January 14 - 17

It's hard to believe that we're already in our third weekend of the new year, weren't we just celebrating Christmas? I guess it's true, time flies when you're having fun. There's plenty to do this weekend, so bundle up, stay warm and get ready for a fabulous weekend!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14

It's time to get your laugh on as the Chicago Sketchfest is in full swing through this Sunday. More than 100 comedy troupes will perform 125 shows and you still have time to catch many of them at the Theater Building on Belmont. Check the site for full schedule

As part of their continued integration with the community, the Center on Halsted is presenting DanceOUT - A Conversation with the Joffrey Ballet. Tonight dancers from the troupe will discuss the gender bending roles performed in the current production of Cinderella. Tix are $10 online or at the door and the fun starts at 7PM

Did you know that the amazing PBS program "Wait Wait...don't tell me!" is recorded right here in Chicago? You can catch a live taping of the program tonight or purchase tickets for future shows (they sell out quickly) and make sure to listen to WBEZ on Saturdays at 10AM and 9PM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15

Guerilla Gay Bar South Loop is back for the new year, taking over Bar Louie - 47 W Polk St - as it's first takeover of the year! Head down to the South Loop and enjoy the fun of taking over a straight bar and turning it gay for the night. The fun starts at 8PM or as soon as you get there.

It's cold out, the ground is covered with snow and you're starting to know what the settlers felt when they experienced cabin fever - but you have a way out. Head over to the Music Box Theater for some Midnight Movies! This weekend you can catch A Hard Day's Night, White Lightnin' and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Check the site for full details and future Midnight Movies.

You may not recognize the name Charles Busch, but I'm sure you've heard of his plays and movies, like 'Die Mommie Die'. Buschfest begins this weekend with previews of 4 plays that will be staged over 2 nights in a rotating program at Mary's Attic. Catch Vampire Lesbians of Sodom and Sleeping Beauty or Coma tonight and tomorrow catch Theodora She Bitch of Byzantium and Pardon my Inquisition. Tix are $10 this weekend, $12 going forward. Check the site for the full schedule.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16

'I Am My Own Wife' the 2004 Tony Award winning play about the life of German transvestite Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, opens at the BoHo Theater in Rogers Park and plays through Feb. 13. Tix are $17-20, check the site for full details

Tonight, Sappho's Salon will host their first-ever open mic featuring the work of lesbian survivors. Second Story regular Deb R. Lewis will be spotlighed as DJ SpinNikki fills the air with music. $7-10 includes food & wine. The fun starts at 8PM with signup for open mic at 7:30

Catch a screening of the queer documentary 'Quearborn & Perversion' at the Leather Archives & Museum tonight at 8PM. Filmmaker Ron Pajak has set to film 80 lgbt oral histories that presents a slice of life of the LGBT community many of us are unaware of. Tix are $5-10 at the door and benefit the LA&M

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17

Who doesn't like brunch? Can't get your friends up on a Sunday morning to join you? Then why not join the Big Gay Brunch Club as they head over to Natalino's Chicago for brunch. Brunch is $35 but the friends you could make could be priceless. Check out photos from their December outing and check the site for full details.

It's time to go skating, you can head over to the Wrigley Field Ice Rink where $10 will let you skate a long as you like. You can head downtown to Millennium Park and skate for free. You can even join up with the Lincoln Park Lagooners today at Warren Park from 2:30-5PM today where skating is free. Skate Rental is available at each location.

The AIDS Legal Council of Chicago is hosting a fundraiser in their offices this evening presenting cabaret performer Justin Hayford in 'The Disney Songbook: Children's Songs for Grown-Ups' at 7PM Check the site for full details

If you have an event or fun happening that you'd like to share with the community, please email me at michael.lehet@gmail.com