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EDITORIAL Mike Macharello: Publisher Rick Karlin: Editor
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photo contributors Rick Aguilar Studios Ingrid Bonne Photography Eamonn Sexton
COVER Special Valentine's Wedding Issue
editorial contributors Gregg Shapiro, Parker Carr Sue Deaunym, Anita Taylor, Michael Elder
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BANDS OF GOLD By Anita Taylor Since same sex marriage is a new(ish) phenomenon, traditions from mainstream marriages don’t often apply. While many of those traditions are being tossed aside or adapted, one that seems to have been universally adopted is the exchange of rings. In fact the exchange of rings is usually the focal point of the wedding ceremony. Unlike any other wedding traditions, this is one that you will keep with you daily for the duration of your marriage, so it is, perhaps, the most important purchase of your wedding, and should be planned for accordingly. It’s All About the Benjamins The first hurdle to make is either the hardest or simplest, and may set the tone for the rest of the wedding planning; what is your budget? A plain 14 carat gold band starts at around $300; platinum bands are about double that price. The carat count in gold refers to the proportion of gold used in the final metal, the higher the number the more gold used in the alloy. Most men's rings are 14 carat or 18 carat. Silver is significantly less expensive, as are titanium and tungsten carbide, which tend to be more masculine looking. Quality Control Metal hardness is measured by the Vickers scale. Harder metals receive a higher Vickers score than less hard metals. This is important if you work with your hands. You want a ring with a score of 125 or higher, any less than that and it may misshapen easily. Match or Coordinate? If you can’t come to a consensus on the style of ring you prefer don’t worry. There’s no rule that says you have to match metals or even styles. Pick wedding bands that
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reflect your style sensibilities and tastes. You can use something as simple as an inscription to relate the two rings. It’s all right to look for something a little bit trendy, but keep in mind that you’ll be looking at this every day for the rest of your life (hopefully). Pick a design that is timeless. Size Matters Since you’ll rarely remove your ring, make certain it will be comfortable. Your hands swell and contract due to a number of environmental and biological factors. Never decide on your ring size early in the morning (your fingers are slightly bigger due to salt retention), after you’ve just exercised (fingers swell), or when you’re extremely hot or cold. Consider the size and length of your fingers. Those with larger hands or longer fingers should choose something 5 mm or more in width. A wider ring sometime means that you’ll need to go up a size or two. Your jeweler should factor this in when sizing your finger. Look for “comfort-fit” bands, which are contoured on the inside. Nothing Lasts Forever What is perfect right now may not be later on. There is nothing wrong with changing your wedding band farther down the road; either because your tastes change or you can afford something of higher quality. Our editor and his husband exchanged heavy gold bands with platinum triangles at their commitment ceremony 20 years ago. When they wed legally, they chose simpler silver bands. They felt the new rings indicated a new phase of their lives and reflected their pared down aesthetic. Your wedding ring is not only a symbol of your love it is also a fashion accessory that will be with you for a long time so put a little thought into it. Select a quality ring that reflects your personality, style and budget.
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BEFORE YOU SAY "I DO" by Anita Taylor
One of the good things about planning a same sex wedding is there aren’t traditions going back hundreds of years that you have to follow. One of the hardest parts of planning a same sex wedding is that there aren’t traditions going back hundreds of years on which we can rely. Etiquette is not a sense of arbitrary rules; it is based upon making people feel comfortable. Still, it can be daunting. Who gives away the bride when there are two? Does anyone have to? Everyone is pretty much making this up as they go along. You may choose to follow religious or cultural traditions or create something entirely new. However, there are others who have walked that aisle before you, why not learn from their example? Tuxedo or Wedding Gown?: you don't have to be all dressed up, although it is a special day and calls for more than a tank and board shorts.. A nice suit or dress is perfectly acceptable, but if you want to go all out, feel free to do so. The Officiant: Now that marriage is legal, you’ll have to get a license and use an officiant with the credentials to marry you. The officiant can be a judge, justice of the peace or a minister or rabbi. It is also possible to have a friend or relative marry you. If they are not registered, it is easy to become a licensed officiant on-line. Attendants: If you want your friends and family standing beside you, feel free. You don’t have to balance the number of men and women, have all men, all women or any combination you like. The terms "bridesmaid" and "groomsman" are optional. Nor is it required to have a “best” man or “maid” of honor. The Processional: If you’ve always dreamed about walking down the aisle, go
right ahead. Walk alone, with a parent or friend . One person does not have to wait by the altar for the other partner to walk down the aisle. They can walk down the aisle together or have two aisles that meet at the altar. Vows: Writing your own vows is one way to celebrate your commitment to each other. Draw from traditional vows (religious or secular), adapt sections from poems, songs, or prose. Lighting Candles: Some choose to use candles as part of the ritual. You may opt for the symbolism of a Unity candle (the two of you light a mutual candle with flames from two individual candles). Freeze the candles for 24 hours and they will be dripless, no matter how much later they are lit. Ring Exchange: Rings are not mandatory, but if you do opt for them, you need to decide if you wish to wear them on the left hand, which is traditional, or the right hand. Again, we’re starting new traditions here, so there is no right or wrong answer. Pronouncement of Marriage and the Kiss: This part speaks for itself! Of course, have the good taste not to make it a makeout session. The Reception: Again, it should reflect your taste (and budget!). Anything from a traditional reception with dinner and dancing at a hotel or rectaurant, to a catered cocktail party or barbecue. Gifts: Even if you’ve lived together for years, and want for nothing, it’s still nice to get gifts, and your guests will want to do something. It’s tacky to say what you want, but you can register at a store, web site or even a travel agency. Most large stores are set up for same-sex registering, and, if not, do you really want to give them your business? If you truly do not wish gifts, you can always designate a charity should your guests wish to contribute. boiMAG 11
HOW TO HAVE A BIG WEDDING "WITHOUT THE BIG BILLS!"
By Anita Taylor If you want a wedding with a budget that rivals that of most third world countries, by all means go ahead. However, keep in mind that the cost of a wedding is in no way related to the success of the marriage (hello Kim Kardashian!). Holding a wedding that doesn’t break the bank doesn’t mean it has to look cheap. A few simple tricks will keep the budget down and the fun up.
Timing is Everything
Avoid holding your wedding during the most popular months and times. During the winter many venues are cheaper. Friday nights are less popular for weddings, so you may be able to negotiate a lower rate. Hold a Sunday brunch, not only is the cost for food less, but your liquor bill will probably be lower.
Less Paper Mean Less Money
By cutting out some of the outdated elements of invitations, you save money and help the environment. You still should mail a printed invitation, not an e-mail. However, it is perfectly acceptable to skip RSVP cards. Set up a wedding web site (free on The Knot) and have people RSVP on-line (saves money on postage, too). Do you really need ceremony programs and place cards? Use a seating chart if it’s a large wedding.
Less Drinks Means Less Drunks
Instead of an open bar, have a signature cocktail, or serve only wine and beer. Never ever have a cash bar. It’s tacky
One Stop Shopping
Have your ceremony and reception in the same venue, possibly a hotel ballroom. Many places will not charge a ceremony fee (like a house of worship would) and you save on the cost of limos between venues. Usually at a hotel, you have the ceremony in the banquet room and then move to
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an adjacent area for the receiving line and perhaps a cocktail hour. While you’re mingling with your guests, the hotel staff resets the room for the reception, using the same flowers as for the ceremony. Double the savings!
Season to Taste
Choose flowers that are in season, which are much less expensive. You can also borrow the flowers. I’m not recommending this, but a couple I know bought hydrangeas and beautiful pots which they used as centerpieces. They got them from Home Depot, which has a very generous return policy. The next day it all went back to the store. Cost for centerpieces = zero.
Icing on the Cake
Instead of an expensive wedding cake, order a sheet cake to be sliced in the kitchen, while you have a smaller cake that is used for photos of the traditional cake slicing. You may opt for a sweet table or cupcakes instead of a cake. Not only will it be cheaper than a large wedding cake, but many restaurants charge a cutting and plating fee for wedding cake from an outside source.
Hire A Wedding Planner
Yes, they charge a fee, but in the long run you may save money as they can traditionally get you discounts of up to 20% on catering, photography or floral design.
Here’s Where You Don’t Skimp Photography/Videography – Do you really want to take a chance that your nephew accidentally forgot to press record? Get a professional, if you want to save money, book just a studio session which is usually much cheaper. Music – You need more than an iPod playlist. It doesn’t have to be a full orchestra, but nothing beats live music. Try a string quartet or a klezmer band. Hiring a talented DJ can also keep your party going.
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SAME SEX WEBBING TOP WEDDING SITES
By Debbie Web
information networking to samesex couples who seek to affirm their Gay couples have more gay wedding life-long commitments to each other web site options than ever before for fabulous tips and support to help them through commitment ceremonies, celebrate their matrimonial bliss in style. civil unions, domestic partnerships, civil marriage and other alternative From LGBT-friendly wedding vendor weddings.” recommendations to planning a fun gay destination wedding, the web sites below are great places to start. Featured www.equallywed.com Claims to be “… the world's leading here in no particular order, we’re wedding and honeymoon magazine confident this list will help gay couples and digital resource for gay, lesbian, create the wedding of their dreams. bisexual, transgender, queer and allied www.rainbowweddingnetwork.com couples.” The lesbian-owned on-line pub offers a suite of free wedding Launched in September 2000 as the planning tools, including a guest list first wedding gift registry in the world dedicated to gay & lesbian couples. Not manager, a budget manager and an extensive interactive to-do list. only can you find local gay wedding vendors at the web site, it also produces www.purpleunions.com wedding expos for gay couples and Founded by a gay couple who legally offers a print magazine. Its mission is married in 2008, it is a “Mom and Pop” “… to serve as a bridge for gay and style web site that might be better for lesbian couples and their allies to those who are overwhelmed by the access the resources they need to vast array of choices and options on successfully plan their weddings, free other sites. It is also a good source for from discrimination.” It claims that it up to date news about the legal fight has screened 5,000 businesses in its for same sex marriage. Purple Unions resource directory. is “… a place where gay and lesbian www.twobrides.com couples can find gay friendly wedding vendors to help them plan their perfect www.twogrooms.com wedding day and donates a portion of www.gayweddings.com the profits to groups fighting for gay These are all derived from the same marriage around the world.” source and founded by a mother who had trouble finding vendors and www.theknot.com products for her daughter’s same sex The mainstream wedding web site was marriage more than a decade ago. one of the first to welcome same sex The list of vendors and products is the couples and offers pages designed for same on all sites. The sites also offers a forum gay couples, as well as advice for their use. However, the vendors are drawn from the same list as the main supportive straight family and friends. web site and may not be LGBT-friendly. “GayWeddings.com is dedicated to providing products, resources and boiMAG 15
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RAINBOW WEDDING EXPO March 22nd - Hard Rock Hotel
In 2000, RainbowWeddingNetwork.com was launched by founders Cindy Sproul & Marianne Puechl as the first wedding gift registry ever specifically dedicated to the Gay and Lesbian community. The site quickly grew to become the most extensive online LGBT wedding resource, receiving over 1,000,000 hits its first six months of existence. In 2003, the company began producing many of the nation's first Gay and Lesbian Wedding Expos. The 'Same Love, Same Rights'速 LGBT Wedding Expo will be held Sunday March 22, 1-4 p.m. at the Hard Rock Hotel, 230 N. Michigan Ave. Tickets are free (a donation of $5 is requested), but must be reserved in advance at events@ rainbowweddingnetwork.com. Parking details & event updates will be emailed to those who RSVP.
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Throughout the afternoon, there will be music and samples as visitors chat with wedding service providers, raffle winners will be announced at 3 p.m. The organizers stress that the event is for all couples planning a wedding, no matter how large or small their budget. Call 828.645.8750 or go to their website at www.rainbowweddingnetwork.com. Look for boiMAGazine at the expo.
Tiffany
Features Same Sex Couples in Ad for First Time For spring 2015, Tiffany, the nation's most recognized jewelry company, created a new advertising campaign titled “Will You?” The photos for the campaign were shot on location in New York City and feature a selection of couples at different stages of their relationship, some at the moment their decision is made and some on their wedding day. The campaign portrays, as Tiffany notes in a press release, “…distinctly modern couples, some young and just starting out, another at their wedding with a child already in the picture and a same-sex couple about to commit to marriage.” The "Will You?" campaign was shot by acclaimed fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh and features scenes of a variety
of loving couples, pictured in various romantic settings. The men, who are a real couple in New York City, are pictured on the stoop of an apartment building next to a picture of two rings. "Will you promise to never stop completing my sentences or singing off-key, which I'm afraid you do often?" the copy reads. "And will you let today be the first sentence of one long story that never, ever ends?" Tiffany rep Linda Buckley said that love stories come "in a variety of forms. The Tiffany engagement ring is the first sentence of the story that a couple will write together as they create a life that is deeply intimate and exceptional… This couple represents the spectrum of people who visit Tiffany every day.”
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Motor Mouth Auto showtime By Parker Carr
This is the time of year that I’m happy I’m single. The Chicago Auto Show opens on Valentine’s Day, so I can devote the entire day to my love of everything automotive without having to worry about a boyfriend feeling neglected. As opposed to the concept cars I described in our special Chicago Auto Show edition, these vehicles will soon be available for purchase.
Of course any gearhead wants to see the latest exotic supercars from around the world. The Porsche 918 has a 4.6liter, V-8 engine that produces 608 hp, delivering speeds of up to 9,150 rpm. . Although Alfa Romeo likes to call its new 2015 4C Coupe, “The Attainable Supercar,” it’s still above my price range. But that’s what the auto show is for, after all, to see the hot cars that are out of your league. The shell is made of sheet molded compound (SMC) that is 20% lighter than steel. The 237 hp 1.75-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, made entirely of aluminum, jumps from 0-60 in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 160 mph. The newest-generation Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat includes a supercharged 6.2-liter (370-cid) SRT hemi V-8 engine with 707 hp. There are retro styling nods in the projector headlamps, the split grille and seamless split LED tail lights. The 2015 Camaro Commemorative Edition on display at the Chicago Auto Show and available in showrooms later this spring, is available as a coupe or convertible. In addition to 20-inch wheels and ZL1 rear spoiler it will be available in five exterior color combinations and will feature
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seating surfaces, shift knob, shift boot, door trim armrest and center console lid in red and black leather. Additional details exclusive to the Commemorative Edition comprise a leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel and sill plates. As much as I love those super cars, I need an SUV for the real world. The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the first member of the new family of cars from the brand. Billed as a versatile compact SUV that seats seven (!), it will eventually be available with an ED4 turbo-diesel engine with low CO2 emissions. Both nine-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions are available, along with a choice of two- or four-wheel-drive. The new Honda Pilot will incorporate innovative technology and premium features. Jeff Conrad, senior vice president of Honda reports, "The new Pilot will raise the bar in a segment it helped to create, with more innovation, style, premium features and family utility than ever before." Honda’s upscale Acura RDX 2016 model SUV will also debut. Supposedly, the new RDX sports a long list of styling and performance improvements as well as luxury and safety features.
Rick Karlin's Valentine's Day Luella's Southern Kitchen, 4609 N. Lincoln, Valentine's weekend menu, served Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14 is $90 per couple. The feast begins with a bowl of seafood gumbo, topped with fried oysters, continues with a spinach and Clementine salad with spiced candied pecans, goat cheese and honey/ancho chili vinaigrette. Entrée options include a choice of crab cake with crawfish remoulade or braised short ribs, both with southern style sides. The sweet finale is a luscious chocolate and pineapple upside-down cake with brown sugar ice cream. 773.961.8196 www.luellassouthernkitchen.com. Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted, will celebrate Valentine's Weekend, Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb.14 with menu specials (lobster bisque; kale salad; filet mignon; grilled lamb chops; pan roasted scallops; chocolate sundae), in addition to the regular dinner menu. Diva Kinley Preston will entertain guests starting at 7:30 p.m. each evening, and Kit Kat’s mixologists will shake up an array of "Valentinis" for $14 each. Call 773.525.1111 www.kitkatchicago.com. Tavern on Rush, 1031 N. Rush will offer a special romantic dessert, designed to share. Guests will dip fresh and dried fruits, nuts & pound cake into a decadent chocolate fondue for two ($19.95). Reservations are suggested, 312.664.9600 www.tavernonrush.com. The farm-driven White Oak Tavern, 1200 W. Webster, is planning an array of Valentine's food and drink specials, such as; shrimp crudo, smoked sturgeon, toasted flour gnocchi, short ribs and Sazerac on Friday, Feb. 13 and Saturday, Feb. 14. 773.248.0200. www.whiteoakchicago.com.
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D.O.C. Wine Bar in Lombard, 326 Yorktown Center, invites couples to take a sensory journey on February 13, with a "Red" Wine Dinner, an evening dedicated to wine and food exploration - and the color red. The four-course menu, incorporating seasonal red ingredients and red wine is $100 per person, and reservations are required. www.docwinebarchicago.com 630.627.6666. “Red: A Vermilion Valentine” at the titular restaurant, 10 W. Hubbard, offers a fivecourse meal at either of two seatings (56:30 p.m. for $55 and 7-11p.m. for $65). The first course consists of blood red pani puri, followed by a scarlet salad of lobster, beet and endive. Crimson Caldeirada seafood stew and a sun dried tomato chimichurri NY strip steak. The sweet ending being called “Chocolate Vermilion Hedonism” accompanied by pomegranate sorbet. A vegetarian option for the meal is available. www.thevermilionrestaurant.com 312.527.4060. You’d think that in this day and age that some people would be civilized enough to realize that romance and Valentine’s Day are not only for heterosexuals. Press releases from the West Town Chamber of Commerce promoting Valentine’s Day at two restaurants, Unite Urban Grill and The Winchester both promoted events on the holiday with “His & Her” specials. Guess it never occurred to anyone there that they might get some same-sex couples who might not fit their narrow-minded idea of romance and dating. I’d urge you to let the restaurants and the West Town Chamber of Commerce how you feel about that. Here’s the contact information: The Winchester, 1001 N. Winchester, 773.698.8703, www.winchesterchicago.com Unite Urban Grill, 1450 W. Chicago, 312.455.8900, www.uniteurbangrill.com West Town Chamber of Commerce, 1819 W. Chicago, 312.850.9390, info@westtownchamber.org, www.westtownchamber.org, www.facebook.com/WestTownChicago.
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Screen Savor: Nominees are... By Gregg Shapiro Can we talk about the way that queer filmmakers bring out the best in Julianne Moore? You can include "A Single Man" (directed by Tom Ford), "The Kids Are All Right" (Lisa Cholodenko) and "Safe" (Todd Haynes) as examples of what happens when Moore is paired up with gay and lesbian directors. Now you can add her Oscar-nominated, and Golden Globe and SAG Award-winning, performance in Still "Alice", directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland ("The Fluffer"), So it should come as no surprise that her performance as Alice, a highly regarded professor of linguistics at Columbia University, who is stricken with early onset Alzheimer’s in "Still Alice," rises above the uneven and manipulative material. The problem lies in the depiction of her rapid deterioration. What should be handled with subtle dignity (a conversation slip-up at a birthday dinner, losing her train of thought during a presentation at UCLA, getting lost on the Columbia campus where she teaches, forgetting a recipe, leaving her mobile phone in the refrigerator, etc.) is instead treated like a mallet to the skull. As the illness evolves, from sporadic memory impairment to the corroboration of clinical symptoms and Alzheimer’s diagnosis to the revelation of the genetic aspect of Alice’s condition (and the effect it will have on her children), Moore is nothing less than riveting. This is, sadly, unfortunate for the thankless task of those acting alongside her, including Alec Baldwin as husband John, Kate Bosworth as daughter Anna, Hunter Parrish as son Tom and Kristen Stewart as daughter Lydia; whose performances simply pale in comparison to Moore’s. Stewart has the meatiest role after Moore’s, as the disappointment daughter, whose choice to forego college for acting, is the
other main source of conflict in the film. See "Still Alice" for Moore's performance; it’s really the only reason to do so. Best Foreign Language Film nominee "Timbuktu", a first for Mauritania, is a story of the changes that occur in a rural farming and fishing village following the arrival of religious fundamentalists. Armed with rifles and other weapons, jihadists arrive in their pickup trucks and on motorcycles, laying down the law via bullhorn as the self-proclaimed “guardians of all deeds.” Prohibitions include smoking, music and soccer playing. Women must wear socks and gloves at all times. None of these prohibitive rules sits well with the locals. A woman selling fish at the market risks arrest when refusing to wear gloves because it makes it difficult to sell her wares. A holy man (Adel Mahmoud Cherif) tells one of the jihadists that causes harm to Muslims and Islam. "Timbuktu" is full of compelling characters including the displaced madwoman Zabou and her rooster, as well as Omar (Cheik A.G. Emakni) the young man who drives leader Abdelkerim (Abel Jafri) around town. But the heart and soul of the film can be found in the tragedy that befalls cattle herder Kidane (Ibrahim Ahmed), a man who wants nothing more than to live in peace among the dunes with his wife Satima (Toulou Kiki) and daughter Toya (Layla Walet Mohamed), but fate has other plans for him. Various arrests are made and punishments, including lashings and stonings, are doled out, for crimes ranging from making music to playing soccer (without a ball, mind you). A young woman named Safia is married off against her will and the will of her family. Co-writer/director Abderrahmane Sissako presents this film, deserving of its Oscar nomination, in an unflinching manner. boiMAG 29
debut with Evergreen. Produced by Joel Little (of Lorde fame), the album is, as you might have gleaned from the name, on the broody side. That’s not a criticism, just a statement of fact. “Sober” and “Bridges” Q recall Imogen Heap, while “Killing You” is Two Tunes reminiscent of The xx. For the most part, the sibs have an original sound, which comes By Gregg Shapiro through on “Mother & Father,” “L.A.F.,” “Four A little introduction, you may have noticed that Walls” and “Superstar.” I’ve altered the title of my column slightly. It’s now QMusic. It’s a little bit of a pun on cuing up Perhaps the most distinctively different music and, of course, Q is for queer, too! duo in this column, glam-psych twosome Foxygen pin the tail of the 1970s on the Add the names Alecia Moore (aka Pink) 21st century’s ass with the double disc and Dallas Green (aka City and Colour), epic …And Star Power. Reminscent of recording as You+Me, to the list of The Flaming Lips (who can be heard on musicians pairing up to create new and the track “Everyone Needs Love”) as well exciting partnerships such as She + Him as Of Montreal (who just happen to be (Zoe Deschanel and M. Ward), The Both present on “Cold Winter/Freedom” and (Aimee Mann and Ted Leo), Jenny and “Star Power, Pt. 3: What Are We Good For”) Johnny (Jenny Lewis and Johnathan and numerous other influences, ranging Rice), and the Under The Covers series from garage rock to power pop, …And Star masterminds Susannah Hoffs and Power is a time commitment that might Matthew Sweet. be overwhelming to the casual listener. However, the rewards are plentiful. You+Me’s first album, co-produced by the duo, is the bare-bones acoustic set Rose In case Foxygen isn’t experimental enough Ave. The nine original (other than the lovely for your taste, influential duo Mecca cover of Sade’s “No Ordinary Love”) coNormal (writer/vocalist Jean Smith and compositions flatter the pair’s voices, while musician David Lester) have returned with also allowing both vocalists plenty of room Empathy For The Evil, its first new recording to excel, especially on “Love Gone Wrong.” in almost 10 years. Literary, in a way similar If there’s a complaint, it’s that too many to Patti Smith, the song cycle consists of of the songs sound the same, as if you are nine songs “directly out of two novels” by listening to one long song. (Jean) Smith. Not having read the books, it’s difficult to say whether or not that Easily one of the best albums by a duo has an effect on the way these songs are in 2014, the eponymous Partisan debut experienced. As songs on an album, they by Sylvan Esso. Coming across like a less do have the ability to stand on their own, zany tUne-yArDs, Sylvan Esso still has its especially shorter cuts such as “One Man’s flights of fancy. Check out the “Hanky Anger,” “Art Was The Great Leveler” and Panky” interpolation in “Coffee.” What they “Wasn’t Said.” do best, however, is rev up the rapidly stagnating electro sound with jagged beats On its debut disc Soft Friday, mixed-gender and unpredictable keyboard tricks. These Brit duo Coves wears its `60s influence on skills are put to good use on “Hey Mami,” its paisley sleeves. Listening to the disc, you “Dreamy Bruises,” “Dress,” “Play It Right” and can just imagine the candlelight reflecting especially “H.S.K.T.” Don’t sit there, dance! off of Rebekah Wood’s iridescent lipstick and her Michelle Phillips-blonde hair, her New Zealand brother and sister duo suede fringe jacket in motion, as she sings Broods, made up of model-handsome song such as “Last Desire” and “Cast A Caleb and Georgia Nott, make their Shadow,” whereas John Ridgard takes the lead “Bad Kick To The Heart. 30 boiMAG
MUSIC
circuit mom Brings Back Fireball! Chicago - Saturday, February 14th
“Fireball”, the historic dance party that was one of Chicago’s first circuit parties, is being revived by CircuitMOM as one of his Revolution productions. It will make its return on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, at the House of Blues.
"With Fireball 2015, the idea is to once again start small and build the event back up to worldwide notoriety," says Matt Harvat, aka CircuitMOM. Having been involved with the original Hearts Party and Fireball series from 1993 to 2004, Harvat and his production team, known for producing over the top dance events during International Mr. Leather, Gay Pride, Market Days, Halloween as well as nationwide dance parties, feel that they are up for the challenge.
Originally, started as “The Hearts Party”, a small HIV/AIDS fund raiser in the early 90’s, the event quickly grew into a 4 day festival of parties attended by thousands of people from around the world. The main event was later rechristened “Fireball” and rivaled the biggest dance parties in the circuit world such as the Palm Springs' "White Party" or Miami’s "Winter Party". With over the top productions, “Fireball” utilized some of Chicago’s most historic and unique venues to entertain the 3500+ attendees every year. The Aragon Ballroom, Museum Of Science and Industry, Union Station’s Great Hall and Finkl Steel Mill. It was the last major event held at the now shuttered The Uptown Theater, with CircuitMOM being the last entertainer to perform in the crumbling landmark.
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“Fireball” will heat up with amazing music highlights from past Fireball events in an early set by Harvat. Later in the evening DJ Alyson Calagna will bring her award winning, international sound and original production work to the dance floor at The House Of Blues. Harvat reports, “We’re partnering with Hydrate for a Friday night party featuring DJ Nina Flowers as well as the amazing Neverland team for a Sunday night event at The Mid entitled titled “Arcade”. Surprise guests and special effects are planned for all three nights. It will be an exciting time showing how much can be accomplished when the community works together.” Individual tickets as well as a weekend pass for all three events are available online at www.circuitmom. com. Single “Fireball” tickets are available at CRAM Fashion, 3339 N. Broadway.
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FIT TIPS By Michael Elder
The last decade has seen a significant rise in functional training. Functional training essentially means “core” training, or exercises that mimic the movements that we make in our daily lives. While I use other training methods as well, I always incorporate functional training methods into my clients’ workout programs. One of my favorite functional training exercises is the single arm cable press.
This is a fantastic exercise that trains the pectoral muscles while also providing a strong challenge for the core, thereby killing two birds with one stone. Synergist muscles in the shoulder are also called into action, leading to greater shoulder stabilization.
SINGLE ARM CABLE PRESS
Two Birds, One Stone To perform the exercise: Stand in a staggered stance in front of a cable station, facing away from the weight stack. With the D-handle attachment positioned at your chest height, reach behind you and grab it with one hand, your palm facing outward. Hold the opposite hand straight in front of you for balance. Push your back hand forward, straightening it in front of your chest while pulling your front arm back to your shoulders. Pause, and then reverse to return to the starting position. It is always important to maintain a flat back and long spine and to fully extend your pressing arm to achieve a full range of motion. I also recommend taking a solid stance for stability. On the return phase of the movement, there should be some slight torso rotation in your oblique muscles, making this a great multifunction exercise. Try it- you’ll like it!
Michael Elder has been working as a fitness professional in Chicago for the last fifteen years. He comes from a background in gymnastics and is certified as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). He can be contacted directly through his website, www.MichaelElder.com. boiMAG 39
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Chicago's
in the know ... ON THE GO!
By Sue Deaunym
Power Shopping
For power bottoms (or tops) heading to “The Black Party” in NYC, you might want to stop in at Leather 64Ten or head to ChezPriap.com for some fresh attire… You can also find some lovely harnesses and other fetish gear at Leather Sport… Under that leather you might need some fresh undies to show off your assets. Grab those at Cupid’s, Egoist or Cram (take all of them for a test run at Man’s Country to see what kind of attention they get you)… Stellar Wine Company welcomes master sommelier Serafin Alvarado for a tasting of global wines on Thursday, Feb. 5 from 6 - 7 p.m. at 820 W. Belmont. Hors d'oeuvres will be served by Bountiful Eatery, and admission is free, but you have to RSVP to luis@stellarwinecompany.com.
It’s An Honor Just To Be Nominated
The Hookies select “Mr. Chicago Escort of the Year” at Hydrate on Feb. 21. Will Aleks Buldocek retain his title (do they give a crown?) or be taken down by one of the six hotties competing against him. If he wins, will they teach him how to spell Alex? Does it matter if he can spell? No!... A contest of another type is being held on Sunday, Feb. 22; The Oscars. Center On Halsted hosts what may be its final “On the Red Carpet” viewing party at Park West . Tix range in price from $40 to $125. If that’s a little rich for your pocketbook (as my Grammy used to say) consider “No Wire Hangers” hosted by Otis Mack and Ruff N Stuff
at Brando's Speakeasy. Tix are $20 in advance and $25 at the door… Mike & Brryce lead a Grammy viewing party at Scarlet on Sunday, Feb. 8.
Romance in the City
Warm up for Valentine’s Day with “Dylan & Andrew's Second Date" as they entertain with their tunes at Wang’s on Thursday, Feb. 12… Barry Manilow promises his VD concert at United Center is his "One Last Time" tour. Yeah, talk to Cher… Can you turn red from VD? Oh, excuse me that should be "Can you turn red for Valentine's Day?" You can at Circuit where they're having a red-themed event for the holiday, complete with $7 sweetheart martinis... On VD, Feb. 14, the Savages take over Smart Bar, with Brawther, Bell Boys and Harry & Jpeg… The Equality Illinois gala, “Love is Love” is being at The Hilton held on Saturday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day and many politicians will be there to win voters’ hearts (or at least their support)... Lucky us, Rehab goes all "erotica" (like that's any different!) on Friday, Feb. 13 with DJ Cody Domino and special guest Nacho Chapado... Touché kicks off Valentine’s Weekend with a “Beat & Greet” party for the contestants and fans of Illinois Leather and Fetish contest, held the following night. They’ll be selecting Sir and Boy, Master and Slave, Puppy, Bootblack and Leather Pride… Wind up the weekend with Neverland as it presents “The Arcade” at The Mid on Sun, Feb. 15. The dance party will have a vintage video game theme, and these guys know how to decorate a place! boiMAG 45
Baby, It’s Cold Outside!
Touché celebrates the cold with a winter jockstrap and underwear fetish party on Sunday, Feb. 15… Sidetrack heats things up with its annual Mardi Gras blast on Tuesday, Feb. 17. If you’ve been to this before you know it means over the top entertainment and sexy men in skimpy attire. Need I say more?… Asians & Friends Chicago celebrates Chinese New Year with a multi-course dinner on Saturday, Feb. 28. It’s the “Year of the Sheep” and they’re having a fashion show featuring wool clothing too. Will they serve lamb for dinner?... Cold weather and hot daddies? Yes, please. Head over to SoFo on for a DILF Mardi Gras with special guest star, model Brian Rody on Saturday, Feb. 7… Boystown will embrace the cold with “Frost Fest”, as the NortHalsted Business Alliance sponsors a week-long schedule of events, Feb. 22-28.
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Great Balls of Fire!
CircuitMom brings back the legendary “Fireball” party on Feb. 14 at the House of Blues… Nina Flowers hosts Purgatory’s opening party for Fireball weekend, “Pompeii”, at Hydrate on Friday the 13th. Maybe you’ll get lucky there… Sidetrack hosts the kick-off party for About Face’s “Wonka Ball” on Monday, Feb. 9… The Baton hosts its first male impersonator show (aka Drag Kings) on Monday, Feb. 16... On Wednesday, Feb. 18 The Burlington hosts “Burly” its monthly gay, bi, queer night for bearded individuals. (what about dykes with facial hair?)… Speaking of ball on fire (or just plain pushed up and hidden, are you ready for the return of "RuPaul's Drag Race" on March 2. You can be a number of bars and clubs will hold viewing parties. More on that in our next issue.