February 5 - 8

Will we really see 50 degrees this weekend? Is it time to grab our speedos and head over to Hollywood Beach? If we do hit those high temps I bet the lakeshore and streets will be packed with hot guys and gals who have got cabin fever, check out these hot happenings this weekend.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5

The NewTown Writers, Chicagos very own LGBT 'writers salon' will be holding their fortnightly workshop meeting at the Gerber/Hart Library - 1127 W Granville at 7:30

The Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus will mark National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness day with a special event at Amira - 455 N Cityfront Plaza at 5:30 with Speed Dating, complimentary appetizers, gift giveaways and a Panel Discussion at 7:30 lead by Jensen Atwood (Wade from Noah's Arc on Logo).

Flirting with Disaster takes over Hydtrate tonight, this mixer hosted by the Auxillary Board of the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago will help raise funds to support our local Red Cross. Tickets are $20 in Advance/$25 at the door, from 6-9PM

The Center on Halsted will host American Veteran's for Equal Rights (AVER) monthly meeting at 7PM

Freedom to Marry reception at The National Museum of Mexican Art - 1852 W 19th St from 6-9PM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

'First Fridays" Equality Illinois iinformal monthly networking event will meet at Sidetrack from 6-8PM.   will meet at Sidetrack for their monthly informal networking event from 6-8PM, a $10 donation will support Equality Illinois.

This is the last weekend for you to catch 'The Sum of Us' playing at the Piccolo Theater in Evanston at 7:30, check here for a review of the show.  You really shouldn't miss this production, tickets are $20 and well worth it.

Looking for something fun to do on a Friday night.  Why not head up to The Wooden Spoon in Andersonvile and take a cooking class.  Tonight is a 'Couples Cooking' lesson with a French twist.  $65 per person/$135 per couple

It's my birthday and I'm heading down to the Drury Lane Theater @ Water Tower Place to catch the latest Broadway hit to make it's mark on Chicago - Xanadu.  If you want a really unique experience, look for the "on stage" tickets where you'll become part of the action of the musical.  The show is only here through March 26 so make sure you don't miss it!

The Flesh Hungry Dog Show, Chicago's Queer Rock program featuring The Pussy Pirates, Retardos De La Mour and The Nice Device will take the stage at Jackhammer from 9PM-12AM, tickets are $8 and can be purchased online.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Looking for a new way to spice things up with your Girlfriend?  Why not take the 'Beginning Burlesque' workshop at Design Dance - 4710 N Damen - where Ms. Bea Haven will introduce you to the naughty - yet nice - way to dance.  Cost is $16 and the program runs every Saturday in February at 12:30PM

TNG Chicago will hold their monthly meeting at the Leather Archives & Museuem at 7PM this evening.

'Unbroken Ties' workshop for women recovering from break-ups will be held at the Center on Halsted at 2PM.  This 4-week workshop is for lesbians who have recently broken up with a partner.

'Justice for All' Equality Illinois' annual Gala is at the Hilton Chicago - 720 S Michigan Ave starting at 6PM.  Tickets start at $250

This is the last weekend for you to catch 'The Sum of Us' playing at the Piccolo Theater in Evanston at 7:30, check here for a review of the show.  You really shouldn't miss this production, tickets are $20 and well worth it.

Chicago Filmmakers in Andersonville will screen 'Hold me tight, let me go' a documentary film by Kim Longinotto that shines the light on "a last chance" stop for students in a UK school for children with behavioral problems.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Catch a screening of 'Chocolate Confidential' at 1:30pm a part of Chicago History Museum's Project Sunday monthly documentary film series.  The film is free with Museum admission

Stop by the Gerber/Hart Library - 1127 W Granville at 4PM for the opening reception for 'When Then Was...Now!' a photography exhibition by Jerry Pritikin. This amazing program will feature photographs of Harvey Milk, Castro Street and the development of the gay community in San Francisco in the 70's

This is the last performance of 'The Sum of Us' playing at the Piccolo Theater in Evanston at 2:30, check here for a review of the show.  You really shouldn't miss this production, tickets are $20 and well worth it.

TPAN gives you a chance to see just how many naked local bartenders will get with tonight's "Big Tease" pre-party at Cocktail, a preview of what will come during 'Chiago Takes Off' The show kicks off from 6-8PM with $1 Drink Specials.

COMING SOON:

MONDAY - Musical Mondays: Oscar Originals at Drury Lane Water Tower Place

TUESDAY - Women's Book Discussion Group at Gerber/Hart Library

WEDNESDAY - Jayne Anne Phillips at Women & Children First

Photo: Jensen Atwood from jensenatwood.com