04.14 - Spa & Salon by boiMAGazine & boiMAG.com

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3700 N. Halsted St. #2-S Chicago, IL 60613 773.975.0264 Editorial: boieditorial@aol.com Advertising: boiads@aol.com EDITORIAL Mike Macharello: Production Rick Karlin: Editor layout & design Titanium Graphics, Inc. advertising Freddie: freddie@boiMAGazineChicago.com Dave: dave@boiMAGazineChicago.com National, Rivendell Media: sales@rivendellmedia.com photographerS Eamonn Sexton Ken Brown, KAB Photography Oliver Aguilar COVER Armando, getting ready for his salon massage editorial contributors Gregg Shapiro, Ace Magyar, Sue Deaunym, Anita Taylor, Ilye Costalis boiMAG ONLINE

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Spa-Tacular the worlds best glbt friendly spas

By Rick Karlin

When you shell out some big bucks for a spa trip, you want to know that you’ll be able to relax and enjoy yourself. That’s the whole point, right? So you want to head to a spa that is welcoming to its GLBT clientele. The following places have been selected as the world’s most welcoming spas for the GLBT community.

release toxins in your system and help you rejuvenate. www.crownepointe. com/ShuiSpa

Shimmer Spa, (Roxbury, NY) The Catskills are better known as a midcentury vacation destination for East Coast Jews, but Greg Henderson and Joseph Massa, the couple who own Roxbury Motel, have transformed it into a contemporary, cozy hotel. Each of the Grand Resort and Spa new, whimsical suites pays tribute to a (Fort. Lauderdale, FL) ‘60s/’70s TV shows (Gilligan’s Island, Star One visit to Ft. Lauderdale’s largest Trek) with detailed and commanding gay-owned men’s resort and you may never want to leave. The award-winning design. The original Shimmer Spa is located in the main building, and is spa offers a variety of packages, from a quiet sanctuary with hot tub, dry the five-night “Pampered Getaway” sauna, fireplace, black-river-rock-foot(five nights in your choice of room or massaging super shower and a D.I.Y. suite, with your choice of a 50-minute Swedish or deep tissue massage, facial, “mini spa” in a single treatment room. The new Shimmer Spa North, in an body scrub, exfoliating manicure, standard pedicure and a complimentary adjacent wing, offers a steam room, lounge awash with natural sunlight, bottle of champagne), to single and treatment areas such as massage treatments. All spa guests have access and salt glow body exfoliation. The to the fitness center, clothing-optional spas and spa treatments are available courtyard and 10-man Jacuzzi. The to guests of the Roxbury only, they are Grand Resort and Spa is located just not open to the general public. The cost steps from the beach and convenient to use both of the spa facilities is $20 to all the attractions and nightlife per person per stay (not per day.) www. for which Ft. Lauderdale and Wilton theroxburymotel.com Manors are renowned. What sets this place apart is the hospitality of the staff, which is consistently noted by frequent The Spa Resort (Palm Springs, CA) Open since 1960, the Spa Resort has guests. www.grandresort.net made extensive renovations to the guest rooms, updating the property Shui Spa (Provincetown, MA) Located across the street from Atlantic and highlighting its mid-century charm. Admission into The Spa is $35 House in the Crowne Point Hotel, for guests of the adjacent casino/hotel, this conveniently located spa offers a tranquil retreat from the activities in the $20 when combined with a treatment. Non-guests are permitted at $40 gay vacation mecca. The comfortable, full-service spa features a warm mineral without a treatment, excluding holidays and weekends. That gives you access therapy tub, sauna and steam room. to the resort’s main swimming pool, A variety of packages offer massages, two adjacent outdoor mineral pools, healthy food menu, body treatments, and energy treatments to reduce stress, and facility. The signature experience is called “The Taking of the Waters” boiMAG

a 60-minute five-step program which includes steam room, sauna, eucalyptus inhalation, a ten-minute soak in a private tub full of the hot mineral waters for which the city is named, and a relaxing cool down in the Tranquility Room. Add on a facial massage and you’ve got an entire spa day for about $200. www. sparesortcasino.com San Francisco Spa (San Francisco, CA) Part of the uber gay-friendly Kimpton Hotels chain, the Hotel Monaco’s small yet stylish spa uses organic, eco-friendly ingredients in a peaceful setting, just steps away from Union Square. Part of the hotel’s fitness center, the spa features a sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi. Among the treatments available are the “Lavender Dreams” or chamomile body scrubs, which combine minerals with the signature ingredient for full-body exfoliation. Get a healthy glow with a sunless tanning treatment, which begins with a gentle exfoliation and continues with an expert application of Kerstin’s Florian Sunless Tanner, which has firming extracts to improve skin quality as it adds a rich color tone. www.monaco-sf.com/san-franciscohotel/spa-services.html Spa Kea Lani (Maui, HI) The 9,000 square -foot Spa Kea Lani in the Fairmont Hotel, has added outdoor, ocean-side cabanas for a secluded treatment surrounded by palm trees. Try the island’s signature Lomi-lomi massage or a Ho’ona facial, one of the spa’s most popular requests for treating sun burnt skin. Spa features include experience showers inspired by varieties of Maui rain, a soothing pālolo (mud) bar, an invigorating hot lava stone foot bed, steam and sauna, as well as a nail and make-up bar. www.fairmont. com/kealani

Away Spa (Vieques, PR) If your idea of the perfect spa experience is being pampered by goodlooking people on a tropical island with lush grounds, ocean views, and private cabana treatments, the Away Spa at W Retreat is your place. Although there is no sauna or steam room, you’ll hardly notice with an abundance of outdoor activities, such as; horseback riding, mountain biking and boogie boarding, not to mention cocktails served poolside. A group of treatment suites is reached by crossing a small bridge to a plateau overlooking the ocean. Some offer ocean views and private outdoor shower areas, where the spas renowned massages are given. www.wvieques. com/awayspa Arion Spa (Athens, Greece) Unobstructed views of the sea make this spa at the Astir Palace Resort a unique hideaway in a large city. Highend services and luxury predominate. Spa treatments are tailored to each guest’s needs, or become a spa member and take advantage of a fully equipped fitness room, indoor thalassotherapy pool, the heat experiences area (includes sauna, steam room, foot bath and event showers), private beaches, outdoor pools and tennis courts. It is 25€ per day for hotel guests, 50€ for external guests. http://www. arionresortathens.com/en/Arion_Spa Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa (Istanbul, Turkey) Part of the ten-suite boutique hotel, Les Ottomans located in a traditional family mansion offers a lower level spa that makes the most of a small space. A sauna and steam room, both feature glass windows looking out on an oriental-style pond and garden. An oxygen room offers a chance to relax and energize in supersaturated O2 air. Continued on Page 12 >> boiMAG

Spa-Tacular Continued...

The meditation room has cocoonlike chairs facing a trickle of water descending from the ceiling into a lighted fountain. The large indoor pool is decorated with brilliant mosaic work, with a fountain lit from above with shimmering light which filtering through the glassed-bottom pool. The adventure shower, with its variety of shower heads, is like walking through a misty forest. Treatments include; “Red Vine Barrel Bath” and “Pulp Friction,” a massage with fresh grapes. End your treatment with a visit to the traditional Turkish hammam, a heated marble room with a raised platform in the middle and spigots along the walls. The treatment begins with a hand-mitt scrubbing and a lathered massage. Then slip into a salt-saturated water pool where you’ll float, feeling weightless, while being given a scalp massage. www.lesottomans.com The previous spas were either geared toward men only or were co-ed. While I can’t personally attest to the quality of the following women-only spas for obvious reasons, all come highly rated. Hot House (Seattle, WA) Hothouse is a shared space and reservations are not taken for the spa. During winter months consider going early or late in the day, as a full house is common during peak evening hours. Entry allows use of the hot tub, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, showers and relaxation area. It is about $20 a day to use the space, massages are available at additional cost. www.hothousespa.com Thousand Waves Spa (Chicago, IL) In the words of the spa’s web site Thousand Waves is “... a place for women to relax and rejuvenate. It’s an environment where community

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is key and all women feel welcome.” They offer massage therapy and herbal wraps, spa bath area with a eucalyptus steam room, cedar sauna and hot tub as well as a peaceful relaxation room. Services intentionally focus on self-care and wellness as opposed to beauty treatments A stand-alone visit is $20 www.thousandwavesspa.com Kelea Surf Spa (Oahu, HI) This place all about surfing, yoga, and spa. Six-night packages include surf lessons, three meals daily, a massage, yoga classes, and airport transfers. Kelea is only open February through April as that’s when the surfing best for beginners and intermediates. www. keleasurfspa.com Bali Goddess Retreat (Seminyak, Bali) This is not the kind of yoga retreat where participants have to take a vow of silence or only get offered raw veggies for dinner. It is a balance between relaxation and action; health and indulgence. Amenities include a large swimming pool with sun loungers, bar area with endless purified spring water, coffee, tea, fruit baskets and snacks, a spa offering on site massages and treatments, an open air yoga studio and rooftop relaxation patio with daybeds and amazing sunset views. www.baligoddessretreats.com Olympus Spa (Tacoma WA) Open since 1997 as a beautiful and elegant oasis for women devoted to the restoration of the body, mind, and soul. With Eastern medicinal tradition blending perfectly with Western relaxation techniques, stresses melt away in heated earth energy rooms, hydrotherapy pools and saunas. Spa packages range from $153 for a day pass, body scrub and body moisturizing to a “Total Bliss” package for $294 which adds on a massage and body wrap. www.olympusspa.net

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Wet and Wild! MEN’S SWIMWEAR TRENDS 2014 By Anita Taylor

I came back from the men’s swimwear fashion shows in Miami all hot and moist, and it wasn’t because of the climate. This year designers took inspiration from a variety of sources; teen beach movies, African prints, retro frat boys and even awning materials! All in all, this year’s fashions are following the previous trends of square cut legs; with board shorts and shorter and tighter cuts, similar to volleyball shorts, showing up in vivid colors, graphics, stripes. Eco-friendly fabrics and performance microfibers ruled the runways.

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You can find this seasons hottest selection of swimwear at Egoist on Halsted St. in Chicago

This is for the black shorts (above) Retro volleyball short length cut swim mesh shorts with elastic, draw-string waistband, internal mesh lining and two side pockets. Available in six color combinations. $67.99

This is for the red brief (left) Addicted Swimwear ‘Sunga’ cut trunk is on trend with a graphic contrast stripe down the pouch and contrast top-stitch detailing. The sunga low-rise rise squaredoff trunk with a wide side originates in Brazil. Here the trunk sports the Addicted Ad logo print on the hip. It comes with a contoured pouch for comfort and support and. Made in Spain. Available in 2 color combinations. $59.99. Get creative and feel inspired in this fun and vibrant tartan inspired print from Aussiebum. The bikini features the famous Wonderjock enhancing support technology that’s guaranteed to make a splash at any beach! Available in three color combinations, $64.99 AussieBum’s fun new tricolor swimwear range ‘Wave’ is sure to make waves. Specially developed using double-lined premium Italian fabric; the colorful square cut features an extra-strong waistband. Available in three color combinations, $51.99.

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Best Tressed By Anita Taylor

Chicago’s Top Hair Salons and Barber Shops

Along with a crisp suit and terrific shoes, a clean haircut is the hallmark of the welldressed male. And, while you may luck into a good haircut at one of the discount chains, if you want a guarantee of a cut that will look good for weeks after leaving the salon, you need to find a good stylist and a quality salon and develop a lasting relationship. The following are some of the best salons in the city. Truefitt & Hill There’s nothing trendy or hip at this English-based group which has been serving British aristocracy since 1805, just jolly good cuts. Appointments are a must. www.truefittandhill.com Swagger Hipster heaven, but there’s real knowledge behind the swagger. They also offer the “Urban Fix” which can turn your botched look into something much better. www.swaggersalon.com

Fases Salon Unisex If you want to hang out with the cool (club) kids, head over to this salon which features SAL-E and Jay Jay working their other trade. Fases, which offers facials, nail care and waxing in addition to cuts and coloring, is known for collaborating with area clubs such Berlin. www. salonfases.net While all of the above places provide top of the line cuts, the following places were voted among the best in the city for specific services. Katie Devries at Strand has been given the crown of “Best Traditional” haircut. The Aveda-trained stylist specializes in razor cuts, beginning at $30. She began her career as a women’s hair colorist, but she switched almost exclusively to men’s cuts when she moved to Chicago five years ago. www.strandchicago.com

Bathsheba Nemerovski at Sparrow specializes in low-maintenance cuts (priced at $56) favored by local celebs, Van Buren Gentlemen’s Salon For the discriminating man who wants to such as Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. www. sparrowhair.com make sure every detail is covered, extra services that will polish a look include Robert Bennett at Maxine is the king a manicure (that takes less than seven of color, with 25 years of experience. To minutes) and spa pedicures, and as a bonus, they serve cocktails. Memberships help hide that gray, he uses an ammoniafree color, L’Oréal’s Homme Cover 5. For bring rewards for frequent customers. those with longer hair, he recommends www.vbgents.com subtle salt-and-pepper lowlights. While it’s pricey ($135), he says “When you Flashes Hair & Body Work walk out of this salon, no one is going Formerly known as Flashes Hair & to know you colored your hair.” www. Tanning Salon, the shop has changed more than its name, it has a new location maxinesalon.com and now also offers massage. continued on next page >> www.flashessalon.com boiMAG 19

Best Tressed CONTINUED . . . . . . Tim Weber at Restoration Salon is the master of everything from full highlights to simple touchups, starting at $50. www. restorationsalonchicago.com Urbane Blades has been the undisputed champion of Black men’s hair for quite a while. From buzz cuts to bald fades, to trendier styles and dreads. Military, police officers, fire fighters and college students get a 10% discount with a valid ID. www.urbaneblades.com Dee Boozer at Floyd’s 99 in Wicker Park also excels with ethnic hair and is known for outstanding results with experimental coloring. www.floydsbarbershop.com Joe’s Barber Shop, in Logan Square, was named one of the best barbers in the city by The Reader. Joseph G. Caccavella has been cutting hair for more than four decades, having been trained by his father, a master barber in Italy. Today he is joined by his son, Joe Jr. and a few other hipster barbers. www. joesbarbershopchicago.com If you’re looking for something edgier, check out Kara Wabbel at Barbara & Barbara in Logan Square. Her salon is like a mid-century modern furniture showroom. Men’s and women’s cuts are priced exactly the same; $20 for short hair, $30 for long. . www. barbaraandbarbaraloveyou.com Jamie Hartwig at Twisted Scissors will turn out a killer pompadour or Mohawk and serve you a beer. www. twistedscissorschicago.com Gabby’s, in Lakeview has been serving the neighborhood for decades and has been in its current location since the mid-

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’80s. Everyone is seen on a first-come, first served basis. It is cash only and has free wi-fi. www.gabbysbarbershop.com In addition to a good hair cut, a clean shave is another hallmark of the well groomed man. The following are among the best spots in Chicago to get a straight razor, hot lather shave. A real treat if you’ve never had one. The Art of Shaving Barber Spa, The traditional shave is $35, a deluxe is $55, and includes an aftershave mask that’s removed with lemon essential oil–soaked sponges. Belmont Barbershop in Roscoe Village is like stepping back in time. Shaves are $33 and end with a witch hazel aftershave. The Men’s Atelier in the men’s locker room of the Elysian’s spa offers a sport shave (a 30-minute traditional shave with hot lather for $45) and an hourlong spa shave ($80 includes a mini facial plus a scalp, neck and shoulder massage.) Winchester Club serves up a 45-minute hot lather shave for $40, and incudes a free drink on Fridays. The Wicker Park shop also allows you to bring your dog. We didn’t include Halo for Men, as its web site proclaims itself “…a relaxing, masculine environment designed to put city-dwelling males at ease… Halo isn’t for sissies.” ‘We take the words on their web site to mean we ain’t welcome. Publishers Note: I tried to reach the owner of SirSpa, by calling and leaving a message several times at the front desk to call me, to be included in our spa article. Unfortunately my attempts were in vain. Although they have been one of my personal favorite spas, I doubt I’ll be back, as a customer, anytime soon.

By: Victor Barreiro

Martha Ivelisse Pesante Rodríguez is what you’d find her listed as on her birth certificate, but music lovers around the globe know her as Ivy Queen. This multi Latin Grammy nominee is responsible for such chart-topping songs as “Quiero Bailar, Te He Querido”, “Te He Llorado” and “La Vida Es Asi” and those are just to name a few. Ivy will soon grace the stage as she travels across the United States for her first ever gay tour. The Queen of Reggaeton tells us about the upcoming tour and what the gay community really means to her.

What can we expect when you kick off your gay club tour? This is something that I’ve been wanting to do for so long. I want to do something for the gay community. They always support me. All of my best friends are gay. This is a tribute for the love that they have shown me. I am going to make sure that the guys have fun and that they sing along with me. I am trying to incorporate different drag queens from the U.S. I am a huge fan of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and basically I want to have a drag queen at every city that I will be visiting. You’ve performed at Gay Pride in Los Angeles and Long beach. What is it about the gay community that strikes a chord with you? They feel free…that freedom that allows you to say what you feel, even though if it hurts somebody, you’re telling the truth. Another thing is that they are so brilliant. They are so talented. I know a lot of makeup artists, painters, stylists that are so creative. I have friends that do clothing. They are happy and are celebrating life. That is what I love about them. That is what I love about them, the freedom of being who you are. That is why I love them so much. What would you like to say to your gay fans?

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Rick Karlin s

Green at the gills

and big gulp

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day we’re adding a drinking component to our Big Bite column. Now you’ll not only know where to get some corned beef and cabbage, but also some green beer!

DMK Burger Bar offers Irish Stew loaded fries (made with lamb, carrots, celery and onions) to partake in the Irish holiday.

Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana, will offer a double Irish treat with a performance by the awardwinning Irish duo, Switchback, on Sunday, March 16 preceded by a traditional Irish dinner of cream of broccoli soup, corned beef & cabbage, red potatoes, rye bread, Irish soda bread and Irish whiskey cake.

Michael Jordan’s Steak House will be serving a special lunch burger made with ground Wagyu and ground corned beef topped with Irish cheddar cheese and Irish mustard sauce and a Guinness Float made with Guinness ice cream and Guinness stout. These special dishes will be offered March 15 through 17.

At Kanela, diners wearing green get Kit Kat will be offering half-priced green a free order of Greek doughnuts with martinis and 1/3 off the entire food menu lemon honey syrup and toasted walnuts, normally $3.50. on St. Patrick’s Day.

At Tavernita, March 15 through 17, revelers can enjoy the green ‘Booty O’Collins’, made with green tea-infused Finlandia vodka, passionfruit, lemon, cayenne, and yohimbe, corned beef croquettes with shillelagh sauce and cod fish and chips with tartar sauce. Additionally, those who wear green on St. Patty’s Day will receive 15% off their check. Rebar, in Trump Tower, offers a clear view of the Chicago River, with floorto-ceiling windows. Look down upon a river o’ green while enjoying holiday fare such as Killarney corned beef and cabbage, reuben rolls and breakfast sandwiches. Reservations are encouraged for guaranteed seating.

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Tavern on Rush will offer a weekend full of Irish fare; corned beef sliders, a corned beef plate and cabbage plate Guinness beer-battered fish and chips, starting Friday, March 14 through St. Patrick’s Day. In addition, they’ll offer $3 Guinness bottles on St.Patty’s Day. Bites Asian Tapas has created specialty drinks including the Shamrock Shaker with Shochu, Kahlua, Amaretto, milk and green tea powder ($7) and Lucky You’re Not Irish Bomb, shot of Scotch Whiskey with Lucky Buddha Beer. Three special tapas; spinach cheese stick with cream cheese, cilantro, green chilies, and water chestnut wrapped in spring roll dough, avocado tempura bun and green gyoza. Blackfinn Ameripub is inviting guests to start their pre-parade festivities bright and early with a three-hour

celebration beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 15. Irish bagpipers will be playing throughout the day and a $30 wristband will get revelers access to a “Kegs & Eggs” breakfast buffet including Guinness and all domestic draft beer. Guests will also be able to enjoy a special green cocktail during the festivities with Blackfinn’s Finnegan Smash made with green Chartreuse, whiskey, maraschino liqueur, mintinfused simple syrup, fresh mint and a brandied cherry. Prairie Grass Cafe in Northbrook will offer corned beef hash with root vegetables or corned beef on buttered rye bread with crunchy cabbage slaw. At Da Lobsta locations, they’re bringing back (by popular demand, no less) the lobster and corned beef roll, topped with a spicy picked relish. Delightful Pastries will have a number of traditional Irish treats available; soda bread, Irish blueberry scones and spinach lamb pie as well as two non-traditional, but sure to come so pastries; drunken donuts with Jameson’s Whiskey and chocolate custard and shamrock cookies. Finally, see the dyed-green Chicago River at eye level on a 90-minute open air cruise which includes a corned beef and cabbage buffet lunch and a cash bar on Saturday, Mar. 15 (the day of the parade) Shoreline Sightseeing Cruise. If those special events don’t tempt you, just head over to any of these Irish pubs and we’re certain you’ll be seeing a bit o’ the green. The Gage on Michigan Avenue offers a classy downtown take on traditional Irish fare in an upscale setting.

Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro: a taste of modern Dublin’s Irish fare rules at this comfortable North Center spot. Fado: pronounced “fi-doe” meaning “long ago” in Gaelic, this River North multilevel watering hole captures the feel of a traditional Irish pub. Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Pub: the most authentic Irish restaurant in the northwest suburbs, run by Derek Hanley, originally from Tipperary, Ireland. The Celtic Knot Public House: Evanston’s entry to the pub scene. Chief O’Neill’s Pub: not only a bar, but a surprisingly good restaurant as well. This Avondale charmer features three woodburning fireplaces. Cullen’s: Southport’s Irish restaurant is more than just a place to wait for shows at the neighboring theaters. Cork & Kerry: the Southside Irish’s friendly neighborhood pub, is as inviting as you can imagine. Johnny O’Hagan’s: this Lakeview stalwart serves hearty classics such as fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. Dublin’s Bar & Grill: open late and serving food until the wee hours (where else can you get a great steak and potatoes at three in the morning Emmit’s: housed in an 1890s era building that has a rich history, first as a mafia hangout, then as home to Irish politicians and is such the quintessential Chicago Irish bar, that it served as a film set, for “Uncle Buck” and “Backdraft.” The Irish Oak: Wrigleyville’s source for Guinness, Harp, Murphy’s Irish Stout and Smithwicks on tap. boiMAG 23

iMUSIC

Decade dance

iby Gregg Shapiro Now in his fifth decade as a recording artist, soulful musical mystic Van Morrison’s hugely successful 1970 solo album Moondance has been reissued in an expanded, deluxe, four CD/one Blu-ray audio disc edition. Disc one includes a remastered version of the original 10-song album in all of its glory. From the jazzy title cut to the romantic classic “Crazy Love,” and spiritually oriented numbers including “Brand New Day,” “Into The Mystic” and “And It Stoned Me,” Moondance deserves all the accolades it has ever received. The fifth Blu-ray disc features the original album in high resolution 5.1 & stereo mixes. Bob Dylan’s Another Self Portrait revisits songs 1970 Self Portrait and celebrated 1970 New Morning albums in this tenth volume in The Bootleg Series. Demo, unreleased, alternate, live and nonoverdubbed versions of these songs, performed in an array of Dylan’s vocal styles, offer new and enlightening insights into the tunes as well as the tunesmith himself. Along with sisters Betty and Helen, Dot Wiggin was one-third of naïve rock band The Shaggs. A favorite of hipsters around the globe, The Shaggs’ 1969 debut album earned the trio a following for its simplistic lyrics, amateur musicianship and off-key singing. In other words, camp is cool! Stepping out solo for the first time ever on Ready! Get! Go! Dot Wiggin fronts the Dot Wiggin Band. If you dug/dig The Shaggs, this album will be right up your alley. The original line-up of influential noisepop band Medicine has reunited for To The Happy Few, its first studio album since 1995. As sweet and tart as the citrus fruits pictured on the cover,

the disc opens with the blistering “Long As The Sun,” which delivers 40 seconds of bombast before sliding into a hip-shaking pop number, complete with harmonies. From there, the songs alternate between a fierce roar, feisty funk (“Burn It,” “Holy Crimes,” “Find Me Always”) and razor-sharp pop (“Daylight” and “Butterfly’s Out Tonight”). One of the biggest stars of the shortlived hip-hop/jazz hybrid, Us3’s “Cantaloop,” with its Herbie Hancock sample, was an inescapable hit single in 1993 (and for quite a few years after). The expanded reissue of Hand on the Torch features the original album, including “Cantaloop,” on the first disc and a second disc of remixes as well as instrumental versions of songs from the album. As with the aforementioned Van Morrison and Bob Dylan, Boz Scaggs has been plying his trade since the 1960s. But it wasn’t until the mid-1970s that Scaggs achieved commercial success. His 1973 album Slow Dancer yielded a couple of minor hits (the title track and “You Make It So Hard”). However, it was his 1976 album Silk Degrees that made Boz Scaggs a household name. The Grammy winning album produced a generous number of hit singles, all of which are included on the two-CD set The Essential Boz Scaggs. The collection also reaches into Scaggs’ past and includes more recent recordings as well. As tragic as an opera, Mario Lanza was a handsome opera star-turned-movie star whose meteoric rise was cut short, and he died at age 38. The Toast of Hollywood captures 30 tracks on two discs – “A Tenor In Hollywood” and “A Tenor at the Movies,” including six previously unreleased recordings. boiMAG 25

THEATER SCENE

By Rick Karlin

in chicago

“The Earliest Known Photo of Men The Ruckus Theater follows up its Jeff- Drinking Beer” at The Neo-Futurarium runs through Apr. 12. Based on a Recommended productions of “Heist Play” and “Facing Angela” with the world famous photograph titled “Edinburgh Ale,” the comedic production brings the premiere of “The Deer”, starting Apr. 11 characters of the photograph to life as at Collaboraction in the Flat Iron Arts they reveal their true selves, not how Building in Wicker Park. they were captured in the photo. American Blues Theater presents “Water by the Spoonful” running “Legends and Legacies,” directed through Apr. 6 at Court Theatre, is the by Steve Scott. The production runs Chicago premiere of Quiara Alegría from March 7 through Apr. 6, at Hudes’ Pulitzer Prize-winning drama the Greenhouse Theater Center’s about an Iraq war veteran returning Downstage Studio Theater. home and finding himself haunted by Bailiwick Chicago launches its 2013-14 his past and coping with family chaos. Also dealing with the impact of a war season with the Chicago premiere of the musical drama “Dessa Rose” by Lynn in the Middle East, “Ithaka” is about a woman who’s returned from her latest Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the Tony Award-winning team behind “Ragtime,” tour in Afghanistan. This time, however, things are different. She fights with her “Once on This Island” and “Seussical!” It runs through Apr. 5, 2014 at the Victory husband, leaves town, and on a crosscountry journey she battles personal Gardens Theater. demons as she tries to find her way back to some semblance of normal. “The Roper” running through Apr. 13 Running through Apr. 13 at Chopin at The Den Theatre, set in Chicago in Theatre. 1876, tells the story of a criminal who wants to “make good” by becoming an Theatre at the Center treats audiences informant for the US secret service to to an old-fashioned St. Patrick’s Day infiltrate a gang of Irish counterfeiters. celebration with the award-winning Irish duo, Switchback, coupled with a Lost Note Theater Company, traditional Irish dinner preceding the dedicated to presenting concert performance, on Sunday, March 16. readings of obscure and forgotten Billed as “American roots blended with musicals, is pleased to present Celtic soul,” the musical partnership “Carnival!” with music and lyrics by of Brian FitzGerald and Martin Bob Merrill, book by Michael Stewart, McCormack, of Switchback were taught based on material by Helen Deutsch. The show will have three performances the old country techniques of Irish musical entertainment, by County only March 22 through March 29, 2014 Kerry composer and concertina master at Strawdog Theatre. “Carnival!” is a 1961 musical based on the 1953 movie Terrence ‘Cuz’ Teahan making them one “Lili”, which in turn was based upon Paul of the last generations to be directly influenced by a master of this musical Gallico’s novella “Love of Seven Dolls.” genre.

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in the know Club Scene Humpy, hirsute he-men should head over to Sofo Tap on Saturday, March 15 for its monthly “Otter” party… BLUF (that stands for “breeches and leather uniform fan” club honestly, what we gays won’t do for a good acronym) holds its monthly gear night at Touché on Saturday, March 15. There will be barbers and bootblacks available and a dress code in club room, ‘cause otherwise, what would be the point?... If it’s Friday at Crew it must be time for the “Hot Jock” contest. Get your pluck (and who knows what else) up and enter. There are tons of drink specials to give you liquid courage… Who needs church when you can worship at the altar of Sidetrack on Sundays, starting with show tunes and moving right on to retro beats from the ‘60s through the ‘80s. I’ll take a Grey Goose martini with that communion wafer, please. BTW, Sidetrack will be open at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, so head over after the St. Patty’s Day parade to enjoy some Jameson shots and take some shots of the hot Jameson Men offering shots. It’s all so much you may shoot your load... If you take a look at the photo page from latest CircuitMom “Revolution” party at House of Blues, you’ll see that many of the hot men took the party’s theme to mean freedom from clothing. Not that I’m complaining. Music Makers Saturday, March 8 will be a busy night for music lovers. “Let’s Do It!”, cabaret and fundraiser for CGMC, celebrates the works of Cole Porter, Stephen Schwartz, and Elton John at Peabody Estate in Oak Brook and “A Champagne Toast to Jazz Royalty” is a benefit for Lakeside Pride Jazz Ensemble at Center on Halsted.

... ON THE GO! Women’s Work & Play March is International Women’s History Month, so it’s fitting that there are tons of activities by, for and about women. Men, support your sisters and attend some of these events! Achy Obejas and Megan Bayless, editors “Immigrant Voices,” an anthology of short fiction by immigrants read at Women & Children First Bookstore on March 19… Saturday, March 8, Dyke Delicious presents “Merrily We Go To Hell,” one of the earliest films to question traditional hetero-normative marital structures, at Chicago Filmmakers… Women of the Western Suburbs hold a dance on Saturday, March 15 at Bristol in Mt. Prospect… “Quare Square” is an open mic held the second Tuesday of every month at Jeffrey Pub… On Thursday, March 27, former President Jimmy Carter comes to Andersonville to sign his new book, “A Call To Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power,” at The Swedish American Museum. Community Calendar Congregation Or Chadash holds its annual Purim celebration on Saturday, March 15. Arrive by 5:30 for the contest (not everyone can be Queen Esther!) at Emanuel Congregation, 5959 N Sheridan… “It Gets Better” on Tuesday, March 11 as Guild Literary Complex in collaboration with About Face Theatre presents a night of comedic stories about history, mythology, gender roles and high school at Schuba’s Tavern…. “Art with Heart,” an evening of cocktails, art, and community on Friday, March 7 at Gallery Bar, 738 N. Clark, supports Interfaith House. …Of course, every Monday is a benefit night at Hamburger Mary’s with Ham-Bingo. It starts at 8:00, but get there early as seats go fast. boiMAG 29

ASK ACE

by Ace Magyar

Troubled Teen I am 17 and my family and I spent a week at a ski resort during the Christmas holidays. While there I met a really nice girl, Leslie, and we spent the entire week together,. After we both returned home we kept in touch with e-mails and phone calls. My parents are planning a Caribbean vacation and, I guess as what they thought was a nice surprise, invited Leslie. What my parents don’t know is that Leslie and I made out a couple of times. I have never had a girlfriend (or a boyfriend, either) and don’t know if I am a lesbian. We were able to keep things on the down-low but during this vacation we’ll be staying in a more confined area. I really like Leslie, but don’t want my parents to find out about us. Dear TT, If you’re not certain about your sexuality, you aren’t alone. Many young people have crushes on members of both genders, even if they don’t act on them. I would advise not saying anything to your parents unless you think they would understand your situation. As for the trip, talk with your new friend and set up some ground rules that you both feel comfortable with. If you can come to an understanding, there’s no reason that you shouldn’t enjoy each other’s company. I’d like to share a something from a recent column by my colleague “Dear Abby”: Dear Abby, My husband and I relocated to Florida a little over a year ago and

were quickly welcomed into our new neighbors’ social whirl. Two couples in the neighborhood are gay -- one male, one female. While they are nice enough, my husband and I did not include them when it was our turn to host because we do not approve of their lifestyle choices. Since then, we have been excluded from neighborhood gatherings, and someone even suggested that we are bigots! Abby, we moved here from a conservative community where people were pretty much the same. If people were “different,” they apparently kept it to themselves. While I understand the phrase “when in Rome,” I don’t feel we should have to compromise our values just to win the approval of our neighbors. But really, who is the true bigot here? Would you like to weigh in? Unhappy In Tampa Dear Unhappy, I sure would. The first thing I’d like to say is that regardless of what you were told in your previous community, a person’s sexual orientation isn’t a “lifestyle choice.” Gay people don’t choose to be gay; they are born that way. They can’t change being gay any more than you can change being heterosexual. I find it interesting that you are unwilling to reciprocate the hospitality of people who welcomed you and opened their homes to you, and yet you complain because you are receiving similar treatment. From where I sit, you may have chosen the wrong place to live because it appears you would be happier in a less integrated neighborhood surrounded by people who think the way you do. But if you interact only with people like yourselves, you will have missed a chance for growth, which is what you have been offered here. Please don’t blow it.

Ace Magyar has a BA in communications, a MA in sex therapy and a PHD in zoology. He is a registered couple’s counselor specializing in the GLBT community. Send your questions to ASK ACE at boieditorial@aol.com

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