July 2 - 6th, 2009 - You’ve Got a Busy Weekend

I hope that you had a great time at all of the Pride festivities last weekend, I know that I did! It was my first time marching in the parade and it was fantastic! This weekend will be a little bit more laid back, but there's still plenty of things going on in the city. Go out there and have some fun, summer won't last forever!

THURSDAY, JULY 2

You know they say it takes two to Tango, and tonight during the 13th anuual Chicago Summer Dance Series you can learn how to tango! Lessons will start at 6PM and Otros Aires will take the stage at 7:30 to try out your new dancing skills.

There are only a few more opportunities to catch the amazing performance of A Perfect Relationship being staged by MidTangent Productions at the Leather Archives & Museum. Showtime is at 8PM and tickets are only $10, catch it tonight or tomorrow! The cast is amazing and Doric Wilson said it's the best production of the play that he's seen!

Melissa Young presents 'OUT: A Rainbow Icon Celebration' at Davenports at 8PM. Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Stonewall and the gay icons that followed including Judy, Bette, Diana and more. $15 and two drink minimum.

Sasha Abramsky will be at Women & Children First Books at 7:30PM to talk about her current work 'Breadline USA" which dives into America's hunger crisis.

Mary's Attic will play host to Bomb's Away - the Bailiwick Reperatories a cabaret-style satire mashup of scenes that were cut from classic Broadway musicals. Like 'Too Fat to Dance' that was cut from A Chorus Line and 'I Own a Nail Salon' from an alternate ending of Miss Saigon. Tickets are $15, showtime is 7PM

WEEKEND FESTIVAL LINEUP
T/F/S/S - Taste of Chicago
F/S/S - African/Caribbean Festival of Life
F/S/S - Windy City Black Pride

T/F/S/S - Chicago Windy City Black Pride 2009

FRIDAY, JULY 3

Head down to Grant Park and gather around the lakeshore for this years Fireworks extraveganza! Fireworks start at 9:30 but why not get there early and spend some time at the Taste of Chicago, there's plenty to eat, see and enjoy.

Were you aware that there's a museum in the middle of Water Tower Park? Yep, the actual Water Tower itself is a museum that is free and open to the public and has an ever changing installation. Currently there are photos on display that show the devestation and the aftermath of the 1873 Chicago fire that was allegeldy started by Mrs. O'Leary's cow. It's amazing, you need to check it out.

The Flesh Hungry Dog Show takes the stage at Jackhammer at 9PM. Queer rapper Johnny Dangerous, The Balkaners and Onono will entertain while Stage Door Johnnies and Ms. Bea Haven add some hot dance to the night! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.

Queer Queens of Qomedy hit the Lakeshore Theater tonight for two shows at 7:30 and 10:30. Poppy Champlin hosts this lesbian comedy world tour that will have your folded over in laughter. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online.

Stop by Sidetrack this evening from 6-8PM for Equality Illinois monthly networking event. $10 donation at the door to support Equality IL.

SATURDAY, JULY 4

Celebrate the 4th of July at Millennium Park with a picnic on the Great Lawn with the first-ever Independence Day Concert! The concert starts at 1:30 but make sure you get there early to get the best spot. If you're still looking for some fireworks, head over to Navy Pier tonight where they'll light up the sky at 9:30PM

Over at the National Pastime Theater The Girlie Q Variety Hour hits the stage at midnight. It's part of their Naked July Art Stripped Down program, running all month. Tonights burlesque show features modern dance, live music as well as a variety of performances.

Put the Metro on your list tonight for the 7th Annual White party in celebration of Black Pride Weekend offered by Lipstick & Lace. Doors open at 9, show starts at 10. Tickets can be purchased online.

Head north to Andersonville and stop by the Edgewater Historical Society, open from 1-4PM today. They have an exciting exhibit that is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Plan of Chicago created by Burnham and Bennett.

C.C. Carter and Khari B will host a Chicago Black Pride Poetry Slam at Circuit Nightclub starting at 7PM. Tickets are $8 at the door, $5 for poets, hundreds of dollars of cash prizes are at stake!

The Chi-town Softball Classic is in town this weekend. Almost 30 teams will vie for first place in this long-standing Chicago tradition. They'll be hitting the fields at Waveland Park and Lincoln Park so go on over and cheer on the boys!

SUNDAY, JULY 5

How many times have you been to Macy's on State Street? Have you ever taken the time to really look at the store though instead of the merchandise? Take a self-guided tour of the State Street store, you'll be surprised at the history and the beauty that the store holds.

Over at Rainbow Beach Chicago Windy City Black Pride 2009 will be rocking today. Dancing, music, food, fun and vendors makes this a great LGBT family event.

Head on over to The Spot in uptown for Diva Brunch, two sittings at 11AM & 1PM, this week features the cast of Poseidon: An Upside Down Musical, Diva Bethan Thomas and Vallery Dolls. Cost is $35 per person includes delicious brunch and all you can drink mimosas!