Stars From Broadway's Jersey Boys and Wicked to Join Cirque's Banana Shpeel

Best New Gay Travel Guide — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:57:00 GMT

Stars from Broadway’s Jersey Boys and Wicked will join the distinctive cast of comedic and dance talent in the brand new theatrical production, Banana Shpeel, presented by Cirque du Soleil and MSG Entertainment. Banana Shpeel begins performances at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State Street, on November 19, 2009, with an official Opening Night on Wednesday, December 2. The limited Chicago engagement concludes January 3, 2010, and Banana Shpeel debuts in New York at The Beacon Theatre in February 2010.

Michael Longoria, who starred as Frankie Valli in the Broadway production of Jersey Boys, will portray Emmett, an innocent and romantic young actor, while Annaleigh Ashford, who starred as Glinda in Wicked on Broadway and in Chicago, portrays his love interest Katie, and Remo Airaldi, a prolific resident company member of Boston’s acclaimed American Repertory Theater, portrays Schmelky, a cruel and irritable theater producer.

Joining them is an international crew of comedic actors: Claudio Carneiro (Brazil), Daniel Passer (U.S.), Patrick de Valette (France), Gordon White (Canada), and Wayne Wilson (U.S.). In keeping with Cirque du Soleil’s unique and diverse performers, global talents showcased in Banana Shpeel include Russian hand balancer Dmitry Bulkin, Vietnamese juggler Tuan Le, Spanish foot juggler Vanessa Alvarez, and the American sister-brother tap dance duo, Joseph and Josette Wiggan. Completing the cast is a talented ensemble comprised of 10 “triple threats”: singer-actor-dancers Robyn Baltzer, Alex Ellis, Adrienne Jean Fisher, DeWitt Fleming Jr., Luke Hawkins, Kathleen Hennessey, Adrienne Reid, Anthony J. Russo, Melissa Schott, and Steven T. Williams.

The Show-

Banana Shpeel is a roller-coaster mix of styles that blends comedy with tap, hip hop, eccentric dance and slapstick, all linked by a narrative that ignites a succession of wacky adventures. This is not circus, or a musical or a variety show, or even vaudeville. It is Banana Shpeel!

Propelled by crazy humor and intense choreography, Banana Shpeel plunges us into the world of Schmelky, who dangles fame and fortune in front of Emmett, who has come to audition for him. Emmett soon finds himself trapped in a flamboyant, anarchic world where Schmelky sows terror and reigns supreme. Emmett falls in love with the beautiful Katie and meets a bunch of absurd characters, including the strange Banana Man. But who is this mysterious Banana Man and how can Emmett escape the clutches of Schmelky and his henchmen?

But Tickets now for BANANA SHPEEL!
Tickets are available now for all performances and can be purchased at Cirque du Soleil or The Chicago Theatre or by calling 1-800-745-3000. Regular ticket prices range from $23 to $98, with limited Premium and Tapis Rouge VIP Experience tickets also available. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more, by calling 1-866-6-CIRQUE (1-866-624-7783).

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