Letter From the Editor A Boi’s Life Boi is a state of mind. It has nothing to do with your age or appearance. I know some 20-year-old guys that are old men and some youthful 50year-olds. Being a boi is all about enjoying life, looking forward to the adventures that arise and savoring every aspect of life; dancing, dining, drinking and recreational activities without limitations. Although it has been a few years since I was chronologically a boy, but I fondly remember those days after I first came out. Hitting the clubs, dishing with my friends and obsessing on men occupied much of my time. In between doing all that I managed to work enough to support myself and raise a son. I’ve been around the block a few times, well more than a few times, enough to circumnavigate the globe. Along the way, I’ve managed to write for a number of local GLBT publications - Chicago Free Press, Outllines/Nitelines (now Windy City Times), Gay Chicago Magazine and GayLife. Nationally, my writing has appeared in Genre, Bay Area Reporter, Out and The Advocate. As I take over the helm of Boi I look forward to expanding our scope and reach. The first thing you’ll notice in this issue is our expanded dining coverage. We’re also looking at vacations and travel this issue, with a focus on the top gay tourists destinations, locally, nationally and globally. I hope you’ll join me each issue as we explore a boi’s life, including a trip to Philadelphia where you can get “your history straight and your nightlife gay” and a look at St. Patrick’s Day activities.
Rick Karlin Editor
3708 N. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60613 773.975.0264 boieditorial@aol.com Publisher Editor
Mike Macharello Rick Karlin
Layout & Design JR Garcia
Roberto Balderas
Advertising Bill Gubrud, Manager Freddie Bain Korey Neibarger
bill@boimagzine.com freddie@boimagazine.com korey@boimagazine.com
Photographers Freddie Bain Korey Neibarger Allan Spiers
Tim Hite - MTMChicago Frank Failing George St. George
Editorial Contributors Dennis Michaels ChicagoPride.com
DJ Plez
VIEW BOI ONLINE AT www.boimagazine.com BOI Magazine, Inc. © 2000−2010 All rights reserved
Cover Boy Gay Philadelphia Most popular gay destinations Restaurant guide Restaurant guide (continued) Magically delicious IN THE Groove IN THE KNOW, ON THE GO BARS & CLUBS DIRECTORY
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O
ver the past few decades, the City of Brotherly Love has evolved into a place that lives up to its gay-friendly billing. Philadelphia has history on its side: It was the site of some of the nation’s first gay rights pickets, and in 1982 was one of the first cities in the country to pass an anti-gay discrimination law. If you’re into history, Philly is your kind of town! If you’re not, you can still get a whole lot of exposure in just a couple hours, since much of the historical stuff is in located in a small area. Think of it as preparation for your upcoming appearance on Jeopardy. Start at Independence Hall, in addition to being the site of our nation’s founding, Independence Hall was also the site of the first gay and lesbian rights demonstration when, on July 4, 1965, a group of activists from around the country marched around the Hall. After the Stonewall riots of 1969, the national march moved to New York. Across the street is the Liberty Bell Center, which provides a more contemplative experience to view this enduring symbol of freedom. After you’ve paid homage to the bell, walk up Independence Mall to the National Constitution Center, a major new museum celebrating the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution Center’s inclusive content notes the document’s impact on the rights of gays and lesbians and other minorities. 12 boi
For a dose of culture, The Philadelphia Museum of Art continues its tradition of hosting major traveling exhibitions that lure art lovers from around the country with the blockbuster exhibition Picasso and the Avant-Garde in Paris, on view February 24 through April 25, 2010. This is also the place where Sylvester Stallone ran the up the steps in the first Rocky movie, there’s even a statue of him at the base of the steps. Philly is home to a large and vibrant gay and lesbian community. At the heart of gay Philadelphia is Center City’s Midtown Village, aka “The Gayborhood” a neighborhood of handsome town homes and charming, narrow back streets where many gay businesses and much of the nightlife is located. Start your evening with dinner at Vallani, then head upstairs to Tavern on Camac, a traditional piano bar with a sing-along on the first floor and an intimate cabaret on the second. Other spots to hit include: The Westbury, sort of a Cheers for the gay set; Woody’s, Philadelphia’s largest and most popular gay bar; 12th Air Command offers dancing almost every night and a rooftop deck; Voyeur is an afterhours club private party rooms. Shampoo, with drag queens, go-go boys and the latest club music, is gay on Friday nights only, but it seems to be the place to be on that night. In the morning, pick yourself up with a workout at the gay community’s favorite health club, 12th
Street Gym, where the gay community works off all of thjose cheesesteaks. Amenities include a weighttraining circuit, cardio machines, pool, steam room, sauna, a multitude of classes and a sun deck. Then for a bit of more recent history check out Giovanni’s Room at 12th and Pine, one of the nation’s oldest and best gay, lesbian and feminist bookstores. Philadelphia welcomes the first day of spring with the Pink Pub Crawl, a nighttime bar crawl that hits four of the “Gayborhood’s” liveliest spots and the “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” weekend in nearby New Hope on March 28. In addition to these two events, see the sidebar for even more reasons to visit Philly.
“The Top Ten Reasons to Visit Gay Philly” Mr. Gay Philadelphia, hosted by Sirius radio personality, Frank DeCaro at Voyeur Nightclub. April 17. Equality Forum celebrates international gay culture and politics with parties and educational events in the city’s Northern Liberties neighborhood. April 26-May 2, equalityforum.com. The Liberty Bell Classic, Philadelphia’s largest LGBT sporting event, May 29-3o, libertybellclassic.org. Pride Day Parade makes its way from the “Gayborhood” to the Delaware River waterfront for a big party. June 13, phillypride.org. Also check out the Philadelphia Black Gay Pride celebration, phillyblackpride.org The Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival, June 17-July 2, pgltf.org. Philadelphia QFest, a city-wide gay and lesbian film festival, July 8-19, phillycinema.org. The Liberty Stampede Rodeo, July 31-August 2, libertygra.org. OutFest, a block party in the heart of the “Gayborhood” featuring special events for adults and families alike, including drag shows, games, bar crawls and shopping. October 10, phillypride.org. Philly’s gay fright fest creeps into the historic Eastern State Penitentiary during Gay Community Night’s Terror Behind the Walls, one of the most spectacular haunted experiences in the country. October (exact date to be determined). Philadelphia serves as the host city for the U.S. Mr. Gay Competition at Voyeur Nightclub on November 13. The event brings together contestants from cities around the country, celebrity judges, performers and host, mrgaycompetition.com.
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Spring, Bored? It’s March in Chicago, that time of year when we’re all tired of the cold and dreariness of the city with big shoulders. The time of year when the thoughts of almost every boi turn to getting the hell out of town, because in Chicago, March can mean two more months of cold weather. But where to go? Depending on your budget, the opportunities can be endless. Let’s take a look at what’s going on at the vacation spots most popular with the GLBT community, continent by continent. Africa
Cape Town, South Africa is perhaps the most cordial to our community. Glorious beaches, enchanting vineyards, rugged landscapes and a reputation for hospitality make this cosmopolitan city a must visit. Check out Carnival from March 18-20 or the Capetown Festival from the 19-22. Asia Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, a nation known for tolerance towards gay people. Rain and extreme heat are less likely this time of year. The International Dance Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a series of performances through March 14th.
Australia
As one of the “gay capitals” of the world, Sydney’s Mardi Gras celebration if famous around the world. You may be too late for that this year (it’s on the first weekend in March) mark your calendar for next year. But there’s still time to check out Taste of Sydney. March 11-14. Or, head to Melbourne instead, for is Queer Film Festival, March 17-28.
Europe
While the weather in Northern Europe isn’t much better than here in Chicago, check out some of the southern climes for warmer weather. Stop by Italy and check out the Rome Independent Film Festival through March 19. Spain is also a good bet and either Barcelona or Playa del Inglés, which is a popular vacation spot for gays from
northern Europe. Gay life there is centered around the Yumbo Centrum shopping center with many nearby gay bars and night spots as is the beach near the Dunes of Maspalomas.
South & Central America
Brazil is by far the most popular GLBT tourist destination in South America, and the entire month of March is devoted to the “Good Food in Rio Festival.” If Argentina is more your speed, channel your inner Eva Peron and wave to the folks at the jazz festival in Rio de Janeiro held the last week of March. Mexico’s proximity and the strength of the American dollar, keep both Cancun and Puerto Vallarta busy all spring.
North America
We’re looking for an escape from cold weather; that knocks out some of the most popular tourist destinations for the GLBT community. Fire Island and Provincetown in the United States, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver in Canada are all wonderful places, but not the pace to go to escape old man winter. Instead focus on Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Key West, New Orleans, or Puerto Rico along the east coast or Palm Springs, Los Angeles, West Hollywood or San Diego in southern California on the west coast. Of course, you may choose to avoid land all together and book a gay cruise. Spend a long weekend, a week or a month as your budget permits, butt the most important thing is to come home with a tan that will make you golden brown and your friends green with envy.
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AMERICAN Ann Sather 929 W. Belmont | 773.348.2378; 3416 N Southport | 773.404.4475; 5207 N Clark | 773.271.6627; 3411 N Broadway | 773.305.0024 These bustling hot spots, serving traditional Swedish pancake house fare, are open only for breakfast and lunch and are best known for hearty daytime offerings and their homemade cinnamon rolls. Chicago Diner 3411 N. Halsted | 773.935.6696 This world famous vegetarian restaurant offers vegan and organic offerings using the protein-based meat substitute seitan. Organic beers, wine, and spirits are also available. Crew 4804 N. Broadway | 773.784.2739 More than just a sports bar, the menu includes a variety of hamburgers, sandwiches, salads and comfort food. Deleece Grill Pub 3313 N. Clark | 773.348.3313 This comfortable newly opened restaurant features eight different steaks, chicken and shrimp entrées, four different versions of mac and cheese, and a separate artesan cheese menu. Open until midnight (2am on Fridays and Saturdays). Deluxe Diner 6349 N Clark | 773.743.8244 Perched kittycorner from Jackhammer and Touché, the diner’s “open 24 hours on the weekend” status is perfect after a night of dancing and partying. Featured menu items include homemade chicken noodle soup, burgers, burritos, and breakfast skillets that are served anytime. Halsted’s Bar & Grill 3441 N Halsted | 773.348.9696 This Boystown eatery serves up a wide array of tasty appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and popular comfort food items at very reasonable prices in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Beers on tap are aplenty and the weekend brunch draws an attractive crowd. Hamburger Mary’s 5400 N Clark | 773.784.6969 This fun and popular Andersonville restaurant features a wide array of burgers and sandwiches along with an interesting selection of tasty appetizers. Horizon Café 3805 N. Broadway | 773.883.1565 This longtime popular Lakeview family restaurant serves up big portions of creative homestyle dishes as well as healthy fare (broth-based soups and whole wheat tortilla wraps) and at affordable prices. Breakfast, including multigrain pancakes and egg white omelets, served all day long. Delivery available. IHOP 3760 N Halsted | 773.296.0048 More than a pancake house, this 24-hour Boystown institution serves up affordably priced appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees that are sure to satisfy varying after-bar wants and needs.
Joey’s Brick House 1258 W. Belmont | 773.296.1300 “Thelonious Brunch” with live jazz on Sundays features menu items such as a Cajun Scramble with andouille sausage, Crab Cakes Benedict, and the Hobo Skillet. Brunch includes 15 varieties Long Island Ice Teas. Kit Kat Lounge 3700 N. Halsted | 773.525.1111 Providing the best of diva entertainment along with a full dinner menu, they offer ½-price cocktails and Buy 1 Get 1 Free Entree on Wednesdays. . M. Henry 5707 N. Clark | 773.561.1600 This popular Andersonville outpost serves breakfast and lunch daily and features creative fare such as dulce banana rumba French toast, and pancakes with warm blackberries and vanilla mascarpone cream. Additionally there are many vegetarian dishes and traditional menu items like three-cheese omelets. Minibar Café 3341 N. Halsted This attractive and sophisticated space serves gourmet bruschettas, cheeses, paninis, and entrees as well as an impressive selection of wines by the glass from around the world. The Sunday brunch is tasty and impressive. Nookies Tree 3334 N. Halsted | 773.248.9888 A regular haunt for the locals of Boystown and popular with hangover recoverers, this upscale diner serves made-to-order omelets, pancakes, waffles and crepes and other brunch fare all day. And it’s open 24 hours on weekends. Melrose Restaurant 3233 N Broadway | 773.327.2060 This Lakeview institution has been catering to the after-bar crowds for decades, serving breakfast anytime along with typical diner fare. Open 24 hours, Orange 3231 N. Clark | 773.549.4400 This homey restaurant specializes in breakfast on a daily basis and hosts a full house on weekends for brunch. Unique menu items include green eggs and ham (eggs scrambled with basil pesto and pancetta), jelly donut pancakes, Chai tea-infused French toast, and pan-seared grit cakes. Queens Tavern & Bistro 750 W. Cornelia | 773.248.8333 Occupying the old Cornelia’s space, this charming new eatery is warm and inviting and features a value menu filled with both bar food and entrée items as well as daily specials. Stella’s Diner 3042 N. Broadway | 773.472,9040 Fine diner dining features fresh salads, a large selection of wraps, sandwiches, hearty entrees, pastas, and homemade deserts. Tweet 5020 N. Sheridan | 773.728.5576 This Uptown favorite uses organic ingredients when possible to create brunch items such as buckwheat pancakes, Danish beignets,
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Belgian waffles, and an impressive assortment of breakfast burritos and egg Benedict dishes.
MEDITERRANEAN
Wilde Bar & Restaurant 3130 N Broadway | 773.244.0404 This cozy upscale Irish pub offers a laid back and warm atmosphere and a wide ranging menu that is sure to please. Expect updated versions of pub favorites like chicken pot pie, meatloaf dinner, fish & chips, burgers and salads.
Andies 1467 W Montrose | 773.348.0654; 5253 N Clark | 773.784.8616 Specializing in Mediterranean and vegetarian cuisine, specialties of the house include steak kabobs, gyros, and poultry dishes such as Greek Chicken and Lebanese Style Chicken Kefta Kabob. And as befits the cuisine, desserts include a very tasty baklava.
ASIAN Jitlada Thai House 3715 N Halsted | 773.388.9988 This quaint family-owned eatery features Asian favorites such as pad Thai, pineapple fried rice, crab ragoon, pot stickers, tempura and nine spice curry items. Delivery available. Pingpong 3322 N. Broadway | 773.281.7575 This popular Lakeview restaurant features high-quality Pan-Asian cuisine in a hip and modern atmosphere as well as top-notch people-watching of those in the restaurant as well as those walking by outside. Delivery available. Young’s Chinese Restaurant 3949 N Ashland | 773.248.7998 While Chinese takeout is sometimes a bad and poorly tasting stereotype, this well-regarded outpost has earned a stellar reputation for great tasting food and delivery so quick you’ll swear there must be a wok in the car.
I TA L I A N Anna Maria Pasteria 4400 N Clark | 773.506.2662 Owned by sisters who hail from the Basilicata region of southern Italy, this neighborhood gem creates homemade modern and traditional Italian dishes that are authentic, delicious, and best of all: inexpensive. Angelina Ristorante 3561 N Broadway | 773.935.5933 Hosting the coolest and hippest Sunday brunch crowd in Lakeview, the menu includes Eggs Benedict, Fritattas, Croque Monsiuer and Mufalatta sandwiches, almondcrusted stuffed French Toast, and the free flow of Champagne Mimosas. Brunch here is loud, raucous and FUN!
Istanbul 3613 N Broadway | 773.525.0500 Specializing in Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines, this recent addition to the lakeview dining scene has been attracting patrons with a varied menu, generous portions, and affordable prices. Reza’s 5255 N Clark St, Chicago | 773.561.1898 Offering Persian, Middle-Eastern, and Mediterranean food, this Andersonville institution has been serving this type of cuisine long before it became popular, pleasing vegetarians or meat lovers alike.
MEXICAN Cesar’s 2924 N. Broadway | 773.296.9097; 3166 N Clark | 773.248.2835 This family-owned operation offers an enticing menu full of delicious Mexican recipes, popular house specialties, irresistible desserts, and their signature “Killer Margaritas.” Fiesta Mexicana 2423 N. Lincoln | 773.769.4244 Not your typical late-night taco & burrito stand, this Lincoln Park favorite serves up traditional Mexican dishes and seafood specialties. Open until 2am (3am on Saturdays) Mayan Palace 2703 N. Halsted Known to be one of the very best Mexican restaurants in the city, the focus is on using fresh, high-quality ingredients for its “south of the border” cuisine. Portions are generous and the cool Margaritas dubbed “The World’s Best!”
Panino’s Pizzeria 3702 N Broadway 773.472.6200 Panino’s has established itself as a Boystown favorite with its varied menu selections, including gyros and burgers, pasta entrees, and of course pizza. Delivery available. Pie Hole 737 W. Roscoe | 773. 525.8888 A “fully gay-owned” pizza joint, this Boystown favorite has a fun vibe and uses the freshest ingredients on its offering of specialty pizzas. Open until 3am (6am on Fridays and Saturdays) with delivery available until midnight.
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f you’re looking for a change from the traditional corned beef and cabbage this St. Patrick’s Day check out the Irish twist Frasca Pizzeria, 3358 N. Paulina, has on tap. Frasca will feature a special wood-fired pizza is made with a Guinness crust, then topped with potatoes, bechemel and white onions and can be paired with its regular Wednesday buy-one get-one pizza special. Call (773) 248-5222 or check out frascapizzeria.com. 10pin Bowling Lounge 330 N. State, will offer festive Irish fare along with signature themed cocktails for $8. Specialty items will include: fish ‘n chips, mini corned beef sandwiches and Greenie-tini’s. Call (312) 644-0300 for more information. You may think that there’s nothing Irish about Chinese food. But still, Chen’s, 3506 N. Clark, and Koi, 624 Davis in Evanston, gives a nod to the Emerald Isle with specials on green menu items such vegetable dumplings, edamame and green tea ice cream. Call Chen’s (773) 549-9100 or Koi Tel: (847) 866-6969 for more information. However, if you do like to do St. Patty’s Day old school, there are plenty of options available . Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club is doing its regular Wednesday night half priced cocktail and martinis (with special green cocktails, too) and buy one entrée get the second half priced. Once just isn’t enough for a proper St. Patrick’s Day party, so Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, 1 W. Grand, will be giving revelers two chances to get their Irish up. From 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, Rock Bottom will host a pre-parade party. The “Kegs and Eggs” event will offer those heading to the nearby parade a filling breakfast buffet featuring scrambled eggs, French toast, sausage, bacon, baked potato hash, muffins, bagels and more, for $15 per person. After the parade Emerald Isle inspired menu items such as bangers and mash and corned beef sandwiches will be available along with drink specials. If that’s not enough shamrockin’ for you, the restaurant will celebrate all over again on St. Patrick’s Day with the same food and drink specials served throughout the day. Call (312) 755-9339 or check out rickbottom.com. It will be Shamrock and Roll at Smoke Daddy, 1804 W. Division, with six days and nights of beer, food and music of the Emerald Isle, March 13 through 18. The Famous Carey Sisters Irish step dance show will kick off the festivities from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 13. Smoke Daddy’s popular weekly beer tasting will also take an Irish twist from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, highlighting Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s brews. These tastings are free to attend and offer specials on pints of the featured beers ($6) and
beer flights ($10). Then, at 9 p.m. (also on Tuesday, March 16) the Matt Stedman Band will keep the party going with live blues, rock and Celtic tunes. During the course of the six-day St. Pat’s debauchery, the restaurant will offer a special corned beef-and-cabbage sandwich with side dish for $8.50. To make reservations, call (773) 772-6656 or go to thesmokedaddy.com. Dunlays on the Square, 3137 W. Logan Blvd., will serve up a Guinness-spiked beer cheese dip with the restaurant’s crispy housemade tortilla chips, hearty Irish stew and juicy corned beef sandwiches. Call (773) 227-2400 or check out dunlaysonthesquare.com. Even Germans are Irish this year as The Berghoff, 17 W. Adams, opens its doors at 11 a.m. for pre- and post parade festivities. And on St. Patrick’s Day, the restaurant will offer corned beef, Irish stew, and, of course, its eponymous cold brew. To top it all off a traditional bagpipe group will play live in the bar starting at 6 p.m. For more information and reservations, please call (312) 427-3170. Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct., is Irish all year ‘round, so they know what they’re doing when it comes to St. Patty’s Day. The pub will open early (8 a.m.) to serve its famous weekend brunch, which will be augmented by Irish specials to be offered throughout the day, including corned beef and cabbage. Two green beer chugging contests are sure to entertain the crowd, one at 2 p.m. for the guys and one at 6 p.m. for women. Bag pipers will perform from 4-6 p.m. Then from Sunday, March 14 through Tuesday, March 16, practice for the big day at Timothy O’Toole’s by testing out the Irish food and drink specials (brunch will also be served on Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Joe the Leprechaun will be back for command performances and the green beer chugging contests will continue Monday through Wednesday. The sound of live bag pipers will also set the Emerald Isle vibe from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, when St. Patrick’s Day finally arrives. The Hunt Club, 1100 N State, is a straight bar, so I don’t know what to make of “Irish Three Way” specials on Saturday March 13 and Wednesday, March 17. On those days there will be special burgers with stuff shoved inside them and The Hunt Club is serving what it calls the “Irish Three Way”. I was hoping for something ending with a punchline about Michael Fitzpatrick and Patrick Fitzmichael, but it seems to be a drink served in a specialty designed bomb-style drinking glass containing two bulbs. The large bottom bulb will contain 11 ounces of Guinness. The small top bulb will contain one ounce of Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Bailey’s Irish Cream. Hey, maybe after a few of those the Fitz boys will end up as the punchline after all.
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w/ DJ Plez
New Circuit Grooves in Palm Springs In a recent issue of BOI there was a listing of the major circuit parties and dance events Freemasons scheduled for 2010. While the DJ choices for many of the parties were well within the universe of the expected and the accepted, one of the events White Party Palm Springs (“WPPS”) (April 9-12) – is decidedly adding some much welcomed variety to the spin meister line-up. Chus & Ceballos International stars and legendary DJ/remixing duos are headlining this year’s WPPS weekend: Freemasons at the main event White Party, called Electrified, on Saturday night; Chus & Ceballos for the Climax after-hours party early Sunday morning, and Moto Blanco on Sunday afternoon for the Tea Dance. Given the music styles of each of these Motoblanco pairings, they are slotted perfectly for their parties and are sure to be big hits with the dancers and party-goers. During the past half decade, the
Circuit Party scene fell on hard times in part due to what many party boys cited as a sameness in the DJs and the music at each and every party. Promoter Jeffrey Sanker’s decision to add these three huge international DJing acts to a line-up that already includes familiar names such as Lehman, Gauthreaux, Henrichsen, Abel, and Moran is a bold stroke that should pay off handsomely. On a crowded party calendar and in the midst of tough economic times, WPPS stands out as the most unique dance party event of the year, one that in my opinion is worth the expense to attend. I’m going to try and be out in the California desert that second weekend of April and maybe I’ll run into some of you on the dance floor. For more info about the WPPS weekend, aim your web browser to jeffreysanker.com. True Grit While some female R&B and soul singers have voices that are smooth as silk, my preference is for those who have a bit of grittiness in their vocal presentation. The Aretha Franklins and Mavis Staples. When it comes to the new school soul divas, it doesn’t get any grittier and better, at least in my book, than Leela James. As a a huge fan of hers, I was quite excited to find out that she is set to release a new album, My Soul, this coming spring. A teaser single, “Tell Me You Love Me” is out now and it’s a
smoking slowish jam that makes you eagerly anticipate the release of the full album. The song also makes me, as a DJ, anxiously await the dance versions of “Tell Me… “ that are sure to come. Remixes of James’ tracks such as “My Love” and “Music” have been a steady part of my house music sets for many years and I have little doubt that uptempo takes on this new song will be added to the playlist. The return of Leela James to the R&B scene makes me one happy camper. Toni, Toni, Toni The one and only Toni Braxton also has a new album that’s also scheduled for release this spring and her first single, “Make My Heart,” is already climbing the charts. The original dance version is a funky groover that’s no doubt tickling the ear buds of many an iPod owner. The track is a testament to that fact that Braxton is still capable of turning out first-rate, chart-topping material. And with a song this good on its own, it only paved the way for a set of strong remixes by the likes of Justin Michael & Kemal, Aqua Diva, Stereo Palma, and Kharma. Another version proving popular on late night dance floors around the world is the Alexander and Mark VDH Masterbeat Club Mix. This big room tribal house affair is well done and spot on.
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Really Out At The Ball Game So now that the family of out lesbian Laura Ricketts owns the Cubs, our community looks like it might really have “A League of Their Own.” Don’t get too happy though, Laura’s brother is a conservative right-wing Republican who opposes gay rights and gay marriage, even his sister’s own. Laura Ricketts isn’t the first openly gay owner in Cubs’ history though. Rich Eychaner, owned a Cubs minor league franchise in the early 1980s. Pictures from that era show him as a hottie complete with the porn star ‘stache that was part of the clone look back in the day. Eychaner, who now lives in Des Moines, is the brother of openly Chicago businessman, philanthropist and community activist Fred Eychaner. Like Your Men Like You Take Your Coffee? If the answer to that is hot, black and sweet head over to Steppenwolf Theater for the trio of one-acts known as “The Brother/Sister Plays.” The plays concern the lives of a trio of black men and the women in their lives. There’s some hot man on man action featuring guys wearing little more than the talent they were born with. Steppenwolf is also presenting a new production of the classic “A Separate Piece” for those of you who like your men and coffee light and filmed with cream. Based on the midCentury modern novel long thought by our community to have gay undertones. For some pics of both productions go to Steppenwolf.org. What’s Your Talent? Mine seems to be my ability to suppress my gag reflex. However, if you prefer to see some folks with more artistic talents strut their stuff, head over to Sidetrack on Saturday afternoon,
March 20 for “The Big Talent Show.” This will be the finals for the on-going talent competition. The fun starts at 3, but the doors open at 1, giving you plenty of time to get liquored up and stake out a seat. Tix are $10 and include a free drink and entry into a raffle where you might win theater tickets, booze or round trip airline tickets…. If your talents run more toward the lip-sync variety, Wig Out with Miss Foozie at Rehab on Saturday nights for the drag contest. Sign up between 8 and 8:30, bring 2 prerecorded songs and be a star (at least in your own mind)…or stagger in to Bobby Love’s for karaoke Fridays. He’s Magically Delicious Congressman Mike Quigley just arranged for SAGE at the Center on Halsted to get a grant for nearly $500k. It’s one of the biggest grants ever given to a GLBT senior agency. Oh Lily, Lily, Lily Lily Tomlin, who will be in town hosting the Center on Halsted’s “Human First” gala on May 22 is also busy producing a new one man show by Leslie Jordan in New York. You may not recognize his name, but you’d surely recognize his face from his very gay characters on “Will & Grace”, “Designing Women” and, of course, his lead role as the Tammy Wynette impersonating Little Brother in “Sordid Lives.” Mamma Mia! The guys from Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus are busy tucking and sewing spandex and sequins for extrABBAganza! its April 16 and 17 tribute show to ABBA, the top selling musical act of the 70s. Go to cgmc.org to order tickets. boi 27
Go For The Bronze
Boy Meats Whirl
Boom Boom Room celebrates its 19th anniversary on March 22, traditionally the bronze anniversary, with a blow out event featuring Hector Romero and David Morales. Axwell and Ron Carroll will be there on March 29 for a post WMC party….or, if you’ve got what it takes, go for the gold at The Ram on March 25 for its Big Dick contest. If you measure up you could win $300 in cold hard cash. That can buy a lot of Viagra!.
Which dancer at Lucky Horseshoe has the biggest piece of meat? I recently took a survey and the hands down (or is that around?) winner is…meanwhile at Man’s Country, the boys strip it all off so you can judge for yourself. I guess it all depends on whether you prefer to comparison shop or be surprised…Head over to Cocktail with a $20 bill and you can pay the cover, tip one go-go boy five times (or five guys one time), guzzle some one-buck cocktails (and, of course, tip your bartender) and still have enough for a couple of items of Mickey D’s dollar menu…If you’re planning your own career as a go-go boy, get a start on your tan at Halsted Street Beach, there’s a buy one-get one free deal going on. Take that, Payless Shoes!
Boi’s Town So, who isn’t addicted to RuPaul’s Drag Race? It seems as if everyone’s talking about this season (I’m pulling for Pandora Boxx, I love her retro take on drag.) Roscoe’s hosts a viewing party every Monday 8 followed up by a commercial free of `Untucked.” episode with 15 minutes of extra footage exclusive to Roscoe’s. As Logo’s official Chicago outlet they’ve got prizes and giveaways from Absolut and LOGOTV. If Monday doesn’t work for you head over to Kit Kat for RuPaul Rewind on Tuesday for an encore screening hosted by season one contestant Jade …Liquid Brunch is not Kirstie Alley’s latest diet plan, it’s your chance to down a few screwdriver and bloody Mary cocktails at Scarlet…Put your knowledge of trivia to use at Halsted’s Team Trivia Monday night event…It’s no rumor that Hydrate’s Thursday night DJ Phil DaBeatz has an awfully big talent. He not only fills a dance floor, but a pair of jeans as well…Grope your way through Steamworks on Thursday nights when the lights go out, and it’s not because they didn’t pay their electric bill…Hydrate and White Rainbows will present an improv sketch comedy, “In Gaga We Trust”, every Friday this month. 28 boi
The Outer Limits The Wild Pug holds its Live Game Show hosted by Dick Guhzinya on Wednesdays at 9 and don’t forget Pug’s “Dog Day Afternoons” where you can bring your dog to the bar, at least you’ll have a designated walker…. Check out Big Chicks’ Bears’ Den on the 2nd, 3rd & last Thursdays of the month with drink specials, hairy bear parts contests…Tweet hosts Homolatte on Tuesday Mar 16 with the words and music of Judith’s Maid and Christopher Becerra…If you’re a hot mess on Thursday head over to @mosphere for hot male dancers from Manhunt, porn giveaways and $3 well drinks… Crew starts a new semester of trivia contests on March 29. Teams of 1-4 can participate and win a $50 Crew Gift Card… Amy Armstrong aims to out-drink and out-raunch the guys at Jackhammer on Sundays while belting out a few songs.
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