July 9 - 15, 2009

It's official, summer is in full swing. First Pride, then the 4th of July, we're finally getting into a wonderful routine that includes a lot of Hollywood Beach. If you took it easy last weekend, that's a good thing because there are so many festivals and fun things going on in the city this weekend you'll need as much energy as you can muster. Get out there and have some fun!

THURSDAY, JULY 9

Max Smith, political and cultural activist, will be at Gerber/Hart Library at 7PM to discuss his latest book, African America's 3rd Rail.

Don't you dare say that you "missed" A Perfect Relationship at the Leather Archives & Museum. Doric Wilson said that this is the best performance of his play that he's ever seen - and I agree. Tonight and tomorrow are the final peformances. Don't Miss It!

If you're into Off-Broadway sensations that have been playing non-stop for 20 years - then you had better check out the one-night only presentation of Forever Plaidat a local theater. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased online.

BENT, presented by hubris productions opens this evening at the Greenhouse Theater for a limited run through August. Shows are Thurs-Sun. Previews for tonight and tomorrow are $15, otherwise tickets are $25 each. You thought you knew what the pink triangle symbolized, but are you sure?

The Block Museum in Evanston presents a new gallery opening with  'Place and Presence: Photography from the Collection' this free exhibit runs through August 30th, if you haven't been to this museum it's worth the trip.

FESTIVAL LINEUP

F/S - Jeff Fest
F/S - World's Largest Block Party
F/S/S - Irish Fest
F/S/S - Mag Mile Art Festival
S - Ale Fest
S/S - St Andrews Festival
S/S - Chicago Folk & Roots Festival
S/S - Dusable Arts & Crafts Festival
S/S - Rock Around The Block
S/S - West Fest

FRIDAY, JULY 10

Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens returns to Hydrate for a limited run through the 25th with shows on Fridays and Saturday nights at 9PM. Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased in advance. 

Stop by the Center on Halsted this evening for a dual gallery opening of "Where Do Gay People Come From?" and "Likalee's Bionic Heart" by visual artists David Simpson and Likalee.  6-9PM,
$5 suggested donation with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.

Elizabeth Brackett, award-winning political correspondent for PBS' The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, will be at Women & Children First Books at 7:30PM to discuss her newest book that delves into the corruption of Illinois politics.

Stop by Uncommon Ground - Deven from 4-8PM this afternoon to stock up for the weekend at their Farmer Friday's Farmer's Market. Now is the time to get your veggies straight from the farm and get rid of the grocery store middleman. Get there early for the best selections.

Grr....grrr...grrr...it's time for Guerrilla Gay Bar South Loop edition!  Due to the response that GGB has received over the past few months, for the first time ever GGB will encompass two bars.  Blackies - 755 S Clark St and South Loop Club - 1 E Balbo Ave are only a block apart so if you're having fun at one club you can head on over the other and have even more fun. GGB starts around 9PM. Check the Facebook page for full details.

SATURDAY, JULY 11

Don't forget that the Center on Halsted has launched several new career development programs called OUTsource. Programs I & III are offered at the center today.  Check here for full details.

RECESSION BUSTER - It's free Slurpee Day at 7-Eleven, stop by any participating location for a free 7.11 oz Slurpee Drink.

The L.A.T.E. Ride has bikers kicking off at 11PM this evening and following a 25-mile path through the city.  Ride it as fast as you want or take your time, but plan on enjoying a sunrise breakfast at Grant Park. Pre-regristration requested but I'm sure you can join in the fun.  Check the site for full details.

The Windy City Cycling Club holds their monthly 'Dykes Pedaling Bikes' organized ride today meeting at the Totem Pole on the Lakeshore bike path at 9AM.  Check the site for full details.

Learn how to make Vegetarian Sushi with this hands-on, ladies only, cooking class at lesbian-owned Urban Cafe from 8-11PM.  You'll have a chance to sample what you create, and feel free to bring along your favorite beverage.  Check the site for full details.

Smile! You Have Depression kicks off it's run at the Playground Theater at 10PM.  This sketch revue program will attack the issue of depression head on and turn that frown upside down!  Tickets are $15, check the site for full details.

SUNDAY, JULY 12

Center on Halsted has joined with the Spertus Institute to host author Evan Fallenberg who
will read from and discuss his book Light Fell at the Spertus Institute - 610 S Michigan at 2PM.  Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.

The Cousins Grimm, the Bailiwick Repertory Theater's LGBT retelling of Grimm's fairytales takes the stage at the Hoover-Leppen Theater at the Center on Halsted.  This original new musical reworks those fairytales we're all familiar with into 'contemporary urban fables filled with lesbian and gay characters.' Previews on 7/10 & 7/11 with the opening tonight at 6PM.

Did you see Mary Poppins?  Today is the last day to have a 'jolly holiday with Mary' as the show will close and head on down to Cleveland, OH.  Hurry hurry, you can still see it.

Those guys and gals fo the Lincoln Park Lagooners, Chicago's first gay & lesbian
social organization is planning a "Summer Encore" bar party at SoFo.  Stop
by after 5PM to meet up with these fun folks!

It's Bastille Day on Tuesday- what better way to celebrate than to drink champagne!  Head on over to Pops for Champagne Jazz Club from 3-8PM today for unlimited French Sparkling wine and delicious food.  Tickets are $35 and can be purchased in advance. Do you really need a reason to drink champagne though?

COMING SOON:

TUESDAY - 14 - Chicago Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Networking Event

TUESDAY - 14 - Sunset Boulevard - Outdoor Film Festival

WEDNESDAY - 15 - Dinner on the rooftop at Center on Halsted

WEDNESDAY - 15 - Special performance of Snow White & The Seven Drag Queens

**Remember to come back every Thursday morning so you have time to plan your weekend*