Gay Games Parties

First off, a big welcome to all the folks in town for the Gay Games - which ChicagoPride.com is an official sponsor. It’s great to have the Games back in the U.S. again and quite special for all of us Chicagoans to have it here in the city that we are all so proud to live, work, and play in. I hope that during your visit to the Windy City you get a chance to truly experience the many wonderful aspects of Chicago.

In addition to the athletic competitions that will be taking place, there will be lots - and I do mean lots! - of opportunities to party during the Gay Games. Here’s a look at what I think will be the highlight event each night as well as the best of the rest.

Friday, July 14, 2006

Featured Event:
Festiv: A Gay Games Opener featuring DJ Frankie Knuckles
House of Blues
The Godfather of House Music and true Chicago legend, Frankie Knuckles, will be joined by Barbara Tucker and hostess Lady Bunny for this house music dance party. Expect an incredibly diverse crowd and to have an incredibly fun time.
(Event Details)

Other Events of Note:
Night of the Gladiators
The Prop House
Welcoming athletes of all colors from around the world, the Rails Marketing Group presents a Gay Games Official Affiliated party with a distinctive urban flavor for those who are out and those who consider themselves as "being on the DL." DJ Craig Loftis in the "tea room" - Warehouse party; DJ Ken Terry’s New York "Garage" party; DJ Anton & DJ Ransom playing Hip-Hop, Reggaeton and Reggae.

Hydrate Fridays: DJ Greg Drescher
Hydrate Nightclub

DJ Freddie Bain and the Spank GoGo Boys
Cocktail

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Featured Event:
PLAY Saturday: Opening Night with DJ Tracy Young (sponsored by ChicagoPride.com)
Circuit Nightclub
The Miami-based Young is one of the top DJs in the country and is often tagged by Madonna to spin at her parties. She brings her energetic big-room sound to the largest dance club in Boystown for a night that is sure to kick off Gay Games week in style.
(Event Details)

Other Events of Note:
Inspiration! Official Gay Games Men’s Opening Party
Aragon Ballroom
This circuit party – styled offering is being held at the historic Aragon Ballroom, a truly wonderful Chicago venue that the party boys have flocked to on numerous occasions over the years. DJ Brett Henrichsen will be at the helm in the DJ booth.
(Event Details)

Hydrate Saturdays: DJ Joe Gauthreaux
Hydrate Nightclub
No longer a rising star, DJ Joe Gauthreaux IS a star and one of the most popular touring DJs who regularly visits Chicago. His versatility and broad appeal make him a great choice to spin at the beginning of Gay Games week at one of the most fun and intimate dance floors on North Halsted Street.
(Event Details)

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Featured Event:
Chix Mix: Black Bra Internationale (ChicagoPride.com Sponsored in association with Chix Mix and Curve Magazine)
Transit Nightclub
Located in the rejuvenated Near West Side of Chicago and near Randolph Street’s "restaurant row", Transit Nightclub - with a large main room dance floor and two VIP lounges - is one of Chicago’s more popular nightspot and a great locale for the first of three Gay Games women’s parties produced by Chix Mix and Curve Magazine. DJs Gray (SF) and Edge (LA) will be kicking out the beats.
(Event Details)

Other Events of Note:
Crobar’s Super Summer Series: Victor Calderone
Crobar Nightclub
Chicago is home to the world famous and original Crobar Nightclub, the place that changed the face of nightclubbing in the city in the early 1990s. The club recently renewed its weekly Sunday night party and proclaims "Let The Gay Games Begin" with superstar DJ Victor Calderone of NYC bringing his "evolved" sound to the Midwest.
(Event Details)

Joey Leict & C-IN2 present DJ Junior Vasquez
Sound-Bar
Junior Vasquez was one of the first ever global superstar DJs and helped redefine the nightclubbing experience through his successful musical stewardship of several NYC megaclubs, including Twilo and Tunnel. The living legend makes his Sound-Bar debut at this party and gets to make musical magic with the best sound system in the city. Presented in part by C-IN2 Industries, this party also features a hosted bar, Chicago DJs Ben Casteneda and Luis M, and plenty of gorgeous go-go boys.

Monday, July 17, 2006

Featured Event:
Boom Boom Room w/ DJ Mark Grant (ChicagoPride.com Sponsored, CP members can sign-up for VIP/free access)
Green Dolphin Street
The long running weekly Monday night party at Green Dolphin Street just keeps getting bigger and better featuring the style of house music that Chicago is famous for. The one and only DJ Mark Grant and Boystown favorite Michael Serafini guide the musical fare in the main room while Uncle Milty and JustJoey handle Green Room responsibilities.
(Event Details)

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Featured Event:
Champion Zon with DJ Joe Bermudez
Circuit Nightclub
Circuit presents the Champion Zon every evening (5pm-9pm) during the Gay Games. Tonight, the musical stylings of DJ Joe Bermudez featured on Centaur Records' Gay Games CD.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Featured Event:
Real Boys Kiss Boys Underwear Dance Party with DJ Oskar
Jackhammer Nightclub
Best Bois Video and Stoufanhouse present this "boxers, briefs or jock straps" party that will have more chicken than the local KFC and Popeye’s combined. DJ Oskar will provide his special blend of music that includes hi-NRG, house, hip-hop and reggeaton at this growing danceteria that is fast becoming the focal point of the burgeoning gay nightlife on the far northside of the city.

Other Events of Note:
DJ Kimberly S with a live P.A. by Dangerous Muse
Circuit Nightclub
A star on the Los Angeles club scene with a recently released Centaur compilation CD, Kimberly S will be dazzling the dance floor at Circuit for this mid-week dance party. Supersexual duo Dangerous Muse and hot queer Cuban rocker Ariel Aparicio will also be on hand to spice up the festivities.
(Event Details)

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Featured Event:
Thrive with DJ Heather Doble
Berlin Nightclub
Berlin is one of the city’s oldest and most popular alternative nightclubs, catering to a diverse crowd that takes its music and dancing seriously. Heather Doble is a house music DJ with serious skills and talent and a growing reputation in Chicago and throughout the U.S. The preceding facts make Thrive the place to be on Thursday nights.

Other Events of Note:
Cesar’s Pride Thursday with DJ Plez and Miss Foozie (ChicagoPride.com Sponsored Event)
Cesar’s on Broadway
Killer Margaritas, tasty food, and groovy music to drink and eat by at this Northside restaurant and lounge. Plus Miss Foozie hosting the festivities. A great way to start the weekend.
(Event Details)

Gay Games at Night: Men at Sea with DJ Chris Cox (sponsored by Hydrate Events and Big Gay Cocktail Club)
Navy Pier/Riva
The boys behind the uber-successful roving monthly cocktail party present a special Gay Games soiree that is sure to be the talk of the town. The pre-party is at Riva on Navy Peir beginning at 11 pm. Then the Lake Michigan cruise sets sail at midnight with DJ Chris Cox (formerly ½ of the Thunderpus remix/production team) spinning tunes to dance by with the magnificent Chicago skyline as a backdrop. This is going to be a good one.
(Event Details)

Friday, July 21, 2006

Featured Event:
Gay Games at Night: Olympus (sponsored by Hydrate Events, in CP partnership)
Excalibur Nightclub
Wow! This is really three parties in one with DJs Rosabel (Ralphi Rosario & Abel), David Knapp, and Alyson Calagna each taking charge of separate dance floors amidst the 40,000 square foot nightclub in downtown Chicago. Plus, there’s a special performance by the one and only Crystal Waters and a private reception with her for those possessing VIP tickets.
(Event Details)

Other Events of Note:
Score! Chix Mix Circuit Party (ChicagoPride.com sponsored in association with Chix Mix and Curve Magazine)
Circuit Nightclub
The women take over Circuit Nightclub for the second Chix Mix party of the week. With the athletic competitions winding down, this dance party will undoubtedly become a celebration not to be missed.
(Event Details)

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Featured Event:
Move: Chicago International House Music Festival
Charter One Pavilion, Northerly Island
The festival that house music fans in Chicago have been waiting so many years for is finally here. Held on the former site of Meigs Field Airport near Soldier Field, this first day of the festival features DJs Danny Tenaglia, Derrick Carter, and Ralphi Rosario. Performers include Dajae and Barabara Tucker.
(Event Details)

Other Events of Note:
Triumph: The Gay Games Official Men’s Closing Party
Aragon Ballroom
All the circuit types will be headed to this party with DJ Manny Lehman whipping the dance floor into a celebratory frenzy. If you didn’t sweat during your athletic competition, you’ll surely be doing so here.
(Event Details)

Chix: Adrenaline
Metro/Smart Bar (ChicagoPride.com sponsored in association with Chix Mix and Curve Magazine)
The final Chix Mix party of the week promises to be a spectacular one at this Clark Street venue that is a stone’s throw from the Closing Ceremonies location at Wrigley Field. DJ Kathy Valenti (Girl Bar – LA) and go-go girls will make this a night to remember.
(Event Details)

PLAY Saturday: Closing Night with DJ Paulo
Circuit Nightclub (ChicagoPride.com sponsored)
This is the place to be for those looking to end their Gay Games experience on a dark, sexy, and sultry note. DJ Paulo, the West Coast tribal master who has headlined Fireball events and the Black Party in New York City will be heating up the dance floor with his signature style: a combination of simmering progressive beats and soaring vocals.
(Event Details)

Victory - An Official Women's Closing Party
Navy Pier - Grand Ballroom
Club Skirts and Planet Out bring their winning Dinah Shore party formula to Chicago as the women of the Games look to close out the week in grand fashion.

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Featured Event:
International House Music Festival
Charter One Pavilion, Northerly Island
Day two of the festival has DJ Frankie Knuckles headlining the Main Stage with DJ David Morales and singer Jocelyn Brown. The Hometown Chicago Stage features DJs Steve "Silk" Hurley and Andre Hatchett.

Other Events of Note:
Crobar’s Super Summer Series: Tony Moran and Matthew Harvat
Crobar Chicago
Moran is one of the hottest remixers in the world today and his studio prowess is matched by his abilities in the DJ booth. The pairing of Moran and Harvat (aka Circuit MOM) should result in an explosive conclusion to a successful Gay Games week in Chicago.