Oct. 1 - Oct. 4, 2009

Can you believe it's October already, I can't? Autumn is here and lets hope that it is nice and long - everyone appreciates a long one! Lots going on this weekend, celebrate the Full Moon on Sunday and if you hurry you can still jump on the Join The Impact bus to the National Equality March in Washington.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

Head on over to Hydrate tonight from 9-11 for a fundraiser for Join the Impact Chicago - the group organizing bus rides to the National Equality March for only $100 per seat . If you're not going to Washington why not head on over and support a worthy group.

Hal Sparks, although not gay but plays one convincingly, returns to his roots this weekend as he takes the stage at Chicago Improv in Schaumburg. Shows are scheduled through Saturday, tix are only $19

You still have time to catch a screening of the Chicago-based production of Hannah Free starring Sharon Gless from Cagney & Lacy and Queer as Folk fame. A love story that spans 60 years was filmed primarily in Chicago. Today is the last day to catch it at the Gene Siskel Film Center - don't miss it!

FESTIVAL LINEUP

F/S/S - Andersonville Home & Art Weekend
S/S - Chicago Country Music Festival
S/S - Ravenswood Art Walk
S/S - Eli's Cheesecake Festival
SUN - AIDS 5K Run/Walk

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

Although the temperture may be dropping that doesn't mean that harvest time is over. Head on up to Uncommon Ground-Devon for their Farmer Friday's Farmers Market and enjoy local farmers autumn harvest. I'm sure there'll be lots of root veggies, squash and late harverst greens.

Natalie Cole is performing at the Horeshoe Casino at 7:30. Country singer Lee Ann Womack is taking the stage at Joe's on Weed Street at 8:30 and Robin Williams is making everyone in Rosemont crack up tonight and tomorrow.

The internationally acclaimed Miami City Ballet will be dancing across the stage this weekend at the Auditorium Theater. The Auditorium is an amazing space to see ballet, tickets are $30-89.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

It's time for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's annual AIDS Run/Walk starting this morning at 10AM in Grant Park at Columbus and Balbo. Cheer on your friends, family and neighbors as they walk the 5K course and raise money for AIDS.

If you're still on the fence about whether now is the right time to go to the March on Washington to demand equal rights, then head on over to the Center on Halsted where members from Join the Impact will be on hand to answer your questions and show you that NOW IS THE TIME! If you're worried about getting there, consider jumping on the bus - tickets are only $100.

Gerber/Hart Library is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots with their annual Gala that will be held at the Swedish-American Library in Andersonville. Tickets are $75 and include buffet dinner, open bar, entertainment and silent auction. $135 will get you in to a pre-event champagne reception with many perks.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

My friends over at Feast of Fun just introduced me to The Best Church of God via their podcast last week. Head on over to the Lakeshore Theater at 1PM and take in a church service that won't remind you of those times your Mom drug you to early Sunday morning. They even have booze! Just like Church admission is free but they do pass the basket.

Do not miss the Full Moon Jam at the lakefront tonight, it may be the last warm one we have. Sunset is officially at 6:27PM and the jam gets started earlier than that, so head on over early for the most fun. Here's a video, here's pictures and here's more information. There's one scheduled for November - but the way this year is going who knows if we'll have snow by then.

The Ripettes will be ripping it off burlesque style at Mary's Attic at 7PM. They'll be showing off their 'fabulously frightening Halloween burlesque. Double, Double, Tease & Trouble!" Maybe you'll come up with some devilsh ideas to surprise your sweetie for Halloween. Tickets are $15, check the site for full details.

**BONUS** Catch the Chicago premiere of The SSion movie BOY at the Chopin Theater at 8PM, tix are only 5 bucks. Then head on over to Plan B where The Boys Room will host the official After Party for the film where Ssion DJ Cody Critchole will spin a DJ set along with resident DJ CT, no cover and drink specials abound. Check theFacebook page for full details

COMING SOON

MON - Men on Mondays @ COH
WED - Women on Wednesdays @ COH
OCT 11 - National Equality March on Washington

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