February 11 - 14

Well you wished for it, and it came true - It's time for the weekend! Hopefully we'll be above freezing soon but there's plenty to do. It's Valentine's Day weekend so spend some time with your sweetie but also think about raising awareness to LGBT rights at the Field Museum on Saturday and with the Gay Liberation Network on Sunday. Whatever you do - get out there and have fun!

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11

FACEBOOK FIND - Got a sweet tooth? Didn't make it to the World of Chocolate last year? Then head to Crimson Lounge - 333 N Derborn for the Chocolate & Dessert Fantasy that benefits AIDS Foundation Chicago. The sugar buzz starts at 6PM Tix are only $20, check the site for full details.

Sandra Bernhard, the harsh-voiced comediane will be appearing at the Lake Shore Theater through Sunday. She's been all over TV, she's kissed Madonna long before Britney ever thought about it and still keeps you laughing. Tickets are $46 and can be purchased online.

Princess Zindaba "Zindie" Nyirenda of Zambia will be at Women & Children First books this evening at 7:30PM to present her latest work: Ta-Lakata: The Tears of Africa. Head north to hear this woman's amazing journey.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12

It's time for Guerilla Gay Bar - River North! Tonight the group plans to take over Spybar - 646 N Franklin St - starting at 9PM and make it GAY! Tonight you can purchase a wristband for $25 that includes unlimited wine, beer and wine from 10PM-12AM. Dress to Impress and check the Facebook page for full details.

Vaudezilla presents 'Shtick with Us' at the Skokie theater at 8PM. This vaudeville inspired burlesque show takes you inside a pledge drive for a desperate Public Access Channel. Fun will assuredly be had! Tix are $15 in Advance or $20 at the door.

Chicago Filmmaker takes on the 60's with 'GONE ROGUE: AN ICONOCLASTIC LOOK AT CHURCH AND STATE' with a screening of films by Tom Palazzolo who will be on hand. Catch four short programs including CAMPAIGN, ASSEMBLY MAN, VATICAN WORLD and TATTOOED LADY. Screening starts at 8PM, tix are $8 at the door.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13

Break out the wedding gear you've been saving when Marriage Equality arrives in Illinois! The Field Museum is hosting a 'Bridal Party' today and inviting ALL Past, Present and Future brides and grooms. Dressing in your bridal gear gets you free admission to the museum AND raises awareness for the need for Marriage Equality. The fun starts at 11AM with a "reception" at 2:30 and chances to win great prizes. Come on lets make it GAY!!!

Blake Lewis, runner-up on Season Six of American Idol will be spinning tunes at Borderline Music - 3333 N Broadway, starting at 2PM. Hear some of his favorite music, pick up some new tunes for yourself and grab Blake's autograph while you're there!

Head north to the Skokie Theater this evening for 'Rosie! A Tribute' to singer Rosemary Clooney. Heather Moran along with Damian Espinosa, Marc Piane, Jeff Lien and Myles Hayes will recreate Moran's 2005/2006 sold out performance starting at 8PM. Tix are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Check the Facebook page for full details.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14

It's Freedom-To-Marry Day and The Gay Liberation Network is organizing a picket of anti-gay Cardinal George at Holy Name Cathedral starting at 10:30 to bring awareness to the community of the work that Cardinal George has been conducting 'behind the scenes' to stall LGBT Rights. Check the site for full details.

Finish up your Valentine's Day with a stop by Links Hall to take in SELF(ish) a 'reunion of bodies and voices queering the boundaries between story and performance through tango, video, monologue, and repurposed trash' Shows start on Friday and tix are available online for $15. Check the site for full details

Head over the River Hotel - 75 E Wacker for the Youth Pride Center's Annual Valentine's Candlelight Dinner "Heaven" from 5PM. Tix are $5 per couple or $7 single, includes dinner. Open to all ages this year, for more info mail: youthpridecenter@gmail.com

If you've got a tip on a fun event you'd like to share with me, email me at: michael.lehet@gmail.com