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'Savage Love Live' in Chicago on Sept. 26
Author, sex-advice columnist, podcaster, pundit, public speaker and It Gets Better co-founder Dan Savage will bring his famous column to Chicago when "Savage Love Live" takes place at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., ...
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Ex-tennis pro Brian Vahaly becomes LGBTQ-rights advocate
Brian Vahaly didn't need to be on the May 11, 2017, edition of Sports Illustrated's Beyond the Baseline podcast. Neither publicity or the money that tend to come with it were a concern: he'd made the ...
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Grayson Alexander talks history-making role, politics, future plans
When Grayson Alexander was growing up he never dreamed he would make history as the first out transgender person to become an Illinois General Assembly page, an accomplishment he achieved in a work-study program during the ...
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Lips Chicago, new drag-and-dining venue, opens on Michigan Ave.
Lips Chicago, the sparkling new drag-and-dining venue at 2229 S. Michigan Ave., opened its doors for a special VIP grand-opening party on Thursday, Aug. 22. The invitation-only crowd was introduced to cast of queens who will ...
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Rapper KC Ortiz paves a highway to heaven
A Queer Pride is starting up a weekly Friday night residency at the new nightclub Le Nocturne in Uptown. The debut event is a fundraiser for LA-based nonprofit Familia: Trans Queer Liberation Movement. The organization's founder ...
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PASSAGES Steven Ray Dobson, 70
Steven Ray Dobson, 70; of North Aurora, born in Pontiac, Michigan; former employee of Grand Trunk Railroad; passed away August 16, 2019. Steven was an easy going person who loved to laugh, made friends easily, and ...
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Derek Jarman films out Aug. 27
Kino Lorber and Zeitgeist Films will release two movies by the late filmmaker Derek Jarman ( 1942-94 )—Blue and The Garden—on Tuesday, Aug. 27. In a new 4K master of Blue ( $24.95 for the Blu-ray ...
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'Out at Wrigley'set for Aug. 25
The 19th annual "Out at Wrigley" will take place Sunday, Aug. 25, at Wrigley Field. This year, the Cubs take on the Washington Nationals at 1:20 p.m. after the campaign's winning national anthem singer sings the ...
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MCA extends Abloh exhibit
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave., has announced a one-week extension of "Virgil Abloh: Figures of Speech"—the first-ever museum exhibition devoted to the work of artist/designer Virgil Abloh, who is, among other ...
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Harris, Steans talk legislative session over coffee
Two General Assembly members met with their constituents at Andersonville's First Slice Pie Cafe to discuss this year's legislative session. State Rep. Greg Harris and state Sen. Heather Steans addressed about 15 area residents in the ...
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Kinley Preston previews Lips Chicago dinner theater
Lips, billed as "the ultimate in drag dining," is locating its fifth location in Chicago. The South Loop venue, opening to the public Aug. 23, includes acts such as lip-synching, live vocals, choreographed numbers, bawdy humor ...
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THEATER REVIEW Women of 4G
Playwright: Amy Tofte At: Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard St. Tickets: TheFactoryTheater.com and BabesWithBlades.org; $20-$28. Runs through: Sept. 14 It is 75 years in the future, and seven women and their male captain lead a routine ...
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NUNN ON ONE MUSIC Michael Feinstein, The legend returns to Ravinia
Cabaret king Michael Feinstein returns to Ravinia Festival this month with singer Haley Reinhart in her Ravinia debut. Songs will span over decades of the music Feinstein is known for playing. As the ambassador of the ...
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Critics' Picks
The Band's Visit, Cadillac Palace, Sept. 3-15—Critics' Picks rarely promotes shows not yet open, but this disarming, tender, compassionate and entertaining musical must be seen despite its short run. Splurge on the close-up seats for this ...
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THEATER REVIEW The Fly Honey Show
Authors: Erin Killmurray ( concept ), Mary Williamson and Shannon Matesky. At: The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets: http://www.theflyhoneyshow.com/events; $22.50-$45, $100 VIP. Runs through: Sept. 7 Last week at The Den Theatre in Wicker ...
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THEATER REVIEW All Quiet on the Western Front
Playwright: adapted by Matt Foss, from the novel by Erich Maria Remarque At: Red Tape Theatre at the Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets: RedTapeTheatre.org; free. Runs through: Sept. 14 World War I might not have ...
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Paxton Pride organizer didn't give up on hometown
When the first hateful comments against Paxton's planned Pride parade appeared on the Ford County Record's Facebook page, organizer Tyger McClure had a new problem: talking his octogenarian father out of carrying a rifle at the ...
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Michael Bauer reflects on a life of activism
Activist Michael Bauer, originally an attorney and executive who has been active in fundraising in local LGBT, Jewish and womens' communities since the mid-'90s, recalls vividly sitting through the inauguration of Mayor Lori Lightfoot this past ...
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Equality Illinois looks ahead with more diverse board
LGBT-rights advocacy Equality Illinois recently began its new fiscal year with a board of directors organization officials say better reflects the diversity of the constituency it serves. There are 20 persons serving on the Equality Illinois ...
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THEATER REVIEW You Can't Fake the Funk
Author: Daryl D. Brooks At: Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. Tickets: BlackEnsembletheater.org, 773-769- 4451; $55-65. Runs through Sept. 22 Enjoyment of You Can't Fake the Funk is rooted in one question: Can you dig ...
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Matt Herek on the state of CMSA
Matt Herek was in his first season playing in the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association ( CMSA ). He was on a flag football team sponsored by Hydrate Nightclub back in September 2005 and, well, he had ...
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Maria Callas hologram performance Sept. 7
On Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m., legendary opera diva Maria Callas will return to the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr.—42 years after her death. "Callas in Concert: The Hologram Tour" will feature ...
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About Face names new associates
About Face Theatre has announced the addition of five new artists to the company's roster of artistic associates. Along with Artistic Director Megan Carney, the associates represent the company's core artistic community whose creative focus helps ...
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Chicago performers 'Dance for Life' in annual showcase
Patrons of the arts gathered Aug. 17 in the South Loop for the 28th Dance for Life benefit performance. Dancers from six different organizations, including regulars Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the Joffrey ...
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Bechdel Fest 7 set for Aug. 25-28
Broken Nose Theatre ( BNT ) has announced the full line-up for Bechdel Fest 7: Momentum—the company's annual festival of new short plays featuring an ensemble of female-identifying and non-binary actors. Presented as part of Steppenwolf's ...
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LGBTQ journalists to convene in Chicago in 2020
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists announced that its 2020 National Convention will be held in Chicago on Sept. 10-13, 2020. The 2020 National Convention will be held at the historic Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton ...
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Muslim performers' event Aug. 30-31
On Aug. 30-31, at 8 p.m., the Muslim Writers Collective will host a program at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., with artists from multiple performative backgrounds. In collaboration with Steppenwolf's LookOut Series, the two-night variety ...
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African Festival of the Arts (AFA) hosts Annual Gala at Logan Center
( CHICAGO ) — August 19, 2019 — "The Spirit of Africa," the 30th Annual African Festival of the Arts Gala and Art Exhibition held at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts on ...
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BAC Announces Season of Inclusion, Productions to Focus on Diversity
( Chicago, August 20, 2019 ) — The Beverly Arts Center announces the productions for their upcoming 2019-2020 season, dubbed the "Season of Inclusion." The content in each play represent themes of race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, ...
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Considering Matthew Shepard concert st Ravinia Festival Sept. 12
On Thursday, Sept. 12, Considering Matthew Shepard will be performed at Ravinia Festival. The concert focuses on the brutal 1998 killing of a 21 year old gay student which attracted the attention of the world for ...
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NUNN ON ONE: COMEDY Flame Monroe's career heats up
The Netflix comedy special Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready premiered recently on Aug. 13. Haddish hand-picked her favorite comedians to spotlight on various segments. One of them is Chicago's very own Flame Monroe, who is the ...
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THEATER REVIEW The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Music: Alan Menken; Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz; Book: Peter Parnell At: Music Theater Works at Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., Evanston. Tickets: 847-920-5360 or MusicTheaterWorks.com; $34-$96. Runs through: Aug. 25 The Hunchback of Notre Dame is not ...
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SAVOR, GT Fish & Oyster
DISH Dining Guide
Led by Michelin-starred Giuseppe Tentorri, the River North spot GT Fish & Oyster ( 531 N. Wells St.; GTOyster.com ) offers a diverse set of seafood at an emphasized mid-range price. The restaurant's offerings were solidly ...
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CONCERTS Activate: Green Room, Alice Cooper, Hozier, Parker Milsap, Hunx
In case you didn't get enough queer cheer in June, July and August came packed with plenty of treats for every persuasion. Fairy godmother Barbra Streisand hit the United Center on Aug. 6, just days after ...
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CBGMC launching Caucus Corps Aug. 29
The Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus ( CBGMC ) is officially launching its new membership program, the Caucus Corps, on Thursday, Aug. 29, 6-9 p.m., at Little Black Pearl, 1060 E. 47th St. The mission of ...
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FASHION A 'Peach' of an event inspires queer fashion
Black Thread Agency is a cultural marketing and events agency based in Chicago. The agency has hosted a series of events throughout the year since 2017—such as Peach. Peach is an event series and brand that ...
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David Sedaris' "The Santaland Diaries" returns to Goodman Theatre
( Chicago, IL ) Goodman Theatre announces the return of The Santaland Diaries—a "funny, sardonic, wickedly funny look at the traditions and trappings of Christmas" ( BroadwayWorld ) by David Sedaris, adapted by Joe Mantello, November ...
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DINING Travelle dinner, National Bao Day, Winestyr Fest, ladies' night
—On Wed., Aug. 21, Travelle at The Langham Chef Jeff Vucko will collaborate with Granor Farm Chef ( and Ruffage author ) Abra Berens for a one-night-only dinner. Starting at 6:30 p.m., guests meet at Granor ...
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The Camino Project, an experiment in travel
Far removed from the constructs of your typical theater experience, Theatre Y evokes participation, both physical and emotional. The Camino Project is an experimental experience birthed from its writer, Evan Hill's and its director, his wife, ...
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NUNN ON ONE CABARET Rizo's 'Chaos' theory
Teatro Zinzanni's Love, Chaos & Dinner is currently playing at the newly opened Cambria Hotel Chicago, 32 W. Randolph St., on the 14th floor in The Spiegeltent ZaZou—a Belgian mirror tent created to showcase singers, acrobats, ...
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Invictus Announces 2019-20 Season
CHICAGO— Invictus Theatre, a theater company that emerged in November 2017 with an intimate production of OTHELLO and followed it with Shakespeare's comedy LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST in November 2019, has announced its expansion into a season ...
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Reports: Teen to testify against Aurora church employee
A minor alleging that an Aurora area church employee solicited nude photos from them via Snap Chat and text messages will be allowed to testify against the defendant, according to reports. The Kane County Chronicle reported ...
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SAVOR Lesbian chef curates 'Play'-ful menu in Gold Coast
DISH Dining Guide
Located on the Division Street strip in Gold Coast are longtime establishments like The Original Mother's and Butch McGuire's. The typical frat boy-ish scene left that part of the Gold Coast without many true nightclubs, with ...
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SAVOR Chiya Chai
DISH Dining Guide
What could beat an iced chai on the riverwalk? Four flavorful kinds of chai on the riverwalk, maybe. All this and more awaits tourists and locals alike along the east portion of the walking strip along ...
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Illinois Gay Rodeo Association presents Rodeo Round Town
The Illinois Gay Rodeo Association presents Rodeo Round Town, a three-day series of events throughout Chicago, continuing the tradition of the annual Windy City Rodeo, which drew rodeo fans from all across the nation. The rootin'-tootin' ...
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PASSAGES Paul Baker
Paul Baker, long-time Northside resident, passed away on Aug. 19 at the age of 88. He was born on Jan. 9, 1931 and raised in Carollton, Missouri, served in the Navy and lived and worked most ...
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THEATER SPOTLIGHT Doing Fine
Joanna Furnans may be the only dancer on view in Doing Fine, Aug. 22-Sept. 8 at the grey space, but the world premiere work is the result of a year-long collaboration between a half-dozen artists, while ...
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Pritzker bolsters Illinois Human Rights Act
On Aug. 20, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed several measures—including HB 252—which strengthens the Illinois Human Rights Act to protect employees against discrimination in the workplace, no matter the size of the employer. "Thank you, Gov. ...
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Music Box calls on Parton and Poppins for 90th anniversary
An all-night Dolly Parton film festival and a Mary Poppins sing-a-long screening are among the offerings at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., celebrates its 90th anniversary starting Aug. 22. Festivities kick off Aug. 22 ...
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Lighthouse plots continuing protest strategies
Community members, among them stakeholders from several Chicago-area religious organizations, gathered at Lighthouse Church in Lincoln Park the morning of Aug. 10, to discuss community engagement around Center on Halsted. Rev. Jamie Frazier of Lighthouse—who also ...
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Event promotes LGBTQ tourism in Israel
On Aug. 8 at Goddess and the Baker, 225 N. Lasalle St., the Israel Ministry of Tourism hosted a happy hour. The most eye-catching display, perhaps, was the rainbow cake peppered with mini-Israeli flags. Next to ...
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Reports say Schock may be stepping out of closet
LGBTQ Nation reported that former Congressman Aaron Schock ( R-Illinois )—who favored anti-gay legislation while in office—appears to be taking one step out of the closet. In a leaked chat conversation Queerty published, the former politician ...
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Drag-and-dining venue Lips to open Aug. 22
Lips, a drag-and-dining venue, will have a grand opening Thursday, Aug. 22, at 2229 S. Michigan Ave. Just some of the drag performers will include Mimi Marks, Shavonna B. Brooks, Ruff N' Stuff, Angel LeBare, Delilah ...
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London Gay Symphonic-Lakeside Pride Joint in concert Aug. 24
CHICAGO ( August 15, 2019 ) — Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles presents an international collaboration with London's only LGBTQ symphonic wind band, the London Gay Symphonic Winds ( LGSW ), for Aug. 24 7-9 p.m. here ...
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Leigh Gallery closing party Aug. 23
The Boystown business The Leigh Gallery, 3306 N. Halsted St., will end its 15-year run with closing party Friday, Aug. 23, 5-9 p.m. Owner Jean Leigh said in a goodbye letter, "I will be changing my ...
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LGBTQ+ Biz Bootcamp to start Oct. 5
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce announced that applications are open for its first-ever LGBTQ+ Biz Bootcamp. This six-week cohort program ( which begins Saturday, Oct. 5, and will be every Saturday at 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. ) ...
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IL Safe Schools Alliance, Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago merge
Chicago, IL - After almost a year of integrating operations, the Boards of Directors for Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago ( PHIMC ) and Illinois Safe Schools Alliance( the Alliance ) are delighted to announce ...
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Victory Gardens Theater announces Directors Inclusion Initiative assistant directors
Chicago, IL— Victory Gardens Theater announces the 2019/20 Season Directors Inclusion Initiative Assistant Directors including Alexander ( Lex ) Turner ( Tiny Beautiful Things ), Lanise Antoine Shelley ( The First Deep Breath ), Christina Casano ...
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Dorothy Brown not running for re-election
Longtime Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown has announced that she will not be running for re-election next year, The Chicago Tribune reported. Brown—the subject of a federal probe for years—said she'll be able to ...
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Chicago Meal Pack of 9/11 Day
The first-ever Chicago Meal Pack of 9/11 Day—co-hosted by Serve Illinois and the Greater Chicago Food Depository—will take place Wed., Sept. 11, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at Union Station, 225 S. Canal St. More than 1,000 volunteers ...
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Collaborative Works Fest to focuse on vocal chamber music of living composers
CHICAGO— Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago's 19/20 season will open with the 8th annual Collaborative Works Festival , held in venues around Chicago September 5, 7 and 8, 2019 . The 2019 Collaborative Works Festival, The ...
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Author Shapiro speaks at Women and Children First
Fort Lauderdale-based writer Gregg Shapiro, a native of Skokie, visited Women & Children First Bookstore in Andersonville the evening of Aug. 7. Shapiro, a longtime entertainment journalist, poet and fiction writer, read excerpts from his 2019 ...
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Critics' Picks
Ghost Quartet, Black Button Eyes Productions @ Stage 773, through Aug. 17—Dazzling vocal and instrumental musicianship in the town's most unique musical; a mash-up of fantasy, gothic horror and fairytale with Dave Malloy's melodic and diverse ...
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Underscore Theatre plans Chicago Musical Theater Festival and musicals
CHICAGO ( August 13, 2019 ) — Underscore Theatre Company is pleased to announce its full 2019-20 Season, featuring two fully-produced musicals, plus the 6th annual CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL. The season kicks off this fall ...
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Chicago Cabaret Professionals announces new Board
( Chicago, IL ) The Board of Directors of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals ( CCP ) is delighted to announce the appointment of seven new Board members, who officially joined in July 2019. They are Robert ...
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Women & Children First to host Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Women & Children First is honored to present U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor for a moderated conversation and audience Q&A followed by a book signing in celebration of her new children's book, Just Ask! Be ...
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DINING Julia Child, donut-topped milkshakes, Le Diner en Blanc
—In honor of iconic chef Julia Child, Chef Greg Biggers of Margeaux Brasserie, 11 E. Walton St., has curated a special pre-fixe menu of Child-inspired dishes for Thursday, Aug. 15 ( Child's 107th birthday ). Guests ...
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Ross Mathews brings bubbles and brunch to Chicago
Ross Mathews Presents Dragtastic Bubbly Brunch is a new endeavor for the television personality that combines local drag and a buffet brunch together in an intimate venue. Many will know Mathews from his numerous TV appearances ...
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UPDATE: Travolta to attend Wizard World Comic Con
This year's Wizard World Comic Con Chicago will take place Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 22-25, at Rosemont's Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Rd.—and it has just gotten some serious star power. It was announced Aug. ...
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PODCASTS Crossroads Fund's 'Queering Left' tackles queerness, activism
Crossroads Fund—a Chicago-based foundation that supports organizations working toward racial, social and economic justice—has introduced a new multimedia project called "Queering Left." The podcast— created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots—is set to ...
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Reeling LGBTQ film festival announces film line up
( August 12, 2019 - Chicago, IL ) Reeling, the second-oldest LGBTQ film festival in the world and a beloved Chicago cultural institution for more than 35 years, kicks off fall with an exciting slate of ...
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Northalsted Market Days 2019 in photos
Summertime was in full bloom for Northalsted Market Days, Aug. 10-11. This year's big acts included '80s singer/percussionist Sheila E., America's Got Talent breakout star Brian Justin Crum, dance diva Deborah Cox, "Scissor Sister" Jake Shears, ...
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Northalsted Market Days 2019, more photos
Summertime was in full bloom for Northalsted Market Days, August 10-11. This year's big acts included '80s singer/percussionist Sheila E., America's Got Talent breakout star Brian Justin Crum, dance diva Deborah Cox, "Scissor Sister" Jake Shears, ...
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THEATER Diamond Lil And The Pansy Craze
Authors: Jason Paul Smith and Roy Freeman At: The Berger Park Coach House Theater, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd. Tickets: threecatproductions.com or 312-970-9840; $15-25. Runs through: Sept. 8 With their world premiere production of Diamond Lil And ...
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Gay Chicago resident alleges discrimination by city employee
During the morning hours of April 25, Andersonville resident Leo Meere allegedly heard anti-LGBTQ comments from a Chicago Department of Water Management ( DWM ) employee when he was walking home from the grocery store. Meere's ...
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