January 22 - January 25

What a week! Not only did Chicago come out of its deep freeze for a short period of time, but we also have a new President. Keep the enthusiasm going, keep a smile on your face and check out these hot happenings this weekend - you won't be disappointed!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22

Enjoy a new collaborative effort of the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Center on Halsted as out lesbian Patricia Racette is interviewed by Roger Pines as part of the SingOUT Series, tickets are $10.
https://www.centeronhalsted.org/singout_form.html

Looking for a way to fulfill your New Year's resolution to do more for the community? Why not volunteer with HRC to help plan their Annual Gala. They will be meeting at Spin from 7-10PM to answer questions and sign up volunteers.
http://www.chicagopride.com/calendar/event.cfm/id/67530

Equality Matters! Have you been participating in the first ever 'Online March for Equality' that is currently the rage on Facebook. Change your profile picture to show your support!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=52599054615

Join the NewTown Writers - Chicago's LGBT Writers Salon at Gerber/Hart Library - 1127 W Granville for their twice-weekly workshop meetings where you can share your work-in-progress with other writers.
http://www.newtownwriters.org/2009Events.html

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23

Wanna heat things up? Catch Tango Fire - direct from Brazil at the Harris theater tonight and tomorrow, 3 shows only.
http://www.tango-fire.com

Looking for a new theater experience? I'm going to see The Sum of Us at The Arts Depot - 600 Main St, Evanston at 7:30 tonight. Catch the YouTube preview and then catch the live show.
http://www.artsdepot.us/artsdepot
Preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh8FrFp2rUE

Looking to do some celebratory shopping, well head north for "Andersonville On Sale" tonight from 6-10PM more than 30 shops, restaurants and salons are offering discounts.
http://tinyurl.com/956qbv

Catch the first of a limited number of performances this year as Chicago's very own Boi Toiz will present "Joker's Wild" - at Circuit - 3641 N Halsted at 9PM. Enjoy Chicago's premiere Drag Kings and join in on their "photo shoot" experience with their new show.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=114053971

Catch Chicago's longest-running open-mic forum for women and women-identified writers "Women OUT Loud 2009!" at Insight Arts - at the Center for New Possibilities - 1505 W Morse from 7-9PM. $5 suggested donation.
http://blog.insightartsliberation.org/2009/01/16/women-outloud---friday-january-23.aspx

SATURDAY, JANUARY 24

3rd Annual Chili Cook-off at Crew - 4804 N Broadway is from 1-3PM today. For your $10 donation you'll have a chance to sample and vote for the winner, the money raised will benefit Care for Real, the Edgewater Food Pantry
Crew: http://www.worldsgreatestbar.com
Care for Real: http://www.yelp.com/biz/care-for-real-chicago

Now that President Obama is in office the protest against Prop 8 needs to continue. The folks from Join The Impact Chicago will be holding a Town Hall Meeting at the J Merlo Branch Library - 644 W Belmont - 2PM
http://www.jointheimpactchicago.org

Chicago Spirit Brigade presents 'Big Bang 2009' their 6th Annual Anniversary & Fundraiser at Circuit tonight. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door and include two premium drink tickets and an after party.
http://www.chicagospiritbrigade.org/bigbang.html

Patty Elvis graces the stage at Davenports - 1383 N Milwaukee - 8PM
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=115980310

'That's So Gay' Show some love to Chicago's queer comics including Bill Cruz, Michael Dane, Adam Guerino, Kyle Hafkey, Marc Peurye and Tamale at Chicago Center for the Performing Arts -10:30PM - Tickets-$12
http://www.theaterland.com/CCPA/Home.html

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25

Celebrate the release of new works by Chicago poets - Alice George and Bandi Homan at Women & Children First books - 5233 N Clark at 4:30PM
http://www.womenandchildrenfirst.com

Catch a double feature screening at Chicago Filmmakers starting at 8PM. First up is SHINJUKU BOYS a tale of Japanese women who live as men but don't identify as lesbians. Following is a screening of DREAM GIRLS a tale of the Takaruzuka Revue musical school in Japan.
http://www.chicagofilmmakers.org/screenings/screening.php

COMING SOON:

TUESDAY - Levi Kreis' new album "Where I Belong" is scheduled to be released today.
http://www.levikreis.com/live

TUESDAY - Tucker Max at Borders on Michigan Ave
http://www.borders.com/online/store/EventView?city=&state=&zipCode=&within=&all_stores=&selectedStoreId=10605&eventId=278374&