10.15 Pridefest/Midsommarfest by boiMAGazine & boiMAG.com

MILWAUKEE PrideFest and MORE!

By Rick Karlin

Just a couple hours to the north of Chicago and easily accessible by car or train, Milwaukee is cooler than you thought it was, especially if your memories of it are only from “Happy Days” and “Laverne and Shirley”. Wisconsin was one of the first states to enact gay rights legislation and the LGBT community is proudly out. Since being selected as a "Surprising Gay-Friendly Destination" by PlanetOut in its 2008 Travel Awards, Milwaukee is no longer a secret. Milwaukee’s biggest event for the LGBT community is PrideFest, running this year from June 6 through 8. You might be surprised to discover that Milwaukee PrideFest has the nation's biggest Pride entertainment line-up. The 100+ performer entertainment roster blends LGBT community icons with emerging national talent and local Milwaukee favorites on ten stages. There’s something for every age, every taste and every color of the rainbow. Glee’s Alex Newell appears on the Miller Lite main stage on Friday night. Saturday’s headliners include “American Idol” contestants Crystal Bowersox and David Hernandez as well as Betty Who and Ani DiFranco. Sunday’s top names include Ty Herndon and En Vogue. A visit to the festival is not complete without a trip to the Dance Pavilion, where the weekend long dance party is a destination in itself. PrideFest always books in the hottest DJs and the space is decked out with state-of-the-art lighting. The Stonewall Stage hosts intimate performances and discussions. In addition to a daily interfaith service, events include; a drag “make-over” workshop, a discussion on alternative family planning and, one of the highlights of the weekend, the graduation ceremonies for Alliance School, Milwaukee’s charter school providing a safe and accepting environment for LGBT students. Other stages offer

everything from children’s shows and drag performances to karaoke and bingo. PrideFest 2015 will also feature: “Trixie's Fun House”, a dance and lounge area hosted by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Trixie Mattel; a wedding expo and a volleyball tournament. PrideFest will also offer three admission promotions this year. “When Love Won” gives free admission to same-sex couples who legally married between June 6 and June 13, 2014 who wish to celebrate their anniversary at PrideFest. “Armed Forces Pride” salutes active and veteran military (with valid ID) and their plus one with a free 3-day weekend admission. Finally, “The Fest Feeds Milwaukee” collaborates with United Ethnic Festivals to collect food for the Hunger Task Force and ARCW Food Pantry. Donors will receive 2for-1 admission during specific collection periods on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7. Online registration by June 1 may be required for some of these promotions. Check the Pridefest web site, www. pridefest.com, for more information. The event takes place at Henry Maier Festival Park, right on the lakefront, where thousands gather to enjoy world-class entertainment. Vendor booths line the walkways offering a chance to sample some of the best food and drink the city has to offer and shop at the various merchandise booths. Chicagoans will be surprised at the low-priced parking. It’s actually possible to find free street parking within a block or two of the park; of course, on-site parking is available as well. If you also plan to take in the city, start at Walker’s Point, one of the main gay residential areas in the city. In this ‘hood you’ll find dozens of gay hotspots that range from mellow dive bars to full-scale nightclubs. Dozens of old warehouses in the Historic Third Ward have been continued on following page >>>

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MILWAUKEE PrideFest . . . continued

converted into amazing lofts, art galleries, chic cafes and stunning lounges. Among the most popular gay clubs and bars are: Fluid (819 S. 2nd St., 414.643.5843) - a neighborhood hang out. D.I.X. (739 S. 1st St., 414.510.2417) - a good starting point, due to it its central location. The Harbor Room (117 E. Greenfield Ave., 414.672.7988) - the city’s leather bar. Kruz (354 E. National Ave., 414.272.5789) - a relaxed place to play pool or hang out on the patio. La Cage (801 S. 2nd St., 414.383.8330) - a gay dance club with six bars and numerous dance floors. 35 Live (3945 N. 35th St., 414.442.7007), which attracts a largely black clientele. This Is It! (418 E. Wells St., 414.278.9192), which attracts a more mature crowd. Walker's Pint (818 S. 2nd St., 414.643.7468) - a spot favored by the ladies. Woody's (1579 S. 2nd St., 414.672.0806) - a neighborhood hangout offering darts, pool tables and trivia contests. It also serves bar food and pizza. Whatever you do, make it a point to visit the stunning Milwaukee Art Museum (www.mam.org), housed in a building designed by famed architect Santiago Calatrava. A special exhibit about artists whose acts of creative rebellion shaped the course of modern art, runs through September. It features works by Marc Chagall, Salvador Dali, Edgar Degas, Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keefe, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, many of whom were LGBT. About the only thing that tops PrideFest in Milwaukee, as far as the scope and breadth of entertainment, is the city’s Summerfest, which takes place in the same space as PrideFest. This year’s event runs from Wednesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 28 and Tuesday, June 30 through Sunday, July 5. The 11 stages host more than 800 acts and more than 1,000 performances

and draws nearly a million people each year. Among the performers slated for this year’s event are; Mavis Staples, Sheila E., Pat Benatar, Taylor Dayne, OK Go, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Kellie Pickler, Esperanza Spalding, Third Eye Blind and hundreds of others. For more information and tickets, go to www.summerfest.com. Although it’s easy enough to drive up for the day, you may want to make a long weekend of it. If so, there are a number of LGBT friendly hotels and guesthouses. The leading boutique hotel in Milwaukee, Hotel Metro (411 E. Mason St., 414.272.1937, www.hotelmetro.com) is a historic, art deco inspired hotel located in the heart of downtown. It offers luxurious suites within walking distance from Lake Michigan and the PrideFest grounds and is only a short drive from the site of the Wisconsin State Fair (Aug. 6-16) in West Allis. If you’re looking to extend your trip, consider a side trip to the Wisconsin Dells. Billed as “America’s Waterpark Capital,” it boasts dozen of water-parks, amusement parks and tourist attractions. While it is most certainly a family-oriented place, you can get a respite from all that at Rainbow Valley Resort, also home to Captain Dix bar and restaurant, just minutes from busy downtown (4124 River Rd., Wisconsin Dells, 608.253.1818, www.captaindix.com). If you prefer to head to the northeast corner of the state and take in Door County, consider staying at Chanticleer Guest House (4072 Cherry Rd., 920.746.0334. www.chanticleerguesthouse.com) in Sturgeon Bay. Stay in a suite in either the renovated, early 19th-century farmhouse or the converted barn. It’s a luxurious experience as each cabin has a fireplace and double whirlpool tub. There is also a swimming pool. For more information on all that Wisconsin has to offer, visit www.visitmilwaukee.org. boiMAG

3700 N. Halsted St. #2-S Chicago, IL 60613 773.975.0264 Editorial: boieditorial@aol.com Advertising: boiads@aol.com

EDITORIAL Mike Macharello: Publisher Rick Karlin: Editor

layout & design Titanium Graphics, Inc.

advertising Freddie: freddie@boiMAG.com Dave: dave@boiMAG.com National, Rivendell Media: sales@rivendellmedia.com

photographerS Eamonn Sexton Ken Brown, KAB Photography

COVER Sean Michaels

editorial contributors Gregg Shapiro, Parker Carr Sue Deaunym, Anita Taylor, Michael Elder

MILWAUKEE Queer4Beer By Rick Karlin

Beer is what "made Milwaukee famous." From legendary German brewers Blatz, Pabst, Schlitz and Miller to modern craft brew masters, Milwaukee’s beer heritage and culture still thrives today. Great beer, great places to drink it and food to pair with it can all be at brew-pubs, corner taverns and brewery tours. Milwaukee is the city that beer built. A number of breweries offer tours. You must be 21 to take most tours, which often include free samples. Book for tickets ahead of time at the web sites listed as these tours usually sell out quickly. The tour of Sprecher Brewing Company (www.sprecherbrewery.com), include a tasting in its Munich-style beer garden and non-drinkers will enjoy the company’s legendary root beer. The city’s newest micro-brewery will share its passion for crafting and creating beer with home-brewer guides and “brewery scoundrels” at Milwaukee Brewing Company (www.mkebrewing.com) on a “beer in hand” tour. MillerCoors (www.millercoors.com) tour is free and walks you through the historic, underground caves where Frederick Miller cooled his brew and where his hologram will fill you in on the early days.

Milwaukee Pride Parade The Milwaukee Pride Parade takes place on June 7. The parade begins at the staging area on 2nd street between Lapham and Greenfield at 2 p.m. It will travel north on 2nd street to the float breakdown area near 2nd & Oregon. The float judging tables will be near the corner of 2nd & National. Awards are presented in the following categories; Best Marching Unit, Best Decorated Vehicle, Best Float and the Spirit Award. The winners of the awards of the 2014 parade were; Best Marching Unit - Argonauts of Wisconsin, Best Decorated Vehicle - Milwaukee Gay Volleyball, Best Float - Milwaukee Area Ursine League (M.A.U.L.) and Spirit Award - ACLU of Wisconsin. boiMAG

QMUSIC HOT MEN

By Gregg Shapiro

Straight Icelandic otter Ásgeir, who co-stars alongside gay singer/songwriter John Grant in the music video for his song “King and Cross,” is so hot he could almost single-handedly heat up his homeland with his domestic debut disc In The Silence. Stationed somewhere between the loveliest moments of fellow Icelanders Björk and Sigur Rós, Ásgeir, already popular in Iceland, is poised to make it big here in the states. Aside from his guaranteed following in the Lumbersexual community, Ásgeir will appeal to everyone who digs a singer unafraid to explore his falsetto range (“Torrent”), incorporate synth beats (“Head In The Snow”), recall Simon & Garfunkel (“Summer Guest”), unhinge a funky beat (“King and Cross”) and generally make music that is pleasing to the ear. One thing you can say for certain about music legend Bryan Ferry is that he’s unpredictable. After releasing a handful of albums in which cover tunes (standards and Bob Dylan, for instance) figured prominently, he released the dazzling Olympia in 2010, an album of original tunes on par with his `80s masterpieces Boys and Girls and Bête Noir. In 2012, he gave himself the standards treatment with The Jazz Age, credited to The Bryan Ferry Orchestra, performing instrumental 1920s jazz interpretations of songs from Ferry’s solo career and Roxy Music front-man. The amazing Avenmore is closer in spirit to Olympia, even opening, as Olympia did, with a song that echoes Ferry’s Roxy Music roots. That song, “Loop De Li,” as well as “Midnight Train,” “Driving Me Wild,” “One Night Stand” and the dancefloor-destined title track all make Avenmore a welcome addition to Ferry’s canon. Whatever you do, don’t miss Ferry’s version of Robert Palmer’s “Johnny and Mary.” Young women may have ruled the airwaves in recent years, but one man, Ed Sheeran, managed to hold his own against the opposite gender. From the David Gray tradition, in

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which a singer/songwriter effortlessly integrates electronic elements into his songs, Sheeran’s second full-length disc X alternates between acoustic folkie tunes (“I’m A Mess,” “Tenerife Sea,” “Thinking Out Loud”) and full-on hiphop hipness (“Sing,” “Don’t,” “Runaway”) with unbridled success. Sheeran’s X is so stimulating that it makes you look forward to what he could possibly come up with next. Ed Sheeran performs on September 16 in Chicago at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. Yes! is the right name, including the exclamation mark, for the latest album by Jason Mraz. A fitting follow-up to 2012’s Love Is A Four Letter Word, Mraz, a lady-killer on par with John Mayer, is growing up before our eyes (and ears), offering increasingly mature songs. Whether he’s covering Boyz II Men (“It’s Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday”) or crooning his own cocompositions (the best of which include “Hello, You Beautiful Thing,” “Long Drive,” “Best Friend,” “You Can Rely On Me,” “Back To The Earth” and “Shine,” you won’t be disappointed if you say yes to this album. Gavin DeGraw, a contemporary of Mraz’s, puts his best foot forward with the compilation Finest Hour: The Best of Gavin DeGraw. Narrowing its focus to hit songs from three of DeGraw’s five studio albums, as well as a pair of soundtrack selections, Finest Hour also dares to present different versions of two songs, “In Love With A Girl” and the title tune. On the whole, this 11track collection is a decent representation of what DeGraw has to offer listeners. Paolo Nutini’s funkiest and freshest effort to date, Caustic Love brings sexy back in ways that would make Justin Timberlake’s eyes and mouth water. “Let Me Down Easy” features one of the most interesting uses of a sample (by Bettye LaVette), turning it into a duet. If you didn’t know that soul scorcher “One Day” was a new tune, you’d swear it was from 1966. “Iron Sky,” the duet “Fashion” featuring a rap by Janelle Monae, “Cherry Blossom” and “Someone Like You” are all outstanding and lovable. Even the interludes, including “Bus Talk,” which are so often a throwaway, are worth a listen. Other hot releases include Extraordinary Light by Ben Fields, Along The Way by Mark McGuire, Heaven by Robert Francis & the Night Tide, What’s Left Is Forever by Thomas Dybdahl, and Damien Jurado’s Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Son.

MIDSOMMARFEST Turns 50 Celebrates by Reinstituting the Miss Andersonville Contest Andersonville’s annual summer street festival, Midsommarfest, is celebrating its 50th year the weekend of June 1214. Each year, nearly 50,000 people throng Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa for two days of music, dancing, kids’ entertainment, and delicious food. Vendors from around the region sell their wares to passers-by, while ethnic dance troupes and cutting-edge bands keep the party going. Born out of Andersonville’s Swedish heritage, Midsommarfest transports you back to the old-world Swedish traditions. Dance around the Maypole, test flavorful international food and you can experience it all without the use of a passport! Plus, family friendly activities will allow for children of all ages to enjoy a pet parade and face painting, all while appreciating a beautiful June weekend! In honor of the landmark anniversary, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is reviving the Miss Andersonville contest. Dust off your tiara and raise money for local nonprofit agencies. The finalists for Miss Andersonville 2015 will be selected based on three criteria: talent, question & answer, and the best Andersonville costume/fashion. Finalists will spend the two weeks leading up to Midsommarfest and the weekend of the festival raising money for a local charity (the Chamber of Commerce will set each contestant up with an fund raising web site to share via social media, as well as a way to accept credit card donations. The contestant who raises the most money for their charity

by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14 will be crowned Miss Andersonville at Midsommarfest! The person crowned Miss Andersonville will receive a cash prize of $500 and the 1st runner up will receive $200. All money raised by each finalist will be donated directly to their charity. Want to be Miss Andersonville in 2015? This year they’re looking for a diverse lineup of contestants. To enter, go to this lovely web address: (yes, it does work!) https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iCAb iAuYDuRusMx0x3AOxlobcGRVzgAxc3h a43i-_bI/viewform. Suggested donation is $10 and all the proceeds benefit the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. The money raised at Midsommarfest goes to support programming and events in Andersonville during the rest of the year, including Andersonville Arts Weekend, holiday events, the Sidewalk Sale, and support services to support local businesses. boiMAG

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Rick Karlin's Kit Kat will hold its annual Marilyn Monroe birthday brunch on Sunday, May 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Marilyn was born on June 1, 1926)… Philly’s Best Rogers Park location recreates the drive-in movie (minus the car) showing a classic movie under the stars on its outdoor patio… The Lincoln Park Wine Festival will take over Jonquil Park (Wrightwood and Lincoln) May 30 and 31…Save some money of “Crewsdays”. Every Tuesday, Crew serves up dollar tacos (chicken, grilled or tinga, beef or rice and beans). It’s a buck more for grilled shrimp or pork tacos. Wash it all down with a pint of beergarita for $4.75

Chicago Loses an LGBT Rights Icon William B. Kelley, 72, a national and local activist for LGBT rights for 50 years, passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 17, according to Chen K. Ooi, his partner since 1979. Kelley took part in the first protest for gay rights in Philadelphia in the mid 1960s, picketing in front of Independence Hall. He was a member of, and wrote for and edited the newsletter for the Midwest chapter of Mattachine. In 1996 he helped organize the first national gay and lesbian conference, the North American Conference of Homophile Organizations. He was a co-founder of Chicago’s first gay newspaper, The Gay Crusader, and attended the first White House gay-rights meeting, in 1977. He chaired the Cook County Commission on Human Relations for its first 10 years. In the 1970s he co-chaired Illinois Gays for Legislative Action and the Illinois Gay Rights Task Force. He was inducted into the first class of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, in 1991. At the time of his death he was making plans to attend the 50th anniversary of the Philadelphia Reminder Days for gay rights and was editing the first biography of gay activist Barbara Gittings. Historian and author John D’Emilio called him, “An extraordinary individual. There were so few who had the courage in those pre-gay liberation years to be ‘out there’—and there were even fewer who made the transition as activist from pre-Stonewall to post-Stonewall. In his quiet and unassuming way, Bill was extraordinary.” “This news is devastating. I have known Bill for over 45 years and he was a wonderful friend and mentor. We have lost a great leader and one of the most important individuals creating change in the fight for equal rights for LGBT people,” said Gary Chichester. Mark Segal, founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News said, “Bill was passionate about LGBT history, and was humble about his part as a pioneer. He marched when few would, he spoke up when few would. Today’s LGBT activists for equality should honor and equal his passion and bravery.”

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Kookoo for Cocoa Puffs By Gregg Shapiro

As dopey as it was, 2012’s Magic Mike elevated the male stripper movie above laughable `80s fare such as A Night in Heaven and For Ladies Only. Unfortunately, Chocolate City sets the mini-genre back at least 20 years, serving up cliché after cliché. Even more bizarre is the way that characters in Chocolate City actually make reference to Magic Mike. Not only does Chocolate City not have anything up its sleeve, it barely has anything its jock. Single, widowed and devout churchgoing mother Catherine (Viveca A. Fox, who deserves much better than this) shares her home with ne’erdo-well son Chris (DeRay Davis), the family cut-up, and good son Michael (the ridiculously hot Robert Ri’chard), a college student on scholarship working part time as a cook in a diner. The bills are piling up (the power is about to be shut off) and Catherine’s hours at both of her jobs are being slashed. Then a chance meeting in a strip club men’s room between Michael and Princeton (Michael Jai White) has a profound effect. After hesitating to call Princeton at the number on his business card, Michael succumbs, leading to an 11 p.m. job interview at Galactic, Princeton’s club. Initially uncomfortable with Princeton’s job offer to be a stripper, bumping and grinding for a roomful of unreal housewives of Atlanta

(and their pals), Michael realizes it’s a way to make a lot of fast cash. Saddled with the stage name Sexy Chocolate, a cowboy hat and chaps, Michael makes a good impression on his first night. But there are multiple conflicts causing Michael to lead a life of secrets and lies. His mother is suspicious of the sudden influx of cash and accuses him of being a drug dealer. He can’t tell his girlfriend Carmen about his new job so he makes up a story about his recently increased income. Of course, the other dancers are jealous of Michael’s popularity resulting in ugly scenes, a mugging and hospitalization. No one will go to see Chocolate City expecting Oscar-caliber performances. That’s good, because there aren’t any. All the movie really has to offer are strippers’ bodies and dance moves, as close to perfect as you are likely to see. Chocolate City wants to be a delectable Valrhona or Vosges confection, but after one unsatisfying and waxy bite, all you are left with is a bitter and chalky aftertaste.

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FIT TIPS

Get Your Hamstrings On The Stability Ball Leg Curl

By Michael Elder

Stability balls can be an extremely effective tool in your arsenal for fitness. They allow you to perform a multitude of exercises for the entire body while constantly challenging the core at the same time. One of my favorites is the stability ball leg curl. While the single leg version of this exercise is one that I often employ, this article will focus on the traditional two leg version. I have noticed that when it comes to leg training, many people seem to overly focus on their quadriceps, leaving their hamstrings under-loved and ignored. It is every bit as important to target the hamstrings as it is the quads and using a variety of exercises is the best way to do this. The stability ball leg curl is a great hamstring exercise option because it also challenges the glutes, lower back, and abdominals. The calves are also challenged synergistically. Remember to keep your hips up throughout the movement. This will keep your glutes activated. Employing this exercise along with others that challenge the hamstrings will help to build thighs that people will not be able to keep their hands off. So hop to it!

To perform the exercise: 1. Begin on the floor lying on your back with your feet on top of the ball. 2. Position the ball so that when your legs are extended your ankles are on top of the ball. This will be your starting position. 3. Raise your hips off of the ground, keeping your weight on the shoulder blades and your feet. 4. Flex the knees, pulling the ball as close to you as you can, contracting the hamstrings. 5. After a brief pause, return to the starting position.

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

Chicago's

in the know ... ON THE GO!

By Sue Deaunym

So Proud We Could Sh*t

Happy anniversary Sidetrack! Arguably one of the most popular bars in the city, the folks there celebrate by doing what they do best-give back to the community. There's no fancy cover charge for the party on Thursday, June 6, just bring a donation for Groceryland, which provides food and household goods to families and individuals impacted by AIDS and you'll get to enjoy special drink prices and other fun, including some memorable videos, all evening... Berlin celebrates Chicago Pride Fest weekend with “Weekend of 1000 Divines, featuring her movies, music and a bunch of Divine impersonators… It’s an extrav-Ruganza! The entire cast of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 7, Violet Chachki, Miss Fame, Ginger Minj, Katya, Tempest DuJour, Jasmine Masters, Jaidynn Diore Fierce, Pearl, Trixie Mattel, Sasha Belle, Mrs. Kasha Davis, Kandy Ho, Kennedy Davenport and Max descend upon Roscoe’s on June 10 and 11. ! It will cost you a pretty penny. Tix for the VIP meet and greet $150 and $75 for the general admission which includes a photo line after the show. These girls may look cheap, but seeing them isn’t… Replay and Elixr in Andersonville will be open sooner than you think. In fact, the clubs may already be open by the time you read this... On Thursday May 28, “Love is Love" commemorates the oneyear anniversary of marriage equality in Illinois... Sidetrack hosts Equality’s TGIF party on June 5 at Sidetrack kicks off Pride Month! The $10 suggested donation gets you two drink tickets and a ticket for the door prize drawing...

Can you bear it? It's "Bear- All 5.0" at Touche on Saturday, May 30... I am so looking forward to twirling my skirt up at the Pride Kick-Off party at Diversey Harbor on June 25.

Ladies, Ladies, Ladies

The long-awaited Ladybug reunion begins on Saturday, June 6 at Davenport's, followed by a brunch the next day at R Public House… On Saturday, June 6 Artemis Singers holds its Pride concert and dance, "Proud to be…Me!" at Broadway United Methodist Church and at Beverly Unitarian Church the following week, June 13.

Safety First

With summer comes bashers, learn how to protect yourself at The Center on Halsted on Saturday, June 6, in a 90 minute workshop of self-defense techniques.

Stage Notes

Northlight Theatre will kick-off its next season with the world premiere of “Funnyman”, starring George Wendt and Tim Kazurinsky. The show will run Sept. 11- Oct. 18… Theater Ubique’s summer cabaret showcases the songs of Marvin Hamlisch from June 4 – July 12, at No Exit Café… Sidetrack hosts “OUTspoken LGBTQ Storytelling” with hosts Art Johnston and Kim L. Hunt on Tuesday, June 2. This month featuring, John Concepcion, Tyler Greene, Re'Lynn Hansen, Holly Hughes, Ricky Rodriguez, Denise Ruiz and Zac M. Willette… Steppenwolf’s gala 2015 on Saturday, May 9 raised more than $1.2 million. boiMAG

Motor Mouth

YOU AUTO CHECK THIS OUT

By Parker Carr Now that we’re welcoming warm weather, it’s safe to bring out those classic collectible vehicles. Gearheads everywhere are looking forward to hitting these shows and ogling the cars on display almost as much as gay men look forward to seeing shirtless guys at Pridefest and Market Days. Last issue we offered a calendar of street festivals, so in this issue I’m dealing up a list of car shows. Since this is our Wisconsin issue, I’m throwing in a few shows up north as well.

May 31, Libertyville, IL

Lamb's Farm 3rd Annual Car Show, free admission, $15 (tax deductible) pre-registration to exhibit. Music, prizes, trophies will be awarded. www.lambsfarm.org

June 5-7, Effingham, IL

At the Volkswagen Funfest enjoy all eras of the iconic VW, with thousands of Beetles, buses, dune buggies, Ghias and more. Event highlights include Celebrity Choice Awards, a swap-fest, slalom races, seminars and VW vendors. www.funfestacvw.com

June 6, Park Ridge, IL

This is a judged show with participants voting for: Best Engine, Best Paint, Best Wheels and Best Unrestored Vehicle. Register in advance at www.kmagnifico@maine207.org.

June 11-13, Wisconsin Dells, WI

Corvette Adventures, in its 8th year, is a Corvette driving event at Chula Vista Resort featuring hot laps in Dells Raceway Park and multiple road tours of varying lengths leading to destinations such as wineries, breweries, cheese factories and local restaurants. Repeats, Sept. 11-13. www.corvetteadventures.com

June 20, Vernon Hills, IL

Bobo’s Gyros & Ice Cream Parlor Car Show. This is a judged show with participant voting for: Best Engine, Best Paint, Best Wheels, Best Unrestored Vehicle and the Spectators’ Choice Trophy. www.fullthrottlecarshows.com

June 28, Yorkville, IL

Gears & Ears Car Show & Swap. Gate entry fee of $25.00 admits one vehicle, two adults and

all children under 18. T-shirt and dash plaque, free corn and pop, goodie bags, door and participation in all games. Proceeds benefit local charities. www.gearsandears.com

July 25, Hammond, IN

5th Annual Cruising to Hammond Back to School is a judged show with 50 awards. All participants donate a book bag. FernandoBowie@yahoo.com

July 12, McHenry, IL

The 32nd Annual Fiesta Days Car Show welcomes automotive enthusiasts and their cars of all types. Held in conjunction with the McHenry Fiesta Days village festival. www.nilsra.com

July 26, Highland Park, IL

Open to all collector car and special interest vehicles. $10 donation (optional) to Ronald McDonald House. jerry@jerryrobbin.com

Aug. 8, Schaumburg, IL

UPS for DownS Charity Car Show, proceeds benefit United Parent Support for Down Syndrome. www.fullthrottlecarshows.com or www.kkcm59@gmail.com

Sept. 6 in Maple Park, IL

Maple Park Car Show sponsored by American Legion with breakfast buffet, beer garden, awards, raffle drawing and live music. www.mapleparkfunfest.com

Sept. 7, Effingham, IL

MY Garage Museum one of the few privatelyowned car collections that is open to the public, absolutely free, seven days a week. MY Garage Museum is full of collectible and antique vehicles, neon signs, memorabilia and even features a restored 1910 gas station. www.mygaragemuseum.com

Oct. 2-4, Wisconsin Dells

“F-ALL Ford Cruise for a Cause," dedicated to raising money to support breast and prostate cancer. Events include an all Ford car show, autocross, guided road tours, a best ball golf tournament, poker run, and a Saturday evening banquet. www.cruise4acause.org If none of those dates work, head up to Shirl's Drive In, 2132 N. Lewis Ave., Waukegan, on any Monday night when classic car enthusiasts gather to hang out and show off their vehicles. You’ll see more tops up than in a “Girls Gone Wild” video. Check out Shirl’s Facebook page for pictures, and you can download coupons for deals on the food, too.

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