April 8 - 12

Did you make it to Hollywood Beach last weekend?  Soon you'll be able to go there any day you like, but in the meantime we've got to endure what will surely be a wet spring.  But remember, 'April showers bring May flowers' which brings all the boys to the yard.  Even if it's raining, get out there and have some fun!

THURSDAY, APRIL 8

The Gerber/Hart Library in Edgewater will celebrate National Poetry Month by hosting readings by local poets.  Tonight they share a women's poetry reading with E. Nina Jay, Nikki Patin and others at 7PM.  A men's poetry reading is scheduled for April 14th.  Check the site for full details.

Windy City Gay Idol kicks off tonight at The Glenwood in Rogers Park.  Tonights winner receives $100 and a chance to compete for the grand prize of $1,000 cash and other great prizes.  Sign-up is $10 and starts at 7PM.  $5 for audience.

Do you know your status?  When were you last tested?  BeHIV will offer free and confidential HIV/STI testing at their office 1244 W Thorndale from 1-7PM today.  Take control of your health.

FRIDAY, APRIL 9

Head to Kroll's - 1736 S Michigan Ave at 9PM for this month's Guerilla Gay Bar.  Tonight make this typical South Loop Sports bar gayer than a Boystown bar and enjoy the confusion you'll cause.

Author Nancy Garfinkel will read from 'The Recipe Club' at Women & Children First in Andersonville at 7:30PM.  Bring your own family recipe and stories to share.

Today The Block Museum of Art, in Evanston, unveils 'Engraving the Ephemeral' running through June 20th.  Engravings from the 16th & 17th century have been pulled from the Block's collection for display.  Check the site for a slideshow of images and more details.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10

The Chicago Force our women's tackle football team take on the Wisconsin Wolves at 3PM.  Head to their new stomping grounds at Winnemac Stadium/Jorndt Field - 5105 N Leavitt.

Head to The Spot in Uptown for a Chili Cook-off to benefit Chicago Theater Softball League.  My buddy Matt Stovey is competing, so stop by from 12-5PM and see who deserves the title of "Chili Champion"

Stop by the Musicbox Theatre for Sci-Fi Spectacular 4.  14 hours of Sci-Fi and Horror Madness starting at noon and going straight through the day until 2AM.  Doors open at 11AM - vendors will be available to tease you with their wares.  Tix are $20 in advance/$24 at the door.  Enter & Exit all day, check the site for a full list of films.

BONUS - Head to Andersonville for the first screening of this years Dyke Delicious Series at Chicago Filmmakers.  Stop by to see Theres and Isabelle tonight, 7PM social hour with the screening starting at 8PM.  Tix are $8 at the door.

SUNDAY, APRIL 11

Bailiwick is hosting an Open Mic Night to benefit their upcoming production BLOOM at Joey's Brickhouse.  Sign-up starts at 8PM, show starts at 8:30.  $5 suggested donation, drink specials abound!

Stop by TRANSISTOR in Andersonville for their live in-store webcast from 6-9PM.  Starting with a roundtable discussion, a comedy quiz show followed by live music by Andy Miles. Oh yeah, it's also BYOB Pingpong!

James Magruder, author of Sugarless, which has just been named a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award in the Gay Debut Fiction Category, will read from it at Gerber/Hart Library today at 4PM.  

BONUS - Head to Edgewater's St Ita's Church at 3:30 for a free presentation on the architecture and stained glass by Dr. Dennis McNamara.  St. Ita Church is considered one of the most authentic examples of French Gothic architecture in the city.