April 15 - 18

The grass is getting greener every day, tulips are bursting in color and spring is most definitely in the air. There's plenty to do this weekend, C2E2, Windy City Burlesque Fest and more. Remember just a few short weeks ago it was still winter, so get out there and have some fun!

THURSDAY, APRIL 15

Was Richard Nixon a gay liberationist? Find out as OUT at Chicago History Museum concludes this evening with a discussion focusing on the Chicago bar scene of the postwar issue. Historian John D'Emilio has uncovered some interesting history between President Richard Nixon, Mayor Richard J. Daley and the LGBT community. Cocktail recption at 5:30 with program starting at 6:30, Tix are $12.

FACEBOOK FIND : Club Krave in Blue Island is hosting a screening of the new film Fish Out of Water. The Chicago based film has made a successful run on the Festival Circuit and is gearing up for it's official release on DVD on the 20th. This genre-bending documentary blends original animation, personal LGBTQ narratives, expert analysis, and witty illustrations, to offer a fresh perspective on Biblical interpretation. Check the site for full details

I know you've been waiting for it! The Windy City Burlesque Fest kicks off tonight at Blue Bayou - 3734 N Southport with two free shows at 10PM & 11:30PM. A weekend full of events are planned, check the site for full details.

FRIDAY, APRIL 16

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, C2E2, starts a weekend full of fun at the McCormick Center today and runs through the weekend. There's something for everyone: Comic Books, Pop Culture, Movie Premiers, TV Shows and more. I'll be there on Saturday. Single Day Tix are $25, Weekend Pass (3 days) is $50. Check the site for full details.

Head out and hear the boys sing - Three Boys Live: Stephen Leonard, Tom Goss & Jeremiah Clark will be at UnderGround Lounge at 8PM. These boys have got some amazing voices and it will be wonderful to have them all in the same room! Tix are $8 at the door. Check the site for more details.

The American Ballet Theater, in celebration of their 70th Anniversary is presenting Swan Lake at the Civic Opera House this weekend with multiple performances. ABT is one of the best Ballet troupes in the country! Tix range from $25 to $125 and can be purchased online.

BONUS : Today is A Day of Silencetypically heldat schools across the country.This year you can break the silence by joining in a silent protest at Millennium Park.. LGBT Groups from schools across the city will meet at 6:30PM and as one "voice" have a 15-minute period of silence. Stand up for your rights and your community.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17

You love your mother don't you? And I bet you love Mother Earth as well. Head to Loyola University today and take part in their North Lake Shore Community Earth Day events from 9AM-4:30PM. This years theme is: Recipe for a Healthy Planet with Workshops, panels, art projects, cooking demonstrations, environmental group tabling and films about food that will provide participants with the knowledge and techniques to create a healthier food system and greener living practices in their shared communities. Check the site for a full list of activities.

I hope you bought your tickets because David Sedaris will be at the Auditorium Theater at Roosevelt University this evening sharing. Sedaris' wry sense of humor and unique perspective on situations always has me laughing and scratching my head at the same time.

Get to know your neighborhood as Neighborhood Tours kicks off another exciting year of tours. Today you can take in one of the new tours added and get to know Jefferson Park, Portage Park & Six Corners or get a Taste of Neighborhoods and enjoy some delicious food as you learn about your city. More tours are scheduled all summer so check them out and put some on your calendar.

SUNDAY, APRIL 18

Head downtown for the 2nd Annual Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza from 1-4PM. Are you planning on getting married this year? Then check out this amazing expo that brings together everyone from Wedding Coordinators to DJ's, to Floral Designers, to Travel professionals and more in one place so you can get the ball rolling on your special day. Check the site for full details.

The Metro Chicago PFLAG Groupwill hold their monthly meeting at the Center on Halsted today from 2-4:15PM. Guest Douglas Bruce will discuss the role of the Internet in the sexual identity development of adolescents. Check the site for full details.

Tired of the same old brunch? Head to The Spot in Uptown for Diva Brunch hosted by the fabulous Scooty & JoJo. You'll be entertained with music, comedy and who knows what else as you enjoy a delicious brunch with unlimited bellinis or mimosas during the show. Tix are $35, there are two seatings at 11AM and 1PM. Don't miss it!

COMING SOON

Tuesday: Free Admission to Adler Planetarium
Tuesday: Windy City Gay Idol @Jackhammer
Thursday: Equality Illinois Civil Unions Lobby Days