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 Models: Johnny Corbett & Antonio Romero Stylist: J. Edward Gisiger Photographer: Mike @ Night Location: Kit Kat Lounge & Restaurant Patio
editorial contributors Gregg Shapiro, Parker Carr Sue Deaunym, Anita Taylor, Michael Elder
VIEW boiMAGazine ONLINE AT: www.boiMAG.com BOI Magazine, Inc. © 2000−2015 All rights reserved
Letter to the
Publisher
On Sunday, June 21st around 4pm-5pm, the second day of Pride Fest, our Lakeview neighborhood at the corner of Halsted & Waveland was audibly and verbally assaulted. The festivals’ scheduled bands, audio engineer, DJs and MCs went far above and beyond the enjoyable sound level on the south stage. As a member of the LGBT community and resident of Lakeview, I was personally offended by the extremely loud aggressive music and foul language that blasted through the sound system. I’m aware of the city ordinance for both the day and night sound decibel levels, which, in my opinion, the Pride Fest organizers clearly violated. Not only was the sound level deafening, the music was extremely aggressive, the MC vocals were distorted as they screamed offensive language over the PA system blasting into the festival and into the neighborhood. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that I’m not comfortable hearing foul language used on the outdoor neighborhood festival PA sound system, which includes MCs who scream at the crowd in efforts to “hype-up” the crowd. In my opinion this behavior on stage is not a good reflection on the LGBT community, business owners, or on the City of Chicago all of whom have worked hard to bring everyone, including tourists together to enjoy the festival. I believe that there can be a time and place for aggressive music and foul language, but I don’t believe that it should be at on a PA system at a neighborhood festival, where friends and family members come together to enjoy the festival's entertainment. I, like many, want to be proud of our LGBT community and its accomplishments. At that moment of time, I was not proud of what I was hearing. I didn’t feel the pride or joy in that that presentation. Instead, I felt like I wanted to run away and not come back. Which is not how I wanted to feel during Pride Fest. I think the organizers producing the event should be more mindful of younger, older and non-LGBT people attending the festival when scheduling the MC and entertainment and controlling the sound system. Please convey my concerns and suggestions to all involved. Sincerely, Mark R. Stewartson
boiMAG
Rick Karlin's
Al Freso Summers Al Fresco is not the maitre’d from Gene & Georgetti’s; it is a phrase borrowed from Italian for "in the cool [air]", and is generally taken to mean dining outdoors. Ironically, Italians don’t say al fresco, but use the terms fuori or all'aperto for dining outside. Whatever the derivation, Chicagoans cram as much outdoor dining into the few months we have to enjoy it. Restaurant owners love it, because for the price of some furniture, they can increase (sometimes more than double) their seating capacity and more tables means more profits. It used to be that outdoor dining was illegal in Chicago, but now that the city has seen it can make a little cash by taxing and charging for permits, it seems everyplace adds outdoor dining space come summer. When the urge to dine under the stars or sun strikes, check out the following places, some new to the scene, some little known treasures.
Cerise
203 N. Wabash 312.940.4400 www.virginhotels.com/dine-and-drink/ cerise Perched atop the Virgin Hotel, Cerise features a main glass bar, long lowslung blue velvet couches, a DJ desk, and indoor/outdoor seating. Chef Gresh’s “izakaya-inspired” (Japanese small plates) dining is pricey, but delicious. It’s a tad too hetero, but the views make up for it.
Las Tablas
2942 N. Lincoln 773.871.2414 4920 W. Irving Park 773.202.0999 http://www.lastablas.com/ Specializing in Colombian cuisine, Las Tablas features outdoor dining at both locations.
Seven Lions
130 S. Michigan 312.880.013 www.sevenlionschicago.com The gay boys love Alpana Singh almost as much as she loves us and her new contemporary American clubhouse restaurant across the Art Institute promises to be a big hit. It should be open by the time you read this and will have outdoor dining space for about 75 people.
Club Lucky
1824 W. Wabansia 773.227.2300
www. clubluckychicago.com
Traditional Italian favorites served up family style on a side-street patio that is charming during the day and magical at night.
The J. Parker
1816 N. Clark 312.254.4747 www.jparkerchicago.com Perched atop the recently refurbished Hotel Lincoln, The J. Parker features a retractable glass roof allowing al fresco dining, rain or shine. Peer down at the panoramic view of Lincoln Park, the zoo, lake and downtown. It’s mostly a bar, but there is a food menu designed by Paul Virant. boiMAG
While it may be fun to check out new places, these familiar spots are great places to perch on a beautiful summer day or starry summer night.
Big Chick’s/Tweet 5020 N. Sheridan 773.728.5576
The Promontory
5311 S. Lake Park West 312.801.2100 www.promontorychicago.com For those of you who complain that I ignore the south side, check out The Promontory during its first full al fresco season, There’s a choice of the first floor patio or the second floor outdoor lounge. Each seats 45 people, but my fave is the ground floor because it has a fire pit. Downstairs is open for brunch, dinner and cocktails, while the second floor is open when there are live music shows.
Mash
4535 N. Lincoln 773.334.4040 www.mashkitchen.com Lincoln Square’s Bad Dog never made the best use of its space, or its kitchen for that matter. Mash ups the quality of fare coming from the kitchen, with house-smoked meats, specialty burgers and fresh seafood. Sit on the improved patio and enjoy one of the many local craft beers on tap.
Autre Monde
6727 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn 708.775.8122.
www.autremondecafe.net Psst! The patio’s a bit of secret at this near west suburban spot. You can’t spot it from the street, and the canvas tarped patio isn’t fancy, but funky light fixtures add a bohemian flare. Some more comfortable chairs might be a nice addition, as this is the kind of place where you want to chill with friends and enjoy the Italian comfort food.
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www.tweet.biz Mama hen Michelle Fire oversees both her restaurant Tweet and neighboring restaurant Big Chicks, which features both a sidewalk café and a beer garden.
Crew Bar & Grill 4804 N. Broadway 773.784.2739
www.worldsgreatestbar.com Is it a sports bar with terrific food, or a restaurant filled with jocks? Either way you win and people watching from the front patio is always interesting.
D.S. Tequila
3352 N. Halsted 773.697.9127
www.dstequila.com Slam back a few shots and relax; service isn’t the fastest. Head over early in the week for great specials (M-50% all food, T-25¢ wings and Th-all you can eat tacos for $15), all with purchase of a beverage.
The Edge
2720 N. Clark 773.929.0724
theedgechicago.tumblr.com Classic diner fare and great people watching.
Halsted's Bar + Grill
3441 N. Halsted 773.348.9696 www.halstedschicago.com
Bar food that’s far better than it has to be, quite possibly the best tater tots in the world and the Halsted Strip’s best beer garden.
Roscoe’s
3356 N. Halsted 773.281.3355 www.roscoes.com Is the food good? Who cares? This is the prime boy-watching territory. BTW the food is good.
Las Mañanitas
3523 N. Halsted 773.528.2109 Some of the best Mexican fare in town and a prime location in Boystown. There’s no web site, but they do have a Facebook page.
Taverna 750
750 W. Cornelia 773.904.7466 taverna750.com A shared plates menu and a kick-ass brunch on one of the prettiest patios in Lakeview.
Hamburger Mary’s
5400 N. Clark 773.784.6969 hamburgermarys.com/chicago Andersonville’s favorite casual dining spot has a large outdoor patio on a side street and a huge selection of craft beers.
Kit Kat
3700 N. Halsted 773.525.1111
www.kitkatchicago.com
Quite possibly the most elegant outdoor dining and certainly the only one with drag performances.
Wood
3335 N. Halsted 773.935.9663 woodchicago.com Whether it’s small plates, craft cocktails or brunch, Wood’s side-street patio is a great place to relax. Got Wood?
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GINGER MINJ Brings Sugar and Spice to Town
act, I can gab, and I’m not afraid to adapt myself to any situation. Need me to rap? Sure. Need me to sing a show tune? Absolutely. Need me to comfort your sister because her boyfriend just dumped her? I never liked that bastard, anyway. Need me to perform a bris? You’re in luck; I just got a new bagel cutter.”
By Rick Karlin
Ginger Minj long known as "The Comedy Queen of The South", snaps pageant titles like they were M&Ms. Her crowns include “Miss Gay United States 2013,” “Miss National Comedy Queen 2012” and others. The self-professed “nicest bitch you’ll ever meet”, originally from Leesburg, Florida, a town so small they didn’t even have a McDonald’s, she now calls Orlando home. She cites classic funny ladies Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball as her idols, “Anyone who can pile three wigs on their head, squeeze their body into a beaded and rhinestoned gown and serve humor alongside the glamour is my hero,” says Ginger. When auditioning for season 7 of Logo TV’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” (which many, this writer included, felt she should have won) Ginger said, “I’m the whole package! I can sing, I can dance, I can
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As those who watched the show can attest, she was right on all counts. Okay, maybe not so much in the choreographed dance routines, but her acting was phenomenal. Guest judge John Waters was enthralled with her interpretation of Edith Massey, the “Egg Lady” from his movies and her spot-on interpretation of the singer Adele on the “Snatch Game” episode had the cast and crew in stitches. Ginger’s future career goal includes breaking into a theatrical comedy career similar to other current plus-sized comedians such as Melissa McCarthy and Rebel Wilson. She’s already got the acting credits. Before becoming “Ginger Minj,” this talented performer was a child actor starring in a series of Christian movies and books on tape, and even won a Best Actor Award for the state of Florida in 2002. She brings all those talents together in “Crossdresser for Christ: The Musical”, which she is currently touring around the country. The hilarious off-Broadway musical plays Park West on July 10. Tickets for the night of stories, songs and comedy are available at the box office or www.etix.com/ticket/ p/8339995/crossdresser-for-christ-starringginger-minj-chicago-park-westchicago-il. For more information on Ginger Minj, check out her website, www.gingerminj.com.
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QMUSIC By Gregg Shapiro
Sister acts, such as the brilliant trio Haim, are a hot commodity. Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit – aka Johanna and Klara Söderberg – can take their place alongside Haim as proof positive that sisterhood is powerful. Stay Gold , First Aid Kit’s major label debut, and fourth fulllength disc, is good for what ails you. Exquisite harmonies, intelligent and sensitive lyrics, and pleasing acoustic arrangements make these ten shimmering and solid modern folk songs, including standouts such as Waitress Song,” “Master Pretender” and “Heaven Know,” worth their weight in gold. First Aid Kit is performing on July 31 at Lollapalooza. Beverly, featuring the firepower of Frankie Rose (ex-Dum Dum Girls and others) and Drew Citron (of Ava Luna), combines fuzzy lo-fi instrumentation with crystallized honey harmonies on its debut fulllength Careers. “Madora,” “Honey Do,” “All The Things” and “Out On A Ride,” exemplify Beverly’s girl gang/girl group esthetic. Beverly also likes to rev up like a chainsaw and do so on “Planet Birthday” and the instrumental “Ambular.” Speaking of Dum Dum Girls, lead DDG, Dee Dee, teams up with Sune Rose Wagner (of The Raveonettes) for Too True . A musical love-letter to `80s new wave/punk pop, these ten timeless songs could have been written and recorded in 1984 as easily as 2014.
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Flashback favorites on the disc include “Rimbaud Eyes,” “Too True To Be Good,” “Little Minx” and “Cult of Love.” One of the best debut discs of 2014, Is There Anybody Out There? by A Great Big World, aka Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino, comes from a musical tradition which includes fun., Barenaked Ladies and Ben Folds Five, among others. Vaguely theatrical and entertaining, the 13 songs on A Great Big World’s first full-length disc run the gamut from heartbreakingly serious, such as “Say Something” (represented here by two versions, including one featuring Christina Aguilera) and “Already Home,” to giddy pop confections such as “I Really Want It,” “Rockstar,” “Land of Opportunity,” “This Is The New Year” and especially the marvelous “Everyone Is Gay.” Josh Ocean and Eric Mendelsohn of Ghost Beach sound as if they’ve been immersed in an `80s pop crash course in preparation for writing and recording their debut album Blonde. Songs such as “On My Side” and “Every Time We Touch” deserve to be haunting dance floors throughout the summer and into the fall. Keeping with the ghost theme, Caught A Ghost comes across as an act in the tradition of Fitz & The Tantrums on its debut album Human Nature. Putting more B into their R&B, Caught A Ghost sounds intent on scaring up a following for its style of updated retro R&B. Galore is a fitting title for the debut album by British duo Thumpers, aka John Hamson Jr. and Marcus Pepperell, because they have talent galore and there is abundant musical variety on the disc. Thumpers serves up a sonic smorgasbord.
Motor Mouth
"It Doesn't Look Like a Buick!"
By Parker Carr
Mini on the Mack
The Buick Regal has been in production for the last 43 years, except for a slight gap in the beginning of the millennium. It rebooted 2011 and has served as a nice car for the middle-aged set. A good solid ride, but nothing to get excited about. The 2015 Regal now comes standard with a turbocharged engine, which makes it a little more responsive and a bit racy, kind of like a middleaged man with a Viagra. In keeping with the sportier feel, leather upholstery is standard on the 2015, as well as a USB port, Bluetooth technology and Buick’s standard IntelliLink infotainment system which allows the car’s audio system to read your text messages aloud. A new option, Buick’s “eAssist” is a sort of mini-hybrid. Basically an in-line cylinder engine paired with a small electric motor. It’s quiet and fuelefficient, though, as is the case with most hybrids, there’s a slight delay when you hit the gas. While not quite a luxury car, it is luxurious and while not sporty, has a sporty appearance and you can’t argue with the price, it starts around $31K.
The folks on Mackinac Island are looking to set a world record. They’re trying to get 1,500 Mini Cooper drivers to cross over the Mackinac Bridge leading into St. Ignace, Michigan on August 1. Drivers are encouraged to show up on Friday July 31 to check in at the Little Bear East Arena, 275 Marquette St. in St. Ignace or at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Mackinac City, 109 S. Nicolet Street, Mackinac City, from noon to 7 p.m.. The Mini parade will begin staging vehicles at 6:30 a.m. in Mackinac City. After the crossing there will be a celebration at the Little Bear East Arena with lunch provided by the Mackinac Grill, music and prizes. The event will serve as the kick-off for the St. Ignace Bayside Music Festival. The music fest will conclude at 10 p.m. with a fireworks display over Moran Bay.
The Mini Parade isn’t the only vehicular event scheduled for the Island this summer. The 2nd Annual Mustang car show, July 10-12, overlaps with Music Fest, July 11-12. The 107th Chicago to Mackinac yacht race on July 18-19 is the big tourist draw, but there’s also the Port Huron to Mackinac yacht race on July 31-Aug. 1 and the 26th Annual Corvette Crossroads car show August 22- 23. For those rural fans, the 8th Annual Tractor Parade is Sept. 11-12. boiMAG 21
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FIT TIPS
Get Jacked:
The DB Chest Fly
By Michael Elder
Ah yes, summer is here and everyone is looking to build that beach body! And once again, the chest is always high on the priority list. While I mainly like to concentrate on compound exercises to work the chest (bench press, dips, push- ups, etc.), I would like to focus this article around a classic single jointed chest exercise: the DB Fly. When done correctly, the pecs are the sole muscle group responsible for this exercise. Doing high reps can increase blood flow significantly to the chest musculature giving that nicely “pumped” look.
To perform this exercise: • Sit down on a flat bench with a dumbbell on each hand resting on top of your thighs. The palms of your hand will be facing each other. Using some momentum, lie back with the dumbbells, keeping them close to your chest, and then press upward, straightening out your arms until you have just a slight bend in your elbow. This will be your starting position. • Bring the shoulder blades together while performing this exercise. It can slightly increase your range of motion. • With that slight bend on your elbows in order to prevent stress at the biceps tendon, lower your arms out at both sides in a wide arc until you feel a stretch on your your chest muscles and breathe out. Make sure to use the same arc of motion used to lower the weights.
Again, when training the chest, emphasis must always be place on performing compound movements, but exercises such as this can also be thrown in for that extra pump. If you want to try a fun super-set, try performing aset of DB fly to failure and then immediately go into a set of traditional push- ups to failure. You’ll hate me for that one!
• Hold for a second at the contracted position and repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions. Breathe in as you perform this portion of the movement. Keep in mind that throughout the movement, the arms should remain stationary; the movement should only occur at the shoulder joint. • Raise your arms back to the starting position as you squeeze.
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 25
Daddy Issues By Gregg Shapiro Set in a rural California town, just north of Los Angeles, the title of “Tiger Orange", comes from a paint color sold at the hardware store inherited by Chet (coscreenwriter Mark Strano) after his father died, utilizes flashbacks to illustrate the ways two brothers differed as children. Abandoned by their mother when they were small and raised by their perpetually raging father, Chet and Todd (Frankie Valenti) are as different as brothers can be. Chet stayed behind after college to help his father with the store, while Todd (got the hell out of town as fast as he could. Chet, who lives alone in the cabin where he took care of his father until his death, has his safe and stable existence rocked by a pair of events. First, Brandon (Gregory Marcel), an old high school crush who has since come out as gay, returns to town to take care of his ailing mother. Second, tattooed and pierced brother Todd, who has basically been run out of L.A. following a series of unfavorable events, also returns to town, and wants to stay at the cabin with Chet. As you might imagine, the set-up is rife with conflict. But what gives “Tiger Orange” its roar is the way that the astute and sensitive screenplay handles an array of situations, including the way gay people are able to coexist peacefully with straight folks in a suburban setting, as well as the portrayal of the complex sibling relationship that arises when both brothers are gay. Strano and Marcel are quite good, but Valenti proves there’s more to him than what we’ve already seen of him under his gay porn moniker Johnny Hazzard. What make it all the more remarkable is that Gasque gets it all done in a little more than an hour and 15 minutes. Bravo!
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Legendary indie queer filmmaker Bruce LaBruce takes his career to new and promising heights with “Gerontophilia”, a film displaying both a new-found maturity and accessibility. LaBruce hasn’t entirely abandoned his kinky side as much as he’s refined it. Lake (Pier-Gabriel Lajoie) and semigirlfriend Desiree (Katie Boland) spend their gap year making out, going to rock clubs and discussing and naming revolutionaries and saints. Lake’s mother loses her job as a club dancer after a brawl with another dancer and secures employment at an assisted living facility. While there, she is able to land a job for Lake. So begins Lake’s octogenarian odyssey, beginning innocently enough with him sketching some of the residents. Shortly thereafter he befriends gay resident Melvyn (Walter Borden) and soon the two are hanging out together, playing strip poker and drinking. When Lake, who develops an attraction to Melvyn sees him being over-medicated (following an escape attempt) and mistreated by staff members, he comes up with a plan to rescue him and grant his wish to see the Pacific Ocean before he dies. The ensuing road trip has its highs and lows. LaBruce has hit the jackpot with Lajoie. Not only is he a pleasure to look at, he can also act up a storm. The rest of the cast, including Borden and Boland, do what they can to keep up with him. DVD bonus features include a Museum of Modern Art Q&A with LaBruce and the original theatrical trailer.
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Chicago's
in the know ... ON THE GO!
By Sue Deaunym
What’s in a Name
Shakespeare may have had Juliet say, “…that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But when you’re opening a bar and you want to rebrand it, the name is important. LKH Management which runs Hydrate, Halsted Bar & Grill, Elixir and Replay, has rechristened the old Spin space VII Seven. The dance club occupies the main floor, with The Manhole filling the spot in back (how appropriate!) while the space above both is being called The Den.
Pedal Your Ass
Or just cheer on those that do on Saturday, July 11 when the “Ride for AIDS” kicks off to benefit agencies serving those impacted by AIDS-HIV. The ride begins Saturday morning, goes through Wisconsin and the riders return to Chicago on Sunday. Why not show up and cheer them home? (And maybe offer to massage those aching glutes!) For more information, go to http://rideforaids.kintera.org/faf/search/ searchTeamPart.asp?... Maybe you can combine cheering the folks on with a trip up to Wisconsin (just across the border) for the Bristol Renaissance Faire. There’s a coupon in this issue for bargain rates on adult tickets.
I’m Rubber You’re Glue…
If that seems to be playing in your head, it might be because Mr. Midwest Rubber is being held at Touché, July 17-19. It kicks off on Friday night with a welcome party and a roast of the current Mr. Midwest Rubber, on
Saturday afternoon there’s fetish flea market and kinky classes and then the contest later on. Sunday is a "Bounce Back Brunch" (bounce-rubber, get it?), more flea market and a beer bust… It's all about Queen Bey at Sidetrack on July 15 with drag performances and a lip-sync contest... If you’ve ever dreamed of throwing out the first pitch, head over to Replay on Saturday, July 18 and see if you’re good enough to win the right to do so at “Out at Wrigley”…IChicago Gay Men’s Chorus’ summer cabaret, “Some Like It Hot: Saints & Sinners”, will feature a collection of devilish and soulful songs from Broadway shows. Performances are July 14, at the Laugh Factory and in a week later in Oak Park… Circuit Night Club goes xXx-Rated on July 25 with a live performance by Sandy B. Speaking of Circuit, you'll be screaming "I want Candy!" when Candy Alexander makes a personal appearance at the club during Market Days, Aug 8.
Stage Notes
Ginger Minj appears for one night only in “Crossdresser For Christ, The Musical” at Park West on Friday, July 10. For more information, see the article on Ginger on page 10… “One Thousand Words” opens Saturday, July 11 at The Den… If you haven’t seen “Miracle!”, Hell in a Handbag’s new show, penned by Dan Savage, you’d better get your tix fast. The show is selling out almost every night at Mary’s Attic... Join The Cabaret Project for “You Bette We Did!”, a salute to Ms. Midler now playing at Uptown Underground... boiMAG 29