On Oct. 3, E3 Radio presented the 12th annual Purple Tie Affair at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. The nearly sold-out event aimed to both raise $10,000 and celebrate Chicago producer/entrepreneur/activist/educator Otis Mack for his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.
The event featured a concert with rousing sets from vocalists Frenchie Davis and Kenyotta and her band Kemistry; catering from Taylor’s Tacos; a candy bar provided by Ferrara Candies; a silent auction and raffle; and an appearance from Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Trina Tru Luv served as emcee with DJ Lori Branch providing beats. Mack, who could not attend the festivities, was represented by Prince BK and was lauded with a video with among others Tru Luv and Chicago Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs Antonio King.
Despite the music and the mirth, there were quieter moments as well. Don Abram of Toward Pride, formerly known as Pride in the Pews, introduced this new incarnation of the organization as a social, civic and faith-based institution fully embracing LGBTQ+ communities.
Longtime activists and producers Pat McCombs, Trina Tru Luv, and Vera Washington spoke lovingly about Mack when giving his Build Your Own Table Award to Prince BK and a loud burst of applause and cheers greeted the Mayor when he took the stage for brief remarks. Most problematic for him was his exit—so many well-wishers greeted him at every step to take pictures and shake his hand, that he almost didn’t get out of the room.
Purple Tie Affair has a reputation for offering guests a lively good time, and this edition was no exception. Early on, Tru Luv jokingly called out attendees for focusing their attention more on the tacos. Then Kenyotta and her band got onstage and infused the room with dynamic energy.
Vocalist Davis’ approach was more subtle, and she mentioned that a short time before she was in surgery and was not sure if she could perform. That didn’t stop her from finishing out her well-received set with a lilting version of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” that brought down the house.
After lots of action on the dance floor, it was time for the raffle and the fundraising portion of the evening. E3 and The Qube founder, CEO and host Anna DeShawn admitted that she was embarrassed to blatantly ask for money. Despite her professed discomfort, she and Carter Cavazos fueled a live contribution rally culminating in surpassing the evenings’ goal.
